bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Sentiment Detection in Online Reviews of Tax Professionals: A Comparison of Three Software Packages
Authors: Witherspoon Candace L. , Stone Dan N.
Published: March 2014

This study analyzes the “tax talk” in online client reviews of tax preparers, and evaluates off-the-shelf (SentiStrength, LIWC2007, and DICTION 6.0) and customized software packages' detection of sentiment in these reviews. Compared to human-coded sentiment, three off-the-shelf programs poorly assess client sentiment. We adapted two software packages, SentiStrength and LIWC2007, to “tax talk” by splitting the sample into learning and holdout segments (n = 50 each). Results for SentiStrength with a customized dictionary and keywords evidenced high validity. The results suggest that client reviews of tax preparers contain unique taxation language.

Data Availability: Data used in this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.
Non-habitual wearing of high-heeled shoes increases loading coefficient, stress and forefoot-rearfoot load imbalance in females as revealed by the modified velocity field diagram
Authors: Ibeneme Sam , Ekeanyanwu Ann
Published: March 2014

Study aim: To determine the effects of non-habitual wearing of high-heeled shoes on loading coefficient, loading stress and forefoot-rearfoot load imbalance in females

Materials and methods: Fifty young adult female subjects were selected using a convenience sampling technique, and studied utilising crossover control research design. They walked barefoot and thereafter, in high-heeled shoes; for a distance of 10- metre measured out in a gait laboratory. They demonstrated their gait twice for each speed, along a 10 metres walkway, at five speeds varying from very slow to very fast. Mean values of steps and time were recorded and used to calculate the values of velocity, stride length, stride frequency, double-support, swing, single-support, and stance phases of stride. These were adopted to form a modified velocity field diagram (MVFD). The data obtained were statistically analysed using a t-test for correlated means, with alpha set at 0.05.

Results: The MVFDs revealed that the F/R load ratios were obtained as 0.67 and 1.5, while loading coefficient was 0.4 and 0.6, for barefoot and high-heeled walking, respectively. Loading coefficient and stress in high-heeled walking was 1.50 and 1.88 of the value in barefoot walking, respectively.

Conclusions: Non-habitual wearing of high-heeled shoes increased F/R load imbalance, loading coefficient, and stress in the foot. However, there was no evidence of gait pathology in the subjects when they walked barefoot. Thus, non-habitual use of high-heeled shoes by the subjects did not translate to significant residual biomechanical derangements in the locomotor apparatus otherwise the kinematic data recorded for barefoot walking would have approximated the values obtained during high heeled walking.
A note on the Galambos copula and its associated Bernstein function
Authors: Mai Jan-Frederik
Published: March 2014

There is an infinite exchangeable sequence of random variables {Xk}k∈ℕ such that each finitedimensional
distribution follows a min-stable multivariate exponential law with Galambos survival copula,
named after [7]. A recent result of [15] implies the existence of a unique Bernstein function Ψ associated with
{Xk}k∈ℕ via the relation Ψ(d) = exponential rate of the minimum of d members of {Xk}k∈ℕ. The present note
provides the Lévy–Khinchin representation for this Bernstein function and explores some of its properties.
Discrete Groups and Internal Symmetries of Icosahedral Viral Capsids
Authors: Kerner Richard
Published: March 2014

A classification of all possible icosahedral viral capsids is proposed. It takes into account the diversity of hexamers’ compositions, leading to definite capsid size.We showhowthe self-organization of observed capsids during their production results from definite symmetries of constituting hexamers. The division of all icosahedral capsids into four symmetry classes is given. New subclasses implementing the action of symmetry groups Z2, Z3 and S3 are found and described. They concern special cases of highly symmetric capsids whose T = p2 + pq + q2-number is of particular type corresponding to the cases (p, 0) or (p, p).
On effective determination of symmetric-square lifts
Authors: Sun Qingfeng
Published: March 2014

Let F be the symmetric-square lift with Laplace eigenvalue λ
F (Δ) = 1+4µ2. Suppose that |µ| ≤ Λ. We show that F is uniquely determined by the central values of Rankin-Selberg L-functions L(s, F ⋇ h), where h runs over the set of holomorphic Hecke eigen cusp forms of weight κ ≡ 0 (mod 4) with κ≍ϱ+ɛ, t9 = max {4(1+4θ)/(1−18θ), 8(2−9θ)/3(1−18θ)} for any 0 ≤ θ < 1/18 and any ∈ > 0. Here θ is the exponent towards the Ramanujan conjecture for GL2 Maass forms.
Barrier infrared detectors
Authors: Martyniuk P. , Kopytko M. , Rogalski A.
Published: March 2014

In 1959, Lawson and co-workers publication triggered development of variable band gap Hg1−xCdxTe (HgCdTe) alloys providing an unprecedented degree of freedom in infrared detector design. Over the five decades, this material system has successfully fought off major challenges from different material systems, but despite that it has more competitors today than ever before. It is interesting however, that none of these competitors can compete in terms of fundamental properties. They may promise to be more manufacturable, but never to provide higher performance or, with the exception of thermal detectors, to operate at higher temperatures.

