bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relacionamento, facilidade de uso percebida, comunicação boca a boca e hospitalidade virtual em compras online: validação de um modelo de pesquisa
Authors: Quitéria Cristina , Moretti Sérgio Luiz do Amaral
Published: October 2018

Objetivo: Mensurar a percepção sobre a influência da facilidade de uso, boca a boca e hospitalidade pelos compradores de sites de compras online.Método: Desenvolveu-se um modelo com três hipóteses para a pesquisa. O teste foi realizado por meio de um survey utilizando um questionário estruturado. A amostra, de 805 pessoas, foi não probabilística, por conveniência e composta por compradores de sites online, na cidade de São Paulo. Uma análise confirmatória foi realizada para identificar a relação de dependência entre os quatro constructos do modelo e a influência das variáveis na intenção de recompra online. A técnica utilizada foi a de Modelagem de Equações Estruturais (MEE ou Structural Equation Modeling – SEM) por meio do software Smart PLS.Originalidade/Relevância:Apesar da importância atual das compras em sites online, não existem trabalhos que avaliem a influência da Hospitalidade neste processo.Resultados: Constatou-se que os fatores, segurança, facilidade de compra, oferta de produtos e serviços, expectativas atendidas e recomendação nas compras online influenciam diretamente a intenção de recompra. Verificou-se, também que brindes, descontos e dicas não influenciaram os compradores online para recompra.Contribuições teóricas: Validação de um instrumento e modelo de pesquisa que permitiu avançar no estudo do tema da hospitalidade virtual que tem sido pouco explorado na área acadêmica.Contribuições para a gestão: Principalmente, a indicação da necessidade de maior atenção, por parte dos gerentes de sites de compra online, para a importância que os usuários mostraram ao reconhecer a hospitalidade e os momentos positivos criados pelo site.
Analysis of steel-reinforced high-strength concrete deep beam displacement under dynamic loads
Authors: Cichorski Waldemar
Published: October 2018

The paper presents an analysis of the deformation of a dynamically loaded rectangular
reinforced-concrete deep beam, including the physical nonlinearity of construction materials: concrete
and reinforcing steel. The solution was acquired with the use of the method presented in [15]. The
displacement of three plate types under various loads, up to dynamic load capacity depletion, was
analysed. The results of numerical solutions are presented, with particular emphasis on the impact
of the very high strength of concrete and steel on the reinforced concrete plate displacement. The
work confirmed the correctness of the assumptions and deformation models of concrete and steel
as well as the effectiveness of the methods of analysis proposed in the paper [1, 15] for the problems
of numerical simulation of the behaviour of reinforced concrete deep beams under dynamic loads.
Keywords: mechanics of structures, reinforced concrete structures, deep beams, dynamic load,
physical nonlinearity.
Diagnostics of low-capacity solar power station equipment with 2- and 3-valued logic
Authors: Duer Stanisław , Wrzesień Paweł , Duer Radosław , Bernatowicz Dariusz
Published: October 2018

The paper outlines research issues relating to 2- and 3-valued logic diagnoses developed
with the diagnostic system (DIA G 2) for the equipment installed at a low-capacity solar power station.
The presentation is facilitated with an overview and technical description of the functional and
diagnostic model of the low-power solar power station. A model of the low-power solar power station
(the tested facility, a.k.a. the test object) was developed, from which a set of basic elements and a set
of diagnostic outputs were determined and developed by the number of functional elements j of j.
The work also provides a short description of the smart diagnostic system (DIA G 2) used for the tests
shown herein. (DIA G 2) is a proprietary work. The diagnostic program of (DIA G 2) operates by comparing
a set of actual diagnostic output vectors to their master vectors. The output of the comparison
are elementary divergence metrics of the diagnostic output vectors determined by a neural network.
The elementary divergence metrics include differential distance metrics which serve as the inputs
for (DIA G 2) to deduct the state (condition) of the basic elements of the tested facility.
Keywords: technical diagnostics, diagnostic inference, multiple-valued logic, artificial intelligence.
Microclimate and health properties of autoclaved building materials in the context of their modification
Authors: Stępień Anna , Kostrzewa Paulina , Jakubowski Piotr
Published: October 2018

