bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Leadership Styles of Administrative Leaders on Job Performance Behavior among Staff of Najran University
Authors: Alkhasawneh Fuad S.
Published: February 2018

The present study is an attempt to investigate the effect of leadership styles of administrative leaders on job performance behavior among staff of Najran University. To achieve the objective of the study, the sample was randomly selected of (117) administrative staff at Najran University. The descriptive approach was adopted in this study, in which the author designed 36-item questionnaire divided into two sections: the first one is leadership style (25) items distributed to three domains (autocratic leadership style, participative leadership style and bureaucratic leadership style), and the second section is job performance (11) items. The questionnaire was applied to the participants after verification of validity and reliability. The study revealed that participative style was high, autocratic style was moderate and bureaucratic style was low. The results showed that there are statistically significant differences in autocratic style (a = 0.05) due to gender in favor of females, while there are statistically significant differences in participative style in favor of males, and no statistically significant differences due to scientific qualification. The results indicated that there are positive correlation between the participative style and job performance and negative correlation between the autocratic style and job performance. The author recommends adopting the participative leadership style in administration due to the positive effects it has on job performance, as well as conducting studies on the common leadership styles in other Saudi universities.
Serviço Social e “Questão Social”: fundamentos teóricos e análise contemporânea
Authors: Meirelles Giselle Avila Leal de
Published: February 2018

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a “questão social” e sua importância para os fundamentos do Serviço Social brasileiro. Trazemos à luz duas discussões sobre a “questão social” que permanecem abertas no debate do Serviço Social, quais sejam: a persistência do conservadorismo político e a existência ou não de uma “nova questão social” na contemporaneidade. A pesquisa documental e bibliográfica permitiu desvelar alguns elementos da teoria social crítica que explicam de forma aprofundada a “questão social” e suas principais expressões em tempos de crise capitalista e de fortalecimento do neoliberalismo no país.
A função social do esporte na construção identitária dos sujeitos
Authors: Abi-Eçab Alice
Published: February 2018

Suscitar a discussão e o interesse profissional para a dimensão socioeducativa do esporte como direito constituído no Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente traz ao exercício da problematização o atual contexto brasileiro, onde o acesso a este direito por crianças e adolescentes, usuários dos serviços públicos, não vem sendo concretizado de maneira universal. Expressivas experiências interdisciplinares pelo Brasil, ainda que dispersas, evidenciam a função social do esporte ao ser instrumentalizado como ferramenta significativa na construção de potencialidades individuais e coletivas no interior do processo de formação identitária de crianças e adolescentes, quando inserido em um modelo de educação integral de saberes e vivências. Não se trata de apreender o direito ao esporte como prática social idealizada, e sim, efetivá-lo por meio de políticas públicas junto a crianças e adolescentes, sujeitos de direitos.
Readequação de territórios da política de assistência social na cidade de Montes Claros-MG
Authors: Rocha Angélica De Santana , Leite Marcos Esdras
Published: February 2018

A pesquisa que originou este artigo teve como objetivo analisar a eficácia da divisão territorial da malha urbana de Montes Claros/MG no atendimento ao público demandante considerando as aproximações e distanciamentos dos CRAS em relação a seu público alvo. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, em que a representação da malha urbana de Montes Claros teve como base o uso de técnicas de geoprocessamento, em que o banco de dados do censo do IBGE do ano de 2010, integrado à base cartográfica da área urbana no software ArcGis 10.1, possibilitou a representação de dados socioeconômicos através de mapas temáticos. A análise de discurso, a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas, junto a assistentes sociais, possibilitou as conclusões necessárias à investigação a que se propunha. Constatou-se, segundo afirmação das/dos assistentes sociais e análises destas afirmações, que o melhor atendimento aos segmentos demandantes dar-se-á através da reconfiguração territorial de Polos extensos que excedem o número limite de famílias de baixa renda, determinado pela Política de Assistência Social para o porte do município, fragmentando-os e implantando-se uma nova unidade de CRAS em cada novo fragmento. Aos Polos contendo população dispersa propôs-se a adoção de equipes volantes de atendimento socioassistencial em atendimento às demandas. Palavras-chave: Geotecnologias. Território. CRAS. Avaliação. Reconfiguração.  Abstract This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the territorial division of the urban area of Montes Claros / MG to meeting the demands that it presents, considering the similarities and differences of CRAS in relation to your target group. The methodology used was quantitative and qualitative research, in which the representation of the urban area of Montes Claros were based on the use of GIS techniques, in the database year 2010 IBGE census, integrated into the base map of the urban area in ArcGIS 10.1 software, enabled the representation of socio-economic data through thematic maps. The discourse analysis, from semi-structured interviews with the welfare worker, enabled this work the necessary conclusions to the investigation as proposed. It was found, according to assertion of welfare workers and analysis of these statements taken by this research that the best service to the segments will be given through the territorial reconfiguration extensive poles that exceed the limited number of low-income families, as determined by the Social assistance Policy for the size of the city, fragmenting them and implanting a new CRAS unit in each new fragment. The Poles containing dispersed population proposed the adoption of mobile teams of social assistance service in meeting the demands. Keywords: Geo. Urban territory. CRAS. Evaluation. Reconfiguration.
White Champaka: The Pattern Design Dimension to the Applying of the Aromatherapy Seat Cushion
Authors: Chandhasa Rosjana
Published: February 2018

