bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multi-agent brokerage platform for media content recommendation
Authors: Veloso Bruno , Malheiro Benedita , Burguillo Juan Carlos 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Near real time media content personalisation is nowadays a major challenge involving media content sources, distributors and viewers. This paper describes an approach to seamless recommendation, negotiation and transaction of personalised media content. It adopts an integrated view of the problem by proposing, on the business-to-business (B2B) side, a brokerage platform to negotiate the media items on behalf of the media content distributors and sources, providing viewers, on the business-to-consumer (B2C) side, with a personalised electronic programme guide (EPG) containing the set of recommended items after negotiation. In this setup, when a viewer connects, the distributor looks up and invites sources to negotiate the contents of the viewer personal EPG. The proposed multi-agent brokerage platform is structured in four layers, modelling the registration, service agreement, partner lookup, invitation as well as item recommendation, negotiation and transaction stages of the B2B processes. The recommendation service is a rule-based switch hybrid filter, including six collaborative and two content-based filters. The rule-based system selects, at runtime, the filter(s) to apply as well as the final set of recommendations to present. The filter selection is based on the data available, ranging from the history of items watched to the ratings and/or tags assigned to the items by the viewer. Additionally, this module implements (i) a novel item stereotype to represent newly arrived items, (ii) a standard user stereotype for new users, (iii) a novel passive user tag cloud stereotype for socially passive users, and (iv) a new content-based filter named the collinearity and proximity similarity (CPS). At the end of the paper, we present off-line results and a case study describing how the recommendation service works. The proposed system provides, to our knowledge, an excellent holistic solution to the problem of recommending multimedia contents.
A sixth-order finite volume method for the 1D biharmonic operator: Application to intramedullary nail simulation
Authors: Costa Ricardo , Machado Gaspar J. , Clain Stéphane 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
A new very high-order finite volume method to solve problems with harmonic and biharmonic operators for onedimensional geometries is proposed. The main ingredient is polynomial reconstruction based on local interpolations of mean values providing accurate approximations of the solution up to the sixth-order accuracy. First developed with the harmonic operator, an extension for the biharmonic operator is obtained, which allows designing a very high-order finite volume scheme where the solution is obtained by solving a matrix-free problem. An application in elasticity coupling the two operators is presented. We consider a beam subject to a combination of tensile and bending loads, where the main goal is the stress critical point determination for an intramedullary nail.
Analysis of the descriptor Roesser model with the use of the Drazin inverse
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
A method of analysis for a class of descriptor 2D discrete-time linear systems described by the Roesser model with a regular pencil is proposed. The method is based on the transformation of the model to a special form with the use of elementary row and column operations and on the application of a Drazin inverse of matrices to handle the model. The method is illustrated with a numerical example
An H∞ sliding mode observer for Takagi–Sugeno nonlinear systems with simultaneous actuator and sensor faults An
Authors: Brahim Ali Ben , Dhahri Slim , Hmida Fayçal Ben , Sellami Anis 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This paper considers the problem of robust reconstruction of simultaneous actuator and sensor faults for a class of uncertain Takagi-Sugeno nonlinear systems with unmeasurable premise variables. The proposed fault reconstruction and estimation design method with H∞ performance is used to reconstruct both actuator and sensor faults when the latter are transformed into pseudo-actuator faults by introducing a simple filter. The main contribution is to develop a sliding mode observer (SMO) with two discontinuous terms to solve the problem of simultaneous faults. Sufficient stability conditions in terms linear matrix inequalities are achieved to guarantee the stability of the state estimation error. The observer gains are obtained by solving a convex multiobjective optimization problem. Simulation examples are given to illustrate the performance of the proposed observer
A repeated imitation model with dependence between stages: Decision strategies and rewards
Authors: Villacorta Pablo J. , Pelta David A. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Adversarial decision making is aimed at determining strategies to anticipate the behavior of an opponent trying to learn from our actions. One defense is to make decisions intended to confuse the opponent, although our rewards can be diminished. This idea has already been captured in an adversarial model introduced in a previous work, in which two agents separately issue responses to an unknown sequence of external inputs. Each agent’s reward depends on the current input and the responses of both agents. In this contribution, (a) we extend the original model by establishing stochastic dependence between an agent’s responses and the next input of the sequence, and (b) we study the design of time varying decision strategies for the extended model. The strategies obtained are compared against static strategies from theoretical and empirical points of view. The results show that time varying strategies outperform static ones
Computing with words with the use of inverse RDM models of membership functions
Authors: Piegat Andrzej , Pluciński Marcin 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Computing with words is a way to artificial, human-like thinking. The paper shows some new possibilities of solving difficult problems of computing with words which are offered by relative-distance-measure RDM models of fuzzy membership functions. Such models are based on RDM interval arithmetic. The way of calculation with words was shown using a specific problem of flight delay formulated by Lotfi Zadeh. The problem seems easy at first sight, but according to the authors’ knowledge it has not been solved yet. Results produced with the achieved solution were tested. The investigations also showed that computing with words sometimes offers possibilities of achieving better problem solutions than with the human mind.
Firms’ operational costs, market entry and growth
Authors: Cardona Daniel , Sánchez-Losada Fernando 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe industrial organizational literature identifies operational costs as being an important determinant of industry evolution over time; however, it also shows that they can be endogenous and time-dependent. In this paper, we analyze the effects of endogenous and time-dependent operational costs on economic activity and, hence, on economic growth. We show that the particular nature of these costs determines the way in which the overall number of firms grows, which ultimately determines the pattern of economic growth. Our analysis differs from other approaches in that (i) a new firm is associated with the creation of a new product in such a way that a planned expenditure of resources is required (e.g. R&D), and (ii) an accumulation law for the growth of the number of firms is assumed. Hence, we show that growth can occur endogenously in an economy without any specific growth generating sector.
Comparison between B·R·A·H·M·S PCT direct, a new sensitive point-of-care testing device for rapid quantification of procalcitonin in emergency department patients and established reference methods – a prospective multinational trial
Authors: Kutz Alexander , Hausfater Pierre , Oppert Michael , Alan Murat , Grolimund Eva , Gast Claire , Alonso Christine , Wissmann Christoph , Kuehn Christian , Bernard Maguy , Huber Andreas , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp 
Published: October 2015

