bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical plasticity after brachial plexus injury and repair: a resting-state functional MRI study
Authors: Bhat Dhananjaya I. , Indira Devi B. , Bharti Komal , Panda Rajanikant
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

The authors aimed to understand the alterations of brain resting-state networks (RSNs) in patients with pan–brachial plexus injury (BPI) before and after surgery, which might provide insight into cortical plasticity after peripheral nerve injury and regeneration.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with left pan-BPI before surgery, 30 patients after surgery, and 25 healthy controls underwent resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). The 30 postoperative patients were subdivided into 2 groups: 14 patients with improvement in muscle power and 16 patients with no improvement in muscle power after surgery. RSNs were extracted using independent component analysis to evaluate connectivity at a significance level of p < 0.05 (familywise error corrected).

RESULTS

The patients with BPI had lower connectivity in their sensorimotor network (SMN) and salience network (SN) and greater connectivity in their default mode network (DMN) before surgery than the controls. Connectivity of the left supplementary motor cortex in the SMN and medial frontal gyrus and in the anterior cingulate cortex in the SN increased in patients whose muscle power had improved after surgery, whereas no significant changes were noted in the unimproved patients. There was a trend toward reduction in DMN connectivity in all the patients after surgery compared with that in the preoperative patients; however, this result was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study highlight the fact that peripheral nerve injury, its management, and successful treatment cause dynamic changes within the brain's RSNs, which includes not only the obvious SMN but also the higher cognitive networks such as the SN and DMN, which indicates brain plasticity and compensatory mechanisms at work.
Current concepts in plasticity and nerve transfers: relationship between surgical techniques and outcomes
Authors: Socolovsky Mariano , Malessy Martijn , Lopez Dan , Guedes Fernando , Flores Leandro
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

Neuroplasticity is analyzed in this article as the capacity of the CNS to adapt to external and internal stimuli. It is being increasingly recognized as an important factor for the successful outcome of nerve transfers. Better-known factors are the number of axons that cross the coaptation site, the time interval between trauma and repair, and age. Neuroplasticity is mediated initially by synaptic and neurotransmitter changes. Over time, the activation of previously existing but lowly active connections in the brain cortex contributes further. Dendritic sprouting and axonal elongation might also take place but are less likely to be prominent.

METHODS

The authors reviewed different factors that play roles in neuroplasticity and functional regeneration after specific nerve transfers.

RESULTS

The authors found that these different factors include, among others, the distance between cortical areas of the donor and receptor neurons, the presence versus absence of preexisting lowly active interneuronal connections, gross versus fine movement restoration, rehabilitation, brain trauma, and age.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential for plasticity should be taken into consideration by surgeons when planning surgical strategy and postoperative rehabilitation, because its influence on results cannot be denied.
A modified, less invasive posterior subscapular approach to the brachial plexus: case report and technical note
Authors: Crutcher Clifford L. , Kline David G. , Tender Gabriel C.
Published: March 2017

The traditional posterior subscapular approach offers excellent exposure of the lower brachial plexus and has been successfully used in patients with recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome after an anterior operation, brachial plexus tumors involving the proximal roots, and postirradiation brachial plexopathy, among others. However, this approach also carries some morbidity, mostly related to the extensive muscle dissection of the trapezius, rhomboids, and levator scapulae. In this article, the authors present the surgical technique and video illustration of a modified, less invasive posterior subscapular approach, using a small, self-retaining retractor and only a partial trapezius and rhomboid minor muscle dissection. This approach is likely to result in decreased postoperative morbidity and a shorter hospital stay.
First human experience with autologous Schwann cells to supplement sciatic nerve repair: report of 2 cases with long-term follow-up
Authors: Gersey Zachary C. , Burks S. Shelby , Anderson Kim D. , Dididze Marine , Khan Aisha , Dietrich W. Dalton , Levi Allan D.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

Long-segment injuries to large peripheral nerves present a challenge to surgeons because insufficient donor tissue limits repair. Multiple supplemental approaches have been investigated, including the use of Schwann cells (SCs). The authors present the first 2 cases using autologous SCs to supplement a peripheral nerve graft repair in humans with long-term follow-up data.

METHODS

Two patients were enrolled in an FDA-approved trial to assess the safety of using expanded populations of autologous SCs to supplement the repair of long-segment injuries to the sciatic nerve. The mechanism of injury included a boat propeller and a gunshot wound. The SCs were obtained from both the sural nerve and damaged sciatic nerve stump. The SCs were expanded and purified in culture by using heregulin β1 and forskolin. Repair was performed with sural nerve grafts, SCs in suspension, and a Duragen graft to house the construct. Follow-up was 36 and 12 months for the patients in Cases 1 and 2, respectively.