The objectives of this research is to study the denotation and the culture of the white champaka conduct to the pattern design as well as to evaluate the pattern design result for use with the aromatherapy seat cushion. The research process, the researcher had selected the mixed method research begin by studying and searching the information with qualitative research in carrying out the investigation of the white champaka cultural background and then use a quantitative research to evaluate the pattern design accomplishment that conduct to the seat cushion usability. Scope of research area was the white champaka in Bangkok, samples as 3 experts and 100 consumers, the research used the accidental sampling at the domestic exhibition center, which was shown on Baanlaesuan Event for the purpose of getting satisfaction towards the seat cushion product design. Research instruments as follows, searching for literature review, in depth interview as well as using the questionnaire and the assessment forms.The investigation of the white champaka cultural background results revealed about the holy culture, Thai herbal incense culture, the emblazonment and the flower arrangement culture. The researcher decided for Thai herbal perfume culture by bringing the dried flowers, the dried herbal compression ball that contain various herb ingredients such as Turmeric, Kiffir Lime, Citronella grass, Menthol, Thao En On, Cassumunar ginger, Salt, Tamarind, and Eucalyptus leaves that were used as the seat cushion component through the aroma therapy concept. The pattern design inspired by the white champaka, the fabric pattern type 1: pattern design with Realistic technique that the top rank by the average at 4.80 with the highest optimal satisfaction utilized as the aroma seat cushion production. The satisfaction assessment from 100 consumers toward the seat cushion product in terms of beauty as well as the composition of pattern and color: their opinion affected in terms of pattern had a high level with appropriateness utilized as the seat cushion product, their opinion affected in terms of function showed the usability of the seat cushion product, the durability, the quality, the suitability in usage and the suitability for the seat cushion product had a high level, the opinion affected in terms of marketing found the product could be an interesting attraction from consumers, The product could be promoted sales by themselves and the appropriateness of cost and size had a medium level which related to the assessment of the consumers and the specialists about the pattern design could conduct to the seat cushion product development as well as production and distribution with standardization and they could be responsible the target group that satisfied with seating therapy as a result the usability when seating likes the herbal massage, furthermore the aroma therapy could be also decreased stress in terms of marketing that found from consumers.
Effectiveness of Mobile Skill Teaching Software for Parents of Individuals with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Cankaya Serkan , Kuzu Abdullah
Published: February 2018

Mobile skill teaching software has been developed for the parents of the children with intellectual disability to be used in teaching daily life skills. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of the mobile skill teaching software developed for the use of the parents of the children with intellectual disability. In accordance, the effectiveness of the software has been tested using multiple probe design with probe conditions across subjects’ research methodology which is one of the single subject research models. Four adults with intellectual disability and their parents participated in the study. The parents participating in the study taught their children with intellectual disability how to cook cheese omelet with the use of the software. The data obtained as a consequence of the experimental study suggests that the activities carried out by the parents with the use of the software were found to be effective.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 11, No. 3
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: February 2018

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 11, No. 3, 2018.
Case Study of Science Teachers’ Professional Development in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Improvements
Authors: Alshehry Amel
Published: February 2018

Professional development has a major role in addressing the skill gaps of teachers. Recently, much effort has been focused on improving teaching practices in Saudi Arabia. Here we aim to determine Saudi teachers professional development needs in the higher educational system. We also focus on skill needs, training programs, factors affecting teacher performance, and teacher’s control of their own professional development. Here, through face-to-face interviews, we explore how current professional development strategies could be improved to better meet the needs of academic teachers views through face to face interviews data collection to address the questions of what teachers needs to develop and support their professional knowledge, how it affect their teaching methods and what opportunities and roles provided to them based on the instructional systems. Finally, the study illustrates how the professional development among based on their experiences and practice could be improved and how they encounter their participations and interaction to facilitate their development among higher educational institutions in Saudi Arabia.
Gender Equalities in Entrepreneurship: How Close, Or Far, Have We Come in Italy?
Authors: Matricano Diego , Sorrentino Mario
Published: February 2018

Female entrepreneurship is a relevant phenomenon all around the world. In reference to Italy, there has been a growing involvement of women in the creation of start-ups only over the last decades. However, from an extensive literature review, it results that there are no relevant studies aiming to test the main differences between male and female Italian entrepreneurs, especially in reference to the levers affecting their propensity to launch new start-ups. The present paper tries to reduce this gap by testing whether male and female Italian entrepreneurs differ in terms of intellectual capital affecting their propensity to launch new start-ups. The sample used for the present research derives from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor – GEM website, refers to 2013 and comprehends 1,055 female and 997 male entrepreneurs. Results show that male and female Italian entrepreneurs are more similar than expected. Some reflections about the state-of-the-art of female entrepreneurship in Italy and some hints for future research are included in the last section of the paper.
What Impacts IPO Underpricing? Evidence from Dhaka Stock Exchange
Authors: Sochi Maria Hossain , Islam Raisul
Published: February 2018

