bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Bank Profitability in Ghana: A five step Du-Pont Model Approach
Authors: Kusi Baah Aye , Ansah-Adu Kwadjo , Sai Rockson 
Published: March 2016

<p><em>We investigate bank profitability in Ghana using periods before, during and after the globe financial crises with the five step du-pont model for the first time. We adapt the variable of the five step du-pont model to explain bank profitability with a panel data of twenty-five banks in Ghana from 2006 to 2012. To ensure meaningful generalization robust errors fixed and random effects models are used.Our empirical results suggests that bank operating activities (operating profit margin), bank efficiency (asset turnover), bank leverage (asset to equity) and financing cost (interest burden) were positive and significant determinants of bank profitability (ROE) during the period of study implying that bank in Ghana can boost return to equity holders through the above mentioned variables.. We further report that the five step du-pont model better explains the total variation (94%) in bank profitability in Ghana as compared to earlier findings suggesting that bank specific variables are keen in explaining ROE in banks in Ghana. We cited no empirical study that has employed five step du-pont model making our study unique and different from earlier studies as we assert that bank specific variables are core to explaining bank profitability.</em></p>
Momentum effect in stocks’ returns between the rational and the behavioural financial theories
Authors: Zoghlami Faten 
Published: March 2016

The puzzling momentum strategies’ payoffs are defying the rational financial theory asserting the stocks returns’ unpredictability. Moreover, the momentum effect persist the main stocks returns’ anomaly escaping any risk-based explanation. The resilience of this phenomenon had favoured the development of behavioural financial field, which breaks with the investor’ full rationality hypothesis. This paper attempts to reconcile between the rational and behavioural financial theories, through the introduction of the progressive rationality concept. Especially, we argue that recognizing the temporary inappropriate investors’ reactions; can resolve the puzzling momentum anomaly. To fulfil our objective, first we correct the monthly returns inherent to 56 stocks listed on the Tunisian stocks market from January 1998 to December 2011, from the related serial autocorrelations involved by the investors’ over and under reactions. Then, we examine the 6/6 momentum strategy’ excess returns before and after the monthly returns serial autocorrelations’ corrections. The result show that the momentum strategy is still profitable but no longer puzzling, since the related excess return is henceforth fully captured by a ? and a size effect..
ARQUEOLOGIA FORENSE NO BRASIL: UM NOVO OLHAR SOBRE OS MÉTODOS TRADICIONAIS DE EXUMAÇÃO QUE PODEM FAZER A DIFERENÇA EM CASOS DE VIOLÊNCIA NO PASSADO
Authors: Silva Sergio Francisco Serafim Monteiro da 
Published: March 2016

Este texto apresenta um ensaio sobre o ensino da Arqueologia para profissionais forenses no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, entre 2005 e 2010. No período, foram ministradas aulas teóricas, de campo e de laboratório sobre temas essenciais da Arqueologia Forense, inaugurando o ensino dessa disciplina no Brasil. A Antropologia Forense tem sido praticada pelos profissionais das áreas da Medicina Legal e Odontologia Legal, especificamente. Existe uma dicotomia entre os conceitos e as competências dessas duas disciplinas científicas. Concluímos que a Arqueologia Forense está em processo lento de formação no Brasil, mesmo com iniciativas governamentais e o empenho de faculdades públicas e privadas. Abstract This paper presents an essay on the teaching of archeology for legal professionals in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2005 and 2010. During the period, were given lectures, field and laboratory on the key themes of Forensic Archaeology, inaugurating the teaching of this discipline in Brazil. The Forensic Anthropology has been practiced by professionals in the areas of Legal Medicine and Forensic Odontology, specifically. There is a dichotomy between the concepts and skills of these two scientific disciplines. We conclude that forensic archeology is slow training in Brazil, despite overnment initiatives and efforts of public and private colleges. Keywords: Forensic Archaeology; human rights; experimental teaching
PADRÕES GRÁFICOS DAS REPRESENTAÇÕES ANTROPOMÓRFICAS PRÉ-HISTÓRICAS NA MICRORREGIÃO DO CARIRI OCIDENTAL PARAIBANO: DEFINIÇÕES E CORRELAÇÕES
Authors: Mutzenberg Demétrio Da Silva , Mato Francisco De Assis Soares de 
Published: March 2016

