bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum netrin-1 in relation to gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Voortman MM , Pekar T , Bachmayer D , Archelos J-J , Stojakovic T , Scharnagl H , Ropele S , Pichler A , Enzinger C , Fuchs S , Fazekas F , Seifert-Held T , Khalil M
Published: August 2017

Background

Netrin-1, a secreted laminin-related protein, is known to regulate not only axonal guidance and neuronal cell migration, but also blood–brain barrier integrity and inflammation. Two preliminary studies reported altered serum netrin-1 levels in multiple sclerosis; however, associations with longitudinal clinical and magnetic resonance imaging activity have not been investigated.

Objectives

We aimed to assess serum netrin-1 in multiple sclerosis and controls with respect to disease activity and its temporal dynamics.

Methods

Serum netrin-1 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 79 patients with clinically isolated syndrome or multiple sclerosis, and 30 non-inflammatory neurological disease controls. In patients, serum samples were collected immediately prior to gadolinium-enhanced 3 T magnetic resonance imaging at two time points (initial contrast-enhancing gadolinium+ n = 47, non-enhancing gadolinium– n = 32; reference gadolinium– n = 70; median time-lag 1.4, interquartile range 1.0–2.3 years).

Results

Serum netrin-1 levels were similar in clinically isolated syndrome, multiple sclerosis and controls, and gadolinium+ and gadolinium– patients. Among gadolinium+ patients, serum netrin-1 was decreased in clinically active ( n = 8) vs non-active patients ( n = 39; p = 0.041). Serum netrin-1 showed no temporal dynamics in multiple sclerosis and was unrelated to clinical data.

Conclusions

Serum netrin-1 levels show no multiple sclerosis specific changes and are not sensitive for detection of subclinical disease activity. Netrin-1 changes during relapses may deserve further examination.
How Fares the Well? A Study of the Interstices of the Welfare State: Bharati Sarabhai’s The Well of the People (1943), Mahasweta Devi’s Jal/Water (1976), and Vinodini’s Daaham/Thirst (2005)
Authors: Mukherjee Tutun
Published: August 2017

The essay examines India’s journey from “colonialism” to “post-colonial awareness.” It also explores the ideals of the Republic and their fulfillment as seen in India as a nation founded on the principles of a welfare state. Discussion of three selected texts explores the connections between water management and social welfare to instantiate the obstacles in India’s aspirations as a functioning welfare state as well as narrativizing resistance built in the interstices of society against caste hegemony and power politics. One instance is access to or denial of the life-sustaining element, water. Interestingly, Rabindranath Tagore’s 1922 play Muktadhara/Free Current conveyed a percipient warning about politics of control over water. The chosen texts, Sarabhai’s The Well of the People, Mahasweta Devi’s Jal/Water, and Vinodini’s Daaham/Thirst, besides highlighting the politics of “hydro power,” also portray the deep and mystical relationship between water, ecology, and gender. I argue that India as a welfare state would obviously benefit from gender sensitization of its developmental policies, especially regarding water management if women’s views are taken into serious consideration.
Genetic Factors in Tendon Injury: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Vaughn Natalie H. , Stepanyan Hayk , Gallo Robert A. , Dhawan Aman
Published: August 2017

Background:

Tendon injury such as tendinopathy or rupture is common and has multiple etiologies, including both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The genetic influence on susceptibility to tendon injury is not well understood.

Purpose:

To analyze the published literature regarding genetic factors associated with tendon injury.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A systematic review of published literature was performed in concordance with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify current evidence for genetic predisposition to tendon injury. PubMed, Ovid, and ScienceDirect databases were searched. Studies were included for review if they specifically addressed genetic factors and tendon injuries in humans. Reviews, animal studies, or studies evaluating the influence of posttranscription factors and modifications (eg, proteins) were excluded.

Results:

Overall, 460 studies were available for initial review. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were ultimately included for qualitative synthesis. Upon screening of references of these 11 articles, an additional 15 studies were included in the final review, for a total of 26 studies. The genetic factors with the strongest evidence of association with tendon injury were those involving type V collagen A1, tenascin-C, matrix metalloproteinase–3, and estrogen-related receptor beta.

Conclusion:

The published literature is limited to relatively homogenous populations, with only level 3 and level 4 data. Additional research is needed to make further conclusions about the genetic factors involved in tendon injury.
NOX5 and p22phox are 2 novel regulators of human monocytic differentiation into dendritic cells
Authors: Marzaioli Viviana , Hurtado-Nedelec Margarita , Pintard Coralie , Tlili Asma , Marie Jean-Claude , Monteiro Renato C. , Gougerot-Pocidalo Marie-Anne , Dang Pham My-Chan , El-Benna Jamel
Published: August 2017

