bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Compelling Movie Posters Using Statistical Science And An Eye Mark Recorder
Authors: Uchida Kazunori , Kohara Daisuke , Yamada Maho , Amasaka Kakuro
Published: March 2016

This study focuses on advertising posters for movies, investigating methods of designing compelling posters to encourage viewing. The results of questionnaire surveys were analyzed using statistical science to produce new movie poster designs. The effects of the new posters were then validated using an eye mark recorder. As a result, the authors have succeeded in creating a decision-making method to assist in designing compelling movie posters.
Automating The Improvement Of Service Quality: The TELCO Case
Authors: Harison Elad , Barkai Ofer
Published: March 2016

The case under discussion presents a new and innovative framework for implementing preventive service systems that detect potential service malfunctions, attempt to automatically prevent them and notify customers about the results of these operations. Such automated systems may proactively avert service malfunctions and reduce the volume of customer complaints due to service outages. The presented framework is based on four major stages: continuous detection of service delivery infrastructure and equipment, prevention of identified service failures, notification of customers about service failures and follow-up activities. Telco is a major Israeli telecommunications operator that implemented the preventive service methodology and systems to improve the quality of its services to the satisfaction of its largest customers. The model presented in this paper can be utilized by a broad variety of firms and service providers as means for improving the quality of their services, the satisfaction and the loyalty of customers and the ability to retain them for longer periods in an increasingly competitive environment.
Now What Do I Do With Brad And Kerry?
Authors: Mento Anthony J. , Cougnet Jay E. , De Vader Christy L.
Published: March 2016

As the Great Recession continued, Jason, a project manager for the past six years with a large general contracting firm, NewBuild, pondered the burden of being an effective leader and manager in such trying times. He had to make a choice of which of his two most recently hired engineers, Brad or Kerry, would be assigned to the next big construction project. Both were direct reports to Jason for the past nine months. Unfortunately, there was a strong possibility that if the economy continued downward, the one not chosen to be on the new project team could be terminated due to lack of work. Jason, a project manager at NewBuild a large general contracting firm was faced with a staffing dilemma that confronts many managers in tough economic times. He had to decide whom to promote among his two most recently hired engineers to the next big construction project. Unfortunately, there was a strong possibility that the one not chosen to be on the new project team would be terminated due to lack of work. His charge was to take a comprehensive view of the situation and make a decision that was best for Brad, Kerry and NewBuild. As is always the case, a manager has a finite amount of information from which a decision must be made. Complicating matters was the gloomy economy for NewBuild as well as the prospect of providing a challenging job in a no growth environment. This note focuses on issues such as the psychological contract between NewBuild and the new employees as providing a context that serves either to fully engage new employees or which provides a milieu which only ensures physical presence on the job. Jason also needed to consider the extent to which Brad and Kerry engaged in the important skill of upward management. He wanted to stretch his understanding of Level 3 leadership (Clawson, 2009) by carefully sifting through what he knew about Brad and Kerry in order to identify important values, assumptions, beliefs, and expectations, (VABEs) arising at the unconscious level that nevertheless direct employee behavior. Finally, he needed to assess the significance of written email communication of lessons learned through Tannen's (1995) lens for understanding stylistic communication differences. Performance appraisal data was also available as were observations of both engineers on a negotiation simulation. Jason had to synthesize this information to form a clear picture in his mind about whom to promote to the project team and who by default is left in limbo perhaps awaiting the pink slip to downsize. This decision critical incident which is based on a true incident in a disguised organization, may be used in the following courses: Management, Leadership, Career Development, Organizational Behavior, and Human Resources Management.
Rural Development: The Case Of Canadian, Texas
Authors: Terry Neil , Pjesky Rex , De’Armond De’Arno
Published: March 2016

Canadian is a small town in the northeast Texas Panhandle that is extremely vital and thriving.Although it enjoys large benefits from its oil and gas industry and has some unique qualities in its history that have aided in its success, it is almost a textbook example of rural development success.This case will compare the practices of Canadian to the standards of the literature in rural development and discuss it within the context of that literature.
Creating A New Automotive Exterior Design Approach Model: The Relationship Between Form And Body Color Qualities
Authors: Muto Maiko , Takebuchi Shohei , Amasaka Kakuro
Published: March 2016

