bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an mHealth platform for HIV Care: Gathering User Perspectives Through Co-Design Workshops and Interviews (Preprint)
Authors: Marent Benjamin , Henwood Flis , Darking Mary ,   EmERGE Consortium
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in testing and treatment, HIV incidence rates within European countries are at best stable or else increasing. mHealth technology has been advocated to increase quality and cost-effectiveness of health services while dealing with growing patient numbers. However, studies suggested that mHealth apps are rarely adopted and often considered to be of low quality by users. Only a few studies (conducted in the United States) have involved people living with HIV (PLWH) in the design of mHealth.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to facilitate a co-design process among PLWH and clinicians across 5 clinical sites in the European Union to inform the development of an mHealth platform to be integrated into clinical care pathways. We aimed to (1) elicit experiences of living with HIV and of working in HIV care, (2) identify mHealth functionalities that are considered useful for HIV care, and (3) identify potential benefits as well as concerns about mHealth.

METHODS

Between January and June 2016, 14 co-design workshops and 22 semistructured interviews were conducted, involving 97 PLWH and 63 clinicians. Data were analyzed thematically and iteratively, drawing on grounded theory techniques.

RESULTS

Findings were established into 3 thematic clusters: (1) approaching the mHealth platform, (2) imagining the mHealth platform, and (3) anticipating the mHealth platform’s implications. Co-design participants approached the mHealth platform with pre-existing concerns arising from their experiences of receiving or providing care. PLWH particularly addressed issues of stigma and questioned how mHealth could enable them to manage their HIV. Clinicians problematized the compatibility of mHealth with existing information technology systems and questioned which patients should be targeted by mHealth. Imagining the potential of mHealth for HIV care, co-design participants suggested medical functionalities (accessing test results, managing medicines and appointments, and digital communication channels), social functionalities (peer support network, international travel, etc), and general features (security and privacy, credibility, language, etc). Co-design participants also anticipated potential implications of mHealth for self-management and the provision of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Our approach to co-design enabled us to facilitate early engagement in the mHealth platform, enabling patient and clinician feedback to become embedded in the development process at a preprototype phase. Although the technologies in question were not yet present, understanding how users approach, imagine, and anticipate technology formed an important source of knowledge and proved highly significant within the technology design and development process.
Effectiveness and Cost of Weekly Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Hemodialysis Catheter Locking Solution
Authors: Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Manns Braden J. , Soroka Steven D. , Levin Adeera , MacRae Jennifer , Tennankore Karthik , Wilson Jo-Anne S. , Weaver Robert G. , Ravani Pietro , Quinn Robert R. , Tonelli Marcello , Kiaii Mercedeh , Mossop Paula , Scott-Douglas Nairne
Published: January 2018

Background and objectives

Evidence to guide hemodialysis catheter locking solutions is limited. We aimed to assess effectiveness and cost of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) once per week as a locking solution, compared with thrice weekly citrate or heparin, in patients at high risk of complications.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We used a prospective design and pre-post comparison in three sites across Canada. Pre-post comparisons were conducted using multilevel mixed effects regression models accounting for cluster with site and potential enrollment of patients more than once. In the pre period, catheter malfunction was managed as per site-specific standard of care. The intervention in the post period was once weekly rt-PA as a locking solution (with citrate or heparin used for other sessions). The primary outcome was rate of rt-PA use for treatment of catheter malfunction. Secondary outcomes included rates of bacteremia, management of catheter malfunction, and cost.

Results

There were 374 patients (mean age 68 years; 52% men) corresponding to 506 enrollments. Mean length of enrollment was 200 days (SD 119) in the pre period and 187 days (SD 101) in the post period. There was a significant decline in rate of rt-PA use for treatment of catheter malfunction in the post compared with pre period (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.30 to 0.52); however, there was no difference in the rate of bacteremia, or catheter stripping or removal/replacement. The increase in mean total health care cost in the post period was CAD$962 per enrollment, largely related to costs of rt-PA as a locking solution.

Conclusions

Once weekly rt-PA as a catheter locking solution was associated with a reduction in rt-PA use for treatment of catheter malfunction. Our results showing a reduction in rescue rt-PA use are consistent with a prior randomized trial, although we did not observe a reduction in bacteremia or catheter stripping/removal and did observe an increased incremental cost of this strategy primarily accounted for by the cost of the rt-PA.
RELAXIN: A MAGICAL THERAPY FOR HEALTHY HEART
Authors: Waza Ajaz Ahmad , Bhat Shabir Ahmad , Hamid Zeenat
Published: January 2018