Key Points

NOX5 and p22phox are both involved in Mo-DC differentiation. In Mo-DC, NOX5 and p22phox create a complex on the outer membrane of the mitochondria.
Clonal chromosomal abnormalities appearing in Philadelphia chromosome–negative metaphases during CML treatment
Authors: Issa Ghayas C. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Gonzalez Graciela Nogueras , Borthakur Gautam , Tang Guilin , Wierda William , Sasaki Koji , Short Nicholas J. , Ravandi Farhad , Kadia Tapan , Patel Keyur , Luthra Raja , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Rios Mary Beth , Dellasala Sara , Jabbour Elias , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Clonal chromosomal abnormalities in Ph− metaphases not including –Y predict decreased FFS, EFS, TFS, and OS in patients with CML. They affect TFS independently of baseline variables, although this is abrogated by inclusion of early response in multivariate models.
Discussing Health Care Expenses in the Oncology Clinic: Analysis of Cost Conversations in Outpatient Encounters
Authors: Hunter Wynn G. , Zafar S. Yousuf , Hesson Ashley , Davis J. Kelly , Kirby Christine , Barnett Jamison A. , Ubel Peter A.
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

ASCO identified oncologist-patient conversations about cancer costs as an important component of high-quality care. However, limited data exist characterizing the content of these conversations. We sought to provide novel insight into oncologist-patient cost conversations by determining the content of cost conversations in breast cancer clinic visits.

Methods:

We performed content analysis of transcribed dialogue from 677 outpatient appointments for breast cancer management. Encounters featured 677 patients with breast cancer visiting 56 oncologists nationwide from 2010 to 2013.

Results:

Cost conversations were identified in 22% of visits (95% CI, 19 to 25) and had a median duration of 33 seconds (interquartile range, 19 to 62). Fifty-nine percent of cost conversations were initiated by oncologists (95% CI, 51 to 67), who most commonly brought up costs for antineoplastic agents. By contrast, patients most frequently brought up costs for diagnostic tests. Thirty-eight percent of cost conversations mentioned cost-reducing strategies (95% CI, 30 to 46), which most commonly sought to lower patient costs for endocrine therapies and symptom-alleviating treatments. The three most commonly discussed cost-reducing strategies were: switching to a lower-cost therapy/diagnostic, changing logistics of the intervention, and facilitating copay assistance.

Conclusion:

We identified cost conversations in approximately one in five breast cancer visits. Cost conversations were mostly oncologist initiated, lasted < 1 minute, and dealt with a wide range of health care expenses. Cost-reducing strategies were mentioned in more than one third of cost conversations and often involved switching antineoplastic agents for lower-cost alternatives or altering logistics of diagnostic tests.
Assessment of structural similarity in CT using filtered backprojection and iterative reconstruction: a phantom study with 3D printed lung vessels
Authors: Joemai Raoul M. S. , Geleijns Jacob
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To compare the performance of three generations of CT reconstruction techniques using structural similarity (SSIM) as a measure of image quality for CT scans of a chest phantom with 3D printed lung vessels.

Methods:

CT images of the chest phantom were acquired at seven dose levels by changing the tube current while other acquisition parameters were kept constant. Three CT reconstruction techniques were applied on each acquisition. The first technique was filtered backprojection (FBP), the second technique was FBP with iterative filtering (adaptive iteration dose reduction in 3 dimensions (AIDR 3D)) and the third technique was model-based iterative reconstruction (Forward projected model-based Iterative Reconstruction SoluTion (FIRST)). Image quality of the CT data was quantified in terms of SSIM. The SSIM index was used for image quality comparison between the dose levels and different reconstruction techniques. The SSIM index gives a value between 0 and 1, with 0 as the lowest image quality and 1 as an excellent image quality.

Results:

The lowest SSIM index was observed for FBP at all dose levels. The reconstruction technique with the highest SSIM depends on the dose level. For tube currents higher than 80 mA, AIDR 3D showed the highest SSIM index, and for tube currents lower or equal to 80 mA FIRST showed the highest SSIM index.

Conclusion:

SSIM index is a robust quantity and is correlated to the image quality as perceived by the humans. Advanced CT reconstruction techniques provide better image quality in all conditions compared to FBP.

Advances in knowledge:

SSIM is a robust measure to compare CT image quality for advanced reconstruction techniques relative to a reference.

The 3D print technology is an useful method for the development of dedicated phantoms for CT image quality evaluation.
Sciatic neuromuscular variants on MR neurography: frequency study and interobserver performance
Authors: Eastlack Jason , Tenorio Lulu , Wadhwa Vibhor , Scott Kelly , Starr Adam , Chhabra Avneesh
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the frequency of sciatic neuromuscular variants on MR neurography and determine the interobserver variability.

Methods:

A retrospective evaluation of 137 consecutive lumbosacral plexus magnetic resonance neurography examinations was performed. All examinations were performed using nerve selective 3D imaging and independently reviewed by two readers for the presence of sciatic neuromuscular variants and piriformis muscle asymmetry. Inter- and intraobserver performance were evaluated.

Results:

There were a total of 44/268 (16.4%) extremities with sciatic neuromuscular variants. The interobserver performance in the identification of sciatic nerve variants was excellent (kappa values from 0.8–0.9). There was a total of 45/134 (33.6%) patients with piriformis muscle asymmetry. Of these, 7/134 (5.2%) had piriformis muscle atrophy and 38/134 (28.4%) had piriformis muscle hypertrophy. The interobserver performance in the identification of piriformis muscle atrophy and hypertrophy was moderate to good (kappa values from 0.39–0.61). The intraobserver performance revealed kappa values of 0.735 and 0.821 on right and left, respectively.

