bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NLP MODULE FOR BULGARIAN TEXT PROCESSING
Authors: Cherecharov Stoyan , Krushkov Hristo , Krushkova Mariana
Published: October 2017

The wide use of web-based information systems and a lack of highly skilled developers are the primary motivation to search for methods and approaches to optimize the building of such systems. This paper describes a model for creating web-based information systems by using a core of reusable, independent, and installable base modules. Such a system is easily adapted to a clientâ€™s needs and is extendable by adding specific modules that interact with the remainder of the system by following certain rules. The approach allows flexible and rapid development of applications for small to extremely large web-based systems, simply by adding modules with adequate functionality. The growing demand of Bulgarian customers for such systems is the reason for building a base module for automatic processing of Bulgarian text. This paper presents a module that performs automatic morphological analysis and synthesis, verifies syntactic agreement, automatically places stress, and processes complex verb forms, among other functions. The described functionality can be integrated with other modules using a suitable interface
TOOL TO SUPPORT THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
Authors: Jagoda-Sobalak Dominika , ĹapuĹ„ka Iwona
Published: October 2017

This article indicates the need to create innovation in the economy. The innovative process is closely related to creative management, including methods of creative problem solving. The presented tool to support the use of creative problem-solving methods (in particular inventive creation methods) is aimed to design and implement innovative solutions. The described tool supports the selection process of methods and enables fast application of the method. The tool was designed based on literature research and a repeated case study. A case study consisted of 3 stages: creativity research, creative sessions using the inventive methods, and development of guidelines for the construction of the tool to support the design and implementation of innovative solutions. The study included manufacturing and service companies in southern Poland. The tool (in the form of a database of inventive methods) has been positively verified. The conducted verification was held according to the adopted scheme in the repeated case study. However, the methods used to generate innovation have been selected by using the application process of the tool supporting selection of inventic methods.
CYTOTOXICITY AND GENOTOXICITY OF SOIL IN SHUMEN CITY PARK
Authors: Koynova Teodora , Koleva Vanya , Dragoeva Asya , Kuleva Ivayla
Published: October 2017

Sedentary lifestyle has become a great concern to human health. City parks play a great role in the solution of this problem, but exposure to urban pollutants leads to the necessity to monitor environmental quality.Purpose of Study The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of soil samples collected from Shumen city park using Allium cepa L.-test.Methods The following microscopic parameters were used: mitotic index, index of each phase of mitotic division, mitotic abnormalities and interphase cells with micronuclei or two nuclei.Findings and Results The decline of the mitotic activity and changes in the proportion of mitotic phases indicate soil cytotoxicity. Various mitotic abnormalities and binucleated cells revealed genotoxicity.Conclusions and Recommendations Established cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of soil revealed a potential health risk to park users. Further analyses should be provided, since positive results from Allium-test serve as an alarm.
DETERMINATION OF ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF SELECTED BOROXINES
Authors: Marasović Maja , Roščić Antonio , Galić Borivoj , Miloš Mladen
Published: October 2017

Our previous in vitro and in vivo studies on standard tumor cell lines: mammary adenocarcinoma 4T1, melanoma B16F10, and squamous cell carcinoma SCCVII have demonstrated that dipotassium-trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate, K2[B3O3F4OH], affects the growth of cancer cells. Based on indicative results of its anticancer activity, that are comparable to the standard cytostatic 5-fluorouracil, we decided to analyze the antioxidant capacity of K2[B3O3F4OH]. In our research, we include two other simpler representatives of the boroxine family compounds: trimethoxyboroxine and trimethylboroxine, which are commercially available. The study objective is to explore the possibility of similar behavior within the same class of boron compounds, that is, to examine the activity of K2[B3O3F4OH] compared to simpler representatives of the same family of compounds. On the one hand, K2[B3O3F4OH], theoretically has the ability to exchange electrons in the extinction of reactive radicals, since two boron atoms are sp3-hybridized and use electrons from the inner shell. On the other hand, trimethoxyboroxine, and trimethylboroxine, in theory, should not exchange electrons. However, recent studies indicate the potential for the boron atom to act like carbon and participate in the exchange of protons. The study used the standard laboratory method of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assay. The selected boroxines were treated with a DPPH radical at a temperature of 35° C in various concentrations, and with a reaction time of one hour. Results of the DPPH test show an extremely weak antioxidant capacity exists for all investigated boroxines. When K2[B3O3F4OH] was tested at high concentrations, instead of decreased color in the DPPH radicals, there was an increase in absorbance readings, which could mean that this compound acts as a pro-oxidant at higher concentrations. Future research is recommended to examine the length of reaction times needed, and whether a change in the reaction conditions would boost the antioxidant capacity of K2[B3O3F4OH]. Finally, future research could test the hypothesis that K2[B3O3F4OH], in the absence of the expected antioxidant activity, acts as a pro-oxidant.
IONIZATION EQUILIBRIUM AND COMPOSITION OF LI-H-U PLASMA
Authors: Gabdullin Maratbek , Ramazanov Tlekkabul , Otarbay Zhuldyz , Mamatova Meruert , Ismagambetova Tomiris
Published: October 2017

