bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the shape and surface oxidation in the magnetization reversal of thin iron nanowires grown by focused electron beam induced deposition
Authors: Rodríguez Luis A , Deen Lorenz , Córdoba Rosa , Magén César , Snoeck Etienne , Koopmans Bert , De Teresa José M
Published: June 2015

Iron nanostructures grown by focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) are promising for applications in magnetic sensing, storage and logic. Such applications require a precise design and determination of the coercive field (HC), which depends on the shape of the nanostructure. In the present work, we have used the Fe2(CO)9 precursor to grow iron nanowires by FEBID in the thickness range from 10 to 45 nm and width range from 50 to 500 nm. These nanowires exhibit an Fe content between 80 and 85%, thus giving a high ferromagnetic signal. Magneto-optical Kerr characterization indicates that HC decreases for increasing thickness and width, providing a route to control the magnetization reversal field through the modification of the nanowire dimensions. Transmission electron microscopy experiments indicate that these wires have a bell-type shape with a surface oxide layer of about 5 nm. Such features are decisive in the actual value of HC as micromagnetic simulations demonstrate. These results will help to make appropriate designs of magnetic nanowires grown by FEBID.
FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS’ READINESS FOR OUTSOURCING THEIR LOGISTICS
Authors: Rovšek Vesna , Beškovnik Bojan
Published: June 2015

The purpose of the present paper is to contribute to better knowledge of consumer logistics and consumer preferences. This aspect of logistics is to our mind rather unexplored, but seems to be very important for the development of logistics companies. The paper is confined to the logistics executed by the younger population. The main goal of the research was to identify the factors influencing students’ readiness for outsourcing their logistics. Further, the survey aims at developing an instrument for measuring the scope and structure of the students’ logistics and the share of their mobility which they would be ready to have executed by the suppliers of logistic services. Two segments were statistically analysed: social-demographic data and the diary of travel behaviour. Among twenty-two independent variables, the results highlighted ‘length of journey’, ‘time necessary for the execution of logistics’ for the purpose of: ‘giving a ride to neighbours’, ‘shopping for consumer goods’, ‘change of residence’ and ‘entertainment’. Interestingly, it was ascertained that the more time the students travel by car, the more logistics they were prepared to outsource. Finally, the survey methodology applied might serve as the basis for further research into the market of logistic services as well as other aspects of consumers’ preferences referring to their logistics. Based on this, new means of public transportation might be designed and offered by various localities.
Gout and a Subsequent Increased Risk of Erectile Dysfunction in Men Aged 64 and Under: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yung-Fu , Lin Hsuan-Hung , Lu Chuan-Chin , Hung Chin-Tung , Lee Ming-Huei , Hsu Chao-Yu , Chung Wei-Sheng
Published: June 2015

Objective.

Few studies have examined the relationship between gout and erectile dysfunction (ED). We investigated whether patients with gout exhibited an increased risk of ED.

Methods.

This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the incidence and risk of ED in 19,368 men with gout who were newly diagnosed between January 2002 and December 2008. A total of 77,472 controls without gout were randomly selected from the general population and frequency-matched according to age and sex. The patients were followed up from the date on which they were included in the study cohort to the date of an ED event, censoring, or December 31, 2010. We conducted the Cox proportional hazard model to estimate the effects of gout on ED risk including age and comorbidities.

Results.

The gout cohort exhibited a 1.21-fold adjusted HR of subsequent ED development compared with the non-gout cohort (95% CI 1.03–1.44). The incidence of ED increased with age in both cohorts and was higher among the patients in the gout cohort than among those in the non-gout cohort. Compared to the patients without gout and comorbidities, the patients with both gout and any type of comorbidity exhibited a 2.04-fold risk of developing ED (95% CI 1.63–2.57). Further, the patients with gout who had numerous comorbidities exhibited the dose-response effect in developing ED.

Conclusion.

This nationwide cohort study revealed that ED risk is significantly higher in patients with gout than in the general population.
No Association between Daily Walking and Knee Structural Changes in People at Risk of or with Mild Knee Osteoarthritis. Prospective Data from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: Øiestad Britt Elin , Quinn Emily , White Daniel , Roemer Frank , Guermazi Ali , Nevitt Michael , Segal Neil A. , Lewis Cora E. , Felson David T.
Published: June 2015

Objective.

We investigated the association between objectively measured daily walking and knee structural change, defined either as radiographic worsening or as cartilage loss, in people at risk of or with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods.

Participants from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) with Kellgren-Lawrence grades 0–2 and daily walking (measured with the StepWatch) at the 60-month visit were included. Participants had fixed-flexion, weight-bearing radiographs and knee magnetic resonance images (MRI) at 60 and 84 months. Radiographic worsening was read in both knees using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International grading, and MRI were read for 1 knee using the Whole-Organ MRI Score semiquantitative scoring. OR and 95% CI were calculated comparing those in the middle tertile against the lowest and highest tertiles of daily walking using logistic regression models and generalized estimating equations. Data on walking with moderate to vigorous intensity (min with > 100 steps/min/day) were associated to structural change using multivariate and logistic regression models.

