bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fashioning ethical subjectivity: The embodied ethics of entrepreneurial self-formation
Authors: Poldner Kim , Branzei Oana , Steyaert Chris
Published: August 2018

Organizational ethics has attracted increasing attention, but how individuals make sense of themselves as ethical subjects is a yet to be explored domain. The few empirical articles on ethical subjectivity have focused on how people within organizations seek to find a balance between a sense of ethical selfhood and dominant organizational discourse. We are interested in the role of the body and embodied experiences in constructing the entrepreneurial self and how this process unfolds over time. Viewing entrepreneuring as an ethical practice, we rely on a larger study of 58 entrepreneurs and a smaller multi-modal ethnography of three entrepreneurs in the ethical fashion industry. Drawing on the Deleuzian four folds of subjectivity that we employ as an analytical device, the data analysis reveals how our protagonists use the body as sensor, source, and processor in constructing themselves as ethical subjects. Our study complements rational perspectives on ethical decision making in entrepreneurship and establishes the body as a primary mechanism for one’s formation as an ethical subject. Through connecting the body with ethics, we aim to disclose the continuous subtle interaction between morality and materiality in the process of entrepreneuring. Our abductive framework discloses how one’s body prompts and informs the development of moral actions and material artifacts.
Understanding resilience in young people with complex mental health needs: A Delphi study
Authors: Thompson Ellysia-Grace , Knowles Susan Frances , Greasley Pete
Published: August 2018

Background:

Resilience is a term used to describe an individual’s adaptive coping following an adverse experience; it is important for gaining insight into the development of mental health difficulties in young people and their ability to manage adversity, informing both preventive and reactive clinical practice.

Methods:

The Delphi method was used whereby a panel of 15 clinical psychologists rated 67 statements, generated from focus groups with young people and interviews with multi-disciplinary staff, in terms of their importance relating to resilience for young people with complex mental health needs. A consensus level of 85% across the panel was set to include/exclude statements in terms of their importance for resilience.

Results:

Nineteen statements were included in the final list. These were grouped into the following four themes: (1) understanding the self, (2) agency in recovery, (3) interpersonal relationships and (4) therapeutic setting and relationships.

Conclusions:

The results highlight specific resilience factors for young people with complex mental health needs, based upon ratings by clinical psychologists. Recommendations are made which focus upon how to promote resilience within this specific population. These include offering secure therapeutic relationships and a safe environment for young people to make decisions, develop a greater understanding of themselves, and build relationships and a sense of connection with others, both within the specialist mental health service and upon discharge.
Comparisons of Koreans, Korean Americans, and White Americans regarding deceased organ donation
Authors: Park Hee Sun , Ryu Ji Youn , Oh Yoo Jung
Published: August 2018

This study examined social responsibility and individual right perception as factors related to intention to register and to intention to avoid registering in an organ donor registry among Koreans in South Korea, Korean Americans, and White Americans in the United States. Findings showed that compared to Korean and Korean Americans, White Americans considered social responsibility to a larger extent in forming intention to avoid registering in an organ donor registry. On the contrary, the relationship between individual right and intention to avoid registering did not statistically differ among Koreans, Korean Americans, and White Americans. Other findings and implications thereof are discussed in more detail.
Large-eddy simulation evaluation of wind loads on a high-rise building based on the multiscale synthetic eddy method
Authors: Luo Yin , Liu Hongjun , Xue Huili , Lin Kun
Published: August 2018

In this study, the multiscale synthetic eddy method, which can establish coherent turbulent structures and satisfy predefined turbulent statistical and spectral properties, is employed to generate the inflow turbulence for large-eddy simulation of a high-rise building. The recycling method of Lund and synthetic eddy method is also applied to assess the suitability of multiscale synthetic eddy method. The wind pressure at each mesh face centre on the surface of the high-rise building model is exported in the simulation to determine the wind-induced aerodynamic loads. Compared with the synthetic eddy method, the multiscale synthetic eddy method result is in higher agreement with that of the recycling method of Lund in terms of the wind pressure distribution, wind load characteristic and external flow field of the high-rise building.
About introvert incumbents and extravert start-ups: An exploration of the dialectics of collaborative innovation in the Dutch journalism field
Authors: Slot Mijke
Published: August 2018

This article analyzes the way different types of news organizations address collaboration in innovation. A qualitative analysis of 31 expert interviews in the Dutch news field shows that especially incumbents are perceived internally oriented when it comes to organizing their innovation processes. Although they might acknowledge that the challenges are demanding and the stakes are high, they speak of innovation mainly in terms of competition, and are therefore still subject to a traditional bounded rationality. Also, in the Dutch context, the tensions between commercial news organizations and publicly financed news organizations are mentioned as obstacles to a more open approach to innovation. Newcomers and smaller organizations speak more in terms of synergy and describe the added value of opening up and working together to be able to face the future with confidence. In this article, this rather stereotypical conceptualization of collaboration in innovation is put in a critical perspective.
Rule-violating behaviour in white-collar offenders: A control group comparison
Authors: van Onna Joost HR , van der Geest Victor R , Denkers Adriaan JM
Published: August 2018

