bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospering in Tough Economic Times Through Loyal Customers
Authors: Anderson Rolph , Swaminathan Srinivasan , Mehta Rajiv 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
In severe economic downturns, only a few business leaders have the courage and wisdom to invest in customer loyalty to increase profits instead of reflexively cutting costs to try to maintain falling profit margins. Moreover, the usual research and advice tends to focus on how companies can effectively and efficiently reduce costs in order to survive an economic decline. This study contributes to the literature by offering a fresh look at how best to respond in tough economic times by examining companies who have responded traditionally with cost cutting strategies versus companies who instead have invested in customer loyalty. We make the unique and contrarian argument that the latter strategy can be the superior business strategy, which underscores the originality of this investigation. Thus, the purpose of this study is to highlight why investing resources in creating and retaining loyal customers is the best strategy for companies to survive and prosper in tough economic conditions while simultaneously gaining longer-run competitive advantage. Based on quantitative and qualitative survey research methodology, the study findings identify and explain key customer loyalty measures, including: customization for customers, communication interactivity, nurturing of customers, commitment to customers, customer sharing networks, customer focused product assortments, facile exchanges, and customer engagement. Perceptive company executives will measure, benchmark, and regularly compare their performances on these key customer loyalty measures with different customer groups versus their company's past performances, managerial goals, and competitors, then make appropriate adjustments to retain their loyal customers and prosper during tough economic times.
Reconstructing Class Sport Practices in Post-Communist Poland
Authors: Lenartowicz Michał , JankowskiC Krzysztof W. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The article analyzes the changes in attitude of Poles towards sport and recreational activities as well as their participation in these disciplines between the period before system transformations and the present day. Based on examples from literature and own studies, we have observed that Poles have shown a growing interest in sport and recreational activities. Moreover, social diversity of participants in this field has been noted. Sport disciplines and diverse recreational activities perceived as "bourgeois" during the socialist period are becoming more popular among members of the middle and upper classes as potential attractive and clear markers of social status. Interest in sport, skills, knowledge, and sports equipment and outfit in such disciplines as sailing, horse riding, golf, and hunting are thus becoming distinctive social markers. These factors are adopted in the reconstruction of sports practiced by members of different social classes. The continuity of sport practice was abruptly interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War and the following half-century of socialism
The Effects of Multimedia Computer- Assisted Instruction on Learning Basic Ballet Skills with Physical Education Students
Authors: El-Moneim Doaa Abd 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Computer technology has become an integral part of physical education, yet there have been few studies exploring the use of multimedia technology in the instruction of Physical Education. The purpose of this study was to investigate if multimedia technology affected the learning of basic ballet skills. A total of 32 female students, mean age 18.1 years, studying at the Faculty of Physical Education Zagazig university were divided into two groups. The experimental group comprised 16 students. Participants in this group participated in a ballet class with multimedia technology for six weeks. Group two participated in the ballet class with the traditional method as the control group. Parameters assessed height, weight, age, and academic level. All participants were free of any disorders known to affect performance, such as bone fractures, osteoporosis, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. Participants reported no use of anti-seizure drugs or alcohol. In addition, all participants were fully informed of the aims of the study, and gave their voluntary consent prior to participation. The measurement procedures were in accordance with ethical human experimentation. All statistical analyses were calculated with the SPSS statistical package. Results indicated significant differences between the two groups in learning the basic skills and levels of knowledge of ballet. Applying the proposed educational program meant using multimedia to teach basic ballet skills to second-year female students enrolled in the Faculty of Physical Education
The Relationship between Profitability, Innovation and Technology Gap: A Basic Model
Authors: Krčál Ondřej 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This paper introduces a model of innovation that explains some of the stylized facts presented in recent empirical literature. In the model, firms choose R&D expenditures that maximize their expected profits under the assumption that R&D expenditures of firms might be constrained by the size of their profits. Optimal decisions of firms generate relationships between profitability and innovation of individual firms that may create the observed patterns at the industry level. In particular, the model is able to explain an inverted-U relationship between profitability and innovation in the industry together with decreasing or flat and concave relationships between profitability and the dispersion of productivity in the industry. Additionally, the paper investigates the parameter space for which the model generates the observed relationships.
The SGP – Faulty by Design or Made Faulty by Politicians? An Assessment Based on a Simulation Model
Authors: Horáková Šárka , Jahoda Robert 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
By joining the European Monetary Union (the “EMU”), member countries lost the ability to use monetary policy as a tool for macroeconomic regulation. The attention was then focused on regulation of fiscal policy and Stability and Growth Pact (the “SGP”) was the instrument agreed upon. The states of the EMU have agreed to meet the 3% of GDP requirement for the maximum annual public budget deficit. Based on evolution of public debt in member countries, we can say that the SGP has failed as a tool for fiscal discipline. In this paper, we answer the question of whether the failure was due to the incorrect concept of the SGP or whether the development of the debt was affected more by arbitrary disrespect of the agreed rules. The two reasons mentioned above are interdependent. To separate them, we construct a dynamic model of EU countries’ public debt. By using real data, we simulate the potential values of public debt in a situation where the SGP rules have been respected in recent years. Comparing the results for the potential debt given by simulation of the model with the current real values, we are able to quantify the impact of non-compliance for each country. The initial results indicate that there are both EU states where non-compliance led to a negligible increase in public debt - up to 7% of GDP - and other states where this factor caused the growth of public debt by more than 30% of GDP.
Surgical Treatment of A Dissecting Aneurysm of the Superior Cerebellar Artery: Case Report
Authors: Stefanescu Florin , Dima Stefanita , Petrinel Radoi Mugurel 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Dissecting aneurysm located in the peripheral region of the superior cerebellar artery is very rare. There is little experience regarding their surgical or endovascular treatment. We present the case of a peripheral dissecting superior cerebellar artery aneurysm treated by surgical clipping.
Estrogen, Estrogen Receptors and Rupture of Brain Aneurysms: Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Navas-Marrugo Sandy Zuleica , Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Gutierrez-Paternina Juan Jose , Alcala-Cerra Gabriel , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Estrogen, is involved in much of the life women lives, having great importance in many functions of the female body including the definition of secondary sexual characters, but also has been linked as protective factor regard to catastrophic events such as cerebral aneurysms, probably related to estrogen deficiency and described high incidence in menopausal women. It is known the effects of estrogen on vascular physiology and pathophysiologic mechanisms with potential therapeutic implications. We present a brief review focused in the role of estrogens and the rupture of cerebral aneurysms.
Return to system within 30 days of discharge following pediatric non-shunt surgery
Authors: Sarda Samir , Bookland Markus , Chu Jason , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Miller Matthew P. , Reisner Stephen B. , Yun Philip H. , Chern Joshua J. 
Published: October 2014

