bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post Outbreak Review: Dengue Preparedness and Response in Key West, Florida
Authors: Hayden Mary H. , Cavanaugh Jamie L. , Tittel Christopher , Butterworth Melinda , Haenchen Steven , Dickinson Katherine , Monaghan Andrew J. , Ernst Kacey C.
Published: June 2015

Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral infection. Recent outbreaks in the southern United States illustrate the risk of reemergence. The first autochthonous cases since 1934 in Key West, FL, occurred in 2009–2010. We conducted a survey in 2012 with decision makers instrumental to the control of the outbreak to 1) determine their awareness of the multiple strategies used to control the outbreak and 2) assess their perceptions of the relative effectiveness of these strategies. An online survey was delivered to a predefined list of decision makers from multiple sectors to better understand dengue preparedness and response. Thirty-six out of 45 surveys were returned for an 80% response rate. Results indicate the need to focus prevention strategies on educational campaigns designed to increase population awareness of transmission risk. Respondents remain concerned about future dengue transmission risk in Key West and lack of resources to respond.
Influence of along-valley terrain heterogeneity on exchange processes over idealized valleys
Authors: Wagner J. S. , Gohm A. , Rotach M. W.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Idealized numerical simulations of thermally driven flows over various valley–plain topographies are performed under daytime conditions. Valley floor inclination and narrowing valley cross sections are systematically varied to study the influence of along-valley terrain heterogeneity on the developing boundary layer structure, as well as horizontal and vertical transport processes. Valley topographies with inclined valley floors of 0.86° increase upvalley winds by a factor of about 1.9 due to smaller valley volumes (volume effect) and by a factor of about 1.6 due to additional upslope buoyancy forces. Narrowing the valley cross section by 20 km per 100 km along-valley distance increases upvalley winds by a factor of about 2.6. Vertical mass fluxes out of the valley are strongly increased by a factor between 1.8 and 2.8 by narrowing the valley cross sections and by a factor of 1.2 by inclining the valley floor. Trajectory analysis shows intensified horizontal transport of parcels from the foreland into the valley within the boundary layer in cases with inclined floors and narrowing cross sections due to increased upvalley winds.
Estimating NH3 emissions from agricultural fertilizer application in China using the bi-directional CMAQ model coupled to an agro-ecosystem model
Authors: Fu X. , Wang S. X. , Ran L. M. , Pleim J. E. , Cooter E. , Bash J. O. , Benson V. , Hao J. M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) plays an important role in atmospheric aerosol chemistry. China is one of the largest NH3 emitting countries with the majority of NH3 emissions coming from agricultural practices, such as fertilizer application and livestock production. The current NH3 emission estimates in China are mainly based on pre-defined emission factors that lack temporal or spatial details, which are needed to accurately predict NH3 emissions. This study provides the first online estimate of NH3 emissions from agricultural fertilizer application in China, using an agricultural fertilizer modeling system which couples a regional air quality model (the Community Multi-scale Air Quality model, or CMAQ) and an agro-ecosystem model (the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate model, or EPIC). This method improves the spatial and temporal resolution of NH3 emissions from this sector. We combined the cropland area data of 14 crops from 2710 counties with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land use data to determine the crop distribution. The fertilizer application rates and methods for different crops were collected at provincial or agricultural region levels. The EPIC outputs of daily fertilizer application and soil characteristics were input into the CMAQ model and the hourly NH3 emissions were calculated online with CMAQ running. The estimated agricultural fertilizer NH3 emissions in this study were approximately 3 Tg in 2011. The regions with the highest modeled emission rates are located in the North China Plain. Seasonally, peak ammonia emissions occur from April to July. Compared with previous researches, this study considers an increased number of influencing factors, such as meteorological fields, soil and fertilizer application, and provides improved NH3 emissions with higher spatial and temporal resolution.
Lagrangian analysis of microphysical and chemical processes in the Antarctic stratosphere: a case study
Authors: Di Liberto L. , Lehmann R. , Tritscher I. , Fierli F. , Mercer J. L. , Snels M. , Di Donfrancesco G. , Deshler T. , Luo B. P. , Grooß J-U. , Arnone E. , Dinelli B. M. , Cairo F.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. We investigated chemical and microphysical processes in the late winter in the Antarctic lower stratosphere, after the first chlorine activation and initial ozone depletion. We focused on a time interval when both further chlorine activation and ozone loss, but also chlorine deactivation, occur. We performed a comprehensive Lagrangian analysis to simulate the evolution of an air mass along a 10-day trajectory, coupling a detailed microphysical box model to a chemistry model. Model results have been compared with in situ and remote sensing measurements of particles and ozone at the start and end points of the trajectory, and satellite measurements of key chemical species and clouds along it. Different model runs have been performed to understand the relative role of solid and liquid polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) particles for the heterogeneous chemistry, and for the denitrification caused by particle sedimentation. According to model results, under the conditions investigated, ozone depletion is not affected significantly by the presence of nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) particles, as the observed depletion rate can equally well be reproduced by heterogeneous chemistry on cold liquid aerosol, with a surface area density close to background values. Under the conditions investigated, the impact of denitrification is important for the abundances of chlorine reservoirs after PSC evaporation, thus stressing the need to use appropriate microphysical models in the simulation of chlorine deactivation. We found that the effect of particle sedimentation and denitrification on the amount of ozone depletion is rather small in the case investigated. In the first part of the analyzed period, when a PSC was present in the air mass, sedimentation led to a smaller available particle surface area and less chlorine activation, and thus less ozone depletion. After the PSC evaporation, in the last 3 days of the simulation, denitrification increases ozone loss by hampering chlorine deactivation.
Absorption coefficient of urban aerosol in Nanjing, west Yangtze River Delta of China
Authors: Zhuang B. L. , Wang T. J. , Liu J. , Ma Y. , Yin C. Q. , Li S. , Xie M. , Han Y. , Zhu J. L. , Yang X. Q. , Fu C. B.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Absorbing aerosols can significantly modulate shortwave solar radiation in the atmosphere, affecting regional and global climate. Aerosol absorption coefficient (AAC) is an indicator to assess the impact of absorbing aerosols on radiative forcing. In this study, the near-surface AAC and absorption angstrom exponent (AAE) in urban Nanjing, China, are characterized on the basis of measurements in 2012 and 2013 using the 7-channel Aethalometer (model AE-31, Magee Scientific, USA). The AAC is estimated with direct and indirect corrections, which show consistent temporal variations and magnitudes of AAC at 532 nm. The mean AAC at 532 nm is about 43.23 ± 28.13 M m−1 in urban Nanjing, which is much lower than that in Pearl River Delta and as the same as that in rural areas (Lin'an) in Yangtze River Delta. The AAC in urban Nanjing shows strong seasonality (diurnal variations), high in cold seasons (at rush hours) and low in summer (in afternoon). It also show synoptic and quasi-two-week cycles in response to weather systems. Its frequency distribution follows a typical lognormal pattern. The 532 nm-AAC ranging from 15 to 65 M m−1 dominates, accounting for more than 72% of the total data samples in the entire study period. Frequent high pollution episodes, such as those observed in June 2012 and in winter 2013, greatly enhanced AAC and altered its temporal variations and frequency distributions. These episodes are mostly due to local emissions and regional pollutions. Air masses from northern China to Nanjing can sometimes be highly polluted and lead to high AAC at the site. AAE at 660/470 nm from the Schmid correction (Schmid et al., 2006) is about 1.56, which might be more reasonable compared to that from the Weingartner correction (Weingartner et al., 2003). Low AAEs mainly appear in summer in response to the relative humidity (RH). AAC increases with increasing AAE at a fixed aerosol loading. The RH-AAC relationship is more complex. Overall, AAC peaks around RH values of 40% (1.3 < AAE < 1.6), 65% (AAE < 1.3 and AAE > 1.6), and 80% (1.3 < AAE < 1.6).
Organic nitrate aerosol formation via NO3 + BVOC in the Southeastern US
Authors: Ayres B. R. , Allen H. M. , Draper D. C. , Brown S. S. , Wild R. J. , Jimenez J. L. , Day D. A. , Campuzano-Jost P. , Hu W. , de Gouw J. , Koss A. , Cohen R. C. , Duffey K. C. , Romer P. , Baumann K. , Edgerton E. , Takahama S. , Thornton J. A. , Lee B. H. , Lopez-Hilfiker F. D. , Mohr C. , Goldstein A. H. , Olson K. , Fry J. L.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Gas- and aerosol-phase measurements of oxidants, biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) and organic nitrates made during the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS campaign, Summer 2013) in central Alabama show that nitrate radical (NO3) reaction with monoterpenes leads to significant secondary aerosol formation. Cumulative losses of NO3 to terpenes are calculated and correlated to gas and aerosol organic nitrate concentrations made during the campaign. Correlation of NO3 radical consumption to organic nitrate aerosol as measured by Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and Thermal Dissociation – Laser Induced Fluorescence (TD-LIF) suggests a range of molar yield of aerosol phase monoterpene nitrates of 23–44 %. Compounds observed via chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) are correlated to predicted nitrate loss to terpenes and show C10H17NO5, likely a hydroperoxy nitrate, is a major nitrate oxidized terpene product being incorporated into aerosols. The comparable isoprene product C5H9NO5 was observed to contribute less than 0.5 % of the total organic nitrate in the aerosol-phase and correlations show that it is principally a gas-phase product from nitrate oxidation of isoprene. Organic nitrates comprise between 30 and 45 % of the NOy budget during SOAS. Inorganic nitrates were also monitored and showed that during incidents of increased coarse-mode mineral dust, HNO3 uptake produced nitrate aerosol mass loading comparable to that of organic nitrate produced via NO3 + BVOC.
