bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the preference for capsule hotel attributes using a choice experiment
Authors: Lee Won Seok , Lee Joon-Kyu , Moon Joonho
Published: March 2018

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the attributes of capsule hotels preferred by individuals. To this end, a choice experiment (CE) was adopted; a CE is a systematic method used to determine individual preferences with regard to goods and services. A well-known advantage of CEs is their ability to capture a pecuniary value for target attributes in the form of marginal willingness to pay (MWTP). By comparing the sizes of MWTPs, we can recognize the order of preference among attributes. Amazon Mechanical Turk was used to collect the study data. We examined the magnitudes of the degree of preferences for “additional services provided,” “accessibility,” and “price.” The findings indicate that price is negatively associated with capsule hotel choice, whereas accessibility and service are positively associated with capsule hotel choice.
Beyond bad apples, toward Black life: A re-reading of the implicit bias research
Authors: Petersen Amanda M
Published: March 2018

Increasingly, the death of Black individuals at the hands of the US legal system is interpreted in relation to the social science research on implicit bias. Having flourished in the past decade, this oft-cited framework for recognizing and eliminating anti-Blackness not only overwhelms the socio-legal and criminological scholarship, but also pervades political discourse and popular culture. Using as a site of study my own empirical research on implicit bias and Oregon prison sentences, I discuss problems related to the study of implicit bias and legal outcomes in the social sciences. Further, I examine common understandings of implicit bias research and the troubling application of these knowledges to legal policies and practices. In interrupting the current fascination with and use of implicit bias research, I turn toward “abolitionist pedagogy” in my interpretation of empirical evidence.
Acoustically transparent duct
Authors: Tokaji Kristóf , Horváth Csaba
Published: March 2018

Fans are widely used for industrial as well as household applications. As their numbers increase, so does their effect on our comfort and health via noise pollution. In most instances, these fans are built into a ducted environment, and therefore acoustic investigations should also be carried out in a ducted environment in order to guarantee proper flow conditions. On the other hand, localizing noise sources in a ducted environment is a difficult task. A useful method for localizing noise sources is the beamforming of phased array microphone data, but building an array of microphones into a duct runs with many complications. This has provided motivation for the design of an acoustically transparent duct, which provides a means for using a microphone array located outside of the duct system for the investigation of fan noise sources within the duct. The acoustically transparent duct section provides an acoustic window for the microphone array while guaranteeing that the duct is hydrodynamically impenetrable. This investigation presents the design process as well as a case study of a low pressure fan in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design.
The ethical concerns of seeking consent from critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients for research – A matter of possessing capacity or surrogate insight
Authors: Verceles Avelino C , Bhatti Waqas
Published: March 2018

Conducting clinical research on subjects admitted to intensive care units is challenging, as they frequently lack the capacity to provide informed consent due to multiple factors including intensive care unit acquired delirium, coma, the need for sedation, or underlying critical illness. However, the presence of one or more of these characteristics does not automatically designate a potential subject as lacking capacity to provide their own informed consent. We review the ethical issues involved in obtaining informed consent for medical research from mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients, in addition to the concerns that may arise when a legally authorized representative is asked to provide informed consent on behalf of these patients.
Information Exchange and Policy Adoption Decisions in the Context of U.S. State Energy Policy
Authors: Nicholson-Crotty Sean , Carley Sanya
Published: March 2018

A persistent question in the literature on policy adoption and diffusion focuses on the ways in which jurisdictions gather policy information. Decades of research have offered numerous conclusions regarding knowledge transfer mechanisms assumed to drive diffusion. While important, we suggest that the characteristics of existing work may have limited what we know about the exchange of policy information among peers. Most studies infer learning indirectly, and as a result, the literature has tended to focus on exchange between geographic and ideological peers, to the exclusion of other channels. As an alternative, this study takes a more direct approach and draws on a survey of 112 U.S. expert informants in the area of energy policy. We use the information exchange channels revealed by these informants to predict the diffusion of state renewable portfolio standards and electricity deregulation among the American states to determine whether they offer explanatory leverage beyond the “traditional” channels.
Staff Perspectives of Barriers to Access and Delivery of Palliative Care for Persons With Dementia in Long-Term Care
Authors: Hill Emily , Savundranayagam Marie Y. , Zecevic Aleksandra , Kloseck Marita
Published: March 2018

Dementia is a syndrome that is progressive, degenerative, and terminal. The palliative care philosophy aims to maximize quality of life for the dying individual and is both beneficial for and underused with persons dying with dementia.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of long-term care staff delivering palliative care to individuals with dementia to determine how care was delivered, to learn which guidelines were used, and whether policies affected the delivery of palliative care.

Methods:

Twenty-two staff participants were interviewed. Their experiences were interpreted using phenomenological methodology.

Results:

Findings yielded 3 key themes: confusion, resource shortages, and communication difficulties.