Results.

The 1179 study participants (59% women) were 67.0 years old (± 7.6), with a mean (± SD) body mass index of 29.8 kg/m2 (± 5.3) who walked 6981 (± 2630) steps/day. After adjusting for confounders, we found no significant associations between daily walking and radiographic worsening or cartilage loss. More time spent walking at a moderate to vigorous intensity was not associated with either radiographic worsening or cartilage loss.

Conclusion.

Results from the MOST study indicated no association between daily walking and structural changes over 2 years in the knees of people at risk of or with mild knee OA.
PS4PCSim
Authors: Khalfi Mohammed Fethi , Benslimane Sidi Mohamed
Published: June 2015

Web Service for Devices (WSFD) sees a perspective of being able to build service-oriented and event-driven applications on top of these devices with Web service capabilities and a seamless integration into existing World Wide Web infrastructure. The authors introduce in this paper PS4PCSim, a proactive simulator toolkit for pervasive computing applications and environments. It has been implemented and used to test and simulate various context-aware pervasive systems in different application areas using UPnP infrastructure and the WSFD technology like a smart office or house with ambient sensors, actuators and physical devices.
Full-Exact Approach for Frequent Itemset Hiding
Authors: Ayav Tolga , Ergenc Belgin
Published: June 2015

This paper proposes a novel exact approach that relies on integer programming for association rule hiding. A large panorama of solutions exists for the complex problem of itemset hiding: from practical heuristic approaches to more accurate exact approaches. Exact approaches provide better solutions while suffering from the lack of performance and existing exact approaches still augment their methods with heuristics to make the problem solvable. In this case, the solution may not be optimum. This work presents a full-exact method, without any need for heuristics. Extensive tests are conducted on 10 real datasets to analyze distance and information loss performances of the algorithm in comparison to a former similar algorithm. Since the approach provides the optimum solution to the problem, it should be considered as a reference method.
Learning Recycling from Playing a Kinect Game
Authors: Ibánez José de Jesús Luis González , Wang Alf Inge
Published: June 2015

The emergence of gesture-based computing and inexpensive gesture recognition technology such as the Kinect have opened doors for a new generation of educational games. Gesture based-based interfaces make it possible to provide user interfaces that are more nature and closer to the tasks being carried out, and helping students that learn best through movement (compared to audio and vision). For younger students, motion interfaces can stimulate development of motor skills and let students be physically active during the school day. In this article, an evaluation is presented of a Kinect educational game where students learn to recycle using body gestures. The focus of the evaluation was to investigate potential advantages using gesture-interfaces in educational games, how the game affected the students' engagement, motivation and learning, and if there were any social preferences for playing the game. The results show that elementary school students get highly motivated and engaged playing a Kinect recycling game. The students also report that they learn from playing this game and prefer such game-based learning to traditional lectures. Finally, the students preferred playing this game as a multi-player game, where the boys preferred to play competitive while the girls preferred playing collaboratively.
Measuring Knowledge Enablers and Project Success in IT Organizations
Authors: McKay II Donald S. , Ellis Timothy J.
Published: June 2015

Knowledge enablers exist at the organizational and project levels. There is however, no meaningful means to measure organizational or project knowledge sharing. The need to understand the elements that enable this flow of knowledge is dramatically evidenced in information technology organizations in which insufficient knowledge sharing leads to intellectual capital loss, rework, skills deterioration, and repeated mistakes that increase project costs or failures. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship among knowledge sharing processes at the organizational level – organizational learning enablers (OLEs) – the project level – project learning enablers (PLEs) – and project success variables (PSVs). After identifying and validating the OLE, PLE, and PSV constructs they were codified in a survey. Results showed a positive and significant relationship among OLEs, PLEs, and PSVs. A multiple regression indicated that the combination of OLEs and PLEs accounted for 30% of a project's success, however, PLEs alone were not statistically significant.
QuEST for Information Fusion in Multimedia Reports
Authors: Blasch Erik P. , Rogers Steven K. , Holloway Hillary , Tierno Jorge , Jones Eric K. , Hammoud Riad I.
Published: June 2015

Qualia-based Exploitation of Sensing Technology (QuEST) is an approach to create a cognitive exoskeleton to improve human-machine decision quality. In this paper, the authors present QuEST-motivated man-machine information fusion with an example for multimedia narratives. User-based situation awareness includes both elements of external sensory perception and internal cognitive explanation. The authors outline QuEST elements and tenets towards a reasoning approach that achieves human intelligence amplification (IA) in relation to data aggregation from machine artificial intelligence (AI). In a use case example for multimedia exploitation, they showcase the need for enhanced understanding of the man (mind-body cognition) and the machine (sensor-based reasoning) for establishing a cohesive narrative of situational activities. QuEST tenets of structurally coherent, situated conceptualization, and simulated experience are utilized in organizing multimedia reports of Video Event Segmentation by Text (VEST).
Vehicle Engine Classification Using Spectral Tone-Pitch Vibration Indexing and Neural Network
Authors: Wei Jie , Vongsy Karmon , Mendoza-Schrock Olga , Liu Chi-Him
Published: June 2015

