bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunneling vs Agency Effect: A Case Study of Enron and Satyam
Authors: Shirur Srinivas
Published: January 2017

This is a comparative study of Enron and Satyam corporate frauds. An attempt has been made to arrive at some generalizations about the key reasons for the differences between agency and tunneling problems. Agency effect and tunneling phenomena focus on the divergence in the interests of managers, promoters, and minority shareholders, which are the key reasons for corporate fraud. There is a clear difference between the fraud committed due to tunneling and agency effect. The article highlights this feature through the case study of Enron and Satyam. The difference between tunneling and agency effect has important implications for corporate finance. Corporate finance is based on the assumptions of separation of ownership and management and also perpectual continuity of corporation. If these two assumptions are dropped, then many of the widely accepted theories may not hold.

The article concludes that the legal framework, nature of financial system, and level of economic development are the key factors which determine the level of agency effect and tunneling problem. Solutions to corporate governance problems are quite different in India as compared to the US or Europe. Hence, it would be inappropriate to copy American legislations like Sarbanes Oxley Act in India. Effective prevention of destructive self-dealing activities is necessary for development of vibrant capital market, whereby small investors will be confident to invest in the Indian market, since they will perceive risk premium to be low.

The key policy prescriptions are as follows: Effective delivery of justice is as important as enacting investor-friendly laws. Creation of subsidiary companies by the parent company and large financial transactions with banks should be viewed with suspicion. On the part of the shareholders, they should be suspicious of any self-dealing transactions. Since the time of Harshad Mehta, when stock brokers, promoters of the company, and bankers connived to cheat small investors, enforcement agencies view even large banking transactions with suspicion. Small investors and institutional investors should play a proactive role to seek information and reject any decisions which reduce their value of shares. Proactive participation of outside shareholders in the corporate affairs of the company, especially in the selection of board of directors and approval of resolutions, are the key remedies to prevent such cases. There should be an effective control of black money. Certain clues like promoters setting up too many subsidiaries, frequent changes and resignations in board of directors, consistent decrease in promoter stake or increasing liquidation of equity options, are clear signs of fraud taking place. Regulatory authorities should work on such clues and operate in such a way that there is least chance of regulatory arbitrage.
Examining PCB-Outcomes Relationship: Moderating Role of Individualism
Authors: Agarwal Upasna A
Published: January 2017

In the current climate of continuing economic uncertainty caused by major developed nations struggling with high-debt and sub-par growth, employee goodwill, motivation, and cooperation are fragile yet critical for organizational success. These attitudes and behaviours can be powerfully influenced by the fulfillment of psychological contracts.

Psychological Contract is a useful framework for examining the quality of employeeorganization relationship. Psychological Contract Breach (PCB), defined as the cognition that one's organization has failed to meet one or more obligations within one's psychological contract in a manner commensurate with one's contributions, has deleterious effects of employee motivation.

Despite the growing amount of research about psychological contracting, a review of studies on PCB indicates that there are deficiencies in the literature which need to be addressed. Firstly, limited efforts have been made to examine the effects of individual dispositions on PCB. Secondly, although trust has been examined as an essential condition for establishment of social exchange, there is paucity of research on the effect of PCB on trust. Thirdly, there have been fairly good number of studies examining the effects of breach. However, these studies seem to have been stuck in terms of examining only specific group of outcome variables. Further, much of the published research on PCB has been experienced by a single cohort of MBA graduates making generalization of findings for more diverse sample populations difficult. Finally, much of our current knowledge about PCB is based on the studies conducted in the West. Since different national cultures display varied cultural elements in the workplace, drawing parallels from studies conducted in other collectivistic cultures will not be appropriate.

This work is significant for four reasons: It examines the effect of PCB on trust and work engagement It examines the mediating role of trust in PCB-engagement relationship It tests the moderating role of individualism and collectivism value orientation It examines PCB in a novel geographical context.

Results of this study with 501 Indian managerial employees working in eight organizations in India suggest that: PCB is related to trust and work engagement. Trust mediates the PCB-engagement relationship. Individualism⁄Collectivism moderates the PCB-trust relationship.
High Intensity Low Frequency Sound Used for Cleaning Purposes
Authors: Sandström Roland , Olsson Mats
Published: January 2017

Low frequency sound has been used for the continous cleaning of boilers and also for cleaning museum textiles. New methods are presently being developed for other types of cleaning. For the cleaning of industrial boilers a powerful 20 Hz infrasound generator (sold under the tradename Infrafone) has been developed. The maximum acoustic power output is in the region of 1000 W. The Infrafone consists of an exigator and a quarter wave resonance tube. It operates on air from a blower and the infasound is generated by the exigator pulsating the air into the resonance tube. When the Infrafone is adapted to a cavity (i.e. the economizer of a boiler, the air preheater or any other part of the boiler) the dimensions of which are smaller or in the same range as the wave length of the infrasound, an almost homogeneous infrasonic pressure is established in all parts of the cavity. The sound pressure level inside a boiler depends on the area of the chamber walls and the acoustic power emitted from the generator. At an infrasonic pressure level of 130 dB – 135 dB (depending on operational conditions) most soots are sufficiently activated not to deposit on tubes and walls. The infrasound even has the capacity to break the bonds between particles and metallic surfaces, thus preventing the particles from adhering to heat exchanging surfaces. Up to the present some four hundred Infrafones have been installed in different types of boilers. As well as oil-fired boilers these include boilers fixed by coal, bark, garbage, peat and black liquor.

