bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information culture in three municipalities and its impact on information management amidst e-government development
Authors: Svärd Proscovia
Published: March 2014

This article presents research conducted in three municipalities in Sweden and Belgium. The municipalities were involved in e-Government development. The article focuses on information culture, which constitutes the attitudes and norms embraced by the municipal employees towards public information management and use. E-Government is meant to improve efficiency through the use of information technology and information. This, however, requires effective information management regimes if information is to be leveraged in a manner that will enable the municipalities to attain their ultimate goal of high quality service delivery. Despite investments in information systems this research has proved that the information culture embraced by these will have to change if the ultimate goal of delivering high quality services to the citizens and the effective use and re-use of information is to be achieved. Information culture researchers argue that there is a correlation between business success and information culture. Therefore, the attitudes, norms and how the employees value organizational information, impacts its efficient use and management. This article therefore highlights some of the challenges that are caused by the attitudes of the municipal employees like lack of information management skills, collaboration and insufficient information management systems and satisfactory information management architecture. Even though huge investments are currently being made in the development of e-services, there are soft issues that need to be seriously addressed.
Integrating Palliative Care into Critical Care
Authors: Hsu-Kim Cynthia , Friedman Tara , Gracely Edward , Gasperino James
Published: March 2014

Background:

Many terminally ill patients experience an increasing intensity of medical care, an escalation frequently not consistent with their preferences. In 2009, formal palliative care consultation (PCC) was integrated into our medical intensive care unit (ICU). We hypothesized that significant differences in clinical and economic outcomes exist between ICU patients who received PCC and those who did not.

Methods:

We reviewed ICU admissions between July and October 2010, identified 41 patients who received PCC, and randomly selected 80 patients who did not. We measured clinical outcomes and economic variables associated with patients’ ICU courses.

Results:

Patients in the PCC group were older (average 64 years, standard deviation [SD] 19.2 vs 55.6 years, SD 14.5; P = .021) and sicker (median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV score 85.5, interquartile range [IQR] 60.5-107.5 vs 60, IQR 39.2-74.75; P < .001) than the non-PCC controls. PCC patients received significantly more total days of ICU care on average (8 days, IQR 4-15 vs 4 days, IQR 2-7; P < .001), had more ICU admissions, and were more likely to die during their ICU stay (64.3% vs 12.5%, P < .001). Median total hospital charges per patient attributable to ICU care were higher in the PCC group than in the controls (US$315,493, IQR US$156,470-US$486,740 vs US$116,934, IQR US$54,750-US$288,660; P < .001). After we adjusted for ICU length of stay, we found that median ICU charges per day per patient did not differ significantly between the groups (US$37,463, IQR US$27,429-US$56,230 vs US$41,332, IQR US$30,149-US$63,288; P = .884). Median time to PCC during the ICU stay was 7 days (IQR 2-14.5 days).

Conclusions:

Patients who received PCC had higher disease acuity, longer ICU lengths of stay, and higher ICU mortality than controls. “Trigger” programs in the ICU may improve utilization of PCC services, improve patient comfort, and reduce invasive, often futile end-of-life care.
Crosswind stability analysis of a high-speed train based on fuzzy random reliability
Authors: Yu Mengge , Zhang Jiye , Zhang Keyue , Zhang Weihua
Published: March 2014

The conventional crosswind stability analysis of high-speed trains is based on a deterministic approach with the final output being a characteristic wind curve (CWC). The CWC only provides the dividing line between the safe state and failure state of vehicles, thus it cannot be used to evaluate the overturning probability of vehicles subjected to strong winds. To overcome this shortcoming of the conventional CWC, a fuzzy stochastic approach is proposed that can make an effective assessment of the operational safety of high-speed trains exposed to stochastic winds. According to this methodology, the uncertain parameters existing in the system such as stochastic winds and aerodynamic coefficients are modelled as basic random variables, and the failure of the structure is considered as a fuzzy random event. An algorithm for computing the unsteady aerodynamic loads of high-speed trains exposed to stochastic winds is created and then the aerodynamic loads are applied to a dynamic model of the vehicle system in order to investigate the dynamic response. Importance sampling is used to conduct an analysis of the crosswind stability of high-speed trains based on fuzzy random reliability theory. This finally leads to the substitution of the conventional CWC by probabilistic characteristic wind curves (PCWCs). The conventional CWC is shown to be over-conservative, while the PCWCs can provide more significant reference for the safe operation of high-speed trains.
State of mind: Power, time zones and symbolic state centralization
Authors: Hassid Jonathan , Watson Bartholomew C
Published: March 2014

