bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Take over!” How long does it take to get the driver back into the loop?
Authors: Gold Christian , Damböck Daniel , Lorenz Lutz , Bengler Klaus
Published: October 2013

Raising the automation level in cars is an imaginable scenario for the future in order to improve traffic safety. However, as long as there are situations that cannot be handled by the automation, the driver has to be enabled to take over the driving task in a safe manner. The focus of the current study is to understand at which point in time a driver’s attention must be directed back to the driving task. To investigate this issue, an experiment was conducted in a dynamic driving simulator and two take-over times were examined and compared to manual driving. The conditions of the experiment were designed to examine the take-over process of inattentive drivers engaged in an interaction with a tablet computer. The results show distinct automation effects in both take-over conditions. With shorter take-over time, decision making and reactions are faster but generally worse in quality.
A Study of User Perception, Interface Performance, and Actual Usage of Mobile Pedestrian Navigation Aides
Authors: Wen James , Helton William S. , Billinghurst Mark
Published: October 2013

The proliferation of pedestrian navigation tools has made it challenging for users to avoid being confused and overwhelmed by the choices. Studies comparing mobile pedestrian navigation aides have generally based conclusions on either survey results from separate trials of exclusive interface usage or on performance of the interfaces as judged by the speed with which users are able to complete wayfinding tasks. However, it is not clear if users would mirror their individual trials or find a more strategic mixed-mode approach to using the tools at their disposal when given an option to choose from a set of tools. It is also unclear if users actually care about performance when choosing a navigation tool. We conducted a study to compare actual usage of navigation tools against user perception of the tools and performance with the tools in a series of wayfinding tasks. Results indicate that independent surveys can align well with extreme cases while performance may not actually be a good indicator of usage preferences.
Development of Statistical Geometric Models for a Driver’s Hip and Eye Locations
Authors: Park Jangwoon , Lee Baekhee , Choi Younggeun , Sah Sungjin , Jung Kihyo , You Heecheon
Published: October 2013

Drivers’ hip locations (HLs) and eye locations (ELs) have been used as reference data to design an ergonomic automobile interior. Although many prediction models of a driver’s HL and EL have been developed, the developed models have limitations in terms of prediction accuracy and stability. The objectives of the present study are (1) development of statistical geometric models (SGMs) of a driver’s HL and EL, and (2) evaluation of the accuracy of the SGMs. Forty drivers’ preferred driving postures were measured by a motion capture system in 3 different vehicle conditions (coupe, sedan, and SUV). The SGMs were developed by incorporating the geometric relationships between HL, EL, anthropometric dimensions, and driving postures and the statistical relationships between body link lengths and surface landmark lengths. The SGMs were evaluated quantitatively by comparing the Reed et al. (2002)’s models in terms of prediction accuracy. As a result, the average adj. R2 of SGMs is 1.1 ~ 3.7 times higher than Reed et al.’s models and root mean squared error (RMSE) of the SGMs is 1.7 ~ 1.8 times smaller than the Reed et al.’s models. Moreover, RMSE of the SGMs in three vehicle conditions are 1.7 ~ 4.3 times smaller than the Reed et al.’s models. These results indicate that the accuracy of the SGMs are more accurate and stable than the Reed et al.’s models in all three vehicle conditions. The developed SGMs have high applicability to the ergonomic design of automobile interiors such as the seat adjustment range and windshield height.
Changes in Reaction Times and Executive Decision-Making following Exposure to Waterborne Motion
Authors: Shattuck Nita Lewis , Shattuck Lawrence G. , Smith Kip , Matsangas Panagiotis
Published: October 2013

A unique mission of the U.S. Marine Corps is the amphibious assault landing. These missions require transportation by small watercraft, exposing Marines to waterborne motion before landing. The timeliness and accuracy of their decisions once the Marines debark may well determine the outcome of an entire operation. This study assesses how warfighters’ performance is affected following exposure to waterborne motion in an amphibious vehicle. Sixty-one Marines were evaluated in four conditions: following one, two and three-hour exposures to waterborne motion and following a two-hour period in a stationary vehicle. Testing included performance on an obstacle course, a marksmanship course, and a cognitive test battery. Self-reported motion sickness levels were also assessed. Results showed no differences on the marksmanship and obstacle course performance. However, after two and three hours of waterborne motion exposure, Marines experienced reduced response times and poorer executive decision making as measured using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metric.
Evaluation of a Mobile Application for Multimodal Land Navigation
Authors: Calvo Andres A. , Finomore Victor S. , Burnett Gregory M. , McNitt Thomas C.
Published: October 2013

