bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governmental Governance of Megaprojects: The Case of EXPO 2010 Shanghai
Authors: Zhai Zhao , Ahola Tuomas , Le Yun , Xie Jianxun
Published: July 2018

While the governance of Western megaprojects is indirectly influenced by governments through legislation and regulations, the Chinese state actively oversees and controls projects of societal importance. To provide clarity on the role of the state in Chinese megaprojects, we carried out a case study focusing on EXPO 2010 Shanghai. Our analysis revealed that through a project-specific organization Construction Headquarter (CHQ), the Chinese state executes administrative strength, forces authorities to temporarily integrate their processes for the benefit of the project, influences contractor and resource selection decisions, induces leadership accountability, and promotes shared project values.
Influence of Communication on Client Satisfaction in Information System Projects: A Quantitative Field Study
Authors: Diegmann Phil , Basten Dirk , Pankratz Oleg
Published: July 2018

This study illuminates the role of client–vendor communication in relation to project performance and client satisfaction in information system projects. Results from a field study with managers on the client side suggest that both process and product performance positively influence the confirmation of expectations; however, process expectations do not, which might be due to the normality of budget and schedule overruns. Furthermore, client–vendor communication wields an important influence on client satisfaction. Future research should address the contributions of different communication mediums and contrast agile and non-agile projects.
Linking Team Condition and Team Performance: A Transformational Leadership Approach
Authors: Tabassi Amin Akhavan , Roufechaei Kamand M. , Bakar Abu Hassan Abu , Yusof Nor'Aini
Published: July 2018

Because project teams in the construction industry shape the primary focus of the industry's project life cycle, a high-performance construction workplace facilitates employees’ technical and innovation skills through team development. Drawing on the current research in general teamwork and leadership, this study, from a theoretical perspective, extends the team condition as a hierarchical construct, incorporating six associated components. This article argues that team building and team development can be studied as ongoing processes that are crucial to project success. In order to reduce the risk of common method variance, the research analysis was completed using 94 construction teams from three different sources, within which team members rated their leader's transformational leadership behavior. The team leaders evaluated the team's conditions, and, lastly, the supervisor of each team rated the team's performance. The model shows that the team condition, which is defined as the factors that contribute to making a great team, has significant direct and indirect impacts on team performance. Furthermore, the transformational leadership behavior of team leaders showed a mediating role between the team condition and the performance.
Special Purpose Entities in Megaprojects: Empty Boxes or Real Companies?
Authors: Sainati Tristano , Brookes Naomi , Locatelli Giorgio
Published: July 2018

Megaprojects involve organizations called “Special Purpose Entities” (SPEs) also known as “special purpose vehicles.” Despite their relevance, particularly for governance, SPEs are under-investigated. In the project management literature, there is neither a widely accepted definition of SPEs nor a clear understanding of what it does. This article presents an extensive literature review, which considers three domains: legal, financial, and project management. Four outcomes are presented: the definition of SPE, the typology of existing SPEs, comparisons of existing SPEs, and descriptions of SPE uses in megaprojects.
How Agile Practices Impact Customer Responsiveness and Development Success: A Field Study
Authors: Recker Jan , Holten Roland , Hummel Markus , Rosenkranz Christoph
Published: July 2018

Agile information systems development methods have become popular; however, which specific agile practice to use remains unclear. We argue that three types of agile practices exist—for management, development, and standards—which affect the customer responsiveness of software teams differently. We examine this theory in a field study of a large organization. We find that agile practices improve software team response effectiveness or efficiency, but not both. Agile standards do not improve response mechanisms but are still important to successful information systems development. Our findings help discriminating agile practices and yield insights into how information development projects should be managed.
Agile Methods on Large Projects in Large Organizations
Authors: Hobbs Brian , Petit Yvan
Published: July 2018

Agile methods have taken software development by storm but have been primarily applied to projects in what is referred to as the “agile sweet spot,” which consists of small collocated teams working on small, non-critical, green field, in-house software projects with stable architectures and simple governance rules. These methods are being used more and more on large projects, but little documentation is available in the academic literature. This article investigates the adoption and adaptation of agile methods for use on large projects in large organizations. The empirical study is based first on case studies, followed by a survey to validate and enrich the case study results. The results are somewhat paradoxical in that some features are common to almost all observations, whereas others show extreme variability. The common features include use of Scrum methodology and agile coaches, as well as the non-respect of the agile principle of emergent architecture.
The Nature of Risk in Complex Projects
Authors: Williams Terry
Published: July 2018

Risk analysis is important for complex projects; however, systemicity makes evaluating risk in real projects difficult. Looking at the causal structure of risks is a start, but causal chains need to include management actions, the motivations of project actors, and sociopolitical project complexities as well as intra-connectedness and feedback. Common practice based upon decomposition-type methods is often shown to point to the wrong risks. A complexity structure is used to identify systemicity and draws lessons about key risks. We describe how to analyze the systemic nature of risk and how the contractor and client can understand the ramifications of their actions.
Endogenous Factor Analysis: The Carbon Performance of Public Projects in China
Authors: Tang Ziran , Li Lin , Zhu Shasha , Huang Zhenyu
Published: July 2018

