bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Pediatric ICU: A 12-Year Experience
Authors: Piastra Marco , De Luca Daniele , Genovese Orazio , Tosi Federica , Caliandro Francesca , Zorzi Giulia , Massimi Luca , Visconti Federico , Pizza Alessandro , Biasucci Daniele G , Conti Giorgio
Published: August 2017

Background:

In the pediatric population, spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is as common as ischemic stroke and accounts for significant mortality and morbidity. Differently from the ischemic stroke, there are few guidelines for directing management of sICH. This article aims to analyze both clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in order to produce tools for the design of prospective randomized studies addressed to implement treatment of pediatric sICH.

Methods:

Twelve-year retrospective review of a single-center consecutivesICH pediatric cases admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Selected end points were survival, PICU stay, and dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), with recovery and moderate disability (GOS 4-5) classified as favorable outcome and vegetative state or severe disability (GOS 2-3) classified as unfavorable.

Results:

Data of 107 children younger than 14 years admitted to our PICU due to sICH were analyzed. Overall PICU mortality was 24.2%. On multivariate analysis, the single factor markedly influencing survival was the presence of midline shift ( P = .002). In PICU survivors, there were 42 GOS 2-3 and 39 GOS 4-5. A low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on PICU admission was predictive of severe neurological impairment in survivors ( P = .003). Intraventricular hemorrhage and infratentorial origin did not influence outcome in this series.

Conclusion:

The severity of presentation of sICH expressed by the midline shift and the GCS at PICU admission are significant prognostic factors for survival and neurological outcome. Some prognostic factors of the adult population have not been confirmed.
How European Union policy actors use and assess the effectiveness of e-transparency
Authors: Field Mark
Published: August 2017

To counter the charge that it is an elite-driven political project, the European Union increasingly uses online systems to render its working practices visible to its citizens. This article analyses how the actors involved in European Union policy-making understand the benefits derived from providing information through e-transparency, and examines whether they consider that the e-transparency systems deliver these benefits. Drawing on data from 63 semi-structured interviews with officials, Members of the European Parliament and Brussels-based transparency campaigners, the article shows a wide variation in participants’ views concerning the rationale for e-transparency. It shows that e-transparency is variously seen as the means to address declining citizen trust in the Brussels institutions; as a mechanism through which citizens can participate in European Union processes and as a means of holding its institutions to account. The article argues that these various e-transparency attributes are contradictory, and it advances a framework for information providers to assess how the e-transparency tools can best meet the differing requirements of transparency users.
Modeling and optimization of furan molding sand system using design of experiments and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Chate Ganesh R , Patel GC Manjunath , Deshpande Anand S , Parappagoudar Mahesh B
Published: August 2017

The present research work is focussed on establishing the complex nonlinear input–output relations of a furan resin-based molding sand system. Further, a set of input parameters, which will result in optimized mold properties, is determined. Grain fineness number, setting time, percentage of resin, and hardener are considered as process variables. Mold properties, such as green compression strength, shear strength, mold hardness, gas evolution, permeability, and collapsibility are treated as the process outputs. Nonlinear input–output relations have been developed and statistical analysis has been carried out by utilizing design of experiments, central composite design. Surface plots are developed to study and analyze the input–output relations. The input parameters that will result in best molding conditions and improve casting quality characteristics are determined by utilizing desirability function approach and multiple particle swarm optimization-based crowding distance (MOPSO-CD) techniques. The optimum value for the process variables namely grain fineness number, furan resin, hardener, and setting time are found to be equal to 55, 1.85, 1.2, and 60, respectively. The quality characteristics of the castings namely yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, hardness, density, and secondary dendrite arm spacing are found to improve by 14.03%, 15.08%, 14.14%, 12%, 2.22%, and 12.24%, respectively for the castings made in optimized molding sand conditions.
Examining the Asymmetric Impact of Monetary Policy in India
Authors: Khundrakpam Jeevan Kumar
Published: August 2017

Though an accumulating body of work has analysed monetary policy transmission in India, there are few studies examining the asymmetric aspect of the transmission. Against this backdrop, segregating the interest rate setting process captured by a Taylor rule type into unanticipated and anticipated components, this article analyses the asymmetric effects of monetary policy on aggregate demand and its components, and inflation in India using quarterly data from 1996–97Q1 to 2013–14Q3. It finds that unanticipated hikes and cuts in the policy rate have a symmetric impact on aggregate demand, but differentially impact the components. While the impacts on investment are negative and symmetric, they are asymmetric on private consumption, with only an unanticipated cut in policy rate having a significant negative impact. Government consumption is unaffected by monetary policy shocks. The impact of unanticipated interest rate changes on inflation is negative and symmetric. Anticipated policy rate changes also have a negative impact on aggregate demand and its components, except for government consumption, but between certain levels, such changes are ineffective, indicating a neutral impact. Anticipated policy rate changes have a negative impact on inflation at all levels.