Relaxin (a peptide hormone) has emerged as a cardioprotective agent and plays a vital role in normal cardiac function. By activation a complex network of signaling cascade, relaxin is responsible for creating a healthy environment for heart functioning. Under pathological conditions, such as cardiomyopathy and heart failure, expression level of relaxin is increased dramatically to protect heart. By promoting angiogenesis, vasodilatation, improving ischemia/reperfusion injury and remodeling, relaxin has emerged as a magical agent to address cardiac abnormalities. Over the past 3 decades, various cardioprotection strategies are in use to deal with cardiac diseases, however till date no effective therapy is in clinical practice. Relaxin has emerged as a novel therapeutic agent to have beneficial action during various pathological conditions. In this review, we have discussed different cardioprotective roles of relaxin that marks it, as an effective agent to tackle heart related diseases.
Pengaruh Konsentrasi Surfaktan dan Perbandingan Volume Emulsi dengan Volume Fasa Eksternal Pada Ekstraksi Ion Merkuri Menggunakan Teknik Emulsi Membran Cair
Authors: Hidayah Nurul , Hamzah Baharuddin , Ningsih Purnama
Published: January 2018

Mercury ion extraction has been done using emulsion liquid membrane technique a research. The aim of the study is to determine the optimal conditions at the extraction process of mercury ion with research variables, namely variations of the surfactant concentration and the volume ratio of emulsion and external phase (Ve:Veks). In this study, the sample was 20 mg/L of Hg2+ ions in concentration. The concentration of mercury ions remaining in the sample after extraction were analyze using a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 490 nm using ditizon as complexation. The optimum condition far varying concentrations surfactant was 2% and the volume ratio of emulsion (Ve) and external phase (Veks) was 1:5 with the percentage of extraction respectively 47.65% and 56.80%.
Penentuan Konsentrasi Efektif Ekstrak Tanaman Patikan Kebo (Euphorbia Hirta) Merah Dan Hijau Dalam Melarutkan Kalsium
Authors: Hamdiana Hamdiana , Jura Minarni Rama , Ratman Ratman
Published: January 2018

The use of traditional materials is one alternative for the treatment of kidney stones. One of them is utilizing a plant of patikan kebo (Euphorbia hirta). This study is conducted by using laboratory experiments and the extract of the plant of patikan kebo red and patikan kebo green to dissolve the calcium phosphate as a substitute for kidney stones. The extraction of samples is conducted by decoction. The aim of the study is to determine the effective concentration of the extracts of patikan kebo red and green to dissolve calcium and test the effectiveness of the extracts of patikan kebo to dissolve calcium compared to Batugin elixir and distilled water. Determination of the concentration of dissolved calcium in the extracts using a flame photometer. The results show that the extract of patikan kebo red with a concentration of 2.1% is effective in dissolve the calcium with a concentration of 5.2 ppm. The extract of patikan kebo green with a concentration of 27.4% is effective in dissolving the calcium with a concentration of 27.5 ppm. When compared with Batugin elixir and distilled water, Batugin elixir can only dissolve the calcium with concentration 15.3 ppm, while distilled water can only dissolve 3 ppm of the calcium.
New results for Srivastava’s λ-generalized Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function
Authors: Luo Min-Jie , Raina R.K.
Published: January 2018

In view of the relationship with the Kr?tzel function, we derive a new
series representation for the ?-generalized Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function
introduced by H.M. Srivastava [Appl. Math. Inf. Sci. 8 (2014) 1485-1500] and
determine the monotonicity of its coeficients. An integral representation of
the Mathieu (a;?)-series is rederived by applying the Abel?s summation
formula (which provides a slight modification of the result given by Pog?ny
[Integral Transforms Spec. Funct. 16 (8) (2005) 685-689]) and this modified
form of the result is then used to obtain a new integral representation for
Srivastava?s ?-generalized Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function. Finally, by making
use of the various results presented in this paper, we establish two sets of
two-sided inequalities for Srivastava?s ?-generalized Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta
function.
Harmonic shears and numerical conformal mappings
Authors: Quach Tri
Published: January 2018

In this article we introduce a numerical algorithm for finding harmonic
mappings by using the shear construction introduced by Clunie and
Sheil-Small in 1984. The MATLimplementation of the algorithm is based on
the numerical conformal mapping package, the Schwarz-Christoffel toolbox, by
T. Driscoll. Several numerical examples are given. In addition, we discuss
briefly the minimal surfaces associated with harmonic mappings and give a
numerical example of minimal surfaces.
An accelerated Jacobi-gradient based iterative algorithm for solving sylvester matrix equations
Authors: Tian Zhaolu , Tian Maoyi , Gu Chuanqing , Hao Xiaoning
Published: January 2018

