bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underlying knowledge-knower structures in graphic design: Contributing to establishing a cohesive language for use in graphic design education
Authors: Giloi Susan , Belluigi Dina Zoe
Published: April 2017

Providing a cohesive language for graphic design, which can be utilized in the production of knowledge and the generation of theory specific to that sub-discipline of Art and Design, is a challenge that is often obscured by the very practical nature of the field. As practice-based problem-solving is at the core of graphic design, application often supersedes meta-level theoretical engagement when it comes to educating undergraduate students. In this article, the underlying structures of graphic design pedagogy are explored through sociology of knowledge theories. We demonstrate how these theories enable the identification and analysis of those underlying structures, both epistemic and social, which influence how knowledge and the knower is constructed, taught and assessed in this sub-discipline. Applying these knowledge-knower structuring theories to analyses of empirical data collected from curriculum documentation and assessment events, we draw comparisons with data generated from formative and summative assessment practices. It is our intention that, through articulating a language of description and providing this example of the application of such methodological procedures for investigating such knowledge, a cohesive language may be shared that holds the potential to better inform curriculum development of the sub-discipline in higher education.
O Processo de Bolonha: Discursos e dinâmicas da reformulação educacional nas universidades da União Europeia. Algumas reflexões
Authors: Macedo Brian
Published: April 2017

Este artigo se propõe analisar o Processo de Bolonha e verificar os discursos e dinâmicas acerca da reformulação da oferta educativa nas universidades pertencentes à União Europeia (UE). Como estratégia metodológica foi realizada uma revisão de literatura resumida e análise documental com o objetivo de compreender os efeitos políticos, econômicos e sociais decorrentes da implantação deste novo regime educacional. Neste sentido, este estudo concluiu que houve significativas mudanças na estrutura das Universidades que possibilitaram avanços na consolidação desta reforma, porém apontou também para a necessidade de acompanhamento e reestruturação de alguns eixos norteadores do Processo de Bolonha para que sua implementação ocorra satisfatoriamente.
A study on the current situation of sport sponsorship
Spor sponsorluğunun mevcut durumu üzerine bir araştırma
Authors: Halıcı Alperen , Eynur Baybars Recep , Eraslan Ali
Published: April 2017

In order to achieve international success, amateur sports clubs and federations need to obtain more financial resources, especially sponsorship. In order to provide the financial resources needed to carry out youth and sports service activities in Turkey, sports sponsorship found a legal ground with the Law No. 4644 in 2001. Thereafter, the scope of sports sponsorhips and tax advantages have expanded with the Law No. 5105 in 2004. The objective of this research is to examine the existing 5105 sponsorship legislation and to determine the situation on the use of sports sponsorships of non-autonomous federations and amateur sports clubs. In this study; A scanning model has been used which aims to define in the past or at present a situation that does not represent an existing situation. Within the scope of this study, the relevant literature was examined and descriptions have been done in the direction of the statistical data obtained from the Sponsorhip Department, the General Directorate of Sports. As a result, federations and amateur sports clubs have been in financial trouble for years in Turkey. However, despite the expansion the scope and the advantages of sports sponsorhip with the Law No. 5105, it is seen that sports sponsorhip has not been utilized at the desired level. ÖzetUluslararası düzeyde başarı elde edebilmek için amatör spor kulüpleri ve federasyonların başta sponsorluk olmak üzere daha çok finansal kaynak elde etmeleri gerekmektedir.   Türkiye’de gençlik ve spor hizmet faaliyetlerinin yürütülebilmesi için ihtiyaç duyulan bu finansal kaynağı sağlamak amacıyla, 2001 yılında 4644 sayılı Kanunla yasal bir zemin bulan spor sponsorluğunun, 2004 yılında 5105 sayılı Kanunla kapsam olarak genişlediği ve vergisel avantajlar getirildiği görülmektedir. Bu araştırmanın amacı,   mevcut yürürlükte olan 5105 sayılı sponsorluk mevzuatını incelemek ve özerk olmayan federasyonlar ile amatör spor kulüplerinin spor sponsorluğunu kullanımı üzerine durum tespiti yapmaktır.  Bu çalışmada; geçmişte ya da o anda var olan bir durumu var olduğu şekliyle betimlemeyen, tanımlamayı amaçlayan tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışma kapsamında, ilgili alan yazın incelenmiş ve Spor Genel Müdürlüğü Sponsorluk Şubesi’nden elde edilen istatistikî veriler doğrultusunda betimlemeler yapılmıştır. Sonuç olarak, federasyonların ve amatör spor kulüplerinin finans sorununun yıllardan beri var olduğu ülkemizde, 5105 sayılı Kanunla kapsamı genişleyen spor sponsorluğundan istenilen düzeyde yararlanılamadığı görülmektedir.
Das iLab: Hands-on-Forschung am Institut für Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaft
Authors: Reichardt Mareen , Greifeneder Elke
Published: April 2017