In this paper composition of a non-ideal lithium-hydrogen-uranium plasma was studied using the Saha equation. The results obtained in this paper can be used both in theoretical calculations and in the implementation of various experimental projects related to non-ideal plasma, in particular, for studying the thermodynamic properties of nuclear fuel detected in gaseous plasma form in nuclear jet engines. The degree of ionization of lithium, hydrogen, and uranium atoms was determined as the ratio of the number of free electrons to the total number of nuclei in the plasma. The composition of the ionized plasma was calculated in the framework of the system of the chemical model of plasma. A system of nonlinear Saha equations is obtained, which was solved by numerical methods. The calculations were carried out in the Debye approximation, taking into account the screening effects. As a result, the dependence of the degree of ionization of lithium, hydrogen, and uranium atoms on concentration and temperature at different percentages of these atoms in the substance is presented: 10-85-5%, 9-90-1%, respectively.
MODERN MEANS OF PRODUCTION AND THE STAFF AWARENESS OF THE TECHNICAL IN THE PLANT OF THE MINING INDUSTRY
Authors: Palka Dorota , Brodny JarosĹ‚aw , StecuĹ‚a Kinga
Published: October 2017

The rapid rate of introducing new technology leads to the issue of staff awareness in operating the latest equipment. Many users do not understand how new devices work and how to use the new machines and gadgets. This article presents the results of research aimed at determining the influence of new technology on the technological awareness of mining workers. Surveys and advanced expert interviews have shown that the lack of technical knowledge means the introduced changes are often perceived negatively by staff and that the main reason for this outcome is the absence of effective education. Lack of knowledge means that frequently the effectiveness of the new and technologically advanced machines is marginal. Presented problems due to the high competition in the energy market have a crucial practical significance. The results of this research may be valuable as a source of information and knowledge for companies.
FLOODS RISK ASSESSMENT IN BULGARIA
Authors: Makakov Venelin Tsankov , Velichkova Rositsa Todorova , Simova Iskra Sashova , Marko Detelin Ganchev
Published: October 2017

Floods continue to be the most economically devastating natural disaster in the world. Worldwide, there are a lot of laws and regulations addressing this problem, as well as different models and approaches developed for flooding risk assessment at different stages of urban planning. The aim of this work is to review the existing measures for prevention of floods that threaten the security of the human population, flora and fauna. The study focuses on the necessary measures which must be implemented to tackle the problem, and early warning of population in emergency and disaster situations in order to reduce damage from floods. Existing statistical data is reviewed and analyzed and, as a consequence, recommendations are proposed.
STUDYING MINDSETS OF STUDENTS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
Authors: Antipesheva Tsvetana Kostadinova
Published: October 2017

This theme of solving problems is very actual. Their conclusion begins in school and continues whole life. This presentation consists of an investigation with students about solving problems. During the work the following conceptual basis for research intentions was raised: As a basic conceptual basis in this study the increased interest in psychological approaches such as changes in Bulgarian educational paradigm determine the need for the transformation in education is considered. Conceptually, thĐµ reason is the fact that the current situation needs ways which to be found to improve the practical training of young people.Last but not least, it can be said that modern socio-scientific context puts imprints on attitudes and the ways of acquiring the students, the emphasis is placed on the learner as an individual - with specific needs, attitudes and motivation. In connection with the teaching of problem-solving, the following general questions arise: How the students in the program acquire the necessary training? Is it adequate in their future practical activity? How modern is the current methodology for solving problems and how to update it? What are the new guidelines to improve training in order to solve problems in a meaningful? How to determine the ratio of students to solve problems? There are the conclusions from the results of the investigation.
NIKE ON INSTAGRAM: THEMES OF BRANDED CONTENT AND THEIR ENGAGEMENT POWER
Authors: Balan Carmen
Published: October 2017

Instagram is the fastest developing new media of high interest to marketers. As at December 21, 2016, the community included 600 million Instagrammers. This paper explores the problem of whether various themes of branded content differ significantly in their engagement power (ability to generate likes, views, and comments). The methodological approach consists of online monitoring of content in posts of a leading brand, Nike, for its 17 verified-badge Instagram accounts. The study focused on posts during the month of February 2017. The chi-square goodness of fit test (for one variable) was applied in the data analysis stage of the research. The initial hypothesis of significant differences between branded content themes as regards their engagement power was accepted. The practical implications of these findings for marketers include better selection of brand messages for Instagrammers and an increase in engagement levels.
THE POWER OF PRIVATE BRANDS
Authors: Dimitrieska Savica , Koneska Ljiljana , Kozareva Kostadinka Gavazova , Teofilovska Jasna
Published: October 2017

