bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A vebleni hivalkodó fogyasztás elméletének továbbfejlődése és újszerű megnyilvánulásai
Authors: Kovács Kármen
Published: July 2016

A tanulmány arra összpontosít, hogyan fejlesztették tovább a Thorstein Veblen által leírt hivalkodó fogyasztás elméletét a modern közgazdaságtan művelői. Ennek során rámutatok a státusz és a státuszjavak hivalkodó fogyasztáshoz való kapcsolódására. Kiemelem az ár többszörös szerepét, és hogy nem szükségszerűen helytálló a feltételezett pozitív irányú ár–keresett mennyiség viszony. Elemzem a hivalkodó fogyasztás sokrétű motivációit és következményeit. Végül, kiemelem a hivalkodó fogyasztás újszerű jellegét: a pazarlás helyett a kulturális tőke, az ízlés kerül a középpontba, a vagyon helyett pedig ajövedelemmel való összefüggések kapnak jelentőséget.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kódok: D11, Z13
A nominális árfolyam és a monetáris makrogazdasági fundamentumok közötti hosszú távú egyensúlyi kapcsolat tesztelése
Authors: Szabó Andrea
Published: July 2016

A monetáris árfolyammodelleknek és azok egyik fundamentális építőelemének, a vásárlóerő-paritásnak az idősoros tesztelése a legtöbb esetben nem támasztotta alá az elméleti modellek feltevéseit. Így az irodalom egyre inkább a paneltechnikák alkalmazása felé fordult mindkét modell tesztelése során, mivel a panel kointegrációs teszteknek nagyobb az erejük, mint az idősoros kointegrációs teszteknek. A következőkben panel kointegrációs teszttel vizsgáljuk meg a monetáris árfolyammodellek és a vásárlóerő-paritás érvényességét 15 OECD-ország dollárárfolyamán keresztül az 1996. I. negyedév és a 2011. IV. negyedév közötti periódusban. Az eredmények mérsékelten igazolják a monetáris árfolyammodellek és a vásárlóerőparitás érvényességét is. Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kódok: F31, F41, C33
A franchise mint irányítási forma szerepe a gazdaságban
Authors: Flaskár Anett
Published: July 2016

A franchise egyre elterjedtebb irányítási formának tekinthető napjainkban. Népszerűsége azzal magyarázható, hogy ezen üzleti modell révén gyorsan terjedhet és fejlődhet egy vállalat, ami nemcsak az ötletgazda számára előnyös, hanem az egész gazdaságra pozitív hatást fejt ki – munkahelyteremtő képessége, a GDP-hez való hozzájárulása által. A tanulmány a franchise formában működő hálózatok gazdaságban betöltött szerepét mutatja be, a franchise szülőhazájának számító Egyesült Államokban, valamint az amerikai franchise hálózatok egyre népszerűbb célpiacaként számon tartott Európában.A Nemzetközi Franchise Szövetség, valamint az Európai Franchise Föderáció által közzétett felmérések a franchise hálózatok egységeinek számáról, a franchise vállalatoknak köszönhető munkahelyekről,jövedelmekről, a kibocsátás mértékéről, valamint a GDP-hez való hozzájárulás mértékéről adnak információt, ágazatonkénti bontásban. A számok arról tanúskodnak, hogy a franchise egyre nagyobb részt képvisel a gazdaságban, az egyéb vállalati formákhoz képest nagyobb fejlődést mutat, a munkalehetőségek fő forrásának és a gazdasági növekedés fő motorjának tekinthető.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kódok: D22, L14
Institutional Ownership and Corporate Tax Avoidance: New Evidence
Authors: Khan Mozaffar , Srinivasan Suraj , Tan Liang
Published: July 2016

We provide new evidence on the agency theory of corporate tax avoidance (Slemrod 2004; Crocker and Slemrod 2005; Chen and Chu 2005) by showing that increases in institutional ownership are associated with increases in tax avoidance. Using the Russell index reconstitution setting to isolate exogenous shocks to institutional ownership, and a regression discontinuity design that facilitates sharper identification of treatment effects, we find a significant and discontinuous increase in tax avoidance following Russell 2000 inclusion. The tax avoidance involves the use of tax shelters, and immediate benefits include higher profit margins and likelihood of meeting or beating analyst expectations. Collectively, the results shed light on the effect of increased ownership concentration on tax avoidance.
Auditors and Client Investment Efficiency
Authors: Bae Gil Soo , Choi Seung Uk , Dhaliwal Dan S. , Lamoreaux Phillip T.
Published: July 2016

This study examines the relation between auditors and their clients' investment efficiency. We hypothesize and find that auditor characteristics that proxy for an auditor's knowledge and resources are associated with higher client investment efficiency, after controlling for the auditor's effect on financial reporting quality. This result is consistent with auditors providing informational advantages to their clients in a generalized investment setting. We find that this auditor effect is more pronounced for clients who have a higher demand for information as measured by client size, industry competition, and client complexity. The effect is also more pronounced for clients of longer-tenured auditors. Overall, the results suggest that auditors may be one component to the management information environment and, as such, appear to influence capital investment behavior.