Initial Public Offering (IPO) is an important and widely popular research topic among many researchers in finance discipline. This study is prepared to identify the connection among various empirical studies and theories regarding underpricing of IPO in the stock market of Bangladesh. We have chosen the time frame of June 2011 to June 2016 at DSE to conduct the research. In this study, ordinary least square (OLS) regression method is used to identify in what extent the dependent and the independent variables are related in the level of underpricing. The results of the study disclose that oversubscription rate, offer size have substantial influence in IPO underpricing at DSE. On the other hand, offer time and size of the firm do not have significant influence on the level of underpricing. These variables are very significant and play important roles with the level of underpricing at DSE and it shows relation to signaling theory, information asymmetry theory and agency cost theory.
Interfering Busybody or Public-Minded Citizen? The Actio Popularis as a Model for Reform of the Rules of Standing in Constitutional Cases in Australia
Authors: Harris Bede Xavier , Harris Elizabeth Pearl
Published: February 2018

The interpretation given by the courts to the word ‘matter’ in sections 75 and 76 of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution, and the restrictive approach taken by the courts to what amounts to a sufficient interest in a matter, have led to the consequence that only litigants who can demonstrate a personal interest can bring an action to challenge a breach of the Constitution. This provides insufficient protection for constitutionalism because it means that the enforcement of the Constitution is contingent on there being a self-interested applicant who will bring an action – and, conversely, creates the risk that breaches of the Constitution will be allowed to stand in cases where those who do have standing find it in their political interests to refrain from taking action. With its focus on personal interest, the current approach excludes the altruistic applicant and runs counter to the theory that all citizens have a right to ensure that the Constitution is complied with. This paper examines the way in which the actio popularis of Roman law served the ideal of the engaged citizen by enabling citizens to initiate legal action to enforce public duties, and how modern equivalents of the actio in a number of jurisdictions achieve the same purpose. The paper draws on John Rawls’ theory of justice in arguing for reform of the law on standing in Australia so as to confer open standing in constitutional cases.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Review of European Studies, Vol 10, No. 1
Authors: Dou Paige
Published: February 2018

Review of European Studies wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated.Review of European Studies is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://recruitment.ccsenet.org and e-mail the completed application form to res@ccsenet.org.Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 1 Efstathios Stefos, University of the Aegean, GreeceFlorin Ionita, The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, RomaniaJohnnie Woodard, Independent Scholar, USAMirosław Kowalski, University of Zielona Góra, PolandTryfon Korontzis, Hellenic National School of Local Government, GreeceLena Arampatzidou, Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki, GreeceCarmen Ramos, University of Oviedo, SpainIoanna Efstathiou, University of the Aegean, GreeceMichele Capurso, Università degli Studi di Perugia, ItalyAziollah Arbabisarjou, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, IranRickey Ray, Northeast State Community College, USAFabio Nogueira, dismiss Centro Universitário do Espírito Santo, BrazilSkaidrė Žičkienė, Šiauliai University, LithuaniaMercedes Ruiz Lozano, University Loyola Andalucía, SpainKaren Ferreira-Meyers, University of Swaziland, SwazilandIoan-Gheorghe Rotaru, ‘Timotheus’ Brethren Theological Institute of Bucharest, RomaniaHyunsook Kang, Stephen F. Austin State University, United States
La publicidad infantil en televisió de Catalunya
Authors: Fernández Cavia José , Capdevila Arantxa , Domingo David
Published: February 2018

En los últimos años, niños y niñas se han consolidado como uno de los grupos de telespectadores y usuarios de internet  más numerosos. Su acceso a los contenidos emitidos por estos medios ha hecho que existan unos horarios protegidos de los que  están exiliados los contenidos que  puedan  inteiferir negativamente  en su desarrollo cognitivo y emocionaL Este artículo presenta los resultados obtenidos en una  investigación sobre los contenidos y valores transmitidos  en la publicidad  emitida  en horario infontil por Televisió  de Catalunya así como por las páginas web relacionadas con la corporación.
Maldita publicidad! Más allá del glamour
Authors: Fernández Gómez Jorge David
Published: February 2018

Albert Vives y Sergio  BulatBarcelona, Península, 2005
La creación de marcas musicales a través de Internet
Authors: García Fernández Emilio Carlos , García Alonso María
Published: February 2018

Debido a la fugacidad imperante en la sociedad actual, la creación de marca se ha convertido en proceso continuo que no puede descuidarse en ningún momento. Por eso Internet se presenta como una de las herramientas que mejor encajan en esta nueva visión de la marca. Las discográficas deben comenzar a entender la importancia de que cada uno de sus lanzamientos tenga una imagen personalizada en la Red ajustada a lo que su público demanda. Solo de esta forma se conseguirá crear marcas musicales y potenciar otro tipo de negocios más allá de la venta de discos en formato físico.
La publicidad televisiva ante el reto de la interactividad
Authors: Prado Emili , Franquet Rosa , Ribes Francesc Xavier , Soto María Teresa , Fernández Quijada David
Published: February 2018