JEL Classification: C32, C51, E31, E52
Ravinder Kaur (Ed.), Too Many Men Too Few Women
Authors: Sinha Anushree
Published: August 2017

Ravinder Kaur (Ed.), Too Many Men Too Few Women. ₹1095, Orient Blackswan, New Delhi, 2016.
Understanding Treatment Burden and Quality of Life Impact of Participating in an Early-Phase Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trial: A Pilot Study
Authors: Crane Stacey , Backus Lori , Stockman Beth , Carpenter Janet S. , Lin Li , Haase Joan
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Early-phase clinical trials (EPTs) have led to new, more effective treatment options for children with cancer. Despite the extensive use of EPTs in pediatric oncology, little is known about parent and child experiences during EPT participation. The purposes of this pilot study were to assess the feasibility and preliminary results of having children with cancer and their parents complete measures of treatment burden and quality of life (QOL) concurrent with EPT participation. Methods: In this descriptive, longitudinal, pilot study, parents and children were followed for the first 60 days of an EPT. Feasibility was assessed by participant enrollment and retention and completion of measures. Measures completed included the following: demographic form (completed at baseline); Diary of Trial Experiences to capture treatment burden (completed ongoing); and PedsQL™ Quality of Life Inventories, Cancer Modules, and Family Impact Module (completed at baseline, post–first disease evaluation, and off-study). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Feasibility goals of enrollment, retention, and measure completion were partially met. Preliminary treatment burden and QOL results are provided. Conclusions: While QOL assessments may provide insight into EPT experiences, future studies need to be conducted at multiple sites and enrollment goals must account for participant attrition.
Injury Characteristics of Low-Energy Lisfranc Injuries Compared With High-Energy Injuries
Authors: Renninger Christopher H. , Cochran Grant , Tompane Trevor , Bellamy Joseph , Kuhn Kevin
Published: August 2017

Background:

Lisfranc injuries result from high- and low-energy mechanisms though the literature has been more focused on high-energy mechanisms. A comparison of high-energy (HE) and low-energy (LE) injury patterns is lacking. The objective of this study was to report injury patterns in LE Lisfranc joint injuries and compare them to HE injury patterns.

Methods:

Operative Lisfranc injuries were identified over a 5-year period. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, injury pattern, associated injuries, missed diagnoses, clinical course, and imaging studies were reviewed and compared. HE mechanism was defined as motor vehicle crash, motorcycle crash, direct crush, and fall from greater than 4 feet and LE mechanism as athletic activity, ground level twisting, or fall from less than 4 feet. Thirty-two HE and 48 LE cases were identified with 19.3 months of average follow-up.

Results:

There were no differences in demographics or missed diagnosis frequency (21% HE vs 18% LE). Time to seek care was not significantly different. HE injuries were more likely to have concomitant nonfoot fractures (37% vs 6%), concomitant foot fractures (78% vs 4%), cuboid fractures (31% vs 6%), metatarsal base fractures (84% vs 29%), displaced intra-articular fractures (59% vs 4%), and involvement of all 5 rays (23% vs 6%). LE injuries were more commonly ligamentous (68% vs 16%), with fewer rays involved (2.7 vs 4.1).

Conclusions:

LE mechanisms were a more common cause of Lisfranc joint injury in this cohort. These mechanisms generally resulted in an isolated, primarily ligamentous injury sparing the lateral column. Both types had high rates of missed injury that could result in delayed treatment. Differences in injury patterns could help direct future research to optimize treatment algorithms.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
Vertical Integration of Hospitals and Physicians: Economic Theory and Empirical Evidence on Spending and Quality
Authors: Post Brady , Buchmueller Tom , Ryan Andrew M.
Published: August 2017

Hospital–physician vertical integration is on the rise. While increased efficiencies may be possible, emerging research raises concerns about anticompetitive behavior, spending increases, and uncertain effects on quality. In this review, we bring together several of the key theories of vertical integration that exist in the neoclassical and institutional economics literatures and apply these theories to the hospital–physician relationship. We also conduct a literature review of the effects of vertical integration on prices, spending, and quality in the growing body of evidence ( n = 15) to evaluate which of these frameworks have the strongest empirical support. We find some support for vertical foreclosure as a framework for explaining the observed results. We suggest a conceptual model and identify directions for future research. Based on our analysis, we conclude that vertical integration poses a threat to the affordability of health services and merits special attention from policymakers and antitrust authorities.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients’ reports of symptom changes following cognitive behavioural therapy, graded exercise therapy and pacing treatments: Analysis of a primary survey compared with secondary surveys
Authors: Geraghty Keith , Hann Mark , Kurtev Stoyan
Published: August 2017

Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy are promoted as evidence-based treatments for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. This article explores patients’ symptom responses following these treatments versus pacing therapy, an approach favoured by many sufferers. We analyse data from a large cross-sectional patient survey ( n = 1428) and compare our findings with those from comparable patient surveys ( n = 16,665), using a mix of descriptive statistics and regression analysis modelling. Findings from analysis of primary and secondary surveys suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy is of benefit to a small percentage of patients (8%–35%), graded exercise therapy brings about large negative responses in patients (54%–74%), while pacing is the most favoured treatment with the lowest negative response rate and the highest reported benefit (44%–82%).
Tackling health inequality at the local level: Some critical reflections on the future of Norwegian policies
Authors: Bekken Wenche , Dahl Espen , Van Der Wel Kjetil
Published: August 2017

Aim: In this paper we discuss recent developments in the policy to reduce health inequalities in Norway in relation to challenges and opportunities associated with tackling health inequality at the local level. Methods: We discuss government documents and research findings on the implementation of policies to diminish health inequalities at the municipality level. Recent policy developments are briefly reviewed in relation to the 10-year strategy to reduce health inequalities passed by the Parliament in 2007. We then identify opportunities and obstacles to successful action on health inequalities at the local level. Results: The 2012 Public Health Act represented a powerful reinforcement of the strategy to reduce health inequalities at all three levels of government: the national, the regional and the local. However, some aspects of the policies pursued by the current government are likely to make local action to tackle health inequality an uphill struggle. In particular, health equity policies that have hitherto been based on universalism and had a focus on the gradient seem to be running out of fuel. Other challenges are an insufficient capacity for effective action particularly in smaller municipalities, and a rather weak knowledge base, including systems to monitor social inequalities and a general lack of evaluations of trials and new initiatives. Conclusions: We conclude that the Public Health Act opened up many new opportunities, but that a number of municipalities face obstacles that they need to overcome to tackle health inequalities comprehensively. Furthermore, local efforts need to be coupled with sustained national momentum to be efficient.
A fuzzy set approach to economic crisis, austerity and public health. Part II: How are configurations of crisis and austerity related to changes in population health across Europe?
Authors: Saltkjel Therese , Holm Ingelsrud Mari , Dahl Espen , Halvorsen Knut
Published: August 2017

Aims: Based on the ideal type classification of European countries done in Part I of this paper, Part II explores whether the real ‘danger’ to public health is the interplay between austerity and crisis, rather than recession itself. Methods: We constructed two fuzzy sets of changes in population health based on a pooled file of European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) data (2008 and 2013) including 29 European countries. The linear probability analyses of ‘limiting long-standing illness’ and ‘less than good’ health were restricted to the age group 20–64 years. We performed fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and studied whether configurations of ‘severe crisis’ and ‘austerity’ were linked to changes in population health. Results: Overall, the results of this fsQCA do not support the ‘crisis–austerity’ thesis. Results on ‘less than good’ health were highly inconsistent, while results on ‘limiting long-standing illness’, contrary to the thesis, showed a two-path model. Countries with either no severe crisis or no austerity were subsets of the set of countries that experienced deteriorated health. Results also show that several countries combined both paths. Conclusions: This fuzzy set analysis does not support Stuckler and Basu’s ‘crisis–austerity’ thesis, as those European countries that experienced recession and austerity were not consistently the countries with deteriorating health. There may be multiple reasons for this result, including analytical approach and operationalization of key concepts, but also resilient forces such as family support. We suggest more research on the topic based on more recent data and possibly other, or more, dimensions of austerity.
Vaccine hesitancy and trust. Ethical aspects of risk communication
Authors: Nihlén Fahlquist Jessica
Published: August 2017

Aim: This paper analyses vaccination policy from an ethical perspective, against the background of the growing hesitancy towards e.g. the measles vaccine. Methods: The paper is normative and analyses ethical aspects of risk communication in the context of vaccination. It is argued that ethical analysis of risk communication should be done at the level of the message, the procedure and the effects. The paper takes examples from the Swedish context, linking the current lack of trust in experts to the 2009 vaccination policy and communication promoting the H1N1 vaccine Pandemrix. Results: During the Swedish H1N1 vaccination policy in 2009, the message was that the vaccine is safe. However, a group of adolescents developed narcolepsy as a side effect of the vaccine. Taking this into account, it becomes clear that the government should communicate risks and benefits responsibly and take responsibility for individuals affected negatively by populational health interventions. Conclusion: To communicate respectfully entails not treating vaccine sceptics as ill-informed or less educated, but instead taking the concerns of the vaccine hesitant, who potentially could change their minds, as a starting-point of a respectful discussion. There will inevitably be individuals who suffer from side effects of justifiable population-based health promotion activities. However, the public should be able to trust the message and count on the government to take responsibility for individuals affected by side effects. This is important for normative reasons, but is additionally likely to contribute to restored and maintained trust.
Career Interview with Ian Shaw
Authors: Hardy Mark
Published: August 2017

