bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positioning Multicountry Brands: The Impact of Variation in Cultural Values and Competitive Set
Authors: Batra Rajeev , Zhang Y. Charles , Aydinoğlu Nilüfer Z. , Feinberg Fred M.
Published: March 2017

Building on cultural values research, the authors identify specific image attributes on which multicountry brands should position themselves consistently across markets. Leveraging prior research, they identify three life values that are most equal (benevolence, universalism, and self-direction) and two that are least equal (power and hedonism) in cross-national importance. The authors link specific brand image attributes (e.g., friendly, social, elite style, arrogant) to these life values through empirical data and semantic analysis. Using an extensive field data set on consumer perceptions and preferences from 22 countries regarding more than 1,700 brands, the authors then show that greater global consistency of a brand's image decreases overall brand attitudes if the specific image attribute is one that is not equally desired worldwide. They also find that the attitudinal impact of a multicountry brand's positioning consistency on commonly valued image attributes is greater when the set of competitors the brand faces across its markets is more homogeneous. The authors discuss implications for global brand management theory and practice.
Policy Watch: Research Priorities on Disclosure at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Authors: Johnson Heidi , Leary Jesse
Published: March 2017

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has authority over several consumer financial protection laws that include mandatory disclosures to provide consumers with the information needed to make financial decisions. Mandatory disclosure is a common regulatory tool that presents opportunities to support consumers in their decision making; however, many aspects of disclosure effectiveness remain understudied. The CFPB is committed to studying mandatory disclosure to better inform policy makers about whether and how best to use disclosures to achieve policy goals. This research effort focuses on three primary areas: (1) identifying how the dimensions of a disclosure influence its efficacy; (2) examining how different methodologies should best be deployed for disclosure testing; and (3) studying the market effects of mandatory disclosures, particularly through firms’ responses. The CFPB will use a range of methodologies for this research, including qualitative and quantitative testing of disclosures, laboratory studies, field trials, survey research, and administrative data analysis. The authors hope that identifying these critical questions will encourage the academic community to contribute policy-relevant research.
Patterns of Patient Flow to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex’s Cancer Treatment Centre, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Babatimehin Oyekanmi , Olagundoye Oludotun Oladele , Afolabi Matthew Rotimi
Published: March 2017

This study analyses the spatial dimensions of patronage of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex’s Cancer Treatment Centre, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, with a view to provide information on the sphere of influence of the centre and to inform future locational decisions. The geographic coordinates of relevant phenomena were obtained using a GPS receiver. Also, the medical records of cancer patients were assessed for relevant information. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and geo-spatial techniques. The data showed that a total of 1809 patients from 15 states in Nigeria were enrolled for the treatment of cancer at the hospital. The volume of patronage at the centre was seen to be inversely related to the distance travelled by patients (r = −.657, p>0.05). For instance, 85% of the patients came from the three (3) states nearest to the health facility, with Osun, the host State, accounting for about half (50.6%) of the total number. Additionally, the study revealed some demographic and socio-economic peculiarities among the cancer patients.
The role of energy policy in agricultural biogas energy production in Visegrad countries
Authors: Chodkowska-Miszczuk Justyna , Kulla Marián , Novotný Ladislav
Published: March 2017

Energy production by agricultural biogas plants has recently recorded considerable growth in Visegrad countries. The development was enhanced by European Union’s efforts to increase the proportion of energy produced from renewable sources. The paper aims to assess the role of energy policy in the development of agricultural biogas energy production in Visegrad region. Conducted studies have shown that among various forms of support for energy production from renewable energy sources, the price system prevails, including the support by feed in tariffs and bonuses. Feed in tariffs were adopted in Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. Another kind of support system – a quota system – was adopted in Poland, what includes tendering and certificate systems. The results confirm the adoption of legal framework was necessary step to enable agricultural biogas energy production in Visegrad countries, but itself it was not enough to stimulate development of agricultural biogas energy production significantly. Rapid development in each country was recorded only after the certain financial support systems took effect, what made production of agricultural biogas energy economically efficient for investors. The production of energy from agricultural biogas grew the most in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where the financial support was the highest. Nevertheless, the protracted process of changes in legal framework and transformation of energy policy, certain measures including state-controlled price-making systems, risk regarding with auction system might hamper agricultural biogas energy production further development.
Poverty and social exclusion: An alternative spatial explanation
Authors: Krzysztofik Robert , Dymitrow Mirek , Grzelak-Kostulska Elżbieta , Biegańska Jadwiga
Published: March 2017