AbstractProcalcitonin (PCT) is increasingly being used for the diagnostic and prognostic work up of patients with suspected infections in the emergency department (ED). Recently, B·R·A·H·M·S PCT direct, the first high sensitive point-of-care test (POCT), has been developed for fast PCT measurement on capillary or venous blood samples.This is a prospective, international comparison study conducted in three European EDs. Consecutive patients with suspicion of bacterial infection were included. Duplicate determination of PCT was performed in capillary (fingertip) and venous whole blood (EDTA), and compared to the reference method. The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by correlation and concordance analyses.Three hundred and three patients were included over a 6-month period (60.4% male, median age 65.2 years). The correlation between capillary or venous whole blood and the reference method was excellent: rThis study found a high diagnostic accuracy and a faster time to result of B·R·A·H·M·S PCT direct in the ED setting, allowing shortening time to therapy and a more wide-spread use of PCT.
Useful measures and models for analytical quality management in medical laboratories
Authors: Westgard James O. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe 2014 Milan Conference “Defining analytical performance goals 15 years after the Stockholm Conference” initiated a new discussion of issues concerning goals for precision, trueness or bias, total analytical error (TAE), and measurement uncertainty (MU). Goal-setting models are critical for analytical quality management, along with error models, quality-assessment models, quality-planning models, as well as comprehensive models for quality management systems. There are also critical underlying issues, such as an emphasis on MU to the possible exclusion of TAE and a corresponding preference for separate precision and bias goals instead of a combined total error goal. This opinion recommends careful consideration of the differences in the concepts of accuracy and traceability and the appropriateness of different measures, particularly TAE as a measure of accuracy and MU as a measure of traceability. TAE is essential to manage quality within a medical laboratory and MU and trueness are essential to achieve comparability of results across laboratories. With this perspective, laboratory scientists can better understand the many measures and models needed for analytical quality management and assess their usefulness for practical applications in medical laboratories.
Birth season predicts the values of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in adulthood
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Salvagno Gian Luca , Montagnana Martina , Danese Elisa , Guidi Gian Cesare 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a simple measure of anisocytosis, may predict the risk of adverse clinical outcomes in both the general population and in patients with severe pathologies. Since it was also shown that the birth season influences the lifetime disease risk, this study was aimed to investigate whether an association may exist between adult RDW values and birth season.The study population consisted in healthy Caucasian blood donors aged 18 or older, undergoing routine laboratory testing before regular blood donation.Overall, 6122 healthy blood donors were included in this study (median age 41 years; 1807 women and 4315 men). Age, sex, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) but not hemoglobin and hematocrit were found to be independent predictors of RDW. When the study population was classified according to birth season, a significant difference was found for RDW values, but not for age, sex, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV and MCH. Subjects born in spring exhibited RDW values generally higher compared to those born in other seasons, reaching statistical significance when compared to those born in summer and winter. In particular, subjects born in spring had a 33% (p=0.014) higher probability of displaying increased RDW values in adulthood compared to those with summer birth.Despite additional studies that are needed to confirm these original findings, the evidence that a significant link exists between birth season and adult anisocytosis provides a plausible explanation for the association between birth season and lifetime disease risk.
Anthocyanins profile, total phenolics and antioxidant activity of two Romanian red grape varieties: Feteascǎ neagrǎ and Bǎbeascǎ neagrǎ (Vitis vinifera)
Authors: Constantin Oana Emilia , Skrt Mihaela , Poklar Ulrih Natasa , Râpeanu Gabriela 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe phenolic composition of Fetească neagră and Băbească neagră grapes from Dealul Bujorului vineyard (south-east Romania) was studied using the spectrophotometric and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods. The results revealed significant differences between these cultivars. Total anthocyanins ranged from 0.22-5.98 mg g
Structural, Thermodynamic, Elastic, and Electronic Properties of α-SnS at High Pressure from First-Principles Investigations
Authors: Liu Chun Mei , Xu Chao , Duan Man Yi 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
SnS has potential technical applications, but many of its properties are still not well studied. In this work, the structural, thermodynamic, elastic, and electronic properties of α-SnS have been investigated by the plane wave pseudo-potential density functional theory with the framework of generalised gradient approximation. The calculated pressure-dependent lattice parameters agree well with the available experimental data. Our thermodynamic properties of α-SnS, including heat capacity C