Object
Hospital readmission after discharge is a commonly used quality measure. In a previous study, the authors had documented the rate of readmission and reoperation after pediatric CSF shunt surgery. This study documents the rate of readmission and reoperation after pediatric neurosurgical procedures excluding those related to CSF shunts.

Methods
Between May 1, 2009, and April 30, 2013, 3098 non-shunt surgeries during 2924 index admissions were performed at a single institution. Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics were prospectively collected in the administrative, business, and clinical databases. Clinical events within the 30 days following discharge were reviewed and analyzed. The following events of interest were analyzed for risk factor associations using multivariate logistic regression: return to the emergency department (ED), all-cause readmission, readmission to the neurosurgical service, and reoperation.

Results
The number of all-cause readmissions within 30 days of discharge was 304 (10.4%, 304/2924). Admission sources consisted of the ED (n = 173), hospital transfers (n = 47), and others (n = 84). One hundred eighty of the 304 readmissions were associated with an operation, but only 153 were performed by the neurosurgical service (reoperation rate = 5.2%). These procedures included wound revisions (n = 30) and first-time shunt insertions (n = 35). The remaining 124 readmissions were nonsurgical, and only 54 were admitted to the neurosurgical service for issues related to the index non-shunt surgery. Thus, the rate of related readmission was 7.1% ([153 + 54]/2924). A longer length of stay and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit during the index admission were associated with an increased likelihood of return to the ED and readmission. Certain procedures, such as baclofen pump insertion and intracranial pressure monitor placement, were also found to be associated with adverse clinical events in the 30-day period. Lastly, patients were more likely to a undergo reoperation if the index procedure had started after 3 p.m.

Conclusions
The all-cause readmission rate within 30 days of discharge after a pediatric neurosurgical procedure was 10.4%, and the rate of related readmission was 7.1%. Whether these readmissions are preventable and to what extent they are preventable requires further study.
Putative height acceleration following tethered cord release in children
Authors: Foster Kimberly A. , Lam Sandi , Lin Yimo , Greene Stephanie 
Published: October 2014

Object
Tethered cord (TC) is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the normal movement of the spinal cord. A TC can be unmasked by a cutaneous abnormality or manifest clinically in myriad neurological, urological, and orthopedic symptoms. The relationship between TC and height is previously unknown. This study investigates the association between TC release and changes in height profiles in the pediatric population.

