bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A ten-year retrospective study investigating the rate of venous thromboembolism in patients who require immobilization in a total contact lower limb cast
Authors: Tonge X. N. , Widnall J. C. , Jackson G. , Platt S.
Published: June 2019

Aims

To our knowledge, there is currently no information available about the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or recommendations regarding chemoprophylaxis for patients whose lower limb is immobilized in a plaster cast. We report a retrospective case series assessing the rate of symptomatic VTE in patients treated with a lower limb cast. Given the complex, heterogeneous nature of this group of patients, with many risk factors for VTE, we hypothesized that the rate of VTE would be higher than in the general population.

Patients and Methods

Patients treated with a lower limb cast between 2006 and 2018 were identified using plaster room records. Their electronic records and radiological reports were reviewed for details about their cast, past medical history, and any VTE recorded in our hospital within a year of casting.

Results

There were 136 episodes of casting in 100 patients. The mean age was 55 years (22 to 91). The mean time in a cast was 45 days (five days to eight months). A total of 76 patients had neuropathy secondary to diabetes. No patient received chemical thromboprophylaxis while in a cast. One VTE (0.7% of casting episodes) was documented. This was confirmed by Doppler scan nine days after removing the cast.

Conclusion

The frequency of VTE was higher than that of the general population (0.05%); this is most likely attributable to our patients’ apparent increase in VTE risk as suggested by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). These findings suggest that thromboprophylaxis is not routinely indicated in patients who undergo immobilization of the lower limb in a cast, although the risks of VTE should be assessed. While the cast itself does not pose an increased risk, other pathologies, such as active cancer, mean that each individual case needs to be considered on their merit. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:691–694.
Surgical approach significantly affects the complication rates associated with total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Aggarwal V. K. , Elbuluk A. , Dundon J. , Herrero C. , Hernandez C. , Vigdorchik J. M. , Schwarzkopf R. , Iorio R. , Long W. J.
Published: June 2019

Aims

A variety of surgical approaches are used for total hip arthroplasty (THA), all with reported advantages and disadvantages. A number of common complications can occur following THA regardless of the approach used. The purpose of this study was to compare five commonly used surgical approaches with respect to the incidence of surgery-related complications.

Patients and Methods

The electronic medical records of all patients who underwent primary elective THA at a single large-volume arthroplasty centre, between 2011 and 2016, with at least two years of follow-up, were reviewed. After exclusion, 3574 consecutive patients were included in the study. There were 1571 men (44.0%) and 2003 women (56.0%). Their mean age and body mass index (BMI) was 63.0 years (sd 11.8) and 29.1 kg/m2 (sd 6.1), respectively. Data gathered included the age of the patient, BMI, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), operating time, the presence of intra- or postoperative complications, type of complication, and the surgical approach. The approaches used during the study were posterior, anterior, direct lateral, anterolateral, and the northern approach. The complications that were recorded included prolonged wound drainage without infection, superficial infection, deep infection, dislocation, aseptic loosening, and periprosthetic fracture. Finally, the need for re-operation was recorded. Means were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-tests where appropriate and proportions were compared using the chi-squared test.

Results

A total of 248 patients had 263 complications related to the surgery, with an incidence of 6.94%. The anterior approach had the highest incidence of complications (8.5% (113/1329)) and the posterior approach had the lowest, at 5.85% (97/1657; p = 0.006). Most complications were due to deep infection (22.8%), periprosthetic fracture (22.4%), and prolonged wound drainage (21.3%). The rate of dislocation was 0.84% (14/1657) with the posterior approach and 1.28% (17/1329) with the anterior approach (p = 0.32).

Conclusion

Overall, THA has a relatively low complication rate. However, the surgical approach plays a role in the incidence of complications. We found that the posterior approach had a significantly lower overall complication rate compared with the anterior approach, with an equal dislocation rate. Periprosthetic fracture and surgical site infection contributed most to the early complication rates. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:646–651
Modified trapdoor procedures by surgical dislocation approach to treat chondroblastoma of the femoral head
Authors: Liu Q. , He H-B. , Zeng H. , Yuan Y-H. , Long F. , Tian J. , Luo W.
Published: June 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the surgical dislocation approach and modified trapdoor procedure for the treatment of chondroblastoma of the femoral head.

Patients and Methods

A total of 17 patients (ten boys, seven girls; mean age 16.4 years (11 to 26)) diagnosed with chondroblastoma of the femoral head who underwent surgical dislocation of the hip joint, modified trapdoor procedure, curettage, and bone grafting were enrolled in this study and were followed-up for a mean of 35.9 months (12 to 76). Healing and any local recurrence were assessed via clinical and radiological tests. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scoring system (MSTS). Patterns of bone destruction were evaluated using the Lodwick classification. Secondary osteoarthritis was classified via radiological analysis following the Kellgren–Lawrence grading system. Steinberg classification was used to evaluate osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Results

The epiphyseal plate was open, closing, and closed in five, five, and seven patients, respectively. In total, eight, six, and three patients were classified as having Lodwick classification IA, IB, and IC, respectively. Allogeneic and autogenous bone grafting was used in 13 and four patients, respectively. All patients had good bone healing and no local recurrence was observed. One patient developed osteonecrosis of the femoral head (Steinberg IA) and one developed secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint (Kellgren–Lawrence Grade II). The mean postoperative MSTS functional score was 27.7 (24 to 30).

