bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor overheating and mitigation of converted lofts in London, UK
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Taylor Jonathon , Symonds Phil
Published: April 2019

In the UK, there has been an increase in the number of loft conversions, driven by demands for increased floor areas of dwellings to accommodate more individuals or increase property values. While rooms directly underneath roofs are known to have increased overheating risks, there is little research available that quantifies this risk, and how to mitigate it cost-effectively. This paper seeks to evaluate overheating risks in loft conversions, using integrated environmental solutions virtual environment to dynamically simulate indoor temperatures in a semi-detached dwelling in London, UK, under current and future (2050s and 2080s medium and high emissions) climate scenarios. Adaptive overheating risk and energy consumption are calculated with and without passive overheating adaptations that reduce solar gains, increase ventilation, or add thermal insulation. Marginal abatement cost curves (MACC) are then used to select the most cost-effective adaptations based on installation and ongoing energy consumption costs. Results estimate 11,340–12,210 more summertime Category I overheating degree-hours for the loft than conventional bedrooms in the dwelling under the current climate; total category I loft overheating degree-hours may increase to 20,319 by 2080. While external shutters and night-purge ventilation were the most effective at reducing overheating degree-hours (96% and 89%, respectively), the most cost-effective solutions considering capital and ongoing costs are ventilation strategies, including night-time purge ventilation, advance ventilation and cross ventilation. Passive adaptations are not capable of eliminating overheating entirely, and by the 2080s active cooling is likely to be required to maintain comfortable indoor conditions in lofts.

Practical application: Converted lofts – present in 5.8% of English and 10.8% of London dwellings – are at significantly elevated risk of high indoor temperatures relative to conventional rooms. Passive adaptations such as ventilation and shading can effectively mitigate loft overheating until around 2080, after which active measures become necessary. When capital and ongoing costs are considered, the most cost-effective heat mitigating adaptations are night and advance ventilation and internal curtains/blinds. Heat mitigating adaptations for converted lofts should become mandatory, and such spaces should not be occupied by the vulnerable or elderly during hot weather.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Balloon Catheter Sinuplasty in Pediatric Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis
Authors: Zalzal Habib G. , Makary Chadi A. , Ramadan Hassan H.
Published: April 2019

The objective of our study was to assess the long-term effectiveness of balloon catheter sinuplasty in the treatment of pediatric chronic maxillary sinusitis following failed first-line medical and surgical management with adenoidectomy. Pediatric patients younger than 12 years were reviewed for having failed previous adenoidectomy and undergone a balloon catheter sinuplasty between August 2006 and March 2011 for chronic rhinosinusitis. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were recorded in patients who met inclusion criteria. Outcomes were assessed by need for functional endoscopic sinus surgery and persistence of chronic infection within at least 5 years of follow-up. Failure was defined by any child who was rediagnosed with chronic sinus disease after balloon catheter sinuplasty or who required endoscopic sinus surgery within 5 years. Sixty-two children were reviewed, with 38 patients meeting inclusion criteria (prior adenoidectomy, a preoperative Lund-Mackay score of ≥5, and balloon catheter sinuplasty). The mean age (standard deviation) was 6.76 (2.27) years with an age range of 2 to 11 years. Eight children (21.1%, P < .01) continued to have chronic sinus complaints following balloon procedure, with 5 (13.1%) individuals requiring eventual endoscopic surgery within 5 years. Age, asthma, allergy, and gender did not have any statistically significant impact on outcome. Balloon catheter sinuplasty is an effective long-term alternative for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis in pediatric patients, hoping to avoid further infections and eventual endoscopic surgery.
Utilizing Lane-Based Strategy to Incorporate Mixed Traffic in Interchange Control for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Algomaiah Majeed , Li Zhixia
Published: April 2019

This work examines the next-generation interchange control system (NIC) that aims to control connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) at interchanges with the consideration of different mixed traffic cases. The first objective of the paper is to test several parameters including traffic demand, heavy vehicle percentage, communication range, and advance stop line (ASL) to investigate their impact on throughput and delay. The second objective is to incorporate mixed traffic in the NIC, utilizing a lane-based strategy that is responsive to market penetration rates. The NIC coordinates vehicles to traverse the interchange terminal by using a reservation-based control strategy with a first-come-first-served (FCFS) reservation protocol. The algorithm of this system was modeled in the simulation software package VISSIM using a slightly modified real-world scenario of interchange. The evaluation of the system starts with testing some key variables when market penetration rate is 100%. The results demonstrate that the increase in traffic demand and heavy vehicle percentage affects the performance of the NIC by increasing the delay. Although the effects of communication range and advance stop location do not have clear patterns, the communication range of 600 ft and ASL of 100 ft indicate a relatively lower delay. Throughput and delay results reveal that the NIC outperforms traffic signals when the market penetration rate is 75%, whereas a 25% market penetration rate provides similar performance to traffic signals.
Behavioral and molecular effects of intrahippocampal infusion of auraptene, resveratrol, and curcumin on H-89-induced deficits on spatial memory acquisition and retention in Morris water maze
Authors: Tabrizian K , Musavi SS , Rigi M , Hosseindadi F , Kordi S , Shamshirgaran F , Bazi A , Shahraki J , Rezaee R , Hashemzaei M
Published: April 2019