Conclusion:

Sciatic neuromuscular variants and piriformis muscle asymmetry are frequent on lumbosacral plexus MRN with moderate to excellent interobserver performance.

Advances in knowledge:

Sciatic neuromuscular variants and piriformis asymmetry on MR neurography are frequent and the prevalence is similar to cumulative prevalence from available scientific series. Interobserver performance for identification of sciatic neuromuscular variants is excellent, and moderate-good for piriformis muscle asymmetry.
Prediction of high-grade ureteral urothelial carcinoma on CT urography
Authors: Sung Tae Hwang , Deuk Jae Sung , Kyung Sook Yang , Ki Choon Sim , Na Yeon Han , Beom Jin Park , Min Ju Kim , Sung Bum Cho
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the correlation between CT urography (CTU) findings and histological grade of ureteral urothelial carcinoma (UUC), and to identify predictors of high-grade UUC.

Methods:

CTU images of 73 patients with pathologically proven UUC via nephroureterectomy were independently reviewed by two radiologists for tumour size, tumour location, hydronephrosis grade, periureteral infiltration, presence of enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes and tumour enhancement value. Interobserver agreement was assessed with kappa statistics. Histological grade was classified as either low or high according to the WHO 2004 classification system and pathologic T stage was assessed according to the TNM staging system. Binary logistic regression, Spearman correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate relationships between CTU findings and histological grade.

Results:

58 patients had high-grade UUCs and 15 had low-grade UUCs. Among CTU features, only hydronephrosis grade was significantly correlated with high tumour grade for both readers (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that hydronephrosis of Grade 3 or higher was a significantly independent predictor of high-grade UUC for both readers (p ≤ 0.004). Interobserver agreement was excellent for hydronephrosis grade (к = 0.862). With the cut-off value of hydronephrosis Grade 3, the sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve for predicting high-grade UUC were, respectively, 88%, 79% and 0.830 for reader 1 and 86%, 80% and 0.763 for reader 2.

Conclusion:

Hydronephrosis of Grade 3 or higher on CTU may be predictive of high-grade UUC.

Advances in knowledge:

Radical surgery should be considered for UUC causing hydronephrosis of Grade 3 or higher on CTU, even in small tumours without periureteral infiltration.
Is liver perfusion CT reproducible? A study on intra- and interobserver agreement of normal hepatic haemodynamic parameters obtained with two different software packages
Authors: Bretas Elisa Almeida Sathler , Torres Ulysses S. , Torres Lucas Rios , Bekhor Daniel , Saito Filho Celso Fernando , Racy Douglas Jorge , Faggioni Lorenzo , D'Ippolito Giuseppe
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the agreement between the measurements of perfusion CT parameters in normal livers by using two different software packages.

Methods:

This retrospective study was based on 78 liver perfusion CT examinations acquired for detecting suspected liver metastasis. Patients with any morphological or functional hepatic abnormalities were excluded. The final analysis included 37 patients (59.7 ± 14.9 y). Two readers (1 and 2) independently measured perfusion parameters using different software packages from two major manufacturers (A and B). Arterial perfusion (AP) and portal perfusion (PP) were determined using the dual-input vascular one-compartmental model. Inter-reader agreement for each package and intrareader agreement between both packages were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman statistics.

Results:

Inter-reader agreement was substantial for AP using software A (ICC = 0.82) and B (ICC = 0.85–0.86), fair for PP using software A (ICC = 0.44) and fair to moderate for PP using software B (ICC = 0.56–0.77). Intrareader agreement between software A and B ranged from slight to moderate (ICC = 0.32–0.62) for readers 1 and 2 considering the AP parameters, and from fair to moderate (ICC = 0.40–0.69) for readers 1 and 2 considering the PP parameters.

Conclusion:

At best there was only moderate agreement between both software packages, resulting in some uncertainty and suboptimal reproducibility.

Advances in knowledge:

Software-dependent factors may contribute to variance in perfusion measurements, demanding further technical improvements. AP measurements seem to be the most reproducible parameter to be adopted when evaluating liver perfusion CT.
The role of 18F-FDG PET CT in common gynaecological malignancies
Authors: Narayanan Priya , Sahdev Anju
Published: August 2017

[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET CT) has increasing clinical applications supplementing conventional TVUS, CT and MRI imaging in assessing ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancer. The published literature on the applications of 18F-FDG PET CT shows its use can have significant impact on patient management by improving staging of the cancers, influencing patient selection for treatment and in detecting early recurrent disease. However, the increasing clinical use of PET CT does not always align with the guidelines, recommendations or expert opinion in the use of PET CT. This article summarizes the existing evidence base for the established clinical applications and the emerging roles for 18F-FDG PET CT in the common gynaecological malignancies.
Pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: 18F-FDG PET/CT and CT findings in 28 patients
Authors: Albano Domenico , Borghesi Andrea , Bosio Giovanni , Bertoli Mattia , Maroldi Roberto , Giubbini Raffaele , Bertagna Francesco
Published: August 2017

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the CT and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging findings of lung mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

Methods:

28 patients with histologically confirmed pulmonary MALT lymphoma who underwent a chest CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT for staging were retrospectively analysed. The CT images were evaluated to determine morphological pattern of appearance, laterality, localization, number, size, presence of thoracic lymphadenopaties and secondary/combined findings. PET images were analysed visually and semi-quantitatively by measuring the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), lesion-to-liver SUVmax ratio and lesion-to-blood pool SUVmax ratio. The relationship between qualitative and semi-quantitative features at 18F-FDG PET/CT and CT findings were also analysed.