The construction industry in a special way affects the condition of the state of the environment
and human. It is necessary to search for materials with the lowest degree of risk to humans. The aim
of the article is to focus attention on the materials which are composed of natural components such
as: SiO2, CaO, H2O, and next on the thermal and moisture management of the material in the aspect
of development of harmful microorganisms in construction materials (including the modified ones).
The microstructure of the materials usually includes tobermorite with a ratio CaO/SiO2 = 0.83
and C-S-H phase, impregnability 16%, and compressive strength minimum 13 MPa. The article
proposes the use of the ASR (Additive Ratio Assessment-ARAS) method to develop a model and analysis
of the used building materials that affect the microclimate in the room. A case study can be defined
as a decision problem.
Keywords: architecture, sand, lime, silicate, environment, protection, recycling, ARAS.
The concept of a quiet undulating
propulsion with ionic polymer-metal
composites in autonomous underwater
vehicles
Authors: Adamczyk A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose: Recent years have shown a dynamic development of underwater robotics.
Autonomous biomimetic underwater vehicles (BUVs) with undulating propulsion are the latest
branch in this area. They imitate not only the construction of underwater living organisms
such as fish, but also kinematics of their motion. Such solution gives more energy efficient
propulsion with less noise comparing to classical propulsion based on screw propellers
[1]. However even the latest solutions still use the same electromagnetic engines to drive
those sophisticated constructions. This article contains the concept of a ionic polymer-metal
composites drive, design for undulating propulsion.
Design/methodology/approach: Design of the new type of fin requires further tests and
presented model takes under the consideration influence of only few factors described in
this paper.
Findings: Results of the research confirm theoretical behaviour of IPMC’s (Ionic Polymer-
Metal Composites) and show some disadvantages of this type of materials.
Research limitations/implications: The effects of the research are limited to macroscopic
observation with limited accuracy.
Practical implications: Results of the research show possible future application of
IPMC’s (in underwater robotics).
Originality/value: Results of this research opens a new idea which with further tests may
result in developing a new quiet undulating propulsion for BUV’s.
ACTUAL STATE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF LEGUME CULTIVATION IN POLAND
Authors: Chechelski Piotr
Published: October 2018

The aim of this article was to present the actual state and prospects for growing legume in Poland. Source material for study was mass statistics data published by the Central Statistical Office, reports of Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics and the results of the Multi-annual Program implemented in 2011-2015 and in 2016-2020. The analysis covered the years 2010-2017. In 2017, the area covered by legume crops totaled 272 thousand ha. However, the share of these crops in the cropping pattern exceeds only 2.5%. Legumes are characterized by a low level of commodity, which is caused by marginalization in the country of the market of protein raw material from native legumes. Increasing the interest of farmers in the production of legume seeds may take place through the creation of an appropriate market structure in the field of trade and use of legume seeds, which would facilitate too and create opportunities for cooperation with feed processing plants null
ENDOGENOUS VALUE OF PUBLIC GOODS IN RURAL AREAS: THE CASE OF WEST
POME RANIA REGION
Authors: Czyżewski Bazyli , Matuszczak Anna , Brelik Agnieszka
Published: October 2018

The aim of the paper was to test a new approach to the valuation of public goods in rural areas referred to as the “Economic Rent Valuation Method” (ERV ). The authors use the concept of producer and consumer rent. The assumption assumes that public goods exert an endogenous influence on resources and their productivity, but do not appear in the model as exogenous variables. The authors test this method on the basis of an examination of public goods as endogenous determinants of income from agrotourism of West Pomerania region in Poland. The endogenous influence of environmental and cultural public goods was confirmed, which increased the marginal effects of the supply variables and weakened the effects of demand factors.
DETERMINANTS OF THE MARKET DEVELOPMENT OF NATIVE LEGUMES IN POLAND
Authors: Florek Joanna , Czerwińska-Kayzer Dorota
Published: October 2018

The aim of the article was to depict the achievable changes in the market for native legumes, in
farms and feed production enterprises functioning. In implementing this objective, empirical research
was conducted, which involved selected farms from kujawsko-pomorskie and wielkopolskie Province and
producing leguminous crops and and feed production enterprises. The research shows that one of the main
problems in the functioning of the market of native legumes is the lack of vertical integration between the
feeder market contributors. As a result of the research, it was found while organizing market, one should
make use of the online information and transaction platform.
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF WINTER TRITICALE AT DIFFERENT LEVEL OF INTENSITY
Authors: Jaśkiewicz Bogusława , Sułek Alicja
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was to compare production and economic outcomes of using different production
technologies of winter triticale grown in crop rotation. The research was based on the results of field
experiments carried out in the years of 2008-2010. The effect of the research was to determine the indicators
of economic efficiency of winter triticale depending on the production technology used. It was found that
the level of technology intensity, determined by the costs incurred for the means of production, influenced
the structure of direct costs and the profitability of triticale production. The cheapest technology was the
economical one which involved using growth retardants, but limited fungicidal protection and low levels
of mineral fertilization. It was significantly more profitable than integrated and intensive technologies,
but compared to them, it was worse in terms of grain yields
CONCENTRATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES
Authors: Majchrzak Adam
Published: October 2018

The paper discusses the issue of concentration of agricultural land in Poland and in the European
Union Member States by indicating the existing situation and changes occurring in the years 2005-2013.
For this purpose, on the basis of Eurostat data the Lorenz curves were plotted and the values of the Gini
indexes were estimated. As a result of analyzes, it is pointed out that the concentration of agricultural
land in the EU has mainly local character, which should be included in the framework of the proposed
and implemented Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and national policies concerning
the agricultural sector.
SLAUGHTER OF ANIMALS FOR SLAUGHTER IN POLAND FOR RELIGIOUS NEEDS
Authors: Mroczek Robert
Published: October 2018