Conclusion

Surgical dislocation and modified trapdoor procedures are safe and effective techniques for treating chondroblastoma in the femoral head. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:732–738.
Arthroscopic meniscal surgery
Authors: Abram S. G. F. , Beard D. J. , Price A. J. ,   BASK Meniscal Working Group
Published: June 2019

Aims

The aim of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) Meniscal Consensus Project was to develop an evidence-based treatment guideline for patients with meniscal lesions of the knee.

Materials and Methods

A formal consensus process was undertaken applying nominal group, Delphi, and appropriateness methods. Consensus was first reached on the terminology relating to the definition, investigation, and classification of meniscal lesions. A series of simulated clinical scenarios was then created and the appropriateness of arthroscopic meniscal surgery or nonoperative treatment in each scenario was rated by the group. The process was informed throughout by the latest published, and previously unpublished, clinical and epidemiological evidence. Scenarios were then grouped together based upon the similarity of clinical features and ratings to form the guideline for treatment. Feedback on the draft guideline was sought from the entire membership of BASK before final revisions and approval by the consensus group.

Results

A total of 45 simulated clinical scenarios were refined to five common clinical presentations and six corresponding treatment recommendations. The final guideline stratifies patients based upon a new, standardized classification of symptoms, signs, radiological findings, duration of symptoms, and previous treatment.

Conclusion

The 2018 BASK Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery Treatment Guidance will facilitate the consistent identification and treatment of patients with meniscal lesions. It is hoped that this guidance will be adopted nationally by surgeons and help inform healthcare commissioning guidance. Validation in clinical practice is now required and several areas of uncertainty in relation to treatment should be a priority for future high-quality prospective studies. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:652–659.
Redress, rights and responsibilities: comparing European intervention systems
Authors: Hagemann-White Carol
Published: June 2019

While there is an overall consensus in Europe on the need for a comprehensive approach to domestic violence, different models are emerging. Some focus on criminal prosecution of perpetrators, others construct intervention around protection of victims, and the obligations of professionals are differently framed by legal and institutional provisions. Against a background of research mapping the diverse frameworks across Europe, the project ‘Cultural Encounters in Intervention Against Violence’ (CEINAV) explored these differences in depth in Germany, Portugal, Slovenia and England and Wales, whose intervention systems exemplify some of these differences, and found that these do shape the pathways by which women threatened by an intimate partner may enter and move through (or withdraw from) the intervention system. In addition, the rights of a woman facing violence to make decisions affecting her own life is seen differently. The different approaches all raise questions of when and how far intervention actually meets the needs of the women and children subjected to ‘domestic’ violence (much of which is actually not perpetrated by a spouse or a live-in partner). Both the focus on victim protection and, paradoxically, the emphasis on criminalisation seem to have only a very limited potential to stop perpetrators from violence.
Responding to complexity: improving service provision for survivors of domestic abuse with ‘complex needs’
Authors: Harris Lyndsey , Hodges Kathryn
Published: June 2019

This paper discusses the findings of a mixed-methods research study conducted in an English city, Nottingham. The study examined the ‘Response to Complexity’ (R2C) project, aimed at increasing support for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse with ‘complex needs’ (defined by services as: substance and/or alcohol misuse and/or mental health and/or English as a foreign language). In-depth interviews with practitioners and survivors; participant observation of R2C Steering Group meetings; and statistical outcome data was used to evaluate R2C. One of the successes of the project was the provision of wrap around support that met the needs of the women, rather than the women being further marginalised trying to meet the needs of the service. Additionally, the work of the R2C Steering Group provided an example of best practice in multi-agency partnership working to ensure better service provision for survivors. The focus of this paper is to provide discussion of the qualitative element of the study, which explored the needs and experiences of survivors of domestic abuse and what their experiences of a new service might mean in relation to policy in terms of defining and responding to ‘complex needs’ and multi-agency partnership working.
Fast friends or strange bedfellows? Quantitative methods and gender and politics research
Authors: Stauffer Katelyn E. , O’Brien Diana Z.
Published: June 2019

Discussions of method, methodology and epistemology play an important role in the study of gender and politics. Contributing to this conversation, this article documents both gender and politics scholars’ use of quantitative methods and also quantitative methods scholars’ relationship with gender and politics research. Analysing work published in Politics & Gender, the Journal of Women, Politics & Policy and Politics, Groups, and Identities, we show that gender and politics scholars have been more than capable and willing to use quantitative methods. In contrast, our examination of articles published in Political Analysis suggests that the methods community does not typically engage with gender and politics scholarship. This is problematic because the insights provided by gender and politics research could help spur innovations in political methodology. We thus end with a call for greater collaboration between gender and politics scholars and quantitative methodologists.
On (not) knowing what is to be done (in 17 affective registers)
Authors: Gould Deborah
Published: June 2019

