bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care bundle approach to reduce device-associated infections in a tertiary care teaching hospital, South India
Authors: Prakash Suman Susan , Rajshekar Deepashree , Cherian Anusha , Sastry Apurba Sankar
Published: September 2017

CONTEXT: The care bundle approach is a set of evidence-based practices that when performed collectively and reliably have been shown to improve the patient outcome.

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of the bundle care approach on reducing device-associated infections (DAIs).

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, South India. The study period was from January 2016 to September 2016 which was divided into three phases, each comprising 3 months.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During the implementation phase, bundle care forms were implemented in all Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and the ICU staff were given a basic education on the importance of bundle care approach. The DAI rates (ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP] rates, central line-associated bloodstream infection [CLABSI] rate, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI] rate) were calculated throughout the study period.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19 software.

RESULTS: During preimplementation phase, the VAP rate, CLABSI rate, and CAUTI rate were 14.79, 4.98, and 4.86 per 1000 device days, respectively. Rates were reduced to 13.03, 3.98, and 3.39 per 1000 device days, respectively, during the implementation phase and further reduced into 11.91, 3.49, and 2.36 per 1000 device days during the postimplementation phase. The month-wise decreasing trend of DAI rates was significant for medical ICUs as compared to surgical and pediatric ICUs.

CONCLUSION: The month-wise decreasing trend of VAP rate, CLABSI rate, and CAUTI rate was noted, which signifies that the use of care bundle approach has a great impact on reducing DAIs.
Attractors of iterated function systems with uncountably many maps and infinite sums of Cantor sets
Authors: Mantica Giorgio , Peirone Roberto
Published: September 2017

We study the topological properties of attractors of Iterated function systems (IFS) on the real line, consisting of affine maps of homogeneous contraction ratio. These maps define what we call a
second generation
IFS: they are uncountably many and the set of their fixed points is a Cantor set. We prove that when this latter either is the attractor of a finite, non–singular, hyperbolic, IFS (of
first generation
), or it possesses a particular
dissection
property, the attractor of the second generation IFS consists of the union of a finite number of closed intervals. We also prove a theorem that generalizes this result to certain infinite sums of compact sets, in the sense of Minkowski and under the Hausdorff metric.
Non-spectral fractal measures with Fourier frames
Authors: Lai Chun-Kit , Wang Yang
Published: September 2017

We generalize the compatible tower condition given by Strichartz to the almost-Parseval-frame tower and show that non-trivial examples of almost-Parseval-frame tower exist. By doing so, we demonstrate the first singular fractal measure which has only finitely many mutually orthogonal exponentials (and hence it does not admit any exponential orthonormal bases), but it still admits Fourier frames.
Sparse Recovery via ℓq-Minimization for Polynomial Chaos Expansions
Authors: Guo Ling , Liu Yongle , Yan Liang
Published: September 2017

In this paper we consider the algorithm for recovering sparse orthogonal polynomials using stochastic collocation via ℓq minimization. The main results include: 1) By using the norm inequality between ℓq and ℓ2 and the square root lifting inequality, we present several theoretical estimates regarding the recoverability for both sparse and non-sparse signals via ℓq minimization; 2) We then combine this method with the stochastic collocation to identify the coefficients of sparse orthogonal polynomial expansions, stemming from the field of uncertainty quantification. We obtain recoverability results for both sparse polynomial functions and general non-sparse functions. We also present various numerical experiments to show the performance of the ℓq algorithm. We first present some benchmark tests to demonstrate the ability of ℓq minimization to recover exactly sparse signals, and then consider three classical analytical functions to show the advantage of this method over the standard ℓ1 and reweighted ℓ1 minimization. All the numerical results indicate that the ℓq method performs better than standard ℓ1 and reweighted ℓ1 minimization.
Solving Constrained TV2L1-L2 MRI Signal Reconstruction via an Efficient Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers
Authors: Wu Tingting , Wang David Z. W. , Jin Zhengmeng , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2017

High order total variation (TV2) andℓ1based (TV2L1) model has its advantage over the TVL1 for its ability in avoiding the staircase; and a constrained model has the advantage over its unconstrained counterpart for simplicity in estimating the parameters. In this paper, we consider solving the TV2L1 based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal reconstruction problem by an efficient alternating direction method of multipliers. By sufficiently utilizing the problem's special structure, we manage to make all subproblems either possess closed-form solutions or can be solved via Fast Fourier Transforms, which makes the cost per iteration very low. Experimental results for MRI reconstruction are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the new model and algorithm. Comparisons with its recent unconstrained counterpart are also reported.
Social, demographic and clinical characteristics of patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease treated surgically compared to patients treated with endovascular angioplasty
Authors: Piotrkowska Renata , Dobosz Marek , Książek Janina , Halena Grzegorz
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of chronic lower limb ischaemia. Many factors that have a crucial influence on the development of the disease, its course and prognosis have been identified. The risk factors seem to be subject to interventions due to their susceptibility to changes. It is important to increase the engagement of doctors and nurses performing the screening oriented on risk factors, medical consultation regarding giving up smoking, changing the diet and undertaking physical activity. Therefore, knowledge of the patients’ health situation allows introduction of optimal treatment in this group of patients.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 119 patients with peripheral artery atherosclerosis, who underwent surgical and endovascular repair. The diagnostic survey method was used in this study. The socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using an originally developed questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed using the data analysis software system Statistica, version 10.0, by StatSoft Inc. (2011) and an Excel spreadsheet. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for all calculations.