Due to the social (ethical and cultural) reasons in recent years in Poland a ritual slaughter of animals for religious purposes has caused many emotions and controversies. As a consequence, in 2013-2014 a legal ban on the use of this form of killing animals was implemented. In the paper an attempt to assess the scale of ritual slaughter of animals was made. Moreover, the premises of pros and cons of this form of slaughters were indicated. In Poland, it is carried out on an industrial scale, and meat obtained in this way is mainly for export, since the domestic demand is relatively small due to the small percentage of national minorities, i.e. Muslims and Jews.
PRODUCTION VALUE OF EDIBLE POTATOES DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF BIOSTIMULATORS USED
Authors: Mystkowska Iwona , Zarzecka Krystyna , Baranowska Alicja , Gugała Marek
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of biostimulators on the yield and profitability of edible potato cultivation in comparison with the control. The field experiment was carried out in 2015- 2017 with the use of biostimulators on an individual farm in a triplicate, split-plot system. The factors were: I – three varieties of edible potato: Honorata, Jelly and Tajfun; II – four types of biostimulators: the control (without using biostimulators), biostimulator Kelpak SL®, Titanit®, GreenOk® and BrunatneBio Złoto®. The biostimulators used in the experiment influenced the yield increase (on average by 1.80 t/ha) as compared to the control plot without foliar feeding. The value of production, direct production costs and direct surplus were calculated. The biostimulators used were the element differentiating the direct production costs. Studies have shown that the highest yield was obtained on the site where BrunatneBio Złoto Cytokinin was applied.
VITICULTURE IN POLAND IN THE LIGHT OF STATISTICAL DATA
Authors: Olewnicki Dawid
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was to assess the changes on the market of grape production in Poland, and an
attempt to systematize data on this production coming from various statistical sources. Changes in the
number of vineyards were analyzed in detail, both nationwide and provincial. The sources of data used
for the calculations were the annual Polish Classification of Activities (PKD) and data from the National
Center for Agricultural Support (NCAS ). The research carried out indicates that this type of production
is characterized by very dynamic development. According to data from NCAS , in 2017/2018, there were
201 vineyards in Poland, which is 673.1% more than in 2009/2010. The area of viticulture increased
significantly, which in the 2017/2018 marketing year was by as much as 871.1% higher.
THE POTENTIAL OF RURAL AREAS IN LITHUANIA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
Authors: Pilżys Stanisław
Published: October 2018

The objective of the paper was to identify the potential of rural areas in Lithuania for the development
of renewable energy. The research material and source of information were legal acts of Lithuania
regarding the Programme of Rural Development for 2014-2020 of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic
of Lithuania and National Energy Independence Strategy of 2018 Ministry of Energy, statistical data of the
Department of Statistics of Lithuania and reports of institution related to renewable energy. The research
covers the years 2007-2018 with a perspective up to 2050. The analysis shows that the share of renewable
energy in the energy sector will continue to grow mainly due to the policy chosen by the state regarding
energy security and environmental protection. Rural areas have a chance to take advantage of the state policy
in order to improve their economic situation, including implementing innovations, reducing agricultural
production costs, improving the local labor market and broadening and diversifying economic activity in
general. The analysis shows that the largest share in RES will be played by wind and solar energy, and the
share of biomass production will decrease.
PROCESSES SUPPLY LOGISTICS ON THE EXAMPLE OF A BREWERY
Authors: Roman Monika , Pracz Michał
Published: October 2018

The purpose of the article was to present the functioning of logistics processes in the brewery. The
methods used in the article include an analysis of literature, participant observation and case study. The
data was collected during interviews conducted with the employees of one of the breweries belonging
to an international corporation. Based on the research identified the most important raw materials and
materials necessary for the production and distribution of beer. These include: water, malt, hops, yeast
and packaging. The article presents the organization of supplying the brewery with these products.
Retour réfléxif sur un projet de recherche partenariale : entrevue avec Jean-Pierre Revéret
Authors: Arpin Marie-Luc , Lefèvre Sylvain A.
Published: October 2018

Comment faire oeuvre utile en tant que chercheur(e)? Malgré l’institutionnalisation croissante des modalités d’articulation des savoirs (savants, disciplinaires, ou tacites) en recherche, une « épistémologie institutionnelle » structure la recherche académique, suivant laquelle les chercheurs ne doivent pas agir en fonction des propriétés constructives (ou transformatives) des connaissances scientifiques qu’ils ou elles produisent. Cette autonomie de la connaissance scientifique représente à la fois une condition importante d’une recherche non réduite à ses vertus instrumentales et un défi pour les projets de recherche partenariale. En partant du récit d’un chercheur dont la trajectoire intellectuelle et professionnelle éclaire des enjeux fondamentaux de la recherche conjointe, notre article s’intéresse en particulier aux voies de dépassement des tensions (épistémologiques, politiques, etc.) qui mettent à l’épreuve la recherche conjointe, en même temps qu’elles la constituent.
Les recherches partenariales/collaboratives : Peut-on simultanément théoriser et agir?
Authors: Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle , Demers Geneviève
Published: October 2018