For the removal of insecticides from museum textiles a 50 Hz sound is used. The sound is generated by a loud speaker adapted to a Helmholtz resonator. The textiles are placed in the resonator and within five minutes about 98 per cent of the insecticide is removed. The sound pressure level is in the region of 140 dB.
Measurement of the Mechanical Energy Absorption in the Hand and Arm Whilst Using Vibrating Tools
Authors: Burström Lage
Published: January 2017

The mechanical energy absorption in the human hand and arm during exposure to simulated vibration from five common types of hand-held tools within the frequency range of 5 to 1500 Hz, has been directly measured and indirectly determined. The study was carried out on ten healthy subjects, five males and five females. A special handle was used during the measurements. The influence of various experimental conditions, such as vibration level, vibration direction and grip force were also studied. The results show that the energy absorption depends upon the frequency spectra of the tools. The differences between the amount of absorbed energy for the hand-held tools correspond to a factor 3.1 although the frequency weighted acceleration is equal. Furthermore, the results show that experiments conducted with different exposure directions have a significant influence on the amount of absorbed energy. On the other hand, the grip force has only a minor influence. The results also show that it is possible to theoretically calculate the amount of absorbed energy by using the vibration characteristics for the hand-held tool and the mechanical characteristics of the hand and arm.
Study of Sound Insulation of Control Cabins in Industry in the Low Frequency Range
Authors: Kaczmarska Anna , Augustyriska Danuta
Published: January 2017

The number of control cabins installed in industry has increased considerably during the last few years. Most cabins installed nowadays show a satisfactory noise reduction in the frequency range above 500 Hz. The effect of noise damping however shows a gradual decrease for lower frequencies. The present paper is a description of the distribution of low frequency noise in different types of control cabins installed in typical low frequency noise environments in steel plants and the machine building industry. Measurements were made in 20 control cabins, constructed of metal and stone Measurements of sound pressure levels in octave bands were made inside and outside the cabins. The sound pressure level in octave bands in the low frequency range (4–31.5 Hz) inside the cabins was high and varied between 60–108 dB. This is probably due to the insufficient noise reduction for lower frequencies. In some control cabins there was an increased level of low frequency noise inside the cabin compared to the outside. In these control cabins sound pressure levels exceed the admissible values according to Polish standards. The increase of noise level within the low frequency range is considered to be based on resonances.
Geosocial Strata
Authors: Yusoff Kathryn
Published: January 2017

The Anthropocene marks a moment of wild destratification of the planet that requires analysis of the relations between geologic forces and social practices. Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of strata is examined in order to develop a geophilosophy for the Anthropocene. Establishing a model of strata that conjoins earth and social flows together into planes of interrelated production highlights how the fossil substratum subtends contemporary forms of social relations. Stratifications, it is argued, are planes of social reproduction that both constrain and are expressive of possible modes of expression (and thus political freedom). If power, according to Foucault, is a relation between forces, geosocial strata conceptualizes how stratifications organize and capture forces into political geology. Concentrating on diagramming moments of crossing strata, it is suggested that Anthropocene geopolitics needs to be located at the intersection of geosocial formations and processes of fossilization, rather than through a new assemblage of planetary scale.
Systematic evaluation of the adsorption of organic vapors onto a miniaturized cartridge device using breakthrough tests in parallel experiment with a full size respirator cartridge
Authors: Janvier Florence , Tuduri Ludovic , Cossement Daniel , Drolet Daniel , Lara Jaime
Published: January 2017

Breakthrough experiments are essential for the characterization of the adsorption capacity and micropore volume of activated carbon respiratory cartridges and for the validation and determination of cartridge service life models. In an effort to gain better control over environmental conditions in breakthrough tests and to obtain reliable data, a novel experimental approach using a miniaturized (Mini) cartridge was designed to replicate a small section of a respiratory cartridge. The Mini device and the organic vapor respiratory cartridge were tested in single and parallel experiments where in the former, one filter was tested one at a time and in the latter both devices were exposed simultaneously to the same conditions. The Mini device gave comparable results to the 10% breakthrough times and adsorption capacities of the organic vapor cartridges. The reproducibility of the packed carbon bed of the Mini provided strong support for using the Mini in breakthrough experiments for the characterization of the activated carbon adsorption capacity and estimation of cartridge service life.
Study of a fixed-bed column in the adsorption of an azo dye from an aqueous medium using a chitosan–glutaraldehyde biosorbent
Authors: López-Cervantes Jaime , Sánchez-Machado Dalia I , Sánchez-Duarte Reyna G , Correa-Murrieta Ma A
Published: January 2017