This study aims at enhancing our understanding of criminogenic individual-level factors in white-collar crime, that is, fraudulent acts carried out in an occupational capacity or setting. We do so by examining consistency of rule-violating behaviour across different settings outside the occupational context in a sample of white-collar offenders ( n = 637) and comparing it with a matched control group ( n = 1809), controlling for socio-demographic, crime and organizational characteristics. Results show that white-collar offenders, including those holding high-trust organizational positions, engaged in regulatory income tax violations and regulatory traffic violations at significantly higher levels than did controls. This study concludes that individual characteristics are likely to underlie the identified cross-contextual consistency in rule-violating behaviour and debates the relevance of the findings for white-collar crime in organizations.
Labor Market Dualization and Insider–Outsider Divides: Why This New Conflict Matters
Authors: Schwander Hanna
Published: August 2018

Reflecting the importance of inequality for individuals’ lives, the implications of labor market inequality for core elements of democracy are crucial topics in comparative politics and comparative political economy. This article critically reviews the main findings of the emerging literature on insider–outsider divides to highlight its possible contributions to adjacent fields, in particular the research on party politics, the literatures on economic voting, political participation, and democratic representation or the study of social movements. The conflict between labor market insiders and outsiders demonstrates that in today’s societies with their diversified risk structure and sophisticated welfare states, distributive conflicts are about specific social and regulatory policies that have different implications for individuals depending on their situation on the labor market. By drawing our attention to new divides within the social democratic electorate, the insider–outsider literature reveals an additional argument why the social democratic parties find it hard to mobilize their voters and to win elections. Moreover, the insider–outsider literature can help to bring the economic dimension of politics back to the study of social movements and to light on the relationship between contentious and conventional politics.
Spatiotemporal correlation–based adaptive sampling algorithm for clustered wireless sensor networks
Authors: Cai Wenyu , Zhang Meiyan
Published: August 2018

Energy efficiency is one of the most crucial concerns for WSNs, and almost all researches assume that the process for data transmission consumes more energy than that of data collection. However, a few sophisticated collection processes of sensory data will consume much more energy than traditional transmission processes such as image and video acquisitions. Given this hypothesis, this article proposed an adaptive sampling algorithm based on temporal and spatial correlation of sensory data for clustered WSNs. First, according to spatial correlations between sensor nodes, a distributed clustering mechanism based on data gradient and residual energy level is proposed, and the whole network is divided into several independent clusters. Afterwards, each cluster head maintains an autoregressive prediction model for sensory data, which is derived from historical data in the temporal domain. With that, each cluster head has the ability of self-adjusting temporal sampling intervals within each cluster. Consequently, redundant data transmission is reduced by adjusting temporal sampling frequency while ensuring desired prediction accuracy. Finally, several distinct sampler collection sets are selected within each cluster following intra-cluster correlation matrix, and only one sampler collection needs to be activated at each round time. Sensory data of non-sampler can be substituted by those of sampler due to strong spatial correlation between them. Simulation results demonstrate the performance benefits of proposed algorithm.
Distally Based Pedicled Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Muscle Flap: An Anatomical Study and Clinical Application
Authors: Yang Kai , Rivedal David , Boehm Lucas , Yan Ji-Geng , Sanger James , Matloub Hani
Published: August 2018

Background: Proximally based, pedicled flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle flap has been described previously for soft tissue coverage of the proximal forearm and elbow. No studies have been done on the distal muscular perforators and its use as a distally based flap. Methods: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric dissections were done. Specimens were injected with latex to facilitate identification of the perforators. Distal muscular perforators were dissected and distances of the pedicles from the distal wrist crease and ulnar styloid were measured and recorded. A clinical case is also presented where a distally based FCU muscle flap was used for coverage in a patient with median nerve neuroma. Results: A distal muscular perforator and a second more proximal perforator were identified in all specimens. The average distance from the most distal muscular perforator to the ulnar styloid was 3.0 cm. The average distance to the wrist crease was 4.6 cm. The more proximal perforators had an average distance to the ulnar styloid and wrist crease of 7.3 cm and 8.8 cm, respectively. At 7 months post-op, the patient who underwent median nerve neurolysis and coverage with pedicled FCU flap had much improved sensation, with complete resolution of pain and tingling, and without any functional deficits. Conclusions: The use of a distally based FCU muscle flap is a good option for soft tissue coverage of the distal forearm, wrist, and hand. The distal muscular perforators from the ulnar artery exhibit a relatively consistent anatomy.
The Effect of Thumb Immobilization on Fractures of the Hook of the Hamate: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Triplet Jacob J. , Gellman Harris , Clause David , Halikis Nicholas M.
Published: August 2018