Notre article interroge la montée de la recherche partenariale ou collaborative (RPC) aux côtés de la recherche universitaire « classique ». Nous nous demandons dans quelle mesure la pratique de la recherche partenariale contribue à l'émergence de processus de collaboration, de médiation, de partage de connaissances, voire de « co-construction » de connaissances. La recherche partenariale vise à favoriser une collaboration continue et engagée de membres provenant de divers milieux, de la recherche mais aussi du terrain ou de la pratique. Nous montrons que les différences de rôles, de contextes de travail, de temporalités, d’identité peuvent expliquer les difficultés de mise en place d’échanges entre les divers milieux (universitaire, communautaire, syndicaux, ou autres, selon les cas) et nous identifions aussi les avantages de la RPC et les conditions permettant de profiter de ces avantages.
Faire de la recherche avec des personnes classées déficientes intellectuelles
Authors: de Saint Martin Claire , Desjardins Michel
Published: October 2018

Cet article vise à exposer comment deux types de « recherche avec », menés auprès de personnes déficientes intellectuelles dans deux pays différents, au Canada et en France, participent à la production de connaissances transcendant les particularités locales et nationales. L’examen critique de l’inclusion, qui préside à l’insertion sociale des personnes déficientes intellectuelles, a incité les deux chercheurs à mener avec ces personnes une «  recherche avec », définie par la participation active des acteurs de terrain impliqués et la considération de leurs perceptions, indispensables à la production de connaissances scientifiques. La présentation des champs disciplinaire, théorique et méthodologique de chaque chercheur clarifie la place attribuée dans leurs recherches aux expériences et aux savoirs des personnes classées déficientes intellectuelles. Les résultats des deux recherches montrent une continuité dans l’itinéraire de ces personnes. La comparaison de ces deux « recherches avec » soulignent leurs similarités, leurs différences, leur complémentarité et leur potentielle bonification mutuelle.
Activités de « recherche avec » au sein du réseau de l'Université du Québec
Authors: Fontan Jean-Marc , Alberio Marco , Belley Serge , Chiasson Guy , Houssine Dridi , Lafranchise Nathalie , Portelance Liliane , Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle , Tremblay Pierre-André
Published: October 2018

L’objet de cet article est de présenter une analyse des principales observations et des constats généraux qui se dégagent de l’étude que nous avons réalisée. Dans un premier temps, nous contextualiserons l’engouement actuel pour la réalisation d’activités de recherche, de formation ou d’accompagnement regroupant des acteurs de la communauté et des chercheurs universitaires. Dans un deuxième temps, nous présenterons la méthodologie que nous avons utilisée pour conduire cette étude. Dans un troisième temps, nous brosserons un portrait rapide des principales observations ainsi que des constats généraux qui s'en dégagent. Enfin, dans la dernière section, nous développerons, au-delà de la question de la reconnaissance institutionnelle et du bien-fondé des activités de recherche « avec », une analyse critique de la capacité effective des universités québécoises à offrir un environnement et des conditions favorables à la bonne conduite tant d’activités de recherche-action que d’activités transdisciplinaires visant le croisement des savoirs et la coproduction de connaissances.
Épistémologie éthique dans un espace interprétatif partagé et négocié. Le cas d'une recherche conjointe québéco-française
Authors: Lyet Philippe , Molina Yvette
Published: October 2018

Cet article propose une analyse à partir d’une participation observante au sein d’une équipe de recherche québéco-française associant des chercheurs et des formateurs/chercheurs en travail social qui construisent des rapports différents à l’objet de la recherche. La dynamique ainsi présentée, dans une perspective de méta-analyse se présente comme un cas particulier de recherche conjointe multiréférentielle. Elle fait l’objet de débats entre les co-chercheurs et donne lieu à des convergences ou des compromis dans le cadre d’un espace interprétatif partagé et négocié. L’article permet de dégager quelques pistes d’analyse d’ordre éthique et politique en termes de reconnaissance d’autrui et de ses savoirs, ainsi que sur le plan collectif d’un champ social étudié. Ainsi, il situe cette recherche dans les problématiques des rapports entre les mondes de la recherche et du travail social.
Agir seul en justice : du droit au choix — État de la jurisprudence sur les droits des justiciables non représentés
Authors: Laniel Richard-Alexandre , Bahary-Dionne Alexandra , Bernheim Emmanuelle
Published: October 2018