In the last two decades a several new concepts of photodetectors to improve their performance have been proposed including trapping detectors, barrier detectors, unipolar barrier photodiodes, and multistage detectors. This paper describes the present status of infrared barrier detectors. It is especially addressed to the group of III-V compounds including type-II superlattice materials, although HgCdTe barrier detectors are also included. It seems to be clear that certain of these solutions have merged as a real competitions of HgCdTe photodetectors.
Cayley-Hamilton theorem for left eigenvalues of 3 × 3 quaternionic matrices
Authors: Macías-Virgós E. , Pereira-Sáez M.J.
Published: March 2014

We prove that any quaternionic matrix of order n ≤3 admits a characteristic function, whose roots are the left eigenvalues, that satisfes Cayley-Hamilton theorem.
Hip Abductor Strength Reliability and Association With Physical Function After Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alnahdi Ali H. , Zeni Joseph A. , Snyder-Mackler Lynn
Published: March 2014

Background

Because people with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have persistent functional limitations and disability, identifying modifiable risk factors for persistent disability is warranted. Before surgery, people have pervasive lower extremity muscle weakness. The fact that hip abductor muscle strength is often not targeted in postoperative rehabilitation may contribute to functional limitations.

Objective

Study objectives were: (1) to examine the reliability of handheld dynamometry (HHD) for measuring hip abductor strength and (2) to determine whether hip abductor strength contributes to physical function beyond the contribution of quadriceps muscle strength.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Two-hundred ten participants underwent quadriceps and hip abductor muscle strength testing and measurement of physical function (performance-based and self-reported outcomes). Correlation and regression equations were built to determine the relationships of strength, pain, and functional ability. A subset of 16 participants underwent hip abductor strength testing at 2 sessions to determine the reliability of the measure.

Results

Measuring hip abductor strength with HHD yielded excellent relative reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,3]) of .95 and a 95% confidence interval of .86 to .98, but moderate absolute reliability, with a minimal detectable change (with 95% confidence) of 47.6 N and a 95% confidence interval of 35.5 to 76.5. Hip abductor strength made a significant additional contribution to performance-based measures of physical function after anthropometric covariates and quadriceps muscle strength were accounted for. Hip abductor strength did not show bivariate correlations with patient-reported measures of physical function and did not contribute to patient-reported physical function after covariates and quadriceps muscle strength were accounted for.

Limitations

A cause-and-effect relationship between hip abductor strength and physical function could not be established.

Conclusions

In people with unilateral TKA, HHD testing of hip abductor strength is reliable. Hip abductor strength contributes to performance-based but not patient-reported measures of physical function in people with unilateral TKA.
Clinical Identifiers for Early-Stage Primary/Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis: Are We Seeing the Real Picture?
Authors: Walmsley Sarah , Osmotherly Peter G. , Rivett Darren A.
Published: March 2014

Background

Adhesive capsulitis is often difficult to diagnose in its early stage and to differentiate from other common shoulder disorders.

Objective

The aim of this study was to validate any or all of the 8 clinical identifiers of early-stage primary/idiopathic adhesive capsulitis established in an earlier Delphi study.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Sixty-four patients diagnosed with early-stage adhesive capsulitis by a physical therapist or medical practitioner were included in the study. Eight active and 8 passive shoulder movements and visual analog scale pain scores for each movement were recorded prior to and immediately following an intra-articular injection of corticosteroid and local anesthetic. Using the local anesthetic as the reference standard, pain relief of ≥70% for passive external rotation was deemed a positive anesthetic response (PAR).

Results

Sixteen participants (25%) demonstrated a PAR. Univariate logistic regression identified that of the proposed identifiers, global loss of passive range of movement (odds ratio [OR]=0.26, P=.03), pain at the end of range of all measured active movements (OR=0.06, P=.02), and global loss of passive glenohumeral movements (OR=0.23, P=.02) were associated with a PAR. Following stepwise removal of the variables, pain at the end of range of all measured active movements remained the only identifier but was associated with reduced odds of a PAR.

Limitations

The lack of a recognized reference standard for diagnosing early-stage adhesive capsulitis remains problematic in all related research.