As a non-invasive and remote sensor, the Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) has found a broad spectrum of applications in various areas such as civil engineering, biomedical engineering, and even security and restoration within art museums. LDV is an ideal sensor to detect threats earlier and provide better protection to society, which is of utmost importance to military and law enforcement institutions. However, the use of LDV in situational surveillance, in particular vehicle classification, is still in its infancy due to the lack of systematic investigations on its behavioral properties. In this work, as a result of the pilot project initiated by Air Force Research Laboratory, the innate features of LDV data from many vehicles are examined, beginning with an investigation of feature differences compared to human speech signals. A spectral tone-pitch vibration indexing scheme is developed to capture the engine's periodic vibrations and the associated fundamental frequencies over the vehicles' surface. A two-layer feed-forward neural network with 20 intermediate neurons is employed to classify vehicles' engines based on their spectral tone-pitch indices. The classification results using the proposed approach over the complete LDV dataset collected by the project are exceedingly encouraging; consistently higher than 96% accuracies are attained for all four types of engines collected from this project.
Learning with Privileged Information for Improved Target Classification
Authors: Ilin Roman , Streltsov Simon , Izmailov Rauf
Published: June 2015

This work considers “Learning Using Privileged Information” (LUPI) paradigm. LUPI improves classification accuracy by incorporating additional information available at training time and not available during testing. In this contribution, the LUPI paradigm is tested on a Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) dataset and on images from the Caltech 101 dataset. In both cases a consistent improvement in classification accuracy is observed. The results are discussed and the directions of future research are outlined.
Spatial Resources and Sustainable Development of Business Tourism in Serbia
Authors: Štetić Snežana , Dario Šimičević , Pavlović Sanja
Published: June 2015

Serbia has numerous tourist resources which can be used for tourism development and it is base for strategic documents about tourism. Business tourism, for its economic contribution to tourist destinations is globally recognized. Preserved and unchanged natural environment, geodiversity and biodiversity are representing important resources for the development of business tourism in Serbia. Trips and excursions are constitutive part of modern business events and because of that diversity of natural and anthropogenic resources is one of the main drives of business tourism development. This paper focuses on identification of such resources and points on possibilities of their use in development of Serbia as destination of business tourism. Tourism is one of the best opportunities for a sustainable economic and social development for Serbia and this paper is trying to explain how business tourism resources, accommodation, tourist agencies specialized in business tourism should be developed and used by tourism policy makers.
A Forecast of the Adoption of Wearable Technology
Authors: Page Tom
Published: June 2015

This research aims to quantify the current market size for wearable technology, and determine why this market has struggled over the past decade. These are products which are worn on the body and enhanced using electronics. Forecasts have been made as to how this wearable technology is likely to develop in terms of market size and product design or function. It is predicted that in five years the wearable technology market will be several times larger than it is currently, and entertainment devices will overtake fitness to become the largest product category. Medical devices will be used to reduce healthcare costs by monitoring patients within their own home and wearable technology will allow businesses to improve customer relations and productivity.
Stability Prediction of Intensification of the Lime Sludge Impoundment
Authors: Slavik Ivan
Published: June 2015

An impoundment is an engineering construction used for the safe deposition of unexploitable waste from industrial and mining facilities. In terms of the legislative requirements of the Slovak Republic, a Measurements Project must be developed for each impoundment. In this document the prerequisites for the safe operation of an impoundment, the limit and critical values of the monitored phenomena and the facts influencing the safety of the impoundment and the area endangered by such a site are also defined. The safety and stability of an impoundment are verified according to a Measurements Project by considering stability at regular time intervals. This contribution presents, in the form of a parametric study, a stability analysis of a lime sludge impoundment. The stability analysis provides an example of the utilization of an information database of the results of the regular monitoring of the geotechnical properties of the materials forming the impoundment ́s body and the surrounding rock mass.
Effective Areas of Internal and Outstand Elements under Compression Stress Lower than the Yield Strength
Authors: Balaz Ivan , Kolekova Yvona
Published: June 2015

Analysis of the rules for calculation of the reduction factor for plate buckling of internal and outstand elements defined by Eq. (4.2) and Eq. (4.3) given in Annex E of EN 1993-1-5. Proposals for improvements of the rules, which were already accepted in Working Groups WG EN 1993-1-3 and WG EN 1993-1-5 for the next generation of Eurocodes.
Numerical Analysis of the Influence of the Parameter of Ductility of Reinforcing Steel on the Behaviour of Narrow Three-Span Reinforced Concrete Slabs from the Point of View of Experimental Investigations
Authors: Wieczorek Mirosław
Published: June 2015