Der Beitrag stellt das im Frühjahr 2016 eröffnete Forschungslabor (iLab) des Instituts für Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaft der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin vor. Das iLab ist sowohl ein Forschungslabor für empirische Studien wie Eye-Tracking, Interviews, Usability-Studien oder Retrieval-Experimente und anderseits ein Raum fürhands-on-Forschung zur Förderung einer praxisorientierten Vermittlung von Methoden und Verfahren an den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs. Der Beitrag reflektiert außerdem die ersten beiden Semester im laufenden Betrieb und den bisherigen sowie zukünftigen Mehrwert für Forschung und Lehre.
Strong Forward Induction
Authors: Zheng Bingyong
Published: April 2017

Forward induction, as defined by Govindan and Wilson (2009. “On Forward Induction.” Econometrica 77:1–28), places a local dominance condition on off-equilibrium beliefs that restricts relevant strategy profiles for an equilibrium outcome to be infinitely more likely than profiles that include irrelevant strategies. Meanwhile, it places no global dominance restrictions and thus leaves open the possibility that a dominated strategy is deemed more likely than strategies dominating it. This paper defines strong forward induction, which improves upon forward induction. We also develop a solution concept called strong forward induction equilibrium that is obtained from iterative application of the strong forward induction criterion.
The Case of “Less is More”: Modelling Risk-Preference with Expected Downside Risk
Authors: Ormos Mihály , Timotity Dusán
Published: April 2017

This paper discusses an alternative explanation for the empirical findings contradicting the positive relationship between risk (variance) and reward (expected return). We show that these contradicting results might be due to the false definition of risk-perception, which we correct by introducing Expected Downside Risk (EDR). The EDR parameter, similar to the Expected Shortfall or Conditional Value-at-Risk, measures the tail risk, however, fits and better explains the utility perception of investors. Our results indicate that when using the EDR as risk measure, both the positive and negative relationship between expected return and risk can be derived under standard conditions (e. g. expected utility theory and positive risk-aversion). Therefore, no alternative psychological explanation or additional boundary condition on utility theory is required to explain the phenomenon. Furthermore, we show empirically that it is a more precise linear predictor of expected return than volatility, both for individual assets and portfolios.
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin: do think twice, it’s not all right
Authors: Ungerer Jacobus P.J. , Pretorius Carel J.
Published: April 2017

A questionable scientific approach to measuring at low concentrations and inappropriate censoring of results below certain cut-offs have resulted in the dichotomous classification of troponin assays based on their so-called analytical sensitivity. The definition of “high-sensitivity” cardiac troponin is flawed. Evidence suggests that its apparent diagnostic superiority may be explained by the censoring of data. In the evaluation of the detection and quantification capabilities of analytical methods we recommend alignment with International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) guidelines, including reporting of all results. This will allow the objective evaluation of the diagnostic performance of troponin assays and will render the current troponin assay classification and nomenclature obsolete.
“It’s about politics, stupid!”: Common understandings of interpersonal political communication
Authors: Podschuweit Nicole , Jakobs Ilka
Published: April 2017

For the general public and for scientists, interpersonal political communication is highly important; however, surveys based on self-reports often lack satisfactory validity and reliability, because political talk is embedded in everyday conversations and thus hard to remember. Furthermore, different people are likely to ascribe different meanings to the term ‘politics’. The present paper aims to further our understanding of what people perceive or do not perceive as political. To determine the factors influencing the general public’s understanding of politics, we conducted a representative telephone survey among 804 citizens of a German city. The findings indicate that people’s classification of conversations as political is determined by the characteristics of the discussed issues. Furthermore, some respondents did not mention all conversations that might influence their political opinions and behavior. Nonetheless, the matter might be relevant for research when people are asked about their political conversation behavior.
Experimental comparison between R409A and R437A performance in a heat pump unit
Authors: Duarte M. V. , Pires L. C. , Silva P. D. , Gaspar P. D.
Published: April 2017

This paper reports an experimental comparison between the use of the refrigerants R409A and R437A in a heat pump unit designed and developed to work with R12. Although the use of both refrigerants in new equipments were abolished in EU and US according the new F-Gas Regulation of EU and SNAP, they still being used as options for R12 in old equipments, especially in developing countries. Both refrigerants were studied for the same test conditions, according to two groups of tests: group A (variation of the heat source temperature) and group B (variation of refrigerant flow rate). The results obtained showed that the R437A presents a higher discharge pressure and a lower discharge temperature. The heating and cooling capacities of both refrigerants were similar, as well as the exergetic efficiency. For the group A of tests the COP of both refrigerants was similar and for the group B of tests the R409A presented an average COP 15% higher. According to the results obtained it is recommended the use of R409A in old equipments (as transition refrigerant) until the acquisition of equipments operating with refrigerants with low-GWP becomes technically and economic feasible.
Food Labels, Information, and Trade in GMOs
Authors: Huffman Wallace , McCluskey Jill
Published: April 2017

