bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Up‐front Neck Dissection prior to (Chemo)Radiotherapy
Authors: Elicin Olgun , Albrecht Tobias , Haynes Alan G. , Bojaxhiu Beat , Nisa Lluís , Caversaccio Marco , Dal Pra Alan , Schmücking Michael , Aebersold Daniel M. , Giger Roland
Published: October 2015

Objective

Our aim was to compare outcomes with and without up‐front neck dissection prior to (chemo)radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Outcomes of oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cases with neck lymph node metastases treated from January 2001 to March 2012 were analyzed. Due to imbalances in baseline characteristics between groups treated with (n = 129) and without (n = 95) up‐front neck dissection, propensity score matching was performed.

Results

Median follow‐up was 48 months (range, 12‐148). With up‐front neck dissection, the hazard ratio for the primary end point, disease‐free survival, was 0.63 (95% confidence interval: 0.37‐1.06, P =. 08). Up‐front neck dissection reduced acute grade ≥3 toxicity significantly when xerostomia was excluded (odds ratio: 0.40, 95% confidence interval: 0.20‐0.82, P =. 012).

Conclusion

Our results indicate less acute treatment toxicity without any significant difference in terms of oncologic outcome with up‐front neck dissection prior to (chemo)radiotherapy as compared with (chemo)radiotherapy alone. Well‐designed randomized trials are required to verify this result and further investigate the impact of this strategy on late toxicity and oncologic outcome.
Empirical profiles of academic oral English proficiency from an international teaching assistant screening test
Authors: Choi Ikkyu
Published: October 2015

Language proficiency constitutes a crucial barrier for prospective international teaching assistants (ITAs). Many US universities administer screening tests to ensure that ITAs possess the required academic oral English proficiency for their TA duties. Such ITA screening tests often elicit a sample of spoken English, which is evaluated in terms of multiple aspects by trained raters. In this light, ITA screening tests provide an advantageous context in which to gather rich information about test taker performances. This study introduces a systematic way of extracting meaningful information for major stakeholders from an ITA screening test administered at a US university. In particular, this study illustrates how academic oral English proficiency profiles can be identified based on test takers’ subscale score patterns, and discusses how the resulting profiles can be used as feedback for ITA training and screening policy makers, the ITA training program of the university, ESL instructors, and test takers. The proficiency profiles were identified using finite mixture modeling based on the subscale scores of 960 test takers. The modeling results suggested seven profile groups. These groups were interpreted and labeled based on the characteristic subscale score patterns of their members. The implications of the results are discussed, with the main focus on how such information can help ITA policy makers, the ITA training program, ESL instructors, and test takers make important decisions.
Development and Quality of Life in Turkey
Authors: Sandıkcı Özlem , Peterson Mark , Ekici Ahmet , Simkins Travis
Published: October 2015

Recently, scholars have been calling attention to the macro-social and institutional structures shaping development and welfare. In this study we offer a socio-temporally situated understanding of quality of life (QOL) in a developing country setting and investigate the effects of macro structures on consumer well-being. Specifically, we focus on neoliberal development (led by the business sector, rather than led or directed by the government) and examine how a neoliberal transformation of the marketplace affects consumers’ QOL perceptions. The context of our research is Turkey, a developing country that has been an avid follower of neoliberal policies since the 1990s. We focus on three key macro-social developments that have been shaping Turkish society in the past decades – globalization, religion, and economic growth – and seek to understand how these forces influence consumers’ satisfaction with life. Our study contributes to the literature on development and QOL by first, showing the moderating effect of income, and second, introducing faith and global brands as important variables in conceptualizing QOL.
Counting, accounting, and accountability: Helen Verran’s relational empiricism
Authors: Kenney Martha
Published: October 2015

Helen Verran uses the term ‘relational empiricism’ to describe situated empirical inquiry that is attentive to the relations that constitute its objects of study, including the investigator’s own practices. Relational empiricism draws on and reconfigures Science and Technology Studies’ traditional concerns with reflexivity and relationality, casting empirical inquiry as an important and non-innocent world-making practice. Through a reading of Verran’s postcolonial projects in Nigeria and Australia, this article develops a concept of empirical and political ‘accountability’ to complement her relational empiricism. In Science and an African Logic, Verran provides accounts of the relations that materialize her empirical objects. These accounts work to decompose her original objects, generating new objects that are more promising for the specific postcolonial contexts of her work. The process of decomposition is part of remaining accountable for her research methods and accountable to the worlds she is working in and writing about. This is a practice of narrating relations and learning to tell better technoscientific stories. What counts as better, however, is not given, but is always contextual and at stake. In this way, Verran acts not as participant-observer, but as participant-storyteller, telling stories to facilitate epistemic flourishing within and as part of a historically located community of practice. The understanding of accountability that emerges from this discussion is designed as a contribution, both practical and evocative, to the theoretical toolkit of Science and Technology Studies scholars who are interested in thinking concretely about how we can be more accountable to the worlds we study.
Prevalence of primary headache disorders diagnosed according to ICHD-3 beta in three different social groups
Authors: Lebedeva Elena R , Kobzeva Natalia R , Gilev Denis , Olesen Jes
Published: October 2015

Background

The aim of our study was to estimate the one-year prevalence of primary headache disorders in three different social groups using the third edition beta of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3 beta).