Why does China, geographically the third largest country in the world, have only one time zone, while Australia, nearly as big, has six? Concentrating on the Chinese case, we argue that control over time zones represents an example of “symbolic centralization,” the degree to which the central state concentrates intangible or symbolic resources that reinforce and assert state control, often invisibly, over people's everyday lives. Few state actions shape citizens' quotidian experience as fundamentally as symbolic action like setting the boundaries of time, yet political scientists have generally elided the implications of temporal authority. And those few scholars who discuss symbolic power in a systematic way have not considered how its degree of concentration varies cross-nationally. Symbolic centralization provides insights into how a distant political center may continue to shape fundamental aspects of daily life even while scoring low on resource-oriented quantitative measures of centralism. Using qualitative data and introducing a new quantitative “symbolic centralization” index, this article disaggregates the concept from the more commonly studied fiscal and political centralization through evidence from both conventional and anomalous cases.
Strategies of Technology Accumulation by Indian Pharmaceutical Firms: A Multinomial Logit Analysis
Authors: Mehta Swati
Published: March 2014

Driven by technological race, the survival of the firms largely depends upon the technological proximity they possess. Evolutionary theories emphasized that ‘technology’ is a source of growth and its accumulation is a continuous and path-dependent process that require specific and strategic policies. The hypothesis of the article is, thus that ‘both investments in indigenous research and development (R&D) and royalty payments’ are the dominant sources of technology accumulation in the successful firms. For the analysis, the case study of Indian pharmaceutical industry was done for the period from 2000 to 2011 and the multinomial logit model is used for the analysis. However, both the descriptive and econometric analysis refute the hypothesis. Further, the article tried to estimate the dominant choice of technology accumulation in the sector and to find the characteristics of the firms that lead it to make those specific choices.
Multinational Corporations in Indian Food Retail: Why and How Size Matters
Authors: Peddi Sowjanya R.
Published: March 2014

Over and above the political debates, policies and latest developments that hit the headlines regarding the issue of foreign direct investment (FDI) in food retail in India, the question will benefit from conceptual work that demonstrates how retail corporations in general and retail multinational corporations (MNCs) in particular are different in their structure and logic of operation from the existing retail arrangements in countries like India. This article attempts to rephrase the problematic vis-à-vis FDI in retail so as to bring an analytical lens to the heart of the problem. It develops four themes—( i) it argues that FDI induced MNC-led retail needs to be re-imagined as a single global movement spearheaded by a handful of powerful corporations; ( ii) it then investigates the retail corporate structure and logic to point to the built-in tendencies towards monopsony and oligopoly/monopoly in them; ( iii) it goes on to draw the links between this corporate structure, its logic and the resultant impacts of ‘supermarketization’ that have been noted in literature globally; and ( iv) finally, the article articulates how the nature and scope of impacts differ between corporate retail led by national corporations and FDI induced multinational retail. Without such an analytical exercise, terminologies such as formal–informal, organized– unorganized, modern–traditional, free market–state regulated and even foreign–national can only prove misleading and limited. This article covers an extensive range of impacts of supermarketization to demonstrate that they are widely dispersed over space and time. While the focus of most debates has been on the negative consequences for the traditional retail sector, there are equally significant implications for suppliers (farmers and manufacturers), consumers, markets and society in general.
Book Review: Market Platforms, Industrial Clusters and Small Business Dynamics: Specialized Markets in China
Authors: Das Keshab
Published: March 2014

Ding Ke. 2012. Market Platforms, Industrial Clusters and Small Business Dynamics: Specialized Markets in China. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, ix+238 pp.
Exploring Parental Factors Related to Weight Management in Survivors of Childhood Central Nervous System Tumors
Authors: Santa Maria Diane , Swartz Maria C. , Markham Christine , Chandra Joya , McCurdy Sheryl , Basen-Engquist Karen
Published: March 2014

Childhood central nervous system tumor survivors (CCNSTS) are at risk for adverse health issues. Little research has been conducted to explore the role of parental factors in weight management to mitigate adverse health outcomes. We conducted 9 group interviews (n = 20) with CCNSTS, their parents, and health care providers to ascertain parental factors that may influence weight management practices in CCNSTS. Three main themes were identified: parenting style, parent–child connectedness, and food and physical activity (PA) environment. Although most parents adopted an authoritative parenting style related to diet and PA practices, some adopted a permissive parenting style. Participants expressed high levels of connection that may hinder the development of peer relationships and described the food and PA environments that promote or hinder weight management through parental modeling of healthy eating and PA and access to healthy food and activities. Weight management interventions for CCNSTS may experience greater benefit from using a family-focused approach, promoting positive food and PA environments, parental modeling of healthy eating and exercise, and partnering with youth to adopt weight management behaviors.
Cerebellar Mutism After Posterior Fossa Tumor Resection
Authors: Ross Sarah G. , Northman Lisa , Morris Marybeth , Green Adam L. , Ullrich Nicole J.
Published: March 2014

Cerebellar mutism (also known as posterior fossa syndrome) is a relatively common complication of posterior fossa surgery for primary brain tumors in children. Many children with cerebellar mutism experience long-term adverse neurological, cognitive, and psychological sequelae and require extensive interdisciplinary support. This study illustrates a typical case of cerebellar mutism in a child after resection of medulloblastoma, followed by a review of associated symptoms, clinical course, and modulating factors. Additionally, recommendations for providing educational support to children with cerebellar mutism are explored.
Transition Services for Youth With Autism
Authors: Westbrook John D. , Fong Carlton J. , Nye Chad , Williams Ann , Wendt Oliver , Cortopassi Tara
Published: March 2014

Purpose

As the number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) rises, attention is increasingly focused on employment outcomes for individuals with ASD who are exiting public school settings. This review aimed to identify what works in transition programs to help students with ASD obtain competitive employment after graduation.

