bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicultural Nursing
Authors: Rittle Chad
Published: July 2015

Living in an increasingly multicultural society, nurses are regularly required to care for employees from a variety of cultural backgrounds. An awareness of cultural differences focuses occupational health nurses on those differences and results in better employee care. This article explores the concept of culturally competent employee care, some of the non-verbal communication cues among cultural groups, models associated with completing a cultural assessment, and how health disparities in the workplace can affect delivery of employee care. Self-evaluation of the occupational health nurse for personal preferences and biases is also discussed. Development of cultural competency is a process, and occupational health nurses must develop these skills. By developing cultural competence, occupational health nurses can conduct complete cultural assessments, facilitate better communication with employees from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and improve employee health and compliance with care regimens. Tips and guidelines for facilitating communication between occupational health nurses and employees are also provided.
Ictal 99mTc-Ethyl Cysteinate Dimer SPECT Findings of a Girl With Refractory Localization-Related Epilepsy Who Developed Transient Ictal Bradycardia
Authors: Kimizu Tomokazu , Toshikawa Hiromitsu , Kimura Sadami , Ikeda Tae , Mogami Yukiko , Yanagihara Keiko , Kishima Haruhiko , Suzuki Yasuhiro
Published: July 2015

Ictal bradycardia, which is considered to be one of the causes of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, is rare. A 10-year-old girl with focal cortical dysplasia in her right centroparietal region developed transient ictal bradycardia during cluster seizures. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a high signal intensity lesion adjacent to the focal cortical dysplasia lesion. Ictal 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) detected hyperperfusion in an area containing the high signal intensity lesion, which was located close to the insular cortex. Since the hyperperfusion zone observed on SPECT was considered to reflect seizure propagation, it is possible that the ictal bradycardia experienced in the present case was caused by the following mechanism: The repetitive seizure activity caused the high-intensity lesion seen on MRI to expand into the right insular cortex, which controls cardiac rhythm, resulting in ictal bradycardia.
The Effects of Inhaled Steroids on Recurrent Wheeze After Acute Bronchiolitis
Authors: Green Patricia , Aronoff Stephen C. , DelVecchio Michael
Published: July 2015

Background. Acute bronchiolitis infection during infancy is associated with an increased risk of asthma later in life. The objective of this study was to determine if inhaled steroids are effective in preventing the development of recurrent wheeze or asthma following acute bronchiolitis. Methods. Multiple databases and bibliographies of selected references were searched. Inclusion required ( a) a randomized controlled trial of inhaled steroids and control group, ( b) at least 2 weeks duration of therapy started during the acute phase of disease, and ( c) identification of the rate of recurrent wheeze or asthma at least 6 months after therapy. Results. Of 1410 studies reviewed, 8 reports were included in this meta-analysis (748 patients). The overall odds ratio for developing recurrent wheeze or asthma with treatment versus without treatment was 1.02 (95% confidence interval = 0.58-1.81). Conclusions. A course of inhaled steroids after acute bronchiolitis is not effective in preventing recurrent wheeze or asthma.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Authors: Qadri Syed S. A. , Cale Alex , Loubani Mahmoud , Chaudhry Mubarak , Cowen Michael
Published: July 2015

Background:

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare but complicated disease associated with very poor prognosis, despite all forms of treatment and almost 100% mortality after diagnosis.

Objectives:

The use of extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) in the management of malignant mesothelioma has become controversial recently and appears to be a dying modality. This retrospective study aimed to review and compare our results with available literature.

Methods:

Consecutive patients were reviewed from March 1999 to April 2011 who underwent EPP for malignant mesothelioma. Short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed retrospectively until February 2013.

Results:

There were 30 consecutive patients who underwent EPP in 13 years. The majority of them were male (29 patients) with a mean age of 61 years (34-71 years). There was no in-hospital or 30-day mortality in this cohort, although Thoracoscore predicted 7.9% risk of in-hospital mortality. The overall median survival was 20 ± 24 months, which prolonged to 47.5 ± 24 months in patients who received trimodality treatment. Thirty-one percent of patients survived ≥4 years and 2 patients are still alive at 6 and 7 years postoperatively. Survival was significantly longer in epitheloid versus biphasic mesothelioma, right versus left pneumonectomy, age below 65 years, and with no N2 disease. Survival at 6, 12, and 18 months was 80%, 65%, and 55% in comparison with 65%, 52%, and 34%, respectively, in the Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery trial.

Conclusions:

Epitheloid mesothelioma, right pneumonectomy, negative extrapleural lymph nodes, and age below 65 years are associated with prolonged survival. Extrapleural pneumonectomy has a role in the management of malignant mesothelioma in selected patients by experienced surgeons.
Linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery in 140 brain metastases from malignant melanoma
Authors: Hauswald Henrik , Stenke Alina , Debus Jürgen , Combs Stephanie E.
Published: July 2015

Background

To retrospectively access outcome and prognostic parameters of linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery in brain metastases from malignant melanoma.