Material and methods

The study population included a total of 3124 participants: 1042 students (719 females, 323 males, mean age 20.6, age range 17–40), 1075 workers (146 females, 929 males, mean age 40.4, age range 21–67) and 1007 blood donors (484 females, 523 males, mean age 34.1, age range 18–64). We used a semi-structured, validated face-to-face interview.

Results

The age-adjusted one-year prevalence of migraine in females was significantly higher ( p < 0.001) in students (41.9%) than in workers (19.2%) and blood donors (18.7%). Age-adjusted prevalence of migraine among males did not differ among the three groups: 4.5% in students, 4.9% in workers and 4.5% in blood donors. Age-adjusted prevalence of tension-type headache (TTH) among females was almost the same in students and blood donors (68.8% and 66.7%) but female workers had a lower prevalence of TTH (57%). Age-adjusted prevalence of TTH among males did not differ significantly between students and blood donors (55.8% and 58.1%) but male workers had a significantly lower ( p < 0.001) prevalence of TTH (30.7%). The prevalence of chronic headache in students (TTH and/or migraine) was 3% and of probable medication-overuse headache 3%, significantly more than in workers and blood donors.

Conclusion

Headache prevalence was high and differed markedly among the three social groups. It is important that headache epidemiology also focus on socially defined groups in order to target future preventive efforts.
Pursuing a Desired Future: Continuity and Change in a Long-Term-Care Community
Authors: Briody Elizabeth K. , Briller Sherylyn H.
Published: October 2015

New ways of planning, assessing, and measuring cultural change are needed in long-term care. Much effort is focused on person-centered care; less attention is paid to achieving localized change. Long-term-care communities need innovative approaches for identifying local cultural features to preserve and others to reconfigure. This case study involves applied anthropologists working with four stakeholder groups—residents, staff, family members, and volunteers—to document views of their “culture story” and conceptualize a cultural ideal for their community. Based on strengths and weaknesses from their culture story, specific recommendations were made to maintain their strong relationship focus, expand community outreach, and improve staff relations. Incorporating “insider” views of the past, present, and imagined future and building on current “best practices” of the culture-change movement are two distinctive but complementary approaches for motivating and managing cultural change.
Identifying Engineering Students’ English Sentence Reading Comprehension Errors
Authors: Tsai Yea-Ru , Ouyang Chen-Sen , Chang Yukon
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study is to propose a diagnostic approach to identify engineering students’ English reading comprehension errors. Student data were collected during the process of reading texts of English for science and technology on a web-based cumulative sentence analysis system. For the analysis, the association-rule, data mining technique was applied to mine students’ reading errors. Specific association rules of reading errors were identified and distinctive patterns of error production have been recognized among different groups of students. This article addresses the issue of English reading difficulty frequently found among engineering students and discovered possible tendencies of student reading errors. By using the techniques in this article to identify students’ reading problems, instructors will be able to construct learning materials for adaptive learning, and thus reduce the cost of teaching and facilitate students’ learning outcome. Pedagogical implications were provided based on the results of the study.
Elder Abuse in a Developing Area in Bolivia
Authors: Carmona-Torres Juan Manuel , López-Soto Pablo Jesús , Coimbra-Roca Ana Isabel , Gálvez-Rioja Ruth Mary , Goergen Thomas , Rodríguez-Borrego Mª Aurora
Published: October 2015

In many parts of the world, elder abuse happens almost unnoticed. Until recently, this serious social problem was hidden from public view and was regarded as an essentially private matter. However, there is growing evidence that elder abuse is an important problem of public health and in the society. The objective of this study is to determine the degree of abuse of elder and vulnerable people in the families and communities of Eastern Bolivia. With this end in mind, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with a sample size of 210 60-year-old people coming from different health care areas. Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI) and Yaffe’s Evaluation Form of Social Work were used. An abuse rate of 39% of the older adults was identified. The most common type of abuse observed was psychological abuse (32.4% of cases), followed by neglect (21.9%). Children were identified as triggers of the abuse in 66.7% of cases of abuse. The prevalence of elder abuse was similar to the prevalence of other types of abuse that exist in Bolivia, such as the gender-based abuse. Also, this prevalence is comparable to other developing countries and European countries. The profile of abused older adult is as follows: woman, widow, 70 years old, incomplete primary education, without an occupation, and an average of 4.59 children. The information obtained shows that dysfunctional families have a higher percentage of elder abuse.
Time to invest in developing community mental health services
Authors: O’Halloran Paul , O’Connor Nick
Published: October 2015

Objectives:

To report on the evaluation of publicly funded community mental health services in two New South Wales health districts.

