bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independent non-medical prescribing in children's hospices in the UK: a practice snapshot
Authors: Tatterton Michael J
Published: August 2017

Background:

Non-medical prescribing is well established within the British health service, with increasing numbers of nurses practicing within children's hospices.

Aim:

To identify the context of non-medical prescribing in children's hospices in the UK, focusing on the perceived benefits and challenges.

Method:

Internet-based questionnaires were sent to 55 UK children's hospices, exploring the practice and context of prescribing.

Results:

Of the 55 invited, 20 children's hospices responded to the questionnaire, 14 of which employed a total of 39 non-medical prescribers (NMPs). Sixteen individual NMPs responded, of which half (50%) prescribed to enable the continuation of existing medicines, 37.5% prescribed independently surrounding symptom management and control and 31.3% in end-of-life care. Perceived benefits of prescribing included timely access to medicines, increased efficiency and accuracy in the admissions process and medicine reconciliation and the increased ability to offer choice in the place of palliative and hospice care. Perceived barriers to prescribing surrounded opportunities to develop confidence, defining the scope of practice and the time required to assess, diagnose and treat.

Conclusion:

NMPs are making a significant contribution to the prescribing workforce within hospices; however, a number of challenges need to be addressed to enable hospices to realise the benefits.
e-Health in palliative care: review of literature, Google Play and App Store
Authors: Pinto Sara , Caldeira Sílvia , Martins José Carlos
Published: August 2017

Aim:

To analyse the use of e-Health technologies and mobile apps in palliative care (PC).

Methods:

Search on PubMed, using ‘telemedicine’, ‘ehealth’, ‘mobile health’, ‘telecare’, ‘health information systems’ and ‘palliative care’. Original Portuguese, Spanish, French and English papers were included. Google Play and App Store (iOS) were searched for mobile apps using ‘palliative care’, ‘medical apps’ and ‘symptom management’.

Results:

Twenty-five papers and forty mobile apps were analysed. Teleconsultation is the principal e-Health technology. Mobile apps focus on communication, drugs, tools/clinical guidelines, hospice, symptom management and PC information. Conclusions: e-Health is an emergent topic in PC. Teleconsultation enhances communication among patients, families and PC teams, reinforces partnership and decreases the burden on families and use of the emergency services.

Implications for practice:

e-Health technologies are a good strategy in PC but further research based on different methodological approaches is needed to promote evidence-based practice.
The effect of systematic factors on the outcome of trauma laparotomy at a major trauma centre in South Africa
Authors: Steenkamp C , Kong VY , Clarke DL , Sartorius B , Bruce JL , Laing GL , Bekker W , Manchev V , Brysiewicz P
Published: August 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine and interrogate outcomes in trauma laparotomy in a South African trauma centre to determine whether systematic factors were associated with any discrepancies in outcome.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of a prospectively entered trauma registry undertaken at the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The service has developed a hybrid electronic medical record system (HEMR) where clinical data were captured in real time, which were incorporated this into a database.

Results

During the period from December 2012 to July 2016, 562 patients underwent emergency laparotomy for trauma and the time and date of surgery was recorded in the HEMR. The mean age of all patients was 29.5 years. There were 256 operations during the weekend or over a public holiday, with a mortality of 8% (n = 21) compared with 306 during the week (mortality of 10%, n = 31). This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.237). A total of 327 operations were performed at night (18:00 – 08:00) and 235 operations were performed during the day (08:00-18:00 Hours). This was a significant difference in mortality (10% (33) vs 7 % (16), P=0.013) These differences persisted if weekends and public holidays were separated out from normal working days. A total of 188 operations were performed on a week night, with a mortality of 11% (n = 20) and 121 operations were performed during a week day, with a mortality of 8% (n = 10). There were 139 operations on a weekend or public holiday night, with a mortality of 9% (n = 13). A total of 114 operations were performed on a weekend or public holiday day with a mortality of 7% (n = 8). A total of 208 procedures were performed with an consultant present. Of these, 32 patients (15%) died. A total of 368 procedures were performed without a consultant present and 8 (2%) died.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a discrepancy in outcome for trauma laparotomy, depending on whether the operation was performed at night or during the day. The reasons for this are unclear, although the lack of consultant presence at night in comparison to during the day appears to be implicated.
Current assessment of choledochoduodenostomy: 130 consecutive series
Authors: Okamoto H , Miura K , Itakura J , Fujii H
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Cholelithiasis usually can be managed successfully by endoscopic sphincterotomy. Choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) is one of the surgical treatment options but its acceptance remains debated because of the risk of reflux cholangitis and sump syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the current features and outcomes of patient undergoing CDD.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analysed the surgical results of consecutive 130 patients treated by CDD between 1991 and 2013 and excluded five cases with a malignant disorder. Indications for surgery included endoscopic management where stones were difficult or failed to pass and primary common bile duct stones with choledochal dilatation. Incidences of reflux cholangitis, stone recurrence, pancreatitis or sump syndrome were investigated and the data between end-to-side and side-to-side CDD were compared.

