bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of the application of paediatric reference levels.
Authors: Montgomery A , Martin C J
Published: June 2014

Radiation exposure of paediatrics is of particular concern because of the greater health detriment. In this study, the application of patient dose reference levels to paediatric radiographic examinations has been investigated. The relationships between entrance surface dose and patient age and size parameters have been studied in three hospitals. The data have been used to derive conversion factors to describe relationships between doses for children of different ages. The usefulness of equivalent patient diameter, weight and age as variables relating to doses has been examined. Simple conversion factors in look-up tables have been derived that link doses for patients of a variety of ages and sizes for particular examinations. It is proposed that factors of this type could be applied to data for individual patients to allow a wider range of ages to be included in any group. This would enable sufficient dose data to be collected from non-specialist hospitals for comparison with reference levels. It would facilitate identification of hospitals where doses are higher so that changes could be made to radiographic practice.
Liver involvement in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: assessment with 99Tcm-phytate radionuclide angiography and 123I-IMP transrectal portal scintigraphy.
Authors: Suga K , Ishikawa Y , Matsunaga N , Tanaka N , Suda H , Handa T
Published: June 2014

Abnormal hepatic haemodynamics and function in a 43-year-old woman with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) were evaluated using 99Tcm-phytate angiography and iodine-123-iodoamphetamine transrectal portal scintigraphy. Radionuclide angiography demonstrated hyperdynamic perfusion of the liver owing to intrahepatic arteriovenous fistulae (AVF), entry of tracer into the systemic circulation through intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and an increase in recirculating blood flow caused by these vascular disorders. Heterogeneous distribution of tracer also suggested the presence of chronic hepatic injury. Transrectal portal scintigraphy showed large portosystemic shunts. Other imaging techniques confirmed the presence of the AVF but failed to identify the portosystemic shunts. Non-invasive radionuclide studies are helpful in the evaluation of hepatic involvement of HHT.
CT assessment of tumour response to treatment: comparison of linear, cross-sectional and volumetric measures of tumour size.
Authors: Sohaib S A , Turner B , Hanson J A , Farquharson M , Oliver R T , Reznek R H
Published: June 2014

Changes in cross-sectional area are currently used to assess tumour response to treatment. The aims of this study were to validate a helical CT technique for volume determination using a series of phantoms and to compare tumour responses indicated by one-, two- and three-dimensional measures of tumour size change in patients treated for germ cell cancer or lymphoma. All studies were performed on an IGE HiSpeed Advantage helical CT scanner with an Advantage Windows workstation. Phantom volumes were calculated using volume reconstruction software and compared with reference volumes determined by water displacement. 20 lymph node masses were studied on serial CT scans in 16 patients treated with chemotherapy for germ cell cancer or lymphoma. For each lesion the maximum diameter, maximum cross-sectional area and volume were determined before and after treatment. Tumour response was assessed using the standard World Health Organisation criteria (i.e. changes in cross-sectional area) and the newly proposed unidimensional response evaluation criteria in solid tumour (RECIST). The CT volume measurement error was 1.0-5.1% for regularly shaped phantoms larger than 35 cm3. In the assessment of treatment response there was 90% agreement between one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) measurements and 100% agreement between 2D and three-dimensional (3D) measurements. CT volume measurements are accurate and reproducible, particularly for larger structures. Assessment of tumour response using 1D, 2D and 3D measures had limited influence on the classification of treatment response. However, the impact of CT assessment of tumour response using 1D, 2D and 3D measurements on clinical decisions and patient outcome remains to be determined.
Kaposi's sarcoma involving a transplanted kidney, ureter and urinary bladder: ultrasound and CT findings.
Authors: Rha S E , Byun J Y , Kim H H , Baek J H , Hwang T K , Kang S J
Published: June 2014

We report the imaging findings in a case of Kaposi's sarcoma involving a transplanted kidney, ureter and urinary bladder. Ultrasound and CT demonstrated multiple nodular masses in the pelvis of the transplanted kidney, ureter and bladder. The masses enhanced well on CT following i.v. contrast medium.
Breast radiotherapy phantom design for the START trial. START trial management group.
Authors: Venables K , Winfield E , Deighton A , Aird E , Hoskin P ,   START Trial Management Group
Published: June 2014

The design of phantoms for use in radiotherapy involves a number of complex issues. This paper describes breast and chest wall phantoms that have been designed and constructed for the START trial. Four phantoms have been manufactured, including two two-dimensional phantoms used on the first round of audit visits to assess the ability of departments to plan with the required accuracy. Two further phantoms have been constructed and will be used in the second round of audit visits; one is a water-filled three-dimensional phantom for investigating off-axis dosimetry, the other is to be used to assess dose in the junction region between the tangential fields and the supraclavicular fossa field. The manufacturing and design process for each of the phantoms is discussed.
CT and DSA appearances of a ruptured congenital arteriovenous malformation of the posterior mediastinal aorta.
Authors: Ching A S , Chan P N , Cheung H , Chan Y L , Metreweli C
Published: June 2014

