bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Máquinas de soporte vectorial y redes neuronales artificiales en la predicción del movimiento USD/COP spot intradiario
Authors: Sánchez Anzola Nicolás 
Published: March 2016

<p>La predicción del movimiento de los tipos de cambio en los mercados de divisas es un objetivo desafiante para el cálculo de pronósticos en el análisis de series de tiempo. Dada la complejidad que se presenta en la dinámica de este tipo de mercados, la implementación de modelos eficientes de predicción a partir de la información de las tasas de cambio observadas, es una tarea compleja. El presente estudio implementa y compara dos modelos de aprendizaje de máquina en la predicción del movimiento intradiario del mercado spot USD/COP. Los modelos propuestos se basan en técnicas de clasificación conocidas como redes neuronales artificiales (RNA) y máquinas de soporte vectorial (SVM). Indicadores de análisis técnico, velas japonesas y retornos de los precios fueron seleccionados como variables de entrada a los modelos. Se implementaron combinaciones de parámetros para los modelos propuestos con el fin de mejorar el desempeño en la predicción. Los resultados del experimento evidenciaron que el promedio en el desempeño para los modelos de RNA (57,8 %) y SVM (55,6 %) resultaron significativos para la predicción del movimiento del mercado spot USD/COP.</p><p> </p>
Impact Of Supply Chain Integration On Business Performance And Its Challenges
Authors: AlSagheer Abdullah , Ahli Maryam 
Published: March 2016

The basic objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of supply chain integration on business performance and the challenges associated with supply chain integration. This paper selects different research papers and articles to present the empirical evidence regarding supply chain integration, its impact on business performance and the challenges associated with it.A sample of 21 research papers was selected in the analysis/findings section and discussion section to discuss the impact of supply chain integration on business performance and the challenges associated with the integration of supply chain among different channel partners. The time period of 1995-2011 was selected and only those journal articles/research papers were selected that were published within this period.Different research papers provided an empirical proof that supply chain integration led to better business performance but few of them discussed challenges associated with it. There was only one paper of Awad & Nassar (2010b) that prominently addressed those challenges. This identified a research gap to be filled and weakened the argument that supply chain leaded to better business performance because how it could be argued when the business challenges associated with supply chain integration were not analyzed and assessed efficiently in the previous research. The author also researched and found papers that held an opposite view regarding supply chain integration. Therefore, more empirical research was proposed and advised to be conducted in this area and it was concluded that further research was crucial to understand the importance of supply chain integration, its impact on business performance and its challenges.As for limitations, it was a secondary research that was one of the main research limitations. Secondly, more research papers and journal articles could be researched or reviewed. Therefore, the findings of this paper cannot be widely generalized.The findings of this research paper could encourage researchers and managers to conduct more research for addressing impact of supply chain integration on business performance and its challenges.
The Role Of Tax Incentives In Reducing CO2 Emissions Evidence From Vehicle Manufacturers
Authors: Nel Rudie , Du Plooy Johann 
Published: March 2016

The objective of the study was to consider the role of tax incentives (deductions and allowances in terms of the South African Income Tax Act) in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions in the automotive industry. The objective was achieved in the light of qualitative empirical evidence obtained from South African vehicle manufacturers. A questionnaire was circulated to nine South African vehicle manufacturers and the responses were interpreted to establish whether current tax incentives provide an incentive to reduce CO2 emissions. Findings highlighted the importance of tax incentives in reducing CO2 emissions and suggest that vehicle manufacturers regard tax incentive-driven policies as the most effective tool in reducing CO2 emissions. However, since it is difficult to qualify for current tax incentives, this approach might not provide the necessary incentive to reduce CO2 emissions. It is recommended that tax incentive policies either be simplified or alternative initiatives be introduced to encourage investments in the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Female Directors And Firm Characteristics: A USA UK Comparison
Authors: Hebble Annette 
Published: March 2016

