bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coarse-grained Scheduling with Software-Defined Networking Switches
Authors: Rifai Myriana , Lopez-Pacheco Dino , Urvoy-Keller Guillaume
Published: September 2015

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) enables consolidation of the control plane of a set of network equipments with a fine-grained control of traffic flows inside the network. In this work, we demonstrate that some coarse-grained scheduling mechanisms can be easily offered by SDN switches without requiring any unsupported operation in OpenFlow. We leverage the feedback loop - flow statistics - exposed by SDN switches to the controller, combined with priority queuing mechanisms, usually available in typical switches on their output ports. We illustrate our approach through experimentations with an OpenvSwitch SDN switch controlled by a Beacon controller.
Cache'n DASH
Authors: Juluri Parikshit , Medhi Deep
Published: September 2015

HTTP-based video streaming services have been dominating the global IP traffic over the last few years. Caching of video content reduces the load on the content servers. In the case of Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH), for every video the server needs to host multiple representations of the same video file. These individual representations are further broken down into smaller segments. Hence, for each video the server needs to host thousands of segments out of which, the client downloads a subset of the segments. Also, depending on the network conditions, the adaptation scheme used at the client-end might request a different set of video segments (varying in bitrate) for the same video. The caching of DASH videos presents unique challenges. In order to optimize the cache hits and minimize the misses for DASH video streaming services we propose an Adaptation Aware Cache (AAC) framework to determine the segments that are to be prefetched and retained in the cache. In the current scheme, we use bandwidth estimates at the cache server and the knowledge of the rate adaptation scheme used by the client to estimate the next segment requests, thus improving the prefetching at the cache.
On the Optimization of Request Routing for Content Delivery
Authors: Benchaita Walid , Ghamri-Doudane Samir , Tixeuil Sébastien
Published: September 2015

We present a flexible scheme and an optimization algorithm for request routing in Content Delivery Networks (CDN). Our online approach, which is based on Lyapunov theory, provides a stable quality of service to clients, while improving content delivery delays. It also reduces data transport costs for operators.
FALE
Authors: Chang Liqiong , Chen Xiaojiang , Fang Dingyi , Wang Ju , Xing Tianzhang , Liu Chen , Tang Zhanyong
Published: September 2015

Many emerging applications and the ubiquitous wireless signals have accelerated the development of Device Free localization (DFL) techniques, which can localize objects without the need to carry any wireless devices. Most traditional DFL methods have a main drawback that as the pre-obtained Received Signal Strength (RSS) measurements (i.e., fingerprint) in one area cannot be directly applied to the new area for localization, and the calibration process of each area will result in the human effort exhausting problem. In this paper, we propose FALE, a fine-grained transferring DFL method that can adaptively work in different areas with little human effort and low energy consumption. FALE employs a rigorously designed transferring function to transfer the fingerprint into a projected space, and reuse it across different areas, thus greatly reduce the human effort. On the other hand, FALE can reduce the data volume and energy consumption by taking advantage of the compressive sensing (CS) theory. Extensive real-word experimental results also illustrate the effectiveness of FALE.
i-tee
Authors: Ernits Margus , Tammekänd Johannes , Maennel Olaf
Published: September 2015

We present an Intelligent Training Exercise Environment (i-tee), a fully automated Cyber Defense Competition platform. The main features of i-tee are: automated attacks, automated scoring with immediate feedback using a scoreboard, and background traffic generation. The main advantage of this platform is easy integration into existing curricula and suitability for continuous education as well as on-site training at companies. This platform implements a modular approach called learning spaces for implementing different competitions and hands-on labs. The platform is highly automated to enable execution with up to 30 teams by one person using a single server. The platform is publicly available under MIT license.
Enabling Performance Evaluation Beyond 10 Gbps
Authors: Antichi Gianni , Rotsos Charalampos , Moore Andrew W.
Published: September 2015

Despite network monitoring and testing being critical for computer networks, current solutions are both extremely expensive and inflexible. This demo presents OSNT (www.osnt.org), a community-driven, high-performance, open-source traffic generator and capture system built on top of the NetFPGA-10G board which enables flexible network testing. The platform supports full line-rate traffic generation regardless of packet size across the four card ports, packet capture filtering and packet thinning in hardware and sub-msec time precision in traffic generation and capture, corrected using an external GPS device. Furthermore, it provides a software APIs to test the dataplane performance of multi-10G switches, providing a starting point for a number of different test cases. OSNT flexibility is further demonstrated through the OFLOPS-turbo platform: an integration of OSNT with the OFLOPS OpenFlow switch performance evaluation platform, enabling control and data plane evaluation of 10G switches. This demo showcases the applicability of the OSNT platform to evaluate the performance of legacy and OpenFlow-enabled networking devices, and demonstrates it using commercial switches.
Network Policy Whiteboarding and Composition
Authors: Lee Jeongkeun , Kang Joon-Myung , Prakash Chaithan , Banerjee Sujata , Turner Yoshio , Akella Aditya , Clark Charles , Ma Yadi , Sharma Puneet , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2015