P
, entropy S, and Gibbs free energy relation of –(G

T
–H
0) curves, show similar growth trends as the experimental data. At T=298.15 K, our C

P
=52.31 J/mol·K, S=78.93 J/mol·K, and –(G

T
–H
0)=12.03 J/mol all agree very well with experimental data C

P
=48.77 J/mol·K and 49.25 J/mol·K, S=76.78 J/mol·K, and –(G

T
–H
0)=12.38 J/mol. The elastic constants, together with other elastic properties, are also computed. The anisotropy analyses indicate obvious elastic anisotropy for α-SnS along different symmetry planes and axes. Moreover, calculations demonstrate that α-SnS is an indirect gap semiconductor, and it transforms to semimetal with pressure increasing up to 10.2 GPa. Combined with the density of states, the characters of the band structure have been analysed in detail.
Synthesis of androstanopyridine and pyrimidine compounds as novel activators of the tumor suppressor protein p53
Authors: Hussein Mohamed M.M. , Amr Abd El-Galil E. , Abdalla Mohamed M. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Safwat Hany M. , Elgamal Mohamed H. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
A series of androstane derivatives 2–16 were synthesized from 3β-hydroxyandrostan-17-one derivatives (1a–e). Compounds (1a,b) were treated with ethyl cyanoacetate, cyanoacetamide, or malononitrile and gave the corresponding derivatives 2–7, respectively. Additionally, compounds (1a–e) were condensed with cyanothioacetamide, urea, or guanidine hydrochloride afforded the corresponding derivatives 8–12, which then by Moffat oxidation gave the oxidized derivatives 9, 11 and 13, respectively. Finally, compound (1) condensed with acetyl acetone or ethyl acetoacetate gave cyclohexene derivatives (14a–c) and (15a,b), respectively. Compound 15 was oxidized with a Moffat oxidizing agent and afforded the corresponding oxidized compound 16. The newly synthesized compounds activated the tumor suppressor p53 in cancer cells through inhibition of the p53-specific ubiquitin E3 ligase HDM2.
Recombinant human thyrotropin preparation for adjuvant radioiodine treatment in children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Handkiewicz-Junak Daria , Gawlik Tomasz , Rozkosz Jozef , Puch Zbigniew , Michalik Barbara , Gubala Elżbieta , Krajewska Jolanta , Kluczewska Aneta , Jarzab Barbara 
Published: October 2015