In this paper, an accelerated Jacobi-gradient based iterative (AJGI)
algorithm for solving Sylvester matrix equations is presented, which is
based on the algorithms proposed by Ding and Chen [6], Niu et al. [18] and
Xie et al. [25]. Theoretical analysis shows that the new algorithm will
converge to the true solution for any initial value under certain
assumptions. Finally, three numerical examples are given to verify the
eficiency of the accelerated algorithm proposed in this paper.
A trace formula for discontinuous eigenvalue problem
Authors: Hıra Fatma , Altınışık Nihat
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we deal with a Sturm-Liouville problem which has discontinuity
at one point and contains an eigenparameter in a boundary condition. We
obtain a regularized trace formula for the problem.
Ethnic differences in craniofacial and upper spine morphology in children with skeletal Class II malocclusion
Authors: Oh Eunhye , Ahn Sug-Joon , Sonnesen Liselotte
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

To analyze differences in upper cervical spine and craniofacial morphology, including posterior cranial fossa and growth prediction signs, between Danish and South Korean pre-orthodontic skeletal Class II children and to analyze associations between upper cervical spine morphology and craniofacial characteristics.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred forty-six skeletal Class II children—93 Danes (54 boys and 39 girls, mean age 12.2 years) and 53 Koreans (27 boys and 26 girls, mean age 10.8 years)—were included. Upper spine morphology, Atlas dimensions, and craniofacial morphology, including posterior cranial fossa and growth prediction signs, were assessed on lateral cephalograms. Differences and associations were analyzed by multiple linear and logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and gender.

Results:

Significant differences between the ethnic groups were found in the sagittal and vertical craniofacial dimensions (P < .001), mandibular shape (P < .01), dental relationship (P < .01), posterior cranial fossa (P < .05), and growth prediction signs (P < .001). No significant differences were found in upper spine morphology and Atlas dimensions between the groups. Upper spine morphology/dimensions were significantly associated with the cranial base angle (P < .01), sagittal craniofacial dimensions (P < .001), posterior cranial fossa (P < .001), and growth prediction signs (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Upper spine morphology/dimensions may be valuable as predictive factors in treatment planning for growing Class II children.
Performance of Monolithic and Veneered Zirconia Crowns After Endodontic Treatment and Different Repair Strategies
Authors: Scioscia A , Helfers A , Soliman S , Krastl G , Zitzmann NU
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

To investigate failure loads of monolithic and veneered all-ceramic crowns after root canal treatment and to analyze marginal integrity of repair fillings.

Methods and Materials:

Seventy-two human molars were restored with monolithic (Zr-All) or veneered (Zr-Ven) zirconia crowns. Molars were assigned to six groups (n=12 per group) depending on restoration material, access type (no access cavity [control] or endodontic treatment [test]), and type of filling (one-step [1-st] or two-step [2-st]). For type of filling, molars were treated using a self-etch universal adhesive and cavities were either filled with layered composite (1-st) or filled until the crown material was reached, which was additionally conditioned and then filled (2-st). Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the restoration margins was performed before and after thermomechanical loading (TML), and the percentage of continuous margins was assessed. Crowns were then loaded to failure.

Results:

Preparation of the access cavity required more time in monolithic (445 s) than in veneered crowns (342 s). Loads to failure were higher in control groups (Zr-All: 5814 N; Zr-Ven: 2133 N) and higher in monolithic test (2985 N) than in veneered test crowns (889 N). In monolithic crowns, 1-st had lower fracture loads than 2-st fillings (2149 N vs 3821 N). Continuous margins of 66% to 71% were achieved, which deteriorated after TML by 39% to 40% in Zr-All, by 34% in Zr-Ven-1-st, and by 24% in Zr-Ven-2-st.

Conclusions:

Endodontic access and adhesive restorations resulted in reduced fracture load in monolithic and veneered zirconia crowns. Two-step fillings provided higher fracture loads in Zr-All and better marginal quality in Zr-Ven crowns.
Hvert er aðalmálið við val á verðbréfasjóði?
Authors: Sigurðsson Kári , Fuxén Sara M. , Vésteinsdóttir Valgerður
Published: January 2018

Þessi rannsókn fjallar um hvaða þættir hafa áhrif á val fjárfesta á verðbréfasjóðum. Rannsóknin nær yfir íslenska verðbréfasjóði á tímabilinu 1992 til 2005. Niðurstöðurnar sýna að fjárfestar taka mið af fortíðarávöxtun við val á verðbréfasjóði og eltast við bestu ávöxtun hvort heldur sem er innan fjárfestingarstefnu eða óháð stefnum. Ef árangur sjóðs batnar um 0,1 stig miðað við aðra sjóði á skalanum 0 til 1 eykst fjárflæði að meðaltali um rúmlega 5%. Samband fjárflæðis og árangurs er línulegt á Íslandi sem er ólíkt því sem þekkist í Bandaríkjunum. Kostnaður og áhætta hafa ekki marktæk áhrif á val fjárfesta.
Concerning the history of global ideological space
Authors:   Kuban State Agrarian University, Grin Maksim Valentinovich
Published: January 2018

