bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¿INFLUYE LA PERSONALIDAD DE LOS DIRECTIVOS DE PYMES EN LOS RESULTADOS EXPORTADORES?
Authors: RONDAN-CATALUÑA FRANCISCO JAVIER , NAVARRO-GARCÍA ANTONIO , ARENAS-GAITAN JORGE
Published: February 2016

RESUMEN En este trabajo se analiza si los valores según la escala de Schwartz varían entre los directivos responsables de exportación de Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (PyMEs) entre las empresas con mayor éxito exportador, frente a las que tienen un éxito exportador limitado. El estudio se aplica a una muestra de 196 PyMEs españolas exportadoras. En primer lugar se aplica un clúster de clases latentes para clasificar las empresas en función del performance exportador, para después aplicar test de comparaciones de medias y buscar diferencias significativas en los valores de Schwartz entre directivos de empresas de ambos grupos. Los valores en los que aparecen diferencias significativas son: honestidad, influencia, ambición, lealtad, justicia social, autoridad, vida excitante y orden social.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AMERICAN AND SPANISH CRUISE PASSENGERS' BEHAVIORAL INTENTIONS
Authors: FORGAS-COLL SANTIAGO , PALAU-SAUMELL RAMON , SÁNCHEZ-GARCÍA JAVIER , GARRIGOS-SIMON FERNANDO J.
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT Earlier studies of cross-national differences in consumer behavior in different consumption sectors have verified that cultural differences have a strong influence on consumers. Despite the importance of cross-national analysis, no studies in the literature examine the moderating effects of nationality on the construction of behavioral intentions and their antecedents among cruise line passengers. This study investigates the moderating effects of nationality on the relationships between perceived value, satisfaction, trust and behavioral intentions among Spanish and (U.S.) American passengers of cruise lines that use Barcelona as home port and port-of-call. A theoretical model was tested with a total of 968 surveys. Structural equation models (SEMs) were used, by means of a multigroup analysis. Results of this study indicated that Spaniards showed stronger relationships between trust and behavioral intentions, and between emotional value and satisfaction. Americans presented stronger relationships between service quality and satisfaction, and between service quality and behavioral intentions.
GESTIÓN HUMANA DE ORIENTACIÓN ANALÍTICA: UN CAMINO PARA LA RESPONSABILIZACIÓN
Authors: PATINO JUAN DAVID PEREZ , ARBELAZ ISABEL CRISTINA LOPERA
Published: February 2016

RESUMEN El presente artículo propone un enfoque de la gestión humana que privilegia espacios conversacionales en la organización. Consideramos que la verbalización tiene como efectos la simbolización, socialización y responsabilización en los sujetos individuales, grupales y colectivos. Dedicamos especial interés a la responsabilización, resaltando que la participación a través de la palabra genera compromiso, inclusión y sentido de pertenencia. En los casos estudiados, privilegiamos el método analítico entendido como método de análisis del discurso, el cual fundamenta la actitud del profesional que basa su quehacer en escuchar, analizar e intervenir. Los hallazgos de la investigación permiten plantear una vía para la responsabilidad empresarial.
Use of 3D laser scanning for flatness and volumetric analysis of mortar in facades
Authors: ISRAEL M. C. , PILEGGI R. G.
Published: February 2016

The ongoing process of industrialization of construction sites encourages the use of new building systems that conflict with traditional techniques associated with the risks of incompatibilities and continuance of control fixed ideas with a significant variability. A practical example is the cement mortar for plastering, commonly used as a corrective factor for facade flatness failures caused by the inaccuracy of the plumb line, rudimentary method used in geometric control of concrete structures and facade of mapping during the execution of the work, favoring the accumulation of errors that reflect the mortar thickness, increasing consumption, losses and defects. Alternatively for improvement, this study analyzed through a case study, the innovative application of 3D laser scanning technology consolidated on the facade of a building to map the surface flatness of the façade and, in an unprecedented manner, to quantify the volume of mortar. The results showed the feasibility of the technique as a solution to accurately identify the critical areas of the facade on the peripheral concrete structure and masonry and calculate, based on the volumes, the financial impact associated with mortar overthicknesses in critical areas compared with the reductions thickness after treatment of these areas.
Range of confining pressures for the Hoek–Brown criterion
Authors: Latapie Benoît , Lochaden Andrew L. E.
Published: February 2016

