bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplicabilidade da classificação das intervenções e atividades de nutrição clínica em unidade hospitalar: estudo piloto/ Applicability of the clinical nutrition interventions classification and activities in a hospital unit: pilot study
Authors: Oliveira Clotilde , Gaidzinski Raquel
Published: March 2018

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade do uso de uma classificação de intervenções/atividades executadas por nutricionistas no ambiente hospitalar e descrever o processo de trabalho destes profissionais. Pesquisa transversal, descritiva, observacional, realizada em um hospital público, no município de São Paulo. Participaram duas nutricionistas da unidade de internação cirúrgica. O instrumento aplicado contemplava o elenco de intervenções/atividades desenvolvidas pelos nutricionistas no Brasil. O tempo despendido pelos nutricionistas foi obtido pela observação direta e contínua das intervenções/atividades realizadas durante jornada de trabalho, por meio da técnica de tempo e movimento. Para análise dos dados, aplicou-se a estatística descritiva. O instrumento testado permitiu identificar todas as intervenções/atividades realizadas pelos nutricionistas, sem necessidade de alteração. Foram observadas 68,8% (22) intervenções/atividades.  O tempo total observado correspondeu 1920 minutos. As nutricionistas despenderam a maior parte do tempo de trabalho em intervenções de cuidados diretos e indiretos (1406 minutos; 55,9%), espera (358 minutos; 18,6%), atividades pessoais (206,4 minutos; 10,8%) e deslocamento (205,4 minutos; 10,7%). O uso desse instrumento mostrou potencial para ser aplicado em unidades hospitalares brasileiras e forneceu dados preliminares sobre a prática profissional dos nutricionistas observados.
Adapting and translating the Mullen Scales of Early Learning for the South African context
Authors: Bornman Juan , Romski MaryAnn , Tonsing Kerstin , Sevcik Rose , White Robyn , Barton-Hulsey Andrea , Morwane Refilwe
Published: March 2018

Background: South African speech-language therapists have identified the need for culturally valid and sensitive assessment tools that can accommodate multiple languages and cover a reasonable age range. The Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) extend from birth to 68 months, contain five separate subscales including receptive language, expressive language, gross motor, fine motor and visual reception scale, are straightforward to administer and have been successfully used in other African countries, such as Uganda. It also identifies a child’s strengths and weaknesses and provides a solid foundation for intervention planning.Objectives: This research aimed to demonstrate the appropriateness and usefulness of the translated and culturally and linguistically adapted MSEL across four South African languages (Afrikaans, isiZulu, Setswana and South African English) through two sub-aims: (1) to describe differences, if any, in MSEL performance across language groups and (2) to describe differences, if any, in MSEL performance between age groups.Method: A total of 198 typically developing children between the ages of 21 and 68 months spread across the four language groups were individually assessed with the culturally and linguistically adapted and translated MSEL.Results: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no statistically significant differences between the four language groups for total MSEL scores. A Welch’s one-way ANOVA showed that the total MSEL scores were significantly different between age groups.Conclusion: The translation and adaptation of the MSEL was successful and did not advantage or disadvantage children based on their home language, implying that linguistic equivalence was achieved. The MSEL results differed between age groups, suggesting that the measure was also successful in differentiating the performance of children at different developmental levels.
Journal club and post-graduate medical education
Authors: Bhattacharya Surajit
Published: March 2018

A journal club is an educational meeting in which a group of individuals discuss published articles, to keep themselves abreast of new knowledge, promoting in them the awareness of current research findings, teaching them to critique and appraise research, and encourage them to utilize research in evidence based practice of the speciality. With so much of market driven research in journals the role of journal club becomes even more vital to differentiate a genuine recent advance from a clever but outright harmful rediscovery of the wheel which has been long discarded. Journal clubs can be department initiated or journal initiated and there are randomized control trials to prove that they improve reading habits, knowledge of epidemiology and statistics, and use of medical literature in practice. Choosing the journal club articles, assessing them and presenting them in the journal club meeting are all of vital importance and as a trainee advances in his training he/she is expected to imbibe the best from his seniors and peers in the club. I a journal club one is simply expected to summarize the research question, the methods, the results and the conclusions and not slavishly read through the article. It is the presenter's interpretation that is more important than actually rehashing the contents of the article.
Poučevanje strokovno-znanstvenega jezika na slovenskih univerzah: pregled študijske literature in navodil za izdelavo zaključnih del
Authors: Logar Nataša
Published: March 2018

V prispevku najprej podajamo pregled del, ki so na seznamih obvezne in dodatne literature pri tistih študijskih predmetih, pri katerih se študenti slovenskih univerz učijo o strokovno-znanstvenem pisanju. Seznamu smo nato dodali še druge slovenske priročnike s to tematiko in pregledali njihovo vsebino, nato pa smo zbrali in analizirali ter komentirali še navodila za pisanje diplomskih del vseh 52 javnih slovenskih fakultet. Izpostavili smo zgledne primere in opozorili na nekatera mesta, ki jih je mogoče še izboljšati.
The role of topical Genta Fleece HD and gentamicin spray in prevention of sternum wound infections after open heart surgery: a comparative study
Authors: Sahin Mazlum
Published: March 2018

Introduction: The aim was to clarify and compare the efficacy of local Genta Fleece HD (GF) and topical gentamicin spray (GS) in prevention of wound infections by comparing their results with a control group.

