bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deposição de peptídeo beta-amiloide e as alterações vasculares presentes na doença de Alzheimer
Authors: Vieira Gabriel de Deus , Alves Thaianne da Cunha , Yamagishi Alessandra Yukari , Vieira Natália Nogueira , Teles Carolina Bioni Garcia
Published: December 2014

A doença de Alzheimer é uma doença neurodegenerativa provavelmente causada pelo acúmulo de peptídeo beta-amiloide no cérebro. O estudo atual visa buscar na literatura uma revisão sobre o acúmulo de peptídeo beta-amiloide no parênquima cerebral, como sendo uma das prováveis causas do surgimento da doença de Alzheimer. Os artigos científicos pesquisados para a realização deste artigo de revisão foram encontrados em vários bancos de dados online, utilizando os seguintes descritores em português e inglês: Doença de Alzheimer, Peptídeos Beta-amiloide e Endotélio Vascular. Apesar de vários estudos sobre o assunto, os mecanismos de formação e degradação do peptídeo beta-amiloide e o fator causador da doença ainda não são completamente conhecidos, necessitando assim de mais estudos e maiores investimentos na área de pesquisa, para que no futuro se possa descobrir como prevenir e até mesmo curar a doença de Alzheimer.
Problems of purification of water objects against technogenic pollution
Authors: Меркулова Татьяна , Merkulova Tatyana , Кравченко Александр , Kravchenko Aleksandr
Published: December 2014

The methods of wastewater treatment are described. The

analysis of the biological treatment facilities and their comparison

with other constructions cleaning are given. A new technology of

dehydration of suspensions in the geotubes, which gets you closer

to the adequate resolution of the stated article of ecological and

economic problems, is proposed.
Empirical dependences for determination of parameters of geotextile containers
Authors: Кравченко Александр , Kravchenko Aleksandr
Published: December 2014

Empirical dependences for determination of parameters

of flexible geotextile containers from high-strength polypropylene

fabrics are received when moving commensurable with sizes of a

design and relative deformations of a material to 20%.
Developing an evidence-based online travel resource for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Greveson Kay
Published: December 2014

Travellers with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at greater risk of travel-related morbidity, and there is a deficiency in adequate travel consultation and preparation. This article presents the development of a dedicated IBD travel advice website, aimed at enhancing informed, safe travel for patients. The findings highlight a paucity of research and resources available regarding travel and IBD. A total of 97% (132/136) respondents had travelled overseas in the past 5 years, and of these, 62% (82/132) reported IBD-affected travel; however, pre-travel medical advice was only sought by 23% (32/132). Moroever, 52% of immunosuppressed patients were unaware of the need to avoid live vaccines and only 40% (53/132) bought travel insurance covering IBD. As a result, IBDPassport was developed as a non-profit, IBD-specific travel resource, aimed at providing evidence-based information for IBD patients and health professionals.
Innovations in care: managing severely excoriated peristomal skin using a hairdryer
Authors: Boyd Karen
Published: December 2014

This article aims to explore the management of severely excoriated peristomal skin. Using a case study from her own practice, the author will explore her experience of using a hairdryer as a tool in stoma care. When this practice was challenged, nursing literature was used to establish current practice and identify the risks. Following consultation, a guideline was developed to help reduce any risk to the patient. Stoma care nurses have developed innovative skills to solve the dilemma of leaking stoma pouches; similarly, the use of a hairdryer following strict guidance can be an effective method of drying severely excoriated peristomal skin and reducing the pain and anxiety felt by a patient.
Slop in public and private
Authors: Slop
Published: December 2014

An unfortunate encounter with a horse leads Slop on a tour of the health service
from Westminster
Authors: Leahy Patrick
Published: December 2014

On the money? Political parties and the NHS
Living in interesting times
Authors: Marx Clare
Published: December 2014

NHS England publishes its five-year plan, and the RCS AGM enjoys record attendance.
Why Doctors Need Not Fear Prosecution for Gender-Related Abortions
Authors: Swift Kristina , Robson Michelle
Published: December 2014

This article examines whether criminal liability can arise in respect of abortions which are said to be gender related. Recent claims of abortions performed on the grounds of gender have raised questions of possible criminal liability of the medical profession. This article argues that a doctor performing an abortion would almost inevitably be able to establish a defence to any allegation of criminal activity, by relying on both the specific defences set out in the Abortion Act 1967 and the readiness of the judiciary to defend a doctor's actions where the doctor is acting responsibly and in good faith to safeguard a patient from harm.
Mandatory Harsh Penalties for People Smugglers in Australia: Time for Reform
Authors: Bagaric Mirko , Pathinayake Athula
Published: December 2014

People-smuggling offences in Australia carry long mandatory terms of imprisonment. The penalties are so severe that many members of the judiciary have taken the unusual step of criticising them. An analysis of the sentencing regime for these offences demonstrates that the penalties are, indeed, too harsh. They are disproportionate to the objective seriousness of the offences and are incapable of deterring would-be offenders. If a fixed penalty is to be maintained for such offences, it should be in the order of imprisonment for three months—not five years—with a minimum term of three years. The offences discussed in this article relate to Australia, however, the people-smuggling phenomenon occurs in most developed nations. Thus the principles discussed below are of more wide-ranging application.
Restraining Orders following an Acquittal in Domestic Violence Cases: Securing Greater Victim Safety?
Authors: Bettinson Vanessa
Published: December 2014