The second interview is with Ian Shaw, co-founder of Qualitative social work, and co-editor for many years. The parallels between Roy and Ian’s backgrounds and subsequent career and scholarly development are notable. Like Roy, Ian refers to his working class background, the influence of religious belief on disciplinary interests, professional development and political leanings. Similarly, we witness the ways in which the direct experience of undertaking broadly quantitative research studies contributed to the development of distinctively qualitative methodological preferences. Taken together, these two interviews provide an insightful and inspiring window onto the intersection between individual and intellectual biography, professional practice and disciplinary identity.
Distributed simultaneous localization and mapping for mobile robot networks via hybrid dynamic belief propagation
Authors: Wan Jiuqing , Bu Shaocong , Yu Jinsong , Zhong Liping
Published: August 2017

This article proposes a hybrid dynamic belief propagation for simultaneous localization and mapping in the mobile robot network. The positions of landmarks and the poses of moving robots at each time slot are estimated simultaneously in an online and distributed manner, by fusing the odometry data of each robot and the measurements of robot–robot or robot–landmark relative distance and angle. The joint belief state of all robots and landmarks is encoded by a factor graph and the marginal posterior probability distribution of each variable is inferred by belief propagation. We show how to calculate, broadcast, and update messages between neighboring nodes in the factor graph. Specifically, we combine parametric and nonparametric techniques to tackle the problem arisen from non-Gaussian distributions and nonlinear models. Simulation and experimental results on publicly available dataset show the validity of our algorithm.
Precipitating or prohibiting factor: Coaches’ perceptions of their role and actions in anti-doping
Authors: Allen Justine B , Morris Rhiannon , Dimeo Paul , Robinson Leigh
Published: August 2017

Coaches are frequently cited as potentially precipitating or preventing athletes’ engagement in doping. However, little is known about coaches’ perspectives. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine coaches’ perceptions of their role and actions in athletes’ anti-doping behaviour. Twenty-three coaches (M = 17, F = 6) working with performance athletes in Scotland participated in semi-structured interviews where topics related to doping and anti-doping were discussed. Thematic analysis, guided by Schön’s role frame and reflective conversation concepts, was used to develop themes. Analysis led to the development of four internal role frame themes: clean sport value, approach to preparation and performance, responsibility to athletes and knowledge; and five boundary role frame themes: Scottish/British sporting culture, potential for benefit, prevalence of doping and testing, clarity of responsibilities and consequences, and beyond coaches’ control. The coaches’ role frame supported an anti-doping stance, but, it also presented a risk and was insufficient to ensure action. Analysis of coaches’ reflective conversations revealed the issues set by the coaches differed and influenced subsequent actions and evaluations.
Editor’s Choice- What do small serum creatinine changes tell us about outcomes after acute myocardial infarction?
Authors: Auer Johann , Verbrugge Frederik H , Lamm Gudrun
Published: August 2017

Acute kidney injury (AKI), mostly defined as a rise in serum creatinine concentration of more than 0.5 mg/dl, is a common, serious, and potentially preventable complication of percutaneous coronary intervention and is associated with adverse outcomes including an increased risk of inhospital mortality. Recent data from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry/Cath-PCI registry including 985,737 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention suggest that approximately 7% experienced AKI with a reported incidence of 3–19%. In patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), AKI occurs more frequently with rates up to 20% depending on patient and procedural characteristics. However, varying definitions of AKI limit comparisons of AKI rates across different studies. Recently, most studies have adopted the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria for definition and classification of AKI. Beyond the AKIN criteria for AKI, other classifications such as the risk, injury, failure, loss and end-stage kidney disease (RIFLE) and kidney disease: improving global outcomes (KDIGO) criteria are used to define AKI. Notably, even small increases in serum creatinine beyond AKI may be associated with adverse outcomes including increased hospital length of stay and excess. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious and potentially preventable complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Worsening renal function is associated with adverse outcomes including a higher rate of in-hospital mortality. In patients undergoing primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), AKI occurs up to 20% of such individuals. Varying definitions of AKI limit comparisons of AKI rates across different studies. Additionally, even small increases in serum creatinine beyond lavels meeting AKI definitions may be associated with adverse outcomes including increased hospital length of stay.
Is calcar referenced tip-apex distance a better predicting factor for cutting out in biaxial cephalomedullary nails than tip-apex distance?
Authors: Puthezhath Kishore , Jayaprakash Chundarathil
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To test the significance of calcar referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD) and the length of anti-rotation screw (AR screw) as predictors for failure after biaxial cephalomedullary (CM) nailing of intertrochanteric fractures.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 190 consecutive fractures that had undergone biaxial CM nailing. Of these, 67 met the inclusion criteria of a non-pathological fracture with a minimum of 90 days radiological follow-up (mean 458 days; 91 days to 4.9 years).