Results: There were statistically significant differences between the analysed groups with regard to severity of ischaemia (p = 0.0001), intermittent claudication (p = 0.0001), rest pain (p = 0.0001), ulceration (p = 0.0031), smoking (p = 0.0075) and comorbidities (percutaneous coronary interventions p = 0.0299; ischaemic stroke p = 0.0235).

Conclusions: There are significantly more patients with more advanced disease and ex-smokers in the surgically treated group. There are significantly more patients with a history of ischaemic stroke, surgical coronary interventions and current smokers in the endovascular group.
Reading Personality: Assessing “Big Three” Traits with the Sentence Completion Method
Authors: Joy Stephen P.
Published: September 2017

Background

Performance-based personality assessment has advantages, and the sentence completion method is one of the most reliable of these techniques. We sought to derive rating scales for three major personality traits (Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism) based on Rotter Incomplete Sentences Blank (RISB) protocols.

Participants and procedure

Four successive samples of students (N = 231) completed the RISB and other measures. Rating scales were derived empirically and cross-validated against the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R). Additional validity evidence was obtained regarding symptomatic distress (SCL-90-R scales) and creativity (based on originality scores and expert judgments of student-generated drawings and poetry).

Results

The scales could be applied reliably by undergraduate research assistants (mean individual intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] of .75, .79, and .71, respectively) and correlated well with self-reported traits (mean r values of .51, .57, and .58). Reliability of the finalized system was higher, with ICCs of .84, .83, and .79. RISB-rated traits correlated predictably with symptomatic distress. RISB-rated Psychoticism correlated strongly with the originality and judged creativity of drawings and poems. Psychoticism ratings were more strongly related to criterion measures than was the original self-report.

Conclusions

The sentence completion method can be used to rate personality traits reliably. These ratings correlate fairly strongly with the results of self-report inventories but sometimes correlate more strongly with theoretically relevant variables than do self-report scores.
Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of stem barks of Englerina gabonensis Engler and Sterculia tragacantha Lindl from Gabon
Authors: SIMA OBIANG Cédric , Ngoua-Meye-Misso Rick-Léonid , Ndong-Atome Guy-Roger , Ondo Joseph-Privat , Obame-Engonga Louis-Clément , Nsi-Emvo Edouard
Published: September 2017

Aim of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of water-acetone, water-ethanol and water extracts of Englerina gabonensis and Sterculia tragacantha.Presence of phenols was evaluated to estimate the effects of plants on microbial diseases. Water-acetone, water-ethanol and water extracts were examined for antioxidant activities. All plant extracts were tested against six reference strains, eleven clinical isolates and two fungal strains.

Phenolic content were highest in the water-acetone and water-ethanol extracts from Englerinagabonensis in comparison with Sterculia tragacantha.The AAI (Antioxidant Activity Index)of water-acetone and water-ethanol extracts of Englerina gabunensis are superiors with 2. Plant extracts of Sterculia tragacantha show weak antioxidant activity (AAI < 0.5).The aqueous extract of Englerina gabonensis has a bactericidal effect on Salmonella Spp. Water-ethanol extract is bactericidal on Bacillus cereus LMG 13569 BHI, Salmonella Sppand Neisseria meningitides. Water-acetone extract presents a bactericidal activity on Enterococcus faecalis103907 CIP, Escherichi coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumanniiand Neisseria meningitides.