This study creates a New Automotive Exterior Design Approach Model. Form and body color qualities are objectified (quantified) in order to grasp unspoken subjective customer impressions (preferences). Related cause-and-effect relationships are then clarified. This is done with the help of statistics, which are used to identify the main elements that younger buyers are looking for in automotive body colors. Next, a survey is conducted using painted panels to find out what color elements generate subjective customer impressions. Line-of-sight analysis and 3D-CAD software are used to assign numerical values to form and color, while research-oriented CAD models and biometric devices are used to quantify the impact that form and color have on subjective customer impressions. The insights gained from this are then used to understand the relationship between survey data assessing subjective impressions and qualities of form and body color. The resulting knowledge is then applied to optimally match form and body color in a way that customers find attractive. The desired results are obtained.
Proposal And Pilot Study Of Introductory Learning Course In Personal Computers For Japanese Senior Citizens
Authors: Yamauchi Akie , Yasuda Takami , Yokoi Shigeki
Published: March 2016

We propose a new introductory course in personal computers for senior citizens who have not yet successfully learned how to operate them. In this paper, we discuss that existing IT class courses, their relevant problems, and the development of a course to solve these problems.
Student Retention Through The Lens Of Campus Climate, Racial Stereotypes, And Faculty Relationships
Authors: Love Derrick
Published: March 2016

Higher Education Institutions are seeing increased retention rates among African-American college students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Institutional barriers such as unwelcoming campus climates, racial stereotypes, and faculty relationships have raised concerns as viable factors as to why the attrition rate for African-American students at PWIs is still on the rise. Ninety African-American college students participated in the Culture Attitude and Climate (CACS) survey. This study revealed a direct relationship between campus climate, racial stereotypes, and faculty relationships and student retention in African-American students attending a predominantly white institution. There was a statistically positive correlation between the perceptions of African-American students pertaining to student retention and campus climate, racial stereotypes, and faculty relationships at a predominantly white institution. African-American students want to be a part of an inclusive academic body that promotes diversity and student success.
Diversity Of Desired And Observed Levels Of Qualities Among Teacher Candidates Perceived By Private School Management
Authors: Yousuf Muhammad Imran , Sultana Naveed , Naseer-ud-Din Muhmmad , Rehman Sajid
Published: March 2016

The trend of enrolment in private schools is growing rapidly. The criteria of quality for teacher candidates is complex one, great value is placed for oral interviews along with other formal techniques of selection process. The present study focused to investigate the desired and observed levels of qualities for teacher candidates perceived by their employers at private educational institutions in Pakistan. Interviews of personnel involved in selection process, a focus group discussion and a survey were used as the research method. After semi-structured interview with 20 employers the initial three levels of dimensions of qualities for teacher candidates i.e. dimensions of educational and professional knowledge; dimensions of teaching and professional skills; and dimensions of values and attitudes were developed and kept for  focus group discussion. In this way six qualities for each dimension were finalized and the survey was conducted to rate the desired and observed levels of 18 items. A total number of 139 responses were available through this survey. The mean of desired and observed responses for each item was calculated. The difference between means, standard deviations and t-values were also calculated. The differences in mean values for desired and observed levels for all three categories indicate that employers of private schools are not satisfied with the output of teachers training programs.
Disability In Higher Education: Redefining Mainstreaming
Authors: Higbee Jeanne L. , Katz Rachel E. , Schultz Jennifer L.
Published: March 2016

This paper addresses key issues in mainstreaming and inclusion for postsecondary students with disabilities and the subtle ways in which students and educators with disabilities can be marginalized. The paper also considers the exclusion of disability in conversations about diversity in higher education.
Saving Face: Inclusive Communication With College Students With Disabilities Using Politeness And Face Negotiation
Authors: Myers Karen A. , Spudich Christine , Spudich Dimana , Laux Sarah E.
Published: March 2016

Have I offended anyone today? Have I been insensitive? Creating welcoming inclusive environments for students with and without disabilities is a higher education imperative. The academy strives to create diverse and welcoming atmospheres for students and educators and employ social justice and face saving measures to encourage respectful communication and discourage discriminatory behaviors. With the increase of college students with disabilities, professionals need to be comfortable and confident in their communication tactics. Applying politeness and face-negotiation theories to the communication preferences and behaviors of college students with disabilities, this article offers practice-oriented applications for respectful inclusive communication.
Trainee Readiness For Diversity Training
Authors: Chung Yunhyung
Published: March 2016

Although trainee readiness is critical for diversity training effectiveness, extant research has not paid attention to the relationship between trainee readiness for diversity training and diversity training outcomes. This study identifies motivational, behavioral, and cognitive trainee readiness for diversity training and proposes a theoretical framework of how individual characteristics (perceived discrimination, demographic attributes, and previous diversity-related experience) and organizational characteristics (diversity climate and demographic dissimilarity) influence motivational, behavioral, and cognitive trainee readiness for diversity training.
Governance and Risk Management: Empirical Evidence from Malaysia and
Authors: Noor Siti Balqis , Rahman Rashidah Abdul , Ismai Tariq
Published: March 2016

