bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passenger Perception towards E-ticketing Services, Airline Industry
Authors: Reshidi Dr.Sc. Nail , Kajtazi MSc. Saranda , Abdullahu MSc. Lorik
Published: August 2016

This paper aims to identify the critical dominant incidents and key instigators that influence on usage or lack of usage of e-ticketing by Kosovo Air Passengers.The research at hand utilizes the Grounded Theory of Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss, and the Critical Incident Technique in order to identify the factors that influence on the (diss) satisfaction of the travellers in using e-ticketing. For the purpose of this paper, the empirical data were gathered through interviews by using open ended questions. Among 93 interviews with the random selected passengers, 13 interviews were deemed as invalid.The empirical results highlighted the need for raising the consciousness regarding the efficacy and the advantages of eticketing. On the other hand, many other passengers cannot conceive the possibility of travelling without use of e-ticketing, given that in the past they spent much time in finding the right agent, desired destination, purchase difficulties in making reservation, confirmation, changes, or they had to carry large amounts of cash money to buy tickets which raised insecurity concerns.Research is limited only to the description of critical incidents that occurred in Prishtina International Airport. Majority of the respondents were highly-educated with high income status. These characteristics create a bias and constrain our ability to extrapolate from the findings. Nevertheless, the study serves as a point for more in-depth analysis and discussion on e-ticketing behaviour in Airline industry.
The Development of Joint Stock Companies according to Kosovo’s Legislation and their Comparison with the Region
Authors: Alishani MSc. Detrina
Published: August 2016

Joint Stock companies or Corporations are the highest forms of business organization and are regulated by law. As the most organized business forms, they have special importance on economic development of a country and that their development and their regulation determine the economic and political stability of a country. To describe corporations and their regulation from the legal aspect, namely to use the descriptive technique, are used secondary data. In this paper has been implemented also the comparative method in order to compare the development of joint stock companies in Kosovo with those in the region. More specifically, the comparison is made with Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia and some other countries of the Western Balkans. The legal framework of all these countries is analyzed in detail and comparisons are based on those findings.From this comparison it is noted that while the joint stock companies in other countries have started to act very early, Kosovo as a country which has recently come out of war has managed to issue a law that does not differentiate greatly from any other legislation of neighbouring countries.From the conducted research, it is noted that Kosovo has made progress in terms of legislation in the field of commercial law, which has resulted in improving the investment climate and organization of joint stock companies.
Similarities and Differences between NATO and the EU Enlargement
Authors: Kastrati MA. Bilbil
Published: August 2016

After the end of the Cold War the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) enlargement were two main political processes in the European continent. Both organizations since their inception, promoted the idea of integrated Europe without borders, which meant creating a Europe without divisions and bringing back all Central Eastern European (CEE) countries into the European family where they belong. However, after half a century of isolation in the totalitarian communist system the CEE countries (CEEC) had to undertake fundamental institutional, political, economic, military and other reforms in order to join NATO and the EU. In order to ease the process of accession, both organizations set certain criteria for membership for the CEECs. While NATO’s requirements for membership were more general and flexible, the EU’s requirements, on the other hand, were non-negotiable and closely enforced.Therefore, this article will explore NATO’s and the EU’s enlargement process eastwards, its similarities and differences. In addition, it will analyse the difficulties and challenges with special focus on Russia’s opposition to this process.The author will identify the similarities and differences between NATO and the EU’s enlargement and will argue that the eastern enlargement marked the final end to the Cold War antagonism and it created conducive preconditions for more secure and prosperous Europe.
Investigation on the value relevance of accounting information: evidence from incorporated companies in the Singapore capital market
Authors: Abeifaa Der Basil , Polak Petr , Masri Masairol
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relative, incremental and the systematic changes in value relevance of the accounting information. This study also attempts to investigate the effect of earnings management on the value relevance of accounting information. It basically uses Ohlson’s (1995) valuation model to test the conceptual framework. The findings of this paper reveal that book value is more value relevant and incremental followed by earnings and, then, cash flow. Cash flow, however, performs a lesser valuation role. The results also show that combined book value and earnings are more value relevant than combined book value and cash flow. As a third contribution, the paper also finds that the value relevance of some accounting variables has increased over time, while others showed no evidence of their inclined or declined patterns in the value relevance of accounting information. Finally, the paper finds that earnings management has no effect on the value relevance of accounting information. Further analyses suggest that earnings management is opportunistic in the short run, but efficient in the long run, when firms are small or have high asset turnover
A study of regional trends in external debt in developing economies
Authors: Dash Mihir
Published: August 2016

