bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Parent Questionnaire for Developmental Screening in Infants Born Late and Moderately Preterm
Authors: Blaggan Samarita , Guy Alexa , Boyle Elaine M. , Spata Enti , Manktelow Bradley N. , Wolke Dieter , Johnson Samantha
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND:

The Parent Report of Children’s Abilities-Revised (PARCA-R) is a questionnaire for assessing cognitive and language development in very preterm infants. Given the increased risk of developmental delay in infants born late and moderately preterm (LMPT; 32–36 weeks), this study aimed to validate this questionnaire as a screening tool in this population.

METHODS:

Parents of 219 children born LMPT completed the PARCA-R questionnaire and the Brief Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment when children were 24 months corrected age (range, 24 months–27 months). The children were subsequently assessed by using the cognitive and language scales of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III).

RESULTS:

An average Bayley-III, cognitive and language (CB-III) score and a total PARCA-R Parent Report Composite (PRC) score were computed. There was a large association between PRC and CB-III scores (r = 0.66, P < .001) indicating good concurrent validity. Using Youden index, the optimum PARCA-R cutoff for identifying children with moderate/severe developmental delay (CB-III scores < 80) was PRC scores < 73. This gave sensitivity 0.90 (95% confidence interval: 0.75–1.00) and specificity 0.76 (95% confidence interval: 0.70–0.82), indicating good diagnostic utility. Approximately two-thirds of the children who had a PRC score < 73 had false-positive screens. However, these children had significantly poorer cognitive and behavioral outcomes than children with true negative screens.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PARCA-R has good concurrent validity with a gold standard developmental test and can be used to identify LMPT infants who may benefit from a clinical assessment. The PARCA-R has potential for clinical use as a first-line cognitive screening tool for this sizeable population of infants in whom follow-up may be beneficial.
Opening the Door: How the Regional Autonomy Has Made the Implementation of Perda Sharia Possible?
Authors: Rif'ah Erwin Nur
Published: July 2014

Sharia-influenced regional regulations (perda sharia) are regulations or laws that are created by district governments and use Islamic moral teachings as a reference point. This article based on a qualitative research in two districts: Cianjur, West Java and Bulukumba South Sulawesi.  In general, perda sharia seeks to manage three aspects of public life: firstly, to eradicate moral and social problems such as prostitution, drinking alcohol and gambling; secondly, to enforce ritual observances among Muslims such as reading the Qur’an, attendance at Friday prayers and fasting during Ramadan, and thirdly, to govern the way people dress in the public sphere, especially in relation to head-veiling for the women.
As empresas são grandes coleções de processos
Authors: Gonçalves José Ernesto Lima
Published: July 2014

A idéia de processo tem estado presente nos textos e nas discussões sobre Administração de Empresas nos últimos anos. É praticamente impossível evitar temas como redesenho de processos, organização por processos e gestão por processos. Essa idéia, no entanto, não é nova e tem raízes na tradição da engenharia industrial e no estudo dos sistemas sociotécnicos. Embora muito presente, o conceito de processo não tem uma interpretação única, e a variedade de significados encontrados tem gerado inúmeros mal-entendidos. Este artigo propõe-se a facilitar a compreensão do assunto, oferecendo um quadro organizado de definições e aplicações para o conceito de processo empresarial.
Organizações de simbolismo intensivo
Authors: Wood Jr. Thomaz
Published: July 2014

Este ensaio introduz o conceito de organização de simbolismo intensivo, um novo tipo ideal em estudos organizacionais. Na virada do milênio, as organizações estão se transformando em "reinos mágicos", em que o "espaço simbólico" é ocupado pela retórica, pelo uso de metáforas e pela manipulação dos significados. As organizações de simbolismo intensivo são caraterizadas por um ambiente organizacional em que: a) a liderança simbólica constitui estilo gerencial; b) líderes e liderados aplicam maciçamente técnicas de gerenciamento da impressão; c) inovações são tratadas como eventos dramáticos; e d) analistas simbólicos formam um grupo importante dentro da força de trabalho. A emergência das organizações de simbolismo intensivo constitui fenômeno associado à teatralização da experiência humana e à consolidação da "sociedade do espetáculo".
A competitividade das empresas do setor de embalagens para alimentos: um estudo de caso
Authors: Sousa Willy Hoppe de , Vasconcellos Eduardo Pinheiro Gondim de
Published: July 2014

A competitividade é o desafio atual da indústria brasileira. Identificar os fatores que determinam a competitividade de uma indústria e as estratégias que devem ser perseguidas é um dos objetivos básicos dos administradores industriais. O presente estudo constitui uma contribuição para a compreensão dos fatores competitivos de quatro indústrias pertencentes a uma cadeia produtiva do setor de embalagens para alimentos. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que os fatores competitivos mudaram ao longo da cadeia e que alguns ajustes são necessários para que as empresas pesquisadas se mantenham competitivas.
Simulação de técnicas de engenharia de reservatórios: exemplo de utilização de opções reais
Authors: Saito Richard , Schiozer Denis J. , Castro Guilherme Nogueira de
Published: July 2014

