bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair (BEAR) Procedure
Authors: Murray Martha M. , Flutie Brett M. , Kalish Leslie A. , Ecklund Kirsten , Fleming Braden C. , Proffen Benedikt L. , Micheli Lyle J.
Published: November 2016

Background:

This study assessed the safety of the newly developed bridge-enhanced anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair (BEAR), which involves suture repair of the ligament combined with a bioactive scaffold to bridge the gap between the torn ligament ends. As the intra-articular environment is complex in its response to implanted materials, this study was designed to determine whether there would be a significant rate of adverse reaction to the implanted scaffold.

Hypothesis:

The primary hypothesis was that the implanted scaffold would not result in a deep joint infection (arthrocentesis with positive culture) or significant inflammation (clinical symptoms justifying arthrocentesis but negative culture). The secondary hypotheses were that patients treated with BEAR would have early postoperative outcomes that were similar to patients treated with ACL reconstruction with an autologous hamstring graft.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 20 patients were enrolled in this nonrandomized, first-in-human study. Ten patients received BEAR treatment and 10 received a hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction. The BEAR procedure was performed by augmenting a suture repair with a proprietary scaffold, the BEAR scaffold, placed in between the torn ends of the ACL at the time of suture repair. The BEAR scaffold is to our knowledge the only device that fills the gap between the torn ligament ends to have current Investigational Device Exemption approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Ten milliliters of autologous whole blood were added to the scaffold prior to wound closure. Outcomes were assessed at 3 months postoperatively. The outcomes measures included postoperative pain, muscle atrophy, loss of joint range of motion, and implant failure (designated by an International Knee Documentation Committee grade C or D Lachman test and/or an absence of continuous ACL tissue on magnetic resonance images).

Results:

There were no joint infections or signs of significant inflammation in either group. There were no differences between groups in effusion or pain, and no failures by Lachman examination criteria (BEAR, 8 grade A and 2 grade B; ACL reconstruction, 10 grade A). Magnetic resonance images from all of the BEAR and ACL-reconstructed patients demonstrated a continuous ACL or intact graft. In addition, hamstring strength at 3 months was significantly better in the BEAR group than in the hamstring autograft group (mean ± SD: 77.9% ± 14.6% vs 55.9% ± 7.8% of the contralateral side; P < .001).

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest that the BEAR procedure may have a rate of adverse reactions low enough to warrant a study of efficacy in a larger group of patients.
Sex Education Policy: Need for a Standard Definition of Medically Accurate Information
Authors: Gonzalez Courtney M. , Karczmarczyk Diana F. , Douress Brittney L. , Scott Mackenzie M.
Published: November 2016

In comparison with other Western industrialized nations, the rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youth aged 15 to 19 in the United States is higher. Since the 1980s, the U.S. Federal Government has intervened to aid in lowering the rates of pregnancy and STIs among youth aged 15 to 19 by funding a variety of abstinence-only sex education programs. Despite almost $1.5 billion federal dollars spent on efforts to reduce pregnancy and STIs among this subpopulation, there have been overall unsustainable declines in pregnancy and STIs among youth aged 15 to 19. Significant concerns have been raised by health policy advocates, such as former Rep. Waxman (D-Calif.), and sexual health advocates about the lack of a definition for medically accurate curricula. Mixed interpretations of policies for sex education content have resulted in abstinence-only sex education programs targeting youth to reflect conservative ideology with information that is not medically accurate. To better understand the topic, a review of the historical time line and legislative actions of U.S. federal and state policies is presented. As an example, Mississippi’s state policy for sex education programs is analyzed and reviewed. Furthermore, the authors put forward the need for a standard definition of medically accurate information, offer a proposed definition, and discuss the limitations of a standard definition for sex education programs. Public health professionals and public health education specialists play a key role in ensuring that sex education programs be taught using medically accurate information to reduce the rate of STIs and prevent teen pregnancy consistently among youth aged 15 to 19.
BDR in newly diagnosed patients with WM: final analysis of a phase 2 study after a minimum follow-up of 6 years
Authors: Gavriatopoulou Maria , García-Sanz Ramón , Kastritis Efstathios , Morel Pierre , Kyrtsonis Marie-Christine , Michalis Eurydiki , Kartasis Zafiris , Leleu Xavier , Palladini Giovanni , Tedeschi Alessandra , Gika Dimitra , Merlini Giampaolo , Sonneveld Pieter , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: November 2016