JEL Classifications: M4; M42.

Data Availability: All data are publicly available.
Effect of a brief emergency medicine education course on emergency department work intensity of family physicians
Authors: Vaillancourt Samuel , Schultz Susan E. , Leaver Chad , Stukel Thérèse , Schull Michael J.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Recently, many Canadian emergency departments (EDs) have struggled with physician staffing shortages. In 2006, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funded a brief “emergency medicine primer” (EMP) course for family physicians to upgrade or refresh skills, with the goal of increasing their ED work intensity. We sought to determine the effect of the EMP on the ED work intensity of family physicians.

Methods:

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted of the ED work of 239 family physicians in the 2 years before and after a minimum of 6 months and up to 2 years from completing an EMP course in 2006 to 2008 compared to non-EMP physicians. ED work intensity was defined as the number of ED shifts per month and the number of ED patients seen per month. We conducted two analyses: a before and after comparison of all EMP physicians and a matched cohort analysis matching each EMP physician to four non-EMP physicians on sex, year of medical school graduation, rurality, and pre-EMP ED work intensity.

Results:

Postcourse, EMP physicians worked 0.5 more ED shifts per month (13% increase, p = 0.027). Compared to their matched controls, EMP physicians worked 0.7 more shifts per month (13% increase, p = 0.0032) and saw 15 more patients per month (17% increase, p = 0.0008) compared to matched non-EMP physicians. The greatest increases were among EMP physicians who were younger, were urban, had previous ED experience, or worked in a high-volume ED. The effect of the EMP course was negligible for physicians with no previous ED experience or working in rural areas.

Conclusion:

The EMP course is associated with modest increases in ED work intensity among some family physicians, in particular younger physicians in urban areas. No increase was seen among physicians without previous ED experience or working in rural areas.
Understanding communication between emergency and consulting physicians: a qualitative study that describes and defines the essential elements of the emergency department consultation-referral process for the junior learner
Authors: Chan Teresa , Orlich Donika , Kulasegaram Kulamakan , Sherbino Jonathan
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

To define the important elements of an emergency department (ED) consultation request and to develop a simple model of the process.

Methods:

From March to September 2010, 61 physicians (21 emergency medicine [EM], 20 general surgery [GS], 20 internal medicine [IM]; 31 residents, 30 attending staff) were questioned about how junior learners should be taught about ED consultation. Two investigators independently reviewed focus group and interview transcripts using grounded theory to generate an index of themes until saturation was reached. Disagreements were resolved by consensus, yielding an inventory of themes and subthemes. All transcripts were coded using this index of themes; 30% of transcripts were coded in duplicate to determine the agreement.

Results:

A total of 245 themes and subthemes were identified. The agreement between reviewers was 77%. Important themes in the process were as follows: initial preparation and review of investigations by EM physician (overall endorsement 87% [range 70–100% in different groups]); identification of involved parties (patient and involved physicians) (100%); hypothesis of patient's diagnosis (75% [range 62–83%]) or question for the consulting physician (70% [range 55–95%]); urgency (100%) and stability (74% [range 62–80%]); questions from the consultant (100%); discussion/communication (98% [range 95–100%]); and feedback (98% [range 95–100%]). These components were reorganized into a simple framework (PIQUED). Each clinical specialty significantly contributed to the model (χ2= 7.9;pvalue = 0.019). Each group contributed uniquely to the final list of important elements (percent contributions: EM, 57%; GS, 41%; IM, 64%).

Conclusions:

We define important elements of an ED consultation with input from emergency and consulting physicians. We propose a model that organizes these elements into a simple framework (PIQUED) that may be valuable for junior learners.
Combination pretest probability assessment and D-dimer did not reduce outpatient imaging for venous thromboembolism in a tertiary care hospital emergency department
Authors: Ingber Sarah , Selby Rita , Lee Jacques , Geerts William , Brnjac Elena
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is difficult to diagnose yet potentially life threatening. A low-risk pretest probability (PTP) assessment combined with a negative Ddimer can rule out VTE in two-thirds of outpatients, reducing the need for imaging. Real-life implementation of this strategy is associated with several challenges.

Methods:

We evaluated the impact of introducing a standardized diagnostic algorithm including a mandatory PTP assessment and D-dimer on radiologic test use for VTE in our emergency department (ED). A retrospective review of all ED visits for suspected VTE in the year prior to and following the introduction of this algorithm was conducted. VTE diagnosis was based on imaging. Guideline compliance was also assessed.

Results:

ED visits were investigated for suspected VTE in the pre- and postintervention periods (n 5 1,785). Most D-dimers (95%) ordered were associated with a PTP assessment, and 50% of visits assigned a low PTP had a negative D-dimer. The proportion of imaging tests ordered for VTE in all ED visits was unchanged postintervention (1.9% v. 2.0%). The proportion of patients with suspected VTE in whom VTE was confirmed on imaging decreased postintervention (10.2% v. 14.1%).