Results:

A total of 57 pulmonary lesions were identified by CT: 37 areas of consolidation, 4 masses, 12 nodules and 4 ground-glass opacities. Solitary and multiple lesions were detected in 10 and 18 patients, respectively; among patients with multiple lesions, 16 were bilateral and 2 unilateral. 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed increased 18F-FDG uptake in 47/57 lesions, in 26/28 patients. 18F-FDG avidity was significantly associated only with tumour size.

Conclusions:

Pulmonary MALT lymphoma is 18F-FDG avid in most cases and 18F-FDG avidity is correlated with tumour size. Consolidation is the most frequent morphological pattern of disease presentation.

Advances in knowledge:

This study demonstrated that lung MALT lymphoma are 18F-FDG avid in most cases depending on tumour size. Single or multiple areas of consolidation are the most common pattern of presentation of lung MALT lymphoma at CT.
CT patterns of acute type A aortic arch dissection: longer, higher, more anterior
Authors: Ardellier François-Daniel , D’Ostrevy Nicolas , Cassagnes Lucie , Ouchchane Lemlih , Dubots Emilie , Chabrot Pascal , Boyer Louis , Camilleri Lionel
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

This study analysed CT patterns of the acute dissected aortic arch using original biometric features along with comparison with normal aortas.

Methods:

The diagnostic CT scans of 57 patients (42 males, age (mean ± SD: 64.5 ± 13.8 years) admitted with acute Stanford type A dissection involving the aortic arch were analysed by semi-automatic detection protocol of the true lumen of the dissection. We measured the distances from the apex to the ascending and descending aorta, the curvilinear length of the entire arch and of its segments (especially between the brachiocephalic artery trunk and the left subclavian artery), as well as the surface area, angle, height and shift of the arch. These measurements were compared with results previously obtained in a healthy cohort in an analysis adjusted for age, sex and weight. The surface area and rotation of the false lumen were also analysed.

Results:

Compared to normal aortic arches (N), dissected aortic arches (D) were longer (D: 155 ± 26  mm, N: 135 ± 25  mm, p = 0.002), higher (D: 51 ± 10  mm, N: 45 ± 9  mm, p = 0.04), and with a more anterior apex (shift: D: 1.19 ± 0.56, N: 1.40 ± 0.62, p = 0.007). False lumen occupied between 47–65% of the aorta, turned preferentially clockwise and its rotation decreased progressively along the arch.

Conclusions:

The morphology of the dissected aortic arch differs from that of the normal arch. Thus, our compilation of aortic arch measurements may help improve existing endovascular devices and/or design of new endoprostheses.

Advances in knowledge:

In this article, we provide a comprehensive set of measurements of the dissected aortic arch, and show that dissected aortic arches are longer, higher, and with a more anterior apex than normal arches.
Conceito de território rural e políticas públicas e sua evolução histórica nos governos FHC e Lula
Authors: Brito César Cândido
Published: August 2017

O presente artigo busca refletir sobre o conceito de território rural como categoria de análise das dinâmicas espaciais e sua dependência e implicação em políticas públicas, objetivando resgatar o histórico do seu aperfeiçoamento nos governos de FHC e Lula. A partir da revisão da literatura, o artigo procura comparar as estratégias de desenvolvimento territorial rural nos dois governos, contribuindo com a discussão a respeito da perspectiva territorial no desenvolvimento regional no Brasil. O resultado permitiu constatar que houve avanços, apensar de existirem enormes desafios a serem superados, entre os quais uma maior participação e qualificação dos atores sociais e uma disposição política para uma gestão democrática por parte dos atores governamentais.
Coalizões de governo: uma medida de concentração alternativa
Authors: Garcia Joice
Published: August 2017

Nos últimos 30 anos, nenhum presidente do Brasil teve uma maioria de congressistas do partido pelo qual foi eleito. Para ter apoio no Legislativo, a estratégia utilizada pelos presidentes foi formar uma coalizão de governo com outros partidos. A literatura aponta que a principal moeda de troca formal é a distribuição de ministérios e que a partilha é proporcional à quantidade de congressistas de cada partido da coalizão. O pressuposto que envolve esse tema é o de que parlamentos proporcionais estariam mais satisfeitos e agiriam de modo mais regrado por causa do sentido de justiça. A principal medida utilizada para medir a distribuição das pastas é a Taxa de Coalescência. Este trabalho aponta que esse índice não tem consistência estatística e sugere uma medida de concentração alternativa: o Índice G.
First visual record of rare purple-colored dogwhelks (Nucella lapillus) on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Ehlers Sonja M. , Ellrich Julius A.
Published: August 2017

