bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multitrace impedance inversion with lateral constraints
Authors: Hamid Haitham , Pidlisecky Adam
Published: August 2015

We have developed a lateral constraint to the inversion of 1D seismic impedance models to suppress the effect of data noise and improve the fidelity of formation boundaries in 2D models for situations with dips of less than 20°. Typical inversion frameworks rely on a 1D forward model with each 1D trace being inverted independently. Adjacent inversion models are combined together to form a 2D impedance model. Adding a lateral constraint improves the fidelity of the 2D impedance models while retaining much of the advantage of the low-computational cost associated with typical 1D inversion schemes. Solving the 1D lateral constraint inversion (1D-LCI) problem involves the simultaneous inversion of multiple 1D traces producing layered sections with lateral smoothed transition. In addition to enforcing lateral continuity in the inversion model, this algorithm allows for the inclusion of a priori knowledge from boreholes. We determined the effectiveness of this algorithm on two synthetic models, as well as a field seismic data set. One-dimensional-LCI inversion results produced well-defined horizontal boundaries, while suppressing noise.
Rare Tumors in Children: Progress Through Collaboration
Authors: Pappo Alberto S. , Furman Wayne L. , Schultz Kris A. , Ferrari Andrea , Helman Lee , Krailo Mark D.
Published: August 2015

Rare pediatric tumors account for approximately 10% of all childhood cancers, which in themselves are a rare entity. The diverse histologies and clinical behaviors of rare pediatric tumors pose challenges to the investigation of their biologic and clinical features. National and international cooperative groups such as the Rare Tumor Committee of the Children's Oncology Group, Rare Tumors in Pediatric Age Project, and European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors have developed several initiatives to advance knowledge about rare pediatric cancers. However, these programs have been only partially effective, necessitating the development of alternative mechanisms to study these challenging diseases. In this article, we review the current national and international collaborative strategies to study rare pediatric cancers and alternative methods under exploration to enhance those efforts, such as independent registries and disease-specific, National Cancer Institute–sponsored clinics.
Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Mauz-Körholz Christine , Metzger Monika L. , Kelly Kara M. , Schwartz Cindy L. , Castellanos Mauricio E. , Dieckmann Karin , Kluge Regine , Körholz Dieter
Published: August 2015

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is one of the most curable pediatric and adult cancers, with long-term survival rates now exceeding 90% after treatment with chemotherapy alone or combined with radiotherapy (RT). Of note, global collaboration in clinical trials within cooperative pediatric HL study groups has resulted in continued progress; however, survivors of pediatric HL are at high risk of potentially life-limiting second cancers and treatment-associated cardiovascular disease. Over the last three decades, all major pediatric and several adult HL study groups have followed the paradigm of response-based treatment adaptation and toxicity sparing through the reduction or elimination of RT and tailoring of chemotherapy. High treatment efficacy is achieved using dose-dense chemotherapy. Refinement and reduction of RT have been implemented on the basis of results from collaborative group studies, such that radiation has been completely eliminated for certain subgroups of patients. Because pediatric staging and response criteria are not uniform, comparing the results of trial series among different pediatric and adult study groups remains difficult; thus, initiatives to harmonize criteria are desperately needed. A dynamic harmonization process is of utmost importance to standardize therapeutic risk stratification and response definitions as well as improve the care of children with HL in resource-restricted environments.
Randomized Trial of Lenalidomide Alone Versus Lenalidomide Plus Rituximab in Patients With Recurrent Follicular Lymphoma: CALGB 50401 (Alliance)
Authors: Leonard John P. , Jung Sin-Ho , Johnson Jeffrey , Pitcher Brandelyn N. , Bartlett Nancy L. , Blum Kristie A. , Czuczman Myron , Giguere Jeffrey K. , Cheson Bruce D.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Lenalidomide and rituximab (LR) are active agents in follicular lymphoma (FL). Combination regimens have not been previously assessed in randomized studies.

Patients and Methods

The Cancer and Leukemia Group B (Alliance) 50401 trial is a randomized phase II trial studying rituximab (375 mg/m2weekly for 4 weeks), lenalidomide (15 mg per day on days 1 to 21, followed by 7 days of rest, in cycle 1 and then 20 mg per day on days 1 to 21, followed by 7 days of rest, in cycles 2 to 12), or LR. The rituximab-alone arm was discontinued as a result of poor accrual. Eligibility included recurrent FL and prior rituximab with time to progression of ≥ 6 months from last dose. Aspirin or heparin was recommended for patients at high thrombosis risk.

Results

Ninety-one patients (lenalidomide, n = 45; LR, n = 46) received treatment; median age was 63 years (range, 34 to 89 years), and 58% were intermediate or high risk according to the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index. In the lenalidomide and LR arms, grade 3 to 4 adverse events occurred in 58% and 53% of patients, with 9% and 11% of patients experiencing grade 4 toxicity, respectively; grade 3 to 4 adverse events included neutropenia (16% v 20%, respectively), fatigue (9% v 13%, respectively), and thrombosis (16% [n = 7] v 4% [n = 2], respectively; P = .157). Thirty-six percent of lenalidomide patients and 63% of LR patients completed 12 cycles. Lenalidomide alone was associated with more treatment failures, with 22% of patients discontinuing treatment as a result of adverse events. Dose-intensity exceeded 80% in both arms. Overall response rate was 53% (20% complete response) and 76% (39% complete response) for lenalidomide alone and LR, respectively (P = .029). At the median follow-up of 2.5 years, median time to progression was 1.1 year for lenalidomide alone and 2 years for LR (P = .0023).

