bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Data Gathering Methods and Techniques
Authors: Salhin Ahmed , Kyiu Anthony , Taheri Babak , Porter Catherine , Valantasis-Kanellos Nikolaos , König Christian
Published: April 2017

The conclusions of any quantitative research must be supported by appropriate data. This chapter discusses the methods of collecting quantitative data for research. It begins by giving an overview of the nature of quantitative research. It also discusses the two major sources of collecting quantitative data. For primary data collection, issues such as sampling, measurement and surveys are discussed. Examples and sources of obtaining secondary data are also presented. Finally, some ideas are provided for how to evaluate quantitative data in order to ensure it is appropriate for analysis.
Critical Reflections of Academic Literature
Authors: Kyiu Anthony , Kwansa Nana Abena , Paterson Audrey , Arshed Norin , Danson Mike
Published: April 2017

This chapter provides insights on what a literature review entails. It highlights the need for acknowledging and providing a critical analysis of the findings of prior related studies which then serve as the foundation on which your study will be constructed. Some of the major sources for obtaining academic literature and the processes involved in identifying and selecting literature are outlined. The chapter also provides some important guidelines for how to make the literature review a product of critical reflection and not just a descriptive summary of prior studies. It further stresses the importance of coherence, conciseness, careful reasoning and clarity of argument.
Research Philosophy and Paradigm
Authors: MacIntosh Kevin D O'Gorman Robert
Published: April 2017

In most peer-reviewed settings a claim to contribution is central to the evaluation of your research. It is therefore good practice to outline the philosophical orientation of your research and this requires that you address the particular relationship between ontology, epistemology, methodology, data gathering techniques and data analysis approaches. This chapter sets out definitions of these five key concepts, shows how they inter-relate and reviews common configurations in management and organizational research. Further, the chapter introduces the Method Map as a means of presenting a succinct, yet comprehensive account of the paradigm within which your research is conducted. In so doing, the chapter offers a clear, structured and explicit means of dealing with the philosophy of knowledge.
Evaluating and Analysing Qualitative Data
Authors: Ogharanduku Bridget E , Zakaria Lubaina , Sitko Rafał , Sang Katherine J C
Published: April 2017

The nature and volume of qualitative data can be overwhelming for researchers. This chapter provides useful steps for organising, managing and analysing qualitative data. Several techniques for analysing qualitative data are discussed in this chapter with examples to enable users to conduct their own analysis. The techniques include grounded theory, thematic analysis, template analysis, narrative analysis, textual analysis, discourse analyses, content analysis and hermeneutics. Validity and reliability issues to consider when analysing qualitative data are equally discussed. The chapter also considers technological tools available for organising, managing and retrieving qualitative data.
Data Sources from Archives to the Internet
Authors: Jubb Darren , Zakaria Lubaina , Gori Keith , Perez-Vega Rodrigo
Published: April 2017

This chapter presents two broad approaches to the collection of qualitative data in accounting and finance research: historical research, and research using the internet and social media. It first discusses the importance of archival records as a source of data. Following this the chapter considers oral history techniques as well as visual, cultural and ancient sources. The second part of chapter 6 focuses on how the internet and social media can be used as a research tool to gather data. This is followed by a discussion on the practicalities and ethical considerations of conducting online research.
Memória social, imigração italiana e gentrificação no bairro da Mooca
Authors: Sales Pereira Verônica
Published: April 2017

O artigo analisa as relações entre os processos de reconstrução da memória  social e da identidade cultural e as transformações ligadas ao boom imobiliário do bairro da Mooca neste início do século XXI. Será abordada a auto-imagem do bairro a partir de sua articulação com: as idéias de comunidade e italianidade e a sua relação com as transformações na segunda metade do século XX, período de  sua “desindustrialização”; a posição das classes sociais e dos grupos de imigrantes estrangeiros e nacionais e seus descendentes; e, por fim, a sua  reelaboração pelo mercado imobiliário como forma de valorização fundiária e gentrificação do bairro.
Sobre centenários, memórias e testemunhos da Comissão Rondon: pontos para reflexão
Authors: Maciel Laura Antunes
Published: April 2017

A partir da experiência de pesquisa com a documentação produzida pela “Comissão Rondon”, em diferentes suportes e linguagens, apresento alguns pontos para reflexão sobre as ações de preservação, organização e disponibilização pública de fundos e séries no interior do Museu do Índio. Abordo as estratégias e agenciamentos para a constituição dos acervos e do museu, indagando sobre as diretrizes para a preservação e organização de testemunhos. Procuro, também, avaliar as relações estabelecidas com esse passado e acervos, em diferentes conjunturas históricas, acompanhando movimentos comemorativos e formas diversas de afirmação de uma memória hegemônica sobre a Comissão Rondon e o personagem Rondon.
Histórias e justiça em processos trabalhistas: cultura de resistência de trabalhadores na Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Tomelin Jr Nelson , Peixoto Maria Do Rosário da Cunha
Published: April 2017

