bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditioned Taste Aversion in Rats following Intrathecal Administration of Contrast Media
Authors: La Noce A. , Danieli A. , Bertani F. , Tirone P. , De Haën C.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The occurrence of side-effects such as visceral malaise after intrathecal administration of the non-ionic radiography contrast media iomeprol, iopamidol, and iotrolan was assessed in rats by the conditioned taste aversion procedure.

Methods:

Reduced preference towards a saccharose solution compared with normal water following intraventricular administration of a contrast medium was used as a measure of the aversive response.

Results:

At a dose of 100 mg I/kg none of the tested contrast media induced aversion. At 200 and 300 mg I/kg, both iopamidol and iomeprol induced significant aversive responses with respect to control, although the response of the iomeprol group appeared milder than that of the iopamidol group at a dose of 200 mg I/kg. Iotrolan could be tested only at the lowest dose since the high doses caused excessive mortality.

Conclusion:

Intrathecally administered iomeprol appeared to be well tolerated in rats at doses higher than those suggested for clinical use.
Type D Dural Carotid—Cavernous Fistula
Authors: Hasuo K. , Mizushima A. , Matsumoto S. , Uchino A. , Uehara S. , Miyoshi M. , Mihara F. , Ohmagari J. , Ohnishi Y. , Masuda K.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To assess the efficacy of irradiation combined with particulate embolization for treating type D dural carotid—cavernous fistulas, supplied by the meningeal branches of both external (ECA) and internal carotid arteries.

Material and Methods:

Nine patients were treated by particulate embolization via the ECA branches, followed by radiation therapy with doses of 30 Gy. One of these patients with recurrent symptoms received an additional 30 Gy one year after initial treatment, making a total dose of 60 Gy.

Results:

In all cases, symptoms were improved immediately after the particulate embolizations. In 8 cases, complete resolution of symptoms were obtained in 4–19 months and an average of 8 months after treatment. In one case, chemosis was markedly improved and persisted minimally 41 months later.

Conclusion:

Particulate embolization is effective for immediate symptomatic improvement, and complete resolution of symptoms can usually be achieved by subsequent radiation therapy.
Effects of Ionic and Nonionic Contrast Media on Endothelium and on Arterial Thrombus Formation
Authors: Barstad R. M. , Buchmann M. S. , Hamers M. J. A. G. , Örning L. , Ørvim U. , Stormorken H. , Sakariassen K. S.
Published: June 2015

Background:

The aims of the present study were to investigate whether ionic and nonionic contrast media (CM) affect: 1) the procoagulant and fibrinolytic activities of cultured human vessel endothelium; and 2) early events of tissue-factor-induced arterial thrombus formation under conditions which may follow a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedure. The following 3 CM were studied: iohexol (nonionic monomer, Omnipaque); iodixanol (nonionic dimer, Visipaque); and ioxaglate (ionic dimer, Hexabrix). Saline (0.9%) and glucose (40 vol%) were used as control.

Methods and Results:

Exposing endothelium to 40 vol% CM for 10 min did not affect the selected parameters of cellular procoagulant (tissue factor), anticoagulant (thrombomodulin), fibrinolytic (tissue plasminogen activator) or antifibrinolytic (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) activity or antigen. However, ioxaglate had a profound impact on the cell morphology, which was noted already after one minute of exposure. The cells contracted and rounded, exposing large areas of extracellular matrix. Iohexol showed this phenomenon to a considerably lesser extent, whereas iodixanol induced a slight swelling of the cells without detectable exposure of extracellular matrix. The effect of the respective CM on tissue-factor-driven thrombus formation at an arterial shear rate of 2600 s−1 was studied in an ex vivo parallel-plate perfusion chamber device. In this model, human native blood was passed over a tissue factor/phospholipid-rich surface following 30 s exposure to 100% CM. The CM was washed out by nonanticoagulated blood drawn directly from an antecubital vein by a pump positioned distal to the perfusion chamber. Such a pre-exposure of the procoagulant surface to iodixanol reduced the fibrin deposition around the platelet thrombi by 50% (p<0.01). However, iohexol and ioxaglate did not affect fibrin deposition. None of the 3 CM affected the recruitment of platelets in the thrombi, since similar values were obtained with pre-exposure to 40 vol% of saline.

Conclusion:

Iodixanol appears to be most biocompatible with endothelium, and has a moderate inhibitory effect on fibrin deposition in flowing blood. This differs from iohexol, and in particular from ioxaglate, which induce endothelial changes in morphology with no effect on fibrin deposition. Since none of the CM affected the platelet aggregate formation, and since ioxaglate has been reported to have stronger anticoagulant and antithrombotic properties than iodixanol or iohexol in in vitro assays, it is apparent that these properties were not reflected in thrombus formation under the experimental conditions of high arterial shear.
Spatial Resolution Requirements in Digital Radiography of Scaphoid Fractures
Authors: Jónsson Á. , Laurin S. , Karner G. , Herrlin K. , Hochbergs P. , Jonsson K. , Rudling O. , Sandström S. , Sloth M. , Svahn G. , Pettersson H.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To investigate the spatial resolution requirements in digital radiography of scaphoid fractures.