Engineering in weak rock using modern, computer-based design techniques is notoriously challenging because the laboratory tests and classification methods routinely carried out on such materials yield rock parameters. Such parameters are not directly compatible with the most widely used constitutive model of those computer-based methods – that is, the Mohr–Coulomb failure envelope. There is no direct relationship between Mohr–Coulomb (linear) and Hoek–Brown (non-linear) parameters, and marrying those two failure envelopes is notoriously difficult. When formulating a failure criterion for rock materials, based on rock and rock mass parameters, a correlation with the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion has been proposed, which can be obtained from the computer program RocLab. One of the essential input parameters for such correlation is called the maximum confining pressure. This parameter directly affects the correlated shear strength parameters on the Mohr–Coulomb failure envelope and hence choosing it with care is the key to producing a safe, yet economic design. The present paper discusses the use of several methods for determining the maximum confining pressure to derive Mohr–Coulomb parameters for weak rock in slope and retaining wall applications. The suitability of each method considered is discussed against the results of back analyses, and design recommendations are proposed.
Prophylactic antimicrobial drugs to pregnant women colonized with group B streptococcus
Authors: Oganyan Kristina Al’bertovna , Arzhanova Ol’ga Nikolaevna , Savicheva Alevtina Mikhaylovna , Zatsiorskaya Svetlana L’vovna
Published: February 2016

Group B streptococcus (GBS), Streptococcus agalactiae, are the causative agents of severe infection of the fetus and newborn child. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of antibacterial drugs in women in the III trimester of pregnancy for the prevention of B streptococcal infection. Studied during childbirth and the postpartum period, 70 women colonized by group B streptococcus, treated and not treated with antibacterial perparaty in the III trimester of pregnancy. Evaluated as a new-born children of these women. In pregnant women who received antibiotics in the III trimester of pregnancy, significantly fewer were delayed rupture of membranes, preterm labor, subinvolution uterus. Less common was marked asphyxia. Group B streptococcus significantly more frequently (in 43.5 % of cases) were identified in children born to mothers who did not receive antibiotics during pregnancy. In 26.1 % of these children diagnosed with intrauterine infection. Thus, the use of antimicrobials in the III trimester of pregnancy in detecting GBS in the urine in any quantity, simultaneous detection of these microorganisms in urine and vaginal discharge of a concentration of greater than 104 CFU/ml reduces the rate of preterm birth, postpartum complications, and neonatal asphyxia and intrauterine infection B streptococcal etiology.
To Doppler or not to Doppler
Authors: Goh William A , Ivica Zalud
Published: February 2016

This review aims to provide the reader with an update on the present and potential clinical applications in Doppler ultrasound in perinatal medicine. Umbilical artery Doppler plays an important role in the management of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia and aids in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome management while notching in the waveform is a predictor of umbilical cord abnormalities. Middle cerebral artery Doppler reliably detects fetal anemia and may be useful in the assessment of IUGR as well. Abnormal uterine artery Doppler may play a role in predicting growth restriction, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preterm delivery. Abnormal ductus venosus waveforms can also be used to predict adverse fetal outcome and may allow for better timing of delivery while umbilical venous pulsations may be a sensitive marker for fetal heart failure in hydropic pregnancies. 3D power Doppler allows better small vessel visualization that is not affected by angle of insonation and has been used to diagnose placental and cord abnormalities. Significant improvements have recently occurred, improving the visualization and evaluation of placental vascularity, resulting from enhancements in delineation of tissue detail through electronic compounding and harmonics, as well as enhancements in signal processing of frequency- and/ or amplitude-based color Doppler ultrasound. Spatial representation of vascularity can be improved by utilizing 3D processing. Greater sensitivity of 3D Doppler ultrasound to macro- and microvascular flow has provided improved anatomic and physiologic assessment throughout pregnancy. The rapid development of these new ultrasound techniques will continue to enlarge the scope of clinical applications in placental studies. As clinical experience with these new technologies increase and as the technology improves further, it is reasonable to expect that 3D Doppler and 4D ultrasound will be complementary addition to well established 2D Doppler ultrasound imaging.
Оpioid analgesics effects mechanisms on the particular reaction of endogenous opioid system of the body and the regulation of uterine activity during the nociceptive response in the experiment on rats
Authors: Kiselev Andrey Gennadyevich , Zaitsev Alexander Afanasievich
Published: February 2016

This article presents the results of experimental investigation of opioid (opiate analgesics) influence on the nociceptive response of rat’s circulatory dynamics, breath and skeletal muscles tonus. The article demonstrates influence of opiate analgesics on intact and pregnant rat’s amplitude and frequency of uterine activity. The results of investigation of drug-induced effect of opiate analgesics in case of pregnant and in case of act of delivery model pain reaction were also described in this article.
Perinatal loss: psychological aspects, the specificity of mourning, forms of psychological help
Authors: Dobryakov Igor’ Valerievich , Blokh Mariya Evgen’yevna , Faerberg Leonid Mikhaylovich
Published: February 2016

The problem of perinatal losses in terms of features and dynamics of the stages of grief experiences, the main forms of psychological assistance in situations of perinatal loss.
Anti-D-immunoprophylaxis
Authors: Pavlova Nataliya Grigor’yevna
Published: February 2016