Material and methods: In this retrospective study, charts of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in a tertiary academic center between January 2015 and January 2017 were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: patients in whom GF was applied, patients in whom GS was applied, and a control group in which no additional material was applied. All patients received intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis. Deep and superficial sternal wound infections (SWIs) during the postoperative period were analyzed.

Results: The overall infection rate was 13.8% (n = 51). Patients in whom GF was applied had significantly fewer SWIs when compared to the GS group and control group (p = 0.002). A significantly smaller number of deep SWIs occurred in the GS group (7/177; 3.9%) than in the control group (14/125; 11.2%). The superficial SWI rate was significantly lower (2/79; 2.5%) in the GF group than in the other two groups. Duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the GF group, followed by the GS and control groups. High EuroSCORE results (≥ 4), obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2), performing the operations under emergency situations and presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were identified as significant risk factors in the development of SWI.

Conclusions: Local GS reduced deep SWIs, whereas GF implantation reduced the overall and superficial SWIs. Also, GF application was superior in terms of reducing the duration of hospital stay.
Prevalence of peripheral arterial disease among diabetic patients in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and associated risk factors
Authors: Mejias Stephanie Gonzalez , Ramphul Kamleshun
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major risk factor of coronary artery disease and a major complication of atherosclerosis. Peripheral arterial disease can be diagnosed with simple and low cost techniques. There are major risk factors of PAD that have been studied for different countries. However, no such study has been done for the Dominican Republic. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of PAD and the risk factors among patients with diabetes in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Material and methods: Six hundred randomly chosen patients with previously diagnosed diabetes were enrolled in our study. Their blood pressure and ankle brachial index were calculated and a questionnaire was provided to gather information regarding gender, age, weight, ethnicity, known duration of diabetes along with any history of smoking, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. A physical examination was also done to assess for any active diabetic ulcers, previous foot ulcers and non-traumatic amputation. A microfilament test was conducted to check for peripheral neuropathy.

Results: Eighty-four diabetic patients were diagnosed with PAD with a prevalence of 14% in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) was found for female gender, presence of active foot ulcers, history of past foot ulcer, non-traumatic amputation, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and peripheral neuropathy. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), age and smoking were not statistically significant in our study.

Conclusions: Diabetic patients who are either female, have active foot ulcers, a history of past foot ulcer, non-traumatic amputation, hypertension, hyperlipidemia or peripheral neuropathy are more at risk of developing PAD.
Effects of 744ins20 – ter240 BRCA1 mutation on breast/ovarian carcinogenesis and the role of curcumin in telomerase inhibition
Authors: Pongsavee Malinee
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Breast cancer is cancer which develops from breast tissue. It can also begin in the cells of the lobules and in other tissues in the breast. Invasive breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread from where it began in the ducts or lobules to surrounding tissue. Breast cancer risk is correlated with high estrogen level. BRCA1 gene mutation increases the risk of hereditary breast/ovarian carcinogenesis. Telomerase can protect telomere shortening. It plays a key role in cancer development. Curcumin is a yellow component in Curcuma longa Linn. and has antioxidant properties. It has a potential role in inhibition of cellular migration or invasion and even metastasis.

Material and methods: A study on the effect of 744ins20 – ter240 BRCA1 mutation at exon 10 on DNA repair function by MTT dye reduction and a study on telomerase inhibition caused by curcumin with the telomerase activity assay and trypan blue exclusion assay were conducted.

Results: The percentages of cell viability in mutant cells were lower than the percentages of cell viability in wild type cells at various H2O2 concentrations (p < 0.05). This mutation caused a DNA repair defect and curcumin could inhibit telomerase function and affected cancer cell progression.

Conclusions: 744ins20 – ter240 BRCA1 mutation is involved in a DNA repair defect. It drives oxidative stress. Cancer development prevention by enhancing antioxidant defenses may be affected by this mutation, and it causes breast/ovarian carcinogenesis. Curcumin can inhibit telomerase function. Antioxidants need to be explored for the prophylaxis and treatment of hereditary and basal-like breast cancers.
Identification of differentially expressed profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in ER-negative and HER-2 positive breast cancer
Authors: Qian Cheng , Guan Ming , Si Cheng , Shen Haipeng , Jin Taobo , Zhang Tianya
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the United States. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the progression of breast cancer has remained unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been reported as key regulators in the progression and metastasis of cancer.

Material and methods: In this study, we identified significantly differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs in breast cancer using the GSE70947 dataset. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway was used to explore the key roles of differentially expressed lncRNAs in breast cancer. The dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in HER2-positive and ER-negative breast cancer were also analyzed in this study.