Results

Reflux cholangitis and stone recurrence was 1.6% (2/125) and 0% (0/125) of cases by CDD. There is no therapeutic-related pancreatitis in CDD. Sump syndrome was not also observed in side-to-side CDD.

Conclusions

This study is a first comparative study between end-to-side and side-to-side CDD. The surgical outcomes for CDD treatment of choledocholithiasis were acceptable. The incidence of reflux cholangitis, stone recurrence, pancreatitis and sump syndrome was very low.
Momentum, morale and markers of esteem
Authors: Mortensen Neil
Published: August 2017

Medicine needs to come up with its own Marshall Plan to reward, motivate and combat mental fatigue among its ranks.
A tale of two district general hospitals
Authors: Marsden M , Weetman T , Som R , McGroarty G , Doddi S , Sinha P
Published: August 2017

A mixed methods investigation of the training of F1 doctors in general surgery.
De Vossa Excelência admirador e servo humilde. Catálogo da Correspondência recebida de Júlio Máximo de Oliveira Pimentel, 2º Visconde de Vila Maior (1851-1884)
Authors: Silva Ana Margarida Dias da
Published: August 2017

A correspondência constituiu-se, ao longo dos séculos, como meio primordial de transmissão e circulação de ideias e de conhecimento. Conscientes da importância e da riqueza informacional dos epistolários particulares apresenta-se, neste trabalho, o catálogo e o estudo diplomático da correspondência recebida de Júlio Máximo de Oliveira Pimentel, 2º Visconde de Vila Maior (1809-1884). A correspondência tratada revela as diferentes áreas de atividade em que se envolveu enquanto cientista, académico ou político. O sumário das 442 missivas d a correspondência recebida exigiu um elevado grau de exaustividade, e a sua disponibilização, procura ser um contributo mais para o conhecimento da personalidade de Júlio Máximo de Oliveira Pimentel.
O Hospital Real Militar e Armazéns de Guerra de Coimbra: Assistência aos soldados enfermos e logística de guerra (1762-1767)
Authors: Barbosa José Luís dos Santos
Published: August 2017

O presente artigo pretende reconstituir o Hospital Real Militar e Armazéns de Guerra de Coimbra, uma instituição criada no contexto da Guerra Fantástica (1762), em funcionamento até 1767. A investigação baseia-se no livro de receitas e despesas, uma fonte inédita que se encontra no Arquivo da Universidade de Coimbra. Pretende-se verificar qual a estrutura da instituição no seu todo e o seu funcionamento enquanto hospital militar e armazém de guerra.
Os registos de degredados da Direcção Geral do Ultramar
Authors: Henrique Sónia Pereira
Published: August 2017

Coube à Direcção Geral do Ultramar enquanto parte da Secretaria de Estado da Marinha e do Ultramar a administração dos negócios do ultramar. Conheceu, durante a sua vigência, vários momentos de especialização e reforma sendo a protagonizada pelo Ministro Rebelo da Silva determinante a vários níveis. Até então não se tinha verificado na administração colonial portuguesa uma ação remodeladora tão vasta implementando, inclusive, medidas inéditas como a criação de colónias penais no ultramar para cumprimento de pena de degredo. Com esta adição tornou-se responsabilidade da Direcção Geral do Ultramar o registo central de degredados. Através da análise da documentação em arquivo histórico pretende este artigo explorar os registos de degredados, no período compreendido entre 1870-1910, analisando o circuito documental associado.
Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy Presenting with Heart Failure in a 35-Year-Old Man
Authors: Papadopoulos Kyriacos , Petrou Petros M. , Michaelides Demos
Published: August 2017

Isolated ventricular noncompaction, a rare genetic cardiomyopathy, is thought to be caused by the arrest of normal myocardial morphogenesis. It is characterized by prominent, excessive trabeculation in a ventricular wall segment and deep intertrabecular recesses perfused from the ventricular cavity. The condition can present with heart failure, systematic embolic events, and ventricular arrhythmias. Two-dimensional echocardiography is the typical diagnostic method. We report a case of heart failure in a 35-year-old man who presented with palpitations. Two-dimensional echocardiograms revealed left ventricular noncompaction, which markedly improved after standard heart failure therapy.
Single-Breath-Hold Evaluation of Cardiac Function with Use of Time-Resolved Parallel Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Krumm Patrick , Keuler Jonas D. , Mangold Stefanie , Zitzelsberger Tanja , Ruff Christer A. , Klumpp Bernhard D. , Martirosian Petros , Nikolaou Konstantin , Burgstahler Christof , Kramer Ulrich
Published: August 2017

Using cardiac magnetic resonance, we tested whether a single-breath-hold approach to cardiac functional evaluation was equivalent to the established multiple-breath-hold method.

We examined 39 healthy volunteers (mean age, 31.9 ± 11.4 yr; 22 men) by using 1.5 T with multiple breath-holds and our proposed single breath-hold. Left ventricular and right ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF and RVEF), LV and RV end-diastolic volumes (LVEDV and RVEDV), and LV myocardial mass (LVMM) were compared by using Bland-Altman plots; LVEF and RVEF were tested for equivalence by inclusion of 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Equivalence of the methods was assumed within the range of −5% to 5%.