Method

Authors combed through the literature to find all research that could definitively identify interventions that predictably led to employment for transitioning youth. Results: While no definitive conclusions can be drawn based upon the current review, the authors identified qualitative research that addressed elements of potential successful employment placements for individuals with ASD.

Discussion

Future research efforts are needed to develop studies that utilize rigorous experimental designs to determine the relative effectiveness of the various interventions being utilized in transition programming for students with ASD. This review is published in its entirety in the Campbell Collaboration Library of Systematic Reviews.
Guided by Theory, Informed by Practice
Authors: Poduska Jeanne M. , Kurki Anja
Published: March 2014

Moving evidence-based practices for classroom behavior management into real-world settings is a high priority for education and public health. This article describes the development and use of a model of training and support for the Good Behavior Game (GBG), one of the few preventive interventions shown to have positive outcomes for elementary schoolchildren lasting through to young adulthood, ages 19–21, including reductions in the use of drugs and alcohol, school-based mental health services, and suicide ideation and attempts. We first describe the conceptual framework guiding the development of the model of training and support. Data on implementation of the model, from an ongoing trial of GBG being conducted in partnership with the Houston Independent School District, are then presented. We end with a discussion of the lessons learned and the implications for the next stage of research and practice.
Who Takes the Parliamentary Floor? The Role of Gender in Speech-making in the Swedish Riksdag
Authors: Bäck Hanna , Debus Marc , Müller Jochen
Published: March 2014

Legislative speeches are an important instrument for parties and members of parliament (MPs) to signal their positions and priorities. This raises the question of who speaks when. We evaluate whether a MP’s presence on the floor depends on his or her gender. We hypothesize that female MPs give in general less speeches in parliament and that this pattern results from debates dealing with “harder” policy issues. Our expectations are supported when analyzing a new data set containing information on the number and content of speeches given in the Swedish Riksdag between 2002 and 2010.
Evaluating multi-core and many-core architectures through accelerating the three-dimensional Lax–Wendroff correction stencil
Authors: You Yang , Fu Haohuan , Song Shuaiwen Leon , Dehnavi Maryam Mehri , Gan Lin , Huang Xiaomeng , Yang Guangwen
Published: March 2014

Wave propagation forward modeling is a widely used computational method in oil and gas exploration. The iterative stencil loops in such problems have broad applications in scientific computing. However, executing such loops can be highly time-consuming, which greatly limits their performance and power efficiency. In this paper, we accelerate the forward-modeling technique on the latest multi-core and many-core architectures such as Intel® Sandy Bridge CPUs, NVIDIA Fermi C2070 GPUs, NVIDIA Kepler K20× GPUs, and the Intel® Xeon Phi co-processor. For the GPU platforms, we propose two parallel strategies to explore the performance optimization opportunities for our stencil kernels. For Sandy Bridge CPUs and MIC, we also employ various optimization techniques in order to achieve the best performance. Although our stencil with 114 component variables poses several great challenges for performance optimization, and the low stencil ratio between computation and memory access is too inefficient to fully take advantage of our evaluated architectures, we manage to achieve performance efficiencies ranging from 4.730% to 20.02% of the theoretical peak. We also conduct cross-platform performance and power analysis (focusing on Kepler GPU and MIC) and the results could serve as insights for users selecting the most suitable accelerators for their targeted applications.
Lifestyle physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis: the new kid on the MS block
Authors: Motl Robert W
Published: March 2014

Supervised exercise training has substantial benefits for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet 80% of those with MS do not meet recommended levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This same problem persisted for decades in the general population of adults and prompted a paradigm shift away from “exercise training for fitness” toward “physical activity for health.” The paradigm shift reflects a public health approach of promoting lifestyle physical activity through behavioral interventions that teach people the skills, techniques, and strategies based on established theories for modifying and self-regulating health behaviors. This paper describes: (a) the definitions of and difference between structured exercise training and lifestyle physical activity; (b) the importance and potential impact of the paradigm shift; (c) consequences of lifestyle physical activity in MS; and (d) behavioral interventions for changing lifestyle physical activity in MS. The paper introduces the “new kid on the MS block” with the hope that lifestyle physical activity might become an accepted partner alongside exercise training for inclusion in comprehensive MS care.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Benzodiazepines for the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Authors: Tampi Rajesh R. , Tampi Deena J.
Published: March 2014