National brands are well-known and popular brands of manufacturers, such as Coca Cola, McDonald's, Milka, Maggi, Colgate, Toblerone, Evian, Knorr, etc. These brands usually are well accepted and favorites of consumers. They associate with high quality, availability, feelings, experiences, promotions, and events. However, their popularity is increasingly threatened by private brands. Private brands are brands of retailers and distributors, that starting from the 14th century, and especially today, have conquered lots of consumers. Initially, private brands appeared among consumer goods (food products) and were without name, style, design, with relatively low quality and with much lower prices than national brands.Economic crises, low living standard, poverty that existed in several countries in the middle of the XIX-th century caused the consumers to become more sensitive to prices, and they began to show interest in private brands. The greater demand for these products the richer became the retailers. Retailehad a great advantage: they knew the needs and wants of consumers. With time, retailers have invested more in quality, taste, packaging, design, style, and colors of their brands that have attracted more customers. Today, private brands represent a severe competitive threat to national brands. Some recent research shows that private brands are more popular and more required than national brands. This paper aims to reveal the future of national and private brands with the help of empirical research.
IDENTIFICATION OF RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS WITHIN A RESILIENT CITY IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Authors: Havko Ján , Titko Michal , Kováčová Jana
Published: October 2017

Apparently, there is a significant increase in the occurrence of disasters and their negative consequences. It is believed that the main reason of this problem is related to climate change. In recent years, several approaches and efforts related to the topic of climate changes have been researched and in some cases also implemented. One of them is the resilient city concept as a tool dedicated for enhancing resilience and decreasing the vulnerability of a city and its citizens in case of a disaster. In this article, the concept of the resilient city is briefly described. The very important role within the resilient city represents the stakeholders. The understanding of the stakeholders’ possible participation in city resilience building is important for city security. For that purpose, the relevant stakeholders’ identification is necessary. Our research was conducted with regard to the data from the Step Up project and takes into consideration recommendations from the resilient city concept.
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT WITH A BRAND IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Authors: Hofman-Kohlmeyer Magdalena
Published: October 2017

Nowadays, a strong brand is one of the most valuable assets of a company. In order to obtain this asset, the growing ranks of enterprises decide to include social media in their marketing strategy. Social media gives the possibility to have customers highly engaged with a brand. The present article is aimed to give an outlook on the process of building customer engagement in a brand throughout social media. The presented approach is based on a literature review.INTRODUCTION: The meaning of social media in engaging customers is widely acknowledged.  In order to building a strong brand and make current customers loyal, the growing ranks of managers decide to include social media in their marketing strategy.OBJECTIVES: The present article is aimed to give a theoretical outlook on engaging a customer with a brand throughout social media.METHODS: To achieve the assumed goals the author presents a literature review.RESULTS: The literature review offers some directives on how to make customer engage with a brand, information on how this process should proceed and information about the profits which can the brand obtain.CONCLUSION: Social media gives an opportunity to make customers highly engaged in a brand. The building of customer engagement throughout social media takes place through the following process: connection, interaction, satisfaction, retention, commitment, advocacy and customer engagement. Social media is also treated as a source of mass communication. One-to-one communication between stakeholders and firm-to-firm communication exert a positive impact on brand trust. In terms of customer-to-customer communication, there are some doubts. The authors also indicated the vital role of content quality and the occurrence of negative conversations on the fan page.
TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS AS PART OF A FUNCTIONAL MODERN SOCIETY
Authors: Hristova Petya Vaskova
Published: October 2017

The European economy is dependent on transport. Electronics, fertilizer, medical items, metal paint, plastic, rubber and different modes of machinery are classified as dangerous goods when transported, as are pesticides and different products for agriculture and cosmetics. Within the transport context, dangerous goods are considered to be those goods which may cause harm to people, the environment or property. They are transported mainly by specialized companies, using special equipment. It is vitally important for the economy that dangerous goods are transported in a well-synchronized logistic chain that is both functioning and efficient. The transport often requires the use of different transport modes, intermediate storing or crossing of national borders. In order to ensure that the complex chain is efficiently functioning, the following article aims to summarize the harmonization and bridge the differences between the nation's legislations and those governing the various modes of transport. Innovative technical tools, methods, and systems are analyzed in cooperation with operators and infrastructure managers. The article describes how the economy is highly influenced by safety regulations and anti-terror actions
THE GUIDELINES FOT STRENGHTENING AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES IN THE ASEAN REGION
Authors: Jukrkorn Narongsak
Published: October 2017

