bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing online information of African nongovernmental organizations through self-regulation
Authors: Gálvez-Rodríguez María del Mar , Caba-Pérez Maria del Carmen , López-Godoy Manuel
Published: January 2015

The information included in NGOs’ self-regulation mechanisms is crucial for fostering the good behavior and access to information of the sector. This paper reports on a comparative analysis of national self-regulation mechanisms developed in African countries versus initiatives of an international nature. The main findings show that both cases are characterized by initiatives with low levels of control (code of conduct and performance guide). Moreover, significant differences in the information they contain are identified. In this regard, national initiatives mainly present information that reinforces organizational management, while the international initiatives show a greater preference for stressing the need to improve the social mission. The demand for web disclosure is low in both cases with African self-regulations mainly calling for the reactive communication of information concerning organizational strategy. In contrast, international initiatives are more focused on promoting the proactive disclosure of information regarding the organization’s social responsibility and its commitment to improvement.
‘You only have one chance to get it right’: A qualitative study of relatives’ experiences of caring at home for a family member with terminal cancer
Authors: Totman Jonathan , Pistrang Nancy , Smith Susan , Hennessey Susan , Martin Jonathan
Published: January 2015

Background:

Relatives looking after a terminally ill family member at home face numerous challenges. Studies into relatives’ experiences of home caregiving have been criticised for their descriptive nature and lack of theoretical underpinnings.

Aim:

To explore the emotional challenges faced by home caregivers, and their experiences of healthcare professionals, from the perspective of existential psychology.

Design:

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed thematically using the Framework approach.

Setting/participants:

The study took place within an inner-city London hospice. Participants ( n = 15) were recently bereaved adult relatives of cancer patients who cared for their family member at home.

Results:

Participants’ experiences of being a caregiver and of professional support were highly varied. The analysis generated 15 themes which were organised into a framework based on Yalom’s four ‘existential conditions’: responsibility (e.g. ‘being the linchpin of care’; ‘you only have one chance to get it right’), isolation (e.g. ‘being on my own’, ‘being held in mind’), death (e.g. ‘knowing but not knowing’) and meaningfulness (e.g. ‘giving something back’, ‘acceptance and gratitude’). Healthcare professionals were perceived as influential in both helping and hindering relatives in meeting the challenges they faced.

Conclusion:

Existential psychology provides a theoretical perspective from which to understand the psychological complexity of the emotional challenges home caregivers face and a framework which may usefully inform research and clinical practice. Professionals’ attentiveness to caregivers’ needs can have powerful effects in assuaging anxiety, reducing isolation and enabling relatives to connect with the meaningfulness of caregiving.
Tuberculosis in Elephants—A Reemergent Disease
Authors: Maslow J. N. , Mikota S. K.
Published: January 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) in elephants has been described since ancient times. However, it was not until 1996 when infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in a herd of circus elephants that significant research into this disease began. The epidemiology and natural history of TB were unknown in elephants since there had been no comprehensive screening programs, and diagnostic techniques developed for cervidae and bovidae were of unknown value. And, while precepts of test and slaughter were the norm for cattle and deer, this was considered untenable for an endangered species. With no precedent for the treatment of TB in animals, treatment regimens for elephants were extrapolated from human protocols, which guided changes to the Guidelines for the Control of Tuberculosis in Elephants. In the absence of diagnostic testing to confirm cure in elephants, the efficacy of these treatment regimens is only beginning to be understood as treated elephants die and are examined postmortem. However, because of pressures arising from public relations related to elephant husbandry and the added considerations of TB infection in animals (whether real or imagined), sharing of information to aid in research and treatment has been problematic. Here we review the challenges and successes of the diagnosis of tuberculosis in elephants and discuss the natural history of the disease to put the work of Landolfi et al on the immunological response to tuberculosis in elephants in perspective.
Specific Deterrence, Community Context, and Drunk Driving
Authors: Lee Chang-Bae , Teske Raymond H. C.
Published: February 2015

Previous studies about recidivism of offenders have focused primarily on the nature of the sanctions and factors specific to the individual offender. This study addressed both individual and community factors, using a cohort of felony-level, driving while intoxicated (DWI) probationers ( N = 370) charged in Harris County, Texas. The study investigated specific deterrent effects of sanctions on success or failure of probationers while controlling for the community contexts to observe how informal social control processes contextualize individual-level predictors. Results of a series of event history analyses tracking probationers for a period of 8 years indicated that severity of punishment, swiftness of punishment, criminal history, and completion of DWI education programs significantly affected the probationer’s survival time, whereas no significant influence of community contexts on survival time or success was observed. Reducing the felony charge to a misdemeanor, a shorter period of probation, and past criminal history, combined with an almost immediate guilty plea, were significantly associated with short-term failure on probation.
Routines of morality: Nurturing familiar values in unfamiliar lands
Authors: Brown Bernardo E.
Published: January 2015

