bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of ultrasound imaging for the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding in the bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata)
Authors: Chaudhari Uddhav K , Imran M , Manjramkar Dhananjay D , Metkari Siddhanath M , Sable Nilesh P , Gavhane Dnyaneshwar S , Katkam Rajendra R , Sachdeva Geetanjali , Thakur Meenakshi H , Kholkute Sanjeeva D
Published: March 2016

Ultrasound is a powerful, low-cost, non-invasive medical tool used by laboratory animal veterinarians for diagnostic imaging. Sonohysterography and transvaginal ultrasound are frequently used to assess uterine anomalies in women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). In the present study, we have evaluated the abdominal ultrasound of bonnet monkeys ( n = 8) showing spontaneous ovulatory ( n = 5) and anovulatory ( n = 3) AUB. The ovulatory ( n = 5) macaques showed cyclic AUB for 7–8 days. The anovulatory ( n = 3) macaques had irregular AUB with menstrual cycles of 40–45 days. The B-mode abdominal, colour Doppler and 3D ultrasound scans were performed during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Ultrasound examination revealed endometrial polyps in five macaques and endometrial hyperplasia in three animals. The width and length of endometrial polyps was around 0.5–1 cm (average 0.51 ± 0.23 cm × 0.96 ± 0.16 cm) with significant increase in endometrial thickness ( P < 0.0002). 3D ultrasound also showed a homogeneous mass in the uterine cavity and colour Doppler ultrasound showed increased vascularity in the endometrial polyps. Endometrial hyperplasia characteristically appeared as a thickened echogenic endometrium ( P < 0.0002). This study demonstrates the use of non-invasive ultrasound techniques in the diagnosis of AUB in macaques.
Effect of Glenoid Version and Width on Outcomes of Arthroscopic Posterior Shoulder Stabilization
Authors: Mauro Craig S. , McClincy Michael P. , Bradley James P.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Despite an increased awareness of the condition, the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of recurrent posterior shoulder instability remain challenging. No clear relationship has been established between glenohumeral morphologic characteristics and the risk for posterior shoulder instability or with outcomes after treatment.

Purpose:

To examine the structure of the glenoid in a large series of athletic patients with symptomatic unidirectional posterior instability and to correlate these findings with the objective and subjective clinical outcome of arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 118 magnetic resonance arthrograms of athletes with unidirectional recurrent posterior shoulder instability treated with an arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair were reviewed, and measurements of glenoid labral, chondral, and bone version and labral and bone width were performed. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scoring system and with standardized subjective pain and stability scales.

Results:

The mean glenoid labral, chondral, and bone versions were 10.8°, 10.1°, and 9.5°, respectively. The mean labral width was 30.9 mm and the mean bone width 28.9 mm. Patients with wider and more retroverted glenoid bone had better mean preoperative pain and ASES scores than did those with narrow and more anteverted glenoid bone. At final postoperative follow-up, patients with wider glenoids continued to have better pain and ASES scores and decreased risk of failure. In contrast, no significant differences in outcome scores were detected among subjects with regard to glenoid bone version. There was no correlation between chondral and labral width or version with any outcome measure preoperatively or postoperatively. Thirteen patients had unsuccessful initial capsulolabral repairs (ASES scores <60 and stability scores ≥6), demonstrating a 3.0-mm smaller overall labral width and 3° less labral retroversion but no bony version differences when compared with the successful cohort.

Conclusion:

Although higher glenoid retroversion was noted in this patient population as compared with previous studies in normal populations, there were no significant differences in outcomes after treatment among subjects with regard to glenoid version. However, increased glenoid width did predict better outcomes after posterior capsulolabral repair.
Generalized super-twisting sliding mode control with a nonlinear sliding surface for robust and energy-efficient controller of a quad-rotor helicopter
Authors: Sumantri Bambang , Uchiyama Naoki , Sano Shigenori
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes a time-varying sliding surface for a second-order sliding mode controller to improve the control performance and energy efficiency of a quad-rotor helicopter. The time-varying sliding surface is designed with a nonlinear function to provide varying properties of the closed-loop dynamics in order to reduce energy consumption. It is shown that the second-order sliding mode technique, known as a generalized super twisting algorithm, providing a robust controller and a nonlinear sliding surface is effective in reducing the energy consumption. A Lyapunov stability analysis is described to prove the stability of the proposed method. The effectiveness and reliability of the proposed method are evaluated by performing experiments several times using a quad-rotor helicopter experimental testbed under wind disturbance.
Experimental study on dynamic performance of typical nonballasted track systems using a full-scale test rig
Authors: Wang Mingze , Cai Chengbiao , Zhu Shengyang , Zhai Wanming
Published: March 2016