In the time of exploitation of building structures frequently situations do occur, in which due to failures they are exposed to much higher loads than originally predicted. The subject matter of the performed investigations and a numerical analysis are models of four narrow reinforced concrete slabs with the dimensions 7140×500×190 mm. The paper presents the results of the numerical analysis, the aim of which was to reflect and to provide detailed information about phenomena occurring in the course of laboratory tests. Numerical models were constructed according to the system ANSYS, applying volumetric elements SOLID65 and bars LINK8. In order to determine the relation σ-ε of steel an isotropic model of strengthening in the system ANSYS was used, constructed by Misses. The behaviour of concrete was represented by the material model Concrete. The parameters applied in the material models had been obtained in laboratory tests of the material. The paper quotes the results of calculations compared with the results obtained in laboratory tests.
Numerical and Experimental Modelling of an Air Flow Field in the Chamber of a Rectangular Cross-Section Contraction
Authors: Michalcova Vladimira , Kuznetsov Sergej , Lausova Lenka , Skotnicova Iveta
Published: June 2015

The article describes the study of turbulent characteristics in the enclosed chamber of a rectangular corss-section nozzle using numerical calculations. Suitable Ansys Fluent software models were selected based on the measurements results comparison in an aerodynamic tunnel as the fluid exits the nozzle. Special attention is paid to profile velocity near the peripheral wall of the observed enclosed chamber in order to confirm the optimal shape of the contraction and thus take steps towards a high quality velocity field.
Diagnostics of an Existing Cable-Stayed Bridge by Means of the Dynamic Load Test
Authors: Polak Michal , Fajman Petr , Maca Jiri , Plachý Tomáš
Published: June 2015

The cable-stayed bridge at the inner ring road in Prague in the Czech Republic was put into operation in 1997. In 2008 a crack was found in the bridge structure area where the end beam was connected with the upper deck of the box section and where the bridge expansion joint system was anchored. The basic objective of diagnostic works, which were started immediately after the finding of the crack, was obtaining the basis for bridge structure modifications, among other things, to prevent formation of similar damages in the future. A series of diagnostic methods was used for determination of the bridge actual state and the real static and dynamic bridge behavior. One of these methods was the dynamic load test. It was focused on an examination of the bridge forced vibration which was caused by dynamic effects of a usual traffic flow. An arrangement of the test was not quite usual because the experiment was concentrated on dynamic behaviour of bridge support areas especially. The abutment area, the pylon area and the area of a pillar with the bearing with a tensile structural element were observed on the investigated bridge. The dynamic load test was performed in two stages. The first stage was focused on investigation of bridge dynamic behaviour in original structural conditions and on obtaining the basis for design of bridge adjustments. The second stage was realized after bridge reconstruction in December 2012 and verified the effectiveness of bridge modifications.
Consideration of Cover Layer of Concrete by Nonlinear Sectional Analysis
Authors: Krchnak Michal , Sokol Milan
Published: June 2015

Paper discusses the implementation of sectional analysis in a custom program developed by authors. The program is devoted to nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete frames. Analysis consists of two interrelated iterative procedures, global frame analysis and sectional analysis. The latter works with the discretized cross section into finite number of concrete fibres and reinforcement layers. Each fibre is analysed separately to determine axial stresses on them. However, equilibrium and compatibility requirements are satisfied for the cross section as a whole. For determination of stresses on fibres is used Disturbed Stress Field Theory (DSFM) model. Paper summarizes the concept of the global and sectional analysis and DSFM. Finally it shows the proposed implementation of cross section discretization for the sectional analysis in respect with consideration of the cover layer if the concrete.
3-D CFD Simulation of the Airflow over a Gable Roof with Different Elevations
Authors: Kralik Juraj Jr.
Published: June 2015

The pressure coefficients on duo-pitched roofs of separated buildings are well described by several standards. Nowadays, there are various commercial or non-commercial programs which can predict the pressure coefficients. However, the most accurate method is to perform a wind tunnel test. The aim of this paper is to simulate the airflow over a gable roof with different elevations under ANSYS Fluent 14.0 program. Examined elevations of the gable roof are 5°, 15° and 30°. Classical two equation k-ε turbulence models based on Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations simulation were performed. Performance of each turbulence model with the increasing angel of the roof was compared.
Analysis and Recommendations about EN1992-1-1 Formulas for Limiting the Span/Depth Ratio
Authors: Slavchev Slavchev Veselin , Guglev Stefanov Rumen
Published: June 2015