Our results suggest that Englerina gabonensis extracts contain greater antioxidant and antimicrobial properties than Sterculia tragacantha extracts.
Atmospheric processes affecting the separation of volcanic ash and SO2 in volcanic eruptions: inferences from the May 2011 Grímsvötn eruption
Authors: Prata Fred , Woodhouse Mark , Huppert Herbert E. , Prata Andrew , Thordarson Thor , Carn Simon
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The separation of volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas is sometimes observed during volcanic eruptions. The exact conditions under which separation occurs are not fully understood but the phenomenon is of importance because of the effects volcanic emissions have on aviation, on the environment, and on the earth's radiation balance. The eruption of Grímsvötn, a subglacial volcano under the Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland during 21–28 May 2011 produced one of the most spectacular examples of ash and SO2 separation, which led to errors in the forecasting of ash in the atmosphere over northern Europe. Satellite data from several sources coupled with meteorological wind data and photographic evidence suggest that the eruption column was unable to sustain itself, resulting in a large deposition of ash, which left a low-level ash-rich atmospheric plume moving southwards and then eastwards towards the southern Scandinavian coast and a high-level predominantly SO2 plume travelling northwards and then spreading eastwards and westwards. Here we provide observational and modelling perspectives on the separation of ash and SO2 and present quantitative estimates of the masses of ash and SO2 that erupted, the directions of transport, and the likely impacts. We hypothesise that a partial column collapse or sloughing fed with ash from pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) occurred during the early stage of the eruption, leading to an ash-laden gravity intrusion that was swept southwards, separated from the main column. Our model suggests that water-mediated aggregation caused enhanced ash removal because of the plentiful supply of source water from melted glacial ice and from entrained atmospheric water. The analysis also suggests that ash and SO2 should be treated with separate source terms, leading to improvements in forecasting the movement of both types of emissions.
Investigations of Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Precursors SO2 and NO2 Vertical Columns in North China Plain by Mobile DOAS
Authors: Wu Fengcheng , Xie Pinhua , Li Ang , Mou Fusheng , Chen Hao , Zhu Yi , Zhu Tong , Liu Jianguo , Liu Wenqing
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Recently, Chinese cities have suffered severe events of haze air pollution, particularly in the North China Plain (NCP). Investigating the temporal and spatial distribution of pollutants, emissions, and pollution transport is necessary to better understand the effect of various sources on air quality. We report on mobile differential optical absorption spectroscopy (mobile DOAS) observations of precursors SO2 and NO2 vertical columns in NCP in summer of 2013 (from 11 June to 7 July) in this study. The different temporal and spatial distributions of SO2 and NO2 vertical column density (VCD) over this area are characterized under various wind fields. The results show that the transport from southern NCP strongly affects the air quality in Beijing, and the transport route, particularly SO2 transport of Shijiazhuang–Baoding–Beijing is identified. In addition, the major contributors to SO2 along the route of Shijiazhuang–Baoding–Beijing are elevated sources and low area sources for the route of Dezhou–Cangzhou–Tianjin–Beijing are found using the interrelated analysis between in situ and mobile DOAS observations during the measurement periods. Furthermore, the discussion of hot spot near Ji’nan City shows that the average observed width of polluted air mass is 11.83 km and 17.23 km associated with air mass diffusion, which is approximately 60 km away from emission sources based on geometrical estimation. Finally, a reasonable agreement exists between OMI and mobile DOAS observations with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.65 for NO2 VCDs. Both datasets also have similar spatial pattern. The fitted slop of 0.55 is significantly less than unity can reflect the contamination of local sources and OMI observations need to improve the sensitivities to the near-surface emission sources through the improvements of retrieval algorithm or resolution of satellites.
Analytically tractable climate-carbon cycle feedbacks under 21st century anthropogenic forcing
Authors: Lade Steven J. , Donges Jonathan F. , Fetzer Ingo , Anderies John M. , Beer Christian , Cornell Sarah E. , Gasser Thomas , Norberg Jon , Richardson Katherine , Rockström Johan , Steffen Will
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Changes to climate-carbon cycle feedbacks may significantly affect the Earth System’s response to greenhouse gas emissions. These feedbacks are usually analysed from numerical output of complex and arguably opaque Earth System Models (ESMs). Here, we construct a stylized global climate-carbon cycle model, test its output against complex ESMs, and investigate the strengths of its climate-carbon cycle feedbacks analytically. The analytical expressions we obtain aid understanding of carbon-cycle feedbacks and the operation of the carbon cycle. We use our results to analytically study the relative strengths of different climate-carbon cycle feedbacks and how they may change in the future, as well as to compare different feedback formalisms. Simple models such as that developed here also provide workbenches for simple but mechanistically based explorations of Earth system processes, such as interactions and feedbacks between the Planetary Boundaries, that are currently too uncertain to be included in complex ESMs.
Hydro-stochastic interpolation coupling with Budyko approach for spatial prediction of mean annual runoff
Authors: Qiu Ning , Chen Xi , Hu Qi , Liu Jintao , Huang Richao , Gao Man
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Hydro-stochastic interpolation method based on traditional block-kriging has often been used to predict mean annual runoff in river basins. A caveat in this method is that the statistic technique provides little physical insight on relationships of the external forcing of climate and landscape and basin runoff. In this study, the spatial runoff is decomposed into a deterministic trend and stochastic fluctuations around it. The former is described by the Budyko method (Fu's equation) and the latter by hydro-stochastic interpolation. The coupled method of stochastic interpolation and the Budyko method is applied to interpolate spatial runoff in the Huaihe River basin of China, based on outlet streamflow and climate data at 40 sub-basins. Results show that the coupled method significantly improves spatial interpolation accuracy of mean annual runoff. The prediction errors from the coupled method are much smaller than that from the respective predictions by the Budyko scheme and the hydro-stochastic interpolation. The cross-validation outcome of the determination efficient, Rcv2, from the coupled method is 0.93, much larger than 0.81 and 0.54 from the Budyko method and the hydro-stochastic interpolation, respectively. The prediction from the coupled method describes accurately the runoff distribution in the Huaihe River basin. In comparison, predictions from the Budyko method and from the hydro-stochastic interpolation show substantial overestimate of low runoff and underestimate of high runoff. These comparison results support that the coupled hydro-stochastic interpolation with the Budyko method offers an effective and accurate way in spatial interpolation of mean annual runoff.
Modelling Vulnerability to Severe Weather
Authors: Pardowitz Tobias
Published: September 2017