Among many of their countless dismounted roles, U.S. Air Force Battleﬁeld Airmen must navigate in unfamiliar environments with many potential threats while performing their mission objectives. The eﬀectiveness of navigating with a map and compass is compromised in reduced visibility conditions, such as in fog or during nighttime operations. Moreover, focusing on a map draws attention away from the immediate surroundings and reduces their ability to detect threats. To ameliorate this problem, we prototyped auditory and tactile navigation displays controlled only by a mobile phone using its built-in GPS and compass. The auditory and tactile displays direct users towards their destination with 3D audio and vibrotactile cues, respectively. We evaluated the navigation displays on a waypoint navigation task. Results suggest that auditory and tactile displays can guide users to their destination as eﬀectively as a visual display (i.e., a GPS enabled map). Initial ﬁndings justify further development of multimodal navigation displays to increase the eﬃciency of Battleﬁeld Airmen in land navigation tasks.
Verification and Validation
Authors: Hamblin Christopher J. , Castaneda Mike , Fuld Robert B. , Holden Kritina , Whitmore Mihriban , Wilkinson Chris
Published: October 2013

Many domains are trying to improve safety by incorporating human factors principles into their system requirements. However, incorporating these principles and methods creates challenges for verification and the validation processes. This panel will discuss verification and validation challenges for human factors professionals involved in the design and development of complex human-operated systems, how they are addressing these issues now, and what is needed to address future challenges.
ATTENDO
Authors: Hillebrand Axel
Published: October 2013

An experiment was carried out to develop and to validate a new assessment method for the allocation of visual attention in complex displays with two kinds of information: information about the environment of the system and additional information about the system status. Based on a secondary-task approach, this method specifically allows for an evaluation of possible consequences the design of complex displays may have on pilots’ or operators’ visual behavior, thus facilitating the identification of inappropriate designs that may lead to cognitive tunneling. A number of methods to evaluate the impact of design on pilots’ or operators’ visual attention are already in existence. They all apply the detection of surprising events. Experiments using these methods, however, require a large number of participants. The new method presented here helps overcome this problem and reduce the necessary effort. It is based on a secondary target-detection task with targets presented in different locations of the field of view. The experiment conducted to validate the new method was designed for the application of the method in two-dimensional displays (ATTENDO, which is Latin for I pay attention). The method is capable to reproduce effects of complex design on the allocation of attention. A significant better detection rate for centrally localized targets is achieved.
FAA Air Traffic Control Front Line Manager’s Quick Reference Guide
Authors: McCauley Darendia
Published: October 2013

Air Traffic Control Front Line Managers (FLMs) influence the prevention of operational incidents (OIs) and runway incursions (RIs) through practices that enable safe controller performance and mitigate problems related to specific contributing factors, including controller coordination, controller-pilot communication, and controller memory. FLMs’ proximity and frequent interactions with controllers in the operational environment place them in a unique position to impact air traffic safety through managing controller performance and mitigating OIs and RIs resulting from common contributing factors. With this understanding of the FLM role, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed the Front Line Managers Quick Reference Guide (QRG). The Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) assisted the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) with the organization and evaluation of these materials. The guide was intended to provide a management best practices format specific to Air Traffic Control to assist FLMs in the performance of their job. To determine the utility of the QRG, CAMI developed and administered a survey of FLMs. The survey also provided the ATO with a basis for additions or deletions to the QRG. The FLM QRG was designed as a best practices guide for use by all field FLMs. Survey results and suggestions and recommendations from survey respondents are presented.
Object Identification Errors Can be Predicted from Attention Biases Acquired During Training
Authors: Higgins Nicholas A. , Bohil Corey J. , Keebler Joseph R.
Published: October 2013

The goal of the present research was to understand the relationship between object similarity and incidentally-inferred category structure. Participants completed one of two possible training tasks in which they learned to identify line-drawings of main battle tanks. In the “observation” group, participants observed a series of tank images and tank-model names. In the “response” group, participants saw the same tank images but had to guess the label on each trial (corrective feedback followed each response). All participants then completed an identification test, followed by a card-sorting task using the same tank images to determine how participants mentally organized the vehicles after repeated exposure. The response training condition resulted in significantly fewer identification errors than the observation training condition. The card sorts enabled us to predict a substantial proportion of the identification confusions, particularly after response training (50% of identification errors predicted). These results support the hypothesis that rote memorization of individual training items may lead to some (untrained) mental organization of items, and that identification errors may be partially predicted and explained as a result of this mental organization.
Enhancing Operational Cross-Cultural Observation Skills
Authors: Mateo Julio C. , Behymer Kyle J. , McCloskey Michael J.
Published: October 2013

As effective interaction with foreign nationals has become increasingly critical to mission success in military operational environments, the emphasis on understanding and promoting Warfighter cross-cultural competence has grown. To address this need, our team developed a computer-based, multi-module training application (CultureGear) to enhance mission-centric, cross-cultural competence. We tested 92 Army cadets using a pre-post mixed design to examine the impact of CultureGear’s Observations module on cultural observation and assessment skills. Participants who were exposed to the CultureGear Observations module exhibited significantly more accurate image tagging (without sacrificing speed) and faster and more accurate quiz answers than participants who completed a filler task. Future research will evaluate the effectiveness of CultureGear at improving trainee performance in operational settings.
Performance Assessment of Military Team-Training for Resilience in Complex Maritime Environments
Authors: Mjelde Frode Voll , Smith Kip
Published: October 2013