Conclusions

None of the clinical identifiers for early-stage adhesive capsulitis previously proposed by expert consensus have been validated in this study. Clinicians should be aware that commonly used clinical identifiers may not be applicable to this stage.
Transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in a low-incidence setting, Switzerland, 2006 to 2012
Authors: Somoskovi A , Helbling P , Deggim V , Hömke R , Ritter C , Böttger E C
Published: March 2014

The goal of the present study was to examine the transmission dynamics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Switzerland. Between 2006 and 2012, a total of 49 MDR-TB cases were reported to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, 46 of which were of foreign origin. All 49 initial strains were evaluated by molecular epidemiologic methods at the Swiss National Reference Centre for Mycobacteria. In 43 strains, unique DNA fingerprint patterns were identified. Twelve strains were grouped into six clusters. Data from contact tracing suggest likely in-country transmission in four clusters, mostly among close contacts. In the remaining two clusters, no contact tracing data were available, but the identified genotypes were known to be prevalent in the countries of origin of the patients, suggesting the possibility that the infection was acquired there. While most MDR-TB cases are imported to Switzerland, at least four of the 49 MDR-TB cases were due to transmission within the country. The imported cases, however, did not lead to secondary cases outside the circles of close contacts. The results also indicate that prevention of MDR-TB transmission among immigrants may require closer monitoring.
Molecular surveillance of multi- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis transmission in the European Union from 2003 to 2011
Authors: De Beer J L , Ködmön C , van der Werf M J , van Ingen J , van Soolingen D , the ECDC MDR-TB molecular surveillance project participants Collective
Published: March 2014

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) initiated a project on the molecular surveillance of multi- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-/XDR-TB) transmission in the European Union (EU) in the period from 2009 to 2011. In total, 2,092 variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) patterns of MDR-/XDR-TB Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were collected, originating from 24 different countries in the period 2003 to 2011. Of the collected VNTR patterns, 45% (n=941) could be assigned to one of the 79 European multiple-country molecular fingerprint clusters and 50% of those (n=470) belonged to one extremely large cluster caused by Beijing strains of one genotype. We conclude that international transmission of MDR-/XDR-TB plays an important role in the EU, especially in the eastern part, and is significantly related to the spread of one strain or clone of the Beijing genotype. Implementation of international cluster investigation in EU countries should reveal underlying factors of transmission, and show how TB control can be improved regarding case finding, contact tracing, infection control and treatment in order to prevent further spread of MDR-/XDR-TB in the EU.
Road Safety Benefits from Bus Priority
Authors: Goh Kelvin Chun Keong , Currie Graham , Sarvi Majid , Logan David
Published: March 2014

The provision of bus priority is often a major consideration in on-street bus rapid transit design. However, the research is limited and suggests mixed outcomes. This paper explores the impact of bus priority treatments on road safety. An empirical analysis of accident data about bus rapid transit routes in Melbourne, Australia, was conducted. The analysis included an aggregate crash frequency analysis that accounted for statistical effects and a disaggregate analysis that used a safety audit and review of accident types. Overall, bus priority treatments reduced accidents, with a statistically significant reduction of 14.0%. The number of fatal and serious incidents dropped considerably (42 to 29 per annum). The disaggregate safety audit showed reductions in intolerable risks, but some concerns such as interaction of buses and traffic at bus lane setbacks (section of a curbside lane where traffic may enter to make a turn as the bus lane reaches an intersection) and greater pedestrian road-crossing distances caused by bus lanes. However, disaggregate analysis of accident type suggested that bus lanes act as a roadside buffer, reducing collisions with roadside objects and other vehicles. The shifting of stopping buses from the traffic lane into a bus lane was shown to reduce accidents. Bus lanes were thought to increase sight distances at unsignalized intersections and consequently reduce accidents with vehicles to the side. Some treatments were thought to increase traffic density, creating safety benefits through slowed traffic. These findings were statistically robust and suggest that a new perspective on planning for and justifying bus priority measures is warranted.
Model for the Optimal Location of Bus Stops and Its Application to a Public Transport Corridor in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Medina Marcos , Giesen Ricardo , Muñoz Juan Carlos
Published: March 2014

The location and number of bus stops are key to the operational efficiency of the services that use them; these criteria affect commercial speed, reliability, and passenger access times. In the defining of the number of stops, a trade-off arises between reduced access time, which widens a route's coverage area, and both the operational speed of the route and the users’ in-vehicle travel time. In this study, a model for optimally locating stops was developed, and the model was applied to the Grecia Avenue public transport corridor in the city of Santiago, Chile. The proposed model uses a continuous and multiperiod approximation of corridor demand; this approximation allows for the determination of the density of stops, which minimizes the sum of operator costs and total costs to passengers. The model simultaneously solves for the optimal stop density and the headway between successive buses. The actual stop locations of the Grecia Avenue corridor were compared with the optimal locations suggested by the model, and many similarities were found.
Public Transport Time-Tabling Based on Maximum-Load Points Using Multisize Vehicles
Authors: Hassold Stephan , Ceder Avishai (Avi)
Published: March 2014