This study investigates how the endogenous factors of public projects affect carbon performance. Taking the logical framework approach, a research model and hypotheses are proposed to evaluate the effects of endogenous project factors, including human resources, funding, materials, and project management methodology on project carbon performance. Questionnaires were distributed to project professionals in China and a structural equation model was deployed to analyze these effects. The results show that funding, materials, and project management methodology have a significant influence on public project carbon performance, whereas human resources have no significant effects. Recommendations on how to improve carbon performance are provided.
Stakeholder Value Constructs in Megaprojects: A Long-Term Assessment Case Study
Authors: Eskerod Pernille , Ang Karyne
Published: July 2018

By definition, megaprojects consume numerous resources and impact numerous people, even across generations; it is therefore important that they bring considerable value to their initiators and other stakeholders. Based on stakeholder value construct frameworks identified in the literature and a single case study of the construction and operations of an over 50-year-old American highway bridge, we identify ways to understand, classify, and express megaproject stakeholder value. The research links different stakeholder types to types of value constructs. Knowing which types of value constructs matter to different stakeholder types could potentially help project representatives communicate more efficiently and effectively.
A Leadership Profile of American Project Managers
Authors: Zimmerer Thomas W. , Yasin Mahmoud M.
Published: July 2018

This paper reports the results of a survey of senior project managers. The results clearly and unequivocally identify positive success and negative leadership as the cause of project failure. The characteristics of leadership are further identified, as well as the project management tools that are most useful and most often used. It can be concluded that organizational effectiveness requires project managers to combine their technical competency with the ability to develop and display leadership.
Project Management Software Usage Patterns and Suggested Research Directions for Future Developments
Authors: Pollack-Johnson Bruce , Liberatore Matthew J.
Published: July 2018

Although project management software is very visible in publications of the professional societies, it has not been known how much and why it is actually used by project management practitioners, what modeling techniques are used, how such use has evolved over time, and what are the needs of project management professionals for future research. To fill this gap, we designed a survey to gather such information as well as basic demographic information.
Development of Consultant Performance Measures for Design Projects
Authors: Chang Andrew S. , Ibbs C. William
Published: July 2018

Measurement is an essential step in any control process. Performance is reflected by measures upon which corrective actions are suggested and taken; however, measures in organizations are often poorly designed and utilized. More specifically, many consultant performances are not at satisfactory levels. This paper presents consultant performance measures of deliverables, work process, and cost/schedule, and proposes a systematic measurement framework. Measures were tested on 8 design projects and their applicability was ensured. These measures can be used to disclose areas of excellent and poor performance in both the work process and results, to allow project participants to focus attention, and to address performance at the desired levels and aspects. One benefit of this research is the potential to improve the efficacy of public projects where consultants are used.
Tools of the Trade: A Survey of Project Management Tools
Authors: Fox Terry L. , Spence J. Wayne
Published: July 2018

In contemporary computing environments, project managers have been supplied with tools to assist in their project management tasks. This paper reports the results of a nationwide survey of 1,000 randomly selected members of the Project Management Institute. The results include the identification of tools used, level of use, types of uses, satisfaction with the tools employed, level of training received, and adequacy of the tool's use. The respondents not only listed traditional project management tools, but also several nontraditional tools. In general, project managers seem to be satisfied with the tools available.
Organizational Engineering Principles in Project Management
Authors: Slabey William , Austrom Douglas
Published: July 2018

In the March 1996 issue of Project Management Journal, Ralph L. Kliem and Harris B. Anderson introduced a style survey tool and summarized a paradigm for its applicability to project management (“Teambuilding Styles and Their Impact on Project Management Results”). This paper takes their work as a starting point and shows how the basic tendencies they outlined can be extended, quantified, and applied in a project situation.
Fast-Tracking's Impact on Project Change
Authors: Ibbs C. William , Lee Stephanie A. , Li Michael I.
Published: July 2018

Aggressive scheduling, or strong forms of fast-tracking, for construction projects is becoming increasingly common in project management because of tight schedules, tight budgets, and client desires to commence operations quickly. However, many industry observers believe that such scheduling may actually incur more changes, leading to delays and increased costs of change. In this study, three hypotheses are tested to better understand the impact of aggressive scheduling and to quantify the cost of changes resulting during the total construction and design phases. Using data from 108 construction projects, this study found that high levels of fast-tracking generally do not result in any more change than nonfast-tracked projects. This paper also presents a variety of graphical relationships, including curves for the amount of change and its timing during the project's schedule. The findings presented in this paper can help owners and contractors improve their management of change by anticipating the magnitude and timing of changes, and ultimately improve their project planning and outcomes.
Integrated Cost and Schedule Control: Hong Kong Perspective
Authors: Deng Michael Z.M. , Hung Y.F.
Published: July 2018

