bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Courses Studied by New York Librarianship Students Affect Their Perceived Readiness for Employment
Authors: Thomson Kirsty Sheila
Published: February 2016

Objective – To investigate whether librarianship students felt ready to enter the workforce, and whether practitioners felt recent graduates were suitably prepared.

Design – Survey.

Setting – A university in New York City, and school and public librarians working in the New York metropolitan area.

Subjects – 55 MLS students, 167 school library practitioners, and 181 public library practitioners.

Methods – Students surveyed practitioners about new graduates’ readiness to work as librarians. The students also assessed their own readiness.

Main Results – Detailed analysis of differences between the responses of the four subject groups – public librarians, school librarians, public library students, and school library students – for each of six survey statements is provided. Practitioners and students felt that school librarianship graduates were more prepared for work than public librarianship graduates. This may have been due to differences in the practical components of their courses.

Conclusion – Preparedness for library employment is related to the courses studied by librarianship students.
Cara Bradley Receives Robert H. Blackburn Distinguished Paper Award for Paper Published in EBLIP Journal
Authors: Brettle Alison
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Thoughts on Reflection
Authors: Koufogiannakis Denise
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
A New Path: Research Methods
Authors: Wilson Virginia
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Aktywność planistyczna administracji publicznej w sferze ochrony rodziny i opieki nad nią
Authors: Krygier Anna
Published: February 2016

Celem studium jest ukazanie planistycznej aktywności administracji publicznej w sferze ochrony rodziny i opieki nad nią. Aktywność tę kształtują zadania nakładane przez prawodawcę na podmioty administracji publicznej. W opracowaniu położono nacisk na wyeksponowanie zarówno szerokiego wachlarza zaangażowanych podmiotów, jak i różnorodności form aktów planowania. Zwrócono także uwagę na charakter prawny aktów planowania.
Corporate Tax Avoidance And Political Action Committee Contributions: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Cassill Arthur D. , Ndubizu Gordian A.
Published: February 2016

This study examines the relationships between corporate tax avoidance and Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions. The study hypothesizes that corporate PAC contributions influence corporate tax avoidance behavior. However, the tax savings associated with corporate PAC contributions do not increase monotonically because of significant wealth transfers from voters to corporations and the subsequent brokering behavior of politicians in favor of the voter constituency. The results are consistent with our hypothesis.
The Impact Of Consumer Boycotts On The Stock Prices Of Target Firms
Authors: White Richard E. , Kare Dilip D.
Published: February 2016

This research study employs a standard event-time methodology in an effort to assess the impact of consumer boycott initiation and termination announcements upon the wealth of stockholders of target firms. A major finding of the study is that consumer boycott announcements are followed by statistically significant decreases in the stock prices of the target firms. The results of the study also suggest that boycott termination announcements are associated with statistically significant wealth increases for these same firms. Policy implications of the finds are drawn for corporate financial managers.
CIM Strategy And Strategic Management: An MIS Perspective
Authors: Sabbaghi Asghar
Published: February 2016

This study provides an overview of Computer-Integrated Manufacturing in a conceptual and managerial context, and analyzes the organizational structure and managerial approaches required for successful CIM. CIM is considered as the (vertical) integration of computerized manufacturing systems at the shop floor with Management Information Systems, and as the (horizontal) integration of functional areas from design, manufacturing to business functions. This implies an integrated, company-wide, MIS approach toward CIM rather than a traditional and functional attitude. In this context, the organizational structure that fits CIM technology will be analyzed.
Privacy In The Workplace: A Guide For Human Resource Managers
Authors: Petersen Janis
Published: February 2016

Book Review: Privacy In The Workplace: A Guide For Human Resource Managers, by Jon. D. Bible and Darien A. McWhirter
Environmental Heterogeneity, Strategy-Making, Structure And Small Business Performance: A Path Analytic Model
Authors: Nwachukwu Osita C. , Tsalikis John
Published: February 2016

A casual model of relationships among environmental heterogeneity, proactivity in strategy-making, structural integration, and economic performance was developed and tested using data from 100 small firms. Our analysis supported some of the research propositions, and a number of indirect relationships. Conclusions and practical implications are discussed.
Tactical Considerations For The Effective Use Of Cause-Related Marketing
Authors: Ross III John K. , Stutts Mary Ann , Patterson Larry
Published: February 2016

This study measured how consumers feel about firms that use cause-related marketing (CRM) and the charitable organizations that benefit from CRM. Respondents (N=225) were interviewed concerning cause-related marketing campaigns. Most respondents felt CRM was a good way to raise money for the cause, had purchased a product to help support a cause, and expressed favorable attitudes toward both the firm and the charitable organization. Women had more favorable attitudes toward both the firm and the cause than did males.
The Effects Of Retail Competition On The Personal Selling Effort Of New Car Salespeople
Authors: Lavenka Noel Mark , Jung Allen F.
Published: February 2016