Conclusion:

In spite of excellent compliance with our algorithm, we were unable to reduce imaging for VTE. This may be due to a lower threshold for suspecting VTE and an increase in investigation for VTE combined with a high false positive rate of our D-dimer assay in low–pretest probability patients. This study highlights two common real-life challenges with adopting this strategy for VTE investigation.
Tamsulosin for treatment of unilateral distal ureterolithiasis: a systematic review and metaanalysis
Authors: Malo Christian , Audette-Côté Jean-Sébastien , Émond Marcel , Turgeon Alexis F.
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

The lifetime prevalence of ureterolithiasis is approximately 13% for men and 7% for women in the United States. Tamsulosin, an α-antagonist, has been used as therapy to facilitate the expulsion of lithiasis. Whether it is a good treatment for distal lithiasis remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of tamsulosin on the passage of distal ureterolithiasis.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central. Trial eligibility was evaluated by two investigators. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tamsulosin to standard therapy or placebo for the treatment of a single distal ureterolithiasis ≤ 10 mm in adult patients with renal colic confirmed by radiographic imaging were included. Data extraction was conducted in duplicate. Primary outcome was the expulsion rate, and secondary outcomes were the mean time for ureterolithiasis expulsion, analgesic requirements, and side effects. Mantel-Haenszel random effect models were used, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Data were presented with relative risks (RRs).

Results:

The search strategy identified 685 articles, of which 22 studies were included. Combined results suggested a benefit for the expulsion of ureterolithiasis (≥ 10 mm) when tamsulosin was used compared to a standard treatment (RR 1.50 [95% CI 1.31–1.71], I2 = 70%). A decrease in the average time of expulsion of the ureterolithiasis of 3.33 days in favour of tamsulosin was observed (95% CI −4.23, −2.44], I2 = 67%).

Conclusion:

Tamsulosin increases the rate of spontaneous passage of distal ureterolithiasis (≤ 10 mm).
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis presenting to the emergency department with status epilepticus
Authors: Nolan Brodie , Plenk Katharina , Carr David
Published: July 2016

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a recently described and underdiagnosed entity that typically affects young, previously healthy individuals. Patients usually present in phases, which may include refractory seizures, psychosis, unresponsiveness, and autonomic
instability. The diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis is challenging; however, prompt diagnosis and early treatment can lead to complete recovery. The incidence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis may be as high as four times that of encephalitis from herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, and West Nile viruses; however, it remains an underrecognized disorder. Early initiation of immunotherapy in anti-NMDAR encephalitis has been found to improve patient outcomes. Because of this, emergency physicians must be vigilant and consider this diagnosis in patients with altered mental status in whom a toxicologic or other etiology is not suspected. Early consideration of this diagnosis can facilitate urgent neurology consultation and prevent diagnostic delays arising from psychiatric referrals. It is essential to consider this diagnosis in suspicious emergency department presentations, particularly young patients who present with altered mental status, psychosis, or new-onset seizure activity when other obvious causes are ruled out. Emergency physicians should discuss the possibility of empirical intravenous immunoglobulin administration with neurology consultants if anti-NMDAR encephalitis is suspected. We describe the case of a 20-year-old man with anti-NMDAR encephalitis who presented to the emergency department with status epilepticus.
Improved neurologic outcomes after cardiac arrest with combined administration of vasopressin, steroids, and epinephrine compared to epinephrine alone
Authors: Botnaru Tudor , Altherwi Tawfeeq , Dankoff Jerrald
Published: July 2016

Clinical question

Is a vasopressin, steroid, and epinephrine (VSE) protocol for in-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation associated with better survival to hospital discharge with favourable neurologic outcome compared to epinephrine alone?

Article chosen

Mentzelopoulos S, Malachias S, Konstantopoulos D, et al. Vasopressin, steroids, and epinephrine and neurologically favorable survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2013;310:270-9.

Objective

To determine if a VSE protocol during cardiopulmonary resuscitation with hydrocortisone administration in patients with postresuscitative shock at 4 hours after return of spontaneous circulation would improve survival to hospital discharge with favourable neurologic outcome.
Critically appraising noninferiority randomized controlled trials: a primer for emergency physicians
Authors: Al Deeb Mohammad , Azad Aftab , Barbic David
Published: July 2016

Noninferiority (NI) trials aim to show that a new treatment or drug is not inferior to a standard, accepted treatment. The rapid proliferation of NI trials within the literature makes it imperative for emergency physicians to be able to read, interpret, and appraise critically this type of research study. Using several emergency medicine examples from the recent literature, this article outlines the key differences between traditional, superiority randomized controlled trials and NI trials. We summarize four important points that an emergency physician should consider when critically appraising an NI trial: 1) Does the new treatment have tangible benefits over the standard treatment? 2) Was the choice of the NI margin appropriate? 3) Was the effect of the standard treatment preserved? Does the trial have assay sensitivity? and 4) What type of analysis strategy was employed: intention-to-treat (ITT) or per protocol (PP)?
DPP-4 Inhibition by Linagliptin Attenuates Obesity-Related Inflammation and Insulin Resistance by Regulating M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Zhuge Fen , Ni Yinhua , Nagashimada Mayumi , Nagata Naoto , Xu Liang , Mukaida Naofumi , Kaneko Shuichi , Ota Tsuguhito
Published: July 2016