The perceptions of Islamic banking professionals are surveyed through a questionnaire to explore whether the process of risk management mediates board involvement in risk management and risk management practices of Islamic banks in Malaysia and Egypt. The findings of this study identified that the Islamic banks in the selected countries are somewhat efficient in their risk
management process. It was noticed that board involvement in risk management, process of risk management and risk management
among Islamic banks in Malaysia are significantly higher than their counterparts in Egypt. Furthermore, high involvement of boards in risk management significantly increases the risk management process, and in turn, leads to significantly higher risk management practices in Islamic banks. Hence, boards should take formal responsibility for setting, managing and periodically
assessing the risk management culture of the banks. It is expected that the outcomes of this study would help policy setters in the selected countries to develop a well-structured and harmonized risk management process that enhance risk management practices, with emphasis on the effective involvements of the board of directors and Shari’ah supervisory boards in risk management
practices.
What is the role of Financial Development and Energy Consumption on Economic Growth? New Evidence from North African Countries
Authors: Salman Doaa Mohamed , Atya Eyad M.
Published: March 2016

This paper aims to test the validity of the causality between financial development and economic growth on energy consumption in three of North African countries. The study employs error coreection model and Granger causaility test to analyza a dataset for three North African countries covering a period from 1980 to 2010. The applied model is based on demand function for energy to assess the existing of causal relationship of energy with financial development, and economic growth, in Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia. Empirical results provide a positive significant relating financial development and energy consumption in Algeria, and Tunisia. On the other hand, Egypt’s results show a negative significant relationship relating energy consumption and financial development. The paper is valuable to policy makers in North African countries in their pursuit for achieving economic growth as it clarifies the urge for the financial development reforms to stimulate investment and growth.
A Performance Evaluation Model for Global Macro Funds
Authors: Zaremba Adam
Published: March 2016

The paper concentrates on value and size effects in country portfolios. It contributes to academic literature threefold. First, I provide fresh evidence that the value and size effects may be useful in explaining the cross-sectional variation in country returns. The computations are based on a broad sample of 66 countries in years 2000-2013. Second, I document that the country-level value and size effects are indifferent to currency conversions. Finally, I introduce an alternative macro-level Fama-French model, which, contrary to its prototype, employs country-based factors. I show that applying this modification makes the model more successful in evaluation of funds with global investment mandate than the standard CAPM and FF models.
Threshold Effect of Capital Structure on Firm Value: Evidence from Seafood Processing Enterprises in the South Central Region of Vietnam
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Thanh
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether there is an optimal capital structure at which point firm is able to maximize its value. The author employ an advanced panel threshold regression estimation developed in 1999 by Hansen that will indicate whether there are positive and negative impacts of capital structure on firm value. The author has used data of among 90 unlisted Seafood Processing Enterprises in the South Central region of Vietnam (SEASCRs) during 2005–2011 period. The author has used book value of equity plus long- term debt (BVE) and return on equity (ROE) as surrogate for firm value and book value of total debt to total assets (TD/TA) as surrogate for capital structure and as the threshold variable. The empirical results strongly indicate that triple threshold effect exists between debt ratio and firm value when BVE is selected to proxy firm value. However, when ROE is selected to proxy firm value, the result shows that there exists double thresholds effect between debt ratio and firm value. From these results, the author  may conclude that the relationship between capital structure and firm value has a nonlinear relationship represents an convex Parapol shape. In addition, the findings suggest implications for SEASCRs on flexible usage of financial leverage. Specifically, SEASCRs should not use loans over 57.39%. To ensure and enhance the firm value, the scope of the optimal debt ratio should be less than 57.39%. 
Evaluating Bank Profitability in Ghana: A five step Du-Pont Model Approach
Authors: Kusi Baah Aye , Ansah-Adu Kwadjo , Sai Rockson
Published: March 2016

We investigate bank profitability in Ghana using periods before, during and after the globe financial crises with the five step du-pont model for the first time. We adapt the variable of the five step du-pont model to explain bank profitability with a panel data of twenty-five banks in Ghana from 2006 to 2012. To ensure meaningful generalization robust errors fixed and random effects models are used.Our empirical results suggests that bank operating activities (operating profit margin), bank efficiency (asset turnover), bank leverage (asset to equity) and financing cost (interest burden)  were positive and significant determinants of bank profitability (ROE) during the period of study implying that bank in Ghana can boost return to equity holders through the above mentioned variables.. We further report that the five step du-pont model better explains the total variation (94%) in bank profitability in Ghana as compared to earlier findings suggesting that bank specific variables are keen in explaining ROE in banks in Ghana. We cited no empirical study that has employed five step du-pont model making our study unique and different from earlier studies as we assert that bank specific variables are core to explaining bank profitability.
Access to micro-credit well-being among women entrepreneurs in the Mfantsiman Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Peprah James Atta
Published: March 2016