What is the sound of (not) knowing what is to be done, and what effects do expressions of knowingness or uncertainty have, especially on the formation of activist publics and their subsequent collective doings? This article explores a number of political discourses – from the right, left and centre – in the hopes of illuminating the sounds, affects and effects of (not) knowing what is to be done. In a world that has passed from ‘actually existing socialism’ to ‘the end of history’ to the Great Recession to the global rise of authoritarianism, how do progressive and left activists in the US navigate knowing and not knowing, certainty and its absence; what sorts of affects are produced by knowing, or not, what is to be done; what is opened, and foreclosed, with the genre of the blueprint as compared to the genre of the brainstorm; and what sorts of activist publics are formed thereby? Interested in how senses of political possibility and impossibility emerge and take hold, the article explores how, in the shadow of pronouncements by all manner of those who know what is to be done – from conservative, moderate and liberal establishmentarians to armchair activists and progressive or leftist scolds – activists inhabit uncertainty about what is to be done and figure out what to do even so.
Alienation and emotion: social relations and estrangement in contemporary capitalism
Authors: Burkitt Ian
Published: June 2019

In this article I look at the emotional effects of alienation in modern capitalist societies. I begin by considering Marx’s theory of alienation, focusing especially on the alienation between people and between them and the social institutions to which they should be connected. In this way, alienation is understood as a form of estrangement within social relations and I draw out the emotional implications of this, in terms of the relations between people and in the way people feel about their own self. This is enhanced through an understanding of emotions as relational phenomena, a position highly attuned to Marx’s own mode of social analysis. I then illustrate and develop this understanding of alienation and emotion by drawing on the empirical examples of political relations and property relations in the UK, concluding with a discussion of what this tells us about alienation and emotion in contemporary capitalist societies.
La música en el cine español, entre el falangismo y el nacionalcatolicismo: de Tierra y Cielo (1941) a Forja de Almas (1943)
Authors: Alonso Celsa
Published: June 2019

En los primeros años de la dictadura de Franco, el cine era un poderoso artefacto ideológico que podía reforzar valores políticos y etnosimbólicos al servicio del ‘Nuevo Estado’. Sin embargo, en aquel momento el cine español no era políticamente homogeneo ni había un único modelo oficial de cine nacional. Tras la Guerra Civil, la dictadura consideraba imprescindible reconstruir un cine popular y nacional, y la música era una práctica discursiva de gran importancia para lograr este objetivo. Este artículo analiza la música de Tierra y cielo (1941) y Forja de Almas (1943), dirigidas por Eusebio Fernández Ardavín (1898–1965) con música de Francisco Alonso (1887–1948). En tanto productos culturales hegemónicos, estas películas articulan una negociación entre los discursos nacionalistas del Falangismo y del Nacionalcatolicismo, y presentan diversos modelos de femineidad mientras la iglesia católica y el fascismo español concretaban la misión de la mujer en la ‘Nueva’ España. Este artículo explora las relaciones que se establecen entre las imágenes, las agendas políticas, los mensajes ideológicos y la música. El objetivo es mostar cómo los fondos sonoros y las canciones diegéticas, gracias a su potencial semiótico, contribuyen a la construcción del discurso nacional y las identidades de género.
From the face to the crotch: Intersubjectivity, affective schemas and the politics of the close-up in Los Labios/The Lips (Fund and Loza, 2010) and Plan B (Berger, 2009)
Authors: Severiche Guillermo Abel
Published: June 2019

Fund and Loza’s Los Labios/The Lips (2010) and Berger’s Plan B (2009) implement various strategies to create a sense of the Other’s corporeal experience as something perceivable by the audience. The main cinematic technique is the use of the close-up. This article highlights this particular shot as an aesthetic device that highly contributes to establish an embodied environment for spectatorship. This quality defines these films’ political character since it displays an awareness of the Other’s corporeality as part of the Self. Hence, it is possible to make of cinema an intersubjective experience in which bodies become empowered means of connection. By applying Jenny Chammarette’s ‘phenomenological approach’, which derives from Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology and Vinodh Venkatesh’s notion of ‘affective schemas’, this article incorporates a diverse theoretical framework to mostly focus on bodies and the cinematic environments that they inhabit.
Echocardiographic study of healthy Indian Spitz dogs with normal reference ranges for the breed
Authors: Bodh Deepti , Hoque Mozammel , Saxena Abhishek Chandra
Published: June 2019