Methods
Fifty-two children undergoing first-time TC release at a single institution were examined retrospectively. Clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, pre- and postoperative height, and height-for-age percentiles were recorded and analyzed.

Results
Children with TC experienced a statistically significant increase in age-adjusted height percentiles after TC release (p = 0.0028), with a mean increase of 7 percentile points (from 48.1st to 54.9th percentile). When stratified by age, children 5 years or older (5–18 years) demonstrated a mean percentile increase of 10 percentile points (from 46.7th to 56.4th percentile) (p = 0.0001). Among the same age group, this effect scaled significantly with age (p = 0.02, beta coefficient −1.3). There was no significant difference in height-for-age after detethering surgery in children younger than 5 years. There was no significant association between the presence of clinical symptoms or specific radiographic findings and height outcomes after surgery. Overall, 56% of TC-related clinical symptoms improved after detethering (mean follow-up 4.6 months). Among children younger than 5 years, 82% of TC-related clinical symptoms improved after detethering (average follow-up 4.5 months); in children 5–18 years, 47% of symptoms improved after detethering (average follow-up 4.8 months).

Conclusions
The authors observed a statistically significant gain in height-for-age percentiles in children undergoing surgical release of TC. The authors' data suggest that such gains may be more significant in older children (≥ 5 years) and the increase appears to scale positively with youth in the older cohort. In this study, postoperative height gains did not appear to correlate with the presence of TC-related clinical symptoms or radiographic findings. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate any potential correlation between release of TC and height changes in children postoperatively.
Neurosurgical treatment of pediatric low-grade midbrain tumors: a single consecutive institutional series of 15 patients
Authors: Lundar Tryggve , Due-Tønnessen Bernt Johan , Egge Arild , Scheie David , Brandal Petter , Stensvold Einar , Due-Tønnessen Paulina 
Published: October 2014

Object
The authors delineate the long-term results of surgical treatment for pediatric low-grade midbrain glioma.

Methods
A series of 15 consecutive patients (age range 0–15 years) who underwent primary tumor resection for a low-grade midbrain glioma during the years 1989–2010 were included in this retrospective study on surgical morbidity, mortality rate, academic achievement, and/or work participation. Gross motor function and activities of daily living were scored according to the Barthel Index.

Results
Of the 15 patients, 10 were in their 1st decade (age 0–9 years) and 5 were in their 2nd decade of life (age 10–15 years) at the time of surgery. The male/female ratio was 0.50 (5:10). No patients were lost to follow-up. One patient died in the postoperative period (32 days posttreatment). Another 2 patients died during follow-up. One patient succumbed to acute bleeding in the resection cavity 8 months after surgery, and the other died of shunt failure 21 years after initial treatment. Twelve patients are alive at the time of this writing, with follow-up periods from 3 to 24 years (median 8 years).
Among the 12 survivors, the Barthel Index scores were normal (100) in 11 patients and 80 in 1 patient. A total of 25 tumor resections were performed. In 1 patient, further resection was performed 5 days after initial resection due to MRI-confirmed residual tumor. Another 5 patients underwent repeat tumor resection after MRI-confirmed progressive tumor disease and clinical deterioration ranging from 3 months to 4 years after the initial operation. Three of these 5 patients also underwent a third resection, and 1 of the 3 underwent a fourth operation. Six children received adjuvant therapy: local radiotherapy in 2 patients, chemotherapy in 3 patients, and both in 1 patient. Twelve (80%) of the 15 patients needed treatment for persistent hydrocephalus.

Conclusions
Selected cases of low-grade midbrain gliomas may clearly benefit from resection with favorable results, even for prolonged periods. Three patients in the present series died, one of whom had a prolonged survival period of 21 years. Among the 12 survivors, stable long-term results appeared obtainable in at least 9. One patient died of acute hemorrhage 8 months after initial resection; otherwise, rapid tumor progression and death were not observed. Forty percent of the patients received adjuvant treatment, with local radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both.
Magnetic resonance imaging localization with cod liver oil capsules for the minimally invasive approach to small intradural extramedullary tumors of the thoracolumbar spine
Authors: Turel Mazda K. , Rajshekhar Vedantam 
Published: October 2014

Object
Accurate intraoperative localization of small intradural extramedullary thoracolumbar (T-1 to L-3 level) spinal cord tumors is vital when minimally invasive techniques, such as hemilaminectomy, are used to excise these lesions. In this study, the authors describe a simple and effective method of preoperative MRI localization of small intradural extramedullary tumors using cod liver oil capsules.