The working out and introducing of anti-D-immunoprofylaxis program in the time of pregnancy in foreign countries and Russia are discussed, effectiveness of its long-term using on the base of the federal programs in developed European countries and America is analyzed; necessity and economic advisability of its introducing on the base of the federal and municipal programs in Russia from the evidence-based medicine point of view are considered, indications and arguable points of the program are discussed.
Breech presentation as a genetic-psychological phenomenon
Authors: Brekhman Grigori Iosifovich
Published: February 2016

The author considers breech presentation(BP) of an unborn child as a genetic-psychological phenomenon. BP can be result: a) of genetic anomalies touching fetal organs and systems, b) of maternal sharp emotional stress capable to overcome the genetic program of the child at absence of anomalies in it, c) in a case, when the emotional stress promotes realization of genetic predisposition to BP. The preventive maintenance BP consists in avoid of sharp stressful situations by the pregnant women. If the BP as a result of emotional stress is occurred - specific psychotherapy can appear rather effective.
The optimization of reparative processes after cesarean section (clinical-experimental research)
Authors: Aylamazyan Edvard Karpovich , Andreeva Victoriya Yuryevna , Kuzminykh Tatiana Ulyanovna , Sokolov Dmitriy Igorevich , Selkov Sergey Alekseevich , Tral´ Tatyana Georgievna , Tolibova Gulrukhsor Haybulloevna , Yakovleva Anastasia Alexandrovna
Published: February 2016

Development and introduction of materials influenced on reparation process in a myometrium is actual direction of modern obstetrics in connection with the increase of cesarean section rate. One of such preparation is «Collost», it stimulates the processes of neoangio- and myogenesis and excludes the disorderly growth of scars tissue. Aim: To study the influence of bioplastic material «Collost» on the reparation process in myometrium after cesarean section. Objectives: to estimate the morpho-functional state of scar on uterus after cesarean sections depending on implantation of collagen membrane. Material and methods: There were included 13 female rabbits in experimental part of the study. In clinical part of the study there were included 20 pregnant woman with intraoperative application of «Collost» (main group), 30 pregnant woman without «Collost» implantation (comparison group) and 10 pregnant with vaginal delivery (control group). Results: histological, immunohistological and immunological findings of postoperative uterine scars of female rabbits showed significant differences of expressions of miosin, vascular endothelial growth factor and collagen I type. The myometrium was significantly thicker in the area of uterine scar in main group (with collagen membrane implantation) than in comparison group. Conclusions: bioplastic material «Collost» leads to full formation of muscular wall and vascular ture in the area of postoperative uterine scar.
Coprostasia and pregnancy (clinical observation)
Authors: Mikhaylin Evgeniy Sergeevich , Ivanova Lada Anatol’evna , Savitskiy Aleksey Gennad’evich , Minina Anna Gennad’evna , Zhibura Larisa Pavlovna , Sleptsova Dzhul’etta Sejfutdinovna , Kas’yanova Dar’ja Semenovna
Published: February 2016

The article presents the case of the formation of a giant fecal stone in 34 weeks of pregnancy, which demanded the differential diagnosis of tumors originating from the pelvis. The patient was conducted multistage finger fragmentation of the fecal stone, alternating with the enema. The patient was discharge home with progressing pregnancy.
Endometrial dysfunction: an algorithm for histological and immunohistochemical studies
Authors: Tolibova Gulrukhsor Haybulloevna , Tral´ Tatyana Georgievna , Kleshchov Maxim Alexandrovich , Kvetnoy Igor Moiseevich , Aylamazyan Edvard Karpovich
Published: February 2016

It is advisable to conduct a comprehensive study of the morphological assessment of the expression of endometrial estrogen and progesterone receptors, inflammatory markers in the second phase of the menstrual cycle in patients with impaired reproductive function (infertility, miscarriage, failed IVF attempts). The optimal period for investigation of endometrial dysfunction via endometrial biopsy is the second phase of the cycle (the period of “implantation window”). Creating a diagnostic algorithm, histological and immunohistochemical studies in the endometrial dysfunction will allow to justify the optimal choice of therapy.
Multiple Perspectives Toward Women in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness: A Feministic Overview
Authors: Fakhimi Anbaran Farough
Published: February 2016

Undoubtedly, in spite of all those efforts done during the years, the mentality towards the superiority of male over female is still being reflected in the works of art written by men. Joseph Conrad, the Polish author, who wrote great masterpieces in English, is not an exception. His great work of art,Heart of Darkness, reflects multiple perspectives towards women. By applying a Feminist approach towards this novel, this article tends to present an analytical overview of the mentality of men towards women in the written work of art,Heart of Darkness.
Training Future Teachers of Mathematics: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Zhernovnykova Oksana
Published: February 2016

Training future teachers of mathematics differed in different years. Each stage of training had its own peculiarities and characteristics.The article reviewed and analyzed on the basis of the scientific literature, how evolved mathematics education in schools and develop mathematical training of students of pedagogical universities in different periods, starting from the XII century. to the present.
Nima Yushij's "Afsaneh" as a Striking Exemplar of the 'Greater Romantic Lyric'
Authors: Oroskhan Muhammad Hussein , Zohdi Esmaeil
Published: February 2016