A case of symptomatic congenital arteriovenous malformation detected in an adult patient is presented. The diagnosis was not suspected clinically but was demonstrated by CT and digital subtraction angiography. Although very rare, a congenital arteriovenous malformation of the posterior mediastinal aorta could present as a catastrophic event if it ruptures. Serpiginous vascular channels in the retro-oesophageal posterior mediastinum on CT and angiography should raise the possibility of an arteriovenous malformation.
A homolog of lariat-debranching enzyme modulates turnover of branched RNA
Authors: Garrey Stephen M. , Katolik Adam , Prekeris Mantas , Li Xueni , York Kerri , Bernards Sarah , Fields Stanley , Zhao Rui , Damha Masad J. , Hesselberth Jay R.
Published: June 2014

Turnover of the branched RNA intermediates and products of pre-mRNA splicing is mediated by the lariat-debranching enzyme Dbr1. We characterized a homolog of Dbr1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Drn1/Ygr093w, that has a pseudo-metallophosphodiesterase domain with primary sequence homology to Dbr1 but lacks essential active site residues found in Dbr1. Whereas loss of Dbr1 results in lariat-introns failing broadly to turnover, loss of Drn1 causes low levels of lariat-intron accumulation. Conserved residues in the Drn1 C-terminal CwfJ domains, which are not present in Dbr1, are required for efficient intron turnover. Drn1 interacts with Dbr1, components of the Nineteen Complex, U2 snRNA, branched intermediates, and products of splicing. Drn1 enhances debranching catalyzed by Dbr1 in vitro, but does so without significantly improving the affinity of Dbr1 for branched RNA. Splicing carried out in in vitro extracts in the absence of Drn1 results in an accumulation of branched splicing intermediates and products released from the spliceosome, likely due to less active debranching, as well as the promiscuous release of cleaved 5′-exon. Drn1 enhances Dbr1-mediated turnover of lariat-intermediates and lariat-intron products, indicating that branched RNA turnover is regulated at multiple steps during splicing.
Real Options and American Derivatives: The Double Continuation Region
Authors: Battauz Anna , De Donno Marzia , Sbuelz Alessandro
Published: June 2014

We study the nonstandard optimal exercise policy associated with relevant capital investment options and with the prepayment option of widespread collateralized-borrowing contracts like the gold loan. Option exercise is optimally postponed not only when moneyness is insufficient, but also when it is excessive. We extend the classical optimal exercise properties for American options. Early exercise of an American call with a negative underlying payout rate can occur if the option is moderately in the money. We fully characterize the existence, the monotonicity, the continuity, the limits, and the asymptotic behavior at maturity of the double free boundary that separates the exercise region from the double continuation region. We find that the finite-maturity nonstandard policy conspicuously differs from the infinite-maturity one.

This paper was accepted by Jerome Detemple, finance.
Is an i-gel® supraglottic airway useful for airway rescue in the community?
Authors: Iain Peutrell , Neil Jennison
Published: June 2014

Objective:

To ascertain whether an i-gel® (Intersurgical UK) supraglottic airway is suitable for newborn resuscitation in the community.

Method:

Fifty five community midwives were invited to participate in this study during their continuing professional development (CPD) training time over a 4 month period. Twenty of the midwives were able to participate during this time frame. The midwives were asked to manage a newborn resuscitation scenarios using 2 differing techniques: Bag valve mask with a Guedel airway (control) and a bag with an i-gel®.

Results:

Time to first breath was quicker using the i-gel® compared to bag valve mask and Guedel airway. There was no significant difference in duration of inflation breaths between the two techniques. Participants generated higher inflation pressures using i-gel® with a mean of 40cm H2O as opposed to 34cm H2O with the bag valve mask and Guedel airway.

Conclusion:

The time to first breath is considerably shorter using an i-gel® although airway pressures were significantly higher. Further investigation is needed before it could be recommended for clinical use, specifically to investigate the increased airway pressures and the true rate of failure.
The benefits of keeping spare asthma inhalers in schools
Authors: Hall Joy
Published: June 2014

The MHRA has recently launched a consultation on proposals to allow the supply of salbutamol asthma inhalers in schools for emergency use. Joy Hall, School Asthma Nurse Specialist, explains why schools should be allowed to keep spare reliever inhalers.
Promoting sun safety in families and developing a school policy
Authors: Forward Catherine
Published: June 2014

This series of articles aims to gather health promotion resources on specific themes relevant to school nursing practice. This month, Catherine Forward looks at sun safety.
Fruit & Veg: B is for beetroot…
Authors: Hammond Paula , Leslie Stephen
Published: June 2014

This month, we continue our extended adventure around the alphabetical fruits and vegetables of the world, with a look at that purple ball of yumminess, the beetroot.
Celebrate like it's Cinco de Mayo
Authors: Neville Sarah
Published: June 2014

Children will see and experience many celebrations, but it is always fun finding out about others that will help them to discover foods, dances and clothes from around the world.
Time to go wild about the fauna
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: June 2014

With a just a little preparation, planting wildflowers is a fun, easy, and low cost way to both attract and nurture wildlife, as well as teaching children about their environment.
Fruit & Veg: E for edible flowers
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: June 2014

This month, we continue our extended adventure around the alphabetical fruits and vegetables of the world, by taking a look at the large number of flowers that are edible.
The repetitive Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand test: its reliability in older adults
Authors: Teo Tilda WL , Mong Yiqin , Ng Shamay SM
Published: June 2014

Aims

This paper examines: the intra-rater, inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand (FTSTS) test administered by experienced and inexperienced assessors; and the correlation of FTSTS test times with lower limb muscle strength and balance performance in healthy older and young people.