Conclusion:

Implications for practice include clarification of terminology surrounding palliative care, education of families about dementia and palliative care, better resource management, and the need to address when palliative care best fits within the dementia process.
Casting a Long Shadow: Leader–Leader Relationship and Employee Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Muldoon Jeffrey , Singh Satvir , Vidyarthi Prajya R.
Published: March 2018

This study examines the process and context of the relationship between leader–leader exchange (LLX) and subordinate organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) such that direct supervisors’ attitudes and behaviors affect the relationship. Integrating social exchange theory with signaling theory, we argue that LLX influences the amount of OCBs that direct supervisors can obtain from subordinates and depends on direct supervisors’ organizational-based self-esteem and support. In a sample of 290 direct supervisor/subordinate-dyads, using hierarchical linear modeling, we found that LLX partially mediates through supervisor support and is positively related to OCBs, and the mediation is highest in high organizational-based self-esteem.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Are Associated With Enhanced Recovery Status in Patients With Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Kukreja Janet Baack , Shi Qiuling , Chang Courtney M. , Seif Mohamed A. , Sterling Brandon M. , Chen Ting-Yu , Creel Kelly M. , Kamat Ashish M. , Dinney Colin P. , Navai Neema , Shah Jay B. , Wang Xin Shelley
Published: March 2018

Background. Bladder cancer is a disease of the elderly that is associated with high morbidity in those treated with radical cystectomy. In this observational study of patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy, we analyzed and compared patient-reported outcomes from those treated with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) methods versus those who received traditional perioperative care. Methods. We enrolled patients who underwent radical cystectomy at a high-volume tertiary care referral center from November 2013 to December 2016, when the ERAS concept was being introduced into postoperative care at our institution. Patients reported symptom outcomes using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 to 5. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare symptom burden between the ERAS and traditional-care groups. General linear mixed-effects models were used for longitudinal data; linear regression models were used for multivariable analysis. Results. Patients (N = 383) reported dry mouth, disturbed sleep, drowsiness, fatigue, pain, and lack of appetite as the most severe symptoms. Compared with the traditional-care group, the ERAS group had significantly less pain (est. = −0.98, P = .005), drowsiness (est. = −0.91, P = .009), dry mouth (est. = −1.21, P = .002), disturbed sleep (est. = −0.97, P = .01), and interference with functioning (est. = −0.70, P = .022) (adjusted for age, sex, surgical technique, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy status). Conclusions. These results suggest that ERAS practice significantly reduced immediate postoperative symptom burden in bladder cancer patients recovering from radical cystectomy, supporting the use of patient-reported symptom burden as an outcome measure in perioperative care.
Targeted endovascular treatment of haemorrhagic posterior fossa proliferative angiopathy
Authors: Giragani Suresh , Pavunesan Santhosh Kumar , Balasubramaniam Anandh
Published: March 2018

Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) is a rare vascular abnormality and separate from “classical” brain arteriovenous malformations. Haemorrhage due to proliferative angiopathy is rarely reported. We describe the clinical features, imaging findings and targeted endovascular management for a 12-year-old boy having proliferative angiopathy of the posterior fossa presenting with haemorrhage. Targeted endovascular embolisation in CPA is not previously described in the literature. The optimal treatment options for haemorrhagic CPA are debatable, and we wish to highlight the role of targeted treatment for culprit focal lesion demonstrable on imaging.
Sonographic study of repair, gapping and tendon bowstringing after primary flexor digitorum profundus repair in zone 2
Authors: Reissner Lisa , Zechmann-Mueller Nadja , Klein Holger Jan , Calcagni Maurizio , Giesen Thomas
Published: March 2018

We report sonographic findings with clinical outcomes after zone 2 flexor digitorum profundus tendon repairs in ten fingers. The tendons underwent a six-strand M-Tang core repair, no circumferential suture, and partial or complete division of the pulleys. Over 12 months after surgery and using ultrasound, we found no gapping at the repair site during finger motion. When the pulleys were divided, there was sonographic evidence of tendon bowstringing, but the bowstringing was minimal. Clinically, we did not find any fingers that displayed tendon bowstringing or had functional loss. With ultrasound examination, the repaired tendons remained enlarged over 12 months. Two patients developed heterotopic ossifications at the repair site without tendon gliding, and these required tenolysis. We conclude that the tendon repair site does not gap when a strong core suture is used in the repair without adding peripheral sutures. There is no notable tendon bowstringing clinically, though the repaired tendons have sonographic evidence of minor bowstringing.

