bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Day-Case Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Single-Centre Observational Study
Authors: Larsen Jens Rolighed , Skovgaard Birgitte , Prynø Thomas , Bendikas Laimonas , Mikkelsen Lone R. , Laursen Malene , Høybye Mette T. , Mikkelsen Søren , Jørgensen Lene Bastrup
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Recent reports indicate that total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be further accelerated and might be managed as day-case. This could provide benefits to health care expenditure, lower patient risks and change patient satisfaction. We evaluated the feasibility, efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction of same-day (≤12 hours) THA operation and discharge.

Methods

Consecutive patients were screened for eligibility (primary THA, ASA 1 or 2 physical status) and the presence of a support person to follow the patient for 48 hours postoperatively in an observational study. THA was managed as day-case (≤12 hours) through patient selection, pre-operative patient education programme, light spinal anaesthesia, low opioid usage, and early mobilisation. Efficacy and logistics were analysed and compared to current accelerated practice. Patient satisfaction was compared to existing fast-track THA and elective surgery cohorts.

Results

29 consecutive patients were screened and 20 participated (69%). 17/20 patients (85%) were released on the day of surgery. There were no serious adverse events or complications, and no infections or readmission at 6-week follow-up. Patient overall satisfaction rating ( 1 – 5 ) was high (4.75), higher than in a 301-patient cohort (4.53) (THA and total knee arthroplasty) from the same centre (p = 0.23), and higher than in a national, elective surgery cohort (4.3) (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

We report the feasibility of day-case THA. Safety, complications and overall patient acceptance were satisfactory. Light spinal anaesthesia facilitated quick transit through postanaesthesia care unit to early mobilisation. Support persons and patient education may play a part in high patient acceptance of day-case surgery.
Metal Ion Levels in Ceramic-on-Ceramic THR with Cobalt-Chrome Modular Necks: Analysis of Cobalt and Chromium Serum Levels in 23 Healthy Hip Patients
Authors: Somers Jan F.A. , Dedrye Lieven , Goeminne Sofie
Published: October 2016

Background

Modular necks in total hip replacement (THR) can be a source of metal ion release.

Methods

We measured the level of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ions in the serum of 23 healthy volunteers with a well-functioning ceramic-on-ceramic THR of a particular design, containing a cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) stem and a Co-Cr modular neck.

Results

Average Co in serum was 1,71 μg/l; median Co was 1.50 μg/l. No patient had Co levels higher than 3.70 μg/l. Average Cr level was 0.49 μg/l; in all but one patient Cr was below the detection limit (≤0.50 μg/l). Co was higher for varus necks compared to all other subtypes: 2.14 μg/l vs 1.58 μg/l (p≤0.05). The same system with Titanium modular necks shows lower Co serum levels: 1.26 μg/l (p≤0.01). In conclusion, the hybrid THR Profemur Xm® – Procotyle L® with a Co-Cr modular neck on a Co-Cr stem design shows very low Cr ion serum levels in a randomly selected group of well-functioning hip patients.

Conclusions

Co ion serum levels are low, but significantly higher for 8° varus necks, and Co levels are significantly higher than values of this system with a Titanium modular neck.
Revision Rates for Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing and Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty – A Systematic Review
Authors: Ras Sørensen Sofie-Amalie L. , Jørgensen Henrik L. , Sporing Sune L. , Lauritzen Jes B.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To compare revision rates of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing (HRS) and MoM total hip arthroplasty (THA), as well as the primary causes for revisions.

Methods

The PubMed database was queried for potentially relevant articles addressing MoMTHA and MoMHRS, a total of 51 articles were included.

Results

The review includes a total number of 5,399 MoMHRS and 3,244 THA prosthesis and the reasons for prosthesis failure were divided into 7 categories and the main causes discussed. The overall MoMTHA revision rate was 4.7% after 6.9 years. MoMHRS revision rate was 5.9% after 5.7 years. The odds ratio was 1.25 (1.03:1.53) 95% CI (p = 0.03) (MoMHRS vs. MoMTHA). The studies of hip prostheses were separated into 2 categories of short- and long-term (more or less than 5 years). Short-term revision rate for MoMTHA was 4.5% after 4.8 years, and for MoMHRS 4.0% after 4.2 years. The odds ratio was 1.09 (0.82:1.43) 95% CI (0 = 0.56) (MoMTHA vs. MoMHRS). Long-term revision rate for MoMTHA was 5.2% after 7.7 years and 8.2% after 7.6 years for MoMHRS. The odds ratio was 1.58 (1.53:1.96) 95% CI (p = 0.0001) (MoMHRS vs. MoMTHA). Revision causes were divided into 7 main categories. The most common cause for revision for both MoMTHA and MoMHRS was loosening 47.6% vs. 37.7%, fracture (MoMTHA 7.69%; MoMHRS 19.62%), metal reactions (MoMTHA 7.69%; MoMHRS 26.92%) infection (MoMTHA 12.08%; MoMHRS 6.54%), instability (MoMTHA 9.13%; MoMHRS 2.69%), manufacturer defect 6.73% for MoMTHA and nonreported for MoMHRS, and miscellaneous (MoMTHA 7.69%; MoMHRS 6.54%) was stated.