In this phase 2 multicenter trial, we evaluated the efficacy of the combination of bortezomib, dexamethasone, and rituximab (BDR) in 59 previously untreated symptomatic patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), most of which were of advanced age and with adverse prognostic factors. BDR consisted of a single 21-day cycle of bortezomib alone (1.3 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 4, 8, and 11), followed by weekly IV bortezomib (1.6 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15, and 22) for 4 additional 35-day cycles, with IV dexamethasone (40 mg) and IV rituximab (375 mg/m2) on cycles 2 and 5, for a total treatment duration of 23 weeks. On intent to treat, 85% responded (3% complete response, 7% very good partial response, 58% partial response). After a minimum follow-up of 6 years, median progression-free survival was 43 months and median duration of response for patients with at least partial response was 64.5 months. Overall survival at 7 years was 66%. No patient had developed secondary myelodysplasia, whereas transformation to high-grade lymphoma occurred in 3 patients who had received chemoimmunotherapy after BDR. Thus, BDR is a very active, fixed-duration, chemotherapy-free regimen, inducing durable responses and with a favorable long-term toxicity profile (www.ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00832234).
Involvement of hepatic macrophages in the antifibrotic effect of IGF-I-overexpressing mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Fiore Esteban , Malvicini Mariana , Bayo Juan , Peixoto Estanislao , Atorrasagasti Catalina , Sierra Romina , Rodríguez Marcelo , Gómez Bustillo Sofia , García Mariana G. , Aquino Jorge B. , Mazzolini Guillermo
Published: November 2016

Background

Cirrhosis is a major health problem worldwide and new therapies are needed. Hepatic macrophages (hMø) have a pivotal role in liver fibrosis, being able to act in both its promotion and its resolution. It is well-known that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can modulate the immune/inflammatory cells. However, the effects of MSCs over hMø in the context of liver fibrosis remain unclear. We previously described evidence of the antifibrotic effects of in vivo applying MSCs, which were enhanced by forced overexpression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (AdIGF-I-MSCs). The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of MSCs on hMø behavior in the context of liver fibrosis resolution.

Methods

Fibrosis was induced in BALB/c mice by chronic administration of thioacetamide (8 weeks). In vivo gene expression analyses, in vitro experiments using hMø isolated from the nonparenchymal liver cells fraction, and in vivo experiments with depletion of Mø were performed.

Results

One day after treatment, hMø from fibrotic livers of MSCs-treated animals showed reduced pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic gene expression profiles. These shifts were more pronounced in AdIGF-I-MSCs condition. This group showed a significant upregulation in the expression of arginase-1 and a higher downregulation of iNOS expression thus suggesting decreased levels of oxidative stress. An upregulation in IGF-I and HGF expression was observed in hMø from AdIGF-I-MSCs-treated mice suggesting a restorative phenotype in these cells. Factors secreted by hMø, preconditioned with MSCs supernatant, caused a reduction in the expression levels of hepatic stellate cells pro-fibrogenic and activation markers. Interestingly, hMø depletion abrogated the therapeutic effect achieved with AdIGF-I-MSCs therapy. Expression profile analyses for cell cycle markers were performed on fibrotic livers after treatment with AdIGF-I-MSCs and showed a significant regulation in genes related to DNA synthesis and repair quality control, cell cycle progression, and DNA damage/cellular stress compatible with early induction of pro-regenerative and hepatoprotective mechanisms. Moreover, depletion of hMø abrogated such effects on the expression of the most highly regulated genes.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that AdIGF-I-MSCs are able to induce a pro-fibrotic to resolutive phenotype shift on hepatic macrophages, which is a key early event driving liver fibrosis amelioration.
Correlation between clinical and MRI assessment of depth of invasion in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Alsaffar H. A. , Goldstein D. P. , King E. V. , de Almeida J. R. , Brown D. H. , Gilbert R. W. , Gullane P J. , Espin-Garcia O. , Xu W. , Irish J. C.
Published: November 2016

Background

Neck metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Apart from the T- stage, depth of invasion has been used as a highly predictable factor for microscopic neck metastasis, despite the controversy on the exact depth cut off point. Depth of invasion can be determined clinically and radio logically. However, there is no standard tool to determine depth of invasion preoperatively. Although MRI is used widely to stage the head and neck disease, its utility in depth evaluation has not formally been assessed.

Objective

To compare preoperative clinical and radiological depth evaluation in oral tongue SCC using the standard pathological depth. To compare clinical and radiological accuracy between superficial (<5 mm) vs. deep invaded tumor (≥5 mm)

Methods

This prospective study used consecutive biopsy-proven oral tongue invasive SCC that presented to the University health network (UHN), Toronto. Clinical examination, radiological scan and appropriate staging were determined preoperatively. Standard pathology reports postoperatively were reviewed to determine the depth of invasion from the tumor specimen.

Results

72 tumour samples were available for analysis and 53 patients were included. For all tumors, both clinical depth ( r = 0.779; p < 0.001) and radiographic depth ( r =0.907; p <0.001) correlated well with pathological depth, with radiographic depth correlating slightly better. Clinical depth also correlated well with radiographic depth ( r = 0.731; p < 0.001). By contrast, for superficial tumors (less than 5 mm on pathological measurement) neither clinical ( r = 0.333, p = 0.34) nor radiographic examination ( r = − 0.211; p = 0.56) correlated with pathological depth of invasion.