The term ‘ideological space’ is a suitable method for considering the spiritual processes at the macro-social level. The paper describes the changing nature of the ideological space during the historical development; it is based on the methodological synthesis of both cultural and civilizational and geopolitical approaches. In the pre-industrial era, ideological space mainly had an irrational religious basis. In the Modern Era, rationalized and practice-oriented theoretical constructs related to the specific macro-social interests emerged as the main component of the ideological space. Total ideological systems (liberalism, socialism, conservatism) are the result of significant ontological shifts caused by industrialization. The above-mentioned ideological systems opposed to each other at the national and international levels, and it determined the state of the ideological space on the appropriate scale. Liberalism won in this confrontation, and its principles were implemented on a global scale. In the context of increasing globalization trends, the global ideological space becomes more and more evident. Never-theless, the changing essence of the main ideological actors, i.e. the state and society, makes the pro-spects of the global ideological space uncertain.
The USSR state security bodies reorganization in the first months of the Great Patriotic War
Authors:   Academy of Standardization, Metrology and Certification, Khabarovsk, Tsukanov Sergey Sergeyevich
Published: January 2018

The complex international situation before the Great Patriotic War, the hostile environment almost on all USSR borders demanded to obtain information on the emerging threats of the imminent anti-Soviet military and other campaigns as well as the important international events concerning the state security. The study highlighted the main challenges faced by the Soviet security bodies in the first period of the war, revealed the reasons for their reorganization, addressed the main problems of the public security officer activities. The research reviewed the stages of establishing state security departments responsible for state protection. The author concluded that the government reforms helped the security officials to perform their tasks more effectively.
The features of the cross-border trade between Amur region and Northeastern China in the 1950s
Authors:   Blagoveshchensk State Pedagogical University, Zalesskaya Olga Vladimirovna
Published: January 2018

The paper examines the Soviet-Chinese border trade development in the Far East during the 1950s. This was the “honeymoon period” in the Soviet-Chinese relations, but in general, the trends of domination and global leadership were increased, so the Soviet Union gave priority to the Far East security. The cross-border trade developed in the borderlands of two countries in the social and political context. The author elaborates on the social, economic, and geopolitical situation in the Far East in the 1950s, analyzes the volume and dynamics of Soviet-Chinese border trade, considers the forms of mutually beneficial cooperation among the population of the bordering USSR and China Far East territories. The research concluded that there was a significant difference in the positions and characteristics of exports and imports of the Soviet-Chinese border trade, and the great influence of the state on the development of cross-border trade and economic ties.
Human representations about the natural environment and the philosophical aspect of overcoming the global ecological crisis
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Tkachenko Yuri Leonidovich , Komissarova Mariya Viktorovna ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Shved Margarita Aleksandrovna ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Published: January 2018

The study considers the main ideological reasons that do not allow creating a holistic science-based concept of overcoming the ecological crisis that is equally suitable for both different national states and cultures. The historical forms of the representation of the natural environment in the minds of people are described; the consistency of anthropocentrism in each of these forms is shown. The study notes the downside of multiculturalism which prevents the adaptation of socialized citizens of the Earth to collaboration within a unified plan for resolving the ecological crisis. The strict limits of certain sciences and the lack of a tool for analyzing the holistic evolution process of humankind and biosphere in the collective consciousness impede the development of a scientific strategy for behavior of each person. The concept of ecocentric thinking is proposed to implement the co-evolutionary strategy of the development of the world society and the biosphere, which allows overcoming the global ecological crisis.
Assessing the impact of Transeurasian Corridor Razvitie on agrifood and agrarian resource markets in Russia
Authors: Karpova Olga Ivanovna
Published: January 2018

The study considers Russian nationwide project Transeurasian Corridor Razvitie and estimates its influence on the agrarian sector of Russian economy in general and the development of agrifood and agrarian resource markets in particular. The author identifies the positive dynamics of increasing demand for domestic agricultural raw materials and foodstuffs by multi-million China and defines a stable consumption of Russian foodstuffs by the European Union. It is argued that Transeurasian Corridor Razvitie will enhance the availability of consumers from Eastern and Western countries by Russian agrarian businessmen and increase the competitiveness of national agricultural products on the international market. Moreover, the impact matrix of the above-mentioned project in relation to agrifood and agrarian resource markets is represented. The study presents the ideas for establishing a network of agricultural marketing centers along the Transeurasian Corridor zone. Its high-tech multi-infrastructure will increase the efficiency of redistributive platforms of agricultural raw materials and foodstuffs from Russian agrarian organizations to the ultimate consumers in foreign countries.
Theoretical and practical issues of intellectual property management in the museum industry (by a case study of the Peterhof State Museum-Reserve)
Authors: Sokolnitskaya Viktoria Valentinovna ,   Saint Petersburg National Research University of  Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics
Published: January 2018