This study examines the trends in external debt in developing countries across different regions. The variables considered were gross external debt, public and public guaranteed external debt, short-term external debt, and variable rate external debt. The data were collected from the joint BIS-IMF-OECD-World Bank statistics on external debt, pertaining to the period 1995-2014. The results of the study highlight significant regional imbalances in external debt, which may contribute to the risk of sovereign-debt default. East Asia & Pacific region had high level of gross external debt and high percentage of short-term external debt. Europe & Central Asia region had high level of gross external debt, high gross external debt growth rate, high percentage of variable rate external debt, high ratio of short-term external debt relative to GDP, and high ratio of variable rate external debt relative to GDP; perhaps reflecting the ongoing European Sovereign Debt Crisis. Latin America & Caribbean region had high level of gross external debt and high percentage of variable rate external debt. Middle East & North Africa region had high percentage of public and public guaranteed external debt. South Asia had high gross external debt growth rate, high public and public guaranteed external debt growth rate, high short-term external debt growth rate, and high variable rate external debt growth rate in the post-crisis period. Sub-Saharan Africa region had high percentage of public and public guaranteed external debt and high variable rate external debt growth rate in the post-crisis period. Thus, each of the regions had specific types of risk. The individual developing economies in the regions need to be examined carefully to isolate their contribution to regional sovereign-debt default risk
Testing the efficient market hypothesis on the Nairobi Securities Exchange
Authors: Njuguna Josephine
Published: August 2016

This paper tests the weak-form of the efficient market hypothesis (EMH) of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) using daily and weekly index data from the NSE 20 share index over the period, January 2001 to January 2015 and the NSE All Share Index (ASI) from its initiation, in February 2008 to January 2015. To test weak-form efficiency in this market, this study uses the serial correlation test, unit root tests (ADF and Phillips-Perron) and runs test. Results indicate that we cannot accept the EMH for the NSE using the serial correlation test, unit root tests and the runs test. Overall, the Kenyan market is found to not be weak-form efficient
Exploring status consumption in South Africa: a literature review
Authors: Welcome Madinga Nkosivile , Tafadzwa Maziriri Eugine , Lose Thobekani
Published: August 2016

South Africa is one of the most important countries in the status goods market. In addition, it has the biggest share from the status consumption market in Africa and it is amongst fastest growing countries worldwide in status consumption. The growth in status consumption in South Africa is attributed to the growth of the high-income and middle-income groups. As the demand for status increases and status goods become more available, the concept of status has become an important research area for academics and marketers. The aim of this study is to explore the concept of status consumption and provide an overview of status consumption. In this study, the literature has been reviewed for the studies on the same subject to make a compilation
The role of proximity in problem identification: risk of water scarcity in Texas
Authors: Mahafza Zachary B. , Stoutenborough James W. , Vedlitz Arnold
Published: August 2016

This project seeks to determine whether proximity to major water sources (e.g. rivers or lakes) is associated with the public's perception of water scarcity. From a theoretical perspective, this project will aid our collective understanding of problem identification. From a practical perspective, this relationship could help inform decision makers about where support or resistance to a water policy may be concentrated and allow more targeted efforts to help inform citizens about short- and long-term water policy needs. Knowing the influence of local conditions on public support for policy action is particularly important as water policies are primarily the domain of local and state governments. We utilize Geographical Information Systems to quantify the distances between survey respondents and various water sources to attempt to determine the effect individuals' proximity to water sources has on their opinions about water scarcity. The analyses reveal that proximity is a predictor of water scarcity perceptions, and the implications of these findings are discussed.
Using nanometer TiO2 modified with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide for separation and preconcentration of Parathion in water sample
Authors: Fathi Haghighe , Soltani-Jigheh Robab , Hemmati Saeed
Published: August 2016

In this work, nanometer TiO2 modified by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as adsorbent for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of Parathion in environmental water samples. Adsorbed Parathion was then desorbed with different eluents and determined by gas chromatography (GC)/flame ionization detection. Greater selectivity, resolution, and sensitivity have been seen by GC compared with other methods. Parameters that might influence the extraction efficiency, such as the eluent type and its volume, adsorbent amount, sample volume, sample pH and sample flow rate, were optimized. Under the optimized extraction conditions with toluene as the eluent, the experimental results showed the excellent linearity of Parathion (R2 > 0.99) over the range of 0.01–0.8 μg/mL, and the relative standard deviation was 6.3% (n = 5). The detection limit of the proposed method could reach 0.024 ng/mL based on the ratio of chromatographic signal to base line noise (S/N = 3). Recovery of 93% was achieved with spiked water samples. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of surface water samples.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Rachitic Genu Varus in Preschool Children in a Paediatric Health Institute in Egypt as One of the Developing Countries
Authors: Bishay Sherif N.G. , El-Sherbini Mostafa H. A. , Azzam Amre A. , Lotfy Ashraf A.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Rachitic genu varus is one of the common conditions among the Egyptian children, despite the shinning sun of Egypt all the year.

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of rachitic genu varus among the Egyptian children, and to assess the risk factors contributing to it.