Material and Methods:

Included in the study were 60 scaphoid radiographs with and 60 without fractures of the scaphoid bone. The film-screen images were digitized using pixel sizes of 115, 170, and 340 μm along with 170 μm with a 10; 1 wavelet compression. The digital images were displayed on a 1280×1024×8 bits monitor, and 5 observers evaluated the images in 5 randomized sessions. The results for each pixel size were then compared to the film-screen images by ROC analysis.

Results:

The mean area under the ROC curves was larger for the film-screen images than for the digital images at all resolutions. However, this difference was not significant when the areas under the ROC curves for the film-screen images were compared to the digital images of 115, 170, and 170 μm with 10: 1 compression. There was a significant difference for the 340-μm pixel size in favour of the film-screen images. The mean ROC curves for the digital images were very similar for the 115 and 170 μm pixel sizes, although slightly better for 115 μm. At 170 μm, the compression seemed to have a relatively small negative effect on the diagnostic performance; the deterioration was greater when the pixel size was increased to 340 μm. There was no obvious correlation between diagnostic performance and the experience of the observers in using workstations.

Conclusion:

The pixel size of 170 μm is adequate for the detection of subtle fractures, even after wavelet compression by a ratio of 10:1.
Primary Intraosseous Meningiomas
Authors: Arana E. , Diaz C. , Latorre F. F. , Menor F. , Revert A. , Beltrán A. , Navarro M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical, radiological and histological findings of 14 intraosseous meningiomas.

Material and Methods:

14 histologically proved intraosseous meningiomas were studied with plain skull film and CT. Pathological records were reviewed.

Results:

We found 9 calvarial cases and 5 spheno-orbital ones. The most common symptom in the calvarial cases was a lump in the scalp, and in the spheno-orbital lesions it was exophtalmos. Hyperostosis was present in all 5 spheno-orbital cases and in 3 out of the 9 calvarial ones; in the other 6 cases it had a mixed pattern. Enhanced dura was present in 3 calvarial cases and in 2 sphenoidal ones. Dura was involved in 5 cases: 2 with inflammatory changes, 2 with a minimal intradural tumour and one with a subdural tumour.

Conclusion:

CT better detected both the bony reaction and the intraosseous extension of the tumour. The dural changes were not specific of tumoural involvement. The differential diagnosis comprises: fibrous dysplasia, osteoma, blastic metastasis and mainly meningioma en plaque (MEP). Comparing our findings with other series, we noticed that in some cases the term MEP was used for similar cases. As the name MEP is merely descriptive and both entities share a larger number of similarities than differences, we believe that a differentiation between hyperostotic en plaque meningioma and intraosseous meningioma can hardly be made.
Longitudinal Relation Between General Well-Being and Self-Esteem
Authors: Barendregt Charlotte S. , van der Laan André M. , Bongers Ilja L. , van Nieuwenhuizen Chijs
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the longitudinal relation between general well-being and self-esteem of male adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders. Moreover, the transition out of secure residential care was studied. Adolescents ( N = 172) were assessed three times with 6 months between each assessment. The sample comprised adolescents who were admitted throughout the entire study ( n = 116) and who had been discharged at 6/12 months follow-up ( n = 56). General well-being and self-esteem were stable concepts over time. The relation between general well-being and self-esteem differed for both groups. Among the admitted group general well-being positively predicted self-esteem and self-esteem negatively predicted general well-being from Time 2 to Time 3. Among the discharged adolescents, self-esteem at Time 1 positively predicted general well-being at Time 2 and general well-being at Time 2 positively predicted self-esteem at Time 3. Changing social contexts, as well as problems experienced during the transition out of secure care, might affect this relationship.
Impact Fees and Employment Growth
Authors: Jones Adam T.
Published: June 2015

Local jurisdictions across the country continue to adopt alternative financing options, although the effects of these remain uncertain. There are two views of impact fees: (a) an old view, that fees are a tax on development increasing prices and reducing quantity and (b) a new view, that fees provide services and reduce future taxes, thus increasing demand and prices. The research presented in this study, based on data from Florida counties, finds that the relationship between fees on commercial development and fees on employment differs across different categories of economic activity. The use of fees is positively related to service-sector employment growth and negatively related to manufacturing employment growth. This result suggests that different sectors realize different levels of benefits from infrastructure provided through fee revenue and that policy decisions based on total employment may suffer from overaggregations and lead to unintended consequences.
A Conceptual Framework on the Power of Consumers in Pushing Corporate Social Responsibility Towards Sustainable Development
Authors: Hussain Jogita Sorokhaibam , Hussain Jamal
Published: June 2015

In recent times, sustainable development has received huge attention of academia, corporations, government and society at large as there has been an increasing concern about the rapid exhausting of the earth's natural resources and related environmental issues.There has been plenty of research done on corporate social responsibility (CSR) which leads to the growing realisation that corporate inclination towards it results in sustainable development. This is important because corporates are the major users and often abusers of our limited stocks of the various forms of natural capital upon which our economic, social and cultural well-being are based. Interestingly, many authors believe that those corporations which are socially responsible are considered to be good companies by the society (customers). Thus, customer acts as a primary stakeholder and it affects the long-term survival of the business.