Conclusion

This is the first study evaluating the clinical assessment of tumor thickness in comparison to radiographic interpretation in oral cavity cancer. There are strong correlations between pathological, radiological, and clinical measurements in deep tumors (≥5 mm). In superficial tumors (<5 mm), clinical and radiological examination had low correlation with pathological thickness.
Ground Motion Intensity Measures to Evaluate II: The Performance of Shallow-Founded Structures on Liquefiable Ground
Authors: Karimi Zana , Dashti Shideh
Published: November 2016

A reliable mitigation of the liquefaction hazard requires an accurate estimation of the consequences of liquefaction in the context of building performance. Knowledge and use of an optimal intensity measure (IM) will reduce variability and improve accuracy of the predicted measure of performance. This paper presents the results of a three-dimensional, fully coupled, nonlinear, dynamic parametric numerical simulation of shallow-founded structures on layered, liquefiable soils, previously validated with centrifuge results. The generation and redistribution of excess pore pressures as well as soil-structure interaction effects were directly considered in the simulations. The influence of different IMs recorded at the base rock, far-field soil surface, and foundation was evaluated and compared on engineering demand parameters (EDP) that relate to structural performance and damage potential, such as foundation settlement and peak, transient, inter-story drift ratios. The IMs identified with the best combination of efficiency, sufficiency, and predictability in predicting the structural EDPs of interest were identified at the base rock as: CAV and CAV5 for permanent settlement, PSA[ T STo] for total and flexural drift ratios, and PGV for rocking drift ratio.
Inhibition of CD34+ cell migration by matrix metalloproteinase-2 during acute myocardial ischemia, counteracted by ischemic preconditioning
Authors: Lukovic Dominika , Zlabinger Katrin , Gugerell Alfred , Spannbauer Andreas , Pavo Noemi , Mandic Ljubica , Weidenauer Denise T. , Kastl Stefan , Kaun Christoph , Posa Aniko , Sabdyusheva Litschauer Inna , Winkler Johannes , Gyöngyösi Mariann
Published: November 2016

Background. Mobilization of bone marrow-origin CD34+ cells was investigated 3 days (3d) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with/without ischemic preconditioning (IP) in relation to stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1α)/ chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) axis, to search for possible mechanisms behind insufficient cardiac repair in the first days post-AMI. Methods. Closed-chest reperfused AMI was performed by percutaneous balloon occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery for 90min, followed by reperfusion in pigs. Animals were randomized to receive either IP initiated by 3x5min cycles of re-occlusion/re-flow prior to AMI (n=6) or control AMI (n=12). Blood samples were collected at baseline, 3d post-AMI, and at 1-month follow-up to analyse chemokines and mobilized CD34+ cells. To investigate the effect of acute hypoxia, SDF-1α and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in vitro were assessed, and a migration assay of CD34+ cells toward cardiomyocytes was performed. Results. Reperfused AMI induced significant mobilisation of CD34+ cells (baseline: 260±75 vs. 3d: 668±180; P<0.001) and secretion of MMP-2 (baseline: 291.83±53.40 vs. 3d: 369.64±72.89; P=0.011) into plasma, without affecting the SDF-1α concentration. IP led to the inhibition of MMP-2 (IP: 165.67±47.99 vs. AMI: 369.64±72.89; P=0.004) 3d post-AMI, accompanied by increased release of SDF-1α (baseline: 23.80±12.36 vs. 3d: 45.29±11.31; P=0.05) and CXCR4 (baseline: 0.59±0.16 vs. 3d: 2.06±1.42; P=0.034), with a parallel higher level of mobilisation of CD34+ cells (IP: 881±126 vs. AMI: 668±180; P=0.026), compared to non-conditioned AMI. In vitro, CD34+ cell migration toward cardiomyocytes was enhanced by SDF-1α, which was completely abolished by 90min hypoxia and co-incubation with MMP-2. Conclusions. Non-conditioned AMI induces MMP-2 release, hampering the ischemia-induced increase in SDF-1α and CXCR4 by cleaving the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis, with diminished mobilization of the angiogenic CD34+ cells. IP enforces CD34+ cell mobilization via inhibition of MMP-2.
The role and tasks of the internal audit and audit committee as bodies supporting effective corporate governance in insurance sector institutions in Poland
Authors: Szczepankiewicz Elżbieta Izabela
Published: November 2016

Faced with the risk of consecutive waves of financial crisis and economic recession, government committees, financial supervision authorities and financial institutions themselves – both in Poland and worldwide – have launched a number of measures to make the supervision of insurance sector institutions more effective, particularly in aspects related to efficient risk management and internal control. The article describes the impact of the amendment of laws and other regulations on the development of the present internal control systems in insurance sector institutions. It draws attention to the need for a new structure of the internal control system, and the role and purpose of the internal audit and the audit committee as the bodies supporting effective supervision in insurance undertakings and reinsurance undertakings.
The involvement of employees in knowledge management in the light of the research results
Authors: Stankiewicz Janina Stankiewicz , Moczulska Marta
Published: November 2016