Patients and Methods:

This prospective study recruited a total of 250 consecutive children, being 130 males and 120 females, with rachitic bow legs or genu varus, between 2 - 4 years of age, together with 250 controls of the same age group, out of a total number of 1900 children with other types of rickets, and other children's orthopaedic diseases, who presented to the National Institute of Neuromotor System in Egypt between September 2014 to September 2015. The cases and the controls were subjected to clinical, laboratory biochemical, and plain radiographic examinations. Their parents were subjected to epidemiological, maternal, and nutritional questionnaires.

Results:

The calculations revealed high incidence (13.1%) of rachitic genu varus. The risk factors were low socioeconomic status, insufficient family income, poor housing conditions, lack of exposure to sunlight due to cultural practices, sole breast feeding, and inadequate supplementation of vitamin D to the children and the pregnant women. Thepvalue was <0.05.

Conclusion:

Vitamin D deficiency rachitic genu varus is a multifactorial condition in Egypt. Raising the standard of living, level of education, housings, and dietary supplementation of vitamin D to the pregnant women and infants are the solution.
Gamification and Adherence to Web-Based Mental Health Interventions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brown Menna , O'Neill Noelle , van Woerden Hugo , Eslambolchilar Parisa , Jones Matt , John Ann
Published: August 2016

Background

Adherence to effective Web-based interventions for common mental disorders (CMDs) and well-being remains a critical issue, with clear potential to increase effectiveness. Continued identification and examination of “active” technological components within Web-based interventions has been called for. Gamification is the use of game design elements and features in nongame contexts. Health and lifestyle interventions have implemented a variety of game features in their design in an effort to encourage engagement and increase program adherence. The potential influence of gamification on program adherence has not been examined in the context of Web-based interventions designed to manage CMDs and well-being.

Objective

This study seeks to review the literature to examine whether gaming features predict or influence reported rates of program adherence in Web-based interventions designed to manage CMDs and well-being.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted of peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed to manage CMDs or well-being and incorporated gamification features. Seven electronic databases were searched.

Results

A total of 61 RCTs met the inclusion criteria and 47 different intervention programs were identified. The majority were designed to manage depression using cognitive behavioral therapy. Eight of 10 popular gamification features reviewed were in use. The majority of studies utilized only one gamification feature (n=58) with a maximum of three features. The most commonly used feature was story/theme. Levels and game leaders were not used in this context. No studies explicitly examined the role of gamification features on program adherence. Usage data were not commonly reported. Interventions intended to be 10 weeks in duration had higher mean adherence than those intended to be 6 or 8 weeks in duration.

Conclusions

Gamification features have been incorporated into the design of interventions designed to treat CMD and well-being. Further research is needed to improve understanding of gamification features on adherence and engagement in order to inform the design of future Web-based health interventions in which adherence to treatment is of concern. Conclusions were limited by varied reporting of adherence and usage data.
World’s Disappearance Commissions: An Inhumanious Quest for Truth
Authors: Pathak Professor Bishnu
Published: August 2016

Enforced Disappearance (ED) is a crime against humanity. It has been a long, but neglected history. It is a denial of all access to the families, lawyers and the like. The families of ED persons recall the whereabouts the fate of their loved ones dawn to dusk. A total of 54 post-countries have experienced having Truth Commissions. Such Commissions identify, investigate and reveal the past wrongdoings hoping to resolve crises. Out of these, 15 Truth Commissions were or are formed focusing more on ED persons to provide justice to the families of the victims and to end impunity prosecuting the (alleged) perpetrators. Ironically, the (alleged) perpetrators have received justice, but families of victims are further victimized. The paper is prepared based on the victim-centric approach following the human security theories: Freedom to Perpetrator, Freedom of Perpetrator-Victim, and Freedom at Victim. The Freedom to Perpetrator includes Algeria, Colombia, East-Timor, El Salvador, Jambu-Kashmir, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Uruguay; Freedom of Perpetrator-Victim comprises Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru; and Freedom at Victim consists of Nepal. Besides, amnesty and reconciliation measures were studied to analyze the failed, moderated and successful Truth Commissions. Nepal’s disappearance Commission has neither amnesty nor reconciliation provision.
Public Transportation in South Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Thomas David P.
Published: August 2016

This article engages with several important questions regarding the state of public transportation in South Africa. It provides a brief description of the historical legacy of apartheid in relation to public transport, and the challenges this posed to the government after 1994. This is followed by a summary of the changing policy frameworks in the post-apartheid era, and an examination of the current policies, trajectories, and major transportation projects within the country. For example, this includes a more detailed discussion of major infrastructure projects such as the Gautrain and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the form of Rea Vaya. Overall, the article argues that the South African government is struggling to build an inclusive public transportation infrastructure that addresses issues of poverty, access, and inequality. Finally, the article will conclude with a set of recommendations to build a more inclusive transportation policy framework for South Africa.
Assessment of Knowledge and Associated Factors towards Palliative Care among Greek Nurses
Authors: Maria Kalogeropoulou , Evanthia Vikia , Petros Kostagiolas A. , Dimitris Niakas
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Nurses can have a prominent role in end-of-life care. They should however have the appropriate knowledge and practice about Palliative Care (PC) in order to provide high quality of care at the end of life of for chronically sick patients.