Ice nucleating particles at a coastal marine boundary layer site: correlations with aerosol type and meteorological conditions
Authors: Mason R. H. , Si M. , Li J. , Chou C. , Dickie R. , Toom-Sauntry D. , Pöhlker C. , Yakobi-Hancock J. D. , Ladino L. A. , Jones K. , Leaitch W. R. , Schiller C. L. , Abbatt J. P. D. , Huffman J. A. , Bertram A. K.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Information on what aerosol particle types are the major sources of ice nucleating particles (INPs) in the atmosphere is needed for climate predictions. To determine which aerosol particles are the major sources of immersion-mode INPs at a coastal site in Western Canada, we investigated correlations between INP number concentrations and both concentrations of different atmospheric particles and meteorological conditions. We show that INP number concentrations are strongly correlated with the number concentrations of fluorescent bioparticles between −15 and −25 °C, and that the size distribution of INPs is most consistent with the size distribution of fluorescent bioparticles. We conclude that biological particles were likely the major source of ice nuclei at freezing temperatures between −15 and −25 °C at this site for the time period studied. At −30 °C, INP number concentrations are also well correlated with number concentrations of the total aerosol particles ≥ 0.5 μm, suggesting that non-biological particles may have an important contribution to the population of INPs active at this temperature. As we found that black carbon particles were unlikely to be a major source of ice nuclei during this study, these non-biological INPs may include mineral dust. Furthermore, correlations involving tracers of marine aerosols and marine biological activity indicate that the majority of INPs measured at the coastal site likely originated from terrestrial rather than marine sources. Finally, six existing empirical parameterizations of ice nucleation were tested to determine if they accurately predict the measured INP number concentrations. We found that none of the parameterizations selected are capable of predicting INP number concentrations with high accuracy over the entire temperature range investigated.
Ten years water and energy surface balance from the CNR-ISAC micrometeorological station in Salento peninsula (southern Italy)
Authors: Martano P. , Elefante C. , Grasso F.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Data of surface-atmosphere energy and water transfer from a ten years (2003–2013) period of activity of the ISAC-Lecce micrometeorological station (http://www.basesperimentale.le.isac.cnr.it) have been analyzed: to the authors' knowledge this is the first decadal data set of surface-atmosphere transfer in Salento peninsula. The surface energy budget shows a tendency to a positive bias possibly due to several reasons that require more investigations. Some suitable indices related to the surface water balance, such as the precipitation intensity, the aridity index and the ground water infiltration fraction have been calculated. Possible trends of these annual averages in the decadal period are considered, also taking into account the statistical uncertainty associated to measurement errors and missing data. The results indicate a significant increasing in the precipitation intensity together with an experimental evidence of increasing of the ground water infiltration in the measurement area, that is in agreement with recent estimations for the whole Salento peninsula. On the other hand, recent studies show that seawater intrusion and salinization of the deep underground aquifer keep increasing in the same period.
The effect of warm-season precipitation on the diel cycle of the surface energy balance and carbon dioxide at a Colorado subalpine forest site
Authors: Burns S. P. , Blanken P. D. , Turnipseed A. A. , Monson R. K.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Precipitation changes the physical and biological characteristics of an ecosystem. Using a precipitation-based conditional sampling technique and a 14 year dataset from a 25 m micrometeorological tower in a high-elevation subalpine forest, we examined how warm-season precipitation affected the above-canopy diel cycle of wind and turbulence, net radiation Rnet, ecosystem eddy covariance fluxes (sensible heat H, latent heat LE, and CO2 net ecosystem exchange NEE) and vertical profiles of scalars (air temperature Ta, specific humidity q, and CO2 dry mole fraction χc). This analysis allowed us to examine how precipitation modified these variables from hourly (i.e., the diel cycle) to multi-day time-scales (i.e., typical of a weather-system frontal passage). During mid-day we found: (i) even though precipitation caused mean changes on the order of 50–70% to Rnet, H, and LE, the surface energy balance (SEB) was relatively insensitive to precipitation with mid-day closure values ranging between 70–80%, and (ii) compared to a typical dry day, a day following a rainy day was characterized by increased ecosystem uptake of CO2 (NEE increased by ≈ 10%), enhanced evaporative cooling (mid-day LE increased by ≈ 30 W m−2), and a smaller amount of sensible heat transfer (mid-day H decreased by ≈ 70 W m−2). Based on the mean diel cycle, the evaporative contribution to total evapotranspiration was, on average, around 6% in dry conditions and 20% in wet conditions. Furthermore, increased LE lasted at least 18 h following a rain event. At night, precipitation (and accompanying clouds) reduced Rnet and increased LE. Any effect of precipitation on the nocturnal SEB closure and NEE was overshadowed by atmospheric phenomena such as horizontal advection and decoupling that create measurement difficulties. Above-canopy mean χc during wet conditions was found to be about 2–3 μmol mol−1 larger than χc on dry days. This difference was fairly constant over the full diel cycle suggesting that it was due to synoptic weather patterns (different air masses and/or effects of barometric pressure). In the evening hours during wet conditions, weakly stable conditions resulted in smaller vertical χc differences compared to those in dry conditions. Finally, the effect of clouds on the timing and magnitude of daytime ecosystem fluxes is described.
Technical Note: A simple generalization of the Brutsaert and Nieber analysis
Authors: Chor T. L. , Dias N. L.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The Brutsaert and Nieber (1977) analysis is a well-known method that can estimate soil parameters given discharge data for some aquifers. It has been used for several cases where the observed late-time behavior of the recession suggests that the water stream that is adjacent to the aquifer has nonzero depth. However, its mathematical formulation is, strictly speaking, not capable of reproducing these real-case scenarios since the early time behavior is based on a solution for which the aquifer stream has zero depth (Polubarinova-Kochina, 1962). We propose a simple generalization for the Brutsaert and Nieber (1977) method that takes into consideration the depth of the adjacent water stream. The generalization is based on already available solutions by Polubarinova-Kochina (1962), Chor et al. (2013) and Dias et al. (2014) and can be readily implemented with little effort. The original and proposed equations are tested against numerical simulations of the full nonlinear Boussinesq equation. A sensitivity analysis shows that the modification can have significant impact on the predicted values of both the drainable porosity and the saturated hydraulic conductivity.
Railway deformation detected by DInSAR over active sinkholes in the Ebro Valley evaporite karst, Spain
Authors: Galve J. P. , Castañeda C. , Gutiérrez F.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Previously not measured subsidence on railway tracks was detected using DInSAR displacement maps produced for the central sector of Ebro Valley (NE Spain). This area is affected by evaporite karst and the analyzed railway corridors traverse active sinkholes that produce deformations in these infrastructures. One of the railway tracks affected by slight settlements corresponds to the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed line, a transport infrastructure highly vulnerable to ground deformation processes. Our analysis based on DInSAR measurements and geomorphological surveys indicate that this line show dissolution-induced subsidence and compaction of anthropogenic deposits (infills and embankments). By using DInSAR techniques, it was also measured the significant subsidence related to the activity of sinkholes in the Castejón–Zaragoza conventional railway line. Thus, this study demonstrate that DInSAR velocity maps coupled with detailed geomorphological surveys may help in the identification of the sectors of railway tracks that may compromise the safety of travellers.
Discussing the role of tropical and subtropical moisture sources in extreme precipitation events in the Mediterranean region from a climate change perspective
Authors: Krichak S. O. , Feldstein S. B. , Alpert P. , Gualdi S. , Scoccimarro E. , Yano J.-I.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Extreme precipitation events in the Mediterranean region during the cool season are strongly affected by the export of moist air from tropical and subtropical areas into the extratropics. The aim of this paper is to present a discussion of the major research efforts on this subject and to formulate a summary of our understanding of this phenomenon, along with its recent past trends from a climate change perspective. The issues addressed are: a discussion of several case studies; the origin of the air moisture and the important role of atmospheric rivers for fueling the events; the mechanism responsible for the intensity of precipitation during the events, and the possible role of global warming in recent past trends in extreme weather events over the Mediterranean region.
Vakarų Lietuvos jaunimo gyvensenos ypatumai
Authors: Strukčinskienė Birutė , Griškonis Sigitas , Strukčinskaitė Vaiva
Published: June 2015