Level of evidence: III
Transgender prejudice reduction and opinions on transgender rights: Results from a mediation analysis on experimental data
Authors: Flores Andrew R. , Haider-Markel Donald P. , Lewis Daniel C. , Miller Patrick R. , Tadlock Barry L. , Taylor Jami K.
Published: March 2018

Fears, phobias, and dislikes about minorities should be strong determinants of whether Americans support policies protecting such minorities. Studies suggest that discussions and information about transgender people can reduce transphobia. However, these studies also indicate that experimental treatments do not necessarily affect individual attitudes on policies concerning transgender rights. Scholars contend that durably reducing prejudice should increase public support for minority rights. In this study, we examine this causal mechanism utilizing an experiment. We find that reducing transphobia is a reliable mechanism to increase public support for transgender rights. These results are robust to causal identification assumptions, suggesting that this mechanism provides a clear avenue for stigmatized groups to increase public support of rights for those groups.
Brain Volume Differences Associated With Hearing Impairment in Adults
Authors: Alfandari Defne , Vriend Chris , Heslenfeld Dirk J. , Versfeld Niek J. , Kramer Sophia E. , Zekveld Adriana A.
Published: March 2018

Speech comprehension depends on the successful operation of a network of brain regions. Processing of degraded speech is associated with different patterns of brain activity in comparison with that of high-quality speech. In this exploratory study, we studied whether processing degraded auditory input in daily life because of hearing impairment is associated with differences in brain volume. We compared T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images of 17 hearing-impaired (HI) adults with those of 17 normal-hearing (NH) controls using a voxel-based morphometry analysis. HI adults were individually matched with NH adults based on age and educational level. Gray and white matter brain volumes were compared between the groups by region-of-interest analyses in structures associated with speech processing, and by whole-brain analyses. The results suggest increased gray matter volume in the right angular gyrus and decreased white matter volume in the left fusiform gyrus in HI listeners as compared with NH ones. In the HI group, there was a significant correlation between hearing acuity and cluster volume of the gray matter cluster in the right angular gyrus. This correlation supports the link between partial hearing loss and altered brain volume. The alterations in volume may reflect the operation of compensatory mechanisms that are related to decoding meaning from degraded auditory input.
The Nigerian juvenile justice system: from warehouse to uncertain quest for appropriate youth mental health service model
Authors: Atilola O. , Abiri G. , Ola B.
Published: March 2018

Mental health service provision for youth within the juvenile justice system remains a topic of contemporary global discourse. To bring perspectives from under-resourced regions, we examine the current limitations of some globalised models for mental health services within the juvenile justice system in Nigeria. The important multi-systemic steps needed to reposition the system for modern mental health promotion and services are highlighted.
Neuroticism and suicide in a general population cohort: results from the UK Biobank Project
Authors: Peters Evyn M. , John Ann , Bowen Rudy , Baetz Marilyn , Balbuena Lloyd
Published: March 2018

Background

Neuroticism has often been linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Aims

To examine whether neuroticism is associated with suicide deaths after adjusting for known risks.

Method

UK Biobank participants (n = 389 365) were assessed for neuroticism as well as social, demographic and health-related variables at study entry and followed for up to 10 years. Suicide risk was modelled using Cox regression stratified by gender.

Results

Neuroticism increased the risk of suicide in both men (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.22) and women (HR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.06–1.27). In a subsample who were assessed for mood disorders, neuroticism remained a significant predictor for women (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.51) but not for men.

Conclusions

Screening and therapeutic interventions for neuroticism may be important for early suicide prevention.

Declaration of interest

None.
Stem Cell Transplantation for Light Chain Amyloidosis: Decreased Early Mortality Over Time
Authors: Sidiqi M Hasib , Aljama Mohammed A. , Buadi Francis K. , Warsame Rahma M. , Lacy Martha Q. , Dispenzieri Angela , Dingli David , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Kumar Shaji , Kapoor Prashant , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Hogan William J. , Gertz Morie A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) has been used in patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis for more than two decades. Early experience raised concerns regarding safety with high early-mortality rates.

Patients and Methods

We report 20 years of experience with ASCT for AL amyloidosis at the Mayo Clinic Rochester. In all, 672 consecutive patients receiving ASCT for AL amyloidosis were divided into three cohorts on the basis of date of transplantation (cohort 1, 1996-2002 [n = 124]; cohort 2, 2003-2009 [n = 302]; and cohort 3, 2010-2016 [n = 246]).

Results

The median age for the entire cohort was 59 years, with patients in cohort 3 being slightly older than those in the other two cohorts (60 v 58 v 54 years for cohorts 3, 2, and 1, respectively; P < .001). Fewer patients in cohort 3 had more than two organs involved (9% v 18% v 19% for cohorts 3, 2, and 1, respectively; P < .001). More patients received pretransplantation therapy in cohort 3 compared with earlier time periods (49% v 38% v 42% for cohorts 3, 2, and 1, respectively; P = .02). Hematologic response was higher in cohort 3 (84% v 79% v 69% for cohorts 3, 2, and 1, respectively; P = .002). Median overall survival for the entire cohort was 122 months and improved over time (not reached v 120 months v 75 months for cohorts 3, 2, and 1, respectively; P < .001). Treatment-related mortality declined over time (2.4% v 8.6% v 14.5% for cohorts 3, 2, and 1, respectively; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, conditioning dose, Mayo stage 2012, and hematologic response were independent predictors of survival.