Conclusion

LR is more active than lenalidomide alone in recurrent FL with similar toxicity, warranting further study in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma as a platform for addition of novel agents.
Epidemiology and Clinical Significance of Secondary and Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A National Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Granfeldt Østgård Lene Sofie , Medeiros Bruno C. , Sengeløv Henrik , Nørgaard Mette , Andersen Mette Klarskov , Dufva Inge Høgh , Friis Lone Smidstrup , Kjeldsen Eigil , Marcher Claus Werenberg , Preiss Birgitte , Severinsen Marianne , Nørgaard Jan Maxwell
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Secondary and therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (sAML and tAML, respectively) remain therapeutic challenges. Still, it is unclear whether their inferior outcome compared with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) varies as a result of previous hematologic disease or can be explained by differences in karyotype and/or age.

Patients and Methods

In a Danish national population-based study of 3,055 unselected patients with AML diagnosed from 2000 to 2013, we compared the frequencies and characteristics of tAML, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) -sAML, and non-MDS-sAML (chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and myeloproliferative neoplasia) versus de novo AML. Limited to intensive therapy patients, we compared chance of complete remission by logistic regression analysis and used a pseudo-value approach to compare relative risk (RR) of death at 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years, overall and stratified by age and karyotype. Results were given crude and adjusted with 95% CIs.

Results

Overall, frequencies of sAML and tAML were 19.8% and 6.6%, respectively. sAML, but not tAML, was associated with low likelihood of receiving intensive treatment. Among intensive therapy patients (n = 1,567), antecedent myeloid disorder or prior cytotoxic exposure was associated with decreased complete remission rates and inferior survival (3-year adjusted RR for MDS-sAML, non-MDS-sAML, and tAML: RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.32; RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.34; and RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.32, respectively) compared with de novo AML. Among patients ≥ 60 years old and patients with adverse karyotype, previous MDS or tAML did not impact overall outcomes, whereas non-MDS-sAML was associated with inferior survival across age and cytogenetic risk groups (adverse risk cytogenetics: 1-year adjusted RR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.76; patients ≥ 60 years old: 1-year adjusted RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.61).

Conclusion

Our results support that de novo AML, sAML, and tAML are biologically and prognostically distinct subtypes of AML. Patients with non-MDS-sAML have dismal outcomes, independent of age and cytogenetics. Previous myeloid disorder, age, and cytogenetics are crucial determinants of outcomes and should be integrated in treatment recommendations for these patients.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Regorafenib for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Goldstein Daniel A. , Ahmad Bilal B. , Chen Qiushi , Ayer Turgay , Howard David H. , Lipscomb Joseph , El-Rayes Bassel F. , Flowers Christopher R.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Regorafenib is a standard-care option for treatment-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer that increases median overall survival by 6 weeks compared with placebo. Given this small incremental clinical benefit, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of regorafenib in the third-line setting for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer from the US payer perspective.

Methods

We developed a Markov model to compare the cost and effectiveness of regorafenib with those of placebo in the third-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Health outcomes were measured in life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Drug costs were based on Medicare reimbursement rates in 2014. Model robustness was addressed in univariable and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

Regorafenib provided an additional 0.04 QALYs (0.13 life-years) at a cost of $40,000, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $900,000 per QALY. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for regorafenib was > $550,000 per QALY in all of our univariable and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Regorafenib provides minimal incremental benefit at high incremental cost per QALY in the third-line management of metastatic colorectal cancer. The cost-effectiveness of regorafenib could be improved by the use of value-based pricing.
Mitotane Inhibits Sterol-O-Acyl Transferase 1 Triggering Lipid-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Sbiera Silviu , Leich Ellen , Liebisch Gerhard , Sbiera Iuliu , Schirbel Andreas , Wiemer Laura , Matysik Silke , Eckhardt Carolin , Gardill Felix , Gehl Annemarie , Kendl Sabine , Weigand Isabel , Bala Margarita , Ronchi Cristina L. , Deutschbein Timo , Schmitz Gerd , Rosenwald Andreas , Allolio Bruno , Fassnacht Martin , Kroiss Matthias
Published: August 2015