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo estabelecer padrões de apresentação gráfica nas pinturas rupestres antropomórficas de cinco sítios arqueológicos na Microrregião do Cariri Ocidental paraibano. Os sítios estão inseridos na microbacia do Rio Paraíba, principal corpo d’água da região. A caracterização dos padrões gráficos foi possível mediante a classificação das representações com base nas três dimensões caracterizadoras do fenômeno gráfico: temática, cenografia e técnica. Para essa caracterização, foram utilizados o processamento digital de imagens e a aplicação de testes estatísticos, além da criação de um SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas), tencionando relacionar as variáveis do fenômeno gráfico às variáveis ambientais. Através da análise de 48 representações rupestres antropomórficas, foi possível estabelecer diferentes padrões de apresentação gráfica. Alguns desses padrões apresentam características próximas a alguns já determinados para a região Nordeste. As representações rupestres antropomórficas encontram-se majoritariamente localizadas em áreas ressaltadas topograficamente em relação ao entorno e próximas a redes de drenagem.ABSTRACTThis research aimed to establish graphical patterns in anthropomorphic rock paintings of five archaeological sites in the micro-region of Cariri Ocidental Paraibano, Paraíba, Brazil. The sites are inserted into the watershed of the Paraíba River, the main water body of the region. The definition of the graphical patterns was possible through a classification of the anthropomorphic representations based on three dimensions of the graphical phenomenon: theme, technique and scenography. For this characterization was used digital image processing, application of statistical tests and the creation of a GIS (Geographic Information System), intending to relate the graphical phenomenon with the environmental variables. Some of the defined patterns showed similar characteristics to some patterns already determined in Northeastern Brazil. The anthropomorphic representations are mostly located nearby the drainage networks and in higher ground than the surrounding areas.Keywords: Anthropomorphic representations; rock paintings; graphical pattern; Cariri Ocidental Paraibano.
Change in Size of Hamstring Grafts During Preparation for ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Cruz Aristides I. , Fabricant Peter D. , Seeley Mark A. , Ganley Theodore J. , Lawrence J. Todd R. 
Published: March 2016

Background:
There is good consensus that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts should be pretensioned to remove creep prior to implantation, but the literature contains little information on the influence of graft preparation or circumferential compression on graft size. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the size of hamstring allografts changes as they are prepared for ACL reconstruction. We hypothesized that grafts decrease in diameter as they are prepared with both tension and circumferential compression. We also investigated the interrater reliability of graft diameter measurements during each step of graft preparation.

Methods:
Twenty pairs of fresh-frozen human hamstring tendons obtained from an allograft supplier were prepared in a standardized fashion for ACL reconstruction (suturing followed by longitudinal tensioning followed by circumferential compression followed by relaxation). Four blinded raters measured each graft in a sequential manner after each graft preparation step. Interrater reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient ICC(2,1). The mean allograft diameter at each time point was calculated and compared across all time points using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:
Subjecting the grafts to both tension and circumferential compression significantly decreased their mean diameter (to 7.38 mm compared with 8.28 mm at baseline; p = 0.044). Interrater reliability revealed almost perfect agreement at each measurement interval, with the ICC ranging from 0.933 to 0.961.

Conclusions:
The average diameter of hamstring ACL grafts decreases by almost 1 mm after they are subjected to both tension and circumferential compression within a standard cylindrical sizing block.

