bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The building performance gap: Are modellers literate?
Authors: Imam Salah , Coley David A , Walker Ian 
Published: January 2017

One of the most discussed issues in the design community is the performance gap. In this research, we investigate for the first time whether part of the gap might be caused by the modelling literacy of design teams. A total of 108 building modellers were asked to comment on the importance of obtaining and using accurate values for 21 common modelling input variables, from U-values to occupancy schedules when using dynamic simulation to estimate annual energy demand. The questioning was based on a real building for which high-resolution energy, occupancy and temperature data were recorded. A sensitivity analysis was then conducted using a model of the building (based on the measured data) by perturbing one parameter in each simulation. The effect of each perturbation on the annual energy consumption given by the model was found and a ranked list generated. The order of this list was then compared to that given by the modellers for the same changes in the parameters. A correlation analysis indicated little correlation between which variables were thought to be important by the modellers and which proved to be objectively important. k-means cluster analysis identified subgroups of modellers and showed that 25% of the people tested were making judgements that appeared worse than a person responding at random. Follow-up checks showed that higher level qualifications, or having many years of experience in modelling, did not improve the accuracy of people’s predictions. In addition, there was no correlation between modellers, with many ranking some parameters as important that others thought irrelevant. Using a three-part definition of literacy, it is concluded that this sample of modellers, and by implication the population of building modellers, cannot be considered modelling literate. This indicates a new cause of the performance gap. The results suggest a need and an opportunity for both industry and universities to increase their efforts with respect to building physics education, and if this is done, a part of the performance gap could be rapidly closed. Practical application: In any commercial simulation, the modeller will have to decide which parameters must be included and which might be ignored due to lack of time and/or data, and how much any approximations might perturb the results. In this paper, the judgment of 108 modellers was compared against each other. The results show that the internal mental models of thermal modellers disagree with one another, and disagree with the results of a validated thermal model. The lessons learnt will be of great utility to modellers, and those educating the next generation of modellers.
Regional Seabed Geology and Engineering Considerations for Hibernia and Surrounding Areas
Authors: Sonnichsen G.V. , Moran K. , Lewis C.F.M. , Fader G.B.J. 
Published: January 2017

The discovery of oil in the Hibernia region in 1979, and subsequently at the Ben Nevis, Terra Nova, Whiterose and Hebron locations has heightened the demand for information on surficial and subsurface sediments for northeastern Grand Bank. Both gravity-based production facilities and subsea installations require a detailed understanding of the seabed foundation zone and any variations in sedimentary and physical properties of near-surface seabed materials which may affect seabed strength and stability. High resolution single-channel airgun (0.16 l) seismic reflection profiles and information from industry and government boreholes show the near-surface stratigraphy to be dominated by a sequence of shallow, seaward-dipping, parallel reflections which are interpreted to have resulted from progradation and aggradation on the continental shelf. At least locally at the Hibernia site, the upper parallel reflection sequence has complex, internal lenticular reflections and dense interbedded sands, silty-clayey sands and minor gravel and cobbles. Zones of clinoform reflections are interbedded within the sequence. The largest overlies the Hibernia oilfield and is composed of medium to coarse sand with silt and clay interbeds. It is interpreted as a shallow marine progradational sequence, which may have resulted from meltwater deposition of glacially-eroded sediment. Sediment composition and stability within the progradational sequence varies locally and regionally. A regional unconformity near the seabed truncates the progradational and the parallel reflection units and underlies thin surficial sands and gravels that are periodically transported and reworked by bottom currents and scouring icebergs. Four (4) potential seabed constraints to offshore development are described: 1) nearfield sediment transport around seabed installations, 2) liquefaction of seabed foundation sediments as a result of seismic loading, 3) seafloor iceberg scouring, and 4) site-specific and regional geological variability of foundation sediments and their physical properties. Constraints 1–3 can be addressed with appropriate design and proper siting, while 4) needs to be recognized and quantified as seabed strength and composition will vary and therefore impact design and installation of facilities such as wellheads, flowlines and pipelines.
CIS Refineries – Survival or Collapse?
Authors: Scanlan Tony 
Published: January 2017