Abstract. We present a spatial analysis of weather related fire brigade operations in Berlin. By comparing operation occurrences to insured losses for a set of severe weather events we demonstrate the representativeness and usefulness of such data in the analysis of weather impacts on local scales. We investigate factors influencing the local rate of operation occurrence. While depending on multiple factors – which are often not available – we focus on publicly available quantities. These include 10 topographic features, land use information based on satellite data and information on urban structure based on data from the open street map project. After identifying suitable predictors such as housing density or local density of the road network we set-up a statistical model to be able to predict local operation densities. Such model can be used to determine potential hotspots for weather impacts even in areas or cities where no systematic records are available and can thus serve as a basis for a broad range of tools or applications in emergency management and planning.
Recent rift formation and impact on the structural integrity of the Brunt Ice Shelf, East Antarctica
Authors: De Rydt Jan , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Nagler Thomas , Wuite Jan , King Edward C.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. We report on the recent reactivation of a large chasm in the Brunt Ice Shelf, East Antarctica, in December 2012, and the formation of a 50-km long new rift in October 2016. Observations from a suite of ground based and remote sensing instruments between January 2000 and July 2017 were used to track progress of both cracks in unprecedented detail. Results reveal a steady accelerating trend in the widening of the rifts, in combination with alternating episodes of fast (> 600 m/day) and slow propagation of the crack tip, controlled by the heterogeneous structure of the ice shelf. A numerical ice-flow model and a simple fracture propagation criterion were successfully used to hindcast the observed trajectories, and to simulate future rift progression under different assumptions, showing a high likelihood of ice loss at the McDonald Ice Rumples, the only pinning point of the ice shelf. The nascent iceberg calving and associated reduction in pinning of the Brunt Ice Shelf may provide a uniquely monitored natural experiment of ice shelf variability, and provoke a deeper understanding of similar processes elsewhere in Antarctica.
Putting Learning into Practice: Integrating Social Media, Crowd Learning, and #ColinKaepernick in an Introductory African American History Class
Authors: Boyce Travis
Published: September 2017

African American history is indeed a dynamic discipline that can be used as a framework to understand the present lives of African Americans as well as the broader American society. As a university professor who values social media as a useful tool in the traditional classroom, I am most interested in using it in my introductory African American history course to make history relevant to my students, especially since a social media post accompanied with a popular hash tag has the ability go viral and reach a wider audience than a traditional academic paper. Many instructors are looking for opportunities to engage students in social and intellectual discourse about history. This article will deconstruct social media posts associated with the hash tag Colin Kaepernick or the like as a teaching strategy to help students enrolled in an introductory African American history course. The idea is to put their learning into practice by encouraging them to actively engage with others on topics relevant to the course content. This article will demonstrate that although the discourse surrounding Kaepernick is polarizing, it is an excellent pedagogical strategy to help students put their learning into practice and engage with a wider audience on topics discussed in an introductory African American history course.
A ESTRUTURAÇÃO DA EXPRESSÃO CORPORAL DO PALHAÇO CIRCENSE
Authors: Da Silva Pedro Eduardo
Published: September 2017

As carreiras de dois palhaços circenses: Roger Avanzi e Arlindo Pimenta, servem como guia para observarmos como a educação corporal se desenvolveu no circo brasileiro por meio do exercício da acrobacia, da máscara simbolizada pelo nariz vermelho, da mímica e por meio da vocalidade.Na transversalidade das experiências narradas, pode-se captar a importância da teatralidade adquirida no ambiente circense por meio do circo-teatro e transposta para a dramaturgia do palhaço que se manifesta na expressão corporal.São expostas informações sobre algumas sistematizações que se repetem por meio da tradição oral e que se apoiam na ambiência e cotidiano dos circos de famílias itinerantes, nos quais Avanzi e Pimenta estruturaram suas carreiras.
LUA CAMBARÁ: UM EXERCÍCIO POÉTICO DE CRIAÇÃO CÊNICA
Authors: Barros de Santana Inácia Rita Maria Larissa
Published: September 2017