Interpretation

The comparison of MoMHRS and MoMTHA revision rates showed no difference in the short term, however in the longer term, the revision rate of MoMHRS was significantly higher than for MoMTHA. The linear increase in revision rate of MoMHRS may indicate a progression in failure.
Raman Imaging of Layered Soft Contact Lenses
Authors: Krysztofiak Katarzyna , Ciężar Kamila , Kościński Mikołaj
Published: October 2016

Background

Daily disposable contact lenses are gaining in popularity among practitioners and wearers for the improved ocular health and subjective outcomes they offer. Recently a novel daily disposable contact lens material with water gradient technology was introduced. Delefilcon A lenses consist of a 33% water content silicone hydrogel core and an outer hydrogel layer which is totally free of silicone and contains 80% water.

Methods

The aim of the present study was to confirm the layered structure of delefilcon A contact lenses. Thickness of hydrogel coating on the silicone hydrogel core was assessed using Raman spectroscopy. To investigate the layered structure of the material, depth spectra of the lenses were recorded.

Results

The results obtained suggest that at about 6 μm a boundary between the hydrogel layer and silicone hydrogel core exists, which is in good agreement with the manufacturer's data.

Conclusions

Data collected in this experiment confirm a water gradient at the delefilcon A lens surface.
Localized scleroderma: a review
Authors: Moinzadeh Pia , Hunzelmann Nicolas , Kreuter Alexander , Krieg Thomas
Published: October 2016

Localized scleroderma (LoS) comprises a heterogeneous spectrum of fibrotic diseases that primarily affect the skin with inflammation and skin thickening. The extent of skin involvement and manifestation at extra-cutaneous structures characterizes the specific subset. Fat tissue, fascia, and sometimes muscle, and bones might be involved, and in rare cases the central nervous or ocular system.

A worldwide accepted classification system for LoS is still lacking. The latest guidelines have proposed a distinction of limited, generalized, linear, deep, and mixed types. The exact pathophysiology of LoS is not fully understood yet, but it is thought that an externally triggered release of pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to a dysregulation of the connective tissue metabolism.

LoS is diagnosed according to typical clinical features. Further diagnostic procedures are helpful to characterize the subtype and to define the extent of inflammation and fibrosis.

Due to the heterogeneity of LoS, therapeutic strategies should always be selected depending on the respective subtype. The stage of tissue inflammation and sclerosis has to be considered. Treatment options such as topical corticosteroids, calcipotriol, and calcineurin inhibitors as well as phototherapy are well established. In subsets with severe wide-spread skin manifestation and/or extra-cutaneous involvement, methotrexate monotherapy or a combination of methotrexate and systemic corticosteroids need to be considered. Physical treatment should always be added to the topical and systemic treatment to prevent significant disabilities due to LoS. This article provides an updated review on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical classification and treatment options for patients suffering from LoS.
Hemodialysis vascular access and clinical outcomes: an observational multicenter study
Authors: Soleymanian Tayebeh , Sheikh Vida , Tareh Faezeh , Argani Hassan , Ossareh Shahrzad
Published: October 2016

Background

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the optimal vascular access in hemodialysis (HD) patients because of its lower complication rates and better longevity compared to arteriovenous graft (AVG) and central venous catheter (CVC).

Methods

A cohort of 532 HD patients from nine HD facilities were recruited in September 2012 and prospectively followed for a median of 28 months. Unadjusted and fully adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of mortality for vascular access were calculated using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Seventy-two percent of patients had AVF, 7% AVG, 21% CVC. Overall, AVF failure was 43 per 1000 patient-years and AVF creation 19 per 1000 patient-years. In logistic regression analysis, odds ratio of having non-AVF access for age was 1.02 (95% CI: 1.01-1.03), female gender 1.97 (95% CI: 1.30-3.01), and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) 1.17 (95% CI: 1.02-1.36). Total number of deaths was 17 per 100 patient-years. Two percent of death was because of pure catheter infection and 10.5% more mortality happened due to catheter infection complicated by underlying cardiovascular diseases. In unadjusted and full adjustment Cox models, HR of death for patients with CVC (reference: AVF patients) was, respectively, 2.17 (95% CI: 1.51-3.11) and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.01-2.51). Access problems of insertion-repair accounted for 24% of hospitalization, and catheter infection explained 10% of total admissions.