We present Policy Graph Abstraction (PGA) that graphically expresses network policies and service chain requirements, just as simple as drawing whiteboard diagrams. Different users independently draw policy graphs that can constrain each other. PGA graph clearly captures user intents and invariants and thus facilitates automatic composition of overlapping policies into a coherent policy.
Load-Balancing the Distance Computations in Record Linkage
Authors: Karapiperis Dimitrios , Verykios Vassilios S.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we propose a novel method for distributing the distance computations of record pairs generated by a blocking mechanism to the reduce tasks of a Map/Reduce system. The proposed solutions in the literature analyze the blocks and then construct a profile, which contains the number of record pairs in each block. However, this deterministic process, including all its variants, might incur considerable overhead given massive data sets. In contrast, our method utilizes two Map/Reduce jobs where the first job formulates the record pairs while the second job distributes these pairs to the reduce tasks, which perform the distance computations, using repetitive allocation rounds. In each such round, we utilize all the available reduce tasks on a random basis by generating permutations of their indexes. A series of experiments demonstrate an almost-equal distribution of the record pairs, or equivalently of the distance computations, to the reduce tasks, which makes our method a simple, yet efficient, solution for applying a blocking mechanism given massive data sets.
Beneficial Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide on Expressive Language, Cognition, and Behaviors in Autism: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Antonucci Nicola , Cirillo Alessandra , Siniscalco Dario
Published: September 2015

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorders are defined by behavioral and language atypias. Growing body of evidence indicates inflammatory mediators may contribute to the condition. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is naturally occurring and has been available as a nonprescription medical food supplement in Europe since 2008. PEA has been tested in thousands of human subjects without any noted significant side effects. Here we report the first cases of the administration of PEA to two children with autism.Case Presentations. The first 13-year-old male child (Subject 1) presented with a total IgE of 572 IU/mL (nl < 200) and with low mature CD57+natural killer cell counts (32 cells/µL; nl = 60–300 cells/µL) and with significant eczema and allergic stigmata. Expressive language, as measured by mean length of utterance, and overall autism severity as measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition, improved significantly. Atopic symptoms diminished. No side effects were reported. The second male child, age 15 (Subject 2), also displayed noticeable and rapid improvements in cognitive, behaviors, and sociability.Conclusion. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for autism condition. Palmitoylethanolamide could be an effective treatment for autism syndrome. We propose appropriate double-blind clinical trials to further explore palmitoylethanolamide efficacy and safety.
Experimental Investigation of Flow Resistance in a Coal Mine Ventilation Air Methane Preheated Catalytic Oxidation Reactor
Authors: Zheng Bin , Liu Yongqi , Liu Ruixiang , Meng Jian , Mao Mingming
Published: September 2015