Clinical Relevance:
Because ACL bone tunnels are drilled in 0.5-mm increments, preparing soft-tissue grafts with circumferential compression in addition to tension may allow creation of tunnels that are one to two incremental sizes smaller. This could permit less bone removal, which may be particularly applicable for certain reconstruction techniques such as pediatric, double-bundle, or revision ACL reconstruction, in which limited space is available for tunnel drilling.
C2 Vertebral Fractures in the Medicare Population
Authors: Pearson Adam M. , Martin Brook I. , Lindsey Matthew , Mirza Sohail K. 
Published: March 2016

Background:
Cervical 2 (C2) fractures in the elderly are common, and the incidence of these fractures has been increasing. Surgical and nonoperative treatments are associated with high complication and mortality rates, and these rates have not been evaluated at the population level, to our knowledge. The purpose of this study was to use the Medicare claims database to determine trends in treatment, surgical and nonoperative outcomes, and Medicare reimbursement for treatment of these fractures.

Methods:
We examined the Medicare claims database from 2000 to 2011 to identify patients admitted for the treatment of a C2 fracture. The incidence of fractures and the rates of nonoperative and surgical treatment were determined across the study period. We compared rates of mortality and life-threatening complications between patients treated nonoperatively and surgically. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) payments for the initial admission as well as for subsequent inpatient admissions during the ninety-day post-admission period were compared between treatment groups. We used multivariate analysis to control for differences in patient characteristics between groups.

Results:
There were 81,596 admissions for C2 fracture identified, and 53,338 met inclusion criteria. The incidence of C2 fractures increased 135% from 2000 to 2011, but the rate of surgical treatment remained constant at 16%. There was significantly lower mortality at thirty days for the surgical group at 8.3% compared with the nonoperative group at 16.2% (p < 0.001) and at one year for the surgical group at 21.7% compared with the nonoperative group at 32.3% (p < 0.001). Life-threatening complications within thirty days of admission were slightly more common in the surgical group at 10.9% compared with the nonoperative group at 9.0% (p < 0.05). Medicare reimbursements for the initial inpatient admission were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in U.S. dollars for the surgical group at $21,487 compared with the nonoperative group at $8469, and this significant difference (p < 0.001) persisted in the ninety-day post-discharge period at $10,487 for the surgical group compared with $8410 for the nonoperative group.

Conclusions:
Although the incidence of C2 fractures in the Medicare population increased from 2000 to 2011, the rate of surgery stayed relatively constant. After controlling for baseline differences, patients treated with surgery had significantly lower thirty-day and one-year mortality rates compared with patients treated nonoperatively.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Outcomes of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty After Aseptic Revision to Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Leta Tesfaye H. , Lygre Stein Håkon L. , Skredderstuen Arne , Hallan Geir , Gjertsen Jan-Erik , Rokne Berit , Furnes Ove 
Published: March 2016

Background:
The general recommendation for a failed primary unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is revision to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes, intraoperative data, and mode of failure of primary UKAs and primary TKAs revised to TKAs.

Methods:
The study was based on 768 failed primary TKAs revised to TKAs (TKA→TKA) and 578 failed primary UKAs revised to TKAs (UKA→TKA) reported to the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register between 1994 and 2011. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the EuroQol EQ-5D, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and visual analog scales assessing satisfaction and pain were used. We performed Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses adjusting for propensity score to assess the survival rate and the risk of re-revision and multiple linear regression analyses to estimate the differences between the two groups in mean PROM scores.

Results:
Overall, 12% in the UKA→TKA group and 13% in the TKA→TKA group underwent re-revision between 1994 and 2011. The ten-year survival percentage of UKA→TKA versus TKA→TKA was 82% versus 81%, respectively (p = 0.63). There was no difference in the overall risk of re-revision for UKA→TKA versus TKA→TKA (relative risk [RR] = 1.2; p = 0.19), or in the PROM scores. However, the risk of re-revision was two times higher for TKA→TKA patients who were greater than seventy years of age at the time of revision (RR = 2.1; p = 0.05). A loose tibial component (28% versus 17%), pain alone (22% versus 12%), instability (19% versus 19%), and deep infection (16% versus 31%) were major causes of re-revision for UKA→TKA versus TKA→TKA, respectively, but the observed differences were not significant, with the exception of deep infection, which was significantly greater in the TKA→TKA group (RR = 2.2; p = 0.03). The surgical procedure of TKA→TKA took a longer time (mean of 150 versus 114 minutes) and more of the procedures required stems (58% versus 19%) and stabilization (27% versus 9%) compared with UKA→TKA.