Background: Fractures of the hook of the hamate are rare. Nonoperative management has historically been immobilization in a short arm cast (SAC) without thumb immobilization with a high reported incidence of nonunion. The high prevalence of nonunion following nonoperative treatment may be secondary to motion at the fracture site. The transverse carpal ligament’s attachment to the hook of the hamate results in movement at the fracture site during thumb motion. Methods: A cadaveric study using 8 fresh frozen cadaver arms amputated at the mid-humeral level was performed. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was used to assess the bony anatomy and assure no preexisting fractures were present. Osteotomy of the hook of the hamate was performed through a skin incision proximal to the hook of the hamate and the transverse carpal ligament. Each arm was then mounted in a jig designed to hold and stabilize the arm and hand in supination. CT scans were performed without cast immobilization with the thumb in extension and abduction, with SAC without thumb carpometacarpal joint immobilization, and SAC with thumb carpometacarpal joint immobilization. Results: Motion of the fractured hook of the hamate was found to occur in all noncasted specimens, greatest with base fractures. SAC without thumb immobilization had little to no effect in eliminating fracture motion. SAC including the thumb reduced fracture motion in all specimens. Conclusions: Previous poor experience with nonoperative management of fractures of the hook of the hamate may be partially due to inability to adequately immobilize the fracture fragment. Fracture motion of the hamate hook occurs during thumb movement, likely from traction on the fracture fragment by the transverse carpal ligament.
A micropolar model for elastic properties in functionally graded materials
Authors: Fan Shengyao , Cheng Zhanqi
Published: August 2018

By considering the description of phase volume fractions, a micromechanics model is presented for predicting the elastic mechanical properties of isotropic two-phase functionally graded materials. The particle size dependence of the overall elasticity of functionally graded materials is not generally considered by classical continuum micromechanics; however, being based on micropolar theory, the presented micromechanics model is able to study such size effects. As the effective material properties vary gradually along the gradation direction, a functionally graded material can be divided into two distinct zones: the particle–matrix zone and the transition zone. In the particle–matrix zone, the matrix material is idealized as a micropolar continuum and Mori–Tanaka’s method is extended to the micropolar medium to evaluate the effective elastic properties. The effective properties across the gradation forms are further derived and the effects of particle size on the effective properties of a functionally graded materials are also studied. The validity and effectiveness of the present model is demonstrated by comparing the model results with other model outputs and experimental data.
Design for vegetable waste fermentation control systems based on semi-tensor product fuzzy controller
Authors: Wang Zuoxun , Wang Guijuan , Guo Rongwei
Published: August 2018

A multivariable fuzzy controller was designed to solve the control problem of vegetable waste fermentation. The knowledge-based fuzzy reasoning was constructed according to the sample data from both the fermentation process and the rule of temperature change in the control process. It is represented using the mathematical method of semi-tensor product matrices. The structural matrix of the fuzzy logic was constructed and the complex fuzzy reasoning was converted into simple matrix operations. In addition, a new algorithm based on the least in-degree method is put forward, solving the problem of control rules being incomplete and inconsistent. It was used for the design of the fuzzy controller on vegetable waste fermentation. The result of experiment proved that this control method is effective; the control method improves the adjustment speed as well as the control precision.
Evaluation on crashworthiness and energy absorption of composite light airplane
Authors: Chen Pu-Woei , Lin Ya-Yun
Published: August 2018

The main aim of this study was to explore the safety differences when using aluminum alloy and three different fiber reinforced composites as material for the cockpit and fuselage of light aircraft under crash landing. In accordance with the cockpit reduction amount stipulated by MIL-STD-1290A in which the reducing rates in all directions cannot exceed 15%, this study established the safety zones of impact speeds and impact angles. The overall safety zones of the carbon fiber reinforced composites and glass fiber reinforced composites cockpits were higher than that of the aluminum alloy cockpit by 38.56% and 32.12%, respectively. Among the four different fuselage materials, when carbon fiber reinforced composites was used as the cockpit material, except that the reducing rate for the crashing in the Y direction was slightly higher than the aluminum alloy cockpit, the reducing rate in the X direction and the inclined beam A direction during crashes were less than other materials, and the safety of its overall cockpit was also the most superior to other materials. The energy absorption capability of the aluminum alloy fuselage was better than the fuselages of all composite materials.
Study on whole factorial experiment of polishing the micro-hole in non-linear tubes by abrasive flow
Authors: Liu Guosong , Zhang Xinming , Zang Xiang , Li Junye , Su Ningning
Published: August 2018