Les justiciables non représentés par avocat sont de plus en plus nombreux devant les tribunaux québécois. Si le phénomène est fréquemment désigné tel un problème engendrant coûts et délais supplémentaires, l’enjeu central se révèle surtout celui d’une incapacité à débourser les frais de justice pour une partie importante des citoyens. Cependant, qu’en est-il du statut juridique de la non-représentation : agir seul, est-il un droit ? Alors que les tribunaux répondent généralement par l’affirmative, la portée de ce statut se trouve fortement limitée par le caractère discrétionnaire de sa mise en oeuvre. Des distinctions importantes s’imposent entre les matières criminelle et civile, notamment quant à l’origine de sa protection qui est constitutionnelle en matière criminelle et législative en matière civile. Malgré l’état de la connaissance sur les raisons de la non-représentation par avocat, l’étude de la jurisprudence démontre qu’agir seul est le plus souvent considéré comme un choix, ce qui semble avoir une incidence notable sur la mise en oeuvre des garanties judiciaires.
Renforcer le conseil d’administration et mieux encadrer le vote actionnarial : les réponses possibles du droit à l’activisme dur des hedge funds
Authors: Tchotourian Ivan , Koffi Naomi
Published: October 2018

L’activisme de certains fonds d’investissement tels que les fonds de couverture ou fonds de placement spéculatif (plus connus sous le nom de « hedge funds ») rompt avec la philosophie et la démarche qui ont longtemps caractérisé l’activisme actionnarial traditionnel. La stratégie des hedge funds consiste à contraindre les administrateurs et les dirigeants d’entreprises à mettre en oeuvre des politiques de rentabilité à court terme en ayant recours aux instruments classiquement utilisés par les actionnaires activistes (batailles de votes, propositions actionnariales, recours judiciaires, etc.). À l’heure actuelle, le comportement des hedge funds activistes est au coeur d’intenses discussions. Beaucoup soulignent les conséquences néfastes que suscite leur action (qualifiée d’activisme « dur ») sur la pérennité des entreprises, sur leurs parties prenantes (salariés, créanciers, etc.) et sur le climat économique. Toutefois, il est exagéré d’affirmer que cet activisme n’a que des aspects négatifs. À ce titre, des spécialistes soulignent les effets disciplinaires positifs de l’activisme des hedge funds aussi bien sur le conseil d’administration que sur la haute direction. Sur le plan juridique, plusieurs solutions sont discutées (et certaines sont déjà mises en place dans certains pays) pour encadrer l’activisme des hedge funds : le renforcement du rôle du conseil d’administration par une compétence accrue de ses membres et un dialogue continu avec les autres actionnaires, d’un côté ; l’encadrement du droit de vote des actionnaires pour le faire davantage correspondre à leur intérêt économique, d’un autre côté. Au travers d’une approche comparative, descriptive et prescriptive, le présent texte contribue à l’intense débat que suscite actuellement l’activisme des hedge funds.
Geriatric assessment teams in nursing homes: Do they work?
Authors: Cavalieri Thomas A. , Chopra Anita , Forman Lloyd J. , Gray-Miceli Deanna , Shreve Scott , Waxman Howard
Published: October 2018

Several studies have examined the effectiveness of geriatric assessment teams in outpatient and acute care settings. This project compared medical records of 69 consecutive nursing home patients randomly assigned on arrival to team (n=33) and nonteam (standard care, n=36) conditions. Quality-of-care indices and healthcare service utilization were compared over a 12-month postadmission period. Team patients had a significantly greater number of diagnoses and ancillary services combined with nonsignificant trends toward decreased mortality, fewer emergency department visits, and fewer drugs prescribed. The team approach improves quality of care. Additional clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of geriatric assessment teams should be made in other nursing homes.
Myofascial manipulative release of carpal tunnel syndrome: Documentation with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Sucher Benjamin M.
Published: October 2018

Four patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, unresponsive to routine conservative care, underwent treatment with myofascial release manipulation and selfstretching. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis of the cross-sectional area of the carpal tunnel and electrodiagnosis were performed before and after treatment. The patients improved clinically. The nerve conduction studies showed concomitant reduction in distal latencies or increase in motor response amplitudes. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the anteroposterior and transverse dimensions of the carpal canal significantly increased after treatment. This study demonstrates that the carpal canal is a distensible structure with the potential to yield to a relatively simple, aggressive, nonsurgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hantavirus in the southwestern United States: Epidemiology of an emerging pathogen
Authors: Sands Lawrence , Kioski Clare , Komatsu Ken
Published: October 2018

In May of this year, an outbreak of sudden, unexplained, and highly fatal respiratory illness of unknown etiology was identified in the four-corners region of the southwestern United States. Within 3 weeks after the collaborative response launched by the state and local health agencies in the affected area, laboratory studies from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that an acute infection with a previously unrecognized Hantavirus species was responsible for the reported cluster of cases. The hantavirus associated with this outbreak has since been isolated in tissue culture, and diagnostic test systems specific for the newly identified hantavirus have been developed. This article summarizes the history of the outbreak as experienced by investigators from the Arizona Department of Health Services and reviews the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of both the current epidemic and hantaviruses in general. The sudden occurrence of acute illnesses in the Southwest due to a previously unrecognized hantavirus reaffirms that the potential for the emergence of new infectious diseases exists at any place or time in the United States. The response to the outbreak also illustrates how community clinicians and federal, state, and local health agencies work together to promptly identify the emergence of new disease threats, rapidly determine new etiologic agents, and develop and swiftly implement appropriate disease prevention and control strategies.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): Report of first case in Louisiana
Authors: Steier Kenneth J. , Clay Roy
Published: October 2018