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) cleaves a large number of chemokine and peptide hormones involved in the regulation of the immune system. Additionally, DPP-4 may also be involved in macrophage-mediated inflammation and insulin resistance. Thus, the current study investigated the effect of linagliptin, an inhibitor of DPP-4, on macrophage migration and polarization in white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver of high-fat diet–induced obese (DIO) mice. DPP-4+ macrophages in lean and obese mice were quantified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. DPP-4 was predominantly expressed in F4/80+ macrophages in crown-like structures compared with adipocytes in WAT of DIO mice. FACS analysis also revealed that, compared with chow-fed mice, DIO mice exhibited a significant increase in DPP-4+ expression in cells within adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), particularly M1 ATMs. Linagliptin showed a greater DPP-4 inhibition and antioxidative capacity than sitagliptin and reduced M1-polarized macrophage migration while inducing an M2-dominant shift of macrophages within WAT and liver, thereby attenuating obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Loss of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, a chemokine and DPP-4 substrate, in DIO mice abrogated M2 macrophage-polarizing and insulin-sensitizing effects of linagliptin. Therefore, the inhibition of DPP-4 by linagliptin reduced obesity-related insulin resistance and inflammation by regulating M1/M2 macrophage status.
Do Probiotics have a role in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis? A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Metaanalysis
Authors: Güvenç Işil Adadan , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Mutlu Fezan Şahin , Eşki Erkan , Altıntoprak Niyazi , Oktemer Tugba , Cingi Cemal
Published: July 2016

Objective

To investigate clinical evidence for the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted to review the results of all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. Primary outcome measurements were total nasal and ocular symptom scores (SS) and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. Secondary outcome measurements were individual nasal SS and immunologic parameters.

Results

Twenty-two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were included. Seventeen trials showed significant benefit of probiotics clinically, whereas eight trials showed significant improvement in immunologic parameters compared with placebo. All five studies with Lactobacillus paracasei (LP) strains demonstrated clinically significant improvements compared with placebo. Probiotics showed significant reduction in nasal and ocular SS (standardized mean difference [SMD], -1.23, p < 0.001; and SMD, -1.84, p < 0.001; respectively), total, nasal, and ocular QoL scores compared with placebo (SMD, -1.84, p < 0.001; SMD, -2.30, p = 0.006; and SMD, -3.11, p = 0.005; respectively). Although heterogeneity was high, in subgroup analysis, SMD for total nasal and ocular symptoms with patients with seasonal AR and for nasal QoL scores for studies with LP-33 strain were significant and homogenous. Scores of nasal blockage, rhinorrhea, and nasal itching were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with placebo. The meta-analysis studies SS the Japanese guidelines revealed a significant, homogenous SMD score of -0.34 for individual nasal SS, above the minimal important clinical difference value of 0.3. The T-helper 1 to T-helper 2 ratio was significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with placebo (SMD, -0.78; p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Despite high variability among the studies, synthesis of available data provided significant evidence of beneficial clinical and immunologic effects of probiotics in the treatment of AR, especially with seasonal AR and LP-33 strains. With the rising pool of studies, the most promising strains in specific allergies can be revealed and adjuvant therapy with probiotics can be recommended for the treatment of AR.
Tumble Graphs
Authors: Bodner Todd E.
Published: July 2016

This article revisits how the end points of plotted line segments should be selected when graphing interactions involving a continuous target predictor variable. Under the standard approach, end points are chosen at ±1 or 2 standard deviations from the target predictor mean. However, when the target predictor and moderator are correlated or the conditional variance of the target predictor depends on the moderator variable value, these end points may reside in regions with little or no supporting data, encouraging potentially erroneous interpretations of the interaction, in particular, and patterns in the data, in general. Tumble graphs are introduced to minimize the likelihood of these problems. The utility of the Tumble graph over the standard approach is demonstrated with a real data example.
Use of Side Friction in Horizontal Curve Design: A Margin of Safety Assessment
Authors: Donnell Eric , Wood Jonathan , Himes Scott , Torbic Darren
Published: July 2016

Current engineering practice uses a point-mass model to design horizontal curves on highways and streets. In this model, a maximum side friction factor is used, in combination with the selected design speed and maximum rate of superelevation, to determine the minimum radius of the curve for an alignment. The limiting value for side friction used in design was established in the 1940s and was based on driver comfort thresholds. The lateral friction available at the tire–roadway interface is a measure of friction supply and is dependent on the pavement surface type and condition, vehicle operating speed and deceleration characteristics, vehicle lane position, and tire type. The drivers’ selection of individual operating speeds on a roadway results in a side friction demand when traversing a horizontal curve. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, key side friction concepts in horizontal curve design are described. This description includes the definitions of and the fundamental principles associated with the application of side friction factors in horizontal curve design policy. Second, the paper provides an analysis of the margin of safety in horizontal curve design policy. This analysis considers various vehicle types, pavement surface types, and operating speed distributions, and makes comparisons between friction supply, demand, and design side friction factors. Third, the paper describes a framework for more effective consideration of the current vehicle fleet, range of pavement conditions, and vehicle speed distribution in horizontal curve design policy.
Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware Test Level 4 Design and Evaluation of a Restorable Energy-Absorbing Concrete Barrier
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer D. , Bielenberg Robert W. , Reid John D. , Rosenbaugh Scott K. , Faller Ronald K. , Schmidt Tyler L.
Published: July 2016