Results: Our results showed that PVT1, LOC145837, FLJ40504 and FLJ45983 were significantly decreased in HER2-positive and ER-negative breast cancers. We also constructed the PVT1, LOC145837, FLJ40504 and FLJ45983 mediated cRNA networks in HER2-positive and ER-negative breast cancers. Moreover, using the Betastasis dataset, we found that high PVT1 expression levels were associated with a lower survival rate in breast cancer patients.

Conclusions: These results elucidate the functions of lncRNAs and provide useful information for exploring therapeutic candidate targets and new molecular biomarkers for ER-negative and HER-2 enriched subtype breast cancer.
Pelvic tuberculosis mimicking ovarian cancer: a series of 13 cases
Authors: Erdem Baki , Peker Nuri , Inci Ayse , Ulukent Suat Can , Ozaydin Ipek Yildiz , Yuksel Ilkbal Temel , Ulker Volkan , Numanoglu Ceyhun , Akbayir Ozgur
Published: March 2018

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of pelvic tuberculosis mimicking ovarian cancer.

Material and methods: The data of a total of 13 patients diagnosed with peritoneal or genital tuberculosis in the gynecologic oncology unit between January 1, 2004 and January 1, 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.4 ±14.1 (range: 22–67) years. The mean parity number was 1.69 ±1.1 (range: 0–5) and mean body mass index was 23.3 ±4.1 (range: 18–43) kg/m2. The mean cancer antigen 125 (CA125) level was 473 ±394 (range: 22–1153) U/ml. The most common complaints were abdominal pain (n = 3) and bloating (n = 9). The most common ultrasonographic findings were diffuse ascites and adnexal mass. No signs of malignancy were found in 6 patients who underwent paracentesis and in 5 patients who underwent endoscopy preoperatively. Six patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, whereas 7 patients underwent laparotomy by subumbilical medial incision. Findings in abdominal examination included diffuse adhesions (13/13), diffuse ascites (11/13), pelvic mass (10/13), and diffuse nodular formations (11/13).

Conclusions: In tuberculosis-endemic regions, peritoneal tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of malignant adnexal masses. Although various tests are helpful, histopathological and bacterial examination of tissue samples is of utmost importance for establishing a definitive diagnosis.
Herring oil intake results in increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids in erythrocytes in an urban population in the Czech Republic
Authors: Stankova Barbora , Tvrzicka Eva , Bayerova Hana , Bryhn Andreas C. , Bryhn Morten
Published: March 2018

Introduction: The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is relatively high in Central European countries, which may be caused by unhealthy dietary habits and cigarette smoking. The traditional Czech diet is low in seafood – a food reported to offer some reduction of risk for myocardial infarct and stroke. The European Health Authority recommends regular intake of fish or food supplements providing at least 250 mg of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily.

Material and methods: The present study included 100 subjects from Prague not eating fish. They were given herring fish oil capsules providing aproximately the recommended dose of EPA + DHA for 6 months. Omega-3 and other fatty acids were analysed from red blood cells (RBC) before and after study completion. Study parameters were omega-3 index, EPA + DHA, and the atherogenic index comprising saturated fatty acids divided by unsaturated fatty acids.

Results: Mean omega-3 index at study entry was 5.1% (p < 0.01) increasing to 10.7%, while mean EPA + DHA increased by 112% (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Capsules of herring oil containing 250 mg EPA + DHA daily increased RBC content of omega-3 fatty acids, increasing the omega-3 index to low or intermediate risk values in 83% of the subjects studied. In populations with low access to or no tradition of eating fish, herring oil capsules providing the EU recommended dose of omega-3 fatty acids might reduce cardiovascular risk as indicated by the surrogate parameter omega-3 index.
Does the additional usage of a local hemostatic patch reduce bleeding after aortic reimplantation?
Authors: Ostrowski Stanisław , Jaszewski Ryszard , Skowroński Tomasz , Jander Sławomir , Zwoliński Radosław
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of a local hemostatic, consisting of human thrombin and fibrinogen, which was applied on the aortotomy suture line.

Material and methods: The study involved 93 patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement. Patients were randomized to two groups. Group 1 comprised 41 patients, in whom a hemostatic patch (Tachosil) was used additionally. Group 2 comprised 52 patients in whom Tachosil was not applied.

Results: The postoperative drainage after 48 h was significantly lower in the group of patients where the local hemostatic patch (Tachosil) was additionally used, compared to the control group (p = 0.0335). The prevalence of rethoracotomies was twice as high in the control group compared to the Tachosil group (5% vs. 10%), but the statistical analysis did not show a significant difference. As a consequence, both measurements of hemoglobin concentration revealed significantly higher hemoglobin in Tachosil-treated patients than the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.0002). Red blood cell count (RBC) was also significantly higher in the Tachosil group. The difference in perioperative blood loss between the two groups resulted in a difference in postoperative acute renal injury or renal failure. The rate of infection within the early postoperative period was also comparable between the groups, although it was slightly higher in the Tachosil group (23% vs. 18%). The perioperative mortality was higher in group 2 but the difference was not statistically significant (3% in the Tachosil group vs. 5% in the control group).