A continuous adsorption study in a fixed-bed column was carried out using a chitosan–glutaraldehyde biosorbent for the removal of the textile dye Direct Blue 71 from an aqueous solution. The biosorbent was prepared from shrimp shells and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The effects of chitosan–glutaraldehyde bed height (3–12 cm), inlet Direct Blue 71 concentration (15–50 mg l−1), and feed flow rate (1–3 ml min−1) on the column performance were analyzed. The highest bed capacity of 343.59 mg Direct Blue 71 per gram of chitosan–glutaraldehyde adsorbent was obtained using 1 ml min−1 flow rate, 50 mg l−1 inlet Direct Blue 71 concentration, and 3 cm bed height. The breakthrough curve was analyzed using the Adams–Bohart, Thomas, and bed depth service time mathematical models. The behaviors of the breakthrough curves were defined by the Thomas model at different conditions. The bed depth service time model showed good agreement with the experimental data, and the high values of correlation coefficients (R2 ≥ 0.9646) obtained indicate the validity of the bed depth service time model for the present column system.
Adsorptive and Membrane-Type Separations: A Bibliographical Update (1996)
Authors: Ray Martyn S.
Published: January 2017

This paper provides a bibliography of the 1996 journal literature for adsorptive and membrane-type separations. The references are taken from the 50 most important chemical engineering journals. This paper provides an update to the literature as provided in previous bibliographic papers (Ray 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996a,b). A complete bibliographic listing of the chemical engineering journal literature from 1989 to 1996 (with subsequent six-monthly updates) is available on a CD-ROM database and full details can be obtained from the author.

The papers included here have been divided into the following subject groups: theory; design data; adsorbents; PSA and cyclic systems, and applications; liquid-phase adsorption; ion exchange, chromatography, etc.; membranes; and membrane-type separations.
Twofold Description of the Texture of Aluminium Oxides Prepared by the Sol—Gel Method
Authors: Salmones J. , Garciafigueroa E. , Mayagoitia V. , Rojas F. , Kornhauser I.
Published: January 2017

To date, a complete assessment of the so-called pore-size distribution by adsorption methods has, in general, not been accomplished. This is because the diverse capillary phenomena involved in such a description of the porous structure usually undergo cooperative and/or percolative interactions which hinder complete characterization. The object of the present work was to suggest a general method for the analysis of texture and to provide specific examples which identify and describe some of the problems and possibilities of the textural characterization of porous substrata from vapour adsorption studies. A series of alumina products of very assorted morphologies were synthesized using a modified Yoldas sol-gel method, and used to demonstrate important morphological and mechanical aspects of the pore structure from the observation and analysis of their nitrogen adsorption hysteresis loops at 76 K.
Adsorption Equilibrium of 1, 1-Dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) on a Hydrophobic Zeolite
Authors: Tsai Wen-Tien , Chang Ching-Yuan , Ho Chih-Yin
Published: January 2017

Of the major replacements for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are now accepted as being prime contributors to stratospheric ozone depletion. As a consequence, the development of adsorbents capable of adsorbing and recovering specific HCFCs has received great attention.

This paper describes an investigation of the adsorption equilibrium of 1, 1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) vapour on a commercial hydrophobic zeolite. The corresponding Henry, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) equilibrium isotherms have been determined and found to correlate well with the experimental data. Based on the Henry adsorption isotherms obtained at 283, 303 and 313 K. thermodynamic properties such as the enthalpy, free energy and entropy of adsorption have been computed for the adsorption of HCFC-141b vapour on the adsorbent.

The results obtained could be useful in the application of HCFC adsorption on the hydrophobic zeolite studied.
Mechanistic Study of the Effect of Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure of ASC/T, Whetlerised BPL and Whetlerised Chlorinated BPL Activated Carbons on the Chemisorption of Hydrogen Cyanide from Air
Authors: Keaney A. , Alder J.F.
Published: January 2017

Three activated carbons, ASC/T, Whetlerised BPL and Whetlerised chlorinated BPL (BPL/C) (4.5 %w/w chlorine/carbon) were tested extensively on their adsorption behaviour towards HCN in air, before and after exposure to SO2 and NO2 in air at pressures from 2 to 500 mbar. Whetlerite impregnation solutions of carefully controlled compositions were made up to treat the BPL and BPL/C. ASC/T and the resulting Whetlerised carbons BPL/W and BPL/WC were examined. Nitrogen isotherm data were obtained for these carbons before and after exposure to SO2 and NO2. The carbons were also analysed by ICP-AES and AAS for total Cr, and by alkaline extraction then spectrophotometric analysis using diphenylcarbazide reagent, for the determination of CrVI. The ASC/T, BPL/W and BPL/WC were challenged by 2 mg/l HCN in air at 22°C/80% relative humidity (RH) before and after exposure to SO2 and NO2.