A new, high-containment longitudinal barrier was designed to reduce the acceleration imparted to passenger vehicles during impacts and to be restorable and reusable. Elastomer support posts were designed to translate laterally and absorb energy when struck and then to restore to their initial position after impact events. A hybrid concrete beam and steel tube combination rail was optimized to minimize weight, provide sufficient structural capacity, maintain a height to contain and redirect single-unit trucks, and prevent passenger vehicles from snagging on the posts. Three full-scale vehicle crash tests were conducted according to the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware ( MASH) Test Level 4 (TL-4) safety performance requirements on a barrier 240 ft long with nominal height of 38⅝ in. In the Safer for Highway Test 1 (SFH-1), a 5,021-lb pickup truck was redirected with minimal damage to the barrier. The peak lateral acceleration was reduced 47% compared with similar impacts on rigid barriers. In the SFH-2 test, a 2,406-lb small car was redirected by the barrier, and the peak lateral acceleration was reduced 21%compared with similar impacts on rigid barriers. In the SFH-3 test, a 21,746-lb single-unit truck was successfully contained and redirected, resulting in only minor damage to the concrete rail. Therefore, the barrier met all the MASH TL-4 safety performance criteria. The paper provides recommendations about the performance, future design refinements, and installation requirements of the barrier.
Performance Evaluation of a Cable Median Barrier System on an Oregon Highway with a Narrow Median
Authors: Burns Katherine , Bell Katherine
Published: July 2016

The Mount Hood Highway (US-26) safety corridor in Oregon has historically experienced a high rate of crossover crashes resulting in fatalities and severe injuries. For much of the corridor, no physical barrier separates travel lanes from opposing traffic. Many locations have less than 4 ft of separation between opposing traffic. In an attempt to reduce crossover crashes on US-26, a cable median barrier (CMB) system was installed within a 1.5-mi segment in August 2007. The US-26 CMB is unique in that it is a nonfreeway application and in a narrow paved median. The US-26 CMB system may be the only CMB system in the United States that is on a nonfreeway in a median that is less than 8 ft wide. This study found that the US-26 cable median barrier system continued to prevent crossover crashes and to reduce crash severity. The results indicate that the section crash rate increased 72% following installation, a considerable amount. However, the fatal and injury crash rates declined by 29%, and the severity indicator for crashes in the CMB section decreased 59%. These changes suggest that although there has been an increase in crashes because of the installment of a fixed object in the middle of the road, the CMB has prevented more severe crashes such as head-on collisions. First responders and the state maintenance crew provided positive feedback for the narrow cable median barrier system.
A Comparative Study of Pressure Cooker, Ultra-Violet and RO Methods of Water Purification
Authors: Sharan Anand M. , Sharan Rajiv
Published: July 2016

In this work, the performances of the pressure cooker method, the ultra-violet method and RO method of water purification is studied. The performance of any method studied here relates to the production of potable water which meets the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. This comparative study is based on underground water obtained from a depth greater than 300 feet. The results showed that all these three methods yield same level of purity.
A Hybrid Course Recommendation System by Integrating Collaborative Filtering and Artificial Immune Systems
Authors: Chang Pei-Chann , Lin Cheng-Hui , Chen Meng-Hui
Published: July 2016

This research proposes a two-stage user-based collaborative filtering process using an artificial immune system for the prediction of student grades, along with a filter for professor ratings in the course recommendation for college students. We test for cosine similarity and Karl Pearson (KP) correlation in affinity calculations for clustering and prediction. This research uses student information and professor information datasets of Yuan Ze University from the years 2005–2009 for the purpose of testing and training. The mean average error and confusion matrix analysis form the testing parameters. A minimum professor rating was tested to check the results, and observed that the recommendation systems herein provide highly accurate results for students with higher mean grades.
Tropical Range Extension for the Temperate, Endemic South-Eastern Australian Nudibranch Goniobranchus splendidus (Angas, 1864)
Authors: Wilson Nerida , Winters Anne , Cheney Karen
Published: July 2016