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy that harbors a dismal prognosis in advanced stages. Mitotane is approved as an orphan drug for treatment of ACC and counteracts tumor growth and steroid hormone production. Despite serious adverse effects, mitotane has been clinically used for decades. Elucidation of its unknown molecular mechanism of action seems essential to develop better ACC therapies. Here, we set out to identify the molecular target of mitotane and altered downstream mechanisms by combining expression genomics and mass spectrometry technology in the NCI-H295 ACC model cell line. Pathway analyses of expression genomics data demonstrated activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and profound alteration of lipid-related genes caused by mitotane treatment. ER stress marker CHOP was strongly induced and the two upstream ER stress signalling events XBP1-mRNA splicing and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 A (eIF2α) phosphorylation were activated by mitotane in NCI-H295 cells but to a much lesser extent in four nonsteroidogenic cell lines. Lipid mass spectrometry revealed mitotane-induced increase of free cholesterol, oxysterols, and fatty acids specifically in NCI-H295 cells as cause of ER stress. We demonstrate that mitotane is an inhibitor of sterol-O-acyl-transferase 1 (SOAT1) leading to accumulation of these toxic lipids. In ACC tissue samples we show variable SOAT1 expression correlating with the response to mitotane treatment. In conclusion, mitotane confers adrenal-specific cytotoxicity and down-regulates steroidogenesis by inhibition of SOAT1 leading to lipid-induced ER stress. Targeting of cancer-specific lipid metabolism opens new avenues for treatment of ACC and potentially other types of cancer.
The NK3 Receptor Antagonist ESN364 Interrupts Pulsatile LH Secretion and Moderates Levels of Ovarian Hormones Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Fraser Graeme L. , Hoveyda Hamid R. , Clarke Iain J. , Ramaswamy Suresh , Plant Tony M. , Rose Claudia , Millar Robert P.
Published: August 2015

Women’s health disorders such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis are currently treated by GnRH modulators that effectively suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The neurokinin-3 receptor (NK3R) is an alternative target with an important role in the modulation of this axis. In this report, we demonstrate that systemic administration of an NK3R antagonist (ESN364) prolongs the LH interpulse interval in ovarectomized ewes and significantly lowers plasma LH and FSH concentrations in castrated nonhuman primates (Macaca fascicularis). Moreover, daily oral dosing of ESN364 throughout the menstrual cycle in M fascicularis lowered plasma estradiol levels in a dose-dependent manner, although nadir levels of estradiol were maintained well above menopausal levels. Nevertheless, estradiol levels during the follicular phase were sufficiently inhibited at all doses to preclude the triggering of ovulation as evidenced by the absence of the LH surge and failure of a subsequent luteal phase rise in plasma progesterone concentrations, consistent with the absence of normal cycle changes in the uterus. Apart from the point at surge, FSH levels were not altered over the course of the menstrual cycle. These effects of ESN364 were reversible upon cessation of drug treatment. Together these data support the proposed role of neurokinin B-NK3R signaling in the control of pulsatile GnRH secretion. Furthermore, in contrast to GnRH antagonists, NK3R antagonists induce a partial suppression of estradiol and thereby offer a viable therapeutic approach to the treatment of ovarian sex hormone disorders with a mitigated risk of menopausal-like adverse events in response to long-term drug exposure.
A Case for Conservative Management: Characterizing the Natural History of Radiographically Diagnosed Rathke Cleft Cysts
Authors: Culver Silas A. , Grober Yuval , Ornan David A. , Patrie James T. , Oldfield Edward H. , Jane John A. , Thorner Michael O.
Published: August 2015

Context:

Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign embryonic remnants of the Rathke's pouch found in 13% to 33% of the general population. When symptomatic, they manifest themselves by compressing adjacent structures, causing pressure effects such as headache, visual disturbance, or pituitary hormone deficits. Most RCCs are asymptomatic, and their management remains controversial. Surgical resection has generally been indicated to treat symptomatic RCCs but carries the risk of complications.

Objective:

Our objective was to better characterize the outcomes for patients with presumed RCCs undergoing conservative management.

Design:

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

The setting was a pituitary program at a university medical center.

Participants:

The participants were 75 patients with radiographically diagnosed RCCs.

Methods:

All brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed at the University of Virginia from 2006 through 2013 were searched for the words “Rathke cleft cyst,” and pituitary clinic notes from 2007 to 2012 were reviewed for patients identified as probably having an RCC. Images for all patients were reviewed by the interpreting neuroradiologist, and those patients with at least 2 MRI scans were included. The dimensions of each cyst were assessed by the same neuroradiologist, and the volume of each cyst was analyzed as a function of the time from the first image obtained.

Results:

A total of 75 patients (4–76 years old) met our inclusion criteria. The length of follow-up was 1 to 126 months (median 24 months). In 43 patients (57%) no detectable change in the size of their cysts was seen, in 21 patients (28%) cysts increased in size, and in 11 patients (15%) cysts decreased in size. The predicted mean cyst growth rate was not significantly different from 0.