The objective of this review is to summarize the available data on the use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search of 5 major databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Collaboration, yielded a total of 5 RCTs. One study compared diazepam to thioridazine, 1 trial compared oxazepam to haloperidol and diphenhydramine, 1 trial compared alprazolam to lorazepam, 1 trial compared lorazepam to haloperidol, and 1 trial compared intramuscular (IM) lorazepam to IM olanzapine and placebo. The data indicates that in 4 of the 5 studies, there was no significant difference in efficacy between the active drugs to treat the symptoms of BPSD. One study indicated that thioridazine may have better efficacy than diazepam for treating symptoms of BPSD. In 1 study, the active drugs had greater efficacy in treating BPSD when compared to placebo. There was no significant difference between the active drugs in terms of tolerability. However, in 2 of the 5 studies, about a third of the patients were noted to have dropped out of the studies. Available data, although limited, do not support the routine use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of BPSD. But these drugs may be used in certain circumstances where other psychotropic medications are unsafe for use in individuals with BPSD or when there are significant medication allergies or tolerability issues with certain classes of psychotropic medications.
Comment: Affect Control Theory and Cultural Priming: A Perspective from Cultural Neuroscience
Authors: Pornpattananangkul Narun , Chiao Joan Y.
Published: March 2014

Affect control theory posits that emotions are constructed by social and cultural forces. Rogers, Schröder, and von Scheve (2014) introduce affect control theory as a conceptual and methodological “hub,” linking theories from different disciplines across levels of analysis. To illustrate this further, we apply their framework to cultural priming, an experimental technique in cultural psychology and neuroscience for testing how exposure to cultural symbols (e.g., words and pictures) changes people’s behavior, cognition, and emotion. Our analysis supports the use of affect control theory in linking different levels of analysis while leaving some opening questions for improving such a framework in future research.
L’appropriation par les primo-adoptants de l’Approche École en santé au Quebec
Authors: Couturier Yves , Deschesnes Marthe , Drouin Nathalie
Published: March 2014

L’ Approche École en santé (AÉS) est une approche globale de promotion de la santé inspirée des principes des « Health Promoting Schools » (écoles promotrices de santé). L’AÉS est associée à un dispositif d’accompagnement des écoles volontaires pour l’implanter qui comporte des ressources professionnelles d’accompagnement et divers outils. Le présent article rend compte des résultats d’une recherche qualitative portant sur l’appropriation locale de cette approche par des écoles ayant participé à la première vague d’implantation au Québec. Après avoir exposé le contexte, la méthodologie et le cadre théorique de l’étude, nous présenterons les appropriations locales observées, et ce qui semble les avoir conditionnées, du point de vue des acteurs.
Predicting Plasma Glucose From Interstitial Glucose Observations Using Bayesian Methods
Authors: Hansen Alexander Hildenbrand , Duun-Henriksen Anne Katrine , Juhl Rune , Schmidt Signe , Nørgaard Kirsten , Jørgensen John Bagterp , Madsen Henrik
Published: March 2014

Background:

One way of constructing a control algorithm for an artificial pancreas is to identify a model capable of predicting plasma glucose (PG) from interstitial glucose (IG) observations. Stochastic differential equations (SDEs) make it possible to account both for the unknown influence of the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and for unknown physiological influences. Combined with prior knowledge about the measurement devices, this approach can be used to obtain a robust predictive model.

Method:

A stochastic-differential-equation-based gray box (SDE-GB) model is formulated on the basis of an identifiable physiological model of the glucoregulatory system for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. A Bayesian method is used to estimate robust parameters from clinical data. The models are then used to predict PG from IG observations from 2 separate study occasions on the same patient.

Results:

First, all statistically significant diffusion terms of the model are identified using likelihood ratio tests, yielding inclusion of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. Second, estimates using maximum likelihood are obtained, but prediction capability is poor. Finally a Bayesian method is implemented. Using this method the identified models are able to predict PG using only IG observations. These predictions are assessed visually. We are also able to validate these estimates on a separate data set from the same patient.

Conclusions:

This study shows that SDE-GBs and a Bayesian method can be used to identify a reliable model for prediction of PG using IG observations obtained with a CGM. The model could eventually be used in an artificial pancreas.
Single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic appendectomy: A case-match study
Authors: Joliat Gaëtan-Romain , Uldry Emilie , Demartines Nicolas , Schäfer Markus
Published: March 2014

Background:

Three-port laparoscopic appendectomy is considered standard in many countries for the surgical treatment of acute appendicitis. Single-incision laparoscopic technique has been recently introduced and is supposed to minimize the aggression induced by surgery. Regarding appendectomy, comparison with standard laparoscopy, benefits and drawbacks of this novel technique remain to be evaluated. The goal of this study was to assess single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic appendectomy in terms of operation time, length of hospital stay, complication rate, and postoperative antibiotherapy rate.