Conclusions: Tachosil use reduced postoperative drainage considerably, which had an important influence on renal complications after aortic valve replacement.
Blood pressure and kidney update 2016/2017
Authors: Aronow Wilbert , Banach Maciej , Voroneanu Luminita , Badarau Silvia , Covic Adrian
Published: March 2018

The most important studies – from randomized controlled trials to perspective studies and meta-analyses, and guidelines in the topics of blood pressure and kidney research published in 2016 (and at the beginning of 2017) were reviewed. In the blood pressure area, the most important were the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), which might have a great impact on the clinical practice as well as on the forthcoming guidelines, including the US recommendations recently published. Similarly important was the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE)-3 trial, which clearly confirmed that only combination therapy with antihypertensive drugs and statins might be effective in prevention of cardiovascular outcomes in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease events. The research on kidney diseases was very interesting and extensive in 2016, and we have tried to present the most important data from the following areas: glomerulopathies, diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease – risk factors, management and complications, and hemodialysis.
Mental toughness in sport questionnaire – MTSQ
Authors: Przybylski Jacek
Published: March 2018

Background

Stress resistance is very substantial and interesting for scientists, competitors, coaches, and psychologists. The main aim of the article was the psychometric examination of mental toughness in the sport questionnaire (MTSQ).

Participants and procedure

The group of participants consisted of athletes presenting different levels of experience: Olympians, first-league, national team: N = 421 athletes, including 190 women and 231 men, age M = 20.40, SD = 5.30. Test procedure: 124 statements were selected for exploratory factor analysis with the method of main components with rotation of intercorrelational orthogonal factors. It was used in order to check the factor structure of the tool and for the clear interpretation of isolated factors. As a result of the validation, 42 statements were finally selected measuring three dimensions of mental toughness. Each subscale consisted of 14 items. Next the reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were analysed.

Results

The three-factor structure of the measured model of stress resistance accurately reflects the relation among stress resistances factors. Individual scales, at least mutually correlated, present accurate and reliable operationalisation of dimensions of the stress resistance.

Conclusions

The mental toughness in sport questionnaire (MTSQ) presents accurate and reliable operationalisation of stress resistance dimensions.
Exploring revenge as a mediator between bullying and victimisation in gifted and talented students
Authors: Sarıçam Hakan , Çetinkaya Çağdaş
Published: March 2018

Background

Gifted children are marked by their unique personal, emotional, and social needs and characteristics as well as their superior abilities. In this context, the aim of study was to explore the relationship between bullying, victimisation, and revenge in gifted students and explain whether or how they are effected by intellectual functioning and gender.

Participants and procedure

Data was obtained from 318 (159 gifted, 159 non-gifted) volunteer secondary school students in Turkey. The Peer Bullying Scale Child Form and Vengeance Scale (VS) were used for data collection. While the data was being analysed, Pearson product moment correlation analysis, stepwise regression analysis, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were used because the data provided the criteria for parametric tests.

Results

Research findings point out that there is a difference statistically between gifted and non-gifted students’ peer bullying, victimisation, and revenge levels. Moreover, revenge was related positively to bullying victims in all students. Mediator revenge partially explains the relationship between victimisation and bullying. On the other hand, findings have shown that victim gifted children have higher revenge levels than do normal peers.

Conclusions

Bullying is highly connected with retaliation in the study of which children’s opinions on effective strategies to cope with bullying are investigated; taking revenge is accepted as the best way to deal with bullying. Students who bully, their victims, and bystanders are all affected. Bullies can stress all of the people around them, creating a climate of fear and intimidation not only in their victims but also in their fellow students.
Management control in de zorg: Een kritisch essay
Authors: Visser Max , Den Bakker Jan
Published: March 2018