AimAlthough recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) is widely used in treating differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), almost all clinical investigation has been in adults. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate outcomes of adjuvant, rhTSH-aided radioiodine treatment in children/adolescents with DTC and to compare them to131I therapy duringl-thyroxin withdrawal (THW).MethodsPatients with the diagnosis of DTC who were ≤18 years of age and had no signs of persistent disease at the time of131I treatment were included; 48 patients were treated after rhTSH (rhTSH group) and 82 after THW group. The median time of follow-up after therapy was 67 months and was longer in the THW group (99 vs 43 months,P<0.05).ResultsOn the day of131I administration, all but one patient had TSH levels above 25 μIU/ml. Peak TSH concentration was significantly higher in the rhTSH group (152 μIU/ml vs 91 μIU/ml). Similarly, the thyroglobulin concentration was higher in the rhTSH group (9.7 ng/ml vs 1.8 ng/ml). No side effects requiring medical intervention were recorded after rhTSH administration. The evaluation of disease outcomes during TSH stimulation (6–18 months after131I treatment) revealed equal rates of thyroid ablation (71%) in both groups. During subsequent follow-up, five patients showed recurrence (P>0.05).ConclusionsIn children/adolescents, rhTSH-aided adjuvant radioiodine treatment is associated with rates of remnant ablation and short-term recurrence similar to THW. As this preparation has several advantages over THW, rhTSH may become the preferred method of TSH stimulation once studies of long-term outcomes show non-inferiority to THW in this age group.
A Solution to the Problems? Regulation 1/2003 and the modernization of competition procedure
Authors: Montag Frank , Rosenfeld Andreas 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
On 16th December 2002 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No. 1/2003 on the implementation of rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty. This Regulation will not only replace the 40-year-old Regulation 17/ 62 but constitutes a radical reform of EC competition law enforcement. The purpose of this article is to analyse the basic principles of the new Regulation and the implications for current and future competition proceedings.
Anwendung der Kartellverfahrensordnung (EG) Nr. 1/2003 durch nationale Gerichte
Authors: Hirsch Günter 
Published: October 2015

Zusammenfassung
Das europäische Kartellrecht erfahrt zum 1. Mai 2004 einen tiefgreifenden Systemwechsel. Damit soll die Kommission, die gegenwärtig weitgehend das Durchsetzungsmonopol für das EG-Wettbewerbsrecht hat, entlastet werden, um sich starker auf die Wettbewerbspolitik und die Bekämpfung der Hard-core-Kartelle konzentrieren zu können. Dies soll insbesondere durch die unmittelbare Anwendbarkeit des Art. 81 Abs. 3 EGV, durch eine Dezentralisierung der Kartellanwendung und durch eine Ausdehnung des Anwendungsbereichs von Art. 81 EGV erreicht werden. Diese Änderungen schlagen unmittelbar auf die einzelstaatlichen Gerichte durch, die eine wesentliche Aufgabe bei der Anwendung der gemeinschaftlichen Wettbewerbsregeln erfüllen. Sie müssen sich auf eine neue Rechtslage mit einer Fülle oftener Fragen bei dem anzuwendenden materiellen Recht und im Verfahren einstellen.
Clinical Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on Pediatric Hospitalist Practice, a 5-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: McCulloh Russell J. , Queen Mary Ann , Lee Brian , Yu Diana , Stach Leslie , Goldman Jennifer , Myers Angela , Pate Brian , Newland Jason G. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Hospitalists increasingly serve as the primary physicians for children hospitalized with infections. Consequently, hospitalists frequently interact with institutional antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Understanding how these services interact can inform ongoing practice improvement efforts. The objectives of this study were to identify factors associated with ASP recommendations among hospitalist-managed children, and to determine the association of ASP interventions with clinical outcomes for hospitalist-managed patients.