Este trabalho teve como objetivo incluir flexibilidade gerencial (tais como técnicas de recuperação complementar de óleo) na avaliação de reservatórios. Concluímos que essas técnicas podem aumentar o valor dos reservatórios em até 25% segundo a teoria de opções reais. A principal vantagem da metodologia de teoria de opções em relação à tradicional técnica de fluxo de caixa descontado é levar em conta as questões operacionais da indústria do petróleo. Utilizamos dois modelos clássicos para a precificação de reservatórios de petróleo e aplicamos uma análise de sensibilidade para determinar quais fatores são mais relevantes no seu valor econômico. Como era de se esperar, em ambos os modelos, o tempo de concessão e a taxa de convenience e/ou dividend yield foram os fatores mais importantes.
Empresa humanizada: a organização necessária e possível
Authors: Vergara Sylvia Constant , Branco Paulo Durval
Published: July 2014

O presente artigo discute algumas das questões referentes à humanização das empresas e justifica a premência e a possibilidade de sua viabilização. Entende por empresa humanizada aquela que, voltada para seus funcionários e/ou para o ambiente, agrega outros valores que não somente a maximização do retorno para os acionistas. Nesse sentido, são mencionadas empresas que, no âmbito inter-no, promovem a melhoria na qualidade de vida e de trabalho, visando à construção de relações mais democráticas e justas, mitigam as desigualdades e diferenças de raça, sexo ou credo, além de contribuírem para o desenvolvimento e crescimento das pessoas. Ao focalizar o ambiente, as ações dessas empresas buscam a eliminação de desequilíbrios ecológicos, a superação de injustiças sociais, o apoio a atividades comunitárias, enfim, o que se convencionou chamar de exercício da cidadania corporativa.
Finanças comportamentais: a aplicações no contexto brasileiro
Authors: Halfeld Mauro , Torres Fábio de Freitas Leitão
Published: July 2014

As Finanças Comportamentais são um ramo do estudo de Finanças que tem como objetivo a revisão e o aperfeiçoamento do modelo econômico-financeiro atual, pela incorporação de evidências sobre a irracionalidade do investidor. O artigo faz uma revisão das pesquisas internacionais pioneiras sobre o tema, um relato dos primeiros estudos sobre a identificação dessas anomalias no mercado financeiro brasileiro e um levantamento das principais qualidades e deficiências das Finanças Comportamentais, que fazem deste um dos ramos mais polêmicos no mundo contemporâneo das Finanças.
Valor estratégico dos projetos de tecnologia de informação
Authors: Albertin Alberto Luiz
Published: July 2014

As organizações têm buscado um uso cada vez mais intenso e amplo de Tecnologia de Informação, considerando-a uma poderosa ferramenta empresarial que representa investimento significativo e deve ter uma implementação bem-sucedida. Nesse ambiente, dois dos principais esforços organizacionais são a identificação do valor estratégico dessa tecnologia e uma gerência efetiva de seus projetos a fim de aumentar suas chances de sucesso. Este artigo tem como objetivo principal identificar os componentes de valor estratégico de Tecnologia de Informação e as variáveis e os fatores críticos de sucesso dos projetos dessa tecnologia. Sua contribuição é a consolidação da Estrutura de Análise de Valor Estratégico de Tecnologia de Informação e a identificação das Variáveis e dos Fatores Críticos de Sucesso de Projetos de Tecnologia de Informação.
Etnomarketing: antropologia, cultura e consumo
Authors: Jaime Júnior Pedro
Published: July 2014

Neste artigo, pretende-se, inicialmente, ressaltar a presença de dimensões culturais e simbólicas no universo do consumo e evidenciar o recurso ao aporte antropológico na gestão de marketing, mediante a apresentação de alguns casos extraídos da literatura de difusão sobre o universo empresarial. Em seguida, com base no método biográfico, são descritas as trajetórias profissionais de dois antropólogos que têm empreendido trabalhos práticos situados no campo da Administração Mercadológica. O propósito final é contribuir para a discussão sobre a fronteira interdisciplinar que envolve a Antropologia do Consumo e a Mercadologia.
O impacto da tecnologia de informação na estratégia dos bancos
Authors: Maçada Antonio Carlos Gastaud , Becker João Luiz
Published: July 2014

O potencial da Tecnologia de Informação (TI) em capacitar e sustentar estratégias e sucesso organizacional está centrado na capacidade de seus dirigentes perceberem o valor e os impactos dos investimentos em TI nos negócios. Neste artigo, analisam-se as percepções dos executivos de bancos brasileiros e norte-americanos quanto aos impactos da TI nas variáveis estratégicas organizacionais. O estudo revela semelhança de percepção entre executivos brasileiros e norte-americanos e também entre executivos das áreas de TI e de outras áreas. Quatro variáveis afetadas pela TI são os principais determinantes da competitividade na indústria bancária: requisitos de governos e países; clientes; estrutura de custos e capacidade; produtos e serviços.
Alinhando estratégia e competências
Authors: Fleury Maria Tereza Leme , Fleury Afonso Carlos Correa
Published: July 2014