This article explores the use of post-acquittal restraining orders in domestic violence cases. It considers whether these orders, civil in nature, should be imposed by a criminal court upon a defendant who has been acquitted. The procedural and human rights concerns of both the defendant of domestic violence cases and the victim are considered and the conclusion is drawn that these restraining orders can accommodate the balance between the interests of defendant and victim. It is argued that further training of prosecutors, judges and magistrates in the use of post-acquittal restraining orders would further improve the Crown Prosecution Service's overall strategy to improve its performance in domestic violence-related cases.
Thabo Meli Revisited: The Pernicious Effects of Result-Driven Decisions
Authors: Arenson Kenneth J.
Published: December 2014

Despite the hackneyed expression that ‘judges should interpret the law and not make it’, the fact remains that there is some scope within the separation of powers doctrine for the courts to develop the common law incrementally. To this extent, the courts can effectively legislate, but only to this limited extent if they are to respect the separation of powers doctrine. On occasion, however, the courts have usurped the power entrusted to Parliament, and particularly so in instances where a strict application of the existing law would lead to results that offend their personal notions of what is fair and just. When this occurs, the natural consequence is that lawyers, academics and the public in general lose respect for both the judges involved as well as the adversarial system of criminal justice. In order to illustrate this point, attention will focus on the case of Thabo Meli v United Kingdom in which the Privy Council, mistakenly believing that it could not reach its desired outcome through a strict application of the common law rule of temporal coincidence, emasculated the rule beyond recognition in order to convict the accused. Moreover, the discussion to follow will demonstrate that not only was the court wrong in its belief that the case involved the doctrine of temporal coincidence, but the same result would have been achieved had the Council correctly identified the issue as one of legal causation and correctly applied the principles relating thereto.
Criminal Justice, Science and the Marketplace: The Closure of the Forensic Science Service in Perspective
Authors: Wilson Tim J. , Gallop Angela M. C.
Published: December 2014

Despite hesitant beginnings the Forensic Science Service (FSS) prospered institutionally, as the dominant supplier of forensic science services to the police, after the introduction of neoliberal policies. This ended when the FSS overreached itself and the intensification of neoliberal policies created an incongruity between its organisational objectives and those of its clients. The fortunes of UK forensic science and the FSS diverged long before its closure. Academic and learned society evidence to a Select Committee inquiry into this event, and the influence that this had on the Committee's report, illustrates this change. This expert testimony also explains the importance of the normative, epistemic and professional aspirations of criminal justice practitioners for ensuring the value of forensic science to criminal justice. We argue that the risks threatening scientific evidence, particularly recurrent problems of under-funding and unequal access for the defence, may be masked by older narratives of neoliberalism or too narrow an institutional focus.
Criminal Culpability, Criminal Attempts and the Erosion of the Choice Theory
Authors: Wishart Hannah
Published: December 2014

This article considers whether the leading perspectives of the theory of choice can provide the criminal law with a map to establishing when and where on the commission of a crime the agent should be held criminally culpable for a criminal attempt contrary to s. 1(1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981. In order to do so, this article will focus on examining the modern views of choice theory and their application in relation to the criminal attempter, namely, the last-act-attempter and non-last-act-attempter. As a result of such an inquiry it will be revealed that choice theory does not adequately correspond to reconciling the attribution of criminal culpability for both the last-act and non-last-act-attempter because theorists are eroding the theory of choice by supporting the reconcilement of criminal responsibility upon various views of subjectivism.
Considering Causation in Criminal Law
Authors: Witjens Erik
Published: December 2014

According to the dominant view, causation in criminal law is a bifurcated test consisting of cause in fact and proximate causation. In the first section of this article the theoretical underpinnings of causation are explored, for instance concerning the underlying interrogations of causal questions in the law. In the second section, the traditional view on bifurcation is challenged, weaknesses are uncovered, and the shortcomings of counterfactual tests as a heuristic test for factual or ‘empirical’ causation are assessed. By reviewing R v Williams and R v Hughes, the third section of the article seeks to elucidate the nature of the causal requirement in law. It is suggested, that legal influences permeate the causal requirement in law to the extent that it is dominated by them. The article consequently concludes that the bifurcation needs to be rejected to better reflect the role of (empirical) causation in criminal law better.
Recent Trends in Explaining Abuse within Intimate Relationships
Authors: Stevens Philip
Published: December 2014

This article reflects upon abuse within intimate relationships with specific emphasis on research pertaining to the phenomena of coercive control, Stockholm syndrome and the compliant victim of the sexual sadist, advanced in order to explain the non-physical aspects of abuse within intimate relationships. The battered woman syndrome is accordingly revisited with specific emphasis on the non-visible aspects of abuse within intimate relationships which are often underestimated and overlooked. The latter is illustrated against the backdrop of the controversial South African case of S v Visser which was the first South African criminal case where these theories were addressed.
Editorial 2: La Nueva Teoría Estratégica y sus desarrollos en los ámbitos comunicacionales
Authors: De Salas Nestares María Isabel
Published: December 2014