The refineries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) need substantial investment for modernisation. The investment is required to reduce the proportion of heavy fuel oil produced and to manufacture high quality gasolines and distillates that would benefit the internal market and be suitable for world trade. However the investment required in the refining sector is in effect competing with investment required in many other sectors in a period of sharp economic decline with substantial inflation.
Thrombin–antithrombin III complex tests
Authors: Lee Sang Yang , Niikura Takahiro , Iwakura Takashi , Sakai Yoshitada , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro 
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Patients with fractures of the pelvis and/or lower extremities are at a high risk of developing postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the thrombin–antithrombin III complex (TAT) tests could be used for postoperative screening of VTE in patients with lower limb or pelvic fractures. Methods: We enrolled 133 patients who underwent surgical treatment for fracture of the pelvis or lower extremities. TAT and D-dimer levels were compared in patients with and without VTE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done and the appropriate TAT and D-dimer cutoff levels were determined for VTE screening. Results: VTE was diagnosed in 41 patients (30.8%). Patients with VTE had significantly higher levels of TAT and D-dimer on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 than those without VTE, respectively. ROC curve analysis suggested that TAT test at postoperative day 7 had the highest accuracy for predicting postoperative VTE. With the optimal cutoff TAT level of 3.0 ng/mL, sensitivity and specificity were 93.3% and 70.1%, respectively. With the optimal cutoff D-dimer level of 7.4 µg/mL, sensitivity and specificity were 93.3% and 57.0%, respectively. Conclusion: TAT levels measured at postoperative day 7 could be the most useful parameter for screening postoperative VTE. TAT can be used as a screening tool for screening postoperative VTE in patients with lower limb and pelvic fractures.
Postoperative Bleeding and Associated Utilization following Tonsillectomy in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Francis David O. , Fonnesbeck Christopher , Sathe Nila , McPheeters Melissa , Krishnaswami Shanthi , Chinnadurai Sivakumar 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo assess posttonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH), associated nonoperative readmissions/revisits, and reoperations in children.Data SourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.Review MethodsTwo investigators independently screened studies against predetermined criteria and extracted key data. Investigators independently assessed study risk of bias and the strength of the evidence of the body of literature. We calculated unadjusted pooled estimates of PTH frequency and conducted a Bayesian meta‐analysis to estimate frequency of primary and secondary PTH and PTH‐associated reoperation and revisits/readmissions by partial and total tonsillectomy and surgical approach.ResultsIn meta‐analysis, the frequency of primary and secondary PTH associated with total and partial tonsillectomy was <4% for any technique and with overlapping confidence bounds. Pooled frequencies of PTH were also <5% overall (4.2% for total tonsillectomy, 1.5% for partial tonsillectomy) in comparative studies. Fewer PTH episodes occurred with tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing than for throat infection. In meta‐analysis, frequency of PTH‐associated nonoperative revisits/readmission or reoperation ranged from 0.2% to 5.7% for total tonsillectomy and from 0.1% to 3.7% for partial tonsillectomy. At least 4 deaths were reported in case series including 1,778,342 children.ConclusionsPTH occurred in roughly 4% of tonsillectomies in studies included in this review. Although studies typically did not report bleeding severity or amount, relatively few episodes of PTH necessitated reoperation for hemostasis. Nonetheless, tonsillectomy is not without risk of harm. Frequency of PTH across techniques was similar; thus, we cannot conclude that a given technique is superior.
Comparative Effectiveness of Partial versus Total Tonsillectomy in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sathe Nila , Chinnadurai Sivakumar , McPheeters Melissa , Francis David O. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of partial versus total tonsillectomy in children.Data SourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library from January 1980 to June 2016.Review MethodsTwo investigators independently screened studies and extracted data. Investigators independently assessed risk of bias and strength of evidence of the literature. Heterogeneity precluded quantitative analysis.ResultsIn 16 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), definitions of “partial” tonsillectomy varied. In addition to comparing partial with total tonsil removal, 11 studies compared surgical techniques (eg, coblation). In studies comparing the same technique, return to normal diet or activity was faster with partial removal (more favorable outcomes in 4 of 4 RCTs). In studies with differing surgical techniques, return to normal diet and activity was faster with partial versus total tonsillectomy (more favorable outcomes in 5 of 6 studies). In 3 of 4 RCTs, partial tonsillectomy was associated with more throat infections than total tonsillectomy. Differences between groups were generally not statistically significant for obstructive symptom persistence, quality of life, or behavioral outcomes. Across all studies, 10 (6%) of roughly 166 children had tonsillar regrowth after partial tonsillectomy.ConclusionsData do not allow firm conclusions regarding the comparative benefit of partial versus total removal; however, neither surgical technique nor extent of surgery appears to affect outcomes markedly. Partial tonsillectomy conferred moderate advantages in return to normal diet/activity but was also associated with tonsillar regrowth and symptom recurrence. Effects may be due to confounding given differences in populations and surgical approaches/techniques. Heterogeneity and differences in the operationalization of “partial” tonsillectomy limited comparative analyses.
Clinical Evidence Supporting US Food and Drug Administration Premarket Approval of High‐Risk Otolaryngologic Devices, 2000‐2014
Authors: Rathi Vinay K. , Wang Bo , Ross Joseph S. , Downing Nicholas S. , Kesselheim Aaron S. , Gray Stacey T. 
Published: January 2017