Our aim was to investigate the effects of resveratrol, auraptene, and curcumin on the spatial learning and spatial memory retention in the Morris water maze (MWM). The effects of 4-day bilateral intrahippocampal (i.h.) infusions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), H-89 as a protein kinase AII inhibitor, auraptene/H-89, resveratrol/H-89, and curcumin/H-89 were investigated on spatial memory acquisition in MWM. The rats were trained for 4 days; each day included one block of four trials. Post-training probe tests were performed on day 5 in acquisition test. For retention assessments, different animals were trained for 4 days and then infused (i.h.) with either DMSO, H-89, auraptene/H-89, resveratrol/H-89, or curcumin/H-89. The retention test was performed 48 h after the last training trial. The bilateral infusion of H-89 led to a significant impairment in spatial memory in acquisition and retention tests accompanied with a significant decrease in expressions of cAMP response-element binding (CREB) and pCREB proteins in hippocampus. Resveratrol and curcumin reversed the H-89-induced spatial memory acquisition and retention impairments with significant increases in both CREB and pCREB proteins expressions compared to H-89-treated animals. Auraptene showed significant effects in reversing H-89-induced impairments in spatial memory retention but not spatial memory acquisition.
Predicting outcomes of total joint arthroplasty using the distress and risk assessment method
Authors: Schlitt Patrick , Freedman Mitchell , Tan Timothy L , Minori Joshua , Schroeder Jake T , Parvizi Javad
Published: April 2019

Background:

Psychological distress is presumed to be an important factor that can adversely impact the outcome of orthopaedic procedures. The Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM) is an evaluation tool which assesses psychological distress in patients with low back pain. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the influence of preoperative psychological distress, as determined by the DRAM score, on the functional outcomes of total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

Materials and methods:

A prospective study of 61 TJAs was performed at a single institution. The DRAM questionnaire and a variety of functional measures (12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12], visual analogue scale [VAS], Oxford Hip Score [OHS], Oxford Knee Score [OKS], and Oswestry Disability Questionnaire [ODQ]) were administered to the patient at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. Mixed model regressions and Mann-Whitney tests were utilised to evaluate the relationship of the DRAM score with functional outcomes.

Results:

The summed quantitative DRAM score was predictive of functional outcomes. With each 1 point increase in psychological distress, VAS pain increased by 0.023 ( p = 0.015), OKS decreased by 0.34 ( p = 0.01), ODQ increased by 0.065 ( p = 0.02), and MCS decreased by 0.14 ( p = 0.015). In addition, patients with lower preoperative distress scores had higher rates of improvement than patients with higher preoperative distress scores for VAS pain ( p = 0.034).

Discussion:

Psychological distress was associated with decreased baseline mental health and function in the early postoperative period, which has important implications for bundled payments. However, patients with psychological distress still demonstrated functional improvements and TJA should thus not be contraindicated in these patients.
Altered bodily self-consciousness and peripersonal space in autism
Authors: Mul Cari-lène , Cardini Flavia , Stagg Steven D , Sadeghi Esfahlani Shabnam , Kiourtsoglou Dimitrios , Cardellicchio Pasquale , Aspell Jane Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

There is some evidence that disordered self-processing in autism spectrum disorders is linked to the social impairments characteristic of the condition. To investigate whether bodily self-consciousness is altered in autism spectrum disorders as a result of multisensory processing differences, we tested responses to the full body illusion and measured peripersonal space in 22 adults with autism spectrum disorders and 29 neurotypical adults. In the full body illusion set-up, participants wore a head-mounted display showing a view of their ‘virtual body’ being stroked synchronously or asynchronously with respect to felt stroking on their back. After stroking, we measured the drift in perceived self-location and self-identification with the virtual body. To assess the peripersonal space boundary we employed an audiotactile reaction time task. The results showed that participants with autism spectrum disorders are markedly less susceptible to the full body illusion, not demonstrating the illusory self-identification and self-location drift. Strength of self-identification was negatively correlated with severity of autistic traits and contributed positively to empathy scores. The results also demonstrated a significantly smaller peripersonal space, with a sharper (steeper) boundary, in autism spectrum disorders participants. These results suggest that bodily self-consciousness is altered in participants with autism spectrum disorders due to differences in multisensory integration, and this may be linked to deficits in social functioning.
Religious Education – reform, not abolition: A reply to Matthew Clayton and David Stephens
Authors: Easton Christina Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