Shareholders and other stakeholders are placing an increasing emphasis on corporate governance. The composition of a board is an important aspect of corporate governance. There is some evidence that gender diversity in the boardroom has an impact on the operations of a company. Both U.S. and UK corporations are increasing female representation on their boards. The purpose of this particular study is to compare gender diversity on U.S. and UK boards, and investigate some firm characteristics that may be associated with above or below average female representation.
Reluctance Towards Older Workers In Slovenia
Authors: Znidarsic Jana , Dimovski Vlado 
Published: March 2016

The population ageing that goes hand in hand with ageing of the workforce is no longer an issue for a distant future, its impact is already felt on European labor markets – including Slovenian – and will manifest itself more prominently in the next years. These profound demographic changes come at a time that developed countries are increasingly involved in globalization processes, accompanied with the trend of becoming knowledge economies, and all these at a time of economic crisis, which puts those challenges into new dimension. Trying to find solutions that would mitigate possible negative consequences of population and workforce ageing – one of the most discussed policy options is to promote that older employees work longer, even after the age of 65. Keeping workers longer in the workforce is an increasingly popular labor market policy in European (developed) countries to combat demographic trends such as the ageing of its workforce. We live longer, we have fewer children, so we have to work longer seems to be the current policy motto. But this scenario is not an easy one. Skepticism can be found on both sides, either between older employees or between employers. The aim of this paper is to highlight the development of age management within Slovenian companies where the practice of age management is still in its early stage. Thus, we also shed light on some relevant reasons for reluctance towards older employees from the viewpoint of employers. However, the main contribution of the paper lies in offering some reasonable suggestion – how the skepticism concerning older employees can be reduced. This can only be done by enabling older workers to remain productive, innovative, flexible, and willing to invest in advancing their knowledge, skills and competences. By implementing active aging policies at workplace, the employers can play an exceptional role in maintaining or even enriching human capital of older employees.
Variability of Insulin Requirements Over 12 Weeks of Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ruan Yue , Thabit Hood , Leelarathna Lalantha , Hartnell Sara , Willinska Malgorzata E. , Dellweg Sibylle , Benesch Carsten , Mader Julia K. , Holzer Manuel , Kojzar Harald , Evans Mark L. , Pieber Thomas R. , Arnolds Sabine , Hovorka Roman 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
To quantify variability of insulin requirements during closed-loop insulin delivery.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed overnight, daytime, and total daily insulin amounts delivered during a multicenter closed-loop trial involving 32 adults with type 1 diabetes. Participants applied hybrid day-and-night closed-loop insulin delivery under free-living home conditions over 12 weeks. The coefficient of variation was adopted to measure variability of insulin requirements in individual subjects.

RESULTS
Data were analyzed from 1,918 nights, 1,883 daytime periods and 1,564 total days characterized by closed-loop use over 85% of time. Variability of overnight insulin requirements (mean [SD] coefficient of variation 31% [4]) was nearly twice as high as variability of total daily requirements (17% [3], P &lt; 0.001) and was also higher than variability of daytime insulin requirements (22% [4], P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Overnight insulin requirements were significantly more variable than daytime and total daily amounts. This may explain why some people with type 1 diabetes report frustrating variability in morning glycemia.
Racial disparities in the diagnosis and management of trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Reinard Kevin , Nerenz David R. , Basheer Azam , Tahir Rizwan , Jelsema Timothy , Schultz Lonni , Malik Ghaus , Air Ellen L. , Schwalb Jason M. 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
A number of studies have documented inequalities in care and outcomes for a variety of clinical conditions. The authors sought to identify racial and socioeconomic disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), as well as the potential underlying reasons for those disparities, which could serve as areas of focus for future quality improvement initiatives.

METHODS
The medical records of patients with an ICD-9 code of 350.1, signifying a diagnosis of TN, at the Henry Ford Medical Group (HFMG) in the period from 2006 to 2012 were searched, and clinical and socioeconomic data were retrospectively reviewed. Analyses were conducted to assess potential racial differences in subspecialty referral patterns and the specific type of treatment modality undertaken for patients with TN.