The dogwhelk Nucella lapillus is a rocky intertidal gastropod of the North Atlantic coast. Individual shell color varies. Common colors range between white and brown, with darker dogwhelks being more affected by heat stress than lighter-colored conspecifics. Other reported shell colors are purple, black, mauve, pink, yellow, and orange from UK coasts, red and gray from the Bay of Fundy coast of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (Canada), and purple, black, gray, yellow, and orange from the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts (USA), with purple being considered as a rare color. On the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, dogwhelks are active from April until November, but information on dogwhelk shell color is missing for this coast. On 16 June 2016, we found two purple-colored dogwhelks in the mid-to-high intertidal zone of a moderately wave-exposed rocky shore near Duncans Cove, on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia while collecting dogwhelks (n= 1000) during low tide for manipulative field experiments. All other dogwhelks collected on that day were of common white and brown colors. During earlier dogwhelk collections in Atlantic Nova Scotia (between 2011-2013) and field surveys in Duncans Cove (between 2014-2016), we did not find any purple-colored dogwhelks, indicating the rareness of this color in that region. Apparently, our observations provide the first visual record of rare purple-colored dogwhelks on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.
Caso para ensino como metodologia ativa em administração
Authors: Valdevino Antonio Messias , Brandão Halana Adelino , Carneiro Jailson Santana , Santos Ítalo Anderson Taumaturgo dos , Santana Webert Jannsen Pires de
Published: August 2017

Este trabalho busca avaliar a estratégia do caso para ensino como uma metodologia ativa no desenvolvimento de habilidades em alunos de um curso de administração de uma Universidade Pública, localizada no estado do Ceará. Para que fosse dada tal avaliação, ocorreu o uso da referida estratégia em três disciplinas, sendo elas duas obrigatórias e uma optativa. Posteriormente, aplicou-se um questionário entre os 80 participantes que foram submetidos a esta metodologia, levantando hipóteses acerca do desenvolvimento de habilidades nos alunos através da utilização de casos para ensino. O procedimento metodológico, que se tratou de um teste de hipóteses, apontou resultados que confirmaram a influência positiva no desenvolvimento de habilidades nos alunos quando há predisposição destes para o uso do caso, enfatizando que por meio da discussão de um caso é possível melhorar a argumentação, e que o uso do caso é oportuno para melhorar a capacidade de comunicação, bem como a capacidade gerencial dos alunos.
Estratégias organizacionais, o difícil processo de tomada de decisão: caso de ensino da indústria têxtil
Authors: Cardoso Fernando Eduardo , Marinho Sidnei Vieira , Alberton Anete
Published: August 2017

O caso tem por objetivo levar os alunos a vivenciar decisões relacionadas ao processo de tomada de decisão organizacional, ao discutir as estratégias adotadas pela empresa com base no método clássico de formulação da estratégia descrito por Porter. O caso foi desenvolvido para ser usado em programas de pós-graduação para discussão do processo de formulação das estratégias; estratégias organizacionais e processo de reposicionamento da marca. Existe a possibilidade de adaptar as questões de análise para ser usado por alunos da graduação nas disciplinas de modelos de gestão. As informações descritas neste caso de ensino foram obtidas por meio de observação participante, visita ao museu da empresa, e consulta a sites da empresa e da BM&FBovespa e entrevistas com funcionários de diversos níveis hierárquicos da empresa. A proposta é fazer com que os estudantes se coloquem no lugar dos acionistas da empresa, para analisar as estratégias tomadas pela empresa, analisando cada estratégia dentro da roda de estratégia competitiva de Porter.
A multinacional que terceirizou suas transações financeiras
Authors: Di Petta Arnaldo , Ferraz Renato Ribeiro Nogueira , Pedron Cristiane Drebes
Published: August 2017

Este caso de ensino traz a história real de uma multinacional que decidiu adotar o modelo de Centros de Serviços Compartilhados (CSC) nas diferentes regiões em que atua no mundo. Após esclarecer o que é este modelo, apresenta-se a visão geral da área de finanças global da empresa, descrevendo em detalhes o projeto de implantação do CSC terceirizado na América Latina. Relatam-se as opções antes das decisões, os obstáculos na fase de negociação, os acordos na fase de definição e planejamento e por fim, as lições aprendidas nestas etapas. Os aprendizados servem a empresas que necessitam ajustar planos de caráter global à realidade regional, ou ainda às unidades de negócio que precisam viabilizar mudanças organizacionais de caráter radical sendo forçadas a adaptarem-se às estratégias definidas a partir da matriz. O caso é recomendado principalmente para cursos de Administração ou para disciplinas ligadas a finanças, gerenciamento de projetos e de mudanças, visão estratégica e planejamento.
Gestão, Cultura e Consumo Simbólico no Cortejo Afro
Authors: Davel Eduardo , Rosa Renata Saback
Published: August 2017