De zorg in Nederland wordt geconfronteerd met een steeds groter en fijnmaziger geheel aan vooral kwantitatieve management control-methoden en -technieken. In dit essay staat de vraag centraal of en in welke mate deze methoden en technieken passen (of ‘matchen’) bij de aard van de activiteiten in de zorgsector. Daartoe wordt de specifieke zorgmaatregel van dubbele medicatiecontrole onder de loep genomen. Tenslotte wordt gereflecteerd op de redenen waarom deze kwantitatieve vormen van control worden gehandhaafd (in weerwil van een duidelijke ‘mismatch’) met behulp van het begrip ‘performativiteit’.
Revisiting chlorophyll extraction methods in biological soil crusts – methodology for determination of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll a + b as compared to previous methods
Authors: Caesar Jennifer , Tamm Alexandra , Ruckteschler Nina , Leifke Anna Lena , Weber Bettina
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Chlorophyll concentrations of biological soil crust (biocrust) samples are
commonly determined to quantify the relevance of photosynthetically active
organisms within these surface soil communities. Whereas chlorophyll
extraction methods for freshwater algae and leaf tissues of vascular plants
are well established, there is still some uncertainty regarding the optimal
extraction method for biocrusts, where organism composition is highly
variable and samples comprise major amounts of soil. In this study we
analyzed the efficiency of two different chlorophyll extraction solvents, the
effect of grinding the soil samples prior to the extraction procedure, and
the impact of shaking as an intermediate step during extraction. The analyses
were conducted on four different types of biocrusts. Our results show that
for all biocrust types chlorophyll contents obtained with ethanol were
significantly lower than those obtained using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a
solvent. Grinding of biocrust samples prior to analysis caused a highly
significant decrease in chlorophyll content for green algal lichen- and
cyanolichen-dominated biocrusts, and a tendency towards lower values for
moss- and algae-dominated biocrusts. Shaking of the samples after each
extraction step had a significant positive effect on the chlorophyll content
of green algal lichen- and cyanolichen-dominated biocrusts. Based on our
results we confirm a DMSO-based chlorophyll extraction method without
grinding pretreatment and suggest the addition of an intermediate shaking
step for complete chlorophyll extraction (see Supplement S6 for detailed
manual). Determination of a universal chlorophyll extraction method for
biocrusts is essential for the inter-comparability of publications conducted
across all continents.
Synchronizing early Eocene deep-sea and continental records – cyclostratigraphic age models for the Bighorn Basin Coring Project drill cores
Authors: Westerhold Thomas , Röhl Ursula , Wilkens Roy H. , Gingerich Philip D. , Clyde William C. , Wing Scott L. , Bowen Gabriel J. , Kraus Mary J.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. A consistent chronostratigraphic framework is required to understand the
effect of major paleoclimate perturbations on both marine and terrestrial
ecosystems. Transient global warming events in the early Eocene, at 56–54 Ma, show the impact of large-scale carbon input into the ocean–atmosphere
system. Here we provide the first timescale synchronization of continental
and marine deposits spanning the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and
the interval just prior to the Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (ETM-2). Cyclic
variations in geochemical data come from continental drill cores of the
Bighorn Basin Coring Project (BBCP, Wyoming, USA) and from marine deep-sea
drilling deposits retrieved by the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP). Both are
dominated by eccentricity-modulated precession cycles used to construct a
common cyclostratigraphic framework. Integration of age models results in a
revised astrochronology for the PETM in deep-sea records that is now
generally consistent with independent 3He age models. The duration of
the PETM is estimated at ∼ 200 kyr for the carbon isotope excursion and ∼ 120 kyr
for the associated pelagic clay layer. A common terrestrial and marine age
model shows a concurrent major change in marine and terrestrial biota
∼ 200 kyr before ETM-2. In the Bighorn Basin, the change is referred
to as Biohorizon B and represents a period of significant mammalian turnover
and immigration, separating the upper Haplomylus–Ectocion Range Zone
from the Bunophorus Interval Zone and approximating the Wa-4–Wa-5
land mammal zone boundary. In sediments from ODP Site 1262 (Walvis Ridge),
major changes in the biota at this time are documented by the radiation of a
“second generation” of apical spine-bearing sphenolith species (e.g.,
S. radians and S. editus), the emergence of T. orthostylus, and the marked decline of D. multiradiatus.
Real-time hydraulic interval state estimation for water transport networks: a case study
Authors: Vrachimis Stelios G. , Eliades Demetrios G. , Polycarpou Marios M.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Hydraulic state estimation in water distribution networks is the task of
estimating water flows and pressures in the pipes and nodes of the network
based on some sensor measurements. This requires a model of the network as
well as knowledge of demand outflow and tank water levels. Due to modeling
and measurement uncertainty, standard state estimation may result in
inaccurate hydraulic estimates without any measure of the estimation error.
This paper describes a methodology for generating hydraulic state bounding
estimates based on interval bounds on the parametric and measurement
uncertainties. The estimation error bounds provided by this method can be
applied to determine the existence of unaccounted-for water in water
distribution networks. As a case study, the method is applied to a modified
transport network in Cyprus, using actual data in real time.
Assessing the significance of Heidegger's Black Notebooks
Authors: Malpas Jeff
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The publication of Heidegger's Black Notebooks (Schwarze Hefte) has provoked
a storm of controversy. Much of this has centred on the pro-Nazi and
anti-Semitic comments the volumes contain. But these aspects of the Notebooks
are perhaps the least surprising and important. This essay offers a summary
overview of the issues to which the Notebooks give rise, at the same time as
it also aims to provide a preliminary assessment of their overall
significance, especially in relation to what they show about the nature and
development of Heidegger's thinking from the early 1930s to the late
1940s.
Existence of solution for nonlinear fourth-order three-point boundary value problem
Authors: Bekri Zouaoui , Benaicha Slimane
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we study the existence of nontrivial solution for the fourth-order three- point boundary value problem having the following formu(4) (t) + f (t, u(t)) = 0, 0 < t < 1,u(0) = α(η), u'(0) = u''(0) = 0, u(1) = βu(η),where η ∈ (0, 1), α, β ∈ R, f ∈ C ([0, 1] × R, R). We give sufficient conditions that allow us to obtain the existence of a nontrivial solution. And by using the Leray-Schauder nonlinear alternative we prove the existence of at least one solution of the posed problem. As an application, we also given some examples to illustrate the results obtained.
On some variant of a whittaker integral operator and its representative in a class of square integrable Boehmians
Authors: Al-Omari Shrideh Khalaf
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates some variant of Whittaker integral operators on a class of square integrable Boehmians. We define convolution products and derive the convolution theorem which substantially satisfy the axioms necessary for generating the Whittaker spaces of Boehmians. Relied on this analysis, we give a definition and properties of the Whittaker integral operator in the class of square integrable Boehmians. The extended Whittaker integral operator, is well-defined, linear and coincides with the classical integral in certain properties.
The Connection between the Increase in Foreign Reserves around the Globe and the U.S Collection of Seignorage Revenue
Authors: Zvi Winer Zvi , Evyatar Ben David , Nissim Ben David
Published: March 2018