O presente artigo busca discutir dimensões sociais de relações trabalhistas, a partir de processos judiciais da Junta de Conciliação e Julgamento de Itacoatiara, cidade do interior do Amazonas, no período de 1973 a 1999. A problematização dessa documentação aparece aqui por perspectivas de resistência dos trabalhadores envolvidos nessas disputas, em espaço de acautelamento, mas também de participação. São homens, mulheres e crianças, identificados como “braçais”, e “sem cultura”, que contribuem para a ampliação do campo histórico dos direitos, fazendo Justiça a partir das suas lutas, forças constitutivas da sociedade.
A juventude urbana brasileira nas páginas da Chiclete com Banana (1985-1990)
Authors: Santos Rodrigo Otávio dos
Published: April 2017

O presente artigo pretende pesquisar, por meio dos quadrinhos da revista Chiclete com Banana, criada pelo artista Angeli e pelo editor Toninho Mendes, a cultura dos jovens urbanos no Brasil e suas implicações para a visão de mundo e concepções políticas destes no período de vigência da revista, entre 1985 e 1990. Para tanto, pretendemos pesquisar a influência da Chiclete com Banana no meio editorial e cultural brasileiro no período pós-governo militar, além de procurarmos interpretar as formas e maneiras que as metrópoles brasileiras são apresentadas na revista, a mudança cultural da juventude na recém instalada Nova República e as formas como as questões urbanas influenciam os quadrinhos e o comportamento juvenil do período. Como recorte teórico-metodológico procuraremos estudar as histórias em quadrinhos, suas origens e suas características, para então podermos nos ater mais especificamente no movimento underground norte-americano e no udigrudi brasileiro, de onde nossa fonte primária, a revista Chiclete com Banana, é a maior representante. Estudaremos também a influência do binômio produção/consumo e das forças contraculturais que agiam no período, além de pesquisarmos a influência da cidade e da conjuntura política social e econômica do período, para podermos contribuir com o entendimento acerca da cultura urbana jovem no Brasil.
REFLEXIONES SOBRE EL III DEBATE LATINOAMERICANO DE ÉTICA Y EXPERIENCIAS MÉDICAS, 2015
Authors: Carlos Miguel Rios-González , Raquel Tatiana Paja Valeriano , Jacqueline Cortes Gordillo
Published: April 2017

El Debate Latinoamericano de Ética y Experiencias Médicas (DLEEM) es un evento organizado por el Comité Permanente de Educación Médica (CPEM) de la Federación Latinoamericana de Sociedades Científicas de Estudiantes de Medicina (FELSOCEM) y tiene como objetivo principal crear un espacio de debate y aprendizaje sobre diversos temas relacionados a la bioética y experiencias médicas en pregrado, lo cual es desarrollado de manera virtual y finaliza con un debate en el marco del Congreso Científico Internacional de laFELSOCEM; todo esto moderado por diversos especialistas en cada tema de los distintos países miembros de la federación.
VIRUS DEL PAPILOMA HUMANO: REVISIÓN DE LA LITERATURA
Authors: WO Vasquez-Bonilla, , Verónica Rotela-Fisch, , Yeimer Ortiz-Martínez
Published: April 2017

La infección genital por el Virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH), es una enfermedad de transmisión sexual (ETS) de alta incidencia mundial; desempeña un rol importante en la génesis de las lesiones pre-neoplásicas y del cáncer invasivo de cuello uterino. El VPH es un virus de tamaño pequeño, no encapsulado, virus ADN de doble cadena circular. Además del Cáncer Cérvico-Uterino (CCU), también produce cáncer de vagina, vulva, ano, pene y orofaríngeo;enfermedades benignas como las verrugas, condilomas genitales y patología de las vías aéreas superiores como la Papilomatosis respiratoria recurrente. El diagnóstico se realiza con: examen clínico, colposcopia y los estudios citológicos e histopatológicos, además existen otros métodos basados en la manipulación de ácidos nucleicos para detectar y tipificar VPH con alta sensibilidad y especificidad. La vacunación contra el VPH es una de las acciones que se están implementando para la erradicación del cáncer cérvico-uterino a nivel mundial, aunque faltan muchos años para evaluar la efectividad de las vacunas en todo el espectro de enfermedades relacionadas con el virus. En la actualidad no existe un fármaco específico contra el VPH, sin embargo, el tratamiento debe ser consensuado con el fin de dar una mejor calidad de vida, teniendo en cuenta siempre la morfología y la extensión de las lesiones.Palabras Clave: Infecciones por Papillomavirus; vacunas contra papillomavirus; neoplasias del cuello uterino; cáncer (Fuente DeCS BIREME)
Erken çocukluk eğitimi için sürdürülebilir kalkınma: Türkiye kökenli yayınlara yönelik bir değerlendirme
Authors: Toran Mehmet
Published: April 2017