Methods:

From February 2011 to December 2011, single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy was proposed to patients admitted to the emergency room of the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland), diagnosed with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Preoperative patients’ information, technical difficulties during the operation, and postoperative follow-ups were recorded. Every patient who underwent single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 20) was matched 1:3 conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 60), controlling for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and histopathological findings.

Results:

No statistically significant differences for median operation time, length of hospital stay, complication rate, and need for postoperative antibiotherapy were found. In 5 out of 20 single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy patients the Endoloop® Ligature was judged difficult to put in place.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible and effective operative technique for uncomplicated acute appendicitis.
What the Academics Have to Do When Colleges in Kerala Become Autonomous
Authors: Vilanilam J.V.
Published: March 2014

After reviewing the history and objectives of higher education briefly, the article suggests that teachers and managers in autonomous colleges have to give special emphasis to a new system of teaching and evaluation involving Syllabus Revision, Distribution of Course Formats in the very first class meeting, Monitoring of Lab and Library facilities, etc., and above all return of evaluated material to students every semester within a week after testing so that there will be full confidence of students in the new system. The success of autonomy depends mainly on the diligence and integrity of the teachers. The article also pleads for the introduction of uniformity and logical continuity of the high school and higher education systems, with national development as the primary goal of education.
Numerical analysis of Al vapour effects in gas metal arc welding of Al alloys
Authors: Wang L. L. , Wang H. P. , Lu F. G. , Murphy A. B. , Carlson B. E.
Published: March 2014

Using an in-house three-dimensional (GMAW) process simulation tool, the effects of Al vapour in the arc welding of aluminium alloys for various welding currents have been studied. The mathematical model, which takes into account the effects of metal vapour, is described. A bead-on-Al-plate problem is then modelled, with and without consideration of the Al vapour for various welding currents. The effects of the Al vapour on the energy flow of the system and the resulting weld profile are examined. The calculated plasma temperatures are compared with measured temperatures. The change of heat input to the workpiece due to the presence of Al vapour is examined. Finally, the calculated weld profiles with and without consideration of Al vapour are compared with actual weld profiles. It is found that the presence of Al vapour reduces the arc temperature and the weld depth significantly.
Molecular dynamics simulation of incipient plasticity of nickel substrates of different surface orientations during nanoindentation
Authors: Hu T. Y. , Zheng B. L. , Hu M. Y. , He P. F. , Yue Z. F.
Published: March 2014

The present study aims to elucidate the anisotropic characteristics in material responses for crystallographic nickel substrates with (001), (011) and (111) surface orientations during nanoindentation. Molecular dynamic simulation is applied to compensate for the experimental limitation of nanoindentation, particularly for pure nickel substrates. Defect nucleation and evolution in Ni single crystal of these three crystal orientations was examined. Hardness and Young's modulus are also extracted in different orientations. The Young's modulus of (111) crystallographic orientation is the largest, while that of (001) surface is the smallest. The sensitivity of the yield point for face centred cubic crystals depends on the crystallographic orientation. The (001) crystallographic orientation reaches the yield point first, while the (111) crystallographic orientation is the most difficult in which to achieve yield. Using a visualisation method of centrosymmetry parameter, the homogeneous nucleation and early evolution of dislocations were investigated, deepening understanding of incipient plasticity at the atomic scale. The present results suggest that defect nucleation and evolution are the root of curve jitter. The indentation depth of the elastic–plastic transition point varies in the different crystallographic orientation models, and appears latest in the (111) model. The strain energy of the substrate exerted by the tip is stored by the formation of homogeneous nucleation and is dissipated by the dislocation slide in the {111} glide plane. The three nickel substrates with different crystallographic orientations exhibit different forms of dislocation propagation.
Microstructure and internal friction of Ni–Ti alloys absorbing hydrogen
Authors: Zhao Q. , Yang M. , Ma L. , Yu T. , Ma L.
Published: March 2014

The microstructure and internal friction of Ni–Ti alloys after hydrogen absorption have been investigated by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and low frequency torsional internal friction apparatus. The results show that, after hydrogen absorption, the grains tend to be elongated, and the nucleation and growth of hydrides are mainly concentrated at the grain boundaries. In addition, a new phase ultimately identified as Ti2NiH0·5 phase forms after absorption of hydrogen. The hydrogen induced martensite promotes the emergence of a two-stage transformation. However, the growth of hydrides causes a reduction of the hydrogen induced martensite. The hydrides act as strong pinning points, resulting in a dramatic increase in the internal friction. In addition, the marked change of the internal stress, caused by the microscopic strain and the mismatching of the volumes, also improves the internal friction.
Material needs for turbine sealing at high temperature
Authors: Davenport J. R. , Mendez-Garcia L. , Purkayastha S. , Hancock M. E. , Stearn R. J. , Clegg W. J.
Published: March 2014