Conclusions

Catheter use in HD patients was associated with higher mortality and morbidity despite extensive adjustment for covariates. Risk factors for higher usage of non-AVF access are older age, female gender, and underlying comorbidities.
Cutaneous Toxicity from Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors: Would a Subcutaneous Desensitization be Helpful? Case Report
Authors: D'Alessio Andrea , Cecchini Sara , Di Mauro Daniela , Geroli Luca , Villa Simonetta , Quadri Antonello , Resta Davide , Fortugno Carmelo
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Cetuximab and panitumumab are monoclonal antibody inhibitors that bind the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) currently used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. The main adverse event related to EGFR inhibitors (EGFR-Is) is cutaneous toxicity, which can cause dosage reduction and interruption of treatment. State-of-the-art management of skin toxicity associated with EGFR-Is therapy involves the topical administration of corticosteroids and oral antibiotics, but is not completely effective in the management of toxicity. Subcutaneous desensitization with increasing concentrations of monoclonal antibodies can induce a tolerance to drug administration and reduce cutaneous adverse effects. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which a reduction or a disappearance of skin toxicity caused by EGFR-Is through subcutaneous desensitization has been achieved.

Case Report

We present cases of 2 Caucasian patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon treated with EGFR-Is who developed severe cutaneous toxicity. A 73-year-old man presented grade 4 skin toxicity of the face and grade 3 skin toxicity of the trunk during treatment with cetuximab. A 68-year-old woman developed G2 rash on the face after the first administration of cetuximab. These patients underwent subcutaneous desensitization with increasing concentrations of EGFR-Is. After this procedure, patients restarted therapy at the optimal dosage with reduction or disappearance of skin toxicity.

Conclusions

These cases suggest that by giving rising doses of antibody it is possible to obtain desensitization able to prevent severe cutaneous adverse events in patients treated with EGFR-Is.
Black Women's Satire as (Black) Postmodern Performance
Authors: Finley Jessyka
Published: October 2016

Black American women have taken up satirical humor imbued with postmodern aesthetics that privilege emotion and experience in order to critique particular incidents of racism, sexism, and the lack of access to rights and resources. However, for the most part, comic soapboxing has been unavailable to them in mass-media platforms or in political discourse. Little has been written about the interventionist potential of satire by black women, especially how their marginality within the United States power structure requires the kinds of postmodern tactics that destabilize representations of race, gender, and teleological notions of progress. Black women's use of satire as a representational strategy enables them to spotlight deeply embedded historical narratives that rationalize structural inequalities. These narratives relegate black women to the margins of US society, and black women satirists call attention to the cultural fictions that make them possible.
El Centro de Innovación de la UCA
Authors: Rodríguez Wendy Bellanger
Published: October 2016

Con el objetivo de potenciar las iniciativas que se realizan en la Universidad Centroamericana desde distintas instancias para incentivar la innovación en sus estudiantes, la UCA contará con un novedoso Centro de Innovación. Es éste un centro con un enfoque interdisciplinario desde su nacimiento, pues es el resultado de una estrecha colaboración entre la Facultad de Humanidades y Comunicación, la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, la Facultad de Ciencia, Tecnología y Ambiente, y la Dirección de Investigación de Vicerrectoría Académica. El centro tendrá un énfasis de servicio a empresas, medios de comunicación independientes y organizaciones de la sociedad civil. Así mismo, en consonancia con la misión de la UCA, procurará convertirse en un punto de referencia de la innovación social en el país. Por medio del Centro de Innovación, la universidad acercará a estudiantes de pregrado a problemas reales del entorno para que, contando con acompañamiento y asesoría cercana, los analicen y busquen soluciones viables que partan de sus conocimientos profesionales, sus competencias investigativas,y su capacidad de diálogo interdisciplinario.
Ganadería lechera y deforestación en Nicaragua
Authors: Polvorosa Juan Carlos , Bastiaensen Johan
Published: October 2016

El dinamismo y el crecimiento de la producción y exportación de lácteos en Nicaragua han creado expectativas de crecimiento incluyente entre productores ganaderos lecheros, así como la reducción del avance de la frontera agrícola en el país, a través de la intensificación de la producción. Pero el modelo de crecimiento está sesgado en contra de pequeños y medianos productores pobres, quienes no logran tener acceso y aprovechar los beneficios económicos generados por el sector. Aquellos conectados a la producción y exportación de lácteos optan por crecer a través de la incorporación de más tierra a la producción bajo una lógica extensiva. Los productores excluidos aprovechan diferenciales de precio entre la vieja y nueva frontera agrícola para vender en la primera y migrar a la segunda donde pueden comprar más tierra a menor precio. El resultado es el continuo avance de la frontera agrícola sobre las últimas áreas de bosques tropicales de Nicaragua.
Trayectorias de vida, trayectorias políticas: ejercicios situados de política encarnada
Authors: Montiel Gabriela
Published: October 2016