Results:

The overall failure rate was 15% (10 of 67). Failure was associated with a higher CalTAD in most of the patients (13%, p < 0.001). A higher tip-apex distance (TAD) was not significantly associated with failure ( p = 0.132), when the CalTAD was less than 25 mm. When the AR screw length exceeded a line connecting the tip of the nail and the lag screw, screw cutout occurred only in one patient ( p = 0.095).

Conclusion:

Our data provide the first reported clinical evidence that the CalTAD is a better predictor of cutout in biaxial CM nailing than TAD measurement. However, the length of anti-rotational element does not seem to be an independent predictor of CM nailing failure.
Proactive Versus Reactive CSR in a Crisis: An Impression Management Perspective
Authors: Rim Hyejoon , Ferguson Mary Ann T.
Published: August 2017

This study investigates the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices on protecting and restoring company reputation in crisis situations. The results suggest the ability of proactive CSR to counter potential damage to corporate reputation caused by a crisis but not to serve as a remedy after a crisis. The findings further indicate a significant interaction effect between crisis type and the fit of reactive CSR for a company without proactive CSR. For a preventable crisis, a company is better off choosing low-fit reactive CSR than not engaging in reactive CSR at all. In a victim crisis, low-fit reactive CSR is more effective in improving company reputation than high-fit reactive CSR. When a company has been previously engaged in proactive CSR, the impact of fit across crisis types disappears. The mediating role of perceived altruism suggests the importance of sincerity in CSR.
Measuring Collaborative Problem Solving Using Mathematics-Based Tasks
Authors: Harding Susan-Marie E. , Griffin Patrick E. , Awwal Nafisa , Alom BM M. , Scoular Claire
Published: August 2017

This study describes an online method of measuring individual students’ collaborative problem-solving abilities using four interactive mathematics-based tasks, with students working in pairs. Process stream data were captured from 3,000 students who completed the tasks in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Singapore, and Finland. The data were transformed into indicators of collaborative problem-solving ability and were analyzed using item response modeling. The assessments employed in this study can be used as a teaching tool for introduction to algebraic concepts and as a measurement instrument for collaborative problem-solving ability. The paper describes the construction, calibration, and reliability of the tasks and considers validation issues, such as fairness between assessments for both partners and avoidance of cultural biases. Investigations into the dependencies between student scores provide evidence for convergent and discriminant validity.
Patient, Provider, and System Factors Associated With Failure to Follow-Up Elevated Glucose Results in Patients Without Diagnosed Diabetes
Authors: Bowen Michael E. , Merchant Zahra , Abdullah Kazeen , Bhat Deepa , Fish Jason , Halm Ethan A.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Although elevated glucose values are strongly associated with undiagnosed diabetes, they are frequently overlooked. Patient, provider, and system factors associated with failure to follow-up elevated glucose values in electronic medical records (EMRs) are not well described.

Methods:

We conducted a chart review in a comprehensive EMR with a patient portal and results management features. Established primary care patients with no known diagnosis of diabetes and ≥ 1 glucose value >125 mg/dL were included. Follow-up failure was defined as (1) no documented comment on the glucose value or result communication to the patient within 30 days or (2) no hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ordered within 30 days or resulted within 12 months. Associations were examined using Wilcoxon and χ2 tests.

Results:

Of 150 charts reviewed, 97 met inclusion criteria. The median glucose was 133 mg/dL, and 20% of patients had multiple values >125 mg/dL. Only 36% of elevated glucose values were followed up. No associations were observed between patient characteristics, diabetes risk factors, or provider characteristics and follow-up failures. Automated flagging of glucose values ≥140 mg/dL by highlighting them red in the EMR was not associated with improved follow-up (46% vs 32%; P = .19). Even when follow-up occurred (n = 35), only 31% completed gold standard diabetes testing (HbA1c) within 12 months. Of the resulted HbA1c tests (n = 11), 55% were in the prediabetes range (5.7%-6.4%).