RESULTS

The patient in Case 1 had a boat propeller injury with complete transection of both sciatic divisions at midthigh. The graft length was approximately 7.5 cm. In the postoperative period the patient regained motor function (Medical Research Council [MRC] Grade 5/5) in the tibial distribution, with partial function in peroneal distribution (MRC Grade 2/5 on dorsiflexion). Partial return of sensory function was also achieved, and neuropathic pain was completely resolved. The patient in Case 2 sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, with partial disruption of the tibial division of the sciatic nerve at the midthigh. The graft length was 5 cm. Postoperatively the patient regained complete motor function of the tibial nerve, with partial return of sensation. Long-term follow-up with both MRI and ultrasound demonstrated nerve graft continuity and the absence of tumor formation at the repair site.

CONCLUSIONS

Presented here are the first 2 cases in which autologous SCs were used to supplement human peripheral nerve repair in long-segment injury. Both patients had significant improvement in both motor and sensory function with correlative imaging. This study demonstrates preliminary safety and efficacy of SC transplantation for peripheral nerve repair.
MCM-41-Immobilised Nitrogen and Sulfur Mixed Tridentate Palladium(0) Complex: A Highly Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for the Suzuki Reaction of Aryl Bromides in Air
Authors: Liu Dayi , Wang Pingping , Ai Jingting , Cai Mingzhong
Published: March 2017

The novel MCM-41-immobilised nitrogen and sulfur mixed tridentate palladium(0) complex [MCM-41-2N,S-Pd(0)] was prepared from 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane by immobilisation on MCM-41, followed by reaction with thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde and PdCl2 and then reduction with hydrazine hydrate. This phosphine-free heterogeneous palladium(0) complex was a highly active catalyst for the Suzuki reaction of aryl bromides in air and could be recycled at least 8 times without significant loss of activity.
Fundamental Guideline for Writing an Academic Research Proposal and Some Common Mistakes
Authors: Amin Samia , A Saiful
Published: March 2017

A research proposal is an essential scheme of any research. The contentment of any research is relying on the outstanding quality of research proposal. Both the social and health science research proposal writing depends on numerous factors which may be quality benchmarks, budget, time frame and many more. A research proposal should provide an outline of research which helps a reader to understand the scope and value of research work. So, the aim of this article is to provide a brief fundamental ideas and guild lines for a new researcher as well as students.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2016; 6 (2): 01-05
Awareness about blood donation among donors at a specialized tertiary level public hospital.
Authors: Akhtar Begum Sharifa , Sultana Nihar , Farzana Saieda , Ahmed Reshma , Rubby Md Golam
Published: March 2017

Adequate and safe blood supply has remained a challenge in developing countries like ours. There is a high dependency on family replacement and remunerated blood donors in our environment which carries an attendant increased risk of transfusion transmissible infection. This descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted at transfusion medicine department of National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital in Dhaka city during the period January to December 2015 with the aim to assess the awareness about blood donation among donors which includes knowledge and practice of blood donation. A total purposively selected 150 donors were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire which focused on knowledge and practice related variables. The statistical analysis was done by using the SPSS software (Version-21). The associations between the demographic factors were analyzed by using the Chi square test and Fishers Exact test. Among 150 donors, 124 (82.7%) were male and 26 (17.3%) were female donors, the mean age of the donors was 28.4 (± 7.2) years. 78 (52.0%) donors knew about the interval of blood donation and 84 (56.0%) knew about the age limit for the donation, but 86 (57.3%), 71 (47.3%) did not know the required Hb level to donate blood and volume of blood in each donation respectively. More than half (56.0%) had past history of blood donation and 103 (68.6%) of the donors showed positive effects like a feeling of satisfaction after blood donation. There were highly significant association found between blood donation and sex (p value.016). A majority (86.9%) of the donors were willing to be regular donors. The donors showed positive effects like a sense of satisfaction after the donation. Creating an opportunity for blood donation by conducting many blood donation camps may increase the voluntary blood donations.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2016; 6 (2): 21-26
Opiate addiction and overdose: experiences, attitudes, and appetite for community naloxone provision
Authors: Barry Tomás , Klimas Jan , Tobin Helen , Egan Mairead , Bury Gerard
Published: March 2017

Background

More than 200 opiate overdose deaths occur annually in Ireland. Overdose prevention and management, including naloxone prescription, should be a priority for healthcare services. Naloxone is an effective overdose treatment and is now being considered for wider lay use.

Aim

To establish GPs’ views and experiences of opiate addiction, overdose care, and naloxone provision.

Design and setting

An anonymous postal survey to GPs affiliated with the Department of Academic General Practice, University College Dublin, Ireland.

Method

A total of 714 GPs were invited to complete an anonymous postal survey. Results were compared with a parallel GP trainee survey.

