bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Municipal Waste Disposal: Unit Pricing and Recycling Opportunities
Authors: Podolsky Michael J. , Spiegel Menahem
Published: June 2017

This article examines, theoretically and empirically, the impact of municipal waste management policies such as unit pricing and recycling on the demand for residential municipal solid waste disposal. Using a unique cross-sectional data set for 149 municipalities from five New Jersey counties, the empirical analysis estimates the demand for household municipal waste disposal. In the presence of recycling opportunities, the estimated demand elasticity is higher than that found in previous studies. This suggests that bag or tag unit pricing programs, combined with curb-side recycling, will improve social welfare and reduce municipal expenditures on waste disposal services. Mandatory government-supported recycling programs throughout New Jersey afford an opportunity to consider both the direct impact of recycling and the interaction between unit pricing and such recycling programs on municipal waste disposal.
Effective group support: an innovative network in Lancashire
Authors: Sawley Linda
Published: June 2017

• Paediatric nurse managers in District General Hospitals often have no pertinent support network

• Regular meetings between managers and educationalists can reduce the theory/practice divide

• Clinical supervision can take place across Trust and educational boundaries in paediatrics

• Benchmarking can improve practice and provide support networks
Through the looking-glass: How nineteenth century asylums shaped school architecture and notions of intellectual abnormality shaped public education
Authors: Roof David J
Published: June 2017

This paper utilizes Henri Lefebvre’s work to examine nineteenth century school architecture, in relation to asylums. The deployment of the asylums occurred in unison with the development of public schools. Based on archival research this paper seeks an examination of this interrelated development. The social/spatial arrangement of asylums and schools was not independent and random. The relation between institutions and modes of governance were conditioned through contingent systems of knowledge and practices. This produced separation between lived space, social practices and discursive practices. This paper explores this separation using Lefebvre’s idea of a triad of the perceived, the conceived, and the lived within social space. In other words, the practices and routines constituting production and reproduction (conceived), the symbols and images (representational), and the lived as the complex politically contested aspects formed in social space. Consideration of these domains coincides with deconstruction of the codified meanings and discursive formations, those which often conceal more than they reveal.
Diogenes Syndrome in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Finney Catherine M. , Mendez Mario F.
Published: June 2017

Diogenes syndrome refers to the combination of extreme self-neglect and excessive collecting with clutter and squalor, which is often present in patients with dementia. Diogenes syndrome may be particularly common in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), and the investigation of these patients may help clarify the nature of this syndrome. We describe 5 patients with bvFTD who exhibited a decline in self-care accompanied by hoarding behaviors. These patients, and a review of the literature, suggest a combination of frontal lobe disturbances: loss of insight or self-awareness with a failure to clean up or discard, a general compulsive drive, and an innate impulse to take environmental items. This impulse may be part of the environmental dependency syndrome in frontal disease, with specific involvement of a right frontolimbic–striatal system. Further investigation of the similarities and mechanisms of these symptoms in bvFTD could help in understanding Diogenes syndrome and lead to potential treatment options.
CARVER 2.0: integrating the Analytical Hierarchy Process’s multi-attribute decision-making weighting scheme for a center of gravity vulnerability analysis for US Special Operations Forces
Authors: Greaver Bradley , Raabe Leo , Fox William P , Burks Robert E
Published: June 2017

This article examines the use of a weighting scheme with a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) process to improve the CARVER center of gravity analysis that is currently used by Special Operations Forces. We employ Saaty’s Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) pairwise comparison method to obtain initial decision maker weights for the decision-making process as an example for a generalizable mission. Firstly, we show the standard current CARVER method, as outlined in FM 34-36. Next, we apply several MADM methods using our suggested AHP weighting scheme to obtain the rankings of the alternatives. We compare the results and provide sensitivity analysis to examine the robustness of each MADM analysis. We conclude that any decision methodology for CARVER that includes a weighting scheme by each decision maker is better than not using any weighting scheme.
Optimising mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Simpson Robert , Byrne Sharon , Wood Karen , Mair Frances S , Mercer Stewart W
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To gather views from patients with multiple sclerosis after completing a standard eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction course and optimise and test a modified version as required.

Methods

Two successive groups of 25 multiple sclerosis patients received mindfulness-based stress reduction in a wait-list randomised controlled trial. Seventeen participants and two mindfulness-based stress reduction instructors were individually interviewed after the first (standard) course and 16 participants and the same two instructors were interviewed following the second (optimised) course. Interviews were analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

Mindfulness-based stress reduction was well received in both groups, with participants describing a beneficial shift in awareness. An initial (at times unpleasant) increase in awareness of disability was generally followed by greater acceptance and self-compassion. Other benefits reported included improved relationships, walking and sleep, with less stress and pain. Mindful-movement and mindful walking were problematic in group 1. This component of mindfulness-based stress reduction was simplified in group 2. A pre-course orientation session was introduced, and some organisational changes made based on feedback from group 1. Feedback from group 2 was positive in all these areas.