Surface area, microporous volume N2 adsorption energy and pore size distribution data were obtained for the range of carbons from the nitrogen isotherms. Adsorption rate constants, adsorption capacity and adsorption site densities for HCN and (CN)2 were obtained.

Analysis of the results for all three carbons shows that the principal effects of SO2 and NO2 are in reducing the fraction of Cr as CrVI and in blocking the micropore adsorption sites for HCN and (CN)2. There is little obvious correlation between SO2 or NO2 loading and the N2 adsorption rate constants and N2 adsorption energies. There is an overall reduction in microporous area and volume on exposure of ASC/T to both SO2 and, to a lesser but still marked degree, to NO2. The biggest reduction is in the fraction of pores <5 Å radius. It is thought that the reduction in breakthrough time and the related adsorption capacity for HCN and (CN)2 is due to chemical reduction of the CrVI by SO2 on the carbons giving sulphate or sul-phuric acid species, both blocking the microporous structure and reducing the ability of CrVI to oxidise the copper cyanide complexes to oxamide. Analogous mechanisms are proposed to explain the lesser but nonetheless marked effect of NO2 exposure. These findings are consistent with earlier work in the authors' laboratory and that reported elsewhere.
Sorption Properties of the Natural, K and Partially Deammoniated (H/NH4) Forms of Clinoptilolite
Authors: Kasture M.W. , Joshi P.N. , Sorti H.S. , Joshi V.V. , Choudhari A.L. , Shiralkar V.P.
Published: January 2017

A sample collected from the Aurangabad District, Maharashtra, India was characterized by XRD, IR, TG and DTA methods, and by chemical analysis, as a calcium-rich clinoptilolite. Two different methods involving exchange with KOH or NH4Cl led to the formation of K-clinoptilolite (K-Clino) and H/NH4-clinoptilolite (H/NH4-Clino).

Water sorption studies were carried out on the parent clinoptilolite (P-Clino), K-Clino and H/NH4-Clino at five different temperatures in the range 303–423 K. Different adsorption models were applied to the data obtained from such sorption studies. Thermodynamic parameters such as the chemical potential were also computed from the sorption data and their significance is discussed.
Estimation by a Sorption Technique of the Amorphous Contribution in the Phases Obtained during the Hydrothermal Crystallization of LTL-Type Zeolite
Authors: Joshi P.N. , Kim T.H. , Kim K.I. , Shiralkar V.P.
Published: January 2017

Sorption techniques have been employed to estimate the amorphous contribution obtained during the progressive hydrothermal crystallization of the LTL phase from the K2O–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O system at 423 K. The curve showing the progressive depletion of the amorphous content as a function of the crystallization time exhibited an inverted sigmoidal-type shape indicative of distinct induction and crystallization stages. Samples with varying amorphous contributions were characterized by sorption uptake, XRD and chemical composition. The sorption uptake changes observed were found to be helpful in estimating the progress of the crystallization process. The influence of the amorphous contribution on the BET and Langmuir surface areas, and on the micropore void volume was examined using low-temperature nitrogen sorption methods. Estimation of the amorphous contribution by XRD has been compared with that estimated via sorption uptake using different probe molecules such as water, n-hexane, cyclohexane and benzene. The sorption uptake was found to be sensitive to the extent of amorphous content in the sample and to the characteristics of the probe sorbates. The sample with a 100% amorphous contribution as estimated by XRD methods exhibited lower values for this contribution when estimated by sorption techniques. The estimation of the amorphous contribution using benzene sorption data was found to be in excellent agreement with the amorphous contribution as estimated by XRD methods. A lower agreement was exhibited by the other sorbate probes studied.
Analysis of Nitrogen Sorption Data of Chemically Activated Carbon by the Application of Adsorption Models Based on Surface Coverage and Volume Filling of Micropores. 1. Phosphoric Acid Activated Carbons
Authors: Hourieh M.A. , Alaya M.N. , Youssef A.M. , El-Sejariah F.
Published: January 2017

Activated carbons were prepared by carbonizing ground apricot stones impregnated with 20–60 wt% phosphoric acid at 300–600°C, in a limited air supply. Highly activated carbons with surface areas amounting to 1200 m2/g and pore radii of 8–10 Å were obtained when a mixture of apricot stones and 50 wt% phosphoric acid was carbonized at 450°C. Activation with phosphoric acid proceeds via the creation of pores of radii between 8 Å and 10 Å. The adsorption data for nitrogen at 77 K obey models based on surface coverage satisfactorily and also models based on pore volume filling. Although a slight upward deviation was shown in the Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) plots, this model was still verified and allowed the determination of useful sorption parameters.
Habilitation provision for children and young people with vision impairment in the United Kingdom: A lack of clarity leading to inconsistencies
Authors: Hogg Kat , Thetford Clare , Wheeler Sara Louise , York Sarah , Moxon Rachel , Robinson Jude
Published: January 2017