Although many long-term Sri Lankan migrants to Italy have words of praise for Italian culture and find few reasons to permanently return to their hometowns, they often take the decision to bring children back to Sri Lanka for their education. The reason most cited to opt for Sri Lankan schooling is that ‘Italians don’t have good values’. Certain Sri Lankan normative practices that adults can circumvent while in Italy play a fundamental heuristic role in the education of children and are allegedly only present in Sri Lanka. However, values are also a fundamental aspect of arguments put forward by migrants to stay in Italy as workers. This article discusses the ambiguities that concepts such as values and culture have in the daily usage of migrant workers. To clarify how they are used in arguments for and against migration, I suggest that scholarship in the anthropology of ethics can be illuminating in the ethnographic context of the Sri Lankan transnational experience. I discuss how migrant parents critically approach their understanding of Sri Lankan and Italian cultures, and how they ponder over alternative courses of action that tread between the material objectives of migration and the ethical values of Sri Lankan Catholicism.
Procedural Injustice, Lost Legitimacy, and Self-Help
Authors: Gau Jacinta M. , Brunson Rod K.
Published: January 2015

Legitimacy acts as the dividing line between a police force that merely possesses legal authority to enforce the law and one that enjoys both legal and moral authority. Research has shown that people who see the police as procedurally just are more likely to also view them as legitimate. Most of this research has been quantitative and has focused on the statistical link between procedural justice and police legitimacy. The present study offers a qualitative examination of in-depth interviews with young men residing in disadvantaged, urban neighborhoods to uncover the specific actions that police take that are seen as unjust and that erode legitimacy. In addition, evidence is revealed that compromised legitimacy can encourage young males to engage in certain self-protective behaviors that can, in turn, increase their risk of becoming the targets of police scrutiny. Implications of this finding for research and police policy are made.
Viewing Hospice Decision Making as a Process
Authors: Romo Rafael D. , Wallhagen Margaret I. , Smith Alexander K.
Published: January 2015

Research focused on understanding that the nature of hospice decision making has both described the characteristics of those who do and do not utilize hospice and identified many factors related to choosing hospice. However, this literature has not explored the underlying decision-making processes, limiting our understanding. We examine the extant literature and propose a framework that views hospice decisions as an evolving process, identify key factors that bear directly on this process, and discuss the contextual environment, including the idea of a decision maker triad. We end with a discussion of how this framework can be used to support clinical practice and future research. Our goal is to provide a framework from which to understand the end-of-life needs of all patients, no matter where they receive care.
Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma With Positive ALK Expression and a Rapidly Progressive Cutaneous Nodule
Authors: Xue Dan , Li Xiuzhen , Ren Yunqing , Liu Qi , Yen Yun , Xue Lijun
Published: January 2015

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) is a distinct entity from systemic ALCL (sALCL). sALCL usually shows immunohistochemical positivity for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), whereas these tests are negative in pcALCL. In contrast to sALCL, pcALCL is rarely found in children and young adults. We present here a case of a rare clinical condition in a 21-year-old woman, who has pcALCL with positive ALK and patchy EMA expression. She experiences a large, rapidly growing nodule without any outside-nodule manifestation. In conclusion, both ALK and EMA expression alone cannot distinguish pcALCL from secondary skin involvement by a sALCL.
Evaluation of the Value of d-Dimer, P-Selectin, and Platelet Count for Prediction of Portal Vein Thrombosis After Devascularization
Authors: Fei Yang , Zong Guang-quan , Chen Jian , Liu Ren-min
Published: January 2015

Background/Aim:

To evaluate the value of d-dimer, P-selectin, and platelet count in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension (PHT) for prediction of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after devascularization.

Methods:

A total of 137 patients with cirrhotic PHT who undergone devascularization from January 2012 to April 2014 were retrospectively reviewed, all of them were divided into 2 groups (PVT group and non-PVT group) by Doppler ultrasonography (DU) examination. The level of d-dimer, P-selectin, and platelet count was tested during the perioperative period.

Results:

In all, 38 (27.7%) patients were found to have PVT by DU examination postoperatively. In contrast to the non-PVT group, the level of d-dimer, P-selectin, and platelet count in the PVT group was much higher significantly at 1, 3, and 7 days after devascularization. ( P < .05). However, in the 15 days after surgery, the difference in P-selectin between the 2 groups was not significant ( P = .260). It was shown that the highest sensitivity of the 3 markers for PVT was d-dimer, the highest specificity belonged to P-selectin. The area under receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve of P-selectin was the biggest of the 3 markers. When the 3 markers were combined to be used to diagnose PVT, the sensitivity was increased to 0.907, with a slight drop of specificity to 0.693, the area under the ROC curve was 0.927.