Methods

Between 1990 and 2011 140 brain metastases in 84 patients with malignant melanoma (median age 56 years) were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery. At initial stereotactic radiosurgery 48 % of patients showed extracerebral control. The median count of brain metastases in a single patient was 1, the median diameter was 12 mm. The median dose applied was 20 Gy/80 % isodose enclosing.

Results

The median follow-up was 7 months and the median overall survival 9 months. The 6-, 12- and 24 month overall survival rates were 71 %, 39 % and 25 % respectively. Cerebral follow-up imaging showed complete remission in 20 brain metastases, partial remission in 39 brain metastases, stable disease in 54 brain metastases, progressive disease in 24 brain metastases and pseudo-progression in 3 brain metastases. Median intracerebral control was 5.3 months and the 6- and 12-month intracerebral progression-free survival rates 48 % and 38 %, respectively. Upon univariate analysis, extracerebral control (log-rank, p < 0.001), the response to stereotactic radiosurgery (log-rank, p < 0.001), the number of brain metastases (log-rank, p = 0.007), the recursive partitioning analysis class (log-rank, p = 0.027) and the diagnosis-specific graded prognostic assessment score (log-rank, p = 0.011) were prognostic for overall survival. The most common clinical side effect was headache common toxicity criteria grade I. The most common radiological finding during follow-up was localized edema within the stereotactic radiosurgery high dose region.

Conclusion

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for brain metastases in malignant melanoma and was able to achieve local remissions in several cases. Furthermore, especially patients with controlled extracerebral disease and a low count of brain metastases seem to benefit from this treatment modality. Prospective trials analysing the effects of combined stereotactic radiosurgery and new systemic agents are warranted.
Foot problems in people with gout in primary care: baseline findings from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Roddy Edward , Muller Sara , Rome Keith , Chandratre Priyanka , Hider Samantha L. , Richardson Jane , Blagojevic‐Bucknall Milisa , Mallen Christian D.
Published: July 2015

Background

Foot problems are common in people with gout yet the prevalence of current foot problems in people with gout and the burden they present to healthcare systems is not known. This cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and associations of hallux valgus, foot pain and disability in people with gout, and to assess the frequency with which foot problems lead to consultation with healthcare professionals.

Methods

Adults registered with 20 general practices who had consulted their GP about gout or been prescribed allopurinol or colchicine in the preceding two years were mailed a questionnaire. Prevalence of hallux valgus, foot pain in the last month, and disabling foot pain in the mailed population were ascertained using validated instruments and estimated by inverse‐weighted logistic regression. Associations with socio‐demographic, comorbid and gout‐specific factors were examined using logistic regression. Participants were asked if they had seen health care professionals for foot problems within the preceding 12 months.

Results

One thousand one hundred eighty‐four questionnaires were received (response 66 %). Prevalence of hallux valgus was 36.3 %, foot pain in the last month 22.3 % and disabling foot pain 14.5 %. Hallux valgus associated with age (adjusted OR 1.47 per 10‐year increase, 95 % CI 1.26, 1.72) and female gender (2.03; 1.31, 3.15). Foot pain in the last month associated with age (1.24; 1.00, 1.55), obesity (BMI 30.0–34.9 2.67; 1.32, 5.38; BMI ≥ 35.0 3.16; 1.44, 6.93), mild depression (2.04; 1.09, 3.81) and polyarticular gout attacks (1.86; 1.18, 2.95). Disabling foot pain associated with age (1.42; 1.08, 1.87), obesity (BMI 30.0–34.9 3.73; 1.54, 9.09; BMI ≥ 35.0 4.36; 1.64, 11.64), depression (mild 2.63; 1.25, 5.53; moderate 3.53; 1.11, 11.26) and ischaemic heart disease (2.45; 1.32, 4.53). In the previous 12 months, 495 (42.8 %) reported consulting their GP about their feet and 281 (23.7 %) a podiatrist/chiropodist.