Poverty and social exclusion remain some of the biggest concerns in the face of obtaining social sustainability. In this respect, the continuing immense spatial differences between individual localities of seemingly similar characteristics have puzzled social scientists for decades. In quest for a better understanding, this article highlights the role of spatial heterogeneity as a factor conducive to the formation of functionally derelict areas, which in turn play a crucial role in the formation of spatial mismatch. Using two case studies from Poland, one from a big city and one from a small village, we explore the relationality between the phenomena of spatial heterogeneity, functional dereliction and spatial mismatch, whose mutual reinforcement seems to lead to a specific kind of deprivation in terms of scale and intensity. Special attention is paid to the role of spatial heterogeneity, which under certain conditions is capable of changing from being a developmental stimulant to becoming a destimulant. We argue that taking greater account of the intricate historical contexts responsible for the resistance of some pressing socio-economic problems is key to breaking the deadlock in the implementation of ineffective sustainability policies.
Suicide in Turkey: its changes and regional differences
Authors: Yakar Mustafa , Temurçin Kadir , Kervankıran İsmail
Published: March 2017

The temporal dimensions and tendencies, including some characteristic features of suicide in Turkey during the social transformation process, are the subject of this study with a focus on the provinces and differentiation on a regional scale. The number of suicides in Turkey and the characteristic features of those committing suicide during the years 1974-2013 have been collected in the ‘Suicide Statistics’ yearbook within this context. Both the suicide numbers as well as the crude suicide rates in Turkey have increased from the last quarter of the 20th century to the beginning of the 21st century. As a matter of fact the number of suicides which was 788 in 1975 increased at a rate of 304.7% to become 3189 in 2013. The crude suicide rate per 100,000 population increased from 1.95 in 1975 to 1.69 in 1980, to 2.42 in 1990, to 2.67 in 2000 and increased to 4.19 in 2013. Although crude suicide rates are smaller than those in most European countries, the fact that there is a rapidly increasing trend indicates that it has started to become a significant public health problem.
Micro and nanocomposites of polybutadienebased polyurethane liners with mineral fillers and nanoclay: thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Ross Pablo , Escobar Germán , Sevilla Guillermo , Quagliano Javier
Published: March 2017

Micro and nanocomposites of hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)-based polyurethanes (NPU) were obtained using five mineral fillers and Cloisite 20A nanoclay, respectively. Samples were prepared by the reaction of HTPB polyol and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and the chain was further extended with glyceryl monoricinoleate to produce the final elastomeric polyurethanes. Mechanical and thermal properties were studied, showing that mineral fillers (20%w/w) significantly increased tensile strength, in particular nanoclay (at 5% w/w). When nanoclay-polymer dispersion was modified with a silane and hydantoin-bond promoter, elongation at break was significantly increased with respect to NPU with C20A. Thermal properties measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were not significantly affected in any case. The molecular structure of prepared micro and nanocomposites was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Interaction of fillers with polymer chains is discussed, considering the role of silanes in compatibilization of hydrophilic mineral fillers and hydrophobic polymer. The functionalization of nanoclay with HMDS silane was confirmed using FTIR. Microstructure of NPU with C20A nanoclay was confirmed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
Subverting Traditional Models, While Exploring Women’s Sexuality, in Not Wisely but Too Well (1867) by Rhoda Broughton
Authors: Marino Elisabetta
Published: March 2017

By focusing on Rhoda Broughton’s debut novel, entitled Not Wisely but Too Well (1867), this paper sets out to explore the way the author succeeded in challenging conventional narrative models, besides subverting the customary depiction of “the Angel in the House”, the untarnished, submissive, cherub-like Victorian icon of womanhood so frequently portrayed in contemporary literature.
Amanda Cross and Androgyny
Authors: Kania Richard R. E.
Published: March 2017

Amanda Cross is the pen name Carolyn Heilbrun used for her mystery fiction. In two of her novels she employed the theme of androgyny. She also wrote the non-fiction, 1973 Toward a Recognition of Androgyny in which she promoted androgyny as aspect of her approach to feminism, an intellectual denial of any significant differences between the sexes. While that thread of American feminism has lost favor in current feminist ideologies, matters of gender identity are rising in prominence in American social and political thought, reviving the debate on male and female roles and identities in the United States.
The Female Media Producer as an Advocate of Women’s Empowerment in Nigeria: The Cross River State Experience
Authors: Endong Floribert Patrick C.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents an investigation into Nigerian female journalists’ definition of their role vis-à-vis the two concepts of women’s empowerment/emancipation and feminism. It examines the level to which the country’s media and social environment are conducive to feminist journalistic expression. The paper argues that although a good number of female media producers in the country, demonstrate a strong adherence to feminism and women’s empowerment/emancipation, they are hindered from fully materialising their orientation. These hindering factors include, among others, patriarchal socio-professional fixations, weak female representation at decision-making levels in the media, and limited financial resources to create gender sensitive programmes.
Class and Gender – The Representation of Women in Kingsley Amis’s Lucky Jim
Authors: Rađenović Milica
Published: March 2017

Lucky Jim is one of the novels that mark the beginning of a small subgenre of contemporary fiction called the campus novel. It was written and published in the 1950s, a period when more women and working-class people started attending universities. This paper analyses the representation of women in terms of their gender and class.
Gender and the Dark Side of the Border in Laila Lalami’s Hope and other Dangerous Pursuits
Authors: Kareem Al-Jayikh Ali
Published: March 2017