This paper reports the results of experimental investigation of flow resistance in a coal mine ventilation air methane preheated catalytic oxidation reactor. The experimental system was installed at the Energy Research Institute of Shandong University of Technology. The system has been used to investigate the effects of flow rate (200 Nm3/h to 1000 Nm3/h) and catalytic oxidation bed average temperature (20°C to 560°C) within the preheated catalytic oxidation reactor. The pressure drop and resistance proportion of catalytic oxidation bed, the heat exchanger preheating section, and the heat exchanger flue gas section were measured. In addition, based on a large number of experimental data, the empirical equations of flow resistance are obtained by the least square method. It can also be used in deriving much needed data for preheated catalytic oxidation designs when employed in industry.
Inhibition of Phosphate-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Osteo-/Chondrogenic Signaling and Calcification by Bafilomycin A1 and Methylamine
Authors: Alesutan Ioana , Musculus Katharina , Castor Tatsiana , Alzoubi Kousi , Voelkl Jakob , Lang Florian
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Excessive phosphate concentrations trigger vascular calcification, an active process promoted by osteoinduction of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with increased expression and activity of transcription factor RUNX2 (Core-binding factor α1, CBFA1), alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), TGFß1, transcription factor NFAT5, and NFAT5-sensitive transcription factor SOX9. The osteoinductive signaling and vascular calcification of hyperphosphatemic klotho-hypomorphic mice could be reversed by treatment with NH4Cl, effects involving decrease of TGFß1 and inhibition of NFAT5-dependent osteoinductive signaling. Known effects of NH4Cl include alkalinization of acidic cellular compartments. The present study explored whether osteo-/chondrogenic signaling could be influenced by alkalinization of acidic cellular compartments following inhibition of the vacuolar H+ ATPase with bafilomycin A1 or following dissipation of the pH gradient across the membranes of acidic cellular compartments with methylamine. Methods: Primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs) were treated with high phosphate to trigger osteo-/chondrogenic signaling and calcification in the absence or presence of bafilomycin A1 or methylamine. Calcium content was determined using a QuantiChrom Calcium assay, ALP activity by a colorimetric assay and transcript levels by quantitative RT-PCR. Results: High phosphate increased significantly the calcium deposition, CBFA1 and ALPL mRNA expression as well as alkaline phosphatase activity in HAoSMCs, all effects ameliorated by both, bafilomycin A1 and methylamine. High phosphate further significantly up-regulated the mRNA levels of TGFB1, NFAT5 and SOX9, effects significantly blunted by additional treatment with bafilomycin A1 or methylamine. Treatment of HAoSMCs with human TGFß1 protein or high phosphate up-regulated NFAT5, SOX9, CBFA1 and ALPL mRNA expression to similarly high levels which could not be further increased by combined treatment with high phosphate and TGFß1. Bafilomycin A1 failed to reverse the osteo-/chondrogenic signaling triggered by high phosphate together with TGFß1. Conclusions: Inhibition of the vacuolar H+ ATPase or dissipation of the pH gradient across the membranes of acidic cellular compartments both disrupt osteo-/chondrogenic signaling and calcium deposition in VSMCs, observations supporting the hypothesis that vascular calcification requires acidic cellular compartments.
Blood Pressure Characteristics in Moderate to Severe Renal Insufficiency
Authors: Wu Zheyou , Wu Xiaohong , Xing Fang , Zhou Shanjun , Luo Benyan , Wang Lihong
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients has been extensively studied, but few investigations have attempted to relate ABPM with CKD stages. The objectives of this article were to compare ABPM parameters for the diagnosis and treatment determination of CKD with daytime clinic blood pressure (BP) measurements. We also investigated BP and renal injury in combined hypertension and CKD. We supposed ABPM was important in combined hypertension and CKD. Methods: We compared ABPM in hypertension patients, including 152 patients with combined hypertension and CKD. Patients with combined hypertension and CKD were grouped according to severity into stages 1 through 3 (Stage 1-3) and stages 4 and 5 (Stage 4-5). Results: In the Stage 4-5 group, systolic BP (SBP) (daytime, nighttime and 24 h mean), diastolic BP (DBP), pulse pressure and SBP standard deviations (SD) (daytime and 24 h) were higher. SBP and DBP loads were significantly higher in the Stage 4-5 group. The nighttime load was higher than the daytime load. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher and heart rates (HR) were faster in the Stage 4-5 group. Conclusions: BP load should be a component employed in ABPM to determine cardiovascular risk stratification. MAP and HR might be associated with risk to develop end-stage renal disease.
The Thiazide-Sensitive Co-Transporter Promotes the Development of Sodium Retention in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Davies Matthew R P , Gleich Kurt , Katerelos Marina , Lee Mardiana , Mount Peter F , Power David A
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Intravascular volume expansion due to sodium retention is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension. Institution of high fat diet (HFD) feeding leads to an initial state of positive sodium balance due to enhanced tubular reabsorption of sodium, but which tubular sodium transporters are responsible for this remains undefined. Methods: C57/Bl6 mice were fed control or HFD for 3 weeks. Blood pressures were recorded by tail cuff method. Sodium transporter expression and phosphorylation were determined by Western blotting. In vivo activity of NCC was determined using natriuretic responses to hydrochlorothiazide. Expression of NCC mRNA was determined using qPCR. Results: At 3 weeks HFD mice had significant weight gains compared to control mice, but blood pressures were not yet elevated. There were no changes in expression or phosphorylation of the bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter, NKCC2, or in expression of subunits of the amiloride-sensitive ion channel, ENaC. However, there were significant increases in mRNA and protein expression of the thiazide-sensitive co-transporter, NCC, in kidneys from HFD mice. Consistent with this, HFD mice had increased in vivo activity of NCC. Conclusions: Increased expression of NCC promotes the sodium loading response to institution of HFD feeding before onset of hypertension.
Impact of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase CDK4 Inhibition on Eryptosis
Authors: Lang Elisabeth , Zelenak Christine , Eberhard Matthias , Bissinger Rosi , Rotte Anand , Ghashghaeinia Mehrdad , Lupescu Adrian , Lang Florian , Qadri Syed M.
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: The cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) participates in the regulation of apoptosis of nucleated cells by altering transcriptional regulation of genes governing cell proliferation and cell death. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter eryptosis, which is characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure at the cell surface. As mature erythrocytes lack nuclei, acute stimulation of eryptosis cannot result from altered gene expression. Eryptosis is triggered by isotonic cell shrinkage following Cl- removal (replacement with the impermeant organic anion gluconate) or by oxidative stress (exposure to 0.3 mM tertbutyl-hydroperoxide [tBOOH]). The present study explored whether CDK4 is expressed in erythrocytes and whether the CDK4 inhibitors II (NSC625987) and III (ryuvidine) influence eryptosis. Methods: Western blotting was utilized for determination of the presence of CDK4 protein in human erythrocytes, and FACS analysis to determine Fluo3 fluorescence (reflecting cytosolic Ca2+), annexin-V-binding (reflecting PS-exposure) and forward scatter (reflecting cell volume). Results: CDK4 protein was present in human erythrocytes. Cl- removal was followed by decrease of forward scatter and increase of both annexin-V-binding and Fluo3 fluorescence, an effect significantly curtailed by CDK4 inhibitors II and III. Furthermore, CDK4 inhibition blunted enhanced PS-exposure elicited by tBOOH treatment. Conclusions: The present observations disclose the presence of CDK4 protein in human erythrocytes and the suppression of suicidal erythrocyte death by pharmacological inhibition of CDK4.
Stimulating Effect of a Newly Synthesized Sulfonamido-Basedgallate on Articular Chondrocytes in Vitro
Authors: Lu Zhenhui , Wang Liqin , Pan Hongmei , Lin Xiao , Lin Cuiwu , Liu Buming , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin
Published: September 2015