In the multiple- versus the single-breath-hold method, LVEF was 0.62 ± 0.05 versus 0.62 ± 0.04, and RVEF was 0.59 ± 0.06 versus 0.59 ± 0.07. The mean difference in both methods was −0.2% (95% CI, −1 to 0.6) for LVEF and 0.3% (95% CI, −0.8 to 1.5) for RVEF. The mean differences between methods fit within the predetermined range of equivalence, including the 95% CI. The mean relative differences between the methods were 3.8% for LVEDV, 4.5% for RVEDV, and 1.6% for LVMM.

Results of our single-breath-hold method to evaluate LVEF and RVEF were equivalent to those of the multiple-breath-hold technique. In addition, LVEDV, RVEDV, and LVMM showed low bias between methods.
Comparison of 3 Predictive Clinical Risk Scores in 603 Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Aceña Álvaro , Martín-Mariscal Maria Luisa , Tarín Nieves , Cristóbal Carmen , Huelmos Ana , Pello Ana , Carda Rocío , Alonso Joaquín , Lorenzo Óscar , Mahíllo-Fernández Ignacio , Tuñón José
Published: August 2017

No clinical risk score is universally accepted for coronary artery disease. In 603 patients (mean age, 61.2 ± 12.3 yr) with stable coronary artery disease, we investigated the predictive power of clinical risk scores derived from the Framingham, the Long-term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischemic Disease (LIPID), and the Vienna and Ludwigshafen Coronary Artery Disease (VILCAD) studies. Secondary outcomes were the recurrence of an acute thrombotic event (coronary events, strokes, or transient ischemic attacks), or heart failure or death. The primary outcome was the combination of secondary outcomes.

During follow-up (duration, 2.08 ± 0.97 yr), 42 patients had an acute thrombotic event; 22, heart failure or death; and 60, the primary outcome.

The Framingham score predicted acute thrombotic events: hazard ratio (HR)=1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.08; P=0.03; net reclassification index (NRI, calculated to evaluate improvement in prediction gained by adding different risk scores to models constructed with variables excluded from the calculation of that score)=9.7% (95% CI, 9.6–9.8). The LIPID (HR=1.13; 95% CI, 1.04–1.22; P=0.005) and VILCAD scores (HR=1.99; 95% CI, 1.48–2.67; P <0.001) predicted heart failure or death with NRIs of 5.8% (95% CI, 5.7–5.9) and 18.6% (95% CI, 18.3–18.9), respectively. The primary outcome was predicted by the LIPID (HR=1.1; 95% CI, 1.03–1.17; P=0.005) and VILCAD scores (HR=1.39; 95% CI, 1.13–1.70; P=0.003). The NRIs (95% CIs) were 3.4% (3.3–3.5) and 19.4% (19.3–19.6), respectively.

We conclude that the accuracy of these risk scores varies in accordance with the outcome studied.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement with the Edwards Sapien 3 Valve
Authors: Kar Biswajit , Nascimbene Angelo , Gregoric Igor D. , Patel Manish , Loyalka Pranav
Published: August 2017

We describe the case of a 57-year-old man who had severe mitral valve stenosis and regurgitation without significant annular calcification. He was not a candidate for surgical valve replacement or repair because of his substantial comorbid conditions, overall frailty, and elevated surgical risk. He underwent successful transcatheter mitral valve replacement of his native mitral valve with compassionate, off-label use of an Edwards Sapien 3 valve. A search of the literature produced no other cases like ours, which represents a further evolution of the transcatheter valve implantation concept. Further studies are needed to help define accurate valve sizing, intraprocedural positioning, and long-term device stability, as well as to determine which patients might benefit from this commercially available valve. In the meantime, our findings could present a means of treating patients who have no other options.
Healthy Adolescent with a Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm from Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Naidu Durga P. , Quinones Jose A. , Lutschg Kenneth W. , Balaguru Duraisamy
Published: August 2017

Mycotic aneurysm after bacteremia is a rare diagnosis in children and adolescents. We report the case of a previously healthy adolescent who presented with chest pain and fever and who developed a mycotic aneurysm of the aorta after contracting community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Early recognition of widening of the patient's superior mediastinum, noted during a comparison of the patient's initial and follow-up chest radiographs, prompted computed tomographic angiography of the chest and led to a timely diagnosis, rapid surgical intervention, and a good clinical outcome. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of mycotic aortic aneurysm from community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus in a healthy adolescent who had no predisposing cardiac or aortic anomalies.
Balloon Repositioning of Transcatheter Aortic Valve after Migration into the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract, Followed by Valve-in-Valve Procedure
Authors: Ito Masaki , Tada Norio , Hata Masaki
Published: August 2017

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an established option for treating patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis; however, severe, life-threatening complications, such as valve migration, are possible. We report the case of an 82-year-old woman whose Edwards Sapien XT valve migrated into the left ventricular outflow tract one day after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We used an inflated balloon to adjust the position of the migrated valve before performing a valve-in-valve procedure via a transapical approach, which resulted in a good valve implantation.
Selective Upper-Body Perfusion Technique for Removal of Renal Cell Carcinoma Extending into the Inferior Vena Cava and Right Atrium
Authors: Aydin Selim , Cengiz Bora , Gokay Banu Vural , Mammadov Anar , Emiroglu Remzi , Eskicorapci Saadettin , Erek Ersin
Published: August 2017