Erken çocukluk döneminde gelişimin hızlı olması, birçok yeterliliğin bu dönemde edinilmesi ve bu yeterliliklerin kalıcı olması açısından yaşamın en önemli yılları olarak kabul edilmektedir. Bu yıllarda sunulan eğitim için geliştirilmiş program ve uygulamaların çocuklar üzerindeki etkisinin olduğu bilinmektedir. Bu bağlamda mevcut araştırma Türkiye’de erken çocukluk eğitimi için sürdürülebilir kalkınma bağlamında yapılan yayınlara yönelik bir değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma yayınlara yönelik belli kriterlere göre bir değerlendirmeyi içerdiği için nitel bir çalışma olarak kurgulanmış ve doküman analizi yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın veri kaynağını, erken çocukluk eğitimi için sürdürülebilir kalkınma ile ilgili yapılmış Türkiye menşeili yayınlar oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın veri kaynağı nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden doküman incelemesi yayınların niteliğine göre kategoriler oluşturularak içerik analizi yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın veri kaynağının analizi sonucunda araştırma sayısının düşük olduğu buna karşın son yıllarda araştırmaların arttığı ve bu araştırmaların büyük bir çoğunluğunun bildiri türünde olduğu, farkındalık düzeyini incelemek amacıyla yapıldığı saptanmıştır. Bununla birlikte örneklem olarak çocukların belirlendiği araştırmaların yüksek olduğu ve hem nicel hem de nitel araştırma yöntemlerinin sıklıkla kullanıldığı belirlenmiştir.
A New Perspective for a Global QoS-based Internet
Authors: Levis Pierre , Boucadair Mohamed , Morand Pierrick , Spencer Jason , Griffin David , Pavlou George , Trimintzios Panos
Published: April 2017

Several Quality of Service (QoS) architectures and mechanisms have been proposed by standardisation bodies.However, those proposals were not always aligned with the spirit of IP networks. Furthermore, most research activities have focused to date on supporting QoS only within a singleadministrative domain. In this paper, we demonstrate that it is possible to provision QoS-enabled services that maintain the ability to easily connect any pair of users worldwide. For this purpose, we introduce the notion of Meta-QoS-Class and demonstrate its relevance for building QoS-enabled services across multiple domains. We then show how a QoS-enhanced Border Gateway Protocol (q-BGP) can be used together with Meta-QoS-Classes, for building a set of parallel Internet planes with different QoS capabilities. This concept opens up a new perspective for a global QoS-based Internet.
Design and Implementation of a Low Complexity Multiuser Detector for Hybrid CDMA Systems
Authors: Rampa Vittorio
Published: April 2017

In hybrid CDMA systems, multiuser detection (MUD) algorithms are adopted at the base station to reduce both multiple access and inter-symbol interference by exploitingspace-time (ST) signal processing techniques. Linear ST-MUD algorithms solve a linear problem where the system matrix has a block-Toeplitz shape. While exact inversion techniques impose an intolerable computational load, reduced complexity algorithms may be efficiently employed even if they show suboptimal behavior introducing performance degradation and nearfar effects. The block-Fourier MUD algorithm is generally considered the most effective one. However, the block-Bareiss MUD algorithm, that has been recently reintroduced, shows also good performance and low computational complexity comparingfavorably with the block-Fourier one. In this paper, both MUD algorithms will be compared, along with other well known ones, in terms of complexity, performance figures, hardware feasibility and implementation issues. Finally a short hardware description of the block-Bareiss and block-Fourier algorithms will be presented along with the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) implementation of the block-Fourier using standard VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language) design.
Efficient Algorithmic and Architectural Optimization of QR-based Detector for V-BLAST
Authors: Sobhanmanesh Fariborz , Nooshabadi Saeid
Published: April 2017

The use of multiple antennas at both transmitting and receiving sides of a rich scattering communication channelimproves the spectral efficiency and capacity of digitaltransmission systems compared with the single antennacommunication systems. However algorithmic complexity in the realization of the receiver is a major problem for itsimplementation in hardware. This paper investigates a nearoptimal algorithm for V-BLAST detection in MIMO wirelesscommunication systems based on the QR factorization technique, offering remarkable reduction in the hardware complexity. Specifically, we analyze some hardware implementation aspects of the selected algorithm through MATLAB simulations and demonstrate its robustness. This technique can be used in an efficient fixed point VLSI implementation of the algorithm. We also provide the VLSI architecture that implements the algorithm.
Method for Minimizing Total Generalized Squared Correlation of Synchronous DS-CDMA Signature Sequence Sets in Multipath Channels
Authors: Cotae Paul , Aguirre Matt
Published: April 2017

We characterize the Total Generalized Squared Correlation (TGSC) for a given signature sequence set used in uplink synchronous code division multiple access (S-CDMA) when channel state information is known perfectly at bothtransmitter and receiver. We give a definition of the TGSC based on the eigenvalues of Gram matrix associated to signature sequences set for multipath channels in the presence of the colored noise. Total Squared Correlation (TSC) and Total Weighted Squared Correlation (TWSC) measures are particular cases of TGSC. We present a method for minimizing TGSC (TSC, TWSC) in multipath channels and in the presence of the colored noise. Numerical results for overloaded synchronous CDMA systems are presented in order to support our analysis.
Mobile IP Address Efficiency
Authors: Zhen Zhen , Sampalli Srinivas
Published: April 2017

In future wireless networks, Mobile IP will be widely deployed as a general mobility protocol. Currently, in theprotocol each mobile node (MN) should have one public home address to identify itself when it is away from home. Unlike the stationary host, the MN cannot simply use private addresses when NAT (Network Address Translation) is enabled. How to assign public addresses among mobile nodes is important to save the already limited IPv4 addresses. Even though Mobile IPv6 can provide a large address space, when communicating with IPv4 based hosts, the MN still needs to use one public IPv4 address. Protocol translation can map between IPv6 and IPv4 addresses;however, it is a NAT-based approach and breaks end-to-endcommunications. From a new perspective, we propose anaddress-sharing mechanism that allows a large number of MNs to share only one IPv4 public address while avoiding most of the drawbacks of NAT.
ACURACIDADE DE INFORMAÇÃO A PARTIR DA REDEFINIÇÃO DO LAYOUT DE ESTOQUE EM UMA EMPRESA DO RAMO DE HIGIENE E LIMPEZA
Authors: Silva Thiago Henrique De Oliveira , Santos Mônica Holanda , Amarante André Ricardo Soares
Published: April 2017