The survey on lifestyle in young people was accomplished in the Western Lithuania. In the survey participated 253 young people from Klaipeda University. Chi-square test was used and the significance level p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study revealed that in Western Lithuania, young men exercise more often than that of young women, and rural inhabit-ants exercise more often than that of urban ones. The one third(36%) of young people exercise few times per month, 39.9 % respondents exercise few times per week, and only 12.6 % of young people exercise every day. 57.3 % of investigated young people took breakfast every day. About half (51.8 %) of the respondents eat three times per day. 12.6 % of youth eat dark bread every day and 26.9 % of respondents never eat dark bread. Sweets are everyday eaten by one-fifth (20.6%) of the respondents. Almost a half (46.7 %) of young people eat vegetables 3-5 days per week, and about one-third (34.3%) eat fruits and berries 3-5 times per week. Almost a half (47.8%) of investigated young people do not drink coca-cola and other carbonated drinks at all, and 37.2 % of respondents never eat fast food. Young women significantly eat more fruits and berries than that of young men, but women also eat more sweets. Young men more than that of young women like to drink unhealthy carbonated drinks. A one-third (35.1 %) of respondents use two teaspoons of sugar for the cup of tea or coffee, and almost the same percent of students (32 %) drink tea or coffee without sugar. Rural people use more sugar for tea/coffee than that of urban respondents. Almost a half (49.4 %) of investigated young people subjectively thinks, as their health is good. During the last 12 months, 42.7 % of investigated students were not ill. Subjectively 59.7 % respondents think, as they have enough knowledge on healthy lifestyle.
Profesinio streso rizika socialinio darbo procese:supervizijos taikymo perspektyva
Authors: Dirgėlienė Indrė
Published: June 2015