Conclusion

ASCT is a highly effective therapy for AL amyloidosis. The improved survival and markedly reduced treatment-related mortality in eligible patients indicate that this will remain an important first-line option even in the era of treatment approaches that use novel agents.
The physiological functions of central nervous system pericytes and a potential role in pain
Authors: Beazley-Long Nicholas , Durrant Alexandra M , Swift Matthew N , Donaldson Lucy F
Published: March 2018

Central nervous system (CNS) pericytes regulate critical functions of the neurovascular unit in health and disease. CNS pericytes are an attractive pharmacological target for their position within the neurovasculature and for their role in neuroinflammation. Whether the function of CNS pericytes also affects pain states and nociceptive mechanisms is currently not understood. Could it be that pericytes hold the key to pain associated with CNS blood vessel dysfunction? This article reviews recent findings on the important physiological functions of CNS pericytes and highlights how these neurovascular functions could be linked to pain states.
EVALUATION OF THE VITAL STATE OF TREES IN SCOTS PINE PLANTATIONS, SUBJECTED TO RECREATIONAL EFFECTS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF SOMOVSKOE FORESTRY OF THE VORONEZH REGION)
Authors: Тырченкова Ирина , Tyrchenkova Irina
Published: March 2018

Suburban recreational forests of the city of Voronezh have medium-forming, water-protective, protective, aes-thetic, recreational value. As a result of increasing recreational loads, there are noticeable changes in natural complexes, their condition worsens and productivity decreases. The purpose of the study is to determine the vital state of trees in artificial pine plantations of various stages of digression by the phenotypic features of the trunk and crown and the development of methods for their diagnosis. In carrying out the studies, standard methods of forest inventory have been used with the corresponding cameral treatment. An algorithm is proposed to regulate the research. Detailed data are provided for each stage of work. With deterioration in the sanitary condition of the plantations, a significant decrease in the number of healthy trees has been revealed. The data of the revealed external signs of pathology in Scots pine in the studied stands are reflected. The most common anomaly in the 63-year-old stands of different stages of digression is the curvature of the trunks. Their number regularly increases from 15% in I stage to 63% in the V stage. Mechanical damage to the trunk (from 7% to 37%)are in the second place in the occurrence of I - IV stages of digression in plantations, stem rot (48%) - in the V stage. Such defects as taring and stem rot have the least spread in plantations of I-III stages of digression. The basis of natural regeneration in 63 years old forest cultures of Pinus sylvestris is pine single and group undergrowth of different ages. Indicators of the life condition of trees in conditions of recreational impact are: the shape of the trunk, the presence of multiversity, density and architectonics of the crown, the degree of drying, angle of the branch from the trunk in the lower, middle and upper parts of the crown. Scale for determining the viability of trees by phenotypic characteristics has been proposed. Measures were taken to restore disturbed stands using highly viable species and selected individuals.
Todas las sangres – Peruvian Multiculturalism in a Migrant Settlement of Metropolitan Lima1
Authors: Górska Katarzyna
Published: March 2018

The paper presents multiculturalism as a cultural and social phenomenon experienced in migrant settlements in Metropolitan Lima. It will use Nuevo Pachacútec, a young migrant settlement in the Northern cone of the metropolitan area, as a case study. The multiculturalism of Lima has been driven and catalyzed by internal migration process, and is now clearly visible in some urban migrant settlements of the Peruvian capital. The case of Nuevo Pachacútec proves that multiculturalism functions best on a micro scale. Multiculturalism in Peru is analyzed from three angles: as a grassroots policy and principle of cultural organizations; as the diversity of residents in terms of origin and religion; and as the experience of the community and its new approach to celebrating fiestas. The nuanced nature of young migrant settlements is expressed by the phrase, Todas las sangres, which symbolizes the cultural heterogeneity of urban space.
The Role of a Donor in an Emerging Power’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Sawicka Monika
Published: March 2018

Since 2003, Brazil has been searching for efficient modalities directed at deepening ties with Latin American and African states, such as knowledge sharing and engaging in dialogue on alternative ways of tackling common development challenges. Considered by Brazilian policymakers to be expressions of solidarity diplomacy, these concepts and modalities are part of what has been coined Brazil’s “autonomy through diversification” strategy. Brazilian presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff consecutively pursued geopolitical realignments focused on the creation of a multipolar world order with a strengthened, more visible position for Brazil, an emerging world power. This paper will examine the practical and theoretical implications of Brazil’s reconceptualization of its role as a donor of development aid, as well as donor-recipient relations as expressed in the two presidents’ official speeches, documents of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, and COBRADI reports Furthermore, it will explore whether Brazil’s declared role as a development partner and its practices in the capacity thereof are consistent with the expectations of other significant development cooperation actors.
The Exile’s Song and It is weary – American poems by August Antoni Jakubowski
Authors: Modzelewska Ewa
Published: March 2018

