bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demand Dynamics in the Seasonal Goods Industry: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Soysal Gonca P. , Krishnamurthi Lakshman 
Published: April 2012

This study develops and estimates a dynamic model of consumer choice behavior in markets for seasonal goods, where products are sold over a finite season and availability is limited. In these markets, retailers often use dynamic markdown policies in which an initial retail price is announced at the beginning of the season and the price is subsequently marked down as the season progresses. Strategic consumers face a trade-off between purchasing early in the season, when prices are higher but goods are available, and purchasing later, when prices are lower but the stockout risk is higher. If the good starts providing utility as soon as it is purchased (e.g., apparel), consumers purchasing earlier in the season can also get more use from the product compared to those purchasing later. Our structural model incorporates three features essential for modeling the demand for seasonal goods: changing prices, limited availability, and possible dependence of total consumption utility on the time of purchase. In this model, heterogeneous consumers have expectations about future prices and product availability, and they strategically time their purchases. We estimate the model using aggregate sales and inventory data from a fashion goods retailer. The results indicate that, in the fashion goods context, ignoring consumers' expectations about future availability or the change in total consumption utility over the season can lead to biased demand estimates. We find that strategic consumers delay their purchases to take advantage of markdowns and that these strategic delays hurt the retailer's revenues. Retailer revenues facing strategic consumers are 9% lower than they would have been facing myopic consumers. Limited availability, on the other hand, reduces the extent of strategic delays by motivating consumers to purchase earlier. We find that the impact of strategic delays on retailer revenues would have been as high as 35% if there were no stockout risk. By means of counterfactual experiments, we show that the highest retailer profits are achieved by offering small markdowns early in the season. On the other hand, given current markdown percentages, the retailer can improve profits by carrying less stock as consumers accelerate purchases and purchase at higher prices when they anticipate scarcity in future periods. As long as the reduction in availability is not great, the profit gain from earlier higher-priced sales can overcome the loss resulting from the reduction in overall sales.
Validation of the Dutch Version of the Itching Cognitions Questionnaire
Authors: Huizinga Janneke , van Os-Medendorp Harmieke , Ros Wynand J. G. , Grypdonck Mieke , Lablans Jos A. M. , Dijkstra Geke J. 
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Dutch Itching Cognitions Questionnaire (ICQ). This by origin German questionnaire, the Juckreiz Kognitons Fragebogen consists of two subscales: catastrophizing and helpless coping and problem-focused coping, and measures itch-related coping. The results were compared with the German and Japanese validation studies. The Dutch ICQ was completed by 171 patients with chronic pruritic skin diseases. Reliability was evaluated by determining internal consistency, mean inter-item correlation, and item–total correlation. Cronbach’s alpha was .90 (catastrophizing and helpless coping) and .81 (problem-focused coping). The mean inter-item correlations for the subscales were .48 (catastrophizing and helpless coping) and .30 (problem-focused coping). The item–total correlations range from .57 to .76 (catastrophizing and helpless coping) and from .32 to .57 (problem-focused coping).Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit of the model and support construct validity. Concurrent validity was determined by examining correlations of the ICQ with intensity of itching and scratching, depression, and anxiety. The correlations of the subscale catastrophizing and helpless coping with intensity of itching and intensity of scratching are .28 (p < .01) and .32 (p < .01), respectively. The correlation between the subscale problem-focused coping and intensity of itching is .23 (p < .01). No significant correlation exists between problem-focused coping and intensity of scratching. Correlations between both subscales and anxiety and depression vary from .33 to .58 (p < .01). It was concluded that the Dutch version of the ICQ is a reliable and valid instrument.
Physiological Responses of Emergency Service Personnel Performing Urban Search and Rescue
Authors: Carter J. M. , Wilkinson D. M. , Richmond V. L. , Rayson M. P. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Description
A field study reporting physiological data collected on UK fire-fighters performing urban search and rescue.

Applications
Contribute to the safety of personnel operating in hostile environments within the oil and gas industry through the use of ‘live’ physiological monitoring Guide future working practices regarding work:rest schedules and human physical capabilities.

Methods
Eighteen USAR fire-fighters performed two 180 minute work bouts separated by a 90 minute recovery period. Each bout involved: debris removal allowing collapsed building access; penetrating two concrete slabs; casualty rescue. Data collection: core and skin temperature, heart rate, sweat rate; ratings of exertion and discomfort.