Discussion

Mindfulness-based stress reduction appears beneficial to people with multiple sclerosis, albeit mindful-movement required some modification. Contextual and organisational issues also appear important in this population.
Subjective Ratings of Beauty and Aesthetics: Correlations With Statistical Image Properties in Western Oil Paintings
Authors: Hayn-Leichsenring Gregor U. , Lehmann Thomas , Redies Christoph
Published: June 2017

For centuries, oil paintings have been a major segment of the visual arts. The JenAesthetics data set consists of a large number of high-quality images of oil paintings of Western provenance from different art periods. With this database, we studied the relationship between objective image measures and subjective evaluations of the images, especially evaluations on aesthetics (defined as artistic value) and beauty (defined as individual liking). The objective measures represented low-level statistical image properties that have been associated with aesthetic value in previous research. Subjective rating scores on aesthetics and beauty correlated not only with each other but also with different combinations of the objective measures. Furthermore, we found that paintings from different art periods vary with regard to the objective measures, that is, they exhibit specific patterns of statistical image properties. In addition, clusters of participants preferred different combinations of these properties. In conclusion, the results of the present study provide evidence that statistical image properties vary between art periods and subject matters and, in addition, they correlate with the subjective evaluation of paintings by the participants.
Adverse effects of proton-pump inhibitor use in older adults: a review of the evidence
Authors: Maes Marina L. , Fixen Danielle R. , Linnebur Sunny Anne
Published: June 2017

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a widely prescribed class of medications used to treat acid-related disorders and use has significantly increased over the last few decades. PPIs are often inappropriately prescribed and since they have been on the market, a number of post-marketing studies have been published demonstrating associations between longer duration of PPI therapy and a number of adverse effects that are a concern in older adults. The objective of this review is to discuss the existing literature of potential adverse effects with long-term PPI use in older adults and to summarize the implications in clinical practice. A PubMed search was conducted to identify studies evaluating the potential long-term adverse effects of PPI therapy in older adults, and publications were selected based on relevant criteria. PPIs have been associated with an increased risk of a number of adverse effects including osteoporotic-related fractures, Clostridium difficile infection, community-acquired pneumonia, vitamin B12 deficiency, kidney disease, and dementia, demonstrated by a number of case-control, cohort studies, and meta-analyses. Older adults should be periodically evaluated for the need for continued use of PPI therapy given the number of potential adverse effects associated with long-term use.
Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound for treatment of bone tumors
Authors: Singh Vivek Ajit , Shah Syed Usman , Yasin Nor Faissal , Abdullah Basri Johan Jeet
Published: June 2017

Aims:

Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a new modality in the management of primary and secondary bone tumors. We aimed to investigate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of using MRgFUS for the treatment of (1) benign bone tumors with the intent of complete tumor ablation, (2) primary malignant bone tumors with the intent to assess its effectiveness in causing tumor necrosis, and (3) metastatic bone disease with the intent of pain relief.

Method:

Twenty-four patients with benign bone tumors, primary malignant bone tumors, and metastatic bone disease were treated with one session of MRgFUS. Contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was carried out post-procedure to assess and quantify the area of ablation. Those with malignant primary tumors had the tumors resected 2 weeks after the treatment and the ablated areas were examined histopathologically (HPE). The other patients were followed up for 3 months to assess for the side effects and pain scores.

Results:

Significant volume of ablation was noted on CE MRI after the treatment. Benign bone tumors were ablated with minimal adverse effects. Metastatic bone disease was successfully treated with significant decrease in pain scores. Ablated primary malignant tumors showed significant coagulative necrosis on MRI and the HPE showed 100% necrosis. Pain scores significantly decreased 3 months after the procedure. Only two patients had superficial skin blistering and three patients had increase in pain scores immediately after treatment.

Conclusion:

MRgFUS is effective, safe, and noninvasive procedure that can be an adjunct in the management of primary and metastatic bone tumors.
Chronic calcific periarthritis of the elbow treated by cimetidine administration: Five cases
Authors: Kimura Hiroo , Iwamoto Takuji , Oki Satoshi , Matsumura Noboru , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Sato Kazuki
Published: June 2017

Calcific periarthritis or calcific tendinitis occurs most frequently in the shoulder and rarely in the elbow. Cimetidine was previously reported to be effective for chronic calcific periarthritis of the shoulder. Here, we present five patients with chronic calcific periarthritis of the elbow treated by administration of cimetidine; there were six affected elbows in these five patients. Although all patients had been treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 3 months, their symptoms were not relieved. All patients took oral administration of cimetidine 400 mg daily. The pain was completely relieved in an average of 1.8 months after the administration of cimetidine, and the calcification of the elbow disappeared in an average of 5.1 months. During the follow-up period, there were no symptoms suggesting a recurrence. Although the detailed mechanism of action of cimetidine on periarticular calcifications remains to be understood, cimetidine appears to be a potential therapeutic agent for chronic calcific periarthritis.
A Simultaneous Equation Approach on the Relationship between Implied, Realised and Historical Volatility
Authors: Shaikh Imlak , Padhi Puja
Published: June 2017