In contrast to many tropical animals expanding southwards on the Australian coast concomitant with climate change, here we report a temperate endemic newly found in the tropics. Chromodorid nudibranchs are bright, colourful animals that rarely go unnoticed by divers and underwater photographers. The discovery of a new population, with divergent colouration is therefore significant. DNA sequencing confirms that despite departures from the known phenotypic variation, the specimen represents northern Goniobranchus splendidus and not an unknown close relative. Goniobranchus tinctorius represents the sister taxa to G. splendidus. With regard to secondary defences, the oxygenated terpenes found previously in this specimen are partially unique but also overlap with other G. splendidus from southern Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW). The tropical specimen from Mackay contains extracapsular yolk like other G. splendidus. This previously unknown tropical population may contribute selectively advantageous genes to cold-water species threatened by climate change. Competitive exclusion may explain why G. splendidus does not strongly overlap with its widespread sister taxon.
Thermal Characteristic Analysis and Experimental Study of a Spindle-Bearing System
Authors: Wu Li , Tan Qingchang
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a thermo-mechanical coupling analysis model of the spindle-bearing system based on Hertz’s contact theory and a point contact non-Newtonian thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory are developed. In this model, the effect of preload, centrifugal force, the gyroscopic moment, and the lubrication state of the spindle-bearing system are considered. According to the heat transfer theory, the mathematical model for the temperature field of the spindle system is developed and the effect of the spindle cooling system on the spindle temperature distribution is analyzed. The theoretical simulations and the experimental results indicate that the bearing preload has great effect on the frictional heat generation; the cooling fluid has great effect on the heat balance of the spindle system. If a steady-state heat balance between the friction heat generation and the cooling system cannot be reached, thermally-induced preload will lead to a further increase of the frictional heat generation and then cause the thermal failure of the spindle.
An Entropy-Based Kernel Learning Scheme toward Efficient Data Prediction in Cloud-Assisted Network Environments
Authors: Luo Xiong , Liu Ji , Zhang Dandan , Wang Weiping , Zhu Yueqin
Published: July 2016

With the recent emergence of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in the cloud computing environment, it is now possible to monitor and gather physical information via lots of sensor nodes to meet the requirements of cloud services. Generally, those sensor nodes collect data and send data to sink node where end-users can query all the information and achieve cloud applications. Currently, one of the main disadvantages in the sensor nodes is that they are with limited physical performance relating to less memory for storage and less source of power. Therefore, in order to avoid such limitation, it is necessary to develop an efficient data prediction method in WSN. To serve this purpose, by reducing the redundant data transmission between sensor nodes and sink node while maintaining the required acceptable errors, this article proposes an entropy-based learning scheme for data prediction through the use of kernel least mean square (KLMS) algorithm. The proposed scheme called E-KLMS develops a mechanism to maintain the predicted data synchronous at both sides. Specifically, the kernel-based method is able to adjust the coefficients adaptively in accordance with every input, which will achieve a better performance with smaller prediction errors, while employing information entropy to remove these data which may cause relatively large errors. E-KLMS can effectively solve the tradeoff problem between prediction accuracy and computational efforts while greatly simplifying the training structure compared with some other data prediction approaches. What’s more, the kernel-based method and entropy technique could ensure the prediction effect by both improving the accuracy and reducing errors. Experiments with some real data sets have been carried out to validate the efficiency and effectiveness of E-KLMS learning scheme, and the experiment results show advantages of the our method in prediction accuracy and computational time.
Correction: Juan, A.A.; Mendez, C.A.; Faulin, J.; de Armas, J.; Grasman, S.E. Electric Vehicles in Logistics and Transportation: A Survey on Emerging Environmental, Strategic, and Operational Challenges. Energies 2016, 9, 86
Authors: Juan Angel , Mendez Carlos , Faulin Javier , De Armas Jesica , Grasman Scott
Published: July 2016

The authors wish to make the following changes to the published paper [1].[...]
Exploring Global Exposure Factors Resources for Use in Consumer Exposure Assessments
Authors: Zaleski Rosemary , Egeghy Peter , Hakkinen Pertti
Published: July 2016

This publication serves as a global comprehensive resource for readers seeking exposure factor data and information relevant to consumer exposure assessment. It describes the types of information that may be found in various official surveys and online and published resources. The relevant exposure factors cover a broad range, including general exposure factor data found in published compendia and databases and resources about specific exposure factors, such as human activity patterns and housing information. Also included are resources on exposure factors related to specific types of consumer products and the associated patterns of use, such as for a type of personal care product or a type of children’s toy. Further, a section on using exposure factors for designing representative exposure scenarios is included, along with a look into the future for databases and other exposure science developments relevant for consumer exposure assessment.
Mutant LRP6 Impairs Endothelial Cell Functions Associated with Familial Normolipidemic Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Guo Jian , Li Yang , Ren Yi-Hong , Sun Zhijun , Dong Jie , Yan Han , Xu Yujun , Wang Dao , Zheng Gu-Yan , Du Jie , Tian Xiao-Li
Published: July 2016