This paper presents an experimental study on dynamic performance of China Railway Track System (CRTS) series track systems using a full-scale test rig. The test rig has been constructed based on 55.17 m long full-scale nonballasted tracks composed of four typical CRTS track elements in high-speed railways. First, the dynamic characteristics of different nonballasted tracks are investigated by conducting wheel-drop tests, where a wheel-drop testing vehicle with a dropping wheelset is devised to provide the wheel-drop load. The vibration levels of different track systems are assessed by the root-mean-square acceleration per one-third octave band, and the vibration transmission characteristics of the CRTS series tracks are evaluated by transfer functions. Further, a mathematical track model is used to extract the dynamic stiffness and damping coefficient of the four types of nonballasted track systems based on the wheel–rail impact response. The vibration characteristics, the dynamic stiffness, and damping coefficient of different nonballasted track systems under various wheel-drop heights are compared and discussed in detail.
In vivo and in vitro effects of pentavalent antimony on mouse liver cytochrome P450s
Authors: Coelho DR , De-Oliveira ACAX , Parente TEM , Leal BS , das Chagas LF , Oliveira TN , Saint’Pierre TD , Paumgartten FJR
Published: March 2016

Pentavalent antimonial (Sb5+) drugs such as meglumine antimoniate (MA) are the mainstay treatment of leishmaniases in developing countries. The effects of these compounds on drug-metabolizing enzymes have not been characterized and their potential pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs are therefore unknown. The present study investigated whether treatment with MA (300 mg Sb5+/kg body weight/day, subcutaneously) for 24 days affected the activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A (ethoxyresorufin- O-deethylase), CYP2A5 (coumarin 7-hydroxylase), CYP2E1 ( p-nitrophenol-hydroxylase), CYP2B9/10 (benzyloxy-resorufin- O-debenzylase), or CYP3A11 (erythromycin- N-demethylase) in the livers of Swiss Webster (SW) and DBA-2 male and female mice. The results showed that CYP2A5-, CYP2E1-, and CYP3A11-catalyzed reactions were unaffected by MA treatment. A decrease in CYP2B9/10 activity was noted in DBA-2 females (but not males) and was not observed in SW males or females. However, repeated MA administration reduced mouse liver CYP1A activity. CYP1A2 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were not affected by MA and in vitro exposure of mouse liver microsomes to Sb3+ and Sb5+ did not reduce CYP1A activity. These findings suggested that in vivo treatment with Sb5+ drugs depressed CYP1A activity, without downregulating CYP1A2 mRNA expression. Since in vitro treatment of liver microsomes failed to inhibit CYP1A activity, this effect may require intact cells.
Coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus, tuberous sclerosis and aggressive natural killer-cell leukaemia: coincidence or correlated?
Authors: Olde Bekkink M , Ahmed-Ousenkova Y M , Netea M G , van der Velden W J , Berden J H
Published: March 2016

Among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) there is an increased risk of haematological malignancies, especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, the association of SLE with aggressive CD3 negative natural killer (NK)-cell leukaemia has not been reported so far. We present a case of a 39-year-old woman with SLE, aggressive NK-cell leukaemia and tuberous sclerosis complex. The prior probability of developing the combination of these three rare diseases by coincidence is extremely low (<10−13). Possible underlying immunological, genetic and toxic/environmental pathways are discussed.
Medical leadership and management in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kyratsis Yiannis , Armit Kirsten , Zyada Azra , Lees Peter
Published: March 2016

Objective:

This article aims to outline the historical development of medical leadership in the United Kingdom (UK), present recent advances, and discuss professional development and future prospects.

Conclusions:

With increasing involvement of medical professionals in top managerial roles in the UK over the last 30 years, leadership development initiatives have been growing steadily and there is increasing recognition of the need for leadership and management skills for doctors. Such skills can help to greatly improve patient care as well as enhance organisational effectiveness and productivity. The central involvement of professional bodies such as the UK Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management, and the establishment of medical fellowship schemes, have provided a solid foundation for a new generation of aspiring medical leaders but there is still a long way to go to achieve a higher degree of professionalism for clinical leadership in the UK. The evidence base is weak such that integrated efforts by clinicians and management academics have much to offer in achieving the vision of socially responsible, clinically relevant and research informed medical leadership training.
Late-onset robust curly hair growth in a patient with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma responding to dabrafenib
Authors: Keating Matthew , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: March 2016

Development of curly hair has been infrequently described in association with BRAF inhibitors in clinical trials, and usually affects patients between 6 and 24 weeks of therapy. The curly hair is typically preceded by initial hair thinning or even diffuse alopecia. We report herein an occurrence of late-onset robust curly head hair growth in a patient with metastatic melanoma responding well to dabrafenib, without being preceded by hair thinning. The curly hair in our patient developed at 11 months of therapy with dabrafenib. Occurrence of late-onset, robust curly hair might represent a prognostic marker of clinical response to these agents. If our hypothesis is correct, we expect more reports of late-onset, robust curly hair growth with the use of this class of pharmaceuticals. Moreover, newer generations of BRAF inhibitors may expand the armory of hair care products in the future.
Home tele-rehabilitation for rheumatic patients: impact and satisfaction of care analysis
Authors: Pani D , Piga M , Barabino G , Crabolu M , Uras S , Mathieu A , Raffo L
Published: March 2016

Introduction

In this paper, we evaluated patients’ perspectives on the use of a system for home tele-rehabilitation, designed for subjects with low computer literacy suffering hand impairment due to rheumatic diseases.