Este artículo presenta una propuesta de clasificación de las diferentes formas que adopta la publicidad para incorporar la interactividad a sus estrategias comunicativas. La tipología nace de la observación y análisis de los modelos existentes y se presenta como instrumento que facilite la comprensión del fenómeno de la interactividad aplicada a la publicidad, ya sea en sus manifestaciones actuales como en aquellas que, en un futuro, puedan derivarse.
El complot del arte. Ilusión y desilusión estéticas
Authors: Hermida Congosto Alberto
Published: February 2018

Jean Baudrillard, Amorrortu, Buenos Aires, 2007
Publicidad emocional. Estrategias creativas
Authors: Delgado Brull Ma Teresa
Published: February 2018

Belén López Vázquez, Madrid,ESIC Editorial, 2007
Event History Analysis of Grievance Arbitration in Ontario: Labour Justice Delayed?
Authors: Curran Bruce J.
Published: February 2018

A number of empirical studies from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s indicated that delay in Canadian grievance arbitration was becoming an increasing problem. There have been no further scientific studies on delay since then, despite developments that may exacerbate the issue like increased legalism and expanded arbitral jurisdiction. Academics and practitioners have recently voiced renewed concerns about the threat that delay poses to the viability of the grievance arbitration system.

To address this gap in the scientific literature, the present study examines delay and its determinants in Ontario over the last two decades. Content analysis was conducted on a random sample of almost 400 Ontario grievance arbitrations from three reference years (1994, 2004, and 2012). I then performed event history analysis on the data to determine the various factors that were associated with delay. Consistent with common perception, my empirical results suggest that delay has become worse over the past two decades. I find that certain legalistic factors are indeed associated with delay, including the use of lawyers, the use of preliminary objections, the number of witnesses testifying, and attacks on credibility. In terms of expanded arbitral jurisdiction, I find that while delay has increased for grievances involving alleged Employment Standards Act violations, for all other non-traditional issues (including human rights complaints) there are no significant increases. The results also show that certain dispute resolution procedures, such as expedited arbitration and the use of sole arbitrators are related to shorter grievance durations, and this, combined with the other findings, suggests practical solutions to the issue of delay. However, the findings also suggest that the use of certain procedures involving additional steps, like settlement and mediation-arbitration, can also serve to increase grievance duration when used unsuccessfully.
Vers une structuration du processus émotionnel au travail : le cas des agents de la Brigade anticriminalité en France
Authors: Monier Hélène
Published: February 2018

Les thématiques de santé et de sécurité au travail, ainsi que de la qualité du service questionnent le rôle de l’émotion au travail et du travail de l’émotion. Quelles sont les composantes du processus émotionnel au travail ? Quelles en sont leurs répercussions sur la santé des professionnels, ainsi que sur la qualité du service et des interventions ? Afin d’apporter les premiers éléments de réponses à ces questionnements théoriques et managériaux, dans le cadre d’une recherche qualitative, un contexte spécifique a été étudié : le cas des policiers de la Brigade anticriminalité (BAC) en France.

Comme dans toute activité de service, il existe pour les policiers de la BAC des règles sociales émotionnelles à observer face au public rencontré. Dans ce métier à risques physiques et psychologiques, les émotions brutes, objets du travail, sont à maîtriser par le professionnel afin qu’il effectue correctement sa mission. Pour gérer ces charges émotionnelles inhérentes à l’activité, les policiers de ce service spécialisé utilisent des outils de travail impliquant des émotions : c’est le cas, par exemple, des techniques de travail émotionnel et de l’activation de compétences émotionnelles. Les objets émotionnels du travail et les outils pour les contrer produisent des effets sur le professionnel, qui doit, la plupart du temps, les réguler dans sa vie personnelle. Qu’il s’agisse d’objets, d’outils ou d’effets du travail, la composante émotionnelle affecte la santé du professionnel, ainsi que la qualité de son intervention. Cet article propose une modélisation théorique dissociant les objets émotionnels, les moyens émotionnels (outils émotionnels de travail) et les conséquences émotionnelles de l’activité étudiée (effets émotionnels du travail), complétant et enrichissant le cadre théorique existant dans ce champ de recherche. Cette décomposition du facteur émotionnel offre une réflexion permettant alors à la GRH de considérer le phénomène émotionnel au travail au-delà des questions originelles de santé et de qualité du service offert et des interventions effectuées.
PRIMENA POJEDINIH IMUNOSTIMULATORA U VETERINARSKOJ MEDICINI
Authors: Lazarević Miodrag , Milovanović Aleksandar
Published: February 2018