The subject of this article is the forgotten works of August Antoni Jakubowski, The Exile’s Song and It is weary, discovered on the last pages of a rare 1835 edition of The Remembrances from Auburn. After the November Uprising, Jakubowski, an illegitimate son of Antoni Malczewski, was sent to America, where he became the author of The Remembrances of a Polish Exile – the first publication about Polish history, literature, and education written in English and published in the United States.So far, Jakubowski’s short life (ended by suicide), torn between two continents, is shrouded in more mysteries and secrets than confirmed facts. Much has been verified through the research of Przemysław Bloch, a New York-based lawyer, together with the author of this article in the United States. The Exile’s Song and It is weary complete the picture of the last American stage of Jakubowski’s work. They are a concentrated expression of all his characteristic moods, and testify to the extreme alienation, hopelessness, and despair that he felt. Despite its intimate tone, the work in large measure constitutes a general testimony of the experience of Polish exiles forced to travel across the ocean.
The Twilight of the China’s Decade?
Authors: Ludwikowski Rett R.
Published: March 2018

The main goal of this article is to present to the European reader the implications of the crisis of the Chinese banking system, which peaked in August 2015, and triggered a period of high volatility in the U.S. stock market. As a result, trade relations between China and the U.S. have deteriorated, which raises the question of whether the Chinese economic system will implode and contribute to the global crisis, or whether it can be controlled by Beijing?The article assumes two things: that subsidies are at the core of U.S. criticism of Chinese trade priorities; and that to understand recent American-Chinese trade conflicts, we must first review the more general issue of American attitudes towards the subsidizing practices of non-market economies.The article will conclude with the observation that, in discussing the obvious points that China needs more market-oriented reforms and should be more open to U.S. trade priorities, we may overlook some other more important problems, such as differences in the business cultures of both countries. So, rather than forcing uncertain compromises, American and Chinese trade experts must develop better problem solving skills and discuss new fields of collaboration.
From success to human waste management: Class, family and traces of neo-liberalism in the Finnish films Beauty and the Bastard and Bad Family
Authors: Römpötti Tommi
Published: March 2018

Generational conflict is at the core of youth films. In several films in the 2000s, this conflict has been connected to the ethos of neo-liberalism. This article presents two Finnish fiction films, Dome Karukoski’s Tyttö sinä olet tähti (Beauty and the Bastard) (2005) and Aleksi Salmenperä’s Paha perhe (Bad Family) (2010), as examples of the ways in which films in the changing Nordic welfare state, and under the prevailing ethos of neo-liberalism, function as a technology of class, i.e. how they negotiate the class divisions in contemporary society. The films, depicting the generation conflict within a middle-class and an upper middle-class family, are analysed in the context of hardening neo-liberal attitudes arising from the competitive efforts of individuals to achieve or sustain a successful position. The families in the films are understood to be miniature societies relating how young people negotiate the constraints of the dominant neo-liberal ethos. Both films represent a critical view towards generational continuity and a success story as the only acceptable option; however, as they also depict a shift from success to human waste management, they represent different attitudes towards neo-liberalism.
Obesity and functional constipation in children
Authors: Yuwanita Natasha , Sinuhaji Atan Baas , Sembiring Tiangsa , Supriatmo Supriatmo , Yudiyanto Ade Rachmat
Published: March 2018

Background Functional constipation is a common pediatric problem in both developed and developing countries.  In the past two decades, the prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide. Obesity itself leads to many health problems, including functional constipation. Studies correlating obesity to functional constipation have thus far mostly originated from developed countries.Objective To assess for a possible correlation between obesity and functional constipation in children in a developing country.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Mukhlisin Islamic Boarding School, Batu Bara District, North Sumatera Province, Indonesia, between July and August 2015. The subjects were 150 students aged 12 to 17 years. Questionnaires were used to determine functional constipation and filled by direct interview. Obesity was determined by body mass index. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test.Results Of 150 children, 49 had functional constipation; and 18 of the 49 were obese. The mean age of children with constipation was 14.7 (SD 1.07) years (95%CI 14.1 to 14.7) and their mean body weight was 53.8 (SD 15.10) kg (95%CI 49.4 to 58.1). The prevalence for functional constipation in obese children was  58% There was a statistically significant correlation between obesity and functional constipation (prevalence ratio=4; 95%CI 1.72 to 8.94; P=0.001), indicating that obese children had 4 times higher risk of having functional constipation.Conclusion There is a significant correlation between obesity and functional constipation in children.
Prescribing antibiotics to pediatric dengue: increasing risk of bacterial resistance
Authors: Sandopa Dhanunjaya , Nethi Sree Keerthi , Sreeram Sai Charitha , Vijay Narasimha Kumar Godlaveti , Biradavolu Vyshnavi , Kakimani Jagadeesh Vijay
Published: March 2018