There is considerable interest in reducing the volume of gas escaping around the blade tips in a gas turbine by fixing an abrasive, such as c-BN, onto the blade tip with an alloy, such as MCrAlY. Abrasion testing at 1100°C showed that the MCrAlY deformed and the abrasive particles oxidised. The shear stress in the MCrAlY was estimated by finite element methods to be in the range of 5–30 MPa, while measurements of the frictional heating suggest the local temperature is between 1100 and 1200°C. Creep testing showed that conventional MCrAlYs were too weak under these conditions. However, higher strengths were obtained using a continuous reinforcing phase together with NiAl. An Al2O3/ZrO2 abrasive was investigated as a more oxidation resistant abrasive. In this case, reaction with the MCrAlY caused Ni to diffuse into the abrasive forming layers of NiO, weakening the particles and causing premature failure.
Transglutaminase 2: a new player in bronchopulmonary dysplasia?
Authors: Witsch Thilo J. , Niess Gero , Sakkas Elpidoforos , Likhoshvay Tatyana , Becker Simone , Herold Susanne , Mayer Konstantin , Vadász István , Roberts Jesse D. , Seeger Werner , Morty Rory E.
Published: March 2014

Aberrant remodelling of the extracellular matrix in the developing lung may underlie arrested alveolarisation associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Transglutaminases are regulators of extracellular matrix remodelling. Therefore, the expression and activity of transglutaminases were assessed in lungs from human neonates with BPD and in a rodent model of BPD.

Transglutaminase expression and localisation were assessed by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, activity assay and immunohistochemical analyses of human and mouse lung tissues. Transglutaminase regulation by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β was investigated in lung cells by luciferase-based reporter assay and RT-PCR. TGF-β signalling was neutralisedin vivoin an animal model of BPD, to determine whether TGF-β mediated the hyperoxia-induced changes in transglutaminase expression.

Transglutaminase 2 expression was upregulated in the lungs of preterm infants with BPD and in the lungs of hyperoxia-exposed mouse pups, where lung development was arrested. Transglutaminase 2 localised to the developing alveolar septa. TGF-β was identified as a regulator of transglutaminase 2 expression in human and mouse lung epithelial cells.In vivoneutralisation of TGF-β signalling partially restored normal lung structure and normalised lung transglutaminase 2 mRNA expression.

Our data point to a role for perturbed transglutaminase 2 activity in the arrested alveolarisation associated with BPD.
Neutrophil extracellular traps in bronchial aspirates: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Hamaguchi Shigeto , Hirose Tomoya , Matsumoto Naoya , Akeda Yukihiro , Irisawa Taro , Seki Masafumi , Hosotsubo Hideo , Yamamoto Kouji , Tasaki Osamu , Oishi Kazunori , Shimazu Takeshi , Tomono Kazunori
Published: March 2014

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are structures composed of DNA and granular proteins, which rapidly trap and kill pathogens. The formation of NETs has been detected during infection in animal experiments, but their role in humans is unclear. The purposes of this study were to quantitatively evaluate the production of NETs during acute respiratory infection and to study the relationship between the NET length and various inflammatory mediators.

We examined bronchial aspirates collected from nine intubated patients in an intensive care unit. Samples were collected at the onset of acute respiratory infection (day 0) and on days 1, 3–5, and 6–8. The NET length was visualised by immunohistochemistry and quantified using computer tracing software.

The NET length was measured and compared at each time point. The length differed significantly between time points (p<0.001). NETs were significantly longer on day 1 than on day 0 (p<0.001). Neutrophils released NETs abundantly in response to respiratory infection and regression analysis showed that NET length correlated with six clinical parameters (white blood cells, platelets, lactate, CXC ligand-2, interleukin-8, and procalcitonin) as the explanatory variables.

NETs in bronchial aspirates may reflect disease progression of respiratory infections. Quantification of NETs in bronchial aspirates may provide a new indicator of inflammation.
Specific inhalation challenge in the diagnosis of occupational asthma: consensus statement
Authors: Vandenplas Olivier , Suojalehto Hille , Aasen Tor B. , Baur Xaver , Burge P. Sherwood , de Blay Frederic , Fishwick David , Hoyle Jennifer , Maestrelli Piero , Muñoz Xavier , Moscato Gianna , Sastre Joaquin , Sigsgaard Torben , Suuronen Katri , Walusiak-Skorupa Jolanta , Cullinan Paul ,   the ERS Task Force on Specific Inhalation Challenges with Occupational Agents
Published: March 2014

This consensus statement provides practical recommendations for specific inhalation challenge (SIC) in the diagnosis of occupational asthma. They are derived from a systematic literature search, a census of active European centres, a Delphi conference and expert consensus. This article details each step of a SIC, including safety requirements, techniques for delivering agents, and methods for assessing and interpreting bronchial responses. The limitations of the procedure are also discussed.