U ovom revijalnom radu su izneta savremena shvatanja mehanizama delovanja,uloga i mogućnosti primene imunostimulatornih supstanci u veterinarskoj medicini.Imunofarmakologija je ne tako nova grana farmakologije, nastala iz sve očiglednijepotrebe da se lekovima i drugim prepratima utiče na funkcije imunskog sistema, kakoljudi tako i životinja. U veterinarskoj medicini inunostimulatori imaju poseban značajzbog toga što postoji stalna potreba za zaštitom zdravlja životinja u uslovima intenzivneproizvodnje. Jedan od najvećih problema u primeni imunomodulatornih supstancileži u činjenici da jedna te ista supstancija, u zavisnosti od načina i režima doziranja,može delovati imunosupresivno ili imunostimulatorno. Ovi efekti zavise i od trenutnogfunkcionalnog stanja imunskog sistema samog pacijenta. Osim prikaza literaturnihpodataka, izneta su i sopstvena iskustva autora proizašla iz brojnih laboratorijskihispitivanja i ogleda na farmama. Ona se pre svega odnose na primenu manan-oligosaharidau povećanju stepena resorpcije kolostralnih imunoglobulina kod teladi i prasadi,primenu manan-oligosaharida u terapiji puerperalne disgalakcije krmača, primenuekstrakta goveđeg timusa kod pacova sa imunosupresijom izazvanom jonizujućimzracima, primenu ekstrakta zida Mycobacterium phlei (Mcb. phlei) u poboljšanjureproduktivnih rezultata krmača, primenu ekstrakta ostriga u terapiji endometritisakrava i primenu visokih doza vitamina C u terapiji subkliničkih oblika mastitisa mlečnihkrava. Takođe je opisana i imunomodulatorna uloga antihelmintika levamizola ispitanana modelu eksperimentalnog autoimunog encefalomijelitisa pacova kao i uticajekstrakta kukureka (Helleborus odorus Waldst et Kit) na nespecifične odbrambenemehanizme pacova.
Xylose fermentation to ethanol by new Galactomyces geotrichum and Candida akabanensis strains
Authors: Valinhas Raquel V , Pantoja Lílian A , Maia Ana Carolina F , Miguel Maria Gabriela C P , Vanzela Ana Paula F C , Nelson David L , Santos Alexandre S
Published: February 2018

The conversion of pentoses into ethanol remains a challenge and could increase the supply of second-generation biofuels. This study sought to isolate naturally occurring yeasts from plant biomass and determine their capabilities for transforming xylose into ethanol. Three yeast strains with the ability to ferment xylose were isolated from pepper, tomato and sugarcane bagasse. The strains selected were characterized by morphological and auxanographic assays, and they were identified by homology analysis of 5.8S and 26S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. The identities of two lineages of microrganism were associated with Galactomyces geotrichum, and the other was associated with Candida akabanensis. Fermentative processes were conducted with liquid media containing only xylose as the carbon source. YP/S values for the production of ethanol ranging between 0.29 and 0.35 g g-1 were observed under non-optimized conditions.
At the intersection of risk: when literary journalism and sociology study urban problems by means of akin methodologies
Authors: Soares Isabel
Published: February 2018

Literary journalism, or long form reporting, intersects sociological research at the methodological level when analysing urban problems. To establish the connection between literary journalism and sociology, we focus on the influence early literary journalists had on the sociological/imagological and narrative construction of social problems and how literary journalism continues to be a tool in the unveiling of risk-related issues such as the exploitation of cheap labour and the degradation of urban environments. We examine a corpus of literary journalism texts through qualitative methods, namely content and discourse analysis, to conclude that literary journalism and sociology resort to the same data gathering methodologies, interviews, surveys and statistics, while narratively exposing life at the socioeconomic peripheries.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Sacral Base Asymmetry
Authors: Snider Karen T. , Redman Crystal L. , Edwards Christopher R. , Bhatia Shalini , Kondrashova Tatyana
Published: February 2018

Context

Patients with low back pain (LBP) may receive osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to resolve or manage their pain. The indication for OMT for patients with LBP is the presence of somatic dysfunction, diagnosed using palpatory examination. Because palpatory findings commonly have poor interexaminer reliability, the current study used ultrasonography (US) to establish pre-OMT and post-OMT musculoskeletal measurements of relative asymmetry between pelvic and sacral bony landmarks.

Objective

To document objective musculoskeletal changes that occur in response to OMT using US and to compare palpatory assessment of landmark asymmetry with US assessment.

Methods

Sixty men and women aged 20 to 55 years with at least 1 episode of LBP in the past 2 weeks were assigned to a seated control, walking control, or OMT group (20 participants per group). Participants received an initial, bilateral US measurement of the skin to posterior superior iliac spine (SPSIS), skin to sacral base position (SBP), and sacral sulcus depth (SSD). Participants in seated control and OMT groups received a palpatory assessment of SBP and SSD prior to initial US assessment. After assessment, the seated control group sat in a waiting room for 30 minutes, the walking control group walked for 5 minutes, and the OMT group received OMT to address sacral base asymmetry using predominantly direct techniques for a maximum of 20 minutes. Participants then received a second US assessment of the same structures.