It is generally observed that special channels exit in many key components of machine, such as non-linear tube, applied in military or civil industries. Its surface finish is a crucial factor in the whole performance of machine. In military and civil fields, many key parts have special passages, such as non-linear tube. The surface quality of non-linear tube usually decides the general using property of the whole equipment. The abrasive flow machining technology can effectively improve the surface quality of non-linear tube parts and promote the using property of the whole equipment. The technology of solid-liquid two-phase abrasive flow machining can obtain higher enhancement in surface quality. To investigate the processing technology of abrasive flow machining for non-linear tube–injection nozzle, we performed a full factorial experiment modifying critical process parameters such as particle density, particle size, and abrasive viscosity during the machining. The study investigated the relationship among abrasive particle physical property, surface quality of non-linear tube, and the optimal parameters. At the same time, we deduced the regression equation which takes the abrasive particle physical property as the key factor. Through full factorial experimental study, it is found that under the experimental conditions of this article, abrasive flow polishing process serves best when the abrasive concentration is 10% and the particle size is 6 μm. Moreover, the verification experiment of the non-linear nozzle is carried out. The average value of the experimental data is located in the prediction interval, which confirmed the accuracy of the whole factor test. The experimental results can provide technical support for further research of abrasive flow machining theory. The research results in this article have profound theoretical significance and practical value for improving the machining efficiency of non-linear parts and obtaining high-quality-surface passages. The study data possess important theory significance and practical value for improving the processing efficiency for non-linear tube and obtaining a high-quality surface channel. The experimental results can provide technology support for further study on abrasive flow machining theory.
Legal Form and Legal Legitimacy: The IHRA Definition of Antisemitism as a Case Study in Censored Speech
Authors: Gould Rebecca Ruth
Published: August 2018

The challenge posed by legal indeterminacy to legal legitimacy has generally been considered from points of view internal to the law and its application. But what becomes of legal legitimacy when the legal status of a given norm is itself a matter of contestation? This article, the first extended scholarly treatment of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s new definition of antisemitism, pursues this question by examining recent applications of the IHRA definition within the UK following its adoption by the British government in 2016. Instead of focusing on this definition’s substantive content, I show how the document reaches beyond its self-described status as a “non-legally binding working definition” and comes to function as what I call a quasi-law, in which capacity it exercises the de facto authority of the law, without having acquired legal legitimacy. Broadly, this work elucidates the role of speech codes in restricting freedom of expression within liberal states.
Police foundation governance and accountability: Corporate interlocks and private, nonprofit influence on public police
Authors: Walby Kevin , Lippert Randy K , Luscombe Alex
Published: August 2018

Police foundations are new private organizations used by public police services to raise corporate monies in North America. This article examines problems of governance and accountability arising in relation to police foundations and police services. Drawing from interviews, freedom of information requests and records from city archives, we analyze interlocks between corporations and police foundations via board membership. Because of the influence and control directors exercise by voting on projects and vetting other board members, links between corporations and police foundations raise ethical questions about the power of board members to influence police spending and procurement. We analyze data pertaining to four themes in literature on nonprofit organizations and directorate interlocking: philanthropy; influence and control; cooptation; and reciprocity. In conclusion, we reflect on the implications of our findings for literatures on public police governance and accountability.
Application of immunotherapy for neurological manifestations in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Araki Manabu , Lin Youwei , Ono Hirohiko , Sato Wakiro , Yamamura Takashi
Published: August 2018

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heterogeneous heritable connective tissue disorder with various neurological manifestations, including chronic pain. The neurological manifestations in EDS are often regarded as being caused by the associated musculoskeletal disorders or polyneuropathy. Here, we present two patients with hypermobile EDS (hEDS), presenting with relapsing central nervous system (CNS) manifestations. Although the two patients showed relapsing signs of CNS manifestations like multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), they were unique in that they had widespread opioid-dependent chronic pain, which is not consistent with the symptoms of MS/NMOSD. Unexpectedly, the serious pain of unknown origin was remarkably mitigated by plasmapheresis, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations conducted for one of the patients were negative. Collectively, we speculate that hEDS may be more susceptible to ‘normal-appearing imaging, neuroimmunologically justified, autoimmune-mediated encephalomyelitis (NINJA).’ Analysis of the presented cases and an additional three patients with EDS with chronic pain indicates that treatable immune-mediated mechanisms deserve considerations for neurological symptoms observed in hEDS.
Cross-sectional correlates of increased IL-18 but reduced fetuin-A and oxytocin with adiposity and blood indices in metabolic syndrome patients with and without prediabetes
Authors: Kasabri Violet , Shawakri Esraa , Akour Amal , Naffa Randa , Khawaja Nahla , Al-Sarraf Ibrahim , Bzour Jameel
Published: August 2018

Background:

Oxytocin (OXT), fetuin-A and interleukin-18 (IL-18) are involved in the development and progression of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and prediabetes (pre/T2DM).