This paper presents an analysis of a tool designed to evaluate the effectiveness of training for operational resilience. The tool measures eight categories of teamwork and four categories of taskwork. Military subject matter experts (SMEs) used the tool to assess the performance of eight cadet teams at The Royal Norwegian Naval Academy during two separate 4-hour simulator exercises and later during a 48-hour live exercise. Positive Spearman rank correlation coefficients between team performance assessments in the simulator exercises and the live exercise were strongest when the simulator scenario emphasized the uncertainty inherent in a complex military maritime exercise.
Me and My VE, Part 2
Authors: Strater Laura , Riley Jennifer , Davis Fleet , Procci Katelyn , Bowers Clint , Beidel Deborah , Bunnell Brian , Proaps Alex , Sankaranarayanan Ganesh , Li Baichun , De Suvranu , Cao Caroline G. L.
Published: October 2013

Virtual environments, simulations and serious games are increasingly being employed for research, training, education, evaluation, and various business endeavors. In a redux of a favorite session from HFES 2012, this session will describe and demonstrate some of the diverse uses for virtual environments (VEs) in an alternate demonstration format. The session will begin with demonstrators providing a brief description of their VE, and how they’ve used it to answer a critical research question or address a unique need, including a video demonstration of the VE in action. After these introductions, all demonstrations will be set up around the room, and session attendees can move around the room for more direct interaction with both the demonstrations and the demonstrators. The objective of the session is to provoke ideas among the attendees for how VEs, simulations and serious games can help address their clinical, research, training, education, evaluation or business needs.
The Effects of Gender, Age, and Experience on Game Engagement
Authors: Procci Katelyn , James Nicholas , Bowers Clint
Published: October 2013

Entertainment gaming research typically focuses on the underlying motivations for play and on the subjective experience. A review of the literature has identified three factors that commonly affect patterns of play: gender, age, and gaming experience. This paper examines whether these individual differences affect the subjective experience of play, as measured by game engagement. Participants played a browserbased Flash game and responded to a number of surveys. The results suggested that low-levels of game engagement predict high-levels of game engagement, providing support for a proposed model of game engagement that exists on a gradient. The ability to experience low-levels of engagement while playing games is not affected by the individual differences of interest; however high-level engagement did decrease with age. Age may also weaken the relationship between low- and high-level game engagement.
Reasoning, Planning, and Goal Seeking
Authors: Rice Daniel , Amstutz Peter , Statkus Michael J.
Published: October 2013

Technology Solutions Experts, Inc. (TSE) is the primary developer of the Infantry Warrior Simulation (IWARS) system for the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC). As part of continuing Research and Development (R&D) in Small Unit (SU) combat operation simulation behaviors, TSE is developing algorithms for automation of SU and Soldier agent tasks and missions in constructive simulation and for transition to Soldier operational decision-support tools. TSE’s solution is the Reasoning, Planning, and Goal-Seeking (RPGS) architecture, which is targeted at the next generation of constructive simulations requiring autonomous and intelligent Soldier agents that are capable of problem solving; considering multiple courses of action; coordinating with friendly forces; following chain of command; and using Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to guide operations. Intelligent Soldier agents guided by RPGS methodologies and algorithms will be able to execute complex tasks given only mission goals, initial/boundary conditions, and constraints. As part of this R&D project, TSE is creating a formal model of the Soldier and SU battlespace on which reasoning can be conducted. TSE has identified two technical standards for battlespace knowledge systems that will provide a foundational model for this project: the Joint Consultation, Command, and Control Information Exchange Data Model (JC3IEDM) and the Coalition Battle Management Language (C-BML). TSE is using JC3IEDM as the basis for representing information about battlefield entities. C-BML uses the knowledge elements in JC3IEDM and consists of a formal language for specifying orders and reports by specifying the “who, what, when, where, and why” of a mission order. TSE is using C-BML to describe mission goals and constraints that the analyst gives to Soldier agents, which will be used as input to the RPGS behavior engine to generate agent behavior. This paper discusses the use of these standards for a battlespace representation, the new technologies and capabilities being developed as part of this project, and the contribution to human decision making and behavior representation for military and commercial constructive simulations.
Quantifying radar measurement errors in a Live–Virtual–Constructive environment to determine system viability: a case study
Authors: Hodson Douglas D. , Esken Bruce L. , Gutman Alex J. , Hill Raymond R.
Published: October 2013