Methods

After a clinical trial assessing device effectiveness, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) and Individually Prioritised Problem Assessment (IPPA) questionnaires were administered to evaluate the system’s impact on each patient’s life, and the results were correlated with clinical indices. Patients were asked to continue self-administered rehabilitation with common objects. One year later, a semi-structured telephone interview gathered data on their experience.

Results

The system received a positive QUEST score (4.5 ± 0.3) and a modest PIADS score (0.84 ± 0.8) due to the small impact on adaptability and self-esteem. The IPPA (3.7 ± 3.4) revealed improvement in the ability to perform tasks considered important, which was significantly correlated ( r = 0.60; p < 0.02) with the clinical Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) index improvement. The interviews revealed a positive engagement effect, enhanced by the need to develop skills to be able to use the device (technological challenge) and by the perception of more attention by the medical staff. This may explain the significant dropout rate (80%) from the post-trial rehabilitation of the patients who used the device.

Discussion

The system was largely accepted by the patients. The results suggest that the need for information on their rehabilitation progress and the technological challenge deserves further study to make patients more autonomous in cases of continuous rehabilitation.
Seismic protection of the horizontally curved bridge with semi-active variable stiffness damper and isolation system
Authors: Kataria Nitin P , Jangid RS
Published: March 2016

Seismic vibration due to earthquake can damage the curved bridges that are the main interconnecting component for traffic separation structures of the urban highway system. Failure of bridges during and after a seismic event is vulnerable as bridges are lifeline structures. This work investigates the application of semi-active variable stiffness damper for a seismic control of the horizontally curved bridge isolated with different passive devices. The main objectives of the study are to investigate the effectiveness of the hybrid system and to find the optimum hybrid system for the seismic control of the curved bridge with different control laws of a damper. The selected bridge is a three-span continuous concrete box girder supported on pier and rigid abutment. The bridge deck is modeled as a single spine beam and the supporting pier is modeled as linear lumped mass system. The bridge is excited with four different ground motions having different ground motion characteristics with all three-ground motion components (horizontal as well as vertical). The results of the analysis demonstrate that the use of semi-active variable stiffness damper with different isolators is very effective in controlling the response of the curved bridge. The combination of semi-active variable stiffness damper and lead rubber bearing can provide an effective way for overall seismic control of the curved bridge. The use of modified switching control law for damper is as effective as switching control law with less number of sensors.
Crystal plasticity modeling of grain refinement in aluminum tubes during tube cyclic expansion-extrusion
Authors: Babaei A , Mashhadi MM , Mehri Sofiani F
Published: March 2016

In the present study, a crystal plasticity finite element model was developed for simulating the microstructure evolution and grain refinement during tube cyclic expansion-extrusion as a severe plastic deformation method for tubular materials. A new approach was proposed for extracting the real deformation history of a representative volume element during severe plastic deformation methods. The deformation history of a representative volume element during four cycles of tube cyclic expansion-extrusion was extracted by the proposed approach. Then, in a crystal plasticity finite element model, the deformation history was applied to a two-dimensional polycrystalline representative volume element with randomly assigned crystalline orientations. The intergranular interactions between grains and the intragranular orientation gradients were successfully simulated by the crystal plasticity finite element model. The distribution of misorientation angles, the evolution of grain boundaries, and the achieved average grain size after different cycles of tube cyclic expansion-extrusion were investigated by the crystal plasticity finite element model. On the other hand, ultrafine grained aluminum tubes were processed by four cycles of tube cyclic expansion-extrusion and the grain size of the processed tubes was studied by scanning electron microscopy observations and X-ray diffraction analyses. The experimental and predicted (by crystal plasticity finite element model) average grain sizes were compared.
Resveratrol attenuated TNF-α–induced MMP-3 expression in human nucleus pulposus cells by activating autophagy via AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xiao-Hu , Zhu Lei , Hong Xin , Wang Yun-Tao , Wang Feng , Bao Jun-Ping , Xie Xin-Hui , Liu Lei , Wu Xiao-Tao
Published: March 2016