Results
Work duration was shorter and casualty extraction rate higher in the second bout. Body temperature response was similar between bouts, indicating the recovery period was sufficient for cooling purposes. Peak core temperatures were 37.8 °C to 39.0 °C Heart rate response was similar between bouts, equating to ‘light-to-moderate’ work, while sweat rate averaged 0.42 L.h-1. Interestingly, fire-fighters began the second bout with a lower body mass compared to the first (-0.4 ± 0.5 kg, p&lt;0.01), suggesting that insufficient fluids were consumed during the recovery period to replace fluid lost during the initial bout.

Conclusions
Under the thermo-neutral conditions studied, all participants successfully coped with the physical demands of repetitive bouts. The thermal and cardiovascular responses were moderate and performance on the second bout was not substantially degraded, with a greater casualty extraction rate compared to the first bout. Further work is required to determine the physical demands of multi-day USAR deployments, as well as in hot and humid environments.

Technical Contributions
Describes a variety of physiological monitoring equipment that could be employed within the oil and gas industry Provides physiological data on work:rest ratios that could inform working practices of emergency personnel within the oil and gas industry.
The Active Workplace Programme: An Initiative to Increase Physical Activity in Office-Based Employees
Authors: Loney T.. , Carter J. M. , Linnane D. M. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Description
The Active Workplace Programme was a three-week initiative to increase physical activity within an office worksite in Abu Dhabi. Twenty-four employees (10 male) were provided with a pedometer to monitor their daily step count which was recorded at the end of their shift. Employees were equally divided into two teams and competed over a number of daily and weekly pedometer-based physical activity challenges, ranging from a virtual footrace from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi to the Bmj Khalifa stair climbing contest. The office environment was modified to encourage physical activity and changes included transforming the main building thoroughfare into a dynamic walkway by installing various obstacles (e.g. minitrampolines, 12-inch hurdles, a hop scotch grid, step-up benches) and providing offices with stretching mats, Swiss balls, and cycle ergometers for employee use throughout the day. Each day of the week focussed on a different activity such as Walk & Talk Sunday when active meetings were promoted and Office Yoga Wednesday when employees were encouraged to participate in desk station yoga workouts.

Applications
Workplaces are important arenas for health promotion and the Active Workplace Programme can be implemented in any occupational setting allowing physical activity to be engineered into the daily work schedule without interfering with occupational duties.

Results, Observations and Conclusions
Mean (± SD) daily step count increased from 4999 ± 3776 steps/day at baseline to 6482 ± 4674 steps/day at the end of the programme (P=.063, effect size = 0.34). The Active Workplace Programme increased ambulatory physical activity over a three week period and has shown that a pedometer offers a practical, while cost-effective approach to increasing daily physical activity in office-based employees.

Significance of Subject Matter/Technical Contributions
Direct costs to the petroleum industry of morbidity attributed to non-communicable disease are rising; hence, workplace prevention programmes are urgently required. In addition to increasing occupational physical activity, implementing the Active Workplace Programme within the petroleum industry has a number of potential benefits for both the organisation and employees including reducing absenteeism and staff turnover, increasing productivity, and creating a healthier, happier workforce with enhanced staff morale and improved work- life balance.
Emergency Response for Toxic Gas Release Incidents
Authors: Duke Allen C. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Description
The identification and management of business risk is vital for any competitive business, and critically relevant for the oil and gas exploration and production industry because of the catastrophic implications of inadequate risk management.
While companies operating in these environments are well versed in emergency preparedness and response, toxic-gas- release incidents can be exacerbated because of deficiencies in plans or preparedness, highlighting the need for vigilance and advanced expertise in some key areas, some of which are discussed here. A key element of risk assessment and planning is a quality occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS).

Application
During a toxic gas release event, timely information and guidance is a critical component in managing ensuing events. Companies must gather and provide timely information so they can quickly determine:
Safe zones for workers and responders during an event Impact to offsite and surrounding community
To get air monitoring results that allow for establishing timely safe zones and understanding offsite impacts, a sound methodology must be established that ensures all hazards and obstacles have been addressed. Potential hazards and their chemical constituents should be identified proactively, insuring that proper sampling guidelines and media are available when an incident occurs. Hazard assessment and emergency response plans (ERP) must cover the specific risk an operator may face, both onsite and offsite, and is crucial in addressing the risk in a timely and economic manner. Establishing a baseline for pre-existing conditions and plume modeling should be key components of ERPs as well as cyclical and timely updating of those plans, from development through project implementation and completion, as conditions change.