Cuando en el año 2008, con ocasión del Congreso Internacional Brand Trends, organizado por la Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera en Valencia, me comentó el profesor Rafael Alberto Pérez cómo había visto la aplicación de la Nueva Teoría Estratégica en las diferentes conferencias de los profesionales de comunicación comercial y corporativa allí reunidos, tomé conciencia de que efectivamente la NTE se estaba ya aplicando en el campo de la Publicidad y el Marketing, validando así el modelo o paradigma. Y por otro lado me reafirmé en mi consideración de que el proceso tecnológico de digitalización de la comunicación ha sido el magma sobre el cual la NTE ha podido avanzar en su postulado relacional. A partir de entonces seguí su consejo sobre la necesidad de realizar un cambio en “la mirada” de cómo contemplar el mundo y hacerlo rompiendo con la mirada heredada de un mundo fragmentado, con causalidad lineal y estático y pasar a una visión compleja, fluida y caótica (Pérez y Massoini, 2009: 137-142).
Estrategias ante la nueva situación tecnológica y económica del sector publicitario español
Authors: Garrido Pablo , Fernández-Fernández Paloma , Baños-González Miguel
Published: December 2014

El sector publicitario está viviendo grandes cambios que afectan a prácticamente todos los ámbitos de actividad y a todos los sujetos implicados. Con esta investigación pretendemos conocer la influencia que la crisis económica y la evolución tecnológica está teniendo en estas transformaciones y en las decisiones estratégicas que se ponen en marcha en el sector. Utilizando como herramienta metodológica la encuesta, se entrevista a más de 60 profesionales y académicos expertos en publicidad y en comunicaciones de marketing. De las respuestas de los encuestados podemos concluir que si bien la influencia de la crisis y de la tecnología es notable, no lo es con la misma intensidad en todas las variables analizadas.
La evolución de la estrategia publicitaria. Del brand management a la marca adaptada y el nuevo papel del consumidor
Authors: Torres Romay Emma , García Mirón Silvia
Published: December 2014

El presente trabajo de investigación pretende realizar un repaso por los cambios que se han podido producir en los procesos de planificación estratégica publicitaria. Para ese fin se ha realizado un seguimiento de las principales tendencias comunicativas en este ámbito, intentando identificar los modelos actuales para poder así, comparar la realidad actual con lo que sucedía antes de la crisis. El punto de partida en este caso está en el hecho de que, tal y como preveía la Nueva Teoría Estratégica, la recuperación del ser humano es la base del funcionamiento de la estrategia publicitaria actual, donde las marcas deben adaptarse a las preferencias del consumidor de una forma casi individual y los mensajes deben dirigirse a un consumidor más crítico y con un mayor manejo de las herramientas comunicativas que lo convierten en un prosumidor. Se trata de un ejercicio complejo realizado quizá en el momento en el que se están produciendo los cambios más profundos en el sector.
La transformación del ecosistema mediático español: el caso de eldiario.es
Authors: González Esteban José Luis
Published: December 2014

El ecosistema mediático español se está transformando a ritmo vertiginoso, de manera similar a la política nacional y con muchas claves coincidentes como la participación ciudadana. Tras unos años de experimentación en torno a contenidos, organización y sobre todo modelos de negocio de los nuevos medios, en España se están consolidando proyectos de sumo interés. Uno de ellos es eldiario.es, medio nativo digital encabezado por el periodista Ignacio Escolar que se ha colocado entre los medios más influyentes del país, entre los más visitados en Internet, y ello gracias a un periodismo de calidad especializado en contenidos de política nacional, aderezados con un toque social. En el presente artículo se analiza la evolución de los medios nativos digitales en España durante el último lustro, poniendo el foco en el caso aludido por la originalidad de su modelo de negocio y por el impacto de sus contenidos de actualidad política.
La Violencia en la Mirada: conflicto, infancia y televisión
Authors: Cristófol Rodríguez Carmen
Published: December 2014

Miquel Rodrigo-Alsina destaca en el prólogo la importancia y alcance de este libro interdisciplinar: el análisis de la violencia infantil en televisión y la necesidad de definirlo. Destaca también el prologuista la capacidad de síntesis de los autores: sociólogos, psicólogos, pedagogos-comunicólogos, filólogos, comunicólogos y criminólogos; humanistas, a fin de cuentas, con una gran capacidad de síntesis para marcar un “plano del territorio para que podamos orientarnos” (p.8). Humanistas con la amplitud de miras necesaria para abordar un estudio de tal calado, que recoge la visión más actual de un tema que debería ser prioritario en una sociedad avanzada; una visión que culminará con la metodología de estudio y los resultados del proyecto INVIOTEL, la Red de Investigación Infancia, Violencia y Televisión.
O PAPEL DA ATENÇÃO FARMACÊUTICA FRENTE ÀS INTERAÇÕES FÁRMACO-NUTRIENTE
Authors: De Oliveira Antunes Aline , Lo Prete Ana Cristina
Published: December 2014