A conceptual framework on CSR orientation has been developed for sustainable society development on the basis of two dimensions, namely, corporate orientation and consumer orientation. It has four quadrants where the best case is both corporate and consumer showing high orientation towards social responsibility. The worst scenario is Menace when both display low orientation. The quadrant Blind is also not favourable because only corporations are highly oriented whereas consumers are not.The case may be contrary when consumers are enlightened and corporations are not.The main endeavour behind this study is to unleash the power of consumer and in extreme cases employ the method of boycott to pressurise business firms to follow sustainable guidelines. Effort has been made to highlight how consumer can be a key driving force for CSR.
Statutory Auditors' Independence in the Backdrop of Corporate Corruption: Select Case Studies
Authors: Saha Siddhartha Sankar , Roy Mitrendu Narayan
Published: June 2015

This study considers three highly recognised corporate scandals that occurred in three diverse continents during different time periods. These are Enron Corporation (United States of America [USA], 2001], Polly Peck International (PPI) (United Kingdom [UK],1990] and Satyam Computer Services Ltd (India, 2009). Arthur Anderson LLP (USA), Stoy Hayward (UK) and Price Waterhouse (India) performed as statutory auditors in these three companies respectively. This study analyses statutory auditors' independence in these select cases based on nine parameters. Investigated facts on these parameters are compared with current regulatory requirements in order to explore the deviation for the case indicating the extent to which statutory auditors' independence was lost in each scandal.

The study finds that statutory auditors in all three cases had enough reasons to compromise their independence. Their activities against most of the parameters were not in compliance with current regulatory requirements. Appointment procedure of statutory auditors, provision of non-audit services and remuneration arrangement threatened statutory auditors' independence in all three scandals. Safeguards available in the form of audit committee, external review and disciplinary framework were also not adequate. It ultimately caused statutory auditors in all three companies to compromise their independence.
Women’s Experiences of Publicly Funded Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Vanstone Meredith , Yacoub Karima , Giacomini Mita , Hulan Danielle , McDonald Sarah
Published: June 2015

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) via fetal DNA in maternal blood has been publicly funded in Ontario, Canada, for high-risk women since 2014. We solicited women’s experiences and values related to this new health technology to describe how this test is currently being used in Ontario and to provide information about patient priorities to inform future policy decisions about the use of NIPT. Guided by constructivist grounded theory methodology, we interviewed 38 women who had diverse personal experiences with NIPT. Participants’ accounts of their values for decision making about NIPT heavily relied on three mutually modulating factors: timing, accuracy, and risk. The values expressed by women conflict with the way that publicly funded NIPT has typically been implemented in Ontario. We offer recommendations for how NIPT might be integrated into prenatal care pathways in a way more consistent with women’s values.
Projecting Primary Care Use in the Medicaid Expansion Population
Authors: Roberts Eric T. , Gaskin Darrell J.
Published: June 2015

Millions of low-income adults are beginning to gain Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act. To forecast the resulting need for primary care providers, we estimate the effect of Medicaid take-up on visits to office-based primary care providers, including clinics. We estimate that adults with Medicaid coverage at any point in the year have an average of 1.32 visits per year to primary care providers, 0.48 more visits than low-income adults without Medicaid. Consequently, we project a need for 2,113 additional primary care providers (range: 1,130-3,138) if all states expand Medicaid. Our estimates are somewhat lower than several recent forecasts, which may not have controlled adequately for selection bias, and which used non-representative samples for forecasting. Our findings shed light on disparities in access to care, particularly in counties with relatively few primary care providers per capita. Efforts to expand access to primary care should focus on where providers practice, rather than simply training more providers.
Connecting Across the Divides of Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Gibbons Joseph , Yang Tse-Chuan
Published: June 2015

There exists an active discussion as to the effects of racial/ethnic composition on community connection. Research has suggested that racial segregation is beneficial to one’s community connection. To explore this dynamic, we investigate how an individual’s community connection is determined by the racial/ethnic segregation of his or her neighborhood, among other independent variables. We implement multilevel models using individual data from the 2008 and 2010 Public Health Management Corporation’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey and tract data from the 2006–2010 American Community Survey. We find that though the overall socioeconomic status of a neighborhood explains much of the variations in community connection, non-Hispanic Blacks living in predominantly White or mixed communities tend to have a weaker community connection than their counterparts in other types of neighborhood. This demonstrates that segregation and socioeconomic status explain community connection.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting for severe stenosis of the intracranial extradural internal carotid artery causing transient ischemic attack or minor stroke
Authors: Ko Jun Kyeung , Choi Chang Hwa , Cha Seung Heon , Choi Byung Kwan , Cho Won Ho , Kang Tae Ho , Sung Sang Min , Cho Han Jin , Lee Tae Hong
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study is to assess the technical feasibility and clinical efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) for symptomatic stenosis of the intracranial extradural (petrous and cavernous) internal carotid artery (ICA).