Results

A total of 448/714 (62.7%) GPs responded. Approximately one-third of GPs were based in urban, rural, and mixed areas. Over 75% of GPs who responded had patients who used illicit opiates, and 25% prescribed methadone. Two-thirds of GPs were in favour of increased naloxone availability in the community; almost one-third would take part in such a scheme. A higher proportion of GP trainees had used naloxone to treat opiate overdose than qualified GPs. In addition, a higher proportion of GP trainees were willing to be involved in naloxone distribution than qualified GPs. Intranasal naloxone was much preferred to single (P<0.001) or multiple dose (P<0.001) intramuscular naloxone. Few GPs objected to wider naloxone availability, with 66.1% (n = 292) being in favour.

Conclusion

GPs report extensive contact with people who have opiate use disorders but provide limited opiate agonist treatment. They support wider availability of naloxone and would participate in its expansion. Development and evaluation of an implementation strategy to support GP-based distribution is urgently needed.
Copper atomic-scale transistors
Authors: Xie Fangqing , Kavalenka Maryna N , Röger Moritz , Albrecht Daniel , Hölscher Hendrik , Leuthold Jürgen , Schimmel Thomas
Published: March 2017

We investigated copper as a working material for metallic atomic-scale transistors and confirmed that copper atomic-scale transistors can be fabricated and operated electrochemically in a copper electrolyte (CuSO4 + H2SO4) in bi-distilled water under ambient conditions with three microelectrodes (source, drain and gate). The electrochemical switching-on potential of the atomic-scale transistor is below 350 mV, and the switching-off potential is between 0 and −170 mV. The switching-on current is above 1 μA, which is compatible with semiconductor transistor devices. Both sign and amplitude of the voltage applied across the source and drain electrodes (Ubias) influence the switching rate of the transistor and the copper deposition on the electrodes, and correspondingly shift the electrochemical operation potential. The copper atomic-scale transistors can be switched using a function generator without a computer-controlled feedback switching mechanism. The copper atomic-scale transistors, with only one or two atoms at the narrowest constriction, were realized to switch between 0 and 1G0 (G0 = 2e2/h; with e being the electron charge, and h being Planck’s constant) or 2G0 by the function generator. The switching rate can reach up to 10 Hz. The copper atomic-scale transistor demonstrates volatile/non-volatile dual functionalities. Such an optimal merging of the logic with memory may open a perspective for processor-in-memory and logic-in-memory architectures, using copper as an alternative working material besides silver for fully metallic atomic-scale transistors.
Mean platelet volume in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous and bacterial meningitis
Authors: Camara-Lemarroy Carlos Rodrigo , Delgado-Garcia Guillermo , De la Cruz-Gonzalez Juan Gilberto , Villareal-Velazquez Hector Jorge , Gongora-Rivera Fernando
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been shown to reflect the inflammatory burden in different inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Our objective was to analyze the MPV in patients with tuberculous (TBM) and bacterial meningitis (BM). Methodology: The demographic and clinical data of 73 consecutive patients that presented with either BM (n = 35) or TBM (n = 38) were retrospectively analyzed, as well as that of 28 age- and sex-matched controls. Results: MPV was 8.78 ± 1.58 fL in patients with BM and 6.42 ± 1.39 fL in the TBM group (p < 0.05). In the control group, MPV was 7.4 ± 0.66 fL, significantly higher and lower when compared with TBM and BM, respectively. MPV was significantly associated with diagnosis (adjusted OR: 5.15, 95% CI: 1.090–23.7; p = 0.03). With the optimal cut-off value of 7.62 fL, MPV had 82% sensibility and 78% specificity for the differential diagnosis of TBM versus BM. Lower platelet counts, higher serum creatinine, higher white blood cell counts, and higher blood-cerebrospinal fluid glucose ratio were also predictive of BM. Conclusions: Platelet counts were lower and MPV was higher in patients with BM compared to patients with TBM.  Platelet indices, available in routine bloodwork, could be useful in the early differential diagnosis of these entities.
Prevalence, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated from food products in Morocco
Authors: Amajoud Nadia , Bouchrif Brahim , El Maadoudi Mohammed , Skalli Senhaji Nadia , Karraouan Bouchra , El Harsal Abdeltif , El Abrini Jamal
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Salmonellosis is one of the most common foodborne diseases worldwide. The irrational use of antibiotics in medicine and in animal feed has greatly promoted the emergence and spread of resistant strains of non-typhoidal Salmonella. Methodology: A total of 464 food products were collected in Tetouan from January 2010 to December 2012. The isolation and identification of Salmonella were performed according to Moroccan standard 08.0.116. All isolates were serotyped and were then tested for antibiotic resistance using the disk diffusion method. Results: The microbiological analysis showed that 10.3% of food samples were contaminated with Salmonella. Eleven serotypes were identified: Kentucky 22.9% (11/48), Agona 16.7% (8/48), Reading 12.5% (6/48), Corvallis 8.3% (4/48), Saintpaul 8.3% (4/48), Typhimurium 6.2% (3/48), Montevideo 6.2% (3/48), Enteritidis 4.2% (2/48), and 2% (1/48) for each of Israel, Hadar, and Branderup. Drug susceptibility testing showed that 39.6% of Salmonella were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 60.4% were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. The highest percentage of resistance was found to the following antimicrobial agents: nalidixic acid (27.1%), sulfonamides (25%), amoxicillin (12.5%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 12.5%, trimethoprim (10.4%), cephalothin (4.2%), and chloramphenicol (2.1%). Conclusions: This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of Salmonella in food products in Tetouan and a large percentage of drug-resistant strains. Hygienic measures should be rigorously implemented, and monitoring resistance of Salmonella is required to reduce the risks related to the emergence of multi-resistant bacteria.
Healthcare and Research Priorities of Adolescents and Young Adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Mixed-methods Study
Authors: Tunnicliffe David J. , Singh-Grewal Davinder , Craig Jonathan C. , Howell Martin , Tugwell Peter , Mackie Fiona , Lin Ming-Wei , O’Neill Sean G. , Ralph Angelique F. , Tong Allison
Published: March 2017