Conclusions:
Despite TKA→TKA seeming to be a technically more difficult surgical procedure, with a higher percentage of re-revisions due to deep infection compared with UKA→TKA, the overall outcomes of UKA→TKA and TKA→TKA were similar.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Bone-Healing
Authors: Marquez-Lara Alejandro , Hutchinson Ian D. , Nuñez Fiesky , Smith Thomas L. , Miller Anna N. 
Published: March 2016

Background:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often avoided by orthopaedic surgeons because of their possible influence on bone-healing. This belief stems from multiple studies, in particular animal studies, that show delayed bone-healing or nonunions associated with NSAID exposure. The purpose of this review was to critically analyze the quality of published literature that evaluates the impact of NSAIDs on clinical bone-healing.Methods:A MEDLINE and Embase search was conducted to identify all articles relating to bone and fracture-healing and the utilization of NSAIDs. All human studies, including review articles, were identified for further analysis. Non-English-language manuscripts and in vitro and animal studies were excluded. A total of twelve clinical articles and twenty-four literature reviews were selected for analysis. The quality of the clinical studies was assessed with a modified Coleman Methodology Score with emphasis on the NSAID utilization. Review articles were analyzed with regard to variability in the cited literature and final conclusions.Results:The mean modified Coleman Methodology Score (and standard deviation) was significantly lower (p = 0.032) in clinical studies that demonstrated a negative effect of NSAIDs on bone-healing (40.0 ± 14.3 points) compared with those that concluded that NSAIDs were safe (58.8 ± 10.3 points). Review articles also demonstrated substantial variability in the number of cited clinical studies and overall conclusions. There were only two meta-analyses and twenty-two narrative reviews. The mean number (and standard deviation) of clinical studies cited was significantly greater (p = 0.008) for reviews that concluded that NSAIDs were safe (8.0 ± 4.8) compared with those that recommended avoiding them (2.1 ± 2.1). Unanimously, all reviews admitted to the need for prospective randomized controlled trials to help clarify the effects of NSAIDs on bone-healing.Conclusions:This systematic literature review highlights the great variability in the interpretation of the literature addressing the impact of NSAIDs on bone-healing. Unfortunately, there is no consensus regarding the safety of NSAIDs following orthopaedic procedures, and future studies should aim for appropriate methodological designs to help to clarify existing discrepancies to improve the quality of care for orthopaedic patients.Clinical Relevance:This systematic review highlights the limitations in the current understanding of the effects of NSAIDs on bone healing. Thus, withholding these medications does not have any proven scientific benefit to patients and may even cause harm by increasing narcotic requirements in cases in which they could be beneficial for pain management. This review should encourage further basic-science and clinical studies to clarify the risks and benefits of anti-inflammatory medications in the postoperative period, with the aim of improving patient outcomes.
Analysis and Quantification of Wellbore Tortuosity
Authors: Bang Jon , Jegbefume Onyemelem , Ledroz Adrián , Weston John , Thompson Jay 
Published: March 2016