Conclusions:

Two-thirds of elevated glucose values were not followed up, despite EMR features facilitating results management. Greater understanding of the results management process and improved EMR functionalities to support results management are needed.
Chemokines encoded by herpesviruses
Authors: Pontejo Sergio M , Murphy Philip M
Published: August 2017

Viruses use diverse strategies to elude the immune system, including copying and repurposing host cytokine and cytokine receptor genes. For herpesviruses, the chemokine system of chemotactic cytokines and receptors is a common source of copied genes. Here, we review the current state of knowledge about herpesvirus-encoded chemokines and discuss their possible roles in viral pathogenesis, as well as their clinical potential as novel anti-inflammatory agents or targets for new antiviral strategies.
Plane-wave Sobel attribute for discontinuity enhancement in seismic images
Authors: Phillips Mason , Fomel Sergey
Published: August 2017

Discontinuity enhancement attributes are commonly used to facilitate the interpretation process by enhancing edges in seismic images and providing a quantitative measure of the significance of discontinuous features. These attributes require careful preprocessing to maintain geologic features and suppress acquisition and processing artifacts, which may be artificially detected as a geologic edge. We have developed the plane-wave Sobel attribute, a modification of the classic Sobel filter, by orienting the filter along seismic structures using plane-wave destruction and plane-wave shaping. The plane-wave Sobel attribute can be applied directly to a seismic image to efficiently and effectively enhance discontinuous features or to a coherence image to create a sharper and more detailed image. Two field benchmark data examples with many faults and channel features from offshore New Zealand and offshore Nova Scotia demonstrate the effectiveness of this method compared with conventional coherence attributes. The results are reproducible using the Madagascar software package.
President's Page
Authors: Abriel Bill
Published: August 2017

Geophysical professionals ask SEG to help provide opportunities that will advance their careers. This request is fulfilled in part through publications, courses, lectures, workshops, and conferences, but there is also high demand for “hands-on” learning from early-career professionals and mid-career geophysicists wishing to expand their capabilities. SEG is evaluating the potential for enabling “off-the-job” experiential learning in applied geophysics. I hope you will consider the points raised in the following article and contact me ( billabriel@yahoo.com ) with your thoughts and suggestions.
Isoflurane Preconditioning Alleviated Murine Liver Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury by Restoring AMPK/mTOR-Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Rao Zhuqing , Pan Xiongxiong , Zhang Hui , Sun Jie , Li Jingjin , Lu Ting , Gao Mei , Liu Siying , Yu Dan , Ding Zhengnian
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:

Isoflurane has a pharmacological preconditioning effect against ischemia injury in the heart, kidney, and brain, but whether and how isoflurane preconditioning protects livers against ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury is unclear.

METHODS:

Mice were randomly divided into an isoflurane preconditioning (ISO) group and control group, receiving 1.5% isoflurane or carrier gas for 40 minutes, respectively (n = 8/group). A partial warm liver IR model was used, and liver injury was evaluated. Primary hepatocytes were pretreated with 1.5% isoflurane for 2 hours before the induction of cell death by hydrogen peroxide. Cell death and survival were evaluated with the lactate dehydrogenase and cell counting kit-8 assay. Autophagy and regulatory molecules in stressed livers and hepatocytes were analyzed by Western blot (n = 6/group). An autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine [3-MA]) and 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor (dorsomorphin) were administered in vivo (n = 8/group) and in vitro (n = 6/group).

RESULTS:

Compared to that observed in the control group, mice in the ISO group showed reduced liver injury (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels, control versus ISO group, 8285 ± 769 vs 4896 ± 917 U/L, P < .001) and enhanced hepatocellular antiapoptosis in livers after IR. Furthermore, liver autophagy was restored by ISO as indicated by elevated LC3B II protein levels accompanied with increased p62 degradation. The in vitro study of primary hepatocytes also found that ISO effectively attenuated hepatocyte cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide. In addition, 3-MA pretreatment showed no significant influence in the control group, but abrogated the protective role of ISO both in stressed livers (ALT levels, phosphate-buffered saline + ISO versus 3-MA + ISO group, 5081 ± 294 vs 8663 ± 607 U/L, P < .001) and in hepatocytes. Finally, signaling pathway analysis demonstrated that AMPK was activated by ISO. Pretreatment with an AMPK inhibitor also abrogated liver protection by ISO (ALT levels, phosphate-buffered saline + ISO versus dorsomorphin [DOR] + ISO group, 5081 ± 294 vs 8710 ± 500 U/L, P < .001), with no significant effect in control mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results indicate that isoflurane preconditioning attenuates liver IR injury via AMPK/mTOR-mediated hepatocellular autophagy restoration. Our findings provide a novel potential therapeutic strategy for managing liver IR injury.
Advances in stem cells and regenerative medicine: single-cell dynamics, new models and translational perspectives
Authors: Twigger Alecia-Jane , Scheel Christina H.
Published: August 2017

An international cohort of over 300 stem cell biologists came together in Heidelberg, Germany in May 2017 as delegates of the ‘Advances in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine' conference run through the European Molecular Biology Organization. This Meeting Review highlights the novel insights into stem cell regulation, new technologies aiding in discovery and exciting breakthroughs in the field of regenerative medicine that emerged from the meeting.
International Correspondence Design Unification As Means of Effectiveness Increase of Interlingual Communication
Authors: Булат Р. , Bulat R. , Байчорова Х. , Baychorova H. , Мурманских И. , Murmanskih I.
Published: August 2017