The paper reviews the intellectual property management within museums. The research identifies the problems of developing an integrated policy on museum intellectual property management, protecting the intellectual products of the museum staff, and commercializing the intellectual property of Russian museums. The challenges of the museum information and legal support are considered. The paper provides the case studies of effective intellectual property management system related to licensed trade at the world museum level. The paper analyzes the possibilities to commercialize the museum intellectual property assets and intellectual products, substantiates their relevance considering the museum law. The author describes the main issues related to the establishment of the economic and legal culture in the museum industry, the construction of a unified intellectual property and products management system.
An integrative approach and its possibilities in the study of self-preservation behavior
Authors:   Belgorod State National Research University, Vangorodskaya Svetlana Anatolyevna
Published: January 2018

The paper discusses the heuristic possibilities of an integrative approach as a specific sociological paradigm in the study of self-preservation behavior. The research reveals the prerequisites for an integrative approach developed in the late 20th century as a result of a paradigmatic shift in sociology. It presents the fundamentals of the figurative theory by N. Elias which plays an important role in the contemporary sociological discourse and is based on the integrative principles of the individual and society, act and structure. The research shows that the concept of habitus is of particular relevance in relation to the study of self-preservation behavior. It is concluded that consideration of the phenomenon of self-preservation behavior by means of an integrative approach will allow us to represent the phenomenon as a result of the inextricable link between the individual factors determining the appropriate behavior strategies and social structures that affect this process.
State measures to address the social problems of contemporary youth in Mongolia
Authors: Gankhuyag Altandosh
Published: January 2018

The paper deals with the essence and content of social problems of one of the most numerous social and demographic groups of contemporary Mongolian society, i.e. the youth. The author reveals the government social protection measures for the modern youth, the state programs for support and promotion of development and self-realization of young people. The research provides the statistical data of the Statistical Office of Mongolia, the United Nations, as well as describes the most urgent social and cultural problems of Mongolian youth and the ways to address them. In addition, the distinctive features of the social problems of the above-mentioned group are revealed, the negative trends in the behavior and functioning of the younger generation are analyzed in the context of the unstable implementation of the state policy on social protection of the contemporary youth of Mongolia.
Concerning the public nature of employment: a sociological approach
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University, Nikiforova Olga Aleksandrovna
Published: January 2018

The paper updates the scientific discussion on the relationship between the notions of labor and employment in sociology. The author addresses the issue of the need to construct a sociological theory of employment that will allow one to systematize the theoretical and methodological ideas about the role and significance of these social phenomena for the social reproduction. The basis of this process is labor activity; its characteristics determine the specific features of the life of each person as a member of society. Thus, the author focuses on the public nature of the origin and reproduction of both labor and employment analyzing existing approaches to understanding the labor relations. The public nature of employment is explained by the evolving historical development of society and economy. It changes its forms depending on the type of labor relations inherent in any type of economy.
The research methods of social capital on the Internet
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Kharlamov Andrey Vasilyevich , Bezrodnaya Lyudmila Vladimirovna ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Poddyachaya Ekaterina Aleksandrovna ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University
Published: January 2018

Studying social capital development and functioning on the Internet is an urgent issue of modern social science. The current transformational processes caused by the evolving Internet technologies are contradictory. On the one hand, we can observe an emerging role of information in social processes, which means a decline in the number of links between all participants of information interactions, the increased intensity and multi-formats of interactions. On the other hand, such transformations lead to information inequality and the crisis of confidence among the participants. To resolve the existing contradiction, it is essential to study social capital from the perspective of science, which is necessary to optimize social management, forecasting and designing in an online environment. However, this is impossible without a clear understanding of the methodological base that takes into account the peculiarities of using social capital techniques on the Internet. The authors analyze the existing methods of studying social capital. These methods do not measure social capital on the Internet in full, therefore they should be supplemented by such specialized procedures of Internet researches as the semantic network analysis, hyperlinks network analysis, and netnographic approach.
«El signo infinito. Relatos completos (1998-2016)», de Diego Martínez Torrón
Authors: Díez de Revenga Francisco Javier
Published: January 2018

Reseña del libro El signo infinito. Relatos completos (1998-2016), de Diego Martínez Torrón
Association between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Graves’ Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Darmawan Guntur , Simadibrata Marcellus , Widyahening Indah Suci
Published: January 2018