This article is a reply to Matthew Clayton and David Stephens’s 2018 article ‘What is the point of religious education?’ I begin by problematising the ‘acceptability requirement’ used to justify the authors’ conclusions. I then disambiguate the key claim made in the article. If interpreted broadly, as an attack on curricula that teach about religions, then their claim is implausible, and not one that the authors themselves should endorse. However, if interpreted narrowly, as an attack on the prioritisation of religion at the expense of non-religious views, then their view is one that is already widely endorsed. I then clear up some relevant empirical considerations about current Religious Education policy and practice in England and Wales. I suggest that there are sufficiently weighty, non-partisan reasons for a curriculum subject not dissimilar to what is currently taught in schools. While Religious Education is in need of reform, it would be the wrong conclusion to draw from their paper that Religious Education should be abolished.
Discursive Power in Contemporary Media Systems: A Comparative Framework
Authors: Jungherr Andreas , Posegga Oliver , An Jisun
Published: April 2019

Contemporary media systems are in transition. The constellation of organizations, groups, and individuals contributing information to national and international news flows has changed as a result of the digital transformation. The “hybrid media system” has proven to be one of the most instructive concepts addressing this change. Its focus on the mutually dependent interconnections between various types of media organizations, actors, and publics has inspired prolific research. Yet the concept can tempt researchers to sidestep systematic analyses of information flows and actors’ differing degrees of influence by treating media systems as a black box. To enable large-scale, empirical comparative studies aimed at identifying interdependencies and power relationships in contemporary media systems, we propose the concept of discursive power. This describes the ability of contributors to communication spaces to introduce, amplify, and maintain topics, frames, and speakers, thus shaping public discourses and controversies that unfold in interconnected communication spaces. We also provide a theoretical framework of how structural features of organizations and media systems contribute to the emergence of discursive power for different types of actors in various contexts. This adds to the theoretical toolkit available to researchers interested in the empirical analysis of contemporary media systems.
Effect of Astragalus membranaceus in Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model
Authors: Bing Zhong , Jin-Tao Du , Feng Liu , Ba Luo , Ya-Feng Liu , Shi-Xi Liu
Published: April 2019

Background

Astragalus membranaceus (AM), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat allergic diseases, but the mechanism for treating allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unclear.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to look at the anti-inflammatory effect of AM on AR and the mechanism of anti-allergy.

Methods

The mouse model of AR was induced by ovalbumin. Allergic symptoms, number of eosinophils in nasal mucosa, and levels of inflammatory cells in nasal lavage fluid were analyzed. We explored the serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and IL-10. Besides, the relative mRNA of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 was also detected in nasal mucosa tissue. The proportion of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells in the spleen and nasal lymphoid tissue were analyzed. The mRNA levels of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) and inhibitory kappa B alpha (IκBα), as well as NF-κB p65 DNA binding activity, were tested. We also measured the protein levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 in nasal mucosa.

Results

AM could reduce the number of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa and decrease the levels of inflammatory cells in nasal lavage fluid. The serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 were also decreased, while levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were increased. The relative mRNA of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 was decreased by AM. AM increased the proportion of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells in the spleen and nasal lymphoid tissue. In addition, AM could reduce the activity of NF-kB by inhibiting the mRNA expression and DNA binding activity of NF-κB p65. However, AM had no significant effect on mRNA of IκBα. Above all, AM could reduce the p-NF-κB p65 protein expression of nasal mucosa.

Conclusions

AM could reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by increasing the level of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells and inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB.
Early histological changes of pulmonary arterial hypertension disclosed by invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Authors: Bhatti Yousaf J. , Rice Alexandra J. , Kempny Aleksander , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Price Laura C. , Ranu Harpreet , Wells Athol , Wort S. John , McCabe Colm
Published: April 2019

Early diagnosis of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is diagnostically challenging given the extent of pulmonary vascular remodeling required to bring about clinical signs and symptoms. Exercise testing can be invaluable in this setting, as stressing the cardiopulmonary system may unmask early disease. This report describes a young patient with a positive family history of PAH in whom contemporaneous invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing and surgical lung biopsy reveal the novel association between exercise pulmonary hypertension (ePH) and early histological changes of PAH. Exercise PH currently carries no pathological correlates which means the hemodynamic effects of early pulmonary vascular remodeling remain unknown. Following the recent proceedings from the World Symposium in Pulmonary Hypertension 2018, which broaden the hemodynamic definition of PAH, this report suggests an important association between ePH and early pulmonary vascular remodeling supporting a role for exercise hemodynamic evaluation in patients at increased familial risk of PAH.
Fatal esophageal–pericardial fistula as a complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Zakaria Ali , Hipp Kellen , Battista Nicholas , Tommolino Emily , Machado Christian
Published: April 2019