The article analyses the questions of unification (level equalization of standardization, intended to conduct a dialogue in internal and external business environment) of the national system standards with the international system. Special aspects of establishment the effective interlingual communication taking into account the principles of legal status participation in the international information communication binding to run coordinated policy in the standardization area are considered. The particular positions of ISO standards unifying the processes of arrangement and design of international written correspondence that allows to estimate the differences between the national and international standards are analyzed. In conclusion the objective necessity of the national system unification of standards with the international system for organization and conduct of coordinated policy in standardization area with the international communication area establishment in terms of organization the atmosphere of mutual understanding among all the participants of communication is proved.
Generation “Y”: a Profile of Key Characteristics of University Students — the Potential Employeesin the “Theory of Generations” Aspect for the Purposes of HR Management
Authors: Клименкова М. , Klimenkova M. , Лутченко Н. , Lutchenko N. , Лысенко Е. , Lysenko E.
Published: August 2017

The relevance of the study of generation “Y” (Millennial) is dictated by the need to ensure continuity of management and operations in order to enhance the effective functioning and development of modern organizations. Embedding the “young generation” in the production and management process is a long and painstaking process that requires time, financial, administrative and intellectual cost. This, in turn, requires a careful study of the key characteristics of potential employees embarking on professional activities after graduation from educational institutions at all levels, including higher. The purpose of this article is to present the results of a study aimed at studying the key characteristics of potential employees in light of the “theory of generations”, as they are the main human resource of the nearest future. The study used the author’s questionnaire consisting of six units aimed at assessing the knowledge and uses foreign languages by Millennial; their relation to modern gadgets and dependence on them; participation and attitudes towards social networking and a dependence on them; social maturity; the manifestations of centrality on themselves and preferences in the nature of the work. The base of the research was the Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin. Students of direction of preparation “Personnel Management” took part in research. The authors assessed the compliance of the provisions of the “theory of generations” identified the key characteristics of potential workers across the criteria highlighted in the study. The results of the study can be used by professionals in the field of HR management with the aim of establishing an effective personnel policy for representatives of the generation “Y”, if they are in the staff of the organization.
Rational Organization of Secondary Employment of Workers
Authors: Захаров Дмитрий , Zakharov Dmitriy
Published: August 2017

This article considers secondary employment of workers as a forced measure that allows workers to adapt to changing working conditions and falling incomes. It is shown that secondary employment, in addition to additional income, provides an opportunity for an employee to acquire new business connections, gives the opportunity to master an adjacent profession, and has an additional motivational focus. Secondary employment must be accordingly formalized, therefore, the article contains possible forms of registration of employees: official compatibility with the corresponding entry in the workbook, as well as a contract for provision of paid services. The possible directions of secondary employment of workers are considered. Positive and negative features of secondary employment are distinguished, both from the position of the employee and from the position of the employer. Recommendations are given on rational individual organization of working time in the case of secondary employment. It is described that the important task of the employer is to search for and discuss opportunities for a more full-scale use of the employee in the interests of the company.
Smart Shopping Innovative Technology As a Factor in the Optimal Use of Labor Resources
Authors: Селивоненко О. , Selivonenko O. , Афонина Т. , Afonina T.
Published: August 2017

The article discusses the possibility of expanding the potential of smartshoppinginformation technology as an innovative technology market regulation of supply and demand for labour, based on the active use of information and Internet possibilities. It is revealed that this technology implements labour interests at three consumption levels of the information specialists of various qualifications. Personal level of technology implementation is focused on providing services to three main customer groups: students undergoing initial vocational guidance; the students and graduates of professional educational institutions; the experts having vocational education and experience in a particular area. Corporate level as the main level of the use of the information to the greatest extent possible implements the optimal use of specialists of different qualifications. The level of state and municipal management allows you to solve a number of management tasks on groups of potential consumers.

It is proved that the innovative technology of smartshopping will allow human resources to optimize recruiting quality personnel selection; proper application of HR technology contributes to improve the governance of the organization, its effectiveness, the formation of human capital
Assessment of Seasonal Views Based on Landscape Perception: the Case of Ktu Kanuni Campus
Authors: Eren Emine Tarakci , düzenli tuGbaba
Published: August 2017