Background Use of antibiotics to treat self-limiting viral infections like dengue fever (DF) without any co-morbid conditions in pediatric patients is common practice in India, and a major contribution of the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the country.Objective To provide an analysis of diagnosis, grading, and prescribing of antibiotics in pediatric inpatients with DF in a tertiary care teaching hospital in India.Methods Data from case sheets of all pediatric inpatients (n=370) diagnosed with DF without co-morbid conditions were collected with regards to diagnosis, grading, presence, and appropriateness of antibiotic usage according to the 2009 WHO Guidelines, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) of India Guidelines, and the Hospital Infection Society (HIS) Guidelines.Results Platelet count determination (50% of the cases) was the major diagnostic method for dengue. Inappropriate grading of DF was seen in 20% of patients. Almost 75% of the 370 dengue cases were prescribed antibiotics for the expressed purpose of avoiding hospital-acquired infections. A single antibiotic was given in 225 cases (60.81%), 2 antibiotics in 33 (8.91 %) cases, and 3 antibiotics in 9 (2.43%) cases.Conclusions From the results it is clear that antibiotics were prescribed to treat DF where the antibiotics do not have any role. DF is a self-limiting viral infection that can be treated with proper management of hemodynamic status with IV fluids. To avoid the usage of antibiotics in the treatment of dengue, awareness has to be created in healthcare professionals regarding the treatment guidelines for dengue and appropriate use of antibiotics to avoid hospital acquired infections.
Tipificando a racionalidade jurídica
Authors: Noernberg Lucas Voigt , Opuszka Paulo Ricardo
Published: March 2018

A racionalidade jurídica enquanto um dos pressupostos ideológicos do direito moderno busca a legitimação do direito pela razão científica. Essa racionalidade se apresenta neutra e anistórica quando na verdade representa um fenômeno, o direito moderno. Direito moderno o qual é formado em processos históricos definidos, sendo eles a modernidade e o capitalismo. Através de uma análise crítica o presente trabalho pretende utilizar a sociologia weberiana para tipificar essa racionalidade por meio das relações criadoras e/ou decorrentes da mesma.
Modelling of the Flow of Streams of Cohesionless and Cohesive Bulk Materials in a Conveyor Discharge Point with a Flat Conveyor Belt
Authors: Cyganiuk J.A. , Kuryło P.
Published: March 2018

The paper presents the analysis of flow conditions of cohesive and cohesionless bulk materials in a conveyor discharge point of a flat conveyor belt. The analysis was carried out for stationary flows at high velocities. It presents mathematical methods for the description of the velocity of a material leaving a throwing point of a flat conveyor belt as well as final equations which enable the determination of velocity of the material after it has left the throwing point (with the accuracy sufficient for practical use). Next, the velocity calculated for the proposed mathematical description (for selected material groups) has been compared with the velocity obtained from mathematical relations commonly used by engineers. The proposed equations for determining the velocity of the material beyond the point have proved useful, since they enable excluding the indirect equations. Finally, the difference between the values of the velocity obtained with the proposed and indirect equations have been determined and the relative error for the proposed method has been calculated.
Effect of Seepage on Change in Stress Distribution Scenario in Static and Seismic Behaviour of Earthen Dams
Authors: Nandi N. , Chowdhury Roy , Dutta S.C.
Published: March 2018

The present study makes an effort to understand the damage of earthen dams under static and seismic loading condition. To make the investigation more realistic, behaviour of earthen dams considering the occurrence of a phreatic line indicating the submerged zone due to seepage within the dam body is considered. In case of earthen dams, homogeneous or nonhomogeneous, the consideration of the occurrence of a phreatic line or seepage line through the dam body is an important part of the earthen dam design methodology. The impervious material properties in the submerged zone below the phreatic line due to seepage may differ a lot in magnitudes as compared to the value of the same materials lying above this line. Hence, to have the exact stress distribution scenarios within the earthen dam, the different material properties above and below the phreatic line are considered in this present study. The study is first carried out by two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional finite element analysis under static loading condition. The work is further extended to observe the effect of seepage due to the consideration of the phreatic line on dynamic characteristics of earthen dams. Free vibration analysis and seismic analysis based on the Complete Quadratic Combination (CQC) method by considering twodimensional and three-dimensional modeling are carried out to present the frequencies, mode shapes and the stress distribution pattern of the earthen dam.
Flows of Newtonian and Power-Law Fluids in Symmetrically Corrugated Cappilary Fissures and Tubes
Authors: Walicka A.
Published: March 2018

In this paper, an analytical method for deriving the relationships between the pressure drop and the volumetric flow rate in laminar flow regimes of Newtonian and power-law fluids through symmetrically corrugated capillary fissures and tubes is presented. This method, which is general with regard to fluid and capillary shape, can also be used as a foundation for different fluids, fissures and tubes. It can also be a good base for numerical integration when analytical expressions are hard to obtain due to mathematical complexities. Five converging-diverging or diverging-converging geometrics, viz. wedge and cone, parabolic, hyperbolic, hyperbolic cosine and cosine curve, are used as examples to illustrate the application of this method. For the wedge and cone geometry the present results for the power-law fluid were compared with the results obtained by another method; this comparison indicates a good compatibility between both the results.
Durability Tests of Ball Valve Prototype with Flowmeter Operation
Authors: Rogula J. , Romanik G.
Published: March 2018