Accurate demand data are crucial in public transport planning. Bus operators increasingly are introducing smart cards to replace cash payments. Users load money onto their cards, the cards are tagged by a reading device on the vehicle, and the customer is charged accordingly. Smart cards give the public transport operator access to a vast amount of information on trips made by customers. However, not every bus operator has access to these data; instead they use ride and point checks or revenue counts to determine demand and the resulting loads on vehicles. These checks are costly and time-consuming and are prone to human error. The objective of this study was to examine how the quality of the resultant timetables differed when other methods were used. This study focused on the determination of the daily and hourly maximum load points (which can be determined by point checks) as well as individual maximum load points of the vehicles (which require either ride checks or an automated passenger count system). The timetables based on the different maximum load points were created with a multi-objective approach that had two simultaneous objectives: minimize the expected passenger waiting time and minimize the discrepancy from a desired occupancy level on the vehicles. The developed methodology was applied to a case study in Auckland, New Zealand. A detailed analysis of the timetables then revealed whether one method was superior to the others and, if so, to what extent.
Planning Dial-a-Ride Services
Authors: Marković Nikola , Milinković Sanjin , Schonfeld Paul , Drobnjak Zeljko
Published: March 2014

Accessibility of public transit is an important political and social objective for transit agencies across the world. To meet this objective, many transit agencies provide a specialized door-to-door transportation service, called “dial-a-ride” (DAR), for the elderly and disabled. Annual DAR ridership growth exceeding 5% is reported in many cities in the United States, and this trend is expected to continue because of the aging population. In response to increased ridership, DAR services have become the fastest growing fraction of many transit agency budgets. These trends motivate the development of models that support decision making in the planning of new DAR systems or expansion of existing systems. Several statistical models have been developed in the past decade that can be used to determine the necessary DAR system capacity. These models focus on peak period analyses and provide good fit when applied to simulated case studies. This study aimed to demonstrate the importance of considering the entire day of operations rather than only the peak period. Several factors were identified that have been omitted in the literature, and comprehensive statistical and meta-models were developed for determining DAR system capacity. The performance of two proposed models was assessed with real-world data from a DAR service. The proposed models are available to the general public through a web system that provides free decision support to practitioners involved in designing DAR systems.
Modeling the Spatial Effects on Demand Estimation of Americans with Disabilities Act Paratransit Services
Authors: Kuo Pei-Fen , Shen Chung-Wei , Quadrifoglio Luca
Published: March 2014

A reliable method for predicting paratransit ridership is important, especially for the efficiency of the services offered. The commonly used aggregate regression model is most accurate for forecasting the total demand for regional areas such as whole counties or cities; however, it is likely to be geographically inaccurate. This paper proposes a geographical weight regression (GWR) model for predicting the demand for the types of para-transit services required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The GWR model reflects better the characteristic of each area having its own coefficient for predictors rather than the same value throughout. The results show that trip demand increased proportionately to (a) the population size, (b) the ratio of senior citizens, (c) the ratio of people below the poverty line, and (d) the ratio of African-American riders. These results suggest that the predictive performance of the GWR model is better than that of the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model. The GWR model is of greater value than the OLS model to researchers and practitioners, because the predictor variables are readily available from census data; this availability of data allows researchers to use the model after calibration.
Lessons of Bus Rapid Transit from Nine Cities in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Liu Zichang , Wang Hua
Published: March 2014

Because of its efficient service and relatively low investment requirements, bus rapid transit (BRT) is growing in popularity in many cities around the world. The development of BRT in nine cities in China, including design, implementation, operation, and management of the systems, is summarized. Substantial data, including infrastructure design, service performance, and passenger flow, have been collected from the BRT systems in the nine cities. The cities’ population, size, importance, and social and economical backgrounds have also been provided. On the basis of the data, five BRT development modes are summarized and compared. Recommendations about China's BRT decision making, planning, systems designs, and operational management are also provided.
Disaggregate Model for Vehicle Ownership Behavior of Indian Households
Authors: Dash Sarojeet , Vasudevan Vinod , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: March 2014

For a highly populated developing country, such as India, that imports a significant share of its petroleum, it is necessary to understand the private vehicle ownership behavior of the country's households to design policies fostering sustainable development of the country's transportation sector. The study addresses this concern by developing an all-India disaggregate model for private vehicle ownership behavior with the use of data of the Consumer Expenditure Survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office of the government of India from July 2009 to June 2010. An appropriate proxy variable for economic standard has been designed as an explanatory variable in the vehicle ownership model. The study evaluates the effect of various socioeconomic factors on the private vehicle ownership behavior of Indian households after testing the relevance of each of the factors. It also confirms that economic standard and household size are two important determinants of private vehicle ownership behavior.
Time Series Comparison of Joint Mode and Destination Choice Models in Changing Transportation Environment
Authors: Yagi Sadayuki , Nobel Deo , Kawaguchi Hirohisa
Published: March 2014

Following the analysis of household auto and motorcycle ownership and mode choice models presented in 2012, results are presented on joint mode and destination choice models developed on the basis of two large-scale travel surveys conducted 8 years apart. The models are compared, and implications of changes in the Jakarta, Indonesia, metropolitan area in the past decade are discussed. Interpretation of the effects of different types of variables, including basic travel, household and individual characteristics, and zonal attributes in the models estimated for 2002 and 2010, led to insights relative to changes in the transportation environment and an increase in the complexity of travel behavior in Jakarta. As long as the context of the society does not change, both models should remain unchanged with fixed parameters over a period of time. However, the models that were estimated on the basis of the surveys conducted nearly a decade apart indicated quite different parameters with different degrees of significance. As found in the comparison made in 2012, transferability of those disaggregate choice models may not always apply in urban areas of the developing world such as Jakarta, even though the model structure may remain the same. Such implications may also be worth studying for other urban areas of the developing world, although similarities may be restricted to regions that share modal and cultural norms.
Modeling Car Ownership in Urban Areas of Developing Countries
Authors: Gómez-Gélvez Julián Andrés , Obando Catalina
Published: March 2014