O farmacêutico, por meio da atenção farmacêutica, pode acompanhar a farmacoterapia, orientando e intervindo quando necessário, buscando melhoria na educação em saúde e na qualidade de vida do paciente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a importância da atenção farmacêutica na identificação e resolução das interações fármaco-nutriente, evidenciando as implicações dessas interações no efeito terapêutico do fármaco ou no estado nutricional. Foram realizadas pesquisas em livros e artigos científicos em bases de dados como Science Direct, Pubmed e Scielo, no período de 2000 a 2014. Os resultados mostraram que existem inúmeras possibilidades de interações fármaco-nutriente, as quais podem causar prejuízos ao efeito do fármaco e/ou ao estado nutricional do paciente, e essas muitas vezes não são identificadas, por falta de conhecimento dos profissionais da saúde ou devido aos testes de biodisponibilidade dos medicamentos serem realizados em jejum, por exigência dos órgãos sanitários. Desse modo, vê-se a necessidade da atuação do farmacêutico, que por meio do seu amplo conhecimento, pode colaborar com a diminuição dos riscos dessas interações fármaco-nutriente e nutriente-fármaco, resgatando assim a confiança do paciente e a essência da profissão.
ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DE FORMULAÇÕES DE FATOR DE PROTEÇÃO SOLAR DE FARMÁCIAS MAGISTRAIS UTILIZANDO SIMULADORES
Authors: Ramos Priscila Feretti , Giardini Inês Juliana Martorano
Published: December 2014

A importância do uso de protetor solar tem sido amplamente divulgada na mídia. Há muitas opções de formulações de protetor solar disponíveis no mercado magistral, incluindo uma gama de fatores proteção solar e preços. No momento da compra, dúvidas e controvérsias podem surgir em relação ao fator de proteção ideal e suficiente para minimizar os efeitos da radiação ultravioleta. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar formulações de fotoprotetores disponíveis em farmácias de manipulação. Seis formulações foram testadas com fator de proteção solar atribuído por farmácias de manipulação no Estado de São Paulo. Foram observadas discrepâncias entre fator rotulado e eficácia em alguns protetores solares testados. Os resultados mostraram que algumas formulações não atingiram o fator de proteção solar descrito na embalagem nem o grau de proteção contra raios UVA, utilizando como base o método Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD), em relação ao valor mínimo exigido na RDC 30, de 1 de Junho de 2012. Tendo em vista que a fotoproteção é de extrema importância para evitar os efeitos da radiação ultravioleta, há necessidade de um controle mais rigoroso de qualidade na produção de protetores solares manipulados.
Dynamik der Energiewende erhalten und erweitern
Authors: Schomerus Thomas , G.Hansen Erik , Lechtenböhmer Stefan
Published: December 2014

Dass die Energiewende überall in den Regionen erhebliche Dynamiken und Innovationen hervorruft, hat einmal mehr das Leuphana Energieforum 2014 gezeigt. Trotz des politischen Gegenwinds bleiben die Bürgerenergieakteure extrem wichtig für die Akzeptanz der Energiewende
und deren erfolgreiche Ausdehnung auf Wärmebereitstellung und Verkehr
Innovationswirkungen der Energiewende
Authors: Rennings Klaus , Rexhäuser Sascha
Published: December 2014

Die Energiewende kostet nicht nur, sie eröffnet auch neue Chancen: Innovationen, die unter anderem helfen, dass die Transformation des Energiesystems bezahlbar bleibt. Um die Innovationswirkung der Energiewende umfassend zu bewerten, gilt es allerdings, nicht allein technische
Neuerungen, sondern vor allem auch deren (effiziente) Nutzung zu berücksichtigen.
Der ETH-Studiengang Umweltnaturwissenschaften: auch nach 25 Jahren auf Kurs
Authors: Steiner Regula , Pohl Christian
Published: December 2014

Der Studiengang Umweltnaturwissenschaften an der ETH Zürich wurde mit einer Delphi-Studie überprüft. Die inhaltliche Breite mit der fachlichen Grundausbildung in den Naturwissenschaften und den Sozial- und Geisteswissenschaften ist noch immer gefragt als Voraussetzung
für den Umgang mit komplexen Systemen und für vernetztes Denken
Umgang mit erneuerbaren Ressourcen: Herausforderung Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Kläy Andreas
Published: December 2014

Die Welt(wirtschaft) ‐ und mit ihr der Umgang mit erneuerbaren Ressourcen ‐ hat sich in den letzten 300 Jahren grundlegend geändert; die Herausforderungen einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung bleiben
Energetische Sanierung: Sozialräumliche Strukturen von Städten berücksichtigen
Authors: Großmann Katrin , Bierwirth Anja , Bartke Stephan , Jensen Thorben , Kabisch Sigrun , von Malottki Christian , Mayer Ines , Rügamer Johanna
Published: December 2014