In this paper authors present analysis of limits when formulas for limiting the span/depth ratio, given in EN1992-1-1 section 7.4.2, for different reinforced concrete members subjected to bending, are applicable. Recommendations about how to take the compression reinforcement in calculations into account, when deflection of bending members should be assessed, are also proposed.
Sensitivity Analysis of Stress State of Welded Tanks
Authors: Kala Zdenek , Gottvald Jakub , Stonis Jakub , Vejvoda Stanislav , Omishore Abayomi
Published: June 2015

This article focuses on the reliability analysis of a welded cylindrical tank, which is used for the storage of crude oil. The dominant load case is loading of the inner shell by hydrostatic pressure of the crude oil. Stochastic sensitivity analysis was used to study the effect of the variability of the thickness of the ith course on the stress state of adjacent courses. The computational model was developed in the programme ANSYS. Meshing was performed using SHELL181 elements. The Latin Hypercube Sampling method was implemented during analysis. Sensitivity analysis based on the evaluation of the correlation between the random plate thicknesses and the stress state was performed.
Composite Laminates under Hygrothermal Environment
Authors: Kormanikova Eva , Kotrasova Kamila
Published: June 2015

The hygrothermal effect is introduced by using empirical relations for degrading the material stiffness properties of the matrix. A parametric study is conducted by varying the fiber volume fraction and the fiber orientation of the angle plies in the laminate. It is possible to minimize the environmental effect by judiciously selecting the laminate configuration.
Software Modelling of Composite Steel and Concrete Structures
Authors: Kvocak Vincent , Kozlejova Viktoria , Dubecky Daniel
Published: June 2015

The article deals with the modelling of composite structures by means of the ABAQUS software application. This numerical modelling is based on the results obtained from measurements on a series of experimental models. It defines the contacts between concrete, steel and concrete reinforcement. The required accuracy of theoretical solutions will be guaranteed by the appropriate depiction of contacts between different materials. Creating adequate procedures for the design of composite structures will be possible due to the application of established and well-proven theoretical models.
Comparison of Analytical and FEM Solutions of the Contact Tasks of Foundation - Subsoil Interaction
Authors: Hrustinec Lubos , Sumec Jozef , Kuzma Jozef
Published: June 2015

In this paper we shall deal with application of analytical and numerical calculation methods in selected geotechnical problem. It is well-known that numerical modeling by Finite Element Method (FEM) is often used for solving complicated engineering problems. FEM is very universal and efficient tool for their solution. In our case a contact task of rigid shallow (circular, rectangular and strip) foundations loaded by centric force, has been solved. The obtained results of vertical normal stresses distributions according to analytical methods and FEM solutions have been analyzed and mutually compared. Results of the calculations have been presented in graphical and tabular form, too.
Effect of Non-Uniform Temperature Distribution over the Cross-Section in Steel Frame Structure
Authors: Lausova Lenka , Skotnicova Iveta , Michalcova Vladimira , Konečný Petr
Published: June 2015

The paper deals with the effect of non-uniform temperature over the cross-section in the steel frame structure under fire loading. The unequal temperature distribution causes additional bending moments in statically indeterminate structures. Numerical results of thermal and structural analysis from the commercial computer software ANSYS are compared with the experimental measurements on the steel frame exposed to high temperature.
Foundation Plate Optimization
Authors: Tvrda Katarina
Published: June 2015

This paper deals with some problem on thickness of a plate rested on Winkler ́s foundation using the first order optimization method, while maintaining different restrictive conditions. The optimization analysis is based on a reduction of the thickness in the individual points. The aim is to obtain a minimum volume of the foundation plate. Finally some results of optimal design are presented.
Two episodes of cutaneous non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection in a patient with psoriasis
Authors: Chan Wai Sze Agnes , Tee Shang-Ian , Chandran Nisha Su Yien , Pan Jiun Yit
Published: June 2015

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of environmental pathogens, which cause a broad spectrum of disease. The incidence of NTM infection is increasing, especially in immunocompromized patients. The past three decades also saw a rapid increase in the incidence of NTM infection involving otherwise healthy subjects. We report a case of cutaneous NTM infection in a 79-year-old Chinese woman, who was receiving methotrexate for psoriasis. Mycobacterial culture grew Mycobacterium abscessus, and the lesions cleared with a combination of oral clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline. Interestingly, she then developed a second episode of cutaneous NTM infection with Mycobacterium haemophilum over the same body region, five years after stoppage of methotrexate. Both episodes were separated in time and involved different species, indicating that they were independent from each other. We further discuss the risk factors for cutaneous NTM infection, treatment, and highlight the need for diagnostic vigilance.
Hospital-based emergency care in the Russian Federation: a historical analysis of statutory regulations
Authors: Bagnenko Sergei , Miroshnichenko Aleksandr , Alimov Ruslan , Minnullin Ildar , Rodigin Anthony
Published: June 2015