Invasion of a renal cell carcinoma thrombus into the inferior vena cava and right atrium is infrequent. Reaching and completely excising a tumor from the inferior vena cava is particularly challenging because the liver covers the surgical field. We report the case of a 61-year-old man who underwent surgery for a renal cell carcinoma of the right kidney that extended into the inferior vena cava and right atrium. During dissection of the liver to expose the inferior vena cava, transesophageal echocardiograms revealed right atrial mass migration into the tricuspid valve. On emergency sternotomy, the tumor embolized into the main pulmonary artery. We used a selective upper-body perfusion technique involving moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, cardioplegic arrest, and clamping of the descending aorta, which provided a bloodless surgical field for precise removal of the mass and resulted in minimal blood loss. Our technique might be useful in other patients with tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium because it reduces the need for transfusion and avoids the deleterious effects of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Our case also illustrates the importance of continuous transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring to detect thrombus embolization.
Rethinking Alternative Livelihood Projects for Women of the Pits: The Case of Atiwa
Authors: Boateng Alice
Published: August 2017

Artisanal Small Scale Mining with its environmental, social, economic, and health impacts, is replacing agriculture as the main economic activity in sub-Saharan Africa. Mining activities have therefore become an economic activity in the rural mining areas, as a quick way to escape poverty. This exploratory qualitative study examines the factors behind the prevalence of women in the pit business, washing muddy sand for particles of gold, in the Atiwa district of Ghana. However, not much is known about the impact of the pit work on the women’s wellbeing. The goal is to understand the lived experiences of the women and explore ways they could be assisted. Findings from the study indicate that poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and unattractive rural poverty alleviation strategies have contributed to the plight of these women. The women could benefit from asset-based interventions that could redirect their work to projects that would enhance their livelihoods.
Forecasting Sports Popularity: Application of Time Series Analysis
Authors: Miller Ryan , Schwarz Harrison , Talke Ismael S.
Published: August 2017

Popularity trends of the NFL and NBA are fun and interesting for casual fans while also of critical importance for advertisers and businesses with an interest in the sports leagues. Sports leagues have clear and distinct seasons and these have a major impact on when each league is most popular. To measure the popularity of each league, we used search data from Google Trends that gives real-time and historical data on the relative popularity of search words. By using search volume to measure popularity, the times of year, a sport is popular relative to its season can be explained. It is also possible to forecast how sport leagues are trending relative to each other. We compared and discussed three different univariate models both theoretically and empirically: the trend plus seasonality regression, Holt- Winters Multiplicative (HWMM), and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models to determine the popularity trends. For each league, the six forecasting performance measures used in this study indicated HWMM gave the most accurate predictions.
Interactions between Physicians and Patients with Neurological Diseases in Albania
Authors: Naska Jonida
Published: August 2017

The aim of this one year study was to assess the interaction between physicians and patients with neurological chronic diseases in public Health Care Settings in Albania. We randomly selected 25 neurologists who are employed at UHC “Mother Teresa” using short semi-structured interviews during 2015-2016. Twelve Female (mean age 37) and thirteen male (mean age 41) were interviewed. The individuals interviewed have worked an average of 14 years as neurologist in Service of Neurology, UHC “Mother Teresa’. In this study, we used qualitative methodology to better evaluate the opinion of physicians about the main concerns related to communication with patients suffering from chronic diseases. In Albania the interaction between physicians and patients is underestimated and the lack of confidence of patients for efficient communication in public health care constitutes the main findings of the all studies conducted in Albania from 1995-2017. This study showed that the social and economic characteristics of the patient directly affect the communication. Traditional norms determine the central role of the doctor in treating the patient's illness in Albania. All patients report many obstacles and a bureaucratic system that makes it difficult to meet a specialist doctor at the Service of Neurology, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Albania.
Enhancing Tolerance of Broiler Chickens to Heat Stress by Supplementation with Vitamin E, Vitamin C and/or Probiotics
Authors: Attia Youssef A. , Al-Harthi Mohammed A. , El-Shafey Ali S. , Rehab Yassar A. , Kim Woo Kyun
Published: August 2017

