bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overuse of Troponin? A Comprehensive Evaluation of Testing in a Large Hospital System
Authors: Wilson Gibbs , Barkley Kyler , Slicker Kipp , Kowal Robert , Pope Brandon , Michel Jeffrey
Published: May 2017

Troponin assays are integral to the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but there is concern that testing is over utilized and may not conform to published guidelines. We reviewed all testing performed at 14 hospitals over 12 months and associated troponin values with the primary and secondary diagnoses for each visit. Troponin was determined to be negative, indeterminate or elevated based on reference ranges. The majority of troponin measurements were single, not serial (64%). The rate of AMI was low, with only 3.5% of tested patients having a primary or secondary diagnosis of AMI. Sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value were excellent, exceeding 90%. However, positive predictive value was low, suggesting testing of populations with diseases known to be associated with elevated troponin levels in the absence of AMI. The majority (79%) of elevated troponin values were associated with primary diagnoses other than AMI. Only 28% of elevated troponins were associated with a primary or secondary diagnosis of AMI. These data suggest possible overuse of troponin testing in our healthcare system.
Haddenham easywrap: the latest innovation in the management of lymphoedema
Authors: Lee Natalie , Lawrence Sue
Published: May 2017

The use of velcro compression wrapping devices in the management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema is not a new concept. Wraps have been available for many years and are being used widely in clinic and community settings where bandaging or traditional compression garments are not suitable. Furthermore, they are becoming more common when treating venous disease, patients with wounds and lipoedema. The aim of this article is to introduce the reader and clinician to the new Haddenham easywrap and to demonstrate why it is different to any other velcro wrapping device available. Case studies will be utilised from clinicians currently using easywrap in clinical practice, with both therapist and patient feedback given to demonstrate the efficacy of this new velcro compression wrapping device.
Commissioning lymphoedema services for people living with and beyond cancer in London
Authors: Robb Karen A , Price Liz
Published: May 2017

The Transforming Cancer Services Team (TCST) in London has produced comprehensive commissioning guidance for commissioners to improve the commissioning of lymphoedema services for people living with and beyond cancer. The guidance identifies how services are commissioned in London, sets out what good looks like and recommends how it can be achieved. The guidance was developed with the support of a task and finish group and was informed by telephone interviews with seven GP commissioners. A comprehensive mapping of specialist services was undertaken and has shown shortfalls in commissioning processes and significant gaps in provision across London. There is considerable opportunity to make cost-savings through investment in lymphoedema services and education and training of the workforce is a clear priority moving forward. TCST is now supporting commissioners to examine their lymphoedema services, benchmark themselves against best practice, and work with others to deliver the best possible care for their communities.
Randomised controlled trials
Authors: Winter George
Published: May 2017

In 2005, Sir Ian Wilmut said we shouldn't await more evidence before offering stem cell treatments to terminal patients. George Winter challenges attitudes concerning the universal necessity of RCTs
Integrating public health practice into the graduate's role through pre-registration education
Authors: Furber Christine , Pusey Helen , Busby Alison , Stringer Eileen
Published: May 2017

Public health is now clearly defined in policy and statute as an integral part of the midwife's role and this work continues to develop as health challenges emerge and diversify.

To clarify the knowledge and skills required by contemporary midwives, this article provides an overview of health promotion and public health concepts and discusses how these are embedded in midwifery policy. The approaches and processes midwives should adopt are considered and an analysis of public health learning in midwifery education highlights areas that need to be addressed. This paper concludes with recommendations for midwifery pre-registration education to develop the underpinning public health knowledge and skills that midwives require for optimum practice.
Life after death: The bereavement midwife's role in later pregnancies
Authors: Power Alison , Rea Tracy , Fenton Sharon
Published: May 2017

The ‘Clinicians in the Classroom’ series of articles explored the value of expert clinicians sharing their expertise in the classroom setting ( Power, 2016 ). One of the articles featured Tracy Rea (bereavement midwife), a regular contributor to the pre-registration midwifery programme at the University of Northampton, who invited Chris and Kate to a session to share their experiences of the loss of their son Stanley, and their subsequent pregnancy ( Power and Rea, 2016 ). This article will follow Tracy back into the clinical area to look at her role in supporting bereaved families through subsequent pregnancies, and will include the reflections of a second-year student midwife (Sharon) who spent time with Tracy in her specialist antenatal clinic and peer support group, ‘The Butterfly Group’.
Group work: a powerful site of resistance for migrant women experiencing gender-based violence
Authors: Sharma Sandhya , Marsh Vicky
Published: May 2017