Less attention has been given to well-being and other household characteristics that influence clients’ access to micro-credit among women households especially. The paper investigates the determinants of access to credit by 320 women entrepreneurs in the Mfantsiman Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Data for the study was collected in June-July 2010 from six communities including Mankessim, Saltpond, Anomabu, Biriwa and Yamoransa. Sturctured questionnaires were used to collect the data from women entrepreneurs. The results of the study indicate that clients’ well-being influences access to credit amount. Clients who have been in business for long time are likely to access larger loan amounts. Marital status and education do not influence access to credit. Among the recommendations are that microfinance should not only target clients with high well-being scores but those with low well-being scores since the original aim of microfinance is to lift the poor out of poverty. It is important to give credit to aged business owners instead of young ones. Giving credit to married women because their husbands could serve as guarantors does not matter much but rather women who do not have husbands also need to benefit from micro-credit.
Finding shortest path in static networks
Authors: Abbasi Seher , Moosavi Fahimeh
Published: March 2016

This paper considers the problem of finding the shortest path in a static network, where the costs are constant. The CE Algorithm based strategy that is presented by Rubinstein to solving rare event and combinatorial optimization problem is modified to finding shortest path in this research. To analyze the efficiency of the used algorithm three sets of small, medium and large sized problems that generated randomly are solved. The results on the set of problems show that the modified algorithm produces good solutions and time saving in computation of large-scale network.
Momentum effect in stocks’ returns between the rational and the behavioural financial theories
Authors: Zoghlami Faten
Published: March 2016

The puzzling momentum strategies’ payoffs are defying the rational financial theory asserting the stocks returns’ unpredictability. Moreover, the momentum effect persist the main stocks returns’ anomaly escaping any risk-based explanation. The resilience of this phenomenon had favoured the development of behavioural financial field, which breaks with the investor’ full rationality hypothesis. This paper attempts to reconcile between the rational and behavioural financial theories, through the introduction of the progressive rationality concept. Especially, we argue that recognizing the temporary inappropriate investors’ reactions; can resolve the puzzling momentum anomaly.  To fulfil our objective, first we correct the monthly returns inherent to 56 stocks listed on the Tunisian stocks market from January 1998 to December 2011, from the related serial autocorrelations involved by the investors’ over and under reactions. Then, we examine the 6/6 momentum strategy’ excess returns before and after the monthly returns serial autocorrelations’ corrections. The result show that the momentum strategy is still profitable but no longer puzzling, since the related excess return is henceforth fully captured by a ? and a size effect..
The Effect of the Financial Crisis on the Jordanian Industrial Sector
Authors: Al-Qaisi Khaldoun
Published: March 2016

The International financial crisis caused the recession of the industrial sector in most developed countries. The effect of the crisis in the developing countries was different. This research aimed at investigating the effect of international financial crisis on industrial sector in Jordan. Different financial ratios were estimated using the financial statements of the industrial enterprises for the period 2000-2008. The financial data were classified to two periods. The first period 2000-2005 and 2006-2008 for this purpose. The results show very slight effect on the industrial sector in Jordan results of the limitations of most companies on their activities as a part of risk management policy.
Investigation of the Linkage among China’s Macroeconomy, Stock Market and Real Estate Market
Authors: Jianhua Guo , Huidian Long
Published: March 2016

As two important constituents of China’s macro economy, there are a variety of relationships among China’s stock market, real estate market and its macro economy. In order to investigate these relationships, in this paper, especially with the Macroeconomic Boom Index reflecting China’s macro economy, we use cointegration theory and Granger analysis to demonstrate that there are long-term equilibrium relationship and bidirectional causality between the macro economy and the securities business, also between the macro economy and the real estate market, however, this kind of long-term Equilibrium relationship and bidirectional causality appears very weak.
Equity in Health Care Expenditure in Nigeria
Authors: Obafemi Frances Susan , Olaniyan Olanrewaju , Obafemi Frances Ngozi
Published: March 2016

Equity is one of the basic principles of health systems and features explicitly in the Nigerian health financing policy. Despiteacclaimed commitment to the implementation of this policy through various pro-poor health programmes and interventions,the level of inequity in health status and access to basic health care interventions remain high. This paper examines theequity of health care expenditure by individuals in Nigeria. The paper evaluated equity in out-of-pocket spending (OOP) forthe country and separately for the six geopolitical zones of the country. The methodological framework rests on KakwaniProgressivity Indices (KPIs), Reynold-Smolensky indices and concentration indices (CIs) using data from the 2004 Nigerian National Living Standard Survey (NLSS) collected by the National Bureau of Statistic. The results reveal that health financing is regressive with the incidence disproportionately resting on poor households with about 70% of the total expenditure on health being financed through out-of-pocket payments by households. Poor households are prone to bear most of the expenses in the event of any health shock. The catastrophic consequences thus push some into poverty, and aggravate the poverty of others. The paper therefore suggests that the country’s health financing systems must be such that allows people to access services when they are needed, but must also protect household, from financial catastrophe, by reducing OOP spending through risk pooling and prepayment schemes within the health system.
The Sources of Efficiency in the Nigerian Banking Industry
Authors: Obafemi Frances Susan , Ayodele Olumide , Ebong Friday
Published: March 2016