Aim: The present study was aimed to determine the normal reference values of M-mode echocardiographic measurements in healthy Indian Spitz dogs and evaluate the influence of gender and body weight on these measurements. Materials and Methods: M-mode echocardiography was performed in twenty-four clinically healthy conscious Indian Spitz dogs, aged 3-5 years and weighing 7-18 kg. Measurements were made from the right parasternal long axis left ventricular outflow tract view of the heart. The parameters recorded were: Left ventricular internal dimension, interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular posterior wall thickness during diastole and systole, left atrial diameter, aortic root diameter, left ventricular systolic functional parameters, and indices and mitral valve parameters. Results: M-mode echocardiographic measurements in healthy Indian Spitz dogs were standardized. Gender had no influence on echocardiographic measurements except mitral valve excursion amplitude and time interval between onset and end of mitral valve closure, which were significantly (p<0.05) higher in females than males. Left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole, left ventricular internal dimension at end-systole, left ventricular posterior wall dimension at end-systole, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, stroke volume, cardiac output, left ventricular ejection time, and mitral valve excursion amplitude correlated significantly (p<0.05) with body weight in Indian Spitz dogs. Conclusion: Data obtained in the present study can be used as breed-specific reference values for cardiac disease diagnosis as well as for future studies in Indian Spitz dogs.
Myosite ossifiante du muscle temporal après polytraumatisme
Authors: Braem Dimtri , Darche Vincent , Legros Emmanuel
Published: June 2019

La myosite ossifiante traumatique (MOT) du muscle temporal est une pathologie extrêmement rare. Une limitation de l’ouverture buccale est le symptôme clé. Les examens d’imagerie sont très utiles au diagnostic, le CT-scanner de la face étant l’examen le plus performant pour la détection de la MOT. Le meilleur traitement est la résection chirurgicale complète. Les cas de myosite ossifiante traumatique dans la région de la tête et du cou sont rares. Les atteintes au niveau du muscle temporal sont encore plus rares. Nous présentons ici le cas d’une ossification isolée du muscle temporal gauche après un polytraumatisme. L’intérêt de l’observation clinique du cas présenté est donc de documenter la littérature. Le diagnostic différentiel et les signes pathognomoniques présents sur les examens d’imagerie seront également détaillés.
Synthesis and Characterization of new Schiff base Ligand type [N4O4] from 3-(Ethoxymethylene)pentane-2.4-dione and its Niп Complex
Authors: Alsalihi Eman I.
Published: June 2019

The Schiff base reaction plays an important role in the condensation reaction between 3-(ethoxymethylene) pentane- 2.4-dione and 3,3’-diaminobenzidine in the presence of calculated amounts of KOH as a catalyst. This reaction has been carried out in the ethanol under reflux and overnight stirring condition. All syntheses were carried out under an atmosphere of hydrogen forming a new ligand [3,3’,3’’,3’’’-(1E,1’E,1’’E,1’’’E)-(biphenyl-3,3’,4,4’-tetrayltetrakis (azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)) tetrakis (methan-1- yl-1-ylidene) tetrakis (4-methoxybut-3-en-2-one)] type [N4O4]. The ligand and its Niп complex of the general formula [Ni2(L)] have been characterized by spectroscopic methods (Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet-visible), elemental analysis (C.H.N), metal content, magnetic susceptibility measurement, thin-layer chromatography, mass spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction powder diffraction, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance, molar conductance, and biological activity. The ligand and its Ni complex were exposed to two types of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis), using the agar disc diffusion method, and the ligand and its Niп complex exhibited significant activities against these two types of bacteria. Our study revealed the formation of a new ligand type [N4O4] and four-coordinate tetrahedral structure around Niп metal ion with the ratio of 1:2 (ligand:metal) stable compounds which can be used in many fields, such as medicine and industry.
Conservation of Garcinia imberti Bourd. through seeds
Authors: Anto M , Angala M , Jothish P S , Anilkumar C
Published: June 2019

Garcinia imberti seeds were collected during 2015-2017 from Shangili, Cheenikkala and Bonaccord evergreen forests of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, the only abode of this endangered endemic species. Germinability of seeds were analysed through decoating, Gibberellic acid (GA3) and light inductive pre-treatments on fresh (62.8 % moisture content; MC) and desiccated (fast; 23.3% MC and slow; 30.5 % MC) seeds. The seed germination with impermeable coat (0.7-1.2 mm) was restricted which on decoating got enhanced. Application of GA3 along with exposure to light breaked dormancy within 4-6 days compared to non-treated seeds that took 238-254 days to germinate. Stored seeds behaviour revealed that seed moisture content and rate of germination were negatively correlated. Seed storage was found to be more efficient only up to 80 days at controlled seed banking conditions (20 ± 20C, 20 % relative humidity; RH). Both fast and slow desiccated seeds stored for 60 days in seed bank conditions exhibited 50.4 and 43.4 % of germination compared 39.4% germination of non-desiccated seeds. Hence fast desiccated and decoated G. imberti seeds pre-treated with GA3 on subsequent exposure to light alleviated dormancy. For seed banking, fast desiccated seeds with MC in between 40-20% are found to be promising.
Dynamics of the distribution mechanism with rocking tappet with roll
Authors: Petrescu Florian Ion Tiberiu , Petrescu Relly Victoria Virgil
Published: June 2019