This article focuses on the economics of labeling of genetically modified (GM) products in an international trade context with coexistence of both GM and traditional products and asymmetric information. Even though the scientific consensus is that GM food products are safe for human consumption, there has been a lack of acceptance by a growing segment of consumers, which has resulted in reduced or curbed demand for GM food products. The size of the anti-GM consumer segment differs across countries and suggests that coexistence will continue in a subset of countries for the near future. Many countries have developed regulations, approval processes, and labelling policies that largely reflect the economics and politics specific to each country. Hence, different labeling policies have emerged across countries. These differences in policies will continue to create difficulties, and may lead to the dominance of private standards.
Performance Investigation of OTDM Link at 10*4 Gbps and Link Range of 348 km Using NRZ and RZ Schemes
Authors: Soni Gaurav
Published: April 2017

In Optical Time Division Multiplexing (OTDM)-based systems, several optical signals with low bit rate B share the same carrier frequency and are optically multiplexed to form a composite bit stream at the higher bit rate N*B, where N denotes the number of channels multiplexed. In this paper, the analysis and investigation of the performance of OTDM link are carried out with help of simulation. In this paper, OTDM link is designed based on four channels having data rate of each channel which is equal to 10 Gbps with the use of RZ and NRZ schemes being analyzed. The proposed optical link achieved maximum transmission distance of 348 km over single mode fiber. The system operated over a distance of 348 km with bit error rate of 1.39×10−31 and Q-value of 11.60 with RZ, and bit rate of 1.47×10−24 and Q-value of 10.13 with NRZ respectively. The results shows that the proposed link performance is better optimized using RZ modulation scheme in comparison to NRZ scheme. This simulation work is done in optisystem 7.0. Further in this proposed OTDM link the comparison of the link performance is also analyzed using different pulse shapes for RZ and NRZ. The results being presented in this paper are significantly taken at transmitted power of 0 dBm and 2 dBm.
Application of Optical Frequency Comb in High-Capacity Long Distance Optical Communication for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Authors: Latif Zahid , Jianqiu Zeng , Ullah Rahat , Pathan Zulfiqar Hussain , Latif Shahid
Published: April 2017

The current study examines the fiber optic connectivity from Chinese boundary to Rawalpindi and proposes a novel technique for carrying large capacity triple play services across China Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC). With the help of this technique, various wavelength data services can be extended to Pakistan, which can decrease the low bandwidth, poor connectivity and low speed problems of data transfer in Pakistan. This study contributes toward the existing literature in a way that this novel technique of data transmission not only relaxes the laying of fiber optic cable but also reduces the total cost of the project. The proposed technique proposes the deployment of optical frequency comb technique for 820 km CPEC route which could support 4 Tbps data. From the perspective of time energy consumption, the assessment suggests that the laying of fiber optic cable in CPEC is feasible with the existing route at the lowest cost between the two sovereign countries.
Predicting the lattice parameters for the A
I
A
II
B
II
2F7 disordered cubic fluoride pyrochlores
Authors: Sidey Vasyl
Published: April 2017

A simple calculation scheme based on the Ahrens ionic radii system is proposed for predicting the lattice parameters of the A
I
A
II
B
II
2F7 disordered cubic fluoride pyrochlores.
Uncertainty-Based Analysis for Agreement of Tensile-Strength Measurement Procedures
Authors: Tutmez B. , Unver B.
Published: April 2017

Rocks fail because of compression, shear, tensile and/or a combination of these stresses. Rocks are more vulnerable to tensile stresses as they can stably accommodate only a fraction of compressive stresses in tensional loading. Therefore, reliable determination of tensile strength of rocks is important. Tensile strength of rocks that can be determined by both direct and indirect tensile testing methods have great importance in rock mechanics. Although these methods have different procedures and quite a change in results, an agreement between the methods is necessary. In addition, properly appraising the data provided by direct and indirect measurements has critical importance for applying the knowledge thereby acquired. From this point, based on the conventional measurement uncertainty framework, two weighting methods are suggested to combine the tensile-strength methods. Thus, an uncertainty-based agreement between the direct and indirect tensile-strength measurements has been made. The results showed that the weighted uncertainties of the proposed methods are lower than the best single measurement uncertainties. In addition, the weighted averages and corresponding uncertainties provide additional information and unique outcomes for the users. A reliable correlation between indirect and direct tensile-strength results is certainly useful for assessing tensile strength of rocks.
Distinct Physiological Maturation of Parvalbumin-Positive Neuron Subtypes in Mouse Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Miyamae Takeaki , Chen Kehui , Lewis David A. , Gonzalez-Burgos Guillermo
Published: April 2017

Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) neurons control the timing of pyramidal cell output in cortical neuron networks. In the prefrontal cortex (PFC), PV+neuron activity is involved in cognitive function, suggesting that PV+neuron maturation is critical for cognitive development. The two major PV+neuron subtypes found in the PFC, chandelier cells (ChCs) and basket cells (BCs), are thought to play different roles in cortical circuits, but the trajectories of their physiological maturation have not been compared. Using two separate mouse lines, we found that in the mature PFC, both ChCs and BCs are abundant in superficial layer 2, but only BCs are present in deeper laminar locations. This distinctive laminar distribution was observed by postnatal day 12 (P12), when we first identified ChCs by the presence of axon cartridges. Electrophysiology analysis of excitatory synapse development, starting at P12, showed that excitatory drive remains low throughout development in ChCs, but increases rapidly before puberty in BCs, with an earlier time course in deeper-layer BCs. Consistent with a role of excitatory synaptic drive in the maturation of PV+neuron firing properties, the fast-spiking phenotype showed different maturation trajectories between ChCs and BCs, and between superficial versus deep-layer BCs. ChC and BC maturation was nearly completed, via different trajectories, before the onset of puberty. These findings suggest that ChC and BC maturation may contribute differentially to the emergence of cognitive function, primarily during prepubertal development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTParvalbumin-positive (PV+) neurons tightly control pyramidal cell output. Thus PV+neuron maturation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is crucial for cognitive development. However, the relative physiological maturation of the two major subtypes of PV+neurons, chandelier cells (ChCs) and basket cells (BCs), has not been determined. We assessed the maturation of ChCs and BCs in different layers of the mouse PFC, and found that, from early postnatal age, ChCs and BCs differ in laminar location. Excitatory synapses and fast-spiking properties matured before the onset of puberty in both cell types, but following cell type-specific developmental trajectories. Hence, the physiological maturation of ChCs and BCs may contribute to the emergence of cognitive function differentially, and predominantly during prepubertal development.
Health-related quality of life of patients with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysregulations: a cohort study
Authors: De Bucy Charlotte , Guignat Laurence , Niati Tanya , Bertherat Jérôme , Coste Joel
Published: April 2017

Objective

Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) is increasingly considered to be an important outcome of care for hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of type of HPA axis dysregulation and cortisol status on HrQOL and its evolution with time and treatment.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Between September 2007 and April 2014, HrQoL questionnaires were administered during routine management to all patients with HPA axis dysregulation hospitalized in a single department, and this was repeated after 6- 12-, 24- and 36-month during standard follow-up. The Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36) and the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12) were used simultaneously, with a common time schedule to measure the impact of HPA axis dysregulation on HrQoL. Multivariate mixed linear regression models were constructed to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

343 patients (206 with Cushing’s syndrome of pituitary origin, 91 with Cushing’s syndrome of adrenal origin and 46 with Addison’s disease) responded to the questionnaires. Overall, HrQoL scores were well below population values. Cushing syndrome of pituitary origin was associated with worse HrQoL, especially in physical dimensions. More than half of the patients, of all diagnoses and cortisol status, had psychological distress requiring attention according to the GHQ-12. Hypercortisolism had the greatest negative influence on HrQoL.

Conclusions

HRQoL appears significantly altered by all forms of HPA axis dysregulation, and most substantially and broadly by Cushing’s syndrome, notably during periods of hypercortisolism. These effects on HRQoL deserve further consideration both in clinical practice and research.
Embryo culture in presence of oviductal fluid induces DNA methylation changes in bovine blastocysts
Authors: Barrera Antonio D , García Elina V , Hamdi Meriem , Sánchez-Calabuig María J , López-Cardona Ángela P , Balvís Noelia Fonseca , Rizos Dimitrios , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso
Published: April 2017

During the transit through the oviduct, the early embryo initiates an extensive DNA methylation reprogramming of its genome. Given that these epigenetic modifications are susceptible to environmental factors, components present in the oviductal milieu could affect the DNA methylation marks of the developing embryo. The aim of this study was to examine if culture of bovine embryos with oviductal fluid (OF) can induce DNA methylation changes at specific genomic regions in the resulting blastocysts. In vitro produced zygotes were cultured in medium with 3 mg/mL bovine serum albumin (BSA) or 1.25% OF added at the one- to 16-cell stage (OF1–16), one- to 8-cell stage (OF1–8) or 8- to 16-cell stage (OF8–16), and then were cultured until Day 8 in medium with 3 mg/mL BSA. Genomic regions in four developmentally important genes (MTERF2, ABCA7, OLFM1, GMDS) and within LINE-1 retrotransposons were selected for methylation analysis by bisulfite sequencing on Day 7–8 blastocysts. Blastocysts derived from OF1–16 group showed lower CpG methylation levels in MTERF2 and ABCA7 compared with the BSA group. However, CpG sites within MTERF2, ABCA7 and OLFM1 showed higher methylation levels in groups OF1–8 and OF8–16 than in OF1–16. For LINE-1 elements, higher CpG methylation levels were observed in blastocysts from the OF1–16 group than in the other experimental groups. In correlation with the methylation changes observed, mRNA expression level of MTERF2 was increased, while LINE-1 showed a decreased expression in blastocysts from OF1–16 group. Our results suggest that embryos show transient sensitivity to OF at early stages, which is reflected by specific methylation changes at the blastocyst stage.
SLC25 Family Member Genetic Interactions Identify a Role for HEM25 in Yeast Electron Transport Chain Stability
Authors: Dufay J Noelia , Fernández-Murray J Pedro , McMaster Christopher R
Published: April 2017