The majority of the populations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), are small and consists of poverty farmers. The governments of almost all countries in the region employ agricultural cooperatives as a tool to tackle poverty and the problems of farmers. However, many cooperatives in this region have similar problems of how to manage their business in response to membersâ€™ needs and environmental changes. Data and insightful information were drawn from a series of training courses and workshops during 2013-2015. The main objective of this paper is to present the guidelines for enhance cooperatives organizational capability. The series of learning intervention programs, study visits in both Thailand and Germany, strategic planning, business plan formulation, plan implementation, monitoring and supporting as well lesson learned summarization, have been integrated for building up organizational capability. The outcomes are emerging of new business and services of four pilot cooperatives in Vietnam. The model for strengthening Vietnamâ€™s cooperatives can be applied to other countries in the ASEAN region.
MODERN MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY USING THE BRAND EXAMPLE OF YVES SAINT LAURENT
Authors: Kasztalska Anastazja Magdalena
Published: October 2017

The Brand Yves Saint Laurent is a company that represents a modern approach to management in the fashion industry. This article aims to answer the question of whether modern methods of marketing and management to generate profits for the company in the form of greater customer interest and increased sales. Research methods used in the article is a survey made with the cooperation with the buyers of luxury brand Yves Saint Laurent. Unquestionably, there is a strong link between marketing luxury brands and its results in sales. Further research can be focused on a bigger scale of this huge phenomenon.
EVALUATING WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM
Authors: PerĹˇolja Melita
Published: October 2017

Due to the complexity of health promotion interventions, uneconomical evaluation indicators are recommended. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of multi-component workplace health promotion intervention. The goals were to study the association of health promotion with health status. In a controlled study trial, 278 workers of primary schools and municipal administration had the chance to participate in six-month workplace health promotion program. Employees have fulfilled a questionnaire at baseline and then again after completion of the program. The results showed that in the test group, the incidence of problems with health significantly declined, but the rating of health status decreased and the average absence days increased over time. The higher working hours per week correlated to obesity and high blood pressure. It can be concluded that workplace health promotion activity could support a change in health status and therefore contribute to higher quality of life.
CYCLIC DYNAMICS OF INFLATION: EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Protasov Alexander , Kotcofana Tatyana , Stazhkova Polina
Published: October 2017

The paper is dedicated to the study of nonlinear dynamics of inflation. We hypothesize that in the second half of the twentieth century, inflation cycles replaced the pre-existing inflation-deflation cycles. This hypothesis is based on the study of data about price levels in various countries of the world for the period of 1950 to 2016. The paper shows some results of a spectral analysis that was applied to the dynamic series of prices. The results of the spectral analysis confirmed the hypothesis about the existence of inflation cycles.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AS ONE OF FACTORS OF WORK MOTIVATION
Authors: StalmaĹˇekovĂˇ NatĂˇlia , GenzorovĂˇ Tatiana , ÄŚorejovĂˇ Tatiana
Published: October 2017

Behind a successful company there are several factors which affect its activities and performance. These are various economic issues, production processes, capital and people- employees. The human resources of a company largely depend on how the company is able to respond to challenges of the market. Employers are recently trying to take care of their employees much more than just rewarding them with a salary. They provide them a variety of employee benefits with which they try to motivate them to better perform. The aim of the paper is to describe the system of benefits provided by companies in general. The first part of paper contains a general framework of the issue and the second part describes the current situation of providing benefits in Slovakia and abroad, specifically in the United States. The paper highlights the differences in understanding of importance of benefits in each country. The final part of the paper contains research about opinions of students of the University of Ĺ˝ilina about providing benefits at the workplace.
CONVENTIONAL AND SHADOW BANKING SECTOR â€“ COMPARATIVE ASPECTS OF THE POST-CRISIS PERIOD IN TAIM OF THE CURRENCY BOARD - BULGARIAâ€™ CASE
Authors: Stavrova Elena Velkova
Published: October 2017