Method

The cross-sectional study investigated reliability using test batteries including: FTSTS times; hand-held dynamometer measurements of hip flexor, knee flexor and extensor, and ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscle strength; Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores; and dynamic posturography measurements of the limits of stability (LOS). A convenience sample of 12 healthy older and 12 younger participants was recruited in the local university-based rehabilitation centre.

Results

The FTSTS test showed excellent intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range: 0.914–0.933) and moderate intra-rater reliability (ICC range: 0.644–0.879) in healthy older and young subject groups respectively. Inter-rater reliability between assessors yielded an ICC of 0.990. Test-retest reliability (ICC range: 0.988–0.995) was excellent. FTSTS times were not significantly associated with the older subjects' lower limb muscle strength, BBS scores or LOS results.

Conclusion

The FTSTS has good intra-rater, inter-rater and test-retest reliability. There is no significant correlation of FTSTS times with lower limb muscle strength or balance performance in healthy older people. The FTSTS test is a reliable measurement tool whether used by experienced or inexperienced assessors. A future study with a larger sample size is required for establishing the validity of FTSTS test times in the older population.
Proprioception interventions to improve cervical position sense in cervical pathology
Authors: Petersen Cheryl M , Zimmermann Chris L , Tang Rong
Published: June 2014

Background:

Non-specific cervical pain is a common pathology and is difficult to treat. Various types of treatment interventions have been used individually or in combination. Proprioception training has been suggested as an aspect of intervention for cervical pathology but no systematic review has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of cervical proprioception retraining on reposition sense.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of proprioception interventions to improve cervical position sense (PS) in patients with pathology. A modified American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine method was used to systematically grade the level of evidence. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed on the intervention effects on PS or pain.

Findings:

PS was measured in 11 studies; seven used a laser pointer while four used motion detection instrumentation. Various treatment interventions, including deep cervical flexor activation, eye-head neck coordination exercises, mobilisation, manipulation and a multi-behavioural exercise approach were used individually or in combination to affect proprioception. Pain was measured in six studies using various outcome measures. The meta-analyses showed high heterogeneity of results in favour of treatment interventions for flexion/extension and for right/left rotation to improve PS as well as for pain reduction for the pain outcome measures.

Conclusions:

All the treatment interventions activated proprioceptors through muscle activation and joint or skin sensory receptors. The use of eye-head-neck coordination exercises produced moderate and large treatment effects for improving PS. This type of exercise links the sensory/motor (proprioception) systems of the neck with the oculomotor and vestibular systems to improve PS. Pain was also reduced (moderate effect size) with the use of these techniques. Clinicians targeting improvements in cervical PS may use this evidence, but further research is needed.
ACE inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: O'Donovan Kate
Published: June 2014

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life. In episodes of acute decompensation, compensatory mechanisms such as the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system attempt to maintain peripheral perfusion but also increase the workload of a failing left ventricle. Treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors has reduced mortality, reduced frequency of hospital admissions and improved quality of life. Despite benefits in mortality reduction and improved quality of life, several contraindications exist, such as bilateral renal artery stenosis. In addition, there is potential for drug to drug interactions potentiating the risk for symptomatic hypotension.
Diabetes: past, present and future
Authors: MacKinnon Mary
Published: June 2014

In the final article in her series, Mary MacKinnon brings you up to date with the latest in the diabetes world and casts a glance to the future.
The older mother – myth or reality?
Authors: Silverton Louise
Published: June 2014

What constitutes the older mother? Louise Silverton asks this question and examines the reality of the risks involved.
Middle Ear Infections in Childhood
Authors: Corlett Sylvia
Published: June 2014

Caring for children with ear problems is an important role of the practice nurse. Ear dysfunction can have not only local impact on the ear itself and surrounding tissue but it can also cause systemic problems that may have lifelong impact (Bluestone et al, 1996). An understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the ear and ear disorders allows the nurse to deliver an effective care which will promote learning; socialisation and language development (Petersen-Smith, 1996).
What is allergy?
Authors: Walker Samantha
Published: June 2014

Allergy is extremely common, with allergies in one form or another affecting an estimated one third of the population in the United Kingdom (Sibbald et al, 1990). The term allergy was first used by von Pirquet in 1906 to describe altered reactivity to substances in our environment (von Pirquet, 1906).
Launching a pneumo-coccal vaccine campaign
Authors: Crawford Moira
Published: June 2014

Moira Crawford meets Doreen Sharp, a nurse practitioner who has pneumococcal infection on the run in Port Glasgow.
What Is Holding Up Prescribing?
Authors: Richards Sue
Published: June 2014

Everything seems to have stopped for PCGs. Sue Richards wants to know where we will stand on prescribing and gives a warning on PCG boards.
Even Supernurse Can't Beat Poor Pay
Authors: Richards Sue
Published: June 2014

Sue Richards targets the real problem at the heart of the National Health Service — low paid nurses.
Practising the art of reflection
Authors: Glaze Jane
Published: June 2014

Effective practice nursing requires practitioners not only to incorporate medical tasks into their role, but also to ensure that the more holistic aspects of care, such as health promotion and health education, are given attention.