Diversos trabalhos vêm analisando o tema competência em seus diferentes níveis de entendimento e aplicação ao contexto organizacional, o que demanda a construção de um modelo teórico que explicite como esses diferentes conceitos se articulam e podem contribuir para o entendimento de propostas de desenvolvimento das organizações. Este artigo procura responder às seguintes questões: qual a relação entre competências organizacionais e estratégias competitivas nas empresas? No caso da formação de cadeias produtivas, haveria diferenças na construção de competências em empresas situadas em diferentes níveis? E quais seriam as implicações dessa inter-relação - estratégia e competências - para as ações da gestão de RH? A partir dessas questões, e com base em uma pesquisa realizada em empresas do setor de telecomunicações, procurou-se elaborar um modelo que fornecesse sustentação a essa discussão.
Compra compulsiva e a influência do cartão de crédito
Authors: Veludo-de-Oliveira Tânia Modesto , Ikeda Ana Akemi , Santos Rubens da Costa
Published: July 2014

Este artigo investiga a influência do cartão de crédito sobre o comportamento de compra compulsiva entre jovens. A compra compulsiva é um estado de descontrole que visa a minimizar sentimentos negativos. Nesse contexto, o cartão de crédito pode ser um elemento impulsionador de compras que podem ter como possíveis conseqüências a geração de dívidas e problemas de relacionamentos. O estudo analisou tal comportamento entre jovens universitários, a partir de uma pesquisa de campo. Os resultados sugerem que, na amostra, os jovens com propensão à compulsividade usam o cartão de crédito de forma mais intensa. Sugere-se que as organizações envolvidas não negligenciem a questão da compra compulsiva e que suas responsabilidades sejam discutidas.
Paradoxos em finanças: teoria moderna versus finanças comportamentais
Authors: Kimura Herbert , Basso Leonardo Fernando Cruz , Krauter Elizabeth
Published: July 2014

Este artigo aborda as finanças comportamentais, uma das inovações mais importantes e controversas em finanças, que confrontam o paradigma tradicionalmente aceito, baseado na moderna teoria financeira. Inicialmente realiza-se uma síntese de potenciais problemas de tomada de decisão, exemplificando-se alguns aspectos não racionais que constituem importantes paradoxos em finanças. Após uma discussão da teoria de prospecto, replicam-se numa amostra brasileira os experimentos seminais de Kahneman e Tversky. São discutidas diversas situações que violam premissas da teoria da utilidade esperada, base da teoria moderna de finanças. Os resultados empíricos mostram que se mantêm as evidências de diversos vieses de percepção em decisões, independentemente de aspectos relacionados com a evolução do mercado e com a cultura ou nacionalidade dos indivíduos. O distanciamento entre a teoria moderna de finanças e a prática em decisões financeiras sugere a abordagem das finanças comportamentais como uma alternativa
A utilização de derivativos agrega valor à firma? Um estudo do caso brasileiro
Authors: Rossi Júnior José Luiz
Published: July 2014

Este trabalho examina o uso de derivativos e seu impacto sobre o valor da firma para uma amostra de empresas brasileiras não-financeiras listadas na bolsa de valores de São Paulo, no período de 1996 a 2006. Utilizando métodos paramétricos e não-paramétricos, os resultados confirmam que a utilização de derivativos agrega valor à firma e indicam que, contrário ao previsto por Modigliani e Miller (1958), a política financeira das empresas exerce um impacto sobre o seu valor.
Innovation and adoption of mobile technology in public organizations: the IBGE case
Authors: Saccol Amarolinda Iara da Costa Zanela , Manica Adriana , Elaluf-Calderwood Silvia
Published: July 2014

The use of Mobile and Wireless Information Technologies (MWIT) for provisioning public services by a government is a relatively recent phenomenon. This paper evaluates the results of MWIT adoption by IBGE (The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) through a case study. In 2007, IBGE applied 82,000 mobile devices (PDAs) for data gathering in a census operation in Brazil. A set of challenges for a large scale application of MWIT required intensive work involving innovative working practices and service goals. The case reveals a set of outputs of this process, such as time and cost reductions in service provision, improved information quality, staff training and increased organizational effectiveness and agility.
Análise proposicional quantitativa aplicada à pesquisa em administração
Authors: Madeira Adriana Beatriz , Lopes Marcos , Giampaoli Viviana , Silveira José A. G. da
Published: July 2014

A análise de entrevistas com questões abertas é frequente no cotidiano do pesquisador em Administração. Uma de suas dificuldades é a conversão dos dados da fala em categorias ou valores quantitativos para posterior tratamento estatístico. As propostas nesse sentido em geral estão baseadas em contagens de ocorrências lexicais que, por estarem fundamentadas em significações dicionarizadas (previamente estabelecidas), deixam de lado as associações semânticas feitas pelo próprio entrevistado no contexto da entrevista. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um instrumento de análise composto de um conjunto de procedimentos para a geração de unidades linguísticas passíveis de descrição, comparação, modelagem e inferência estatísticas: a Análise Proposicional Quantitativa (APQ). Sua principal diferença em relação a outros métodos consiste na escolha da proposição, e não do léxico, como unidade de análise. A aplicação do método é apresentada em um estudo sobre internacionalização de empresas do varejo.
Briefing: Delivering buildings and infrastructure towards zero carbon
Authors: Pan Wei
Published: July 2014