Starting from Arab-American women’s narratives, this study explores to what extent hegemonic history excludes and silences female Arab bodies and their relation to sexuality. It will also address the issue of present day migration, as reflected by Moroccan-American author Laila Lalami in her novel Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits (2005).
Response of Thermoelastic Micropolar Cubic Crystal under Dynamic Load at an Interface
Authors: Ailawalia P. , Sachdeva S.K. , Pathania D.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this paper is to study the two dimensional deformation in a thermoelastic micropolar solid with cubic symmetry. A mechanical force is applied along the interface of a thermoelastic micropolar solid with cubic symmetry (Medium I) and a thermoelastic solid with microtemperatures (Medium II). The normal mode analysis has been applied to obtain the exact expressions for components of normal displacement, temperature distribution, normal force stress and tangential coupled stress for a thermoelastic micropolar solid with cubic symmetry. The effects of anisotropy, micropolarity and thermoelasticity on the above components have been depicted graphically.
Inductive Decision Tree Analysis of the Validity Rank of Construction Parameters of Innovative Gear Pump after Tooth Root Undercutting
Authors: Deptuła A. , Partyka M.A.
Published: March 2017

The article presents an innovative use of inductive algorithm for generating the decision tree for an analysis of the rank validity parameters of construction and maintenance of the gear pump with undercut tooth. It is preventet an alternative way of generating sets of decisions and determining the hierarchy of decision variables to existing the methods of discrete optimization.
A Numerical Analysis of Selected Elastic-Plastic Fracture Parameters for DEN(T) Plates under Plane Strain Conditions
Authors: Graba M.
Published: March 2017

This paper provides a numerical analysis of selected parameters of fracture mechanics for double-edge notched specimens in tension, DEN(T), under plane strain conditions. The analysis was performed using the elastic-plastic material model. The study involved determining the stress distribution near the crack tip for both small and large deformations. The limit load solution was verified. The J-integral, the crack tip opening displacement, and the load line displacement were determined using the numerical method to propose the new hybrid solutions for calculating these parameters. The investigations also aimed to identify the influence of the plate geometry and the material characteristics on the parameters under consideration. This paper is a continuation of the author’s previous studies and simulations in the field of elastic-plastic fracture mechanics [4, 6, 16, 17, 31].
Analysis and identification of influential phenomena on iron losses in embedded permanent magnet synchronous machine
Authors: Breznik Mitja , Goričan Viktor , Hamler Anton , Čorović Selma , Miljavec Damijan
Published: March 2017

This paper presents magnetic flux density behaviour in laminated electrical sheets which affects the results and precision of iron losses calculation in imbedded permanent magnet (IPM) machine. Objective of the research was to analyse all the influential phenomena that were identified through iron loss models analysis, finite element method simulations and iron loss measurements. The presence of phenomena such as harmonic content and rotational magnetic fields are confirmed with finite element method analysis of concentrated and distributed winding IPM machine. A significant magnetic flux density ripple in the rotor of concentrated winding IPM machine in comparison to distributed winding IPM machine is revealed and analysed. Behaviour that affects iron loss in the rotor of synchronous machines in the absence of first order harmonic is analysed. The DC level added to alternating magnetic flux density was used in experiment to mimic magnetic behaviour on the rotor of IPM machine and further to calculate iron losses.
Loss of excitation of synchronous generator
Authors: Krištof Vladimír , Mešter Marián
Published: March 2017

This paper presents results of study of loss-of-excitation phenomena simulations. Loss of excitation is a very common fault in synchronous machine operating and can be caused by short circuit of the field winding, unexpected field breaker open or loss-of-excitation relay mal-operation. According to the statistic [1], the generator failure due to loss-of-excitation accounts for 69% of all generator failures. There has been concern over possible incorrect operation of the relay when operating the generator in the under-excited region, during stable transient swings and during major system disturbances. This article can serve as inputs for system operators in preparation of operation area or protection relaying area.
Additive fault tolerant control of nonlinear singularly perturbed systems against actuator fault
Authors: Tellili Adel , Elghoul Aymen , Abdelkrim Mohamed Naceur
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the design of an additive fault tolerant control for nonlinear time-invariant singularly perturbed systems against actuator faults based on Lyapunov redesign principle. The overall system is reduced into subsystems with fast and slow dynamic behavior using singular perturbation method. The time scale reduction is carried out when the singular perturbation parameter is set to zero, thus avoiding the numerical stiffness due to the interaction of two different dynamics. The fault tolerant controller is computed in two steps. First, a nominal composite controller is designed using the reduced subsystems. Secondly, an additive part is combined with the basic controller to overcome the fault effect. The derived ε - independent controller guarantees asymptotic stability despite the presence of actuator faults. The Lyapunov stability theory is used to prove the stability provided the singular perturbation parameter is sufficiently small. The theoretical results are simulated using a numerical application.
Text comprehension in Czech fourth-grade children with dyslexia
Authors: Špačková Klára
Published: March 2017