Methods: A cross sectional quantitative study and analysis was carried through a validated questionnaire tool based on the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN). The study included 150 nurses working in a major public hospital in Greece.

Results: The majority of nurses in Greece had poor knowledge about PC reaching a 8.9 PCQN overall score out of 20. The findings from this study confirmed the association of gender, age, work experience and level of education on nurses’ knowledge about PC.

Conclusions: There is a lack of proper training and there are very few healthcare units specializing in PC provision in Greece. Special programs for PC are required in order to enhance nurses’ knowledge and attitude towards good PC practices.
U.S. Audit Partner Rotations
Authors: Laurion Henry , Lawrence Alastair , Ryans James P.
Published: August 2016

We investigate the effects of audit partner rotation among U.S. publicly listed firms, utilizing the fact that audit partners are periodically copied by name in public correspondence between issuers and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Relative to non-rotation firms, we find no evidence of a change in the frequency of misstatements following the partner rotation; however, there is an increase in the frequency of restatement discoveries and announcements. We also find an increase in deferred tax valuation allowances. Overall, the results provide some evidence suggesting that U.S. partner rotations support a fresh look at the audit engagement.

JEL Classifications: M41; M42; M48.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available from sources identified in the article.
Unprofitable Affiliates and Income Shifting Behavior
Authors: De Simone Lisa , Klassen Kenneth J. , Seidman Jeri K.
Published: August 2016

Income shifting from high-tax to low-tax jurisdictions is considered a primary method of reducing worldwide tax burdens of multinational firms. Current losses also affect income shifting incentives. We extend prior approaches by explicitly considering unprofitable affiliates and test whether the association between losses and tax incentives for unprofitable affiliates deviates from the negative association observed in profitable affiliates. Results suggest that multinational firms alter the distribution of reported profits to take advantage of losses. Our point estimate for profitable affiliates implies that an increase of one standard deviation in the tax incentive, C, of an affiliate with an average return on assets of 13.3 is associated with a lower return on assets of 0.5 percentage points. The same change in tax incentive of an unprofitable affiliate is associated with an increase in its return on assets of approximately 0.7 percentage points, holding assets, labor, productivity, and other factors constant. We further document a larger responsiveness to tax incentives between profitable and unprofitable affiliates in high-tax jurisdictions, consistent with predictions.
White Adipocyte Adiponectin Exocytosis Is Stimulated via β3-Adrenergic Signaling and Activation of Epac1: Catecholamine Resistance in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Komai Ali M. , Musovic Saliha , Peris Eduard , Alrifaiy Ahmed , El Hachmane Mickaël F. , Johansson Marcus , Wernstedt Asterholm Ingrid , Olofsson Charlotta S.
Published: August 2016

We investigated the physiological regulation of adiponectin exocytosis in health and metabolic disease by a combination of membrane capacitance patch-clamp recordings and biochemical measurements of short-term (30-min incubations) adiponectin secretion. Epinephrine or the β3-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist CL 316,243 (CL) stimulated adiponectin exocytosis/secretion in cultured 3T3-L1 and in primary subcutaneous mouse adipocytes, and the stimulation was inhibited by the Epac (Exchange Protein directly Activated by cAMP) antagonist ESI-09. The β3AR was highly expressed in cultured and primary adipocytes, whereas other ARs were detected at lower levels. 3T3-L1 and primary adipocytes expressed Epac1, whereas Epac2 was undetectable. Adiponectin secretion could not be stimulated by epinephrine or CL in adipocytes isolated from obese/type 2 diabetic mice, whereas the basal (unstimulated) adiponectin release level was elevated twofold. Gene expression of β3AR and Epac1 was reduced in adipocytes from obese animals, and corresponded to a respective ∼35% and ∼30% reduction at the protein level. Small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of β3AR (∼60%) and Epac1 (∼50%) was associated with abrogated catecholamine-stimulated adiponectin secretion. We propose that adiponectin exocytosis is stimulated via adrenergic signaling pathways mainly involving β3ARs. We further suggest that adrenergically stimulated adiponectin secretion is disturbed in obesity/type 2 diabetes as a result of the reduced expression of β3ARs and Epac1 in a state we define as “catecholamine resistance.”
Deficiency in the Heat Stress Response Could Underlie Susceptibility to Metabolic Disease
Authors: Rogers Robert S. , Morris E. Matthew , Wheatley Joshua L. , Archer Ashley E. , McCoin Colin S. , White Kathleen S. , Wilson David R. , Meers Grace M.E. , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Thyfault John P. , Geiger Paige C.
Published: August 2016