Persian poetry lingered upon the old classical Persian prosody for more than a thousand year that it stagnated and stopped flowering new concepts and forms. However, Nima broke the dull and monotonous routine of Persian poetry by writing the first true modernist poem. When Nima's "Afsaneh" appeared, traditionalist adamantly opposed its new artistic and aesthetic view due to revealing some similarity with great European romantic examples. The similarity can never be considered as a weak point of "Afsaneh" because Nima has masterfully used European romantic elements to refresh the long-standing tradition of Persian poetry. In this respect, Nima has written his poetry consciously or unconsciously in the same poetic style of great European romantic poets. M. H. Abrams has labeled this poetic style "the greater romantic lyric". As a result, it is tried to examine Nima's "Afsaneh" with respect to Abrams's definition of "the greater romantic lyric" so as to prove that Nima's "Afsaneh" closely conform to this new poetic genre.
Tax Revenue and Government Expenditure in Sri Lanka: An Econometric AEG Testing Approach
Authors: Aslam A.L.M.
Published: February 2016

In the global economic administration, tax revenue has been identified as the engine of the government expenditure, but the relationship of them was not investigated econometrically, this situation formulated a research gap for tasting the relationship of them. The aim of this study was to examine the Cointegration relationship among the tax revenue and the government expenditure in Sri Lanka. This study considered two time series variables such as the tax revenue and the government expenditure. The tax revenue was considered as the independent variable and the government expenditure was considered as the dependent variable. The sample period of this study was from 1950 to 2013.The Cointegration technique was used to check the long run relationship and the Error Correction Mechanism was employed to investigate the short run behavior of the tax revenue on the government expenditure. According to the empirical results, the R-squared of the estimated model was 0.99. In the meantime, the Durbin Watson statistics was 0.828. However, this model did not suffer from the spurious problem because the residual of this model was stationary. The tax revenue has sustained positive relationship with government expenditure. And also, the partial coefficients of tax revenue and its probability values in the estimated model were 0.695 (0.000) in short run and 1.031 (0.000) in long run periods. Therefore, the tax revenue and government expenditure had cointegrated at level form I(0) and maintained the long and short run relationship between them.
A Psychological Reading of J. D. Salinger’s “For Esme with Love and Squalor”
Authors: Nesami Morteza Habibi , Moulavi Nafchi Asghar
Published: February 2016

The 20thcentury has witnessed a plethora of war stories, but among them Salinger’s “For Esme with Love and Squalor,” a minor masterpiece as Paul Alexander calls it, stands out. It also falls among those typical Salingerian child-adult relationships that highlight the non-phony members of society with many things in common distinguishing them from the other so-called normal members of the society. In the current study, characters are studied from a psychological point of view and classified into two major groups by the researchers. The first group and the main focus of the study is the minority of society and the second group relates to the majority or commonality. The minority group includes Salinger’s heroes and protagonists who are later known as psychoneurotic. This first group feels affinity to the children who are far away from the hostility and harshness of adults’ world as, to Salinger, the concept of innocence means being away from the false standards and hypocrisy of the majority of the insensitive society. The researchers try to distinguish between these two groups from different psychological and psychoanalytic aspects. Despite the contrast between these two groups, there are some similarities in their sexual conceptions and psychological adjustment that clarify similarities in traits and responses in the form of adopting different mechanisms to adjust and remove tensions and alleviate anxiety employing the mechanisms Freud calls palliative remedies.
Relative Deprivation, Identity Politics and the Neo-Biafran Movement in Nigeria: Critical Issues of Nation-Building in a Postcolonial African State
Authors: Okeke Remi Chukwudi
Published: February 2016

This study examines the linkages between relative deprivation and identity politics in a postcolonial state. It further investigates the relationship among these variables and nation-building challenges in the postcolony. It is a case study of the Nigerian state in West Africa, which typically harbours the attributes of postcoloniality and indeed, large measures of relative deprivation in her sociopolitical and economic affairs. The study is also an interrogation of the neo-Biafran agitations in Nigeria. It has been attempted in the study to offer distinctive explanations over the problematique of nation-building in the postcolonial African state of Nigeria, using relative deprivation, identity politics and the neo-Biafran movement as variables. In framing the study’s theoretical trajectories and in historicizing the background of the research, ample resort has been made to a significant range of qualitative secondary sources. A particularly salient position of the study is that it will actually be difficult to locate on the planet, any group of people whose subsequent generations (in perpetuity) would wear defeat on the war front, as part of their essential identity. Hence, relative deprivation was found to be more fundamental than identity politics in the neo-Biafran agitations in Nigeria. However, the compelling issues were found to squarely border on nation-building complications in the postcolony.
Impact of ripening stage and drying on selected quality attributes of apple mango cubes and leathers
Authors:   Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, Wafula EN , Sila DN , Wawire MM
Published: February 2016