Objective.

Managing juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is particularly challenging. The disease may be severe, adolescent patients have complex medical and psychosocial needs, and patients must navigate the transition to adult services. To inform patient-centered care, we aimed to identify the healthcare and research priorities of young patients with SLE and describe the reasons underpinning their priorities.

Methods.

Face-to-face, semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with patients with SLE, aged from 14 to 26 years, from 5 centers in Australia. For each of the 5 allocation exercises, participants allocated 10 votes to (1) research topics; research questions on (2) medical management, (3) prevention and diagnosis, (4) lifestyle and psychosocial; and (5) healthcare specialties, and discussed the reasons for their choices. Descriptive statistics were calculated for votes and qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Results.

The 26 participants prioritized research that alleviated the psychological burden of SLE. They allocated their votes toward medical and mental health specialties in the management of SLE, while fewer votes were given to physiotherapy/occupational therapy and dietetics. The following 7 themes underpinned the participants’ priorities: improving service shortfalls, strengthening well-being, ensuring cost efficiency, minimizing family/community burden, severity of comorbidity or complications, reducing lifestyle disruption, and fulfilling future goals.

Conclusion.

Young patients with SLE value comprehensive care with greater coordination among specialties. They prioritized research focused on alleviating poor psychological outcomes. The healthcare and research agenda for patients with SLE should include everyone involved, to ensure that the agenda aligns with patient priorities, needs, and values.
An explanation for the natural de-bittering of Hurma olives during ripening on the tree
Authors: Susamci E. , Romero C. , Tuncay O. , Brenes M.
Published: March 2017

Harvested olives require further processing to make them edible due to their content in the bitter substance oleuropein. However, some olives of the Erkence cultivar naturally de-bitter on the tree giving rise to the so-called Hurma olives. In this study, the evolution of the chemical characteristics of Erkence and Hurma olives harvested from the northeast and southwest area of trees located in the Karaburun Peninsula was assayed. It was confirmed that the oleuropein content in Hurma olives was much lower (< 2000 mg/kg fresh weight) than Erkence, which reached 35.000 mg/kg fresh weight at the beginning of the season. In addition, no free or polymerized anthocyanins were found in Hurma fruit in contrast to ripened Erkence fruit. The concentration of glucose was also lower in Hurma than Erkence olives. These results suggest that the enzymatic oxidation of oleuropein could be responsible for the natural de-bittering of Hurma olives during their ripening on the tree.
The “Day-After” Gleam
Authors: Stępień Beata
Published: March 2017

The aim of the chapter is to show the relationship between reverse logistics operations in retail and the value they can create (or depreciate) for luxury fashion consumers. The content of the chapter is an attempt to answer the questions: in what way reverse logistics operations create or destroy the value of luxury fashion goods and which of the operations constitute an undeveloped niche to create additional value. Chapter starts with a discussion about challenges in capturing and measuring the value for consumers in luxury fashion sector followed by a description of excess inventory operations in this industry. The main part elaborates on relations between the reverse logistics operations in luxury fashion retail and their value creation possibilities. In the conclusions section, the new areas and possibilities of value creation for consumers are brought up together with drawing attention on the dangers stemming from the cost - efficient optimization of excess stock management.
The Shop of the Future
Authors: Toma Christian Hendrik
Published: March 2017