Conclusion:

The increasingly prevalent use of brain imaging modalities such as MRI has resulted in an increase in the incidental discovery of pituitary lesions. Our study demonstrates that the majority of radiologically diagnosed RCCs remain unchanged or decrease in size over time. These results suggest that, in the absence of pressure symptoms, it is reasonable to manage patients with RCCs conservatively.
A Two-Step Approach for Structural Damage Localization and Quantification Using Static and Dynamic Response Data
Authors: Zhu J.J. , Li H. , Lu Z.R. , Liu J.K.
Published: August 2015

A two-step approach based on coupled static and dynamic structural responses is proposed for local damage identification in this study. Firstly the suspicious damaged elements are predicted by calculating the residual force vector which is derived from the equation of static equilibrium. As the suspicious damaged elements are determined, a response sensitivity based model updating method is applied to quantify the damage extents. The proposed method is verified with both single and multiple damages identification from several numerical simulations. Local damages can be identified successfully from the proposed method and the damage extents are in good agreement with the true values. The results of the simulation also show that the proposed method is insensitive to the artificial measurement noise.
Universal Equivalent Static Wind Loads of Fluctuating Wind Loads on Large-Span Roofs Based on POD Compensation
Authors: Sun Wuyi , Gu Ming , Zhou Xuanyi
Published: August 2015

Based on an existing equivalent static wind loads (ESWLs) method, this paper, with the help of POD compensation, presents a compensated ESWLs method of fluctuating wind loads on large-span roofs, which lowers the possible considerable errors produced in the existing method for those given target responses (TRs). In the two methods, TRs and POD modes of fluctuating wind loads on the structure based on the wind tunnel test are firstly computed. The uncompensated ESWLs and their approximate ESWLs-induced responses caused by the existing method are acquired. In the compensated ESWLs method, the response differences between TRs and ESWLs-induced responses in the existing method are used as the compensated values of TRs. According to the compensated values, the compensated POD mode and corresponding compensated contribution factor are constructed and respectively inserted to POD mode matrix and contribution factor vector in the existing method, which form a new POD mode matrix and a new contribution factor vector. The modified ESWLs distribution is then expressed by the product of above new matrix and new vector. The compensated ESWLs method is finally applied to an actual complex large-span roof. The computational results demonstrate that the compensated ESWLs method has the merits of clear physical meaning, simple computational principles and high computational accuracy, and it maybe meets the needs of the engineering designs if TRs are determined more reasonably.
Sem aviso prévio
Authors: Crespi Kelly Menezes , Luchesi Juliana Raquel de Souza , Roesch Sylvia Maria Azevedo , Olea Pelayo Munhoz
Published: August 2015

O procedimento de demissão de um colaborador é delicado e cheio de singularidades: cada indivíduo tem a sua forma de agir e reagir. O caso relata como aconteceu a demissão do Sr. Ricardo da Silva Borges, e o impacto que ela exerceu na equipe de funcionários do departamento de TI da empresa Princesas Calçados Ltda. A utilização do caso é indicada para as disciplinas de Comportamento Organizacional, Gestão de Pessoas, Recursos Humanos e Fundamentos de Coaching.
Lasso, o dilema da estratégia de crescimento
Authors: Mendes Gabriel Aguiar , Leitão Fernanda Gomes , Façanha Karine Forte , Forte Sérgio Henrique Arruda Cavalcante
Published: August 2015

Uma empresa do ramo de vestuário intimo se confronta com o seguinte questionamento: implantar um canal de vendas virtual como estratégia de crescimento, ou crescer no mercado tradicional?O propósito do caso é mostrar aos alunos o quanto é importante para um varejista, na atualidade, ter estratégias bem definidas de crescimento, bem como a importância dos canais de venda nessa estratégia.DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c3http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c3
Gozzipi: empresa familiar frente ao mundo globalizado
Authors: Frey Eduardo Henrique , Braz Paulo Henrique da Cruz , Cruz Marcia Rohr , Olea Pelayo Munhoz , Frey Marlete Vargas , Camargo Maria Emilia
Published: August 2015

Vender ou resistir: que estratégia pode adotar uma tradicional empresa familiar diante do assédio de uma multinacional? O caso discute a estratégia de duas empresas que competem no mesmo mercado, uma familiar e outra multinacional. O conteúdo explora a visão estratégica de cada uma delas e mostra a história da empresa familiar e o dilema de manter-se ou ceder ao assédio da empresa multinacional na disputa pelo mercado. DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c5http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c5
Instituto Anglicano: desafios para o desenvolvimento e a expansão da organização da sociedade civil
Authors: Chagas Gabriela Arenzano , Gomiero Guilherme Porto , Carvalho Luiza Gottschalk
Published: August 2015

O Instituto Anglicano sempre buscou  apoio da rede ne pessoas e empresas ligadas à Igreja Anglicana, bem como no governo municipal. Para a expansão da capacidade de atendimento, o desafio é buscar outras alternativas sustentáveis de financiamento e parcerias. O caso é dirigido a estudantes dos cursos de Administração de Empresas, Administração Pública, Gestão Social e Serviço Social, em disciplinas que buscam se aprofundar em questões da expansão do impacto social das organizações da sociedade civil e dos negócios sociais.DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c7http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c7
Casa de Banho e o desafio da responsabilidade social em micro e pequenas empresas (Notas de Ensino)
Authors: Nogueira Fernando do Amaral , Costa Cristina de Miranda
Published: August 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n2http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n2
Implantação de sistemas empresariais: um caso de resiliência ou teimosia? (Notas de Ensino)
Authors: Franco Eduardo Ferreira
Published: August 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n6http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n6
Rapid assessment of iron in blood plasma and serum by spectrophotometry with cloud-point extraction
Authors: Samarina Tatyana , Proskurnin Mikhail
Published: August 2015