Conclusion:

The level of d-dimer, P-selectin, and platelet count might be good candidate predictive markers for PVT in patients with cirrhotic PHT after devascularization. The combined test of the 3 markers can increase the value of prediction.
The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for children with a psychiatric disorder and mild intellectual disability to borderline intellectual functioning: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kok Lidwien , van der Waa Anne , Klip Helen , Staal Wouter
Published: January 2015

Children with intellectual disability frequently have difficulties in adapting to their environment. The extent of the experienced problems does not only depend on cognitive functioning but is influenced by other factors, such as the presence of a psychiatric disorder or other brain disorders, or adverse environmental factors. Several epidemiological studies show that children with intellectual disabilities are at an increased risk to develop psychiatric disorders. This is also true for youth with a mild intellectual disability and even those with borderline intellectual functioning (mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID)). Psychiatric disorders are often overlooked because behavioral problems are rather attributed to the intellectual disability. Consequently, effective psychiatric interventions, which are needed to improve the level of functioning, are not applied. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the currently available, qualitatively sound research concerning the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions, specifically directed at psychiatric disorders in children with MBID. Assessed for eligibility were 1409 unique reports, and the review ultimately included only 12 reports. Review of the results and meta-analyses showed that the majority of studies suffer from multiple limitations and that methodological variations between studies are extensive. This possibly reflects the high variance of factors that may be involved in MBID. It will be important in future research to address multi-causality.
The probability of detection for structural health monitoring systems: Repeated measures data
Authors: Schubert Kabban Christine M , Greenwell Brandon M , DeSimio Martin P , Derriso Mark M
Published: January 2015

The United States Air Force currently relies on schedule-based inspections using nondestructive evaluation methods for ensuring airframe integrity. The sensitivity of a nondestructive evaluation method is quantified statistically using a probability of detection process. The purpose of the probability of detection process is to generate a [Formula: see text] metric for a given nondestructive evaluation technique and corresponding defect (e.g. crack). This process could be conducted under various inspection conditions and defect sizes. The set of factors varied in the process is controlled to allow each nondestructive evaluation inspection to be treated as statistically independent. Current United States Air Force structural inspections are performed at time intervals that adhere to the independence assumption. However, the United States Air Force plans to service airframes based on their actual condition instead of the current schedule-based approach. Accordingly, there is emphasis on developing advanced health management technologies, such as structural health monitoring systems, which provide an automated and real-time assessment of a structure’s ability to serve its intended purpose. Therefore, structural health monitoring is considered to be equivalent to an in situ nondestructive evaluation structural inspection device. With a structural health monitoring system, the time interval between inspections will be much smaller than the time intervals between nondestructive evaluation inspections. Since structural health monitoring measurements are from the same sensors, in the same location, the independent measurement assumption used to analyze nondestructive evaluation methods is invalid. In this article, we present a statistical method consistent with current probability of detection process, yet designed to appropriately analyze dependent data. We demonstrate this method first with simulated data and then with experimental data from three test specimens of a representative aircraft structural component. This method leverages the advantages of a structural health monitoring system through its frequent measurements while maintaining its usefulness through appropriately computed probability of detection values. Furthermore, we present a numerical method for estimating the number of test specimens needed to achieve a desired [Formula: see text] value.
The electromagnetic shielding of textured steel yarn based woven fabrics used for clothing
Authors: Özdemir Hakan , Uğurlu Şebnem Seçkin , Özkurt Ahmet
Published: January 2015

The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) of herringbone, whipcord, barathea, and crêpe woven fabrics, which are twill and sateen derivatives, woven with textured steel yarns has not been investigated so far. Therefore, in this research, textured stainless steel yarn, which has soft feeling and flexibility, required properties for clothing fabrics, was selected as a conductive yarn to produce conductive fabrics whose weaves are twill, twill and sateen derivatives. The EMSE of these common clothing fabrics woven with different conductive yarn densities were measured by free space measurement technique with different antenna polarizations, because of the possibility to obtain measurements for a large bandwidth. It was observed that all conductive clothing woven fabric samples shielded well in medium and high frequency bands, which contain 900 MHz GSM, 1800 MHz GSM, 2100 MHz 3G, and 2400 MHz Wi-Fi bands. Most of the samples give acceptable EMSE values up to 40 dB at certain frequencies. The EMSE of fabric samples would remain almost the same, although conductive yarn density changed, because of diagonally or symmetrically arranged conductive yarn floats in fabric structures. The EMSE characteristics of different weave types are investigated and it is seen that when the yarn floats arrangement is changed the EMSE characteristic changes. And also, it is observed that measurements of fabrics, positioned so that the weft yarns were parallel to the antenna polarization are similar to those of fabrics, positioned so that the weft yarns were vertical to the antenna polarization.
Dabigatran-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: King Amber E. , Szarlej Dorota K. , Rincon Fred
Published: January 2015