Results, Observations, Conclusions
A basic protocol needs to be established that covers several key components, including: contamination assessment, direct reading instruments/real-time monitoring, NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) methodology/identification of local certified laboratories. Additionally, personnel must be properly trained and drilled to ensure they can swiftly and correctly execute these tasks in the event of an incident. This paper explores the various topics and assessments needed to insure a proper hazard assessment and ERP for toxic gas release incidents.
Cancer Awareness Programme "Fight The Silent Killer"
Authors: Al Sanadi Sanad , Madhi Amal Mubarak 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Cancer is a major burden of disease worldwide. Each year, tens of millions of people are diagnosed with cancer around the world, and more than half of the patients eventually die from it. In many countries, cancer ranks the second most common cause of death following cardiovascular diseases. With significant improvement in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancer has or will soon become the number one killer in many parts of the world. As elderly people are most susceptible to cancer and population aging continues in many countries, cancer will remain a major health problem around the globe. For both males and females, the incidence rate of cancer increased substantially with age worldwide.
Innovative HSE Management at Drilling Rigs and Their Components
Authors: Kipker Thomas 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
HSE management at drilling rigs involves many disciplines. These disciplines can be thought of as two pillars that together provide the foundation for effective HSE management at drilling rigs. That the drilling contractor must have an effective management system goes without saying. An effective management system is one that results in work processes designed to ensure the safety of every aspect of a drilling rig's operation. This is normally the responsibility of the drilling contractor and, to a certain extent, of the operator as well. The other pillar this paper is concerned with is the safety of the drilling rig itself – specifically, the safety of the individual machine in a drilling rig. An assembly of machinery consisting of many such machines also must be safe, and it must undergo the appropriate safety inspections. The definition of "safe" machinery is subject to a broad range of national and international legislation that must be considered. In this paper we shall describe which laws must be observed, which aids are used for safety analysis, and how the various laws and directives are implemented in practice by the mechanical engineer. European drilling rig manufacturers who manufacture both the rig and its components have an enormous responsibility.
The construction of appropriately safe components that bear the CE conformity marking and, when necessary, have ATEX confirmation as well. The combination of individual safe machines into one functioning drilling rig system. This drilling rig must be able to demonstrate its functional safety.
This requires compliance with those European standards that have the appropriate worldwide validity and are recognized in the country of operation. One must also determine whether there are other laws in the country of operation that affect the construction of rigs and their components.
Zero Tolerance to Hydrocarbon Leaks; A Multidisciplinary Success
Authors: Duguay Alexandra , Polo Jerome , Pages Benoit , Belgaroui Jed 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Committed to zero tolerance to hydrocarbon release, TOTAL ABK leak task force has developed and implemented an optimized tool for systematic quantification, recording, reporting, identifying root cause and perform trend analysis for all hydrocarbon releases. The innovative solution delivered is a powerful excel datasheet: the leak declaration register. This document is an incredibly simplified electronic tracking tool that integrates creative know how in many aspects of tackling leaks follow up, classification and standardization. The following key improvements were obtained:
An accurate and consistent identification of the leak rate, as well as key factors such as leak size, pressure, category of the leaking equipment, location, etc, A precise quantification of hydrocarbon quantity released independently of the fluid type, A precise mitigation and corrective measures with key person in charge as well as a follow-up of repair status A very detailed classification of the leak but also a standardised root cause identification (degradation of material properties, fatigue, corrosion, inadequate installation or procedure) allowing sound reporting, The ability to perform reliable trend analysis and, based on the current year available, the data allowed a clear focus on selected platforms where a significant higher number of gland leaks was recorded. Thanks to this, an optimized maintenance schedule was delivered, enhancing operational efficiency. A systematic application for classification and reporting.
By consolidating hydrocarbon release data collection, data analysis and reporting, the learnings and improvements can be greatly facilitated. Benefits are to standardize the classification of leaks, improve reporting and trend analysis by having consistent approach.
This work has helped confirm TOTAL ABK's reputation as a facility that values environmental protection, worker health and safety.
H2S Risk Management
Authors: El-Sanabary Mohamed , Macwan Nancy 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Description
This paper is developed for highlighting the required balance between establishment of minimum requirements for PREVENTING accidents related to toxic gas and Oxygen deficiency exposure and being prepared in case of emergency.