Heat treatment (HT) effectively prevents insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The positive metabolic actions of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), which include increased oxidative capacity and enhanced mitochondrial function, underlie the protective effects of HT. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of HSP72 induction to mitigate the effects of consumption of a short-term 3-day HFD in rats selectively bred to be low-capacity runners (LCRs) and high-capacity runners (HCRs)—selective breeding that results in disparate differences in intrinsic aerobic capacity. HCR and LCR rats were fed a chow or HFD for 3 days and received a single in vivo HT (41°C, for 20 min) or sham treatment (ST). Blood, skeletal muscles, liver, and adipose tissues were harvested 24 h after HT/ST. HT decreased blood glucose levels, adipocyte size, and triglyceride accumulation in liver and muscle and restored insulin sensitivity in glycolytic muscles from LCR rats. As expected, HCR rats were protected from the HFD. Importantly, HSP72 induction was decreased in LCR rats after only 3 days of eating the HFD. Deficiency in the highly conserved stress response mediated by HSPs could underlie susceptibility to metabolic disease with low aerobic capacity.
The Inactivation of RabGAP Function of AS160 Promotes Lysosomal Degradation of GLUT4 and Causes Postprandial Hyperglycemia and Hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Xie Bingxian , Chen Qiaoli , Chen Liang , Sheng Yang , Wang Hong Yu , Chen Shuai
Published: August 2016

The AS160 (Akt substrate of 160 kDa) is a Rab-GTPase activating protein (RabGAP) with several other functional domains, and its deficiency in mice or human patients lowers GLUT4 protein levels and causes severe insulin resistance. How its deficiency causes diminished GLUT4 proteins remains unknown. We found that the deletion of AS160 decreased GLUT4 levels in a cell/tissue-autonomous manner. Consequently, skeletal muscle–specific deletion of AS160 caused postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. The pathogenic effects of AS160 deletion are mainly, if not exclusively, due to the loss of its RabGAP function since the RabGAP-inactive AS160R917K mutant mice phenocopied the AS160 knockout mice. The inactivation of RabGAP of AS160 promotes lysosomal degradation of GLUT4, and the inhibition of lysosome function could restore GLUT4 protein levels. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the RabGAP activity of AS160 maintains GLUT4 protein levels in a cell/tissue-autonomous manner and its inactivation causes lysosomal degradation of GLUT4 and postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.
Impact of a chapter book and collectible cards describing the lives of seven veterinarians on third-grade students' career aspirations and expectations
Authors: Miguel Sandra F. San , Green Henry , Cipriani Kauline , Parker Loran Carleton , Adedokun Omolola
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of exposure to a chapter book and collectible cards describing the lives of 7 veterinarians on career aspirations and expectations of third-grade students.

DESIGN Survey.

SAMPLE 176 third-grade students from 6 schools in Indiana.

PROCEDURES Students responded to a questionnaire by stating their career aspirations and expectations before and within 8 days after classroom exposure to the chapter book and collectible cards.

RESULTS As a group, significantly more students answered that they would like or expect to be a veterinarian when they are an adult after exposure to the book and cards. By gender, more boys, but not girls, answered that they would like or expect to be a veterinarian after exposure to the book and cards. Additionally, more White students and more rural students answered that they expected to be a veterinarian after exposure to the book and cards.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that young children's career aspirations and expectations can be influenced, at least in the short term, by exposure to educational materials about veterinary medicine when delivered as part of a classroom curriculum.
Early diagnostic imaging findings in juvenile dogs with presumed diskospondylitis: 10 cases (2008–2014)
Authors: Kirberger Robert M.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE To describe early diagnostic imaging findings in juvenile dogs with diskospondylitis.

DESIGN Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS 10 client-owned dogs < 6 months of age.

PROCEDURES Medical records were searched to identify juvenile dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of diskospondylitis. Signalment, history, examination findings, diagnostic test results, and imaging procedures were reviewed. Archived diagnostic images were retrieved and retrospectively evaluated. Data analysis was descriptive.

RESULTS All dogs were evaluated for signs of vertebral pain ≤ 3 weeks after treatment for blunt trauma, bite wounds, or systemic illness. The earliest radiographic change was a narrowed intervertebral disk space (found for 28 disk spaces ≤ 2 weeks after evaluation for signs of vertebral pain); subluxation of adjacent vertebrae was identified for 8 of 28 affected disks, either initially or within the following 2 weeks. Vertebral end plate lysis was not an initial radiographic feature but was evident in follow-up radiographs. Ultrasonographic and transverse, multiformatted, volume-rendered CT images were obtained for 5 and 4 dogs, respectively. Ultrasonographic changes included ventrally bulging hypoechoic material at the affected disk site and loss of typical normal reverberation artifact in 4 dogs; these were detected prior to radiographic changes in 2 dogs. Affected disks on volume-rendered CT images had altered coloration in 3 of 4 dogs, and this was identified prior to radiographic changes in 1 dog.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Juvenile dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of diskospondylitis had early imaging findings that were atypical, compared with the changes described for adult dogs with this condition.
Stakeholder Views on Privatization of the Quebec Health Care System
Authors: Pomey Marie-Pascale , Hudon Raymond , Van Schendel Nicolas , Martin Elisabeth , Forest Pierre-Gerlier
Published: August 2016