In the Czech Republic, the concept of dyslexia is used as a global term for various developmental deficiencies relating to reading skills. The criteria used for dyslexia are not clear and intervention is solely focused on word reading training. Not much is known about the pattern and level of reading comprehension abilities among Czech readers. The study examines reading comprehension and its component skills (decoding and listening comprehension abilities) in 32 Czech fourth-grade children with a formal diagnosis of dyslexia and their classmates (N=126). In decoding tests, the children with dyslexia surprisingly lagged behind most significantly in a task concerning speed and accuracy in context reading. Contrary to expectations, the children with dyslexia also showed inferiority in a listening comprehension task. In reading comprehension measures, in comparison to the typically developing readers, the children with dyslexia achieved the best results in a oral reading comprehension task. The results are discussed with respect to Czech counselling and educational practice and the need for changes in the current support system and terminology is stressed.
Spelling skills of Czech primary school children in relation to the method of literacy instruction
Authors: Seidlová Málková Gabriela
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the importance of having a set reading instruction method for the development of spelling skills among Czech children ranging in age across the four beginning grades of primary school. 238 children learning to read and spell using an analytical-synthetic method and 251 children learning to read and spell using a genetic method participated in this study. The outcomes of word spelling tests were assessed for the different grade and age levels: first, second- third and fourth. Distributional patterns of spelling skills performance for both instruction method subgroups were created in each of the grade groups. Comparisons of spelling task outputs between both methods were conducted using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Results indicate that children using the genetic method are more effective in acquiring phoneme-grapheme correspondences throughout the first grade, and thus show more accurate word spelling in the first grade spelling task. However, this initial advantage for children learning to spell using the genetic method soon disperses, and it is not reflected in better spelling performance throughout the second to third and fourth grade.
Translation studies: Translator training vs employers’ expectations
Authors: Horbačauskienė Jolita
Published: March 2017

Currently various industries using translation services stress the necessity of analytical, critical and practical knowledge of 2 foreign languages, substantial skills of translation technologies, as well as transferable skills for professional translator performance. A changing translator profile causes a shift in translation study programmes towards the development of transferable skills along with translation-related skills. Therefore, the paper focuses on employers’ expectations in relation to the abilities and skills of professionally trained translators. The outcomes of this study reflect the overall situation in the country, still undergoing significant changes in the translation-related industry from the perspective of employers who agree that together with translation-related skills graduates of translation programmes should possess a range of transferable skills, which empower them to act professionally in a changing environment.
On the comparability of strong and weak versions of task-based approaches to improving Iranian elementary-level EFL learners’ reading comprehension
Authors: Razavi Hejrati Seyedeh Nastaran , Taghipour Bazargani Davood , Saharkhiz Arabani Arash
Published: March 2017

Task-based language teaching (TBLT) is an instructional approach that aims to develop learners’ communicative competence and focuses on the use of tasks as the main unit of instruction. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of strong and weak versions of TBLT approach over more traditional approaches in improving reading comprehension of Iranian elementary-level EFL learners. Moreover, the distinction between the strong and weak versions of this approach is taken into account in order to investigate which version is more beneficial over the other version. To achieve the objective, 90 male learners in the 15-17 age range who were studying in an institute in Rasht were selected. The findings showed that utilizing both versions of TBLT approach can provide tremendous opportunities for learners to enhance their reading comprehension compared to traditional language teaching methods. More specifically, the results of this study revealed that the use of the weak version of TBLT approach leads the learners to more proficiency in reading comprehension. It is worth pointing out that this study was conducted with Iranian male elementary-level EFL learners in the 15-17 age range studying in Soroush English Institute in Rasht, Iran. It indicates that a small size of population, a specific age range, and male gender were considered. Thus, for other researchers, more participants at different proficiency levels, with other ranges of age, and both genders may be considered in order to make broader generalization about the results.
Perception of urban safety: the case of Lublin, Poland
Authors: Pantyley Viktoriya , Rodzoś Jolanta , Piskorski Mateusz
Published: March 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate safety and its underlying factors among the inhabitants of Lublin. The findings are based on a questionnaire with 33 detailed questions conducted in May 2012 in all districts of the city. The collected data from the survey and Voivodeship Police Department in Lublin was analysed using ArcGIS and STATISTICA software. The analysis of the crime data shows the existence in the city of a clear zone of increased risk of crime occurrence. The survey showed that, in the last 10 years, approximately 28.1% of the responding inhabitants of Lublin have been victims of a crime in the city. Statistical analysis of the results revealed a statistically significant correlation between people’s evaluations of safety in Lublin districts and their age, gender, income, place of residence, quality of life, and participation in public life.
Gesundheitskompetenz – Was ist das?
Authors: Dierks Marie-Luise
Published: March 2017