Resveratrol (RSV) is known to play a role of anti-TNF-α in a number of cell types. However, whether RSV modulates the effects of TNF-α on human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether RSV regulates TNF-α–induced matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) expression. Via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, we found that MMP-3 expression induced by TNF-α was inhibited by RSV treatment. Depending on Western blot and qRT-PCR assay, we found that RSV induced autophagy in human NP cells, whereas inhibition of autophagy remarkably abolished the restraining role of RSV in the TNF-α–mediated up-regulation of MMP-3. Furthermore, RSV increased SIRT1 expression and SIRT1 knockdown significantly suppressed RSV-induced autophagy in NP cells. RSV also activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), while inhibition of AMPK notably abolished RSV-induced SIRT1 expression. Our data showed that RSV attenuated TNF-α–induced MMP-3 expression in human NP cells by activating autophagy via AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway. This new finding suggested that RSV might act as a novel preventive and therapeutic role in intervertebral disc degeneration.
Accessory (multiple) renal arteries – Differences in frequency according to population, visualizing techniques and stage of morphological development
Authors: Gulas Ewelina , Wysiadecki Grzegorz , Cecot Tomasz , Majos Agata , Stefańczyk Ludomir , Topol Mirosław , Polguj Michał
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to comprehensively analyze the literature focused on frequency of the presence of the accessory renal arteries in the human body. A systematic analysis of papers has been made. With regard to ethnicity, the incidence of accessory renal arteries fluctuates from 4% in a Malaysian population to 61.5% in a Brazilian population. The frequency is lowest in eastern and southern Asia (from 4% to 18.4%). In some, not ethnically homogenous populations, wide span of occurrence of accessory renal arteries is described (e.g. American – averaging from 18% to 28.8%). A higher frequency of accessory renal arteries was observed in fetuses compared to adults. Moreover, differences in the presence and number of accessory renal arteries reported in different papers are a consequence of type of visualizing technique used in research – especially when computed tomography and anatomical dissection were compared. The increasing number of surgical interventions, especially where laparoscopic methods are concerned, underlines the importance of such knowledge especially to surgeons, interventional radiologists, nephrologists, and vascular surgeons.
Childhood obesity
Authors: Oliver Angela
Published: March 2016

Almost a third of 2–15 year olds in the UK are classed as overweight or obese, with an estimated cost to the NHS of £4.2 billion a year. Although there has been a recent plateau in the rise of the prevalence of overweight and obese children, we cannot become complacent; it is estimated that by 2050, two-thirds of children will have an unhealthy weight. The causes of obesity are complex, and the majority of cases are linked to the obesogenic environment in which we now live. Most children who require help with weight management can be managed in primary care, with only a small number of children requiring referral to secondary care. This article will look at the UK and world trends in obesity and how we classify obesity. We will look at the challenges of treating childhood obesity and the best strategies in weight management to use in primary care.
New Technology in Imaging Cartilage of the Ankle
Authors: Schreiner Markus M. , Mlynarik Vladimir , Zbýň Štefan , Szomolanyi Pavol , Apprich Sebastian , Windhager Reinhard , Trattnig Siegfried
Published: March 2016

The incidence of osteochondral lesions, as well as osteoarthritis of the ankle joint following osteochondritis dissecans and trauma, has been reappraised in recent years. Consequently, an increasing number of surgical interventions using different cartilage repair techniques is performed in the ankle joint, which has resulted in a growing demand for repetitive and objective assessment of cartilage tissue and its repair. While morphological imaging does enable monitoring of macroscopic changes with increasing precision, it fails to provide information about the ultrastructural composition of cartilage. The significance of molecular changes in cartilage matrix composition, however, is increasingly recognized, as it is assumed that macroscopic cartilage degeneration is preceded by a loss in glycosaminoglycans and a disorganization of the collagen network. Recent advances in biochemical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have yielded sequences sensitive to these changes, thus providing invaluable insight into both early cartilage degeneration and maturation of repair tissue, on a molecular level. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of these techniques, including water and collagen-sensitive T2/T2* mapping, as well as glycosaminoglycan-sensitive sequences such as delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage dGEMRIC, and sodium imaging, and describe their applications for the ankle joint.
An enigmatic clinical entity: A new case of olfactory schwannoma
Authors: Manto Andrea , Manzo Gaetana , De Gennaro Angela , Martino Vincenzo , Buono Vincenzo , Serino Antonietta
Published: March 2016

Olfactory schwannomas, also described as subfrontal or olfactory groove schwannomas, are very rare tumors, whose pathogenesis is still largely debated. We report a case of olfactory schwannoma in a 39-year-old woman who presented with anosmia and headache. The clinical examination did not show lesions in the nose-frontal region and there was no history of neurofibromatosis. Head MRI and CT scan revealed a lobulated extra-axial mass localized in the right anterior cranial fossa that elevated the ipsilateral frontal pole. Bilateral frontal craniotomy demonstrated a tumor strictly attached to the right portion of the cribriform plate that surrounded the right olfactory tract, not clearly identifiable. The immunohistochemical analysis suggested the diagnosis of typical schwannoma. The patient was discharged without any neurological deficit and a four-month postoperative MRI scan of the brain showed no residual or recurrent tumor.
Engaging With the Wrong People
Authors: Grafton Ben , MacLeod Colin
Published: March 2016