Este caso para ensino suscita conhecimento e aprendizagem sobre noções de valor simbólico e consumo simbólico de bens culturais. Seus objetivos de aprendizagem são: (a) entender os significados culturais que sustentam a atividade de uma organização; (b) identificar os desafios de mudança de contexto cultural para os processos de produção do valor simbólico; e (c) refletir sobre estratégias de gestão de valor simbólico necessárias para enfrentar os desafios de mudança de contexto cultural. A história narrada no caso trata de experiências simbólicas no bloco baiano Cortejo Afro, organização baiana do segmento de entretenimento e cultura, que produz eventos e espetáculos relacionados ao contexto carnavalesco e a cultura afro-baiana. Este caso é real, baseado em um estudo de caso. Todavia, a história foi, em parte, adaptada para suscitar aprendizagem sobre a mudança de contexto cultural.
Approximations for the Queue Length Distributions of Time-Varying Many-Server Queues
Authors: Pender Jamol , Ko Young Myoung
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a novel and computationally efficient methodology for approximating the queue length (the number of customers in the system) distributions of time-varying non-Markovian many-server queues (e.g., Gt/Gt/nt queues), where the number of servers (nt) is large. Our methodology consists of two steps. The first step uses phase-type distributions to approximate the general interarrival and service times, thus generating an approximating Pht/Pht/nt queue. The second step develops strong approximation theory to approximate the Pht/Pht/nt queue with fluid and diffusion limits whose mean and variance can be computed using ordinary differential equations. However, by naively representing the Pht/Pht/nt queue as a Markov process by expanding the state space, we encounter the lingering phenomenoneven when the queue is overloaded. Lingering typically occurs when the mean queue length is equal or near the number of servers, however, in this case it also happens when the queue is overloaded and this time is not of zero measure. As a result, we develop an alternative representation for the queue length process that avoids the lingering problem in the overloaded case, thus allowing for the derivation of a Gaussian diffusion limit. Finally, we compare the effectiveness of our proposed method with discrete event simulation in a variety parameter settings and show that our approximations are very accurate.

The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2017.0760 .
Managing Customer Arrivals in Service Systems with Multiple Identical Servers
Authors: Zacharias Christos , Pinedo Michael
Published: August 2017

We analyze a discrete multiserver model for scheduling customer arrivals under no-shows. The challenge is to assign customers to time slots so that the service system utilizes its resources efficiently and customers experience short waiting times. We provide theoretical and heuristic guidelines for an effective practice of appointment overbooking to offset no-shows. Recursive and explicit expressions for the performance measures of interest are derived based on the random evolution of the system’s workload in transient state. We prove discrete convexity properties of the optimization problem that restrict our search to a contained solution space and guarantee that a local search algorithm terminates with a globally optimal schedule. Extensive computational experiments reveal additional properties and patterns that appear in the optimal schedule and motivate the development of two very well-performing and computationally inexpensive heuristic solutions.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2017.0629 .
Paint to paper
Authors: White Hilary
Published: August 2017

Hilary White suggests ways children can create their own paint brushes from natural items and every day objects such as sticks and pegs. They can then use them to explore colour, texture and effect.
Let's get dressed!
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: August 2017

Being able to put on clothes is an important skill which builds children's self confidence. In the first of a new series of poems focused on independence, Brenda Williams suggests activities to support this.
Family time negotiations in the context of non-standard work schedules
Authors: Tammelin Mia , Mykkänen Johanna , Sevón Eija , Murtorinne-Lahtinen Minna , Rönkä Anna
Published: August 2017

Present-day parenting is centred round the question of time, especially in the case of working parents. This study analysed negotiations over time in families where one or both parents work non-standard schedules, that is, during evenings, nights and weekends. We asked what aspects of time are negotiable and with whom, and who in the family bears the ultimate responsibility for these negotiations. The analysis was based on interviews with 47 people conducted in 2013 in Finland. The findings indicated that time negotiations within the family concerned everyday routines and schedules, social life and the family‗s philosophy. Family life and schedules in the context of non-standard schedules were often subject to moralising remarks from others, including close relatives and friends. Parents seemed to have some room to negotiate on the timing of their work schedules with their employers. Men and women differed in the positions they adopted in time negotiations: women took an active “I” perspective, while men took a more passive spousal perspective. This result shows that traditional gender differences continue to prevail.
Keywords, care and neoliberalism
Authors: Garrett Paul Michael
Published: August 2017

The article stresses the continuing significance of keyword-anchored theorising in critical social work. Paying particular attention to England and Wales, the focus is on care as a keyword. Care is central within a range of discourses impinging on social work and social policy in connection with the evolution of community care, the long-term care of the increasing proportions of older people, the treatment of children and young people in the public care system, and debates about unpaid carers. While not claiming to be exhaustive, the article maintains that dwelling on care, as a keyword, can illuminate how, at least, three connected dimensions are significant: care and neoliberal globalism; care and neoliberal labour processes; and care, commodification and corruption.
Expression and Functional Analysis of Tumor-Related Factor S100A4 in Antler Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Da-tao , Chu Wen-hui , Sun Hong-mei , Ba Heng-xing , Li Chun-yi
Published: August 2017