This study presents an empirical investigation of the personal sales effort at the retail level. Automobile dealerships were selected based on the emphasis they place on personal selling as an important component for sales. However, little actual personal selling effort was observed as a result of inter-brand competition between dealerships, as well as, intra-brand competition among dealerships. The effects of retail competition on the personal selling effort are discussed.
An Assessment Of Event Study Methodologies Using Daily Stock Returns
Authors: Rezaee Zabihollah , Malone Phil , Homaifar Ghassem
Published: February 2016

This paper examines Multinational Stock Price reactions to foreign currency translation, using three alternative residual methodologies. The results reveal that when a crude measure such as Mean Adjusted Return, which makes not explicit risk adjustments is used, the null hypothesis of zero abnormal return is rejected in three out of six events. However, market and risk adjusted residual returns reveal that the null hypothesis of zero abnormal return cannot be rejected.
Merging EDI With JIT: The Impact On U.S. Manufacturing
Authors: Sanders Nada R.
Published: February 2016

Electronic data interchange (EDI) has brought numerous benefits to users with its ability of instantaneous information transfer. An emerging issue has been the impact of EDI on the U.S. manufacturing industry which has been implementing just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing at a growing rate. As EDI compliments JIT objectives it is changing the way many companies are doing business. This paper addresses the advantages, limitations and future impact of this powerful combination. Further, a model of information flow in an ideal EDI/JIT system is presented and organizational factors critical for successful development and implementation are identified.
Employee Blogs: Protected Speech Or Grounds For Discharge?
Authors: Roche Claire R. La , Dardick Glenn S. , Flanigan Mary A.
Published: February 2016

Posting and reading blogs is one of the fastest growing uses of the Web.  Blogging gives an ordinary person the ability to have a conversation with a wide audience.  Dozens of employee-bloggers have been “dooced” (terminated) for exercising what they consider to be their First Amendment right to free speech.  An important legal issue with significant implications for both employers and employees is to what extent are employee blogs a form of protected speech.  The First Amendment, employment at will, and laws protecting employee speech are discussed.  Suggestions are made for procedures employees should follow to safely blog.
Lean And RFID: Friends Or Foes?
Authors: Patti Anthony L. , Narsing Anthony
Published: February 2016

The Lean Manufacturing principles and methodology seek to eliminate waste from systems.  Many of the lean techniques emphasize simplicity.  For example, 5S (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain) and visual workplace management strive to organize and maintain the workplace so that it is easy to identify, find, and count items.  Visual signals such as Kanbans are used to time the movement of inventory.  The most basic utility of radio frequency identification (RFID) is to provide timing and location information.  Most RFID systems provide data that indicates when an item has passed by a reader.  As long as it is known where the reader was at the time of the read, location information is also available.  Readers are placed strategically so that after the read, the item’s location is known to be within a defined area.  Additionally, real time locator systems (RTLS’) use an array of readers to triangulate a more precise location for the item.  Implementation of RFID systems is being driven primarily by large retailers and the Department of Defense (DOD).  They are requiring their suppliers to attach RFID tags to the items they supply.  However, it has been noted that suppliers who just “slap and ship” tags will find RFID to be an added expense.  Suppliers who use RFID tags to improve their inventory and production management will find RFID to be an investment with a fairly short payback.  This article will explore the relationship between RFID and Lean Manufacturing.  Are RFID and Lean competitive or compatible?  Does RFID improve Lean systems or do Lean systems improve RFID?
Commitment, Loyalty And Customer Lifetime Value: Investigating The Relationships Among Key Determinants
Authors: Marshall Norman W.
Published: February 2016

Using the theoretical underpinnings of relationship marketing, this study examined the relationships among various constructs relating to the management of a firm’s customers. In particular, the study investigated the multidimensional constructs of commitment and loyalty and the effect of a loyalty program on these dimensions. The study explored the relative impacts of affective and continuance commitment on these two dimensions of loyalty in a business-to-business context for a pharmaceutical distribution company.Reseasrchers have argued that affective commitment, being predicated on free choice and emotional attachment, should result in more enduring relationships compared to continuance commitment, which is based on economic benefits and the lack of viable alternatives that raise the exit barriers. The value of continuance commitment remains unclear as it is argued that continuance commitment can both enhance, as well as undermine, marketing relationships. Researchers have also argued that loyalty programs are likely to be more successful if they include, in their design, a greater emphasis on building emotional ties than promoting economic benefits. A self-administered survey was employed among 151 customers of a pharmaceutical distribution company and the results analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Square (PLS-Graph 3.0 Build 1130) for inferential analysis and SPSS version 16.0 for descriptive analyses. The results supported the theorized view that affective commitment has a greater impact on loyalty than does calculative commitment. The results, however, did not support the theorized positions of a significant impact of calculative commitment on loyalty, and there was also no empirical evidence that a loyalty program impacts commitment or customer lifetime value. The managerial and research implications of the study are also presented.
Protecting Indigenous Peoples through Right to Natural Resources: Lesson from the Existence of Navajo Tribe in the United States
Authors: Widiatedja I Gusti Ngurah Parikesit
Published: February 2016