As empresas precisam estar bem preparadas, do ponto de vista da gestão da produção, devido à dinâmica que o mercado vem impondo, aliada à mudança no comportamento do consumidor, percebida ao longo dos últimos anos. A presente pesquisa apresenta um estudo que envolve a identificação e a análise dos atuais processos de uma empresa de produtos de limpeza, e apresentação de um plano de ação de maneira a reduzir as oportunidades de melhorias identificadas em seus processos produtivos. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa foram utilizadas pesquisas bibliográficas e pesquisas documentais; para a análise dos processos produtivos utilizou-se a Matriz de Gravidade, Urgência e Tendência e o Diagrama de Ishikawa. Percebeu-se uma oportunidade ótima, no momento em que temos de um lado a empresa em questão, que tem uma série de oportunidades de melhoria em seu processo produtivo; por outro lado os alunos de uma Faculdade de Tecnologia, que tem a oportunidade de aplicar os conceitos vistos em sala de aula. O material produzido, à partir da pesquisa realizada, demonstra que ambos os lados se beneficiaram, se forma significativa, do resultado desta pesquisa.
ESTUDO DA UTILIZAÇÃO DE ORGANIZAÇÕES SOCIAIS NO PODER PÚBLICO MUNICIPAL – A GESTÃO DOS CENTROS COMUNITÁRIOS NO MUNICÍPIO DE BARUERI-SP
Authors: De Almeida Vinicius Silveira , Fernandes Marcelo Eloy , Okano Marcelo T.
Published: April 2017

As organizações sociais desempenham um papel relevante na gestão pública, onde realizam as funções que via de regra deveriam ser executadas pelo Estado, mas dado sua flexibilidade e ordenamento jurídico estas podem celebrar contratos diretos com o poder público para atendimento de uma função específica e não exclusiva. Normalmente estas O.S. (organizações sociais) atendem prioridades na área da saúde, que são os casos mais comuns de sua utilização e descentralização de funções. O município de Barueri traz uma nova ótica à utilização destas: a gestão de centros comunitários. O projeto que existiu no município durante os anos de 2013 e 2014 foi um dos maiores projetos sociais da história deste, que incluiu milhares de crianças e jovens e teve o maior orçamento já previsto nos registros contábeis para a realização de tal atividade. Partindo dessa premissa e analisando a realidade municipal, a necessidade de atendimento de crianças e jovens ainda existe, mas a organização social inicialmente responsável por administrar as ações já não se encontra mais a frente do projeto. Estudos e análises exploratórias permitem aferir em que nível o projeto impactou a sociedade civil, seus benefícios, o que ensejou sua descontinuidade, verificar se o poder público interferiu ou não na gestão e operacionalização das ações e se o propósito da gestão foi atingido no período. Assim, pretende-se entender o fenômeno da utilização de organizações sociais na gestão pública municipal na cidade de Barueri e entender o processo, as causas e as consequências de este não mais vigorar no município.
A CRISE COMO OPORTUNIDADE PARA O EMPREENDEDOR BRASILEIRO
Authors: Okano Marcelo T. , Fernandes Marcelo Eloy
Published: April 2017

O empreendedorismo é um marco na estrada para o progresso econômico, e faz uma contribuição enorme à qualidade e às esperanças futuras de um setor, de uma economia ou mesmo de um país. O objetivo deste artigo é comprovar que nos momentos de instabilidade econômica aumenta-se o numero de empreendedores através de dados de pesquisas de instituições reconhecidas utilizando fontes de evidencias quantitativas. Este estudo trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, baseada em dados secundários, com análise quantitativa de dados e amparada na literatura científica. Enquanto os indicadores econômicos apresentaram índices negativos devido a uma crise econômica, os indicadores de empreendedorismo mostraram uma reação inversa com índices positivos, caracterizando um aumento nos empreendimentos.
TRANSPORTE PÚBLICO DE PASSAGEIROS: ANÁLISE DE REDE DA ÁREA NORDESTE DA CIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Dos Santos Ana Fernanda , Cruz Jeniffer Da Silva , Tanaka Wilson Yoshio , Dos Reis João Gilberto Mendes , Machado Sivanilza Teixeira
Published: April 2017

A expansão das cidades e o crescimento da população urbana tornou o uso do transporte público essencial para a qualidade de vida nas médias e grandes metrópoles. O uso do transporte coletivo favorece o meio ambiente com a redução da poluição, do uso de combustível fóssil, da socialização com o melhor aproveitamento do espaço público, da dirigibilidade nas vias urbanas com a redução dos congestionamentos, entre outros. Este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar o fluxo de passageiros no transporte coletivo por ônibus na Zona Leste da cidade de São Paulo, região mais populosa da cidade com mais de três milhões de habitantes. Os volumes de passageiros transportados foram analisados utilizando a análise de redes sociais (ARS). Os resultados apresentaram a complementariedade do transporte coletivo por ônibus ao sistema metroferroviário e indicou que diversos desafios ainda precisam ser superados para tornar o sistema eficiente e atrativo ao usuário.
OBSOLÊNCIA PROGRAMADA DE PRODUTOS ELETROELETRÔNICOS: DIMENSÃO SOCIAL, AMBIENTAL ECONÔMICA
Authors: Rocha Adilson , De Souza Fernando Rodrigo
Published: April 2017