The development of information technology, increase demand for mental work, shortening product life cycle and competing of the quality meant that knowledge is widely considered to be one of the most important resources of  the organization. Taking into account activities related to the process of knowledge management (such as the acquisition of knowledge from the environment, identifying its in the organization, knowledge sharing) and their sources (internal and external stakeholders) can be noted that any knowledge management requires the involvement of employees. Based on the analysis of the employees engagement was found that managing knowledge should be supported by the affective commitment and focused on work organization and environment. They exhibit a specific behavior. Recognizing this problem for interesting  the empirical research was carried out. Their goal was to identify the prevalence of involvement of employees in knowledge management and  the desired employee behavior  in the various activities of this processes. The study conducted among enterprises of Lubuskie province. The research used a survey method. It was found  that the surveyed enterprises implement the activities related to knowledge management in a selective manner. In the light of the adopted criteria  only one (out of 102) of the surveyed companies could be considered as knowledge management. It also seems that the attention is not focused on the creation of knowledge but its acquisition and protection. Taking into account the results of research on behavior conducive to knowledge management can be concluded  that the climate for creativity exists at the level of teams but not the organization.
Effects of innovation activity in industrial enterprises in Eastern Poland
Authors: Szopik-Depczyńska Katarzyna
Published: November 2016

Implementation of innovation in the field of product, process, organization and/or marketing, as part of the competitive struggle, is therefore linked to the achievement of various objectives and effects. The main objective of the study was to describe the relationship between the different effects of innovation activity and the extent of innovative activity of industrial enterprises, such as investment in innovation and implementation of innovative solutions. The survey had been conducted in years 2010-12 in 1067 industrial companies, operating in Eastern Poland (Warmia-Mazury, Podlasie, Lublin, Świętokrzyskie and Podkarpackie voivodeships). The methodological part of the analyses is based on the probability calculus - probit regression. Industrial enterprises in Eastern Poland indicated on improved quality of products offered on the market and increased range of products as the main effects of innovation activity. Analysis of innovation activity phenomena characterized in the article may have an impact on the perception of regional innovation policy, in terms of its nature and direction, as well as the vital question of the effectiveness of instruments of supporting innovativeness of industrial enterprises in Eastern Poland.
Social relations and environmental influence as a determinant of customer capital
Authors: Caputa Wiesława
Published: November 2016

The article presents the influence of feedback and recommendations provided by the customers on the customer purchase behaviour along with the benefits resulting from the use of the customer feedback potential in the process of company value creation. On the basis of survey conducted on the beer market in Poland, it was demonstrated that the customer feedback and recommendations have a significant influence on the purchase behaviour and allow the cost reduction of customer communication. In the analysis of the results the statistical methods were used, including focus analysis, ANOVA test and factor analysis.
Support for renewable energy in Germany as an example of effective public policy
Authors: Baran Bernadeta
Published: November 2016

This article aims to analyze the process of energy transformation in Germany and renewable energy state support as an example of a strategic and effective policy. Energy transition in Germany, which leads to replacement of conventional energy with renewable sources and increase of energy efficiency is a long-term project requiring a strong state intervention. This project is supported with European Union green energy policy giving favorable legal and institutional framework for green technologies development. The process of energy transformation in Germany started more than two decades ago and nowadays this economy benefits from growing number of new jobs and export of high-tech products. The article analyzes the concept of "green growth" in the EU, which is both determinant and the effect of energy transformation in Germany. It discusses support mechanisms and instruments for German green energy sector, transformation goals in that area, financing sources and the most important economic effects.
The analysis of the competitiveness of the biggest enterprises in the construction industry in Podlaskie Region compared to the sector, based on Nagashima's radar
Authors: Kowalczuk Andrzej
Published: November 2016

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the competitiveness of the largest enterprises of the construction industry operating in Podlaskie Voivodeship, against the background of other firms from the sector in the years 2010–2012. The analysis uses the so-called Nagashima's radar, which enables a synthetic depiction of the relative changes of selected sets of indicators concerning the analysed entities from the construction industry. The conducted research into the analysis of competitiveness of largest construction companies of Podlaskie, as compared with the rest of the sector, reveals that the period 2010–2012 saw both increases and decreased in the indicators regarding the profitability, financial stability, capital activity, growth, and efficiency of the studied companies. In 2012, in comparison with the preceding year, a downturn was observed in e.g.: some of the profitability indicators, growth indicators, and labour efficiency indicators.
The cost of capital in the effectiveness assessment of financial management in a company
Authors: Michalak Aneta
Published: November 2016

Financial management in a company is a decision process subject to achievement of the main goal of the company, that is its value maximization. Estimation of the cost of capital is of great significance in this area. The cost of capital affects the key decisions of the board concerning the scale of investment undertakings, determination of the target, demanded amount and pace of capital growth, shaping of optimal capital structure and other areas of financial management in a company such as capital budgeting, processes of takeovers and fusions etc. It is also a parameter in calculating the return on investment and in other analyses. The utilization of information about the cost of capital in the decision-making process in the company is strictly connected with the assessment of financial management in the company using market value added. The objective of the paper is to indicate the place of the cost of capital in assessing the effectiveness of financial management in a company, performed by the method of market value added. The considerations conducted are grounded on the assumption that if we base the effectiveness assessment of financial management in a company on the market value added growth, then the cost of capital will be one of the main parameters in each of the theoretical models presented concerning the company value pricing. In this way, the cost of capital is a parameter in the effectiveness assessment of financial management in a company at the same time. The article is of theoretical-cognitive and methodological character. It constitutes a reason for further empirical research confirming the relation proved in the theory of the relation between the cost of capital and company value, which is a basis for assessing the effectiveness of financial management in the company.
Sovereign debt crisis of the Eurozone countries
Authors: Miklaszewicz Sławomir
Published: November 2016