Application
By reviewing different toxic gas exposure and Oxygen deficiency related accidents, it was obvious that the majority or almost all of these accidents had taken place due to absence of the prevention minimum requirements; e.g. supervision, permit to work, isolation procedures, risk assessments, training and awareness, work planning, etc.
On the other side, it is observed that many organizations feel confident and satisfied when distributing emergency escape devices and personnel toxic detectors to all personnel while these devices are just to help in case of toxic gas leak or release. In fact they may help or may not help at all - based on many different factors.
Confident and satisfaction can be achieved only when the minimum requirements for prevention are met plus being prepared for emergency situations by having all required prevention means including technical studies for concluding if personal detectors and emergency escape sets are necessary or not.
Personal toxic gas detectors could be not essential if the plant/work area is equipped with fixed hydrocarbons and toxic gas detection systems that can activate different levels of alarms and shutdown which mean more efficient than personal toxic gas detectors which will give only low or high alarm. Single personal toxic gas detectors would not help in case of inert gas or Oxygen deficiency atmosphere.
Additionally, it is observed that some organizations distribute filter type emergency escape devices which could be neither effective nor permitted for certain concentrations of toxic gases or hazardous atmospheres.
Experience showed that without practical training of the simplest types of emergency escape devices, most of personnel would not be able to use them in case of emergency due to lack of practical training plus panic.
Our conclusion is without having the minimum requirements for preventing this type of accidents; accidents would take place whether personal detectors and emergency escape sets are distributed or not (accidents history proving this)
Just for example, the H2S IDLH figure (immediately dangerous to life and health) is 100 ppm which means that there could be no time to put the emergency escape set in case of sudden high H2S gas leak or release. Serious health effect or immediate death would happen at certain levels of exposure for each type of toxic gases including inert gases.
Based on this, the way forward for preventing such type of accidents is to ensure having the minimum requirements of prevention and controls; i.e. supervision, plant maintenance and integrity, plant fire and gas detection, ESD, training and awareness, operation controls including permit to work, isolation, regulations, management of change, etc.
Evaluation of detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in animal blood samples by quantitative PCR
Authors: Luptakova Lenka , Valencakova Alexandra , Balent Pavol , Malcekova Beata , Petrovova Eva 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between the phase of infection (acute or persistent) and the ability of quantitative PCR to detect DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in circulating leukocytes in blood. Methodology: Animal serum samples were examined (50 sheep, 47 dogs, 32 dairy cows, 91 wild boars and 36 rabbits) for the occurrence of IgM and IgG antibodies to T. gondii by ELISA. Uncoagulated blood samples from the same animals were examined for the detection of T. gondii DNA in circulating leukocytes by real-time PCR. Results: Only IgM antibodies, characteristic for acute infection, were detected in 45 of the 256 serum samples (17.6%). Only IgG antibodies, corresponding with chronic infection, were detected in 120 of the 256 samples (46.8%). In 91 of the 256 samples (35.5%) neither IgM or IgG were detected by ELISA. For real-time PCR, animals were divided into three groups based on the serological results: (group I — acute infection, group II — chronic infection, and group III — no infection). In group I, the presence of T. gondii DNA was detected in 9 out of 45 samples (20%), whereas in group II only 1 of 120 samples was positive for T. gondii DNA (0.8%). In group III, no DNA of T. gondii (0/91 samples) was detected by real-time PCR. Significance: The proof of DNA by real-time PCR in IgM positive samples was statistically significant in comparison to IgG positive samples (P<0.0001).
Increased antidepressant-like effect of desipramine combined with central stimulants (caffeine and amphetamine) in mice
Authors: Robles-Molina Evelyn , Millán Daniel , Hong Enrique , Huang Fengyang , Villafaña Santiago 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Desipramine is a widely used antidepressive agent that inhibits the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin, and central stimulants such as caffeine and amphetamine help to release noradrenaline and serotonin. This work aimed to evaluate whether the combination of these agents could produce a stronger antidepressant-like effect than either of the drugs alone. To this end, male mice were treated with different doses of desipramine, caffeine, amphetamine, desipramine-caffeine and desipramine-amphetamine. The results showed that all drugs produced decreased immobility time in the forced swimming model. The combined treatment of desipramine (0.31, 1.0 or 3.1 mg/kg i.p.) with caffeine or amphetamine (0.31 or 1 mg/kg i.p.) reduced immobility time greater than either of those drugs alone. The combined treatment of desipramine (0.31, 1 and 3.1 mg/kg i.p.) with amphetamine or caffeine (0.1 and 1 mg/kg i.p.) did not increase the motor activity significantly compared to the control. These results also suggested that drugs which promote the release of noradrenaline and serotonin could increase antidepressant-like effect of desipramine.