The paper employed a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach to examine the sources of technical efficiency in the Nigerian banking sub-sector. Using a cross section of commercial and merchant banks, the study showed that the Nigerian banking industry was not efficient both in the pre-and-post-liberalization era. The study further revealed that market share was the strongest determinant of technical efficiency in the Nigerian banking Industry. Thus, appropriate macroeconomic policy, institutional development and structural reforms must accompany financial liberalization to create the stable environment required for it to succeed. Hence, the present bank consolidation and reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which started with Soludo and continued with Sanusi, are considered necessary, especially in the areas of e banking and reorganizing the management of banks.
Perceptions towards IT Security in Online Banking
Authors: Makarević Nedim
Published: March 2016

This study has been completed with a purpose to analyze and compare perceptions of clients of Bosnia and Herzegovina and those of Croatian clients about IT security in online banking, to provide insight into similarities and differences of their view points and to create important set of information for all subjects active in banking industry. Once the survey based on six variables and specific questions assigned to each one of those variables was prepared, results regarding both countries were collected and concluded. Survey was completed in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia at high response rates. Even 207 respondents replied from Bosnia and Herzegovina, while 203 respondents completed survey from Croatia. Results were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics. Results indicated that Croatian e-banking users trust to banks when it comes to IT security of online banking much more compared to clients of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is important to mention that clients of Croatia perceive tangible features as highly significant while Bosnian clients do not perceive tangible features that much important. This proved that Croatian clients are aware of potential security threats and they know their part of responsibility when it comes to handling money online. On the other hand, results from Bosnia and Herzegovina indicated that Bosnian clients have lack of trust in online banking, and lack of awareness about personal tangible aspects that can improve security of personal online banking experience. The main limitation of this study is relatively small sample and too generic approach. Therefore, this study may be perceived as a pilot study for future researchers. The study’s results may be of interest to marketers and managers of banks operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia to learn more about their clients’ perceptions towards their e-banking services.
ARQUEOLOGIA FORENSE NO BRASIL: UM NOVO OLHAR SOBRE OS MÉTODOS TRADICIONAIS DE EXUMAÇÃO QUE PODEM FAZER A DIFERENÇA EM CASOS DE VIOLÊNCIA NO PASSADO
Authors: Silva Sergio Francisco Serafim Monteiro da
Published: March 2016

Este texto apresenta um ensaio sobre o ensino da Arqueologia para profissionais forenses no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, entre 2005 e 2010. No período, foram ministradas aulas teóricas, de campo e de laboratório sobre temas essenciais da Arqueologia Forense, inaugurando o ensino dessa disciplina no Brasil. A Antropologia Forense tem sido praticada pelos profissionais das áreas da Medicina Legal e Odontologia Legal, especificamente. Existe uma dicotomia entre os conceitos e as competências dessas duas disciplinas científicas. Concluímos que a Arqueologia Forense está em processo lento de formação no Brasil, mesmo com iniciativas governamentais e o empenho de faculdades públicas e privadas. Abstract This paper presents an essay on the teaching of archeology for legal professionals in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2005 and 2010. During the period, were given lectures, field and laboratory on the key themes of Forensic Archaeology, inaugurating the teaching of this discipline in Brazil. The Forensic Anthropology has been practiced by professionals in the areas of Legal Medicine and Forensic Odontology, specifically. There is a dichotomy between the concepts and skills of these two scientific disciplines. We conclude that forensic archeology is slow training in Brazil, despite  overnment initiatives and efforts of public and private colleges. Keywords: Forensic Archaeology; human rights; experimental teaching
PADRÕES GRÁFICOS DAS REPRESENTAÇÕES ANTROPOMÓRFICAS PRÉ-HISTÓRICAS NA MICRORREGIÃO DO CARIRI OCIDENTAL PARAIBANO: DEFINIÇÕES E CORRELAÇÕES
Authors: Mutzenberg Demétrio Da Silva , Mato Francisco De Assis Soares de
Published: March 2016