Gesundheitskompetenz bezeichnet die Fähigkeit von Menschen, Informationen zu finden, zu verstehen, zu kommunizieren und gute gesundheitsbezogene Entscheidungen zu treffen. Gesundheitskompetenz wird einerseits als individuelle Fähigkeit definiert, sie ist geprägt durch äußere Bedingungen, z.B. den Sozialisationsprozess oder auch das Gesundheitssystem. Deshalb reicht es nicht, über niedrige Gesundheitskompetenz der Menschen zu klagen, vielmehr muss die Förderung von Gesundheitskompetenz als gesamtgesellschaftliche Aufgabe betrachtet werden.
Health Literate Organizations – ein Konzept für den deutschen stationären Sektor?
Authors: Münch Inga , Dierks Marie-Luise
Published: March 2017

Gesundheitskompetenz entsteht u.a. aus dem Zusammenspiel der individuellen Fähigkeiten von Menschen und der Komplexität des Gesundheitswesens. Das Konzept der Health Literate Organizations basiert auf der Idee, dass Institutionen des Gesundheitswesens die Gesundheitskompetenz der Menschen berücksichtigen und unterstützen. Ob dies in deutschen Kliniken bereits diskutiert wird bzw. von ihnen akzeptiert wird, ist Gegenstand einer qualitativen Studie auf der Basis von Expertengesprächen mit Verantwortlichen in ausgewählten Kliniken.
Gesundheitskompetenz und Patientensicherheit
Authors: Rosentreter Michael
Published: March 2017

Während die Förderung der persönlichen Gesundheit im Bereich der eigenen Gesundheitskompetenz liegt, sind Expertenwissen und medizinische Prozeduren der Kontrolle des Laien weitgehend entzogen. Patientensicherheit bezieht sich auf die Qualität dieser Prozesse und auf deren Ergebnis. Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt sich die Frage nach einer spezifisch sicherheitsrelevanten Gesundheitskompetenz. Im Zusammenhang mit der Patientensicherheit erscheint die Kommunikation als grundlegende Kompetenz.
Die Entwicklung der Gesundheitskompetenz in der frühen Kindheit
Authors: Hafen Martin
Published: March 2017

Eine gut entwickelte Gesundheitskompetenz entspricht nicht nur der Fähigkeit, gesundheitsförderliche Entscheidungen zu treffen. Vielmehr umfasst sie weitere gesundheitsrelevante Lebenskompetenzen. Da sich die meisten dieser Kompetenzen bereits in den ersten Lebensjahren bilden, ist die Unterstützung von kleinen Kindern und ihren Familien von grosser Bedeutung für die Entwicklung der Gesundheitskompetenz. Bei benachteiligten Familien sind die Effekte dieser frühen Unterstützung besonders stark.
Gesundheit als schulische Bildung?
Authors: Babitsch Birgit
Published: March 2017

Gesundheit und Bildung stehen in einer engen Wechselwirkung. Schulen sind damit ein wichtiger Lebensort, der zur Förderung der Chancengleichheit in der sozialen und gesundheitlichen Entwicklung der Schülerinnen und Schüler beitragen kann. Hinsichtlich der Vorgehensweise hat sich in den letzten 60 Jahren ein erheblicher Wandel vollzogen: von der an gesundheitlichen Risiken orientierten Gesundheitserziehung bis hin zum komplexen Ansatz der Gesundheitsförderung. Interessante Impulse für die Implementierung und Weiterentwicklung ergeben sich für die Lebenswelt Schulen aus dem Konzept der Gesundheitskompetenz.
Health literacy and palliative care
Authors: French Melissa G.
Published: March 2017

Health literacy and palliative care have been receiving more attention within health care organizations and systems in recent years. Both can offer a pathway to care that is better for patients and has the potential to be of high value. A health literate approach to palliative care provides patient-centered care that is better aligned with patient preferences and needs.
Informationen aus dem Internet
Authors: Koch Klaus
Published: March 2017

Eine Internetrecherche nach Gesundheitsinformationen ist für viele Menschen zur Normalität geworden. Die Schwäche des Internets ist aber oft die Qualität der Information. Deshalb wären bei Nutzerinnen und Nutzern spezifische Kompetenzen zur kritischen Bewertung erforderlich, die aber nicht vorausgesetzt werden können. Neben Anstrengungen zur Vermittlung solcher Kompetenzen, sind insbesondere Kooperationen von Anbietern „guter“ Informationen nötig, um sich in der Konkurrenz der Angebote besser durchzusetzen.
Gesundheitskompetenz in der Schweiz: bestätigte Befunde - aber
nicht so gut wie erwartet
Authors: Sottas Beat
Published: March 2017

In einer repräsentativen Befragung (n=1.107 plus 505 MigrantInnen)
wurde in der Schweiz die Gesundheitskompetenz betr.
„Krankheitsbewältigung‟,
„Krankheitsprävention‟ und
„Gesundheitsförderung‟ analysiert. Eine von zehn Personen
verfügt über eine ausgezeichnete Gesundheitskompetenz, bei einem
Drittel ist sie ausreichend, bei fast der Hälfte aber problematisch und
bei neun Prozent unzureichend. Das Ergebnis ist unerwartet schlecht: weit hinter
den Niederlanden und Deutschland sowie auch hinter Irland, Polen und
Griechenland.
Determination of impurity distributions in ingots of solar grade silicon by neutron activation analysis
Authors: Karches Barbara , Schön Jonas , Gerstenberg Heiko , Hampel Gabriele , Krenckel Patricia , Plonka Christian , Ponsard Bernard , Riepe Stephan , Stieghorst Christian , Wiehl Norbert
Published: March 2017