This article investigates the relationship between implied, realised and historical volatility by taking into account measurement errors. In this study, call and put implied volatility is calculated from June 2001 to April 2012, using non-overlapping 131 monthly at-the-money samples. The study shows analyses of predictive power of call and put implied volatility separately using simultaneous equation approach. The present work also accounts for the error-in-variable problem which is controlled using instrumental variable technique. Two-stage least squares (2SLS) and three-stage least squares (3SLS) estimations have been performed in order to obtain the consistent estimate of implied volatility. Instrumental variable estimation procedure uncovers that implied volatility has been measured with error. Indeed, the study also accounts for the endogenous nature of the call and put implied volatility dealing with full information maximum likelihood (FIML) estimation of the entire system. Ordinary least squares (OLS) result shows that call and put implied volatility best subsumes the information about the future volatility. Option prices (implied volatility) are the best forecast for the realised return volatility and useful in the pricing of risky financial assets.
Naïve versus Mean-Variance Diversification in Indian Capital Markets
Authors: Gupta Mohit , Aggarwal Navdeep
Published: June 2017

Markowitz’s mean-variance efficiency theory brought tremendous opportunities for portfolio managers, as now they are able to understand deeply the relationship between expected risk and return of the portfolios. Several models were developed based on mean-variance framework, but all of them suffered on account of either parameter estimation problem or psychological biasness in favour of simple portfolio strategies like naïve diversification. Much of the research evidence has proved that naïve diversification has either outperformed or not significantly underperformed as compared to mean-variance framework. In the present study, we compared the mean-variant efficient portfolios with stock portfolios on the basis of naïve diversification for the 15-year period and across all market capitalisation stock sets. Performance-wise naïve diversified portfolios dominated, although not statistically, the mean-variant portfolios especially in mid cap and small cap stock sets. Similar results were obtained for return per unit of risk. The study adds the role played by market capitalisation in already existing literature on naïve diversification.
Dividend Policy and Stock Price Volatility: An Error Corrected Approach
Authors: Dewasiri N.J. , Banda Y.K. Weerakoon
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between dividend policy and stock price volatility (SV) in the Sri Lankan context. Based on the Hausman test results, the cross-section random effect model (CSREM) is performed in order to test the hypotheses. The Granger causality (GC) test is employed in order to test the short-term relation between dependent and explanatory variables.

The CSREM test revealed that there is a significant negative impact from dividend payout, a significant positive impact from company size and no evidence of significant impact from dividend yield (DY) on SV. Furthermore, GC tests revealed that there is no short-term impact from dividend payout on SV and it showed a feedback exists between company size and stock price volatility. It is also reported that a unidirectional causality exists from DY to SV in any lag level. The management could use dividend policy as a mechanism to control stock price volatility. They could reduce the SV by increasing their dividend payout and it is possible to increase the volatility by enhancing the DY or firms size in the short run. This study is the first to accentuate that DY has a significant impact on SV in the short run and the first to discuss the same phenomenon in the Sri Lankan context, as per the best of the authors’ knowledge.
Concentration–Profitability Nexus: New Approach from Causality
Authors: Bolarinwa Segun Thompson , Obembe Olufemi Bodunde
Published: June 2017

The study revisits the concentration–profitability nexus of the structure–conduct–performance (SCP) paradigm. It contributes to the literature by considering the argument from the perspective of causality since existing empirical works only consider a unidirectional relationship of concentration as being determined by profitability, neglecting the feedback relationship. Unlike the existing studies, this study includes loan and advances, and the deposit concentration besides the total asset to capture concentration for robustness. Using Nigerian banking industry to test our proposition, the empirical results show the existence of bi-directional relationship between profitability and banking concentration indices, implying that past banking industry concentration indices can explain the present level of profitability in the Nigerian banking industry and vice versa. Furthermore, the results of the study also show a negative relationship between banking concentration and profitability levels in Nigeria.
Vietnam Tran Dynasty inscriptions at the time of the Yuan Dynasty in China
Authors: Dinh Khac-Thuan
Published: June 2017