Rapid photometric assessment of iron in blood plasma and serum by a simple procedure after the extraction of iron(II) complex with 1-nitroso-2-naphthol in the micellar phase of a nonionic surfactant at the cloud point upon heating (pH range is 4.5–6.3) is proposed. The procedure trueness was verified using a standard reference protocol using bathophenanthroline. The advantages of the procedure are higher sensitivity than the reference protocol: the limit of detection is 0.03 μg/mL, the limit of quantitation is 0.1 μg/mL, the determination range is 0.1 – 2.8 μg/mL (RSD 0.02–0.10). Copper does not interfere with the iron assessment.
Hypersequent Calculi for S5: The Methods of Cut Elimination
Authors: Bednarska Kaja , Indrzejczak Andrzej
Published: August 2015

S5 is one of the most important modal logic with nice syntactic, semantic and algebraic properties. In spite of that, a successful (i.e. cut-free) formalization of S5 on the ground of standard sequent calculus (SC) was problematic and led to the invention of numerous nonstandard, generalized forms of SC. One of the most interesting framework which was very often used for this aim is that of hypersequent calculi (HC). The paper is a survey of HC for S5 proposed by Pottinger, Avron, Restall, Poggiolesi, Lahav and Kurokawa. We are particularly interested in examining different methods which were used for proving the eliminability/admissibility of cut in these systems and present our own variant of a system which admits relatively simple proof of cut elimination.
Pollution: The lungs and beyond
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: August 2015

Pollution is one of the most detrimental factors to public health, writes Mark Greener
An overview of the applications of furfural and its derivatives
Authors: Eseyin Anthonia, E. , Steele Philip,  H.
Published: August 2015

Recently, furfural, â€œthe sleeping beauty bio-renewable chemicalâ€ has gained a renewed attention as a potential chemical for the production of biofuels and biochemicals. Furfural is the most commonly produced industrial chemical because its production is very flexible. It is one of the top value-added chemicals that can be produced from biomass. Furfural and its derivatives have been extensively used in plastics, pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Furfural is a natural precursor to a range of furan-based chemicals and solvents such as dihydropyran, methyltetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, methylfuranfurfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and furoic acid. Furfural and its derivatives have been widely applied as fungicides and nematicides, transportation fuels, gasoline additives, lubricants, resins, decolorizing agents, jet fuel blend stocks, drugs, insecticides, bio-plastics, flavor enhancers for food and drinks, rapid all-weather repair system for bomb-damaged runways and pot holes and also for wood modification and book preservation.
Sentimientos morales, educomunicación y nuevas ciudadanías en el Colectivo Caminos de Paz
Authors: Bernal Cortés Andrea Alexandra , Correa Wendy Johanna
Published: August 2015

La presente investigación buscó comprender las nuevas formas de ciudadanía que se construyen a través de la expresión de sentimientos morales en el contexto de las prácticas educomunicativas que desarrollan estudiantes víctimas y no víctimas del conflicto armado, pertenecientes al Colectivo Caminos de Paz del I.E.D. Antonio García de Ciudad Bolívar. Como referentes teóricos y categorías de análisis, se tomaron en cuenta los Sentimientos Morales, la Educomunicación y la Ciudadanía. Se adoptó el enfoque de investigación cualitativo y el método biográfico narrativo. El resultado más importante fue el reconocimiento del Colectivo como un espacio en el que se gestan nuevas formas de ciudadanía a través de diferentes prácticas educomunicativas. Así, se concluyó que los sentimientos morales, como móviles de la acción, son herramientas que contribuyen a la generación de nuevas ciudadanías, a través de valores democráticos que se instauran en la cultura escolar dentro de las prácticas educomunicativas desarrolladas por el Colectivo. 
Análisis de la coherencia entre la política nacional de educación inicial y el currículo operativo en primera infancia
Authors: Castro-Martínez Jaime Alberto
Published: August 2015

Partiendo del postulado sobre el tema de la educación inicial que propone Colombia, mediante el decreto 057 de 2009 para la atención de los niños y niñas en su primera infancia, la presente investigación surge con el interés de evidenciar, en lo curricular, la apropiación que hacen dos colegios de las actividades propuestas en la política pública para educación en el grado de transición. Se realizó un estudio de tipo cualitativo, de corte exploratorio, y el análisis se realizó a través de 5 categorías: rol del docente, planeación, intencionalidad, interacción y recursos. Se encontró que las cinco actividades se ven evidenciadas en el currículo operativo de las dos instituciones, pero se encontraron ciertas diferencias, especialmente en la categoría de intencionalidad y en la de planeación.
Credit channel and capital flows: a macroprudential policy tool? Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Varlik Serdar , Berument M. Hakan
Published: August 2015