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo estabelecer padrões de apresentação gráfica nas pinturas rupestres antropomórficas de cinco sítios arqueológicos na Microrregião do Cariri Ocidental paraibano. Os sítios estão inseridos na microbacia do Rio Paraíba, principal corpo d’água da região. A caracterização dos padrões gráficos foi possível mediante a classificação das representações com base nas três dimensões caracterizadoras do fenômeno gráfico: temática, cenografia e técnica. Para essa caracterização, foram utilizados o processamento digital de imagens e a aplicação de testes estatísticos, além da criação de um SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas), tencionando relacionar as variáveis do fenômeno gráfico às variáveis ambientais. Através da análise de 48 representações rupestres antropomórficas, foi possível estabelecer diferentes padrões de apresentação gráfica. Alguns desses padrões apresentam características próximas a alguns já determinados para a região Nordeste. As representações rupestres antropomórficas encontram-se majoritariamente localizadas em áreas ressaltadas topograficamente em relação ao entorno e próximas a redes de drenagem.ABSTRACTThis research aimed to establish graphical patterns in anthropomorphic rock paintings of five archaeological sites in the micro-region of Cariri Ocidental Paraibano, Paraíba, Brazil. The sites are inserted into the watershed of the Paraíba River, the main water body of the region. The definition of the graphical patterns was possible through a classification of the anthropomorphic representations based on three dimensions of the graphical phenomenon: theme, technique and scenography. For this characterization was used digital image processing, application of statistical tests and the creation of a GIS (Geographic Information System), intending to relate the graphical phenomenon with the environmental variables. Some of the defined patterns showed similar characteristics to some patterns already determined in Northeastern Brazil. The anthropomorphic representations are mostly located nearby the drainage networks and in higher ground than the surrounding areas.Keywords: Anthropomorphic representations; rock paintings; graphical pattern; Cariri Ocidental Paraibano.
Change in Size of Hamstring Grafts During Preparation for ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Cruz Aristides I. , Fabricant Peter D. , Seeley Mark A. , Ganley Theodore J. , Lawrence J. Todd R.
Published: March 2016

Background:

There is good consensus that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts should be pretensioned to remove creep prior to implantation, but the literature contains little information on the influence of graft preparation or circumferential compression on graft size. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the size of hamstring allografts changes as they are prepared for ACL reconstruction. We hypothesized that grafts decrease in diameter as they are prepared with both tension and circumferential compression. We also investigated the interrater reliability of graft diameter measurements during each step of graft preparation.

Methods:

Twenty pairs of fresh-frozen human hamstring tendons obtained from an allograft supplier were prepared in a standardized fashion for ACL reconstruction (suturing followed by longitudinal tensioning followed by circumferential compression followed by relaxation). Four blinded raters measured each graft in a sequential manner after each graft preparation step. Interrater reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient ICC(2,1). The mean allograft diameter at each time point was calculated and compared across all time points using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

Subjecting the grafts to both tension and circumferential compression significantly decreased their mean diameter (to 7.38 mm compared with 8.28 mm at baseline; p = 0.044). Interrater reliability revealed almost perfect agreement at each measurement interval, with the ICC ranging from 0.933 to 0.961.

Conclusions:

The average diameter of hamstring ACL grafts decreases by almost 1 mm after they are subjected to both tension and circumferential compression within a standard cylindrical sizing block.

Clinical Relevance:

Because ACL bone tunnels are drilled in 0.5-mm increments, preparing soft-tissue grafts with circumferential compression in addition to tension may allow creation of tunnels that are one to two incremental sizes smaller. This could permit less bone removal, which may be particularly applicable for certain reconstruction techniques such as pediatric, double-bundle, or revision ACL reconstruction, in which limited space is available for tunnel drilling.
C2 Vertebral Fractures in the Medicare Population
Authors: Pearson Adam M. , Martin Brook I. , Lindsey Matthew , Mirza Sohail K.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Cervical 2 (C2) fractures in the elderly are common, and the incidence of these fractures has been increasing. Surgical and nonoperative treatments are associated with high complication and mortality rates, and these rates have not been evaluated at the population level, to our knowledge. The purpose of this study was to use the Medicare claims database to determine trends in treatment, surgical and nonoperative outcomes, and Medicare reimbursement for treatment of these fractures.

Methods:

We examined the Medicare claims database from 2000 to 2011 to identify patients admitted for the treatment of a C2 fracture. The incidence of fractures and the rates of nonoperative and surgical treatment were determined across the study period. We compared rates of mortality and life-threatening complications between patients treated nonoperatively and surgically. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) payments for the initial admission as well as for subsequent inpatient admissions during the ninety-day post-admission period were compared between treatment groups. We used multivariate analysis to control for differences in patient characteristics between groups.