From the perspective of international law, indigenous peoples have the rights to own, use, and control their natural resources within their territories. In the United States, the Navajo Tribe has enjoyed those rights. In terms of law making process, this tribe can enact some acts to preserve a control over their natural resources. Specifically, the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Solid Waste Act. Concerning law implementation and enforcement, Navajo Tribe has a right to equitable benefit sharing in natural resources and fair court proceeding for breach. As a result, the existence of rights for natural resources requires the U.S federal government to ensure fair administration of natural resources in order to mitigate an economic exploitation of natural resources in indigenous land.
Osmosis as Mechanism for Low-Salinity Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Sandengen K.. , Kristoffersen A.. , Melhuus K.. , Jøsang L. O.
Published: February 2016

We believe that osmosis has been overlooked as a possible mechanism for observed low-salinity enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) effects. Osmosis can occur in an oil/water/rock system when injecting low-salinity water, because the system is full of an excellent semipermeable membrane—the oil itself.

In the present work, water transport through oil films was visualized both in 2D micromodels and in sandstone cores imaged in a microcomputed tomography (CT). After treating these model systems with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) to render them more oil-wet, water became discontinuous, and it was possible to establish osmotic gradients. Either expansion or contraction of the connate water was observed, depending on the direction of the imposed salinity gradient.

Because osmosis could be the underlying mechanism for low-salinity EOR, two changes in research strategy are proposed: Most importantly, the use of spontaneous-imbibition tests as evidence for wettability alteration in low-salinity water should be critically reinvestigated. This is because observed production could have stemmed from “osmotic expansion” of the connate water rather than wettability change. Second, much research focus should be shifted from sandstone reservoirs to fractured oil-wet carbonates. Osmosis potentially yields larger responses for the latter reservoir type, whereas from a mechanistic perspective the reason behind low-salinity EOR functioning in both sandstones and carbonates deserves further attention.
Transformative Learning: Postgraduate Students' Reflections on a Community Engagement Program in South Africa
Authors: Isaacs Serena , Rose Jenny , Davids Charl
Published: February 2016

We explored the promotion of active citizenship through reports of engagement in a rural community program in the Western Cape. Students enrolled in a community psychology postgraduate course participated in this project, during which they made use of reflective journaling to record
their individual processes. We used thematic analysis to explore the themes within these journals. Through engagement with the community, students were able to acknowledge and reflect on significant differences between learning in the classroom and in the community. They were also able to
identify the qualities needed to work effectively within communities, and began to consider the ideas of active citizenship and community involvement. Eleven students were able to unite on this project, developing both as individuals and psychology students, through their shared experiences.
Common themes of questioning existing structures and resource availability are discussed.
Stock Market Returns and Suicide Rates: Evidence From the United States
Authors: Choi Sujung
Published: February 2016

I investigated whether or not social mood is associated with the financial decisions of market participants in the United States, using the monthly suicide rate to represent the degree of negative social mood in a society. From monthly suicide data collected over the period from January
1981 through to December 2012, I found that suicide rates are associated with stock market returns, in aggregate. Specifically, suicide rates predicted future stock market returns, showing contemporaneous and lagged relationships with U.S. stock market returns. Furthermore, small-cap stocks
were found to be more likely to be affected by suicide rates than were large-cap stocks. Female suicide rates had a stronger effect on market returns than male suicide rates did, suggesting that this suicide effect is not induced by economic reasons but, rather, is related to emotional factors
(e.g., investor mood).
History of the development of Eemian Interglacial lakes on the basis of Cladocera subfossil analysis (Central and Eastern Poland)
Authors: Niska Monika
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the results of Cladocera subfossil analysis using material obtained from five paleolakes of the Eemian Interglacial located in central and north-eastern Poland. Analyses of Cladocera subfossils in Poland and other parts of the world have revealed detailed results covering the last 13,000 years. Cladocera subfossils from sediments older than the last glaciation have been analysed occasionally. The first analyses of older sediments were conducted in Denmark by Frey in 1962. In Poland, the first analyses of this type were conducted on material obtained in Konin. The Eemian lakes subject to the study were formed at the end of the Warta Glaciation in tunnel and kettle holes. A continuous record of environmental changes throughout the Eemian Interglacial until the early Vistulian Glaciation has been preserved in lake sediments. The bottom part of the profile consists of sands and silts, followed by gyttja and peat. The upper part of the profile contains peat and organic shales. Cladocera subfossils found in Eemian sediments were thinner and their structure was more damaged. The low degree of subfossil preservation forced a change in the method of preparation of subfossils for microscopic analysis as required by IGCP Project 158. Cladocera species determined within the studied paleolakes correspond to the present-day species inhabiting the area of Poland and Europe. The species composition and the variability in the frequency of Cladocera specimens made it possible to distinguish discrete phases of lake development associated with changes in temperature and water level, trophic state and the presence of macrophytes. The results of Cladocera analysis are well correlated with data obtained in pollen analyses.
Land use and land cover changes simulated with agent-based modelling for water conservation at catchment scale
Authors: Giełda-Pinas Katarzyna , Ligmann-Zielińska Arika , Zwoliński Zbigniew
Published: February 2016