The Tran (Chen) reign in Vietnam lasted for 12 emperorships and 176 years, from 1255 to 1400. The Yuan Dynasty in China encompassed the reign of 11 kings and lasted for 98 years, from 1271 to 1368. While the Yuan Dynasty in China and the Tran Dynasty in Vietnam did not coincide, Tran Dynasty inscriptions in Vietnam mainly appeared during the time of the Yuan Dynasty in China – from the 1st Dynastic year of Hung Long (1239), the King of Tran Anh Tong, to the 12th Dynastic year of Dai Tri (1368), the King of Tran Phe De. In this period, the Tran Dynasty in Vietnam was in direct contact with the Yuan Dynasty in China. There were consequently exchanges between the two and their cultural history was influenced by the contact. This article will introduce stelae and inscriptions from the time of the Tran Dynasty in Vietnam, which appeared at the time of the Yuan Dynasty in China. Textual characteristics and documentary values reflected in the stelae and inscriptions show, to some degree, similarities and differences between the stelae and inscriptions in Tran Dynasty Vietnam and Yuan Dynasty China.
Clonality of HTLV-1–infected T cells as a risk indicator for development and progression of adult T-cell leukemia
Authors: Firouzi Sanaz , Farmanbar Amir , Nakai Kenta , Iwanaga Masako , Uchimaru Kaoru , Utsunomiya Atae , Suzuki Yutaka , Watanabe Toshiki
Published: June 2017

Key Points

Oligo- or monoclonal expansion of HTLV-1–infected T cells in asymptomatic carriers predicts the onset of ATL. Progression to acute type from indolent ATL was observed only in cases with monoclonal expansion.
Cell therapy for lung disease
Authors: Geiger Sabine , Hirsch Daniela , Hermann Felix G.
Published: June 2017

Besides cancer and cardiovascular diseases, lung disorders are a leading cause of morbidity and death worldwide. For many disease conditions no effective and curative treatment options are available. Cell therapies offer a novel therapeutic approach due to their inherent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are the most studied cell product. Numerous preclinical studies demonstrate an improvement of disease-associated parameters after MSC administration in several lung disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, results from clinical studies using MSCs for the treatment of various lung diseases indicate that MSC treatment in these patients is safe. In this review we summarise the results of preclinical and clinical studies that indicate that MSCs are a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of lung diseases. Nevertheless, further investigations are required.
After Indenture
Authors: Gosine Andil
Published: June 2017

This essay introduces the special section “Art After Indenture,” in which five scholars characterize and respond to eight contemporary visual artists who are descendants of indentured workers. The author also raises questions about the commemoration of indentureship and calls for greater contention with its traumatic legacy.
Estimation of distance and electric impedance of capacitive objects in the weakly electric fish,Gnathonemus petersii
Authors: Gottwald Martin , Bott Raya A. , von der Emde Gerhard
Published: June 2017

During active electrolocation the weakly electric fish Gnathonemus petersii judges distance and impedance of nearby objects. Capacitive objects, which modulate local amplitude and waveform of the fish's electric probing signals, cast amplitude- and waveform images onto the fish's electroreceptive skin. For an unambiguous estimation of the impedance and distance of an object, the animal has to deal with multiple dependencies of object- and image parameters. Based on experimentally recorded amplitude and waveform images we investigated possible strategies of the fish to unequivocally determine both the distance and the impedance of capacitive objects. We show that the relative slope in amplitude- but not in waveform-images is independent of object impedance and a measure for object distance. Distance-invariant impedance estimators were obtained by two different analytical strategies. The peak modulations of both image types were ‘calibrated’ with the relative slope of the amplitude image. Impedance estimators were obtained whenever these pairs of image features (peak and rel. slope) were related dynamically over two consecutive distances. A static impedance estimator termed ‘electric colour’ is postulated to arise from the relationship of an amplitude and waveform image. Our results confirm that electric colour is indeed unaffected by object distance. For electric colour estimation we suggest a minimalistic approach of just relating the peak modulations of both image types to the basal amplitude and waveform condition. Our results are discussed with regard to the anatomical and physiological organization of the fish's electrosensory neuronal pathways and behavioural strategies of electrolocating fish.
Monoaminergic integration of diet and social signals in the brains of juvenile spadefoot toads
Authors: Burmeister Sabrina S. , Rodriguez Moncalvo Verónica G. , Pfennig Karin S.
Published: June 2017

Social behavior often includes the production of species-specific signals (e.g., mating calls or visual displays) that evoke context-dependent behavioral responses from conspecifics. Monoamines are important neuromodulators that have been implicated in context-dependent social behavior yet we know little about development of the monoaminergic systems and whether they mediate the effects of early life experiences on adult behavior. We examined the effects of diet and social signals on monoamines early in development in the Plains spadefoot toad (Spea bombifrons), a species in which diet affects the developmental emergence of species recognition and body condition affects the expression of adult mating preferences. To do so, we manipulated the diet of juveniles for six weeks following metamorphosis and collected their brains 40 minutes following the presentation of either a conspecific or heterospecific call. We measured levels of monoamines and their metabolites using high pressure liquid chromatography from tissue punches of the auditory midbrain (i.e., torus semicircularis), hypothalamus, and preoptic area. We found that call type affected dopamine and norepinephrine signaling in the auditory midbrain and that diet affected dopamine and serotonin in the hypothalamus. In the preoptic area, we detected an interaction between diet and call type, indicating that diet modulates how the preoptic area integrates social information. Our results suggest that the responsiveness of monoamine systems varies across the brain and highlight preoptic dopamine and norepinephrine as candidates for mediating effects of early diet experience on later expression of social preferences.
Uncertainty at the Zero Lower Bound
Authors: Nakata Taisuke
Published: June 2017