Integrated cost and schedule control (C/S) was introduced in the United States more than a quarter of a century ago. However, traditional separated cost and schedule control is still one of the conspicuous problems in the Hong Kong construction industry. This paper evaluates the feasibility of applying C/S in Hong Kong. A detailed analysis indicates differing perceptions among clients, consultants, and contractors regarding individual factors causing the unsatisfactory development of C/S. Lack of relevant knowledge, the perception that the use of C/S will inevitably increase staff requirements and project overhead, the contractor's internal resistance, and the high land price/low construction cost ratio are all major reasons for the lack of popularity of C/S in Hong Kong.
The Value of the System Engineering Function in Configuration Control of a Major Technology Project
Authors: Pruitt W. Bruce
Published: July 2018

The discipline of system engineering (SE) has developed over recent years as a significant benefit in conducting major projects, especially in technological fields. In aeronautics, space, and weapons projects, and in many detailed commercial R&D studies, SE plays a major role in their successful completion. This paper explores the role of SE in three areas: early definition and preliminary design, control of changes, and the final phase of test, verification, and validation. It is shown that, to conduct a large project in a truly systematic manner, SE should be included as a part of the program office structure.
Designing Levels for A/E Consultant Performance Measures
Authors: Chang Andrew , Ibbs C. William
Published: July 2018

Research has identified many success factors that are associated with project performance, but mostly they are conceptually described. They need to be operationally defined to be properly measured and used. This paper defines the operational levels for the qualitative architect/engineer (A/E) consultant performance measures, proposed in a previous paper (Chang & Ibbs, 1998). These levels, represented by descriptive conditions, were acquired by analyzing performance norms from research studies and by comparing data from 8 design project documents and interviews. These levels were then used to evaluate A/E consultant performance. The evaluation results show that the scores derived from the defined levels effectively differentiate performance, which means the levels were well designed. By using these performance levels, A/E consultant performance can be evaluated more accurately and systematically, which allows the owner to better manage the A/E project.
How I treat the young patient with multiple myeloma
Authors: Gandolfi Sara , Prada Claudia Paba , Richardson Paul G.
Published: July 2018

The treatment landscape for multiple myeloma has been transformed by the introduction of novel agents, including immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. These have been shown to be more effective and generally better tolerated than conventional chemotherapy, with their introduction into clinical practice leading to improved survival. Furthermore, a better understanding of disease biology, improved diagnostic criteria, and the development of sensitive and specific tools for disease prognostication have contributed to better outcome. Treatment in the younger patient can now be individualized based on host and disease features with enhanced monitoring of response and use of high-sensitivity techniques for evaluating residual disease. The current standard of care has been significantly enhanced by novel agents with a paradigm shift toward optional or delayed autologous stem cell transplant as a reasonable choice in selected patients. Conversely, extended treatment with induction of remission followed by maintenance strategies is now a standard of care, conferring prolonged disease control with more manageable toxicities in both the short and long term, as well as improved quality of life.
Insights and Implications of Genome-Wide Association Studies of Height
Authors: Guo Michael H , Hirschhorn Joel N , Dauber Andrew
Published: July 2018

Context

In the last decade, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have catalyzed our understanding of the genetics of height and have identified hundreds of regions of the genome associated with adult height and other height-related body measurements.

Evidence Acquisition

GWASs related to height were identified via PubMed search and a review of the GWAS catalog.

Evidence Synthesis

The GWAS results demonstrate that height is highly polygenic: that is, many thousands of genetic variants distributed across the genome each contribute to an individual’s height. These height-associated regions of the genome are enriched for genes in known biological pathways involved in growth, such as fibroblast growth factor signaling, as well as for genes expressed in relevant tissues, such as the growth plate. GWASs can also uncover previously unappreciated biological pathways, such as theSTC2/PAPPA/IGFBP4 pathway. The genes implicated by GWASs are often the same genes that are the genetic causes of Mendelian growth disorders or skeletal dysplasias, and GWAS results can provide complementary information about these disorders.

Conclusions

Here, we review the rationale behind GWASs and what we have learned from GWASs for height, including how it has enhanced our understanding of the underlying biology of human growth. We also highlight the implications of GWASs in terms of prediction of adult height and our understanding of Mendelian growth disorders.
The ESCRT protein CHMP2B acts as a diffusion barrier on reconstituted membrane necks
Authors: De Franceschi Nicola , Alqabandi Maryam , Miguet Nolwenn , Caillat Christophe , Mangenot Stephanie , Weissenhorn Winfried , Bassereau Patricia
Published: July 2018

Endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)-III family proteins catalyze membrane remodeling processes that stabilize and constrict membrane structures. It has been proposed that stable ESCRT-III complexes containing CHMP2B could establish diffusion barriers at the post-synaptic spine neck. In order to better understand this process, we developed a novel method based on fusion of giant unilamellar vesicles to reconstitute ESCRT-III proteins inside GUVs, from which membrane nanotubes are pulled. The new assay ensures that ESCRT-III proteins polymerize only when they become exposed to physiologically relevant membrane topology mimicking the complex geometry of post-synaptic spines. We establish that CHMP2B, both full-length and with a C-terminal deletion (ΔC), preferentially binds to membranes containing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. Moreover, we show that CHMP2B preferentially accumulates at the neck of membrane nanotubes, and provide evidence that CHMP2B-ΔC prevents the diffusion of PI(4,5)P2 lipids and membrane-bound proteins across the tube neck. This indicates that CHMP2B polymers formed at a membrane neck may function as a diffusion barrier, highlighting a potential important function of CHMP2B in maintaining synaptic spine structures.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Metabolic costs imposed by hydrostatic pressure constrain bathymetric range in the lithodid crab Lithodes maja
Authors: Brown Alastair , Thatje Sven , Morris James P. , Oliphant Andrew , Morgan Elizabeth A. , Hauton Chris , Jones Daniel O. B. , Pond David W.
Published: July 2018