The aim of the publication is to examine the fiscal position of the euro area countries and fiscal policy architecture in Europe after the outbreak of the financial and economic crisis started in 2008. The first part of the publication consists of the analyses of the budgetary situation of euro area countries and complications with the increasing costs of servicing the public debt in the European market affected by the financial liquidity crisis. In the second section the most important changes in the framework of budgetary policies coordination process in the euro zone are presented. The final section describes the role and activities of the European Central Bank in minimising the negative consequences of the debt crisis in the euro zone.
Differences in unemployment among persons in a special situation on the labour market on the example of Polish provinces
Authors: Murawska Anna
Published: November 2016

The unemployment level in a region and economic activity on the labour market are considered the most important determinants of individuals’ standard of living. The article aims to assess regional differences in indicators characterising the situation on the labour market depending on the selected social and demographic features of the unemployed. In order to achieve this objective, information from secondary sources, primarily statistical yearbooks and other source materials, was used. General data relating to Poland and sixteen provinces was analysed. The assessment of regional differences and the relationship between them used basic indices and ratios in the form of numerical evaluation. Coefficients of intensity, structure, variation and correlation were calculated. Differences in the level of unemployment in Polish provinces depend on such factors as place of residence, age, sex, level of education of the unemployed, seniority and duration of unemployment. Residents of provinces with a favourable situation on the labour market have a notably higher income and standard of living.
Prospects for the development of prosumer energy in Poland
Authors: Zajączkowska Magdalena
Published: November 2016

The hereby article discusses the issues related to the existing or required support given by the State to enterprises in order to provide them conditions to innovate. Neoclassical economy puts an emphasis to the price mechanism as a decision making effective tool, but enterprises meet many barriers in creating and introducing innovation, like high cost, high risk or lack of demand for innovation. These phenomena tend to inhibit innovation of enterprises. This means that market is not an efficient mechanism for innovation activity of enterprises, and its imperfections provoke the State’s intervention. The goal of the article is to shape the objectives of State’s impact on decisions of innovative enterprises. Research method is the critical literature review and public data on State’s support on business R&D analysis. The research results show State’s support for both – incremental and radical innovation, which proves that innovative activity of enterprises is far from being a spontaneous, market-based process.
Protecting the organization against risk and the role of financial audit on the example of the internal audit
Authors: Bożek Sylwia , Emerling Izabela
Published: November 2016

In the contemporary economic reality and organization’s activities aiming at effectiveness and efficiency of functioning, a lot of significance is attached to a financial audit as an important instrument for protecting the organization against the risk factors. The aim of this article is to present theoretical and practical (on the basis of the examined example) aspects concerning the (internal) financial audit in the organization within the context of its assessment of the exposure to risk. The applied research methods are based on the method of conceptual analysis of the literature on the examined field, as well as on the case study of the auditing task. The results of the performed analyses and examinations allow to state that the financial audit constitutes an effective tool for protecting the organization against internal, as well as external risks.
Robust Strategic Route Planning in Logistics
Authors: Richter Alexander T. , Stiller Sebastian
Published: November 2016

Logistics is a cost sensitive industry with large and fast growing routing networks. In this paper we devise a computational, robust optimization method for the strategic routing decisions of a logistics’ customer, i.e., a company that uses the services of different freight forwarders to meet its transportation demands between several sources, sinks, and hubs. The costs of such transports are determined by tariff systems that typically show economies of scale and reward the consolidation of goods that complement each other in properties relevant for transport, such as weight and volume. In the strategic planning phase, routes and hubs have to be chosen roughly one year ahead, in particular, before the actual demand is known. Our method anticipates the fluctuation of demands by minimizing the worst-case cost over a restricted scenario set.

The combination of a realistic cost function, a robust modeling of uncertainty, and large-scale networks leads to highly intractable models. We show that the corresponding adversary problem is NP-hard. To nevertheless find solutions for real instances with very good worst-case cost we derive a carefully relaxed and simplified mixed-integer linear program that solves well for large instances because of its powerful linear programming relaxation. We test the method for real-world instances. The results show that robust optimization can significantly reduce worst-case cost. Furthermore, we derive from our method two heuristic techniques to solve even larger networks and report on the corresponding computational results.