When the policy rate is at the zero lower bound (ZLB), an increase in uncertainty regarding the future path of exogenous shocks alters the conditional expectations of relevant prices facing households and firms. Accordingly, an increase in uncertainty alters consumption, inflation, and output to a greater extent when the policy rate is constrained than otherwise. Using an empirically rich sticky-price model calibrated to match key features of the US economy, I find that uncertainty can exacerbate the decline of output by about 10 percent in a deep recession that pushes the policy rate to the ZLB. (JEL E23, E31, E32, E43, E52, E58)
Spatial and temporal distribution of lightning strokes over North Asia and its comparison with solar activity variations in 2009–2016
Authors: Тарабукина Лена , Tarabukina Lena , Козлов Владимир , Kozlov Vladimir
Published: June 2017

We analyze variations of lightning activity presented by the lightning stroke number obtained by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) within the territory with boundaries 40–80° N and 60–180° E in 2009–2016. There are two regions with high lightning activity: western (48–60° N, 60–90° E) and eastern (40–55° N, 110–140° E). The lightning stroke density in these regions is 10–100 times higher than that in surrounding areas. The comparison between daily variations of lightning stroke number and the 10.7 cm solar radio flux shows no correlation: the linear cor-relation coefficient varied from –0.55 to 0.86 in the western region and from –0.78 to 0.39 in the eastern region during all summer seasons. During the ascending phase of solar cycle 24, there was a spatial lightning redistribution between the western and eastern regions of high lightning activity. During peaks of the solar cy-cle and its descending phase, the redistribution was not so pronounced as that during the ascending
ON THE METHODICAL APPROACHES TO THE SELFASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF PERSONAL WORK OF THE UNIVERSITY MANAGER
Authors: Резник Семен , Reznik Semen , Чемезов Игорь , Chyemyezov Igor
Published: June 2017

One of the most important functions of management is

control. Without its implementation the manager won't achieve the

objectives. On methods of implementation of function of control

in management many works are published. However in system personal,

that is personal, management of this function in scientific

literature much less attention is paid. In a special measure such

situation is characteristic of a problem of the personal organization

of high school managers.

University managers play a special, significant role in development

of the higher education. Carry to them managers of departments,

deans, the rectorial case, and also heads of functional services of

management of university (educational and methodical, scientific,

financial, cultural and educational and other divisions).

Relying on understanding of an essence of personal management,

in article scientific and methodical approaches to implementation

of function of self-checking personal activities of university managers

are considered. Usually activities of managers are estimated

quality of work of subordinate divisions of university, and problems

of an efficiency evaluation of the personal activities which aren't

connected with a management of higher education institution often

remain in the shadow.

However, as a rule, managers of departments, deans, rectors (and

their deputies) are not only managers, but also professors and associate

professors interested in results of the personal activities in

science, pedagogics, public life.

In our opinion, productivity, effectiveness and efficiency of a personal

labor can be the indicators allowing university managers to

control the personal activities. Faithful at first sight, these concepts,

actually have semantic distinctions, but in a complex allow

the high school manager to perform real self-checking of the individual

activities as scientists and teachers.

Within the research content and forms of self-checking in the

sphere of personal management is determined, the sense of key

concepts, content and features of personal work of university managers

is revealed, experience of implementation of the offered approaches

is generalized, recommendations about use of the offered

indicators in case of a quality evaluation of activities of high school

managers are made.
CHOICE OF OPTIMAL METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE STATE PRO-CUREMENT INITIAL PRICE FOR SAVING BUDGETARY FUNDS
Authors: Смородова Анна , Smorodova Anna , Кравцова Маргарита , Kravcova Margarita
Published: June 2017

The article considers the problem of budgetary savings,

particularly from inflated prices of the state procurement. A comparative

analysis of the existing methods for determin-ing the initial

price of state procurement is given, the list of possible sources of infor-

mation about prices on goods and services is given. The obtained

results can be used by customers, who are interested in achieving

budgetary savings.
COMPARISON OF LEASING AND LOAN WITH CIR-MODEL
Authors: Белов Антон , Belov Anton
Published: June 2017