The changing climate is shifting the distributions of marine species, yet the potential for shifts in depth distributions is virtually unexplored. Hydrostatic pressure is proposed to contribute to a physiological bottleneck constraining depth range extension in shallow-water taxa. However, bathymetric limitation by hydrostatic pressure remains undemonstrated, and the mechanism limiting hyperbaric tolerance remains hypothetical. Here, we assess the effects of hydrostatic pressure in the lithodid crab Lithodes maja (bathymetric range 4–790 m depth, approximately equivalent to 0.1 to 7.9 MPa hydrostatic pressure). Heart rate decreased with increasing hydrostatic pressure, and was significantly lower at ≥10.0 MPa than at 0.1 MPa. Oxygen consumption increased with increasing hydrostatic pressure to 12.5 MPa, before decreasing as hydrostatic pressure increased to 20.0 MPa; oxygen consumption was significantly higher at 7.5–17.5 MPa than at 0.1 MPa. Increases in expression of genes associated with neurotransmission, metabolism and stress were observed between 7.5 and 12.5 MPa. We suggest that hyperbaric tolerance in L. maja may be oxygen-limited by hyperbaric effects on heart rate and metabolic rate, but that L. maja's bathymetric range is limited by metabolic costs imposed by the effects of high hydrostatic pressure. These results advocate including hydrostatic pressure in a complex model of environmental tolerance, where energy limitation constrains biogeographic range, and facilitate the incorporation of hydrostatic pressure into the broader metabolic framework for ecology and evolution. Such an approach is crucial for accurately projecting biogeographic responses to changing climate, and for understanding the ecology and evolution of life at depth.
The metabolic costs of fighting and host exploitation in a seed-drilling parasitic wasp
Authors: Boisseau Romain P. , Woods H. Arthur , Goubault Marlène
Published: July 2018

Oviposition sites may be challenging and energetically costly to access for females in the presence of competitors contesting that resource. Additionally, oviposition sites may be difficult to reach, and penetrating a hard substrate can raise energy costs. In the seed-drilling parasitic wasp Eupelmus vuilleti, females actively fight with conspecific competitors over access to hosts. They are often observed laying eggs on already parasitized hosts (superparasitism) living inside cowpea seeds despite the resulting larval competition. Using flow-through respirometry, we quantified the metabolic costs of fighting and of drilling through the seed to access the host, to understand the wasp’s fighting strategies and the occurrence of superparasitism. Agonistic interactions such as kicks or pushes generated very small instantaneous costs, but the females that won their contests had higher pre-contest metabolic rates, suggesting a potential long-term cost associated with dominance. We also found that drilling holes through the seed accounted for approximately 15% of a wasp's estimated daily energy budget, and that females can reduce these drilling costs by reusing existing holes. Because exploiting new seeds incurs both drilling costs and the risk of fights, it appears cost effective in some situations for females to avoid confrontations and lay eggs in existing holes, on already parasitized hosts. Our study helps explain the evolution of superparasitism in this system.
Functional morphology of terrestrial prey capture in salamandrid salamanders
Authors: Stinson Charlotte M. , Deban Stephen M.
Published: July 2018

Salamanders use the hyobranchial apparatus and its associated musculature for tongue projection on land and for suction feeding in water. Hyobranchial apparatus composition and morphology vary across species, and different morphologies are better suited for feeding in aquatic versus terrestrial environments. We hypothesize that differences in hyobranchial morphology result in functional trade-offs in feeding performance. We predict that semi-aquatic and aquatic salamandrids with hyobranchial morphology suited for aquatic feeding will have lower performance, in terms of tongue-projection distance, velocity, acceleration and power, compared with terrestrial salamandrids when feeding in a terrestrial environment. We found that semi-aquatic and aquatic newts had lower velocity, acceleration and muscle-mass-specific power of tongue projection when compared with the terrestrial salamanders Chioglossa lusitanica and Salamandra salamandra. The fully aquatic newt, Paramesotriton labiatus, has a robust, heavily mineralized hyobranchial apparatus and was unable to project its tongue during terrestrial feeding, and instead exhibited suction-feeding movements better suited for aquatic feeding. Conversely, terrestrial species have slender, cartilaginous hyobranchial apparatus and enlarged tongue pads that coincided with greater tongue-projection distance, velocity, acceleration and power. Chioglossa lusitanica exhibited extreme tongue-projection performance, similar to that seen in elastically projecting plethodontid salamanders; muscle-mass-specific power of tongue projection exceeded 2200 W kg−1, more than 350 times that of the next highest performer, S. salamandra, which reached 6.3 W kg−1. These findings reveal that two fully terrestrial salamandrids have morphological specializations that yield greater tongue-projection performance compared with species that naturally feed in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Re-oxygenation after anoxia induces brain cell death and memory loss in the anoxia-tolerant crucian carp
Authors: Lefevre Sjannie , Stecyk Jonathan A. W. , Torp May-Kristin , Løvold Lisa Y. , Sørensen Christina , Johansen Ida B. , Stensløkken Kåre-Olav , Couturier Christine S. , Sloman Katherine A. , Nilsson Göran E.
Published: July 2018