Die energetische Sanierung von Wohnhäusern wird in vielen Städten vorangetrieben. Was im Hinblick auf Energieeffizienz sinnvoll ist, kann aufgrund steigender Mietkosten zu einer Verdrängung der alteingesessenen Bewohner(innen) führen. Damit energetische Sanierung
nicht dazu beiträgt, soziale Ungleichheiten auf Stadt- und Quartiersebene zu erhöhen, bedarf es sozialpolitischer Regelungen und Förderinstrumente. Doch fehlt noch eine fundierte Datenbasis, die es erlaubt, entsprechende Empfehlungen zu geben.
Multilayer-based lab-on-a-chip systems for perfused cell-based assays
Authors: Klotzbach Udo , Sonntag Frank , Grünzner Stefan , Busek Mathias , Schmieder Florian , Franke Volker
Published: December 2014

A novel integrated technology chain of laser-microstructured multilayer foils for fast, flexible, and low-cost manufacturing of lab-on-a-chip devices especially for complex cell and tissue culture applications, which provides pulsatile fluid flow within physiological ranges at low media-to-cells ratio, was developed and established. Initially the microfluidic system is constructively divided into individual layers, which are formed by separate foils or plates. Based on the functional boundary conditions and the necessary properties of each layer, their corresponding foils and plates are chosen. In the third step, the foils and plates are laser microstructured and functionalized from both sides. In the fourth and last manufacturing step, the multiple plates and foils are joined using different bonding techniques like adhesive bonding, welding, etc. This multilayer technology together with pneumatically driven micropumps and valves permits the manufacturing of fluidic structures and perfusion systems, which spread out above multiple planes. Based on the established lab-on-a-chip platform for perfused cell-based assays, a multilayer microfluidic system with two parallel connected cell culture chambers was successfully implemented.
From hand-carved to computer-based: Noun-participle compounding and the upward strengthening hypothesis
Authors: Hilpert Martin
Published: December 2014

This paper addresses the recent history of noun-participle compounding in English. This word formation process is illustrated by forms such as hand-carved or computer-based. Data from the COHA shows that over the last two-hundred years, such forms have undergone a substantial increase in type and token frequency. These quantitative changes motivate an exploration of the qualitative changes that have accompanied them. A diachronic analysis of the noun and participle types that are recruited into noun-participle compounds reveals that the word formation process has changed substantially with regard to its component parts. While the observable changes in noun-participle compounding match several defining criteria of grammaticalization, it is argued here that these developments are more usefully seen as a process of constructional change. To distinguish between those two, this paper develops an idea that is called the upward strengthening hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, grammaticalization happens when the activation of a node in a constructional network strengthens not only that node itself, but also a node that is situated at a higher, more abstract level of that network.
Ultra-compact UHF Band-pass Filter Designed by Archimedes Spiral Capacitor and Shorted-loaded Stubs
Authors: Peng Lin , Jiang Xing
Published: December 2014

UHF microstrip band-pass filters (BPFs) that much smaller than the referred BPFs are proposed in this communication. For the designing purpose of compactness, archimedes spiral capacitor and ground-loaded stubs are utilized to enhance capacitances and inductance of a filter. Two compact BPFs denoted as BPF 1 and BPF 2 are designed by applying these techniques. The size of BPF 1 and BPF 2 are 0.062 λg × 0.056 λg and 0.047 λg × 0.043 λg, respectively, where λg are guided wavelengths of the centre frequencies of the corresponding filters. The proposed filters were constructed and measured, and the measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones.
Large-Signal Investigation of Cold and Hot Matched Coupled-Cavity Traveling-Wave Tubes
Authors: Meyne Sascha , David Jean-François , Jacob Arne F.
Published: December 2014

The implications of different matching conditions for coupled-cavity traveling-wave tubes are considered. Using a small-signal approach the characteristic impedance for the coupled (hot) beam-wave system is derived. It is taken as reference impedance to model ideal transformers and severs. This matching condition is compared to the standard cold match and both cases are analyzed using a large-signal interaction tool. The implications on input reflection and output gain are discussed.
Crystal structure of tricarbonyl-chlorido-(N-(pyridin-2-yl)-N-((4-tertbutyl) benzoyl)pyridine-2-amine)rhenium(I), C24H21ClN3O4Re
Authors: Mukiza Janvier , Gerber Thomas I. A. , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: December 2014

C24H21ClN3O4Re, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 22.178(1) Å, b = 12.4411(5) Å, c = 17.1519(7) Å, β = 90.270(2)°, V = 4732.5 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0179, wRref(F2) = 0.0376, T = 200 K.
Random Policy for an Unreliable Server System With Delaying Repair and Setup Time Under Bernoulli Vacation Schedule
Authors: Huang Hsin-I. , Wang Tsung-Yin , Ke Jau-Chuan
Published: December 2014

This paper deals with an M/G/1 queuing system with server setup and a Bernoulli vacation schedule, in which an unreliable server applies a random N-policy. The server may break down at any time, and the service channel will fail for the duration of the breakdown. When units in the queue are exhaustively served, the server will become idle until the queue size grows to meet a random threshold N(≥1). As soon as the queue size reaches N, the server will immediately begin to serve the waiting units. Upon the service completion of each unit, the server may take a vacation or may remain in the system to serve the next unit, if any. This study derives the queue size distribution during a busy period initiation epoch and a departure epoch, respectively. We also give the analytic expression for the distribution of the delay busy period, which includes breakdown periods and actual busy periods. Furthermore, numerical examples of the long-run cost functions for the random N-policy and the classical N-policy are investigated.
Rare complication characterized by late-onset transient neurological symptoms without hyperperfusion after carotid artery stenting: A report of three cases
Authors: Fukushima Yutaka , Nakahara Ichiro , Ohta Tsuyoshi , Matsumoto Shoji , Ishibashi Ryota , Gomi Masanori , Miyata Haruka , Nishi Hidehisa , Watanabe Sadayoshi
Published: December 2014