The SLC25 family member SLC25A38 (Hem25 in yeast) was recently identified as a mitochondrial glycine transporter that provides substrate to initiate heme/hemoglobin synthesis. Mutations in the human SLC25A38 gene cause congenital sideroblastic anemia. The full extent to which SLC25 family members coregulate heme synthesis with other mitochondrial functions is not clear. In this study, we surveyed 29 nonessential SLC25 family members in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for their ability to support growth in the presence and absence of HEM25. Six SLC25 family members were identified that were required for growth or for heme synthesis in cells lacking Hem25 function. Importantly, we determined that loss of function of the SLC25 family member Flx1, which imports FAD into mitochondria, together with loss of function of Hem25, resulted in inability to grow on media that required yeast cells to supply energy using mitochondrial respiration. We report that specific components of complexes of the electron transport chain are decreased in the absence of Flx1 and Hem25 function. In addition, we show that mitochondria from flx1Δ hem25Δ cells contain uncharacterized Cox2-containing high molecular weight aggregates. The functions of Flx1 and Hem25 provide a facile explanation for the decrease in heme level, and in specific electron transport chain complex components.
STUDI TENTANG ORGANISME PENYEBAB BERCAK MERAH PADA BAK PEMELIHARAAN LARVA UDANG WINDU (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: Roza Des , Zafran Zafran , Koesharyani Isti
Published: April 2017

Vibrio harveyi salah satu jenis bakteri yang sering menyebabkan kematian masal larva pada panti benih udang windu. Selain menyebabkan larva udang yang terinfeksi kelihatan menyala dalam keadaan gelap (kunang-kunang) V. harveyi juga dapat menyebabkan bercak merah pada bak pemeliharaan.
PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN VITAMIN E PADA PAKAN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN TINGKAT KEMATANGAN GONAD IKAN BERONANG Siganus canaliculatus
Authors: Lamidi Lamidi , Asmanelli Asmanelli , Dalviah Dalviah
Published: April 2017

Penelitian dilakukan di perairan Selat Dompak Tanjungpinang pada bulan September 1994 sampai dengan Februari 1995, bertujuan untuk mengetahui pertumbuhan dan tingkat kematangan gonad ikan beronang.
PENGARUH KEPADATAN PADA PENGANGKUTAN TERTUTUP TERHADAP DAYA TETAS TELUR IKAN BANDENG (Chanos chanos Forsskal)
Authors: Setiadharma Tony , Prijono Agus , Ahmad Taufik
Published: April 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kepadatan terhadap daya tetas telur bandeng setelah mengalami pengangkutan secara tertutup. Metode penelitian yang digunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap dengan 4 perlakuan dan tiga kali ulangan.
PROFESSOR EM (RE) CONSTRUÇÃO: REFLEXÕES DE UM DOCENTE EM FORMAÇÃO PEDAGÓGICA
Authors: Kreutz Daniel Henrique , Welter Cristiane Backes
Published: April 2017

A docência, ou seja, o ser professor na educação profissional passa pelo conhecimento da disciplina a ser ministrada e também pelo conhecimento pedagógico. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo é uma reflexão dos Estágios I e II do Programa Especial de Formação Pedagógica realizado no curso Técnico em Administração de uma escola de educação profissional nas disciplinas de Teorias e Fundamentos da Administração e Gestão da Qualidade. A reflexão parte de um breve referencial, passando pela análise da realidade escolar e destacando práticas realizadas. Entre as práticas destacam-se o planejamento coletivo, o uso de teste de estilos de aprendizagem e uso de redes sociais. Por fim, salienta-se que a (re)construção do profissional como professor, passa pelo reconhecimento do seu papel e reflexão sobre sua atividade docente.
Evaluation of the perioperative period of orthotopic liver transplantation with veno-venous bypass and without it
Authors: Levit D. A. , Dobrynina N. A. , Chvanov E. A. , Petrishchev Yu. I. , Orlov O. G. , Prudkov M. I. , Klimusheva N. F. , Levit A. L.
Published: April 2017

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only treatment for many patients with end-stage chronic liver diseases. In patients with complete vena cava inferior (VCI) cross-clamping veno-venous bypass (VVB) is either used or not depending on the indications. The case management of the patient with complete VCI cross-clamping depends on the initial state of the recipient and the transplant team’s opinion.

Aim. To compare the perioperative period of OLT depending on the method to conduct the main stage of the surgery: with the use of veno-venous bypass and without it with complete VCI cross-clamping.

Materials and methods. In Group 1 (n = 20), OLT was performed without VVB with complete VCI cross-clamping; in Group 2 (n = 26), the surgery was conducted with veno-venous bypass. Patients in both groups were similar in age (46.15 ± 10.22 and 47.3 ± 9.29, respectively), in severity of the disease: Child-Pugh (10.15 ± 1.42 and 10.19 ± 2.45), MELD 16.47 ± 4.41 and 15.8 ± 4.95).

Results. We determined and evaluated hemodynamic parameters, oxygen transport, the quantitative and qualitative infusion composition, urine output, characteristics of the postoperative period.