Fashion customers often regard shopping online for clothing as being more of a convenience-based event rather than an experience-bearing touch point, lacking both relational and sensory attributes (Cai, Shen, & Guo, 2012). In a clear attempt to add further dimensions to online retailing, virtual reality (VR) clearly emerged at CES 2015 (Consumer Electronic Show) as a promising solution to watch (Housley, 2015). Within the context outlined above, this chapter set out to explore whether and how online retailers within the fashion industry could bridge the gap between the offline and online customer experience through the use of virtual reality solutions. More specifically, the objectives of this chapter are to: (1) explore the potential impact and possible applications of VR within the fashion retailing industry, (2) identify and critically analyse consumers' and fashion retailers' attitudes towards VR, (3) assess contributing factors and barriers to investment in VR solutions by fashion retailers.
Understanding On-Line Fashion Buying Behavior on Impulse
Authors: Lidholm Sara Hjelm , Radon Anita , Sundström Malin , Balkow Jenny
Published: March 2017

This chapter contributes to the understanding of the impulsive fashion consumer online in a digitalized retail and consumer world. It also questions the notions of impulsive consumption in general. The description of the impulsive fashion consumer as guided by emotional irrationality is questioned and disputed, as the digitalization transforms the retailing concept, alters consumer's way of thinking, and changes buying behavior. The results from a study of young Swedish consumers show that the fashion consumer online wants to be rational and in control of their buying behavior, even when acting under the influence of emotions. Results also indicate that shopping fashion for fun might be better suited for the online environment compared to the mall environment, as supply is richer and inspirational tools are easier to provide on the Internet.
Cross-Cultural Study of Online User Behavior in Fashion E-Commerce
Authors: Peng Fanke , An Ni , Vecchi Alessandra
Published: March 2017

Adopting the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) – perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use (Davis, Bagozzi, & Waeshaw, 1989) and Customer Buying Decision Process (Engel, Kollat, & Blackwell, 1968), this research examines the role of culture in influencing online shopping use, comparing differences across two continents and countries: Britain and China. Qualitative data obtained through the semi-structured focus group interviews was analysed using content analysis, which involves examining the accumulated data for ideas and constructs that have been pre-determined. The TAM held for the U.K. This project also explores whether the relationships hold for the emerging Chinese market.
Changes in Infrastructural Condition of Slums in India
Authors: Ghosh Somenath
Published: March 2017

Addressing the importance of infrastructure development towards inclusive city, the study aims to see the change in the condition of housing, road, latrine, drainage, sewerage, etc. within the slums across states and over time in India. The study has been done with the help of three rounds (49th, 58th and 69th) of NSSO data on slum. Though the condition of slums seems to have improved over time, but it is not satisfactory. However, it seems the improvement of one infrastructural aspect in slum is very much associated with the improvement of others. The factors like ‘Workforce Participation Rate of slums' and overall infrastructure of the state have a positive influence on the infrastructural condition of slums, whereas, per capita NSDP is affecting it negatively. The ‘associations made by the residents of slum for improvement' within the slums seems to have played no role to improve it.
MGNREGS of India
Authors: Datta Pratip Kumar , Tiwary Harsha , Chakrabarti Saumya
Published: March 2017

Controlling surplus population, on the one hand and use of underutilized resources on the other, have induced governments of the developing world to adopt measures so that, poverty, underdevelopment and social insecurity are managed outside the sphere of core sector, especially through rural employment generation. MGNREGS of India is one such programme. Many researchers suggested the need for government intervention in job creation. On the other hand, some researchers have criticized such policies on the ground that these programmes misallocate resources towards relatively less productive frontiers. We propose theoretically that, the problem is not so much with the revenue expenditure, rather the bottleneck lies on the supply-side and can be mitigated by introducing infrastructural factors. Moreover in this chapter, we have tried to criticize the quality of jobs done and types of infrastructure generated through MGNREGS as it seems that both fail to increase food production and thus create some conflicts between rural and urban sectors.
Infrastructure Development and Changing Market Penetration of Consumer Durables in Rural India
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Mandal Arun Kumar
Published: March 2017

In recent years, Indian rural market has been gaining increasing attention from researchers in view of its growing importance in huge potential marketing for various consumer durables such as white goods, brown goods and consumer electronics. India has a vast rural market, which consists of around 833 million potential consumers constituting 68.84% of the total population spread over 6.40 Lac villages. Rural India is now exhibiting changing living standard with higher income, modern education and infrastructure development. This is leading to higher demand for several consumer durables such as colour television, refrigerator, two wheelers etc. The urban consumer's durable market is growing annually 10% to 20%. The corresponding rural market is zooming ahead 20% to 40% annually. Thus, this chapter attempts to investigate the changing market penetration of consumer durables in rural India during 1995-96 to 2009-10. This work also finds out the role of per capita income, rural infrastructure in market penetration of consumer durables.
Quality Evaluation of Volunteered Geographic Information
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Malczewski Jacek
Published: March 2017