During 2016, Safety4Sisters North West, a small women’s organisation based in Manchester, UK, worked with 61 women who had insecure immigration status and had experienced gender-based violence. This article examines the themes that arose from the project’s group work highlighting the realities of vulnerable migrant women living at society’s margins, resisting and navigating both patriarchal and immigration control within the context of austerity.
Much ‘I do’ about nothing? The impact of South Africa’s Civil Union Act on media representations of marriage
Authors: Moreau Julie , Daku Mark
Published: May 2017

With the Civil Union Act in 2006, South Africa passed the first national-level same-sex marriage legislation on the continent. Both proponents and opponents ascribed importance to this legislation based on the idea that it would fundamentally change the institution of marriage. Has the Civil Union Act changed the depiction of marriage in media, and by extension, changed representation of this institution in the public sphere? This article investigates marriage as it appears in South African media through an analysis of 736 English language newspaper articles from 2005–2011. We demonstrate that discourses around marriage changed in the short term, with more attention paid to sexual minorities. Over the medium term, however, there was no significant shift in media discussions of marriage, suggesting that the legislation did not significantly alter depictions of the institution of marriage in the public sphere.
Of witches, babes and wife bashers: Images of gender in Zimbabwean tabloids
Authors: Hove Elizabeth F.
Published: May 2017

‘Woman “auctions” hubby’s big organ, sex prowess’, ‘Witches undo act: Use herbs to remove the juju they planted in victim’s body’, or ‘Woman ditches husband over enlarged manhood’ is a typical headline in the popular tabloids, the B-Metro and the H-Metro, in Zimbabwe. A closer scrutiny though into the stories reveals a lot of gender stereotyping: witchcraft, supernatural phenomena, sex, sexual deviancy, love triangles, and sexual violence against women are some of the issues that dominate the tabloids. The portrayal of women and men in these papers enforces certain negative images such as witches, gossips, adulterers and prostitutes. The focus of this article is on the portrayal of gender. This article takes an analytical look to uncover the various images that these papers portray the argument being that the media plays an important role in the construction of male and female identities and hence these negative images can distort identity, and disadvantage both men and women. A textual analysis of both the H-Metro and B-Metro was done to uncover these images, and the sample was randomly selected from January 2015 to January 2016.
Book Review
Authors: Groof Matthias De
Published: May 2017

NOLLYWOOD: THE CREATION OF NIGERIAN FILM GENRES, JONATHAN HAYNES (2016) Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 416 pp., 9 halftones, 3 tables | 6×9 | ISBN: 9780226387956, p/bk, $35.00; ISBN: 9780226387819, h/bk, $105.00; ISBN: 9780226388007, E-book $35.00
The man from where? Ukhozi FM and new identities on radio in South Africa
Authors: Gunner Liz
Published: May 2017

The article focuses on the public radio station Ukhozi FM, part of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and operating through the medium of isiZulu. It argues that Ukhozi FM has radically changed in the ‘new dispensation’ of post-1990 South Africa, yet has maintained the creative and resistant identity forged in the apartheid years under the name Radio Zulu. Through an examination of selected programmes and announcers, in particular the once iconic ‘Mr Magic’, the article shows how aspects of the ‘new South Africa’ are a robust feature of its broadcasting style. Through expanding notions of ‘community’ embedded in the Zulu term ‘umphakathi’ presenters have constructed new dimensions of the concept. The station has produced ideas of ‘community’ which are simultaneously local and national. Popular culture, personal aspirations, religious fervour and the heat of modern politics all subsume within aspects of the linked notions of community with which the station juggles. Inclusive constructions of identity pull in those on the margins of the post-apartheid state and extend the station’s appeal in the uncertain new millenium.
‘I will not share my partner’: The ‘care of the self’ in an HIV prevention campaign
Authors: Segopolo Irene M. , Tomaselli Keyan G.
Published: May 2017

This article presents a textual examination and reception analysis of a HIV/AIDS poster used by the University of KwaZulu-Natal students during 2006–09. It examines how discourses construct self-responsibility for sexual health among female students. Discourse analysis, language and visual strategies are applied to reveal gender stereotypes. The article argues that an alternative discourse of femininity is used centring on female power bordering on active participation through the use of the discursive self ‘I’ in order to promote self-surveillance and individual agency.
A new approach using hybrid power series – cuckoo search optimization algorithm to solve electrostatic pull-in instability and deflection of nano cantilever switches subject to van der waals attractions
Authors: Alsarraf Jalal , Alawadhi Khaled , Alnaqi Abdulwahab , Swilem S.A.M.
Published: May 2017