This paper sheds light on the large seignorage revenue collected by the U.S government resulting from the increase in dollar holding by foreign governments in their foreign reserves. In order to explore the connections between U.S seignorage revenue and other countries foreign reserves we estimated an equation linking between the foreign reserves of several foreign countries and the US monetary base. Our results show a strong connection between the foreign reserves of China, Japan and UK and the US monetary base.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Xu Min , David Jeanne M. , Kim Suk Hi
Published: March 2018

The fourth industrial revolution, a term coined by Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, describes a world where individuals move between digital domains and offline reality with the use of connected technology to enable and manage their lives. (Miller 2015, 3) The first industrial revolution changed our lives and economy from an agrarian and handicraft economy to one dominated by industry and machine manufacturing. Oil and electricity facilitated mass production in the second industrial revolution. In the third industrial revolution, information technology was used to automate production. Although each industrial revolution is often considered a separate event, together they can be better understood as a series of events building upon innovations of the previous revolution and leading to more advanced forms of production. This article discusses the major features of the four industrial revolutions, the opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution, and the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution.
Cervical Laminoplasty: Indications, Surgical Considerations, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Cho Samuel K. , Kim Jun S. , Overley Samuel C. , Merrill Robert K.
Published: March 2018

Cervical laminoplasty was initially described for the management of cervical myelopathy resulting from multilevel stenosis secondary to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. The general concepts are preservation of the dorsal elements, preservation of segmental motion, and expansion of the spinal canal via laminar manipulation. No clear evidence suggests that laminoplasty is superior to either posterior laminectomy or anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion. However, laminoplasty has its own advantages, indications, and complications. Surgeons have refined the technique to decrease complication rates and improve efficacy. Recent efforts have highlighted less invasive approaches that are muscle sparing and associated with less postoperative morbidity. Although the long-term outcomes suggest that cervical laminoplasty is safe and effective, continued research on the development of novel modifications that decrease common complications, such as C5 nerve palsy, axial neck pain, and loss of lordosis, is required.
Sleep Quality in Patients With Rotator Cuff Disease
Authors: Khazzam Michael S. , Mulligan Edward P. , Brunette-Christiansen Meredith , Shirley Zachary
Published: March 2018

Background:

Little is known about the influence of rotator cuff pathology on sleep. The purpose of this study was to determine which patient-reported factors correlate with sleep disturbance in patients with rotator cuff disease.

Methods:

A nonrandomized, cross-sectional cohort study was performed to evaluate the effects of rotator cuff disease on sleep quality. Data collected at time zero (before any treatment) included the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation rating, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, patient demographics, and medical comorbidities. Statistical analysis included the Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis to determine which patient-reported factors were associated with sleep disturbance.

Results:

Nocturnal pain was reported by 91% of the 391 participants (274 with tendinitis and 117 with rotator cuff tears). Participants had a mean age of 57 years. Pearson correlation coefficients determined that poor sleep quality in one group or both the tendinitis and the rotator cuff tear groups was associated with higher pain visual analog scale scores (0.27 and 0.31; P = 0.004 and P < 0.0001, respectively), depression (0.27 and 0.30; P < 0.01), female sex (0.24 and 0.27; P < 0.001), presence of low back pain (0.25 and 0.27; P < 0.01), diabetes mellitus (0.24 in the rotator cuff tear group; P < 0.01), and increased body mass index (0.22 and 0.27; P = 0.02).

Discussion:

The status of the rotator cuff did not correlate with increasing symptoms of shoulder pain or with worse sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. These results support the theory that worsening symptoms of shoulder pain may not be clearly associated with rotator cuff disease severity.

Conclusion:

Worse sleep quality scores in patients with rotator cuff disease are associated with pain, depression, female sex, low back pain, diabetes mellitus, and high body mass index. Overall, sleep quality did not differ among patients with varying rotator cuff disease severity. Only hypertension (in patients with rotator cuff tears) and concurrent cervical pathology (in patients with tendinitis) were uniquely related to the disease classification. Further investigation is needed to better define how these factors interact and influence nocturnal shoulder pain and sleep quality in patients with rotator cuff disease.