Rapid credit growth induced by sudden capital inflows may negatively affect a country’s economic performance, with the resulting outflows turning into a financial crisis. The purpose of this study is to determine whether controlling the credit channel of monetary policy could be used as a macroprudential tool to suppress the effects of sudden capital inflows on economic performance for small open economies like Turkey. In this paper, using the Vector Autoregression methodology employed by (Bernanke, S. B., M. Gertler, and M. Watson. 1997. “Systematic Monetary Policy and the Effects of Oil Price Shocks.”
Demographic Security Trends in Southeastern Europe
Authors: Malnar Dario , Malnar Ana
Published: August 2015

Over the past three decades we have witnessed an evolution of the concept of security in general and of demographic security as a specific field of security studies. The approach to security has been changing both in regards to a widening of subjects and referent objects of security, and a widening of the security domain. Consideration of the demographic component in the security sphere has evolved in accordance with this development; the scope of perspectives through which demographic security is viewed and defined has expanded - the population composition, population dynamics and human capital paradigm. Aspects of demographics and security are in continuous interaction and interdependence which significantly determines demographic security and national security. The aim of this paper is to establish a specific link between demographic security and security in ten post-socialist countries of South Eastern Europe (SEE). In accordance with this aim, an analysis has been made of the compositional elements and population dynamics in order to determine demographic security of the observed states. The analysis indicates unfavourable demographic security, and negative demographic composition and dynamics in most of observed states, which suggests that demographic security will have a continuing negative impact on the security of the countries analysed and the region as a whole.
China’s Global Order: a New Paradigm in South to South Relations
Authors: Contipelli Ernani , Picciau Simona
Published: August 2015

This article analyses the evolution of Chinese political foreign policy and its strategy in approaching developing and less developed nations. In this context, the relationship between China and Latin America appears to reveal the practice of the Beijing Consensus when considering their interests: China needs natural resources and new markets for its products, and Latin America needs financial aid and loans to develop its infrastructure and provide social programmes. The absence of the US in the region and the rise of political movements denouncing the American imperialism of the Washington Consensus are all factors that contribute to the expansion of Chinese influence. All these considerations allow a discussion concerning the new role of China in developing countries as an expression of a new emerging order in which China is assuming an important role.
The advanced lipoxidation end product precursor malondialdehyde induces IL-17E expression and skews lymphocytes to the Th17 subset
Authors: Natarajan Kartiga , Mathialagan Gokila Devi , Raghavan Somasundaram , Shanmugam Narkunaraja
Published: August 2015

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a highly reactive endogenous product of thromboxane synthesis in the prostagland and lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species. Elevated MDA levels occur in diabetes and atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular mechanisms of MDA-induced IL-17E cytokine expression and its effect on T-cell differentiation. Real-time PCR, RT-PCR and ELISA were used to assess the expression of IL-17 family cytokines in Jurkat T-cells and human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLCs) from diabetic subjects. Luciferase reporter assays were used for the promoter activation study. Pharmacological inhibitors were used for signaling pathway experiments. FACS analyses were used to measure the Th1, Th2 and Th17 subset levels. MDA induced significant (2- to 3-fold; p < 0.01) generation of IL-17E mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner in Jurkat T-cells and PBLCs. Elevated IL-17E mRNA levels were found in the lymphocytes from diabetic subjects. The increased IL-17E protein and mRNA levels correlate well with serum MDA levels from diabetic patients. Transient transfection of plasmid containing the minimum IL-17E promoter region (pIL-17E-Luc) showed a significant (2-fold; p < 0.01) increase in luciferase activity. Pretreatment of lymphocytes with pharmacological inhibitors showed the involvement of antioxidant, NF-ƙB, p38MAPK, PKC and ERK signaling pathways. Quantification of the Th1, Th2 and Th17 cell population in PBLCs via FACS analyses revealed an increase in the Th17 subset. These results show that MDA transcriptionally upregulates the expression of IL-17E in lymphocytes and alters lymphocyte differentiation towards the pathogenic Th17 subset.
On Existence of Solutions of Impulsive Nonlinear Functional Neutral Integro-Differential Equations With Nonlocal Condition
Authors: Jain Rupali S. , Dhakne M. B.
Published: August 2015

In the present paper, we investigate the existence, uniqueness and continuous dependence of mild solutions of an impulsive neutral integro-differential equations with nonlocal condition in Banach spaces. We use Banach contraction principle and the theory of fractional power of operators to obtain our results.
On a class of strongly asymmetric PKA algorithms
Authors: Accardi Luigi , Regoli Massimo
Published: August 2015

In the papers
[New features for public key exchange algorithms,
in: 18-th International ICWG Meeting (Krakow 2011)], [Strongly asymmetric PKD cryptographic algorithms: An implementation using the matrix model, in: Proceedings ISEC Conference (Shizuoka 2011)]
a new scheme to produce public key agreement (PKA) algorithms was proposed
and some examples based on polynomials (toy models) were discussed.
In the present paper we introduce a non-commutative realization
of the above mentioned scheme and prove that non-commutativity can be
an essential ingredient of security in the sense that, in the class of
algorithms constructed, under some commutativity assumptions on the
matrices involved, we can find a breaking strategy, but dropping these
assumptions we can not, even if we assume, as we do in all the attacks
discussed in the present paper, that discrete logarithms have zero cost.
Effect of antenatal betamethasone administration on Doppler velocimetry of fetal and uteroplacental vessels: a prospective study
Authors: Ekin Atalay , Gezer Cenk , Solmaz Ulas , Taner Cuneyt Eftal , Ozeren Mehmet , Dogan Askin , Uyar Ibrahim
Published: August 2015

To examine the effect of antenatal betamethasone administration on Doppler parameters of fetal and uteroplacental circulation.