In 2005 the Supreme Court of Canada issued a landmark ruling in the debate on privatization of Quebec's health care system. The Quebec government subsequently made several decisions, such as lifting the ban on private insurance for some health services already offered in the public system. We interviewed 42 stakeholders who were involved in the decision process between 1999 and 2008 and analyzed their views. We identified three types of positions on privatization, based on two key factors raised in these encounters: (a) the ideological and political inertia of both civil society and the state and (b) the concerted action of stakeholders.
Performance improvement of nano-sized SAPO-34 molecular sieves synthesised by different combinations of multi templates in MTO reaction
Authors: Askari Sima , Kalhori Sadafnaz Kashi , Halladj Rouein , Najafi Nasim
Published: August 2016

The influence of using two, three and four templates on the catalytic performance of SAPO-34 catalyst during the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reaction has been studied. SAPO-34 catalysts were prepared hydrothermally by applying various combinations of four organic templates (TEAOH, morpholine, DEA and TEA). The results showed that applying a combination of templates affects the activity and selectivity of samples by prolonging their life time. Comparing with a sample prepared by a single template, using more than one template enhances the methanol conversion and selectively of light olefins. Apart from the effect of the number of templates on the performance of these catalysts, acidity also plays a significant role. It was found that catalysts synthesised by two and four templates give better performance due to their mild acidity, smaller particle size and higher BET surface area.
Aldol condensation of benzaldehyde with heptanal using solid-supported caesium and potassium catalysts
Authors: Vrbková Eva , Vyskočilová Eliška , Krupka Jiří , Červený Libor
Published: August 2016

In this work, the possibility of using different heterogeneous basic catalysts in the aldol condensation of benzaldehyde and heptanal was tested. The solid basic catalysts were magnesium and calcium oxide, and different zeolites (HY, NaY, USY). Other catalysts were prepared – caesium-modified zeolites and MCM-41 and potassium-modified alumina. The basic properties of the used catalysts were studied using acid–base titration and temperature programmed desorption of carbon dioxide. Several techniques (UV-Vis and infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption) were used to characterise the catalysts. These catalysts were used in the aldol condensation of benzaldehyde and heptanal, to test the influence of catalyst type, solvent, ratio of reactants and temperature on the course of reaction. Caesium and potassium leaching from catalysts was also monitored using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The best results were obtained using magnesium oxide (96% heptanal conversion, 68% selectivity to jasmine aldehyde), but all caesium- or potassium-modified catalysts showed reasonable results as well (caesium-MCM-41 40% heptanal conversion, 31% selectivity to jasmine aldehyde; potassium-alumina 62% heptanal conversion, 34% selectivity to jasmine aldehyde).
Enhancing the photocatalytic performance of Ag3PO4 by incorporating g-C3N4 and MWCNTs: Optimisation of removal of Acid Blue 92
Authors: Tasviri M. , Armandsefat F. , Mohaghegh N. , Ahmadinasab N.
Published: August 2016

The main aim of the present study was to enhance the degradation capacity of Acid Blue 92 (AB92) by visible-light-active Ag3PO4 nanocomposites based on g-C3N4 and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs). The nanocomposites were fabricated through a tunable in situ deposition method. The properties of the resulting samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity results revealed that the Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction inorganic/organic composite exhibited an improvement in both efficiency and the rate of AB92 photodegradation in comparison with the others. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 heterostructure under visible light irradiation is mainly ascribed to the interfacial effect of the nanocomposite in inhibiting the unfavourable recombination of photogenerated electron/hole pairs, the synergistic effect and the energy band structure. A possible mechanism for the improved photocatalytic activity of the Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite is also proposed.
The role of HbA1c as a diagnostic test for type 2 diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Matiur , Khan Naila Atik , Alam Mohammad Masurn , Arslan M. Iqbal , Hafiz Md. Golam
Published: August 2016

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a serious chronic disease with microvascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy and macrovascular complications such as cardiac, peripheral arterial and cerebrovascular disease. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the value of HbAlc as a diagnostic test for type 2 diabetes mellitus in Bangladeshi inclividuals. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemis­try, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total 657 patients, who were attended in the one point sample collection centre of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University for oral glucose tolerance test (OGIT) from 1st April 2014 to 30th June 2014, were purposively enrolled in this study. According to WHO criteria and based on OGIT findings study subjects were categorized into Normoglycemic (257), IFG (82), IGT (174), and DM (347). Fasting plasma glucose. HbA1c and plasma glucose at 2 hour after glucose load on OGIT was done from all the study subjects. Results: With a cut-off value of 6.J %, HbAlc had a maximal sensitivity and specificity of 97.0% and 49.0% respectively with a positive predictive value 65.5% and a negative predictive value 94.0%. HbA1c had a sensitivity of 93.0% and a specificity of 63.0% was calculated with a cut-off value of 6.5% with positive predictive value 77.5% and negative predictive value 90.0%. Both fasting plasma glucose levels and 2 hour plasma glucose levels were showed significant positive correlation with HbAlc (r = 0.788, P = 0.000 and r = 0.800, P = 0.000 respectively). Conclusion: The study suggests that measurement of HbAlc could be used to make diagnosis of T2DM in the Bangladeshi population.
Acute kidney injury due to star fruit ingestion: A case report
Authors: Ananna Mehruba Alam , Hasan Rubayet , Samad Tabassum , Rahim Mohammad Abdur , Rahman Mohammad Erfanur , Haque Wasim Mohsinul , Billah Mohammad , Hoque Hasna Fahmima , Afroz Farhana , Afroz Samira Rabat , Mitra Palas , Lqbal Sarwar
Published: August 2016