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is proposed to be related with autoimmune diseases, such as Graves’ disease. This study aimed to assess the association between H. pylori infection and Graves’ disease.Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using Pubmed and Cochrane library. The quality of enrolled studies was assessed by the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Oxford. A fixed-effect model approach was used if there was no heterogeneity; otherwise, a random-effect model was used. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot. All data were analyzed using REVIEW MANAGER 5.3.Results: Six studies from Europe and Asia involving 983 patients were included. Overall H. pylori infection was significantly associated with Graves’ disease (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.47-4.99; p 0.001). In subgroup analysis of 3 studies using non-serological diagnostic method, the prevalence rate of H. pylori infection was higher in Graves’ disease group (78.26% vs. 42.42%) with significant relationship (OR = 4.93; 95% CI: 3.16-7.69; p 0.00001; I2 = 0%). The Cytotoxin associated gene A (CagA) antibody prevalence was significantly higher in Graves’ disease group (46.57% vs. 20.29%; OR = 4.41; 95% CI: 2.65-7.33; p 0.00001; I2 = 56%). No publication bias was observed.Conclusion: Our study showed association between H. pylori infection and Graves’ disease. It might suggest the need of H. pylori examination in Graves’ disease patients and the impact of H. pylori eradication in the treatment of Graves’ disease.
Naive and Effector B-cell Subtypes are Increased in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Polyps
Authors: Miljkovic Dijana , Psaltis Alkis , Wormald Peter-John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: January 2018

Background

Recent studies demonstrated that B cells and their chemoattractants are elevated in the nasal mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). However, the presence of naive B cells and of plasmablasts and memory B-cell subsets in the mucosa and periphery of the same patient with CRS is yet to be characterized.

Objective

Here we sought to quantify naive, plasmablasts, and memory B cells in mucosal tissue and peripheral blood of patients with CRSwNP, patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and control patients.

Methods

Polyps, mucosa, and peripheral blood samples were prospectively collected from the patients with CRS and from the non-CRS controls. We used flow cytometry to distinguish among naive, plasmablast, and memory B cells in sinus tissue and peripheral blood.

Results

A total of 45 patients were recruited for the study. The patients with CRSwNP had significantly increased mucosal B-cell numbers versus the controls (3.39 ± 4.05% versus 0.39 ± 1.05% of live cells; p < 0.01, Kruskal-Wallis test), which included naive B cells (0.61 ± 0.94 versus 0.11 ± 0.24% of live cells; p < 0.03, Kruskal-Wallis test), plasmablasts (0.06 ± 0.26 versus 0.00 ± 0.00% e cells; p < 0.055, Kruskal-Wallis test), and memory B cells (0.62 ± 1.26 versus 0.05 ± 0.15% of live cells; p < 0.02, Kruskal-Wallis test).

Conclusion

Our study identified increased frequencies of different B-cell subtypes in the mucosa of patients with CRSwNP but not in the peripheral blood. We also found that patients with CRSwNP had significantly increased B-cell subtypes compared with the patients with CRSsNP and the controls. These results implied a potential role for mucosal B cells in the ongoing inflammation in patients with CRSwNP.
TOWARDS A SPIRITUALITY OF OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING
Authors: Potgieter Ferdinand Jacobus
Published: January 2018

This article suggests attention to the paideia of the soul as an educative corrective for preparing open distance learning students for living in the current technology-dependent world. This world is undergirded by a technology-rich knowledge society that privileges new informational epistemologies. In an attempt to suggest a spirituality of open distance learning that is based on the paideia (full-blown completeness) of the soul, use is made of the integrated interpretations of three relevant viewpoints. It is shown that spirituality in open distance learning is neither religion nor ethics; that it is essentially about the meaning in and of life, meaning-making and meaning-decoding, self-transcendence (especially as meaning-making), connection, engagement and a re-interrogation of all the major existentialist questions. It is a journey towards wholeness and compassion (as knowledge of love) of every student teacher.
A CUSTOMISED FRAMEWORK FOR EFFECTIVE PODCAST INTEGRATION IN A SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHER EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Pachagadu Shane , Nel Liezel
Published: January 2018

Numerous studies have explored the potential of podcast integration in teaching and learning environments. This paper first presents and organises perspectives from literature in a conceptual framework for the effective integration of podcasting in higher education. An empirical study is then discussed in which the guidelines presented in the framework were evaluated for applicability in a selected course at a South African University of Technology. Since the results of the study revealed a number of aspects not accounted for in the conceptual framework, the framework was customised to make it more applicable for the particular higher education environment. The customised framework identifies four principles and a series of related guidelines for the effective integration of podcasts in a South African higher education teaching and learning environment. This framework can become a valuable resource for effective podcast integration in similar environments.
THE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF SESOTHO FOLKTALES: PROPPâ€™S APPROACH
Authors: Phindane P
Published: January 2018