Dabigatran etexilate is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor approved for prevention of stroke and systemic embolization in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and for the treatment of venous thromboembolism. Although dabigatran has a favorable safety profile, predictable pharmacokinetics, fewer drug interactions than warfarin, and does not require monitoring, clinical data regarding dabigatran reversal are limited. In addition, currently available laboratory assays allow measurement of the presence, but not extent, of dabigatran-associated anticoagulation. Patient age, renal function, weight, concurrent drug therapy, adherence, and concomitant disease states can affect dabigatran’s efficacy and safety. Management of dabigatran-related intracranial hemorrhage must be approached on a case-by-case basis and include assessment of degree of anticoagulation, severity of hemorrhage, renal function, timing of last dabigatran dose, and risk of thromboembolic events. Initial management includes dabigatran discontinuation and general supportive measures. Oral activated charcoal should be administered in those who ingested dabigatran within 2 hours. Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (4PCCs), activated PCC, or recombinant activated factor VII use may be reasonable but is not evidence based. Reserve fresh frozen plasma for patients with dilutional coagulopathy. If readily available, hemodialysis should be considered, particularly in patients with advanced kidney injury or excessive risk of thromboembolic events. More clinical studies are needed to determine a standardized approach to treating dabigatran-associated intracranial hemorrhage. Institutional protocol development will facilitate safe, efficacious, and timely use of the limited management options.
Direct Invasion of the Optic Nerves, Chiasm, and Tracts by Cryptococcus neoformans in an Immunocompetent Host
Authors: Merkler Alexander E. , Gaines Nathan , Baradaran Hediyeh , Schuetz Audrey N. , Lavi Ehud , Simpson Sara A. , Dinkin Marc J.
Published: January 2015

Cryptococcus spp is a common fungal infection and frequent cause of meningitis in immunocompromised patients; however, immunocompetent patients are also at risk of infection. Visual loss often occurs via elevated intracranial hypertension but can rarely occur through direct optic nerve, chiasm, or tract invasion. We report a case of a 38-year-old woman who presented with decreased acuity in both eyes. She had generalized visual field constriction in the right eye and temporal hemianopsia in the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbits showed multiple areas of ill-defined enhancement in the optic chiasm and tracts as well as in the diaphragmatic sella, prepontine and interpeduncular cisterns, and along cranial nerves VI, VII, and VIII bilaterally. Initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed 34 white blood cells, hypoglycorrhachia, and negative cryptococcal antigen and bacterial and fungal cultures. A transphenoidal biopsy of the dura and pituitary gland was unremarkable. Empiric steroids resulted in marked improvement in visual acuity in both eyes, but while tapering steroids, she developed rapid visual loss bilaterally. Repeat CSF performed 6 weeks later demonstrated a cryptococcal antigen titer of 1:512. Retroactive staining of the pituitary biopsy was positive for mucicarmine, a component of the polysaccharide capsule of Cryptococcus spp. After induction therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine and 1 year of fluconazole, her visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. In summary, Cryptococcus can affect immunocompetent patients and often presents with insidious, chronic meningitis. Visual loss is common in cryptococcal meningitis but usually results from fulminant papilledema related to elevated intracranial pressure. In rare cases, direct nerve or chiasm infiltration by the fungus results in vision loss.
Tailored reinforcement/matrix interface and thermodynamic mechanism during selective laser melting composites
Authors: Dai D.H. , Gu D.D.
Published: January 2015

The simulation of thermodynamic behaviours of reinforcing particles and reinforcement/matrix interface during selective laser melting of particle reinforced metal matrix composites was presented. The transition from powder to solid phase, the surface tension and the density change were taken into account. It showed that the operating temperature and the resultant turbulent intensity increased with increasing the applied linear energy density, giving rise to the high instability of the molten pool. The gravity and capillary forces play a crucial role in the rearrangement and the attendant distribution state of the reinforcing particles. The particle morphology and distribution state in the as processed parts were experimentally studied, which were in good agreement with the results predicted by simulation.
Human-like collagen protein-coated magnetic nanoparticles with high magnetic hyperthermia performance and improved biocompatibility
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Huan , Chang Le , Yu Baozhi , Liu Qiuying , Wu Jianpeng , Miao Yuqing , Ma Pei , Fan Daidi , Fan Haiming
Published: January 2015