We experienced a rare complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS) characterized by transient neurological symptoms with no evidence of distal emboli or hyperperfusion. Using neuroimaging, we investigated the pathogenesis of the complication that occurred after CAS in three patients who developed neurological symptoms over a period of ten hours after CAS and improved within two days. None of the three patients showed signs of fresh infarctions on diffusion-weighted imaging or hyperperfusion on single-photon emission computed tomography. However, high signal intensity was observed in the leptomeningeal zone of the cerebral hemisphere on the stent side in all three patients and in the leptomeningeal zone of the contralateral anterior cerebral artery territory in one patient. These areas were assessed using fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging without gadolinium administration. The high signal intensity in the leptomeningeal zone disappeared as the symptoms improved. Based on the transient nature of the neurological disorders and the normalization of FLAIR imaging findings in these patients, the pathogenesis of this complication might have been vasogenic edema due to vasoparalysis of the local vessels caused by the hemodynamic changes occurring after CAS.
Dental erosion in a partially edentulous patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a case report
Authors: Picos Alina Monica , Picos Andrei , Nicoara Petra , Craitoiu Monica M.
Published: December 2014

Diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bulimia, anorexia, and extrinsic alimentary factors may cause dental erosion (DE). The minimally invasive therapeutic attitude preserves the remaining healthy tooth structure. In the earlier stages, the direct restoration of dental lesions is possible, using composite materials. In advanced stages of DE, prosthetic treatments are recommended for stable esthetic and functional results. We present a case of DE in a partially edentulous patient who benefited from a complex therapy. The prosthetic project of the case involves ceramic veneers associated with dental and implant supported fixed prosthesis for the restoration of esthetics, mastication, phonetics and their maintenance
Valuation of Public Projects for Regional Development: Critical Approach
Authors: Baranauskiene Jurgita , Alekneviciene Vilija
Published: December 2014

Public projects for regional development are prepared and implemented in order to create social benefits for society of a particular region – to improve living and working conditions and/or to protect the environment. Every investment option should be evaluated and substantiated before the right investment decision is made. The valuation of public projects is complicated due to complexity of valuation of social benefits for the regional society. Expected impact of public project should effectively satisfy society needs. The methods for public projects’ evaluation should be chosen in critical approach. The aim of this methodological research is highlight the main problems of methods used for evaluation of public projects for regional development. This article provides main characteristic of public projects for regional development, reviews the methods used for evaluation of public projects for regional development, presents problematic questions of public projects’ evaluation raised in scientific literature, provides a summary of the main problems of evaluation methods used for regional development public projects.
Professional Development of Indonesian Librarians: towards Digital Library Environment
Authors: Zen Zulfikar
Published: December 2014

Libraries are an information institution. Nowadays, the information are available in printed, recorded, and online formats. The librarians have to adapt themselves with the latest development, especially with the digital  environment. Some libraries in Indonesia have been provided with digital formats such as e-books, e-journals, and other internet facilities. The library institutions, library schools, and library professional associations in Indonesia have also been involved with the digital environment, resulting in the improvement of their knowledge and skills.
Experimental tests on cross-laminated timber joints and walls
Authors: Flatscher Georg , Bratulic Katarina , Schickhofer Gerhard
Published: December 2014

As a product, cross-laminated timber exhibits widely linear-elastic behaviour (except for compressive stress) and a tendency to have brittle failure mechanisms. Therefore, especially at dynamic loadings (e.g. earthquakes), the behaviour of cross-laminated timber structures is highly dependent on the connections used. Based on several single-joint and wall tests performed monotonically as well as cyclically, this paper provides improved insight into the behaviour of different joints that make up cross-laminated timber structures. In addition to information on the failure modes that occurred and specific values determined by way of experimental tests, interpretations of different contributions towards the overall deflection of the tested wall systems are presented. The influence of different connection types and their combinations within one wall system is another topic discussed. Finally, the sensitivity of resulting test properties concerning the post-processing models used is singled out as a central theme.
Multi‐scale spatial controls of understory vegetation in Douglas‐fir–western hemlock forests of western Oregon, USA
Authors: Burton Julia I. , Ganio Lisa M. , Puettmann Klaus J.
Published: December 2014

Forest understory vegetation is influenced by broad‐scale variation in climate, intermediate‐scale variation in topography, disturbance and neighborhood interactions. However, little is known about how these multi‐scale controls interact to influence observed spatial patterns. We examined relationships between the aggregated cover of understory plant species (%CU) and multi‐scale controls using a large‐scale experiment including treatments of low (LS), moderate (MS) and variable (VS) disturbance severity replicated in second‐growth Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga meziesii)–western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) forests spanning climate and topographic gradients. We developed hierarchical models using a multi‐step selection process, assessing changes residual spatial autocorrelation associated with progressively broader spatial scales of influence and interaction. To examine the role of plant traits in mediating multi‐scale controls, we contrasted effects for early‐ (%CES) and late‐seral (%CLS) species cover.