Since May 1993, 26 people have died of a ''unique, previously unknown" viral illness that presents with flu-like symptoms and progresses rapidly to respiratory failure and death. Originally isolated in the four-corners region of the Southwest, the hantavirus responsible has now been isolated from patients in several other areas. In this article, we describe our experience with ''the most puzzling case so far," an infection by a "cousin" of the Southwest hantaviral strain in a Louisiana bridgeworker. This case is unique not only because of the slightly different makeup of the virus, but also because of the absence of deer mice, the suspected carrier of the hantavirus, in the Louisiana region.
Crafting effective internal memos
Authors: Baker Helen H.
Published: October 2018

If properly written and used, internal memoranda communicate effectively, build morale, and facilitate quality work in osteopathic graduate medical education programs. This article outlines a format and method to use internal memoranda, with the overall purpose being to positively contribute to the education programs.
Effects of adding sacral base leveling to osteopathic manipulative treatment of back pain: A pilot study
Authors: Hoffman Kent S. , Hoffman Lorrie L.
Published: October 2018

A selected group of patients with sacral base unleveling greater than 2 nun were studied to determine the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and heel lifting on chronic low-back pain. The McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire administered by trained personnel was used to assess the patient's pain before and after treatments. Five patients with no experience with manual treatment were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and OMT for restrictions in spinal motion. Their improvement was statistically significant. Seven patients who had been treated previously with OMT and NSAIDs received heel lifts of graduated thickness until the sacral base was within 2 mm of being level. Attaining a "level" sacral base with heel lifts also provided a statistically significant relief from low-back pain.
Medicaid reform: An opportunity for the osteopathic medical profession
Authors: Ross-Lee Barbara , Weiser Michael A.
Published: October 2018

Established in 1965 to provide medical care for the impoverished, the Medicaid program has pitted state governments against the federal government, and made adversaries of the providers. The authors examine the legislative history of the program and the rapid growth of expenditures that have led states to cut benefits, tighten eligibility requirements, and slash payments to providers. The call for comprehensive healthcare reform and universal access put Medicaid at the forefront of proposed changes. The osteopathic medical profession, which already provides a quarter of the care in the program, has an opportunity to lead in innovation to promote program efficiencies, and to affirm the profession's commitment to serve vulnerable populations.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
Authors: Payne John C. , Bergman Ronald S. , Ettinger David J.
Published: October 2018

Conventional open carpal tunnel release effectively relieves symptoms, but involves pain and fairly long recovery time. A relatively new technique of endoscopic carpal tunnel release as described by Chow has been carried out on 20 hands in 16 patients. The endoscopic approach allows earlier return to normal activities with less postoperative pain than conventional or open release.
Recent advances in the detection of ovarian cancer: A review
Authors: Blend Michael J. , Ostrowski Gregory J.
Published: October 2018

Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the more aggressive malignancies among American women today, and its incidence is increasing. The major obstacle in combatting ovarian cancer is the remarkable lack of symptoms in early-stage disease. Symptoms usually occur in advanced stages when tumor dissemination within the peritoneal cavity induces ascites with resultant increasing abdominal girth. Physicians have been unable to reach women who have early-stage ovarian cancer, a time when a high cure rate could be expected. However, during the past few years, significant developments in the areas of serum tumor markers, transvaginal ultrasonography with color flow Doppler analysis, immunodiagnostic techniques, and immunotherapy have been reported. These new modalities show promise for use in the early diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. The authors review some of the new data and discuss patient outcomes when these new modalities are used.
Preparing the osteopathic academic health centers for healthcare reform
Authors: Ross-Lee Barbara , Weiser Michael A.
Published: October 2018

Healthcare reform proposals introduced in the House and Senate, put forward by foundations, professional associations and study groups, all call for medical schools to train more generalists. As these agents make recommendations for change, they are studying the osteopathic medical education model with fresh interest because of its success in maintaining more than 60% of its graduates in primary care practice. Most students of reform place the blame for producing too many specialists and subspecialists squarely on the academic health centers. The authors trace the development of academic health centers and compare and contrast the models developed in the osteopathic and allopathic medical settings. They enumerate the strengths in the osteopathic education model which have contributed to our favorable balance of generalists to specialists. However, they argue that specific changes in the osteopathic academic health center are essential if we are to retain leadership in generalist education under healthcare reform.
Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency: First report of case in a United States citizen
Authors: Neumann Michael J. , Whisiker-Lewis Stephanie
Published: October 2018

Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase is responsible for the formation of most cholesteryl esters in plasma. Absence of this enzyme can result in a rare syndrome that includes diffuse corneal opacities, normocytic normochromic anemia, proteinuria, renal failure, and premature arteriosclerosis. The deficiency can be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, or it can be acquired through liver disease. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and documentation of impairment of enzyme mass or activity (or both). This article includes a case report of the first United States citizen known to have lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency. The authors review the literature related to this disease.
Predictability of sacral base levelness based on iliac crest measurements
Authors: Dott Gregory A. , Hart Curtis L. , McKay Claire
Published: October 2018