Social worker‘s professional activity has been analysed from different viewpoints: the complexity of professional activity in the socio-cultural context of Lithuania is reflected by a complex character of clients' problems, multiple dimensions of the empowerment process, the novelty and the status of the profession in the community, public culture, etc. Social work is included in the list of risk professions, therefore, new and innovative ways of professional support are sought with the aim of professional risk prevention. One of them is supervision, or a professional relations counselling service. The service was first provided in the field of social work, which reflects the world tradition.The article aims to disclose the risk of professional stress in the social work process by actualizing the prospect of the use of supervision.The article presents an analysis of the data of the representative qualitative research. The research findings revealed that the process of social work was complex and full of surprises and tensions. Therefore, the line between good self-regulation skills and a burnout syndrome was unpredictable. The stages of planning, testing, and the review of the outcomes were identified as the most difficult, because they required reflection skills. Continuous improvement of self-regulation skills was necessary, which was the function of supervision as a form of professional competence improvement. Supervision cannot substitute for the support provided by one‘s colleagues, administration, the closest environment, or a priest, however, it can help to restore harmony, to reflect on one‘s professional experience, to name and to reconsider the stages of the process, to express the feelings experienced in the past and being experienced in the present, and to name the tensions arising between the professional and personal identities in the situation of intervention.
Ikimokyklinio amžiaus vaikų mitybos ypatumai Klaipėdos mieste
Authors: Šopagienė Diana , Strukčinskienė Birutė , Stasiuvienė Dalija , Jurgaitienė Dalia , Pačiauskaitė Ineta , Neverdauskaitė Greta
Published: June 2015