In this paper the authors present shortly an original method to make the dynamic synthesis of a mechanism with rotary cam and rotated tappet with roll, used with priority at the distribution mechanisms from the heat engines with internal combustion. This type of distribution can improve the changes of gases, and may decrease significantly the level of vibration, noises, and emissions. As long as we produce electricity and heat by burning fossil fuels is pointless to try to replace all thermal engines with electric motors, as loss of energy and pollution will be even larger. However, it is well to continuously improve the thermal engines, to reduce thus fuel consumption. At the heat engine with internal combustion a great loss of power is realized and by the distribution mechanism, reason for that we must try to improve the functionality of this mechanism. The dynamic synthesis of this type of distribution mechanism can be made shortly, by the Cartesian coordinates, but to determine these coordinates we need and some trigonometric parameters of the mechanism. Dynamics and forces of this distribution mechanism are presented as well. One introduce the dynamic coefficient D.
Energy sources for cooking and its determinants in rural areas of Tanzania
Authors: Mangula Michael Shadrack , Kuzilwa Joseph A. , Msanjila Simon S. , Legonda Isack
Published: June 2019

Using traditional sources of energy for cooking in rural areas of Tanzania is associated with problems such as lung diseases, soil erosion and air pollution. This paper identifies the energy sources used for cooking and its determinants in rural areas of Tanzania. Cross-sectional survey design through questionnaire was used to collect data from 384 households living in rural areas of Njombe and Iringa regions in Tanzania. Multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to sample districts, wards and villages, while rural heads of households were sampled randomly using the fishbowl method to avoid biasness. Descriptive analysis such as frequencies and percentages were used. Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) techniques was used to estimate the parameters of factors determining the choices of energy sources for cooking in rural areas of Tanzania. The findings show that firewood is the main source of energy for cooking, followed by charcoal, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and electricity in rural areas of Tanzania. The study shows that education, household size, occupation, income, and age of respondents determine the choices of energy sources for cooking. It can be concluded that, apart from improving income, other intervention such as family planning, reforestation programmes and promotion of the use of modern cooking stoves should be done to ensure sustainable development in rural areas of Tanzania
Multi-objective economic production quantity model for fully backlogged problem where demand depend on some conditions and permissible delay in payment
Authors: Biswas Abhishek Kanti , Islam Sahidul
Published: June 2019

For any business, inventory system takes a monumental part. Keep this aspect in mind, we formulate multi-objective displayed EPQ model consider with non-instantaneous deteriorating things where production depends on demand and variable demand pattern depends on display self-space, selling price and frequency of advertisement of the item. The customers are more attracted to buy an item by observing self-space, selling price and advertisement. Imperfect materials are now and again come back to providers for a discount or credit. Here price discount is available for deteriorated and defective items. Holding cost varies with time where shortages are allowed and fully backlogged. Fuzzy environment touches the reality instead of the crisp environment. So, we assumed the cost components as Triangular Fuzzy Numbers and Nearest Interval Approximation Method is used to defuzzify the model. Finally, numerical examples as well as  sketches are given to illustrate the model.
Health and working conditions of truck drivers in Brazil
Authors: Santos Nellis Oliveira , Kawamoto Junior Luiz Teruo , Cardoso Hewely , Bonini Luci Mendes de Melo
Published: June 2019

This paper intends to describe the public health policies and labor conditions of road haulage drivers. In order to give a brief overview of these policies, it describes some research results, some indicators pointing to a loss of quality of life of these workers by virtue of their habits, their physical conditions and labor laws. Finally, the path indicates some points traced by national policies that seek to preserve the quality of life of these workers. The method used was literature review found in scientific bases, pointing data that guide the discussions. Due to the necessity of road transport in Brazil, truck drivers suffer poor working conditions to meet the high demand for their services. Seeing that the road haulage driver is directly involved in the delivery and flow of Brazil's logistical process of deliveries from the raw materials to the final product to the consumer, public policies are urgently needed to adjust and improve all the working and physical conditions to this class of workers in accordance with law 13.103/2015. High rates of traffic accidents with truck drivers were recorded, however, conditions for good sleep do not favour truck drivers, destabilising their physical condition, and classifying these professionals as sedentary because of negative health habits.
Strategic analysis tools (SAT) application at small & medium-sized enterprises (SMES) in the north area of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Viltard Leandro Adolfo
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTThis paper studies the nature and amplitude of Strategic Analysis Tools (SAT) application in SMEs located in emerging countries, specifically the North Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina (NABAA), where there are no formal studies on the subject. It is intended to understand their contribution to strategic options formulation and implementation. A survey to SMEs’ owners/executives /managers in NABAA and interviews with specialists were applied, intending to analyze the use of these tools to facilitate the creation of strategic options, their support in assessing a competitive position and their promotion of superior performance. The results of this investigation developed that SAT and their related KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) should be considered in SMEs in order to improve strategy formulation and find better ways to implement it. Their systematization –not leaving aside intuition- become a key issue as documenting this process appears vital when analyzing strategic options and performing better interrelations among different elements that may be identified. An improvement in strategic analysis may help also to have a better cohesion of company resources and achieve the established objectives. Unconsciousness, and cultural biases and barriers may explain their low usage rates. The final objective is to set aside from competition and build unattainable competitive advantages.This is a qualitative investigation, and the research design is not experimental and transversal.Keywords: Strategic Analysis Tools (SAT); Formulation; SME; Competitiveness; Value.
Time series forecasting of styrene price using a hybrid ARIMA and neural network model
Authors: Ghahnavieh Ali Ebrahimi
Published: June 2019