Este artigo trata de uma investigação em processo sobre a construção da personagem Lua Cambará.  O contexto do conto Lua Cambará, de Ronaldo Correia Brito, surge como material para a composição de cenas, em que a personagem central, Lua Cambará, ainda em latência e desejo, vem sendo esboçada a partir da noção de arquétipo em Jung; compreendendo arquétipo enquanto estímulo imagético e de ação para a criação cênica, de modo a utilizar estímulos extraídos do próprio conto para a criação. A partir de três exercícios: laboratório, oficina e passeio, como pontapé inicial, algumas reflexões estão surgindo sobre a personagem, cujas camadas estão sendo compreendidas como um aspecto tríplice que encarna qualidades dos arquétipos de Oxum, Yansã e Nanã. Este artigo, portanto é um primeiro exercício de análise sobre a personagem Lua Cambará e o modo de criação que situa esta numa abordagem arquetípica.
Economic Implications of Fethullahist Terrorist Organization and Parallel State Constitution on Turkish Economy
Authors: Aydın Levent
Published: September 2017

This study attempts to indicate the economic implications of the Fethullahçı Terrorist Organization and the Parallel State Constitution (FETO / PDY) on the Turkish economy. Until the July 15 coup attempt, it seems unlikely that the effects on the economy will be revealed, given the fact that the organization behaves secretly and tactfully. Therefore, only the effects of the July 15 coup attempt on major variables in both the financial sector (daily exchange rate and interest rate) and the reel sector (production, capital movement, current account deficit and employment) can be analyzed in a descriptive method. The strong policy impact of the country's president and politicians, the police, the military, the bureaucracy, the business community, the political parties and the people's integration into the coup attempt has led to the least possible uncertainty of the coup attempt in the economy, resulting in a lasting and limited impact.
The Impact of Stock Dividends and Stock Splits on Shares’ Prices: Evidence from Egypt
Authors: El Ansary Osama Abd ElKhalek , El-Azab Mervat Hussien
Published: September 2017

This research aims to examine the effect of two types of corporate actions,“Stock Split” and “Stock Dividends”, on the shares’ prices, liquidity changes, and price volatility; and to investigate the efficiency of the Egyptian stock market in response to the announcement of the corporate actions. The research provides the investors with a scientific tool to predict and explain changes in stock prices in response to announced corporate actions and to improve their investment decision-making process.The objective is to investigate whether the two actions collectively or independently have a positive impact on the prices of the related stocks listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX), and assess the similarities and dissimilarities between their individual impacts.We applied the “Event Study” approach to measure the impact of the stock splits and stock dividends announcement on the stock prices through measuring the cumulated average abnormal return (CAAR) resulted from events to assess their impact on the stock performance around the announcement day (for a period of 30 prior and 30 days post announcement) as applied before by Terhi (2011).  The analysis concluded that the announcement of both of stock split and stock dividend has a positive impact on stock prices. This positive impact drove the authors to test the efficiency of EGX in respect of the impact of the announcement the corporate actions to the public investors. A correlation analysis is performed to reflect this impact.
Future of Medical Research in Rare Diseases and Cancers: Shift from Pharma to Biotech and the Golden Age of Medical Advancement
Authors: Pallegar Abhith
Published: September 2017

The objective of the paper is to elucidate how interconnected biological systems can be better mapped and understood using the rapidly growing area of Big Data. We can harness network efficiencies by analyzing diverse medical data and probe how we can effectively lower the economic cost of finding cures for rare diseases. Most rare diseases are due to genetic abnormalities, many forms of cancers develop due to genetic mutations. Finding cures for rare diseases requires us to understand the biology and biological processes of the human body. In this paper, we explore what the historical shift of focus from pharmacology to biotechnology means for accelerating biomedical solutions. With biotechnology playing a leading role in the field of medical research, we explore how network efficiencies can be harnessed by strengthening the existing knowledge base. Studying rare or orphan diseases provides rich observable statistical data that can be leveraged for finding solutions. Network effects can be squeezed from working with diverse data sets that enables us to generate the highest quality medical knowledge with the fewest resources. This paper examines gene manipulation technologies like Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) that can prevent diseases of genetic variety. We further explore the role of the emerging field of Big Data in analyzing large quantities of medical data with the rapid growth of computing power and some of the network efficiencies gained from this endeavor.
Hedge Funds and Earnings Momentum
Authors: Lawson Daniel T.
Published: September 2017

This study determines if hedge funds take advantage of the earnings momentum anomaly. A five-factor model was used including Fama and French (1993) and Carhart (1997) factors as well as an earnings momentum factor based on Chordia and Shivakumar (2007). The average hedge fund does not take advantage of the post-earnings momentum drift; however, larger funds associated with equity long only and equity short bias strategies successfully arbitrage on the earnings anomaly, contributing 2-3% per year, respectively. In contrast, funds with event driven, fund timing, and convertible arbitrage strategies tend to employ a strategy opposite to that of the earnings momentum anomaly and suffer losses accordingly.
Horizontal Drilling of Crude Oil: A Challenge to the Norms of Property Rights
Authors: Kingston Kato Gogo , Kaniye-Ebeku Charity Olunma
Published: September 2017