We present a case study that attempts to replicate the realism of a test range using a Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) simulation. Because resources are limited on a real test range, the Air Force Simulation and Analysis Facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, was tasked to build a simulation that emulated, to a high degree of fidelity, test range assets – the goal was to understand the impact of jamming on an enemy’s integrated air defense system. Before testing began, the simulated effects generated by the LVC simulation have to be viable, robust and realistic in order to provide credible data during later phases of experimentation. We present our approach to evaluating the correctness of the LVC simulation that considers sources of error associated with real-world radar measurements, errors caused by model abstraction and errors introduced due to real-time distributed simulation architectures, including shared state-space inconsistencies, coordinate conversion issues and a common time reference.
A Bayesian adaptive Phase I–II clinical trial for evaluating efficacy and toxicity with delayed outcomes
Authors: Koopmeiners Joseph S , Modiano Jaime
Published: October 2013

Background

In traditional Phase-I oncology trials, the safety of a new chemotherapeutic agent is tested in a dose escalation study to identify the maximum tolerated dose, which is defined as the highest dose with acceptable toxicity. An alternate approach is to jointly model toxicity and efficacy and allow dose finding to be directed by a prespecified trade-off between efficacy and toxicity. With this goal in mind, several designs have been proposed to jointly model toxicity and efficacy in a Phase I–II dose escalation study. A factor limiting the use of these designs is that toxicity and efficacy must be observed in a timely manner.

Purpose

One approach to overcoming this problem is to model toxicity and efficacy as time-to-event outcomes. This would allow new subjects to be enrolled before full information is available for previous subjects while incorporating partial information when adaptively assigning new subjects to a dose level.

Methods

We propose a Phase I–II dose escalation study for evaluating toxicity and efficacy with delayed outcomes by jointly modeling toxicity and efficacy as time-to-event outcomes. We apply our proposed design to a Phase I–II clinical trial of a novel targeted toxin for canine hemangiosarcoma.

Results

Our simulation results show that our design identifies the optimal dose at a similar rate to dose finding that treats toxicity and efficacy as binary outcomes, but with substantial savings in study duration.

Limitations

Our proposed design has acceptable operating characteristics and dramatically reduces the trial duration compared to a design that considers toxicity and efficacy as binary outcomes, but comes at the cost of enrolling additional subjects when all dose levels are unacceptable.

Conclusions

We developed a novel Phase I–II design that accounts for delayed outcomes by modeling toxicity and efficacy as time-to-event outcomes. Our design has similar operating characteristics to efficacy/toxicity trade-off designs that consider efficacy and toxicity as binary outcomes, but with a dramatically shorter study duration.
Team workload
Authors: Bedwell Wendy L. , Salas Eduardo , Funke Gregory J. , Knott Benjamin A.
Published: October 2013

Extensive research has examined the effects of workload on individual performance. Despite the increasing prevalence of teams addressing complex tasks with high workload, less attention has focused on workload distributions beyond the individual to the team level, likely due to the inherent complexity of defining and measuring team workload. By drawing upon previous work by Funke et al. (2012), the authors synthesize existing literature detailing individual/team performance and workload theory and empirical findings across research domains. Based on this synthesis, a multilevel, theoretically derived framework of team workload, rooted in the science of individual/team performance in complex, dynamic environments is proposed.
Linking Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory Methods in a Research Design
Authors: Chamberlain-Salaun Jennifer , Mills Jane , Usher Kim
Published: October 2013

This article focuses on Corbin and Strauss’ evolved version of grounded theory. In the third edition of their seminal text, Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory, the authors present 16 assumptions that underpin their conception of grounded theory methodology. The assumptions stem from a symbolic interactionism perspective of social life, including the themes of meaning, action and interaction, self and perspectives. As research design incorporates both methodology and methods, the authors aim to expose the linkages between the 16 assumptions and essential grounded theory methods, highlighting the application of the latter in light of the former. Analyzing the links between symbolic interactionism and essential grounded theory methods provides novice researchers and researchers new to grounded theory with a foundation from which to design an evolved grounded theory research study.
Variation of Pinch and Grip Force Between Different Size Transducers
Authors: Vetter Lauren , Beasley Jeanine , Ashby Blake , Bullock Hannah , Conroy Chad , Pocratsky Jennifer
Published: October 2013

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affect a large percentage of diagnostic medical sonographers. Ultrasound transducer design has been identified as a major contributing factor to hand and wrist strains. The purpose of this study was to determine if the design of the ultrasound transducer affects the amount of pressure exerted by the hands of the sonographer to achieve a quality scan. The study also aimed to determine if the amount of pressure exerted on the transducer relates to the subjective pain level reported by the sonographer. The study found that the average maximum pressure and average force exerted was higher when scanning with a small transducer compared with a large transducer, and the thumb typically exerted a much greater pressure and force. Sonographers reported pain during the scan trials, as well as throughout their typical workdays, leisure pursuits, and daily activities.
Sonographic Assessment of a Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
Authors: Schmidt Kellie
Published: October 2013