Determinants of household car ownership in Bogotá, Colombia, based on disaggregate data from mobility surveys in 1995 and 2005, are analyzed. The development of discrete choice models (multinomial logit and ordered logit) allows the individual effects of income, household size, and location variables to be disentangled. Results showed that income had the greatest impact on car ownership, with an aggregate-level elasticity between 0.908 and 1.110 in 1995. At the same time, the impact of other variables was relatively low, because income was a major limitation to car ownership. Analysis of behavioral changes in both years showed that distance to work had a negative effect on car ownership in 1995 but a positive effect in 2005; this result suggests an interesting area for further research. Additionally, population density was found to have a negative effect in 1995 but no effect in 2005; this change indicates an uncertain role for densification strategies to reduce car ownership. Finally, a higher quality of public transportation was found to have a generally negative effect on car ownership.
Safety Performance Functions Reflecting Categorical Impact of Exposure Variables for Freeways
Authors: Kim Ducknyung , Kim Dong-Kyu , Lee Chungwon
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study is to develop safety performance functions reflecting the categorical impact of exposure variables that may vary with freeway segments. A four-step procedure is constructed. It includes clustering analysis, distribution selection, model specification, and model integration. First, clustering analysis is employed to classify freeway segments into three similar groups. A goodness-of-fit test is performed to select suitable distributions for the safety performance functions of each of the three groups. Three forms of relationships are compared between crash frequency and exposure variables, and the best one is selected by using statistical indexes. Two final models, based on the evaluations performed by a test for taste variations and a paired asymptotic t-test, are proposed: one for fatal injury crashes and one for total crashes. All coefficients and constants in the proposed models are statistically significant. In addition, both models show higher statistical significance than the models reflecting constant relationships between crash frequency and exposure variables. The proposed four-step procedure for safety performance functions makes it possible to predict crash frequency more accurately, and the procedure can be easily applied to predict the number of crashes without additional data or complex simulation procedures. If additional explanatory variables are available for criteria on the difference and similarity, the ability to explain the data may be enhanced. It would be necessary to select an appropriate tool for characteristics of targeted roads; this process is a subject for further research.
Safety of Channelized Right-Turn Lanes for Motor Vehicles and Pedestrians
Authors: Potts Ingrid B. , Bauer Karin M. , Torbic Darren J. , Ringert John F.
Published: March 2014

The paper presents the results of research undertaken to evaluate how the safety performance of intersection approaches with channelized right-turn lanes compares with that of intersection approaches with conventional right-turn lanes or shared through and right-turn lanes. Crash data for nearly 400 intersection approaches in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, including intersection approaches with channelized right-turn lanes, conventional right-turn lanes, and shared through and right-turn lanes, were analyzed to compare the safety performance of the three right-turn treatment types. The research results indicate that intersection approaches with channelized right-turn lanes appear to have similar motor vehicle safety performance as approaches with conventional right-turn lanes or shared through and right-turn lanes. This result was found both at the downstream end of the channelized right-turn lane (where the right-turning vehicle merges with the cross street traffic) and at the upstream end of the channelized right-turn lane (where the right-turning vehicle begins the right-turn maneuver). Intersection approaches with channelized right-turn lanes also appear to have similar pedestrian safety performance as approaches with shared through and right-turn lanes. Intersection approaches with conventional right-turn lanes have substantially more pedestrian crashes (approximately 70% to 80% more) than approaches with channelized right-turn lanes or shared through and right-turn lanes.
Evaluation of simultaneous cranioplasty and ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedures
Authors: Heo Juneyoung , Park Sukh Que , Cho Sung Jin , Chang Jae Chil , Park Hyung-ki
Published: March 2014

Object

Some patients with severe brain swelling treated with decompressive craniectomy may develop hydrocephalus. Consequently, these patients require cranioplasty and a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to relieve the hydrocephalus. However, there is no consensus as to the timing of the cranioplasty and VP shunt placement in patients requiring both. The authors assessed the results of performing cranioplasty and VP shunt placement at the same time in patients with cranial defects and hydrocephalus.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of 51 patients who had undergone cranioplasty and VP shunt operations after decompressive craniectomy for refractory intracranial hypertension between 2003 and 2012 at the authors' institution. Patient characteristics, data on whether the operations were performed simultaneously, brain bulging, hydrocephalus, cranial defect size, and complications were analyzed.