A hybrid Power Series (PS) and Cuckoo Search via L´evy Flights (CS) optimization algorithm (PS-CS) method is utilized to obtain a solution for the deflection and pull-in instability of a nano cantilever switch in the presence of the van der Waals attractions, electrostatic forces and fringing filed effects. In order to obtain a relation for deflection of the beam, a trial solution including adjustable coefficients, satisfying the boundary conditions of the governing, is proposed. The cuckoo search optimization algorithm is executed to find the ad-justable parameters of the trial solution satisfying the governing equation of the nanobeam. The results are compared with the available results in the literature as well as numerical solution. The results indicate the remarkable accuracy of the present approach. The minimum initial gap and the critical free standing detachment length of the nano actuator that does not stick to the substrate due to the van der Waals attractions, as an important parameter in pull-in instability of the nano switches, is calculated. Utilizing the results of the PS-CS, the stress distribution inside the nano actuator is determined at the onset of the pull-in instability.
The Policy of Modern Malay Residential Development Area in Siak Sri Indrapura, Riau Province
Authors: Putra Fiki Angga , Astuti Puji
Published: May 2017

Malay Riau culture is the root of life for measure point and rules in the developmentsettlement on Siak Sri Indrapura City. The settlement in Siak Sri Indrapura City ischaracterized by the activity of the traditional community. However, the city developmentand the lack of government policy support threatening the sustainability of traditionalsettlements as well as Malay culture. This study aims to give the recommendation about theconcept of development of the heritage settlements in Siak. The research method used isboth qualitative and quantitative analysis through the backlog, layout, and internal-externalanalysis. The analysis results point out that the policy of modern Malay residential areadevelopment is urgently needed to develop and protect the heritage settlements in Siak SriIndrapura City. The appropriate policies is by improving and maintaining the values of Malaycultural heritage in residential building and build an integrated transportation network toincrease the functional values as a residence, economic, and tourism.
Gender Assessment in Urban Transportation Case Study: Semarang City, Indonesia
Authors: Budiarti Ratna , Nurhadi Moh.
Published: May 2017

What and why transportation, climate change, and gender are connected?  What is the implication of transportation policy, program and plan (PPP) to gender equality and vice versa? This article aimed to construct it in the context of urban transportation in Semarang City where transportation contributes more than 50% of GHG emissions. This research investigated the relation of transportation, climate change, and gender by interviewing and exploring transportation users through a multistage random sampling. The respondents are divided into urban zones namely inner, suburb, and outskirt with a balanced number of men and women respondents in order to give equal information. The results showed three interesting findings. First, women and men have different travel patterns. Women’s preference for travelling implies more efficient energy consumption. Second, women have a higher dependency on public transport than men due to their limited transportation access (ownership and use). At the household level, men have a dominant role in determining transportation mode, type, and ownership of private vehicles. It influences the choice of transportation mode and the way women ride vehicle. Third, the differences of travel pattern and transportation between men and women implied to GHG emissions contribution. Participation of women in the design of transportation policy, program, and the plan will give a better impact on the transportation system and climate change as well as for women access to transportation.
Aplikasi Pemantau Perangkat Jaringan Berbasis Web Menggunakan Protokol SNMP dan Notifikasi SMS
Authors: Taftazanie Shofa , Prasetijo Agung Budi , Widianto Eko Didik
Published: May 2017

Device monitoring tool on a computer network is required by the administrator to perform management of the device. This research produces web applications using PHP that is capable of monitoring and collecting device information on the network. This app uses SNMP and syslog protocols to perform monitoring on the device. Device information will be collected on the monitor server and displayed in web-based applications. This app using crontab to be able to monitor every minute. This application can also send a warning message in the form of SMS and email to the administrator when an error occurs on the device so that handling is expected to be faster done. This web application can make it easier for administrators to monitor devices anywhere.Pemantauan perangkat pada suatu jaringan komputer sangat diperlukan oleh administrator untuk melakukan manajemen perangkat tersebut. Penelitian ini menghasilkan aplikasi web menggunakan PHP yang mampu melakukan pemantauan dan pengumpulan informasi perangkat di jaringan. Aplikasi ini menggunakan protokol SNMP dan syslog untuk melakukan pemantauan pada perangkat. Informasi perangkat akan dikumpulkan pada server monitor dan ditampilkan pada aplikasi berbasis web. Aplikasi menggunakan crontab agar dapat melakukan pemantauan setiap menit. Aplikasi juga dapat mengirimkan pesan peringatan berupa SMS dan email kepada administrator saat terjadi kesalahan pada perangkat server sehingga penanganan diharapkan dapat lebih cepat dilakukan. Aplikasi web ini dapat mempermudah administrator dalam memantau perangkat dimana saja.
Optimization with Response Surface Methodology of biosorption conditions of Hg(II) ions from aqueous media by Polyporus Squamosus fungi as a new biosorbent
Authors: Uzun Yusuf , Şahan Tekin
Published: May 2017