Apple mango is an improved cultivar that has been widely adopted by farmers in Kenya for use in the fresh market and processing. However, its production and consumption are adversely affected by high postharvest losses, which result from the perishable nature of the fruit, especially during glut periods. This is partly due to limited availability of information on alternative product use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ripening stage and drying on the physico-chemical quality and sensory acceptability of Apple mango fruit grown in the upper Athi River region of Kenya. Moisture, crude ash, crude fibre, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, colour, total carotenoids and ascorbic acid of the unripe and ripe fresh mangoes were determined. Subsequent experiments involved drying of ripe and unripe mango cubes (8mm) in a windy oven (at 60°C) and, in parallel, drying of ripe mango puree (mixed with sucrose-glucose solution, citric acid and pectin) in a windy oven at three different temperatures (50, 60 and 70C) which resulted in mango leathers. Analysis of total carotenoids, ascorbic acid content and colour was done for all dried samples, followed by sensory evaluation using the nine-point hedonic scale. The moisture content, crude ash and total soluble solids increased significantly (P<0.05) with ripening while titratable acidity decreased significantly (P<0.05). Ascorbic acid content decreased from 98.03 to 86.45 mg/100g with ripening while total carotenoids content approximately doubled from 768 to 1436 μg/100g. Drying resulted in high retention of total carotenoids, whereas, ascorbic acid content decreased. The mango samples became darker and redder in all cases. Dried mango cubes and leathers derived from ripe mangoes had higher scores in the sensory analysis compared to those obtained from unripe mangoes. In conclusion, the stage of ripening and drying technique employed are critical in determining the nutritional and sensory characteristics of dried Apple mango cubes and leathers. Drying Apple mango leathers at 60°C is the best method that can be adopted.
A study on correlation and regression analysis in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Singh Chandra Mohan , Mishra S. B. , Pandey Anil
Published: February 2016

A study was carried out with 104 mungbean accessions including four checks in augmented design during summer 2012-13 to identify the yield determinants and contribution of pubescence traits towards seed yield. The investigation revealed that pubescence traits were not contributed directly towards the seed yield but the traits harvest index, biomass, seed index, pods per cluster and branching behaviour were identified as yield determinats for yield improvement in mungbean.
Motion Predicts Clinical Callus Formation
Authors: Elkins Jacob , Marsh J. Lawrence , Lujan Trevor , Peindl Richard , Kellam James , Anderson Donald D. , Lack William
Published: February 2016

Background:

Mechanotransduction is theorized to influence fracture-healing, but optimal fracture-site motion is poorly defined. We hypothesized that three-dimensional (3-D) fracture-site motion as estimated by finite element (FE) analysis would influence callus formation for a clinical series of supracondylar femoral fractures treated with locking-plate fixation.

Methods:

Construct-specific FE modeling simulated 3-D fracture-site motion for sixty-six supracondylar femoral fractures (OTA/AO classification of 33A or 33C) treated at a single institution. Construct stiffness and directional motion through the fracture were investigated to assess the validity of construct stiffness as a surrogate measure of 3-D motion at the fracture site. Callus formation was assessed radiographically for all patients at six, twelve, and twenty-four weeks postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses examined the effects of longitudinal motion, shear (transverse motion), open fracture, smoking, and diabetes on callus formation. Construct types were compared to determine whether their 3-D motion profile was associated with callus formation.

Results:

Shear disproportionately increased relative to longitudinal motion with increasing bridge span, which was not predicted by our assessment of construct stiffness alone. Callus formation was not associated with open fracture, smoking, or diabetes at six, twelve, or twenty-four weeks. However, callus formation was associated with 3-D fracture-site motion at twelve and twenty-four weeks. Longitudinal motion promoted callus formation at twelve and twenty-four weeks (p = 0.017 for both). Shear inhibited callus formation at twelve and twenty-four weeks (p = 0.017 and p = 0.022, respectively). Titanium constructs with a short bridge span demonstrated greater longitudinal motion with less shear than did the other constructs, and this was associated with greater callus formation (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

In this study of supracondylar femoral fractures treated with locking-plate fixation, longitudinal motion promoted callus formation, while shear inhibited callus formation. Construct stiffness was found to be a poor surrogate of fracture-site motion. Future implant design and operative fixation strategies should seek to optimize 3-D fracture-site motion rather than rely on surrogate measures such as axial stiffness.
Intramedullary Nailing Compared with Spica Casts for Isolated Femoral Fractures in Four and Five-Year-Old Children
Authors: Ramo Brandon A. , Martus Jeffrey E. , Tareen Naureen , Hooe Benjamin S. , Snoddy Mark C. , Jo Chan-Hee
Published: February 2016

Background:

Flexible intramedullary nailing (IMN) is a valuable tool in the treatment of femoral fractures in school-age children, whereas spica cast immobilization has been the standard of care for younger children. We compared these treatment modalities in a group of preschool-age children (four to five years of age).