The survey on nutrition in preschool children was accomplished in Klaipeda city. In the survey participated 382 children aged 3-6 years; their parents were interviewed. Chi-square test was used and the significance level p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study revealed that the majority of children in this study (92.1%) took breakfast every day, and 1.7% children never eat breakfast. Boys more often do not take breakfast than that of girls. 71.2 % children eat four or more times per day, and about one third (28.6%) eat three times per day. The majority of children like to eat meat every day or few times per week, but they rare eat fish. Boys eat more meat and more fish than that of girls. 2.5% boys and 0.2% girls never eat fish. The majority of children prefer to eat fruits and vegetables every day or almost every day. Older preschool children more often eat fruits and vegetables than that of younger ones. Only about 16 % of children eat dark or white bread every day. Pre-school aged children prefer to eat white bread. The girls like to eat dark, and boys like to eat dark bread. Subjectively the majority of parents (78.5%) think, as their child is in good health, and 13.4 % of parents stated as their child health is very good.
Klaipėdos mokinių požiūris į narkomanijos problemą
Authors: Jurgaitienė Dalia , Šopagienė Diana
Published: June 2015

The aim is to examine students‘ views of Klaipeda in drug addiction and drug detection tests. Completed an anonymous questionnaire of general education and vocational training schools survey. Total of 544 questionnaires were used for analysis: 276 questionnaires from general education and 268 from vocational education schools. 48.7 percent of them were boys and 51.3 percent girls . Respondents‘ average age: 17.6 from general education and 18.4 from professional schools. The article discusses how students evaluate drug problem in Lithuania politically, morally, economically, and socially. Also, there were discussed, what are the causes of teenage drug use. The second part attempts to explore how students evaluate the drug detection tests. It was found that 44.3 percent boys and 41.5 percent girls agree that students should be tested for illegal drug use. 39.8 percent boys and 18.8 percent girls do not agree, but 15.9 percent boys and 18.8 percent girls do not have an opinion on this issue. More than half of students think that their parents would prefer that the school would be school drug testing. 79.6 percent students believe that schools should eliminate drugs - spread students and 48.2 percent and drug-using students.
First Research Experiences with Chinese-Style Acupuncture Inside Lithuanian Rehabilitation Centre in Klaipeda
Authors: Silva Louisa , Razbadauskas Artūras , Šostakienė Nijolė , Vaičekauskaitė Rita , Tilvikas Jonas
Published: June 2015

Acupuncture is one of the oldest complementary therapies used to treat chronic pain. WHO in Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials about Acupuncture note that researches on acupuncture are extremely difficult to conduct. It is already proved that acupuncture analgesia works better than a placebo for most kinds of pain [1]. Since the l970’s there has been a sharp increase in global scientific acupuncture research [4]. However, in Lithuania we still lack both research and training programs for physicians at University level. Klaipeda University Health Sciences Faculty wished to conduct a pilot test of the feasibility of providing acupuncture training in the rehabilitation hospital setting. Method. Ten patients received a short course of acupuncture at the Rehabilitation Centre atKlaipeda Seamen’s Hospital. Interested physicians were invited to observe. Pre- and post-qualitative data were collected. Results and conclusions. Patients reported positive experiences with acupuncture and improvement of symptoms. Physicians re-ported growing professional interest in acupuncture. No barriers to providing acupuncture training in the setting of a Rehabilitation hospital were identified.
Šeimos, auginančios vaiką su negalia, sveikatos išteklių stiprinimas: čigong masažo galimybės
Authors: Vaičekauskaitė Rita , Acienė Elvyra
Published: June 2015