The shadow banking or financial institutions specializing in lending who take an increasingly larger share of today's markets and channels for the movement of financial resources in the markets of resources between economic agents or households.The main scientific question of this paper is to analyze the reasons of dynamic trends of development of the shadow financial system, and how that contrasts with the conventional model of financial intermediation of commercial banking: â€śThe chains for value creation through credit intermediation that move free financial resources in economic systems for realizing more efficient operations with fewer risks; In non-banking credit intermediation chain trades that take place on weighted average price - and exchange rates in the markets for short-term securities; yield creation in the shadow banking industry are intensively secured strongly which personally are guaranteed both, from individuals and the firms; value chains in the alternative banking system have carried out extensive conventional financial transformation outside the banking system. This means that this type of intermediation converts illiquid, risky fixed assets in "safe" and liquid short-term liabilities.â€ťThe used methods are: content analysis, and econometrics analysis of empirical databases of the years 2012 â€“ 2016 by two financial sectors from BNB.The finding based on the econometrics analyses supports the scientific hypothesis about relations between the process of the increasing role of the informal banking sector, which pushes conventional bank financing due to high credit standards of banking institutions and limited access to finance for individuals who receive their income in the area of the gray economy.
COLLABORATIVE ECONOMY AS AN INDICATION OF SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION IN RESULTS OF EXAMINED PEOPLE
Authors: TĹ‚uczak Agnieszka , Kauf Sabina
Published: October 2017

Sustainable consumption takes inspiration from the newest trends in economics which is a collaborative economy. This type of economy changes the model of organization and distribution based on sharing, using and creating together. The basic aim of this study is pointing out a purpose of a collaborating economy in the accomplishment of sustained consumption rules and in a conscious and self-motivated limit of personal consumption to the purpose of co-sharing. This task is going to be achieved with empirical verification of consumers behavior based on answers to a questionnaire. Research has confirmed the suggested hypothesis. People want to attend in collaborative consumption, which is positively correlated with the level of self-satisfaction from life and income. The results presented in this paper shouldn't be treated as final, because it was pilot research.
RESEARCH ON THE IMPACT OF THE CORPORATE IMAGE ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF INTERIOR DESIGN ENTERPRISES
Authors: Kyurova Vyara , Yaneva Dilyana
Published: October 2017

: In striving to secure a competitive advantage in the market, companies endeavor to create a high level of trust and attachment of customers to the company. Building a positive image is a prerequisite for businesses to enhance their competitiveness. In this regard, the main objective of this paper is to identify measures of corporate image, competitiveness of enterprises, and the relationship between them. This paper uses statistical methods (variance, regression, and correlation analysis) to study the influence of corporate image on the competitiveness of enterprises in the field of interior design. A questionnaire method is used to gather the primary data. Examined indicators are assessed using a 7-point Likert scale. The results of the survey indicate a strong correlation between the level of corporate image and that of competitiveness of enterprises. The conclusion includes a summary concerning the use of the corporate image as an important tool for a sustainable market presence and achieving a strong competitive edge.
THE IMPACT OF BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION ON THE PROVISION OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN OPERATIONAL-LEVEL RETAIL BUSINESSES: CASE STUDY
Authors: Simamane Xolani Protus , Zondo Robert Walter Dumisani
Published: October 2017

The retail industry is arguably one of the most prosperous sectors in the global economy. It serves as an intermediary between producers and consumers. Given its significance in the everyday lives of people in communities, and its role in national economies, the industry operates under extensive competition driven by growth in Information Technology which has dramatically changed the consumption patterns and buying behavior of consumers today. This study investigates the impact of transformation on the provision of products and services in operational-level retail businesses of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This is a case study and the South African Post Office (SAPO) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) participated in the study. Of the 101 branch managers of SAPO, 72 participated in the study, representing a 71 percent response rate. The sample frame was obtained from both the Human Capital and the Infrastructure Management departments of SAPO in KZN. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the two objectives. That is, to establish if the change brought about by business transformation activities improves the provision of products and services in retail businesses and thereby improves the financial performance. It also determines if retail businesses undergoing transformation inspire confidence amongst employees, and thereby achieving their financial goals. The findings revealed that business transformation has the ability to improve the provision of products and services of retail businesses. Continuous communication with regards to transformation inspires confidence among employees, thereby leading to productivity improvements and the achievement of the organizational goals. Productive employees contribute positively to the financial performance of the business. The original value of this study is its approach in uncovering strengths and weaknesses of business transformation in the operational-level retail businesses.
AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH OF SOURCES OF CONFLICT AMONG STUDENTS
Authors: Enachi-Vasluianu Luiza , MÄlureanu Flavia
Published: October 2017