Crucian carp (Carassius carassius) survive without oxygen for several months, but it is unknown whether they are able to protect themselves from cell death normally caused by the absence, and particularly return, of oxygen. Here, we quantified cell death in brain tissue from crucian carp exposed to anoxia and re-oxygenation using the terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay, and cell proliferation by immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as well as PCNA mRNA expression. We also measured mRNA and protein expression of the apoptosis executer protease caspase 3, in laboratory fish exposed to anoxia and re-oxygenation and fish exposed to seasonal anoxia and re-oxygenation in their natural habitat over the year. Finally, a behavioural experiment was used to assess the ability to learn and remember how to navigate in a maze to find food, before and after exposure to anoxia and re-oxygenation. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the telencephalon increased after 1 day of re-oxygenation following 7 days of anoxia, indicating increased cell death. However, there were no consistent changes in whole-brain expression of caspase 3 in either laboratory-exposed or naturally exposed fish, indicating that cell death might occur via caspase-independent pathways or necrosis. Re-oxygenated crucian carp appeared to have lost the memory of how to navigate in a maze (learnt prior to anoxia exposure), while the ability to learn remained intact. PCNA mRNA was elevated after re-oxygenation, indicating increased neurogenesis. We conclude that anoxia tolerance involves not only protection from damage but also repair after re-oxygenation.
ΙΣΧΥΟΥΣΑ ΥΓΕΙΟΝΟΜΙΚΗ ΚΤΗΝΙΑΤΡΙΚΗ ΝΟΜΟΘΕΣΙΑ
Authors: ΚΑΡΒΟΥΝΑΡΗΣ Π. Α.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Η ΣΥΧΝΟΤΗΣ TΩN ΝΟΣΗΜΑΤΩΝ TΩN ΚλΤΟΙΚΙΔΙΩΝ ΠΤΗΝΩΝ ΕΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΙ ΚΑΤΑ ΤΑ ΕΤΗ 1953 ΚΑΙ 1954
Authors: ΤΑΡΛΑΤΖΗΣ Κ. Β. , ΔΡΑΓΩΝΑΣ Π. Ν.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΣΕΙΣ ΤΙΝΕΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΔΡΑΣΕΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΡΟΒΑΜΥΚΙΝΗΣ IN VITRO ΕΠΙ ΣΤΕΛΕΧΩΝ ΠΑΘΟΓΟΝΩΝ ΣΤΑΦΥΛΟΚΟΚΚΩΝ
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ ΑΓΓΕΛΟΣ
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΠΕΡΙΠΤΩΣΙΣ ΧΟΡΙΕΠΙΘΗΛΙΩΜΑΤΩΔΟΥΣ ΤΕΡΑΤΩΜΑΤΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΠΑΡΕΓΚΕΦΑΛΙΔΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΙΠΠΟΥ
Authors: ΤΣΙΡΟΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ Ε. , ΣΠΑΗΣ Α. , ΛΑΖΑΡΙΔΗΣ Θ.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΙΣ ΕΠΙ ΜΙΑΣ ΠΕΡΙΠΤΩΣΕΩΣ ΕΡΥΘΡΟΕΙΔΟΥΣ ΛΕΥΧΑΙΜΙΚΟΥ ΣΥΝΔΡΟΜΟΥ ΕΙΣ ΟΡΝΙΘΑΣ
Authors: ΑΫΦΑΝΤΗΣ Σ. , ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ ΑΓΓ.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
MAIN TRENDS OF MONITORING OF VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC FEVERS ACTIVITY IN THE NATURAL FOCI
Authors: Компанец Галина , Kompanets Galina
Published: July 2018

This paper includes review of innovative methods of monitoring of activity of natural foci of epidemically important for Russian Federation such viral infections as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), and the analysis of probability to control such «exotic» infections, as Denge fever and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS).
Psychological impediments to marriage – forensic and psychiatric opinions. Part I
Authors: Cynkier Przemysław
Published: July 2018