Buildings and infrastructure are the most significant parts to address in the global sweeping agenda of reducing carbon emissions. However, debate in the literature reveals not only the inconsistent definitions and specifications of boundaries of their carbon reductions but also the associated uncertain policies and fragmented practices. This paper reviews the principles and policies of low or zero carbon buildings (L/ZCB) and infrastructure and examines the practices and priorities for management. The findings suggest a significant knowledge gap in delivering L/ZCB and infrastructure in subtropical urban environments. A requisite holistic approach is recommended for delivering buildings and infrastructure towards zero carbon. This approach should be embedded in the pertinent practices and policies to address the system boundaries of buildings and infrastructure, the multiple stakeholders and the life cycle of the constructed assets within their relevant political, socio-technical and climatic contexts.
An asymmetric index to compare trapezoidal fuzzy numbers
Authors: Rojas-Mora Julio , Gil-Lafuente Jaime
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we present a tool to help reduce the uncertainty presented in
the resource selection problem when information is subjective in nature. The
candidates and the ?ideal? resource required by evaluators are modeled by
fuzzy subsets whose elements are trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFN). By
modeling with TrFN the subjective variables used to determine the best among
a set of resources, one should take into account in the decision-making
process, not only their expected value, but also the uncertainty that they
reflect. Respecting this condition, for each candidate an asymmetric index
evaluates the distance between the TrFNs for each of the variables and the
corresponding TrFNs of the ?ideal? candidate, consolidating them through a
weighted average that lets the decision-maker make the final comparison
between the candidates, and the selection of the one best suited. We apply
this contribution to the case of the selection of the product that is best
suited for a ?pilot test? to be carried out in some market segment.
Efficient data abstraction using weighted IB2 prototypes
Authors: Ougiaroglou Stefanos , Evangelidis Georgios
Published: July 2014

Data reduction techniques improve the efficiency of k-Nearest Neighbour
classification on large datasets since they accelerate the classification
process and reduce storage requirements for the training data. IB2 is an
effective prototype selection data reduction technique. It selects some
items from the initial training dataset and uses them as representatives
(prototypes). Contrary to many other techniques, IB2 is a very fast,
one-pass method that builds its reduced (condensing) set in an incremental
manner. New training data can update the condensing set without the need of
the ?old? removed items. This paper proposes a variation of IB2, that
generates new prototypes instead of selecting them. The variation is called
AIB2 and attempts to improve the efficiency of IB2 by positioning the
prototypes in the center of the data areas they represent. The empirical
experimental study conducted in the present work as well as the Wilcoxon
signed ranks test show that AIB2 performs better than IB2.
Generic and standard database constraint meta-models
Authors: Ristic Sonja , Aleksic Slavica , Celikovic Milan , Lukovic Ivan
Published: July 2014

Many software engineering activities entail dealing with legacy information
systems. When these systems become too costly to maintain, or when new
technologies need to be incorporated, they need to be replaced or somehow
reengineered. This can be done with significantly reduced amount of effort
and cost if the conceptual models of these systems are available. Reverse
engineering is the process of analyzing a subject system to create
representations of the system at a higher level of abstraction. Relational
databases are a common source of reverse engineering. Starting from a
physical database schema, that is recorded into relational database schema
data repository, the conceptual database schema or logical database schema
could be extracted. The extraction process may be seen as a chain of
model-to-model transformations that trace model elements from a model at the
lower level of abstraction to a model at the higher level of abstraction,
achieved through meta-modeling. In the paper we present generic and standard
database constraint meta-models, focusing on multi-relational database
constraints captured in a legacy database. These meta-models are aimed at
support of model transformations to create conceptual models, as a useful
source for the system reengineering process.
Agent reasoning on the web using web services?
Authors: Bădică Costin , Bassiliades Nick , Ilie Sorin , Kravari Kalliopi
Published: July 2014

In this paper we present an approach for reusing agent-based reasoning
capabilities by making them available for invocation as Web services. In this
way, we provide the missing link between the highly interoperable Web
services and the autonomicity and intelligence of agent-based systems, so
that the latter can be seamlessly integrated into the knowledge-rich
SemanticWeb environment without being compromised by isolated communication
platforms and languages or restricted to only one or just few reasoning
formalisms. We have achieved this by extending the EMERALD framework for
agent based reasoning with a Web service interface. Our approach is
exemplified by the development of an online system for intelligent brokering
of apartment rentals. The broker intelligence is captured as a defeasible
knowledge base, while its problem solving process involves the invocation of
third party defeasible reasoning Web services included into the EMERALD
framework.
Development of a detector system to assess audience and occupational exposures at laser shows
Authors: Higlett M. , Khazova M. , O'Hagan J.
Published: July 2014

Lasers have been used in the entertainment industry for over 40 yr. The laser provides high visual effects such as scanned images and beam patterns to enhance the overall show experience for the audience. Every year, a few suspected eye injuries are claimed. Currently, the risk arising from ocular exposure in laser shows is assessed theoretically before the event is approved, but there is no real-time monitoring of audience or occupational exposure during the show. This paper presents the development of a prototype field measurement instrument to aid in assessing the safety of laser shows. It describes in detail the hardware, user interface and software design considerations, gives system characteristics and illustrates its performance on examples of laser show effects.
The Current Perception Threshold Test Differentiates Categories of Mechanical Neck Disorder
Authors: Uddin Zakir , MacDermid Joy C. , Galea Victoria , Gross Anita R. , Pierrynowski Michael R.
Published: July 2014

Study Design

Cross-sectional discriminative analysis.