Mutations in the genes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein-6 (LRP6) and myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) were reported in families with coronary artery disease (CAD). We intend to determine the mutational spectrum of these genes among hyperlipidemic and normolipidemic CAD families. Forty probands with early-onset CAD were recruited from 19 hyperlipidemic and 21 normolipidemic Chinese families. We sequenced all exons and intron-exon boundaries of LRP6 and MEF2A, and found a novel heterozygous variant in LRP6 from a proband with normolipidemic CAD. This variant led to a substitution of histidine to tyrosine (Y418H) in an evolutionarily conserved domain YWTD in exon 6 and was not found in 1025 unrelated healthy individuals. Co-segregated with CAD in the affected family, LRP6Y418H significantly debilitated the Wnt3a-associated signaling pathway, suppressed endothelial cell proliferation and migration, and decreased anti-apoptotic ability. However, it exhibited no influences on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol uptake. Thus, mutation Y418H in LRP6 likely contributes to normolipidemic familial CAD via impairing endothelial cell functions and weakening the Wnt3a signaling pathway.
Nutritional Strategies for the Individualized Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Based on the Nutrient-Induced Insulin Output Ratio (NIOR)
Authors: Stachowska Ewa , Ryterska Karina , Maciejewska Dominika , Banaszczak Marcin , Milkiewicz Piotr , Milkiewicz Małgorzata , Gutowska Izabela , Ossowski Piotr , Kaczorowska Małgorzata , Jamioł-Milc Dominika , Sabinicz Anna , Napierała Małgorzata , Wądołowska Lidia , Raszeja-Wyszomirska Joanna
Published: July 2016

Nutrients play a fundamental role as regulators of the activity of enzymes involved in liver metabolism. In the general population, the action of nutrients may be affected by gene polymorphisms. Therefore, individualization of a diet for individuals with fatty liver seems to be a fundamental step in nutritional strategies. In this study, we tested the nutrient-induced insulin output ratio (NIOR), which is used to identify the correlation between the variants of genes and insulin resistance. We enrolled 171 patients, Caucasian men (n = 104) and women (n = 67), diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). From the pool of genes sensitive to nutrient content, we selected genes characterized by a strong response to the NIOR. The polymorphisms included Adrenergic receptor (b3AR), Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), Apolipoprotein C (Apo C III). Uncoupling Protein type I (UCP-1), Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ2 (PPAR-2) and Apolipoprotein E (APOEs). We performed three dietary interventions: a diet consistent with the results of genotyping (NIOR (+)); typical dietary recommendations for NAFLD (Cust (+)), and a diet opposite to the genotyping results (NIOR (−) and Cust (−)). We administered the diet for six months. The most beneficial changes were observed among fat-sensitive patients who were treated with the NIOR (+) diet. These changes included improvements in body mass and insulin sensitivity and normalization of blood lipids. In people sensitive to fat, the NIOR seems to be a useful tool for determining specific strategies for the treatment of NAFLD.
Design and Fabrication of a Precision Template for Spine Surgery Using Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Authors: Wang Di , Wang Yimeng , Wang Jianhua , Song Changhui , Yang Yongqiang , Zhang Zimian , Lin Hui , Zhen Yongqiang , Liao Suixiang
Published: July 2016

In order to meet the clinical requirements of spine surgery, this paper proposes the fabrication of the customized template for spine surgery through computer-aided design. A 3D metal printing-selective laser melting (SLM) technique was employed to directly fabricate the 316L stainless steel template, and the metal template with tiny locating holes was used as an auxiliary tool to insert spinal screws inside the patient’s body. To guarantee accurate fabrication of the template for cervical vertebra operation, the contact face was placed upwards to improve the joint quality between the template and the cervical vertebra. The joint surface of the printed template had a roughness of Ra = 13 ± 2 μm. After abrasive blasting, the surface roughness was Ra = 7 ± 0.5 μm. The surgical metal template was bound with the 3D-printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic model. The micro-hardness values determined at the cross-sections of SLM-processed samples varied from HV0.3 250 to HV0.3 280, and the measured tensile strength was in the range of 450 MPa to 560 MPa, which showed that the template had requisite strength. Finally, the metal template was clinically used in the patient’s surgical operation, and the screws were inserted precisely as the result of using the auxiliary template. The geometrical parameters of the template hole (e.g., diameter and wall thickness) were optimized, and measures were taken to optimize the key geometrical units (e.g., hole units) in metal 3D printing. Compared to the traditional technology of screw insertion, the use of the surgical metal template enabled the screws to be inserted more easily and accurately during spinal surgery. However, the design of the high-quality template should fully take into account the clinical demands of surgeons, as well as the advice of the designing engineers and operating technicians.
The Effects of Montmorency Tart Cherry Concentrate Supplementation on Recovery Following Prolonged, Intermittent Exercise
Authors: Bell Phillip , Stevenson Emma , Davison Gareth , Howatson Glyn
Published: July 2016

This study investigated Montmorency tart cherry concentrate (MC) supplementation on markers of recovery following prolonged, intermittent sprint activity. Sixteen semi-professional, male soccer players, who had dietary restrictions imposed for the duration of the study, were divided into two equal groups and consumed either MC or placebo (PLA) supplementation for eight consecutive days (30 mL twice per day). On day 5, participants completed an adapted version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LISTADAPT). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), 20 m Sprint, counter movement jump (CMJ), agility and muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed at baseline, and 24, 48 and 72 h post-exercise. Measures of inflammation (IL-1-β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, hsCRP), muscle damage (CK) and oxidative stress (LOOH) were analysed at baseline and 1, 3, 5, 24, 48 and 72 h post-exercise. Performance indices (MVIC, CMJ and agility) recovered faster and muscle soreness (DOMS) ratings were lower in the MC group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the acute inflammatory response (IL-6) was attenuated in the MC group. There were no effects for LOOH and CK. These findings suggest MC is efficacious in accelerating recovery following prolonged, repeat sprint activity, such as soccer and rugby, and lends further evidence that polyphenol-rich foods like MC are effective in accelerating recovery following various types of strenuous exercise.
Nutritional Deficiency in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Sciatti Edoardo , Lombardi Carlo , Ravera Alice , Vizzardi Enrico , Bonadei Ivano , Carubelli Valentina , Gorga Elio , Metra Marco
Published: July 2016