Methods:

Qualitative and quantitative data from 28 publicly funded adult community mental health teams in two NSW health districts were gathered using structured interviews, benchmarking surveys, focus groups and online questionnaires.

Results:

The community mental health services studied lacked a coherent strategic and recovery oriented framework or model of care for service delivery. There was evidence of poor role definition at the team level, resulting in duplication and inefficiency. There were inadequate staffing levels for stated objectives, a lack of training and continuing education in evidence based intervention, poor consumer and family participation in service design, and no development and monitoring of meaningful outcome measures.

Conclusions:

This review and benchmarking study highlights the need for mental health policy implementation to be further supported with: development of a service delivery framework outlining essential components of a specialist community mental health system; operational guidance to enable effective team specialisation in accordance with research; investment in practitioner training to support the development of evidence based practice; and processes to ensure effective consumer and carer participation in developing recovery oriented services.
Posterior Talar Shifting in Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Usuelli Federico G. , Maccario Camilla , Manzi Luigi , Tan Eric W.
Published: October 2015

Background:

End-stage ankle osteoarthritis frequently involves multiplanar malalignment in both the coronal and the sagittal planes. Sagittal malalignment often includes anterior translation of the talus relative to the tibia. Restoration of the correct tibial and talar alignment is essential for the long-term survival of total ankle replacement.

Methods:

This study includes 66 consecutive patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with the Hintegra prosthesis from May 2011 to April 2014. There were 28 females (42.4%) and 38 males (57.6%) with a mean age of about 57 years (25-82 years). Patients were clinically and radiologically assessed preoperatively and at 2, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results:

At 12 months postoperatively, there was a statistically significant increase in American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores from 31.9 to 72.3. Range of motion significantly increased from 9.5 to 25.4 degrees. In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in visual analog scale (VAS) pain score from 8.9 to 2.2. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the Tibio-Talar ratio from 2 to 6 months postoperatively (34.6%-37.2%).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated significant improvements in clinical and radiologic outcomes after Hintegra total ankle arthroplasty. Significant movement of the talus occurs within the first 6 months postoperatively. This may be the result of rebalancing of muscle and ligament forces after surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Study on the application of dimensionality reduction method on reliability and reliability sensitivity analysis of random vibration systems
Authors: Li Haochuan , Sun Zhili , Yan Ming , Wang Jian , He Juan
Published: October 2015

The application of dimensionality reduction method on the reliability and reliability sensitivity analysis of vibration systems was examined. The dimensionality of a vibration reliability problem was reduced to only two independent dimensions by the means of polar transformation. As the safe and failure classes of samples are clearly distinguishable and occupy a standard position in a two-dimensional plot in the case that the important direction exists, the relevant samples are selected visually. The reliability and reliability sensitivity problems were solved using the position of the relevant samples. Before the reliability and reliability sensitivity estimation, an essential visualization analysis is conducted to examine the capacity of the method in terms of the existence of the important direction which is used to reduce the dimensionality of the reliability problem. In order to calculate the design point correctly, the improved Hasofer–Lind–Rackwitz–Fiessler method was extended with a procedure for determining the perturbation in the calculation of the gradient vector by finite differences according to the numerical precision of the limit state function. The dimensionality reduction method saves the numbers of calling limit state function a lot and has the same accuracy as Monte Carlo method. Examples involving single and multiple degree-of-freedom nonlinear vibration systems were used to demonstrate the approach.
Functional MRI in clinical practice: Assessment of language and motor for pre-surgical planning
Authors: Mahdavi Ali , Azar Ramyar , Shoar Majid Haghighat , Hooshmand Sina , Mahdavi Arash , Kharrazi Homayoon Hadizadeh
Published: October 2015

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been widely used for pre-neurosurgical planning and may eventually become a routine pre-surgical imaging modality. The validity of fMRI for clinical application depends on various factors such as proper task selection, correct statistical analysis and threshold setting with appropriate patient cooperation. This study was performed on 40 patients with different types of brain mass lesions or hippocampal sclerosis to assess the role of appropriate patient selection for achieving a reliable fMRI result. Accurate and reproducible fMRI strongly depends on the patient’s cooperation. In this study we observed that a pre-test mock fMRI session held by a radiologist may help to predict which patients are more or less suitable candidates for fMRI.
Functional-genetic dissection of HDAC dependencies in mouse lymphoid and myeloid malignancies
Authors: Matthews Geoffrey M. , Mehdipour Parinaz , Cluse Leonie A. , Falkenberg Katrina J. , Wang Eric , Roth Mareike , Santoro Fabio , Vidacs Eva , Stanley Kym , House Colin M. , Rusche James R. , Vakoc Christopher R. , Zuber Johannes , Minucci Saverio , Johnstone Ricky W.
Published: October 2015