Various factors influence the spatial and temporal patterns of land cover and land use in lakeland landscapes. Land use/cover change (LUCC) is one of the crucial factors influencing both natural processes that occur in lakelands and lakes and anthropogenic processes, which intensify these changes. Therefore, LUCC at a local and regional scale may be treated as an important geoindicator for the functioning of the lakeland landscape. Nowadays, LUCC mostly depends on different human decisions. In the existing literature, the consequences of negative changes have already been widely recognized. Conversely, in this paper, we focus on the possible positive effects of LUCC. To that end, we built an agent-based model to show how selected human decisions may positively influence lakeland landscapes and lakes. We apply the model to the Gniezno Lakeland, Poland. Based on the environmental decisions of farmers, the model demonstrates how the LUCC pattern may change in time and space and how those changes may influence freshwater quality in four individual lake catchments of the Gniezno Lakeland.
Spatial variation of the chemical composition of lake waters in the Tatra National Park
Authors: Wolanin Anna , Chmielewska-Błotnicka Daria , Jelonkiewicz Łukasz , Żelazny Mirosław
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting the spatial variation of the chemical composition of lake waters in the Tatra Mountains. In most cases, the lake waters are acidic and very dilute, with a low ionic content and low conductivity values. In general, HCO3
- is the predominant anion and Ca2+ is the predominant cation in the chemical composition of the analysed water samples. Among nutrients, NO3
- is the dominant form of nitrogen, but also NH4
+ may be found in lake waters. By using principal component analysis (PCA) two factors have been identified that explain 63.6% of the variation in the chemical composition of water. Factor 1, which explains 43.2% of the total variability, is associated with Ca2+, SO4
2-, HCO3
-, Na+, pH and lake area and is related to weathering and atmospheric deposition. Factor 2 explains 20.4% of the total variability and is associated with Mg2+, K+, Cl- and with lake altitude. In terms of chemical composition, based on the projection of cases of the first and second factor, the lakes in the Tatra Mountains may be divided into four groups, representing the following: lakes situated within the subalpine forest at the lowest altitude (<1300 m a.s.l.), characterized by medium mineralization (~14 mg dm-3) and the highest concentration of NH4
+ and Cl- (Group I, 8 lakes); slightly alkaline lakes, with the lowest average acidification, medium mineralization (~31 mg dm-3) and the highest concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3
-, SO4
2-, and low concentrations of NO3
- (Group II, 2 lakes); small lakes (<0.01 ha) located within the alpine meadow and the nival zones at high elevations with the lowest mean mineralization (~4.3 mg dm-3), with the highest ammonium contribution to the sum of ions among all lakes and the largest sensitivity to acidification (Group III, 13 lakes); large lakes with high mineralization and slightly acidic pH (Group IV, 26 lakes) and medium mineralization (~31 mg dm-3).
The structural control of a landslide development and functioning of a lake geoecosystem in the catchment area of the Hucianka Stream (the Outer Carpathians, Beskid Niski)
Authors: Zatorski Michał , Buczek Krzysztof , Franczak Paweł
Published: February 2016

The landslide in Huta Polańska (Beskid Niski/Lower Beskids) is an example of a particular lake geoecosystem. The largest inter-colluvial depression forms a lake basin constantly filled with water, with a natural outflow in the form of a watercourse. Three drainless sink-holes constituting places of periodical accumulation of water and organic-mineral sediments were localized within the landslide. The direction of the landslide movement and its wedge-like shape are determined primarily by the fault surface located in its south-western part. It also forces the linear course of the streams and the cascade location of depressions between colluvial ramparts, seasonally or permanently filled with water. The inventory of minor tectonic structures and the morphotectonic analysis indicate tectonic conditions of this landslide lake geoecosystem. The structures located within the fault surfaces are indicative of shear stresses and their orientation determines the direction of rock movement (Zuchiewicz, 1997a; Szczęsny, 2003). The morphological analysis and correlation of landslide forms indicate the combined rotational-translational motion. It was ended by mud and debris flow which divided the valley longitudinal axis and damming the waters of the Hucianka stream. The result is a landslide dam lake, whose effects are visible within the floodplain above the former landslide dam. In order to formulate the final conclusions regarding the morphotectonic analysis and the slope transformation phases, laser scanning photos were also used.
Cohort Study Comparing the Berg Balance Scale and the Mini-BESTest in People Who Have Multiple Sclerosis and Are Ambulatory
Authors: Ross Elaine , Purtill Helen , Uszynski Marcin , Hayes Sara , Casey Blathin , Browne Catherine , Coote Susan
Published: February 2016

Background

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a balance measure commonly used for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Mini-BESTest is an alternative based on balance systems.