The clinical role of catheter ablation using radiofrequency or cryothermal energy has become an important therapy in the management of patients with recurrent or persistent tachyarrhythmia that is refractory to medical therapy. It is regarded as a safe and reliable procedure and is performed routinely in health care facilities across the country. Like all procedures, there are associated risks and benefits. Development of an esophageal–atrial fistula is a rare but often-fatal complication of radiofrequency ablation. It is the second most frequent cause of death caused by the procedure, with mortality rates in excess of 70%. Death usually occurs as a result of cerebral or myocardial air embolism, endocarditis, massive gastrointestinal bleeding, and/or septic shock. Electrophysiologists have instituted a number of safeguard techniques to diminish the risk of developing esophageal–atrial fistula. Despite these measurements, instances of fistulous development still occur. Herein, we report a case of a 74-year-old male who presented with chest pain secondary to esophageal–pericardial fistula 19 days after pulmonary vein isolation using radiofrequency energy for atrial fibrillation in order to illustrate the clinical variability and diagnostic challenges associated with this dreaded gastrointestinal complication.
An aneurysmal bone cyst at T1 treated with bone grafts containing calcitonin and methylprednisolone
Authors: Okuda Akinori , Shigematsu Hideki , Iwata Eiichiro , Tanaka Masato , Morimoto Yasuhiko , Masuda Keisuke , Ohbayashi Chiho , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: April 2019

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) rarely trigger pathological fractures. Various surgical and nonsurgical treatments have been reported for this condition. Herein, we present the examination findings and treatment for a 15-year-old girl who initially presented with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and mild back pain, but subsequently experienced severe back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an ABC at T1, with an associated pathological fracture. We successfully treated the patient using posterior fixation with instrumentation, curettage, and bone grafts combined with calcitonin and methylprednisolone (mPSL). At 3 years post-surgery, there was no ABC recurrence and only mild back pain persisted. To our knowledge, this is the first report of open surgery (curettage and fixation) with local intralesional administration of calcitonin and mPSL for an ABC-induced pathological spinal fracture. We believe that this treatment is an effective option for ABCs associated with a pathological spinal fracture.
Does Mental Health Differ by Alcohol Use in Elderly Male Veterans?
Authors: Shaffer Sarah E. , Shaffer Kristin J. , Perryman Kenzie D. , Patterson Jasey K. , Hartos Jessica L.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: With limited research for mental health and alcohol use among veterans in the general population and none for elderly male veterans only, the purpose is to assess whether mental health differs by alcohol use in elderly male veterans in the general population. Method: This cross-sectional analysis uses 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for male veterans aged 65 and older in general population samples from Florida ( n = 1,700), Maryland ( n = 1,060), New York ( n = 552), and Washington ( n = 1,031). Multiple logistic regression by state assessed the relationship between mental health and alcohol use, after controlling for health-related, demographic, and socioeconomic factors. Results: Across states, most participants reported good mental health (80%-84%) and more than half reported drinking (53%-63%). Adjusted results indicated that mental health did not differ by alcohol use in any state; however, it was related to physical health and activity limitations across states. Conclusion: Overall, alcohol use was not related to mental health in elderly male veterans in the general population; however, physical health status and activity limitations were. Practitioners should always screen for alcohol use and should automatically screen for mental health, physical health, and activity limitations when symptoms present for any and assess concurrent treatment and management strategies.
Advances in surgical applications of growth factors for wound healing
Authors: Yamakawa Sho , Hayashida Kenji
Published: April 2019

Growth factors have recently gained clinical importance for wound management. Application of recombinant growth factors has been shown to mimic cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation in vivo, allowing for external modulation of the healing process. Perioperative drug delivery systems can enhance the biological activity of these growth factors, which have a very short in vivo half-life after topical administration. Although the basic mechanisms of these growth factors are well understood, most have yet to demonstrate a significant impact in animal studies or small-sized clinical trials. In this review, we emphasized currently approved growth factor therapies, including a sustained release system for growth factors, emerging therapies, and future research possibilities combined with surgical procedures. Approaches seeking to understand wound healing at a systemic level are currently ongoing. However, further research and consideration in surgery will be needed to provide definitive confirmation of the efficacy of growth factor therapies for intractable wounds.
Effects of Diabetes on Motor Recovery After Cerebral Infarct: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Moon Jun Sung , Chung Seung Min , Jang Sung Ho , Won Kyu Chang , Chang Min Cheol
Published: April 2019

Objective

Little is known about the effects of diabetes on motor recovery after cerebral infarct. To address this question, we recruited patients with corona radiata infarct and controlled for the integrity of the corticospinal tract (CST) as determined by diffusion tensor tractography (DTT).

Design

One hundred patients were recruited, and DTT was performed within 7 to 30 days of infarct onset. Based on the DTT findings (DTT+, CST was preserved around the infarct; DTT−, CST was interrupted by the infarct) and the presence (DM+) or absence (DM−) of diabetes, patients were divided into DTT+/DM− (36 patients), DTT+/DM+ (19 patients), DTT−/DM− (32 patients), and DTT−/DM+ (13 patients) groups. Six months after cerebral infarct, motor function on the affected side was evaluated for each patient via the upper motricity index (MI), lower MI, modified Brunnstrom classification (MBC), and functional ambulation category (FAC).

Results

In the patients with a DTT+ finding, no motor function scores were significantly different between the DTT+/DM− and DTT+/DM+ groups at 6-month evaluation. However, in patients with DTT− finding, all motor function scores at the 6-month evaluation were significantly higher in the DTT−/DM− group than in the DTT−/DM+ group.