Background: The phenotype of chondrocyte is easy to be lost when expanded in vitro by a process defined “dedifferentiation”. Traditional growth factors such as transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) are effective in preventing of dedifferentiation, but high costs and loss of activity limited their use. It is of significance to find substitutes which can reduce dedifferentiation and preserve chondrocytes phenotype to ensure sufficient differentiated cells for further study. Methods: We synthesized new type of sulfonamido-based gallates named ZXHA-C and investigated its effect on primary articular chondrocytes of rats. After preliminary screening by cytotoxicity test, ZXHA-C of 1.06 × 10-8, 1.06 × 10-7 and 1.06 × 10-6M were chosen for further studies. Cell proliferation, morphology, viability, GAG synthesis and cartilage specific gene expression were detected. Also the effects of ZXHA-C on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were investigated. Results: ZXHA-C could significantly promote chondrocytes growth. And it could enhance ECM synthesis by up-regulating expression levels of cartilage specific markers like aggrecan, collagen II and Sox9. Expression of collagen I which marked chondrocytes dedifferentiation was also significantly down-regulated after treated by ZXHA-C. Further exploration of the molecular mechanism indicated that ZXHA-C activated the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in chondrocytes, as evidenced by up-regulated gene expression of β-catenin, Wnt-4, cyclin D1 and Frizzled-2 and decreased glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β). Among the various concentrations, ZXHA-C of 1.06 × 10-7 M showed the best performance, which was close to positive control (group with TGF-β1). Conclusion: ZXHA-C might be potential a novel agent for the maintenances of chondrocytes phenotype.
Utilities of Electronic Medical Records to Improve Quality of Care for Acute Kidney Injury: Past, Present, Future
Authors: Kashani Kianoush , Herasevich Vitaly
Published: September 2015

Electronic health records (EHRs) have become an integrated part of medical practice in most clinical settings around the world. Appropriate use of EHR potentially improves patient care while poorly designed EHR can cause harm. In recent years, EHR has been used as a platform to identify patients who have or may develop acute kidney injury (AKI). The benefit of using EHR for a rule-based classification of AKI has been controversial. While some reports indicate improvement in the process of care provided to AKI patients, other studies do not show significant changes in the outcomes. Utilities of EHR in AKI should go beyond a rule-based detection of the AKI as a syndrome. There are several different potential applications for such tools including AKI forecasting models and clinical decision support systems, to improve the quality of care and outcome of the patients with AKI. Both clinical and investigative interest in the field is growing among clinicians, administrators and scientists. Appropriate utilization of intelligent EHR can provide timely, appropriate and accurate information to the clinicians in order to improve the quality of care provided to critically ill patients and assist investigators to generate new knowledge. In this review paper, we discuss the past and present states of EHR role in the field of AKI. We also share our views regarding the future potentials and directions of these devices.
Lateral Transorbital Endoscopic Access to the Hippocampus, Amygdala, and Entorhinal Cortex: Initial Clinical Experience
Authors: Chen H. Isaac , Bohman Leif-Erik , Emery Lyndsey , Martinez-Lage Maria , Richardson Andrew G. , Davis Kathryn A. , Pollard John R. , Litt Brian , Gausas Roberta E. , Lucas Timothy H.
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Transorbital approaches traditionally have focused on skull base and cavernous sinus lesions medial to the globe. Lateral orbital approaches to the temporal lobe have not been widely explored despite several theoretical advantages compared to open craniotomy. Recently, we demonstrated the feasibility of the lateral transorbital technique in cadaveric specimens with endoscopic visualization. We describe our initial clinical experience with the endoscope-assisted lateral transorbital approach to lesions in the temporal lobe. Methods: Two patients with mesial temporal lobe pathology presenting with seizures underwent surgery. The use of a transpalpebral or Stallard-Wright eyebrow incision enabled access to the intraorbital compartment, and a lateral orbital wall ‘keyhole' opening permitted visualization of the anterior temporal pole. Results: This approach afforded adequate access to the surgical target and surrounding structures and was well tolerated by the patients. To the best of our knowledge, this report constitutes the first case series describing the endoscope-assisted lateral transorbital approach to the temporal lobe. We discuss the limits of exposure, the nuances of opening and closing, and comparisons to open craniotomy. Conclusion: Further prospective investigation of this approach is warranted for comparison to traditional approaches to the mesial temporal lobe.
Complications after Radiofrequency Ablation of 233 Hepatic Tumors
Authors: Fonseca Alexandre Zanchenko , Saad William Abrao , Ribeiro Jr. Marcelo Augusto
Published: September 2015

Objective: The only curative treatment for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies is surgery and liver transplantation. Thus, the majority of the patients are not candidates for resection, and there is a lack of organs. For these reasons, alternative treatment modalities such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are employed. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the incidence and types of complications related to open and percutaneous RFA. Method: This is a retrospective study of patients with hepatic malignancies treated by RFA. Tumor size, location, numbers of nodules, approach, histology and associated procedures were analyzed and correlated to complications. Results: A total of 151 patients with primary and secondary hepatic malignancies were included: 58 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 68 with metastases from colorectal cancer and 25 with other types of tumors. Complications occurred in 24.5% of the patients, mostly (58.9%) in those with HCC. Ascites was the most common complication, followed by wound infection. The only two significant factors associated with complications were the presence of HCC (p = 0.0087) and two or more lesions (p = 0.0323). The mortality rate was 0.69%. Conclusion: RFA is a safe technique, but complications may occur and are multifactorial. Appropriate patient selection, early complication recognition and adequate treatment are essential.
The Experience of Treating Drooling with Repeated Botulinum Toxin Injections
Authors: Sillanpää Saara , Sipilä Markku , Numminen Jura , Rautiainen Markus
Published: September 2015

Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections to the salivary glands are effective in the treatment of drooling, and complications are rare. However, there are only a few previous reports on the long-term use of BTX-A injections. This study retrospectively analyzes our experience of treating drooling with repeated BTX-A injections in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. All patients who received repeated BTX-A injections to the submandibular glands at Tampere University Hospital in 2004-2013 were included in the analysis. Six patients, aged from 6 to 21 years, were included in the study, and a total of 41 bilateral BTX-A injections were administered to their submandibular glands. The average number of injections per patient was 6 (range: 3-11). The average interval between the injections was 9.8 months (range: 4-18), and 95% (39/41) of the injections were performed with good response. The complication rate of the BTX-A injections was 2.4% (1/41), since one of the patients had swallowing problems after an injection. BTX-A injections to the submandibular glands are effective and have a low morbidity rate, and repeated injections can be recommended as long-term treatment of drooling.
Early-Onset Vemurafenib-Induced DRESS Syndrome
Authors: Munch Marion , Peuvrel Lucie , Brocard Anabelle , Saint Jean Mélanie , Khammari Amir , Dreno Brigitte , Quereux Gaelle
Published: September 2015

Vemurafenib is a BRAF inhibitor indicated in metastatic or unresectable melanoma in patients with BRAF mutations. Vemurafenib is frequently toxic, but the toxicity is often not serious. The third case of vemurafenib-induced drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is reported herein. The case is unusual in that the onset was early, with symptoms emerging as of day 8 of treatment. Treatment of DRESS syndrome is not currently based on precise recommendations, but systemic corticosteroid therapy is effective in serious cases. Severe toxidermias under vemurafenib are exceptional; immediate discontinuation of treatment upon diagnosis is imperative. Switching from vemurafenib to dabrafenib then seems to constitute an interesting therapeutic alternative, since its efficacy is the same but with fewer cutaneous adverse reactions. This case highlights the importance of awareness of the risk of DRESS syndrome associated with vemurafenib and monitoring for warning signs from treatment initiation.
Management of Home Parenteral Nutrition: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Aeberhard Carla , Leuenberger Michèle , Joray Maya , Ballmer Peter E. , Mühlebach Stefan , Stanga Zeno
Published: September 2015

Background: There are no specific Swiss home parenteral nutrition (HPN) data showing patient characteristics, quality of life (QoL) and complications. The goal of this study was to collect representative nationwide data on current adult HPN patients in Switzerland for international comparability and benchmarking. Methods: This was a multicenter, nationwide, observational study. We conducted interviews for demographics, PN characteristics, QoL and complications. The data were assessed at baseline and after a follow-up of 3 months using a questionnaire. Results: Thirty-three adult patients were included. The most common underlying diseases were cancer, radiation enteritis and state after bariatric surgery, and the most prevalent indication was short bowel syndrome. During the 3-month observation period, significant increase or stabilization of body weight occurred in the patients, physical activity scores improved from 34.0 to 39.4 and mental scores improved from 41.9 to 46.4. HPN dependency and traveling restrictions were of the greatest concern. Diarrhea, xerostomia and/or thirst were frequent complaints. Conclusion: Anthropometric parameters and QoL improved during the observational period in this HPN cohort. These Swiss HPN data are prerequisite for evaluation and comparison of HPN recommendations and best clinical practice, status of professional care instructions related to HPN effectiveness, quality of treatment and patient safety.
Oral Nutritional Supplements and Taste Adherence in Malnourished Adults Inpatients, Effect on Adhesion during Hospital Stance
Authors: de Luis Daniel Antonio , Izaola Olatz , Lopez Juan Jose , Torres Beatriz , Gomez Hoyos Emilia
Published: September 2015

Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate a hypercaloric sweet milk-based oral nutrition supplement in a prospective 3-day study designed to assess the taste preferences of this oral nutritional supplement (ONS) in malnourished inpatients and the influence on adherence in daily intake. Methods: A total of 46 in patients with recent weight loss were included in this study. One flavor (chocolate, vanilla or strawberry) was administered each day in a random way to each patient during 3 consecutive days. In the first 3 days, patients were asked to fill 2 questionnaires intended for reflecting ONS tolerance and acceptance. Results: Sweet was better for chocolate flavor (3.9 ± 2.4 points) than for vanilla flavor (2.7 ± 2.3 points; p < 0.02) and strawberry flavor (3.1 ± 2.3 points; p < 0.01). Chocolate flavored ONSs were rated as having more aftertaste (3.4 ± 2.1 points) than vanilla (2.4 ± 2.1 points; p < 0.01) and strawberry (2.6 ± 1.5 points; p < 0.03). Patients who chose chocolate took a total of 20.7 ± 20.9 average bricks during hospitalization (1.95 ± 0.2 per day), patients who chose vanilla took 18.6 ± 21.0 bricks (1.90 ± 0.7 per day) and finally patients who chose strawberry took 14.5 ± 13.5 bricks during admission (1.78 ± 0.1 per day; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The taste preferences of all the ONSs are similar although the consumption is high in chocolate flavored ONS during hospitalization. Sweetness may have influenced this finding.
The origins of contemporary serial drama
Authors: Silva Marcel Vieira Barreto
Published: September 2015