Methods:

A retrospective cohort of consecutive patients, four to five years of age, with an isolated, complete femoral shaft or subtrochanteric fracture treated with intramedullary nailing or early spica cast immobilization and followed until fracture-healing were identified from two centers. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Statistical methods included chi-square and Fisher exact tests for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables.

Results:

Two hundred and sixty-two patients followed for a mean of thirty-two weeks were identified. One hundred and four patients underwent IMN and 158 patients were treated with immediate spica cast immobilization at the surgeon’s discretion. The patients who underwent IMN were older than those who underwent spica cast immobilization (mean, 5.2 versus 4.7 years; p < 0.001), were heavier (mean, 21.5 versus 18.0 kg; p < 0.001), and were more likely to have a higher-energy mechanism of injury (p = 0.025). At the time of final follow-up, there was no difference between groups with regard to the percentages of patients who had acceptable coronal angulation (≤15°), sagittal angulation (≤20°), and early fracture shortening (≤20 mm) (96.2% in the spica group versus 99.0% in the IMN group; p = 0.09). While there was no significant difference in the percentages who had an unplanned return to the operating room (3.8% in the IMN group versus 4.4% in the spica group; p > 0.99), the patients in the IMN group had more clinic visits (mean, 5.8 versus 4.0; p < 0.001) and longer follow-up (mean, forty-four versus twenty-five weeks; p < 0.001) than the patients in the spica group and a higher percentage of them underwent repeat procedures (89.4% versus 5.1%; p < 0.001), primarily for elective implant removal.

Conclusions:

Preschool-age children (four to five years old) with an isolated femoral fracture have similar clinical and radiographic outcomes regardless of whether they are treated with immediate spica cast immobilization or IMN.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Numerical Investigation of Complex Hydraulic-Fracture Development in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Wu Kan , Olson Jon E.
Published: February 2016

Complex fracture networks have become more evident in shale reservoirs as a result of the interaction between pre-existing natural fractures (NFs) and hydraulic fractures (HFs). Accurate characterization of fracture complexity plays an important role in optimizing fracturing design, especially for shale reservoirs with high-density NFs.

In this study, we simulated simultaneous multiple-fracture propagation within a single fracturing stage by use of a complex HF-development model. The model was developed to simulate complex fracture propagation by coupling rock mechanics and fluid mechanics. A simplified 3D displacement-discontinuity method (DDM) was implemented to more accurately calculate fracture displacements and fracture-induced dynamic-stress changes than our previously developed pseudo-3D model. The effects of perforation-cluster spacing, differential stress (SHmax – Shmin), and the geometry of various NF patterns on injection pressure and fracture complexity were investigated.

The single-stage simulation results show that (1) higher differential stress suppresses fracture length and increases injection pressure; (2) there is an optimal choice for the number of fractures per stage to maximize effective fracture-surface contact area, beyond which increasing the number of fractures actually decreases effective fracture area; and (3) fracture complexity is a function of NF patterns (various regular-pattern geometries were investigated). NFs with small relative angle to HFs are more likely to control the fracture-propagation path. Also, NF patterns with more long fractures tend to increase the likelihood to dominate the preferential fracture trend of fracture trajectory. Our numerical model can provide a physics-based complex fracture network that can be imported into reservoir-simulation models for production analysis. The overall sensitivity results presented should serve as guidelines for fracture-complexity analysis.
Biomass development in GAC columns receiving influents with different levels of nutrients
Authors: Liao Xiaobin , Zou Rusen , Chen Chao , Yuan Baoling , Zhou Zhenming , Ma Hongfang , Zhang Xiaojian
Published: February 2016

Indigenous bacteria are essential for the performance of bio-filters for drinking water treatment. Yet it is slow and difficult to develop biofilm in a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter with low nutritional levels in the influent, especially during winter. In this study, the biofilm development in three laboratory-scale GAC columns with different types of influent was investigated in southeast China during winter. The results indicated that nitrogen was the limiting factor for biofilm development in GAC columns for this source water. The biomass density in the column with ammonia nitrogen addition was much higher than those of the other two filters, while its microbial diversity and biological activity were lower. Moreover, the ammonia-feeding column also showed the highest removal of organic contaminants during the stable operating periods, i.e. chemical oxygen demand (CODMn), assimilable organic carbon as well as biodegradable dissolved organic carbon. Therefore, nitrogen amendment favors the formation of biofilm. It could shorten the start-up time of a GAC filter and enhance the bio-stability of its effluent. This might add some new insights towards the operation of GAC filters with low nutritional levels in the influent during winter.
Anaerobic digestion of aliphatic polyesters
Authors: Šmejkalová Pavla , Kužníková Veronika , Merna Jan , Hermanová Soňa
Published: February 2016