Conclusion

When the CST is interrupted by a corona radiata infarct, recovery of motor function in patients with diabetes is more impaired than those without diabetes.
Vitamin D and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Hiemstra Thomas F , Lim Kenneth , Thadhani Ravi , Manson JoAnn E
Published: April 2019

Context

A large body of experimental and observational data has implicated vitamin D deficiency in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, evidence to support routine vitamin D supplementation to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease is lacking.

Design and Results

A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed and other literature search engines. Mounting epidemiological evidence and data from Mendelian randomization studies support a link between vitamin D deficiency and adverse cardiovascular health outcomes, but randomized trial evidence to support vitamin D supplementation is sparse. Current public health guidelines restrict vitamin D intake recommendations to the maintenance of bone health and prevention of fractures. Two recently published large trials (VITAL and ViDA) that assessed the role of moderate- to high-dose vitamin D supplementation as primary prevention for cardiovascular outcomes in the general population had null results, and previous randomized trials have also been generally negative. These findings from general population cohorts that are largely replete in vitamin D may not be applicable to chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations, in which the use of active (1α-hydroxylated) vitamin D compounds is prevalent, or to other high-risk populations. Additionally, recent trials in the CKD population, as well as trials using vitamin D analogs, have been limited.

Conclusions

Current randomized trials of vitamin D supplementation do not support benefits for cardiovascular health, but the evidence remains inconclusive. Additional randomized trials assessing larger numbers of participants with low baseline vitamin D levels, having longer follow-up periods, and testing higher vitamin D dosages are needed to guide clinical practice.
Assembling the adipose organ: adipocyte lineage segregation and adipogenesis in vivo
Authors: Sebo Zachary L. , Rodeheffer Matthew S.
Published: April 2019

Adipose tissue is composed of anatomically distinct depots that mediate several important aspects of energy homeostasis. The past two decades have witnessed increased research effort to elucidate the ontogenetic basis of adipose form and function. In this Review, we discuss advances in our understanding of adipose tissue development with particular emphasis on the embryonic patterning of depot-specific adipocyte lineages and adipocyte differentiation in vivo. Micro-environmental cues and other factors that influence cell identity and cell behavior at various junctures in the adipocyte lineage hierarchy are also considered.
Loss-of-function approaches in comparative physiology: is there a future for knockdown experiments in the era of genome editing?
Authors: Zimmer Alex M. , Pan Yihang K. , Chandrapalan Theanuga , Kwong Raymond W. M. , Perry Steve F.
Published: April 2019

Loss-of-function technologies, such as morpholino- and RNAi-mediated gene knockdown, and TALEN- and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout, are widely used to investigate gene function and its physiological significance. Here, we provide a general overview of the various knockdown and knockout technologies commonly used in comparative physiology and discuss the merits and drawbacks of these technologies with a particular focus on research conducted in zebrafish. Despite their widespread use, there is an ongoing debate surrounding the use of knockdown versus knockout approaches and their potential off-target effects. This debate is primarily fueled by the observations that, in some studies, knockout mutants exhibit phenotypes different from those observed in response to knockdown using morpholinos or RNAi. We discuss the current debate and focus on the discrepancies between knockdown and knockout phenotypes, providing literature and primary data to show that the different phenotypes are not necessarily a direct result of the off-target effects of the knockdown agents used. Nevertheless, given the recent evidence of some knockdown phenotypes being recapitulated in knockout mutants lacking the morpholino or RNAi target, we stress that results of knockdown experiments need to be interpreted with caution. We ultimately argue that knockdown experiments should not be discontinued if proper control experiments are performed, and that with careful interpretation, knockdown approaches remain useful to complement the limitations of knockout studies (e.g. lethality of knockout and compensatory responses).
ЗАРУБЕЖНЫЙ ОПЫТ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ МЕХАНИЗМА ГОСУДАРСТВЕННО-ЧАСТНОГО ПАРТНЕРСТВА В РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРНЫХ ПРОЕКТОВ
Authors: Ivanov Vladimir Yuryevich
Published: April 2019