Conclusions

Foot problems are common in people with gout and frequently lead to healthcare consultation. Hallux valgus has similar associations to those seen in the general population, whereas foot pain associates with obesity and gout characteristics, and disabling foot pain with obesity and comorbidity. Patient assessment should consider foot problems and offer specific treatment where relevant.
Adverse events associated with poor neurological outcome during targeted temperature management and advanced critical care after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Kim Young-Min , Youn Chun Song , Kim Soo Hyun , Lee Byung Kook , Cho In Soo , Cho Gyu Chong , Jeung Kyung Woon , Oh Sang Hoon , Choi Seung Pill , Shin Jong Hwan , Cha Kyoung-Chul , Oh Joo Suk , Yim Hyeon Woo , Park Kyu Nam ,   on behalf of the Korean Hypothermia Network Investigators
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of adverse events (AEs) during targeted temperature management (TTM) and other AEs and concomitant treatments during the advanced critical care period with poor neurological outcome at hospital discharge in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective study using Korean Hypothermia Network registry data of adult OHCA patients treated with TTM in 24 teaching hospitals throughout South Korea from 2007 to 2012. Demographic characteristics, resuscitation and post-resuscitation variables, AEs, and concomitant treatments during TTM and the advanced critical care were collected. The primary outcome was poor neurological outcome, defined as a cerebral performance category (CPC) score of 3–5 at hospital discharge. The AEs and concomitant treatments were individually entered into the best multivariable predictive model of poor neurological outcome to evaluate the associations between each variable and outcome.

Results

A total of 930 patients, including 704 for whom a complete dataset of AEs and covariates was available for multivariable modeling, were included in the analysis; 476 of these patients exhibited poor neurological outcome [CPC 3 = 50 (7.1 %), CPC 4 = 214 (30.4 %), and CPC 5 = 212 (30.1 %)]. Common AEs included hyperglycemia (45.6 %), hypokalemia (31.3 %), arrhythmia (21.3 %) and hypotension (29 %) during cooling, and hypotension (21.6 %) during rewarming. Bleeding (5 %) during TTM was a rare AE. Common AEs during the advanced critical care included pneumonia (39.6 %), myoclonus (21.9 %), seizures (21.7 %) and hypoglycemia within 72 hours (23 %). After adjusting for independent predictors of outcome, cooling- and rewarming-related AEs were not significantly associated with poor neurological outcome. However, sepsis, myoclonus, seizure, hypoglycemia within 72 hours and anticonvulsant use during the advanced critical care were associated with poor neurological outcome [adjusted odds ratios (95 % confidence intervals) of 3.12 (1.40–6.97), 3.72 (1.93–7.16), 4.02 (2.04–7.91), 2.03 (1.09–3.78), and 1.69 (1.03–2.77), respectively]. Alternatively, neuromuscular blocker use was inversely associated with poor neurological outcome (0.48 [0.28–0.84]).

Conclusions

Cooling- and rewarming-related AEs were not associated with poor neurological outcome at hospital discharge. Sepsis, myoclonus, seizure, hypoglycemia within 72 hours and anticonvulsant use during the advanced critical care period were associated with poor neurological outcome at hospital discharge in our study.
Fixed points of conditionally F-contractions in complete metric-like spaces
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Kutbi Marwan A , Piri Hossein , O’Regan Donal
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we introduce the notion of a conditionally F-contraction in the setting of complete metric-like spaces and we investigate the existence of fixed points of such mappings. Our results unify, extend, and improve several results in the literature.
The Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator Raloxifene Regulates Arginine-Vasopressin Gene Expression in Human Female Neuroblastoma Cells Through G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor and ERK Signaling
Authors: Grassi Daniela , Ghorbanpoor Samar , Acaz-Fonseca Estefania , Ruiz-Palmero Isabel , Garcia-Segura Luis M.
Published: July 2015

The selective estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene reduces blood pressure in hypertensive postmenopausal women. In the present study we have explored whether raloxifene regulates gene expression of arginine vasopressin (AVP), which is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The effect of raloxifene was assessed in human female SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, which have been recently identified as a suitable cellular model to study the estrogenic regulation of AVP. Raloxifene, within a concentration ranging from 10−10M to 10−6M, decreased the mRNA levels of AVP in SH-SY5Y cells with maximal effect at 10−7M. This effect of raloxifene was imitated by an agonist (±)-1-[(3aR*,4S*,9bS*)-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta[c]quinolin-8-yl]-ethanone of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER) and blocked by an antagonist (3aS*,4R*,9bR*)-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-3H-cyclopenta[c]quinoline of GPER and by GPER silencing. Raloxifene induced a time-dependent increase in the level of phosphorylated ERK1 and ERK2, by a mechanism blocked by the GPER antagonist. The treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with either a MAPK/ERK kinase 1/2-specific inhibitor (1,4-diamino-2, 3-dicyano-1,4-bis(2-aminophenylthio)butadine) or a protein kinase C inhibitor (sotrastaurin) blocked the effects of raloxifene on the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the regulation of AVP mRNA levels. These results reveal a mechanism mediating the regulation of AVP expression by raloxifene, involving the activation of GPER, which in turn activates protein kinase C, MAPK/ERK kinase, and ERK. The regulation of AVP by raloxifene and GPER may have implications for the treatment of blood hypertension.
Snake constriction rapidly induces circulatory arrest in rats
Authors: Boback Scott M. , McCann Katelyn J. , Wood Kevin A. , McNeal Patrick M. , Blankenship Emmett L. , Zwemer Charles F.
Published: July 2015