Human-like collagen (HLC)-coated monodispersed superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been successfully prepared to investigate its effect on heat induction property and cell toxicity. After coating of HLC, the sample shows a faster rate of temperature increase under an alternating magnetic field although it has a reduced saturation magnetization. This is most probably a result of the effective heat conduction and good colloid stability due to the high charge of HLC on the surface. In addition, compared with Fe3O4 nanoparticles before coating with HLC, HLC-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles do not induce notable cytotoxic effect at higher concentration which indicates that HLC-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles has improved biocompatibility. Our results clearly show that Fe3O4 nanoparticles after coating with HLC not only possess effective heat induction for cancer treatment but also have improved biocompatibility for biomedicine applications.
Reversible Intramolecular Cyclization in Ruthenium Complexes Induced by Ligand-centered One-electron Transfer on Bidentate Naphthyridine: An Important Intermediate for Both Metal– and Organo–Hydride Species
Authors: Oyama Dai , Ukawa Narumi , Hamada Takashi , Takase Tsugiko
Published: January 2015

Two types of dicarbonylruthenium(II) complexes bearing the unsymmetrical bidentate ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine were prepared. The complexes undergo irreversible ligand-localized one-electron reduction to form redox-induced metallacyclization between the bidentate naphthyridyl ligand and the terminal CO ligand located nearby. Chemical reductions using NaBH4 were also performed to isolate the reaction products; the formation of both a metal–hydride (Ru–H) and an organo–hydride (C–H) species was confirmed.
Development of an image of russia as a country conducive to tourism
Authors: Кривошеева Татьяна , Krivosheeva Tatiana
Published: January 2015

The materials of the paper refer to the grouping and rating of countries which are donors of international tourism in order to determine the activity of marketing efforts in the field of image formation of the Russian Federation as a country favorable for tourism. The article contains generalized mixed trends affecting inbound tourism, which formed in restrictive political and economic policies imposed on Russia by the EU, the US and other countries. In order to optimize the form and content of measures to promote the tourist image of Russia and to determine the priority and the most important geographical areas for the implementation of these measures the analysis was conducted according to the following criteria: volume of outbound tourist flows of foreign countries; the growth rate of outbound tourist flows of foreign countries; tourism activity of the populations of foreign countries; number of received foreign tourists by Russian according to their origin. The results of the analysis, which is also reflected in the materials of the article, make possible to distinguish four groups of countries on the trends in international outbound tourist flows, three groups of countries according to the trends in inbound flows in Russia, 4 groups of countries for the development of outbound tourist flows to Russia in the first half of the year 2014 in relation to the 1st half of 2013, four groups of countries on the activity of marketing efforts and specialization in promotion of Russian tourist product on the market. On the basis of these groups, a list of priority geographic areas to enhance marketing efforts to create a tourist image of the Russian Federation is suggested and also outlined are the directions and forms of work on priority markets in foreign countries.
Adaptation of hotels to changes in competitive environment
Authors: Черкасова Антонина , Cherkasova Antonina
Published: January 2015

The paper presents a comprehensive study of the theoretical foundations of hotel enterprises’ adaptation in a competitive environment, including the formulated the concept of adaptation in terms of management. The paper also identifies and describes three aspects of the term "adaptation" in relation to objects of the hospitality industry. The author formulats the concept of adaptive competitive strategies of hotel companies, describes the basic competitive strategy options proposed by M. Porter: absolute cost leadership, differentiation, focus, which, according to the author, are potentially successful. These competitive strategies contribute to a sustainable position of a company in the industry for the long term and to achieve advantages over competitors. The author of the article reveals major shortcomings in the formation of competitive strategies of adaptation for hotel companies and suggests a model for the formation of adaptive competitive strategy facilities for the hospitality industry, which relies on the process approach, including the separation of the primary process into a series of sub-processes that have data inputs and outputs. The use of this model for the formation and adjustment of competitive strategies will allow hotel companies to develop effective adaptation competitive strategies to achieve sustainable and profitable position, enabling to resist to the pressures of the competitive forces that must and can determine the competition in the industry, to provide a rapid response to external hotel business changes and to implement responsive actions, and which also can help existing hotel companies to withdraw from the zone of instability and competitively operate in not always positive environmental conditions and to ensure a competitive advantage and long-term effectiveness of the hospitality market.
The tourist potential of Kolomna: analytical aspects
Authors: Сильчева Людмила , Silcheva Lyudmila
Published: January 2015

In modern conditions an important activity in the tourism industry of the Russian Federation is studing tourism markets for domestic tourism, attracting tourist flows in the small towns Russia through the development of new original sightseeing tours and tourist routes, the creation and development of innovative tourism infrastructure.

According to the concept of the modern suburbs, great attention is paid to the development of priority points to attract tourists and tourist resources of the most important destinations in the region. In Moscow suburbs, there is a tourist route "Gubernskoe ring Moscow region" and twelve "points of attraction" for tourists – "The 12 pearls Moscow region."