Review of medical records identified 26 consecutive patients who underwent PTAS using a balloon-expandable coronary stent ( n = 15, 57.7%) or a Wingspan self-expandable stent ( n = 11, 42.3%) for treatment of severe stenosis (>70%) involving the intracranial extradural ICA. The inclusion criteria were transient ischemic attack with an ABCD2 score of ≥3 ( n = 12, 46.2%) or minor stroke with an NIHSS score of ≤4 ( n = 14, 53.8%). Technical success rates, complications, and angiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

PTAS was technically successful in all patients. The mean stenosis ratio decreased from 77.1% to 10.0% immediately after PTAS. The overall incidence of procedural complications was 23.1%, and the postoperative permanent morbidity/mortality rate was 7.7%. A total of 22 patients were tracked over an average period of 29.9 months. During the observation period, 20 patients (90.9%) had no further cerebrovascular events and stroke recurrence occurred in two patients (9.1%), resulting in an annual stroke risk of 3.7%. Two cases (11.1%) of significant in-stent restenosis (>50%) were found on follow-up angiography ( n = 18).

PTAS for severe stenosis (>70%) involving the intracranial extradural ICA showed a good technical feasibility and favorable clinical outcome in patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke.
Numerical simulation of the influence factors for rotary kiln in temperature field and stress field and the structure optimization
Authors: Li Gongfa , Liu Ze , Jiang Guozhang , Liu Honghai , Xiong Hegen
Published: June 2015

With the development of metallurgical industry and the improvement of kiln technology, the processing properties of kiln equipment are being paid more attention. The rotary kiln is one of the most representatives of the furnace equipment; higher requirements of the rotary kiln are put forward in response to the call of the national energy saving and emission reduction. That is, the new designed equipment has the characteristics of the optimal energy consumption and stable performance. In order to analyze the energy consumption of the rotary kiln, it is necessary to study the heat transfer process of the rotary kilns. The three-dimensional numerical model of the rotary kiln is set up by using the finite element technology. After analyzing the data, it is found that different thicknesses of the kiln crust and different working conditions have certain influence on the rotary kiln’s temperature field and stress field. After analyzing the result of the simulation, the temperature of the rotary kiln’s outer wall has an approximate linear relationship with the thickness of the kiln crust. Changing the thickness of the kiln crust will not only alter the value of the maximum stress but also have influence on the position of maximum stress. The increase in the thickness of the kiln crust can reduce the extreme value of stress. When the wind speed of induce fan inside the kiln is larger, the temperature of each layer will be relatively high as well, and the temperature curve is softer, and the temperature variation is more stable. It has also been found that when the comprehensive coefficient of heat exchange outside the kiln surface is larger, the thermal stress created by the body of kiln is smaller. The phenomenon of excessive thermal stress can be improved by changing the outer surface ventilation conditions of the rotary kiln. In order to ensure that the high temperature of the kiln wall has no influence on working wheels, and make sure the temperature of the kiln wall is well-distributed along the length direction of the kiln, the thickness of the kiln crust along the length direction is changed, and the structure of the cylinder with wheels on it is altered. After further numerical simulation, the optimized thickness of the kiln crust and kiln structure is found, and the above problem is solved effectively. The results can reduce the inputs of rotary kiln design and the production costs. It can also reduce energy consumption, and some guidance is given on the production process of kilns.
Autonomic Functioning in Young Adults Born at Extremely Low Birth Weight
Authors: Mathewson Karen J. , Van Lieshout Ryan J. , Saigal Saroj , Morrison Katherine M. , Boyle Michael H. , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: June 2015

Autonomic functioning is altered in infants born at extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g), but we know little about how such alterations manifest in adulthood. We examined associations between birth weight and resting heart rate (R-R interval), high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) heart rate variability, and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, in 60 participants (ages 22-26) born at ELBW and free of major neurosensory impairment, and 79 controls born at normal birth weight (NBW; >2500 g). HF in the smallest-born ELBW participants was significantly lower than in NBW controls. In both groups, greater birth weight was associated with higher HF. Among ELBW survivors, lower birth weight predicted faster heart rate and higher DBP, but neither heart rate nor DBP appeared to be well-coordinated with baroreflex activity (LF), the principal mechanism for short-term blood pressure regulation. Adult autonomic regulation may be significantly altered in those born extremely preterm.
Nutrition and metabolism in the rehabilitative phase of recovery in burn children: a review of clinical and research findings in a speciality pediatric burn hospital
Authors: Prelack Kathy , Yu Yong Ming , Sheridan Robert L
Published: June 2015

During the rehabilitation phase of burn injury, patient care transitions from critical care medicine to restorative treatment strategies that encompass physical and occupational therapies, nutrition repletion, and psychosocial support for community reintegration. As pediatric burn patients undergo rehabilitation, nutrition assessment remains ongoing to define nutritional status and any alterations in metabolism that may take place. For some, a persistent hypermetabolic state appears evident, and weight loss may continue. The severity and duration however varies among patients. Many patients enter their rehabilitative phase with visible lean body mass depletion, and the focus of nutritional therapy for them shifts to replenishing nutritional status, while supporting rehabilitative efforts. Over the past decade, we have conducted studies on energy and protein metabolism, body composition, including bone mineralization, and general wellness in over 130 patients to better understand changes in metabolism and nutritional status during the rehabilitative phase of recovery. This abstract summarizes our findings.
Sanatorium Stage of Rehabilitation of Children with Chronic Pyelonephritis in Ecological Burdened History
Authors: Демина  , Demina S. , Шведунова  , Shvedunova L.
Published: June 2015