Przed sądami powszechnymi toczą się postępowania o unieważnienie małżeństw, podczas których są powoływani biegli psychiatrzy. W pierwszym rodzaju tych spraw kluczowym zadaniem biegłego jest dokonanie oceny, czy obecność choroby psychicznej lub upośledzenia umysłowego u nupturienta w dacie zawarcia małżeństwa mogła ewentualnie stanowić zagrożenie dla małżeństwa lub zdrowia przyszłego potomstwa. Biegły dokonuje retrospektywnej oceny nie tylko przebiegu i nasilenia ściśle wyodrębnionych przez ustawodawcę zaburzeń psychicznych, ale także ich wpływu na funkcjonowanie społeczne danej osoby. W drugim rodzaju postępowań unieważnienie małżeństwa jest możliwe w sytuacji, kiedy oświadczenie o wstąpie¬niu w związek małżeński zostało złożone przez nupturienta, który z jakichkolwiek powodów znajdował się w sta¬nie wyłączającym świadome wyrażenie woli. Zadanie biegłego w tym wypadku polega na ocenie zdolności do konkretnej czynności prawnej. Celem pracy było omówienie problematycznych i niejasnych sformułowań prawnych, dotyczących unieważnienia małżeństwa, które sprawiają biegłym psychiatrom trudności i powodują, że niekiedy opinie powinny być sporządzane jedynie z pewnym prawdopodobieństwem. Szczególnie kłopotliwa jest ocena wpływu dysfunkcji psychicznych rodzica na stan zdrowia przyszłego potomstwa. Dodatkowym elementem utrudniającym oceny sądowo-psychiatryczne jest analiza wpływu otoczenia (także postaw i zachowań zdrowego małżonka) na obraz i przebieg zaburzeń psychicznych u chorego lub upośledzonego nupturienta.
Heterogeneity of Reference Effects in the Competitive Newsvendor Problem
Authors: Kirshner Samuel Nathan , Ovchinnikov Anton
Published: July 2018

This paper demonstrates the mathematical equivalence between two recently proposed reference effect formulations for the newsvendor problem and then extends them to a competitive setting. The analysis of the resultant game shows that the heterogeneity of reference effects can explain multiple regularities observed in recent experimental studies of newsvendor competition. In particular, our model explains the main experimental finding that one newsvendor tends to ignore the policy of its competitor. Other experimental observations such as profit disparity, underordering in a high margin scenario, and overordering when there is no expected overflow can all be attributed to the heterogeneity of reference effects in our model’s equilibrium. In addition to explaining these observations, our model also produces a number of new testable hypotheses regarding the competitive newsvendor behavior.
Test–retest reliability of the 10-meter walk test in ambulatory adults with motor-complete spinal cord injury
Authors: Rini Dhairiamani , Senthilvelkumar Thangavelu , Noble Koshy , Magimairaj Henryprakash
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims:

To verify the test retest reliability of 10-meter walk test for ambulatory adults with motor complete spinal cord injury.

Methods:

This study was conducted in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Christian Medical College, India. We studied 25 (22 males and 3 females) adults with lower thoracic level of spinal cord injury who were trained to walk with bilateral solid polypropylene knee ankle foot orthoses and elbow crutches. Their median age was 27 years and the median time since injury was 5.5 years. Participants underwent two trials of 10-meter walk test at their self-selected walking speed. They were tested for static and dynamic 10-meter walk test start methods separately.

Findings:

There was an excellent test retest reliability found in both the testing methods with the intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 0.99)] with a standard error of measure of 0.01. The minimum detectable change of static and dynamic start method was 0.02 sec and 0.03 seconds respectively. Bland Altman graphs showed excellent agreement between the trials. The comparison between static and dynamic testing methods showed that both the methods are highly comparable. (ICC 1 [95% CI 0.99–1]).

Conclusions:

The 10-meter walk test has excellent test retest reliability in assessing walking speed of ambulatory adults with complete spinal cord injury who use knee ankle foot orthoses for walking. Static and dynamic testing methods of the 10-meter walk test are comparable.
Enablers and barriers of adherence to home exercise programmes after stroke: caregiver perceptions
Authors: Scorrano Maryke , Ntsiea Veronica , Maleka Douglas
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims:

In stroke rehabilitation, the goal is to discharge patients at their optimal functional level, however, this level of independence is not always reached at discharge due to decreased length of stay and a high demand for beds. Thus, patients rely upon caregivers to assist them not only with activities of daily living but also with home exercise programmes. The purpose of this study was to establish caregivers' perceived enablers and barriers of adherence to home exercise programmes in stroke survivors.

Methods:

A qualitative study design was used with in-depth interviews of the caregivers of stroke survivors who were dependent in functional activities.

Findings:

The average age of the caregivers was 47.8 years (±13.96) years and all of them were the stroke survivors' family members. The most common enablers of adherence to home exercise programmes were self–motivation, external motivation from friends and family, having a daily routine, spirituality, caregivers' attitude and desires, and caregiver knowledge. The most common barriers of adherence to home exercise programmes were general health issues, caregiver having other responsibilities, lack of family and social support, caregiver burden and stress, low self-efficacy and mood, and fear of falling.