Objective

The study objective was to compare the BBS and the Mini-BESTest for sensitivity to change, likelihood ratios for walking aid use and falls, and associations with clinical variables in people who have MS and are ambulatory.

Design

This was a cohort study with measurements before and after exposure to 8 weeks of routine physical therapy intervention.

Methods

For 52 participants who had a primary diagnosis of MS and who were independently mobile, with or without an aid, demographic details and a history of falls and near falls were collected. Participants completed the Mini-BESTest, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12, BBS, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and Six-Minute Walk Test.

Results

No participant started with a baseline Mini-BESTest maximum score of 28, whereas 38.5% (n=20) started with a baseline BBS maximum score of 56. Statistically significant changes in the Mini-BESTest score (X̅=5.31, SD=3.5) and the BBS score (X̅=1.4, SD=1.9) were demonstrated. Effect sizes for the Mini-BESTest and the BBS were 0.70 and 0.37, respectively; standard response means for the Mini-BESTest and the BBS were 1.52 and 0.74, respectively. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the Mini-BESTest and the BBS were 0.88 and 0.77, respectively, for detecting mobility device use and 0.88 and 0.75, respectively, for detecting self-reported near falls. The Mini-BESTest had a higher correlation for each secondary measure than did the BBS.

Limitations

This study involved a sample of convenience; 61% of the participants did not use a walking aid. The order of testing was not randomized, and fall status was obtained through retrospective recall.

Conclusions

The Mini-BESTest had a lower ceiling effect and higher values on responsiveness tests. These findings suggest that the Mini-BESTest may be better at detecting changes in balance in people who have MS, are ambulatory, and have relatively little walking disability.
Salt Intake Behavior Among the Faculties And Doctors of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences
Authors: Zaman Muhammed Shahriar , Barua Lingkan , Bushra Sumia , Sultana Tonima , Hossain Iftekhar , Sultana Sharmin , Banik Palash Chandra , Faruque Mithila , Moniruzzaman Md , Zaman M Mostafa
Published: February 2016

Background: Excess of salt consumption increases blood pressure which is a leading risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. The real salt intake practice among Bangladeshi population is still unknown which demands further research. The objective of the study was to assess the salt intake pattern among the faculties and doctors of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 92 faculties and doctors of BUHS in 2015 using a semi-structured, self-administered and modified version of WHO STEPS questionnaire of salt intake. The questionnaire included information regarding knowledge and practice of salt intake.Results: Among the total respondents 58% were women and 60% were academicians with mean age 41.1 ±10.6 years. The prevalence of added salt intake in meal was 28.2%. Regarding practice, 31.6% used salty sauce in meal, 52.8% used salty sauce in cooking, and 41.8% consumed processed food with high salt. But almost three fourth (72.8%) of the respondents believed that lowering salt in meal is very important and 93.5% of them believed that excess salt or salty sauce can cause a health problem.Conclusion: The respondents had overall good knowledge regarding added salt intake but the practice was low. To reduce the prevalence of added salt intake further awareness needs to be developed.Cardiovasc. j. 2016; 8(2): 94-98
Profile and Outcome of In-hospital Cardiac Arrest in Coronary Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Das Prabir K , Ghafur Shakil , Murshed Manzur , Charkovortty Swadesh Kumar
Published: February 2016

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrests are associated with poor survival despite basic and advanced life support measures. Objective of this study was to find out the profile and outcome of in-hospital cardiac arrest patients admitted to coronary care unit (CCU) of Chittagong Medical College Hospital.Methods: This prospective observational study was done on 243 consecutive patients developing cardiac arrest in CCU of Chittagong Medical College Hospital during a period of 1 year. Baseline demographics, clinical data, such as mode of arrest, timing of the event, duration of resuscitation were recorded. Basic and advanced life support measures were given according to AHA guidelines. The main outcomes were death and survival to hospital discharge with or without severe neurological disability.Results: There were 168 male and 75 female. Male:female ratio was 2.4:1.Mean age of the study population was 56.5±14.6 (range 23-76 yrs). Out of 243 arrest cases 108 (44.4%) had ventricular fibrillation(VF), 75(30.8%) had pulseless ventricular tachycardia(VT), 51 (20.8%) had pulseless electrical activity(PEA) and 9 patients (3.7%) had asystole. Mean±SD of time to defibrillation was 1.8±4.3min (range 0-30 min). Ninety eight (40.2%) patients had a return to spontaneous circulation, 71 (29.2%) survived up to 24 hours and only 46 (18.9%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Out of the 183 patients with VF and pulseless VT, 42 (22.9%) survived to hospital discharge. Survival following asystole and PEA were only 6.6% in each.Conclusion: Only 18.9% of cardiac arrest victims survived to hospital discharge. Initial cardiac arrest rhythm as VF and pulseless VT, a shorter time to defibrillation and location whether the event in monitored area were factors associated with a higher survival.Cardiovasc. j. 2016; 8(2): 123-127
New Aspects to Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Policies for Low Carbon Cities
Authors: Dalianis George , Nanaki Evanthia , Xydis George , Zervas Efthimios
Published: February 2016