Thyroglossal duct cysts account for most diagnosed midline neck masses. They generally sit at or below the hyoid bone. They can vary in appearance and area of infiltration, although few cases of laryngeal involvement have been reported. Sonography is the modality of choice for imaging these cysts, followed by a Sistrunk procedure to remove the cyst. This case report focuses on the sonographic appearance of these cysts and their management.
Structure and texture of twin roll cast strips of Zn–Cu–Ti zinc alloy
Authors: Zühlke T. , Alkorta J. , García-Rosales C. , Domínguez A. , Fernández I. , Gil Sevillano J.
Published: October 2013

The structure and crystallographic texture of zinc strips (Zn–Cu–Ti alloy) produced by the continuous horizontal twin roll strip casting method has been characterized. In longitudinal sections normal to the transverse direction, the strips display an approximately symmetrical chevron patterned structure of columnar grains inclined about 30° from the rolling direction. In association with such structure, the macroscopic texture is mainly a [Formula: see text] ‘normal’ (not cyclic) fibre texture tilted approximately ±30° around the transverse direction plus a similarly tilted weak <0001> fibre texture. A thin layer of small equiaxed grains with a strong (0001) basal texture is present at the free surfaces. The observed structure/texture combination agrees quite well with the expected macrostructure of solidification of the alloy in the twin roll casting process.
Relationship between interfacial stress and thermal expansion coefficient of copper–matrix composites with different reinforced phases
Authors: Song K. , Guo X. , Liang S. , Zhao P. , Zhang Y.
Published: October 2013

Copper–matrix composites reinforced with Al2O3, SiO2, SiC and MgO nanoparticles were fabricated using powder metallurgy. The effects of the different nanoparticles on the thermal expansion behaviour of the composites were examined. The thermal expansion properties of the composites were evaluated using the coefficient of thermal expansion from 50 to 500°C. The relationship between interface stress and coefficient of thermal expansion of the copper–matrix composites with various reinforced phases was determined using theoretical models and experimental data. The results show that introducing dispersed nanoparticles into the copper matrix can significantly reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion. By contrast, increasing the temperature increases the thermal expansion coefficient of the copper–matrix composites and the interfacial pressure between the reinforcements and the copper matrix. The calculated pressure values at the nanoparticle–copper matrix interface suggest that plastic deformation occurred in the temperature range from 200 to 250°C for the SiO2/Cu and SiC/Cu composites and at 350°C for the MgO/Cu and Al2O3/Cu composites. These values are consistent with the variations observed in the measured coefficient of thermal expansion.
Elevated CXCL1 expression in gp130-deficient endothelial cells impairs neutrophil migration in mice
Authors: Yao Longbiao , Yago Tadayuki , Shao Bojing , Liu Zhenghui , Silasi-Mansat Robert , Setiadi Hendra , Lupu Florea , McEver Rodger P.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Elevated CXCL1 expression on gp130-deficient endothelial cells triggers neutrophil arrest but impairs transendothelial migration. Loss of endothelial cell gp130 dysregulates integrin-dependent adhesion and de-adhesion of neutrophils during inflammation.
Cell-intrinsic regulation of murine dendritic cell function and survival by prereceptor amplification of glucocorticoid
Authors: Soulier Annelise , Blois Sandra M. , Sivakumaran Shivajanani , Fallah-Arani Farnaz , Henderson Stephen , Flutter Barry , Rabbitt Elizabeth H. , Stewart Paul M. , Lavery Gareth G. , Bennett Clare , Curnow S. John , Chakraverty Ronjon
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Murine dendritic cell populations are highly proficient in amplifying local glucocorticoid concentrations. This property is critical in regulating dendritic cell survival and functions in vivo.
Different virulence of porcine and porcine-like bovine rotavirus strains with genetically nearly identical genomes in piglets and calves
Authors: Park Jun-Gyu , Kim Hyun-Jeong , Matthijnssens Jelle , Alfajaro Mia Madel , Kim Deok-Song , Son Kyu-Yeol , Kwon Hyoung-Jun , Hosmillo Myra , Ryu Eun-Hye , Kim Ji-Yun , Cena Rohani B , Lee Ju-Hwan , Kang Mun-Il , Park Sang-Ik , Cho Kyoung-Oh
Published: October 2013