Level of Evidence:

Level III prognostic cohort study
Surgical Treatment Outcomes in Metastatic Tumours Located at the Craniocervical Junction
Authors: Biega Piotr , Guzik Grzegorz , Pitera Tomasz
Published: March 2018

Background. Cancer metastases to the upper section of the cervical spine are found in a low percentage of patients. Their conservative treatment consists in radio- and chemotherapy as well as immobilisation in an orthopaedic collar. Surgery is the treatment of choice in patients with lesions causing spinal instability or compressing neural structures. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of surgical treatment conducted in patients with metastases located in the upper section of the cervical spine.
Material and methods. The study analysed the medical records of 20 patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Oncological Orthopaedics in Brzozów in 2015-2016. The majority of the patients were female (75%). The mean age of the male patients was 58 years and that of the female patients was 68 years. The most common complaints were pain (90%) and neurological deficits (50%; mainly Frankel Grade C). The most common primary tumour was breast cancer (35%). 58% of the patients had slow-growing tumours according to the Tomita system. Surgical procedures lasted a mean of 117 minutes and involved fixation of a mean of 7.5 levels. The treatment reduced the patients’ VAS score for pain by 3.89 points, improved function (Karnofsky scale) by 18 points and produced neurological improvement in 66% of the patients. The overall 2.5-year survival rate was 35%. The mean hospital stay lasted 14.5 days. One patient died on the 8th post-operative day due to cardiovascular complications. There was one case of delayed wound healing due to a haema­toma. No mechanical damage to the implants, infections, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks were found.
Conclusions. 1. Metastases located in the upper cervical spine are rare and cause significant technical difficulties.
2. Fixation with lateral mass screws and plates fixed with screws to the occipital bone is a safe and effective method. 3. Surgical treatment allows for restoring spinal stability, reducing pain, and improving the patients’ quality of life.
Idiosyncrasy as Strategy in the Age of Epistemic Violence
Authors: Lushetich Natasha
Published: March 2018

One of the first principles of capitalism is, undeniably, instrumentalisation; the subjection of one thing to another with the speculative aim of producing some future ‘value’, regardless of how dubious – or even noxious this ‘value’ may be. In the knowledge economy, which produces value from accelerated innovation (also interpretable as the overproduction of the minimally different) value is extracted in two chief ways: via the misplaced rhetoric of excellence, and via netocratic quantification. Both of these processes are further aggravated by the additive nature of the digital media (Han); the irrationality of rationality (Ritzer); and attention deficit. Despite the fact that knowledge in general, and artistic knowledge in particular, is heterogeneous as well as, essentially, undecidable, in this essay I argue for a specific brand of knowledge: idiosyncratic, and, if need be, incomprehensible. Not as a weak ‘I would rather not’ strategy of resistance – to borrow from Herman Melville’s over-exploited, half-dead anti-hero Bartleby – but as an antidote to reductionism, information deluge, and their increasing neurological consequences, such as Information Fatigue Syndrome.
ПОСЕБНА ФОРМА УГОВОРА О ДОЖИВОТНОМ ИЗДРЖАВАЊУ У РЕПУБЛИЦИ СРПСКОЈ
Authors: Вукоје Нада
Published: March 2018

За уговор о доживотном издржавању у Републици Српској није довољнаобична писана форма, него стране уговорнице аутентичне изјаве воље требада запишу код нотара. Нотар провјерава да ли су стране способне, да ли су ов-лашћене за закључење уговора, упозорава их да имовина која је предмет уговоране улази у заоставштину примаоца издржавања и да се њоме не могу намири-ти нужни насљедници, те прије овјере констатује да се тако поступило. Об-рађујући писану исправу нотар се увјерава да нема мана воље, да су права јаснаи недвосмислена, а посебно да се зна на шта се обавезује давалац издржавања.Потребно је прецизирати шта спада у обавезу давања издржавања јер су тоуједно права примаоца. Такође, мора се прецизно одредити обавеза примаоцаиздржавања која се састоји у преносу права својине на даваоца, или преносу как-вих других права која постоје у тренутку закључења уговора, при чему је преносодгођен до тренутка смрти примаоца издржавања. Ово није уговор о насљеђи-вању који је некада постојао у нашем праву. Нотарска форма је заштитна идоказна. Да би се обезбиједио, давалац може своје право уписати у јавне књиге.
КОНДИКЦИЈА У ПРАВУ БОСНЕ И ХЕРЦЕГОВИНЕ
Authors: Лугоња Драженко
Published: March 2018

Кондикција представља тужбу за поврат одређене ствари која се кодобогаћеног налази без правног основа (sine causa). Тужба из неоснованогобогаћења има дугу традицију у европском грађанском праву. Основниелемент кондикције представља санкционисање правно неоснованог обо-гаћења на туђ рачун.Овај рад је усмјерен на анализу важећих домаћих законских решењаи њихову примјену у судској пракси Босне и Херцеговине. Рад истражујеуслове који су потребни за постојање стицања без основа, као и опште ипосебне кондикционе случајеве. Због сличности правних института прав-но неоснованог обогаћења и накнаде штете, рад ће анализирати одностужбе за накнаду штете и кондикције, као и однос два поступка кроз коједужник може извршити враћање имовине која му је одузета претходнимпровођењем извршења.
Изазови одрастања у свету савремених технологија, Правни факултет Универзитета у Нишу
Authors: Симовић Марина
Published: March 2018