Objective

To determine whether current perception threshold (CPT) can differentiate between categories of patients with mechanical neck disorders (MNDs).

Background

Neck pain is the third most common musculoskeletal disorder and affects a third of all adults each year. It can present as neck pain without musculoskeletal signs, neck pain with musculoskeletal signs but no neurological signs, or neck pain with neurological signs. CPT testing can assess altered sensory perception that may reflect neurological changes.

Methods

Patients with MNDs (n = 106) were classified into 3 groups, based on a standardized musculoskeletal examination process performed by an experienced physiotherapist who was blinded to CPT scores. The 3 groups were defined as neck pain without musculoskeletal signs (MND I) (n = 60), neck pain with musculoskeletal signs (MND II) (n = 29), and neck pain with neurological signs (MND III) (n = 17). A rapid protocol of CPT testing was performed at 3 frequencies (5, 250, and 2000 Hz), using 3 dermatomal locations on the hand. A 1-way analysis of variance with post hoc comparison and effect sizes was calculated to compare the mean CPT scores between the groups. A binary logistic-regression model was used to predict probability of higher CPT in MND III and to create a receiver-operating-characteristic curve.

Results

Mean CPT differed significantly across the 3 MND groups (MND I, 9.7; MND II, 10.6; and MND III, 11.8; P<.001; η2 = 0.6). Post hoc comparisons indicated differences between MND I and MND II (P = .05) and between MND II and MND III (P = .01) that had large effect sizes (MND I versus II, d = 1 and MND II versus III, d = 2.2). CPT testing was able to distinguish between MND II and III when a threshold value of greater than 11 was used to indicate MND III. The predicted probability of abnormal CPT in MND III had an estimated 73% sensitivity and 81% specificity; the odds ratio was 11.5 (P = .001) for the differentiation capacity of CPT between MND II and III, with a cutoff of 11. The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve was 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.72, 0.96; P<.001).

Conclusion

CPT testing has moderate discriminatory accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity for classification of MND categories into neck pain with or without neurological signs. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(7):532–540. Epub 10 May 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4691
Multicriterion Sustainability Assessment in Transportation
Authors: Mitropoulos L. K. , Prevedouros P. D.
Published: July 2014

The increase in the number of hybrid electric vehicles and carshare users in the United States in the past decade urges transportation officials to incorporate vehicle characteristics into traditional transportation planning and sustainability assessments. This study updates the state of the art in three main ways: (a) employs a life-cycle approach instead of focusing only on the operation of modes, (b) disaggregates vehicles by type instead of assuming a uniform light-duty vehicle fleet, and (c) assesses conventional and hybrid technologies explicitly for travel mode combinations instead of assuming only fossil fuel–powered vehicles and private cars. The sustainability framework used in this study sets the direction for a multicriterion assessment of urban transportation. Six highway vehicles and modes are analyzed: an internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a carsharing program with ICEVs, a carsharing program with HEVs, a diesel bus, and a hybrid diesel–electric bus. The three travel combinations are developed into three case studies: (a) passenger vehicle only, (b) passenger vehicle and public bus, and (c) carsharing and public bus. The results show that the inclusion of carsharing in the travel mix is the best option. The most sustainable mode, relative to the other five, is found to be carsharing with HEVs. The superior performance of carsharing over transit buses reveals opportunities for new policies in sustainable transportation.
Evidence-based management of traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures: a systematic review of nonoperative management
Authors: Bakhsheshian Joshua , Dahdaleh Nader S. , Fakurnejad Shayan , Scheer Justin K. , Smith Zachary A.
Published: July 2014

Object

The overall evidence for nonoperative management of patients with traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures is unknown. There is no agreement on the optimal method of conservative treatment. Recent randomized controlled trials that have compared nonoperative to operative treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological deficits yielded conflicting results. By assessing the level of evidence on conservative management through validated methodologies, clinicians can assess the availability of critically appraised literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of evidence for the use of conservative management in traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the English literature over the past 20 years was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE). The inclusion criteria consisted of burst fractures resulting from a traumatic mechanism, and fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine. The exclusion criteria consisted of osteoporotic burst fractures, pathological burst fractures, and fractures located in the cervical spine. Of the studies meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria, any study in which nonoperative treatment was used was included in this review.