Two altitudinal relationships propel current crude oil exploration jurisprudence and litigation namely: Surface land ownership and sub-surface rights (including mineral ownership). In the United States, the conflicts between the surface and mineral owners has theatrically increased in the last decade. Elsewhere, notably Nigeria, conflicts over land rights and the ownership of sub-surface minerals is yet to be fully resolved. Our goal herein is to explore the interaction between the law of property and the tort of trespass as applicable to the surface and subsurface exploration and extraction of crude oil and natural gas with specific focus on the scientific advances in horizontal drilling techniques widely used by the oil corporations in the various oil reservoirs across the world. Horizontal drilling  is described in this paper, as the exercise of drilling for liquid and gaseous mineral resources by other means other than sinking vertical wells. We argue that, horizontal drilling is one of the easiest means by which governments could lawfully capture  crude oil and gas from reservoirs of neighbouring nations to the extent that joint development agreement becomes unnecessary. Also, we opined that nations such as Nigeria could easily resolve issues of resources allocation by reducing the spread of surface wells. This could be achieved through the establishment of very few centralised drilling sites where slant or horizontal drilling can tap into various reservoirs thereby, eliminating the contestation of local agitators.
Oscillation results for second order half-linear neutral delay differential equations with "maxima"
Authors: Srinivasan Selvarangam , Bose Rani , Thandapani Ethiraju
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we present some oscillation criteria for the second order half-linear neutral delay differential equation with ``maxima" of the from\begin{equation*}\left(r(t)((x(t)+p(t)x(\tau(t)))')^{\alpha}\right)'+q(t) \max_{[\sigma(t),\;t]}x^{\alpha}(s)=0\end{equation*}under the condition $\int_{t_0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{r^{1/ \alpha}(t)}dt<\infty.$ The results obtained here extend and complement to some known results in the literature. Examples are provided in support of our results.
Effects of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor on Opsonin Receptor Expression and Neutrophil Antibacterial Activity in a Mouse Model of Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Hong-Fang Tuo , Yan-Hui Peng , Lei Bao , Wan-Xing Zhang
Published: September 2017

The antimicrobial function of neutrophils, which is dependent on opsonin receptors, deteriorates in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) putatively enhanced levels of the opsonin receptors CD11b and CD32/16 in healthy human subjects, and provided protection against infection in animal models of SAP. A statistically convincing study of the effect of G-CSF on CD32/16 expression in an SAP model is lacking. We used a mouse model of SAP to investigate the association between G-CSF administration and CD32/16 levels on neutrophils and bacterial translocation. G-CSF or saline was subcutaneously injected into SAP-induced mice. The pancreases were histologically examined, and leukocytes were stained to count neutrophils. The expression of CD11b and CD32/16 on neutrophils was measured by flow cytometry, and bacterial translocation was observed by bacterial culture.The numbers of CD11b and CD32/16-positive neutrophils were significantly elevated in the SAP mice treated with G-CSF, and the mean fluorescence intensities of these receptors on neutrophils were significantly elevated. Bacterial translocations to cavity organs were suppressed from 17% to 6% by G-CSF treatment. Our results indicated that the number of neutrophils significantly increased with increasing expression of CD11b and CD32/16 and their mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs). This inhibited bacterial translocation to other organs. These results are in accord with other studies in SAP dogs and SAP mice. Our findings suggest that G-CSF was effective in protecting against bacterial infection in SAP mice.
The role of oxidative stress in female infertility and in vitro fertilization
Authors: Wojsiat Joanna , Korczyński Jerzy , Borowiecka Marta , Żbikowska Halina Małgorzata
Published: September 2017

Infertility problem involves many couples of reproductive age. It has been estimated that in Poland 0.7-1.0 million pairs require treatment, while for more than half of them assisted reproduction is the only recommended and effective method. Infertility affects 13 to 15% of the world’s population. A major concern is the age-related decline in female fertility even more that often a decision about pregnancy is taken at later age. Recent studies show that increased production of reactive oxygen species is an important factor in etiopathogenesis of pregnancy and affects female reproduction. It was found that oxidative stress may damage the oocytes and may impair their fertilization capacity. Oxidative stress may also lead to embryo fragmentation and formation of numerous developmental abnormalities, and is regarded to be one of the important reasons of spontaneous and recurrent miscarriage. Moreover, overproduction of reactive oxygen species has a significant impact on the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Collaboration Consumption in the Field of Tourism. Attempt to Present the State of Phenomenon in the Polish Market
Authors: Skalska Teresa , Markiewicz Ewa , Pędzierski Michał
Published: September 2017