As legless predators, snakes are unique in their ability to immobilize and kill their prey through the process of constriction, and yet how this pressure incapacitates and ultimately kills the prey remains unknown. In this study, we examined the cardiovascular function of anesthetized rats before, during and after being constricted by boas (Boa constrictor) to examine the effect of constriction on the prey's circulatory function. The results demonstrate that within 6 s of being constricted, peripheral arterial blood pressure (PBP) at the femoral artery dropped to 1/2 of baseline values while central venous pressure (CVP) increased 6-fold from baseline during the same time. Electrocardiographic recordings from the anesthetized rat's heart revealed profound bradycardia as heart rate (fH) dropped to nearly half of baseline within 60 s of being constricted, and QRS duration nearly doubled over the same time period. By the end of constriction (mean 6.5±1 min), rat PBP dropped 2.9-fold, fH dropped 3.9-fold, systemic perfusion pressure (SPP=PBP−CVP) dropped 5.7-fold, and 91% of rats (10 of 11) had evidence of cardiac electrical dysfunction. Blood drawn immediately after constriction revealed that, relative to baseline, rats were hyperkalemic (serum potassium levels nearly doubled) and acidotic (blood pH dropped from 7.4 to 7.0). These results are the first to document the physiological response of prey to constriction and support the hypothesis that snake constriction induces rapid prey death due to circulatory arrest.
Emissions from a Diesel Power Generator Fuelled with Biodiesel and Fossil Diesel Fuels
Authors: Altun Şehmus
Published: July 2015

The aim of this work was to compare the emission characteristics of a biodiesel derived from waste cooking sunflower oil and two fossil diesel fuels (ultra-low sulphur diesel and its type of containing gas-to-liquid). The tests were conducted on a direct-injection diesel engine-powered generator set, which is the type of generator applied in institutional facilities, under variable load and constant engine speed conditions. Experimental results showed that diesel containing gas-to-liquid and biodiesel reduced smoke opacity while NOx emissions were slightly higher for both fuels. An increase in fuel consumption was also observed for biodiesel compared with both fossil diesels. Unburned HC emissions were high for biodiesel, but overall level of CO emissions remained very low for all fuels tested.
New Approach to Energy Intensity in the Eu – Total Energy and Carbon Cost Approach
Authors: Radovanović Mirjana , Filipović Sanja
Published: July 2015

The main objective of this manuscript is to look anew at Energy intensity, an indicator often used as measure of efficient economic development, which currently does not include any environmental component. The authors compared results obtained on the same sample by using Energy Intensity, a well known indicator, and Index of Energy Intensity Cost, an improved indicator suggested by the authors. The new indicator includes carbon emission cost, since 96% of carbon emission is result of energy consumption. Besides the introduction of a new component, the authors changed the nature of the indicator itself. Namely, traditional Energy intensity is based on physical values. The new indicator is expressed in monetary values – more suitable for monitoring economic development. Monitoring in the EU27 region, by using two chosen indicators, shows opposite results. Measuring of Energy Intensity, EU27 region showed positive trends. Measuring of Index of Energy Intensity Cost showed negative trends. Further modifications to Energy intensity are needed.
Rural Household Energy Consumption in Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: Xiaohua Wang , Liyun Zhu , Yuting Qian , Libin Tang
Published: July 2015

Rural household energy consumption is an important component of the national total energy consumption. This has major implications for rural society, economy, and the environment. Jiangsu province is located in the economically developed coastal area, and assuming further social and economic development in its rural regions, commercial energy will become increasingly essential for rural households. By studying and analyzing change across time and region in southern, central and northern Jiangsu, we hope to contribute to the understanding of the change in rural household energy consumption in both China and the developing countries in general. Using questionnaires, household energy consumption and related problems were investigated in nine typical counties in Jiangsu province to show the large differences in the level of per capita rural household consumption and the structure of useful energy consumption in the typical areas. The current household consumption per capita is 396.93 kgce in a typical rural areas, with straw consumption contributing 38.73%, and electricity 32.96%. The structural differences of energy consumption and the percentage of commercial energy of useful heat in southern, central and northern Jiangsu were also investigated, as was the relationship between energy consumption and household net income. The study should help in building a balanced system of energy demand and supply and utilizeing biomass resources on a large scale.
The End of the Electric Market
Authors: Henney Alex
Published: July 2015