В условиях сокращения расходов бюджета на приоритетные направления экономики государственно-частному партнерству принадлежит ключевая роль в контексте реализации инфраструктурных проектов как ключевому инструменту привлечения частных инвестиций и повышения качества оказываемых услуг населению.Механизм государственно-частного партнерства в зарубежных странах реализуется достаточно давно и постоянно совершенствуется. Лидерами по развитию данной формы привлечения инвестиций в целях реализации инфраструктурных проектов являются: Великобритания, Франция, Германия и США. Для каждой из стран характерна своя специфика. Социально значимые проблемы с учетом растущих потребностей населения остаются приоритетными для механизма государственно-частного партнерства и адресованы в конкретную сферу (строительство и реконструкция дорог, образование, здравоохранение). Отличительная особенность взаимодействия государства и частных структур заключается в распределении рисков, возникающих в процессе разработки, реализации или функционирования проекта. Каждая страна отличается своими подходами и индивидуальностью в организации государственно-частного партнерства.Цель – изучение зарубежного опыта механизма государственно-частного партнерства в реализации инфраструктурных проектов с позиции возможностей применения основных достижений зарубежной практики при совершенствовании взаимодействия государства и частного сектора в российских условиях.Метод или методология проведения работы: методология исследования представлена сравнительным анализом, синтезом, табличным и графическим методами обработки и представления данных.Результаты: сделан вывод, что каждой стране характерна отраслевая специфика при реализации инфраструктурных проектов. В США интерес в рамках данного механизма представляют автодороги, в Великобритании предпочтение отдается образованию и здравоохранению, в Германии – образованию, Италия, Канада и Франция активно используют данный механизм в сфере здравоохранения.Область применения результатов: полученные результаты целесообразно рекомендовать органами законодательной и исполнительной власти Российской Федерации и ее субъектам при разработке государственных программ поддержки реализации инфраструктурных проектов посредством государственно-частного партнерства.
СИСТЕМА СБОРА ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ИНФОРМАЦИИ О СОСТОЯНИИ ТЕРРИТОРИАЛЬНОЙ ТЕХНОСФЕРЫ
Authors: Vinogradov Oleg Stanislavovich , Vinogradova Natalia Aleksandrovna , Bezborodova Oksana Evgenievna , Sherstnev Vladislav Vadimovich
Published: April 2019

Эколого-экономическое состояние городов и сельскохозяйственных угодий является определяющим для дальнейшего развития территорий. Глобальные экологические проблемы, связанные с возрастанием экономического ущерба от катастроф природного и техногенного характера, загрязнением воздушной и водной среды, почв, затрагивают интересы РФ и ее граждан. Экологическая ситуация в РФ характеризуется высоким уровнем техногенного воздействия на окружающую среду и человека, и связано это не только с последствиями прошедшего экономического кризиса в нашей стране, но и с условиями хозяйствования, применяемыми в промышленности и сельском хозяйстве. Для эффективного функционирования системы комплексного мониторинга состояния территориальной техносферы чрезвычайно важным является научно обоснованное формирование сети постов мониторинга, то есть мест и способов размещения датчиков. Статья содержит общую схема сбора и передачи информации о результатах мониторинга, в соответствии с которой, подобраны и описаны группы стационарных и мобильных датчиков. Датчики служат для автоматического измерения и учета объема и массы выбросов, сбросов, концентрации загрязняющих веществ в воздушной, водной средах и почве. Своевременное установление факта превышения предельно допустимых значений измеренных датчиками, сможет предотвратить развитие чрезвычайной ситуации и сохранить жизнь и здоровье населения, а также снизить экономические затраты на последующую рекультивацию пораженных территорий.Цель: разработка общей схемы автоматического сбора и передачи экологической информации, в составе системы комплексного мониторинга территориальной техносферы, в режиме реального времени.Метод или методология проведения работы: в статье использовались математические методы, а также аналитические методы анализа.Результаты: впервые разработана и описана общая схема сбора и передачи информации о результатах комплексного мониторинга территориальной техносферы, с применение беспилотных летательных аппаратов, для автоматического измерения и учета состояния техносферы, позволяющая снизить экономический ущерб от загрязнения территорий и затрат на их последующую рекультивацию.Область применения результатов: полученные результаты (схема мониторинга и принципы ее построения) целесообразно применять для создания системы контроля воздействия на окружающую среду техногенных объектов. Причем в этих результатах могут быть заинтересованы как сами предприятия (для составления экологической отчетности, проведения экологического контроля и пр.), так и региональные экологические службы Российской Федерации.
ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ИНТЕРАКТИВНОЙ КАРТЫ ДЛЯ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИСТОРИЧЕСКИХ ЗНАНИЙ
Authors: Bekuzarova Natalya Vladimirovna , Shumovskiy Oleg Igorevich
Published: April 2019

В настоящее время в Российской Федерации происходят изменения в образовательной сфере, в связи с быстро развивающимся обществом и технологиями. На смену традиционным средствам обучения приходят современные (информатизация, компьютеризация образования). Эти факторы влияют на изменения образовательных целей и задач. Возрастает необходимость в обучении подростков, в использовании новых средств обучения, с помощью которых они могли бы достичь желаемых образовательных результатов.Цель – теоретически обосновать и разработать интерактивную карту как средство формирования исторических знаний у обучающихся пятых классов.Методы или методология проведения работы: анализ педагогической, психологической, методической литературы, опытно-экспериментальная работа; анкетирование; математические методы обработки опытно-экспериментальной работы.Результаты: интерактивная карта стала средством формирования исторических знаний у обучающихся пятых классов в условии личностного полисубъектного взаимодействия пятиклассников, преподавателей, родителей, которое обеспечивает интегративную целостность содержания изучаемого материала в процессе создания карты «Военные дороги прадеда».Область применения результатов: полученные результаты целесообразно применять в учреждениях, в которых осуществляется образовательная деятельность.
ПОЛУЧЕНИЕ СТРОИТЕЛЬНОГО ТЕПЛОИЗОЛЯЦИОННОГО МАТЕРИАЛА ИЗ ОТХОДОВ ДЕРЕВООБРАБОТКИ
Authors: Gudkov Dmitriy Nikolaevich , Kulagin Vladimir Alekseevich , Dubrovskaya Olga Gennadevna
Published: April 2019