Star fruit (Avarrhoa carambola) is a fruit from oxalidace family. lt is found in many countries of the world including Bangladesh. But its ingestion or drinking star fruit juice may lead to intoxication especially in patients with chronic kidney disease and manifestations might be neurological or nephrological. lt may also cause acute kidney injury in patients with previously normal renal function. Here we are presenting a case who presented with acute kidney injury after star fruit ingestion with previously unknown renal function impairment. The etiology was confirmed by histopathological exami­nation after doing renal biopsy. This renal function impairment is mainly due to oxalate crystal induce nephropathy which is richly abundant in star fruit. His renal function was improved ·with conservative management. Physicians should be alert to consider the ingestion of star fruit as a cause of acute kidney injury in a patient even in the absence of previous renal function impairment.
Leigh syndrome: A rare mitochondrial disorder
Authors: Kundu Gopen Kumar , Akhter Amina , Akhter Shaheen , Rhaman Md. Mizanur
Published: August 2016

Leigh syndrome is a rare, mitochondrial disorder of childhood . In most cases dysfunction of the respiratory chain enzymes is responsible for the disease. Raised lactate levels in blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid is noted. Magnetic resonance imaging showing characteristic symmetrical necrotic lesions in the basal ganglia and/or brain stem that leads to the  appropriate diagnosis. Here, we report a case of progressive neurologic disorders presenting with motor and intellectual regression which on MRI was diagnosed as Leigh syndrome.
Application of Entropy-Based Features to Predict Defibrillation Outcome in Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Chicote Beatriz , Irusta Unai , Alcaraz Raúl , Rieta José , Aramendi Elisabete , Isasi Iraia , Alonso Daniel , Ibarguren Karlos
Published: August 2016

Prediction of defibrillation success is of vital importance to guide therapy and improve the survival of patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Currently, the most efficient methods to predict shock success are based on the analysis of the electrocardiogram (ECG) during ventricular fibrillation (VF), and recent studies suggest the efficacy of waveform indices that characterize the underlying non-linear dynamics of VF. In this study we introduce, adapt and fully characterize six entropy indices for VF shock outcome prediction, based on the classical definitions of entropy to measure the regularity and predictability of a time series. Data from 163 OHCA patients comprising 419 shocks (107 successful) were used, and the performance of the entropy indices was characterized in terms of embedding dimension (m) and matching tolerance (r). Six classical predictors were also assessed as baseline prediction values. The best prediction results were obtained for fuzzy entropy (FuzzEn) with m = 3 and an amplitude-dependent tolerance of r = 80 μ V . This resulted in a balanced sensitivity/specificity of 80.4%/76.9%, which improved by over five points the results obtained for the best classical predictor. These results suggest that a FuzzEn approach for a joint quantification of VF amplitude and its non-linear dynamics may be a promising tool to optimize OHCA treatment.
A Regional Time-of-Use Electricity Price Based Optimal Charging Strategy for Electrical Vehicles
Authors: Yang Jun , Chen Jiejun , Chen Lei , Wang Feng , Xie Peiyuan , Zeng Cilin
Published: August 2016