RESULTS
The authors identified 652 patients eligible for analysis. Compared with white patients, black patients were less likely to undergo percutaneous ablative procedures, stereotactic radiosurgery, or microvascular decompression (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in the likelihood of blacks and whites undergoing a procedure once they had seen a neurosurgeon (67% vs 70%, respectively; p = 0.712). Blacks and whites were equally likely to be seen by a neurologist or neurosurgeon if they were initially seen in either the emergency room (38% vs 37%, p = 0.879) or internal medicine (48% vs 50%, p = 0.806). Among patients diagnosed (268 patients) after the 2008 publication of the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the American Academy of Neurology guidelines for medical therapy for TN, fewer than 50% were on medications sanctioned by the guidelines, and there were no statistically significant racial disparities between white and black patients (p = 0.060).

CONCLUSIONS
According to data from a large database from one of the nation's largest comprehensive health care systems, there were significant racial disparities in the likelihood of a patient undergoing a procedure for TN. This appeared to stem from outside HFMG from a difference in referral patterns to the neurologists and neurosurgeons.
Congenital scoliosis treated with posterior vertebral column resection in patients younger than 18 years: longer than 10-year follow-up
Authors: Chang Dong-Gune , Yang Jae Hyuk , Lee Jung-Hee , Kim Jin-Hyok , Suh Seung-Woo , Ha Kee-Yong , Suk Se-Il 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
There have been no reports on the long-term radiographic outcomes of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) in patients with congenital scoliosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications after PVCR and its long-term effects on correcting this deformity in children with congenital scoliosis.

METHODS
The authors retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 45 patients with congenital scoliosis who were younger than 18 years at the time of surgery and who underwent PVCR and fusion with pedicle screw fixation (PSF). The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 11.3 years (range 2.4–18.0 years), and the mean length of follow-up was 12.8 years (range 10.1–18.2 years).

RESULTS
The mean Cobb angle of the main curve was 46.5° before PVCR, 13.7° immediately after PVCR, and 17.6° at the last follow-up. For the compensatory cranial curve, PVCR corrected the preoperative Cobb angle of 21.2° to 9.1° postoperatively and maintained it at 10.9° at the last follow-up. For the compensatory caudal curve, the preoperative Cobb angle of 23.8° improved to 7.7° postoperatively and was 9.8° at the last follow-up. The authors noted 22 complications, and the overall incidence of complications was 48.9%.

CONCLUSIONS
Posterior vertebral column resection is an effective procedure for managing congenital scoliosis in patients younger than 18 years. Use of PVCR and fusion with PSF for congenital scoliosis achieved rigid fixation and satisfactory deformity correction that was maintained over the long term. However, the authors note that PVCR is a technically demanding procedure and entails risks for major complications and excessive blood loss.
Risk of adjacent-segment disease requiring surgery after short lumbar fusion: results of the French Spine Surgery Society Series
Authors: Scemama Caroline , Magrino Baptiste , Gillet Philippe , Guigui Pierre 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
Adjacent-segment disease (ASD) is an increasingly problematic complication following lumbar fusion surgery. The purpose of the current study was to determine the risk of ASD requiring surgical treatment after short lumbar or lumbosacral fusion. Primary spinal disease and surgical factors associated with an increased risk of revision were also investigated.

METHODS
This was a retrospective cohort study using the French Spine Surgery Society clinical data that included 3338 patients, with an average follow-up duration of 7 years (range 4–10 years). Clinical ASD requiring surgery was the principal judgment criterion; the length of follow-up time and initial spinal disease were also recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. The correlation between primary spinal disease and surgery with an increased risk of revision was investigated.

RESULTS
During the follow-up period, 186 patients required revision surgery for ASD (5.6%). The predicted risk of ASD requiring revision surgery was 1.7% (95% CI 1.3%–2.2%) at 2 years, 3.8% (95% CI 4.9%–6.7%) at 4 years, 5.7% (95% CI 4.9%–6.7%) at 6 years, and 9% (95% CI 8.7%–10.6%) at 8 years. Initial spinal disease affected the risk of ASD requiring surgery (p = 0.0003). The highest risk was observed for degenerative spondylolisthesis.