Conclusion. Our data show that changes in hemodynamic and oxygen transport are associated with reperfusion syndrome and do not depend on the method of transplantation. At the same time, it reduces the blood loss, time of surgery, and the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation and stay in the ICU after liver transplantation in patients without veno-venous bypass.
Textbook on transplantology – «a very timely book »
Authors: Gautier S. V.
Published: April 2017

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Reversible pulmonary hypertension in post -renaltransp lantation patient with longst anding arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Zeltyn-Abramov E. M. , Iskhakov R. T. , Artyukhina L. Yu. , Ivanova E. S. , Manchenko O. V. , Belavina N. I. , Tomilina N. A.
Published: April 2017

Case report of reversible high pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patient with successful kidney transplantation (KT) is presented. The distinction of the case was the functioning arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with excessive blood flow during 15 years in the absence of indications for hemodialysis. Consequently, PH was complicated by serious congestive heart failure (CHF) with high cardiac output. Surgical closure of AVF resulted in complete regression of clinical, instrumental and laboratory signs and symptoms of PH and CHF within 2 weeks. The pathogenic role of excessive AVF blood flow in PH and CHF formation is a point of discussion. Surgical closure of AVF with excessive blood flow is recommended in cases of presence of symptomatic PH and CHF in patients after successful KT.
Quality of Life of related liver donors in the late postoperative period
Authors: Gautier S. V. , Konstantinov V. K. , Khizroev Kh. M. , Monakhov A. R. , Dzhanbekov T. A. , Meshcheryakov S. V.
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Quality of life (QoL) is a new promising area of clinical medicine that provides the opportunity to assess the state of health of the patient and to have a notion of the surgery effects based on the parameters which are lying at the intersection of scientific approach of the surgeons and subjective point of view of the patient.

Materials and methods. The study included 52 living-related liver fragment donors operated between 2009 and 2014. Donors were surveyed after 2–5 years from the surgery. Comparison group was formed by healthy volunteers, students of the Medical University. The Russian version of the non-specific SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess QoL.

Results. Donors in the postoperative period have demonstrated a high level of physical parameter (57.65 ± 3.8). Parameter of psychological health in the postoperative period was (52.01 ± 5.2). These figures are comparable with the results in the comparison group (p > 0.05). All donors have returned to normal life.

Conclusions. Overall results of this study were similar to those of the foreign colleagues which confirm the high safety of liver resection surgery and the efficacy of SF-36 questionnaire in the assessment of quality of life of the living-related liver fragment donors.
Investigation on the intracorneal lens material biocompatibility using the model of the corneal stromal cell culture
Authors: Malyugin B. E. , Borzenok S. A. , Mushkova I. A. , Ostrovskiy D. S. , Popov I. A. , Shkandina Yu. V.
Published: April 2017

Aim. To investigate cell reaction to different materials, potentially suitable for intracorneal lens (ICL) production.

Materials and methods. A plane surface (2D) corneal stromal cell culture was performed in the presence of different experimental polymer samples, such as hydroxyethylmethacrylate, oligourethanemethacrylate and polymethylmethacrylate. The dynamics of cell numbers was evaluated over culture time. Conclusion on biocompatibility was made based on obtained data.

Results.In each of the experimental groups there was a trend toward a steady increase in the number of cells from the 1st to 6th day of observation, the shapes of the cell growth curves showed no toxicity of materials and their ability not to interfere with cell proliferation. Cell proliferation in the contact to hydroxyethylmethacrylate and oligourethanemethacrylate materials was statistically significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the presence of polymethylmethacrylate, which makes a strong case for their preferential usage for implantation into the stroma of the corneal optical area. When comparing the results obtained on the 6th day, the cells in the presence of the implant of hydroxyethylmethacrylate showed significantly less tendency to proliferate, than in the presence of oligourethanemethacrylate (p < 0.001). However, these differences were statistically significant not in all days.

Conclusions.The results obtained have shown the absence of toxicity in experimental material samples and their low adhesive properties with respect to the stromal cell culture, thereby confirming its potential suitability for intracorneal implantation.
Phase II Study of Bortezomib in Combination with Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab for Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Lee Hun Ju , Romaguera Jorge E. , Feng Lei , Desai Aakash P. , Zhang Liang , Fanale Michelle , Samaniego Felipe , Hagemeister Fredrick B. , Fayad Luis E. , Rodriguez Maria A. , Medeiros Jeffrey L. , Hartig Kimberly , Nomie Krystle , Ahmed Makhdum , Badillo Maria , Ye Haige , Oki Yasuhiro , Lin Pei , Nastoupil Loretta , Westin Jason , Wang Michael
Published: April 2017

Background

Relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has a poor prognosis. The best outcome is achieved in patients who have a partial or complete response to salvage treatment and proceed to allogeneic stem cell transplant.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-one patients were given a combination regimen of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab at MD Anderson Cancer Center as part of a single-arm, prospective, open-label phase II clinical trial. The median age was 66 years, with a median number of prior treatments of three. Sixty-seven percent had failed intensive chemoimmunotherapy and 43% were intermediate/high risk according to the MCL international prognostic index score, with a median Ki-67 proliferation index of 45% in those who were tested.