This study attempts to show that Vlamidir Proppâ€Ÿs Morphological Analysis of Russian Folktales has an influence in the way Sesotho folktales are being analysed. Fifteen Sesotho folktales were analysed (but in this paper only two are used as examples) adopting his method and it was observed that both folktales display some of Proppâ€Ÿs 31 functions. Although some of these folktales display as much as 16â€“20 functions, the average of seven functions is observed throughout the analysis in all folktales. This study recommends that the seven average functions that were observed in the analyses should be regarded as basic model in analysing Sesotho folktales, and that every Sesotho folktale should display seven or more functions as stipulated in Proppâ€Ÿs analysis. The study concludes by affirming that Propp was influential in the analysis of Sesotho folktales.
FIGHTING OVER NDEBELE IDENTITY THROUGH ONLINE FORUMS: QUARRELS OF THE VANQUISHED?
Authors: Siziba L P , Wood F
Published: January 2018

Social media has transformed into a space of contest for identity, language and culture. In an attempt to reclaim, redefine and restore their distorted identity, the Ndebele people have taken to the use of social media as a forum to fulfil their quest. Unlike most cultures and identities the concept of Ndebeleness is a fluid ideology, because the concept of Nationalism in this culture involved a unification of various identities which in itself caused an identity divide in the Ndebele ideology. More recently the identity debates are centered on the concept of â€˜who is Ndebele and who is an outsider?â€™ This article reflects on and discusses key ideas and cross-cutting themes around the evolution of â€˜culturesâ€™, discursive practices and other â€˜language formsâ€™ in Zimbabwe that have in recent years played a significant role in shaping ideas about Ndebele identity and the other. The research analyses these concepts using facets of critical discourse analysis as well as Primordial and Constructivist theories of identity. The article uses data collected from various social media forums for analysis purposes.
CULTURAL HERITAGE AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES: THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN PRESERVING, RESTORING AND DISSEMINATING CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Joubert A , Biernacka K
Published: January 2018

This article focuses on the role of new technology in the preservation, restoration and dissemination of cultural knowledge illustrated by the example of the â€˜Hoffmann Collection of Cultural Knowledgeâ€™ (HC-CK). Some background information on the conceptualisation and aims of the project are given in the introduction. New technologies as an integral part of research, preservation, restoration and presentation are then discussed. The focus of the discussion in the second part will be on the inclusion of new technology as an essential part of research outputs, on the powerful capacities of intermediality as observed in the â€˜Hoffmann Collection of Cultural Knowledgeâ€™ and on an example of a digitally created space (database) where all genera of primary and secondary productions meet to offer researchers the possibility to convene multiple places. This article finally suggests that it is the right time to connect the astounding predisposition of new technologies in the form of digital media to reshape the unique spaces of research and the dissemination of research outcomes.
REPRÉSENTATIONS DU « POUVOIR »DE L’HISTOIRE BIBLIQUE DE JACOB ET D’ÉSAÜ VERS LA NOUVELLE URCAN LE VIEUX DE PAVEL DAN
Authors: Chiciudean Gabriela
Published: January 2018

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LE SYMBOLISME DU MYTHE BOGOMILE DE LA CRÉATION PAR RAPPORT À L’APOCRYPHE : 2 ENOCH
Authors: Danciu Petru Adrian
Published: January 2018

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REFLEXIVITY IN A UNIVERSITY PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH PROJECT IN TRANSITIONING SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Collins Kathleen
Published: January 2018

This article reflexively describes the influence of bias on the interaction between facilitators and participants in a participatory research project at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. The bias uncovers racial power hierarchies in one small group which are represented in the wider context of the country in contradiction to the formally espoused democracy, in existence for nearly two decades. The author argues that biases of power are generally unrecognised in dialogue and promote the inequities which can be recognised in the legacy of apartheid. Identification of such biases is key to transforming society in South Africa.
REGIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS IN THE SADC: IS IT POSSIBLE, GIVEN THE EU EXPERIENCE?
Authors: Smit Paul
Published: January 2018