Family health is a state of complete each person’s physical, mental and social well-being which is experienced as a result of belonging to family. Programs of alternative and complimentary medicine are getting more popularity and scientific evidence as effective resources for family health. The article introduces scientific research which evidence about effectiveness of qigong massage for family and autistic children. The power of qigong massage can be compared with the “blood transfusion with perfectly matched blood” [8]. Parent and child share the same Qi energy. Because of this, qigong massage given by parents becomes very effective even though the parents have no prior experience with Qigong [6, 8]. However, specialists working alone are able to achieve perhaps half the results possible, and parents working alone, considerably less than half. Therefore, in our research and training program we paid special attention to parents and specialists partnership.Research sample and design. 8 autistic children (two girls and six boys under age 6) were recruited from two educational institutions working with children with disabilities in Klaipeda city. We used three main instruments to gather data before massage program (pre-test) and afterwards (post-test) as follows: the Sense and Self-Regulation Checklist (SSC), Parenting Stress Index (PSI), and Bunse developmental checklist. Research results. The qigong massage therapy has been scientifically shown to improve the behaviour and development of autistic children (under age 6) and diminish parents stress related to raising an autistic child. The experience of the families in Lithuania witness statistically significant distinctive changes in the development and the sensory system of an autistic child due to qigong massage as follows: children started speaking, they have better sleep, they have better attention concentration, they have less tantrums and self-aggression reactions, they are better in self-soothing, their communication improved, their gross and fine motor functions expanded. The outcomes of the research study in Lithuania are consistent with those in USA. The aforementioned factors are important resources for family health. The effect of qi-gong massage is stronger when application of qigong massage is organized as integral and complex social, educational and medical help to autistic children and their families.
Gyvenimo kokybė sergant erozineopine ir retikuline plokščiosios kerpligės formomis
Authors: Rimkevičius Arūnas , Aleksejūnienė Jolanta , Pūrienė Alina , Gaigalas Mindaugas
Published: June 2015

The present work analyses various life quality aspects of 79 patients with oral lichen planus, who were examined in the Žalgiris Clinic of Vilnius University Hospital in the period 2009-2012. Oral lichen planus had different forms of the disease and individual experience, which impacted quality of life. The erosive-ulcerative form of the disease as compared to reticular form had more detrimental influence on psychological, social or physical comfort of patients. A high percentage of patients (48,3% erosive-ulcerative form and 44,5% reticular form) were concerned about their future with oral lichen planus.
Vilniaus gyventojų gyvenimo vertybės
Authors: Juozulynas Algirdas , Gocentas Audrius , Jurgelėnas Antanas , Savičiūtė Rasa , Samsonienė Laimutė , Boguševičius Andžėjus
Published: June 2015

The aim: to find out the values of students life. Results: 200 respondents completed the questionnaire: 121 (60,5%) females and 79 (39,5%) males. Average age of females is 22 years, average age of males is 23 years. Median is 22 years for both, males and females. Variance of age is 2,86 for females and 2,95 for males.Religion as a value is treated by 35,5% of respondents (34,7% females and 36,7% males). 22,5% respondents treat religion as a value not always, but rather often (28,9% females and 12,7% males). Many respondents maintained that religion is not in the list of their values (21% of all respondents, 10,7% males and 36,7 females). The difference is statistically important. Hope as a value was maintained by 46% of all respondents. 30% of them stated that they feel the hope as their value almost always. 4,5% do not claim the hope as their value of life. With respect to gender, it can be noticed that there is no statistically important differences(p=0,06).Love is treated as value of life by most of respondents (89%). Just 4% (3,3% females and 5,1% males) denied love to be their value. There is no important differences with respect to gender.Love is value for 90,9% females and 86,1% males. 5,8% of females and 8,9% of males said love is their value almost always. Career is value of 47% of respondents. With respect to gender, career is value for 40,5% of females and 57% of males. For 37% of respondents career is value almost always and 5% career is not value at all. For 87,5% of respondents health is important value of life. 1,5% do not appreciate the health at all. 34,5% females and 33,5% males responded that asset is their value always or almost always. Family is one of the most important values in students’ life. The question “Is family your value?” was answered “yes” by 86% of respondents, 10,5% answered “almost always”, 3% of answers were “rarely“ and for 5% of respondents family is not va�-lue. Conclusion: 1) Analysis helped to develop that the main im�-pact on building values is made by family(86,5%), love (81,8%), friends (79,5%) and religion(58%). 2) The most important values by respondents is family (96,5%), love(96%), health(96%). The least important values are religion (21%), culture and nationality (14,5%). 3) Values make an impact on making the decisions to 96% of respondents.
Prognostic Impact of Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction on Long-Term Adverse Outcome in Patients with Chest Pain and Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Jarašūnienė Dalia , Susekaitė Ernesta , Klimas Nerijus
Published: June 2015