How can you usefully introduce the art of reflection into your work? Jane Glaze examines the literature.
Walk-in Clinic: ‘I feel tired’
Authors: Fisher Pam , Glenn Kate
Published: June 2014

The vague complaint of ‘feeling tired all the time’ is all too common in general practice. Pam Fisher and Kate Glenn look at how to get to the bottom of this often complex problem.
Tackling COPD: Patient review
Authors: Schofield Brian
Published: June 2014

Last year's COPD patient review competition led to some great improvements in patient care, as Brian Schofield explains.
Chemotherapy: Advising the patient
Authors: Nendick Margaret
Published: June 2014

Chemotherapy drugs are highly toxic and cause a variety or very unpleasant side effects. Margaret Nendick explains how they work.
Time to lay down a law
Authors: Richards Sue
Published: June 2014

Sue Richards says staffing levels and working conditions for nurses are threatening patients' lives and the UKCC must take action.
Screening and treatment of retinopathy
Authors: Jenkins LM
Published: June 2014

About 3% of the population in the UK is known to have diabetes and a further 3% probably suffer from it without being aware of it (BDA, 1996). Therefore all nurses will come into contact with patients with diabetes on a regular basis and need to know about the main complications, of which retinopathy is the most feared.
Diabetes and wound healing
Authors: Bennett Andrew
Published: June 2014

Diabetes is a complex disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. This is either the result of a lack of insulin secretion by the beta cells of the pancreas or the failure of secreted insulin to affect receptors. The absence or deficiency of insulin in diabetes mellitus causes impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, fat, and proteins, which are necessary for cellular activities and tissue synthesis in wound healing.
Don't get left behind
Authors: Richards Sue
Published: June 2014

Primary care groups are the news of the moment. Sue Richards tells you who to get in touch with if you feel left out.
Walk-in Clinic: Painful knee
Authors: Ruscoe Dorf , Arshi Harpreet
Published: June 2014

The practice nurse can help determine when a painful knee requires urgent referral and when rest is simply required. Harpreet Arshi and Dorf Ruscoe provide a guide to this common complaint.
Constipation in children
Authors: Ludman Lorraine
Published: June 2014

Constipation — difficulty or delay in passing stools (Clayden and Agnarsson, 1991) is common in childhood, and may progress to a chronic state where defaecation is infrequent (once every 3–5 days or as infrequently as once every 1–3 weeks) and the stools passed are hard pellets or firm and very bulky (Jenkins, 1992).

Lorraine Ludman outlines the factors contibuting to constipation in children and how it can be managed.
Who benefits from higher level practice?
Authors: Richards Sue
Published: June 2014

Sue Richards asks whether higher level practitioners would get the support they deserve to enhance patient care.
Walk-in Clinic: Polymorphic light eruption
Authors: Borrowman Frances , Tattersfield Helen
Published: June 2014

For some people spring and summer sunshine is not a cause of pleasure and anticipation but can herald a miserable time. For these individuals, photosensitivity to the sun can bring on unpleasant skin reactions lasting for days or even weeks. One of the most common photosensitivity conditions, affecting approx-imately 10–20% of the population (Taylor, 1998), is polymorphic light eruption (PLE), also colloquially known as ‘prickly heat’.
Can women balance work and home?
Authors: Lawrence-Parr Carole
Published: June 2014

Where would the NHS be without the female staff? Women dominate nursing, the professions allied to medicine, reception and administrative staff: single women, married women without children and women with children. We all form an absolutely vital part of the workforce in the NHS and without us the system as we know it today would not exist. There is no doubt that women encounter different problems in the working environment than their male counterparts, not least of which is balancing home and work.

Carole Lawrence-Parr asks what role PCGs could have in developing parent-friendly policies.
Postnatal depression
Authors: Biggerstaff Deborah
Published: June 2014

In the second in our mental health series, Deborah Biggerstaff describes how nurses can help women with postnatal depression.
Semiquantitative GATA-3 Immunoreactivity in Breast, Bladder, Gynecologic Tract, and Other Cytokeratin 7–Positive Carcinomas
Authors: Clark Beth Z. , Beriwal Surabhi , Dabbs David J. , Bhargava Rohit
Published: June 2014

Objectives:

To evaluate GATA-3 immunohistochemical expression semiquantitatively in breast, gynecologic, gastric, pancreatic-biliary tract, urothelial, and vulvar/cervical squamous cell carcinomas.

Methods:

GATA-3 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 198 invasive breast carcinomas on tissue microarrays. Tissue microarrays of other tissues included 144 gynecologic tumors, 28 bladder carcinomas, 63 cholangiocarcinomas, 20 pancreatic carcinomas, and 62 gastric carcinomas. Full tissue sections of 10 invasive squamous cell carcinomas were also stained. GATA-3 expression was semiquantitatively scored using an H-score method. H-score greater than 10 was considered a positive result.