Trayectorias de vida, trayectorias políticas: ejercicios situados de una política encarnada, es una invitación a repensar la política y lo político ubicando como pauta de enunciación los cuerpos. Corporalidades que no se configuran a solas, sino que son atravesadas constantemente por discursos de poder (orden, alimentación, belleza, deseo, movilidad, agencia, subordinación, represión). Esta tesis la fuimos tejiendo mediante la narrativa de vida de la mano del Método Biográfico (Sautu, 2004), la propuesta de investigación feminista del Conocimiento Situado (Haraway, 1989) y en cuanto al cuerpo teórico para el análisis concretamente la línea de reflexión desde los Feminismos decoloniales en relación a las identidades políticas y movimientos sociales (Flórez, 2010) y el Transfeminismo (Álvarez Castillo, 2014; Preciado, 2013; Solá, 2013; Sentamans, 2013). ¿Qué implica encarnar la política? Responder a esta pregunta es el objetivo a lo largo de este diálogo entre tres compañeras artistas y mi persona, posicionando este cuerpo situado como principal pauta de enunciación.
El álbum ilustrado en Nicaragua
Authors: Mayorga Mendoza María Lourdes
Published: October 2016

Las publicaciones nicaragüenses dirigidas al público infantil han sido poco estudiadas por la crítica literaria. En las dos últimas décadas la literatura infantil nicaragüense ha tenido un crecimiento visible, aunque, a diferencia de lo que ocurre en otros países, el álbum ilustrado se ha introducido de manera tímida en la producción nacional. Algunas publicaciones, sin llegar a ser álbumes en la definición del término, destacan por el diálogo que se establece entre texto e imágenes. En este trabajo se analizan libros ilustrados publicados desde 1993 (fecha en que se crea la asociación “Libros para niños”) con el fin de identificar algunas características que los aproximarían a los álbumes. El contexto nacional y el futuro del álbum ilustrado, desde las voces de escritores, ilustradores y principales promotores de lectura que apuestan por este tipo de libros en Nicaragua, sirve para contextualizar el análisis.
Breadth vs. depth: How to start deploying the daily management system for your lean transformation
Authors: Taher Dala , Landry Sylvain , Toussaint John
Published: October 2016

For a health care organization that has adopted Lean methodologies, a Lean Management System provides the means to sustain the Lean transformation. The Lean Daily Management System (LDMS) is an element within the comprehensive Lean Management System; it addresses the management of daily operations and centers around continuous improvement at the process level. This paper proposes a framework for organizations about to start their deployment of LDMS; it focuses on how to introduce LDMS and how to manage its dissemination. After a literature review, a deployment model that addresses these key points is produced. In developing the model, the question of whether to concentrate on deploying a comprehensive LDMS in one area at a time or to introduce a simplified version of LDMS to the entire organization at once is examined. Who is expected to play the greater role in deploying LDMS in any area is also studied; whether it is executives, middle managers, or front line staff. In order to test the validity and applicability of the deployment model, field research was conducted in three Canadian hospitals that have already begun their deployment of a management system.
Evaluation and Treatment of Lumbar Facet Cysts
Authors: Boody Barrett S. , Savage Jason W.
Published: October 2016

Lumbar facet cysts are a rare but increasingly common cause of symptomatic nerve root compression and can lead to radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication, and cauda equina syndrome. The cysts arise from the zygapophyseal joints of the lumbar spine and commonly demonstrate synovial herniation with mucinous degeneration of the facet joint capsule. Lumbar facet cysts are most common at the L4-L5 level and often are associated with spondylosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Advanced imaging studies have increased diagnosis of the cysts; however, optimal treatment of the cysts remains controversial. First-line treatment is nonsurgical management consisting of oral NSAIDs, physical therapy, bracing, epidural steroid injections, and/or cyst aspiration. Given the high rate of recurrence and the relatively low satisfaction with nonsurgical management, surgical options, including hemilaminectomy or laminotomy to excise the cyst and decompress the neural elements, are typically performed. Recent studies suggest that segmental fusion of the involved levels may decrease the risks of cyst recurrence and radiculopathy.
Concussion in Sports: What Do Orthopaedic Surgeons Need to Know?
Authors: Cahill Patrick J. , Refakis Christian , Storey Eileen , Warner William C.
Published: October 2016

A concussion is a relatively common sports-related injury that affects athletes of all ages. Although orthopaedic surgeons are not expected to replace sports medicine physicians and neurologists with regard to the management of concussions, orthopaedic surgeons, particularly those who are fellowship-trained in sports medicine, must have a current knowledge base of what a concussion is, how a concussion is diagnosed, and how a concussion should be managed. Orthopaedic surgeons should understand the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of concussion so that they have a basic comprehension of this injury, which is at the forefront of the academic literature and North American media. This understanding will prepare orthopaedic surgeons to work in concert with and assist sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers, and physical therapists in providing comprehensive care for athletes with a concussion.
Village Based Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Activities Development in Indonesia: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Kolopaking Lala M.
Published: October 2016