Neglecting the typical uncertainty about demand values can cause significant cost in logistic routing problems. This paper provides for a practical method to avoid such costs.
The unique role of the school nurse in the holistic care of the bully
Authors: Colliety Pat , Royal Clare , Cowie Helen
Published: November 2016

In this article, the authors discuss how school nurses can use their knowledge and clinical experience to help young people who bully develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships with others in order to promote optimum health outcomes for both the bully and victim.
PARA ALÉM DA FORMAÇÃO ACADÊMICA: AS CONTRIBUIÇÕES DA INICIAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO PESSOAL E PROFISSIONAL DE ESTUDANTES DA ÁREA DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO
Authors: Pinto Natália Lúcia da Silva , Fernandes Laura Maria Abdon , Silva Fabiana Ferreira
Published: November 2016

A Iniciação Científica (IC) na graduação pode ser considerada uma oportunidade para os estudantes desenvolverem habilidades acadêmicas e interpessoais, bem como encontrarem direcionamento profissional. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa investigou como os Programas de Iniciação Científica estão contribuindo com a formação de estudantes da área de Administração. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa e quantitativa, cujos dados foram coletados mediante realização de entrevista e aplicação de questionários. A técnica de análise de conteúdo foi utilizada para fazer a sistematização e a interpretação dos dados. Entre os principais resultados, o perfil dos estudantes envolvidos com pesquisa é formado por jovens com menos de 25 anos, em sua maioria, mulheres e estudam no turno matutino. Constatou-se ainda que a busca por novos conhecimentos e aperfeiçoamento do currículo são os principais fatores motivacionais para ingressar em um Programa de Iniciação Científica. A pesquisa, também, revelou a avaliação dos graduandos sobre a participação nas pesquisas e as dificuldades enfrentadas. De forma geral, foi possível concluir, com base na percepção dos participantes, que a IC gera impactos positivos na vida pessoal, profissional e acadêmica dos estudantes da área de Administração na instituição analisada.
ENSINO EM ADMINISTRAÇÃO: PROPOSTA DO CONTEÚDO PROGRAMÁTICO DA ÁREA DE FINANÇAS
Authors: Rodrigues Eduardo Ribeiro , Matias Alberto Borges
Published: November 2016

As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do MEC definem as áreas específicas dos conteúdos de formação profissional que devem ser contempladas na organização curricular dos cursos de graduação no Brasil. Porém não sugerem ou detalham quais conteúdos devem ser oferecidos em cada área. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho é propor o conteúdo programático para a área temática de Finanças nos cursos de graduação em Administração. Para o alcance desse objetivo, foram analisados as matrizes curriculares e os planos de ensino das disciplinas de Finanças dos cursos de graduação em Administração, com as melhores notas no ENADE. Com base nesse levantamento, foram elaboradas sete disciplinas com os conteúdos de formação profissional da área, totalizando 560 horas/aula, distribuídas na matriz curricular e de acordo com os seus objetivos: apresentação das finanças corporativas e das finanças pessoais, decisões financeiras de curto e longo prazo, análise econômica financeira, planejamento financeiro e estratégias financeiras.
RETENÇÃO DOS DISCENTES DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO DA UFS: FATORES CONDICIONANTES E AÇÕES DA GESTÃO ACADÊMICA
Authors: Oliveira Rodrigo Teles Dantas de , Barbosa Jenny Dantas
Published: November 2016

Este artigo aborda a temática da retenção dos discentes de Administração da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), ou seja, a permanência dos alunos além do tempo regular. Os objetivos são: traçar as características dos alunos; identificar os motivos da retenção; mensurar o nível de qualidade do curso e conhecer as ações de combate à retenção desenvolvidas pelo Departamento de Administração. Os dados foram coletados por meio de pesquisa documental e bibliográfica; questionários do Google Forms® com os alunos retidos e entrevistas com os docentes que ocuparam o cargo de chefia do Departamento/Colegiado. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados utilizando-se estatística não paramétrica, com base em escalas adaptadas de Likert e tratados com o software SPSS®. O tratamento das informações qualitativas se deu por meio de análise de conteúdo. Concluiu-se que a maioria dos alunos retidos é do sexo feminino, solteira, com faixa etária entre os 18 e 30 anos e renda de 1 a 3 salários mínimos. Trabalha e/ou estagia durante 40 ou mais horas/semana e possui mais de 75% do curso concluído. Os motivos da retenção são a falta de tempo; o choque entre as agendas profissional/acadêmica; as greves; a insatisfação com o corpo docente; e a reprovação/trancamento de disciplinas. Os alunos classificaram o curso como regular. A gestão da retenção pelo departamento tem sido feita de forma parcial.
Depth-based refocusing for reducing directional aliasing artifacts
Authors: Lee Ensun , Yang Seohee , Han Miseon , Kim Jeongtae
Published: November 2016

We investigate a depth-based refocusing method using four-dimensional (4D) light field data, which can reduce directional aliasing artifacts in a refocused image. Unlike conventional filtering-based methods, the proposed method estimates the amount of aliasing artifacts using the disparity information between two neighboring views. It then applies an exact smoothing operation to the refocused image in order to remove the aliasing artifacts. By doing that, the proposed method is able to generate a smoothly blurred image in the out-of-focus region and a sharp image in the focused region. In addition, as the proposed method performs a smoothing operation on the refocused image, it does not create virtual views, which often requires an extremely large amount of computational resources. In both simulation and experiment, the proposed method shows outstanding performance compared to conventional methods.
Unique Cellular Lineage Composition of the First Gland of the Mouse Gastric Corpus
Authors: O’Neil Andrew , Petersen Christine P. , Choi Eunyoung , Engevik Amy C. , Goldenring James R.
Published: November 2016