A large amount of crowd-sourced geospatial data have been created in recent years due to the interactivity of Web 2.0 and the availability of Global Positioning System (GPS). This geo-information is typically referred to as volunteered geographic information (VGI). OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a popular VGI platform that allows users to create or edit maps using GPS-enabled devices or aerial imageries. The issue of quality of geo-information generated by OSM has become a trending research topic because of the large size of the dataset and the inapplicability of Linus' Law in a geospatial context. This chapter systematically reviews the quality evaluation process of OSM, and demonstrates a case study of London, Canada for the assessment of completeness, positional accuracy and attribute accuracy. The findings of the quality evaluation can potentially serve as a guide of cartographic product selection and provide a better understanding of the development of OSM quality over geographic space and time.
Leveraging Volunteered Geographic Information to Improve Disaster Resilience
Authors: Porto de Albuquerque João , Horita Flávio Eduardo Aoki , Degrossi Livia Castro , Rocha Roberto dos Santos , Camargo de Andrade Sidgley , Restrepo-Estrada Camilo , Leyh Werner
Published: March 2017

Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) has emerged as an important additional source of information for improving the resilience of cities and communities in the face of natural hazards and extreme weather events. This chapter summarizes the existing research in this area and offers an interdisciplinary perspective of the challenges to be overcome, by presenting AGORA: A Geospatial Open collaboRative Architecture for building resilience against disasters and extreme events. AGORA structures the challenges of using VGI for disaster management into three layers: acquisition, integration and application. The chapter describes the research challenges involved in each of these layers, as well as reporting on the results achieved so far and the lessons learned in the context of flood risk management in Brazil. Furthermore, the chapter concludes by setting out an interdisciplinary research agenda for leveraging VGI to improve disaster resilience.
Improving Accessibility Through VGI and Crowdsourcing
Authors: Cruz Igor Gomes , Campelo Claudio E.C.
Published: March 2017

Accessibility is an important element in the life of those who have certain limitations, such as the physically disabled and visually impaired people. However, one of the greatest challenges for this group is to find paths and areas adapted to their limitations while performing their daily activities, since not all environments they explore have these characteristics. Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and the crowdsourcing technique appear to be quite useful to develop solutions to overcome these challenges, since these techniques are naturally cheap as they rely on human sensors as the main agent of information delivery. In this chapter, we discuss how these techniques can help mitigate accessibility problems and present some existing research and applications in the field.
Adaptive Acquisition of VGI to Fill Out Gaps in Biological Observation Metadata
Authors: Cugler Daniel Cintra , Medeiros Claudia Bauzer
Published: March 2017

Biological observation databases store data on species observations, being used in many kinds of research. Such observations are often queried and/or correlated primarily using metadata parameters (e.g., spatial queries on metadata concerning regions where observations were performed). However, metadata are often missing - either blank attributes, or lack of metadata records - which hampers the use of the observations databases. Filling these gaps is challenging because metadata requirements change as researchers acquire new knowledge about their problems. Related work is limited because it does not take this knowledge evolution into consideration. This chapter presents an approach to acquire missing metadata records, which fully supports dynamic on-the-fly evolution of metadata requirements. As proof of concept, we implemented a configurable software platform to collect data from “human sensors” and other sensors. Among its many dynamic characteristics, it allows deployment of context-sensitive forms to be filled by volunteers, according to a location and a research target.
The Role of Guanxi, Ubuntu, and Wasta in Shaping Workplace Leadership and Culture
Authors: Lutomia Anne Namatsi , Li Ping , Yassine Raghida Abdallah , Tong Xiaoping
Published: March 2017

Social networks are taking center stage in organizations for the ways they shape and inform workplace leadership. Hofstede's cultural dimensions and social capital provide a framework for enabling better cross-cultural discussion about leadership in general and understanding how leaders in globalized workplace settings tap onto existing cultural practices and values vis-à-vis social networks. In China, Kenya, and Lebanon, these cultural practices and values include Guanxi, Ubuntu, and Wasta, respectively. Responding to calls for more studies comparing social network and on cross-cultural leadership, this chapter seeks to examine how Guanxi, Ubuntu, and Wasta shape workplace leadership and culture in the three respective countries. It discusses leadership styles, reviews the way Guanxi, Ubuntu, and Wasta informs workplace leadership respectively and their intersections, generates a conceptual framework, offers recommendations, suggests future research possibilities, and provides implications for human resource development.
Strategic Decision Making From the Viewpoint of Systems Thinking
Authors: Zlatanović Dejana , Nikolić Jelena
Published: March 2017