The results of the investigation of the prototypical ball valve are presented in this article. The innovation of the tested valve is a ball with a built-in measuring orifice. The valve has been subjected to durability tests. Leakage under three temperatures: ambient, -30°C and +100°C was analyzed. Sealing elements of the valve were tested for roughness and deviation of shape before and after the cycles of operation. Ball valve operation means cycles of open/close. It was planned to perform 1000 cycles at each temperature condition accordingly. Tests of the valve were performed under gas pressure equal to 10 MPa. The research was carried out under the Operational Program “Intelligent Development” (POIR 01.01.01-00-0013 / 15 “Development of devices for measurement of media flow on industrial trunk-lines”.
Unsicherheiten menschlicher Entscheidungsfindung in Empfehlungssystemen
Authors: Jasberg Kevin , Sizov Sergej
Published: March 2018

Eines der wichtigsten Anliegen adaptiver Informationssysteme ist die Modellierung menschlichen Verhaltes, um unter anderem Benutzerpersonalisierung und Empfehlungen anbieten zu können. Dies geschieht gewöhnlich durch die Beobachtung der Nutzerinteraktionen und durch das direkte Befragen der Benutzer selbst. Wie im Alltag, so auch im Umgang mit Informationssystemen, erweisen sich Menschen in ihren Entscheidungen als unbeständig und sprunghaft; komplexe Kognitionen führen nicht immer zu demselben Ergebnis, sodass sich Wahrscheinlichkeiten für eine Vielzahl möglicher Entscheidungen ergeben. Dieses Phänomen besitzt einen großen Einfluss auf heutige Informationssysteme. Daher stellt sich die Frage nach einer effektiven Modellierung dieser Unsicherheit in der menschlichen Entscheidungsfindung. In diesem Beitrag betrachten wir die Grundidee der Unsicherheit aus drei verschiedenen Perspektiven: der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion, der Metrologie bzw. Physik sowie der Neurowissenschaft. Durch das Zusammenführen dieser Theorien bzw. der Übertragung ihrer spezifischen Methoden können wir eine wichtige Quelle der Unsicherheit menschlicher Entscheidungsfindung identifizieren und die begrenzte Möglichkeit ihrer Vermessung thematisieren. Der Einfluss dieser Unsicherheit wird dabei exemplarisch am Beispiel der komparativen Bewertung von Empfehlungsdiensten illustriert. Basierend auf unseren Ergebnissen diskutieren wir die möglichen Auswirkungen auf Informationssysteme im Allgemeinen und geben einen kurzen Überblick über mögliche Lösungsstrategien.
Prevention of Primary ACL Injuries: A Novel, Innovative Approach
Authors: Fleaca Radu , Roman Mihai , Bățagă Tiberiu , Feier Andrei-Marian , Prejbeanu Radu , Predescu Vlad , Zuh Sándor-György , Gergely István , Russu Octav
Published: March 2018

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are increasing amongst professional and recreational athletes, and creating prevention programs to reduce the occurrence of ACL damages is becoming a necessity. To prevent an ACL tear, it is necessary to comprehend the mechanisms and the risk factors of injury. Biomechanical and clinical studies try to understand these complex mechanisms in order to identify factors that can be improved and to develop training programs to prevent at least non-contact ACL injuries. There are several promising programs, but there are still many questions to answer. This paper analyzes the risk factors for ACL injuries and some aspects of the modern programs developed to decrease the rate of ACL tears.
Stem Cell Mobilization and Harvesting Failure in Case of Heavily Pretreated Patients
Authors: Mild Eszter , Lázár Erzsébet , Köpeczi Judit-Beáta , Kakucs Enikő , Găzdac Marius , Pakucs Annamária , Tudor Cezara , Benedek István
Published: March 2018

Background: High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation have become a standard curative treatment in various hematologic malignancies. Many factors can affect the success of mobilization and hematopoietic stem cell harvesting.

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze factors that lead to mobilization failure.

Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 19 patients with failure of stem cell harvesting. All patients were administered high doses of GCS-F (filgrastim, 15 μg/kg/day) and 0.24 mg/kg of plerixafor on day +5 or +10 of harvesting.

Results: The median age of the study population was 51 years (range 35–67) and 52.6% (n = 10) were males. The study group included 4 (21%) subjects with multiple myeloma, 6 (31.5%) with Hodgkin lymphoma, 8 cases (42.1%) with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 1 patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Each patient received 2.78 (range 1–5) lines of chemotherapy, administered in 11.57 (range 2 to over 20) cycles of treatment.

Conclusion: In hematologic malignancies it is very important to collect stem cells in time, in order to reduce mobilization failure. As we have shown in our studied cases, multiple lines of polychemotherapy with or without radiotherapy lead to mobilization failure.
A Thermodynamically Consistent Approach to Phase-Separating Viscous Fluids
Authors: Anders Denis , Weinberg Kerstin
Published: March 2018

The de-mixing properties of heterogeneous viscous fluids are determined by an interplay of diffusion, surface tension and a superposed velocity field. In this contribution a variational model of the decomposition, based on the Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible laminar flow and the extended Korteweg–Cahn–Hilliard equations, is formulated. An exemplary numerical simulation using

C

1

{C}^{1}

-continuous finite elements demonstrates the capability of this model to compute phase decomposition and coarsening of the moving fluid.
Effects of tributyltin on placental cytokine production
Authors: Arita Yuko , Kirk Michael , Gupta Neha , Menon Ramkumar , Getahun Darios , Peltier Morgan R.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Tributyltin (TBT) is a persistent pollutant but its effects on placental function are poorly understood as are its possible interactions with infection. We hypothesized that TBT alters the production of sex hormones and biomarkers for inflammation and neurodevelopment in an infection-dependent manner.