Results:

Of 186 breast carcinomas, 95% were positive (mean H-score of 217). GATA-3 expression was uncommon in 139 nonsquamous gynecologic tumors, with often weak reactivity (mean H-score <50) seen in 18% of endocervical, 7% of endometrial, and 10% of ovarian tumors. Six (60%) of 10 squamous cell carcinomas expressed GATA-3 (mean H-score of 102). Of 22 urothelial carcinomas, 95% expressed GATA-3 (mean H-score of 170). A few cholangiocarcinomas (3%), pancreatic adenocarcinomas (10%), and gastric carcinomas (2%) weakly expressed GATA-3 (mean H-score <50).

Conclusions:

Strong GATA-3 expression is a reliable marker of primary breast carcinoma in the appropriate clinical context. GATA-3 reactivity in around 70% of triple-negative breast carcinomas is also clinically useful. Significant reactivity in gynecologic squamous cell carcinomas suggests that GATA-3 alone cannot reliably distinguish these tumors from urothelial carcinoma.
Preceptor Development: Providing Effective Feedback, Part 2
Authors: Buck Brian , Wilkinson Samaneh T. , Phillips Holly
Published: June 2014

An integral part of providing effective feedback to pharmacy residents occurs during the evaluation process. Residency evaluation involves measuring and documenting performance as it relates to standardized residency outcomes, goals, and learning objectives. Evaluations may be formative or summative and include the preceptor's evaluation of the resident's performance, the resident's self-assessments, and the resident's evaluation of the preceptor and learning experience. Evaluations are more structured than feedback, and they involve documentation of the verbal feedback that was provided throughout the learning experience. This article will focus on the preceptor's role in providing effective resident evaluations based on specific learning activities.
Bupivacaine Liposomal versus Bupivacaine: Comparative Review
Authors: Noviasky John , Pierce Deirdre P. , Whalen Karen , Guharoy Roy , Hildreth Kenneth
Published: June 2014

Bupivacaine liposomal injection was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a local anesthetic for use in management of postsurgical pain in adults. When compared to placebo, bupivacaine liposomal decreases postoperative pain and opioid use. This review examines the efficacy of bupivacaine liposomal when compared to conventional bupivacaine ± epinephrine using published and unpublished data provided to the FDA by the manufacturer.
Older Persons and the Cuban Reform Process
Authors: David L. Strug
Published: June 2014

Cubans are living longer, which combined with a low birth rate, has reduced the
proportion of the population in the work force. This adversely affects the
economy, which is one reason government has introduced major structural reforms.
This article presents data from a qualitative study of 35 older persons
(60+ years of age) who were asked about the reform process and its impact
on their lives. This process has important implications for the fast growing
older population many of whom are disproportionately affected by the hardships
of life, receive pensions on which they cannot live, reside in overcrowded
homes, and suffer shortages in food and transport. Most respondents reported
they support the reforms, even though they involve a reduction of social
benefits (e.g., food subsidies). Policy makers should consider older
persons' views about the reforms, because a reduction of benefits might
make it more difficult for many older persons' to meet basic needs.
Highly stereoselective synthesis of functionalized 1,3-dienes from a new allyl bromide
Authors: Fray Asma , Ben Kraiem Jihene , Amri Hassen
Published: June 2014

New and highly functionalized 1,3-dienes 3 and 4 have been synthesized via two different pathways starting from allyl bromide 1. Firstly, the reaction of allyl bromide 1 with triethylphosphite leads to an allylphosphonate 2, which undergoes the Wittig-Horner reaction with a range of saturated and unsaturated aldehydes gives rise to the corresponding 1,3-dienes 3. Secondly, a highly stereoselective reaction between allyl bromide 1 and nitroalkane salts, offers the possibility to obtaining functionalized (E)-1,3-dienes 4.
The purpose and importance of personal creativity for creative arts therapists: A brief literature review
Authors: Iliya Yasmine A.
Published: June 2014

Creative arts therapists who cease to create their own art are at a risk of clinification, a term defined and explored by P. B. Allen. The field of creative arts therapy will neither survive nor progress if creative arts therapists are not habitually engaged in the practice of creativity and art-making themselves. This article will briefly review existing literature on the importance of art-making by creative arts therapists for personal purposes. Although creative arts therapists may make art with clients for clinical purposes, this article will focus on the need for a consistent and personal exploration through and with art in order to fully understand the art form and its transformative properties. In addition, this article will demonstrate a need for additional research in this field.
Suposição de normalidade e gestão de risco: uma aplicação do var paramétrico via teste de aderência
Authors: Moralles Herick Fernando , Sartoris Neto Alexandre , Nascimento Rebelatto Daisy Aparecida do
Published: June 2014

Tendo em vista as fragilidades do VaR (Valor-em-Risco) paramétrico com pressuposto de normalidade, este trabalho desenvolve um método de cômputo do VaR paramétrico ajustado para dez diferentes distribuições de probabilidade. Especificamente, a distribuição a ser utilizada no cálculo do VaR para um dado ativo ou carteira é apontada pelo teste de aderência de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Ainda, a investigação compara a aplicabilidade da suposição de normalidade para o cálculo do VaR para ativos individuais, e uma grande carteira, num contexto de estabilidade de mercados. O experimento realizado faz uso de uma amostra de 15 ativos individuais negociados na Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo, juntamente com o índice IBOVESPA, coletados na base Economática®. Os testes de aderência e os cálculos do VaR são realizados por um programa desenvolvido em MATLAB 7.1®. É encontrada uma grande ocorrência de ativos com boa aderência à distribuição Normal, demonstrando que o pressuposto de normalidade traz boas estimativas de risco tanto para um grande portfólio quanto para ativos individuais.
Avaliação da eficiência operacional das unidades de polícia pacificadora do estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Jesus Igor Rosa Dias de , Gomes Fernanda Pinheiro , Angulo-Meza Lidia
Published: June 2014