CONCLUSIONS
ASD requiring revision surgery was predicted in 5.6% of patients 7 years after index short lumbar spinal fusion in the French Spine Surgery Society retrospective series. An increased risk of ASD requiring revision surgery associated with initial spinal disease showed the significance of the influence of natural degenerative history on adjacent-segment pathology.
Incidence and predictors of dural venous sinus pressure gradient in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and non-idiopathic intracranial hypertension headache patients: results from 164 cerebral venograms
Authors: Levitt Michael R. , Hlubek Randall J. , Moon Karam , Kalani M. Yashar S. , Nakaji Peter , Smith Kris A. , Little Andrew S. , Knievel Kerry , Chan Jane W. , McDougall Cameron G. , Albuquerque Felipe C. 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
Cerebral venous pressure gradient (CVPG) from dural venous sinus stenosis is implicated in headache syndromes such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The incidence of CVPG in headache patients has not been reported.

METHODS
The authors reviewed all cerebral venograms with manometry performed for headache between January 2008 and May 2015. Patient demographics, headache etiology, intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements, and radiographic and manometric results were recorded. CVPG was defined as a difference ≥ 8 mm Hg by venographic manometry.

RESULTS
One hundred sixty-four venograms were performed in 155 patients. There were no procedural complications. Ninety-six procedures (58.5%) were for patients with IIH. The overall incidence of CVPG was 25.6% (42 of 164 procedures): 35.4% (34 of 96 procedures) in IIH patients and 11.8% (8 of 68 procedures) in non-IIH patients. Sixty procedures (36.6%) were performed in patients with preexisting shunts. Seventy-seven patients (49.7%) had procedures preceded by an ICP measurement within 4 weeks of venography, and in 66 (85.7%) of these patients, the ICP had been found to be elevated. CVPG was seen in 8.3% (n = 5) of the procedures in the 60 patients with a preexisting shunt and in 0% (n = 0) of the 11 procedures in the 77 patients with normal ICP (p < 0.001 for both). Noninvasive imaging (MR venography, CT venography) was assessed prior to venography in 112 (68.3%) of 164 cases, and dural venous sinus abnormalities were demonstrated in 73 (65.2%) of these cases; there was a trend toward CVPG (p = 0.07). Multivariate analysis demonstrated an increased likelihood of CVPG in patients with IIH (OR 4.97, 95% CI 1.71–14.47) and a decreased likelihood in patients with a preexisting shunt (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02–0.44).

CONCLUSIONS
CVPG is uncommon in IIH patients, rare in those with preexisting shunts, and absent in those with normal ICP.
Factors associated with improvement in sagittal spinal alignment after microendoscopic laminotomy in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis
Authors: Dohzono Sho , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Takahashi Shinji , Matsumoto Tomiya , Suzuki Akinobu , Terai Hidetomi , Nakamura Hiroaki 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
Little is known about the relationship between sagittal spinal alignment in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) and objective findings such as spinopelvic parameters, lumbar back muscle degeneration, and clinical data. The purpose of this study was to identify the preoperative clinical and radiological factors that predict improvement in sagittal spinal alignment after decompressive surgery in patients with LSS.

METHODS
The records of 61 patients with LSS who underwent microendoscopic laminotomy and had pre- and postoperative clinical data collected were retrospectively reviewed. Spinopelvic parameters, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence (PI), were evaluated. On T2-weighted MRI, the cross-sectional area and the percentage of fat infiltration of the paravertebral muscles (PVMs) before surgery were calculated. For patients with preoperative SVA > 40 mm (n = 30), the correlation between SVA improvement and preoperative clinical and radiographic parameters was calculated.