Aims, participants and methods:

This study aimed to compare and correlate the plasma levels of OXT, fetuin-A and IL-18 with clinical parameters, haematological indices and adiposity indices in Jordanian MetS subjects. In a cross-sectional study, 30 normoglycaemic lean study participants (control), 30 MetS study participants, and 29 MetS pre/T2DM study participants were recruited.

Results:

Median circulating levels of both OXT and fetuin-A were lower in MetS and MetS pre/T2DM versus control group. OXT (pg/ml; median interquartile range): MetS 1975.4 and MetS pre/T2DM 1403 versus control 4176.6 ( p = 0.009 and p = 0.001, respectively). For fetuin-A (ng/ml), MetS (5784) and MetS pre/T2DM (2154) were lower versus control (6756.3) ( p = 0.040 and p = 0.007, respectively). Neither biomarker was described as substantially different in MetS versus MetS pre/T2DM ( p = 0.071 and p = 0.155, respectively). Conversely, a non-significant increase in IL-18 was observed in the MetS and MetS pre/T2DM groups compared to normoglycaemic lean controls (232 and 287.5, p > 0.05 versus 108 for both). In addition, conicity index (C-index), atherogenicity index (TG-HDL-C), waist to hip ratio, mean platelet volume (MPV; fl) and red cell distribution width (RDW-CV%) in both MetS and MetS pre/T2DM were significantly higher ( p < 0.001) versus controls. However all above MetS-related indices were not ascribed any statistically marked variation in the MetS group when compared to the MetS pre/T2DM group. Both total study pool of recruits’ fetuin-A (Spearman r = –2.66, p = 0.049) as well as MetS pre/T2DM group IL-18 (Spearman r = 0.380, p = 0.046) were inversely correlated with RDW-CV%. OXT in MetS inversely correlated with waist circumference/hip circumference ratio (Spearman r = −0.387, p = 0.038). No other pronounced associations between biomarkers could be detected in any study arm.

Conclusion:

These findings substantiate the clinical relevance and significance of OXT, fetuin-A and IL-18 as surrogate screening/prognostic tools and therapeutic targets to predict/prevent metabolic dysregularities and anomalies.
Dengue rapid diagnostic tests: Health professionals’ practices and challenges in Burkina Faso
Authors: Zongo Sylvie , Carabali Mabel , Munoz Marie , Ridde Valéry
Published: August 2018

Objectives:

Dengue fever remains unrecognized and under-reported in Africa due to several factors, including health professionals’ lack of awareness, important prevalence of other febrile illnesses, most of which are treated presumptively as malaria, and the absence of surveillance systems. In Burkina Faso, health centers have no diagnostic tools to identify and manage dengue, which remains ignored, despite the evidence of seasonal outbreaks in recent years. A qualitative study was conducted to analyze the use of rapid diagnostic tests in six health and social promotion centers (i.e. health-care centers, from the French Centers de Santé et de Promotion Sociale) of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) in an exploratory research context.

Methods:

Dengue rapid diagnostic tests were introduced into fever-related consultations from December 2013 to January 2014. In-depth individual interviews were conducted in May and June 2014 with 32 health professionals.

Results:

Prior to the introduction of the tests, dengue was not well known or diagnosed by health professionals during consultations. Most febrile cases were routinely presumed to be malaria and treated accordingly. With training and routine use of rapid diagnostic tests, health professionals became more knowledgeable about dengue, improving the diagnosis of non-malaria febrile cases and its management, and better prescription practices.

Conclusions:

In a context of dengue re-emergence and high prevalence of other febrile illnesses, having rapid diagnostic tools available, especially during epidemics reinforces health professionals’ diagnostic and prescribing capacities, allowing an opportune and accurate case management and facilitates diseases surveillance.
Marxism, class and women’s oppression
Authors: German Lindsey
Published: August 2018

This article argues that the theories of Marxism are able to integrate issues of gender and race oppression in order to develop an inclusive theory of class that recognises the role of women in work and social reproduction in the 21st century. The position of women remains unequal to that of men, as evidenced by a range of issues, including the gender pay gap, the sexual division of labour and the widespread nature of sexual harassment at work. The role of women in social reproduction remains key to this situation, despite the very big changes that women have experienced in the past half-century. Marx’s theories of class and human liberation remain an essential starting point for a theory of women’s equality today.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Machinability Analysis of Al 6061 Hybrid Composite
Authors: Rajesh P. V. , Prasanth M. Sriram , Daniel V. Sam , Saravanan C. M.
Published: August 2018