Conclusions:

Adherence to home exercise programmes is multifactorial and does not only relate to the stroke survivor alone. Caregivers have a lot of responsibilities and experience emotional strain and burden. This has an influence on stroke survivors' adherence to home exercise programmes as they rely upon caregivers for assistance.
INFLUENCE OF RADIATION DAMAGE OF REACTOR INNER COMPONENTS ON THE RESULTS OF INDENTATION TESTS
Authors: Ondracek Jan , Materna Ales
Published: July 2018

Irradiation of inner components of the WWER reactor type made from austenitic steel 08Ch18N10T alters their material properties and may cause component degradation. Numerical simulations of the indentation test on the non- and neutron-irradiated reactor's inner components were carried out. The aim of this study is to find out whether the indentation test is suitable for assessing the material radiation damage of studied components.
AVALIAÇÃO DO PERFIL FARMACOGNÓSTICO E DO POTENCIAL ANTIMICROBIANO DO EXTRATO ETANÓLICO DO CAULE DA Cecropia pachystachya T. (EMBAÚBA)
Authors: Mesquita Alvelino Serafim , Ventura Paulo Augusto Oliveira , Cruz Ruben Costa , Nogueira José Ribamar de Souza , Galdos-Riveros Alvaro Carlos
Published: July 2018

Muitas das plantas encontradas na savana brasileira são utilizadas, pela população, no tratamento de inúmeras doenças, apresentando muitas peculiaridades, por exemplo, plantas da família Cecropiaceae. A Cecropia pachystachya, conhecida popularmente por embaúba, apresenta indicações populares no tratamento de asma, tosse, problemas cardiovasculares e diabetes. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil fitoquímico do extrato etanólico do caule da Cecropia pachystachya e o potencial antimicrobiano do extrato do caule com 07, 15, 30 e 45 dias de maceração. De acordo com os testes, foi confirmada a presença de taninos e flavonoides em todos os extratos. Na análiseantimicrobiana, os extratos etanólicos de 7 e 45 dias de maceração apresentaram halo de inibição em relação à Staphylococcus aureus. Dessa forma, o caule da Cecropia pachystachya apresentou um perfil farmacognóstico composto por flavonoides e taninos, sendo possivelmente atribuído a esses o efeito antimicrobiano frente a Staphylococcus aureus.
A RELAÇÃO ENSINO-APRENDIZADO E SUAS CONSEQUÊNCIAS NA PRODUÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO CIENTÍFICO
Authors: De Oliveira Anselmo Gomes , Silveira Damaris
Published: July 2018

Muito tem sido divulgado, atualmente, que a relação crise-ciência é uma questão financeira. Entretanto, quando o problema é analisado mais profundamente fica mais visível que a questão contábil existe, mas outros fatores importantes parecem também ter efeito tão significante quanto o financeiro. Enquanto o ensino e a ciência não forem uma das prioridades em nosso país não há chances de progressão. Evidentemente a crise não é exclusividade desses setores, mas está institucionalizada no Brasil, de forma que enquanto esses problemas perdurarem haverá quase nenhuma chance de progredirmos nessas áreas. Por enquanto resta-nos abrir caminhos que permitam a valorização da divulgação científica, como forma de valorizar a ciência que fazemos e, com isso, estar mais próximos da sociedade e das questões sociais.
A unique model for SDH-deficient GIST: an endocrine-related cancer
Authors: Powers James F , Cochran Brent , Baleja James D , Sikes Hadley D , Zhang Xue , Lomakin Inna , Langford Troy , Stein Kassi Taylor , Tischler Arthur S
Published: July 2018

We describe a unique patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and cell culture model of succinate dehydrogenase-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumor (SDH-deficient GIST), a rare mesenchymal tumor that can occur in association with paragangliomas in hereditary and non-hereditary syndromes. This model is potentially important for what it might reveal specifically pertinent to this rare tumor type and, more broadly, to other types of SDH-deficient tumors. The primary tumor and xenografts show a very high proliferative fraction, and distinctive morphology characterized by tiny cells with marked autophagic activity. It is likely that these characteristics resulted from the combination of the germline SDHB mutation and a somatic KRAS G12D mutation. The most broadly relevant findings to date concern oxygen and oxidative stress. In paragangliomas harboring SDHx mutations, both hypoxic signaling and oxidative stress are putative drivers of tumor growth. However, there are no models for SDH-deficient paragangliomas. This related model is the first from a SDHB-mutated human tumor that can be experimentally manipulated to study mechanisms of oxygen effects and novel treatment strategies. Our data suggest that tumor growth and survival require a balance between protective effects of hypoxic signaling vs deleterious effects of oxidative stress. While reduced oxygen concentration promotes tumor cell survival, a further survival benefit is achieved with antioxidants. This suggests potential use of drugs that increase oxidative stress as novel therapies. In addition, autophagy, which has not been reported as a major finding in any type of SDH-deficient tumor, is a potential target of agents that might trigger autophagic cell death.
Quantum Games Based Communication Protocols
Authors: O.G. Zabaleta  , C.M. Arizmendi
Published: July 2018

Medium access control (MAC) and efficient spectrum allocation function particularly, are real challenges that wireless communications are facing nowadays and Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA), enhanced with quantum computation techniques, is the most promising alternative. In such a context, we capitalize quantum games and quantum decisions strengths to design protocols that make classic communications more efficient. That is, we focus on protocols running on quantum devices whose input and output signals are classic. In this work we propose a quantum media access control (QMAC) that allows dynamic and fair spectrum allocation. Particularly, we point to two of the main DSA functions, which are Spectrum Sharing and Spectrum Allocation.
Matrix Transforms by Factorable Matrices
Authors: Ants Aasma
Published: July 2018