Results

The overall complication rate was 43% (22 of 51 patients). In 32 cases, cranioplasty and VP shunt placement were performed at the same time. Complications included subdural hematoma, subdural fluid collection, and infection. The group undergoing cranioplasty and VP shunt placement at the same time had higher complication rates than the group undergoing the procedures at different times (56% vs 21%, respectively). The severity of complications was also greater in the former group. Patients with severe brain bulging had higher complication rates than did those without brain bulging (51% vs 0%, respectively). Cranial defect size, severity of hydrocephalus, indication for decompressive craniectomy, age, sex, and interval between decompressive craniectomy and subsequent operation did not affect complication rates.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing cranioplasty and VP shunt placement at the same time had higher complication rates, especially those with severe brain bulging.
Effect of Antimelanotic Treatment and Vacuum Packaging on Melanosis and Quality Condition of Ice Stored Farmed Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: Reddy Vijay Kumar , Shinde Pradnya A , Sofi Faisal R , Shelar Piyusha S , Patange SB
Published: March 2014

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of vacuum packaging in combination with antimelanotic treatment on quality characteristics and melanosis in farmed tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) collected from Ratnagiri region of Maharashtra. The processed shrimps were treated with sulfite mixture in water (30 g kg-1) and divided into two lots each with 250 shrimps. One of them was vacuum packed, the other was air packed and stored under ice. The ice stored shrimps were analyzed for quality attributes and melanosis for a period of 27 days. The treated vacuum packed shrimps had a shelf life of 24 days, whereas air packed shrimp had 16 days only. Melanosis was absent in the shrimps from both the lots throughout the storage period. Based on the results, it could be concluded that the combination of antimelanotic treatment (sulphite mixture) and packaging could significantly delay the occurrence of melanosis and increase the storage life of shrimp in ice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18400 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 33-47 (2013)
Intra and Inter Cluster Studies for Quantitative Traits in Garlic (Allium sativum L)
Authors: Singh RK , Dubey BK , Gupta RP
Published: March 2014

Garlic is propagated vegetatively, the clonal selection is the important breeding method and very scanty work has been done on the association between different traits in garlic. Analysis of variance revealed significant divergence in fifteen garlic clone with checks i. e. Yamuna Safed (G-1), Agrifound White (G-41), Yamuna Safed-2 (G-50) and Yamuna Safed-3 (G-282) for different traits, indicating sufficient genetic diversity among the cultivars. Genotypes belonging to the cluster with maximum inter cluster distance were genetically more divergent. Therefore, it is suggested that based upon large cluster distances to select genotypes from all the clusters, which may lead to broad spectrum of favorable genetic variability for bulb yield improvement. Cluster-III had highest value of plant height (93.05 cm), bulb diameter (4.71 cm), bulb size index (16.08 cm2), 20 bulb weight (700 g), clove diameter (1.75 cm), clove size index (4.43 cm2), weight of 50 cloves (97.50 g) and gross yield (159.63 t ha-1) and minimum neck thickness (1.45 cm) number of cloves per bulbs (17) days for bulb initiation (61.66 days) and days to harvesting (149.83). The traits total soluble solids contributed maximum (20.46%) toward genetic divergence followed by gross yield (16.37%), bolters (12.86%), marketable yield (11.11%), number of cloves per bulbs (10.52%), weight of 50 cloves (10.52%), days for bulb initiation (10.52%) and days for harvesting (4.09%). These traits were considered to be most important for genetic divergence, they contributed (96.45%) towards genetic divergence and selection of genotypes based on these traits will contribute to wider genetic diversity in the existing gene pool of garlic genotypes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18402 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 61-67 (2013)
Evaluation of Physiological and Orgaleptic Properties of Mango cv. Kesar as Influenced by Ionizing Radiation and Storage Temperature
Authors: Yadav MK , Patel NL , Parmar BR , Nayak Dileswar
Published: March 2014

Radiation processing of fruits involves exposure to short wave energy to achieve a specific purpose to maintain the physiological changes and sensory quality of the product. The effect of gamma irradiation and storage temperature on physiological changes and organoleptic properties of mango fruit var. Kesar was studied. The fruits were exposed to gamma radiation at different doses i.e. 0.00kGy, 0.20kGy, 0.40kGy and 0.60kGy from the radio isotope 60Co and stored at different storage environments i.e. at ambient storage (27±2°Cwith 60-70% RH); at 9°C with 90% RH; at 12°C with 90% RH and control atmosphere storage ( at 12°C, O2 2%, CO2 3% and RH 90%). The fruits irradiated with 0.40kGy gamma rays and stored at 9°C storage temperature with 90% RH recorded maximum reduction in physiological loss in weight and reduced ripening. The minimum physiological loss in weight and ripening and highest marketability of fruits was recorded from fruits irradiated with 0.40kGy gamma rays and stored at 12°C storage temperature with 90 RH including maximum scores on skin colour, pulp colour, texture, taste and overall acceptability at the end of shelf life (41.43 days). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18403 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 69-80 (2013)
Characterization and Field Performance of 15 Strawberry Germplasm under Bangladesh Conditions
Authors: Rahman M Moshiur , Rahman M Mizanur , Hossain M Mofazzal , Mian MA Khaleque , Khaliq Q Abdul
Published: March 2014