Direct interspecies transmissions of group A rotaviruses (RVA) have been reported under natural conditions. However, the pathogenicity of RVA has never been directly compared in homologous and heterologous hosts. The bovine RVA/Cow-tc/KOR/K5/2004/G5P[7] strain, which was shown to possess a typical porcine-like genotype constellation similar to that of the G5P[7] prototype RVA/Pig-tc/USA/OSU/1977/G5P9[7] strain, was examined for its pathogenicity and compared with the porcine G5P[7] RVA/Pig-tc/KOR/K71/2006/G5P[7] strain possessing the same genotype constellation. The bovine K5 strain induced diarrhea and histopathological changes in the small intestine of piglets and calves, whereas the porcine K71 strain caused diarrhea and histopathological changes in the small intestine of piglets, but not in calves. Furthermore, the bovine K5 strain showed extra-intestinal tropisms in both piglets and calves, whereas the porcine K71 strain had extra-intestinal tropisms in piglets, but not in calves. Therefore, we performed comparative genomic analysis of the K71 and K5 RVA strains to determine whether specific mutations could be associated with these distinct clinical and pathological phenotypes. Full-length sequencing analyses for the 11 genomic segments for K71 and K5 revealed that these strains were genetically nearly identical to each other. Two nucleotide mutations were found in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of NSP5 and the 3′ UTR of NSP3, and eight amino acid mutations in VP1-VP4 and NSP2. Some of these mutations may be critical molecular determinants for RVA virulence and/or pathogenicity.
A framework for outcome-level evaluation of in-service training of health care workers
Authors: O’Malley Gabrielle , Perdue Thomas , Petracca Frances
Published: October 2013

Background

In-service training is a key strategic approach to addressing the severe shortage of health care workers in many countries. However, there is a lack of evidence linking these health care worker trainings to improved health outcomes. In response, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’s Human Resources for Health Technical Working Group initiated a project to develop an outcome-focused training evaluation framework. This paper presents the methods and results of that project.

Methods

A general inductive methodology was used for the conceptualization and development of the framework. Fifteen key informant interviews were conducted to explore contextual factors, perceived needs, barriers and facilitators affecting the evaluation of training outcomes. In addition, a thematic analysis of 70 published articles reporting health care worker training outcomes identified key themes and categories. These were integrated, synthesized and compared to several existing training evaluation models. This formed an overall typology which was used to draft a new framework. Finally, the framework was refined and validated through an iterative process of feedback, pilot testing and revision.

Results

The inductive process resulted in identification of themes and categories, as well as relationships among several levels and types of outcomes. The resulting framework includes nine distinct types of outcomes that can be evaluated, which are organized within three nested levels: individual, organizational and health system/population. The outcome types are: (1) individual knowledge, attitudes and skills; (2) individual performance; (3) individual patient health; (4) organizational systems; (5) organizational performance; (6) organizational-level patient health; (7) health systems; (8) population-level performance; and (9) population-level health. The framework also addresses contextual factors which may influence the outcomes of training, as well as the ability of evaluators to determine training outcomes. In addition, a group of user-friendly resources, the Training Evaluation Framework and Tools (TEFT) were created to help evaluators and stakeholders understand and apply the framework.

Conclusions

Feedback from pilot users suggests that using the framework and accompanying tools may support outcome evaluation planning. Further assessment will assist in strengthening guidelines and tools for operationalization.
The utility of using fiberoptic rhinoscopy in the diagnosis of nasal polyps
Authors: Cottrill Martha , Ko Ruth , Kim Harold L
Published: October 2013

Background

Symtomatology of nasal polyps (NP) is relatively non-specific and other nasal conditions that cause nasal may be mistaken for NP. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy otoscopic (OT) examination in detecting presence of NP by using fiberoptic rhinoscopy (FR) as the gold standard to confirm diagnosis of NP.

Methods

Charts from a single allergy clinic were reviewed for any patient having NP diagnosed by FR. Data collected included gender, age, allergy skin test results, and presence of asthma, aspirin allergy, previous nasal surgeries, intranasal corticosteroid use and leukotriene receptor antagonist use.

Results

The OT examination had 44% sensitivity. In this study, more than half (56%) of patients with NP would have had their NP missed if FR had not been performed in addition to the OT examination.

Conclusions

The standard physical examination procedure is often not sufficient to confirm a diagnosis of NP. FR should be considered in the investigation of patients with rhinitis symptoms.
Progression of Vertebral Fractures Despite Long-Term Biochemical Control of Acromegaly: A Prospective Follow-up Study
Authors: Claessen K. M. J. A. , Kroon H. M. , Pereira A. M. , Appelman-Dijkstra N. M. , Verstegen M. J. , Kloppenburg M. , Hamdy N. A. T. , Biermasz N. R.
Published: October 2013

Background:

In active acromegaly, pathologically elevated GH and IGF-1 levels are associated with increased bone turnover and a high bone mass, the latter being sustained after normalization of GH values. In a cross-sectional study design, we have previously reported a high prevalence of vertebral fractures (VFs) of about 60% in patients with controlled acromegaly, despite normal mean bone mineral density (BMD) values. Whether these fractures occur during the active acromegaly phase or after remission is achieved is not known.

Objective:

Our objective was to study the natural progression of VFs and contributing risk factors in patients with controlled acromegaly over a 2.5-year follow-up period.