O presente trabalho visa discutir os principais impactos sociais, ambientais e econômicos decorrentes da obsolescência programada de produtos eletroeletrônicos, utilizando-a como instrumento para entender a lógica do mercado e as reproduções causadas em seu consumo. Para isso focou-se na avaliação do Núcleo de Gerenciamento Ambiental de Resíduos Eletroeletrônicos de Sorocaba/SP, por meio de revisão bibliográfica e levantamento de dados secundários. Com este projeto espera-se entender a relevância da logística reversa na operacionalização do descarte e reutilização dos resíduos sólidos eletrônicos e analisar a interação entre as áreas envolvidas, ou seja, governo, sociedade e mercado para que os interesses individuais sejam coletivizados e objetivado ao bem comum.
RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIAL: COMPORTAMENTO DO CONSUMIDOR FRENTE A OFERTA DE PRODUTOS SOCIOAMBIENTALMENTE CORRETOS
Authors: De Souza Fernando Rodrigo
Published: April 2017

O trabalho é norteado pelos itens mais significativos no que tange novos conceitos que surgem para garantir o desenvolvimento sustentável das organizações, tendo como objetivo o processamento de produtos e serviços, socioambientalmente corretos. Para isso um indicador que pode ser utilizado é a ISO 26000 que se destina a ajudar as organizações a contribuir para o desenvolvimento sustentável, que respeitem a manutenção plena da vida, ou seja, que valorize a continuidade da sociedade presente e garanta as próximas gerações.
On some destructive fishing methods of Central Travancore of Kerala, India
Authors: Plamoottil Mathews , Win Than
Published: April 2017

Many destructive fishing practices are widely used at many sites of Central Travancore of Kerala, India. Most of these are indigenous methods practiced at high level to low level regions. It includes chemical poisons, plant poisons, fish traps, electric fishing etc. All these gears kill the fishes and their fries and fingerlings indiscriminately.  It is an endeavor to trace out the details of these harmful fishing methods.
Effectiveness of endoscopic surgery for supratentorial hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: a comparison with craniotomy
Authors: Xu Xinghua , Chen Xiaolei , Li Fangye , Zheng Xuan , Wang Qun , Sun Guochen , Zhang Jun , Xu Bainan
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and practicality of endoscopic surgery for treatment of supratentorial hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) compared with traditional craniotomy.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed 151 consecutive patients who were operated on for treatment of supratentorial HICH between January 2009 and June 2014 in the Department of Neurosurgery at Chinese PLA General Hospital. Patients were separated into an endoscopy group (82 cases) and a craniotomy group (69 cases), depending on the surgery they received. The hematoma evacuation rate was calculated using 3D Slicer software to measure the hematoma volume. Comparisons of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, Glasgow Coma Scale score 1 week after surgery, hospitalization time, and modified Rankin Scale score 6 months after surgery were also made between these groups.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative data between the endoscopy group and the craniotomy group (p > 0.05). The hematoma evacuation rate was 90.5% ± 6.5% in the endoscopy group and 82.3% ± 8.6% in the craniotomy group, which was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The operative time was 1.6 ± 0.7 hours in the endoscopy group and 5.2 ± 1.8 hours in the craniotomy group (p < 0.01). The intraoperative blood loss was 91.4 ± 93.1 ml in the endoscopy group and 605.6 ± 602.3 ml in the craniotomy group (p < 0.01). The 1-week postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score was 11.5 ± 2.9 in the endoscopy group and 8.3 ± 3.8 in the craniotomy group (p < 0.01). The hospital stay was 11.6 ± 6.9 days in the endoscopy group and 13.2 ± 7.9 days in the craniotomy group (p < 0.05). The mean modified Rankin Scale score 6 months after surgery was 3.2 ± 1.5 in the endoscopy group and 4.1 ± 1.9 in the craniotomy group (p < 0.01). Patients had better recovery in the endoscopy group than in the craniotomy group. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with traditional craniotomy, endoscopic surgery was more effective, less invasive, and may have improved the prognoses of patients with supratentorial HICH. Endoscopic surgery is a promising method for treatment of supratentorial HICH. With the development of endoscope technology, endoscopic evacuation will become more widely used in the clinic. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.
Near-infrared fluorescent image-guided surgery for intracranial meningioma
Authors: Lee John Y. K. , Pierce John T. , Thawani Jayesh P. , Zeh Ryan , Nie Shuming , Martinez-Lage Maria , Singhal Sunil
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Meningiomas are the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system. Complete resection can be curative, but intraoperative identification of dural tails and tumor remnants poses a clinical challenge. Given data from preclinical studies and previous clinical trials, the authors propose a novel method of localizing tumor tissue and identifying residual disease at the margins via preoperative systemic injection of a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent contrast dye. This technique, what the authors call “second-window indocyanine green” (ICG), relies on the visualization of ICG approximately 24 hours after intravenous injection.