The glandular stomach has two major zones: the acid secreting corpus and the gastrin cell–containing antrum. Nevertheless, a single gland lies at the transition between the forestomach and corpus in the mouse stomach. We have sought to define the lineages that make up this gland unit at the squamocolumnar junction. The first gland in mice showed a notable absence of characteristic corpus lineages, including parietal cells and chief cells. In contrast, the gland showed strong staining of Griffonia simplicifolia-II (GSII)-lectin-positive mucous cells at the bases of glands, which were also positive for CD44 variant 9 and Clusterin. Prominent numbers of doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) positive tuft cells were present in the first gland. The first gland contained Lgr5-expressing putative progenitor cells, and a large proportion of the cells were positive for Sox2. The cells of the first gland stained strongly for MUC4 and EpCAM, but both were absent in the normal corpus mucosa. The present studies indicate that the first gland in the corpus represents a unique anatomic entity. The presence of a concentration of progenitor cells and sensory tuft cells in this gland suggests that it may represent a source of reserve reparative cells for adapting to severe mucosal damage.
On the brevity of writing
Authors: Vilches Norat Vanessa , Lauzardo Aurora
Published: November 2016

The short essay ‘On the brevity of writing’ explores the way in which a women writer approaches the short story writing process. It examines the brevity and the condensation of the genre as a concentration of forces on a page. It also focuses on the construction of atmosphere and the importance of endings as key elements of the genre.
Hibiscus Lobiscus
Authors: Budhram Auguste
Published: November 2016

The short story ‘Hibiscus Lobiscus’ imagines two afternoons at the edge of a river, in Trinidad. There, the protagonists move through a sequence familiar to many who trace their history to the Caribbean. The series of actions and contemplations that unfold at the river’s edge speak to an ongoing cycle − a cycle bound to the quest for something better.
Brother (revisited)
Authors: Simelda Kristine
Published: November 2016

‘Brother’ is the story of a Caribbean man who checks out of the ‘real world’ and finds comfort in the natural wonders of his native island. If the moral purpose of narrative fiction is for readers to empathize with someone living somewhere outside their own reality, then the story’s protagonist serves as an extreme example.
Gothic vibrations and Edgar Allan Poe
Authors: Clarke Frances
Published: November 2016

This is a study into vibrations – an element not often measured alongside literature – and how they can be seen featuring heavily within the tropes of Gothic fiction. Vibrations allow for research into the biological impacts of sounds and sensations upon the human body, which affect both the readers and characters of Gothic literature, and also a more in-depth understanding of what contributes to the discrepancy between the physical and the ethereal in these instances. In this article, these short stories by Edgar Allan Poe have been used as exceptional examples of highly vibrational Gothic texts: ‘The Masque of the Red Death’, ‘The Pit and the Pendulum’, and ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’. Researching vibrations invited a new approach towards these texts through the varying disciplines of science, music and philosophy. This allowed for a more distinct understanding of the reasons why this genre is capable of producing those thrilling sensations that Gothic readers seek.
Welcome to Welcome to Night Vale: First steps in exploring the horror podcast
Authors: Hancock Danielle
Published: November 2016

This article seeks to open discussion on the steadily developing horror podcast genre, working to articulate and demonstrate the properties that new media offers to the horror genre. This is done by focusing on the highly successful Welcome to Night Vale (2012–present), a podcast that takes the form of a ‘community radio show’ for a community both disturbing and homely, and which offers unique insight into new audio media’s potential for Gothic and horror works. Through an exploration of the podcast’s narration, structure and live theatrical performance, it is argued that Night Vale is not simply a drama developed through audio means, but rather one that is based entirely in notions of audio mediation, consciously based in bringing to light the uncanny properties of both podcast and radio form, and offering a work that self-articulates the rich potential of new audio media for horror production.
Haunted nostalgia and the aesthetics of technological decay: Hauntology and Super 8 in Sinister
Authors: Balanzategui Jessica
Published: November 2016