Seventy-six singleton pregnancies that received betamethasone therapy were prospectively evaluated. Doppler measurements of pulsatility indices (PI) in fetal umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), ductus venosus and maternal uterine arteries were performed before (0 h) and 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after the first dose of betamethasone. Women with positive end-diastolic flow (EDF) in UA and those with absent or reversed EDF in UA were evaluated separately.

Fifty-two women with EDF in UA and 24 women with absent or reversed flow in UA were examined. Administration of maternal betamethasone was followed by a significant decrease in the PI of the MCA at 24 h (P<0.05). Additionally, return of absent to positive, reversed to absent or from reversed to positive diastolic flow in UA was detected within 24 h in 19 (79.2%) fetuses with absent or reversed UA-EDF. All alterations were transient and maintained up to 72 h.

Antenatal administration of betamethasone is associated with significant but transient changes in the fetal blood flow. Hence, intensive surveillance of fetuses with Doppler ultrasonography is warranted following betamethasone therapy.
Evolutionary Algorithm for Minmax Regret Flow-Shop Problem
Authors: Ćwik Michał , Józefczyk Jerzy
Published: August 2015

The uncertain flow-shop is considered. It is assumed that processing times are not given a priori, but they belong to intervals of known bounds. The absolute regret (regret) is used to evaluate a solution (a schedule) which gives the minmax regret binary optimization problem. The evolutionary heuristic solution algorithm is experimentally compared with a simple middle interval heuristic algorithm for three machines instances. The conducted simulations confirmed the several percent advantage of the evolutionary approach.
Life Cycle Analysis of Tissue Paper Manufacturing From Virgin Pulp or Recycled Waste Paper
Authors: Masternak-Janus Aneta , Rybaczewska-Błażejowska Magdalena
Published: August 2015

The aim of this work is to compare the environmental impacts of two production processes of tissue paper using virgin pulp (virgin fiber) or waste paper pulp (recycled fiber). This comparison is based on the materials and energy used as well as emissions and waste resulting from the production of tissue paper. Life cycle assessment (LCA), ReCiPe method, was chosen as the analysis tool. The results of the research proved that electricity has the most considerable participation in the overall environmental impacts in both production processes, followed by either virgin pulp or heat. Consequently, these two production processes are the greatest contributors to the following midpoint environmental impact categories: human toxicity, climate change, human health and ecosystems, and fossil depletion. The analysis based on endpoint impact categories proved that the production process based on waste paper is more environmentally friendly than the one based on virgin pulp in all impact categories: human health, ecosystems, resources. This is largely because of its lower material and energy requirements in the entire life cycle. Due to the fact that the tissue paper is the final use of fiber, using recycled waste paper is strongly recommended. The obtained research results are a valuable source of management information for the decision makers at both company and national levels required to improve the environmental performance of tissue paper production.
The Improvement of Kansei Engineering by Using the Repertory Grid Technique
Authors: Steinberg Falk , Tursch Philipp , Woll Ralf
Published: August 2015

A customer-oriented approach to product development with particular consideration of emotions is represented by Kansei Engineering. Developed by Mitsuo Nagamachi, Kansei Engineering is characterized by the possibility to capture customer perceptions and to translate them into product features. In order to assess these perceptions, a semantic space is generated. For this purpose it is necessary to identify Kansei words that are gathered up through research in marketing concepts, scientific journals and service reports. This procedure though displays the disadvantage of not being able to identify all emotions referring to the investigated product.

One way to improve the identification of Kansei words is Repertory Grid. The Repertory Grid technique makes it possible to gather unaltered perceptions through in-depth interviews from the direct interaction with customers. Thus, the interview phase of the Repertory Grid technique offers an improved approach to identify of Kansei words.
Euroscepticism: A Mobilising Appeal? Not for Everyone!
Authors: Gyárfášová Olga
Published: August 2015