Previous studies investigating the hypothesis that elevated social anxiety vulnerability is characterized by an attentional bias to negative social information have yielded inconsistent findings. One possible explanation for this inconsistency is that most such studies have failed to distinguish bias in attentional engagement with, and in attentional disengagement from, negative social information. It has been proposed that only one of these two possible forms of attentional bias may be associated with elevated social anxiety vulnerability, potentially giving rise to observed inconsistencies when assessment approaches have failed to dissociate them. The few studies that have sought to investigate this issue have been hampered by methodological limitations, which have compromised their capacity to differentially assess these two facets of attentional selectivity. In the present study, we employed a recently developed variant of the attentional-probe task that has proven capable of dissociating attentional engagement bias and disengagement bias, to contrast the patterns of attentional selectivity shown by participants high and low in social anxiety. Our findings reveal that elevated social anxiety vulnerability is characterized only by facilitated attentional engagement with socially negative information and not by impaired attentional disengagement from socially negative information.
Experience With Nosocomial Infection in Children Under 5 Treated in an Urban Diarrheal Treatment Center in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahunja K. M. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Faruque Abu Syeed Golam , Shahid Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayeem Bin , Das Sumon Kumar , Shahrin Lubaba , Hossain Md Iqbal , Islam Md Munirul , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer
Published: March 2016

We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with nosocomial infections (NIs) in under-5 children and in bacterial isolates from their blood, urine, and stool. We reviewed all under-5 hospitalized children with clinically diagnosed NIs in the inpatient ward at Dhaka Hospital of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, between January and December 2012. Comparison was made among the children with (cases = 71) and without NI (controls = 142). NI was defined as the development of new infection 48 hours after admission. Bacterial isolates in urine, blood, and stool were found in 11/52 (21%), 9/69 (13%), and 2/16 (12%) respectively. In logistic regression analysis, the children with NI were independently associated with severe acute malnutrition, congenital anomaly, invasive diarrhea, urinary tract infection on admission, and use of intravenous cannula during hospitalization. Thus, identification of these simple clinical parameters may help in preventive measures being taken to reduce the rate of NIs in such children.
Best proximity points and stability results for controlled proximal contractive set valued mappings
Authors: Felhi Abdelbasset , Aydi Hassen
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we introduce first the concept of a Pompeiu-Hausdorff b-metric-like space. We also establish some best proximity points and stability results for controlled proximal contractive set valued mappings in the class of b-metric-like spaces and partial b-metric spaces. Moreover, we provide some examples and many nice consequences from our obtained results.
EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEMS IN SERVICE DELIVERY OF INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Nwankwo Samson Ifejionu , Ajemunigbohun Sunday Stephen , Iyun Ayodele Samuel
Published: March 2016

This study was designed with the aim to investigate the implementation of electronic payment systems in the service delivery of various insurance companies operating in Nigeria. To this end, the researchers have been able to assess if electronic payment systems have improved service delivery of insurance companies in Nigeria, and thus ascertained its acceptance level within the Nigeria’s insurance business environment. The study employed a cross-sectional type of survey design. The study commenced with the gathering of relevant literature. More so, a simple random technique was employed and relevant data were gathered through the use of structured questionnaire. The sample population consisted of 79 respondents made up of some members of staff drawn from 32 insurance companies which were selected from the directory of member companies. The major statistical technique employed for this study was a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Two hypotheses were tested in this study. The hypotheses tested in the study found that electronic payment systems have improved service delivery of insurance companies in Nigeria but yet to be fully accepted within the Nigeria’s insurance market space. The study confirms the significant influence of electronic payment system in the service delivery of insurance companies Nigeria. The study recommends that continuous investment in technology is imperatively crucial to allow for cordial business relationship among all players in the Nigerian insurance market environment. Also, greater attention should be placed on customers’ education and engagement in the use of electronic payment systems to enhance business transactions, and Government initiative towards cashless policy should be made feasible by continuously encouraging members of the public towards transacting business electronically.
ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS OF YOUNG POPULATION ON THE CONCEPT OF THE INTERNET AS A FORM OF INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION
Authors: Bijakšić Sanja , Markić Brano , Bevanda Arnela
Published: March 2016

Integrated Marketing Communication  is both the system and the process of development and implementation of multiple forms of communication with the market. Its  long-term goal is to strengthen relations  with the  current customers but also to attract new customers. Therefore, the primary goal of integrated marketing communication is to have  influence on the behaviour of customers  in order to  shape and change their views and opinions. The marketing communication mix  consists of advertising, direct marketing communications, sales promotion, personal selling, public relations, publicity and outdoor advertising. This study  analyzes the attitudes and opinions of  young population regarding  the Internet as one of the most important media market communications. The instrument of data collection was a questionnaire and hypotheses were tested by using the chi-square test and confirmatory factor analysis.
ESTIMATION OF RISK MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE STAKEHOLDERS
Authors: Makarova Vasilisa
Published: March 2016