Annual antler renewal is a stem cell–based epimorphic process driven by antler stem cells (ASCs) resident in antlerogenic periosteum (AP). Antlerogenic periosteal cells express a high level of S100A4, a metastasis-associated protein, which intrigued us to explore what role S100A4 could play in antler regeneration. The present study set out to investigate expression and effects of S100A4 in the ASCs and their progeny. The results showed that not only did cells from the AP express a high level of S100A4, but also the pedicle periosteum and the antler growth center. In the antler growth center, we found S100A4-positive cells were specifically located in blood vessel walls and in vascularized areas. In vitro, recombinant deer S100A4 protein stimulated the proliferation of the AP cells, promoted proliferation, migration and tube formation of human vascular endothelial cells, and enhanced migration of Hela cells, but not AP cells. These findings demonstrated that S100A4 in the ASCs may play a significant role in stimulating angiogenesis, proliferation, but not motility, of ASCs. Deer antlers offer a unique model to explore how rapid cell proliferation with a high level of S100A4 expression is elegantly regulated without becoming cancerous.
Drawing the house of Abraham
Authors: Baechler Mark
Published: August 2017

This article discusses a research/drawing project entitled Abrahamic Architecture. The research explores the creation of graphite wall drawings towards the development of Jewish, Christian and Islamic architectural history and theory. The objective of the research is to address the gap that currently exists in architectural scholarship related to the co-authored synagogues, churches and mosques of the Abrahamic religions. These collaboratively built structures are termed ‘Abrahamic’ architecture. The research is investigated using research-creation methods that combine creative and traditional academic research techniques to support the development of knowledge through visual investigations.
Elastic Perspective: The diagonal line and the production of deep space
Authors: Haley Rochelle
Published: August 2017

This article considers a practice of experimental drawing that crosses spatiality, collectivity and temporality. The exercise titled ‘Elastic Perspective’ extends from conceptual drawing and performance practices of the 1960s and 1970s and takes a critical approach to traditional applications of perspective theory in drawing. It differs from other contemporary practices of performance drawing, as the method produces no visual representations or physical objects. Elastic Perspective suggests that perspective can be thought of ‘materially’. Thinking perspective ‘materially’ rather than somewhere between an abstract schema, metaphor for subjectivity and an historical technical rule, the practice reveals new insights into the experience and process of drawing in what has traditionally been thought of as representational space. This study explores the concept of an experimental perspective practice through the description of a performative, relational, immaterial line drawing involving two or more moving participants. Together the untrained participants discover the qualities of the diagonal line in the production of depth in imaginary representational space. The proposition of this practice-led research is that perspective can be considered an elastic relation of materiality in performance, in addition to a symbolic theoretical overlay or latent organizing principle of real space in drawing.
Drawing to read architectural heritage
Authors: Akboy-İik Serra
Published: August 2017

Architectural documentation is a contextual study that aims to record patterns of lives and rudiments of civilization embedded in the built environment. Documenters collect measurements from historic surfaces and then transcribe these field data into 2D measured drawings that include existing architectural, material and structural conditions. Although the documentation activities seem very straightforward, with a series of actions to portray the architectural heritage through graphical records, the process itself is an interpretive account of the historic structure, which documenters thickly describe in the architectural context. The act of seeing, observing, interpreting and then capturing the essence of cultural heritage offers a methodical process, which carries significant qualities similar to that of thick description widely used in ethnographic fieldwork. Thinking between architectural documentation as an enquiry of thick description and measured drawings as the product of an interpretive account of what the historic structure denotes, this article seeks to acquire an understanding of drawing in architectural documentation, focusing on engagement with cultural heritage.
South Indian singing, digital dissemination and belonging in London’s Tamil diaspora
Authors: Hornabrook Jasmine
Published: August 2017

This article explores the digital dissemination of Carnatic – South Indian classical – and Tamil devotional songs, singing and learning in London’s Tamil diaspora. Carnatic and Tamil devotional singing are key cultural practices in this highly dispersed, or ‘scattered’, diaspora, and are strong markers of collective Tamil cultural identity. The voice embodies the distinct South Indian style and is, therefore, highly iconic in South India, Sri Lanka and their diasporas. To demonstrate how the voice and singing are experienced in multiple locations, the article describes specific examples of how ‘traditional’ vocal practices are disseminated through the Internet. These examples are Skype lessons and online broadcasting of Tamil devotional singing. Through engaging in traditional singing practices in online environments, it is argued that vocal practices are central to a sense of belonging in multiple diasporic localities and to musical, spiritual and cultural diasporic imaginaries.
Pendekatan Conjoint Analysis untuk Mengukur Tingkat Preferensi Mahasiswa terhadap Layanan Sistem Informasi Akademik di UIN Yogyakarta
Authors: Supandi Epha Diana
Published: August 2017

Information Technology (IT) represent one of main indicator to support the academic atmosphere at the university. Therefore UIN Sunan Kalijaga (Suka) Yogyakarta has owned sistem information technology and it is called Academic Information System (SIA). UIN Suka shall has knowledge preference and perception of consumer to the service, which is like what required by consumer. By using Conjoint Analysis method would have been obtained combination from level-level factor (stimuly) took a fancy by consumer according to value of highest utility from every level factor.  The objective of this research is to measure preference level of consumers (students) to the SIA services in UIN Suka used Conjoint Analysis method. The result shows that the most important factor in using SIA service is the benefit (importance value is 66,623%, the second important factor is accesibility of SIA ( importance value is 19,227%) and the last important is ability of staff  (importance value is 14,15%). According to value of utility estimate, it shows that consumers like to use SIA for key in courses (utility estimate is 2,104), online service (utility estimate is 0,577) and SIA staff who are very friendly when they were servicing the students (utility estimate is 0,210).
La actividad metaverbal en la enseñanza de la argumentación oral en niños de tercer grado de básica primaria
Authors: Arias María Alejandra , Tolmos Saponara Daniel
Published: August 2017