Results

The rates of overall and complete response achieved were 74% and 42%, respectively, with median progression-free and overall survivals of 9 months and 36.4 months, respectively. The regimen's toxicity profile was acceptable; only 25% of the cycles resulted in grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, and only 3% of cycles produced grade 3–4 fatigue. There were no episodes of grade 3–4 neuropathy.

Conclusion

The combination of bortezomib with cyclophosphamide and rituximab is an effective and well-tolerated regimen in patients with relapsed/refractory MCL. Because of its low toxicity, future combinations of this regimen with other promising drugs that have different mechanisms of action offer a realistic possibility that may improve outcomes for patients who have MCL.
New Insights into Podocyte Biology in Glomerular Health and Disease
Authors: Assady Suheir , Wanner Nicola , Skorecki Karl L. , Huber Tobias B.
Published: April 2017

Podocyte and glomerular research is center stage for the development of improved preventive and therapeutic strategies for chronic progressive kidney diseases. Held April 3–6, 2016, the 11th International Podocyte Conference took place in Haifa and Jerusalem, Israel, where participants from all over the world presented their work on new developments in podocyte research. In this review, we briefly highlight the advances made in characterizing the mechanisms involved in podocyte development, metabolism, acquired injury, and repair, including progress in determining the roles of genetic variants and microRNA in particular, as well as the advances made in diagnostic techniques and therapeutics.
Legislative Prohibitions on wearing a Headscarf: Are they justified?
Authors: Osman Fatima
Published: April 2017

A headscarf, a simple piece of cloth that covers the head, is a controversial garment that carries various connotations and meanings. While it may be accepted as just another item of clothing when worn by non-Muslim women, it is often the subject of much controversy when worn by Muslim women. In recent years the headscarf has been described as a symbol of Islam's oppression of women and simultaneously of terrorism. As the debate regarding the acceptability of the headscarf in the modern world continues, an increasing number of states have legislated to ban the wearing of the headscarf.

 

This article critically examines the reasons underlying these bans and argues that these prohibitions are not justified. It does this by first analysing the place of the headscarf in Islam, its religious basis and its significance to Muslim women. It argues that the headscarf is more than just a mere religious symbol and that Muslim women wear the headscarf as a matter of religious obligation. The headscarf is considered to be an important religious practice protected by the right to freedom of religion.

 

Thereafter the article examines legislative bans on the headscarf in France, Turkey and Switzerland in order to identify the most popular justifications advanced by states and courts for banning the headscarf. It critically evaluates the justifications for protecting secularism, preventing coercion, promoting equality and curbing religious extremism, and disputes that the reasons put forward by states and accepted by courts justify banning the headscarf. It thereafter explores how South African courts would respond to a headscarf ban and argues that schools and employers should accommodate the headscarf. While Muslim women may not have an absolute right to wear the headscarf, there has thus far been no justifiable reason for banning the headscarf.
Regulating Traditional Justice in South Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Selected Aspects of the Traditional Courts Bill
Authors: Soyapi Caiphas Brewsters
Published: April 2017

Traditional justice systems have been in place for a very long time in South Africa and in Africa in general. They are characterised by informal systems that are not beset by the normal technicalities prevalent in formal justice systems. In recent times South Africa has sought to do away with the Black Administration Act, which was the regulating legislation on traditional justice systems, by introducing the Traditional Courts Bill. Initially introduced in Parliament in 2008 and withdrawn for another tabling in 2012, the Bill has been met with much criticism. Instead of venturing on a clause by clause analysis of the provisions of the Bill this note considers selected aspects of it which are perceived to be significant and which have courted controversy. These are ascertainment, legal representation, jurisdiction, gender, and the hierarchy of courts. The essential arguments are that the Bill has not been properly aligned with the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act 41 of 2003 (as amended in 2009) or the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and that the above issues have not been addressed adequately or are at times only vaguely addressed.

The note also considers various provisions from other African countries with similar legislation and which also regulate on the same issues, for the purposes of identifying better ways of addressing the selected issues. In the final analysis, the recommendations are not that the South African legislature must transpose the provisions of other countries, but that the framers of the Bill must reconsider these issues along the lines in which they are addressed in the countries with which comparisons are drawn here. Without a reconsideration of the issues, the Bill will still be met with criticism even from those it is meant to regulate, and could potentially result in various constitutional challenges and litigations.
The Incorporation of Public International Law into Municipal Law and Regional Law against the Background of the Dichotomy between Monism and Dualism
Authors: Ferreira Gerrit , Ferreira-Snyman Anel
Published: April 2017

Monism and dualism represent two different approaches towards the relationship between public international law and municipal law. While the former views public international law and municipal law as a single legal system, the latter regards these two areas of law as separate and distinct legal systems that exist alongside each other. However, not all legal systems are clearly either monist or dualist. The dichotomy between monism and dualism no longer only concerns the relationship between public international law and municipal law, but also increasingly affects the relationship between public international law and regional law. This contribution discusses the application of the monist and dualist approaches by the South African Constitutional Court in the Glenister case and the European Court of Justice in the Kadi and Hungary cases in order to illustrate the practical application of the dichotomy between monism and dualism in a municipal system and on a regional level.
"Contributory Intent" as a Defence Limiting Delictual Liability
Authors: Ahmed Raheel
Published: April 2017