Estimation of efficiency from the perspective of an external investor draws a high enough interest in assessing the efficiency of risk management. Since the methods risk management are nontransparent information, the carrying out of empirical research is enough complicated. However, in a number of papers the elements of the assessment of so-called "market efficiency" are traceable, among which the most common factors are: the behavior of stock prices at the moment of collapse of the market, lower average cost of capital. However, a comprehensive study on risk management efficiency of companies from the perspective of stakeholders has not yet provided. The aim of this study is to fill this gap. The purpose of this study is as follows: to identify how stakeholders assess the key factors of risk management efficiency, and to create a comprehensive approach to the implementation of this assessment with the using of statistical research techniques and methods. The object of study is the Russian real sector of economy, the subject of study is the risk management efficiency of companies. In this article author provides the results of the survey on the evaluation the risk management efficiency, processed by means of statistical analysis methods calculation of the actual ratings of Russian companies on the basis of the criteria obtained from the survey, as well as the results of the regression analysis of the impact of identified efficiency criteria of risk management on the investment attractiveness of Russian companies. In the article Russian companies are ranked based on their risk management efficiency.
PROPENSITY TO CUSTOMER SWITCHING: A REVIEW ON APPAREL STORES
Authors: Karunaratna Chaminda
Published: March 2016

In the contemporary marketplace, customer switching has become a popularly addressed phenomenon. This study endeavoured to provide an approach to understand the customer switching behaviour and identify the major factors which influence customer switching in apparel stores. Clothing has become a major requirement for each and every customer in this modern society. Customers use their preferred brand, material and style etc. and become loyal to particular apparel store/s where they can enjoy the expected benefits in choosing preferred clothing items. However, customers may switch their apparel stores due to various reasons. Even though many clothing brands at different quality and price levels are available, many customers still switch among different apparel stores. In the field of apparel industry, researchers have put more weight on the fashion clothing, nature of purchasing decisions, and clothing brand loyalty etc. Howeevr, the research studies which focus on customer switching is scarce.Therefore, this study attempts to study the factors which cause customer switching in appreal stores. The survey method was adopted as the main research method to conduct the study. The sample consisted of 300 customers who were met at their visits to textile shops in the city of Matara in Sri Lanka. An exploratory factor analysis was employed to identify the major factors of customer switching. According to the results of the exploratory factor analysis, five major factors such as inferior quality, unavailability, service failure, stressful atmosphere and high price were identified as the major factors which influence the switching decision in retail apparel store.
MANUFACTURING AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PERFORMANCE LEVEL IN PLANTS OF MEXICO; A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AMONG LARGE AND MEDIUM SIZE PLANTS
Authors: Monge Carlos , Cruz Jesús
Published: March 2016

A random and statistically significant sample of 40 medium (12) and large (28) manufacturing plants of Apodaca, Mexico were surveyed using a structured and validated questionnaire to investigate the level of implementation of lean manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, continuous improvement and operational efficiency and environmental responsibility in them, it is important to mention it was found that performance in the mentioned philosophies, on the two categories of plants is low, however large plants show a better performance than medium plants. In both cases, it is worrying that in the highly industrialized municipality of Apodaca,  Mexico are not decisively adopting the philosophies mentioned, as this compromises in a global world, in the medium and long term the viability of the plants, particularly the medium size plants. Finally this article shows the results of the answers to the items of questionnaire for the plants managers, and this can be useful to the management of the plants to identify and to define specific improvement actions towards priority areas.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY EDUCATION: THE RELEVANCY TO THE BUSINESS PRACTICES IN BULGARIA
Authors: Slavova Irena , Bankova Yovka
Published: March 2016

In the last decades corporate social responsibility (CSR) has forcefully and irreversibly become a part of the corporate actions of a growing number of companies and continues to provoke the interest of governments, international institutions, scientists and researchers. The new imperatives on CSR have increased the requirements of companies towards the education and preparation of experts with the requisite skills and competences. The objective of the paper is to discuss how business universities meet the demand for new business models and management skills in order to help companies in Bulgaria to develop socially responsible practices.The study is based on a web-content analysis of the curricula and study programs of all Bulgarian universities training business and management students in Bachelor and Master programs. The obtained results regarding the current status of CSR education are interpreted in the context of CSR in businesses in Bulgaria. To this end, results were used from a large-scale study by the authors on the status and trends of development of CSR in Bulgaria, thus uncovering the needs of companies operating on the Bulgarian market in terms of employees with CSR skills and competences, and showing the gap between the demand and supply of CSR education for business and management graduates in Bulgarian universities (Bachelor and Master programs). The conclusions delineate the directions in which teaching CSR-related issues should develop in higher education institutions in Bulgaria.
LOAN RISK MANAGEMENT RELATED FORMS OF APPLICATION MODELS BY BANKING INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Rexhepi Shaqir
Published: March 2016