Methane (CH4) is an important greenhouse gas emitted by vehicles. This study provides estimates of emissions of this important and often not well characterized greenhouse gas (GHG) emission related to transportation energy use. It aims to assist urban community planners and policymakers to prioritize and choose implementation strategies for low carbon cities. The paper focuses on emissions of CH4 from vehicles. Unlike emissions of CO2, which are relatively easy to estimate, emissions of CH4 are a function of many complex aspects of combustion dynamics and depend on the type of emission control systems used. In this context, they cannot be derived easily and instead must be determined through the use of published emission factors for each combination of fuel, end-use technology, combustion conditions, and emission control systems. Emissions of CH4 play a significant role with regards to the relative CO2–equivalent GHG emissions of the use of alternative transportation fuels, in comparison with the use of conventional fuels. By analyzing a database based on literature review this study analyzes all the factors affecting the creation of CH4 emissions from different vehicle types. Statistical analysis indicated “r” values ranging from 0.10 to 0.85 for all vehicles.
Shielding Effectiveness Simulation of Small Perforated Shielding Enclosures Using FEM
Authors: Kubík Zdeněk , Skála Jiří
Published: February 2016

Numerical simulation of shielding effectiveness (SE) of a perforated shielding enclosure is carried out, using the finite element method (FEM). Possibilities of model definitions and differences between 2D and 3D models are discussed. An important part of any simulation is verification of the model results—here the simulation result are verified in terms of convergence of the model in dependence on the degrees of freedom (DOF) and by measurements. The experimental method is based on measurement of electric field inside the enclosure using an electric field probe with small dimensions is described in the paper. Solution of an illustrative example of SE by FEM is shown and simulation results are verified by experiments.
A Co-Simulation Framework for Power System Analysis
Authors: Oh Seaseung , Chae Suyong
Published: February 2016

Power system electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation has been used to study the electromagnetic behavior of power system components. It generally comprises detailed models of the study area and an equivalent circuit which represents an external part of the study area. However, a detailed description of an external system that includes transmission or distribution system models is required to study the interaction among power system components because the number of high power converter based devices in a power grid have been increasing. Since detailed models of the system components are necessary to simulate a series of events such as cascading faults the computational burden of power system simulation has increased. Therefore a more effective and practical framework has been sought to handle this computational challenge. This paper proposes a co-simulation framework including a delay compensation algorithm to compensate the time delayed signals due to network segmentation and a fast and flexible simulation environment composed of non-real time power system EMT simulation on a general purpose computer with a multi core central processing unit (CPU), which is currently very popular owing to its performance. The proposed methods are applied to an AC/DC power system model.
Changes in Immunogenicity during the Development of Urinary Bladder Cancer: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Jóźwicki Wojciech , Brożyna Anna , Siekiera Jerzy , Slominski Andrzej
Published: February 2016

In the present study, we evaluated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and blood regulatory T lymphocyte (Tregs, CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+) expression in bladder cancer patients. The number of CD4+, CD8+, CD25+, FoxP3+ and CD20+ TILs was analyzed in association with clinico-pathomorphological features. In more advanced metastasizing tumors, showing non-classic differentiation (ND) and a more aggressive tissue invasion type (TIT), the number of TILs decreased. A low number of CD4+ TILs was associated with poor prognosis. Similarly, Treg frequency before surgery and after surgical treatment was significantly lower in more advanced tumors. The changes in TILs, as well as of local and systemic Tregs, were accompanied by changes in the histological phenotype of urothelial carcinoma regarding pT stage, NDs, TIT, and clinical outcomes. The number of TILs and the frequency of blood Tregs (indicators of antitumor response) may be essential for choosing an immunotherapy that is adjusted to the immune status according to the phase of tumor growth. Moreover, a significant reduction in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs with the development of NDs in more advanced tumors may be associated with lower tumor immunogenicity, resulting in immune tolerance towards tumor tissue. These observations and the tendency of urothelial bladder carcinoma to undergo NDs in a heterogeneous manner during tumor progression suggest complex interactions between bladder cancer immunogenicity and stages of tumor progression.
Microstructure and Characteristic of BiVO4 Prepared under Different pH Values: Photocatalytic Efficiency and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Qu Zhengyao , Liu Peng , Yang Xiaoyu , Wang Fazhou , Zhang Wenqin , Fei Chenggang
Published: February 2016