Coronary endothelial dysfunction is known to be related with adverse cardiovascular outcome. We obtained a long-term follow-up of patients without significant coronary atherosclerosis, complaining of chest pain, in whom intra-coronary acetylene testing was performed in order to assess endothelial function. The study included 41 patient (35 with endothelial dysfunction, 6 with preserved endothelial function). Events considered as adverse outcome were cardiovascular death, acute myocardium-dial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary-aortic by-pass grafting, ischemic stroke and peripheral artery re-vascularization. A high cardiovascular event rate was observed in patients with and without endothelial dysfunction, 34,3% and 50% respectively. Adverse outcome was related not only to endothelial dysfunction but also to traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, evaluation of endothelial function or its determinants seems to be helpful in identifying a subgroup of patients at high risk.
Prognostiniai faktoriai, lemiantys dirbtinės plaučių ventiliacijos trukmę po skubių operacijų
Authors: Karbonskienė Aurika , Kuzminskis Darius , Plioraitis Artūras , Kuzminskienė Jurgita
Published: June 2015

The aim of the research: to find out predictors of the pro-longed mechanical ventilation after emergency surgery. Methodology: retrospective review of case - histories of all adult patients in whom emergency surgery was performed in a single non - cardiac surgery unit of tertiary care hospital in 2010.Primary endpoint studied was severe respiratory complication defined as respiratory insufficiency requiring intubation and transfer to an intensive care unit for mechanical ventilatory sup-port. Demographics, pre-, intra- and postoperative data, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients were evaluated. Statistical analysis was made using SPSS 18.0. We used Student‘s criterion, Mann - Whitney, Kruskal - Wallis and Wilcoxon‘s tests where appropriate. Level of significance - p<05. Results: 210 cases of postoperative MV were identified (du-ration 31,5 ± 52,6 h). Duration of MV depended on preoperative factors: ASA class (p=0,000), presence of ischaemic heart disease (p=0,045), anaemia (p=0,003), elevated serum nitrogen (p=0,030), preoperative MV (p=0,000); postoperative events: arrhythmias (p=0,008), infection (p=0,000), acute renal failure (p=0,011), shock (p=0,000). We could not find statistically significant dependence between duration of mechanical ventilation and lung diseases (p=0,000), oncologist diseases (p=0,090), motransfusion (p=0,099). Risk of lethal outcome was increased in case of MV (p=0,000).Conclusions: we identified multiple risk factors that have an effect on the development of acute respiratory failure after emergency surgery. Early and aggressive intervention in case of infection may contribute to a better outcome.
Posturalinės ortostatinės tachikardijos sindromas
Authors: Vilkė Alina , Mikšaitė Justina , Macas Andrius
Published: June 2015

Orthostatic intolerance defines a group of symptoms characterized by cerebral hypo-perfusion and/or sympathetic activation that appear on standing upright and remit in the supine position. Patients may complain of headache, nausea, abdominal pain, light headedness, diminished concentration, syncope, anxiety, weakness, fatigue, exercise intolerance, palpitations, dyspepsia, and chest pain. POTS criteria: increased heart rate 30 beats/min or more contractions within the first 10 min of a change in the vertical position, there is no position-induced hypo-tension, orthostatic intolerance symptoms. POTS is the most common form of orthostatic intolerance. This is the most common syndrome among young people, who have autonomic dysfunction clinic. POTS patients ages - young, between 14 and 45 years. POTS ethology is heterogeneous. It was found that POTS can cause a variety of reasons, but which is primary and which are secondary - remains unclear. We assessed the case: 28 years old patient was hospitalized to Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas hospital for Abnormal nor epinephrine surgical treatment of oesophageal achalasia. The start of surgery clearance and adrenergic receptor sensitivity in idiopathic (laparoscopic cardiomiotomy) and gas insuffliation was madeorthostatic intolerance.without any complications. But when the patient‘s position was changed (reverse Tredelenburg) was monitorised atrial flutter (he-art rate 130 beats per minute, blood pressure 146/106 mmHg). For atrial flutter correction were used KCl, Mg SO4, and intravenous esmolol. After that, heart rate gradually decreased from 130 beats/ min to 92-80 beats/min. During all surgery, the patient‘s condition was stable, but a normal sinus rhythm observed at the end of operation, when the patient was returned to her primary position.There was a research in Mayo Clinic (Minnesota, USA) which objective - to investigate perioperative patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) preparation, and to identify unexpected complications during operation. The research was conducted on the 152 patients to identify all surgical procedures performed during general anaesthesia between January 1, 1993 andDecember 31, 2006 at Mayo Clinic. There were selected 13 patients (12 women, 1 man) of 152. From research there was found that autonomic dysfunction associated with POTS may present unusual physiologic challenges in the perioperative period.
Slaugos kokybės gerinimo galimybės miesto ligoninėje
Authors: Žiliukas Geriuldas , Drungilienė Danguolė , Užkurėlytė Rima , Švedienė Ligija
Published: June 2015