Summary
Small-scale wellbore tortuosity—variations in attitude on a length scale smaller than standard survey intervals of 30 m (100 ft)—is generally neglected because of its small effect on the final position of the well and its unclear relation to traditional dogleg severity (DLS). However, it is well-known that such tortuosity may have significant influence on the drilling process and on drilling efficiency. Furthermore, it is a crucial factor for the design and installation of completions and production equipment, because a highly tortuous wellbore section, depending on borehole diameter and tortuosity amplitude and along-hole distribution, may exert strong bending forces on such equipment, or high friction on moving parts.
This paper describes a novel methodology for analyzing the tortuosity of openhole wellbores, casing, drillstring, and production tubing. Several related tortuosity parameters are described, and examples of application to field data are included. The methods use high-resolution survey data [measured depth (MD), inclination, and azimuth], which may, in principle, originate from any surveying tool or service capable of providing such data. The methodology requires input data from a single survey only. On the basis of a user-defined length as single external parameter, tortuosity can be analyzed on any length scale greater than approximately 10 times the input survey-data interval, and with a maximum resolution equaling twice the data interval. The processed parameters include relative elongation of a tortuous section compared with a straight-line section, transverse displacements from the straight line, and maximum available diameter for a downhole device caused by the small-scale bendings of the section. The results can be displayed as graphs vs. MD, or as 3D-rendered views of the actual wellbore or tubing shape.
Results from various field cases are included, in which the tortuosity analysis was applied to high-resolution continuous gyro survey data collected in cased wellbores. In all the field cases, the novel methods revealed sections of considerable tortuosity that were either unnoticed, or located with unacceptably low accuracy, by conventional methods. These results led to re-evaluation of the planned locations for completion and production equipment.
The characterization of the wellbore in terms of tortuosity on various length scales may be of crucial importance for the functionality and lifetime of permanently installed equipment. For example, identification of highly tortuous sections will aid the placement of rod-guide wear sleeves, increasing the rod and casing life and reducing the workover frequency. Another application is the identification of low-tortuosity sections in which downhole pumps or other equipment will not be subject to excess bending. In addition, the tortuosity results may help evaluate the drilling equipment and the drilling process.
Early-Time 1D Analysis of Shale-Oil and -Gas Flow
Authors: Bajwa Ali I. , Blunt Martin J. 
Published: March 2016

Summary
We present a new semianalytic method to solve the nonlinear pressure-diffusion equation at early time, before reservoir boundaries are encountered, and under constant bottomhole pressure (BHP), applicable to the analysis of unconventional reservoirs. We assume that the flow rate is inversely proportional to the square root of time since the beginning of production. The method is an extension of the semianalytic solution proposed by Schmid et al. (2011) for spontaneous imbibition; we replace the solution for saturation with one for pressure, while extending the functional form of the governing diffusion equation. The solution can accommodate arbitrary pressure-dependent nonlinear rock and fluid properties as well as production caused by desorption. The mathematical formulation is presented for a general nonlinear case and tested by use of synthetic data. Field production from the Barnett Shale is then used to estimate effective matrix permeability.
The model can be used to predict production if the rock and fluid properties are known, or can be used to constrain reservoir properties from production data. It is a complement to traditional pressure- or rate-transient analysis; if the response of a well for constant-pressure production can be determined, our method can be used to determine reservoir properties, without any approximations inherent in linearizing the flow equations.
Treatment of cyanide wastewater by bulk liquid membrane using tricaprylamine as a carrier
Authors: Li Guoping , Xue Juanqin , Liu Nina , Yu Lihua 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The transport of cyanide from wastewater through a bulk liquid membrane (BLM) containing tricaprylamine (TOA) as a carrier was studied. The effect of cyanide concentration in the feed solution, TOA concentration in the organic phase, the stirring speed, NaOH concentration in the stripping solution and temperature on cyanide transport was determined through BLM. Mass transfer of cyanide through BLM was analyzed by following the kinetic laws of two consecutive irreversible first-order reactions, and the kinetic parameters (k1, k2, Rmmax, tmax, Jamax, Jdmax) were also calculated. Apparently, increase in membrane entrance (k1) and exit rate (k2) constants was accompanied by a rise in temperature. The values of activation energies were obtained as 35.6 kJ/mol and 18.2 kJ/mol for removal and recovery, respectively. These values showed that both removal and recovery steps in cyanide transport is controlled by the rate of the chemical complexation reaction. The optimal reaction conditions were determined by BLM using trioctylamine as the carrier: feed phase: pH 4, carrier TOA possession ratio in organic phase: 2% (V/V), stripping phase concentration of NaOH: 1% (W/V), reaction time: 60 min, stirring speed: 250 r/min. Under the above conditions, the removal rate was up to 92.96%. The experiments demonstrated that TOA was a good carrier for cyanide transport through BLM in this study.