Aluminium Matrix Composites are extensively used due to their desirable properties like low weight, low cost, high strength to weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, good thermal conductivity and high stiffness. Their applications are diversified in production, thermal, marine and automobile industries. Aluminium is extensively used in ships, aircrafts,
cars, electrical wires and household utensils because it is abundant in nature. In the present study, Aluminium alloy Al6061 Hybrid Composites reinforced with Boron carbide and Coconut shell ash are fabricated to replace the individual Aluminium alloy Al6061. For that various tests to determine properties such as strength, hardness, wear and corrosion resistance are conducted on composite samples which make them fit to be used in aircraft window frames by reviewing various literatures. In addition to above, machinability analysis is performed on all the specimens and their surface roughness is measured. Based on the results obtained, we can come to a conclusion that the aluminium composite has superior properties than individual Al6061 alloy.
Gas Chromatography And Mass Spectrometry in Lipid Profiling of Allergy causing Food Materials
Authors: Pabor Elakpo Bridget , EL Ekpe
Published: August 2018

Background: Food allergy is a major problem in westernized societies and the prevalence has been shown to have increased over the years. Peptide molecules have been known to be implicated in food allergy, however, peptides are
not the only molecules recognized by T cells in relation to food allergy. Lipids have been shown to stimulate an allergic response via certain pathways and this study aims to assess food allergy from phospholipids obtained from cypress grains.
Method: Investigation was focused on profiling lipids and comparing them based on their fatty acid and phospholipid composition by combinatorial analysis of peptides and proteins using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) and Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis and also to create a phylogenetic relationship between samples and see if their overlap account for any known report of allergy.
Results: Here, we report that regardless of the classification system of samples (i.e. seed, nuts, and legumes), in terms of fatty acid and phospholipid compositions, some samples with similar origin differ from one another and unrelated families were closely related in the cluster that cause food allergy. Phospholipids were observed to be predominant in the nut species compared to fatty acids and this may have roles in stimulating an allergic response.
Conclusion: Food allergy may certainly be linked to lipid molecules.
Factors associated with Alcohol consumption among University Learners
Authors: Kadiyala Dr. Aparna
Published: August 2018

The aim of the present empirical study investigates factors associated with alcohol consumption among Botho University learners. A questionnaire on factors associated with alcohol consumption was administered to collect data from learners across various disciplines. A simple random sampling method was used to select a sample of 236 students.
To analyse alcohol consumption patterns and reasons for consumption among learners, percentages were used. The results indicated that most learners who belong to the category of male, aged between 17-20 years, living with parents showing light, moderate and heavy alcohol consumption patterns. Learners who belong to the category of parents with less education, low family income, studying accounts and health information management, and female learners’ show non- alcohol consumption patterns. The inferential statistics, Chi- square shows that there is association between alcohol consumption and gender, subject specialization, year of study, family income and awareness on health risks. The Fisher’s Exact test shows there is association between living status and parental educational qualification. The suggestions made to include health topics that enhance in depth understanding on risks associated with alcohol and recommendations for further research is made based on findings.
The Albanian Lexicographic Developments in the Second Period
Authors: Çoçka Polite
Published: August 2018

Albanian lexicography is the oldest and the richest field of our linguistic. Its division into two periods, based on temporal criteria (the first period: from the beginning until the second half of the XX century; the second period: from the second half of the XX century until nowadays) fits with the features, characteristics and especially with different levels of development of our lexicography in corresponding periods. They depend to a great extend on the level of social development and the language as well. During the second period, Albanian lexicography was developed side by side with the social and cultural development, like all Albanian linguistics. Albania was already the main centre of lexicographic studies and dictionary compiling. Albanian lexicography developed as a science with a proper aim and study methods. Albanian lexicographic thought was processed and developed, having as a main reference Albanian
language lexicon, phraseology and Albanian lexical semantics, being the most important elements of explanatory dictionaries. During this period, previous achievements were evaluated, there was a critical examination of inheritance, to separate the valuable from the invaluable so as to continue work in an organised way in search of words, phrases coming from the folk source.
Optimization of Four Wheel Steering
Authors: Vigneshwaran R. , Chaithanyan K. Saalai , Sathish N. , Prashanth S. , Parasaran M.
Published: August 2018

A Four wheel steering system also known as Quadra steering system. In this paper, both front wheel and rear wheels can be steered according to speed other vehicle and space available for turning. Quadra steer gives full size vehicle greater ease while driving at low speed, improves stability, handling and control at higher speed. Production-built cars tend to under steer or, in few instances, overseer. If a car could automatically compensate for an under steer overseer problem, the driver would enjoy nearly neutral steering under varying conditions.
Are Target Serum Bicarbonate Levels Achieved in Maintenance Hemodialysis
Patients: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Gracious Noble , John Geo Philip , George Jacob , MK Mohandas , Kumar Sajeev , . Vineetha
Published: August 2018