With the popularization of electric vehicles (EVs), the out-of-order charging behaviors of large numbers of EVs will bring new challenges to the safe and economic operation of power systems. This paper studies an optimal charging strategy for EVs. For that a typical urban zone is divided into four regions, a regional time-of-use (RTOU) electricity price model is proposed to guide EVs when and where to charge considering spatial and temporal characteristics. In light of the elastic coefficient, the user response to the RTOU electricity price is analyzed, and also a bilayer optimization charging strategy including regional-layer and node-layer models is suggested to schedule the EVs. On the one hand, the regional layer model is designed to coordinate the EVs located in different time and space. On the other hand, the node layer model is built to schedule the EVs to charge in certain nodes. According to the simulations of an IEEE 33-bus distribution network, the performance of the proposed optimal charging strategy is verified. The results demonstrate that the proposed bilayer optimization strategy can effectively decrease the charging cost of users, mitigate the peak-valley load difference and the network loss. Besides, the RTOU electricity price shows better performance than the time-of-use (TOU) electricity price.
Analytical Model of a Dual Rotor Radial Flux Wind Generator Using Ferrite Magnets
Authors: Xu Peifeng , Shi Kai , Sun Yuxin , Zhu Huangqiu
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive analytical model for dual rotor radial flux wind generators based on the equivalent magnetic circuit method. This model is developed to predict the flux densities of the inner and outer air gaps, flux densities of the rotor and stator yokes, back electromotive force (EMF), electromagnetic torque, cogging torque, and some other characteristics important for generator design. The 2D finite element method (FEM) is employed to verify the presented analytical model, fine-tune it, and validate the prediction precision. The results show that the errors between the proposed analytical model and the FEM results are less than 5% and even less than 1% for certain parameters, that is, the results obtained from the proposed analytical model match well the ones obtained from FEM analysis. Meanwhile, the working points at different temperatures are confirmed to exceed the knee point of the BH curve, which means that irreversible demagnetization does not occur. Finally, the optimization by FEM with the objective of fully using the inner space of the generator, decreasing the cogging torque, and reducing the total harmonic distortion (THD) of back EMF is performed.
Modeling and Optimization of the Thermal Performance of a Wood-Cement Block in a Low-Energy House Construction
Authors: Nardi Iole , De Rubeis Tullio , Buzzi Edoardo , Sfarra Stefano , Ambrosini Dario , Paoletti Domenica
Published: August 2016

The reduction of building energy consumption requires appropriate planning and design of the building’s envelope. In the last years, new innovative materials and construction technologies used in new or refurbished buildings have been developed in order to achieve this objective, which are also needed for reducing greenhouse gases emissions and building maintenance costs. In this work, the thermal conductance of a brick, made of wood and cement, used in a low-rise building, was investigated with a heat flow meter (HFM) and with numerical simulation using the Ansys® software package (Canonsburg, PA, USA). Due to their influence on the buildings’ thermal efficiency, it is important to choose an appropriate design for the building blocks. Results obtained by the finite element modeling of the construction material and by in-situ analysis conducted on a real building are compared, and furthermore a thermal optimization of the shape of the material is suggested.
Enhancing Older Drivers’ Safety: On Effects Induced by Stereotype Threat to Older Adults’ Driving Performance, Working Memory and Self-Regulation
Authors: Brelet Lisa , Moták Ladislav , Ginet Magali , Huet Nathalie , Izaute Marie , Gabaude Catherine
Published: August 2016

In a study concerned with driving behaviors of older drivers (mean age 70 years) in a driving simulator, our findings indicate that telling older drivers that they are more at risk of accidents because of their age and their driving performance-related decline (i.e., exposing them to a stereotype threat concerning older drivers) severely impairs their self-regulatory skills. Moreover, our results show that this is at least partly due to exhaustion of the executive resources (older drivers under stereotype threat tended to contradict the stereotype of being slow by driving faster), appearing also through working memory overload (older drivers under stereotype threat performed markedly less well in a modular arithmetic task than drivers in the control condition). We thus complete the existing evidence that older drivers’ performance may be affected by socially-grounded factors, suggesting that simply being investigated may be enough to tax many capabilities in older people. We also propose that stereotype threat might be at least a partial explanation for why older drivers sometimes have poorer self-regulation performances after attending rehabilitation programs designed to make older drivers safer ones.
Association between Serum Uric Acid and Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase in the General Population
Authors: Chen Shuang , Guo Xiaofan , Yu Shasha , Sun Guozhe , Yang Hongmei , Li Zhao , Sun Yingxian
Published: August 2016

Background: Both the serum uric acid (SUA) level and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are related to metabolic syndrome. However, the association between SUA and elevated ALT has not been elucidated in the general population. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between SUA and elevated ALT in the general population of China; Methods: A total of 11,572 adults (≥35 years of age) participated in this survey. Elevated ALT was defined as >40 U/L. SUA ≥ 7.0 mg/dL in males or ≥6.0 mg/dL in females was defined as hyperuricemia. SUA within the reference range was divided into quartiles, and its associations with elevated ALT were evaluated by logistic regressions; Results: A total of 7.4% participants had elevated ALT. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 14.9% in males and 7.3% in females. There was a significantly positive dose-response association between SUA levels and the prevalence of elevated ALT. After adjusting for potential confounders, a positive relationship for elevated ALT was observed in subjects with hyperuricemia (odds ratio [OR]: 2.032, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.443–2.861 for men; OR: 2.045, 95% CI: 1.221–3.425 for women, both p < 0.05). Within the reference range, the association between SUA and elevated ALT persisted in the fourth quartile (OR: 1.467, 95% CI: 1.063–2.025 for men; OR: 1.721, 95% CI: 1.146–2.585 for women, both p < 0.05); Conclusions: Our results indicated that an increased SUA level, even within the reference range, was independently associated with elevated ALT in Chinese adults.