A level sacral base plane is necessary to allow normalization of complex lumbosacral mechanics. Palpatory examinations are often used to evaluate for leg length discrepancy and pelvic obliquity despite improved accuracy and consistency of radiographic techniques. Treatment based on palpatory examinations suppose a direct and consistent relationship between the pelvic bones (innominates) and the sacral base. 1b evaluate the relationship between iliac crest levelness and sacral base levelness, a radiographic postural survey in the upright, weight-bearing position was performed on 358 men and women thought to have pelvic obliquity. Of these subjects, 293 demonstrated unlevel iliac crest heights or sacral base ~3'16 inch (4.76 mm), with iliac crest heights accurately predicting sacral base position 62% of the time. At ~3/8 inch (9.53 mm), 68% of the cases were accurately predicted. When the criterion for unlevelness was increased to ~ 112 inch (12.70 mm), the predictive accuracy improved to 83%. Radiographic findings in this study demonstrate a significant difference between iliac crest heights and sacral base position. In cases of mild to moderate short leg syndromes, the iliac crest height is an unreliable predictor of the direction or degree of sacral base levelness.
Clinical implications of NSAID pharmacokinetics: Special populations, special considerations
Authors: Adelizzi Raymond A.
Published: October 2018

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the centerpiece of pharmacologic therapy for most rheumatic disorders and related conditions, and as such are used in great numbers. These drugs are relatively safe and effective, but the pharmacokinetics of NSAIDs can be substantially altered in certain groups of patients, including the elderly and patients with renal and hepatic disease. In these patients, the risk of NSAID toxicity is increased. An understanding of NSAID pharmacokinetics in these groups can help physicians to adjust therapeutic regimens in order to limit the potentially serious complications of long-term NSAID therapy. The author discusses the age-related physiologic changes that may affect the various areas of drug pharmacokinetics and ways in which NSAIDs may interact with other drugs. Risk assessment and monitoring methods are also discussed.
State healthcare reform: An arena for the osteopathic medical profession's influence
Authors: Ross-Lee Barbara , Weiser Michael A.
Published: October 2018

While healthcare reform proposals are debated at the national level, states continue to propose and implement reform measures to address Medicaid, health insurance, universal coverage and access, medical liability, and cost-containment. The authors examine the shared responsibility of the federal and state governments for healthcare regulation and the surprising number of powers that reside with the states. They review the major barriers to state reform represented by restrictions within Medicaid and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) legislation. Established state programs in Maryland, Hawaii, and Arizona are revisited, and innovative reforms in Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington are examined. Finally, the authors concentrate on the reform measures under way in the five most heavily DO-populated states, pointing out the potential for one of the big three (Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio) to emerge as a model for the larger states. They urge osteopathic physicians to exert influence, based on their record of serving the Medicaid and other underserved populations, in state settings where they can be most effective.
Sclerostin promotes human dental pulp cells senescence
Authors: Ou Yanjing , Zhou Yi , Liang Shanshan , Wang Yining
Published: October 2018

Background

Senescence-related impairment of proliferation and differentiation limits the use of dental pulp cells for tissue regeneration. Deletion of sclerostin improves the dentinogenesis regeneration, while its role in dental pulp senescence is unclear. We investigated the role of sclerostin in subculture-induced senescence of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) and in the senescence-related decline of proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR analyses were performed to examine the expression pattern of sclerostin in young (20–30-year-old) and senescent (45–80-year-old) dental pulps. HDPCs were serially subcultured until senescence, and the expression of sclerostin was examined by qRT-PCR analysis. HDPCs with sclerostin overexpression and knockdown were constructed to investigate the role of sclerostin in HDPCs senescence and senescence-related impairment of odontoblastic differentiation potential.

Results

By immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, we found a significantly increased expression level of sclerostin in senescent human dental pulp compared with that of young human dental pulp. Additionally, elevated sclerostin expression was found in subculture-induced senescent HDPCs in vitro. By sclerostin overexpression and knockdown, we found that sclerostin promoted HDPCs senescence-related decline of proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation potential with increased expression of p16, p53 and p21 and downregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway.