In accordance with the existing tourist resources Kolomna is related to the "South" zone of Moscow region with specialization: cultural, educational, pilgrim, scientific, educational, business and event tourism. Kolomna is one of the oldest cities in the Moscow region, which is included in "Gubernskoe ring Moscow region" and "The 12 pearls suburbs." Tourism products offered by travel companies in Kolomna, are very diverse: from a stationary rest with a rich excursion program to the programs presented by hunting and fishing tours, hiking trails, extreme and ecological tours with resting in picturesque places.

Kolomna has a considerable potential and resources to enhance its attractiveness to tourists, primarily it is a large number of historical monuments. However, to use them in full the necessary measures is to improve the organization of tourist businesses in the city. To this end, should be developed programs of creating urban tourism clusters; and tourism organizations should study the demand and offer new themed tours and excursions, especially given the historical part of the city and the possibilities of its transport infrastructure (particularly water ways).
Academic mobility: a tool of globalization of education or a challenge for russian higher education?
Authors: Смит Наталья , Smit Natalya
Published: January 2015

In this paper we propose to consider how globalization affects education, as radical reforms associated with the transition to innovative technologies and principles of the globalization of the labor market in Western civilization affect the emerging economies, in particular to Russia, what is happening now in higher school in the context of globalization, how universities respond to changes in the external environment, how they change their programs, approaches to learning. The author deals with the universalization and individualization of education, defines the role of the Bologna process, its architecture in the modernization programs and levels of education in the Russian Federation and the influence of various international and independent foundations in Russia’s integration processes in a common economic and social space in Europe. On the example of the design and implementation of the dual degree program the author provides details of how the integration processes are taking place in the Russian State University of Tourism and Service, through which instruments carried out are academic exchanges and research. The article analyzes the compatibility of curricula, practice-modular programs, the feasibility of the use of innovative teaching technologies, interactive teaching methods, and competence-based approach to labor market requirements. On the basis of the author´s survey it’s highlighted what problems arise in the implementation of dual degree programs, what the benefits and difficulties of students and teachers are in the process of participation in international academic mobility.
Languages of training
Authors: Henry Laura
Published: January 2015

Often, when we talk about ‘training’ and our needs, we tend to focus on what we call ‘professional’ progression, which is, of course, vitally important, but we should not neglect personal development.
Signs of the community
Authors: Norman Amanda
Published: January 2015

Dr Amanda Norman explores the use of baby signing as an approach that has benefits for both children and the practitioners who care for them, helping to create ‘communities of practice’ within settings.
Measuring what really matters
Authors: Ellyatt Wendy
Published: January 2015

Our obsession with targets and accountability is reaching a dangerous level. Despite unprecedented opposition, government is prepared to go ahead with a policy that threatens the wellbeing of children.
Joining up the pieces
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: January 2015

Piece by small piece, children will soon learn how to manipulate materials and resources in order to construct a larger picture in the form of a mosaic, an art form that has been popular for centuries.
How to use patient testimonials to your aesthetic clinic's advantage
Authors: Deakin Barbara
Published: January 2015

A good review can create positive brand association with your clinic before a potential customer even steps foot in the door. In her regular practice management column, Barbara Deakin offers aesthetic practitioners advice on the use of testimonials for clinic PR and marketing purposes. She also identifies what makes a good testimonial and explores whether testimonials are essential for success
Encouraging staff to ‘live the brand’: choosing a company mantra
Authors: Ratcliffe Jason
Published: January 2015

As well as high-quality procedures and products, medical aesthetic clinic clients will be expecting top-notch customer service and a memorable experience. By revisiting your staff training programme and creating a short, clear mantra for your brand, both employees and clients will be encouraged to ‘live the brand’ and communicate effectively inside and outside of the clinic
‘Clients are increasingly keen to look after the condition and quality of their skin’
Authors: Zadah Kate
Published: January 2015

In medical aesthetics, establishing and running a successful clinic is not just about delivering high-quality treatments—having business accumen and a nose for the latest trends is key to setting your business apart from the rest. In this practice management series, PR professional Kate Zadah interviews clinic managers from all over the UK to find out about each practice's successes and struggles
Bad grammar puts effective communication and your professional credibility at risk
Authors: Collier Helena
Published: January 2015

There are several online professional networking forums for aesthetic nurses and cosmetic doctors, many of which post contentious threads about hotly debated issues. Although aesthetic nurses are encouraged to comment on these threads, Helena Collier believes many could be damaging both their reputation and that of the nursing profession by using incorrect spelling and grammar
Conceptual approach of information rich 3D model about the Terezín Memorial
Authors: Hájek Pavel , Jedlička Karel , Vichrová Martina , Fiala Radek
Published: January 2015