Heat stress is one of the major challenges which the poultry industry faces during summer in tropical and subtropical regions. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Vitamin (Vit) E, C and/or probiotics on improving tolerance of broiler chickens to chronic heat stress (CHS). A total of 294, 1-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were allocated into seven treatment groups; Thermoneutral group was raised under a thermoneutral condition during 25–42 d of age. The other six groups were raised for three successive days per week at 36±2ºC and 75–85% relative humidity for 7 h daily: heat stressed group, Vit E (100 mg/kg diet), Vit C (200 mg/kg diet), Vit C+Vit E, probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus acidophilus at 2 g/kg diet) and Vit C+Vit E+probiotics. Exposure to CHS decreased body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and abdominal fat. It had adverse impact on feed conversion ratio (FCR), packed cell volume (PCV), monocyte, basophil, total protein, and phagocytic activity while increased plasma cholesterol and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) compared to the thermoneutral group. Vit E, Vit C or probiotics alone decreased the adverse effects of CHS on growth rate throughout the experimental period. Vit C and E were equally potent during the experimental period, but were less effective than the combination of both vitamins. Vit E increased the dressing percentage and abdominal fat as compared to the thermoneutral group, but decreased AST while increasing basophil, monocyte and globulin compared to the heat stressed group. In addition, serum albumin and AST of Vit E were lower compared to Vit C, but cholesterol was higher. Vit E increased red blood cells and white blood cells, but plasma cholesterol was increased compared with the heat stressed group. Vit C increased PCV, lymphocytes, monocyte, basophil and albumin and decreased neutrophil. Both vitamins without/with probiotic induced a further increase in basophil, serum total protein, and albumin. It could be concluded that supplementation of Vit E, Vit C, probiotics, and different combinations reduced some of the adverse effects of CHS, and Vit E+Vit C+probiotics was the most effective for economic traits followed by Vit E+Vit C or probiotics.
The species of the genus Crataegus L. in the National Nature Park ‘Podilskyi Tovtry’ (Podolian Hills, Western Ukraine)
Authors: Sołtys-Lelek Anna , Oliіar Halyna
Published: August 2017

The paper presents an inventory of hawthorns occurring in the National Nature Park ‘Podilskyi Tovtry’. 8 taxa were recorded based on the field studies during the years 2009-2013, as well as on the published data. Four of them are new for the flora of the Park’s area: C. × macrocarpa Hegetschw., C. × subsphaericea Gand., C. × media Bechst., and the triple hybrid C. monogyna Jacq. × C. laevigata (Pior.) DC. × C. rhipidophylla Gand.
Effect of lead and cadmium ions upon the pupariation and morphological changes in Calliphora vicina (Diptera, Calliphoridae)
Authors: Shulman Marija V. , Pakhomov Olexandr Y. , Brygadyrenko Viktor V.
Published: August 2017

Modelling the influence of different concentrations of lead and cadmium ions upon a laboratory culture of insects has not been adequately studied. In our research, we assessed the influence of cadmium and lead nitrates at different concentrations (10-2-10-9М) upon the development of larvae, pupae and imagines of Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We found an acceleration in the development of larvae and an increase in mass of puparia when lead ions were added to the food of the larvae, and decrease in the mass of puparia when cadmium ions were added. We registered nanism and malformation of the fly imagines in experiments with lead and cadmium in the food substrate. We observed that under the influence of the studied heavy metal ions there was a reduced motor activity of the fly larvae at all stages of development, a delay in formation of puparia and a delay in the emergence of imagines in comparison with the control group.
The least unramified prime which does not split completely
Authors: Zaman Asif
Published: August 2017

Let

K
/
F

{K/F}

be a finite extension of number fields of degree

n
≥
2

{n\geq 2}

.
We establish effective field-uniform unconditional upper bounds for the least norm of a prime ideal

𝔭

{\mathfrak{p}}

of F which is degree 1 over

ℚ

{\mathbb{Q}}

and does not ramify or split completely in K.
We improve upon the previous best known general estimates due to Li [7] when

F
=
ℚ

{F=\mathbb{Q}}

, and Murty and Patankar [9] when

K
/
F

{K/F}

is Galois.
Our bounds are the first when

K
/
F

{K/F}

is not assumed to be Galois and

F
≠
ℚ

{F\neq\mathbb{Q}}

.
Vojta’s conjecture on rational surfaces and the abc conjecture
Authors: Yasufuku Yu
Published: August 2017

We prove Vojta’s conjecture for some rational surfaces.
Moreover, for similar but different rational surfaces, we show that their Vojta’s conjecture is related to the abc conjecture.
More specifically, we prove that Vojta’s conjecture on these surfaces implies a special case of the abc conjecture, while the abc conjecture implies Vojta’s conjecture on these surfaces.
The argument carries over to the holomorphic case, so we unconditionally obtain Griffiths’ conjecture for the same situation. To prove these results, we prove and use some properties of Farey sequences.
The Anatomy of Trade Deflection
Authors: Avsar Veysel
Published: August 2017

This study employs four-dimensional (firm-product-destination-year) export data of Brazilian firms to analyze firm-level responses when faced with an antidumping protection in a particular export market. We examine the extent to which firms shift their exports to other destinations in response to the antidumping duties. Our findings suggest that trade deflection depends on past export status in export markets. Firms deflect trade but only to destinations where they already have an established trading relationship. This prior relationship is important both for the intensive as well as for the extensive margin of trade alternative destinations. In addition to making sense of existing puzzles in trade deflection, this paper makes an important contribution by demonstrating how much the fixed costs of developing an export destination matter in terms of trade deflection.
Power and resistance in early childhood education: From dominant discourse to democratic experimentalism
Authors: Moss Peter
Published: August 2017