Government funds which are distributed to village government in Indonesia by Law No. 6 Year 2014 on Village is a national policy alternative to finance development of climate change adaptation and mitigation activities. According to pilot development in several regions on agro-forestry, bio-energy development, green seaweed industry, and restoration of reservoir; they were designed on development plan in the village and regional level which interconnected to national development plan. Adaption and mitigation activities should strengthening community based green social enterprises and engaging inter-village cooperation development programs for starting up or up-scaling green businesses. It managed as activity of social enterprise, so-called Village Organization Owned Enterprise called Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDes) or Joint Villages Organization Owned Enterprise (BUMDes Bersama), or as the co-operative. The government funds could be blended in such a way with other funds sources (blending finance) for developing adaptation and mitigation of climate change activities.
Factors Affecting Adherence to Antihypertensive Medication: Results from a Rural Population Study in East of Iran
Authors: Esmaeili Reza , Matlabi Mohammad , Khajavi Abduljavad , Aliasghari Ehsan , Sajjadi Moosa
Published: October 2016

INTRODUCTION: Medication therapy is one of the most important interventions for the control of hypertension and its complications, but patient nonadherence to prescribed antihypertensive medication is a challenge. This study was conducted to measure medication adherence and examine its determinants in patients with hypertension in a rural population of Iran.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 422 patients with hypertension covered by the healthcare network of Bajestan, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. Medication adherence was measured by using the Persian version of the 8 items Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The Chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used to examine the relationship between the determinants of medication adherence in SPSS.

RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 65.02±8.88 years. Of the total of 422 patients, 299 (70.9%) were female. Based on the MMAS-8, medication adherence was high in 39.6% of the patients, moderate in 10.9% and low in 49.5%. The variables that correlated significantly with the level of medication adherence included age (P=0.032), education (P=0.022), income (P=0.001), the satisfaction of patients-physician communication (P=0.006), physician based education (P= 0.003), occupation, time interval of physician’s consultation (P=0.001), medication regime complexity (P=0.001), medications meals frequency (P=0.001), side effects (P=0.081) duration of the disease (P=0.015), comorbidities (P=0.001), smoking (P=0.047), patient’s ability to read medication instruction (P=0.011), the patient’s beliefs about the effectiveness of medications (P=0.001) and the patient’s beliefs about the effectiveness of health system (P=0.001). The variables of gender (P=0.147), marital status (P=0.054), and distance problems to the health center (P=0.181) were not significantly correlated with the level of medication adherence.

CONCLUSION: The results of the present study revealed a low medication adherence in half of the patients with hypertension due to various personal and socioeconomic determinants as well as factors associated with the health system, therapy-related factors, disease-related factors and patient-related factors. Purposeful interventions therefore appear essential to improving medication adherence in rural populations with a focus on the effect of each determinant of medication adherence.
Experiences of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Teleconsultation with Medical Residents: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Deldar Kolsoum , Tara Fatemeh , Mirteimouri Masoumeh , Tara Seyed Mahmood
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of specialists, residents, and experienced personnel of obstetrics and gynecology regarding telephone consultation by specialized residents and on-call expertsDESIGN: Qualitative study based on inductive content analysis.SETTING: Three departments of obstetrics and gynecology, affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.POPULATION: A purposive sample of 16 specialists, residents and experienced staff.METHODS: Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted.RESULTS: Analysis of interview data resulted in 363 primary codes and six main themes including: “attempt to direct the process of telephone consultation”, “decision-making challenges of diagnostic-therapeutic plans for patients”, “attempt to verify the acquired findings”, “inefficacy in the face of life-threatening conditions”, “discriminations in legal confrontation with medical errors”, and “impact on emotions and personal life”.CONCLUSIONS: Process of teleconsultation between physician and resident is associated with numerous challenges. Formal training sessions and considering new approaches of teleconsultation and telemedicine are needed to be implemented in order to reinforce the reliability of patient information transfer.
Teacher Behavior Unwanted According to Student’s Perceptions
Authors: Yildirim Isa , Akan Durdagi , Yalcin Sinan
Published: October 2016

This study was conducted in the aim of revealing the misbehaviors of the teachers according to the perceptions of the students. In the study, semi-structured interview was done with 8th grade 45 students, 20 males and 25 females, from three secondary school determined through purposive sampling. The interviews were analyzed with content analysis, one of the qualitative research methods. All the data was coded and grouped as sub-theme, theme and main theme. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that misbehaviors of the teachers according to the perceptions of the students was collected under two main themes as relations and learning process. Misbehaviors of the teachers related to the relations was divided into 4 themes as being unfair, violence, communication barriers, characteristics. And violence was divided into two sub-themes as physical and psychological. Misbehaviors of the teachers related learning process was collected under three themes as boring classes, assessment and evaluation and classroom management.
Research on the Foreign Students Education of Shandong Province under the Internationalization Background
Authors: Wang Xianghua , Li Wenxiu
Published: October 2016