Methods
Thirty-five patients with intradural tumors underwent preoperative MRI localization the evening prior to surgery. Patients were positioned prone in the MRI gantry, mimicking the intraoperative position. Nine capsules were placed in 3 rows to cover the lesion. This localization was used to guide the level for a minimally invasive approach using a hemilaminectomy to excise these tumors.

Results
The mean patient age was 51.5 ± 14.3 years, and the mean body mass index was 24.1 ± 3.5 kg/m2. Twenty-two tumors involved the thoracic spine, and 13 involved the upper lumbar spine from L-1 to L-3. The mean tumor size was 2.2 ± 1.0 cm. Localization was accurate in 34 patients (97.1%).

Conclusions
Accurate localization with the described method is quick, safe, cost-effective, and noninvasive with no exposure to radiation. It also reduces operating time by eliminating the need for intraoperative fluoroscopy.
Géographie morte-vivante. Les espaces indéterminés des zombies
Authors: Borzakian Manouk 
Published: October 2014

Le succès croissant, depuis la fin des années 1960, des films de zombies, atteste de leur capacité à entrer en résonance avec les préoccupations de la société nord-américaine, ce que confirme la réappropriation par Hollywood de ce genre issu du cinéma indépendant. Cet article analyse en détails six films réalisés par George Romero, précurseur du genre. Il montre que la figure du zombie s’inscrit dans un mouvement d’identification par la société nord-américaine d’une altérité nouvelle car interne, génératrice d’une menace inédite contre sa cohésion. Corollairement, les films de zombies reposent sur une logique de retranchement de leurs personnages, de mise à distance immunitaire de l’Autre, et véhiculent les représentations d’un espace dénué de sens et désocialisé, traduction de l’effondrement de l’état de droit et d’une angoisse existentielle face à une perte de sens de l’espace.
Bien pratiquer la nature... pour protéger les Calanques ?
Authors: Ginelli Ludovic , Marquet Vincent , Deldrève Valérie 
Published: October 2014

En œuvrant à la protection du massif des Calanques de Marseille dès la fin du xix e siècle, des associations excursionnistes ont aussi élaboré et prescrit son bon usage, alors hygiéniste et érudit. Ces acteurs et leurs valeurs n’ont plus le monopole de cette définition. Aujourd’hui « doux » et éclectique plutôt que « sain » et élitiste, le « bon usage » du site se serait‑il démocratisé ? Cette interrogation trouve une acuité particulière avec la création récente du Parc national des Calanques.
A Low Cost Implementation of an Existing Hands-on Laboratory Experiment in Electronic Engineering
Authors: Onime Clement , Zennaro Marco , Uhomoibhi James 
Published: October 2014

In engineering the pedagogical content of most formative programmes includes a significant amount of practical laboratory hands-on activity designed to deliver knowledge acquisition from actual experience alongside traditional face-to-face classroom based lectures and tutorials; this hands-on aspect is not always adequately addressed by current e-learning platforms.
An innovative approach to e-learning in engineering, named computer aided engineering education (CAEE) is about the use of computer aids for the enhanced, interactive delivery of educational materials in different fields of engineering through two separate but related components; one for classroom and another for practical hands-on laboratory work. The component for hands-on laboratory practical work focuses on the use of mixed reality (video-based augmented reality) tools on mobile devices/platforms.
This paper presents the computer aided engineering education (CAEE) implementation of a laboratory experiment in micro-electronics that highlights some features such as the ability to closely implement an existing laboratory based hands-on experiment with lower associated costs and the ability to conduct the experiment off-line while maintaining existing pedagogical contents and standards.
Applying Chosen Teaching Methods in Technical Education
Authors: Noga Henryk 
Published: October 2014

Education, also the technical one, is supposed to prepare students for adult life, not only by providing them with ready-made knowledge, but first of all by equipping students with an ability to learn, gather and select information. Active methods influence students’ senses, allowing for a better understanding and remembering the subject matter.
The study shows some didactic methods used in technical education. The attention has been aid to inventive, exploratory, and inventive-exploratory methods.
Determining the instar of mountain pine beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae by the width of their head capsules
Authors: Bleiker K.P. , Régnière J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCut-points to distinguish larval instars of the mountain pine beetle (MPB), Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), from the measurement of head-capsule width were determined using a maximum likelihood approach. The cut-points that distinguish the four instars are suitable to classify individual larvae from field populations collected from lodgepole pine Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelmann (Pinaceae) or jack pine (P. banksiana Lambert)×lodgepole pine hybrids throughout most of the beetle’s current range in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. The ability to designate the instar of field-collected larvae will facilitate the calibration of phenology and populations models that assess the climatic suitability of habitats and the potential for MPB to continue expanding its range.