Using as base methodological and conceptual contributions of the Philosophy of Drama, this paper seeks to investigate the origin of contemporary serial drama. To do so, it offers a diachronic reflection on the constitution of drama as a television genre, whose transformations serve as a landmark to think about the formal immanence of contemporary drama. With this, it intends to demonstrate that it is in the dialectical relation among micro-structures (beat and episode) and macro-structures (arch and season) of television series that relies its dominant characteristic.
The baffling concept of technical mediation in Bruno Latour
Authors: Santaella Lucia , Cardoso Tarcisio
Published: September 2015

This article seeks to contribute to the discussion of Bruno Latour’s and others’ actornetwork theory (ANT), in the hope that it will shed new light on theories of the social, theories of networks, and to interdisciplinary studies, especially regarding technique and its relation to communication and culture. For this, the concept of technical mediation will be explained in its relation with the notions of translation, actant, flat anthology, and sociotechnical assemblage. Thus a theoretical construct is developed which is antagonistic to the old dichotomies that radiate from a laggard Cartesianism which even today remain under the most varied, often unrecognized forms
E-motivity: the social impact of the Internet as a limbic system
Authors: Kerckhove Derrick de
Published: September 2015

The article metaphorically uses the human limbic system to describe the new system of social interaction created by social networks, exploring the conditions involved in the creation and development of emotions on the Internet, in such a way as to reveal the relation between technology and psychology. In defence of the argument that the immediacy of social media favours reactions to public events, it presents examples such as the individual responses to the financial global crisis and the demand for more transparency in the governments and financial institutions, in cases like WikiLeaks and the Arab Spring. It concludes that the Internet allows individuals to extend their action, that now have a global reach, with possible effects upon citizenship.
A (premature) eulogy of broadcasting: the sense of the ending of television
Authors: Buonanno Milly
Published: September 2015

The vanishing centrality of broadcast television has turned into a key issue within contemporary media studies, thus making the end of television a familiar trope in scholarly discourses and opening the way to a redefinition of the present-day phase in terms of post-broadcast era. Besides recognizing that there are plenty of places in the world where the broadcast era is still alive, this article makes the claim that the discoursive formation of the passing of television as we knew it may offer media scholar-ship the opportunity to assume the viewpoint of the end as the privileged perspective from which the broadcast era can be looked at anew, eventually acknowledging the reasons why it is liable to be praised rather than buried.
SECURITIZAÇÃO COMO MECANISMO DE GERENCIAMENTO DE RESULTADOS EM BANCOS BRASILEIROS
Authors: Camara Gilberto Ataide , Galdi Fernando Caio
Published: September 2015

Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar a prática de gerenciamento de resultados nas instituições financeiras brasileiras por meio da realização de operações de securitização. Em linha com a literatura internacional, verificou-se uma relação negativa entre os ganhos com securitização e os ganhos antes da securitização das instituições financeiras. Adicionalmente foi identificada uma relação negativa dos ganhos com securitização e a variação dos ganhos antes da securitização entre o exercício atual e o exercício anterior. Finalmente, não foram encontradas evidências de que a estruturação das operações com FIDCs influenciam o resultado com a transferência. 
ÍNDICE CARBONO EFICIENTE (ICO2) E RETORNO DAS AÇÕES: UM ESTUDO DE EVENTOS EM EMPRESAS NÃO FINANCEIRAS DE CAPITAL ABERTO
Authors: Barbosa Josilene Da Silva , Altoé Stella Maris Lima , Silva Wesley Vieira da , Almeida Lauro Brito de
Published: September 2015

As empresas preocupam-se em divulgar informações ambientais com a finalidade de transmitirem aos stakeholders uma “imagem” ambientalmente correta. A BMF&Bovespa em dezembro de 2010, lançou a primeira carteira das empresas que compõem o ICO2. O objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar se há relação entre retorno das ações e o ingresso das empresas na composição do ICO2. Os dados foram coletados na base Economática®. A amostra resultou em 28 empresas que formavam a primeira carteira do ICO2, e a abordagem metodológica utilizada foi estudo de evento, fundamentada na Teoria de Mercado Eficiente. Os achados sugerem que o anúncio não impactou no retorno das ações e, desse modo, a hipótese nula não pode ser rejeitada. Cabe ressaltar que entre as empresas investigadas, o retorno das ações da Vale manteve-se estável antes e após o evento. Por outro lado, o retorno das ações da Cyrela e MRV apresentou maior variabilidade durante a janela do evento.
EFEITOS DO REGIME TRIBUTÁRIO DE TRANSIÇÃO NA CARGA TRIBUTÁRIA DAS COMPANHIAS BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Mello Helio Rieger de , Salotti Bruno Meirelles
Published: September 2015