Key Points

Genetic studies suggest HDAC3-selective suppression may prove useful for treatment of hematological tumors but will not induce apoptosis. Genetic and pharmacological cosuppression of HDAC1 with HDAC2 induces a potent pro-apoptotic response of tumor cells.
Integration of mental health into primary care in low- and middle-income countries: The PRIME mental healthcare plans
Authors: Lund Crick , Tomlinson Mark , Patel Vikram
Published: October 2015

This supplement outlines the development and piloting of district mental healthcare plans from five low- and middle-income countries, together with the methods for their design, evaluation and costing. In this editorial we consider the challenges that these programmes face, highlight their innovations and draw conclusions.
Development of a scalable mental healthcare plan for a rural district in Ethiopia
Authors: Fekadu Abebaw , Hanlon Charlotte , Medhin Girmay , Alem Atalay , Selamu Medhin , Giorgis Tedla W. , Shibre Teshome , Teferra Solomon , Tegegn Teketel , Breuer Erica , Patel Vikram , Tomlinson Mark , Thornicroft Graham , Prince Martin , Lund Crick
Published: October 2015

Background

Developing evidence for the implementation and scaling up of mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) like Ethiopia is an urgent priority.

Aims

To outline a mental healthcare plan (MHCP), as a scalable template for the implementation of mental healthcare in rural Ethiopia.

Method

A mixed methods approach was used to develop the MHCP for the three levels of the district health system (community, health facility and healthcare organisation).

Results

The community packages were community case detection, community reintegration and community inclusion. The facility packages included capacity building, decision support and staff well-being. Organisational packages were programme management, supervision and sustainability.

Conclusions

The MHCP focused on improving demand and access at the community level, inclusive care at the facility level and sustainability at the organisation level. The MHCP represented an essential framework for the provision of integrated care and may be a useful template for similar LMIC.
Development of a district mental healthcare plan in Uganda
Authors: Kigozi Fred N. , Kizza Dorothy , Nakku Juliet , Ssebunnya Joshua , Ndyanabangi Sheila , Nakiganda Blandina , Lund Crick , Patel Vikram
Published: October 2015

Background

Evidence is needed for the integration of mental health into primary care advocated by the national health sector strategic investment plan in Uganda.

Aims

To describe the processes of developing a district mental healthcare plan (MHCP) in rural Uganda that facilitates integration of mental health into primary care.

Method

Mixed methods using a situational analysis, qualitative studies, theory of change workshops and partial piloting of the plan at two levels informed the MHCP.

Results

A MHCP was developed with packages of care to facilitate integration at the organisational, facility and community levels of the district health system, including a specified human resource mix. The partial embedding period supports its practical application. Key barriers to scaling up the plan were identified.

Conclusions

A real-world plan for the district was developed with involvement of stakeholders. Pilot testing demonstrated its feasibility and implications for future scaling up.
Planning and evaluating mental health services in low- and middle-income countries using theory of change
Authors: Breuer Erica , De Silva Mary J. , Shidaye Rahul , Petersen Inge , Nakku Juliet , Jordans Mark J. D. , Fekadu Abebaw , Lund Crick
Published: October 2015

Background

There is little practical guidance on how contextually relevant mental healthcare plans (MHCPs) can be developed in low-resource settings.

Aims

To describe how theory of change (ToC) was used to plan the development and evaluation of MHCPs as part of the PRogramme for Improving Mental health carE (PRIME).

Method

ToC development occurred in three stages: (a) development of a cross-country ToC by 15 PRIME consortium members; (b) development of country-specific ToCs in 13 workshops with a median of 15 (interquartile range 13–22) stakeholders per workshop; and (c) review and refinement of the cross-country ToC by 18 PRIME consortium members.

Results

One cross-country and five district ToCs were developed that outlined the steps required to improve outcomes for people with mental disorders in PRIME districts.