Fifteen strawberry germplasm collected from local and exotic sources were evaluated for different qualitative and quantitative characters. The germplasm showed variation for majority of the studied traits. Plant height during peak harvest ranged from 14.67 to 25.00 cm and FA 007 exhibited the tallest plants. The maximum number of leaves plant-1 was produced by FA 006 (46.67). The maximum number of runners plant-1 was obtained in FA 003 (68.67) followed by FA 004 (63.00), while the highest number of crown plant-1 was found in FA 007 (15.33) followed by FA 006 (14.67). Days to flowering varied from 48.33 to 102.30 among the germplasm and FA 008 required minimum (48.33) days for flowering. The germplasm FA 004 produced the highest number of flower trusses (35.50 plant-1) while it was the lowest in FA 010 (5.00 plant-1). The number of flowers plant-1 was found maximum in FA 003 (168.00 plant-1) and minimum in FA 010 (40.00 plant-1). Among the germplasm pollen viability varied significantly and maximum viable pollen was recorded in FA 010 (84 %), while it was lowest in FA 004 (12.00 %). The highest per cent fruit set was recorded in BARI Strawberry-1 (86 %) while, FA 013 (39 %) showed the lowest. Among the germplasm the highest yield plant-1 was recorded from FA 005 (737.70 g) followed by FA 006 (702.30 g) and was significantly higher than others while the lowest yield plant-1 was recorded from FA 013 (52.00 g), FA 014 (69.00 g), FA 009 (81.33 g) and FA 010 (121.30 g). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18404 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 81-94 (2013)
Molecular Diversity Analysis in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) through RAPD Markers
Authors: Hoque ME , Huq H , Moon NJ
Published: March 2014

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to study the molecular diversity of 12 popular potato varieties in Bangladesh. DNA was extracted from tender leaf sample for PCR amplification. The PCR amplified DNA profile was visualized on 2% agarose gel, staining with ethidium bromide. Eight RAPD primers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of potato varieties. Some total of 36 DNA fragments were amplified and out of them 24 were polymorphic. Those primers generated 61.53% of polymorphic DNA band. The primer OPX 04 produced highest (9) number of DNA band and out of 9 amplicon 6 were polymorphic. Lowest number of amplification was observed in the primer OPA-17 and it was only 3. The highest Neis genetic distance (0.9701) was noticed between the variety Granola and Provinto. The highest (0.8205) number of genetic identity/similarity was observed between the varieties Cardinal and Diamant. The unweighted pair group method of arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram based on Neis genetic distance revealed that the 12 varieties followed into two main clusters. The present finding showed that there was high level of genetic diversity among the varieties which can be used for parental selection in potato breeding program. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18405 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 95-102 (2013)
Hello pension, goodbye tension? The impact of work and institutions on older workers’ labor market participation in Europe
Authors: Fleischmann Maria , Koster Ferry , Dykstra Pearl , Schippers Joop
Published: March 2014

To sustain the welfare state, several EU countries agreed to take measures aimed at increasing the labor market participation of older workers (European Commission 2001). In this study, we developed a framework integrating individual, work, and institutional characteristics in order to explain the labor market participation of older workers. While prior studies focused mainly on individual characteristics, the present analysis investigated the impact of work and institutions more closely using the European Social Survey. Multilevel analyses across 21 countries showed that work characteristics increased the benefits from work, hence increasing the likelihood of participation among older workers, and that the generosity of institutions discouraged older workers to remain in the labor market.
Eugène Loos, Leslie Haddon and Enid Mante-Meijer (eds.) (2012). Generational Use of New Media. Farnham: Ashgate, 236 pp. ISBN 978 1 4094 2657 8 (hardback)
Authors: Kadi Selma
Published: March 2014

Abstract not Available.
Pareto Optimization or Cascaded Weighted Sum: A Comparison of Concepts
Authors: Jakob Wilfried , Blume Christian
Published: March 2014

Looking at articles or conference papers published since the turn of the century, Pareto optimization is the dominating assessment method for multi-objective nonlinear optimization problems. However, is it always the method of choice for real-world applications, where either more than four objectives have to be considered, or the same type of task is repeated again and again with only minor modifications, in an automated optimization or planning process? This paper presents a classification of application scenarios and compares the Pareto approach with an extended version of the weighted sum, called cascaded weighted sum, for the different scenarios. Its range of application within the field of multi-objective optimization is discussed as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
Asynchronous Magnetic Bead Rotation (AMBR) Microviscometer for Label-Free DNA Analysis
Authors: Li Yunzi , Burke David , Kopelman Raoul , Burns Mark
Published: March 2014