In the present paper an overview of existing results on matrix transforms of summability and absolute summability domains of matrix methods by factorable matrices is presented. Under the notion “multiplicative matrix” we consider a lower triangular matrix M = (mnk), where mnk = rnvk with rn,vk ϵ C.
Colours Preferences in Housing Furniture by Two Different Culture Groups
Authors: Aylin Aras
Published: July 2018

Housing is an indicator of cultural identity of societies. Due to the housing they live, dwellers consciously or unconsciously give specific messages about their personal characteristics apart from their socio-cultural group. Colour preference which arouses different perceptions in people is one of the important elements in space design and is known to reflect the culture of dweller. It is thought that colours preferred for furniture which is one of the most important building stones of space is a cultural symbol and cultural differences are influential in the colour preferences of the furniture. With this study, colours preferences of dwellers in different socio-cultural groups for furniture in their housing which is the most prominent space reflecting culture were determined. Within the scope of study, survey and on-site monitoring were done in two different socio-culture groups and colours chosen by socio-cultural groups in their housing furniture were analyzed. As a result of the study it was examined that dwellers in two different socio-cultural groups used different colours in their housing furniture and differences between are revealed them.
Multifaceted but Invisible: Perceptions of the Value of a Pediatric Cognitive Specialty
Authors: Szymczak Julia E. , Lee Grace , Klieger Sarah B. , Woods Charles , Creech C. Buddy , Gilsdorf Janet R. , Dennehy Penelope , Zaoutis Theoklis
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

Systems for standardizing physician payment have been shown to undervalue cognitive clinical encounters. Because health care reform emphasizes value-based approaches, we need an understanding of the way pediatric cognitive specialties are used to contribute to the provision of high-value care. We sought to investigate how clinical and administrative stakeholders perceive the value of pediatric infectious disease (PID) specialists.

METHODS:

We conducted qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of physicians and administrators from 5 hospitals across the United States in which children are cared for. All interviews were transcribed and systematically analyzed for common themes.

RESULTS:

We interviewed 97 stakeholders. Analysis revealed the following 3 domains of value: clinical, organizational, and communicative. Clinically, PID specialists were perceived to be highly valuable in treating patients with unusual infections that respond poorly to therapy, in optimizing the use of antimicrobial agents and in serving as outpatient homes for complex patients. Respondents perceived that PID specialists facilitate communication with patients and their families, the health care team and the media. PID specialists were perceived to generate value by participating in systemwide activities, including antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention. Despite this, much of the valuable work PID specialists perform is difficult to measure causing some administrative stakeholders to question how many PID specialists are necessary to achieve high-quality care.

CONCLUSIONS:

With our findings, we suggest that pediatric cognitive specialties contribute value in multiple ways to the health care delivery system. Many of these domains are difficult to capture by using current metrics, which may lead administrators to overlook valuable work and to under-allocate resources.
Right and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstructive Lesions
Authors: Colombo Jamie N. , McCulloch Michael A.
Published: July 2018

Obstructive cardiac lesions are a common type of congenital heart disease ranging in severity from asymptomatic, mild valvular stenosis to valvar atresia with congestive heart failure and cyanosis. Understanding the pathophysiology and initial management of right and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is imperative to minimize morbidity and mortality in term and preterm infants.
Rural Versus Urban Hospitalizations for Firearm Injuries in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Herrin Bradley R. , Gaither Julie R. , Leventhal John M. , Dodington James
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVES:

Firearms are a leading cause of injury and death for children and adolescents in the United States. We examined how hospitalization rates for firearm injuries differ for rural and urban populations.

METHODS:

The Kids’ Inpatient Database was used to identify hospitalizations for firearm injuries in patients <20 years of age by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision external-cause-of-injury codes. Data from 2006, 2009, and 2012 were analyzed to compare demographics and intent (assault, self-inflicted, unintentional, and undetermined). Urban-rural classification was based on patients' county of residence. Rates were calculated by using weighted cases and US Census data.

RESULTS:

There were 21 581 hospitalizations for firearm injuries. The overall hospitalization rate was higher in urban versus rural areas (risk ratio [RR] = 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.81–2.10). Rates were highest for assaults in urban 15- to 19-year-olds (RR = 7.82; 95% CI: 6.48–9.44). Unintentional injuries were the leading cause of hospitalizations in younger age groups in all urban and rural locations. Rates for unintentional injuries were lower among urban versus rural 5- to 9-year-olds (RR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.36–0.63) and 10- to 14-year-olds (RR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.37–0.52).

CONCLUSIONS:

Hospitalizations for firearm assaults among urban 15- to 19-year-olds represent the highest injury rate. Notably, hospitalizations are lower for urban versus rural 5- to 9-year-olds and 10- to 14-year-olds, and unintentional firearm injuries are most common among these groups. Preventative public health approaches should address these differences in injury epidemiology.
To Serve AI (It's a Cookbook)
Authors: Hendler James
Published: July 2018

James A. Hendler was recognized with the AAAI Distinguished Service Award at AAAI‐17 for his contributions to the field of artificial intelligence through sustained service to AAAI and other professional societies and through government activities promoting the importance of artificial intelligence research. This article presents his recipe for success, with advice directed to newer AI researchers (and some notes for experienced ones as well).