Conclusions

ToC is a valuable participatory method that can be used to develop MHCPs and plan their evaluation.
Performance trade-offs and individual quality in decathletes
Authors: Walker Jeffrey A. , Caddigan Sean P.
Published: October 2015

Many constraints of organismal design at the cell and organ level, including muscle fiber types, musculoskeletal gearing, and control-surface geometry, are believed to cause performance trade-offs at the whole-organism level. Contrary to this expectation, positive correlations between diverse athletic performances are frequently found in vertebrates. Recently, it has been proposed that trade-offs between athletic performances in humans are masked by variation in individual quality and that underlying trade-offs are revealed by adjusting the correlations to “control” quality. We argue that quality is made up of both intrinsic components, due to the causal mapping between morpho-physiological traits and performance, and extrinsic components, due to variation in training intensity, diet, and pathogens. Only the extrinsic component should be controlled. We also show that previous methods to estimate “quality-free” correlations perform poorly. We show that Wright's factor analysis recovers the correct quality-free correlation matrix and use this method to estimate quality-free correlations among the ten events of the decathlon using a dataset of male, college athletes. We find positive correlations between all decathlon events, which supports an axis that segregates “good athletes” from “bad athletes”. Estimates of quality-free correlations are mostly very small (< 0:1), suggesting large, quality-free independence between events. Since quality must include both intrinsic and extrinsic components, the physiological significance of these adjusted correlations remains obscure. Regardless, the underlying architecture of the functional systems and the physiological explanation of both the un-adjusted and adjusted correlations remain to be discovered.
Restaurant Noise: Levels and Temporal Characteristics
Authors: To W.M. , Chung A.W.L.
Published: October 2015

Noise in restaurants affects diners and service employees. Normally, people will not eat alone. They would rather enjoy good food and drink with business partners, friends, and family in restaurants and unavoidably they talk happily and loudly. Speeches from other restaurant patrons, service employees, mingling with background music and noise from ventilation systems, will interfere with communication between a talker and listeners. This paper presents a territory-wide noise survey in Hong Kong restaurants and presents a mathematical model that describes the background noise level in restaurants. The measured noise levels show that restaurant noise ranged from 66.7 to 82.6 dBA with a mean value of 73.9 dBA (SD = 3.81 dBA) while the mathematical model illustrates that the background noise level in restaurants mainly depends on the occupancy density. The model was validated by another two sets of noise measurement data recorded in other restaurants. The time record of noise measurement shows that the variation of noise levels decreases when the occupancy density increases. People have to raise their voice effort to improve their speech intelligibility in a very noisy environment.
Vibration Reduction of Juicer: A Case Study
Authors: Parey Anand
Published: October 2015

Juicers are one of the most common kitchen appliances. A renowned company in this field experienced high vibration level in one of the model which was under development. High vibrations are unacceptable as they lead to early failure of the component. The product was about to launch and vibration levels needed to be below the acceptable limits without any changes in design of the model. This paper presents a case study on reduction of vibration level of juicer using two methods, firstly, by using tuned mass damper and secondly by modifying the shape of isolators. The vibration level came down below the acceptable limits by using modified isolator.
The Energy Benefits of the Pantograph Wing Mechanism in Flapping Flight: Case Study of a Gull
Authors: Burgess S.C. , Lock R.J. , Wang J. , Sattler G.D. , Oliver J.D.
Published: October 2015

Bird wings generally contain a 4-bar pantograph mechanism in the forearm that enables the wrist joint to be actuated from the elbow joint thus reducing the number of wing muscles and hence reducing the wing inertia and inertial drag. In this paper we develop a theoretical model of inertial power for flapping flight to estimate the advantage of the 4-bar pantograph mechanism by comparing the inertial power required for the case where wrist muscles are present in the forearm with the case where wrist muscles are not present in the forearm. It is difficult to predict how wrist muscles would look when there is no pantograph mechanism. Therefore a lower bound and upper bound case are defined. The lower bound case involves redistributing the elbow muscles with no increase in wing mass. The upper bound case involves replicating the biceps-triceps muscles near the wrist joint. At minimum power speed the model estimates that the 4-bar pantograph mechanism reduces the inertial power for the gull from between 6.1%–12.3% and reduces the overall power by 0.6%–1.2%. When account is taken of the tight margins involved in the design of a flying vehicle, the energy savings produced by the pantograph mechanism are significant. A ring-billed gull was chosen for the case study and an adult specimen was obtained to gather morphometric data. Lessons for the design of flapping micro air vehicles are discussed.
A CFD Study on Leading Edge Wing Surface Modification of a Low Aspect Ratio Flying Wing to Improve Lift Performance
Authors: Ramprasadh C. , Devanandh V.
Published: October 2015