In a broad sense, conflict is an interactive process displayed through incompatibility, disagreement or dissension among social entities such as individuals, groups, organizations, etc. In a society in a changing, based on competitiveness, conflict is an integral part of human relationships, as it is a natural component of everyday life. New perspectives on conflict agree that its presence is natural and inherent in the human activity. The educational context is, inevitably, a space of conflicts. According to the actors involved, there has been established the following typology of conflicts: (a) conflicts among students, (b) conflicts among students and teachers, (c) conflicts among teachers and parents, and (d) conflicts among teachers. This paper aims to study the sources of conflict between students at the gymnasium and high school levels to lay emphasis on the aspects that could generate situations of risk or even educational crisis. The starting point in the research was specific literature, the observations and the experiences in the classroom. The items identified were a competitive atmosphere, intolerance, deficient communication as a result of linguistic ambiguity, inappropriate expressions of emotions, aggressiveness, lack of skills in solving conflicts, abuse of teacherâ€™s authority, etc. A questionnaire-based survey was developed, and the respondents were instructed to answer depending on how often they met the situations described by the indicators in the questionnaire. The results obtained were processed using the SPSS analysis. Further studies on conflicts between teachers and students/parents, teachers/peers can complete the research.
Is the number of new trauma and orthopaedic consultant posts increasing or decreasing?
Authors: Wilson S , Jain NPM , Johnson DS
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Trauma and orthopaedics is a popular surgical specialty in the UK. Recent changes to the National Health Service have suggested an imbalance with fewer jobs yet more trainees. Furthermore, subspecialisation is emerging within all surgical disciplines. The aim of this study was to examine whether there were decreasing numbers of trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) consultant appointments in the UK, and to determine the frequency of subspecialisation.

Methods

All 51 issues of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) careers supplement from the year 2000 were reviewed as well as the 51 issues from 2010. The number of T&O posts, requested subspecialty interests and the number of posts in other surgical specialties were analysed.

Results

A total of 481 consultant posts in T&O were advertised in the 102 issues of the careers supplements reviewed. Of these, 281 were advertised in 2000 and 200 in 2010. The mean number of posts per issue was 5.5 in 2000 and 3.9 in 2010. In 2000 orthopaedic posts represented 30.5% of all surgical posts while in 2010 this was 37.8%. Under two-thirds (61.6%) of posts requested a specialty interest in 2000 but this increased to 93% in 2010. The greatest increase in named subspecialty was seen in ‘spine’ (from 4.1% to 19.0%.) while ‘general’ had the greatest decrease (from 38.4% to 7.0%).

Conclusions

UK consultant posts in T&O are decreasing in frequency. Most advertised posts request a subspecialty interest but registrar training focuses on producing ‘generally’ competent orthopaedic consultants. The onus is therefore on fellowships to develop subspecialty interest. As these are not all educationally approved, reconfiguration of fellowships is likely to be necessary.
Variable life adjusted display methodology for continuous performance monitoring of carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Kuhan G , McCollum DP , Renwick PM , Chetter IC , McCollum PT
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to use variable life-adjusted display (VLAD) methodology to monitor performance of six vascular surgeons undertaking carotid endarterectomy in a single institution.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective study with continuous analysis. A risk score model to predict 30-day stroke or death for individual patients was developed from data collected from 839 patients from 1992 to 1999. The model was used to monitor performance of six surgeons from 2000 to 2009. Individual risk factors and 30-day outcomes were analysed and VLAD plots were created for the whole unit and for each surgeon.

Results

Among the 941 carotid endarterectomies in the performance analysis, 28 adverse events were recorded, giving an overall stroke or death rate of 3.06%. The risk model predicted there would be 33 adverse events. There was no statistical difference between the predicted and the observed adverse events (P > 0.2, χ2 value 1.25, 4 degrees of freedom). The VLAD plot for the whole unit shows an overall net gain in operative performance, although this could have been chance variation. The individual VLAD plot showed that surgeons 1, 2, 3 and 6 to have an overall net gain in the number of successful operations. The changes observed between the surgeons was not significant (P > 0.05) suggesting chance variation only.

Conclusions

Performance of carotid endarterectomy can be continuously assessed using VLAD methodology for units and individual surgeons. Early identification and correction of performance variation could facilitate improved quality of care.
Analysis of intensive care admissions among paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea referrals
Authors: Sharma SD , Gupta S , Wyatt M , Albert D , Hartley B
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to identify the proportion of children referred to a paediatric tertiary referral centre who required admission to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) following surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and to establish risk factors for these admissions.

Methods

Retrospective review of case notes and the operative database was performed for all children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for sleep disordered breathing and OSA symptoms in Great Ormond Street Hospital over a 10-year period.