The ongoing changes the system of emergency care (EC) in the Russian Federation (RF), especially its in-hospital component, require modifications of applicable laws. This paper analyzes past development and evaluates the current state of regulations pertinent to hospital-based EC in RF. We have reviewed and analyzed the regulatory statutes that governed hospital-based emergency care in Russia between 1735 and 2013. The study traces the development of past regulations (legal and normative acts) applicable to EC in RF. Main regulations currently in effect are characterized. At present, there already exists a body of laws supporting further modernization of hospital-based EC in Russia. Most recently, the legal foundation has been laid for previously novel concepts such as short-term observation, and for the creation of hospitalbased centers of EC. Work in progress involves active steps towards clinical recommendations and protocols for the envisioned new structure of EC in the RF. The paper will be of interest to professionals studying global emergency medicine development. It will help researchers and clinical practitioners in the fields of emergency medical care and healthcare management by understanding the link between regulatory deficiencies and barriers to improving emergency department operations.
The impact of Kt/V urea-based dialysis adequacy on quality of life and adherence in haemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study in Greece
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi , Togas Constantinos , Vasilopoulou Chrysoula , Minos Christos , Zyga Sofia , Tzitzikos Giorgos
Published: June 2015

There is clear evidence of a link between dialysis adequacy (as measured by urea kinetic modeling or urea reduction ratio) and such important clinical outcomes as morbidity and mortality. Evidence regarding the relationship between dialysis adequacy and quality of life (QOL) outcomes as well as adherence is less clear. The present paper is a study protocol which is planning to answer the following research question: what is the impact of dialysis adequacy on QOL and adherence in a sample of hemodialysis patients? The final sample size will be around 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Each subject’s QOL and adherence will be measured using the following instruments: i) the Missoula-VITAS quality of life index 25; ii) the multidimensional scale of perceived social support and iii) the simplified medication adherence questionnaire. Dialysis adequacy is expected to be related to QOL and adherence scores.
Translation and cultural adaptation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support for Greece
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi
Published: June 2015

Recently, there is a surge of interest in the use of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure perceived social support across cultures. The objective of this study was to translate and make the cultural adaptation of the Greek version of the MSPSS. The study counted with a sample of 10 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The process involved the following steps of translation back translation and semantic evaluation. The former revealed good acceptance of the translated version of the instrument, which participants considered having items of easy understanding. After completing the process of validation in the country, the instrument will become available to Greek researchers to measure social support, as well as to compare results from Greece to that of other cultures in which the instrument has already been validated.
Interview with Dr. Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi
Published: June 2015

Not required
The impact of healthcare workers job environment on their mental-emotional health. Coping strategies: the case of a local general hospital
Authors: Koinis Aristotelis , Giannou Vasiliki , Drantaki Vasiliki , Angelaina Sophia , Stratou Elpida , Saridi Maria
Published: June 2015

Workplace stress can influence healthcare professionals’ physical and emotional well-being by curbing their efficiency and having a negative impact on their overall quality of life. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact that work environment in a local public general hospital can have on the health workers’ mental-emotional health and find strategies in order to cope with negative consequences. The study took place from July 2010 to October 2010. Our sample consisted of 200 healthcare professionals aged 21-58 years working in a 240-bed general hospital and the response rate was 91.36%). Our research protocol was first approved by the hospital’s review board. A standardized questionnaire that investigates strategies for coping with stressful conditions was used. A standardized questionnaire was used in the present study Coping Strategies for Stressful Events, evaluating the strategies that persons employ in order to overcome a stressful situation or event. The questionnaire was first tested for validity and reliability which were found satisfactory (Cronbach’s α=0.862). Strict anonymity of the participants was guaranteed. The SPSS 16.0 software was used for the statistical analysis. Regression analysis showed that health professionals’ emotional health can be influenced by strategies for dealing with stressful events, since positive re-assessment, quitting and seeking social support are predisposing factors regarding the three first quality of life factors of the World Health Organization Quality of Life -BREF. More specifically, for the physical health factor, positive re-assessment (t=3.370, P=0.001) and quitting (t=−2.564, P=0.011) are predisposing factors. For the ‘mental health and spirituality’ regression model, positive re-assessment (t=5.528, P=0.000) and seeking social support (t=−1.991, P=0.048) are also predisposing factors, while regarding social relationships positive re-assessment (t=4.289, P=0.000) is a predisposing factor. According to our findings, there was a notable lack of workplace stress management strategies, which the participants usually perceive as a lack of interest on behalf of the management regarding their emotional state. Some significant factors for lowering workplace stress were found to be the need to encourage and morally reward the staff and also to provide them with opportunities for further or continuous education.
Overview of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young children
Authors: Singh Ajay , Yeh Chia Jung , Verma Nidhi , Das Ajay Kumar
Published: June 2015