METHODS:
We retrospectively analyzed ASP reviews of hospitalist patients from a children’s hospital from March 2008 to June 2013. Clinical factors associated with an ASP recommendation were determined. Length of stay and 30-day readmission were compared between cases of agreement and disagreement with ASP recommendations.

RESULTS:
The ASP reviewed 2163 hospitalist patients, resulting in 350 recommendations (16.2% of reviews). Hospitalists agreed with ASP recommendations in 86.9% of cases. The odds of an ASP recommendation decreased during the study period. Ceftriaxone was the most common antibiotic associated with a recommendation (154/350, 44.0%); community-acquired pneumonia was the most common diagnosis (105/350, 30.0%). Antibiotic discontinuation was the most often recommendation; hospitalists most often disagreed with consulting infectious diseases. Disagreement with ASP recommendations was associated with a decreased length of stay of 15.4 (95% confidence interval –33.2 to 1.1) hours but not 30-day readmission prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS:
Pediatric hospitalists and ASPs can form an effective collaboration that improves antibiotic use while providing safe care. Better characterization of the areas of disagreement between hospitalists and ASPs is needed. Future studies are needed to identify ASP strategies that will be beneficial in other hospitalist settings.
A Brief Inpatient Intervention Using a Short Video to Promote Reduction of Child Tobacco Smoke Exposure
Authors: Walley Susan Chu , Chime Chioma , Powell Jamie , Walker Karlene , Burczyk-Brown Jennifer , Funkhouser Ellen 
Published: October 2015

OBJECTIVES:
Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) increases the risk for respiratory-related disease and hospitalizations. The hypothesis of this study was that a brief intervention (which included a motivational video) provided to parents and caregivers during their child’s hospitalization would be associated with improved knowledge and behavior changes that may reduce the child’s TSE.

METHODS:
Parents and caregivers of children hospitalized for respiratory illnesses with TSE were recruited between June and December 2012. They completed a questionnaire to determine baseline knowledge regarding the health effects of smoke exposure. The intervention included a motivational video, written smoking cessation materials, and referral to the state quitline. The questionnaire was repeated after the intervention; telephone follow-up at 1 and 3 months included knowledge questions and assessed behavior changes. Paired t tests were used to compare preintervention and postintervention knowledge scores.

RESULTS:
A total of 167 parents/caregivers were enrolled. The mean preintervention knowledge score was high at 5.4 of 6, which improved for 60 parents/caregivers (36%, P &lt; .001) after the intervention and was sustained at follow-up. Follow-up was obtained from 123 (74%) parents/caregivers, and 90% reported behavior changes to reduce TSE. There was a 13% reported quit rate among the 99 parents/caregivers who smoked (95% confidence interval: 7–21). Other behavior changes reported included initiating home and vehicle smoking bans, discussing reduction of the child’s smoke exposure, and showing the video to others. Improvement in knowledge after this brief intervention was associated with reported initiation of home and vehicle smoking bans (P &lt; .01).

CONCLUSIONS:
Parents and caregivers of smoke-exposed children hospitalized for respiratory illnesses had high baseline knowledge of the effects of TSE. A brief intervention that included a motivational video was associated with reported behavior changes in parents/caretakers that decreased second- and third-hand smoke. Improvement of knowledge was associated with institution of home and vehicle smoking bans.