Looking at the concept of the virtual model of Terezín Memorial, the model consists of two main parts: the geometric 3D model which depicts the place and the lexical base of data which describes the history of Terezín, mainly during the II. World War.Taking a closer look, the heterogeneous nature of existing both analogue and digital documents about the history leads to use a content management system (CMS). CMS is used, together with a relational database, for the lexical data. Each document in CMS has its unique identifier, identifier of a place to which is referred to and two dates referring to a time period. The spatial part of the Terezín model consists of detailed models of all historically valuable buildings and constructions. These models are complemented with less detailed models of the rest of buildings and constructions in the Terezín town.Both lexical and spatial part of the virtual model is filled up with large amount of data. Therefore it is crucial to build such a method of (both lexical and spatial) data selection, which is fast and serve relevant information to the user. Whereas well known one dimensional data indexes can be used for descriptive data, situation is a bit more complex in 3D, where common geographic (two dimensional) data indexes cannot be used. In 3D, size of bounding box (BB) of each potentially portrayed object is calculated, based on the observer position, its view direction and the distance from the object. When the size of BB of each object is calculated, different level of detail (LOD) of each object can be displayed. Different LODs are used also in two dimensional maps, where they are used for creation of a scale dependent map, but there is again principal difference between 2D and 3D. While in 2D always just one LOD at a time is portrayed in the map, objects closer to the observer are displayed in higher detail then farther ones in 3D. It leads to a situation, where objects are displayed in different LODs in one 3D scene. This issue poses a major challenge to a creation of a multi-scale 3D model, because different LODs have to share major shape (at least footprints and heights). Moreover the virtual model has to be also time aware, therefore each piece of information in the database has to have a time period for which it is valid.
Long-term Deformation Measurements of Atypical Roof Timber Structures
Authors: Bureš Jiří , Švábenský Otakar , Kalina Marek
Published: January 2015

The paper includes conclusions from evaluation of results obtained from long-termmeasuring of innovative atypical roof timber structures. Based on the results ofmeasurements of vertical and horizontal deformation components it is possible to analyzethe real behavior of structures in given conditions. By assessing deformations in variousstages, including particularly external and internal environment temperatures, relative airhumidity and moisture content of wood, decisive parameters for real structure behaviorcan be established. The data are processed from period 2001 – 2013.
Absolute Baseline for Testing of Electronic Distance Meters
Authors: Braun Jaroslav , Dvořáček Filip , Štroner Martin
Published: January 2015

The paper deals with the construction and determination of coordinates of the absoluteEDMs baseline in a laboratory with 16 pillars with forced centring. Leica Absolute TrackerAT401 (standard deviation of distance measurement: 5 μ m, standard deviation of anglemeasurement: 0.15 mgon), which is designed for very accurate industrial measurements,was used for our purpose. Lengths between the baseline points were determined with astandard deviation of 0.02 mm. The baseline is used for determining systematic and randomerrors of distance meters and for accuracy of distance meters at short distances commonin engineering surveying for purposes of mechanical engineering.
Effects of metacognitive guidance on critical thinking disposition
Authors: Akyüz Halil İbrahim , Samsa Yetik Serap , Keser Hafize
Published: February 2015

The present study investigated the effect of metacognitive guidance in an online learning environment on the students' critical thinking competency. The research was carried out using experimental design with pretest-posttest control groups. The research group of the study consisted of 60 students studying at Computer and Educational Teaching Department of Educational Sciences Faculty at Ankara University during the fall semester of 2011-2012. The 51 point California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory was used to collect pretest-posttest data. In terms of total score of critical thinking tendency, the average score of the group that received critical guidance was found to be higher than the score of the control group. The metacognitive guidance offered to the students in the online learning environment has affected their critical thinking tendency in a positive way. Findings indicate that metacognitive guidance in online learning environments can be an effective tool in developing critical thinking among preservice teachers.
Risk Analysis for Reverse Mortgages with Different Payout Designs
Authors: Cho Daniel , Hanewald Katja , Sherris Michael
Published: January 2015

We analyze the risk and profitability of reverse mortgages with lump-sum or income stream payments from the lender’s perspective. Reverse mortgage cash flows and loan balances are modeled in a multi-period stochastic framework that allows for house price risk, interest rate risk and risk of delayed loan termination. A vector autoregressive (VAR) model is used to simulate economic scenarios and to derive stochastic discount factors for pricing the no negative equity guarantee embedded in reverse mortgage contracts. Our results show that lump-sum reverse mortgages are more profitable and require less risk-based capital than income stream reverse mortgages, which explains why this product design dominates in most markets. The loan-to-value ratio, the borrower’s age, mortality improvements and the lender’s financing structure are shown to be important drivers of the profitability and riskiness of reverse mortgages, but changes in these parameters do not change the main conclusions.
Un théorème de Lefschetz–Hopf pour les fonctions à itérées compactes
Authors: Cauty Robert
Published: January 2015