Results

Body mass index (BMI) was correlated with SPSIS (r=0.5, P=.001) and SBP (r=0.6, P<.001). More participants in seated control (75%) and OMT (65%) groups had an increase in asymmetry from first to second US assessment for SPSIS compared with participants in the walking control group (35%, P=.05). No significant differences were found between groups for absolute asymmetry or total change in asymmetry (all P>.10). The κ was −0.1 (95% CI, −0.2 to 0.03) for SBP and −0.01 (95% CI, −0.1 to 0.1) for SSD.

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal changes in SPSIS and SBP measurements related to OMT could not be readily identified using US. The SPSIS and SBP measurements were dependent on BMI, which may have affected the accuracy of US to detect small changes in asymmetry. Qualitative palpatory assessments did not correlate with US measurements. Further study is needed to identify US measurements that demonstrate change with OMT. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02820701)
Nontraumatic First Rib Fracture and Empyema Presenting as Shoulder Pain
Authors: Neverman Eric M. , Clary Kevin
Published: February 2018

Fracture of the first rib is rare because of the anatomic protection provided by surrounding structures. Osseous fatigue caused by repetitive motion and antagonistic muscular contraction is postulated to contribute to nontraumatic first rib fracture, which is most often described in adolescent athletes in sports that involve repetitive overhead motion of the arm. In this report, we describe a 49-year-old man with an occupation involving repetitive overhead motion at the shoulder who was found to have a nontraumatic first rib fracture. The condition resolved with treatment.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of oral glyburide in dogs with acute spinal cord injury
Authors: Jeffery Nick , Boudreau C. Elizabeth , Konarik Megan , Mays Travis , Fajt Virginia
Published: February 2018

Background

Glyburide (also known as glibenclamide) is effective in reducing the severity of tissue destruction and improving functional outcome after experimental spinal cord injury in rodents and so has promise as a therapy in humans. There are many important differences between spinal cord injury in experimental animals and in human clinical cases, making it difficult to introduce new therapies into clinical practice. Spinal cord injury is also common in pet dogs and requires new effective therapies, meaning that they can act as a translational model for the human condition while also deriving direct benefits from such research. In this study we investigated the pharmacokinetics and safety of glyburide in dogs with clinical spinal cord injury.

Methods

We recruited dogs that had incurred an acute thoracolumbar spinal cord injury within the previous 72 h. These had become acutely non-ambulatory on the pelvic limbs and were admitted to our veterinary hospitals to undergo anesthesia, cross sectional diagnostic imaging, and surgical decompression. Oral glyburide was given to each dog at a dose of 75 mcg/kg. In five dogs, we measured blood glucose concentrations for 10 h after a single oral dose. In six dogs, we measured serum glyburide and glucose concentrations for 24 h and estimated pharmacokinetic parameters to estimate a suitable dose for use in a subsequent clinical trial in similarly affected dogs.

Results

No detrimental effects of glyburide administration were detected in any participating dog. Peak serum concentrations of glyburide were attained at a mean of 13 h after dosing, and mean apparent elimination half-life was approximately 7 h. Observed mean maximum plasma concentration was 31 ng/mL. At the glyburide dose administered there was no observable association between glyburide and glucose concentrations in blood.

Discussion

Our data suggest that glyburide can be safely administered to dogs that are undergoing anesthesia, imaging and surgery for treatment of their acute spinal cord injury and can attain clinically-relevant serum concentrations without developing hazardous hypoglycemia. Serum glyburide concentrations achieved in this study suggest that a loading dose of 150 mcg/kg followed by repeat doses of 75 mcg/kg at 8-hourly intervals would lead to serum glyburide concentrations of 25–50 ng/mL within an acceptably short enough period after oral administration to be appropriate for a clinical trial in canine spinal cord injury.
Merging cranial histology and 3D-computational biomechanics: a review of the feeding ecology of a Late Triassic temnospondyl amphibian
Authors: Konietzko-Meier Dorota , Gruntmejer Kamil , Marcé-Nogué Jordi , Bodzioch Adam , Fortuny Josep
Published: February 2018

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a useful method for understanding form and function. However, modelling of fossil taxa invariably involves assumptions as a result of preservation-induced loss of information in the fossil record. To test the validity of predictions from FEA, given such assumptions, these results could be compared to independent lines of evidence for cranial mechanics. In the present study a new concept of using bone microstructure to predict stress distribution in the skull during feeding is put forward and a correlation between bone microstructure and results of computational biomechanics (FEA) is carried out. The bony framework is a product of biological optimisation; bone structure is created to meet local mechanical conditions. To test how well results from FEA correlate to cranial mechanics predicted from bone structure, the well-known temnospondylMetoposaurus krasiejowensiswas used as a model. A crucial issue to Temnospondyli is their feeding mode: did they suction feed or employ direct biting, or both? Metoposaurids have previously been characterised either as active hunters or passive bottom dwellers. In order to test the correlation between results from FEA and bone microstructure, two skulls ofMetoposauruswere used,one modelled under FE analyses, while for the second one 17 dermal bone microstructure were analysed. Thus, for the first time, results predicting cranial mechanical behaviour using both methods are merged to understand the feeding strategy ofMetoposaurus.Metoposaurusappears to have been an aquatic animal that exhibited a generalist feeding behaviour. This taxon may have used two foraging techniques in hunting; mainly bilateral biting and, to a lesser extent, lateral strikes. However, bone microstructure suggests that lateral biting was more frequent than suggested by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). One of the potential factors that determined its mode of life may have been water levels. During optimum water conditions, metoposaurids may have been more active ambush predators that were capable of lateral strikes of the head. The dry season required a less active mode of life when bilateral biting is particularly efficient. This, combined with their characteristically anteriorly positioned orbits, was optimal for ambush strategy. This ability to use alternative modes of food acquisition, independent of environmental conditions, might hold the key in explaining the very common occurrence of metoposaurids during the Late Triassic.
Exploring the causes of Low-Productivity in Dairy Supply Chain using AHP
Authors: Mor Rahul S , Singh Sarbjit , Bhardwaj Arvind
Published: February 2018