Anaerobic processes for the treatment of plastic materials waste represent versatile and effective approach in environmental protection and solid waste management. In this work, anaerobic biodegradability of model aliphatic polyesters, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA), and poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL), in the form of powder and melt-pressed films with varying molar mass, was studied. Biogas production was explored in batch laboratory trials at 55 ± 1°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. The inoculum used was thermophilic digested sludge (total solids concentration of 2.9%) from operating digesters at the Central Waste Water Treatment Plant in Prague, Czech Republic. Methanogenic biodegradation of PCLs typically yielded from 54 to 60% of the theoretical biogas yield. The biodegradability of PLAs achieved from 56 to 84% of the theoretical value. High biogas yield (up to 677 mL/g TS) with high methane content (more than 60%), comparable with conventionally processed materials, confirmed the potential of polyester samples for anaerobic treatment in the case of their exploitation in agriculture or as a packaging material in the food industry.
Cerebral palsy in preterm infants
Authors: Demesi-Drljan Cila , Mikov Aleksandra , Filipovic Karmela , Tomasevic-Todorovic Snezana , Knezevic Aleksandar , Krasnik Rastislava
Published: February 2016

Background/Aim. Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the leading causes of
neurological impairment in childhood. Preterm birth is a significant risk
factor in the occurrence of CP. Clinical outcomes may include impairment of
gross motor function and intellectual abilities, visual impairment and
epilepsy. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among
gestational age, type of CP, functional ability and associated conditions.
Methods. The sample size was 206 children with CP. The data were obtained
from medical records and included gestational age at birth, clinical
characteristics of CP and associated conditions. Clinical CP type was
determined according to Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) and
topographically. Gross motor function abilities were evaluated according to
the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Results. More than
half of the children with CP were born prematurely (54.4%). Statistically
significant difference was noted with respect to the distribution of various
clinical types of CP in relation to gestational age (p < 0.001). In the group
with spastic bilateral CP type, there is a greater proportion of children
born preterm. Statistically significant difference was noted in the
functional classification based on GMFCS in terms of gestational age (p =
0.049), children born at earlier gestational age are classified at a higher
GMFCS level of functional limitation. The greatest percentage of children
(70.0%) affected by two or more associated conditions was found in the group
that had extremely preterm birth, and that number declined with increasing
maturity at birth. Epilepsy was more prevalent in children born at greater
gestational age, and this difference in distribution was statistically
significant (p = 0.032). Conclusion. The application of antenatal and
postnatal protection of preterm children should be a significant component of
the CP prevention strategy.
Cutaneous side effects caused by treatment for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Dino Tarabar , Kandolf-Sekulovic Lidija , Tatomirovic Zeljka , Mijuskovic Zeljko , Milenkovic Zoran , Tarabar Olivera , Pecelj-Brocic Tanja
Published: February 2016

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Legal and Technical Aspects of Modernization of Land and Buildings Cadastre in Selected Area
Authors: Siejka Monika , Ślusarski Marek , Mika Monika
Published: February 2016

Modernization of the land and buildings cadastre is a set of actions aimed at improving the quality of data collected there. Application in the process of modernization of the sources of information from the land surveying, gives fully satisfactory results. On the other hand the use of photogrammetric measurements is the solution more economical in terms of financial and time. However, there is a danger of obtaining the results which do not meet the standards of accuracy of the border points position. The paper presents an example of the results of the influence of the process of modernizing the land and buildings cadastre for the areas where the source material are cadastral maps in the scale 1: 2000, created on the basis of photomaps or cadastral maps in the scale 1: 2880. An assessment of the suitability of these materials in the process of modernization and their impact on the current form of the land and building cadastre as a public register was made.
Application of Technical Measures and Software in Constructing Photorealistic 3D Models of Historical Building Using Ground-Based and Aerial (UAV) Digital Images
Authors: Zarnowski Aleksander , Banaszek Anna , Banaszek Sebastian
Published: February 2016

Preparing digital documentation of historical buildings is a form of protecting cultural heritage. Recently there have been several intensive studies using non-metric digital images to construct realistic 3D models of historical buildings. Increasingly often, non-metric digital images are obtained with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Technologies and methods of UAV flights are quite different from traditional photogrammetric approaches. The lack of technical guidelines for using drones inhibits the process of implementing new methods of data acquisition.