In the present study, BiVO4 sample was prepared under different pH 0.5–13 without capping agent. Different morphology characteristics were observed, such as sheet crystal structure, cross crystal structure and branching crystal structure. The mechanism of the formation of BiVO4 nanostructure was discussed. Under acid condition, sheet crystal structure was obtained. The phenomenon could be attributed to polymerization of vanadate in the presence of H+. In the weak alkaline solution, across structure and branching type morphology was obtained. The photocatalytic efficiency for the samples ranked as pH 5 > pH 3 > pH 7 > pH 9 > pH 1 > pH 11 > pH 13 > blank, which is in good agreement with X-ray diffraction (XRD) result. E. coli envelop was damaged in the presence of BiVO4 under visible light. The protrusion on envelop was diminished by BiVO4. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) results suggested the intensity was weakened for the amide, phosphoric, –COO− group and C-H bond in lipopolysaccharides (LPS), peptidoglycan and periplasm molecules.
An Efficient Chemical Synthesis of Scutellarein: An in Vivo Metabolite of Scutellarin
Authors: Dong Ze-Xi , Li Nian-Guang , Zhang Peng-Xuan , Gu Ting , Wu Wen-Yu , Shi Zhi-Hao
Published: February 2016

Scutellarein (2), which is an important in vivo metabolite of scutellarin (1), was synthesized from 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol (3) in high yield in four steps. This strategy relies on acetylation, aldolization, cyclization and hydrolysis reactions, respectively.
Developments of the Physical and Electrical Properties of NiCr and NiCrSi Single-Layer and Bi-Layer Nano-Scale Thin-Film Resistors
Authors: Cheng Huan-Yi , Chen Ying-Chung , Li Chi-Lun , Li Pei-Jou , Houng Mau-Phon , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: February 2016

In this study, commercial-grade NiCr (80 wt % Ni, 20 wt % Cr) and NiCrSi (55 wt % Ni, 40 wt % Cr, 5 wt % Si) were used as targets and the sputtering method was used to deposit NiCr and NiCrSi thin films on Al2O3 and Si substrates at room temperature under different deposition time. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films were amorphous phase, and the field-effect scanning electronic microscope observations showed that only nano-crystalline grains were revealed on the surfaces of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films. The log (resistivity) values of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin-film resistors decreased approximately linearly as their thicknesses increased. We found that the value of temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR value) of the NiCr thin-film resistors was positive and that of the NiCrSi thin-film resistors was negative. To investigate these thin-film resistors with a low TCR value, we designed a novel bi-layer structure to fabricate the thin-film resistors via two different stacking methods. The bi-layer structures were created by depositing NiCr for 10 min as the upper (or lower) layer and depositing NiCrSi for 10, 30, or 60 min as the lower (or upper) layer. We aim to show that the stacking method had no apparent effect on the resistivity of the NiCr-NiCrSi bi-layer thin-film resistors but had large effect on the TCR value.
Laccase-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Assemblies as Efficient Nanobiocatalysts for Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Patila Michaela , Kouloumpis Antonios , Gournis Dimitrios , Rudolf Petra , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: February 2016

Multi-layer graphene oxide-enzyme nanoassemblies were prepared through the multi-point covalent immobilization of laccase from Trametes versicolor (TvL) on functionalized graphene oxide (fGO). The catalytic properties of the fGO-TvL nanoassemblies were found to depend on the number of the graphene oxide-enzyme layers present in the nanostructure. The fGO-TvL nanoassemblies exhibit an enhanced thermal stability at 60 °C, as demonstrated by a 4.7-fold higher activity as compared to the free enzyme. The multi-layer graphene oxide-enzyme nanoassemblies can efficiently catalyze the oxidation of anthracene, as well as the decolorization of an industrial dye, pinacyanol chloride. These materials retained almost completely their decolorization activity after five reaction cycles, proving their potential as efficient nano- biocatalysts for various applications.
Exploration and Exploitation as Antecedents of Environmental Performance: The Moderating Effect of Technological Dynamism and Firm Size
Authors: Yu Gun , Kwon Kyoung-Min , Lee Joonkyum , Jung Hojin
Published: February 2016

This study aims to expand our understanding of environmental performance by adopting exploration and exploitation concepts, which are key types of firm innovation. We reveal exploration and exploitation as two important antecedents of proactive and reactive environmental performance. We also identify the conditions under which the distinct effects of these two types of innovation are moderated. Using a sample of 2060 firm-year observations over a 12-year period in various industries, we find that firm exploration positively affects proactive environmental performance, whereas firm exploitation positively influences reactive environmental performance. Furthermore, we find that the positive effect of exploitation on reactive environmental performance intensifies when technological dynamism is high, and the positive effect of exploration on proactive environmental performance strengthens when a firm is large.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Prevalence of an Intracompartmental Septum in Patients With de Quervain's Disease
Authors: Sato Junko , Ishii Yoshinori , Noguchi Hideo
Published: February 2016