Methods

Placental explant cultures were treated with 0–5000 nM TBT in the presence and absence of Escherichia coli. A conditioned medium was harvested and concentrations of steroids (progesterone, P4; testosterone, T and estradiol, E2) as well as biomarkers of inflammation [interleukin (IL)-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), IL-10, IL-6, soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp-130) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)], oxidative stress [8-iso-prostaglandin (8-IsoP)] and neurodevelopment [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)] were quantified.

Results

TBT increased P4 slightly but had little or no effect on T or E2 production. IL-1β, IL-6, sgp-130, IL-10 and 8-IsoP production was enhanced by TBT. P4 and IL-6 production was also enhanced by TBT for bacteria-stimulated cultures but TBT significantly inhibited bacteria-induced IL-1β and sgp-130 production. High doses of TBT also inhibited BDNF production.

Conclusions

TBT increases P4 but has minimal effect on downstream steroids. It enhances the production of inflammatory biomarkers such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-6. Inhibition of sgp-130 by TBT suggests that TBT may increase bioactive IL-6 production which has been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Reduced expression of BDNF also supports this possibility.
Adrenal gland size in growth restricted fetuses
Authors: Heese Sandra , Hammer Kerstin , Möllers Mareike , Köster Helen A. , Falkenberg Maria K. , Eveslage Maria , Braun Janina , Oelmeier de Murcia Kathrin , Klockenbusch Walter , Schmitz Ralf
Published: March 2018

Objective

To compare the adrenal gland size of fetal growth restricted (FGR) and normal control fetuses.

Study design

In this prospective study the adrenal gland size of 63 FGR fetuses and 343 normal controls was measured between 20 and 41 weeks of gestation. The total width and the medulla width were measured in a new standardized transversal plane. The cortex width and a calculated ratio of the total and medulla width (adrenal gland ratio) were compared between both groups.

Results

The mean cortex width and the adrenal gland ratio in FGR fetuses were higher in comparison to the controls (P<0.001; P=0.036, respectively). The cortex width correlated positively with the gestational age (control group: P<0.001; FGR group: P=0.089) whilst the adrenal gland ratio showed no association with the gestational age (control group: P=0.153; FGR group: P=0.314).

Conclusion

The adrenal gland cortex width and the adrenal gland ratio were increased in FGR fetuses compared to normal fetuses.
Cleidocranial dysplasia-dental disorder treatment and audiology diagnosis
Authors: Matthews-Brzozowska Teresa , Hojan-Jezierska Dorota , Loba Wawrzyniec , Worona Marta , Matthews-Brzozowski Artur
Published: March 2018

A review of numerous case reports was made, in order to demonstrate the possibilities for treatment of dental disorders in patients with Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). In this paper, our own report, including a diagnosis of the effect on the auditory system, is presented. In addition to the triad of CCD symptoms that include hypoplastic or aplastic clavicles, impacted and supernumerary teeth, delayed closure of fontanelles and cranial sutures, impairment of the hearing system resulting in conductive hearing loss also occurs. Our own report is based on the case of a 12-year-old CCD patient, in whom Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) revealed the presence of 12 supernumerary teeth. Furthermore, a clinical examination pointed to the presence of retained deciduous teeth and a delayed eruption of permanent teeth. Orthodontic-surgical procedures were implemented, in accordance with the literature. During the course of the orthodontic treatment, a decrease in auditory sensitivity was observed, for which reason hearing tests were also performed. Conductive hearing loss was detected. As such, it is important to remember that in such cases, auditory check-ups need to be performed between the many surgical and orthodontic interventions, which usually last a few years.
Magnetic characterization of microcrystalline Na3Ln0.99–xEr0.01Crx(PO4)2 orthophosphates synthesized by Pechini method (Ln = La, Gd)
Authors: Kaczmarek S.M. , Leniec G. , Fuks H. , Skibiński T. , Pelczarska A. , Godlewska P. , Hanuza J. , Szczygieł I.
Published: March 2018

Na3Ln(PO4)2 orthophosphates (Ln = La, Gd) doped with Er3+ and co-doped with Cr3+ ions were synthesized by Pechini method and characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Low temperature EPR spectra were detected and analyzed in terms of temperature dependence and the structure of the obtained materials. They show that erbium and chromium ions substitute Ln3+ and also Na+ ions or Na+ channels forming complex EPR spectra. Both kinds of ions reveal ferromagnetic type of interaction which shows some anomaly at the temperature between 10 K and 15 K. Magnetic susceptibility reveals a weak antiferromagnetic kind of interaction dominating in the whole temperature range, from 3.5 to 300 K.