One of the objectives in privatising the electricity industry and introducing competition was to get it away from government and all the resulting inefficient influences. This was achieved for seven years with beneficial results and radically improved performance. With the election of New Labour and Tony Blair as Prime Minister in 1997 political interference returned with ever increasing enthusiasm and ever decreasing competence. The New Electricity Trading Arrangements for England & Wales was an ill-judged and superficial change which did not reduce prices nor achieve the majority of its clearly stated objectives. Next Blair wished to save the planet. The Renewable Obligation Scheme, which was the subsidy support for major renewables, pointlessly piled risk on risk on risk, thus increasing the cost of capital. In 2007 Blair signed up for the UK to achieve 15% consumption of all energy from renewables by 2020, which was converted into achieving 30% renewables in the electric industry.
Global Biofuel Use and China's Food Security: Price and Policy Transmission Paths
Authors: Ma Shuzhong , Zhang Birong , Qu Yi
Published: July 2015

The global fossil energy crisis and the pressure on environmental protection led to countries facing new issues related to energy and economic development. Biofuels are becoming favored by more and more countries. Along with the increase in biofuel production in major grain-producing countries, both global food consumption and prices have increased in recent years. This has raised growing concerns about food security. The current controversies about biofuels and food security include two aspects: the price crisis [1, 2, 3] and the resource crisis [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. As China is a major grain producer and trader, the development of biofuels will inevitably affect its food security. With more than 1.3 billion people, China's food security is an important part of global food security. From 1990 to 2012, China's corn yields increased significantly but fluctuated frequently. Over the same period, the demand for corn increased strongly.1 As global grain supply is tight, it is difficult for China to satisfy domestic demand by international trade. If domestic supply cannot meet demand, then domestic food prices are likely to rise.
Assessment of the Design Criteria Effect on Performance of Multiple Tuned Mass Dampers
Authors: Mohebbi M. , Rasouli H. , Moradpour S.
Published: July 2015

In this research, the effect of different design criteria on performance of multiple tuned mass dampers (MTMDs) under earthquake excitation has been studied. For optimal design of MTMDs, the parameters of TMDs are determined based on minimizing an objective function. Two different objective functions including minimizing (a) the Hankel's norm; and (b) the maximum displacement of structure have been selected using Distributed Genetic Algorithms (DGAs) for solving the optimization problem. For numerical simulation, the method has been utilized on an eight-storey shear frame and optimal MTMDs have been designed. Results show that using the Hankel's norm as the objective function has led to design MTMDs which are effective in reducing the root-mean-square (RMS) of structural response under different earthquakes while in reducing the maximum response both design criteria have had the same results. Through numerical analysis the effect of design record, MTMDs mass ratio, TMD's number and stroke length on MTMDs effectiveness has been studied.
Experimental Investigation and On—Site Measurement of Reverse—Balanced Flange Connections in Wind Turbine Towers
Authors: He Minjuan , Li Zheng , Ma Renle , Huang Dongping , Liu Kai , Pei Zhoutao
Published: July 2015

This paper presents an experimental study and on-site measurements for a reverse-balanced flange connection. This kind of flange connection is proposed for the installation of tubular wind turbine towers that are manufactured in steel shell segments. The specific configuration for the reverse-balanced flange connection is the reversed stiffening plates with balanced surfaces. Monotonic loading tests were conducted to investigate the moment resisting capacity and stiffness of this kind of flange connection. It was found that, when designed for the same load conditions, the reverse-balanced flange connection had higher moment resisting capacity and stiffness than the conventional bolted flange connection. Failure in the reverse-balanced flange connections was not observed before local buckling failure of the steel shell. The fatigue stress ranges in the high-strength bolts of the reverse-balanced flange connection were also evaluated based on the data from on-site measurements. The stress range was found to be much lower in the bolts from the reverse-balanced flange connection than that of the bolts from the conventional bolted flange connection. The test and on-site measurement results in this study can serve as technical basis and verification in support of greater application of reverse-balanced flange connections in wind turbine towers.
Shear and Local Effects in All-FRP Bolted Built-Up Columns
Authors: Russo S.
Published: July 2015

The study analyzes the performances of built-up columns made of FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) profiles connected by steel bolts. The research aims specifically at verifying the influence of the shear deformability as well as the local effect after collapse at the bolted connections. The analyzed case regards a built-up column made of four pultruded FRP channel. The investigation involves two different types of built-up columns, the first one with smaller pultruded FRP channels and less intermediate bolted connection with respect to the second one, which is generally stiffer. The study proposes a numerical analysis and comparison to experimental results. The research highlights that shear effect generates a reduction of the Eulerian critical load that came from to 10% to 20%; this phenomenon is less for single channel in which case the Eulerian critical load prevails. The investigation shows also a good agreement between the non linear analysis and the experimental results because it well captures the interaction between global buckling and the local one that appears in a single channel of the built-up column between bolts.
Experimental and Numerical Study on Perforated Channel Columns with Complex Edge Stiffeners and Web Stiffeners
Authors: Wang Chungang , Zhang Zhuangnan , Zhao Daqian , Bai Yu
Published: July 2015