Low Aspect Ratio (LAR, aspect ratio < 2) wings exhibit highly nonlinear lift curves. Controlling such LAR Mini Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) at high Angle of Attacks (AOA) and in cross-wind conditions is difficult due to the nonlinear lift. Also, maneuvering these MAVs at high AOA is highly constrained by elevator throw. However, high AOA is a requisite for MAVs to enable slow flight in constrained spaces. Conventional aircraft use devices called vortex generators (or turbulators) that delay the separation of boundary layer by artificially inducing vortices. A similar phenomenon is observed in golf balls, where the surface dimples mimic the above effect. It is also observed that the local vortices aid in additional lift generation. This paper presents a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study on the effect of dimples over the aerodynamic performance of a LAR flying wing with aspect ratio 1.45 & SELIG4083 cross section. A Modified Inverse Zimmerman planform wing has been considered similar to the MAV (Black Kite) developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories Bangalore (NAL). The 3D model was generated in SolidWorks™ and CFD analysis was performed in SolidWorksTM Flow Simulation. The baseline smooth surface wing was validated with the aerodynamic data of SELIG4083 airfoil from literature. Following it, several dimpled wing configurations on the leading edge were created and analyzed. It was observed that dimples create local vortices that aid in lift generation, increasing the effective flight envelope. The associated drag due to local vortices should be overcome by generating additional thrust at high AOA.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Technology Innovation Capability of China’s High-tech Industries Based on Fuzzy Borda Combination Method
Authors: Hong Yue , Niu Dongxiao , Xiao Bowen , Wu Lingnan
Published: October 2015

Technology innovation capability is a main driver in improving a country’s industrial competitiveness. Development prospects and development speed are strongly dependent on industry innovation capability. Therefore, how to effectively and correctly evaluate the innovation capability of industry is of great importance. On the basis of previous research, this paper establishes an index system for evaluating the technology innovation capability of China’s high-tech industries. The index is characterized by the objective evaluation of objects with measurable indexes. The fuzzy Borda method uses precise digital methods to handle fuzzy evaluation objects; therefore, more scientific and pragmatic quantitative criteria are obtained with qualitative and quantitative evaluation results. This paper is the first attempt to apply the fuzzy Borda combination method to high-tech industry innovation capability evaluation. We establish a fuzzy Borda combination model based on four kinds of single evaluation models. By making a combination evaluation, the disadvantages of a single evaluation method are avoided. In the end, based on the fuzzy Borda combination evaluation model, the real technology innovation data of 2013 is analyzed and the innovation capability of individual industry is ranked, which will provide useful guidance for decision-making administrators.
QUESTIONS OF DYNAMICS OF STABLE ELEMENTARY PARTICLES IN THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD OF MEASURING INTENSITY
Authors: Котов  , Kotov P.
Published: October 2015

The article discusses dynamic models of accelerated electron displacement in the uniform electromagnetic fields of measuring intensity presented with real differential equations and solids basis of dynamics of stable elementary particles with fixed charge is developed.
THE ANALYSIS OF SPECTRUMS OF PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY OF SEMICONDUCTING COMPOUNDS АIIIВV
Authors: Макаренко  , Makarenko F. , Скляр  , Sklyar V. , Зольников  , Zolnikov Konstantin , Ачкасов  , Achkasov A.
Published: October 2015

In paper the calculus of the abnormal spectrums of photoconductivity in the field of fundamental passages of high-ohmic indium phosphide with an admixture of copper is reduced. The abnormal occurrence of additional extremes speaks a stratification of recombination parameter on depth of a sample
Improving territorial organization of social and economic system
Authors: Малахова  , Malakhova E. , Стародубцев  , Starodubtsev Viktor , Гайдай  , Gayday V.
Published: October 2015

The article deals with the problem of balancing the territorial organization of the fuel supply system of a large economic area
The results of the extended computing experiment to assess the reliability and redundancy of distribution of hydraulic systems
Authors: Мезенцев  , Mezentsev A. , Сазонова  , Sazonova Svetlana
Published: October 2015

The results of the extended computing experiment to assess the reliability and redundancy of distribution of hydraulic systems. The resulting relationship is an empirical approximation. Therefore, its construction should be carried out individually for hydraulic systems different departments and territorial temporary management level
Analysis of hydraulic systems on the basis of the decomposition method
Authors: Сазонова  , Sazonova Svetlana
Published: October 2015

Hydraulic systems belong to the category of complex systems, between the individual elements of the histories and subsystems exist internal communication, precluding the possibility of an Autonomous fashion from cancellation. The scale of such systems and their development trends lead to the inevitable decomposition approach. Research is not always to be the whole system, and some of its fragments, which border taking into account the accepted scheme of allocation of the target product to consumers submit a set of system nodes. In this case, the nodes acquire the status of power units, because through them there is an exchange of energy between IP investigated fragment of the system and the metasystem. Examines the emerging conflict between the need for a complementary decomposition and inner interconnection of all elements. He is overcome by the imposition of conditions one of znanosti, including boundary conditions.
INFLUENCE OF OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS OF ROADS ON THE ECOSYSTEM ROADSIDE
Authors: Бурмистрова  , Burmistrova Olga
Published: October 2015

This article examines the role of roads in view of the existing negative impact on the environment. So far, the selection of a rational variant of the road network is focused on traditional techno-economic approach. Therefore, there is need to develop environmental criteria in relation to which the costs will be shown to act as indicators of capacity constraints volumes of material and transport flows.
ON THE ISSUE OF LOGGING MOTION SIMULATION TRUCKS IN SPECIFIC TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Сушков  , Sushkov Sergey
Published: October 2015