Every player in the market has a greater need to know about the smallest change in the market. Therefore, the ability to see what is ahead is a valuable advantage. The purpose of this research is to make an attempt to understand the behavioral patterns and try to find a new hybrid forecasting approach based on ARIMA-ANN for estimating styrene price. The time series analysis and forecasting is an essential tool which could be widely useful for finding the significant characteristics for making future decisions. In this study ARIMA, ANN and Hybrid ARIMA-ANN models were applied to evaluate the previous behavior of a time series data, in order to make interpretations about its future behavior for styrene price. Experimental results with real data sets show that the combined model can be most suitable to improve forecasting accurateness rather than traditional time series forecasting methodologies. As a subset of the literature, the small number of studies have been done to realize the new forecasting methods for forecasting styrene price.
SMEs innovation in a network environment, case study in Romania
Authors: Tonis Rocsana B. Manea , Bucea-Manea-Tonis Radu
Published: June 2019

After the 1990s, the private sector in Romania has tried to win in emerging market niches: IT services, e-commerce, retail, energy. With the liberalization of the market after admission to the EU, local entrepreneurs could not cope with external competition, crushing debts or insolvency. The situation is not different today when multinational companies compete strongly with local capital. After a continuous research process, the conclusion is that the only solution for SMEs is collaboration in business centers, virtual companies and other forms of local cooperation. This article presents a type of collaboration between SMEs that use discount coupons to recommend to other customers.
Business process modeling: A webibliominig perspective of architecture frameworks
Authors: Ferreira Ailton Silva , Oliveira Gabriel Riso
Published: June 2019

In the perspective of organizational context, the present paper deals with the different types of architecture of BPM. As objectives, it is proposed to formulate a conceptual comparative view of the main architectures present in the scientific literature. As for the methodology, bibliographical and webibliomining research are employed in a qualitative and quantitative approach to the subject. As a result, the comparative view of the UML, BPMN, CIMOSA, IDEF, ARIS, IEM, GRAI, GERAM and EKD architectures is developed, in terms of temporal aspects, socio-technical characteristics, visualization and analysis, among other factors which offers substantial argument to decide what framework is better in each scenario.
Determinants of greenhouse gases emissions disclosure according to GRI guidelines in Brazilian companies
Authors: Leal Paulo Henrique , Rodrigues Raimundo Nonato , Freitas Maurício Assuero Lima de , Lagioia Umbelina Cravo Teixeira
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to identify the determinant factors of greenhouse gases emissions disclosure in Brazilian companies. Therefore, a documental research was conducted, in which we analyzed sustainability reports, GRI-provided data and accounting statements of B3-listed companies that published sustainability reports and accounting statements for the year 2016. This is a descriptive research with quantitative approach. Preliminarily, we identified information about greenhouse gases emissions disclosed by the sample companies by using a check-list developed from GRI guidelines about emissions. Then, we applied the multiple linear regression analysis technique to identify the disclosure determinant factors. Results showed that the companies researched presented, in average, a low level of emissions information disclosure. The regression analysis showed that the variables participation in potentially polluting sectors, participation in the GHG protocol, New Market governance level and sustainability report publication in the GRI model were positively associated with greenhouse gases emissions disclosure, while the company size variable did not show association with statistical significance. Therefore, the results allow us to infer that these variables can be considered determinant factors of greenhouse gases emissions disclosure. In function of research limitations related to sample size, shortage of other variables influencing the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as research over the years, it is suggested future research considering a sample with companies from other countries, including other variables and a longitudinal study to compare disclosure in different institutional contexts over the years.
Estimation of environment-induced crack growth rate as a function of stress intensity factors generated during slow strain rate testing of aluminum alloys
Authors: Holroyd N.J. Henry , Burnett Timothy L. , Palmer Benjamin C. , Lewandowski John J.
Published: June 2019