Nous montrons qu’une transformation

f
:

X
→
X

f:X\to X

d’une partie convexe d’un espace métrique linéaire a un point fixe si elle a une itérée compacte

f
n

f^{n}

, c’est-à-dire si

f
n

⁢

(
X
)

f^{n}(X)

est contenu dans un sous-ensemble compact de X. Il s’agit d’un cas particulier du théorème de point fixe plus général suivant: une transformation

f
:

X
→
X

f:X\to X

d’un

ANR

\mathrm{ANR}

algébrique X a un point fixe si son nombre de Lefschetz

Λ
⁢

(
f
)

\Lambda(f)

est non nul et si elle a une itérée compacte. La classe des

ANRs

\mathrm{ANRs}

algébriques a été introduite et étudiée par l’auteur en 2005. Elle contient les

ANRs

\mathrm{ANRs}

et les parties convexes des espaces métriques linéaires (et plus généralement des espaces
métrisables équiconnexes).

We prove that a self-map

f
:

X
→
X

f\colon X\to X

of a convex subset X of a linear metric space has a fixed point if some iterate

f
n

f^{n}

of f is compact in the sense that

f
n

⁢

(
X
)

f^{n}(X)

is contained in a compact subset of X. This result is a partial case of a more general fixed-point theorem saying that a self-map

f
:

X
→
X

f\colon X\to X

of an algebraic ANR X has a fixed point if it has non-zero Lefschetz number

Λ
⁢

(
f
)

\Lambda(f)

and some iterate

f
n

f^{n}

of f is compact. The class of algebraic ANRs was introduced and studied by the author in 2005. It contains all ANRs and all convex subsets of linear metric spaces (more generally, all metrizable equiconnected spaces).
Rule of Law Reforms and Institutional Change Processes in Eastern DR Congo: Neo-institutional Economics vs Multijuralism
Authors: Jean-Bouchard Évelyne
Published: January 2015

In development approaches, the link between rule of law institutional reforms and economic development is theorized by neo-institutional economics (NIE). From an economic analysis of law, NIE interprets the institutional variable through its ability to reduce uncertainty. The analysis of the relationship between institutions and development then leads to the study of institutional and normative changes. In this context, authors are referring to path dependence theory in order to explain the recurrent failure of rule of law reforms. However, I will argue that while NIE, by referring to path dependence theory, acknowledges that reforms take place within a complex set of particularities, I suggest that the notion of multijuralism, elaborated by the French legal anthropologist Étienne Le Roy, is more appropriated to describe this set of particularities in an African context. Using empirical data collected during an anthropological study regarding women’s rights in Democratic Republic of Congo, we will see that normative changes usually occur on the margins of State institutions. In addition, the embedded norms considered by NIE immobile through time are actually much more fluid than it seems.
Behaving toward language in the Mormon mission: the Czech case
Authors: Sherman Tamah
Published: January 2015

This article applies Language Management Theory/Framework to the behavior toward language observed in the missionary program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons) in the Czech Republic. It analyzes data directly from the mission site, focusing on specifically the combination of the highly specific character of the missionaries' acquisition of Czech and their role as native speakers of English. It explores not only the acquisition, but also the use of the mission language, highlighting the relationship between macro structures of the church's language policy, the character of the missionaries' work in general, and language use in individual interactions. The article concludes by arguing that not only the knowledge of the local language, but also the acquired orientation to the local sociolinguistic situation and communicative practices are what enable the missionaries to do their work.
The management of academic discourse acquisition
Authors: Marriott Helen
Published: January 2015

This article applies the Language Management Theory (LMT) in the context of overseas students participating in university study in an English-speaking context and who are developing their academic discourse while at the same time undertaking disciplinary studies. It draws upon data from a number of previous studies and examines central aspects of the theory, including kinds of management, stages of the management process, and simple and organized management, showing how the latter are sometimes interconnected in various ways. In the article, I consider issues relating to the start of the management process and analyze how power is exercised and by whom in these contact situations. Finally, consideration is given to methodological procedures which help us to identify the occurrence of management, in particular, follow-up (stimulated recall) interviews and interaction interviews.
Connecting clinical care and research: Single-source with x4T – Process design, architecture, and use cases
Authors: Forster Christian , Bruland Philipp , Lechtenbörger Jens , Breil Bernhard , Vossen Gottfried
Published: January 2015

Clinical research and routine care documentation have traditionally
been performed in a dual-source approach, where data is collected
redundantly and maintained in separated systems. The generic x4T
single-source process removes redundant steps and is adoptable to
specific types of studies. In support of the various processes, we
have designed and implemented an architecture called x4T based on
CDISC ODM. The software has been deployed in three different use
cases containing up to 3976 subjects until now and allows real-time
access to live data from routine care documentation systems.