The article deals with modeling of traffic logging vehicles, taking into account both stationary and non-stationary regimes of motion in the ever-changing road conditions. It summarizes the results of current research in the field of transport and traffic on the operational performance of logging roads, depending on the choice of driving modes latest.
PERSPECTIVE—Pragmatism in Organization Studies: Meeting the Challenges of a Dynamic and Complex World
Authors: Farjoun Moshe , Ansell Christopher , Boin Arjen
Published: October 2015

Organizational scholars have shown a growing interest in drawing on the philosophy of Pragmatism to address contemporary problems and theoretical questions. We elucidate Pragmatism’s core ideas and show their uniqueness and relevance to the field. We present Pragmatism as a problem-solving philosophy that builds on a rich and behaviorally plausible model of human nature, views reality in terms of processes and relations, and highlights the interplay of meaning and action. We demonstrate how Pragmatist ideas can help transcend the perennial problem of agency and structure and illustrate how these ideas might contribute to one specific domain of research on categories and categorization. More generally, Pragmatism is well suited to understanding the contemporary challenges of change and complexity especially as they play out across multiple levels of analysis. We argue that Pragmatism provides a “third way” between rational and structural approaches and represents a living school of organization theory in its own right.
Habitat eradication and cropland intensification may reduce parasitoid diversity and natural pest control services in annual crop fields
Authors: Letourneau Deborah K. , Bothwell Allen Sara G. , Kula Robert R. , Sharkey Michael J. , Stireman III John O.
Published: October 2015

California’s central coast differs from many agricultural areas in the U.S., which feature large tracts of monoculture production fields and relatively simple landscapes. Known as the nations salad bowl, and producing up to 90% of U.S. production of lettuces, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, this region is a mosaic of fresh vegetable fields, coastal meadow, chaparral shrubs, riparian and woodland habitat. We tested for relationships between the percent cover of crops, riparian and other natural landscape vegetation and the species richness of parasitic wasps and flies foraging in crops, such as broccoli, kale and cauliflower, and interpreted our results with respect to the decrease in natural habitat and increase in cropland cover prompted by a local microbial contamination event in 2006. Our key results are that: (1) as cropland cover in the landscape increased, fewer species of parasitoids were captured in the crop field, (2) parasitoid richness overall was positively associated with the amount of riparian and other natural vegetation in the surrounding 500m, (3) different groups of parasitoids were associated with unique types of natural vegetation, and (4) parasitism rates of sentinel cabbage aphid and cabbage looper pests were correlated with landscape vegetation features according to which parasitoids caused the mortality. Although individual species of parasitoids may thrive in landscapes that are predominantly short season crops, the robust associations found in this study across specialist and generalist parasitoids and different taxa (tachinid flies, ichneumon wasps, braconid wasps) shows that recent food safety practices targeting removal of natural vegetation around vegetable fields in an attempt to eliminate wildlife may harm natural enemy communities and reduce ecosystem services. We argue that enhancing biological diversity is a key goal for transforming agroecosystems for future productivity, sustainability and public health.
INNOVATIONS FOR STRUCTURAL SYSTEM EDUCATION IN ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Öztaş Saniye Karaman , İpekçi Cahide Aydin
Published: October 2015

Structural systems, which play an important role in today’s architectural education, have become an issue that is analyzed by mega structures using different disciplines in the process from the design stage to the construction stage. While design and structural system studies are performed together in practice, architecture students usually have difficulty in reflecting their learning from the structural system course into their design studio in architectural education. In this study, information about education method for "Structural System and Technologies I" course, carried out in the fourth semester (second class) in Department of Architecture in Gebze Technical University, was primarily given. Unlike previous teaching methods in this course scope, a structural system modeling to solve the given design problem was requested from the students during spring semester 2015. It was aimed to provide the students with an understanding of general design principles involving structural elements and learning about the necessity in which the structural system should be considered in conjunction with the architectural design, concluding with a two-week assignment. A survey was conducted among 55 architecture students in order to evaluate the outcomes of the assignment. According to the survey results, 61% of the students stated that function, form, and structural system affect on another. 20% of them stated that function, form, and structural system, respectively, have an order of importance in the design process. 9% of them stated that structural system determine form and function. 6 % of them stated that form, function, and structural system, respectively, have an order of importance in the design process. Finally, 4 % of them stated that their relations change depending on the condition. Innovative teaching method in this study is found to be successful because the students have experienced the importance of materials in structural system and learned how to integrate structural system course to architectural design studio. It is intended that this study will benefit architecture students and educators.
New research relevant to companion animal welfare
Authors: Broom Donald M
Published: October 2015