In terms of delictual liability, the term "fault" generally refers to the defendant's conduct, whereas "contributory fault" refers to the plaintiff's conduct. "Contributory intent" is a form of "contributory fault" and may apply as a defence limiting delictual liability within the ambit of the Apportionment of Damages Act 34 of 1956 (hereinafter referred to as the "Act"). In terms of the Act, the extent of the plaintiff's as against the defendant's fault is taken into account, resulting (in certain instances) in a reduction of the award to the plaintiff. The Act currently regulates the apportionment of damages based on fault in South Africa. The Act does not specifically provide for conduct performed intentionally, and this also seems to be the situation in quite a few foreign jurisdictions. Initially our courts applied the Act to instances of "contributory negligence" (the other form of "contributory fault") only, but in recent times they have applied it to instances of "contributory intent". This change has occurred as a result of practical situations that arose unexpectedly, where the courts had in the interest of serving justice to deal with cases of intentional conduct on the part of the plaintiff and the defendant. The effect of "contributory intent" as a defence in terms of delictual liability is uncertain and contentious not only in South Africa but in foreign jurisdictions as well. The South African Law Reform Commission undertook a review of the Act and published a report on its findings. The Commission acknowledged that since the Act was passed there have been major developments in the law of delict which the Act has been unable to accommodate, resulting in anomalies in this area of the law. It acknowledged that it is unsatisfactory for our courts to go beyond the parameters of the Act in order to reach a just and equitable result when dealing with the apportionment of liability. The Apportionment of Loss Bill 2003 (hereinafter referred as the "Bill") has been drafted to replace the current Act but has unfortunately not been promulgated. Over ten years have passed since it was drafted. In respect of the Bill, "contributory intent" as a defence limiting delictual liability would be recognised. It is hoped that this contribution will bring about a renewed interest in this forgotten but valuable Bill.
A Panoramic View of the Social Security and Social Protection Provisioning in Lesotho
Authors: Mosito Kananelo E
Published: April 2017

Social security is one of the most important areas of social policy.As part of its social policy, the government of Lesotho has promulgated various pieces of legislation and introduced an assortment of public assistance programmes for the benefit of the people of the country. There are also various informal social security measures which are the result of coordinated activities by individuals and groupings in Lesotho. These initiatives together provide a broad spectrum of social security provisioning for the people of Lesotho. This article sets out to discuss the said social security provisioning measures and appraises the efficacy of their interventions.Lesotho is a constitutional state.The Constitution of Lesotho came into force on 2April 1993. It provides for a Bill of Rights as well as principles of state policy. There is, however, no express provision in the Constitution for a right to social security. This is regrettable. Thus, the intersection between constitutional law and social security within the context of Lesotho can be achieved only through the interpretation of the fundamental rights as well as the principles of state policy provided in the Constitution. While the provisions relating to fundamental rights help to establish entitlements to social security, the principles of state policy play an important role in giving direction to service delivery.Understanding the link between the various governmental and social initiatives is crucial if interventions are to be designed which will enhance the provision of social security for the benefit of the people of Lesotho.
Localising Environmental Governance: The Le Sueur Case
Authors: Humbly Tracy-Lynn
Published: April 2017

In the matter of Le Sueur v Ethekwini Municipality the KwaZulu-Natal High Court decided that municipalities had the power to legislate on environmental issues such as biodiversity and conservation. This note argues that the precedent established in this case is that municipalities have authority to legislate upon environmental matters as an incident of municipal planning, which is an original constitutional power. In contrast to both the judgment and recent commentary, it argues that the source of municipal legislative authority over municipal planning is not based in legislative assignment but in s 156(5) of the Constitution (the "incidental power" provision relevant to local government). This argument is based on understanding the distinction between original and assigned powers, and the nature of the control that the national and provincial spheres exercise over Schedule 4B powers. Notwithstanding this inaccuracy in the judgment, it is argued that the precedent is a welcome one that can be justified not only on the basis of the principle of subsidiarity but also in terms of the emerging and increasingly important theory of social-ecological resilience.
Building power control and comfort management using genetic programming and fuzzy logic
Authors: Ali Safdar , Kim DoHyeun
Published: April 2017

In the last couple of years, energy management in the building environment has been a topic of interest to the research community. A number of renowned methods exist in the literature for energy management in buildings, but the trade-off between occupants comfort level and energy consumption is still a major challenge and needs more attention. In this paper, we propose a power control model for comfort and energy saving, using a fuzzy controller and genetic programming (GP). Our focus is to increase the occupants’ comfort index and to minimize the energy consumption simultaneously. First, we implemented a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize the environmental parameters. Second, we control the environment using fuzzy logic and third, we predict the consumed power using GP. The environmental and comfort parameters considered are temperature, illumination and air quality. At the end of the work we compare the power consumption results with and without prediction. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed technique in getting the solution for the above mentioned problem.