Heart failure (HF) is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in Western countries. Although evidence-based treatments have substantially improved outcomes, prognosis remains poor with high costs for health care systems. In patients with HF, poor dietary behaviors are associated with unsatisfactory quality of life and adverse outcome. The HF guidelines have not recommended a specific nutritional strategy. Despite the role of micronutrient deficiency it has been extensively studied, data about the efficacy of supplementation therapy in HF are not supported by large randomized trials and there is limited evidence regarding the outcomes. The aim of the present review is to analyze the state-of-the-art of nutritional deficiencies in HF, focusing on the physiological role and the prognostic impact of micronutrient supplementation.
Application of Flame-Retardant Double-Layered Shell Microcapsules to Nonwoven Polyester
Authors: Butstraen Chloé , Salaün Fabien , Devaux Eric , Giraud Stéphane , Vroman Philippe
Published: July 2016

A microencapsulated flame retardant was used in order to produce a flame retardant nonwoven substrate. Melamine-formaldehyde polymer-shell microcapsules, containing Afflamit® PLF 280 (resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate)) as the core substance, were coated by an outer thermoplastic wall (polystyrene (PS) or poly(methyl methacrylate)), before being applied to a core/sheet-type bi-component PET/co-PET spunbond nonwoven substrate using impregnation. The outer wall of the microcapsules was heated to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic shell in order to be bonded onto the textile fibres. The thermal stability of the microcapsules was examined using thermogravimetric analysis. The textile samples were observed with a scanning electron microscope, and the flame retardancy performance was evaluated using the NF P92-504 standard. The results show that the composition of the outer polymeric shell affected the thermal stability of the microcapsules, since the particles with a PS shell are more stable. Furthermore, the microcapsules were more located at the nonwoven surface without affecting the thickness of the samples. Based on the results of the NF P92-504 test, the flame spread rate was relatively low for all of the tested formulations. Only the formulation with a low content of PS was classified M2 while the others were M3.
Deriving Ice Motion Patterns in Mountainous Regions by Integrating the Intensity-Based Pixel-Tracking and Phase-Based D-InSAR and MAI Approaches: A Case Study of the Chongce Glacier
Authors: Yan Shiyong , Ruan Zhixing , Liu Guang , Deng Kazhong , Lv Mingyang , Perski Zbigniew
Published: July 2016

As a sensitive indicator of climate change, mountain glacier dynamics are of great concern, but the ice motion pattern of an entire glacier surface cannot be accurately and efficiently generated by the use of only phase-based or intensity-based methods with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. To derive the ice movement of the whole glacier surface with a high accuracy, an integrated approach combining differential interferometric SAR (D-InSAR), multi-aperture interferometry (MAI), and a pixel-tracking (PT) method is proposed, which could fully exploit the phase and intensity information recorded by the SAR sensor. The Chongce Glacier surface flow field is estimated with the proposed integrated approach. Compared with the traditional SAR-based methods, the proposed approach can determine the ice motion over a widely varying range of ice velocities with a relatively high accuracy. Its capability is proved by the detailed ice displacement pattern with the average accuracy of 0.2 m covering the entire Chongce Glacier surface, which shows a maximum ice movement of 4.9 m over 46 days. Furthermore, it is shown that the ice is in a quiescent state in the downstream part of the glacier. Therefore, the integrated approach presented in this paper could present us with a novel way to comprehensively and accurately understand glacier dynamics by overcoming the incoherence phenomenon, and has great potential for glaciology study.
A High Precision Terahertz Wave Image Reconstruction Algorithm
Authors: Guo Qijia , Chang Tianying , Geng Guoshuai , Jia Chengyan , Cui Hong-Liang
Published: July 2016

With the development of terahertz (THz) technology, the applications of this spectrum have become increasingly wide-ranging, in areas such as non-destructive testing, security applications and medical scanning, in which one of the most important methods is imaging. Unlike remote sensing applications, THz imaging features sources of array elements that are almost always supposed to be spherical wave radiators, including single antennae. As such, well-developed methodologies such as Range-Doppler Algorithm (RDA) are not directly applicable in such near-range situations. The Back Projection Algorithm (BPA) can provide products of high precision at the the cost of a high computational burden, while the Range Migration Algorithm (RMA) sacrifices the quality of images for efficiency. The Phase-shift Migration Algorithm (PMA) is a good alternative, the features of which combine both of the classical algorithms mentioned above. In this research, it is used for mechanical scanning, and is extended to array imaging for the first time. In addition, the performances of PMA are studied in detail in contrast to BPA and RMA. It is demonstrated in our simulations and experiments described herein that the algorithm can reconstruct images with high precision.