Purpose. The article attempts to present interdisciplinary assessment of collaborative consumption in Poland’s tourism industry. Method. From the empirical side, the used results were from an earlier empirical study, pioneering within the Polish market, conducted in 2015 by one of the authors. In addition, for the purposes of this article, an original study was conducted, the aim of which was to examine the impact of changing consumer preferences in the segment of business travel, for the hotel industry in Poland. Findings. The study shows that the hotel industry in Poland has not yet experienced felt any significant impact of the new competition, although it notes the potential for the appearance of this impact in the future. Research and conclusion limitations. In the theoretical and practical sphere,it results from the extremely complex nature of the studied phenomenon, and the initial phase of development on the Polish market, which results in poor recognition of this phenomenon in the area of tourism (especially on the Polish market). Practical implications. New opportunities for multi-disciplinary empirical research. The authors draw attention to the need for in-depth analysis of the phenomenon in three main areas of research: the relationship between the change in consumer behavior and the development of various forms of collaborative consumption, the impact of new business models using the idea of joint consuption on the tourist market and the determinants of competitiveness and the impact on the social, economic, institutional and legal Environments. Originality. In the literature lacks a comprehensive development presenting the state of collaborative consumption in the area of tourism on the Polish market. Type of paper. The article is mostly theoretical.
Business Networks in Tourism: Conception of Knowledge Transfer Index for the Exhibition Industry
Authors: Borodako Krzysztof , Zmyślony Piotr
Published: September 2017

Purpose. An attempt to determine the nature and components of the synthetic index measuring the impact of trade fair events on knowledge transfer. Method. The synthesis of literature review and the authors’ experience arising from participation in two research projects on the cooperation and knowledge transfer in the meeting industry in the form of a multidimensional index model proposed as a measure of the actual and potential knowledge transfer within and as a result of trade fair events. Findings. 32 measures were selected forming a synthetic index measuring the impact of fair events on knowledge transfer. They were grouped in three dimensions: organizational/participatory networks; the level of network; the level of trade fair product. Research and coclusion limitations. (1) The article is a work-in-progress study and the findings are progressive in their nature. (2) The potential nature of the index model which is unverified in the practical measurement. (3) The comparative nature of the index model which can be useful for comparisons of trade fair events. (4) The index model is limited to one type of business event - trade fairs. Practical implications. The presented index may be useful for firms during their decision process regarding the organizational involvement or participation in selected trade fair events, as well as for local authorities in determining the impact of the trade fair events on knowledge transfer to the local economy. Originality. The proposed index model represents the first attempt presented in the literature. So far, only concepts of indexes measuring the economic impact of fair events on local or regional economy were presented. Type of paper. The article presents theoretical concepts.
On the Definition of Sentimental and Ethnic Tourism
Authors: Tomczewska-Popowycz Natalia
Published: September 2017

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to explore the challenges of defining what is commonly known as “ethnic tourism” or “sentimental tourism”. Provided here is a review, comparison, integration and systematization of the definitions of the phenomenon, its facets and characteristics. In particular, such variations as “nostalgic tourism”, “diaspora tourism”, “roots tourism”, “genealogy tourism” and others, are subjected tocomparative analysis. Based on the review, typology and hierarchy of the definitions are offered. Method. The study is based on a systemic literature review, and qualitative and frequency analysis of the definitions of the phenomenon. The literature search was not limited to publications by Polish authors, but included relevant literature on the topic in Ukrainian, Russian and English languages. The author is a native-speaker of Ukrainian and Russian, which is why the author presents his own translations of definitions in the article, while the translations from English language were consulted with other native-speakers. The systemic trends in the focus and content of definitions were analyzed with respect to temporal (changes over time) and geographical (regional differences) variation. Findings. The result is a division of the definitions, rankings based on their popularity, and a description of the trends in various locations and at different periods. Important nuanced differences in the definitions are pointed out to more precisely describe different facets of the phenomenon. Research limitations and conclusions. The study is mainly focused on the papers of Eastern European authors with reference to English-language literature. Practical implications. Sentimental tourism is a growing phenomenon. Due to the early fragmentation of literature, a wide range of definitions has been introduced leading to confusion and the improper use of terms. As a result, conduting searches, linking studies and analyzing the literature has become very difficult. The present study brings order to the field, thereby providing a solid foundation for integrating and systemizing the literature. A division of the definitions and a clear differentiation of their nuanced meanings will aid future researchers in more precisely defining the phenomena and consolidating the literature. Originality. Despite the existence of a large body of research on what is known as sentimental tourism, the present study is the first attempt to introduce clarity to the fragmented and conflicting definitions of the phenomenon. Type of paper. Integrative literature review involving conceptual and quantitative analysis.
Odpowiedzialność za przekroczenie dozwolonej prędkości w terenie zabudowanym o więcej niż 50 km/h
Authors: Vachev Valeri
Published: September 2017