In a series of crystallization experiments, the directional solidification of silicon was investigated as a low cost path for the production of silicon wafers for solar cells. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was employed to measure the influence of different crystallization parameters on the distribution of 3d-metal impurities of the produced ingots. A theoretical model describing the involved diffusion and segregation processes during the solidification and cooling of the ingots could be verified by the experimental results. By successive etching of the samples after the irradiation, it could be shown that a layer of at least 60 μm of the samples has to be removed to get real bulk concentrations.
Research on the Propagation of AE Signals in Helicopter Structural Components
Authors: Urbahs Aleksandrs , Carjova Kristīne , Nasibullins Aleksejs , Nedelko Dmitry
Published: March 2017

The paper contains results of experimental research carried out helicopter bench. In order to create an attenuation chart for AE signal amplitude in helicopter fuselage, a number of experiments were performed on the frame and stringers, inside the fuselage. Later helicopter test bench was used to develop defect localization methodology of helicopter structure fatigue damage technical diagnostics. Analysing helicopter structural defects for different helicopters types it is concluded that the joint elements of helicopter tail boom are still exposed to fatigue crack formation. AE method shows highly effective results predicting fracture of helicopter joint elements.
Minimax Decision for the Reliability of Aircraft Fleet With and Without Information Exchange
Authors: Tretjakovs Sergejs , Paramonovs Jurijs
Published: March 2017

The scientific article addresses the dependence of aircraft fleet safety on the human factor. The article demonstrates the significance of information exchange concerning the open fatigue cracks, which is necessary to bring a new type of aircraft into operation. The article provides numerical examples obtained by means of the Monte Carlo method and considers the dependences of failure probability on various factors.
Development of the Mathematical Model of Integrated Management System for an Airline
Authors: Bogdane Ruta , Šestakovs Vladimirs , Dencic Dejan
Published: March 2017

At the present stage of airline development the most effective way to increase safety is to introduce a systematic approach to the management of the organization. The creation of a single integrated management system including the combination of resources will make it possible to maintain the necessary level of quality of aviation services with safety as a key indicator. The article offers a model of such an integrated management system for medium level airlines.
Experimental Proof of the Characteristics of Short-Range FM Radar Converted Signal Spectrum for a Smooth Surface
Authors: Brodņevs Deniss , Smirnovs Igors
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a natural experiment of the spectral processing of 4.3 GHz Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar (FMCWR) converted signal. The FMCWR antennas are fixed above a smooth reflective surface. The converted signal spectrum is theoretically calculated and compared with the experimental data.
Analysis of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Monitoring System for Resurveying of Shipping Routes
Authors: Urbahs Aleksandrs , Mickevičienė Rima , Djačkov Vasilij , Carjova Kristīne , Jankūnas Valdas , Zakarauskas Mindaugas , Panova Natalia , Lasmane Dita
Published: March 2017

The paper gives brief description of the conventional and innovative hydrography survey methods and constraints connected with the realization. Proposed hydrographic survey system based on the use of Unmanned Aerial and Maritime systems provides functionality to conduct hydrographic measurements and environment monitoring. System can be easily adapted to fulfil marine safety and security operations, e.g. intrusion threat monitoring, hazardous pollutions monitoring and prevention operations, icing conditions monitoring.
Messen auf kleinsten Skalen: Effekte der Quantenphysik in der Metrologie
Authors: Recher Patrik
Published: March 2017

In diesem kurzen Übersichtsartikel werden Auswirkungen der Quantenphysik auf
Messunsicherheiten aufgezeigt und anhand konkreter Beispiele aus der
elektrischen Quanten-Metrologie besprochen. Nicht-klassische
quantenmechanische Eigenschaften wie Verschränkung oder gequetschtes Licht
werden erklärt und dessen positive Auswirkungen auf Messunsicherheiten
angeführt. Der Artikel schliesst mit einem Fazit, in dem auch neue Richtungen
quantisierter Transporteffekte aufgezeigt werden.
Re-Membering the Travelogue: Generic Intertextuality as a Memory Practice in Teju Cole’sEvery Day is for the Thief
Authors: Kappel Yvonne
Published: March 2017

Genres are not simply carriers of meaning – they generate meaning themselves. By intertextually evoking the genre of the travelogue, Teju Cole’sEvery Day is for the Thiefre-members a genre and its practices of not only portraying but also creating the Other. By ways of openly using but at the same time misusing the main characteristics of the imperialistic travelogue – such as the discourse of negation and visual practices –Every Day is for the Thiefhighlights entanglements that destabilize any fixed boundary between the past and the present as well as between the colonizer and the colonized. Disappointing the reader’s expectations raised by the generic conventions, the generic intertextuality asks the reader to reconsider the wider memory context that the genre is placed in. Neither conforming to the traditional travelogue nor to the postcolonial travelogue,Every Day is for the Thiefquestions these firm categorisations, positioning itself in the in-between and asking for a thinking beyond binary divisions and, most of all, a linking of the past and the present.
Cosmopolitan Place, Postcolonial Time, and the Politics of Modernism in Teju Cole’s Open City
Authors: Elze Jens
Published: March 2017