Majority of the maintenance hemodialysis patients donot achieve the target predialysisserum bicarbonate levels. Routine monitoring of serum bicarbonate in diaysis patients is not universally done.We aimed to assess whether our dialysis population attained the predialysis serum bicarbonate target of >22 mEq/L as recommended by the NKF-KDOQI.
Correlation between predialysis bicarbonate and clinical and biochemical parameters was also assessed. Fifty patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram were included in the study.All patients received fixed non-individualizeddialysate bicarbonate concentrations. The mean predialysis bicarbonate obtained was 19 ± 4.2 mEq/L. Thirty six patients(72%) had bicarbonate levels less than 22 mEq/L. Nineteen patients (38%) had bicarbonate level less than 17mEq/L and 5 patients (10%) had level greater than 25 mEq/L. Majority of the patients failed to achieve the target serum bicarbonate. A negative correlation was obtained for predialysis bicarbonate levels with BMI, total protein, serum uric acid, serum phosphorus and serum ferritin. Better nutritional status may be associated with reduction in bicarbonate level because of increased acid generation. In conclusion this study emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring of serum bicarbonate levels in our dialysis patients and the need for adjusting the dialysate bicarbonate concentrations accordingly.
Awareness of Foot Care Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus attending a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Kumar MS. Dr.P. Ganesh , MS Dr.P. Venkateswaran , T Damini.
Published: August 2018

Objective: To assess the awareness of diabetes foot and care for foot in known diabetic patients.
Methods: A cross- sectional study was carried out using non probability convenience sampling wherein 150 diabetic respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. A pre tested questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge and practices regarding foot care. 14 questions were asked and one point was allotted for each of 7 questions among them. A score of more than 70% (5-7) was considered good, score of 40% - 70% (3 – 5) was considered satisfactory and less than 40% (below 3) was considered poor.
Results: The age of the respondents selected was above 50 years. About 48.7% of the respondents had good awareness, 38.6% had satisfactory awareness and 12.7% had poor awareness. Literacy status of the respondents seems to have a significant association with their awareness. Economic status is not a significant factor.
Prevalence and Pattern of Hypertension in Ikom, an Urban Community in Cross
River State, South-Southern Nigeria
Authors: AJ Omotoso , EL Ekpe , LS Ekpe , O Oshatuyi , Inyang Nsisong
Published: August 2018

Background: Hypertension, a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa, and to a great extent, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. Hypertension constitutes a major public health challenge; it is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Objectives: This study aimed to estimate and determine the prevalence, pattern and some risk factors for hypertension among the populace living in Ikom an Urban community of Cross River State, South-Southern Nigeria hence ensuring its effective awareness and control. This was done based on the normal cut off of 140/90mmHg.
Method: A descriptive cross sectional community-based survey was used, involving 113 male and female adult respondents aged 18-79 years selected by random sampling method. Behavioral data was measured using World Health Organization (WHO) Stepwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS 1and2). Hypertension was defined as Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) ≥ 140mmHg and/or Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) ≥ 90mmHg or being on a regular/current anti-hypertensive drug therapy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 113 adults of Ikom local government area, cross river state participated in the study [26 (23%) men and 87 (77%) women]X2 (47, 133) = 43.943, p=0.60. The age range was 18 to 76 years. The mean age 50.35 ± 13.76 and the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was recorded as 25.59 ± 4.96. The mean blood pressure of all the participants are 138.50 ± 29.05 for SBP and 77.78 ± 15.06 for DBP respectively. A moderate correlation was observed between age and blood pressure indices r=0.489 and 0.390, p less than 0.001 for SBP and DBP respectively. The prevalence of hypertension among the study population was 37.17%. The prevalence of obesity was 16.8%.
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension among the dwellers of Ikom, Cross River State Nigeria was relatively high. Also, the prevalence of obesity a risk factor for developing hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases was high. Urgent intervention by the government and other health organizations will go a long way in curbing this trend.
Interactive effects of temperature and light on reattachment success in the brown alga Fucus radicans
Authors: Schagerström Ellen , Salo Tiina
Published: August 2018

Fucus radicans is an endemic habitat-forming brown macroalga in the Baltic Sea that commonly complements its sexual reproduction with asexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction in F. radicans takes place through formation of adventitious branches (hereafter fragments), but the exact mechanisms behind it remain unknown. We assessed experimentally the importance of two environmental factors determining the re-attachment success of F. radicans fragments. By combining different light conditions (daylength and irradiance; high or low light) and water temperature (+14°C and +4°C), we mimicked ambient light and temperature conditions of winter, spring/autumn and summer for F. radicans. Fragments were able to re-attach in all tested conditions. Temperature and light had an interactive impact on re-attachment: the combination of high temperature and high light level resulted in the highest re-attachment success, while light level had no effects on re-attachment success in cooler water temperature and the re-attachment success in high temperature under low light levels was very low. The results suggest that rhizoid formation, and thus re-attachment success, may depend on the net primary production (metabolic balance) of the fragment. However, whether the re-attachment and asexual reproduction success simply depends on photosynthetic capacity warrants further mechanistic studies. Understanding the mechanisms of asexual reproduction in F. radicans is important in order to assess the dispersal capacity of this foundation species.
Secretory tumors of the pituitary gland: a clinical biochemistry perspective
Authors: Gounden Verena , Rampursat Yashna D. , Jialal Ishwarlal
Published: August 2018