METHODS

Eighteen patients were prospectively identified and received 5 mg/kg of second-window ICG the day prior to surgery. An NIR camera was used to localize the tumor prior to resection and to inspect the margins following standard resection. The signal to background ratio (SBR) of the tumor to the normal brain parenchyma was measured in triplicate. Gross tumor and margin specimens were qualitatively reported with respect to fluorescence. Neuropathological diagnosis served as the reference gold standard to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the imaging technique.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients harbored 15 WHO Grade I and 3 WHO Grade II meningiomas. Near-infrared visualization during surgery ranged from 18 to 28 hours (mean 23 hours) following second-window ICG infusion. Fourteen of the 18 tumors demonstrated a markedly elevated SBR of 5.6 ± 1.7 as compared with adjacent brain parenchyma. Four of the 18 patients showed an inverse pattern of NIR signal, that is, stronger in the adjacent normal brain than in the tumor (SBR 0.31 ± 0.1). The best predictor of inversion was time from injection, as the patients who were imaged earlier were more likely to demonstrate an appropriate SBR. The second-window ICG technique demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.4%, specificity of 38.9%, positive predictive value of 71.1%, and a negative predictive value of 87.5% for tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic injection of NIR second-window ICG the day before surgery can be used to visualize meningiomas intraoperatively. Intraoperative NIR imaging provides higher sensitivity in identifying meningiomas than the unassisted eye. In this study, 14 of the 18 patients with meningioma demonstrated a strong SBR compared with adjacent brain. In the future, reducing the time interval from dye injection to intraoperative imaging may improve fluorescence at the margins, though this approach requires further investigation.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02280954 (clincialtrials.gov).
Long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of the Prestige LP artificial cervical disc replacement at 2 levels: results from a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lanman Todd H. , Burkus J. Kenneth , Dryer Randall G. , Gornet Matthew F. , McConnell Jeffrey , Hodges Scott D.
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess long-term clinical safety and effectiveness in patients undergoing anterior cervical surgery using the Prestige LP artificial disc replacement (ADR) prosthesis to treat degenerative cervical spine disease at 2 adjacent levels compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter FDA-approved clinical trial was conducted at 30 US centers, comparing the low-profile titanium ceramic composite-based Prestige LP ADR (n = 209) at 2 levels with ACDF (n = 188). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were completed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and at regular postoperative intervals to 84 months. The primary end point was overall success, a composite variable that included key safety and efficacy considerations.

RESULTS

At 84 months, the Prestige LP ADR demonstrated statistical superiority over fusion for overall success (observed rate 78.6% vs 62.7%; posterior probability of superiority [PPS] = 99.8%), Neck Disability Index success (87.0% vs 75.6%; PPS = 99.3%), and neurological success (91.6% vs 82.1%; PPS = 99.0%). All other study effectiveness measures were at least noninferior for ADR compared with ACDF. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall rate of implant-related or implant/surgical procedure–related adverse events up to 84 months (26.6% and 27.7%, respectively). However, the Prestige LP group had fewer serious (Grade 3 or 4) implant- or implant/surgical procedure–related adverse events (3.2% vs 7.2%, log hazard ratio [LHR] and 95% Bayesian credible interval [95% BCI] −1.19 [−2.29 to −0.15]). Patients in the Prestige LP group also underwent statistically significantly fewer second surgical procedures at the index levels (4.2%) than the fusion group (14.7%) (LHR −1.29 [95% BCI −2.12 to −0.46]). Angular range of motion at superior- and inferior-treated levels on average was maintained in the Prestige LP ADR group to 84 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The low-profile artificial cervical disc in this study, Prestige LP, implanted at 2 adjacent levels, maintains improved clinical outcomes and segmental motion 84 months after surgery and is a safe and effective alternative to fusion.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00637156 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Ectopic expression of Smurf2 and acceleration of age-related intervertebral disc degeneration in a mouse model
Authors: Wu Qiuqian , Huang Jason H.
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration, an age-related process, is a major cause of low-back pain. Although low-back pain is a very common clinical problem in the aging population, no effective treatment is available, largely owing to lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disc degeneration. The goal of this study was to characterize how ectopic expression of Smurf2 driven by the collagen Type II alpha 1 (Col2a1) promoter alters disc cell phenotype and associated cellular events, matrix synthesis, and gene expression during disc degeneration in mice.

METHODS

To characterize how ectopic expression of Smurf2 in Col2a1-promoter working cells affects the disc degeneration process, the authors performed histological and immunohistochemical analysis of lumbar spine specimens harvested from wild-type (WT) and Col2a1-Smurf2 transgenic mice at various ages (n ≥ 6 in each age group). To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying Smurf2-mediated disc degeneration, the authors isolated cells from WT and Col2a1-Smurf2 transgenic lumbar intervertebral discs and performed Western blot and real-time RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) to examine the protein and mRNA levels of interesting targets.