Results

Overall, 1,328 children underwent adenotonsillectomy for sleep disordered breathing and OSA. The mean age was 3.1 years (standard deviation [SD]: 1.7 years). A total of 37 (2.8%) were admitted to the PICU postoperatively (mean length of PICU stay: 1.2 days, standard deviation [SD]: 0.6 days) and 282 (21.2%) required nasopharyngeal airway (nasal prong) insertion intraoperatively. The mean length of stay on the ward following surgery was 1.4 days (SD: 0.8 days). Patients with severe OSA (apnoea–hypopnoea index [AHI] >10) and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade ≥3 were more likely to require postoperative PICU admission (22/37 vs 381/1,291 [p<0.001] and 29/37 vs 660/1,291 [p=0.001] respectively). Severe OSA was also more common in children who required nasal prong insertion intraoperatively (186/282 vs 217/1,046, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Very few children referred to a paediatric tertiary referral centre actually require PICU admission following surgery. This may be in part due to the use of a nasopharyngeal airway in patients where postoperative obstruction is anticipated. In children with severe OSA (AHI >10) and an ASA grade of ≥3, nasopharyngeal airway insertion and potential admission to the PICU should be considered.
FEATURES REGARDING INTERACTION OF ANCHOR PILES SUCH AS "TITAN" AND "GEOIZOL" WITH SOILS
Authors: Nikitenko M.I. , Dubatovka I.P.
Published: October 2017

The article describes the experience of using anchors at a deep excavation for the construction of a multifunctional complex in Minsk. The authors describe the features of the device and the testing of the pressure grouted anchoring structure of "Geoizol" (according to the "Titan" type system).
DESIGN OF SUBSOIL IMPROVEMENT BELOW HALL FLOORS
Authors: Turček Peter , Súlovská Monika
Published: October 2017

The construction of an industrial park is now being prepared near the town of Nitra. The investor fixed very strict conditions for the bearing capacity and, above all, the settlement of halls and their floors. The geological conditions at the construction site are difficult: there are soft clay soils with high compressibility and low bearing capacity. A detailed analysis of soil improvement was made. Stone columns were prepared to be fitted into an approximately 5 m thick layer of soft clay. The paper shows the main steps used in the design of the stone columns.
The efficacy of dopamine agonist therapy in a young man with a giant prolactinoma: case report
Authors: Tsiberkin Alexandr I. , Karonova Tatiana L. , Dalmatova Anna B. , Grineva Elena N.
Published: October 2017

Prolactinomas are the most common of hormone secreting pituitary adenomas. Patients with prolactinomas generally have a benign prognosis. An algorithm is currently available for managing of this disease. Giant prolactinoma larger than 40 mm with severe invasive growth account for about 2—3% of the prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas and evidence about management of such patients is limited. This case illustrates progress of a giant prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma up to 70 mm in young male with a family history of prolactinomas in the absence of the adequate therapy for 8 years after initial diagnosis. After evaluation, it was decided to prescribe medical treatment. Cabergoline therapy started after evaluation appeared to be effective and had lead to significant decrease of serum prolactin level and shrinkage of pituitary adenoma. Described case emphasize the crucial role of identification of hyperprolactinemia among young patients on early stages of the disease. Our observation implies that treatment with dopamine agonists might be effective even in cases with giant prolactinomas.
Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism — «new era» in diagnosis of an old disease
Authors: Baranova Irina A. , Zykova Tatyana A.
Published: October 2017

During the last century, primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) passed from the category of rare severe diseases to a common endocrine disorder with a prevalence of mild forms. Over the last 10—20 years, widespread screening for osteoporosis has led to the «new era» in diagnosis of PHPT when patients are diagnosed at the stage of an isolated elevated parathyroid hormone with stable normal serum calcium levels and the absence of secondary causes of hyperparathyroidism. This phenomenon was called normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (nPHPT); according to the literature data, its prevalence varies from 0.4 to 16.7% due to the lack of unified diagnostic criteria. The clinical picture and natural history of the disease are poorly explored, and it is still unclear if nPHPT is a separate disease entity or if it is an early stage of hypercalcemic PHPT. A number of studies have shown that complications of nPHPT (osteoporosis and urolithiasis) are similar to those of the symptomatic form of PHPT despite stable normocalcemia. However, these patients were often referred to specialized metabolic centers due to a decrease in the bone mass or nephrolithiasis, therefore the rate of complications in them may be overestimated. There are also controversial data on an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to metabolic disorders in this pathology.
As a new clinical nosology, normocalcemic PHPT was first officially recognized at the Third International Workshop on Management of Asymptomatic PHPT in 2008, but there have been yet no common recommendations for its treatment. Some studies have shown a response to medical therapy and improved indicators of bone mineral density after parathyroidectomy in these patients. According to the experts of the Fourth International Workshop in 2014, nPHPT remains one of the key topics for further research.
Contribuciones a la fundamentación conceptual de paz territorial
Authors: Bautista Bautista Sandra Carolina
Published: October 2017