Современные тенденции предполагают использование отходов производства, что делает работу предприятия более экологически чистым. Одним из направлений является использование отходов деревообрабатывающей промышленности для получения строительных изделий и материалов. Перед получением необходимого строительного материала древесные опилки подвергают предварительной обработке – для улучшения технических характеристик будущего изделия. В статье рассматривается метод получения утеплителя из древесных опилок, обработанных в кавитационной установке, и в последующем спрессованных. Приведены сравнительные характеристики теплоизоляционных свойств с аналогами, выявлены преимущества и недостатки. Использование опилок в качестве сырья для производства экологически чистых теплоизоляционных строительных материалов позволяет создавать замкнутые циклы производства, и как следствие значительно снизить негативное влияние предприятий деревообработки на окружающую среду. В качестве выводов предлагается использование гидродинамической обработки как метода по улучшению технических характеристик изделия без значительного повышения стоимости материала.Цель – описание метода получения строительного теплоизоляционного материала, на основе гидротермодинамического кавитационного воздействия.Материалы и метод работы: в работе использованы опилки хвойных пород деревьев, методы гидротермодинамической обработки, аналитические методы определения теплоизоляционных свойств.Результаты: получен строительный теплоизоляционный материал в виде деревянных брикетов, имеющих меньшую плотность и ряд конкурентных преимуществ в сравнении с аналогами.Область применения результатов: полученный результат рационально применять в строительной сфере, где необходим экологически чистый теплоизоляционный материал с высокими показателями теплосбережения.
АНАЛИЗ СТАТИСТИЧЕСКИХ ДАННЫХ И ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИЕ КАЧЕСТВА ПОДГОТОВКИ БАКАЛАВРОВ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ ПОДГОТОВКИ 09.03.03, ПРОФИЛЬ ПРИКЛАДНАЯ ИНФОРМАТИКА В ЭКОНОМИКЕ НЧИ КФУ)
Authors: Eremina Irina Il’inichna
Published: April 2019

В научной работе приводятся доводы аналитического описания оценки качества уровня обученности в подготовке ИТ-специалистов в области народного хозяйства с применением квалиметрических методов для. Вниманию читателей предлагается анализ методов оценки уровня обученности, рассматриваются методы математического моделирования во взаимосвязи с объектами управления образовательным процессом в вузе. определяется недостаточность разработанных методик оценивания уровня сформированности профессиональных компетенций ИТ-специалистов прикладной информатики в экономике определила актуальность проблемы. Объектом исследования определили теоретико-статистический инструментарий математического моделирования образовательного процесса, направленного на формирование профессиональных компетенций будущих ИТ-специалистов прикладной информатики в экономике в вузе, при этом предметом исследования явилась спецификация математических моделей формирования профессиональной компетентности выпускников ВУЗа, методика математического моделирования образовательного процесса, алгоритмы, основанные на применении статистических инструментов S-критерий тенденций Джонкира, T-критерий Вилкоксона, Критерий Пирсона χ2, φ-критерий (угловое преобразование) Фишера, позволяющие оценить уровень сформированности профессиональных компетенций будущих ИТ-специалистов прикладной информатики в экономике и провести временное прогнозирование данных. В целом представленное для обсуждения исследование имело цель: научно обосновать анализ результатов формирования профессиональной компетентности статистическими методами на примере направления 09.03.03 Прикладная информатика в экономике в Набережночелнинском институте КФУ (НЧИ КФУ).
ВОССТАНОВЛЕНИЕ И УПРОЧНЕНИЕ ПЛУНЖЕРНЫХ ПАР ТОПЛИВНЫХ НАСОСОВ ВЫСОКОГО ДАВЛЕНИЯ
Authors: Kodintsev Nikolay Pavlovich , Sidorov Vlfdimir Nikolaevicsh , Shapovalov Alexander Pavlovich
Published: April 2019