The field of early childhood education is increasingly dominated by a strongly positivistic and regulatory discourse, the story of quality and high returns, which has spread from its local origins in the favourable environment provided by a global regime of neoliberalism. But though dominant, this is not the only discourse in early childhood education, there are alternatives that are varied, vibrant and vocal; not silenced but readily heard by those who listen and forming a resistance movement. The article argues that this movement needs to confront a number of questions. Do its members want to influence and shape policy and practice? If so, what might a transformed and commensurate policy and practice look like? What are the possibilities that such transformation might be achieved, especially given the apparent unassailability of the current dominant discourse, and the force of the power relations that have enabled this discourse, local in origin and parochial in outlook, to aspire to global hegemony? And if such transformation were to occur, is it possible to avoid simply replacing one dominant discourse with another? Some partial and provisional answers are offered to these questions.
Topography of power relations in Slovak preschool sector based on Bourdieu’s field theory
Authors: Kaščák Ondrej , Pupala Branislav
Published: August 2017

The article analyses the Slovak preschool education sector using Bourdieu’s field theory. It describes stable and volatile points in the evolution of preschool education in terms of the power games occurring within the specific social field of power relations shaped during these games. It explores the groups of powerful players that represent the political, civic-professional and academic sub-fields exerting an influence over the preschool field who in different ways and at various times control the preschool field and structure within it the hierarchy of power relations in preschool education governance. The analysis is empirically illustrated; the power relations played out and were renewed when the national preschool curriculum was undergoing fundamental change. It describes the strategies, processes and consequences of changes in the power relations between the sub-fields and the associated behaviour of the actors. The analysis shows how the power conflicts ultimately led to the homologous relations between the sub-fields transforming into democratically- -structured power relations in preschool education governance.
An Empirical Study on the Influencing Factors of Knowledge Sharing in Project Context
Authors: Wei Daojiang , Li Huimin
Published: August 2017

The article makes a comparative research on the effect of leader supporting, interpersonal relationship, knowledge sharing mechanisms and organizational incentive on the formal and informal knowledge sharing in the project context. Through the establishment of structural equation model, some conclusions have been reached as follows: Firstly, leader supporting positively influences both formal and informal knowledge sharing, whereas the interpersonal relationship partly mediates between leader supporting and informal knowledge sharing; Moreover, the interpersonal relationship has a significant effect on both formal and informal knowledge sharing; Sharing mechanisms can significantly promote formal knowledge sharing, but there is no direct impact on informal side. Instead, the interpersonal relationship plays a fully mediating role between sharing mechanism and informal sharing; Finally, organizational incentive has a significant promotion on formal sharing, but negatively influences the informal sharing.
Qualification Evaluation of Computer Information System Integration Based on Weighted Products
Authors: Lai Kai , Cui Chunsheng
Published: August 2017

Focus on the process of computer information system integration qualification review, the existing partial defects is analysis. With the index analysis and resolution, the 7 major categories of indicators separate into quantifiable index. Based on the compensability analysis between indexes, new evaluation method which different level should use weighted products or weighting plus is put forward. Finally, with actual data collection and calculation, a satisfied evaluation result is get. It is a new method for government, evaluation mechanism and integrated enterprise.
Nucleologenesis and Nucleolotransfer in Mammalian Oocytes: A Review
Authors: Benc Michal , Strejcek Frantisek , Murin Matej , Morovic Martin , Martinkova Stanislava , Jettmarova Dominika , Pendovski Lazo , Fulka Josef , Laurincik Jozef
Published: August 2017

An effort to improve development potential of early embryos is one of the main goals of biotechnology in the area of reproductive biology with application in veterinary or human medicine. Recent observations of the function of nucleolus or rather its forms before, during and after the fertilisation or parthenogenetic activation show the key role(s) of nucleolus in the processes of early genome activation. The nucleolus is a subnuclear structure (organelle) mainly involved in regulation of transcription and translation. This organelle has been characterized in detail by immunofluorescence, cell transfection and proteomics. This data was, however, mostly obtained in nucleoli of differentiated eukaryotic cells. Much less is known about the nucleolar structural changes and related functional processes in growing and fully grown mammalian oocytes, zygotes and early cleavage stage embryos, especially in the context of embryonic genome activation. It has been shown, that nucleoli in mammalian oocytes and early embryos have several forms and functions, which vary during the oocyte growth and embryonic development. Certain functions have not been fully described or explained, yet. The method of enucleolation, which allows to remove nucleoli from the oocytes or to exchange nucleoli between oocytes or zygotes, together with their proteomic and structural analyses brought new information about functions of nucleoli in oocytes and early cleavage-stage embryos and allowed to explain some new key roles of nucleoli during oocyte maturation and early embryonic development.
Beliefs, Attitudes, Subjective Rules and Perceived Control about Water Saving Behavior
Authors: Moura Luiz Rodrigo Cunha , Souki Gustavo Quiroga , Veiga Ricardo Teixeira , Cunha Nina Rosa da Silveira , Fontes Samuel Triginelli
Published: August 2017