RESULTS

The authors demonstrated that approximately 30% of WT mice at 10–12 months of age had started to show disc degeneration and that the disc degeneration process was accelerated by 3–6 months in Col2a1-Smurf2 transgenic mice. Chondrocyte-like cell proliferation, maturation, and fibrotic tissue formation in the inner annulus were often accompanied by fibroblast-to-chondrocyte differentiation in the outer annulus in transgenic discs. The chondrocyte-like cells in transgenic discs expressed higher levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) than were expressed in WT counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings that ectopic expression of Smurf2 driven by the Col2a1 promoter accelerated disc degeneration in Col2a1-Smurf2 transgenic mice, and that higher levels of CTGF protein and mRNA were present in Col2a1-Smurf2 transgenic discs, indicate that Smurf2 accelerates disc degeneration via upregulation of CTGF.
Surgical technique and results of cable graft interpositioning of the facial nerve in lateral skull base surgeries: experience with 213 consecutive cases
Authors: Prasad Sampath Chandra , Balasubramanian Karthikeyan , Piccirillo Enrico , Taibah Abdelkader , Russo Alessandra , He Jingchun , Sanna Mario
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

The aim in this study was to review the technique and outcomes of cable graft interpositioning of the facial nerve (FN) in lateral skull base surgeries.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively evaluated data from patients who had undergone cable graft interpositioning after nerve sacrifice during skull base tumor removal between June 1987 and May 2015. All patients had undergone lateral skull base approaches to remove tumors at a quaternary referral center in Italy. Facial nerve function was evaluated before and after surgery using the House-Brackmann (HB) grading system.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirteen patients were eligible for study. The mean follow-up was 44.3 months. The most common pathology was vestibular schwannoma (83 cases [39%]), followed by FN tumor (67 cases [31%]). Facial nerve tumors had the highest incidence of nerve interruption (67 [66%] of 102 cases). Preoperative FN function was normal (HB Grade I) in 105 patients (49.3%) and mild (HB Grade II) in 19 (8.9%). At the last postoperative follow-up, 108 (50.7%) of the 213 patients had recovered to Grade III nerve function. Preoperative HB grading of the FN was found to have a significant effect on outcome (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Cable graft interpositioning is a convenient and well-accepted procedure for immediate restoration of the FN. The study results, over a large number of patients, showed that the stitch-less fibrin glue–aided coaptation technique yields good results. The best possible postoperative result achieved was an HB Grade III. The chances of a good postoperative result increase when FN function is normal preoperatively. Slow-growing tumors of the cerebellopontine angle had a favorable outcome after grafting.
Tolerance Soft Set Relation on a Soft Set and its Matrix Applications
Authors: Polat Nazan Çakmak , Yaylalı Gözde , Tanay Bekir
Published: April 2017

In this paper the tolerance soft set relation on a soft set is defined and some examples are given with their matrix representations. Also, pre-class and tolerance class concepts for a given tolerance soft set relation are introduced and some examples related to these definitions are illustrated. Some theoretical results are proved such as every pre-class contained by a tolerance class and intersection of two pre-classes is a pre-class as well. Moreover, a method to find out the tolerance classes and pre-classes by using matrix representation of a tolerance soft set relation is explained with examples.
A Revised TOPSIS Method Based on Interval Fuzzy Soft Set Models with Incomplete Weight Information
Authors: Yang Yong , Peng Xindong
Published: April 2017

Soft set theory was originally proposed by Molodtsov in 1999 as a general mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty. However, it has been pointed out that classical soft set model is not appropriate to deal with imprecise and fuzzy problems. In order to handle these types of problems, some fuzzy extensions of soft set theory are presented, yielding fuzzy soft set theory. As a further research, in this work, we first propose concepts of interval fuzzy sets and interval fuzzy soft sets, define some operations on them and study some of their relevant properties, especially, the dual laws are discussed with respect to difference operation in interval fuzzy soft set theory. We then introduce a revised Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method and choice value method for interval fuzzy soft set which the weight information is completely unknown. Meanwhile, an analysis of computation complexity is employed, also the discriminative power of two methods are shown. Finally, two illustrative examples are employed to show that they can be successfully applied to problems that contain uncertainties.
The explanatory power of the Delone & McLean model in the public sector: A mixed method test
Authors: Van Cauter Lies , Verlet Dries , Snoeck Monique , Crompvoets Joep
Published: April 2017

Digital inter-organisational collaboration in the public sector remains elusive: little is known about when and how efforts for reaching its potential are likely to be successful. Understanding success and failure is one thing that needs to be done to evaluate the effectiveness of public sector information system projects. A highly popular model to conduct such evaluation in the private sector is Delone & McLean's Information System Success Model. This model is often partially tested via quantitative analyses on private sector cases. Yet, this paper tests the entire model, via a mixed methodology on three inter-organisational public sector cases in Flanders in order to verify its explanatory power for the public sector. The quantitative results show that most hypotheses of the Delone & McLean model are valid and applicable to the public sector. Qualitative results reveal that this model ignores the important influence of context factors and provides managers as such only a partial view on the dimensions which contribute to IS success/failure.
Combined passive shielding design of magnetic field generated by air-core reactor of power supply of EAST poloidal field
Authors: Bao Xiaohua , Zhang Cheng , Hu Yunpeng , Chen Yuanyang , Sheng Zhicai
Published: April 2017

The multilayer magnetic shielding of the air-core reactor in power supply of Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokomak (EAST) poloidal field (PF) is used as a model in this paper to analyze the eddy-current loss of shielding structure. Analytical method is adopted to deduce the eddy current loss of magnetic shielding. Then, several different combinations are established to calculate the total eddy current losses of multilayer shielding. 3D-finite element models (FEM) are applied to calculate the eddy current losses with different interlayer spacing and arrangement of layers. Those models are used to find out the changing characteristics of interlayer spacing and arrangement.These methods mentioned in this paper can be applied for the further designing of low loss multilayer magnetic shielding.
Appendectomy History is not Related to Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Yilmaz Rezzak , Bayram Ece , Ulukan Çağrı , Altınok Mustafa Kemal , Akbostancı Muhittin Cenk
Published: April 2017

Background: It has been suggested that appendectomy may modify the emergence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) by affecting the retrograde transport of α-synuclein (α-syn) from the gastrointestinal system.