Growing complexity and diversity of strategic decisions indicate the need for applying the appropriate holistic tools in strategic decision-making. Thus, the paper deals with the process of strategic decision-making from the viewpoint of systems thinking, with emphasis on the role of values and context in strategic decision-making. The main purpose is to show how systems thinking, through selected systems methodologies, can help decision-makers involve different perceptions and values in the process of strategic decision-making, as well as take into account context in which the strategic decisions are made. Considering the key internal and external factors affecting strategic decision-making (characteristics of decision-makers, organizational characteristics and environmental characteristics), Soft Systems Methodology as interpretive systems methodology and Organizational Cybernetics as functionalist systems methodology have been selected. The way in which they can be combined, aimed at improving effectiveness of strategic decision-making, has been presented.
Personal Values as a Building Block for Social Responsibility of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Nedelko Zlatko , Potocan Vojko , Alfirević Nikša
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the role of personal values for social responsibility (SR) of higher education. Besides the core mission of higher education to create, transfer and preserve knowledge in society, the idea of SR has gained its importance also in institutions of higher education. SR has many drivers, among which personal values are considered as one of the key building blocks for SR. For enhancing SR, higher education institutions should also develop stronger ties with the community. The chapter provides an insight into discussion about community involvement of higher education, into the role of personal values for shaping SR of higher education institutions and explain how personal values can help to enhance community and social involvement of higher education. Findings may be a starting point for re-thinking and/or establishing strategies for achieving higher level of SR in higher education institutions and enhancing the link with the community.
Understanding the Impact of Organisational Culture on Managers' Internal Career Needs
Authors: Maher Chi
Published: March 2017

This chapter explores the influence of organisational culture on managerial internal career needs in small third sector social enterprises. Every organisation develops and maintains a unique culture, which provides guidelines and boundaries for the career management of members of the organisation. The research methodology was designed to allow the collection of data from three case study organisations and 24 operational managers working in these organisations. The qualitative findings of the study add to, and help to explain the inter-play between individual manager's internal career needs and organisational culture. Most importantly the findings suggest that when individual manager's internal career needs are closely supported by organisational culture, it increases their desire to stay with the organisation. The findings make an important contribution in the field of organisational career management.
Determination of Internal Forces Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Pandelea Alexandrina Elena , Budescu Mihai , Soveja Lucian , Solonaru Maria
Published: March 2017

Design and verification of engineering structures require knowing the numerical values ​​of sectional internal forces as close to reality, considering that the intervention construction works are correlated with these values.Most of the computer programs are working with finite element method, which was designed by engineers and founded by mathematicians. After running the computer program, stresses and deformations maps are generated as results.Considering these results, using artificial neural networks, a computer program has been designed, which is able to determine internal forces of a section, namely axial force, shear force and bending moment.Neural network input parameters consist of color maps resulted from numerical modeling, numerical values ​​of the normal and tangential tensions and dimensions of the structural element.This procedure is particularly useful when using finite element programs that do not have the ability to determine sectional internal forces.
Experimental Test and Numerical Analysis of Old Masonry Walls Strengthened with Glass Fiber Reinforced Mineral Composite
Authors: Taranu George
Published: March 2017

Masonry structures are commonly used in Romania and not only. This is due to its many advantages in terms of mechanical behavior based on increased capacity of stress redistribution. In addition to traditional strengthening solutions, composite materials are an advantageous alternative due to the high strength versus weight ratio. This paper presents an experimental and numerical analysis on old brick masonry specimens made with weak lime mortar and limestone sand, subjected to uniaxial compression. The results were compared with finite element numerical analysis in order to show stress distribution between brickwork and strengthening layers applied. Several forms of strengthening application relative to masonry faces (interior and exterior) were considered in the numerical analysis. The beneficial effect on the mechanical behavior of strengthened masonry in terms of stress and strain distribution of both masonry and strengthening layers is shown to be dependent on the thickness of the strengthening layer.
Parametric Study of Structural Performance of Innovative Solutions for Hybrid Lintels - Part 1: Input Data for FEM Analysis
Authors: Neculai Oana , Lanivschi Cristina E. , Isopescu Dorina Nicolina , Toma Ionuț Ovidiu , Zăpodeanu Iulian
Published: March 2017

The paper presents the analysis of innovative precast hybrid structural elements. The elements are two-layered prefabricated lintels, which are made of AAC (aerated autoclaved concrete) and reinforced concrete, consisting of several hybrid modules used for closing any openings with spans varying between 0.75 m and 3.25 m. The presented study contains the analytical calculus, covered by numerical modelling simulations, which helped determining the modules’ load bearing capacity and support the authors’ conclusion to use these hybrid lintels as structural elements.
Physical and Mechanical Property Characterization of Hemp Shive Reinforced Gypsum Composite Board
Authors: Fernea Raluca , Tămaș-Gavrea Daniela Roxana , Manea Daniela Lucia , Aciu Claudiu
Published: March 2017