We have developed a label-free viscosity-based DNA detection system, using paramagnetic beads as an asynchronous magnetic bead rotation (AMBR) microviscometer. We have demonstrated experimentally that the bead rotation period is linearly proportional to the viscosity of a DNA solution surrounding the paramagnetic bead, as expected theoretically. Simple optical measurement of asynchronous microbead motion determines solution viscosity precisely in microscale volumes, thus allowing an estimate of DNA concentration or average fragment length. The response of the AMBR microviscometer yields reproducible measurement of DNA solutions, enzymatic digestion reactions, and PCR systems at template concentrations across a 5000-fold range. The results demonstrate the feasibility of viscosity-based DNA detection using AMBR in microscale aqueous volumes.
Ab Initio Research on a New Type of Half-Metallic Double Perovskites, A2CrMO6 (A = IVA Group Elements; M = Mo, Re and W)
Authors: Liu Yun-Ping , Fuh Huei-Ru , Wang Yin-Kuo
Published: March 2014

The research based on density functional theory was carried out using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for full-structural optimization and the addition of the correlation effect (GGA + U (Coulomb parameter)) in a double perovskite structure, A2BB’O6. According to the similar valance electrons between IIA(s2) and IVA(p2), IVA group elements instead of alkaline-earth elements settled on the A-site ion position with fixed BB' combinations as CrM (M = Mo, Re and W). The ferrimagnetic half-metallic (HM-FiM) properties can be attributed to the p-d hybridization between the Crd-Mp and the double exchange. All the compounds can be half-metallic (HM) materials, except Si2CrMoO6, Ge2CrMo and Ge2CrReO6, because the strong-correlation correction should be considered. For M = W, only A = Sn and Pb are possible candidates as HM materials. Nevertheless, an examination of the structural stability is needed, because Si, Ge, Sn and Pb are quite different from Sr. All compounds are stable, except for the Si-based double perovskite structure.
Optimal Forgery and Suppression of Ratings for Privacy Enhancement in Recommendation Systems
Authors: Parra-Arnau Javier , Rebollo-Monedero David , Forné Jordi
Published: March 2014

Recommendation systems are information-filtering systems that tailor information to users on the basis of knowledge about their preferences. The ability of these systems to profile users is what enables such intelligent functionality, but at the same time, it is the source of serious privacy concerns. In this paper we investigate a privacy-enhancing technology that aims at hindering an attacker in its efforts to accurately profile users based on the items they rate. Our approach capitalizes on the combination of two perturbative mechanisms—the forgery and the suppression of ratings. While this technique enhances user privacy to a certain extent, it inevitably comes at the cost of a loss in data utility, namely a degradation of the recommendation’s accuracy. In short, it poses a trade-off between privacy and utility. The theoretical analysis of such trade-off is the object of this work. We measure privacy as the Kullback-Leibler divergence between the user’s and the population’s item distributions, and quantify utility as the proportion of ratings users consent to forge and eliminate. Equipped with these quantitative measures, we find a closed-form solution to the problem of optimal forgery and suppression of ratings, an optimization problem that includes, as a particular case, the maximization of the entropy of the perturbed profile. We characterize the optimal trade-off surface among privacy, forgery rate and suppression rate,and experimentally evaluate how our approach could contribute to privacy protection in a real-world recommendation system.
Contact Geometry of Mesoscopic Thermodynamics and Dynamics
Authors: Grmela Miroslav
Published: March 2014

The time evolution during which macroscopic systems reach thermodynamic equilibrium states proceeds as a continuous sequence of contact structure preserving transformations maximizing the entropy. This viewpoint of mesoscopic thermodynamics and dynamics provides a unified setting for the classical equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics. One of the illustrations presented in the paper is a new version of extended nonequilibrium thermodynamics with fluxes as extra state variables.
Evaluation of Visitor Counting Technologies and Their Energy Saving Potential through Demand-Controlled Ventilation
Authors: Kuutti Jussi , Blomqvist Kim , Sepponen Raimo
Published: March 2014

Direction-sensitive visitor counting sensors can be used in demand-controlled ventilation (DCV). The counting performance of two light beam sensors and three camera sensors, all direction sensitive, was simultaneously evaluated at an indoor location. Direction insensitive sensors (two mat sensors and one light beam sensor) were additionally tested as a reference. Bidirectional counting data of free people flow was collected for 36 days in one-hour resolution, including five hours of manual counting. Compared to the manual results, one of the light beam sensors had the most equally balanced directional overall counting errors (4.6% and 5.2%). The collected data of this sensor was used to model the air transportation energy consumption of visitor counting sensor-based DCV and constant air volume ventilation (CAV). The results suggest that potential savings in air transportation energy consumption could be gained with the modeled DCV as its total daily airflow during the test period was 54% of the total daily airflow of the modeled CAV on average. A virtually real-time control of ventilation could be realized with minute-level counting resolution. Site-specific calibration of the visitor counting sensors is advisable and they could be complemented with presence detectors to avoid unnecessary ventilation during unoccupied periods of the room. A combination of CO2 and visitor counting sensors could be exploited in DCV to always guarantee sufficient ventilation with a short response time.