Methods:

Forty-nine patients (mean age 61.3 ± 11.1 years, 37% female) with controlled acromegaly for ≥2 years after surgery, irradiation, and/or medical therapy and not using bisphosphonates were included in the study. Conventional spine radiographs including vertebrae Th4–L4 were assessed for VFs according to the Genant method. VF progression was defined as development of new/incident fractures and/or a minimum 1-point increase in the Genant scoring of preexisting VFs. BMD was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic 4500).

Results:

Prevalence of baseline VFs was 63%, being highest in men, and fractures were unrelated to baseline BMD. VF progression was documented in 20% of patients, especially in men and in case of ≥2 VFs at baseline. VF progression was not related to BMD values or BMD changes over time.

Conclusion:

Findings from this longitudinal study show that VFs progress in the long term in 20% of patients with biochemically controlled acromegaly in the absence of osteoporosis or osteopenia. These data suggest that an abnormal bone quality persists in these patients after remission, possibly related to pretreatment long-term exposure to high circulating levels of GH.
The Use of Prior Knowledge to Accelerate the Determination of the Permissible Operating Envelope of an Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Brace C J , Akehurst S , Ward M C
Published: October 2013

The paper details improvements in the technique used to locate the boundary of the permissible operating envelope (or limit space) of an engine. This process is an important step in the model-based calibration of engines and is currently conducted manually or using cautious automatic search algorithms because of the risks to engine integrity if operating limits are exceeded.

To improve this process, prior knowledge was used to mimic the behaviour of an expert calibrator following two strategies. The first was designed to offer a rapid search based on a similar premise to commercially available tools. The second scheme offers a thorough search of the limit space using a scheme that targets the extremes of the operating envelope. Both patterns were enhanced using prior knowledge generated from previous operating points in order to speed up the search. When implemented on the test bed the use of prior knowledge in this way has shown the potential to shorten the search time by up to 25 per cent. The thorough search pattern increased the accuracy of the limit space definition by up to 40 per cent but resulted in a significantly slower search.
The Architecture Of Strategic Marketing At The Corporate And Functional Levels Of A Company
Authors: Gurzhiy Natalya
Published: October 2013

The article gives a treatment of the specificity of strategic marketing, the architecture of strategic marketing as a construction and logical combination of the platform and components of strategic marketing infrastructure at the corporate and functional level, which are used for the development and support of the strategic marketing system of a company.
The Big Failure: Lehman Brothers’ Effects On Global Markets
Authors: Burkhanov Umar
Published: October 2013

This research will detail the causes of the Lehman collapse, how it relates to the financial crisis that first emerged in 2008, and how it triggered other countries into global rescission both by looking at the internal happenings of Lehman within the US  market as well as the effects of the crisis on global markets.  The research will present a series of recommendations and investment strategies that could be used to take advantage of the current situations in global markets and derive lessons from the fall of Lehman brothers.
Developing Innovative Entrepreneurship On The Base Of The Modernization Of The Economics
Authors: Tursunov Imomazar
Published: October 2013

The paper recommends working out a comprehensive state program on innovative development of the Uzbekistan's economy for medium and long term perspective.
Financial Investment In The Republic Of Uzbekistan: Concept, Objectives, Accounting And Reporting
Authors: Mahmudov Saidjamol
Published: October 2013

The concept of economic essence of financial investments has been defined. Recommendations on improving accounting of long-term and short-term securities have been worked out. Necessity of improving securities accounting, their reflection in the financial reporting, organization of accounting reporting in the part of financial investments accounting has been highlighted. Analytical accounting on the accounts of long-term investments accounting (0600) is conducted on the types of long-term investments and objects, in which these investments are made. Correspondingly compilation of analytical accounting must provide possibility of receiving data about long-term investments in the objects located in theterritoryofUzbekistanand outside it. Financial placements are accepted for accounting as the sum of actual costs for an investor.
Innovative Development In Pharmaceutical Industry Of The Russian Federation In The Context Of Globalization
Authors: Klunko Natalia
Published: October 2013

The current development stage of globalization process and market reforms in the industrial sector of the national economy requires from scientists and practitioners to design qualitatively new approaches to formation of the strategic development in different economy branches for geopolitical evaluation of threats and challenges. Technological backwardness in Russia increases comparing to developed countries. The poor participation of Russia in international scientific and technical exchange is explained by inconsistent government policy on development and use of intellectual potential, modernization and improvement of manufacturing industry competitiveness, promotion of high-tech products at foreign markets. Reported problems are observed in the pharmaceutical industry, industrial-technological system, which is now almost destroyed, leading to a critical level of dependence on drug imports. However, the pharmaceutical industry as one of the most high technology industries can lead to innovation development in Russia.
Estimation Of Demand System In An Aids Model:The Opportunity For Exporting Thai Agricultural Products
Authors: Jiumpanyarach Waripas
Published: October 2013