Dairy industry is one of the essential global industries with considerably important implications for world economy where the dairy supply chains (DSC) cover every stage of the food system starting from the milk production at farmer level to final consumption. For achieving success in the dairy supply chain, it is needed to focus on critical factors (CFs) that are necessary for an organization to achieve its corporate goals with continually improving the operational performance. In this context, the current study is an attempt to identify the critical factors causing low-productivity in dairy supply chains. After comprehensive literature review and pilot studies in some dairy industries located in northern region of India, a total of 32 critical factors have been identified. A structured questionnaire consisting of 32 CFs have been circulated and the data has been collected from select cooperative dairy units. Further, only eight major critical factors have been carried forward for AHP analysis based on the data collected. The factor having higher weightage score is considered as major CF. The findings of this study indicate that the poor logistics and transportation facilities is the most critical factor as productivity barrier in the context of coop. milk processing units in northern India. This research study would be useful for the dairy professionals & managers of milk processing units to manage their production operations effectively by considering the identified CFs.
Pengoptimuman Portofolio dengan Kendala Karakteristik Perusahaan Emiten
Authors: Setiawan Ezra Putranda , Rosadi Dedi
Published: February 2018

Diversifikasi saham merupakan salah satu cara yang dilakukan investor untuk memperkecil risiko investasi. Pada umumnya, diversifikasi mengacu pada hasil perhitungan matematis berdasarkan nilai pengembalian (return) masing-masing saham, misalnya pada model mean-variance. Dalam penelitian ini dibahas modifikasi model mean-variance yakni dengan menambahkan kriteria yang berkaitan dengan perusahaan emiten, misalnya bidang usaha, status perusahaan, dan sebagainya. Sebagai contoh, investor dapat menentukan bahwa portofolio yang dibentuk hanya melibatkan sejumlah saham dari sektor pertambangan, sejumlah saham dari sektor perdagangan, dan sebagainya. Penyelesaian masalah pengoptimuman portofolio ini ditentukan dengan metode algoritma genetika. Studi kasus dilakukan pada sejumlah saham yang diperdagangkan di Bursa Efek Indonesia.
Identifying Trade‐Offs and Reconciling Competing Demands for Water: Integrating Agriculture Into a Robust Decision‐Making Framework
Authors: Knox J. W. , Haro‐Monteagudo D. , Hess T. M. , Morris J.
Published: February 2018

Increasing demands for water, driven by population growth and socioeconomic development, environmental regulations and future climate uncertainty, are highlighting limitations on water supplies. This water‐energy‐food‐environment nexus is not confined to semiarid regions but is emerging as a key business, societal, and economic risk in humid and temperate countries, where abundant water supplies and regulation have historically coped with fluctuating demands between industry, power generation, agriculture, domestic supply, and the environment. In the United Kingdom, irrigation is supplemental to rainfall, consumptive in use, and concentrated in the driest years and most resource‐stressed catchments. This paper describes an empirical application of a mixed methods approach to integrate agriculture into a robust decision‐making framework, focusing on a water‐stressed region in England. The approach shows that competing demands between sectors can be reconciled and that potential options or portfolios compatible with multisectoral collaboration and investment can be identified. The methodological challenges in forecasting agricultural demand, defining acceptable trade‐offs, managing scale and uncertainty issues, and the importance of engendering open dialogue between stakeholders are described. The study provides valuable insights for countries where similar emergent issues regarding conflicts over water demand exist.
Complex Bedrock Fracture Patterns: A Multipronged Approach to Resolve Their Evolution in Space and Time
Authors: Scheiber Thomas , Viola Giulio
Published: February 2018