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves high‐risk medical devices based on premarket pivotal clinical studies demonstrating reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness and may require postapproval studies (PAS) to further inform benefit‐risk assessment. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis using publicly available FDA documents to characterize industry‐sponsored pivotal studies and PAS of high‐risk devices used in the treatment of otolaryngologic diseases. Between 2000 and 2014, the FDA approved 23 high‐risk otolaryngologic devices based on 28 pivotal studies. Median enrollment was 118 patients (interquartile range, 67‐181), and median duration of longest primary effectiveness end point follow‐up was 26 weeks (interquartile range, 16‐96). Fewer than half were randomized (n = 13, 46%), blinded (n = 12, 43%), or controlled (n = 10, 36%). The FDA required 23 PASs for 16 devices (70%): almost two‐thirds (n = 15, 65%) monitored long‐term performance, and roughly one‐third (n = 8, 35%) focused on subgroups. Otolaryngologists should be aware of limitations in the strength of premarket evidence when considering the use of newly approved devices.
Submental Ultrasonographic Parameters among Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Bilici Suat , Engin Acioglu , Ozgur Yigit , Ozlem Onerci Celebi , Ahmet Gorkem Yasak , Aytul Hande Yardimci 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the value of submental ultrasonography (US) parameters for diagnostic workup among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to determine whether there is a correlation between US findings and the severity of OSA.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis.SettingTertiary education hospital.Subjects and MethodsThe study included 147 patients with suspected OSA who underwent submental US to evaluate various parameters following overnight polysomnography. US findings were compared with the apnea‐hypopnea index and other parameters.ResultsAll US parameters, except for subcutaneous tissue thickness, were significantly different among patients with OSA. Of note, distance between lingual arteries (DLA), geniohyoid muscle thickness (GMT), and lateral parapharyngeal wall thickness (LPWT) were significantly greater in the patients with severe OSA than those with mild and moderate OSA (P <. 001). GMT had the strongest correlation with OSA (r = 0.419, P <. 001); LPWT and DLA also had high correlation coefficient values (r = 0.343, P <. 001, and r = 0.342, P <. 001, respectively). Stepwise regression analysis showed that GMT (beta = 0.243, P = 0.004), LPWT (beta = 0.236, P = 0.004), and DLA (beta = 0.204, P = 0.008) were the most significant factors for predicting the severity of OSA according to the apnea‐hypopnea index.ConclusionSubmental US can be used to determine whether there is a correlation between US findings and severity of OSA. GMT could be considered a novel parameter for determining the severity of OSA.
Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation
Authors: Gopalakrishnan C. , Raghuram G. 
Published: January 2017

The Chairman of the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation — Mr Kaurani — is reviewing the performance of the corporation, reflecting on the effectiveness of his strategies for improving its performance, and contemplating on further strategies to improve its productivity. Readers are invited to send their responses on the case to Vikalpa office.
Abstracts Indian Management Research
Authors: Sarkar Mitali 
Published: January 2017

This section features abstracts of articles covering empirical studies, experiences, ideas, and theories published in Indian and international journals. Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi, this service is intended to facilitate Indian management research. Authors desirous of having their publications considered for inclusion in this feature may please send reprints of their articles to Vikalpa Editorial Office.
To Work or Not to Work: Construction of Meaning of Work and Making Work Choices
Authors: Anuradha M V , Srinivas E S , Singhal Manish , Ramnarayan S 
Published: January 2017