This paper sets out to address larger questions about the relationship between postcolonialism, cosmopolitanism, and modernism from a stylistic analysis of the spatial and temporal dynamics of Teju Cole’s Open City. While cosmopolitan place is projected as stable, time is a more open category in the novel, both in terms of the order of narrative discourse and the temporal explorations into the colonial past that the focalizer/protagonist repeatedly offers. This allows for the often invisible postcolonial actors that both uphold the city in the present and enabled its material manifestation in the past to constantly seep into the text. Its eventual construction of postcolonial coevalness does not derive from a modernist sense of vertigo but from a cosmopolitan awareness that eventually manifests itself in spatiotemporal co-presence. Such insight into the destructive forces of historical movements is the condition of possibility for what Homi Bhabha has referred to as a vigilant global ethics of ambivalence, but always also gravitates towards political hesitation and communal aversion of which recent cosmopolitan novels have been accused.
The United States and Asia in 2016
Authors: Gill Bates
Published: March 2017

In 2016, US strategic engagement in Asia faced a widening array of challenges emanating both from the region and, troublingly, from within America itself. As the new Donald Trump administration prepared to take office in January 2017, major uncertainties loomed over US Asia policy.
South Korea in 2016
Authors: Shin Gi-Wook , Moon Rennie J.
Published: March 2017

President Park faced a leadership crisis after revelations that she relied on a confidant with no official position for key decision-making in state affairs. Heavy industry met with serious financial difficulties, and a strong anti-corruption law was enacted. North Korea tested more nuclear weapons and missiles. Controversy over the deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense strained South Korea’s relations with China.
Singapore in 2016
Authors: Chia Siow Yue
Published: March 2017

Singapore entered 2016 with post–Lee Kuan Yew era political stability but buffeted by external headwinds that severely dampened its economic growth performance. Ever forward-looking, the island nation planned for its future political succession and its economic future to take advantage of opportunities that will emerge with the new world and regional economic order.
Papua New Guinea in 2016
Authors: May Ronald
Published: March 2017

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill came under continuing pressure to step down pending resolution of corruption charges but resisted demands from university students and civil society groups and convincingly defeated a parliamentary vote of no confidence. Papua New Guinea experienced a further decline in GDP growth and faced landowner threats to shut down liquefied natural gas production.
Laos in 2016
Authors: Gunn Geoffrey C.
Published: March 2017

Briefly entering the international media spotlight coinciding with the first-ever visit by a sitting US president along with a galaxy of regional leaders, Laos in 2016 saw a new leadership lineup following a quinquennial party congress. Questions of Chinese versus Vietnamese influence over Laos and even the legacy of US bombing all gained an airing.
India in 2016
Authors: Jaffrelot Christophe
Published: March 2017

By the midpoint of his term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi could point to some achievements on the economic front, but jobless growth remained the order of the day in India in 2016. While the BJP was more successful in the state elections than it had been in 2015, it still registered some setbacks because of the judiciary, especially because of the government’s use of President’s Rule. The year also saw increasingly conflictual relations in Kashmir.
Bhutan in 2016
Authors: Mathou Thierry
Published: March 2017

Celebrated nationwide as a symbol of change in continuity, the birth of the future king gave confidence to Bhutan, which continued its path toward democracy and sustainable development without undermining its identity despite several challenges lying ahead.
Socialist Cosmopolitans in Postsocialist Europe
Authors: Hüwelmeier Gertrud
Published: March 2017

Prior to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, thousands of students and tens of thousands of contract workers from Vietnam arrived in socialist ‘fraternal’ countries. A number of them established social and economic relations with locals, compatriots, and migrants from various socialist states in the Cold War period, although they had been discouraged by Vietnamese authorities in creating close personal ties with ‘foreigners’ in general. However, cross border connections became even more important after 1989, as diasporic Vietnamese started to intensify social and economic relations with relatives and business partners in and outside Europe. Based on multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork in Berlin, Warsaw, Prague and Hà Nội this paper suggests that transnational ties after the fall of the Berlin Wall are characterized by multi-polar (rather than bi-polar) links, thereby taking into account recent critics on methodological nationalism and challenging the two-nation approach which is still at the heart of most studies of Vietnamese diasporas.
Disorganization of the germ cell pool leads to primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Kawashima Ikko , Kawamura Kazuhiro
Published: March 2017