In the implementation of capital investment in the modernization

of enterprise production management it is important to

make an informed decision about choosing a source of financing

for such investments. One of the most common sources of financing

is the long-term bank loan and leasing. To substantiate the

choice of one of these sources it is necessary to determine the most

effective of them, that is, given that the effectiveness of the project

does not depend on the method of financing, the cash flow of that

will be more attractive. In this article, the author builds two models

of cash flow estimates arising from the implementation of the project

financing each of these methods. The first model is a classic

calculation of NPV, and the second model is developed by the author

based on the zero-coupon bonds stochastic valuation model

of Cox-Ingersoll-Ross.
Russia's Policy in the Sphere of External Labor Migration: Management Problems
Authors: Бурда  , Burda M.
Published: June 2017

The author analyzes the policy of the Russian Federation in the sphere of external labour migration, reveals the peculiarity of formation of the Russian labor market for foreign workforce, focusing on its basic focus on the integration model of the Eurasian economic Union and the Commonwealth of independent States. The article discusses the scheme of formation of migration policy and identifies a number of problematic issues of management of external labour migration, which the author attributed the imperfection of the migration system and peculiarities of political processes in the post-Soviet space. According to the author, this approach is not conducive to quality development of external labour migration, however, is one way of lobbying foreign policy interests in the post-Soviet space. In turn, Central Asian autocrats are interested in the maximum outflow of the economically dissatisfied citizens to prevent anti-state speeches. The quality of the existing risks management of external labor migration indicates the potential of growth of popularity of right-wing political forces and destabilization of the Russian political system. Taking into account the need to balance national security interests and supported by loyal Russian foreign political elites, the author proposes to separate the management of migration on the field of law enforcement and socio-economic part, which requires a political decision of government institutions. Proposed dualism in the author’s opinion, will promote increase of efficiency of counteraction of illegal migration and activation mechanisms, presence on the labour market demand for migrants. As a tool of migration management, the author highlights the Institute of international agreements, the potential of which is currently used does not fully.
Management of Migratory Exchange Taking into Account Features of Standard Regulation of Recognition / Validation and an Assessment of Qualifications Within the CIS Countries, EEU and BRICS
Authors: Соколова  , Sokolova L. , Соколов  , Sokolov I. , Прокопов  , Prokopov F.
Published: June 2017

Legal regulation of national qualifications systems in countries-participants of the CIS, EAEU and the BRICS and the prospects for cooperation in the field of free labor-force movement within these unions, connect with the solution of problems of mutual recognition of occupation qualifications, their level of qualifications and methods of assessment within the subjects of migration transfer processes.
Comparative outcomes of outpatient and inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Basques B. A. , Erickson B. J. , Leroux T. , Griffin J. W. , Frank R. M. , Verma N. N. , Romeo A. A.
Published: June 2017

Aims

The aim of the present study was to compare the 30- and 90-day re-admission rates and complication rates of outpatient and inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

Patients and Methods

The United States Medicare Standard Analytical Files database was questioned to identify patients who had undergone outpatient or inpatient TSA between 2005 and 2012. Patient characteristics were compared between the two groups using chi-squared analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to control for differences in baseline patient characteristics and to compare the two groups in terms of post-operative complications within 90 days and re-admission within 30 days and 90 days.

Results

A total of 123 347 Medicare subscribers underwent TSA between 2005 and 2012; 3493 (2.8%) had the procedure performed as an outpatient. A significantly greater proportion of patients who underwent TSA as inpatients were women, had a history of smoking, and had a greater incidence of medical comorbidity including diabetes, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (p < 0.05 for all). Re-admission rates were significantly higher for inpatients at both 30 days (0.83% versus 0.60%, p = 0.016, odds ratio 1.8) and 90 days (2.87% versus 2.04%, p < 0.001, odds ratio 1.8). Complications, including thromboembolic events (p < 0.001) and surgical site infection (p = 0.002), were significantly higher in inpatients.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent TSA on an outpatient basis were overall younger and healthier than those who had inpatient surgery, which suggests that patient selection was taking place. After controlling for age, gender, and medical conditions, patients who underwent TSA as outpatients had lower rates of 30- and 90-day re-admission and a lower rate of complications than inpatients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:934–8
A novel use of QR code stickers after orthopaedic cast application
Authors: Gough AT , Fieraru G , Gaffney PAV , Butler M , Kincaid RJ , Middleton RG
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION

We present a novel solution to ensure that information and contact details are always available to patients while in cast. An information sticker containing both telephone numbers and a Quick Response (QR) code is applied to the cast. When scanned with a smartphone, the QR code loads the plaster team’s webpage. This contains information and videos about cast care, complications and enhancing recovery.

METHODS

A sticker was designed and applied to all synthetic casts fitted in our fracture clinic. On cast removal, patients completed a questionnaire about the sticker. A total of 101 patients were surveyed between November 2015 and February 2016. The questionnaire comprised ten binary choice questions.