The key to empowering and supporting children and young people (CYP) with vision impairment (VI) to achieve their potential lies in the delivery of habilitation training. Evidence has revealed that provision of habilitation services across the United Kingdom was inconsistent, with CYP with VI not receiving services in some areas. This research explored the accessibility and quality of habilitation provision for CYP with VI via two studies: (1) 12 qualitative case studies of habilitation practice and (2) surveys of habilitation training experiences, with CYP with VI ( n = 43) and with parents of CYP with VI ( n = 68). Five themes were identified highlighting inconsistencies and variability in the delivery of habilitation training in recent years, a lack of focus on independent living skills training, on social inclusion and emotional well-being, a lack of support for parents and a lack of clarity with regard to the definition of habilitation, and who is responsible for providing training.
Perceiving ‘capability’ within dynamic capabilities: The role of owner-manager self-efficacy
Authors: Kevill Alex , Trehan Kiran , Easterby-Smith Mark
Published: January 2017

This article combines two popular, yet separate concepts: dynamic capabilities and self-efficacy. Both are concerned with ability/capability and offer potentially valuable synergies. As such, our in-depth qualitative study based in three micro-enterprises in the United Kingdom investigates, ‘what role(s) may owner-manager perceived self-efficacy play as a micro-foundation of dynamic capabilities in micro-enterprises?’ Our findings show that perceived self-efficacy can influence dynamic capability enactment in multifaceted ways and even suggest that in some cases, perceived self-efficacy is a crucial component of dynamic capabilities, without which there may be no such capability. These insights help open up the black box of dynamic capabilities by contributing important knowledge to the growing body of research into the micro-foundations of such capabilities. Furthermore, our study illuminates the importance of idiosyncratic micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities in micro-enterprises and expands extant knowledge of the potential effects of self-efficacy in the small business and entrepreneurship domain.
Nonlinear Static and Dynamic Analysis of Space Frames with Semi-Rigid Connections
Authors: Chan Siu Lai
Published: January 2017

To obtain an accurate insight into the behaviour of frames, joint flexibility must be accounted for in an analysis since most connections are neither fully rigid nor frictionless pinned but semi-rigid. A robust numerical procedure for large deflection static and dynamic analysis of frames with semirigid connections is presented in this paper. The method is consistent in handling both the static and dynamic problems and its programming and computational effort is moderate when compared to the currently available techniques for large deflection analysis such as the joint orientation method. The pre- and post- buckling static load versus deflection paths for flexibly jointed space frames are traced. The behaviour of some commonly studied problems is re-analysed statically and dynamically using the semi-rigid joint assumption in order to demonstrate the importance of considering connection flexibility in a nonlinear analysis.
Large Displacement Elastoplastic Analysis of Space Trusses as a Mathematical Programming Problem
Authors: Xia S.H. , Tin-Loi F.
Published: January 2017

A mathematical programming approach is proposed for the large displacement elastoplastic analysis of space trusses. Features of the general methodology include the preservation of static-kinematic duality through the concept of fictitious forces and deformations, exact descriptions of equilibrium and compatibility for arbitrarily large displacements, albeit small strain, that can be specialized to any order of geometrical nonlinearity, and a complementarity description of the elastoplastic constitutive laws. The finite incremental formulation developed takes the form of a special mathematical programming problem known as a nonlinear complementarity problem for which a predictor-corrector type numerical scheme is proposed.
Practix Space Structure System: Manufacturing and Application
Authors: Georgievski Vladimir , Kozinakov Dimitri , Bogatinoski Zoran
Published: January 2017

In this paper there is presented a new space structure system called the PRACTIX system. A review is given of the methodology when using the new solution, with an emphasis on the technology in the manufacturing of the elements and their development into larger parts. Also, there are presented some examples of practical applications of the PRACTIX system for roof structures for petrol stations, and two sports halls, constructed in the Republic of Macedonia. The system is also appropriate for realization of other very different conventional and modern buildings, like industrial halls and warehouse canopies for bus and railway stations, sports stadiums, congress halls and exhibition pavillions, theatres, restaurants, airport hangers etc.
From economic dualism to local variety: The development of service industries in Italian regions
Authors: Ferrucci Luca , Picciotti Antonio
Published: January 2017

The paper aims to identify the weight of, and principal dynamics in, the manufacturing and service sectors in the Italian regions, in order to better recognise and define the development paths of individual regional economies. On the basis of data published by the National Statistics Institute, a cluster analysis was carried out. The results show a differentiation in the dynamics of tertiarisation, with some regions ready to strengthen services within a virtuous cycle that also favours the development of manufacturing, while other regions appear anchored to an almost pre-industrial model, where the service sector is principally made up of the public administration.
Costs of formal and informal care in the last year of life for patients in receipt of specialist palliative care
Authors: Brick Aoife , Smith Samantha , Normand Charles , O’Hara Sinéad , Droog Elsa , Tyrrell Ella , Cunningham Nathan , Johnston Bridget
Published: January 2017

Background:

Economic evaluation of palliative care has been slow to develop and the evidence base remains small.