A Lei nº 11.638/07 iniciou a convergência da contabilidade brasileira para as normas internacionais do IASB promovendo, entre outras, uma relevante modificação: a implementação da ampla hegemonia da essência sobre a forma – dito de outro modo, a prevalência da visão econômica na contabilidade financeira –, enquanto se manteve na contabilidade fiscal, majoritariamente, a predominância da perspectiva civil, que de forma inversa, privilegia a forma. Como os efeitos das novas regras contábeis causariam impacto positivo, nulo ou negativo no lucro tributário, a partir de 2008, foi instituído o Regime Tributário de Transição–RTT, com o objetivo de neutralizar-se todos os novos critérios de reconhecimento de receitas, despesas ou custos. As empresas ainda puderam, no biênio 2008-2009, optar ou não por esse novo regime, mas, a partir de 2010, sua adoção se tornou obrigatória. Entretanto, tratou-se de decisão difícil, principalmente, porque o prazo original era até 16/10/2009, quando o último trimestre ainda não estava encerrado e, também, pela insegurança na interpretação das novas normas contábeis e dos seus efeitos na legislação fiscal. O objetivo principal deste artigo é avaliar se houve  redução da carga tributária com a não opção pelo RTT. Para tal, analisou-se o efeito do RTT nos resultados fiscal e contábil dos anos de 2008 e 2009 em comparação com a média no período de 2005 a 2007 para as empresas de lucro real que não optaram por esse regime, discriminados pelos quatro setores: agricultura, comércio, indústria e serviços. A metodologia baseou-se nos dados de 2005 a 2009, autorizados pela Receita Federal do Brasil, e a amostra pesquisada foi composta por 69.712 empresas de lucro real (65%) que não optaram pelo RTT. Em 13/04/2010, a IN RFB nº 1.023/10 reabriu o prazo para opção, mas apenas 973 empresas modificaram a opção – de não para sim – pelo RTT que sugere uma boa análise dos contadores. A partir da comparação dos períodos 2008-2009 com 2005-2007, foram apurados os valores de cinco variáveis, quais sejam, receita e lucro brutos, lucros fiscal e contábil e a diferença entre os dois últimos e foram encontradas evidências estatísticas com base no teste de Wilcoxon de que as empresas que não optaram pelo RTT pagaram menos IRPJ e CSLL em 2008-2009.
O VALOR DA PERPETUIDADE NA AVALIAÇÃO DE EMPRESAS NO BRASIL
Authors: Cunha Moisés Ferreira da , Iara Renielly Nascimento , Rech Ilirio José
Published: September 2015

A maximização do valor de um negócio constitui-se como meta principal de gestão das empresas. O presente estudo analisa o impacto do valor terminal nos laudos de avaliação sobre o valor da empresa, tendo como objeto de estudo, as Ofertas Públicas de Aquisição de Ações dos anos de 2005 a 2009. A premissa considerada é de que o valor terminal tem maior participação no valor econômico da empresa do que o valor presente do período de projeção explícita, sendo o mesmo, correlacionado com o setor de atuação da empresa e com o período de tempo considerado para as projeções previsíveis. Os testes empíricos realizados com a utilização de estatística descritiva, medidas de tendência não-central e análise de conglomerados onde se esperava que o valor terminal tivesse maior participação percentual no valor econômico estimado para a empresa do que a o valor presente da projeção explícita, o mesmo não compõe a maior parte do valor da empresa avaliada, e ainda, para os setores de construção/transporte e utilidade pública não é possível afirmar uma homogeneidade na avaliação da perpetuidade de suas empresas, e para o período de projeção explícita de dez anos não há discrepâncias no valor terminal de uma empresa para outra.
Os determinantes da divulgação de informação sobre o capital intelectual: estudo da banca em Portugal
Authors: Silva Lurdes , Rodrigues Ana Maria , Muñoz María Del Pilar
Published: September 2015

O objetivo do presente estudo consiste em analisar os determinantes da divulgação de informação sobre o capital intelectual nos bancos que desenvolveram a sua atividade em Portugal, em 2010 e 2011. Esta análise contempla igualmente a divulgação sobre os diferentes componentes do capital intelectual: o capital humano, o capital estrutural e o capital relacional, obtendo-se, para o efeito, os dados nos relatórios anuais e nas páginas Web destas entidades no período considerado. Os resultados revelaram que as dimensões organização e conselho de administração são considerados os determinantes da divulgação de informação sobre o capital intelectual, tanto nos relatórios anuais como nas Webpages. As variáveis económico-financeiras de rendibilidade, de eficiência e de solvabilidade não se apresentaram, na análise multivariada, como fatores que determinam a divulgação de informação sobre o capital intelectual pelos bancos em Portugal. Saliente-se, no entanto, que numa análise univariada, a solvabilidade apresenta um nível de associação estatisticamente significativo com a divulgação de informação, revelando que os bancos com menor solvabilidade divulgam mais informação sobre o seu capital intelectual.
DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE VALOR ADICIONADO E INTANGIBILIDADE: UMA ANÁLISE EM EMPRESAS BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Mazzioni Sady , Moura Geovanne Dias de , Hein Nelson
Published: September 2015