The pituitary gland is responsible for the production and/or secretion of various hormones that play a vital role in regulating endocrine function within the body. Secretory tumors of the anterior pituitary predominantly, pituitary adenomas, collectively account for 10%–25% of central nervous system tumors requiring surgical treatment. The most common secretory tumors are prolactinomas, which can be diagnosed by basal prolactin levels. Acromegaly can be diagnosed by basal insulin growth-like factor 1 levels and the failure of growth hormone (GH) to suppress during an oral glucose tolerance test. Cushing disease can be diagnosed by demonstrating hypercortisolemia evidenced by increased salivary cortisol levels in the evening, increased urine free cortisol excretion and failure of plasma cortisol to suppress following oral dexamethasone given overnight (1.0 mg). We also discuss the diagnosis of the rarer thyroid-stimulating hormone and gonadotrophin secretory tumors. Morbidity is associated with tumor occurrence, clinical sequelae as well as the related medical, surgical and radiological management. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of secretory tumors of the anterior pituitary with emphasis on molecular mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis and the major role of the clinical chemistry laboratory in diagnosis and management of these tumors.
Promotion of poly(vinylidene fluoride) on thermal stability and rheological property of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer
Authors: Qian Jing , Fu Chao , Wu Xianyou , Ran Xianghai , Nie Wei
Published: August 2018

In this work, the thermal stability, rheological properties and mechanical properties of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) blends were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, rheometer and the tensile test. Thermal results indicated that blends had better thermal oxidation resistance than pure ETFE. Particularly, the initial thermal decomposition temperature (T
d

0) and the temperature at maximum decomposition rate (T
d

max) of PVDF/ETFE (10/90 wt%) blends were at 374.49°C and 480°C, which were 52.6°C and 34°C higher than pure ETFE. The activation energy of thermal degradation (E
d

) of ETFE was 66 kJ/mol, while the PVDF/ETFE (10/90 wt%) blends presented a higher E
d

, near 187 kJ/mol. Furthermore, rheological measurements demonstrated that the shear-thinning tendency of blends became stronger with increasing PVDF content. PVDF/ETFE (10/90 wt%) blends had somewhat lower mechanical properties than ETFE, which was still high enough for various applications. Blends with PVDF provided an efficient method to extend the application area of ETFE.
Expansion for the product of matrices in groups
Authors: Koh Doowon , Pham Thang , Shen Chun-Yen , Le Anh Vinh
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we give strong lower bounds on the size of the sets of products of matrices in some certain groups. More precisely, we prove an analogue of a result due to Chapman and Iosevich for matrices in

SL
2

⁢

(

𝔽
p

)

{\mathrm{SL}_{2}(\mathbb{F}_{p})}

with restricted entries on a small set. We also provide extensions of some recent results on expansion for cubes in Heisenberg group due to Hegyvári and Hennecart.
The choice of progestogen for HRT in menopausal women: breast cancer risk is a major issue
Authors: Ruan Xiangyan , Mueck Alfred O.
Published: August 2018

Doctors and patients fear the risk of breast cancer when using hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This review focuses on the choice of progestogen for HRT in menopausal. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) has been the only large double-blind placebo-controlled study testing the risk of breast cancer (BC) using HRT. No increased risk using estrogen (E)-only was seen, there was a significant decrease in mortality due to BC after the use of HRT which persisted during the recent 18-year follow-up of the WHI. In contrast in the combined arm the risk increased. In about 20 observational studies using mostly medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or estradiol-norethisterone acetate (NETA) an increased BC-risk was observed comparable with the WHI. Only for natural progestogen, progesterone and for dydrogesterone (retro-isomer of progesterone) was no increased risk seen for up to 5–8 years, when compared directly with other progestogens, but for longer treatment an increased risk cannot be excluded. In contrast, the mortality due to BC after use of E-only and combined HRT decreased in about a dozen observational studies, and was very recently confirmed in a Finnish study evaluating 490,000 women using estradiol (E2) plus different progestogens. There have been already more than 70 studies evaluating the risk of BC during HRT, and still there are many open questions. Therefore, this review covers our own and other experimental research which could answer important questions. Experimental research has demonstrated that certain synthetic progestogens, but not progesterone and to some extent also not dydrogesterone, can accelerate the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro and in animal studies via special cell membrane components which we recently also detected in patients with BC, and we found differences comparing all available synthetic progestogens. Derived from these mechanisms future research may provide screening for patients at risk and predict the prognosis of possible BC.