The many studies published recently on cognition, welfare assessment and practical management of companion animals inform us about what we can and should do to improve welfare. Hence better advice can be offered on aspects of training, living conditions, problem situations and genetic selection. Evidence concerning the impact of dogs and cats on wildlife, and the unsuitability of many animals as pets, may help to prevent some problems.
How to perform a small animal post mortem in practice
Authors: Dobromylskyj Melanie
Published: October 2015

This article provides a detailed protocol for performing a thorough post-mortem examination in small animal practice, together with details of the equipment required and information on collecting the best samples for further tests such as histopathology, microbiology and toxicology. It also discusses some of the reasons for performing a post mortem, and areas to consider carefully before embarking on the process itself — obtaining the relevant history, health and safety considerations and note-taking. Remember that not all post-mortem examinations will result in a definitive diagnosis, and in many cases further tests such as histopathology will still be required; owners should be made aware of this.
Canine hypothyroidism
Authors: McCann Theresa
Published: October 2015

A diagnosis of canine hypothyroidism can be straightforward in many cases, but in others reaching a conclusive diagnosis can be challenging. Careful attention to the potential presenting signs of hypothyroidism, as well as to alternative diagnoses for the clinical signs, is important prior to testing thyroid function. A total thyroxine or free thyroxine below the reference range along with an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone provides the greatest specificity for diagnosis, but these results can also be seen in euthyroid sick animals. Using all of the available information reduces the chance of a false-positive diagnosis and therefore unnecessary lifelong treatment. Management of hypothyroidism can be very rewarding. A well-managed dog with hypothyroidism should have resolution of clinical signs and hence an improved quality of life.
Squirrels — an overview of common clinical presentations and important diseases
Authors: Blackett Tiffany
Published: October 2015

The British red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) population is under threat for a variety of reasons, with disease due to squirrelpox virus playing a significant role in population declines. There is, however, relatively limited information on the large variety of other infectious and non-infectious diseases that may affect UK red squirrels, although several investigations have reported on the broad causes of British red squirrel mortality (e.g. Keymer, 1983 ; LaRose et al, 2010 ; Simpson et al, 2013a ; Dale et al, 2014 ) contributing to and enhancing this knowledge. This article provides information on the most common clinical presentations of casualty squirrels in the UK and discusses some of the other important diseases recorded in UK squirrels.
Research roundup: October 2015
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2015

In brief

▪ Statins may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis, especially during the first year of treatment ▪ Potentially inappropriate prescribing seems to be common among people with dementia ▪ Long-term use of low-dose aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer ▪ Eating fish seems to reduce the risk of depression ▪ Being overweight or obese seems to protect against rheumatoid arthritis in men, but not in women
The Other Siege of Vienna and the Ottoman Threat: An Essay in Counter-Factual History
Authors: Richard W. Bulliet
Published: October 2015

By proposing a counter-factual history in which the Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1529 succeeded, this essay attempts to illuminate both the parameters of Ottoman power at that time and the complexity of European politics at the dawn of the Protestant Reformation. As with many attempts at counter-factual history, this exercise seeks to offer a warning against teleological approaches to history in which major events and their outcomes are described as being inevitable.
“Even If the Only Thing for Me to Do Here Was to Milk Cows”: Portuguese Emigrant Descendant Returnees from Canada Narrate Pre-return Desires and Motivations
Authors: Sardinha João
Published: October 2015

The article analyzes the pre-return desires and preparatory steps of the descendants of Portuguese immigrants in Canada who have returned to Portugal. Based on ethnographic fieldwork carried out from June 2008 to May 2011 in Portugal, the study draws from the narratives of twenty returnees, scrutinizing home-country/host-country interactions and negotiations, the maintenance of ancestral homeland contacts, and network building. I analyze how these are sustained via family, community, technology, and return visits. I show that, even though these descendants drew their return aspirations from both close diasporic proximity (in Canada) and faraway locations (in Portugal), the factors that induced a “return” mobility were seldom uniform among the participants. The article thus sets out to discuss the influences and motivations that created feelings of belonging and spiritual proximity to a land, a society, and a lifestyle that, in some cases, were highly valued and often glorified right from an early age within the collective settings of family and diasporic community and, in others, constructed individually at later stages through self-searching mechanisms.
Chariots on the Roads of Mycenae
Authors: Jansen Anton
Published: October 2015

Au XIX c siècle, les chercheurs attribuèrent un fonction militaire aux routes importantes de Mycènes, cellede permettre la mobilité des chars pour la défense de la cité. L’usage des chars était évidemment un symbole de statut et de prestige, mais ce que nous savons de ces véhicules, une fois mis en relation avec notre connaissance des routes, ne permet pas de penser qu’ils aient jamais joué aucun rôle militaire à cette époque.