The study on the functioning of the models on the financial management of credit risk in banking institutions, is the special importance on developing strategic financial objectives and application of protective methods on predictions of risks which may be in credit to the economy and family businesses. Banks in their monetary program, among others anticipate increased demand for money by lending to the economy and their businesses . Support the economy with credit is one of the main tasks of the banking system, closely related to the specific conditions of this country. During the latter half of the current decade, the structure of banking system deposits has undergone significant changes, which have been largely a function of economic development, but also the phenomena and the development of the banking system itself . The general trend of the deposit system has been positive and graphs shows time series tables for their tendency. However , the problems of fragility and half the first decade of the establishment of a banking system crisis and the problems reflected in the structure and level of deposits in the banking system which is reflected by external and internal factors in the not functioning of Kosovo country.
OPTIMAL PREPARATION JUNCTIONS FOR ALL-CERAMIC FIXED RESTORATIONS MADE BY CAM 5 – S 2 IMPRESSION, VHF
Authors: Vlahova Angelina , Hadzhigaev Viktor , Kissov Christo , Kazakova Rada , Bozhkova Tanya
Published: March 2016

Introduction: The type of the preparation junction is determined by a number of factors that need to be taken in consideration with CAD/CAM Fixed Prosthodontics: the material of which the construction will be made; the type and condition of the retainer teeth, of their periodontium and the occlusion; the design software, the CAM setting and the type of drills; the working protocol; the type of the cement and the method of cementation.Purpose: The aim of this publication is to describe the optimal preparation junctions for all-ceramic crown and bridge restorations made by CAM 5 - S 2 Impression, VHF.Materials and methods: Suitable are chamfer and shoulder preparation junction with rounded inner angle (width 1 - 1, 5 mm). Trimming of 1.5 – 2 mm dental tissues is necessary on the occlusal surface. The homothetic reduction of teeth is optimal.Results and discussion: The width depends on the size and vitality of the tooth. In stained teeth and those built with metal pins the removal of more tissues provides a greater volume needed to disguise the dark color. Vestibular preparation under the level of the gingiva is preferable to ensure optimal aesthetics. Preparation junction is determined also by the CAD/CAM technology - the type of drills and protocol of impression taking (classical or digital). The creation of a working model with TRIOS, 3Shape intraoral scanner is greatly facilitated by preparation junctions made above the gingival margin.Conclusion: Knowledge about the criteria for selection the preparation junctions is essential for fabrication accurate and aesthetic CAD/CAM restorations.
Reporting sharp injuries among Surgeons in Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt
Authors: Mortada Eman Mohamed
Published: March 2016

Background and rationale of the study: Although Sharps injuries are a preventable hazard faced by medical personnel in the operating room yet it continues to be one of the hidden problems among HCP. The potential consequence of such injuries includes transmission of blood-borne pathogens with detrimental effects. Despite the advances in technology and increased awareness of medical staff, annually around 600 thousand to one million workers are affected thus considered as one of the most serious threats facing health care workers specially surgeon.Methodology: a cross sectional study of Zagazig University Hospitals surgical departments. Using a sample composed of 287 surgeons randomly chosen from different surgical departments. A questionnaire assessed in addition to personal and professional characteristics, the history of sharp injuries, types of instrument causing the injury, their post exposure prophylaxis including reporting. The results: There were total 287 surgeons participated in this study. (47%) of the respondent surgeons had been exposed to at least one episode of sharp injury in the preceding 3 months and most of the exposures (68%) occurred in the operation room. The injury was mainly caused during suturing (83%). The commonest devices, accused in most of the injuries were suturing needle and scalpel (74 and 59%). The majority of the surgeons (62%) didn’t report the SI and it was largely explained by the majority of the sampled respondents (89%) were not aware of the reporting system existing in their hospital.Conclusions: The most common reason of underreporting  in our study was the lack of awareness that all injuries must be reported.Recommendations: The observed high level of under reporting reflects the need for education on prevention. Our results can guide in planning an education program for the surgeons to increase awareness about dangers of sharp injuries and help improve the reporting strategy  and other potential prevention interventions for of sharp injuries.
Resection And Reconstructive-plastic Surgery In Treatment Of Extended And Multifocal Cicatrical Tracheal Stenosis
Authors: Eshonkhodjaev Otabek , Khudaybergenov Shukrat , Irisov Ortikali , Tursunov Nasretdin
Published: March 2016