In order to study the influence of web holes on axial compression behaviors of thin-walled columns with different section forms, a total of 10 pin-ended compression specimens with two section forms were tested. One section is channels with complex edge stiffeners and web holes, the other section is channels with complex edge stiffeners and Σ type web stiffeners and web holes. The ultimate load, buckling mode and deformation behavior of these specimens were studied. It was found that the axial compression loading efficiency of perforated Σ-section specimens can increase about 30% to 50%, which compared with channels with complex edge stiffeners and web holes under the same conditions. The tests were simulated by finite element analysis (FEA), and the analysis results agreed well with experimental data. It was shown that the loading efficiency of Σ-section models with holes decreased about 25% compared with the same section models without holes. While channel section models with complex edge stiffeners and holes decreased about 6% average. Furthermore, the direct strength method (DSM) was used to calculate the ultimate loading capacity of perforated channels with complex edge stiffeners. The results indicate that the existing DSM formulas for perforated members, developed mainly based on channel sections with simple edge stiffeners, are also valid for channels with complex edge stiffeners and web holes under axial compression.
Flexural Performances of Square Concrete Filled CFRP-Steel Tubes (S-CF-CFRP-ST)
Authors: Wang Qing-Li , Li Jia , Shao Yong-Bo , Zhao Wei-Juan
Published: July 2015

Static behavior of sixteen square concrete filled CFRP-steel tubular (S-CF-CFRP-ST) flexural members are experimentally investigated in this paper. The test results show that the moment-curvature curves on the cross-section of the composite members at the mid-span can be divided into three stages, i.e., elastic stage, elastoplastic stage and softening stage. The longitudinal CFRP can enhance the flexural load carrying capacity and the stiffness of the members effectively. Analyses on the experimental results show that the steel tube and its outer CFRP material can cooperate in both longitudinal and transverse directions, and the distribution of the longitudinal strains of the steel tube over the cross-section depth satisfies with plane section assumption approximately. In addition, the steel tube under longitudinal tension has no transverse confinement effect on the core concrete. The failure modes and the moment-curvature curves on the cross-section of the specimens at the mid-span are simulated by using finite element method. The predicted results agree well with the experimental values. The strains of the steel material, the transverse deformation of the specimens at the mid-span, the stresses and the strains of the concrete, the interaction force between the steel tube and the concrete, and the effect of the adhesive strength on the static behavior are all analyzed. Finally, equations for calculating flexural load carrying capacity of the composite members are proposed. The presented equations are evaluated and found to be able to predict the strength accurately.
Analysis of lift and drag coefficients of a GT2 racing car at various speeds with movable wheels and ground
Authors: Boretti Albert
Published: July 2015

The paper proposes a study of a GT2 racing car with a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tool. Results of STAR-CCM+ simulations of the flow around the car in a wind tunnel with movable ground and wheels are presented for different air speeds to assess the different contributions of pressure and shear to lift and drag over the speed range. The rear wing contributes more than 85% of the lift force and 7-8% of the drag force for this particular class of racing cars. When reference is made to the low speed drag and lift coefficients, increasing the speed from 25 to 100 m/s produces an increase of CD of more than 3% and a reduction of CL of more than 2%. The resultsuggests modifying the constant CD and CL values used in lap time simulation toolsintroducing the tabulated values to interpolate vs. the speed of the car.
Studying with small sample for leaching behavior of heavy metals based on the fuzzy theory
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Wu Weihong , Liu Qingbin , Sheng Long
Published: July 2015

The research on leaching behaviors of heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash is of great significance. Because of the limitations like experimental condition, experiment data volume of heavy metals is difficult to achieve the prediction of requirements. In order to solve the problem of uncertainty and fuzziness caused by small sample, a new method based on fuzzy theory is proposed in this paper. By comparing fitting results from measured data and Visual MINTEQ simulation results, the method in this paper is considered to be more reliable and has a better interpretation for the leaching behaviors of heavy metals. The simulation results show the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method.
Examining Factors Influencing Colorectal Cancer Screening of Rural Nebraskans Using Data from Clinics Participating in an Accountable Care Organization: A Study Protocol
Authors: Young Lufei , Kim Jungyoon , Wang Hongmei , Chen Li-Wu
Published: July 2015

Background: Although mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be significantly reduced through increased screening, rural communities are still experiencing lower rates of screening compared to urban counterparts. Understanding and eliminating barriers to cancer screening will decrease cancer burden and lead to substantial gains in quality and quantity of life for rural populations. However, existing studies have shown inconsistent findings and fail to address how contextual and provider-level factors impact CRC screening in addition to individual-level factors. 