RESULTS
SVA improvement correlated with preoperative LL (r = −0.39) and PI –LL (r = 0.54). Multiple regression analysis showed that preoperative PI –LL (beta = 0.62; p < 0.01) and symptom duration (beta = −0.40; p < 0.05) were independently associated with SVA improvement. The percentage of fat infiltration of the PVM at L4–5 was significantly greater in patients with preoperative SVA ≥ 40 mm than in those patients with SVA < 40 mm.

CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative PI –LL and symptom duration were independently associated with SVA improvement in LSS patients with forward-bending posture. PVM degeneration at the lower lumbar level was significantly greater among patients with preoperative SVA ≥ 40 mm than in patients with SVA < 40 mm.
Safety of community-based minor surgery performed by GPs: an audit in different settings
Authors: Botting Jonathan , Correa Ana , Duffy James , Jones Simon , de Lusignan Simon 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundMinor surgery is a well-established part of family practice, but its safety and cost-effectiveness have been called into question.AimTo audit the performance of GP minor surgeons in three different settings.Design and settingA community-based surgery audit of GP minor surgery cases and outcomes from three settings: GPs who carried out minor surgery in their practice funded as enhanced (primary care) services (ESGPs); GPs with a special interest (GPwSIs) who worked independently within a healthcare organisation; and GPs working under acute trust governance (Model 2 GPs).MethodAn audit form was completed by volunteer GP minor surgeons. Data were collected about areas of interest and aggregated data tables produced. Percentages were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and significant differences across the three groups of GPs tested using the χ2test.ResultsA total of 6138 procedures were conducted, with 41% (2498; 95% CI = 39.5 to 41.9) of GP minor surgery procedures being on the head/face. Nearly all of the samples from a procedure that were expected to be sent to histology were sent (5344; 88.8%; 95% CI = 88.0 to 89.6). Malignant diagnosis was correct in 69% (33; 95% CI = 54.2 to 79.2) of cases for ESGPs, 93% (293; 95% CI = 90.1 to 95.5) for GPwSIs, and 91% (282; 95% CI = 87.2 to 93.6) for Model 2 GPs. Incomplete excision was significantly more frequent for ESGPs (17%; 9; 95% CI = 7.5 to 28.3,P<0.001). Complication rates were very low across all practitioners.ConclusionGP minor surgery is safe and prompt. GPs working within a managed framework performed better. Consideration needs to be given on how better to support less well-supervised GPs.
Community organizing : une méthode « résolument américaine » ?
Authors: Roux Adrien 
Published: March 2016

Le community organizing est une méthode étiquetée anglo-saxonne. Pour la définir indépendamment du contexte social et culturel dans lequel elle s’est appliquée, l’auteur propose d’en faire la généalogie et de montrer qu’elle est le fruit d’un mariage improbable entre la sociologie urbaine et le syndicalisme : la compréhension fine des relations sociales d’une part et l’utilisation de tactiques de pression du type de celles des syndicats face à l’employeur pour obtenir des compromis d’autre part. Une fois cette double dimension comprise et intégrée, les réflexions sur l’importation de ces méthodes pour irriguer le mouvement social européen prennent une nouvelle perspective.
Construire le contre-pouvoir
Authors: Jouffe Yves , Balazard Hélène , Bourdeau Vincent , Jouffe Yves 
Published: March 2016

De 1970 jusqu’à la fin des années 2000, Wade Rathke a dirigé ACORN ( Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now ), la plus importante fédération de community organizing des États-Unis. Cette organisation comptait près de 500 000 membres issus de plus d’un millier de quartiers déshérités. Elle a été un important vecteur de changement social dans les domaines du logement social, de la régulation des activités bancaires ou de l’augmentation du salaire minimum. Wade Rathke a développé un modèle original de contre-pouvoir, en organisant les habitant.es des quartiers pauvres et non pas leurs organisations existantes comme le faisait Saul Alinsky. ACORN a su s’étendre en une fédération états-unienne qui mettait au service de chaque groupe local des organisateur.rices professionnel.les. Si celle-ci s’est fragmentée en 2010, ACORN International rassemble maintenant autant d’adhérent.es dans une trentaine de pays.