In this contribution, we introduce a simple approach to quickly estimate the environment-induced crack velocity (CV) as a function of the calculated applied stress intensity factor (K) developed during the slow strain rate testing of aluminum alloys exposed to aqueous or humid air-type environments. The CV-K behavior for a commercial aluminum-magnesium alloy, AA5083-H131, sensitized and pre-exposed to a 0.6 m NaCl solution has been estimated from slow strain rate test data. The predicted threshold K and crack velocities match recently published data for the same alloy in similarly sensitized conditions where the CV-K data were obtained using state-of-the-art fracture mechanics-based testing.
Tauroursodeoxycholate protects from glycochenodeoxycholate-induced gene expression changes in perfused rat liver
Authors: Paluschinski Martha , Castoldi Mirco , Schöler David , Bardeck Nils , Oenarto Jessica , Görg Boris , Häussinger Dieter
Published: June 2019

Tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC) is well known to protect against glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC)-induced apoptosis in rat hepatocytes. In the present study, we analyzed whether TUDC also exerts protective effects by modulating GCDC-induced gene expression changes. For this, gene array-based transcriptome analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed on RNA isolated from rat livers perfused with GCDC, TUDC or a combination of both (each 20 μm for 2 h). GCDC led to a significant increase of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the effluent perfusate, which was prevented by TUDC. GCDC, TUDC and co-perfusion induced distinct gene expression changes. While GCDC upregulated the expression of several pro-inflammatory genes, co-perfusion with TUDC increased the expression of pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic p53 target genes. In line with this, levels of serine20-phosphorylated p53 and of its target gene p21 were elevated by GCDC in a TUDC-sensitive way. GCDC upregulated the oxidative stress surrogate marker 8OH(d)G and the pro-apoptotic microRNAs miR-15b/16 and these effects were prevented by TUDC. The upregulation of miR-15b and miR-16 in GCDC-perfused livers was accompanied by a downregulation of several potential miR-15b and miR-16 target genes. The present study identified changes in the transcriptome of the rat liver which suggest, that TUDC is hepatoprotective by counteracting GCDC-induced gene expression changes.
Ludometrics: luck, and how to measure it
Authors: Gilbert Daniel E. , Wells Martin T.
Published: June 2019

Game theory is the study of tractable games which may be used to model more complex systems. Board games, video games and sports, however, are intractable by design, so “ludological” theories about these games as complex phenomena should be grounded in empiricism. A first “ludometric” concern is the empirical measurement of the amount of luck in various games. We argue against a narrow view of luck which includes only factors outside any player’s control, and advocate for a holistic definition of luck as complementary to the variation in effective skill within a population of players. We introduce two metrics for luck in a game for a given population – one information theoretical, and one Bayesian, and discuss the estimation of these metrics using sparse, high-dimensional regression techniques. Finally, we apply these techniques to compare the amount of luck between various professional sports, between Chess and Go, and between two hobby board games: Race for the Galaxy and Seasons.
Soft covering based rough graphs and corresponding decision making
Authors: Park Choonkil , Shah Nasir , Rehman Noor , Ali Abbas , Ali Muhammad Irfan , Shabir Muhammad
Published: June 2019

Soft set theory and rough set theory are two new tools to discuss uncertainty. Graph theory is a nice way to depict certain information. Particularly soft graphs serve the purpose beautifully. In order to discuss uncertainty in soft graphs, some new types of graphs called soft covering based rough graphs are introduced. Several basic properties of these newly defined graphs are explored. Applications of soft covering based rough graphs in decision making can be very fruitful. In this regard an algorithm has been proposed.
Sufficient and necessary conditions of convergence for ρ͠ mixing random variables
Authors: Zhang Shui-Li , Miao Yu , Qu Cong
Published: June 2019

In the present paper, the sufficient and necessary conditions of the complete convergence and complete moment convergence for ρ͠-mixing random variables are established, which extend some well-known results.
Attractors of dynamical systems in locally compact spaces
Authors: Li Gang , Gao Yuxia
Published: June 2019

In this article the properties of attractors of dynamical systems in locally compact metric space are discussed. Existing conditions of attractors and related results are obtained by the near isolating block which we present.
An investigation of fractional Bagley-Torvik equation
Authors: Fazli Hossein , Nieto Juan J.
Published: June 2019

In this paper the authors prove the existence as well as approximations of the solutions for the Bagley-Torvik equation admitting only the existence of a lower (coupled lower and upper) solution. Our results rely on an appropriate fixed point theorem in partially ordered normed linear spaces. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of our technique.
Embedding of Supplementary Results in Strong EMT Valuations and Strength
Authors: Kanwal Salma , Imtiaz Mariam , Iftikhar Zurdat , Ashraf Rehana , Arshad Misbah , Irfan Rida , Sumbal Tahira
Published: June 2019