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine multi-level factors related to CRC screening, and providers’ perception of barriers and facilitators of CRC screening in rural patients cared for by accountable care organization (ACO) clinics.

Methods/Design: This is a convergent mixed method design. For the quantitative component, multiple data sources, such as electronic health records (EHRs), Area Resource File (ARF), and provider survey data, will be used to examine patient-, provider-, clinic-, and county-level factors. About 21,729 rural patients aged between 50 and 75 years who visited the participating ACO clinics in the past 12 months are included in the quantitative analysis. The qualitative methods include semi-structured in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals in selected rural clinics. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be merged for result interpretation. Quantitative data identifies “what” factors influence CRC screening, while qualitative data explores “how” these factors interact with CRC screening. The study setting is 10 ACO clinics located in nine rural Nebraska counties.

Discussion: This will be the first study examining multi-level factors related to CRC screening in the new healthcare delivery system (i.e., ACO clinics) in rural communities. The study findings will enhance our understanding of how the ACO model, particularly in rural areas, interacts with provider- and patient-level factors influencing the CRC screening rate of rural patients.
Features of training in the industry of tourism and hospitality in Russia: traditional and modern approaches
Authors: Морозов Владимир , Morozov Vladimir , Поправкина Анастасия , Popravkina Anastasiya
Published: July 2015

The article considers issues relating to existing system of personnel training for tourism and hospitality. In connection with the active development of this sector of the economy has appeared the need for clear interaction between the system of professional education and the labor market. The authors highlight perspectives joint activities of sectoral employer and of profile educational institutions, and define the factors influencing on the personnel training in field of tourism and hospitality. The problems in the traditional and modern approach personnel training and possible solutions are considered. In the traditional approach in personnel training have been identified such basic methods of training as training in the workplace and outside the workplace. With the modern approach to personnel training were considered the methods of outsourcing and outstaffing and the competency approach. Tourism and hospitality industry is a special sphere of business activity, which is differs by integrated character of functioning of various enterprises. The modern model of professional tourism education suggests in its basis multilevel, geographically distributed system of continuous training, retraining and advanced training of tourism personnel. Currently, however, had not solved the problems connected with the quality of personnel training. The specific of tourist education lies in its multifaceted, because personnel training carried out in different directions of technical and technological, economic, administrative and scientific profiles.
Creative methods of training of students in the directions of preparation "Tourism" and "Service"
Authors: Стурод Анне Гри , Sturod Anne Gri , Ермаков Александр , Ermakov Aleksandr
Published: July 2015

Distance education of students has its own specific, which requires prompt creation of various educational materials. A particular problem is caused by the fact that these documents are created in parallel with the preparation of materials for the regular internal form of training. The use of the device of creation of entries from screen and camera and viewing presentations in the new format is proposed. Construction of a lecture script and its division into separate scenes and shots requires a new approach to its drafting, systematization and storage of information. Material a lecture should be presented with taking into account the effectiveness of its perception by the student audience, and it should be is systematized and consider classification of the reflect objects and their hierarchy in relation to each other. Scaling of images, creation in the presentation the individual objects and their autonomous modeling allows its easy modification with the appearance of innovation in this facility. The authors propose decision for the creation of teaching aids (presentations of lectures) using screencasts and presentations by using new software. In the educational material with the use of screencasts is created the effect of real presence on the solving the problem by the teacher in class.In the preparation of educational material for lessons, students can take part in accordance with the program of implementation self-work on of discipline. New software means allow to construct lecture at a higher qualitative level that improves the quality of teaching, not only in the traditional forms, but also makes it possible to demonstrate the open lectures for online versions on the website of the University.
Role of foreign languages in formation of krosskulturny and service space (on the example of the languages extended to territories of modern Spain)
Authors: Спатарь-Козаченко Татьяна , Spatar-Kozachenko Tatyana
Published: July 2015

Foreign languages in demand as a means of intercultural dialogue, it is a social order of our modern society. But the language is not only a means of communication of modern people, this is a means of "dialogue" between the generations, a means of preserving the accumulated spiritual wealth of the people who speak this language. To understand the present and build the future, we sometimes need to look back into the past, including the past of the language. For accelerated learning a foreign language often helps to explain of linguistic phenomena and historical processes that took place in a particular language or a particular group of related languages. In the article the object of the analysis is almost forgotten Mozarabic language on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula. Mozarabic - is an Ibero-Romance language, which was once widespread in the conquered by Arabs part of the Iberian Peninsula. Language had been at the stage of development, therefore it has undergone strong phonetic changes.The article considers the influence of the Portuguese, Galician, Catalan languages on the Mozarabic language and vice versa, of the Mozarabic language on the Galician language, León, Asturias, Murskii and other dialects. The 3 stages of historical evolution of Mozarabic people are described: 1) fight Mozarabic people for independence; 2) the period of oppression; 3) the period of emigration. Examples of similar names of settlements in different parts of the peninsula, as well as plants are shown.The analysis of the phonetic form Mozarabic language has carried out: diphthongs and consonants saving in Castilian language. Mozarabic language has played an important role in the dialectical development of the peninsula, as a link between the Roman, Arab and Spanish cultures. The author highlights the role of Mozarabic language in the development of Castilian language and its formation as a state.
Problems and Perspectives of International Companies in Ukraine
Authors: Antoniv Kateryna , Mnykh Olga , Sytnyk Josyf
Published: July 2015