This paper presents the results of experiments in the use of digital images in the construction of photo-realistic 3D model of a historical building (Raphaelsohns’ Sawmill in Olsztyn). The aim of the study at the first stage was to determine the meteorological and technical conditions for the acquisition of aerial and ground-based photographs. At the next stage, the technology of 3D modelling was developed using only ground-based or only aerial non-metric digital images. At the last stage of the study, an experiment was conducted to assess the possibility of 3D modelling with the comprehensive use of aerial (UAV) and ground-based digital photographs in terms of their labour intensity and precision of development. Data integration and automatic photo-realistic 3D construction of the models was done with Pix4Dmapper and Agisoft PhotoScan software Analyses have shown that when certain parameters established in an experiment are kept, the process of developing the stock-taking documentation for a historical building moves from the standards of analogue to digital technology with considerably reduced cost.
Bearing steels for induction hardening – Part I
Authors: Wendel M. , Hoffmann F. , Datchary W.
Published: February 2016

Surface induction hardening, through induction hardening, and induction tempering of components like rolling elements or rings are established in production and are further developed in research and development. Among others, the used steel grade for induction hardening is one important factor affecting the induction hardening result. The present study benchmarks potential and existing bearing steels in terms of their induction hardening response. Steel grades with low to high carbon contents and different alloying strategies were selected. The robustness of the heat treatment result depending on the selected steels and their prior conditions, prior to induction hardening, shall be pointed out. A dilatometer study was used to compare the sensitivity of martensite start temperature (MS), hardness after quenching, prior austenite grain size, and appearance of non-martensitic transformation products, for varied process parameters. The study showed the pronounced effect of the steels′ prior microstructure, prior to induction hardening, on the hardening response. The alloying with silicon and manganese reduced the amount of non-martensitic transformation products after hardening. Increasing amounts of alloying elements led in general to larger changes in MS temperature and lower hardness after hardening.
Platoon-Based Speed Control Algorithm for Ecodriving at Signalized Intersection
Authors: Chen Wenqing , Liu Yue , Yang Xiaoguang , Bai Yu , Gao Yunfeng , Li Peng
Published: February 2016

An ecodriving speed control algorithm is proposed for a platoon of vehicles at a signalized intersection. Both the running status of the target platoon and the impact of the downstream platoon are considered and analyzed. The acceleration–deceleration profile, instead of speed trajectories, is used in this research as the optimization objective to prevent drivers from idling and to let them clear the intersection during the green light as often as possible. When a platoon is a mixture of vehicles obeying or disobeying the system's guidance, the proposed algorithm will group those vehicles into new platoons according to their permutations (different positions of obedient and nonobedient vehicles). Three illustrative examples are provided to validate the proposed algorithm. Results indicate that when the platoon needs to accelerate to pass the intersection, a smaller headway causes less fuel consumption, whereas a larger headway results in less fuel consumption if the vehicles decelerate to pass the intersection. In addition, the leading vehicle is found to consume more fuel if it disobeys the system's advice; however, if it obeys the system's advice, the fuel consumption for the following vehicles may not increase noticeably.
Where is My Parking Spot?
Authors: Tamrazian Arbi , Qian Zhen (Sean) , Rajagopal Ram
Published: February 2016

Parking occupancy information is central to the management of parking and traffic demand. This study proposed efficient unsupervised learning algorithms to predict parking occupancy rates. Two types of predictions were studied: (a) an offline prediction, in which next-day occupancy was predicted by using historical data along with various features (day of week, weather, seasonality), and (b) an online prediction, in which occupancy of future hours of the current day was predicted with both historical and real-time data. The two models can be applied to both off-street and on-street parking. Two data sources were used: parking payment kiosks for a visitors' parking garage and newly deployed real-time spot-by-spot parking sensors for a commuter garage. It was found that, with a proper set of features, the offline method could successfully distinguish different flow patterns, congested or underused, with intensive or mild arrival and departure rates. The offline procedure significantly outperformed both the historical and the previous day's average. The online method provided generally more accurate predictions than the offline method because it learned from the real-time occupancy data. As time progressed, the mean and maximum error rates of the online prediction decreased to a level well below both the historical average and the offline prediction error. A sharp decline of the prediction error could be obtained when sufficient real-time occupancy data were collected and the type of flow pattern was identified (around 9:00 a.m. in a case study).
Urban Streetscape Design and Crash Severity
Authors: Harvey Chester , Aultman-Hall Lisa
Published: February 2016

Streetscape design is increasingly acknowledged as a tool for improving traffic safety and livability in urban settings. While traditional highway safety engineering promotes removing obstacles from and widening roadside clear zones to reduce collision potential, a contrasting framework proposes that smaller, more enclosed streetscapes may encourage slower, less risky driving and therefore improve both livability and safety. Such a strategy may have particular relevance along urban arterials, where large clear zones may be impractical because of complex adjacent land uses and where the promotion of livable spaces is an increasing focus. This study examined streetscape design and traffic safety in urban settings by assessing relationships between crash severity and streetscape design variables in New York City. A method based on a geographic information system was used for the precise capture of streetscape design measurements at the locations of more than 240,000 crashes. Logistic regression models indicated that crashes on smaller, more enclosed streetscapes were less likely to result in injury or death compared with those on larger, more open streetscapes. These results point to in-fill development and street tree planting as safety countermeasures that are consistent with additional livability goals such as walkability, high-quality design of the public realm, and provision of natural amenities.