Background. Main issues of treatment of patients with cicatricial stenosis of trachea (CST) are to increase its efficacy and safety, as well as to determine indications and contraindications for circular resection and reconstructive interventions on the trachea in patients with extended lesions of trachea, with stenoses involving subvocal cords part of larynx and well as multifocal narrowing of the trachea which could improve treatment results and quality of life of patients, to gain recovery and reduce disability and mortality.Material and methods. One hundred two patients aged from 11 to 62 years with CST were surgically treated. Stenotic site length in patients varied from 0,3 to 7 cm. Most frequently (64,2%), CST length of more than 2 cm was observed. In critical and decompensated stenosis with diameter of CST up to 5 mm with the threat of asphyxiation by the first stage we used endoscopic laser-and electric destruction of constriction followed by restricted zone bouging. If long-term rehabilitation was necessary and in case of absence of the conditions to the implementation of circular tracheal resection, we used tracheal stents. Circular resection of the trachea was performed in 24 patients. In case of contraindications, 28 patients underwent reconstructive plastic surgery with dissection the stenosis, excision of scar tissue and formation of trachea lumen in T-tube. After removing T-tube plasty of anterior tracheal wall and of soft tissues of the neck defects was performed using local tissues and grafts with microsurgical techniques.Results. Long-term results of treatment evaluated and studied in a period of 6 months to 5 years in 89 (87.3%) patients. 13 patients continues to one of the stages of complex treatment. Еhe patients are under dynamic endoscopic control. Good results were achieved in the treatment of 71 patients (79.8%), satisfactory - in 12 (13.4%), unsatisfactory results in 6 (6.7%) patients.Conclusions. 1. Patients with CST should undergo multimodal approach depending on degree and localization of narrowing, length and levels of restriction, taking into account severity of associated pathologies using complex of endosurgical, resection and reconstructive treatments. 2. When an extended CST involvement in the process is more than 30–50% of the trachea up to 5-6 cm, it’s possibly to perform circular tracheal resection provided that mobilization of necessary levels is sufficient. 3. In case of multifocal CST in conjunction with subglottic stenosis of the larynx formation of the lumen, it is expedient to form a lumen in the T-tube.
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUCTOSE-1,6-DIPHOSPHATE IN TREATING OF OCULAR ISCHEMIC SYNDROME
Authors: Makhkamova Dilbar
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FDP in patients with ocular ischemic syndrome.Material and methods. The material for this study is based on results of a comprehensive examination and treatment of 53 patients with a diagnosis OIS. The average age of the patients was 57,8 ± 6,82 year. 19 of them women, 34 men.  27 patients entered to the main group (1) which received standard therapy in combination with intravenous FDP (fructose 1,6-bisphosphate). 26 patients in the control group (2) received standard treatment.Results.  In applying the FDP combined with comprehensive therapy in the main group resulted in increased of visual acuity by 32.8%, parameters of retinal sensitivity by 17.8%, reducing the area of scotomas compared with patients of the control group. Optical coherence tomography registered significant changes in the dynamics in patients of the main group - reducing the edema and restoration of  RNFL and ONH. Recovery of visual function may have contributed neuroprotective activity of the drug FDP by a protective effect on nerve tissue, reducing the effects of hypoxic stress.Conclusions. The use of standard therapy in combination with FDP in the treatment of ocular ischemic syndrome has a positive effect on the course of the disease, thereby, increase of visual acuity, a decrease in sectoral loss in vision fields, the positive dynamics OCT parameters, improving hemodynamic parameters at Doppler imaging in dynamics.
The Generic Ambiguity of Margaret Mahy’s The Changeover
Authors: Walls Kathryn
Published: March 2016

Margaret Mahy’s The Changeover is generally read as what the subtitle terms “a supernatural romance.” But there is evidence to suggest that the status of the supposed villain, Carmody Braque, as a wicked spirit of the dead is imposed upon an ordinary (though unpleasant) elderly man by the novel’s hero, Laura, who is repressing antagonism toward her absent father and preoccupied mother. Her conviction of Braque’s demonic power is the product of Freudian “displacement” and “projection.” Even so, not all the novel’s intimations of the supernatural invite a realist reading. The Changeover ’s generic ambiguity reflects Mahy’s longstanding preoccupation with the paradoxical relation between fiction and truth.
“No Longer Just Human”: The Posthuman Child in Beth Revis’s Across the Universe Trilogy
Authors: McCulloch Fiona
Published: March 2016

This article explores posthumanism in Beth Revis’s Across the Universe trilogy (2011–13). As dystopian young adult fiction, the trilogy considers how the posthuman turn can offer ways of interrogating and disrupting conventional notions of human selfhood that adhere to a fixed Western Cartesian embodiment. In Revis’s vision, by spatio-temporally relocating the next generation of citizens, posthumanism’s liberatory potential enables a cosmopolitical transgression of static boundaries in favor of heterogeneous diversity. These adolescent protagonists offer new possibilities through a trajectory that charts the unlimited cartography of endless becoming.
The Pigeons Don’t Complain
Authors: Dodds Colin
Published: March 2016

New York in the autumn is lovely for unemployed wandering. Everywhere, it effortlessly disgraces and redeems itself. And if Prosperity Dumpling folds dough in an air shaft under rusty air conditioners, that remains just fine by me.