Globalisation and the increasing movement of capital and labour across international borders, with the exception of migrant workers who are facing major obstacles due to immigration laws, are creating a situation where laws in general and labour laws in particular are acquiring an international character. International bodies such as the United Nations, the International Labour Organisation and the European Union have adopted various international norms and standards to which most countries have agreed and which have established minimum international standards for basic universal human rights and worker rights. The Southern African Development Community is a transnational organisation that has also adopted certain basic norms and standards in its Treaty, Charter on Fundamental Social Rights and various protocols that are applicable to all citizens within the Community. In this contribution, the concept of transnational labour relations is considered. The different international approaches towards transnational labour relations are evaluated, as is the manner in which the European Union approached the integration of regional labour standards. The author seeks to establish what the Southern African Development Community can learn from the European Unionâ€™s experience and in what way a transnational labour relations system or regional labour standards regime for the Southern African Development Community can be established.
HARMONISING PUBLIC PROCUREMENT IN THE SADC
Authors: De la Harpe Stephen
Published: January 2018

The promotion of international trade is seen as one of the important instruments to ensure development in developing nations and regions. The history of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the drafting of many regional and similar international trade agreements are evidence of this. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is no exception.1 It is therefore strange that many states that are members of the WTO and actively encourage the opening up of international borders to free trade do not include public procurement2 in such free trade arrangements. This is particularly evident in developing states. If the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), which is a plurilateral agreement, is considered it is clear that many states do not wish to open their internal markets to competition in the public procurement sphere. It is therefore not surprising that public procurement has been described as the last rampart of state protectionism (Ky, 2012). Public procurement is an important segment of trade in any country (Arrowsmith & Davies, 1998). It is estimated that public procurement represents between 10% and 15% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of developed countries and up to 25% of GDP in developing states (Wittig, 1999). Unfortunately, governments often expect private industry to open up national markets for international competition but do not lead the way. Except for the limited use of pooled procurement,3 no specific provision is at present made for the harmonisation and integration of public procurement in the SADC. In view of the proximity of the member states, the interdependency of their economies and the benefits that can be derived from opening up their boundaries to regional competition in public procurement, the possibility of harmonisation and deeper integration in this sphere needs to be given more attention. The importance of public procurement in international trade and regional integration is twofold: first, it forms a substantial part of trade with the related economic and developmental implications; secondly, it is used by governments as an instrument to address socio-economic issues. Public procurement spending is also important because of its potential influence on human rights, including aspects such as the alleviation of poverty, the achievement of acceptable labour standards and environmental goals, and similar issues (McCrudden, 1999). In this article the need to harmonise public procurement in the SADC in order to open up public procurement to regional competition, some of the obstacles preventing this, and possible solutions are discussed. Reference is made to international instruments such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the Model Law on Public Procurement and the GPA. In particular, the progress made in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) with regard to the harmonisation of public procurement, which was based on the Model Law, will be used to suggest possible solutions to the problem of harmonising public procurement in the SADC.
A new communication skills training program for palliative care fellow-physicians
Authors: MacKinnon Cristopher , Gingras Stefanie , Skamene Sonia , Ummel Deborah
Published: January 2018

This presentation describes a novel educational program associated with a Palliative Care Post-Graduate Medical Fellowship embedded within a university teaching hospital. The educational objectives of this program will be presented, as will the pedagogical methods and initial trainee responses to this program. Grounded in both an action-reflection model, as well as the discrimination model of clinical supervision (Bernard & Goodyear, 2009), the objective of this new program is to help physicians develop their clinical skills in understanding and negotiating the complex psychosocial issues associated with advanced cancer care. Secondary objectives include developing increased self-awareness in the domains of death, dying, bereavement and supportive counselling. This program was constructed in parallel with the learning objectives of two Canadian accreditation bodies in Palliative Medicine and was drawn on an established Spiritual Care pedagogical method for tertiary health care settings (Lambert, 2013). Training includes two 90 minute bi-monthly meetings, comprising either a verbatim case report or a reflective practice group. In the former, medical fellows presented a case to a peer-group that centered largely on psychological and not medical issues. Fellows receive feedback on their communication skills, as well as on case conceptualization and treatment planning. Trainees also participate in a reflective practice group to provide an additional opportunity to deepen self-awareness, as well as reflect on how their attitudes, values and assumptions affect the role of a palliative care physician. The presentation will also report initial trainee responses to the program based on exit interviews. This training model can also easily be transferred to the training of various health care disciplines associated with palliative care. Considerations for adjustment of the program to other practice settings will be encouraged from attendees. The syllabus for the program will be provided upon request.                                                                                                                       Pedagogical methodsA didactic approach will be used to outline the basic structure of the program. To illustrate the intersections of theory and practice, the workshop will include presentations of several group case vignettes. Participants will be invited to provide feedback on the potential strengths and limitations of this program. Expected outcomesPeople attending this workshop will obtain practical information concerning a new communication skills training program, as well as techniques and strategies they may wish to bring to their particular practice setting. This training model can also easily be transferred to the training of various health care disciplines associated with palliative care.