Results

One thousand ninety-eight abstracts were reviewed and 447 papers met inclusion/exclusion criteria, of which 45 were included in this review. In total, there were 2 Level-I, 7 Level-II, 9 Level-III, 25 Level-IV, and 2 Level-V studies. Of the 45 studies, 16 investigated conservative management techniques, 20 studies compared operative to nonoperative treatments, and 9 papers investigated the prognosis of conservative management.

Conclusions

There are 9 high-level studies (Levels I–II) that have investigated the conservative management of traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures. In neurologically intact patients, there is no superior conservative management technique over another as supported by a high level of evidence. The conservative technique can be based on patient and surgeon preference, comfort, and access to resources. A high level of evidence demonstrated similar functional outcomes with conservative management when compared with open surgical operative management in patients who were neurologically intact. The presence of a neurological deficit is not an absolute contraindication for conservative treatment as supported by a high level of evidence. However, the majority of the literature excluded patients with neurological deficits. More evidence is needed to further classify the appropriate burst fractures for conservative management to decrease variables that may impact the prognosis.
Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 9: Lumbar fusion for stenosis with spondylolisthesis
Authors: Resnick Daniel K. , Watters William C. , Sharan Alok , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Dailey Andrew T. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Eck Jason , Ghogawala Zoher , Groff Michael W. , Dhall Sanjay S. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: July 2014

Patients presenting with stenosis associated with a spondylolisthesis will often describe signs and symptoms consistent with neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy, and/or low-back pain. The primary objective of surgery, when deemed appropriate, is to decompress the neural elements. As a result of the decompression, the inherent instability associated with the spondylolisthesis may progress and lead to further misalignment that results in pain or recurrence of neurological complaints. Under these circumstances, lumbar fusion is considered appropriate to stabilize the spine and prevent delayed deterioration. Since publication of the original guidelines there have been a significant number of studies published that continue to support the utility of lumbar fusion for patients presenting with stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Several recently published trials, including the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial, are among the largest prospective randomized investigations of this issue. Despite limitations of study design or execution, these trials have consistently demonstrated superior outcomes when patients undergo surgery, with the majority undergoing some type of lumbar fusion procedure. There is insufficient evidence, however, to recommend a standard approach to achieve a solid arthrodesis. When formulating the most appropriate surgical strategy, it is recommended that an individualized approach be adopted, one that takes into consideration the patient's unique anatomical constraints and desires, as well as surgeon's experience.
Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 11: Interbody techniques for lumbar fusion
Authors: Mummaneni Praveen V. , Dhall Sanjay S. , Eck Jason C. , Groff Michael W. , Ghogawala Zoher , Watters William C. , Dailey Andrew T. , Resnick Daniel K. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Sharan Alok , Wang Jeffrey C. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: July 2014

Interbody fusion techniques have been promoted as an adjunct to lumbar fusion procedures in an effort to enhance fusion rates and potentially improve clinical outcome. The medical evidence continues to suggest that interbody techniques are associated with higher fusion rates compared with posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who demonstrate preoperative instability. There is no conclusive evidence demonstrating improved clinical or radiographic outcomes based on the different interbody fusion techniques. The addition of a PLF when posterior or anterior interbody lumbar fusion is performed remains an option, although due to increased cost and complications, it is not recommended. No substantial clinical benefit has been demonstrated when a PLF is included with an interbody fusion. For lumbar degenerative disc disease without instability, there is moderate evidence that the standalone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) has better clinical outcomes than the ALIF plus instrumented, open PLF. With regard to type of interbody spacer used, frozen allograft is associated with lower pseudarthrosis rates compared with freeze-dried allograft; however, this was not associated with a difference in clinical outcome.
Circumferential management of unstable thoracolumbar fractures using an anterior expandable cage, as an alternative to an iliac crest graft, combined with a posterior screw fixation: results of a series of 85 patients
Authors: Graillon Thomas , Rakotozanany Patrick , Blondel Benjamin , Adetchessi Tarek , Dufour Henry , Fuentes Stéphane
Published: July 2014

Object

The optimal management of unstable thoracolumbar fractures remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the results of using an expandable prosthetic vertebral body cage (EPVBC) in the management of unstable thoracolumbar fractures.

Methods

Eighty-five patients with unstable T7–L4 thoracolumbar fractures underwent implantation of an EPVBC via an anterior approach combined with posterior fixation. Long-term functional outcomes, including visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index scores, were evaluated.

Results

In a mean follow-up period of 16 months, anterior fixation led to a significant increase in vertebral body height, with an average gain of 19%. However, the vertebral regional kyphosis angle was not significantly increased by anterior fixation alone. No significant difference was found between early postoperative, 3-month, and 1-year postoperative regional kyphosis angle and vertebral body height. Postoperative impaction of the prosthetic cage in adjacent endplates was observed in 35% of the cases, without worsening at last follow-up. Complete fusion was observed at 1 year postoperatively and no cases of infections or revisions were observed in relation to the anterior approach.