The pyelonephritis is the most frequent disease of urinary system in children with long current and process synchronization. Up to the present time, the scientific studies on the effectiveness of pelotherapy at the chronic pyelo-nephritis in children with ecological burdened history aren’t carried out; there are no methods of its application for this population group of patients. 40 children, aged 7-14 years, with chronic pyelonephritis in ecological burdened history were examined. In the complex Spa treatment, the pelotherapy was held traditionally on the lumbar region or developed adaptive-reflex technique. The advantage of the proposed approach to pelotherapy been proven that confirmed the best elimination of the complaints of patients and more pronounced dynamics of the signs of micro-hematuria, pyuria, oxaluria and recovery antichristianity ability urine on calcium phosphates in all patients. In comparison with the conventional treatment, the proposed technique is less invasive and more adequate, providing a gradual and consistent involvement of various reflex zones, which is important in violation of the adaptation processes in patients with ecologo-hygienic history. In addition, it is proved that the appointment of mud applications on a delicate mode contributes to the stimulation of protective forces of an organism, mainly through regulatory and training effects on various systems of the child´s body, without causing general and local pathological reactions.
Therahertz Therapy Practice in the Complex Postsurgical Rehabilitation of Patients with Static Foot Deformities
Authors: Киреев  , Kireev V. , Белоногов  , Belonogov V. , Имамов  , Imamov A. , Киреев  , Kireev S. , Имамова  , Imamova D.
Published: June 2015

The object of the study was investigation of the effectiveness of electromagnetic radiation at the frequencies of molecular spectrum of nitric oxide in complex rehabilitation of patients with static foot deformities. It was shown that the method allows to improve the results of the treatment of the patients in comparison with traditional kinds of physiotherapy such as magnetic therapy
The Use of Computer Technology in Standardization of the Parameters of X-Ray Densitometry
Authors: Захаров  , Zakharov I.
Published: June 2015

Currently, the radiation techniques are dominant in the diagnosis of osteoporosis, among them the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the leading. This method is based on the determination of bone mineral density. The article describes a computerized system Standart LS (Russia), which standardizes the parameters of bone mineral density, depending on the type of densitometry equipment and evaluates the results of X-ray densitometry taking into account a regional perspective. The developed program and population database of parameters of bone mineral density were the results of retrospective analysis of the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 1504 women living in Kemerovo region. The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed with a bone densitometer Lunar-DPX-NT (GE Healthcare, UK). Initially, the bone mineral density of the first-fourth lumbar vertebrae was studied; then, the standardization of other parameters of densitometric systems was carried out (Hologic, Norland). The algorithm of the computer program consists of three phases: the introduction of parameters of bone mineral density, the standardization and the processing according to a type of densitometer and an age of a subject. After data processing, the values of Z-criteria are given out according to the recommendations of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. The developed computerized system will contribute to a more accurate assessment of bone mineral density in the women, taking into account regional differences.
Nuevos regadíos en el secano del Bajo Segura: el modelo referencial de San Onofre-Torremendo (1953-1992)
Authors: Canales Martínez Gregorio , Juárez Sánchez-Rubio Cipriano
Published: June 2015

La entrada en funcionamiento de los pantanos del Cenajo y Camarilla en 1957 y 1960, respectivamente, incrementó los volúmenes regulados en la Cuenca del Segura en 233 Hm3/año. El aumento del volumen embalsado garantizaba la ampliación del regadío, que se realizó según determina el Decreto Orden Ministerial de 1953. La repercusión en el Bajo Segura, objeto de análisis de esta investigación, se valora en la transformación inicial de 3.500 Ha elevadas a 14.000 por los aportes de redotación del trasvase Tajo-Segura. El ejemplo de la Comunidad de Regantes de San Onofre- Torremendo es el modelo referencial que explica el paso de una extensión concedida de 321 Ha casi 2.000 Ha de regadío, con la consiguiente mejora económica y social de su población.
Sequías y golpes de calor en el sureste ibérico: efectos territoriales y económicos
Authors: Olcina Cantos Jorge , Rico Amorós Antonio Manuel
Published: June 2015

Las secuencias de sequía, evento atmosférico propio de las tierras del sureste ibérico por su filiación subtropical, se constituyen en el riesgo climático que ocasiona más pérdidas económicas en la actividad agraria de este sector peninsular. Además, sus consecuencias suelen verse acrecentadas al coincidir con el desarrollo de «golpes de calor» que perjudican igualmente las cosechas. El análisis de las causas atmosféricas y de los efectos económicos y territoriales de ambos fenómenos meteorológicos son aspectos que aborda el presente escrito.
Elaboración de un plan para la cualificación de asentamientos en municipios consolidados por el turismo
Authors: Vera Rebollo José Fernando , Baños Castiñeira Carlos Javier , Jiménez Rodríguez Arturo
Published: June 2015