A Unidade de Polícia Pacificadora é “um novo modelo de Segurança Pública e de policiamento”, que visa garantir a segurança local e, sobretudo, reduzir, ou mesmo, extinguir a criminalidade violenta ligada ao tráfico de drogas, além de aproximar população e polícia. Este artigo tem como objetivo medir a eficiência operacional de todas as UPPs instaladas no estado do Rio de Janeiro até o início de 2011, através da Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA). Foi utilizado para isso o modelo CCR – com orientação input – desenvolvido por Charnes, Cooper e Rhodes, que permite uma avaliação objetiva da eficiência global, identificando as fontes das ineficiências, bem como as metas necessárias para que a eficiência de cada UPP seja atingida. Os resultados obtidos convergem para uma redução do efetivo policial em todas as comunidades fora da fronteira de eficiência.
Avaliação da satisfação dos usuários de sistemas ERP nas médias empresas de confecção do vestuário de Fortaleza
Authors: Teles Francismilton , Silva Ricardo Moreira
Published: June 2014

Uma das ferramentas que colaboram para o aumento da competitividade nas pequenas e médias empresas é o uso de sistemas ERP (Enterprise Resources Planning), também conhecida como Sistema Integrado de Gestão, a qual quando bem utilizada, auxilia no processo de planejamento, gestão e controle das empresas. É muito importante a verificação do sucesso de utilização destes sistemas nas empresas e um dos meios mais aceitos de analisá-los é por meio da avaliação da satisfação dos seus usuários. Esta pesquisa avalia a satisfação dos usuários de sistemas ERP’s nas médias empresas de confecção do vestuário no município de Fortaleza, um dos maiores pólos de confecção do Brasil. O método utilizado foi a pesquisa Survey, através da qual foram entrevistados 117 usuários de 25 empresas e seguiu o modelo de avaliação customizado por Ely (2010), onde são avaliados de forma quantitativa a satisfação dos usuários finais e usuários-chave de um sistema ERP. Os resultados apresentam, de forma geral, que os usuários estão satisfeitos com os sistemas ERP implantados. Também foi verificado por meio de análise multivariada, que o modelo utilizado foi adequado ao contexto das médias empresas, pois os testes estatísticos (Alfa de Cronbach, esfericidade de Bartlett e KMO) obtiveram valores bastante confiáveis.
Uma análise preliminar das contribuições da modularidade em produto ao ecodesign
Authors: Kubota Flavio Issao , Campos Lucila Maria de Souza , Cauchick Miguel Paulo Augusto
Published: June 2014

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo fazer uma análise preliminar da literatura acerca das contribuições geradas pela modularidade em produto aos princípios que orientam o ecodesign. O estudo considerou o fato de a modularidade ser uma crescente estratégia de desenvolvimento de produtos nas organizações, trazendo benefícios e contribuições diversas. O trabalho teve a abordagem teórico-conceitual como método de pesquisa, que se iniciou com uma busca estruturada por artigos relacionados aos dois assuntos (modularidade e ecodesign), seguida de uma busca não estruturada, ambas considerando as expressões-chave relativas aos temas. Foi encontrado um número limitado de publicações abordando os dois temas, no entanto, pode-se evidenciar que a modularidade em produto traz potenciais benefícios ambientais no desenvolvimento e consumo de produtos, especialmente com produtos multifuncionais e com facilidade de reutilização de módulos, desmontagem e descarte pós-uso. Conclui-se assim que a modularidade em produto pode gerar contribuições e benefícios relevantes aos princípios e práticas do ecodesign, sendo necessárias pesquisas empíricas para posterior comparação com a literatura.
Inovação e tomada de decisão no processo de logística reversa: uma análise bibliométrica
Authors: Tenório Fernando Antonio Guimarães , Silva Débora Eleonora Pereira da , Dacorso Antonio Luiz Rocha
Published: June 2014