Discussion

The increased expression of sclerostin is responsible for the decline of proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation potential of HDPCs during cellular senescence. Anti-sclerostin treatment may be beneficial for the maintenance of the proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation potentials of HDPCs.
Tensile Deformation Behaviors and Damage Mechanisms of SRR99 Superalloy Bicrystals with Different Grain Boundary Misorientations
Authors: Zhu Gang , Liu Feng , Li Xiaoyang , Pang Jianchao , Zhang Zhenjun , Li Peng , Zhou Yizhou , Zhang Zhefeng
Published: October 2018

To understand the intrinsic tensile influence mechanisms of grain boundary (GB) misorientations, SRR99 bicrystal superalloys with the different misorientation angles () of 4°, 10°, 16°, and 18° are prepared to carry out conventional and in situ tensile tests at room temperature and fracture feature analysis. With the increment of , tensile strength and elongation to fracture show successive decrement. The fracture features exhibit two types (4° and 10°–18°): (I) when equals to 4°, the cracks initiate and propagate along slip bands (SBs)‐matrix interface. (II) As ranges from 10° to 18°, the cracks initiate along the carbide–matrix interface at GBs. Interestingly, the main crack in 10° bicrystal propagates first along the GB then along the SB, but completely along the GB in 16°–18° bicrystals. The former one is absolutely controlled by SBs, and the latter is dominated by carbides and GBs. Finally, a new parameter, defined as the cracking threshold value (), is proposed to explain the tensile deformation behaviors and damage mechanisms. The new findings will beneficially provide research foundation for the further understanding fatigue damage mechanisms at high temperature.
pH and Reactive Oxygen Species‐Sequential Responsive Nano‐in‐Micro Composite for Targeted Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Bertoni Serena , Liu Zehua , Correia Alexandra , Martins João Pedro , Rahikkala Antti , Fontana Flavia , Kemell Marianna , Liu Dongfei , Albertini Beatrice , Passerini Nadia , Li Wei , Santos Hélder A.
Published: October 2018

Oxidative stress and abnormally high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Oxidation‐responsive nanoparticles (NPs) are formulated from a phenylboronic esters‐modified dextran (OxiDEX) that degrades selectively in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). OxiDEX NPs are coated with chitosan and encapsulated in a pH‐sensitive polymer to produce nano‐in‐micro composites. The microparticles are spherical with homogeneous particle size (53 ± 3 µm) and maintain integrity at acidic pH, preventing the premature release of the NPs in gastric conditions. The degradation of NPs is highly responsive to the level of H2O2, and the release of the drug is sustained in the presence of physiologically relevant H2O2 concentrations. The presence of chitosan on the particles surface significantly enhances NPs stability in intestinal pH and their adhesion on the intestinal mucosa. Compared to a traditional enteric formulation, this formulation shows tenfold decreased drug permeability across C2BBe1/HT29‐MTX cell monolayer, implying that lower amount of drug would be absorbed to the blood stream and, therefore, limiting the undesired systemic side effects. Based on these results, a successful nano‐in‐micro composite for targeted therapy of IBD is obtained by combination of the responsiveness to pH and ROS.
The Effect of Residual Palladium Catalyst Contamination on the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Kosco Jan , Sachs Michael , Godin Robert , Kirkus Mindaugas , Francas Laia , Bidwell Matthew , Qureshi Muhammad , Anjum Dalaver , Durrant James R. , McCulloch Iain
Published: October 2018

The effect of residual Pd on hydrogen evolution activity in conjugated polymer photocatalytic systems is systematically investigated using colloidal poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) nanoparticles as a model system. Residual Pd, originating from the synthesis of F8BT via Pd catalyzed polycondensation polymerization, is observed in the form of homogeneously distributed Pd nanoparticles within the polymer. Residual Pd is essential for any hydrogen evolution to be observed from this polymer, and very low Pd concentrations (<40 ppm) are sufficient to have a significant effect on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rate. The HER rate increases linearly with increasing Pd concentration from <1 ppm to approximately 100 ppm, at which point the rate begins to saturate. Transient absorption spectroscopy experiments support these conclusions, and suggest that residual Pd mediates electron transfer from the F8BT nanoparticles to protons in the aqueous medium.
The Dual‐Play of 3D Conductive Scaffold Embedded with Co, N Codoped Hollow Polyhedra toward High‐Performance Li–S Full Cell
Authors: Cai Wenlong , Li Gaoran , Luo Dan , Xiao Guannan , Zhu Shanshan , Zhao Yingyue , Chen Zhongwei , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: October 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are one of the most promising battery technologies to support the fast‐expanding electrical vehicle and large‐scale energy storage market. However, several intrinsic and intractable obstacles are still impeding the practical implementation of Li–S batteries, which calls for advances in both sulfur and lithium electrodes. Herein, a 3D conductive scaffold is developed with hollow carbon polyhedra embedded on tubular carbon fabric (HPTCF) as self‐standing matrix for both improved sulfur and lithium electrodes. Attributed to the high conductivity, abundant active interfaces, and favorable surface functionalization of HPTCF, reliable sulfur and lithium electrochemistry are simultaneously achieved. The results show an outstanding cyclability with a minimum capacity decay of 0.018% per cycle over 600 cycles in half cell, while the combined cathodic and anodic improvements further contribute to an excellent Li–S full cell performance with high capacity retention of 3.1 mAh cm−2 at 200th cycle and superb rate performance of 2.5 mAh cm−2 at 4 C rate under a reasonably high sulfur loading of 4 mg cm−2. This work offers exemplary material engineering that concurrently and effectively tackles the problems in sulfur and lithium electrodes. This approach has great potential to promote the practical application of Li–S batteries.