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex disorder, which can be seen as a disorder of life time, developing in preschool years and manifesting symptoms (full and/or partial) throughout the adulthood; therefore, it is not surprising that there are no simple solutions. The aim of this paper is to provide a short and concise review which can be used to inform affected children and adults; family members of affected children and adults, and other medical, paramedical, non-medical, and educational professionals about the disorder. This paper has also tried to look into the process of how ADHD develops; what are the associated problems; and how many other children and adults are affected by such problems all over the world basically to understand ADHD more precisely in order to develop a better medical and or non-medical multimodal intervention plan. If pre-school teachers and clinicians are aware of what the research tells us about ADHD, the varying theories of its cause, and which areas need further research, the knowledge will assist them in supporting the families of children with ADHD. By including information in this review about the connection between biological behavior, it is hoped that preschool teachers and clinicians at all levels will feel more confident about explaining to parents of ADHD children, and older ADHD children themselves about the probable causes of ADHD.
A Difficult Case of Hodgkin Lymphoma with Differential Diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Sarcoidosis
Authors: Göknar Nilüfer , Çakır Erkan , Çakır Fatma Betül , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Yegen Gulcin , Gedik Ahmet Hakan , Oktem Faruk
Published: June 2015

We report here the case of a 14-year-old boy with history of fever, weight loss, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The clinical symptoms and laboratory findings mimicking tuberculosis and sarcoidosis complicated the diagnostic process. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma after several X-rays, computed tomography, positron emission tomography-computed tomography, laboratory tests and three lymph node biopsy. Clinicians should be alerted on new lesions and symptoms in high risk patients and should repeat diagnostic tests and lymph node biopsies as indicated.
Differential Diagnosis of Isolated Myeloid Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hagen Patrick A. , Singh Charanjeet , Hart Melissa , Blaes Anne H.
Published: June 2015

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare disease entity identified as a variety of manifestations defined by the occurrence of extramedullary myeloid cell masses with or without bone marrow involvement. This case describes an unusual presentation of isolated MS in a 60-year-old otherwise healthy male, who initially presented to his primary care physician with vague abdominal pain. After extensive workup including three omental biopsies, umbilical core biopsy, and inguinal lymph node biopsy, he was ultimately diagnosed with isolated MS with extensive extramedullary tumor burden. Despite advanced extramedullary disease, peripheral cell counts were normal and bilateral bone marrow biopsies unremarkable with normal cellular lineages, morphology, and cytogenetics. The patient underwent induction chemotherapy and is now greater than 100 days post myeloablative unrelated donor marrow transplantation with no evidence of disease recurrence and 100% donor status with full chimerism. This case demonstrates that making a prompt diagnosis with rapid initiation of treatment in myeloid sarcoma can be challenging due to its varied clinical presentation, cytomorphology, cytochemistry, and cytogenetic overlap with other lymphoid malignancies. Once a diagnosis of MS has been made, moving quickly to induction therapy is important. Several studies have shown that improved overall survival is attained when MS is treated as acute myeloid leukemia and increased survival is noted for patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the many remaining questions in regards to the natural history, prognosis, and optimal treatment strategies for this deadly disease.
Disseminated Cryptococcosis Presenting as Cutaneous Cellulitis in an Adolescent with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Valente Ellen Simionato , Lazzarin Mauricio Costa , Koech Bruno Lopes , Rosa Ralph Vighi da , Almeida Rafael de , Oliveira Umberto Lopes de , Neugebauer Maria Gertrudes Fernandes Pereira , Sacco Alexander Gonçalves
Published: June 2015

We report here the case of a 17-year-old girl from Pelotas, Brazil, with systemic lupus erythematosus and disseminated cryptococcal infection. Prior to diagnosis, she was a chronic user of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs. Her first symptoms were skin lesions that simulated bacterial cellulitis. Upon suspicion, we performed a biopsy and fungal infection was confirmed. Appropriate therapy was established, and the patient was discharged after 42 days of treatment in complete remission.
Necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall caused by Serratia marcescens
Authors: Lakhani Naheed A. , Narsinghani Umesh , Kumar Ritu
Published: June 2015

In this article, we present the first case of necrotizing fasciitis affecting the abdominal wall caused by Serratia marcescens and share results of a focused review of S. marcescens induced necrotizing fasciitis. Our patient underwent aorto-femoral bypass grafting for advanced peripheral vascular disease and presented 3 weeks postoperatively with pain, erythema and discharge from the incision site in the left lower abdominal wall and underwent multiple debridement of the affected area. Pathology of debrided tissue indicated extensive necrosis involving the adipose tissue, fascia and skeletal muscle. Wound cultures were positive for Serratia marcescens. She was successfully treated with antibiotics and multiple surgical debridements. Since necrotizing fasciitis is a medical and surgical emergency, it is critical to examine infectivity trends, clinical characteristics in its causative spectrum. Using PubMed we found 17 published cases of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Serratia marcescens, and then analyzed patterns among those cases. Serratia marcescens is prominent in the community and hospital settings, and information on infection presentations, risk factors, characteristics, treatment, course, and complications as provided through this study can help identify cases earlier and mitigate poor outcomes. Patients with positive blood cultures and those patients where surgical intervention was not provided or delayed had a higher mortality. Surgical intervention is a definite way to establish the diagnosis of necrotizing infection and differentiate it from other entities.
Rapid Progressive Seeding of a Community Acquired Pathogen in an Immune-Competent Host: End Organ Damage from Head to Bone
Authors: Torres-Miranda Daisy , Al-Saffar Farah , Ibrahim Saif , Diaz-Font Stephanie
Published: June 2015

Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) meningitis is a rare disease when not related to neurosurgery: there are only few reported cases in the literature to date. We describe a case that highlights not only meningeal but also diffuse and rapidly progressive systemic involvement with multi-organ failure. A 64-year-old male presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of acute worsening of his usual chronic lower back pain, progressive weakness in lower extremities and subjective fevers at home. Hospital course demonstrated MSSA bacteremia, of questionable source, that resulted in endocarditis affecting right and left heart in a patient with no history of intravenous drug use. The case was complicated by septic emboli to systemic circulation involving the kidneys, vertebral spine, lungs and brain with consequent meningitis and stroke, even when treated empirically with vancomycin and then switched to nafcillin as indicated. Even though MSSA infections are well known, there are very few case reports describing such an acute-simultaneous-manifestation of multi-end-organ failure, including meningitis and stroke. Our case, also presented with an uncommon manifestation of persistent infection dissemination despite adequate antibiotic treatment.
The influence of acute handling stress on some blood parameters in cultured sea bream (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Fazio Francesco , Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Fortino Gianluca , Arfuso Francesca , Giangrosso Giuseppe , Faggio Caterina
Published: June 2015

The effect of acute handling stress on haematological profile, blood glucose and lactate (secondary stress markers) in cultured sea bream Sparus aurata was evaluated. Sixty six Sparus aurata were used and equally divided into two groups (A and B). Group A was not subjected to stress, Group B was subjected to acute handling stress. From each fish, biometric data and blood samples were collected to evaluate haematological profile, blood glucose and lactate. Unpaired t-test Student was applied to evaluate possible differences in parameters between the two groups. Red blood cells, haematocrit, haemoglobin, white blood cells (WBC), glucose and lactate showed an increase (P<0.05) in Group B compared with Group A, while mean corpuscular volume decreased (P<0.05) in Group B. The results highlight the role of studied parameters in monitoring the stressful conditions of aquaculture production which affect animal welfare and fish products quality.
Microbiological and chemical analysis of land snails commercialised in Sicily
Authors: Cicero Antonello , Giangrosso Giuseppe , Cammilleri Gaetano , Macaluso Andrea , Currò Vittoria , Galuppo Lucia , Vargetto Daniela , Vicari Domenico , Ferrantelli Vincenzo
Published: June 2015

In this study 160 samples of snails belonging to the species Helix aspersa maxima and Helix aspersa muller were examined for chemical and microbiological analysis. Samples came from Greece and Poland. Results showed mean concentration of cadmium (0.35±0.036 mg/kg) and lead (0.05±0.013 mg/kg) much higher than the limit of detection. Mercury levels in both species were not detected. Microbiological analysis revealed the absence of Salmonella spp. and Clostridium spp. in both examined species. E. coli and K. oxytoca were observed in Helix aspersa maxima and Helix aspersa muller. Furthermore, one case of fungi positivity in samples of Helix aspersa muller was found. The reported investigations highlight the need to create and adopt a reference legislation to protect the health of consumers.
Minimum bactericidal concentration of phenols extracted from oil vegetation water on spoilers, starters and food-borne bacteria
Authors: Fasolato Luca , Cardazzo Barbara , Balzan Stefania , Carraro Lisa , Taticchi Agnese , Montemurro Filomena , Novelli Enrico
Published: June 2015

The aim of the study was to assess the in vitro effect of phenols extracted from oil vegetation water (PEOW) on several food-borne strains. Antibacterial activity of PEOW was based on the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) on microtitre assay. The taxa tested were: Staphylococcus (n. 5), Listeria (n. 4), Escherichia (n. 2), Salmonella (n. 1), Pseudomonas (n. 3), Lactobacillus (n. 2) and Pediococcus (n. 1). S. aureus and L. monocytogens showed the lowest level of resistance to PEOW (MBC=1.5-3 mg/mL). In contrast, the Gram negative strains (e.g. S. Typhimurium and Pseudomonas spp.) were in some cases unaffected by the tested doses and the MBCs ranged between 6 to 12 mg/mL. Starter cultures were dramatically reduced on growth (e.g. Staphylococcus xylosus; 0.75 mg/mL MBC). The thresholds for pathogenic strains could be considered for further applications of PEOW in food models (e.g. shelf life or challenge test studies).