Se presenta, en síntesis, el desarrollo de un proyecto de investigación conducente a la cualificación del modelo de implantación turístico-residencial, desde los presupuestos de desarrollo equilibrado y sostenido de esta actividad en un espacio costero consolidado y especializado. El objetivo es acometer una reestructuración global de la oferta y su adecuación a nuevas tendencias y motivaciones de la demanda. Propuestas tales como la limitación al crecimiento de nuevas plazas, la gestión frente a la producción de suelo, la dinamización de las plazas existentes y la superación de la perspectiva municipal en el desarrollo de nuevas ofertas son algunas de las claves que permiten diseñar el futuro de los destinos turísticos en este espacio litoral.
El tiempo durante la Batalla de Trafalgar (octubre 1805)
Authors: Wheeler Dennis
Published: June 2015

El presente trabajo analiza el tiempo atmosférico presente durante uno de los grandes eventos de la historia —la Batalla de Trafalgar—. No sólo se explica el papel fundamental que desempeñó el tiempo atmosférico en el transcurso de la batalla sino que asimismo la consulta documental ha permitido recrear las condiciones sinópticas con objeto de compararlas con las condiciones climáticas actuales en dicha área. El estudio permite valorar la utilidad de los documentos históricos en las reconstrucciones climáticas.
La inmigración africana hacia España: el acceso a través de la frontera sur
Authors: Gozálvez Pérez Vicente
Published: June 2015

El estudio enumera las principales medidas derivadas de la política inmigratoria de España durante la última década, entre las que destacan las tendentes a controlar los flujos irregulares o clandestinos, especialmente voluminosos y activos en la inmigración africana, sobre todo la marroquí, colectivo extranjero más numeroso en España. El mapa de los africanos en España muestra acusada preferencia por el litoral mediterráneo, a resultas de los imperativos de la economía y de las ventajas de la situación geográfica respecto a los itinerarios de acceso a España. El reciente endurecimiento de los controles policiales frente a la inmigración irregular, ha convertido la frontera sur de España en «puerta internacional» para la inmigración africana: sobre estos aspectos se comentan distintos indicadores, así como las perspectivas de estos flujos.
El puerto de Torrevieja: gestación y desarrollo de un largo proyecto para la comercialización de la sal
Authors: Canales Martínez Gregorio , Crespo Rodríguez Fermín
Published: June 2015

El proyecto de construcción de un puerto en la rada de Torrevieja ha constituido, desde mediados del siglo XIX, una de las aspiraciones económicas más importantes de los habitantes del Bajo Segura. Desde los primeros planteamientos se vio en esta dotación la solución a los problemas de infraestructura para el embarque de la importante producción de sal de las lagunas cercanas a la localidad. Además, la comarca aspiraba a contar con un centro de conexión marítimo internacional para dar salida a las distintas cosechas agrícolas de su espacio de huerta. Estos dos factores fueron determinantes para mantener vivo el proyecto del puerto, a pesar de las constantes demoras y aplazamientos de su ejecución. No sería hasta bien entrado el siglo XX cuando se vieron cumplidas estas pretensiones debido al empuje que mantuvo el comercio de la sal.
Las grandes superficies comerciales en España (hipermercados): estudio de una realidad cambiante
Authors: Serrano Martínez José María
Published: June 2015

Sólo poco más de veinte años han transcurrido desde la instalación del primer hipermercado en España a la situación presente, donde se dispone de una red de más de 300. Ello ha contribuido a acelerar la profunda transformación en todo el sector de la distribución comercial. Aquí se estudian sólo los hipermercados de mayor dimensión. Se intenta indagar sobre el modelo espacial de difusión seguido; analizando, en consecuencia, la red de centros existente. También se aborda el estudio de las principales cadenas comerciales que predominan en el sector, haciendo especial referencia a sus estrategias espaciales de localización.
Die Praxis der Soziologie: Ausbildung, Wissenschaft, Beratung
Authors: Zimenkova Tatjana
Published: June 2015

Wie jede andere akademische Disziplin steht auch die Soziologie vor der zwiespältigen Aufgabe, in einem Studiengang berufsqualifizierend ausbilden zu müssen und gleichzeitig den eigenen wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs heranzuziehen. Dies wirft Fragen nach der Identität des Soziologen auf: Welchen Bezug haben die in der Praxis tätigen Soziologen zu ihrer Herkunftsdisziplin? Wie sehen Hochschullehrer die Zukunft ihrer Studierenden und worauf werden diese im Studium vorbereitet? Was sind die Besonderheiten und Defizite der soziologischen Professionalisierung? Ist das typische Berufsbild eines Soziologen das eines Beraters - und was ist soziologische Beratung? Die Studie leistet auf empirischer Basis einen Beitrag zur Selbstreflexion der Soziologie.
Gesten des Zeigens
Authors: Muttenthaler Roswitha , Wonisch Regina
Published: June 2015