La idea de paz territorial se ha instalado con fuerza en el debate público a partir de los diálogos de La Habana. Sin embargo, es preciso reconocer que se trata de un concepto precariamente discutido o fundamentado desde el ámbito académico. El artículo analiza, desde una perspectiva crítica, los sentidos e intencionalidades del término, tanto en la postura gubernamental como en la escasa producción académica sobre el tema. De igual manera, se aportan algunos elementos que se consideran claves para perfilar la noción de paz territorial como un ámbito fértil en el campo de los estudios de paz.
Una reseña a destiempo. Bobbio, N., (1992). El problema de la guerra y las vías de la paz. Barcelona: editorial Gedisa.
Authors: Jiménez Becerra Absalón
Published: October 2017

El presente texto busca reseñar de manera sistemática y crítica el libro de Norberto Bobbio El problema de la guerra  y las vías de la paz, dado a conocer en 1979. El interés hacia el contexto contemporáneo es retomar parte de sus ideas para situarlas como elemento de debate académico en determinadas cátedras que abordan el tema de la democracia, la ciudadanía y la construcción de paz en Colombia. La potencia de su pensamiento se mantiene vigente en momentos en que los intelectuales del país y los sectores críticos de la academia no tienen otro camino sino el democratizar la democracia con base en el respeto a la dignidad, la diferencia, a los derechos humanos y las iniciativas de paz.
A survey and experimental comparison of distributed SPARQL engines for very large RDF data
Authors: Abdelaziz Ibrahim , Harbi Razen , Khayyat Zuhair , Kalnis Panos
Published: October 2017

Distributed SPARQL engines promise to support very large RDF datasets by utilizing shared-nothing computer clusters. Some are based on distributed frameworks such as MapReduce; others implement proprietary distributed processing; and some rely on expensive preprocessing for data partitioning. These systems exhibit a variety of trade-offs that are not well-understood, due to the lack of any comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation. In this paper, we present a survey of 22 state-of-the-art systems that cover the entire spectrum of distributed RDF data processing and categorize them by several characteristics. Then, we select 12 representative systems and perform extensive experimental evaluation with respect to preprocessing cost, query performance, scalability and workload adaptability, using a variety of synthetic and real large datasets with up to 4.3 billion triples. Our results provide valuable insights for practitioners to understand the trade-offs for their usage scenarios. Finally, we publish online our evaluation framework, including all datasets and workloads, for researchers to compare their novel systems against the existing ones.
Accelerating dynamic graph analytics on GPUs
Authors: Sha Mo , Li Yuchen , He Bingsheng , Tan Kian-Lee
Published: October 2017

As graph analytics often involves compute-intensive operations, GPUs have been extensively used to accelerate the processing. However, in many applications such as social networks, cyber security, and fraud detection, their representative graphs evolve frequently and one has to perform a rebuild of the graph structure on GPUs to incorporate the updates. Hence, rebuilding the graphs becomes the bottleneck of processing high-speed graph streams. In this paper, we propose a GPU-based dynamic graph storage scheme to support existing graph algorithms easily. Furthermore, we propose parallel update algorithms to support efficient stream updates so that the maintained graph is immediately available for high-speed analytic processing on GPUs. Our extensive experiments with three streaming applications on large-scale real and synthetic datasets demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed approach.
Tower measurement network of in-situ CO2, CH4, and CO in support of the Indianapolis FLUX (INFLUX) Experiment
Authors: Richardson Scott J. , Miles Natasha L. , Davis Kenneth J. , Lauvaux Thomas , Martins Douglas K. , Turnbull Jocelyn C. , McKain Kathryn , Sweeney Colm , Cambaliza Maria Obiminda L.
Published: October 2017

A twelve-station tower-based observation network measuring CO2, CH4, and CO was deployed in and around the Indianapolis, IN metropolitan area as part of the Indianapolis Flux Experiment (INFLUX). Measurements began in 2010 and the full network was deployed by 2013. Observations were made at heights ranging from 39 to 136 m above ground level using existing communication towers. Several towers in the network had multiple measurement levels. Cavity ring-down spectrometers (CRDS) were used at all twelve sites and at least one calibrated reference tank was sampled daily at each site. Real time data communications were performed via cellular modems and data were transmitted daily for processing and quality assurance checks. Data quality control procedures were utilized to ensure compatibility within the INFLUX tower network and with global standards. For example, field target/calibration tanks were used to detect long-term instrument drift and instrument failure. Network-wide round robin tests were performed every 1–2 years to detect possible target tank drift and ensure network-wide comparability between measurements. NOAA flask packages were deployed at six of the INFLUX towers to provide a flask to in-situ direct comparison of the atmospheric samples. Results from these activities demonstrate that the compatibility of the CO2, CH4, and CO INFLUX in-situ tower-based measurements are less than or equal to 0.18 ppm CO2, 1.0 ppb for CH4, and 6 ppb for CO.