Testing should only be carried out in hospitals where physicians and healthcare professionals have appropriate expertise. Tests should always include a control challenge, a gradual increase of exposure to the suspected agent, and close monitoring of the patient during the challenge and for at least 6 h afterwards. In expert centres, excessive reactions provoked by SIC are rare.

A positive response is defined by a fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s ≥15% from baseline. Equivocal reactions can sometimes be clarified by finding changes in nonspecific bronchial responsiveness, sputum eosinophils or exhaled nitric oxide. The sensitivity and specificity of SIC are high but not easily quantified, as the method is usually used as the reference standard for the diagnosis of occupational asthma.
Value distribution of q-difference differential polynomials of entire functions
Authors: Xu Na , Cao Ting-Bin , Liu Kai
Published: March 2014

For a complex value

q
≠
0
,
1

, and a transcendental entire function

f
(
z
)

with order,

0
<
σ
(
f
)
<
∞

, we study the value distribution of q-difference differential polynomials

[

f
n

(
z
)
(
f
(
q
z
)
−
f
(
z
)
)
]

(
k
)

and

[
f
(
z
)
f
(
q
z
)
]

(
k
)

.

MSC:30D35, 39A05.
Main trends of modernization of administrative education(formation)
Authors: Годин  , Godin Vladimir
Published: March 2014

Major current trends in education development are considered. Various issues of modernizing managerial

education towards mass-scale involvement, internationalization and computerization are discussed.

Promising models of higher educational institution functioning are analyzed. Features of innovative

educational projects in the field of managerial education are outlined. Certain lines of activities, aimed

at creating new educational space for the innovative higher educational institution, are proposed. The

author shares the experience, gained by the State University of Management, in the field of implementing

innovations.
Public Administration as the Branch of Scientifi c Knowledge and the Study Field
Authors: Гимазова  , Gimazova Yuliya
Published: March 2014

The paper outlines the main achievements of the Department of Public Administration and Political

Technologies of the State University of Management in the field of methodology and teaching methods of the

"Public Administration" study field. Promising theoretic and methodological findings are highlighted as well

as deep insights of the department pedagogical staff in teaching “Public Administration” as a field of study.

Therefore, the author states, it is justified to position the Department as a national leader and a prospective

international partner in the field of teaching the Public administration course.
Confl ict Management: Theoretical and Application
Authors: Рыжов  , Ryzhov O.
Published: March 2014

Theoretical issues of conflict management are rather new, and thus is a matter of special interest for experts dealing with conflicts, and also for everyone else, concerning about domestic and world events, and desiring to resolve even everyday conflicts toward sustainable relationships. The author is hopeful that the paper would involve readers in discussions conducive to resolving not only theoretic and methodological, but also practical and applied issues of conflict settlement.
Options and Prospects of Conceptual Approach Development for Managing Integrated Business Structures
Authors: Мальчевский  , Malchevskiy A. , Афанасьев  , Afanasev Valentin
Published: March 2014

Application of new methods for managing large-scale integrated structures are considered as exemplified

by the bank holding company. The factors urging the use of new approaches are highlighted. The author

gives solid ground for options and prospects for development of conceptual approach, ensuring consistency

of goals and enhancing integration of a holding company’s components.
Species-habitat associations in a northern temperate forest in China
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Zhao Yazhou , Zhao Xiuhai , von Gadow Klaus
Published: March 2014

This contribution identifies species-habitat associations in a temperate forest in north-eastern China, based on the assumption that habitats are spatially autocorrelated and species are spatially aggregated due to limited seed dispersal. The empirical observations were obtained in a large permanent experimental area covering 660 x 320 m. The experimental area was subdivided into four habitat types using multivariate regression tree (MRT) analysis. According to an indicator species analysis, 38 of the 47 studied species were found to be significant indicators of the MRT habitat types. The relationships between species richness and topographic variables were found to be scale-dependent, while the great majority of the species shows distinct habitat-dependence. There are 188 potential species-habitat associations, and 114 of these were significantly positive or negative based on habitat randomization. We identified 139 significant associations using a species randomization. A habitat is not a closed system it may be both, either a sink or a source. Therefore, additional to the randomization, the Poisson Cluster Model (PCM) was applied. PCM considers the spatial autocorrelation of species and habitats, and thus appears to be more realistic than the traditional randomization processes. It identified only 37 associations that were significant. In conclusion, the deviation from the random process, i.e. the high degree of species spatial mingling may be explained by persistent immigration across habitats.
Recovery of soil bulk density, porosity and rutting from ground skidding over a 20-year period after timber harvesting in Iran
Authors: Ezzati Sattar , Najafi Akbar , Rab M. , Zenner Eric
Published: March 2014