Conclusions

The use of EPVBCs for unstable thoracolumbar fractures is safe and effective in providing long-term vertebral body height restoration and kyphosis correction, with a moderate surgical and sepsis risk. Anterior cage implantation is an alternative to iliac bone graft fusion and is a viable option in association with a posterior approach, in a single operation without additional risks.
Minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar spine trauma
Authors: Koreckij Theodore , Park Daniel K. , Fischgrund Jeffrey
Published: July 2014

Thoracolumbar and lumbar trauma account for the majority of traumatic spinal injuries. The mainstay of current treatments is still nonoperative therapy with bracing. Classic treatment algorithms reserved absolute surgical intervention for spinal trauma patients with neurological compromise or instability. Relative indications included incapacitating pain and obesity/body habitus making brace therapy ineffective. In the past decade, minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques for spine surgery have been increasingly used for degenerative conditions. These same minimally invasive techniques have seen increased use in trauma patients. The goal of minimally invasive surgery is to decrease surgical morbidity through decreased soft-tissue dissection while providing the same structural stability afforded by classic open techniques. These minimally invasive techniques involve percutaneous posterior pedicle fixation, vertebral body augmentation, and utilization of endoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques. While MIS techniques are somewhat in their infancy, an increasing number of studies are reporting good clinical and radiographic outcomes with these MIS techniques. However, the literature is still lacking high-quality evidence comparing these newer techniques to classic open treatments. This article reviews the relevant literature regarding minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar trauma.
Cement augmentation in vertebral burst fractures
Authors: Zaryanov Anton V. , Park Daniel K. , Khalil Jad G. , Baker Kevin C. , Fischgrund Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2014

As a result of axial compression, traumatic vertebral burst fractures disrupt the anterior column, leading to segmental instability and cord compression. In situations with diminished anterior column support, pedicle screw fixation alone may lead to delayed kyphosis, nonunion, and hardware failure. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty (balloon-assisted vertebroplasty) have been used in an effort to provide anterior column support in traumatic burst fractures. Cited advantages are providing immediate stability, improving pain, and reducing hardware malfunction. When used in isolation or in combination with posterior instrumentation, these techniques theoretically allow for improved fracture reduction and maintenance of spinal alignment while avoiding the complications and morbidity of anterior approaches. Complications associated with cement use (leakage, systemic effects) are similar to those seen in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures; however, extreme caution must be used in fractures with a disrupted posterior wall.
Endovascular reconstruction of enlarging traumatic internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Choudhri Omar , Heit Jeremy , Do Huy M.
Published: July 2014

Traumatic dissecting pseudoaneurysms of the cervical and petrous internal carotid artery are often a result of blunt or penetrating trauma. These patients are at high risk for thromboembolic complications and are managed with antiplatelet agents. Patients who develop neurologic symptoms while on antiplatelet agents, or have interval enlargement of their pseudoaneurysms, may require repair of the vessel. We describe a case in which we performed an endovascular repair of an enlarging distal cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm, with placement of a covered stent.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/uCypcsBvOZ4.
Endovascular treatment of a complex bilobed left superior hypophyseal internal carotid artery aneurysm: a case illustration
Authors: Hamade Youssef J. , El Tecle Najib E. , Zammar Samer G. , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y. , Yip Byron K. , Bendok Bernard R.
Published: July 2014

We report the case of a 62-year-old female who presented for stent-assistant coiling of an incidental 11-mm complex bilobed left superior hypophyseal internal carotid artery aneurysm. A microcatheter was navigated into the aneurysm and trapped by a 37-mm stent. Using three-dimensional and two-dimensional coils, the elongated aneurysm was coiled. The bigger lobe was coiled first followed by the smaller lobe. Minimal residual filling of the smaller lobe will be re-evaluated at 6-month follow up. The patient tolerated the procedure well and no complications were encountered.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/TrXfsaICQVo.
Correction: Ferreira, J.A.; Lennartsson, P.R.; Taherzadeh, M.J. Production of Ethanol and Biomass from Thin Stillage Using Food-Grade Zygomycetes and Ascomycetes Filamentous Fungi. Energies 2014, 7, 3872–3885
Authors: Ferreira Jorge , Lennartsson Patrik , Taherzadeh Mohammad
Published: July 2014

We have found two inadvertent errors in our paper [1], and thus would like to make the following corrections to this paper. [...]
Observation of the Mating Behavior of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Queens Using Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID): Factors Influencing the Duration and Frequency of Nuptial Flights
Authors: Heidinger Ina , Meixner Marina , Berg Stefan , Büchler Ralph
Published: July 2014

We used radio-frequency identification (RFID) to record the duration and frequency of nuptial flights of honey bee queens (Apis mellifera carnica) at two mainland mating apiaries. We investigated the effect of a number of factors on flight duration and frequency: mating apiary, number of drone colonies, queen’s age and temperature. We found significant differences between the two locations concerning the number of flights on the first three days. We also observed an effect of the ambient temperature, with queens flying less often but longer at high temperatures compared to lower temperatures. Increasing the number of drone colonies from 33 to 80 colonies had no effect on the duration or on the frequency of nuptial flights. Since our results agree well with the results of previous studies, we suggest RFID as an appropriate tool to investigate the mating behavior of honey bee queens.
Assessing the Quality of Agricultural Landscape Change with Multiple Dimensions
Authors: Pouta Eija , Grammatikopoulou Ioanna , Hurme Timo , Soini Katriina , Uusitalo Marja
Published: July 2014