At neighborhood scales, decreases in %CUwith overstory density were accelerated with increases in the relative importance of hemlock in the overstory in the in all but the LS treatment. At intermediate scales, %CUwas lower in areas with higher potential radiation in undisturbed control treatments but that trend was reversed in the harvested, disturbed areas. When separated, effects of multi‐scale controls differed between %CESand %CLS. Rates of increases in %CESwith reductions in density increased with disturbance severity and decreased with increases in %CLS. At broader scales, %CESincreased with climatic moisture deficit where potential radiation was high, and %CLSlow. Similarly to %CU, %CLSwas related to a three‐way interaction between overstory density, disturbance and hemlock abundance. %CLSdeclined with increases in climatic moisture deficit where overstory density and the relative abundance of hemlock was high, and decreased with local increases in %CES. Multi‐scale controls explained a portion of the observed spatial autocorrelation for %CESbut not %CLS, suggesting the spatial patterning of %CLSis related primarily to unmeasured processes. Results show how understory responses to overstory density and disturbance severity vary across the landscape with moisture and potential radiation, at fine scales with neighborhood structure, and with species traits. Hence, understory responses to climate change likely depend on overstory composition and structure, disturbance and species traits.
The Impact of Local Immigration Enforcement Policies on the Health of Immigrant Hispanics/Latinos in the United States
Authors: Rhodes Scott D. , Mann Lilli , Simán Florence M. , Song Eunyoung , Alonzo Jorge , Downs Mario , Lawlor Emma , Martinez Omar , Sun Christina J. , O’Brien Mary Claire , Reboussin Beth A. , Hall Mark A.
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We sought to understand how local immigration enforcement policies affect the utilization of health services among immigrant Hispanics/Latinos in North Carolina.

Methods. In 2012, we analyzed vital records data to determine whether local implementation of section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Secure Communities program, which authorizes local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws, affected the prenatal care utilization of Hispanics/Latinas. We also conducted 6 focus groups and 17 interviews with Hispanic/Latino persons across North Carolina to explore the impact of immigration policies on their utilization of health services.

Results. We found no significant differences in utilization of prenatal care before and after implementation of section 287(g), but we did find that, in individual-level analysis, Hispanic/Latina mothers sought prenatal care later and had inadequate care when compared with non-Hispanic/Latina mothers. Participants reported profound mistrust of health services, avoiding health services, and sacrificing their health and the health of their family members.

Conclusions. Fear of immigration enforcement policies is generalized across counties. Interventions are needed to increase immigrant Hispanics/Latinos’ understanding of their rights and eligibility to utilize health services. Policy-level initiatives are also needed (e.g., driver’s licenses) to help undocumented persons access and utilize these services.
A Water Availability Intervention in New York City Public Schools: Influence on Youths’ Water and Milk Behaviors
Authors: Elbel Brian , Mijanovich Tod , Abrams Courtney , Cantor Jonathan , Dunn Lillian , Nonas Cathy , Cappola Kristin , Onufrak Stephen , Park Sohyun
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We determined the influence of “water jets” on observed water and milk taking and self-reported fluid consumption in New York City public schools.

Methods. From 2010 to 2011, before and 3 months after water jet installation in 9 schools, we observed water and milk taking in cafeterias (mean 1000 students per school) and surveyed students in grades 5, 8, and 11 (n = 2899) in the 9 schools that received water jets and 10 schools that did not. We performed an observation 1 year after implementation (2011–2012) with a subset of schools. We also interviewed cafeteria workers regarding the intervention.

Results. Three months after implementation we observed a 3-fold increase in water taking (increase of 21.63 events per 100 students; P < .001) and a much smaller decline in milk taking (-6.73 events per 100 students; P = .012), relative to comparison schools. At 1 year, relative to baseline, there was a similar increase in water taking and no decrease in milk taking. Cafeteria workers reported that the water jets were simple to clean and operate.

Conclusions. An environmental intervention in New York City public schools increased water taking and was simple to implement.
Comparison of Smoking Cessation Between Education Groups: Findings From 2 US National Surveys Over 2 Decades
Authors: Zhuang Yue-Lin , Gamst Anthony C. , Cummins Sharon E. , Wolfson Tanya , Zhu Shu-Hong
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We examined smoking cessation rate by education and determined how much of the difference can be attributed to the rate of quit attempts and how much to the success of these attempts.

Methods. We analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS, 1991–2010) and the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS, 1992–2011). Smokers (≥ 25 years) were divided into lower- and higher-education groups (≤ 12 years and > 12 years).

Results. A significant difference in cessation rate between the lower- and the higher-education groups persisted over the last 2 decades. On average, the annual cessation rate for the former was about two thirds that of the latter (3.5% vs 5.2%; P < .001, for both NHIS and TUS-CPS). About half the difference in cessation rate can be attributed to the difference in quit attempt rate and half to the difference in success rate.