Este trabalho buscou fazer uma análise bibliométrica acerca de estudos empíricos cujo foco seja o processo da logística reversa. Foram levantados trabalhos publicados em dois grandes eventos de administração e um de engenharia da produção, durante os anos de 2007 a 2012. Para realizar a análise foram adotados como pressupostos os conceitos de inovação e processo decisório. Foram analisados 43 artigos e constatou-se que, na maioria dos casos, as organizações decidem implantar a logística reversa como maneira de solucionar problemas relacionados a leis e normas ambientais e, após sua implantação, o processo decisório relacionado à rede de empresas que executam a logística reversa continua sendo restrito à empresa adotante, tornando-se assim, um processo decisório centralizado. Também ficou constatado que a logística reversa representa, na maioria dos casos, uma inovação na cadeia de suprimentos, pois proporciona uma nova maneira de gerenciar e operacionalizar o retorno e reaproveitamento de produtos e resíduos, gerando vantagens competitivas na forma de aumento do lucro líquido e melhor imagem da organização perante seus parceiros e clientes.
Utilização de controle estatístico de processo na avaliação do desempenho acadêmico
Authors: Gautério Ezequiel Gibbon , Mattos Viviane Leite Dias de
Published: June 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar alguns indicadores do desempenho acadêmico (quantidade de estudantes por turma, taxa de evasão, taxa de reprovação e notas obtidas pelos estudantes) para tentar identificar um padrão de comportamento que possibilitasse implementar melhorias no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. A amostra investigada foi composta por cinco turmas, oferecidas a cursos de graduação em Engenharia, as quais foram acompanhadas por três anos. Inicialmente foi realizada uma análise exploratória com técnicas analíticas e gráficas. Uma análise de variância complementada com o teste de Tukey investigou algumas fontes de variabilidade, fornecendo subsídios para a construção dos gráficos de controle. Encontraram-se evidências de que turmas com maior quantidade de estudantes estão associadas a maiores taxas de reprovação e a médias mais baixas e de que cursos que têm a disciplina mais tarde na estrutura curricular obtiveram médias mais altas. Os resultados encontrados mostraram que, embora tenham sido detectadas algumas causas especiais interferindo no processo, foi possível estabilizá-lo para que fosse monitorado.
Programação de produção via seleção de variáveis e simulação de Monte Carlo
Authors: Silveira Marco Campetti , Anzanello Michel J. , Etcheverry Guilherme V.
Published: June 2014

Este artigo apresenta uma sistemática de programação de produção que combina seleção de variáveis para clusterização e Simulação de Monte Carlo em cenários multiprodutos. A sistemática é composta por quatro etapas: (i) estruturação e validação de dados, (ii) seleção de variáveis para clusterização de produtos com características físicas similares, (iii) simulação de demanda através de Simulação de Monte Carlo, e (iv) análise de resultados e aderência da sistemática à realidade. A sistemática proposta foi aplicada em uma empresa do segmento alimentício com grande variedade de produtos ofertados, permitindo simplificar a programação da produção e maximizar os lucros decorrentes da comercialização dos produtos.
Lateral resolution improvement of laser-scanning imaging for nano defects detection
Authors: Yokozeki Hiroki , Kudo Ryota , Takahashi Satoru , Takamasu Kiyoshi
Published: June 2014

Demand for higher efficiency in the semiconductor manufacturing industry is continually increasing. In particular, nano defects measurement on patterned or bare Si semiconductor wafer surfaces is an important quality control factor for realizing high productivity and reliability of semiconductor device fabrication. Optical methods and electron beam methods are conventionally used for the inspection of semiconductor wafers. Because they are nondestructive and suitable for high-throughput inspection, optical methods are preferable to electron beam methods such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and so on. However, optical methods generally have an essential disadvantage about lateral spatial resolution than electron beam methods, because of the diffraction limit depending on the optical wavelength. In this research, we aim to develop a novel laser-scanning imaging method that can be applied to nano-/micro manufacturing processes such as semiconductor wafer surface inspection to allow lateral spatial super-resolution imaging with resolution beyond the diffraction limit. In our proposed method, instead of detecting the light intensity value from the beam spot on the inspection surface, the light intensity distribution, which is formed with infinity corrected optical system, coming from the beam spot on the inspection surface is detected. In addition, nano scale shifts in the beam spot are applied for laser spot scanning using a conventional laser-scanning method in which the spots are shifted at about a 100 nm pitch. By detecting multiple light intensity distributions due to the nano scale shifts, a super-resolution image reconstruction with resolution beyond the diffraction limit can be expected. In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed method, several numerical simulations were carried out.
Agonale Ökonomien. Städtische Sportkulturen des 15. Jahrhunderts am Beispiel der Florentiner Palio-Pferderennen
Authors: Jaser Christian
Published: June 2014

Innerhalb der Serie von Pferderennen, die seit dem 13. Jahrhundert in vielen Städten Nord- und Mittelitaliens ausgetragen wurden, nahm im Quattrocento der Florentiner Palio zu Ehren des Stadtpatrons Johannesʼ des Täufers eine herausragende Stellung ein, sowohl was die Dotierung des Siegespreises als auch den Grad öffentlicher Aufmerksamkeit angeht. Dieses alljährlich ausgetragene Rennen war nicht nur auf vielfältige Weise in das räumliche, soziale und wirtschaftliche Gefüge der Stadt verwoben, sondern strahlte als Bühne politischer und dynastischer Konkurrenzen auch weit über die Stadtgrenzen hinweg aus. Im Unterschied zur bisherigen Forschung, die sich überwiegend auf festkulturelle und repräsentative Aspekte konzentriert hat, rückt der Beitrag den Ereigniskern des Paliorennens als sportkulturelle Leistungs- und Prestigekonkurrenz ins Zentrum. Dabei werden dessen agonale Ökonomien exemplarisch auf drei Feldern durchdekliniert: Zunächst wird erstens die Raumorganisation der Palioroute und ihre gesamtstädtische Semantik in den Blick genommen; zweitens geht es um die Beziehung der adeligen und stadtbürgerlichen Patrone zu ihren Rennpferden, die Objekte des transkulturellen Handels und einer hohe Investitionen erfordernden Gestütspolitik waren; der dritte Abschitt schließlich beschäftigt sich mit der Performanz der Rennpferde, die zum Gegenstand einer Leistungsmemoria und über das Medium des Wettens in monetäre Gewinne und Verluste umgesetzt wurde. In der Zusammenschau lassen sich hieraus wesentliche Eckpunkte einer städischen Sportkultur des 15. Jahrhunderts ableiten und die Leitperspektiven einer vormodernen Sportgeschichte neu ausloten.
Hypoglycemic effect of Rhizophora mucronata in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Authors: Pandey Awanish K. , Gupta Prem P. , Lal Vijay K.
Published: June 2014