Water scarcity in Brazil is a reality. Residences in various parts of the country have gone through water rationing through the past years. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is formed by beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control and behavioral intentions in relation to a specific behavior. This theory seeks to identify individuals′ behavioral intentions and, consequently, predict peoples′ behavior. This study aimed to identify the beliefs and attitude components, social norms and perceived control in relation to the behavior of saving water. Twenty-six interviews were supported by a questionnaire related to TPB components. The obtained results indicated the attitudes in terms of saving water are related to economic advantages, in financial terms from cheaper water bills. In addition, there is an advantage to society in the future about the water availability for human use, as well as avoiding rationing and preserving a natural resource that is becoming scarce. Regarding to saving water problems, the need to change habits and the possibility of places and belongings getting dirtier over time has been described. The social norms are current present in the family figure, friends and neighbors mainly. In the case of perceived control, changes of habits, government campaigns and even the client - among other factors - were considered as factors that help or hinder individuals trying to save water.
Destination Branding: A Review of the City Branding Literature
Authors: Kasapi Irisi , Cela Ariana
Published: August 2017

While there exist studies which attempt to measure the brand equity of cities and countries from a customer perspective, there is little or no evidence regarding a thorough review of the destination branding literature from its inception to date, and more specifically about city branding. The objective of this study is thus to present a review of the literature of city branding, with the main aim of aiding tourism destination researchers who are conducting studies in this particular field. In order to conduct this review, ProQuest (ABI/INFORM) database was utilized, using the terms ‘city branding’ and ‘destination branding’ from 2005 through December 2016, as the review of the literature suggests the first traces of publications documenting 'city branding' studies appeared on 2005. This review serves as a roadmap for researchers in the field of destination branding, as it provides an overview of the concept of branding and its origins, a review of the concepts of place and destination branding who served then as an umbrella to the concept of city branding. Further, attention is devoted to summarizing the studies published on ‘city branding’, providing in this way a valuable contribution for the audience interested in the topic of destination branding, and more specifically its city-related subarea. In light of the review conducted, it is found out that the research field of city branding remains still in its infancy, suggesting that there is still room for further research in this particular area.
THE SYNTHESIS OF BINARY OPPOSITIONS «TWO IN ONE», «THREE IN ONE» AND «FIVE AGAINST FOUR» IN D.MEREZHKOVSKY’S RELIGIOUS PUBLICISM
Authors: Rashkevych Mykola
Published: August 2017

The article presents a differentiation of connotations for the following numbers: one, two, three, four and five from the Dmytro Merezhkovsky’s journalistic program. The implicative nature of the numbers is already established. On its basis there is the synthesis of binary oppositions with religious and philosophical directions and additional extrapolation of the number system into Russian political and cultural areas in the first half of 20th century. The purpose of this article is to differentiate multiple connotations of author’s images and to demonstrate examples of their use. The subject of this study is also to show the ways of reality reflection in the symbolist journalism. The article presents numerical symbols in D. Merezhkovsky’s publicism.
Miloš Pietor and Shakespeare’s Historical Chronicles in the Slovak National Theatre
Authors: Sládeček Ján
Published: August 2017

The plays of William Shakespeare, except for Hamlet (Nová scéna, 1974) and Richard III (SND, 1987), do not define the artistic profile of Miloš Pietor, yet they significantly supplement it. Although as a dramaturge he felt at his best in a different repertoire, his several encounters with Shakespeare cannot go unnoticed. They must be examined for complete information about the director’s artistic development, but also about the productions of Shakespeare in Slovakia. Pietor had encountered Shakespeare six times; their seventh encounter was interrupted by the director’s unex pected death. The present paper deals with Pietor’s production of Shakespeare’s historical chronicles for the Slovak National Theatre in the period of 1980-1987.
The Annexation of the Transvaal in 1877: The First Boer Reactions
Authors: Leśniewski Michał
Published: August 2017

In April 1877 The South African Republic was annexed by the British Empire. This was a part of a wider scheme to unify the sub-continent under the British rule. The story is well known. Many works deals with the motives of Lord Carnarvon and other British decision-makers. Much less deals with the question of immediate Boer reaction, or to be exact, the reasons behind their inaction. This article deals with this problem. Tries to evaluate the attitudes of both, the British and the Boers, and to show why the Transvaal Boers mostly ignored the annexation declaration? This text is just an excursion into field which demands much wider and more detailed studies.
Land Reform in the Republic of South Africa: Social Justice or Populism?
Authors: Żukowski Arkadiusz
Published: August 2017

In the paper land reform in South African political discourse will be investigated, especially the process of its politicization. How the topic of land reform is used by political forces, especially the ruling party; the African National Congress and current President Jacob Zuma. Does the Republic of South Africa take a populist turn on land reform or is it some kind of social justice after the suppression of the apartheid era and decades before? The political disputes and decisions will be analysed in confrontations with the fundamentals and values of a democratic state as a guarantee of property rights, private ownership and free market principles (dilemma of the problem of willing buyer - willing seller). It will be necessary to present the historical background of land problem in the RSA. The problem will be investigated in connection with the socio-economic situation of the RSA. The study will also tackle the problem of social and economic inequality from the perspective of politics. In the paper, a mix of primary and secondary research methods of data collection and analysing will be used. Theoretical framework will be based on assumptions of political discourse and the paradigm of “classic” land reform.
The Historical Taboo: Colonial Discourses and Postcolonial Identities in Belgium
Authors: Bobineau Julien
Published: August 2017