The mammalian ovary is an organ that controls female germ cell development, storing them and releasing mature oocytes for transporting to the oviduct. During the fetal stage, female germ cells change from a proliferative state to meiosis before forming follicles with the potential for the growth of surrounding somatic cells. Understanding of molecular and physiological bases of germ cell development in the fetal ovary contributed not only to the elucidation of genetic disorders in primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), but also to the advancement of novel treatments for patients with POI. Accumulating evidence indicates that mutations inNOBOX,DAZLandFIGLAgenes are associated with POI. In addition, cell biology studies revealed the important roles of these genes as essential translational factors for germ cell development. Recent insights into the role of the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)-Akt signaling pathway in primordial follicle activation allowed the development of a new infertility treatment, IVA (in vitroactivation), leading to successful pregnancy/delivery in POI patients. Furthermore, elucidation of genetic dynamics underlying female germ cell development could allow regeneration of oocytes from ES (embryonic stem)/iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells in mammals. The purpose of this review is to summarize basic findings related to female germ cell development and potential clinical implications, especially focusing on POI etiologies. We also summarize evolving new POI therapies based on IVA as well as oocyte regeneration.
Modernidad capitalista y valor de uso en Bolívar Echeverría
Authors: Martínez-Gutiérrez Moisés
Published: March 2017

La problematización del valor de uso es conducida por Marx a partir de su subordinación al valor de cambio, ya que para el modo de producción capitalista lo determinante es la realización del valor económico. En éste sentido, Marx no desarrolla una crítica de la forma natural de la mercancía. Sin embargo, Echeverría retoma al valor de uso como parte importante de la crítica de la economía política, como expresión real y simbólica de una determinada sociedad. Desde esta idea, el foco de atención no estará en el objeto-mercancía sino en el sujeto, cuyo código social da sentido a sus relaciones económicas. El presente artículo tiene por objetivo analizar conceptualmente la estructura argumentativa que propone Echeverría, comenzando por la caracterización que da Marx sobre la mercancía.
Variation in Inpatient Croup Management and Outcomes
Authors: Tyler Amy , McLeod Lisa , Beaty Brenda , Juarez-Colunga Elizabeth , Birkholz Meghan , Hyman Daniel , Kempe Allison , Todd James , Dempsey Amanda F.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Croup is a clinical diagnosis, and the available evidence suggests that, except in rare cases, ancillary testing, such as radiologic imaging, is not helpful. Given the paucity of inpatient-specific evidence for croup care, we hypothesized that there would be marked variability in the use of not routinely indicated resources (NRIRs). Our primary study objective was to describe the variation and predictors of variation in the use of NRIRs.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study that used the Pediatric Health Information System database of generally healthy inpatients with croup aged 6 months to 15 years who were admitted between January 1, 2012 and September 30, 2014. We measured variability in the use of NRIRs: chest and lateral neck radiographs, viral testing, parenteral steroids, and antibiotics. Risk-adjusted analysis was used to compare resource utilization adjusted for hospital-specific effects and average case mix.

RESULTS:

The cohort included 26 hospitals and 6236 patients with a median age of 18 months. Nine percent of patients required intensive care services, and 3% had a 30-day readmission for croup. We found marked variability in adjusted and unadjusted utilization across hospitals for all resources. In the risk-adjusted analysis, hospital-specific effects rather than patient characteristics were the main predictor of variability in the use of NRIRs.

CONCLUSIONS:

We observed an up to fivefold difference in NRIR utilization attributable to hospital-level practice variability in inpatient croup care. This study highlights a need for inpatient-specific evidence and quality-improvement interventions to reduce unnecessary utilization and to improve patient outcomes.
Use of Embolic Protection Devices in Peripheral Interventions
Authors: G Radvany Martin ,   Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology, WellSpan Radiology and Neurosciences, York, PA, USA
Published: March 2017

The use of embolic protection devices (EPDs) when treating coronary saphenous vein bypass grafts, performing carotid arterial stenting and treating acute coronary syndromes is well accepted. We will review currently available devices and approaches to reduce distal embolisation, first discussing their uses in carotid interventions and then in vertebral and peripheral vascular interventions.
O Programa Nacional de Acesso ao Ensino Técnico e Emprego: democratização ou precarização da educação profissional? / Program of Access to National Technical Education and Employment: democratization or deterioration of professional education?
Authors: Ramos Moacyr Salles , Stampa Inêz Terezinha
Published: March 2017

O artigo analisa a política de educação profissional no Brasil a partir da experiência do Pronatec. Apresenta os pressupostos políticos e pedagógicos do programa com bases em documentos oficiais, traçando diálogos com recentes pesquisas. Foi possível constatar que o Pronatec abriga um conjunto de iniciativas para a expansão das vagas em educação profissional que não fortalecem nem o ensino médio público, nem a educação profissional nas redes estaduais e federal, mas, ao contrário, precariza as mesmas. Em contrapartida, a maior porção de suas verbas está sendo alocada em instituições de caráter privado e recebendo fiscalização insuficiente. Além disso, o programa tem priorizado a oferta de cursos de curta duração, em atendimento às demandas de diversos ministérios, fazendo com que a gestão do programa no MEC não represente avanços na integração com a educação básica.