Welche Bilder und Erzählungen präsentieren Ausstellungen zu Männern und Frauen, zum Eigenen und Anderen? Mit dem Blick auf die Kategorien gender und race analysieren die Autorinnen das Museum für Völkerkunde, das Natur- und das Kunsthistorische Museum in Wien. Da es im Unterschied zu Theater oder Film kaum Ausstellungskritiken gibt, die dem spezifischen Medium Ausstellung gerecht werden, will der Band zudem zur Entwicklung von Analysemethoden beitragen. Der Fokus richtet sich daher auf die Verfahrensweisen des Ausstellens, also auf Praktiken, wie Exponate, Bilder, Texte und Gestaltungsmittel in einem Raum verknüpft werden, um Deutungsangebote zu machen.
Facetten des Menschlichen
Authors: Psarros Nikos
Published: June 2015

Das Leitmotiv dieses Buches lautet, dass der Mensch keine »natürliche Substanz« ist, sondern dass das Verhältnis zwischen dem einzelnen Menschen und dem Menschlichen ähnlich verfasst ist wie das Verhältnis eines Lebewesens zum Leben: Ein einzelnes Lebewesen steht in keinem direkten Verhältnis zum Leben, sondern nur vermittels seiner Artzugehörigkeit. In ähnlicher Weise beteiligt sich ein einzelner Mensch am Menschlichen durch seine jeweilige Zugehörigkeit zu einer Gemeinschaft. Diese Erkenntnis macht es verständlich, warum dieses Buch nicht »das Wesen« des Menschlichen zu ergründen versucht. Dieses Wesen, diese Substanz gibt es gar nicht. Es gibt nur Aspekte - Facetten - des Menschlichen, die zwar klar und deutlich begrifflich voneinander unterscheidbar sind, jedoch nicht im Sinne von Substanzen autark existieren können.
Jenseits der Cloud: Metadaten- und Datenmanagement in der bibliothekarischen Infrastruktur Teil 1
Authors: Altenhöner Reinhard
Published: June 2015

In der laufenden Diskussion um die zukünftige Informationsinfrastruktur spielen – auch vor dem Hintergrund einer entsprechenden Förderinitiative der DFG – bibliothekarische Metadaten, ihre Erzeugung und -verwaltung sowie die Träger der entsprechenden Systeme in einem globalen Kontext eine Rolle. Der Beitrag versucht sich an einer Verortung der laufenden Bemühungen einerseits, er beleuchtet aus Sicht des Autors wesentliche Perspektiven und den absehbar erreichbaren Stand. Eng mit diesem Beitrag verknüpft ist ein zweiter Teil, der sich mit dem Einsatz von Text- und Datamining-Verfahren in Bibliotheken mit einem Schwerpunkt auf den Aktivitäten der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek beschäftigt. Dieser wird im September erscheinen. Beide Beiträge beziehen sich zwar aufeinander, sind aber der besseren Lesbarkeit halber nur lose miteinander verbunden. Folie für beide Beiträge ist die Diskussion um zukünftige Arbeitsschwerpunkte von Bibliotheken und ihre Neupositionierung innerhalb der Informationsinfrastruktur insgesamt. Der Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf dem Metadaten- und Datenmanagement.
Comparison of uniformity decisions in DUS testing for full and reduced numbers of measurements
Authors: Pilarczyk Wiesław , Kowalczyk Bogna , Bakinowska Ewa
Published: June 2015

Summary

It is investigated how a reduction in the number of measurements influences uniformity decisions in distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) testing. Using real data from DUS trials performed in Poland for several species, it is shown that when final decisions are taken after three years of testing, a reduction in the number of measurements by 50% of the numbers indicated in the Guidelines has very limited impact on decisions (rejection or approval of candidate variety). Decisions taken after one year (or two years) are more dependent on the numbers of measurements.
An estimate of the approximation accuracy in B. A. Sevastyanov’s limit theorem and its application in the problem of random inclusions
Authors: Kopyttsev Viktor A. , Mikhailov Vladimir G.
Published: June 2015

An estimate of the accuracy of the Poisson approximation in B. A. Sevastyanov’s theorem providing conditions for the distribution of the sum of random indicators to converge to the Poisson distribution is obtained. This result is applied to estimate the rate of convergence to the limit Poisson distribution in a theorem on the number of solutions of systems of random inclusions.
Region Of Southern Africa: International Trade And Global Value Chains
Authors: Cieślik Ewa
Published: June 2015

Integration of Southern Africa has resulted in changes in trade structures and production process across borders. The aim of this article is to present transformations taking place in the structure of trade exchange of the Southern African states (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, and South Africa) that are members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), and the position of South Africa in global value chains. South Africa seems to be the group of the most advanced countries in analyzed region. The analysis takes advantage of both the conventional methods of comprehensive study on international trade and the modern indicators and measures examining similarity, concentration or the position of South Africa in global value chains in general and sectoral terms.
On the Importance of Subtext in Recommender Systems
Authors: Grasch Peter , Felfernig Alexander
Published: June 2015