Known and used since Antiquity, the hemp plant comes back to the attention of the researchers focused on making new ecological products used to reduce the environmental impact in the construction sector. A sustainable building environment needs to develop relations with renewable raw materials. This study aims to make an investigation in the products based on gypsum and hemp shives, where hemp shives are an agricultural plant and gypsum a natural resource produced by burning gypsum plaster. Using the multicriterial analysis, the best performing formula is identified, in order to satisfy thermal insulation, sound insulation, mechanical and fire related requirements and in which the variable is the hemp shives percentage in the composite material.
The three recipes prepared were compared with the normative and other studies. The results presented at the end of this study shows that in terms of acoustic absortion and thermal conductivity, the insulating materials are best when the volume of hemp grows.
Meanwhile the positive aspect of growing the volume of hemp for insulation materials becomes a disadvantage from the mechanical point of view, where to have high values of strength is recomanded a low volume of hemp.
An Approach to Identify the Impact of Human Intervention on Major Defects in Road Design, Construction and Maintenance
Authors: Boboc Andrei , Rotaru Ancuţa , Boboc Vasile , Bhandari Gupinath
Published: March 2017

The need to build and run roads offering structural integrity led to great advances in the fields of material sciences and fracture mechanics, but construction defects occur to either the new roads or the old ones. There are generally four categories of construction defects referring to roads: construction deficiencies, design deficiencies, material deficiencies, and subsurface deficiencies, but it is not uncommon for a design deficiency to link on to construction deficiencies in the structure.The paper aims to emphasise that people think different about hazard and safety especially when they build roads. Differently put, roads rely more heavily on their makers and users to limit both the occurrence and impact of human error in construction and maintenance on the one hand and to rectify and rehabilitate on the other hand to improve the safety performance of road transport systems and keep accidents from occurring.The paper aims to provide information about the defects occurred in the road construction and maintenance affecting human safety bringing forward practical examples. Moreover, it examines the materials widely implemented in the road construction from the viewpoint of their technological restraints and possible deficiencies. It also analyses some of the methods used on fields about how they might positively influence the road reliability and the human security implicitly.
Bridging New Solutions for Sustainable Rehabilitation of Structures Damaged due to Difficult Soils or Foundation Design
Authors: Rotaru Ancuţa , Bhandari Gupinath
Published: March 2017

The paper presents a consolidation solution to a damaged construction due to its emplacement on difficult foundation soils and inadequate foundation design. Because of the long building operation, many difficulties arise out of structures some frequently met being produced by the unequal settlement of soil, incomplete design of foundation systems or adoption of constructive solutions for foundations apart from design stipulations. To carry out the sustainable performance of structures and actual deformations of structures, foundations, and foundation soils, the current characteristics of the materials being used are necessary to be assessed as well as to evaluate and identify the proper measures to bring them up to the imperative level that ensures safe, reliable and efficient operation.
The paper aims to bring in practical ways for the rehabilitation of structures influenced by the inappropriate foundation design as well as difficult sites presenting not only some real deficiencies arisen in structural elements but also methods and technologies used to enhance the performance of constructions in terms of structural capacity and serviceability.
The paper shows specific causes that produce structural degradations and the results got from a case study defining two possible solutions emphasising that the consolidation works are specific to each and every building needing experience in expertise, design and execution.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment for an Art Timber Structure within an Atrium Space
Authors: Dârmon Ruxandra
Published: March 2017

The fire safety objectives are primarily focused on life safety issues. In addition, for particular cases, property protection and business continuity are taken into account when developing Fire Safety Strategies. The purpose of this article is to assess the fire risk associated with a timber structure within an atrium space, carrying out a qualitative and quantitative analysis.For probabilistic risk assessments, the criteria are set such that the probability of a given undesirable event is acceptably low, or As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). The acceptance criteria vary depending on the fire safety objectives, therefore, for this study, the property protection has been considered beside the life safety of the occupants.
Technical Assessment of Constructions in Real Estate Appraisal
Authors: Albu Svetlana
Published: March 2017

One of the modern society priorities is the tendency towards sustainable social and economic development. Sustainable development is possible through the preservation and efficient use of the values created by our ancestors and the ability to meet current needs so as not to endanger the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Real estate appraisal activity evaluates the changes in property value over time. Physical or legal actions on the property are justified only if the future value is not affected.Theory and practice of appraisal activity quantifies three approaches to value:The Sales Comparison Approach – value is examined in terms of current market preferences;The Income Approach – determine the income the property is expected to generate over time as a result of the most probable use;The Cost Approach – value is perceived in terms of replacement cost of real estate with one with comparable utility.Technical assessment of constructions is applied as a rule mainly in the cost approach, and has a major impact on the estimate of market value. The role of technical assessment is reduced, even ignored and not taken into account in other approaches.The present research examined the role of technical assessment of constructions in the process of real estate appraisal and the impact of inspection on the real estate value.