RESULTS

The vast majority (97%) of patients had the sticker still on their cast when they returned to clinic for cast removal. Eighty-four per cent of all patients felt reassured by the presence of the QR code sticker. Nine per cent used the contact details on the cast to seek advice. Over half (56%) had a smartphone and a third (33%) of these scanned the QR code. Of those who scanned the code, 95% found the information useful.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that use of a QR code reassures patients and is an effective tool in the proactive management of potential cast problems. The QR code sticker is now applied to all casts across our trust. In line with NHS England’s Five Year Forward View calling for enhanced use of smartphone technology, our trust is continuing to expand its portfolio of patient information accessible via QR codes. Other branches of medicine may benefit from incorporating QR codes as portals to access such information.
Dentistry Courses position in the international ranking
Authors: Anauate Netto Camillo , Cesar Paulo Francisco
Published: June 2017

.
Management of corm size and soil water content for gladiolus flower production
Authors: Mazzini-Guedes Renata Bachin , Guedes Filho Osvaldo , Bonfim-Silva Edna , Couto Jean , Pereira Marcel , Silva Tonny
Published: June 2017

Gladiolus grandiflorus Andrews, in the family Iridaceae, is one of the most produced and marketed flowers in the world. In general, however, research results on gladioli production factors are scarce and divergent. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of corm size and soil water content on gladiolus flower production. The experimental design, using the early maturity cultivar ‘White Friendship’, was entirely randomized, arranged in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme (five soil water contents: 25; 50; 75; 100; and 125% field capacity, combined with two corm sizes: medium and big), with four replications per treatment. Each replication, composed of one pot, comprised three corms, totaling 40 pots and 120 plants. Both vegetative and flowering characteristics were evaluated. Gladiolus cultivation at 80% soil field capacity presents best results for commercialization, generating longer flower stems with greater diameter and flower number, plus larger flowers. Furthermore, such soil water content promotes the shortest cultivation period
Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of triterpenes: A mini-review
Authors: Islam Muhammad
Published: June 2017

This review sketches genotoxic and mutagenic potentials of triterpenes, which find outs some important genotoxic, mutagenic as well as non-genotoxic and non-mutagenic triterpenes. Triterpeners are the important natural products.
Estrategia basada en Teletrabajo para contribuir a la inclusión socio-laboral de los internos preliberados de la penitenciaria “las Heliconias”- Strategy based on Teleworking to contribute to the socio-labor inclusion of the pre-liberated inmates of the penitentiary "the Heliconias"
Authors: Corrales-López Carmen Mary , Bonilla-González Ingrid Johana , Millan-Rojas Edwin Eduardo
Published: June 2017

El articulo plantea el tema del teletrabajo orientado a la población privada de la libertad a cargo del INPEC, específicamente a aquellos internos categorizados en fase de mínima, recluidos en EP HELICONIAS de Florencia Caquetá, a los que se les facilitará su aplicación debido a sus características objetivas y subjetivas, brindándoles mayores oportunidades e inclusión socio-laboral; dado el fortalecimiento que ésta modalidad de empleo presenta actualmente en el país. Para lograr este objetivo se emplea una metodología descriptiva dándole un enfoque cualitativo, para describir las características y políticas que se aplican en el teletrabajo, especialmente las que hacen referencia al entorno carcelario y penitenciario en Colombia. Como resultado se encuentra que la normatividad pertinente al presente proyecto, está claramente establecida (incluyendo la seguridad de la información) dada la naturaleza de la población objetivo, permitiendo diseñar una estrategia acorde a sus necesidades en la cual se incluyen factores tales como: seguridad, empresa, tecnología, e interno, obtenidos del análisis DOFA del establecimiento. La aplicación de esta estrategia permitirá a los beneficiados participar activamente en el ámbito laboral aportando económicamente a su núcleo familiar y mejorando su autoestima.
Impacto de la fragmentación espacial sobre el valor de los inmuebles de uso residencial utilizando la metodología de precios hedónicos, caso de estudio: Mosquera, Cundinamarca
Authors: Cadena Contreras Laura Angélica , Hernández Suárez Wendy Yesenia , Fuentes López Héctor Javier
Published: June 2017

Este estudio determina el impacto económico de la fragmentación espacial sobre el valor comercial de los inmuebles de uso residencial utilizando el método de precios hedónicos. Se plantea un modelo basado en los atributos que se consideran más relevantes, teniendo en cuenta que este es un bien heterogéneo que está en función de sus características físicas y entorno. La metodología es aplicada  para el análisis del mercado inmobiliario de Mosquera, Cundinamarca. Los resultados de los estimadores econométricos espaciales, sugieren que la fragmentación además de ser significativa, en bajos niveles implica un impacto negativo sobre el valor comercial de los inmuebles, mientras que los altos producen un incremento en el mismo.
EL FUTURO DE APPLE: SWIFT VERSUS OBJECTIVE-C
Authors: González García Cristian , Espada B. Jordán Pascual , G-Bustelo Cristina Pelayo , Cueva Lovelle Juan Manuel
Published: June 2017