This paper reports the results of the estimation of Almost Ideal Demand System(AIDS) model is developed to estimate quantity respond based on price. Five major export agricultural products data from the office of Agricultural Economics, Thailand and Biofuel policy from the office of the National Economic and Social Development Broad were used. The AIDS model estimatesdemand of palm, cassava, and sugar are highly response to changed price. Rubber and rice has less response to the changed price. All of major agricultural products are affect expenditure of Thailand export. This result suggest that the opportunity for increasing supply of energy plants, which benefits to Thai farmer communities for expanding market share in energy plants in domestic and global market.
Comparative Advantage In The Southern Africa Customs Union (Sacu)
Authors: Mzumara Macleans , Nyasulu Betty Mkwinda , Mzumara Margaret , Kaunda Elias
Published: October 2013

The authors sought to find out whether the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) possesses comparative advantage. They found that South Africa has comparative advantage in the production of 727 product lines, Botswana in 268 product lines, Swaziland 243 product lines, Namibia 213 product lines and Lesotho 85 product lines. They also found that the highest degree of specialization in a particular product was observed in Lesotho in the production of cartridges for rivet with an average RCA index of 19215. The authors concluded that SACU has comparative advantage although such comparative advantage has a narrow base for a customs union (CU). Further it was concluded that due to imposition of the common external tariff (CET) in SACU and a narrow base of the products in which it has comparative advantage, it may be experiencing trade diversion rather than trade creation by replacing low cost producers outside SACU in favour of intra-SACU high cost producers. That South Africa, although not the least producer, is unfairly benefiting due to the imposition of CET which prevents other countries from exporting their products to Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho under the same conditions.  These countries are, therefore, disadvantaged. For this reason, the authors advocate communication at policy level, to facilitate expansion of SACU as means of narrowing trade diversion.
Role Of Copper For Human Organism
Authors: Ghazaryan Sedrak
Published: October 2013

The review focuses on a very peculiar aspect of the application of copper containing biologically active compounds of different chemical classes as have shown at the last scientific researches in the field of Cu (II) chelates, chelates possess have a higher activity of the same sort, than their mother compounds.The presented material shows essentially important qualities of Cu (II) containing compounds in biological aspect and has an interest for chemists, biochemists and pharmacologists.
Polymorphism Of Detoxification Genes And Predisposition To The Development Of Parkinson’s Disease In Uzbek Individuals
Authors: Khalimova Khanifa , Raimova Malika , Matmurodov Rustam , Rasulova Khurshidakhon , Burnasheva Amina , Jmirko Yekaterina , Mukhamedov Rustam
Published: October 2013

According to our research, Uzbek individuals with Parkinson’s disease have high prevalence of 0/0 polymorphisms of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes, as well as combinations of GSTT1 (0/0)/GSTM1/(0/0) genotypes. These mutations are associated with an earlier debut of the disease, its mixed form, and rapid rate of progression. Determination of mutations in GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes of xenobiotic detoxification in patients with Parkinson’s disease confirms multifactorial nature of this pathology and the role of the influence of various external factors in the modification of clinical signs of disease and its prognosis.
The Main Approaches To The Development Of Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry Of The Russian Federation In The Context Of Globalization
Authors: Klunko Nаtalia , Marynia Reta
Published: October 2013

This paper analyzed the problems of the state associated with the pharmaceutical market in the globalization period. Also investigated the theoretical aspects of the modern study of globalization in the light of the analysis for the global pharmaceutical industry and analyzes the major political and economic factors that have the most significant impact on the production of pharmaceuticals.
The Albanian Brain Drain phenomena and the Brain Gain strategy
Authors: Musaraj Arta
Published: October 2013

Qualitative human resources remain one of the main problem of Eastern Europe and in particular Western Balkan countries. After 20 years of deep economic, political and social transformation, those countries are facing the problem of the highly qualified human resources they lost in these two decades, while in most of cases there is no a real measurement of the weight and impact these phenomena of Brain Drain has in the quality of the work force. Most of them are trying to set up and apply Brain Gain strategies at a national level. The paper aims to analyze and evaluate the influence that the missing of a previous qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the Phenomena of Brain Drain in Albania, has in the successful application of the Brain Gain strategy. The research objective will be fulfilled by analyzing the evolution of the Brain Drain phenomena, by an introduction of the Albanian characteristic and shape of  Brain Drain from 1990, by analyzing the Brain Gain strategy applied in the country comparing it to a successful application. The paper analyzes factors and variables which may affect the successful application of Brain Gain in Albania while  evidences the importance of stakeholder approach in objectives and aims of Brain Gain program and strategy and the use of the  Balance Scorecard as a strategic management system in “brain gain” strategy set up and application in the case of Albania and those of other countries of the region as well.