Зборник радова под називом „Изазови одрастања у свету савременихтехнологија“ резултат је научног скупа у организацији Центра за социјал-ни рад „Свети Сава“ у Нишу, Коморе социјалне заштите и Саветовалиштаза породицу, одржаног у Нишу 20. и 21. октобра 2016. године. Овај збор-ник представља јединствену публикацију не само у Републици Србији,већ и на ширем географском подручју. На поменутом скупу учествовао јевелики број еминетних стручњака из различитих области чиме се на мул-тидисциплинарни приступ пришло обради и анализи теме научног скупа.Чланак под називом „Утицај масмедија на извршење убиства“ ре-зултат је рада наставника Правног факултета у Нишу, др Дарка Димов-ског и др Миомире Костић. У раду су истакнута бројна истраживањакојима се на несумњив начин потврђује веза између приказивања на-сиља у средствима масовне комуникације, с једне стране, и испоља-вања агресивног понашања у виду вршења кривичних дјела са смрт-ним исходом, с друге стране. Уједно, аутори су сагледали утицај масме-дија не само на криминогенезу ових кривичних дјела, већ како се њимаможе утицати на превенцију вршења најтежег облика крвних деликата.
The social role of mother after the cessation of marital and extra-marital relationship
Authors: Macuh Bojan , Goriup Jana
Published: March 2018

Th e article deals with the role of mother during the time of marital relationand after its cessation from the sociological point of view. It presents severaltheoretical lines of the institution of motherhood together with the historicaldevelopment of mother’s role. It also provides a description of marital relationship,as well as reasons that lead to its breakup (divorce). In addition, italso gives an outline of consequences related to the execution of mother’s andfather’s social role. After the cessation of marital and extra-marital relationshipthe role of mothers is signifi cantly increased, whereas the role of fathersis importantly diminished. However, such scenario is not in accordance withmothers’ expectations. Both parents are usually prepared to keep contact andto co-operate for well-being of their children because they perceive such co-operationas important and needed. Mothers often expect fathers’ co-operation ifthey see the father’s infl uence on their child(ren) as positive. Nonetheless, thereare some mothers who reject any contact with the father of their child(ren)after the divorce, yet they are prepared to seek help concerning the counselling,and express their overall contentment with the functioning of the existingstate institutions. Yet, they often don’t have any oversight and are not familiarwith NGO’s and their operation.
Sociology of law and the problem of normative closing the discourse
Authors: Forić Samir
Published: March 2018

Sociology of law, as well as other special sociological disciplines dealing withsocial institutions, is burdened by the epistemological - methodological diffi -culties in their studies (sociological studies of law). Th e diffi culties are causedby the diff erentiation of the institutions in the terms of building self- identityand autonomy and they appear in the form of institutional resistance anddiscursive exclusion. All the problems can be identifi ed as the eff ect of the operationalclosure of the institutions and production of the self-description. Inthe case of law we discuss the normative closure of the discourse as an expressionof the institutional resistance and discursive expropriation. Th e focus ofthe work are the epistemological and methodological diffi culties as a problemfor the Sociology of Law, and the problem of the normative closing of thelegal discourse as the cause. Th e manifestation of the epistemological - methodologicaldiffi culties can be seen in several instances : a) the institutionalreactivity of rights as a “social problem” , b) the construction of the identityrights through the establishment of diff erences, c) determining the sociologyof law as an external perspective on law and d) the normative closing of thelegal discourse through the eff ects of conceptual and discursive expropriation.When asked how the sociology of law can deal with these diffi culties in principlecorresponds in the end of this work.
Lifelong education and learning together with their infl uence on the life quality of the adults - sociological view
Authors: Macuh Bojan
Published: March 2018

Lifelong education does not seem to know any limits of age or scientifi c disciplines.For the most part, it could be perceived as an ongoing aspirationfor something new and diff erent. Furthermore, a society based on lifelongeducation can provide more stable environment for better future and betterquality of life.With relation to skills, abilities, support of primary and secondary environmenttogether with their dependence on fi nancial possibilities, individualmotivation and energy connected with ever changing needs of workplace,most people are bound to educate and acquire knowledge throughout theirentire life.Th e empirical part of my research task consists of a questionnaire (Appendix1) that was answered by 92 respondents, out of which 56 (60,9%) werefemale and 36 (39,1%) male. Considering the level of education, 12% ofrespondents had PhD, 30.4% of them acquired MA, 28.3% had professionaldegrees, 21.7 acquired associate degrees, 4.3% did not fi nish higher/university education, whereas 3.3% had secondary/high school educationonly. Average age of the respondents was 44.9 years. Th ey were chosen bythe method of random sampling, and submitted their answers via digitallyformedquestionnaire.