Results:

There were 81,596 admissions for C2 fracture identified, and 53,338 met inclusion criteria. The incidence of C2 fractures increased 135% from 2000 to 2011, but the rate of surgical treatment remained constant at 16%. There was significantly lower mortality at thirty days for the surgical group at 8.3% compared with the nonoperative group at 16.2% (p < 0.001) and at one year for the surgical group at 21.7% compared with the nonoperative group at 32.3% (p < 0.001). Life-threatening complications within thirty days of admission were slightly more common in the surgical group at 10.9% compared with the nonoperative group at 9.0% (p < 0.05). Medicare reimbursements for the initial inpatient admission were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in U.S. dollars for the surgical group at $21,487 compared with the nonoperative group at $8469, and this significant difference (p < 0.001) persisted in the ninety-day post-discharge period at $10,487 for the surgical group compared with $8410 for the nonoperative group.

Conclusions:

Although the incidence of C2 fractures in the Medicare population increased from 2000 to 2011, the rate of surgery stayed relatively constant. After controlling for baseline differences, patients treated with surgery had significantly lower thirty-day and one-year mortality rates compared with patients treated nonoperatively.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Outcomes of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty After Aseptic Revision to Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Leta Tesfaye H. , Lygre Stein Håkon L. , Skredderstuen Arne , Hallan Geir , Gjertsen Jan-Erik , Rokne Berit , Furnes Ove
Published: March 2016

Background:

The general recommendation for a failed primary unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is revision to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes, intraoperative data, and mode of failure of primary UKAs and primary TKAs revised to TKAs.

Methods:

The study was based on 768 failed primary TKAs revised to TKAs (TKA→TKA) and 578 failed primary UKAs revised to TKAs (UKA→TKA) reported to the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register between 1994 and 2011. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the EuroQol EQ-5D, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and visual analog scales assessing satisfaction and pain were used. We performed Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses adjusting for propensity score to assess the survival rate and the risk of re-revision and multiple linear regression analyses to estimate the differences between the two groups in mean PROM scores.

Results:

Overall, 12% in the UKA→TKA group and 13% in the TKA→TKA group underwent re-revision between 1994 and 2011. The ten-year survival percentage of UKA→TKA versus TKA→TKA was 82% versus 81%, respectively (p = 0.63). There was no difference in the overall risk of re-revision for UKA→TKA versus TKA→TKA (relative risk [RR] = 1.2; p = 0.19), or in the PROM scores. However, the risk of re-revision was two times higher for TKA→TKA patients who were greater than seventy years of age at the time of revision (RR = 2.1; p = 0.05). A loose tibial component (28% versus 17%), pain alone (22% versus 12%), instability (19% versus 19%), and deep infection (16% versus 31%) were major causes of re-revision for UKA→TKA versus TKA→TKA, respectively, but the observed differences were not significant, with the exception of deep infection, which was significantly greater in the TKA→TKA group (RR = 2.2; p = 0.03). The surgical procedure of TKA→TKA took a longer time (mean of 150 versus 114 minutes) and more of the procedures required stems (58% versus 19%) and stabilization (27% versus 9%) compared with UKA→TKA.

Conclusions:

Despite TKA→TKA seeming to be a technically more difficult surgical procedure, with a higher percentage of re-revisions due to deep infection compared with UKA→TKA, the overall outcomes of UKA→TKA and TKA→TKA were similar.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Bone-Healing
Authors: Marquez-Lara Alejandro , Hutchinson Ian D. , Nuñez Fiesky , Smith Thomas L. , Miller Anna N.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often avoided by orthopaedic surgeons because of their possible influence on bone-healing. This belief stems from multiple studies, in particular animal studies, that show delayed bone-healing or nonunions associated with NSAID exposure. The purpose of this review was to critically analyze the quality of published literature that evaluates the impact of NSAIDs on clinical bone-healing.

Methods:

A MEDLINE and Embase search was conducted to identify all articles relating to bone and fracture-healing and the utilization of NSAIDs. All human studies, including review articles, were identified for further analysis. Non-English-language manuscripts and in vitro and animal studies were excluded. A total of twelve clinical articles and twenty-four literature reviews were selected for analysis. The quality of the clinical studies was assessed with a modified Coleman Methodology Score with emphasis on the NSAID utilization. Review articles were analyzed with regard to variability in the cited literature and final conclusions.