The foreign students’ education has a great influence on the internationalization of higher education and the reputation of university. Since the 21st century, the foreign students’ education has developed rapidly and has been extending continuously in Shandong Province. However, a series of problems still exist, such as the imperfect of the specialty structure and curriculum, which have impeded the sustainable development of the foreign students’ education. This article would carry on the discussion about the current situation and existing problems of the foreign students education in Shandong Province from the following aspects: the scale, the construction of specialized curriculum system and the management, etc. And based on that, we put forward feasible countermeasures, in order to offer certain reference to the development of foreign students’ education.
Effectiveness of Training Model Capacity Building for Entrepreneurship Women Based Empowerment Community
Authors: Idawati Idawati , Mahmud Alimuddin , Dirawan Gufran Darma
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a training model for capacity building of women entrepreneurship community-based. Research type approach Research and Development Model, which refers to the model of development research that developed by Romiszowki (1996) combined with a model of development Sugiono (2011) it was leveled; into five stages, namely (1) the analysis of the needs and potential, (2) design, (3) development, (4) implementation, and (5) evaluation. The research subject was the facilitator of the training module woven pandanus as many as 30 people. Data analysis was conducted descriptive quantitative research. The results showed that the training model CBWB-EEER based on responses facilitators are of very high category, and by trial participants, indicating in terms of (1) the ability to identify potential average is at kategory high, (2) the ability of entrepreneurship is in the category enough and high, (3) the ability to manage finances on average at the high category, and (4) the ability of woven pandanus creative skills are very high. From the results of data analysis showed that the training model of capacity building for entrepreneurship women based on empowerment community meet the criteria of feasible and effective.
Rise and Fall of Decentralized School Governance—Decision-Making Practices in Georgia
Authors: Gorgodze Sophia
Published: October 2016

The current study investigates educational decision-making in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. The focus is on decisions concerning issues of school governance decentralization/recentralization in the period of 2003-2012. The research draws on in-depth interviews with over 20 top decision-makers, and an extensive review of legal documents, relevant research and media reports to gain a better understanding of decision-making practices in a newly democratized state. Two theoretical foundations are employed: the Multiple Streams model of decision-making and Electoral Connection. The research largely supports the Multiple Streams theory and expands the theory of Electoral Connection to fit the political setting of a post-soviet state. Among other findings, the research shows that decisions concerning school governance recentralization were primarily election-driven.
Video Self-Modeling Technique that Can Be Used in Improving the Abilities of Fluent Reading and Fluent Speaking
Authors: SEN Ulker
Published: October 2016

The use of technology in the field of education makes the educational process more efficient and motivating. Technological tools are used for developing the communication skills of students and teachers in the learning process increasing the participation, supporting the peer, the realization of collaborative learning. The use of technology is increasingly widespread in the language teaching as well as in all areas of the education. The use of technology in the classroom language teaching activities allows students to be more active in the learning process than other techniques, learn at their own pace and give them a chance to repeat the activities they want to do. Computers, videos, tablets and other technological products such as mobile phones are increasingly feel the importance in language teaching and learning in recent years. In fact teaching methods and techniques built on the use of technology have been developed. Video self-modeling is one of these methods. Video self-modeling is an application with evidence basis, defined as watching and taking as a model the target behavior exhibited by the person on the videotape. The aim of this study is to draw attention of researchers and practitioners to the video self-modeling method which is determined to be ignored and provides information about the use of methods of language teaching in fluent reading and fluent speaking. These are thought as the contribution of this study to the field of teaching Turkish.
Presenting of Indifference Management Model of Education System in Ardabil Province Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Abolfazli Elham , Saidabadi Reza Yousefi , Fallah Vahid
Published: October 2016

The purpose of the present study is to investigate indifference management structural model in education system of Ardabil Province. The research method was integration study using Alli modeling. Statistical society of research was 420 assistant professors of educational science, managers and deputies of Ardabil’ second period of high schools that 383 individuals were selected by simple random sampling. The data collection tool was researcher-made questionnaire. Face and content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts and its Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was obtained as of 0/80. In order to investigate hypothesizes of research, obtained data were transferred to LISREL software to fit Alli model of structural equation and then were analyzed. The obtained findings of the statistical analysis showed that behavior and performance of manager indirectly has a meaningful impact on indifference management variable through employee’ empowerment variables, job satisfaction of employee, organization’s culture, organizational climate and employee’ perception of the organization. Goodness of fit index (GFI) 0/92 and root mean square of residuals latent variables model was RMSEA=0/045. Therefore, the model has a good fit and has a great ability to measure main variables of research.
Complaint Behaviour between Generations and Its Transmissions: An Exploratory Study in Malaysia
Authors: Ting Hiram , Wong Winnie Poh-Ming , Run Ernest Cyril de
Published: October 2016

Despite the abundance of marketing literature on consumer complaint behaviour, little is done to explicate such behaviour from generational perspectives. How the older and younger groups complain, and whether the latter learn or inherit behavioural values from the former remain unknown. Using theories pertinent to complaint behaviour and social learning theory as the basis, the present study aims to look into complaint behaviour between two generations, namely the mothers and the daughters. A qualitative approach using dyad interview was employed in Malaysia to gain insights not only about their respective complaint behaviour but also its similarities and differences simultaneously. Subsequently, five pairs of mothers and daughters were interviewed. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. The findings show that while the mothers would most likely seek redress in person, complain to others verbally and take no action, the daughters tend to seek redress and tell others about it using electronic media. There is apparent similarity in seeking redress and ranting on between the mothers and daughters but the younger generation tends to do it via social media. The study thus serves as a precursor to future investigation on complaint behaviour by different generation cohorts in the same family and the potential transmission of behavioural values between them. Practical implications are provided.
The Corruption-Terrorism Nexus: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: Boussiga Nahil , Ghdamsi Malek
Published: October 2016