It has been reported that more patients with de Quervain's disease who had undergone surgical treatment had a septated dorsal compartment than did normal cadavers. The purpose of this study was to sonographically evaluate the prevalence of an intracompartmental septum in patients with de Quervain's disease and to compare the prevalence between groups categorized by sex, age, and peripartum status. The authors performed an ultrasonographic examination of 112 wrists from 103 patients with de Quervain's disease. The prevalence of a septum-like structure in the first compartment was compared between men and women, between older (≥40 years) and younger (≤39 years) patients, and between pregnant or lactating women and other patients. The prevalence of intracompartmental septum in patients with de Quervain's disease was 61.6% (69 of 112). Of the 69 wrists with an intracompartmental septum-like structure, 53 showed this structure completely through the level of the radial styloid, and 16 showed it partially on the level of the distal radial styloid. There was no significant difference between any 2 groups categorized by the patients' demographics. The prevalence of intracompartmental septation in the patients with de Quervain's disease was higher than the previously reported prevalence in cadavers and lower than that of patients who underwent surgery. This result was consistent with a previous report that patients with a septated dorsal compartment may be more at risk of contracting de Quervain's disease and more prone to failure of nonoperative treatment. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(2):112–116.]
Surgical Treatment of Displaced Acetabular Fractures Using a Modified Stoppa Approach
Authors: Elmadag Mehmet , Guzel Yunus , Aksoy Yusuf , Arazi Mehmet
Published: February 2016

A retrospective evaluation was performed of 36 patients (25 males and 11 females; average age, 44 years) with displaced acetabular fractures who were treated with a modified Stoppa approach. Fractures included 18 anterior columns, 2 both columns, 8 anterior columns with posterior hemitransverse, 6 transverse, and 2 T-type, according to the Judet and Letournel classification. Range of motion, Harris Hip Scores, and Merle d'Aubigné scores were evaluated. Pre- and postoperative measurements taken included displacements and gaps on axial, coronal, and sagittal computed tomography (CT) images and postreduction quality assessed radiologically. Mean follow-up was 14.7 months. Mean perioperative bleeding was 970 cc (range, 800–1250 cc). Mean Harris Hip Score was 77.9, mean Merle d'Aubigné score was 16.4, mean flexion was 105.2°, and mean extension was 16.9°. Anatomical reduction of the acetabular fracture was achieved in 29 (80.5%) patients; it was satisfactory in 5 (13.8%) and poor in 2 (5%). Mean preoperative displacements on axial, coronal, and sagittal sections were 4.1, 3.6, and 3.1 mm, respectively, and mean postoperative displacements were 0.2, 0.3, and 0.2 mm, respectively. Mean preoperative gap distance was 14.5 mm, and mean postoperative gap distance was 1.1 mm. Postoperative foot drop was observed in 2 patients, obturator nerve damage in 1, partial iliac vein damage in 1, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 1. Despite a steep learning curve, the modified Stoppa approach is a good alternative to the ilioinguinal approach. It can be used to treat many complex acetabular fractures. [Orthopedics.2016; 39(2):e340–e345.]
Global Media Events
Authors: Morgner Christian
Published: February 2016

This chapter will address the theory of the media event by Dayan & Katz from an international perspective. Both authors have studied and analysed a number of media events, but have ignored the global nature of these events. Furthermore, their focus on television as the prime medium has ignored historical approaches, namely, the sinking of the Titanic or was not yet applied to the range of new media, in particular social media, for instance, during the Fukushima disaster. This chapter will revisit these events, but discuss this event from a global perspective. How was it possible that the entire world would focus its attention to this event? What narratives, networks, symbols where required to create a density that made this event outstanding, created a before and after? How could a global audience be reached; culturally and technological? This research will look into material from various world regions, North America, Europe, Asia, Latin-America and Africa. On the basis of this material the chapter aims to extend Dayan & Katz original theory of the media event, through the dimension of the global media event, but also by opening this theory to research the role of other media technologies and settings. Theoretical considerations will address the role of global rituals and social media practices, but also the role of time and simultaneity of media messages and patterns, narratives and gestures of the media events' audience. On the basis of this more analytical frame of reference the global nature of other media events and media technologies will be discussed.
More Hope!
Authors: Sonnevend Julia
Published: February 2016

In a journal article entitled ‘No More Peace!': How Disaster, Terror and War Have Upstaged Media Events (2007), Elihu Katz and Tamar Liebes offered a substantial revision of Media Events: The Live Broadcasting of History (Dayan & Katz, 1992). Katz and Liebes included “dark” events in the “media events” concept, distinguishing unexpected, disruptive events from the carefully scripted, integrative events that had been the sole focus of Media Events. They also claimed that disruptive events – like disaster, terror and war – have in fact upstaged more classical media events. In contrast, in this chapter I argue that ceremonial media events - as originally conceptualized by Dayan and Katz in the nineties - are still essential and powerful features of our social lives. First, I present an overview of the “pessimistic turn” of media events research and provide my criticism of it. Second, I discuss three contemporary case studies from three national contexts: the Obama inauguration (2009), the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (2011) and the most recent World Cup (2014). These three events represent the three basic scripts introduced by Dayan and Katz: “conquest,” “coronation” and “contest.” I argue that the selected case studies (and many other events) still bring societies and nations together in our “disillusioned” media environment, providing momentary hope for local and cosmopolitan citizens.