Better recognition of public perceptions is called for in developing policies that affect landscape qualities, such as agri-environmental policies. The present study focused on the evaluation of typical agricultural landscapes in Finland. We utilized and operationalized the visual landscape quality scales introduced by Tveit et al. (2006) and further explored how these scales can be applied in citizen evaluation of agricultural landscapes. From landscape data collected via an Internet survey, we analysed whether and how the attributes of agricultural landscapes were linked to their evaluation. The results demonstrated that visual concepts such as openness, naturalness, species richness and the impression of being taken care of were significantly associated with six landscape attributes, i.e., grain, cattle, bales, farmhouses, buses and disturbances. A relationship between key landscape concepts and normative evaluation was found. The normative pleasantness of the landscape also significantly associated with individual landscape attributes and the socio-demographic characteristics of the perceivers.
Quantitative Analysis of Major Constituents in Green Tea with Different Plucking Periods and Their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Lee Lan-Sook , Kim Sang-Hee , Kim Young-Boong , Kim Young-Chan
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the plucking periods and the major constituents and the antioxidant activity in green tea. Green tea was prepared from leaves plucked from the end of April 2013 to the end of May 2013 at intervals of one week or longer. The contents of theanine, theobromine, caffeine, catechin (C), and gallocatechin gallate (GCg) were significantly decreased, whereas those of epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and epigallocatechin (EGC) were significantly increased along with the period of tea leaf plucking. In addition, antioxidant activity of green tea and standard catechins was investigated using ABTS, FRAP and DPPH assays. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in relatively the oldest leaf, regardless of the assay methods used. Additionally, the order of antioxidant activity of standard catechins was as follows: EGCg ³ GCg ³ ECg > EGC ³ GC ³ EC ³ C. Moreover, the cis-catechins contents were the key factor affecting the antioxidant activity of green tea in all assays employed (ABTS, r = 0.731, p < 0.01; FRAP, r = 0.886, p < 0.01; DPPH, r = 0.778, p < 0.01).
In Vitro Analysis of Pyrogenicity and Cytotoxicity Profiles of Flex Sensors to be Used to Sense Human Joint Postures
Authors: Saggio Giovanni , Bianchi Luigi , Castelli Silvia , Santucci Marilina , Fraziano Maurizio , Desideri Alessandro
Published: July 2014

Flex sensors can be usefully adopted as mechanical-electrical transducers to measure human joint movements, since their electrical resistance varies proportionally to the angle assumed by the joint under measure. Over time, these sensors have been investigated in terms of mechanical and electrical behavior, but no reports have detailed the possibility of their adoption not just on top but under the human skin of the joint. To this aim, our work investigated in vitro the pyrogenic potential and cytotoxicity of some commercially available flex sensors as a first step toward the necessary requirements regarding their biocompatibility, to predict possible foreign body reactions when used in vivo. Results demonstrated that some specific flex sensors satisfy such requirements.
Statistiques, systèmes et modèles en géomorphologie (Quantitative techniques in geomorphology)
Authors: Mercier Jean-Luc
Published: July 2014

Résumé. - Statistique, systèmes et modèles en géomorphologie sont présentés en fonction de deux finalités, la connaissance ou le comportement.
Etablissement d'un modèle régional de classification typologique des paysages (For a typological classification of landscapes)
Authors: Wieber Jean-Claude
Published: July 2014

Résumé. - Les combinaisons d'éléments constitutifs du paysage sont étudiées dans le Jura central. Elles sont mises en évidence par analyse factorielle et classification hiérarchique. Les types définis peuvent être appliqués à d'autres zones. Le modèle de classement s'enrichit ainsi par extension latérale et affinement catégoriel.
L'évolution des hypothèses de recherches et des méthodes quantitatives : exemple du gradient thermique en altitude (The evolution of the research hypotheses and the quantitative methods : the lapse rate of temperature in mountains)
Authors: Douguédroit Annick
Published: July 2014

Abstract. - For a long time the temperature is supposed to diminuish regularly as altitude grows. The author compares two methods used to calculate the lapse rate and shows the relations between their evolution and the development of sciences, especially the statistics.
La moyenne montagne. Essai de définition, milieux physiques, typologie (Middle moutain, as a whole)
Authors: Bozon Pierre , Derruau Max , Reffay Annie , Valadas Bernard
Published: July 2014

Abstract. - « Middle mountain » designates either an altitudinal belt or the whole of a definite mountain, which stretches, for its major part, though possibly no entirely, throughout the said belt. The lower as well as the upper limit are discussed in the paper. - In the middle mountain, at least at mid latitudes, frost, at the present time, plays a moderate part ; agricultural erosion is active and consequently lynchets are a usual feature. - Different types of middle mountains may be distinguished according to the combination of four factors : altitude, slope gradient, isolation and cohesion of the rural society (examples taken in the French Central Massif).