Corruption has been increasingly recognized as the major threat to economic development, political stability and peace. It is also acknowledged by international community as the breeding ground for terrorism. This paper examines the relationship between corruption and terrorism in the long run. Previous studies examining the link between these two phenomena used only time series cointegration tests. In this paper, we make use of a dataset for a panel of 123 developed and developing countries over the period 2003-2014. We use Pedroni’s residual-based panel cointegration test and the error correction model-based panel cointegration test developed by Westerlund. In order to obtain more robust results, we use two different measures of corruption which are Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and Worldwide Control of Corruption Indicator (CC). The results of both tests reject the null hypothesis of no cointegration. we conclude that corruption and terrorism converge. Our findings corroborate results of previous studies.
Dividend Smoothing and Signaling Under the Impact of the Global Financial Crisis: A Comparison of US and Southeast Asian Markets
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Minh , Tran Quoc Trung
Published: October 2016

Under the impact of the global financial crisis, firms experience more external financial constraints and this is a good opportunity to investigate dividend smoothing and signaling behavior. Using data from the US market where the crisis originates and five Southeast Asian markets which are slightly affected by the crisis, we find that US firms pursue dividend smoothing model and they also follow signaling theory by increasing dividends in the post-crisis period to earn good reputation. However, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia following dividend smoothing model fail to pay more dividends in the post-crisis period. Thailand and Singapore increase dividend payments in the post-crisis period but they fail to pursue the dividend smoothing model significantly.
Research and Analysis on Market Value Management in China Based on Method of Rank-Sum Ratio and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Pan Yaqian , Song Wenxin , Xv Yanjun
Published: October 2016

Since 2005, China has implemented the split-share reform. After entering the full-circulation era of stock equity, the pursuit for maximize the company value has turned into the primary goal of listed companies in the course of their management and development. Thus, they attach great importance to the concept of market value management. The management of stockholders in listed companies began to pay attention to the inner values and the performances in the stock market of their enterprises, and thereby the concept of market value management is established. However, the weak efficiency of China’s capital market has resulted in the deviation between market values and inner values of companies. Thus, companies need to implement market value management and devise corresponding solutions so that two kinds of values can be well-matched.
This paper presents the definition of market value management at first. Next, it studies the background of the emergence of market value management as well as its development status in China, which are also compared with the overseas value management. And then, it makes a literature review and analyzes Economic Value Added Evaluation System (EVA), a performance evaluation system of market value management. It adopts the method of Rank Sum Ratio (RSR)and Principal Component Analysis to make empirical analyses,which evaluates the level of market value management of listed companies in China and discovers the weak links existing in the process of market value management .This paper eventually puts forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions.
The Influence of Founder Status on Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence from Canadian IPO Firms
Authors: Ullah Saif , Zhang Dan
Published: October 2016

This study compares performance for founder-managed firms and professional-managed firms by analyzing 138 Canadian IPO firms that went public from 2004 to 2013. In this paper, we measure firm performance in two ways: Tobin’s Q and ROA are used to measure a firm’s financial performance, while firm survival status is used as a supplementary performance measure. We find that founder-managed firms underperform and underlive their counterparts when firm performance is measured by Tobin’s Q and survival status. Founder status is proved to be unrelated to ROA. The negative influence of founder status can be explained by the relevant transaction hypothesis, which states that founder-managers may act for the controlling family and are more concerned with the associated private income stream than with maximizing the value of the firm.
Predicting Financial Distress: Multi Scenarios Modeling Using Neural Network
Authors: Gameel Mohamed Sameh , El-Geziry Khairy
Published: October 2016

This paper aims to investigate the best scenario to predict financial distress in the Egyptian stock market using a neural network model. The sample consists of 37 company listed on the EGX100. The sample period is eight years from 2001 to 2008, so we can isolate the effects of global financial Depression in the end of 2008, and the effect of economic instability, which coincided with the Egyptian revolution in 2011 tell now. The results show evidence that the best scenario for predicting distress in Egypt is that the company will be distressed if there is a decreasing in liquidity, decreasing in generating cash from sales with increasing in financial leverage.
Factors Affecting ODA Project Performance: The Case of Urban Railway Projects in Vietnam
Authors: Nam Tran Dinh , Duc Dang Ngoc , Duy Nguyen Van
Published: October 2016