The article proves the relevance of the value formation of businesses that operate not only in domestic but also foreign markets. The causes of underestimation of enterprises in modern conditions of the worsening crisis are summarized. Priorities of export-oriented enterprises, their opportunities and threats under conditions of globalization of business are defined. The interaction of factors relating to commodity and stock markets, which significantly affect capitalizational processes is shown.
New Performance Funding Models as a Way of Funding
Authors: Turek Marian , Michalak Aneta
Published: July 2015

Mining industry in Poland faces many financial problems. One of them is to determine the proper performance funding structure. The main objective of this article is to create new models of funding performance in mining enterprises and to propose the way of examining influence of separate models on effectiveness of finance management in mining enterprises. As the measure of effectiveness growth regarding finance management the Authors adopted the value growth of mining enterprise. In the following stages of research there were assumptions and procedure presented for building funding models of mining enterprises as well as the basic funding models were suggested and the method of examining models’ influence on the value of a mining enterprise was described. In order to solve the research problem there were several general methods used: financial data analysis, comparison and generalization and also detailed methods such as: observation, documents analysis method, statistic methods
Federal Policy Responses to the 2007–2009 US Credit Crunch
Authors: Goczek Łukasz
Published: July 2015

This paper discusses the key characteristics of the U.S. financial crisis 2007-2009 and focuses on the Federal Policy Response to the lack of liquidity in the financial sector known as the “Credit Crunch”. The surprising depth of the crisis required unprecedented policy measures to be used in order to tackle the mounting liquidity problems in banks and prevent the subsequent credit crunch from taking its toll in the real economy. This required extension of monetary powers of the Federal Reserve and Treasury, which was unmatched in history. The policy response to credit crunch and house price bust was especially important given the fact that recessions following such events tend to be much deeper and longer than any other types of recessions. More importantly, however, the analyses of the current policy responses will determine which form financial markets will take in the next few decades, thus how vulnerable the world economy will be to next disruptions and liquidity problems.
Research Note—An Exploration of Risk Characteristics of Information Security Threats and Related Public Information Search Behavior
Authors: Wang Jingguo , Xiao Nan , Rao H. Raghav
Published: July 2015

Information security (IS) threats are increasingly pervasive, and search engines are being used by the public as the primary tool for searching for relevant information. This research investigates the following two questions: (1) How can different IS threats be characterized and distinguished in terms of their risk characteristics? and (2) how are risk characteristics related to public searches for information on IS threats? Applying psychometric analysis, our analyses of survey data first show that unknown risk and dread risk are two underlying dimensions that can characterize different IS threats. Drawing broadly on the literature of information foraging theory, we examine the influence of risk characteristics on public searches for information on these threats. We utilize a search engine log to extract searches related to IS threats. We develop and estimate a system of equations with correlated individual-specific error terms using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. We find that the two risk characteristics exert differential impacts on information search behavior (including types of information sought, number of pages viewed, and length of query). The implications for IS research and practice are discussed.
Dynamic Assortment Customization with Limited Inventories
Authors: Bernstein Fernando , Kök A. Gürhan , Xie Lei
Published: July 2015

We consider a retailer with limited inventory of identically priced, substitutable products. The retailer faces a market with multiple segments of customers that are heterogeneous with respect to their product preferences. Customers arrive sequentially, and the firm decides which subset of products to offer to each arriving customer depending on the customer’s preferences, the inventory levels, and the remaining time in the season. We show that it is optimal to limit the choice set of some customers (even when the products are in stock), reserving products with low inventory levels for future customers who may have a stronger preference for those products. In certain settings, we prove that it is optimal to follow a threshold policy under which a product is offered to a customer segment if its inventory level is higher than a threshold value. The thresholds are decreasing in time and increasing in the inventory levels of other products. We introduce two heuristics derived by approximating the future marginal expected revenue by the marginal value of a newsvendor function that captures the substitution dynamics between products. We test the impact of assortment customization using data from a fashion retailer. We find that the potential revenue impact of assortment customization can be significant, especially when customer heterogeneity is high and when the products’ inventory-to-demand ratios are asymmetric. Our findings suggest that assortment customization can be used as another lever for revenue maximization in addition to pricing.