A graph ℘ is said to be edge-magic total (EMT if there is a bijection Υ : V(℘) ∪ E(℘) → {1, 2, …, |V(℘) ∪ E(℘)|} s.t., Υ(υ) + Υ(υν) + Υ(ν) is a constant for every edge υν ∈ E(℘). An EMT graph ℘ will be called strong edge-magic total (SEMT) if Υ(V(℘)) = {1, 2, …, |V(℘)|}. The SEMT strength, sm(℘), of a graph ℘ is the minimum of all magic constants a(Υ), where the minimum runs over all the SEMT valuations of ℘, this minimum is defined only if the graph has at least one such SEMT valuation. Furthermore, the SEMT deficiency of a graph ℘, μs(℘), is either the minimum non-negative integer n such that ℘ ∪ nK1 is SEMT or +∞ if there will be no such integer n. In this paper, we will present the strong edge-magicness and deficiency of disjoint union of 2-sided generalized comb with bistar, path and caterpillar, moreover we will evaluate the SEMT strength for 2-sided generalized comb.
The Stylistic Function of Neologisms in Cercidas
Authors: Guasti Duccio
Published: June 2019

In this paper I analyze the rhetorical function of compositional neologisms in Cercidas’ versification, in order to provide a new semantical and/or syntactical explanation for single words that have not been correctly interpreted before. In particular I analyze the fragments 1.41–50 Lom., 2.25–7 Lom. and 60 Lom., focusing especially on the correct interpretation of τεθνακοχαλκίδης, συοπλουτοσύνη and μεταμελλοδύνη. At the end of the paper, final considerations on the rhetorical function of neologism in Cercidas’ text are offered.
Linguistic strategies prompting interactions in recipes from Mandarin Chinese food blogs
Authors: Hsiao Chi-hua
Published: June 2019

This study investigates linguistic strategies used in recipes from Mandarin Chinese food blogs that prompt interactions between writers and readers. Using analytical concepts such as contextualization cues and frames to analyze 122 recipes collected from five popular food blogs in Taiwan, this study explicates two research questions. First, what linguistic strategies do writers frequently employ as contextualization cues to prompt interactions from readers? Second, how do these contextualization cues help readers choose frames when responding to writers? The findings show that writers of popular food blogs often adopt three linguistic strategies to engage readers’ discussions on recipes: narrative orientations, speech acts, and direct reported speech from family members. Three implications arise from interactions in the context of food blogs. First, writers usually adopt manifold contextualization cues to establish the frames of recipes intended by them. Second, the ways writers and readers use language to discuss food and create coherent discourses on food construct food blogs in Taiwan as an online community. Finally, recipes may reflect social phenomena, i.e. in Taiwan, more and more people, especially female caregivers in their families who are concerned about health, started to cook after serious breaches of food safety.
Eine Abbildung von Giuseppe (Joseph) Passalacqua, dem ersten Direktor des Ägyptischen Museums in Berlin
Authors: Moje Jan
Published: June 2019

Identification of the currently sole known image of Giuseppe (Joseph) Passalacqua, the first director of the Egyptian Museum in Berlin
The Sculptor Qen (ii), His Two Wives, and the Men in his Family
Authors: Sweeney Deborah
Published: June 2019

A detailed examination of the individuals mentioned in TT 4, the family tomb of the sculptor Qen (ii) and his two wives, Nefertari (vi) and Henutmehyt (iii), and on other family monuments, demonstrates that Nefertari (vi) was the senior of the two ladies of the house. The male relatives included in the representation of the funerary procession, and the ritual roles allotted to the children of each wife, are also key pieces of evidence leading to this conclusion.
Verbal Grammaticalisation Clines in Coptic
Authors: Uljas Sami
Published: June 2019

The present paper studies grammaticalisation of verbs in Coptic. Various (classes of) expressions found in this language can be shown to occupy different sections or ‘points’ on the continuum/cline of evolution of verbs posited in linguistics that extends from lexical items to auxiliaries, affixes, parts of other lexemes, and finally zero (nothing). The mechanisms that ‘push’ verbs along this continuum turn out to be those seen also in other languages, and the same holds for the semantic and morpho-syntactic signals thereof. Besides being of typological interest, this again emphasises the importance and necessity of studying Coptic from a more diachronic perspective.
O,O-diethyl O-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl] phosphorothioate: structural evidence of the decomposition product and its oxalate salt
Authors: Althoff Marc André , Martens Jörn Frederik , Reichel Marco , Metzulat Manfred , Klapötke Thomas Matthias , Karaghiosoff Konstantin Ludmilov
Published: June 2019

The molecular and single crystal structure of O,O-diethyl O-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl] phosphorothioate oxalate, as determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, is described for the first time; although this compound is well-known by industry and research from the mid-20th century. The known decomposition product of pure O,O-diethyl O-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl] phosphorothioate could also be structurally characterized. Additionally, the compounds are characterized by recent analytical methods e.g. NMR. The findings of our study support the thesis that the isolated decomposition product must be a by-product of the thiono-thiolo rearrangement process of the title compound.