This article examines so-called colonial discourses in Belgium related to the former Sub-Saharan colony owned by Leopold II of Belgium which today is known as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) or the Congo-Kinshasa. Having introduced the colonial history of the DR Congo from the 15thcentury until 1910, the study starts with a discussion of Van den Braembussche’s concept of a ‘historical taboo’ and four ways of engaging with such implicit interdictions. Finally, an empirical analysis of colonial discourses in Belgium from the 1890s until today will be presented in conjunction with Belgium’s linguistic-cultural division, taking into account age-related divergence.
Effect of Nitriding on Fatigue of Thermohydrogen Treated Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Pohrelyuk I. M. , Fedirko V. M. , Skvortsova S. V. , Luk’yanenko A. G. , Tkachuk O. V.
Published: August 2017

The comparative study of the influence of different types of nitriding (ion nitriding and gas nitriding) on the fatigue strength, during the rotating bending fatigue tests of the samples of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, after refinement of grain structure by thermohydrogen treatment was carried out. It was shown that increasing the fatigue strength to σ−1 = 590 MPa, obtained by refinement of grain structure of the samples, decreased after nitriding, remaining at σ−1 = 520 MPa for ion nitriding and σ−1 = 410 MPa for gas nitriding. The reasons of such a decrease were considered.
Food in synchrony with melatonin and corticosterone relieves constant light disturbed metabolism
Authors: Báez-Ruiz Adrián , Guerrero-Vargas Natalí N , Cázarez-Márquez Fernando , Sabath Elizabeth , Basualdo María del Carmen , Salgado-Delgado Roberto , Escobar Carolina , Buijs Ruud M
Published: August 2017

Circadian disruption is associated with metabolic disturbances such as hepatic steatosis (HS), obesity and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that HS, resulting from constant light (LL) exposure is due to an inconsistency between signals related to food intake and endocrine-driven suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) outputs. Indeed, exposing rats to LL induced locomotor, food intake and hormone arrhythmicity together with the development of HS. We investigated whether providing temporal signals such as 12-h food availability or driving a corticosterone plus melatonin rhythm could restore rhythmicity and prevent the metabolic disturbances under LL conditions in male rats. Discrete metabolic improvements under these separate treatments stimulated us to investigate whether the combination of hormone treatment together with mealtime restriction (12-h food during four weeks) could prevent the metabolic alterations. LL exposed arrhythmic rats, received daily administration of corticosterone (2.5 µg/kg) and melatonin (2.5 mg/kg) in synchrony or out of synchrony with their 12-h meal. HS and other metabolic alterations were importantly ameliorated in LL-exposed rats receiving hormonal treatment in synchrony with 12-h restricted mealtime, while treatment out of phase with meal time did not. Interestingly, liver bile acids, a major indication for HS, were only normalized when animals received hormones in synchrony with food indicating that disrupted bile acid metabolism might be an important mechanism for the HS induction under LL conditions. We conclude that food-elicited signals, as well as hormonal signals, are necessary for liver synchronization and that HS arises when there is conflict between food intake and the normal pattern of melatonin and corticosterone.
Protein phosphorylation in spermatozoa motility of Acipenser ruthenus and Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Gazo Ievgeniia , Dietrich Mariola A , Prulière Gérard , Shaliutina-Kolešová Anna , Shaliutina Olena , Cosson Jacky , Chenevert Janet
Published: August 2017

Spermatozoa of externally fertilizing freshwater fish possess several different modes of motility activation. Spermatozoa of common carp (Cyprinus carpioL.) are activated by hypoosmolality, whereas spermatozoa of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) require Ca2+ and low concentration of K+ for motility activation. Intracellular signaling differs between these two species as well, particularly in terms of utilization of secondary messengers (cAMP and Ca2+), and kinase activities. The current study was performed in order to determine the importance of protein phosphorylation and protein kinases for activation of sperm motility in carp and sterlet. Treatment with kinase inhibitors indicates that protein kinases A and C (PKA and PKC) participate in spermatozoa motility of both species. Immunodetection of phospho-(Ser/Thr) PKA substrates shows that phosphorylated proteins are localized differently in spermatozoa of carp and sterlet. Strong phosphorylation of PKC substrate was observed in flagella of sterlet spermatozoa, whereas in carp sperm, PKC substrates were lightly phosphorylated in the midpiece and flagella. Motility activation induced either phosphorylation or dephosphorylation on serine, threonine and tyrosine residues of numerous proteins in carp and sterlet spermatozoa. Proteomic methods were used to identify proteins whose phosphorylation state changes upon the initiation of sperm motility. Numerous mitochondrial and glycolytic enzymes were identified in spermatozoa of both species, as well as axonemal proteins, heat shock proteins, septins and calcium-binding proteins. Our results contribute to an understanding of the roles of signaling molecules, protein kinases and protein phosphorylation in motility activation and regulation of two valuable fish species,C. carpioandA. ruthenus.