Meaning of work as explored in this study refers to the function that organizational paid employment serves for people. Is work a means of fulfilling social and economic expectations? Is it a means through which an individual can learn and grow personally? Is it a means of earning a living? Or is it an opportunity for people to express and apply their talents and expertise? In the real world, work could mean all of these together. However, when participants were asked about the meaning of work, their responses indicated the predominance of one meaning at any given time. The intent of this research was to explore how the predominant meaning of work got constructed before people started working and how that affected their work choices. The research was based on the assumption that meaning of work is a dynamic concept, i.e. the same individual can hold different meanings of work at two different points in time. This assumption in effect also suggests that meaning is not determined by fixed personality characteristics of an individual, but gets constructed through the interaction of the social structures and the personal preferences of people. In order to understand how the meaning of work evolves even before one starts working, a process theory of the construction of meaning of work was developed inductively using the work narratives of 44 public sector bank employees in India. It was found that work means different things to different people, but for ease of comprehension and for the purpose of analysis, the meaning of work has been categorized under two broad headings — social meaning of work and personal meaning of work. When the main function of work is to fulfill social and economic expectations, the person can be said to hold a social meaning of work. If work is predominantly a means to satisfy personal aspirations and interests, then it holds a personal meaning. The narratives suggest that when individuals have multiple career or job alternatives to choose from and also possess a clear knowledge of their interests, then their work choices are driven by personal inclinations and work takes on a personal meaning. On the other hand, when the number of job alternatives is limited and an individual does not have insight into one's own interests then social expectations and metaphors related to work influence the meaning of work and work choices. The theoretical and managerial implications of the findings and limitations are also discussed.
Patriarchal Beliefs, Women's Empowerment, and General Well-being
Authors: Rawat Preeti S 
Published: January 2017

This paper highlights that depowerment of women is linked to the belief and practice of patriarchy which subjugates women at various levels — political, economic, social, and cultural. Patriarchy is a social and ideological construct which considers men (who are the patriarchs) as superior to women. Patriarchy imposes masculinity and femininity character stereotypes in society which strengthen the iniquitous power relations between men and women. Feminism is an awareness of patriarchal control, exploitation, and oppression at the material and ideological levels of women's labour, fertility and sexuality, in the family, at the place of work, and in the society in general, and conscious action by women and men to transform the present situation. Overcoming the belief and practice of patriarchy is termed as eve empowerment. This paper distinguishes between eve empowerment and psychological empowerment. While the former (eve empowerment) is contextual in nature, the latter (psychological empowerment) is a motivational construct. If conditions favouring eve empowerment make a woman experience empowerment, then it is termed as psychological empowerment. Both these variables are linked to general well-being, which is defined as a state which allows individuals to realize their abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and make a contribution to their community. The findings indicate that by countering patriarchy, women experience greater eve empowerment and psychological empowerment. The results also show that education level of women had no impact on eve empowerment. This is the reason why there are depowered women even among the educated middle class and upper classes of the society. This finding has important implication for agencies, institutions and the state that are using education as a medium of change and empowerment. The empowerment at the workplace and at home seems to have a spillover effect as both moderate the relation of eve empowerment and general well-being. Deep level impact on social transformation will take place only when the concept of patriarchy is shaken and conditions supporting eve empowerment are created for women to experience psychological empowerment. The limitation of the study was that it was carried out in a patriarchal society. It should also be compared with a similar survey among the matriarchal societies and from all strata of society to make it more representative. The findings can form the basis for improving affirmative action within the organizations.
Exploring Victims' Experiences of Workplace Bullying: A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Ciby Mariam , Raya R P 
Published: January 2017

Despite considerable research on workplace bullying, trying to identify causal relationships and measurements of specific constructs, there is a need to draw from the experiences and feelings of the targets of workplace bullying. The current study explores the victims' experiences from an interpretive perspective in the context of Information Technology organizations in India. The qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with the victims of workplace bullying. The analysis using grounded theory approach resulted in a conceptual model, which explains the antecedents, bullying behaviours, consequences, and self-coping methods of the victims. Job demands, leadership and management styles of the supervisor, and interpersonal conflict emerged as the major antecedents of workplace bullying. The victims' inability to adapt to changes was found as a personality factor that stimulated workplace bullying in the presence of other antecedents. The study reveals that although the victims experienced negative bullying behaviours in their daily life, most of them were unaware of the phenomenon. Some of the new bullying behaviours identified from the current study are taking ownership of others'work without giving due credit, grabbing others' challenging assignments, and repeated borrowing of money without returning. The victims experienced various negative emotions as the initial reaction to bullying behaviours. As the bullying behaviours prolonged, the participants experienced various personal and work-related consequences. The self-coping mechanisms identified in the study were sharing emotional experiences with friends and family, having an easy-going attitude, voicing the issues, and perceived organizational support (POS). POS was considered to be important for having an influence on employee turnover intention and organizational commitment. Based on the POS, three categories of victims were identified — Leavers, Survivors, and Loyals. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge as it brings out the experiences and feelings of the targets of workplace bullying. The detailed knowledge of the phenomenon helps the organization to either intervene or prevent the relevant processes. The study suggests that the victims need to be empowered with awareness programmes and organizational support to reduce the effects of workplace bullying.