La investigación giró en torno de la implementación de un proyecto didáctico, desde el enfoque de las secuencias didácticas, que diera cuenta del concepto de actividad metaverbal como organizador del dircurso con miras a cualificar la expresión oral en los niños. El proyecto consistió en el análisis y sistematización del proyectyo, en torno a una situación auténtica de argumentación. Se compararon las condiciones iniciales y finales del grupo desde cuatro categorías: el léxico, la actividad metaverbal, el rol de la profesora y las reglas de comunicación en el aula.
La relación entre comunidades imaginadas e inversión en alumnos multilingües
Authors: López Armendáriz Francisco Javier , Cortez Román Nolvia Ana
Published: August 2017

Tres aprendices narran sus necesidades y deseos de apropiación lingüística y cultural al estar estudiando múltiples lenguas extranjeras. Mediante entrevistas a profundidad analizadas con una rúbrica de nivel de inversión y análisis temático, se encontró que sus deseos de apropiación cultural o de pertenencia comunitaria de la lengua extranjera obedecían a lo que deseaban ser o se imaginan para un futuro – en otras palabras, sus comunidades imaginadas - que se diferenciaban según la lengua que estaban estudiando. En este artículo se da a conocer que los aprendices multilingües, entre más se ubican en comunidades imaginadas (Anderson, 1991) elevan sus niveles de inversión en las lenguas de estudio.
Análisis epistémico del pensamiento configuracional
Authors: Ortiz Ocaña Alexander Luis , Salcedo Barragán Mileidy
Published: August 2017

En este artículo se esbozan nociones y conceptos significativos que nos permiten configurar una teoría del pensamiento configuracional a partir de su episteme. Se presentan algunos resultados parciales de la investigación, sobre todo aquellos relacionados con la teoría del pensamiento configuracional en la infancia, que se complementa, fertiliza y vigoriza con los aportes de otros enfoques teóricos, como la teoría holística (Barrera, 2004, 2008, 2010), nuevas teorías de sistemas (Maturana, 2001, 2002a, 2002b, 2003a, 2003b, 2009a, 2009b; Luhmann, 1996, 1997, 1998), teoría de complejidad (Morín, 1984, 1994a, 1994b, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2010a, 2010b) y teoría del caos (Prigogine, 2008, 2009, 2012). Se caracterizan los presupuestos ónticos y los postulados epistémicos del pensamiento configuracional
Estudio exploratorio de usabilidad para niños de Colombia
Authors: Cano Barrios John , García Lucy , Pernett Angélica
Published: August 2017

El hacer pruebas de usabilidad es considerado un elemento importante en lo relacionado con el diseño de páginas Web. Cada página Web ofrece un servicio y se crea con objetivos específicos como ganar dinero, hacer negocios, atraer a los clientes al negocio. ¿Cómo saber si la página cumple estos objetivos? A raíz de esta pregunta nace el concepto de Usabilidad, lo cual significa asegurarse que algo funcione bien, es decir, que una persona con capacidad y experiencia media (o incluso por debajo de la media) pueda ser capaz de usar algo con el objetivo deseado sin sentirse completamente frustrado (Krug, 2006). La importancia del concepto usabilidad radica en que el usuario muchas veces se pierde en la página o no logra comprender lo que ella quiere mostrar, por lo cual al momento de navegar encuentra la página tediosa y poco amigable, especialmente en el caso de los niños. No debemos desconocer, que los problemas de Usabilidad afectan a los niños, porque ellos no son capaces de superar algunos problemas y muchas veces ni siquiera entienden los mensajes de error, simplemente cierran la ventana y se van a otro sitio. Este estudio se concentró en evaluar la usabilidad de una página dirigida a niños para lo cual se investigó las diferentes técnicas, metodologías y herramientas utilizadas para probar páginas infantiles.
Percepción de los estudiantes universitarios iberoamericanos sobre la competencia comunicativa y la alfabetización académica
Authors: Núñez Cortés Juan Antonio , Moreno-Núñez Ana
Published: August 2017

¿Qué importancia dan a la competencia comunicativa los estudiantes universitarios? ¿Qué grado de necesidad dan a su formación en alfabetización académica? ¿Qué función al respecto tiene para ellos la universidad? La presente investigación tienen como objetivo principal describir y relacionar la opinión que tienen los estudiantes universitarios sobre aspectos relacionados con la competencia comunicativa y la alfabetización académica. Para responder a estos interrogantes se ha realizado un estudio cuantitativo a partir de una encuesta. En ella han participado 546 estudiantes de seis países iberoamericanos (Argentina, Colombia, España, México, Perú y Venezuela) pertenecientes a 21 universidades iberoamericanas. Los resultados, analizados mediante el programa estadístico SPSS, dan cuenta de la importancia dada a esta competencia y a la demanda de formación que solicitan, lo que puede considerarse como un argumento más a favor de la puesta en práctica de iniciativas de alfabetización académica en las universidades de la región.