Hace unos meses Apple presentó un nuevo lenguaje de programación para sus plataformas: Swift. Con Swift, Apple pretende atraer a los programadores de los lenguajes de programación basados en la sintaxis de C++ y darles una mayor abstracción, que con Objective-C, para que sea más fácil programar para las plataformas de Apple. Por estas razones, se hace necesario contrastar lo pretendido por Apple y realizar un estudio del lenguaje de programación a fin de contrastar su objetivo. Para ello, se hicieron dos evaluaciones, una cualitativa y otra cuantitativa, con el propósito de verificar en qué medida Swift es un avance respecto a Objective-C.DThe Future of Apple: Swift Versus Objective-CABSTRACTFew months ago, Apple presented a new programming language: Swift. With Swift, Apple pretends to attract the programmers of the programming languages based on C++ syntax and gives them a higher abstraction than with Objective-C for being easier to programme to Apple’s platforms. For these reasons, it is necessary to contrast what is intended by Apple and do a study of the programming language to ascertain their goal. For this purpose, we did two evaluations, firstly a qualitative evaluation and after, a quantitative evaluation to verify in how much Swift is an advance with respect to Objective-C.Keywords: computer languages, computer programming, functional programming, object oriented programming, programming, software.
Control óptimo inverso como alternativa para la regulación de un convertidor DC-DC elevador
Authors: Vega Pérez Carlos Jesús , Alzate Castaño Ricardo
Published: June 2017

El presente artículo aplica los conceptos del control óptimo inverso para regular la tensión de salida de un circuito convertidor de potencia DC-DC elevador. El control óptimo inverso define a priori una señal de control óptima y busca a posteriori el funcional que esta última minimiza, facilitando la solución del problema de control óptimo tras evitar resolver explícitamente la ecuación de Hamilton Jacobi Bellman. Se plantean las ideas generales del método, definiendo las ecuaciones necesarias para calcular la ley de control óptima inversa. Posteriormente se realiza verificación numérica en MATLAB® para la acción de control, operando bajo la influencia de perturbaciones en el modelo del sistema. De los resultados de simulación obtenidos se confirma la pertinencia de la técnica para manipular el comportamiento dinámico del circuito. Trabajos futuros incluyen la validación en laboratorio para las predicciones teóricas propuestas.
OpenRRArch: una arquitectura abierta, robusta y confiable para el control de robots autónomos
Authors: Martínez Sarmiento Fredy Hernán , Giral Ramírez Diego Armando
Published: June 2017

Contexto: Los sistemas de control y navegación de robots autónomos constituyen un dinámico campo de investigación en robótica. Los esquemas y estrategias propuestos como posible solución a problemas se evalúan siempre sobre prototipos de laboratorio a fin de determinar su desempeño real. Se propone en este artículo una arquitectura para el diseño y desarrollo de sistemas robóticos, particularmente sistemas autónomos multirrobot, que facilite el trabajo en laboratorio gracias a una arquitectura abierta con características de robustez y confiabilidad.Método: La arquitectura se soporta en herramientas hardware y software open source. La estrategia de operación y comunicación se caracteriza por un bajo consumo de recursos, tanto en procesamiento como en comunicación, y operación en tiempo real. Se utiliza Linux como plataforma de desarrollo y sistema operativo, en particular para el esquema de comunicación, y los sistemas embebidos sobre un procesador de 32 bits con set de instrucciones de 16 bit (no es ARM, pero con arquitectura Harvard) corriendo a 80 MHz (el LX106 de Tensilica Xtensa) para la implementación de los agentes. Dadas las herramientas utilizadas, la solución también demuestra ser eficiente y económica.Resultados: La arquitectura ha sido aplicada exitosamente en la implementación de una estrategia de navegación para un conjunto de pequeños robots autónomos. A un conjunto de robots se les proporciona capacidad de comunicación WiFi, capacidad mínima de localización del ambiente (detección de obstáculos) y un algoritmo de navegación basado en tamaños poblacionales (imitando el Quorum Sensing Bacterial). El sistema se implementa con gran facilidad, demostrando no sólo la viabilidad de la estrategia de navegación, sino también la versatilidad, robustez y escalabilidad de la arquitectura OpenRRArch.Conclusiones: La arquitectura propuesta constituye una solución para la construcción de sistemas de control distribuidos, en particular sistemas robóticos multiagente. Ésta permite una rápida implementación (a bajo costo y con alto desempeño) de sistemas con capacidad de cooperación y comunicación en tiempo real. La arquitectura permite la integración de agentes con diferentes capacidades de procesamiento, lo cual permite adaptación a las necesidades de la tarea. Las funciones de cada uno de los agentes pueden reducirse o aumentarse a partir de su código, o seleccionando otro hardware embebido.