The complex fault and fracture patterns commonly observed in metamorphic terranes are the cumulative expression of repeated episodes of brittle deformation. The temporal sequence of deformation remains, however, often obscure due to the general lack of systematic overprinting relationships and absolute geochronological constraints. Here we present a multipronged approach combining remote sensing, field work, structural analysis, and paleostress inversion with mineralogical characterization and K‐Ar dating of brittle features to develop an evolutionary model for one such complex fracture pattern. We applied this methodological approach to pervasively fractured Early to Middle Ordovician intrusive rocks in the northern Bømlo islands, SW Norway. The local brittle structural record is interpreted as reflecting a sequence of six deformation stages, three ascribable to the Caledonian orogenic cycle and three to the rift evolution of the North Sea. The Caledonian structures are assigned to (1) Late Ordovician NNW‐SSE transpression, (2) Silurian ESE‐WNW compression, and (3) Devonian NW‐SE transtension. The rift‐related structures formed during (4) Permian to Middle Triassic ENE‐WSW extension (~ 290–245 Ma), (5) Late Triassic to Late Jurassic E‐W extension (~ 210–160 Ma), and (6) Early Cretaceous ESE‐WNW extension (~ 125 Ma). The reconstructed gradual rotation of the extensional stress field during the Mesozoic might reflect the continuous northward migration of the rift activity from the North Sea toward the mid‐Norwegian margin. Our multipronged approach may be applied to the unraveling of complex and commonly long brittle histories stored in exhumed metamorphic terranes elsewhere.
Patient‐specific calibration of cone‐beam computed tomography data sets for radiotherapy dose calculations and treatment plan assessment
Authors: MacFarlane Michael , Wong Daniel , Hoover Douglas A. , Wong Eugene , Johnson Carol , Battista Jerry J. , Chen Jeff Z.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In this work, we propose a new method of calibrating cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data sets for radiotherapy dose calculation and plan assessment. The motivation for this patient‐specific calibration (PSC) method is to develop an efficient, robust, and accurate CBCT calibration process that is less susceptible to deformable image registration (DIR) errors.

Methods

Instead of mapping the CT numbers voxel‐by‐voxel with traditional DIR calibration methods, the PSC methods generates correlation plots between deformably registered planning CT and CBCT voxel values, for each image slice. A linear calibration curve specific to each slice is then obtained by least‐squares fitting, and applied to the CBCT slice's voxel values. This allows each CBCT slice to be corrected using DIR without altering the patient geometry through regional DIR errors.

A retrospective study was performed on 15 head‐and‐neck cancer patients, each having routine CBCTs and a middle‐of‐treatment re‐planning CT (reCT). The original treatment plan was re‐calculated on the patient's reCT image set (serving as the gold standard) as well as the image sets produced by voxel‐to‐voxel DIR, density‐overriding, and the new PSC calibration methods. Dose accuracy of each calibration method was compared to the reference reCT data set using common dose‐volume metrics and 3D gamma analysis. A phantom study was also performed to assess the accuracy of the DIR and PSC CBCT calibration methods compared with planning CT.

Results

Compared with the gold standard using reCT, the average dose metric differences were ≤ 1.1% for all three methods (PSC: −0.3%; DIR: −0.7%; density‐override: −1.1%). The average gamma pass rates with thresholds 3%, 3 mm were also similar among the three techniques (PSC: 95.0%; DIR: 96.1%; density‐override: 94.4%).

Conclusions

An automated patient‐specific calibration method was developed which yielded strong dosimetric agreement with the results obtained using a re‐planning CT for head‐and‐neck patients.
Validation of a deformable MRI to CT registration algorithm employing same day planning MRI for surrogate analysis
Authors: Padgett Kyle R. , Stoyanova Radka , Pirozzi Sara , Johnson Perry , Piper Jon , Dogan Nesrin , Pollack Alan
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Validating deformable multimodality image registrations is challenging due to intrinsic differences in signal characteristics and their spatial intensity distributions. Evaluating multimodality registrations using these spatial intensity distributions is also complicated by the fact that these metrics are often employed in the registration optimization process. This work evaluates rigid and deformable image registrations of the prostate in between diagnostic‐MRI and radiation treatment planning‐CT by utilizing a planning‐MRI after fiducial marker placement as a surrogate. The surrogate allows for the direct quantitative analysis that can be difficult in the multimodality domain.

Methods

For thirteen prostate patients, T2 images were acquired at two different time points, the first several weeks prior to planning (diagnostic‐MRI) and the second on the same day as the planning‐CT (planning‐MRI). The diagnostic‐MRI was deformed to the planning‐CT utilizing a commercially available algorithm which synthesizes a deformable image registration (DIR) algorithm from local rigid registrations. The planning‐MRI provided an independent surrogate for the planning‐CT for assessing registration accuracy using image similarity metrics, including Pearson correlation and normalized mutual information (NMI). A local analysis was performed by looking only within the prostate, proximal seminal vesicles, penile bulb, and combined areas.

Results

The planning‐MRI provided an excellent surrogate for the planning‐CT with residual error in fiducial alignment between the two datasets being submillimeter, 0.78 mm. DIR was superior to the rigid registration in 11 of 13 cases demonstrating a 27.37% improvement in NMI (P < 0.009) within a regional area surrounding the prostate and associated critical organs. Pearson correlations showed similar results, demonstrating a 13.02% improvement (P < 0.013).

Conclusion

By utilizing the planning‐MRI as a surrogate for the planning‐CT, an independent evaluation of registration accuracy is possible. This population provides an ideal testing ground for MRI to CT DIR by obviating the need for multimodality comparisons which are inherently more challenging.