Aim:

This article estimates formal and informal care costs in the last year of life for a sample of patients who received specialist palliative care in three different areas in Ireland.

Design:

Formal care costs are calculated for community, specialist palliative care, acute hospital and other services. Where possible, a bottom-up approach is used, multiplying service utilisation by unit cost. Informal care is valued at the replacement cost of care.

Setting/participants:

Data on utilisation were collected during 215 ‘after death’ telephone interviews with a person centrally involved in the care in the last year of life of decedents who received specialist palliative care in three areas in Ireland with varying levels of specialist palliative care.

Results:

Mean total formal and informal costs in the last year of life do not vary significantly across the three areas. The components of formal costs, however, do vary across areas, particularly for hospital and specialist palliative care in the last 3 months of life.

Conclusion:

Costs in the last year of life for patients in receipt of specialist palliative care are considerable. Where inpatient hospice care is available, there are potential savings in hospital costs to offset specialist palliative care inpatient costs. Informal care accounts for a high proportion of costs during the last year of life in each area, underlining the important role of informal caregivers in palliative care.
Cerebral collateral therapeutics in acute ischemic stroke: A randomized preclinical trial of four modulation strategies
Authors: Beretta Simone , Versace Alessandro , Carone Davide , Riva Matteo , Dell’Era Valentina , Cuccione Elisa , Cai Ruiyao , Monza Laura , Pirovano Silvia , Padovano Giada , Stiro Fabio , Presotto Luca , Paternò Giovanni , Rossi Emanuela , Giussani Carlo , Sganzerla Erik P , Ferrarese Carlo
Published: January 2017

Cerebral collaterals are dynamically recruited after arterial occlusion and highly affect tissue outcome in acute ischemic stroke. We investigated the efficacy and safety of four pathophysiologically distinct strategies for acute modulation of collateral flow (collateral therapeutics) in the rat stroke model of transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. A composed randomization design was used to assign rats (n = 118) to receive phenylephrine (induced hypertension), polygeline (intravascular volume load), acetazolamide (cerebral arteriolar vasodilation), head down tilt (HDT) 15° (cerebral blood flow diversion), or no treatment, starting 30 min after MCA occlusion. Compared to untreated animals, treatment with collateral therapeutics was associated with lower infarct volumes (62% relative mean difference; 51.57 mm3 absolute mean difference; p < 0.001) and higher chance of good functional outcome (OR 4.58, p < 0.001). Collateral therapeutics acutely increased cerebral perfusion in the medial (+40.8%; p < 0.001) and lateral (+19.2%; p = 0.016) MCA territory compared to pretreatment during MCA occlusion. Safety indicators were treatment-related mortality and cardiorespiratory effects. The highest efficacy and safety profile was observed for HDT. Our findings suggest that acute modulation of cerebral collaterals is feasible and provides a tissue-saving effect in the hyperacute phase of ischemic stroke prior to recanalization therapy.
The Impact of Performance-Based Grants Management on Performance: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Authors: Poister Theodore H. , Pasha Obed , DeGroff Amy , Royalty Janet
Published: January 2017

Performance-based grants management is a strategy used by public agencies to improve performance and strengthen accountability by connecting annual award amounts to performance information. This study evaluates the impacts of a performance-based grants management process implemented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen the effectiveness of its National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The study uses panel data and interrupted time-series analysis over 10 years for 51 grantees. Results show partial and conditional effectiveness of the performance-based grants management process in strengthening performance. In particular, the implementation of the performance-based grants management system consistently improved the performance of those grantees for whom the targets were challenging. While prior research has found, in some cases, evidence of a positive impact of performance management practices in improving programs delivered directly by public organizations at the local level, this study examines the performance management–performance relationship in a more challenging context of a federal grants program delivered through a highly decentralized system.
Energy, Typicality, and Music Sales
Authors: North Adrian C. , Krause Amanda E. , Sheridan Lorraine P. , Ritchie David
Published: January 2017

Research on musical preference has been dominated by two approaches emphasizing, respectively, the arousal-evoking qualities of a piece or its typicality of the individual’s overall musical experience. There is a dearth of evidence concerning whether either can explain preference in conditions of high ecological validity. To address this, the present research investigated the association between sales of 143,353 pieces of music, representing all the music that has enjoyed any degree of commercial success in the United Kingdom, and measures of both the energy of each piece (as a proxy for arousal) and the extent to which each piece was typical of the corpus. The relationship concerning popularity and energy was U-shaped, which can be reconciled with earlier findings, and there was a positive relationship between the typicality of the pieces and the amount of time they featured on sales charts. The population-level popularity of an entire corpus of music across several decades can be predicted by existing aesthetic theories, albeit with modifications to account for market conditions.
Goal-directed robot manipulation through axiomatic scene estimation
Authors: Sui Zhiqiang , Xiang Lingzhu , Jenkins Odest C , Desingh Karthik
Published: January 2017