Описывается характер и величины износов плунжерных пар топливного насоса высокого давления. Плунжерные пары топливных насосов дизеля работают в условиях высоких нагрузок и значительного изнашивания. Прецизионные поверхности плунжера и гильзы подлежат различным видам изнашивания, среди которых преобладает абразивный износ. Изменяются геометрические параметры деталей, приводящие к снижению цикловой подачи топлива, гидравлической плотности, изменению угла впрыска и других показателей. Характеризуются и сравниваются методы восстановления и упрочнения плунжерных пар путем образования на прецизионной поверхности покрытия высокой твердости. Описывается технологический процесс нанесения карбиднохромового покрытия путем диффузионного хромирования (вакуумным и газовым способами) плунжера и втулки из сталей ХВГ и 25Х5М. Описываются особенности механической обработки плунжера и втулки. Для повышения ресурса и восстановления плунжерных пар топливных насосов высокого давления предлагается использовать метод диффузионного хромирования, при котором на детали наносится слой твердого покрытия, позволяющий помимо упрочнения деталей компенсировать их износ.Цель – определение методов восстановления и упрочнения плунжерных пар путем образования на прецизионной поверхности покрытия высокой твердости.Метод или методология проведения работы: в статье приведен технологический процесс нанесения карбиднохромового покрытия путем диффузионного хромирования (вакуумным и газовым способами) плунжера и втулки из сталей ХВГ и 25Х5М.Результаты: повышен ресурс плунжерных пар топливных насосов высокого давления использованием метода диффузионного хромирования, позволяющий помимо упрочнения деталей компенсировать их износ.Область применения результатов: полученные результаты целесообразно применять для повышения ресурса и восстановления плунжерных пар топливных насосов высокого давления.
The Quality Management System as a Driver of Organizational Culture: An Empirical Study in the Portuguese Textile Industry
Authors: Araujo Romeu , Santos Gilberto , Costa José Batista da , Sá José Carlos
Published: April 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Portuguese textile industry in which way quality culture influences the organization’s performance. Thus, it was created an investigation model made up of three hypotheses. The aim was to obtain the interconnection among “error detection culture, error anticipation culture, creative culture, and continuous improvement, and finally performance”.Methodology/Approach: A questionnaire tested before in similar studies (Cameron and Sine, 1999; Costa, 2008; Leal, Roldan and Acedo, 2002), was sent to 71 companies. The questionnaire was structured in three sections. The geographic area chosen for analysis was the North of Portugal. Were received 60 valid answers, which represents a sample with a percentage of 84.5% of useful answers.Findings: The results show that the existence of strong interconnections for the “error detection culture negatively influences performance” and for the “creative culture and continuous improvement” positively influences performance. Many companies of this research are managed according to reactive quality cultures. They are still oriented by values and attributes that should be improved in the paradigm of quality management.Research Limitation/implication: The study is limited to a geographic area, designated Northern Portugal.Originality/Value of paper: From the obtained results it was found the existence of a dominant quality culture (the error detection culture). This means that Portuguese textile industries, and others industries in another countries, with the “error detection culture”, are oriented by quality values which must be improved.
From Academic Publications and Patents to the Technological Development of the Economy: Short and Long Run Causalities
Authors: Orviská Marta , Huňady Ján , Pisár Peter , Hudson John
Published: April 2019

Purpose: The paper examines the potential effects of academic publications on patenting and the share of high technology exports. We test the short-run and the long-run causalities among high technology exports, the number of academic publications and the number of patents in three separate models.Methodology/Approach: Our sample consists of panel data for 61 countries and 20 years. The panel Granger causality and vector error correction model have been used in order to capture the short-run causalities. Furthermore, panel cointegration regressions have been applied to test for long-run causalities.Findings: Our results strongly suggest that there is a positive long-run effect of academic publications on both patenting and the share of high technology exports. This suggests that the outcomes of basic science in the form publications strongly support technological development, and thus emphasises the importance of basic research. In addition the effect of patents on high technology exports is mostly insignificant when controlling for academic publications and GDP.Research Limitation/implication: First, the variables used in the analysis are only proxies. The scope of the data has been significantly limited by the data availability. This leads also to limited the number of control variables.Originality/Value of paper: There are still only a very limited number of studies testing the effect of academic outcomes on the technological development of the economy. Our research brings new empirical insights into this problem.
NeatWork: A Tool for the Design of Gravity-Driven Water Distribution Systems for Poor Rural Communities
Authors: Babonneau Frédéric , Corcos Gilles , Drouet Laurent , Vial Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2019

The authors describe NeatWork, an optimization and simulation tool to facilitate the design of gravity-driven water distribution systems. Its objective is to deliver clean water to poor rural communities.
Design Implications of Extended Producer Responsibility for Durable Products
Authors: Huang Ximin (Natalie) , Atasu Atalay , Toktay L. Beril
Published: April 2019

We analyze product design implications of extended producer responsibility (EPR)-based take-back legislation on durable goods. In particular, we observe that durable product design incentives under EPR may involve an inherent trade-off that has not been explored to date: Durable goods producers can respond to EPR by making their products more recyclable or more durable, where the former decreases the unit recycling cost and the latter reduces the volume the producer has to recycle. When these two design attributes do not go hand in hand, as is the case for many product categories, product design implications of EPR can be counterintuitive. We find that more stringent collection targets (defined as the portion of total product volume to be collected) or recycling targets (defined as the portion of each collected product unit to be recycled) may imply reduced recyclability or durability. Moreover, although collection and recycling targets appear to be similar EPR implementation levers for increasing the total amount of materials recycled, they, in fact, have opposing effects in driving producers’ design choices. As a result, EPR may have unintended consequences for the environment. A calibrated numerical study on the photovoltaic panel (PVP) industry allows us to show that more stringent EPR requirements (such as those proposed by the recent recast of the WEEE directive) can lead to a PVP technology choice with lower recyclability and higher durability and, consequently, result in higher greenhouse gas emissions. These results call for a careful analysis of the benefits of EPR legislation in the context of durable goods.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2018.3072 .

This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.