The present study aims to discuss the expert views on different seasonal scenery in campus areas in assessment of visual landscape perception. For this purpose, photographs of the said areas were taken on snowy days and other days in 2016 and 2017. The basic material of the study included 14 photographs depicting spring and winter views of the 7 areas in Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) campus. A survey study was conducted on photographic images with a group of participating landscape architecture students, and the differences in visual perception and visual characteristics of the most preferred seasonal views were discussed. As a result, it was observed that there were differences between the visual assessments of different seasonal views of the campus areas. Study findings demonstrated that there were differences between visual perceptions based on all adjective pairs and groups. This finding supported the fact that selected campus sites had different values. Based on the study findings, the landscape components (structural and vegetative) in the views differed based on features such as size, shape, color and texture, resulting in higher positive scores for the spring views.
The Role of Physical-Visual Identity Architectural Elements of Historical Neighbourhoods as Factors for Their Sustainability
Authors: Hanachi Pirooz , Moghimi Leila
Published: August 2017

Historic fabric of cities with ancient backgrounds possess high potentials and it must be reclaimed along with paying attention to flexible bases of localism. Urban dwellers, with wide requirements in recent times are seeking for satisfaction in such historical places. Urban historical areas should meet the public values within cultural frameworks and aesthetic experience. Every city consists of material and spiritual values, which are formed in a physical space as a precious asset, so identifying these values and making them into identity elements need a comprehensive plan based on the city’s cultural and historical background. Therefore, disparity in designing and building new buildings near old texture, makes disparity in city perspective and causes lack of identity. Methodology of this research based on qualitative analysis with case study of Imamzadeh Yahya in region 12 of Tehran metropolitan city ,for collecting information and data using library, literature review and interview with expert Then, the SWOT analysis matrix was used for data analysis and presentation of neighbourhoods as factors in heritage areas in Imamzadeh Yahya. This paper explores physical-visual elements related to city perspective and people’s perception. This paper is of relevance because the city perspective and people’s perception have a significant role around the quality component of historical urban fabric in making a desirable visual identity. Our case study is the surroundings of the historical neighbourhood of Imamzade Yahya in the Iranian capital of Tehran.
CFD Simulation of Heating Process of Greenhouse Irrigation Water in Wintering Period
Authors: Hu Jingjuan , Fan Guisheng
Published: August 2017

Abstract. In order to solve the problem of low greenhouse irrigation water temperature during the wintering period, the heating process of irrigation water in heating reservoir was investigated under the combined effect of air heat and soil heat with solar greenhouse in Xinyi Town, Lishi District, Shanxi Province as the carrier using three-dimensional non-steady-state methods in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A dynamic computational model was established to predict the heating process of irrigation water. The measured data were used to reveal the dynamic hexahedron boundary conditions of the heating reservoir in the greenhouse. The simulation results of computation model were validated, and the errors and causes were analyzed. It was shown that the simulated heating process of irrigation water was consistent with the measured data under the influence of changes in boundary conditions, with an average relative error <5.46% and the maximum absolute error of <1.64°C; the correlation coefficient between the simulation values and measured values was greater than 0.96, indicating that CFD simulation of heating process of irrigation water is feasible. Keywords: Agricultural engineering, CFD simulation, Greenhouse, Irrigation water temperature, Solar greenhouse heating reservoir, Three-dimensional non-steady-state, Wintering period.
Performance Evaluation and Field Characterization of the Sifang Mini Rice Combine Harvester
Authors: Amponsah Shadrack K. , Addo Ahmad , Dzisi Komla A. , Moreira Jean , Ndindeng Sali A.
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Performance of a Sifang mini rice combine, originally developed in China, was evaluated under local farmer field conditions in Benin. Results from field evaluation show that the combine worked satisfactorily on less dense rice fields with minimal weeds at grain moisture contents between 19.1% and 20.1% w.b. on soils with moisture content from 23% to 33% d.b. while causing no significant changes to soil physical properties. With harvesting speed ranging from 0.8 to 4.5 km/h, the harvester had a field capacity of 0.10 to 0.39 ha/h and consumed fuel of up to 11 L/ha while having track slip of 6% to 9%. Harvesting using 2- and 1-L gear offered the best efficiency for IR841 and Nerica L20 rice varieties, respectively. As harvesting speed increased, harvesting efficiency decreased and crop throughput increased irrespective of rice variety. The combine produced low mechanical grain damage with total grain loss ranging from 1.43% to 4.43% and 1.85% to 5.6% for the IR841 and Nerica L20 rice varieties, respectively. At an investment cost of US$5000 and hiring at US$10 per h, owning the mini combine harvester becomes profitable after 342 h of machine use; equivalent to approximately 133 ha of paddy field harvested at a harvesting capacity of 0.39 ha/h. Further testing of the combine under a wide range of crop and soil conditions across different agro-ecological zones and economic comparison with manual harvesting is recommended. This would offer smallholder farmers diverse options of rice harvesting mechanization to facilitate future adoption of improved technologies. Keywords: Crop throughput, Field capacity, Field efficiency, Grain loss, Mini rice combine, Sifang.