Performing robust goal-directed manipulation tasks remains a crucial challenge for autonomous robots. In an ideal case, shared autonomous control of manipulators would allow human users to specify their intent as a goal state and have the robot reason over the actions and motions to achieve this goal. However, realizing this goal remains elusive due to the problem of perceiving the robot’s environment. We address and describe the problem of axiomatic scene estimation for robot manipulation in cluttered scenes which is the estimation of a tree-structured scene graph describing the configuration of objects observed from robot sensing. We propose generative approaches to scene inference (as the axiomatic particle filter, and the axiomatic scene estimation by Markov chain Monte Carlo based sampler) of the robot’s environment as a scene graph. The result from AxScEs estimation are axioms amenable to goal-directed manipulation through symbolic inference for task planning and collision-free motion planning and execution. We demonstrate the results for goal-directed manipulation of multi-object scenes by a PR2 robot.
Magnetic resonance arthrography results that indicate surgical treatment for partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion: a retrospective study in a tertiary center
Authors: Hahn Seok , Lee Young Han , Chun Yong-Min , Park Eun Hae , Suh Jin-Suck
Published: January 2017

Background

Specific findings on magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) that indicate the need for surgery in patients with partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) are not well understood.

Purpose

To determine which MRA findings are characteristic of patients who undergo surgery for PASTA.

Material and Methods

From July 2011 to February 2014, MRA findings for patients treated for PASTA were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: conservative treatment and surgical repair. MRA findings were compared between the groups. The following MRA results were assessed: length grade, width grade, co-existing superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions, degenerative changes in the glenohumeral joint, presence of subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis, acromion type, presence of adhesive capsulitis, and tears of the subscapularis or infraspinatus tendon within the rotator cuff. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify which MRA findings were significantly associated with surgical treatment.

Results

Forty-five surgically treated patients and 203 conservatively treated ones were evaluated. The MRA findings showed significant differences between the groups with respect to length grade, width grade, degenerative changes in glenohumeral joint, bursitis, and co-existing rotator cuff tears ( P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed correlations between surgical repair and both grade 3 length tears (odds ratio, 30.8) and co-existing tears of the subscapularis or infraspinatus tendon (odds ratio, 2.9).

Conclusion

Surgical treatment is commonly performed in PASTA patients whose lesion lengths are grade 3 or who have co-existing tears in the subscapularis or infraspinatus tendon. Radiologists should pay attention to these MRA signs when evaluating PASTA patients.
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis of vertebral bone marrow changes after radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures
Authors: Yoon Min A , Hong Suk-Joo , Lee Chang Hee , Kang Chang Ho , Ahn Kyung-Sik , Kim Baek Hyun
Published: January 2017

Background

High cumulative radiation dose in cancer patients warrants systemic examination of possible changes in bone marrow.

Purpose

To assess retrospectively changes in vertebral bone marrow diffusion and perfusion using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after exposure to radiation from diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures.

Material and Methods

A total of 21 IVIM-DWI sets in 20 HCC patients, consisting of baseline and follow-up liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with an interval less than 100 days, were reviewed after varying levels of radiation exposure from transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), multiphase liver CT, and abdominal radiography. IVIM parameters (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], true diffusion coefficient [D], pseudodiffusion coefficient [D*], and perfusion fraction [PF]) of vertebral bone marrow were analyzed for significant differences between baseline and follow-up MRI using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and for correlations with cumulative effective dose, as well as time interval between last radiation exposure and follow-up MRI using Spearman’s correlation.

Results

Compared to baseline MRI, ADC, D*, and PF significantly decreased on follow-up MRI (ADC: median [interquartile range], 0.405 × 103 mm2/s [0.364–0.477] versus 0.390 [0.348–0.461]; D*: 24.011 [18.141–29.584] versus 20.815 [15.022–28.347]; PF: 10.960% [8.828–12.985] versus 9.125 [8.606–12.803]) ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in D ( P = 0.807). Cumulative effective dose was moderately correlated with decrease in D* (r = 0.434). In addition, longer intervals between last exposure and follow-up MRI showed negative correlations with changes in D and ADC (r = −0.352 and −0.333, respectively).

Conclusion

Vertebral bone marrow diffusion and perfusion parameters were significantly changed after exposure to medical radiation.
Intermittent levosimendan infusions in advanced heart failure: a real world experience
Authors: Ortis Benedetta , Villani Alessandra , Oldani Matteo , Giglio Alessia , Ciambellotti Francesca , Facchini Mario , Parati Gianfranco , Malfatto Gabriella
Published: January 2017

Objective

To analyse the effects of levosimendan infusions in advanced heart failure.

Methods

Patients with advanced heart failure treated with repeated levosimendan infusions were retrospectively compared with controls. Clinical, blood and echocardiographic parameters were obtained at baseline and after 12 months, and before and after each levosimendan infusion. Hospitalizations for heart failure and in-hospital length of stay in the 6 months before enrolment and after 6 and 12 months were recorded, along with 1-year mortality.