Conclusions. Smokers in the lower-education group have consistently lagged behind their higher-education counterparts in quitting. In addition to the usual concern about improving their success in quitting, tobacco control programs need to find ways to increase quit attempts in this group.
Diverging Trends in the Incidence of Occupational and Nonoccupational Injury in Ontario, 2004–2011
Authors: Chambers Andrea , Ibrahim Selahadin , Etches Jacob , Mustard Cameron
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We describe trends in occupational and nonoccupational injury among working-age adults in Ontario.

Methods. We conducted an observational study of adults aged 15 to 64 over the period 2004 through 2011, estimating the incidence of occupational and nonoccupational injury from emergency department (ED) records and, separately, from survey responses to 5 waves of a national health interview survey.

Results. Over the observation period, the annual percentage change (APC) in the incidence of work-related injury was −5.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = −7.3, −4.6) in ED records and −7.4% (95% CI = −11.1, −3.5) among survey participants. In contrast, the APC in the incidence of nonoccupational injury was −0.3% (95% CI = −0.4, 0.0) in ED records and 1.0% (95% CI = 0.4, 1.6) among survey participants. Among working-age adults, the percentage of all injuries attributed to work exposures declined from 20.0% in 2004 to 15.2% in 2011 in ED records and from 27.7% in 2001 to 16.9% in 2010 among survey participants.

Conclusions. Among working-age adults in Ontario, nearly all of the observed decline in injury incidence over the period 2004 through 2011 is attributed to reductions in occupational injury.
Awareness of HCV Infection Among Persons Who Inject Drugs in San Diego, California
Authors: Collier Melissa G. , Bhaurla Sandeep K. , Cuevas-Mota Jazmine , Armenta Richard F. , Teshale Eyasu H. , Garfein Richard S.
Published: December 2014

We asked persons who inject drugs questions about HCV, including past testing and diagnosis followed by HCV testing.

Of 540 participants, 145 (27%) were anti-HCV positive, but of those who were positive, only 46 (32%) knew about their infection. Asking about previous HCV testing results yielded better results than did asking about prior HCV diagnosis. Factors associated with knowing about HCV infection included older age, HIV testing, and drug treatment.

Comprehensive approaches to educating and screening this population for HCV need implementation.
Association of Campus Tobacco Policies With Secondhand Smoke Exposure, Intention to Smoke on Campus, and Attitudes About Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Authors: Fallin Amanda , Roditis Maria , Glantz Stanton A.
Published: December 2014

College campus tobacco-free policies are an emerging trend. Between September 2013 and May 2014, we surveyed 1309 college students at 8 public 4-year institutions across California with a range of policies (smoke-free indoors only, designated outdoor smoking areas, smoke-free, and tobacco-free).

Stronger policies were associated with fewer students reporting exposure to secondhand smoke or seeing someone smoke on campus. On tobacco-free college campuses, fewer students smoked and reported intention to smoke on campus. Strong majorities of students supported outdoor smoking restrictions across all policy types.

Comprehensive tobacco-free policies are effective in reducing exposure to smoking and intention to smoke on campus.
Health Effects of Unemployment Benefit Program Generosity
Authors: Cylus Jonathan , Glymour M. Maria , Avendano Mauricio
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We assessed the impact of unemployment benefit programs on the health of the unemployed.

Methods. We linked US state law data on maximum allowable unemployment benefit levels between 1985 and 2008 to individual self-rated health for heads of households in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and implemented state and year fixed-effect models.

Results. Unemployment was associated with increased risk of reporting poor health among men in both linear probability (b = 0.0794; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.0623, 0.0965) and logistic models (odds ratio = 2.777; 95% CI = 2.294, 3.362), but this effect is lower when the generosity of state unemployment benefits is high (b for interaction between unemployment and benefits = −0.124; 95% CI = −0.197, −0.0523). A 63% increase in benefits completely offsets the impact of unemployment on self-reported health.

Conclusions. Results suggest that unemployment benefits may significantly alleviate the adverse health effects of unemployment among men.
Work Safety Culture of Youth Farmworkers in North Carolina: A Pilot Study
Authors: Arcury Thomas A. , Kearney Gregory D. , Rodriguez Guadalupe , Arcury Justin T. , Quandt Sara A.
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We analyzed aspects of the behavioral, situational, and psychological elements of work safety culture of hired youth farmworkers in North Carolina.

Methods. Data were from interviewer-administered questionnaires completed with 87 male and female hired farmworkers aged 10 to 17 years in North Carolina in 2013. We computed means, SDs, and Cronbach α values for the perceived work safety climate and safety perception summary scores.

Results. Hired youth farmworkers in North Carolina described a negative work safety culture. Most engaged in unsafe general and unsafe work behaviors, few received training, and many were sexually harassed at work. They had mixed safety attitudes and knew that their employment was precarious. They reported a poor perceived work safety climate characterized by the perception that their supervisors “are only interested in doing the job fast and cheaply.” However, we could not detect statistically significant associations between work safety culture and injuries among these farmworkers.

Conclusions. Increased scrutiny of agriculture as a suitable industry for workers as young as 10 years and additional regulations to protect hired youth farmworkers, if not to remove them from this environment, are warranted. Additional research is needed.