O estudo objetivou analisar a relação entre distribuição de valor adicionado e nível de intangibilidade em empresas brasileiras listadas na BM&FBOVESPA. Para tal, realizou-se pesquisa descritiva, documental e quantitativa em uma amostra composta por 50 companhias dos diversos setores econômicos, com dados referentes ao exercício de 2011. Os resultados revelaram grandes desigualdades nos valores investidos em ativos intangíveis entre os setores. O setor econômico de petróleo, gás e biocombustíveis apresentou a maior média e a empresa que individualmente possuía o maior valor investido em intangíveis, destacando-se também em relação ao valor adicionado distribuído. As empresas listadas em níveis de governança corporativa considerados inferiores apresentaram maiores valores de ativos intangíveis e distribuíram quantidades maiores de valor adicionado. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que, dentre as empresas analisadas, aquelas que possuíam maiores valores investidos em ativos intangíveis distribuíram maiores quantidades de valor adicionado.
USO DE SISTEMAS DE CONTROLE GERENCIAL NO PROCESSO DECISÓRIO EM HOSPITAIS: UM COMPARATIVO ENTRE OS GESTORES RESPONSÁVEIS PELA ADMINISTRAÇÃO E PELO CORPO CLÍNICO
Authors: Beuren Ilse Maria , Dal Magro Cristian Baú , Dias Dirceu Rodrigues
Published: September 2015

Profissionais da alta direção de organizações podem se diferenciar na utilização dos sistemas de controle gerencial para a implementação de estratégias, especialmente quando a formação técnica não está alinhada com conhecimentos de gestão. Este estudo objetiva verificar a percepção de uso dos sistemas de controle gerencial no processo decisório dos gestores responsáveis pela administração e pelo corpo clínico em hospitais. Pesquisa com caráter descritivo foi realizada por meio de um levantamento e abordagem quantitativa. A amostra da pesquisa constitui-se de 30 hospitais afiliados a FEHOESC e os respondentes compreendem 28 profissionais responsáveis pelo setor administrativo e 14 pelo setor técnico ou clínico. Os resultados apontam diferenças sistemáticas na utilização dos sistemas de controle gerencial, das informações financeiras e não financeiras e na implantação de estratégias nos hospitais entre os profissionais responsáveis pelo setor administrativo e os responsáveis pelo corpo técnico ou clínico. Conclui-se que os gestores responsáveis pelo setor administrativo demonstram uma percepção de maior uso das informações geradas pelos sistemas de controle gerencial no processo decisório, comparativamente aos gestores responsáveis pelo corpo técnico ou clínico dos hospitais pesquisados. Estas observações contribuem ao entendimento das práticas de gestão no processo decisório de organizações com diferentes arranjos estruturais, comum em hospitais.
ADERÊNCIA AO DISCLOSURE RELATIVO À AJUSTE A VALOR PRESENTE NAS EMPRESAS LISTADAS NA BM&FBOVESPA
Authors: Sousa Falber Cristiano Oliveira de , Mapurunga Patrícia Vasconcelos Rocha , Ponte Vera Maria Rodrigues
Published: September 2015

A presente pesquisa teve dois objetivos principais: levantar os graus de cumprimento às orientações de divulgação definidas no CPC 12 pelas companhias listadas na Bolsa de Valores, Mercadorias e Futuros (BM&FBovespa); e identificar os incentivos capazes de explicar a aderência das firmas ao disclosure além da exigência normativa. Para tanto, a partir do normativo, construiu-se métrica de pesquisa contendo 17 itens passíveis de divulgação pelas firmas, e, em seguida, verificou-se a sua aderência por 315 companhias listadas na  BM&FBovespa. Constatou-se que as empresas apresentaram baixo grau de cumprimento às orientações de divulgação. A partir de testes de diferenças entre médias, verificou-se que as variáveis Setor Construção, Internacionalização, Firma de Auditoria e Governança Corporativa estão associadas às empresas de maiores níveis de disclosure. Além disso, com base na Análise de Regressão, não se pode rejeitar a hipótese de que o disclosure relativo ao Ajuste a Valor Presente pode ser explicado por fatores econômicos, patrimoniais e institucionais das firmas.
PRÁTICAS DE GESTÃO DE CUSTOS LOGÍSTICOS: ESTUDO DE CASO EM UMA EMPRESA DO SETOR DE BEBIDAS
Authors: Souza Marcos Antonio , Rempel Cristiano , Silva Jorge Luiz Rosa
Published: September 2015

O objetivo do artigo é identificar as práticas utilizadas para gestão de custos logísticos em uma empresa gaúcha do setor de alimentos e bebidas. Considera-se, no âmbito da gestão logística, ser um pré-requisito conhecer a dimensão dos custos demandados nessa atividade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva e exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa, realizada no último trimestre de 2012. Trata-se de um estudo de caso único e coleta de dados baseada em pesquisa documental, observação e entrevistas semi-estruturadas, realizadas com profissionais ligados à gestão dos custos logísticos da empresa pesquisada. Os principais achados evidenciam a adoção de práticas de gestão de custos logísticos em níveis superiores aos encontrados em estudos empíricos relacionados. Contrariamente ao indicado pela literatura, constata-se a utilização do método de custeio variável ao invés do método ABC.