Results

Twenty-five patients treated with levosimendan and 25 controls were studied. After each levosimendan infusion, ventricular function and various clinical and metabolic parameters were improved. After 12 months, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) had improved compared with baseline in the levosimendan group. The 1-year mortality rate was similar in both groups. During the 6 months before enrolment, hospitalizations were fewer in controls compared with the levosimendan group; after 6 and 12 months they increased in controls and decreased in the levosimendan group. Seven patients were super-responders to levosimendan, with LVEF improving more than 20% and hospitalizations being reduced at 12 months compared with the rest of the levosimendan group.

Conclusion

Intermittent levosimendan improved LVEF and decreased hospitalizations in advanced heart failure and represents a therapeutic option for patients whose disease is worsening.
Prediction of intraoperative nausea and vomiting in caesarean delivery under regional anaesthesia
Authors: Semiz Altuğ , Akpak Yaşam Kemal , Yılanlıoğlu Necip Cihangir , Babacan Ali , Gönen Gökhan , Çam Gönen Canan , Asıliskender Murat , Karaküçük Selim
Published: January 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to predict patients who have caesarean operations under regional anaesthesia and are at risk for intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV), for ultimately prompting anaesthetists and surgeons to take preventive measures.

Methods

This was a retrospective study on 209 patients who had caesarean section under spinal-epidural combined regional anaesthesia. The relevant medical history, such as severe nausea and vomiting in the first trimester, smoking, a history of motion sickness, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), were obtained from the patients’ records and interviews.

Results

Patients who had a female neonate, a history of severe nausea and vomiting in the first trimester, and a history of PMS and motion sickness before pregnancy experienced a significantly higher rate of IONV. Smokers were less susceptible to IONV, but this was not significant.

Conclusion

This study shows that some factors in the medical history of a patient can help identify those who are more likely to suffer from IONV.
Change in pulse transit time in the lower extremity after lumbar sympathetic ganglion block: an early indicator of successful block
Authors: Joo Eun-Young , Kong Yu Gyeong , Lee Jonghyuk , Cho Hyun-Seok , Kim Sung-Hoon , Suh Jeong Hun
Published: January 2017

Objective

To investigate the change in pulse transit time (PTT)—time between the electrocardiographic R wave and the highest point of the corresponding plethysmographic wave—after lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB) and evaluate PTT as an indicator of successful LSGB.

Methods

Sixteen cases of sympathetically mediated lower extremity neuropathic pain treated with LSGB were studied. Correlations between the changes in PTT and temperature were used to identify the cutoff point indicating successful LSGB.

Results

PTT rate of change at 5 min relative to the baseline PTT (dPTT5/PTT0) significantly correlated positively with the temperature change at 20 min (correlation coefficient 0.734). The dPTT5/PTT0 ratios of the Success and Failure groups were 6.46 ± 2.81% and 2.77 ± 1.72%, respectively. The dPTT5/PTT0 cutoff indicating successful LSGB, based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, was 4.23%.

Conclusion

PTT measurement 5 min after local anesthetic injection was an early, objective indicator of successful or failed LSGB.
Nuclear Glycogen Inclusions in Canine Parietal Cells
Authors: Silvestri S. , Lepri E. , Dall’Aglio C. , Marchesi M. C. , Vitellozzi G.
Published: January 2017

Nuclear glycogen inclusions occur infrequently in pathologic conditions but also in normal human and animal tissues. Their function or significance is unclear. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no reports of nuclear glycogen inclusions in canine parietal cells exist. After initial observations of nuclear inclusions/pseudoinclusions during routine histopathology, the authors retrospectively examined samples of gastric mucosa from dogs presenting with gastrointestinal signs for the presence of intranuclear inclusions/pseudoinclusions and determined their composition using histologic and electron-microscopic methods. In 24 of 108 cases (22%), the authors observed various numbers of intranuclear inclusions/pseudoinclusions within scattered parietal cells. Nuclei were characterized by marked karyomegaly and chromatin margination around a central optically empty or slightly eosinophilic area. The intranuclear inclusions/pseudoinclusions stained positive with periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and were diastase sensitive, consistent with glycogen. Several PAS-positive/diastase-sensitive sections were further examined by transmission electron microscopy, also using periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate (PA-TCH-SP) staining to identify polysaccharides. Ultrastructurally, the nuclear inclusions were composed of electron-dense particles that were not membrane bound, without evidence of nuclear membrane invaginations or cytoplasmic organelles in the nuclei, and positive staining with PA-TCH-SP, confirming a glycogen composition. No cytoplasmic glycogen deposits were observed, suggesting that the intranuclear glycogen inclusions were probably synthesized in loco. Nuclear glycogen inclusions were not associated with gastritis or colonization by Helicobacter-like organisms ( P > .05). Our findings suggest that nuclear glycogen inclusions in canine parietal cells could be an incidental finding. Nevertheless, since nuclear glycogen is present in several pathologic conditions, further investigations could be warranted to determine their true significance.