This study examines the changing role of the EU agenda in Slovak politics. It identifies old and newly emerging faces of Euroscepticism and compares them with general theoretical concepts. Furthermore, it asks to what extent Eurosceptical appeals mobilised Slovak voters in the European Parliament (EP) elections of 2014 and whether Eurosceptical parties represent a meaningful electoral choice for voters. In the past, many analyses have provided evidence that the European agenda is not salient and the EU political arena is perceived as one where there is less at stake. Nevertheless, the economic crisis and so-called Greek bailout were followed by a rise in Euroscepticism and EU-criticism. In some EU countries, this enhanced voter mobilisation in the EP elections. In others – including Slovakia – we saw not only a significant decline in electoral turnout but relatively poor results for Eurosceptical parties as well. This study identifies the factors behind abstention and explores voting patterns in this specific second-order election in Slovakia. Moreover, it investigates how the parties are perceived in terms of their positions on EU integration and the potential impact on voter choices. I conclude that the EU agenda is still not the deciding factor for voters even in the case of EP elections. Eurosceptical appeals are less mobilising in this context, and the public sees no differences among parties’ stances on the EU.
Who needs patient satisfaction surveys? Perspectives of Polish doctors, nurses, and patients
Authors: Marcinowicz Ludmiła , Sierżantowicz Renata , Dudzik Agnieszka , Sawicka-Powierza Jolanta , Grajek Zbysław , Chlabicz Sławomir
Published: August 2015

Introduction. Patient satisfaction surveys are still popular tools for obtaining feedback on the quality of health care. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of data to indicate whether health care providers even want patients to assess the quality of care delivered. Neither it is certain whether patients are interested in participating in such surveys.

Aim. To present and compare the perspectives of doctors, nurses, and patients on the validity of health care customer satisfaction surveys.

Material and methods. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The questionnaires were administered to doctors, nurses and patients in three hospitals of different sizes (small, medium, and large), all in the north-east of Poland. Each sample group was given 200 questionnaires; responses were received from 95 doctors (47.5%), 190 nurses (95%), and 182 patients (91%), and included in the final analyses.

Results. Most respondents (doctors - 64.2%; nurses - 61.6%; patients - 87.4%) answered ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Do you think that patients should evaluate the quality of health care?’ Analysis of data allowed to identify the following main reasons why patients should evaluate the quality of health care: 1. to enhance the quality of care; 2. to recognise patients as evaluators; 3. to motivate providers to work more efficiently; and 4. to emphasise the impact of evaluation on a core value, i.e. health. Doctors and nurses outlined reasons why they did not advocate conducting patient satisfaction surveys: satisfaction surveys are redundant; negative evaluations; unwillingness to be evaluated by patients; satisfaction surveys hamper effective work with patients; surveys are not objective; survey results are not communicated to providers.

Conclusions. Patient satisfaction surveys are desirable tools for evaluating the quality of health care delivery despite the fact that they frequently raise concerns amongst providers and patients. There is, therefore, a definite need for providers to experience the benefits of measuring patient satisfaction. Another important practical implication is that patients need to be convinced that their opinions do matter and contribute to improving the quality of services.
Promoting Entrepreneurship in Romania: An Impact Study Within Recent Graduates of Economic Sciences
Authors: Budac Adriana-Camelia , Pentescu Alma
Published: August 2015

There are plenty of reasons into choosing entrepreneurship as opposed to employee`s status: the most frequent being the independence and the financial gain of the entrepreneur. Furthermore, it could even be assimilated as an alternative livelihood to lack of employment or risk of becoming unemployed. Promoting entrepreneurship through an entrepreneurial curricular plays a major role in acquiring the key individual skillset needed. The enterprising spirit of the new generation is impacted by entrepreneurial education, developing the can do attitude and enforces it`s role within economy and the society. The required skillset that allows entrepreneurs to transform ideas into action are: creativity, innovation and risk appetite as well as goal and project management. The hereby paper is a quantitative research of entrepreneurial intent within economic studies graduates and the impact of the Romanian entrepreneurial promotion initiatives on the aforementioned.
Consumer Behaviour in the Tourist Segmentation Process – a Marketing Research
Authors: Dumitrescu Luigi , Fuciu Mircea
Published: August 2015

The study of consumer behaviour has become in recent decades increasingly important. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand what processes are acting in the black box of consumers of tourism services before taking any marketing decision. This paper presents a marketing research that aims to identify key dimensions of consumers of tourism services. The marketing research is based on online questionnaire sent by a representative sample shows a number of answers about consumers' purchasing intentions, the main influences on consumer attitudes, motives in choosing the holiday package, the main sources of information accessed in the process of choosing the tourism services, etc.
Tobin Tax: Arguments and Current Derivative Studies
Authors: Ozekicioglu Seda
Published: August 2015

Tobin Tax and its derivative applications have started to be discussed again in many platforms as the issue regarding taxation of short-term capital movements has become an agenda among international communities such as European Union (EU) and G20 since the beginning of 2000s. In this study, Tobin Tax, which is the first significant step towards taxation of foreign currency transactions, has been discussed theoretically and considering its possible effects on application. Also, in this context, the initiatives of countries such as USA, Belgium, France and Austria regarding international implementation of Tobin Tax and its derivatives are being evaluated. The intended use of the taxes, determination of transactions exempt from tax and international cooperation in the implementation of taxation are possible problems that can be faced regarding Tobin Tax. In this study the conclusion, which the effects of Tobin Tax in developing and developed countries will be different but imposing such tax regarding cyclic balance of the world economy will be a positive improvement, has been reached.