The paper considers legal liability for exceeding the permissible speed limit whilst driving (speeding) in a built-up area by more than 50 km/h. In the centre of the writer’s attention is a conflict between two regimes of liability – administrative and that determined by the law of petty offences, concurrent occurrence of both of which may result in a violation of the constitutional prohibition on dual punishment. The problem will be discussed by reference to the judgment of the Polish Constitutional Court of 11 October 2016 (ref number K 24/15), whose principledness the paper disputes to the extent that it refused to infer that the conflicting regimes of liability do give rise to a violation of the principle of ne bis in idem.
Clinical Outcomes With Continuous Nafcillin Infusions in Children
Authors: Knoderer Chad A. , Karmire Lauren C. , Nichols Kristen R.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes of continuous nafcillin infusion in pediatric patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case study performed at a freestanding, tertiary care children's hospital. Subjects were included if they were at least 30 days old and had received more than 1 dose of nafcillin by continuous infusion (CI) between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2012. Clinical and microbiological data were extracted from the medical record. Documented adverse events potentially associated with nafcillin were recorded. Treatment success was defined by any one of the following outcomes without the presence of conflicting data: microbiological cure, prescriber-documented treatment success, or normalization of abnormal clinical or laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

Forty subjects with a median of 9 (interquartile range [IQR], 2.3–12) years of age were included. Median length of stay (in days) for all indications observed was 7 (IQR, 5–21.8) days. Extended lengths of stay, indicated by ≥10 days, were more common in cases of endocarditis, skin and soft tissue infection, and bacteremia. Adverse reactions were documented in 20% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pediatric study, overall treatment success was observed in 92.5% of patients. Microbiological cure was documented in 91.3% of patients by using follow-up cultures. Length of stay may be positively impacted by CI nafcillin. Continuously infused nafcillin appears to be an acceptable alternative to intermittently infused nafcillin in children. Further studies are needed to address the question of whether clinical outcomes of CI nafcillin are superior to those of conventional infusion.
Processing Instruction: A review of issues
Authors: Rasuki Muhlisin
Published: September 2017

This paper provides a critical review of Processing Instruction (PI). This type of instructional option was specifically designed to help second/foreign language (L2) learners grasp meaning manifested in the use of particular grammatical forms in a target language effectively through the provision of input. In this way, PI attempts to help learners develop grammatical competence in a target language in ways that foster their comprehension and production skills. The paper starts with outlining main characteristics of PI which distinguish it from other types of L2 grammar instruction. Then, a large body of research attempting to investigate the relative efficacy of PI is scrutinized. The paper concludes with a number of important issues that future studies on PI need to address.
The Effect of Mock Tests on Iranian EFL learners’ Test Scores
Authors: Khodabakhshzadeh Hossein , Zardkanloo Reza
Published: September 2017

The effect of using tests in test preparation courses has been subject to debate. While some scholars such as Yang and Badger (2015) believe it is a cause of positive washback effect, others argue that this issue is tentative and context-bound (Green, 2007). Therefore, this study investigated the effect of using Mock tests in International English Language Testing System (IELTS) preparation courses on students’ overall IELTS scores. Fifty one IELTS students were selected non-randomly through the quota sampling approach out of 76 students at Mahan Language Institute in Birjand, Iran.  These participants were distributed into Group 1 (n=25) and Group 2 (n=26). A complete IELTS test was administered to ensure that the Groups were homogeneous and to serve as pretest. After 10 sessions of intervention, a different IELTS test was administered as posttest. The results of between subject analysis through independent samples t-test revealed that using Mock tests in the IELTS preparation courses can positively affect the participants scores on IELTS exam. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
A Thorough Scrutiny of ELT Textbook Evaluations: A Review Inquiry
Authors: Gholami Reza , Noordin Nooreen , Rafik-Galea Shameem
Published: September 2017

It is thoroughly agreed that English language textbooks stand amongst the foremost components in any language classrooms worldwide, being referred to as valid, beneficial and labor-saving tools to fulfill an extensive range of needs. An ELT textbook is not merely a set of sheets of paper fastened together to hinge at one side, but is the beating heart of any education system whereupon the whole learning revolves. Notwithstanding their interminable benefits, it is admitted that still the compiled textbooks, especially the ones prescribed in Educational systems have to be evaluated and assessed to confirm whether they fulfil the objectives they are meant for or not, as it is said no perfect textbook exists. Having dealt with evaluation in general, this research meticulously elaborates on textbook evaluation more specifically concluding that there is a dearth of inquiry on textbook selection and evaluation. Afterwards, this research introduces the most common approaches for evaluating ELT textbooks and materials. The paper culminates with concluding remarks and implications, hoping to shed light on how textbook evaluation is practiced worldwide.