Objective: To explore the possible role of appendectomy on PD.

Methods: The retrospective data of the 1625 patients (839 PD, 633 non-α-syn parkinsonism and 153 controls) were compared. Disease specific measures between PD patients with ( n = 69) and without ( n = 770) appendectomy were also evaluated.

Results: The prevalence of appendectomy was not significantly lower in the PD group (8.2%) compared to the other groups (8.4% and 7.9%, p = 0.98), and the odds of having PD against other diagnoses (OR) were not significantly different in the appendectomy group (OR = 0.99, p = 0.96). No difference was determined between PD patients with and without appendectomy with respect to the age of disease onset, disease duration and severity. Appendectomy-first symptom interval was not determined to be related with PD diagnosis (hazard ratio = 1.12, p = 0.39) and did not predict disease severity in the PD group (OR = 0.99, p = 0.54). Age of appendectomy (lower or higher than 20) also did not affect future PD diagnosis (Relative Risk = 0.9, p = 0.54) or the disease severity.

Conclusions: The results of the study suggest no effect of appendectomy on the emergence and clinical manifestations of PD. The removal of the appendix is possibly not sufficient to suppress the exposure of the brain stem to α-syn via vagal retrograde transport. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of appendix in PD.
Circadian clocks, diets and aging
Authors: Chaudhari Amol , Gupta Richa , Makwana Kuldeep , Kondratov Roman
Published: April 2017

Diets and feeding regimens affect many physiological systems in the organism and may contribute to the development or prevention of various pathologies including cardiovascular diseases or metabolic syndromes. Some of the dietary paradigms, such as calorie restriction, have many well-documented positive metabolic effects as well as the potential to extend longevity in different organisms. Recently, the circadian clocks were put forward as integral components of the calorie restriction mechanisms. The circadian clocks generate the circadian rhythms in behavior, physiology, and metabolism; circadian disruption is associated with reduced fitness and decreased longevity. Here we focus on recent advances in the interplay between the circadian clocks and dietary paradigms. We discuss how the regulation of the circadian clocks by feeding/nutrients and regulation of nutrient signaling pathways by the clocks may contribute to the beneficial effects of calorie restriction on metabolism and longevity, and whether the circadian system can be engaged for future medical applications.
A randomized trial of the effects of the no-carrageenan diet on ulcerative colitis disease activity
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sumit , Shumard Theresa , Xie Hui , Dodda Amar , Varady Krista A. , Feferman Leo , Halline Allan G. , Goldstein Jay L. , Hanauer Stephen B. , Tobacman Joanne K.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND: Carrageenan is a very common food additive in Western diets, but predictably causes inflammation in thousands of cell-based and animal experiments.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of carrageenan exposure on the interval to relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission.

METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, clinical trial was conducted to assess if patients with ulcerative colitis in remission would have a longer interval to relapse if they followed a diet with no carrageenan. All participants were instructed in the no-carrageenan diet and were randomized to either placebo capsules or carrageenan-containing capsules. The carrageenan in the capsules was less than the average daily carrageenan intake from the diet. Relapse was defined as an increase of two or more points on the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) and intensification of treatment for ulcerative colitis. Participants were followed by telephone calls every two weeks until relapse or one year of participation. The occurrence of relapse and inflammatory biomarkers were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: Twelve patients completed study questionnaires. Three patients who received carrageenan-containing capsules relapsed, and none of the patients who received placebo-containing capsules relapsed ( p = 0.046, log-rank test). Laboratory tests showed increases in Interleukin-6 ( p = 0.02, paired t-test, two-tailed) and fecal calprotectin ( p = 0.06; paired t-test, two-tailed) between the beginning and the end of study participation in the carrageenan-exposed group, but not in the placebo-group.

CONCLUSION: Carrageenan intake contributed to earlier relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission. Restriction of dietary carrageenan may benefit patients with ulcerative colitis.
Initial analysis of the middle problem in CT image reconstruction
Authors: Yang Jiansheng , Yu Hengyong , Wang Ge
Published: April 2017

The interior and exterior problems have been extensively studied in the field of reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) images, which lead to important theoretical and practical results. In this study, we formulate a middle problem of CT image reconstruction, which is more challenging than either the interior or exterior problems. In the middle problem of CT image reconstruction, projection data are measured through and only through the middle dough-like region, so that each projection profile misses data not only internally but also on both sides. For an object with a radially symmetric exterior, we proved that the middle problem could be uniquely solved if the middle ring-shaped zone is piecewise constant or there is a known sub-region inside this middle region. Then, we designed and evaluated a POCS-based algorithm for middle tomography, which is to reconstruct a middle image only from the available data. Finally, the remaining issues are also discussed for further research.