Conversational recommender systems have been shown capable of allowing users to navigate even complex and unknown application domains effectively. However, optimizing preference elicitation remains a largely unsolved problem. In this paper we introduce SPEECHREC, a speech-enabled, knowledge-based recommender system, that engages the user in a natural-language dialog, identifying not only purely factual constraints from the users’ input, but also integrating nuanced lexical qualifiers and paralinguistic information into the recommendation strategy. In order to assess the viability of this concept, we present the results of an empirical study where we compare SPEECHREC to a traditional knowledge-based recommender system and show how incorporating more granular user preferences in the recommendation strategy can increase recommendation quality, while reducing median session length by 46 %.
Model-based analysis of cerebrovascular diseases combining 3D and 4D MRA datasets
Authors: Forkert Nils D.
Published: June 2015

The cerebral stroke is a major cause for death and
disability. Clinical diagnosis, therapy, and research of stroke can
considerably benefit from modern image acquisition methods, which
enable a detailed analysis of cerebral blood vessel anatomy as well as
an examination of macrovascular and tissue blood flow
dynamics. However, visual screening of these datasets can be complex
and time-consuming due to the vast amount of data. This article
provides an overview of a dissertation, which addresses the problem of
an automatic combined analysis and visualization of high-resolution 3D
and spatiotemporal (4D) image sequences from the same patient to
support diagnosis, treatment decision, and research of cerebrovascular
diseases. Therefore, automatic methods for the cerebrovascular
segmentation, analysis of the cerebral blood flow and tissue
perfusion, as well as the combined quantitative analysis and
visualization of the vessel morphology and blood flow dynamics were
developed. Apart from a potential clinical application, the developed
methods have already proven useful in multiple clinical research
studies.
Mathematical Modelling Of The Bridges Structural Monitoring I
Authors: Rădulescu G.M.T. , Rădulescu A.T.G. , Rădulescu M.V.G. , Naş Sanda
Published: June 2015

Structural Health Monitoring is an extremely complex and relatively expensive activity, and the current offer of tools, methods and technologies is varied, which can lead to a virtually high number of structural monitoring systems that can be customized for each case. In time, the monitoring of bridges became the engine for the development of SHM tools, methods and technologies, or manager monitoring systems. The case study, in continuous quasi-static condition, was performed on Incheon Grand Bridge South Korea. Tracking the behaviour of an objective under the influence of sunshine is performed by VCE Vienna Consulting Engineers ZT GmbH. This paper presents the effect of sunshine on a steel structural element, the first lamella front North line, by comparing data pairs that reflect the cause: steel temperature and the effect: the movement of a sensor mounted on the structural element. The analysis was performed using several software dedicated to mathematical modelling, trying to establish different mathematical models that can be tested and validated.
Territory Lost – Climate Change and the Violation of Self-determination Rights
Authors: Dietrich Frank , Wündisch Joachim
Published: June 2015

Inhabitants of low-lying islands flooded due to anthropogenic climate change will lose their territory and thereby their ability to exercise their right to political self-determination. This paper addresses the normative questions which arise when climate change threatens territorial rights. It explores whether the loss of statehood supports a claim to territorial compensation, and if so, how it can be satisfied. The paper concludes that such claims are well founded and that they should be met by providing compensatory territories. After introducing a differentiation between land rights and territorial rights, previous theoretical responses to the problem of sinking islands are criticized. It is argued that states may be required to give up parts of their territory as compensation. The paper develops criteria of sufficiency for compensatory territories and proposes to base their selection process on a negative auction. Since it is unlikely that unsettled compensatory territories that meet the specified requirements are available, the rights of their original inhabitants are discussed.
Young People’s Narratives of Media and Identity
Authors: Schofield Daniel , Kupiainen Reijo
Published: June 2015

The article explores how upper secondary students use the learning activity mediagraphy to reflect on their identity and on media as constraining and enabling factors in their social practice. In mediagraphy, the students research four generations of their own families, including themselves. They write a mediagraphy essay on the differences and similarities across the generations in media use and turning points in individuals’ lives, in addition to societal and media-related developments. Data from student products and interviews are analysed through three “identity dilemmas” that any identity claim faces: the constant navigation between 1) continuity and change, 2) sameness and difference with regard to others, and 3) agency as “person-to-world” and “world-to-person”. The findings suggest that mediagraphy is a type of identity work that can potentially help students develop an agentive identity in a time of insecurity, with rapidly shifting social and cultural conditions and increasing media density.
On the Extent to which the Presence of Intermediate-stop(s) Air Travel Products Influences the Pricing of Nonstop Air Travel Products
Authors: Gayle Philip G. , Wu Chi-Yin
Published: June 2015

Analysts of air travel markets, which include antitrust authorities, are interested in understanding the extent to which the presence of intermediate stop(s) products influences the pricing of nonstop products. This paper uses a structural econometric model to investigate the potential pricing interdependence between these two product types in domestic air travel markets. Counterfactual experiments using the estimated model suggest that in many (but far from a majority) markets the current prices of nonstop products are at least 5% lower than they would otherwise be owing to the presence of intermediate-stop(s) products.