As the quality of health care is getting better, patients’ demands for medics and health care organizations are getting higher. The permanent growth of costs and limited resources force to look for new possibilities of problem solving. Insufficient capacity of the leaders of a health care institution in matters of health care management and low motivation of the personnel leads to dissatisfaction by the provided services to patients and personnel. There was a patient opinion research made, a Picker Institute Europe questionnaire was used for the survey. 138 patients were interviewed, who, by their characteristics, represented all patients, treated in Hospital X all year round. Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and SPSS Statistics version 17.0 programs were used for the analysis of research data. During the research, it emerged that the majority of patients (78,7 percent) rated the conditions of care in the hospital as very good or good. Most of patients are satisfied with provided services of the hospital. Positive opinion of the patients on the care quality in the hospital was influenced by close communication with medics, providing clear information about their health situation and treatment, the respect shown by the personnel determined the trust in medics. Although, patients were actively involved in the treatment process, about one third of them did not participate in making decisions about their health situation or treatment; every fifth hospitalized patient by a planned order did not have an ability to choose a treatment institution. More than a half of patients, who participated in the research, did not have an opportunity to choose their doctor, or did not know about this opportunity. The development of patient’s and juridical knowledge creates preconditions to improve the quality of health care services.
The Limitations and Advancements in Measuring Fear of Crime
Authors: Lim Hyungjin , Chun Yongtae
Published: June 2015

To measure fear of crime, the dichotomous single-item question is often used. The question has several inherent limitations which cause problems in validity and reliability in measurement of fear of crime. To overcome the limitations, researchers have advanced measurement of fear of crime. The advancements in measurement of fear of crime made researchers understand fear of crime more deeply. The current paper demonstrates the limitations and advancement by using several examples.
The Implications of Centre-local Relations on Service Delivery in Local Authorities in Zimbabwe: The Case of Chitungwiza
Authors: Nyikadzino Tawanda , Nhema Alfred Gwarega
Published: June 2015

The area of centre-local relations in local government is a contemporary and topical debate in Zimbabwe. It was on this background that the research on centre-local relations was undertaken with a view to assessing the implications of service delivery in Chitungwiza Municipality (CM). The views of different authorities on centre-local relations were reviewed to further analyse the implications of centre-local relations on service delivery in municipalities. The study triangulated different data collection methods such as key informant interviews, documentary search, in-depth interviews, observation and survey to obtain detailed data on the state of centre-local relations and its implications on service delivery in CM. The findings of the study revealed that centre-local relations between the Ministry of Local Government and the CM are highly centralised. The parent ministry retains overall powers and control over the municipality. The Minister who is supposed to play a strategic role in policy formulation and implementation is involved in the day to day running of the municipality leaving little room for elected councillors and residents in general to determine their own destiny. It has been established that centre-local relations that are supposed to foster independence and autonomy of the municipality has turned into a master-subordinate relationship that has negatively affected service delivery. The study concluded that hyper-centralised governance relations are hindering effective service delivery in the municipality. This has been evidenced by erratic water supply, potholed roads, poor refuse collection and bursting of sewer pipes. The study recommends that the central government through the Ministry of Local Government must grant the municipality more autonomy as a measure of improving service delivery.
Antihyperlipidaemic and Antioxidant Potential of Fermented Citrullus vulgaris Seeds (Thunb.) on Tyloxapol-induced Hyperlipidaemic Rats: A Comparison With Fluvastatin
Authors: Ayo-Lawal Aderonke R. , Osoniyi Omolaja , Famurewa Akindele J.
Published: June 2015

Globally fermented foods form an integral part of the staple diet of people. Fermented Citrullus vulgaris (FCV) (ogiri) seeds is a nutritious natural fermented condiment that features frequently in West African diets as a spice. This study investigated the antihyperlipidaemic potential of this condiment in tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidaemic rats with reference to that of fluvastatin, a standard antilipidaemic drug. The antioxidant potential of the condiment was also examined using different relevant in vitro assays. Albino rats were divided into six groups (n=5), based on the diet and treatment received. The groups were standard feed (control); FCV supplemented feed; standard feed with tyloxapol administered at the end of the experimental period (tyloxapol control); FCV supplemented feed and tyloxapol at the end of the experimental period; standard feed with fluvastatin sodium (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg body weight separately) followed by tyloxapol. The results revealed that administration of tyloxapol induced significant (p < 0.05) increase in total-cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG). These lipid increases were significantly mitigated in groups initially pre-fed with supplemented FCV feed. Plasma TC decreased by 69.38% (p < 0.05); TG by 80.58% (p < 0.05); LDL-C by 7.80% (p < 0.05) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased by 78.61% (p < 0.05). FCV showed appreciable antioxidant activities in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Histomorphological examination of the liver suggested that the FCV possessed hepatoprotective potential. These results suggest that FCV consumption may be a possible dietary measure for the control of dyslipidaemia.
NEM AUTOR, NEM SOMENTE FUNÇÃO-AUTOR: TAMBÉM SUJEITO-IDEALIZADOR
Authors: Siveris Daiane , Zandwais Ana
Published: June 2015

O trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de uma noção proposta em nossa Dissertação, mas não desenvolvida até o momento. Trata-se de função-idealizador. A partir de reflexões sobre sujeito, função-autor e função-leitor, dentro do Projeto ‘História das Ideias’, propomos algumas análises sobre constituição, formulação e circulação de sentidos e explicitamos, levando em conta a teoria e as análises, o desenvolvimento de nossas questões acerca da noção de função-autor.