Rhizophora mucronata, plant of Mangroove family, found on the coastal region of India and used in treatment of various diseases. Different parts of plants are used in treatment of diabetes as folkloric medicine. The present study was designed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of R. mucronata. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were treated with RME (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg). Blood glucose levels were evaluated for the acute and sub-acute studies and body weight of rats were also monitored. All the treatments showed the highly significant (p<0.01) hypoglycemic effect in both the acute and the sub-acute studies. RME and glibenclamide treated rats were maintained the body weight during the study period while as the body weight of diabetic rats had gone down. The result of this study scientifically proved the hypoglycemic folkloric use of leaves of R. mucronata in treatment of diabetes.
Bridging the Gap: Hazard Mitigation in the Global Context
Authors: Klima Kelly , Jerolleman Alessandra
Published: June 2014

Natural hazard mitigation is a recent field in name only. For decades various professionals have been practicing hazard mitigation: for example, emergency managers have been working with architects and city planners to update building codes for disaster-resistant construction, civil engineers have been working with local officials to design flood-resistant urban drainage systems, and foresters have been working with state officials to enact more effective prescribed burning practices. Yet most often, natural hazard mitigation has taken place as isolated activities scattered within the daily duties of diverse professions – an accidentally cross-disciplinary effort recognized as vitally important to protect individuals and communities, yet not recognized as its own multidisciplinary field. The crucial importance of natural hazard mitigation requires a more coherent approach, with consistent and accessible technical information and training, formal and informal discourse among hazard mitigation professionals, interaction with a greater public awareness of the social components, and recognition of hazard mitigation as a profession in its own right. Simultaneously, hazard mitigation professionals need to strengthen their multidisciplinary tendencies and continue to collaborate with other key fields, such as public health and the various sciences. Today many professionals are starting to bridge the gaps between disaster risk reduction, hazard mitigation, and climate adaptation. This article discusses the benefits of emergency management professionals working with others in community partnerships to achieve resilience
Multiple-attribute Decision-Making Method under a Single-Valued Neutrosophic Hesitant Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Ye Jun
Published: June 2014

On the basis of the combination of single-valued neutrosophic sets and hesitant fuzzy sets, this article proposes a single-valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy set (SVNHFS) as a further generalization of the concepts of fuzzy set, intuitionistic fuzzy set, single-valued neutrosophic set, hesitant fuzzy set, and dual hesitant fuzzy set. Then, we introduce the basic operational relations and cosine measure function of SVNHFSs. Also, we develop a single-valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy weighted averaging (SVNHFWA) operator and a single-valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy weighted geometric (SVNHFWG) operator and investigate their properties. Furthermore, a multiple-attribute decision-making method is established on the basis of the SVNHFWA and SVNHFWG operators and the cosine measure under a single-valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy environment. Finally, an illustrative example of investment alternatives is given to demonstrate the application and effectiveness of the developed approach.
Combined spinal epidural analgesia for labor using sufentanil epidurally versus intrathecally: a retrospective study on the influence on fetal heart trace
Authors: Everaert Nele , Coppens Marc , Vlerick Peter , Braems Geert , Wouters Patrick , De Hert Stefan
Published: June 2014

Objective: We retrospectively compared a protocol using sufentanil and ropivacaine intrathecally with a protocol in which only ropivacaine was administered intrathecally and sufentanil was used epidurally to evaluate whether banning sufentanil from the intrathecal space results in a decreased incidence of adverse fetal heart rate changes.

Methods: Some 520 cardiotocographic tracings were examined for changes in fetal heart rate and uterine activity following two different protocols of combined spinal epidural analgesia. Charts were consulted for neonatal and labor outcome.

Results: When sufentanil was used epidurally instead of intrathecally, the incidence of adverse changes in fetal heart trace was less, demonstrated by a higher percentage of normal reassuring tracings (74.5% vs. 60.4% when sufentanil was used intrathecally; P=0.007), less tracings showing bradycardia (7.5% vs. 14.1%; P=0.035), and more tracings displaying 3 or more accelerations in fetal heart rate in 45 min (93.5% vs. 83.9%; P=0.003) together with less episodes of tachycardia (3.5% vs. 11.4%; P=0.005). There were no differences in labor and neonatal outcome.

Conclusions: Based on fetal heart tracing, it seems favorable to ban sufentanil from the intrathecal compartment.