The horror genre is in large part defined by a distinctive use of sound, which facilitates the effects by which it is defined. The genre is unique in its creative deployment of sound to activate and intensify dread and shock, and to launch what Peter Hutchings describes as ‘comprehensive assaults upon the senses’. This assaultive use of sound is central to the genre’s characteristic provocation of feelings of entrapment and peril, for, unlike the image, sound resists the viewer’s attempts at momentary escape. The recent supernatural horror film Sinister (Derrickson, 2012) powerfully illustrates the complex associations between sound and image upon which the horror genre relies to conjure its effects. Much of the thematic and aesthetic intensity of Sinister emerges from deeply unsettling interactions between sound and image created by the ambiguous layering of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. Echoing earlier haunted media films such as The Ring (Verbinski, 2002), Derrickson’s film revolves around Super 8 film reels that house a malevolent supernatural being. This article examines the augmentation of analogue aesthetics in Sinister, and argues that sound is central to the film’s simultaneous evocation and troubling of Super 8’s conventional nostalgic connotations. To achieve this, Derrickson pairs macabre Super 8 imagery with the eerie sounds of hauntology, a form of experimental electronic music that emerged around the turn of the millennium and takes troubled nostalgia as its core theme. The hauntological soundscape of Sinister accompanies the Super 8 footage not only to enhance the sonic textures of technological obsolescence, but to incite conflicted feelings of nostalgia-gone-wrong. As a result, the soundscape of Sinister not only foments the film’s most potent affects, but develops much of its subtext.
‘A weird creature that’s operating in the theater’: Cult, synaesthesia and the ethico-politics of horror in Danny Perez and Animal Collective’s ODDSAC
Authors: Matharoo Sean
Published: November 2016

This article addresses experimental film-maker Danny Perez and noise pop band Animal Collective’s collaborative project ODDSAC (2010). Conceived as a ‘visual album’, this strikingly surreal and eruptive audio-visual experiment adopts a synaesthetic and disruptive aesthetic logic, embracing and paradoxically subverting generic conventions while revelling in its own visual and aural excesses. I demonstrate that its self-reflexive relationship to the genre illuminates a shared affinity with both Lovecraftian cosmic horror and cult spectatorial praxis, writ large. Because it sees itself as a cult film, throughout this article, I emphasize its production, distribution and reception, arguing that its ramshackle construction and its commitment to intertextual referencing point up its relationship to mass media technologies. In this article, I closely read several scenes from the visual album, paying special attention to sound-image relations in an attempt to explain its evocation of a transgressive and recuperative ethico-politics of relational responsibility.
Tópicos de Linguística e Literatura no Letramento e na Formação de Alfabetizadores
Authors: Silva Eliabe Bezerra de Oliveira
Published: November 2016

O presente artigo tem como título “Tópicos de Linguística e Literatura no letramento e na formação de alfabetizadores” e trata de conhecimentos da Linguística e da Literatura que precisam de ressignificação na formação acadêmica inicial e contínua de professores alfabetizadores. O intuito deste trabalho não é dissertar a respeito de teorias e correntes da Linguística acerca do letramento inicial ou discorrer sobre fonologia da língua portuguesa, nem argumentar sobre Teoria, Crítica ou História da Literatura, mas é provocar reflexão e discussão a respeito de tópicos do arcabouço teórico da Linguística e da Literatura ausentes ou mal compreendidos na formação de pedagogos alfabetizadores e professores de Língua Portuguesa. Dentro dessa proposta, é imperativo fazer considerações breves também sobre mudanças paradigmáticas na formação de professores e sobre a implicação dos problemas analisados no percurso escolar dos estudantes. Sob o método da pesquisa bibliográfica, com cruzamento de fontes dos últimos dez anos e outras mais antigas, e interpretação de conteúdo, os argumentos foram construídos no sentido de retomar a importância do tema paralelamente a outros predominantes nos discursos acadêmicos. Araújo e Oliveira (2008) e Pimenta (1996), dentre outros, formam as referências de embasamento teórico e contribuem para o resultado da pesquisa: as fontes que tratam de letramento dão importância aos gêneros literários e conhecimentos linguísticos, em destaque a base fonêmica da língua portuguesa, mas as fontes que tratam de formação de professores permanecem com ênfase em outros temas. Logo, são necessárias pesquisas de campo na realidade escolar, da prática à teoria e da teoria à prática, que promovam novas aproximações e reflexões a respeito dos conhecimentos elencados no trabalho, a fim de mitigar problemas estruturais na alfabetização.
O Acolhimento oferecido pelos Serviços de Saúde às Pessoas com Necessidades Especiais
Authors: Gotado Rubenice Gonçalves , Almeida Maria Antonieta Pereira Tigre
Published: November 2016

Objetivou-se analisar as diversas formas de acolhimento prestadas aos usuários com necessidades especiais que utilizam os serviços de saúde da cidade de Vitória da Conquista. Os dados foram obtidos através da aplicação de um questionário objetivo aplicado aos familiares de pessoas com necessidades especiais. A pesquisa é de caráter exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa. A análise foi realizada através do software Microsoft Excel 2013, obtendo os seguintes resultados: grau de parentesco Pai/Mãe (85%), deficiência mental (45%), período de espera não é nada razoável (75%), os familiares raramente se sentiam respeitados (60%), o acolhimento da equipe é mais ou menos (65%) e a qualidade do serviço é mais ou menos (95%). Observou-se que o tempo de atendimento, período de espera, dificuldade para obter informações, serviços inapropriados, escuta e acolhimento inadequados são os principais fatores responsáveis pelas dificuldades do acolhimento oferecido pelos serviços de saúde aos usuários com deficiência.