This research aimed to develop and varify a model assessing factors affecting ODA project performance. The research adopted qualitative methods (one-on-one discussion, group discussion, 2-round expert network interview) to develop models and used quantitative methods (Cronbach Alpha test, EFA, CFA, and SEM) to varify the model. Research findings from 212 officers and staffs involved in urban railway projects in Vietnam showed that three factors among six factors that directly affected project performance were (1) management capacity; (2) adaptability and (3) financial capacity. Factors such as organization ability and risk management did not show an obvious influence on project performance.
Foreign Direct Investment, Economic Freedom and Economic Growth: Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: Hossain Md. Shakib
Published: October 2016

This paper has explores the interplay between economic freedom, foreign direct investment and economic growth using panel data analysis for a sample of 79 developing countries from 1998 to 2014 by considering the level of economic freedom, as provided by the “Heritage Foundation”. Panel unit root, pedroni residual co-integration test, generalized least square (GLS), feasible GLS (FGLS), pooled OLS, random effect, fixed effect, poisson regression, prais-winsten, generalized method of movement (GMM) and generalized estimating equation (GEE) methods have used to estimates the relationship. According to the OLS and generalized method of movement the coefficient implies that a one standard deviation improvement in business freedom, trade freedom, size, investment freedom, property rights, freedom from corruption, labor freedom, financial freedom, fiscal freedom, monetary freedom increases FDI by 21.4%, 15.6%, 21.6%, 17.5%, 11.55, 9.1%, 6.9%, 8.5%, 7.4%, 10.3% and 56.1%, 45.3%, 58.3%, 51.6%, 33.7%, 39.2%, 47.4%, 41.6%, 32.5%, 38.5% points respectively and  for the economic variable ,the coefficient implies that a one standard deviation improvement in GDPG and GDPPC increases FDI by 24.1%, 17.4% and 30.2%, 33.4% points respectively. By using the other method like random effect, fixed effect, poisson regression, prais-winsten and generalized estimating equation (GEE) method explores that economic freedom in the host country is a positive determinants of FDI inflows in developing countries and also the result suggests that foreign direct investment is positively correlated with the economic growth in the host countries.
The article has been withdrawn
Authors: Zhang Michael
Published: October 2016

The article has been withdrawn
Optimization of Time-Varying Electricity Rates
Authors: Mays Jacob , Klabjan Diego
Published: October 2016

Current consensus holds that 1) passing through wholesale electricity clearing prices to end-use consumers will produce maximal efficiency gains and 2) simpler forms of time-varying retail rates will capture only a small portion of potential benefits. We show that neither holds in the presence of capacity costs typical in U.S. wholesale markets. Using an optimization model describing the short-term problem faced by an electricity retailer, we find hourly prices that optimally pass through capacity costs. We estimate benefits for a retailer using these prices as well as optimal configurations of a number of time-varying rate structures. Testing a range of realistic assumptions, we find that in the absence of a well-designed demand charge, passing through clearing prices may miss up to three quarters of the benefits possible from optimal hourly prices. By contrast, a simpler critical peak pricing structure enables retailers to achieve approximately two-thirds of the total possible benefits.
Identification and reconstitution of the rubber biosynthetic machinery on rubber particles from Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Yamashita Satoshi , Yamaguchi Haruhiko , Waki Toshiyuki , Aoki Yuichi , Mizuno Makie , Yanbe Fumihiro , Ishii Tomoki , Funaki Ayuta , Tozawa Yuzuru , Miyagi-Inoue Yukino , Fushihara Kazuhisa , Nakayama Toru , Takahashi Seiji
Published: October 2016

Natural rubber (NR) is stored in latex as rubber particles (RPs), rubber molecules surrounded by a lipid monolayer. Rubber transferase (RTase), the enzyme responsible for NR biosynthesis, is believed to be a member of the cis-prenyltransferase (cPT) family. However, none of the recombinant cPTs have shown RTase activity independently. We show that HRT1, a cPT from Heveabrasiliensis, exhibits distinct RTase activity in vitro only when it is introduced on detergent-washed HeveaRPs (WRPs) by a cell-free translation-coupled system. Using this system, a heterologous cPT from Lactucasativa also exhibited RTase activity, indicating proper introduction of cPT on RP is the key to reconstitute active RTase. RP proteomics and interaction network analyses revealed the formation of the protein complex consisting of HRT1, rubber elongation factor (REF) and HRT1-REF BRIDGING PROTEIN. The RTase activity enhancement observed for the complex assembled on WRPs indicates the HRT1-containing complex functions as the NR biosynthetic machinery.
Does International Student Exchange Contribute to Educating Teachers We Need in a Multicultural Society?
Authors: Berg Vera
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this article is to present a study of some student teachers’ outcome of their international exchange, focusing on multiculturalism and the students’ intercultural education. The article is based on a quantitative study over three academic years. The study is a survey of the students’ knowledge, thoughts, and feelings before and after their stay abroad. Most of the answers to the questions in the survey are consistent from one year to the next, and there is no significant difference from one country to another. Consequently, the results may apply to any teacher-training institution. According to the data from the study, the benefits derived from student exchange are numerous and contribute to forming the teachers we need in a multicultural society.