Results:

The mean modified Coleman Methodology Score (and standard deviation) was significantly lower (p = 0.032) in clinical studies that demonstrated a negative effect of NSAIDs on bone-healing (40.0 ± 14.3 points) compared with those that concluded that NSAIDs were safe (58.8 ± 10.3 points). Review articles also demonstrated substantial variability in the number of cited clinical studies and overall conclusions. There were only two meta-analyses and twenty-two narrative reviews. The mean number (and standard deviation) of clinical studies cited was significantly greater (p = 0.008) for reviews that concluded that NSAIDs were safe (8.0 ± 4.8) compared with those that recommended avoiding them (2.1 ± 2.1). Unanimously, all reviews admitted to the need for prospective randomized controlled trials to help clarify the effects of NSAIDs on bone-healing.

Conclusions:

This systematic literature review highlights the great variability in the interpretation of the literature addressing the impact of NSAIDs on bone-healing. Unfortunately, there is no consensus regarding the safety of NSAIDs following orthopaedic procedures, and future studies should aim for appropriate methodological designs to help to clarify existing discrepancies to improve the quality of care for orthopaedic patients.

Clinical Relevance:

This systematic review highlights the limitations in the current understanding of the effects of NSAIDs on bone healing. Thus, withholding these medications does not have any proven scientific benefit to patients and may even cause harm by increasing narcotic requirements in cases in which they could be beneficial for pain management. This review should encourage further basic-science and clinical studies to clarify the risks and benefits of anti-inflammatory medications in the postoperative period, with the aim of improving patient outcomes.
Analysis and Quantification of Wellbore Tortuosity
Authors: Bang Jon , Jegbefume Onyemelem , Ledroz Adrián , Weston John , Thompson Jay
Published: March 2016

Small-scale wellbore tortuosity—variations in attitude on a length scale smaller than standard survey intervals of 30 m (100 ft)—is generally neglected because of its small effect on the final position of the well and its unclear relation to traditional dogleg severity (DLS). However, it is well-known that such tortuosity may have significant influence on the drilling process and on drilling efficiency. Furthermore, it is a crucial factor for the design and installation of completions and production equipment, because a highly tortuous wellbore section, depending on borehole diameter and tortuosity amplitude and along-hole distribution, may exert strong bending forces on such equipment, or high friction on moving parts.

This paper describes a novel methodology for analyzing the tortuosity of openhole wellbores, casing, drillstring, and production tubing. Several related tortuosity parameters are described, and examples of application to field data are included. The methods use high-resolution survey data [measured depth (MD), inclination, and azimuth], which may, in principle, originate from any surveying tool or service capable of providing such data. The methodology requires input data from a single survey only. On the basis of a user-defined length as single external parameter, tortuosity can be analyzed on any length scale greater than approximately 10 times the input survey-data interval, and with a maximum resolution equaling twice the data interval. The processed parameters include relative elongation of a tortuous section compared with a straight-line section, transverse displacements from the straight line, and maximum available diameter for a downhole device caused by the small-scale bendings of the section. The results can be displayed as graphs vs. MD, or as 3D-rendered views of the actual wellbore or tubing shape.

Results from various field cases are included, in which the tortuosity analysis was applied to high-resolution continuous gyro survey data collected in cased wellbores. In all the field cases, the novel methods revealed sections of considerable tortuosity that were either unnoticed, or located with unacceptably low accuracy, by conventional methods. These results led to re-evaluation of the planned locations for completion and production equipment.

The characterization of the wellbore in terms of tortuosity on various length scales may be of crucial importance for the functionality and lifetime of permanently installed equipment. For example, identification of highly tortuous sections will aid the placement of rod-guide wear sleeves, increasing the rod and casing life and reducing the workover frequency. Another application is the identification of low-tortuosity sections in which downhole pumps or other equipment will not be subject to excess bending. In addition, the tortuosity results may help evaluate the drilling equipment and the drilling process.
Early-Time 1D Analysis of Shale-Oil and -Gas Flow
Authors: Bajwa Ali I. , Blunt Martin J.
Published: March 2016

We present a new semianalytic method to solve the nonlinear pressure-diffusion equation at early time, before reservoir boundaries are encountered, and under constant bottomhole pressure (BHP), applicable to the analysis of unconventional reservoirs. We assume that the flow rate is inversely proportional to the square root of time since the beginning of production. The method is an extension of the semianalytic solution proposed by Schmid et al. (2011) for spontaneous imbibition; we replace the solution for saturation with one for pressure, while extending the functional form of the governing diffusion equation. The solution can accommodate arbitrary pressure-dependent nonlinear rock and fluid properties as well as production caused by desorption. The mathematical formulation is presented for a general nonlinear case and tested by use of synthetic data. Field production from the Barnett Shale is then used to estimate effective matrix permeability.

The model can be used to predict production if the rock and fluid properties are known, or can be used to constrain reservoir properties from production data. It is a complement to traditional pressure- or rate-transient analysis; if the response of a well for constant-pressure production can be determined, our method can be used to determine reservoir properties, without any approximations inherent in linearizing the flow equations.