Ground-based skidding can have detrimental effects on soil properties trough soil profile disturbance and compaction that can persist for decades. We investigated the recovery of physical properties of disturbed brown soils on four abandoned downhill skid trails in a deciduous mountain forest in northern Iran. The most recent skidding operations had taken place 1â5Â yrs, 6â10 yrs, 11â15 yrs, and 16â20 yrs ago, providing a 20-year chronosequence with four 5-year recovery periods. For each recovery period, mean values for soil bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), macroporosity (MP), soil moisture content (SM), and rut depth (RD) were assessed for three levels of traffic intensity (Primary (PS), Secondary (SS) and Tertiary (TS) skid trails) and two levels of slope gradients (Gentle (G) and Steep (S)) and compared to those in undisturbed (control) areas. Over the 20-year recovery period, PS trails on gentle slopes exhibited mean values that were 35â42% (BD), 3â7% (SM), and 13â19 cm (RD) greater and 18â24% (TP) and 19â28% (MP) lower compared to undisturbed areas; on steep PS trails, values were 40â46% (BD), 2â13% (SM), and 13â21 cm (RD) greater and 23â27% (TP) and 28â35% (MP) lower, respectively. While RD and SM recovered, 20 years was not long enough for the other physical soil properties, particularly on steep slopes. To minimize soil disturbance, skidding should be confined to areas with gentle slopes and alternative harvesting methods such as cable yarding should be used where slope gradients exceed 20%.
Control efficacy of stump treatment and influence of stump height on natural spore infection by Heterobasidion spp. of precommercial thinning stumps of Norway spruce and birch
Authors: Gunulf Anna , Mc Carthy Rebecka , Rönnberg Jonas
Published: March 2014

An alternative precommercial thinning technique results in trees being cut higher up the stem compared to the normal method using a brush saw. The aims of this study were to investigate if primary infection of Heterobasidion spp. on precommercial thinning stumps of Norway spruce and birch is influenced by stump height and to test the control efficacy of stump treatment with Phlebiopsis gigantea on precommercial thinning stumps of Norway spruce. Small Norway spruce and birch trees were felled on five sites in southern Sweden and their stumps subjected to natural spore infection. For each species, two treatments of stump height were created: 15 and 100 cm. Half of the Norway spruce stumps were treated with P. gigantea. After two months, 896 stumps were sampled and infection by Heterobasidion spp. was quantified. The height of stumps did not significantly influence infection frequency or size of infection on either tree species. Untreated Norway spruce stumps had an infection frequency of 55% while 31% of the treated stumps were infected. The control efficacy of stump treatment in terms of reduced relative infected area was 61â65%. The area occupied by Heterobasidion spp. on birch stumps was generally small, on average 0.4 cm2 per infected stump, although 15% of the stumps were infected. The risk of primary infection in Norway spruce dominated stands should be considered when precommercial thinning is conducted but the control efficacy and economy of stump treatment warrants further investigation before practical recommendations can be made.
Forest planning in a Swedish company – a knowledge management analysis of forest information
Authors: Nilsson Malin , Staal Westerlund Dianne , Wahlberg Olof , Eriksson Ljusk
Published: March 2014

Forest data and forest information are central to forest management planning. The knowledge a large forest-owning company possesses about its forests could potentially be a strategic capability. In this study, the forest-planning process of a large forest company is analyzed in terms of knowledge management (KM). The study was conducted as a case study of Sveaskog â the largest forest-owning company in Sweden. The study focuses on the long-term harvest strategy through medium-term planning until the stands are transferred to the tract bank and ready for operational planning. Interviews with key persons within the organization were conducted to assess how forest knowledge is used in this process. The results are presented for the four knowledge management processes: creation, storage-retrieving, transferring and applying. They show that the planning system relies to a great extent on codified knowledge realized by a push strategy.
What can molecular markers tell us about the glacial and postglacial histories of European birches?
Authors: Jadwiszczak Katarzyna
Published: March 2014

The last glaciation was one of the most severe of the Pleistocene epoch. The development of the Scandinavian ice sheet forced many species to reduce their ranges to areas with favourable climatic conditions. Most European species survived the Last Glacial Maximum in refugia in southern parts of Europe. Cold-tolerant species, such as birch trees and shrubs, could also inhabit western, eastern or central Europe. After climate warming, Holocene recolonisation began. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the genetic variation of four European Betula species to reconstruct their glacial and postglacial histories. Two chloroplast DNA haplotypes dominate within the ranges of all birch species, one haplotype is the most common in western and northwestern Europe, the second haplotype occurs mainly in the eastern and southeastern parts of the continent. This finding suggests that birches have recolonised Europe from the western and the eastern refugia, respectively. Most of Europe was likely populated from higher latitude refugia because there was no evidence of isolation by distance and weak genetic structures were detected. Similar patterns of haplotype distributions within Betula ranges indicate that postglacial recolonisation may be disturbed by interspecies hybridisation.