Removal of mercury(II) (Hg(II)) from aqueous media by a new biosorbent was carried out. Natural Polyporus squamosus fungus, which according to the literature has not been used for the purpose of Hg(II) biosorption before, was utilized as a low-cost biosorbent, and the biosorption conditions were analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM). Medium parameters which were expected to affect the biosorption of Hg(II) were determined to be initial pH, initial Hg(II) concentration (Co), temperature (T (°C)), and contact time (min). All experiments were carried out in a batch system using 250 mL fl asks containing 100 mL solution with a magnetic stirrer. The Hg(II) concentrations remaining in fi ltration solutions after biosorption were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Based on the RSM results, the optimal conditions were found to be 5.30, 47.39 mg/L, 20°C and 254.9 min for pH, Co, T (°C), and contact time, respectively. Under these optimal conditions, the maximum biosorbed amount and the biosorption yield were calculated to be 3.54 mg/g and 35.37%, respectively. This result was confi rmed by experiments. This result shows that Polyporus squamosus has a specifi c affi nity for Hg ions. Under optimal conditions, by increasing the amount of Polyporus squamosus used, it can be concluded that all Hg ions will be removed
The effect of magnetite nanoparticles synthesis conditions on their ability to separate heavy metal ions
Authors: Bobik Magdalena , Korus Irena , Dudek Lidia
Published: May 2017

Magnetite nanoparticles have become a promising material for scientific research. Among numerous technologies of their synthesis, co-precipitation seems to be the most convenient, less time-consuming and cheap method which produces fine and pure iron oxide particles applicable to environmental issues. The aim of the work was to investigate how the co-precipitation synthesis parameters, such as temperature and base volume, influence the magnetite nanoparticles ability to separate heavy metal ions. The synthesis were conducted at nine combinations of different ammonia volumes - 8 cm3, 10 cm3, 15 cm3 and temperatures - 30°C, 60°C, 90°C for each ammonia volume. Iron oxides synthesized at each combination were examined as an adsorbent of seven heavy metals: Cr(VI), Pb(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II) and Cd(II). The representative sample of magnetite was characterized using XRD, SEM and BET methods. It was observed that more effective sorbent for majority of ions was produced at 30°C using 10 cm3 of ammonia. The characterization of the sample produced at these reaction conditions indicate that pure magnetite with an average crystallite size of 23.2 nm was obtained (XRD), the nanosized crystallites in the sample were agglomerated (SEM) and the specific surface area of the aggregates was estimated to be 55.64 m2·g-1 (BET). The general conclusion of the work is the evidence that magnetite nanoparticles have the ability to adsorb heavy metal ions from the aqueous solutions. The effectiveness of the process depends on many factors such as kind of heavy metal ion or the synthesis parameters of the sorbent.
Cosmetic wastewater treatment using dissolved air flotation
Authors: Bogacki Jan Paweł , Marcinowski Piotr , Naumczyk Jeremi , Wiliński Piotr
Published: May 2017

Five cosmetics wastewater samples were treated by Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) assisted by coagulation. Different aluminum based coagulants were used: (Al2(SO4)3, Al 1019, Al 3010, Al 3030, Al 3035, PAX 16 and PAX 19). The raw wastewater COD values were in the range 285-2124 mg/l. The efficiency of DAF depended on different coagulants and production profi le of factory. COD removal was varied from 11.1 to 77.7%. The efficiency of coagulants was similar during treatment of particular sample. The best results were obtained with Al2(SO4)3 and for sample 5 - lotions and shampoos production. The wastewater from UV fi lter creams production (sample 4) was resistant to treatment by DAF regardless of used coagulant. HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis can be a confirmation of DAF effectiveness
Urban structures and substructures
Authors: Mierzejewska Lidia
Published: May 2017

In urban geography, a traditional but always important research problem has been the spatial-functional structure of towns and changes that occur in this field. Two approaches can be distinguished here: the sociological and the geographical. The former follows in the steps of the so-called Chicago school, i.e. Park, Burgess and Hoyt, and the other of Ullman and Harris. It seems, however, that those two approaches do not exhaust the range of spatial-structural studies which may be conducted in modern towns since there are areas within them endowed with specific properties that can be called their substructures. This paper will present the general characteristics of such substructures and identify factors responsible for their appearance and development. It will also propose an empirical research pattern. The term ‘substructures’ is taken to denote relatively autonomous, highly uniform wholes standing out in the spatial-functional structure of a town, distinguished on the basis of spatial relations generated by people. While structural elements of towns in the approach of the Chicago school or that of Harris and Ullman can be identified with structural regions, urban substructures show a similarity to functional regions in their organisation, structure and operation. Thus, towns with identified substructures have a polycentric spatial- functional structure, favourable in terms of both the level of service of their inhabitants and their sustainable development.
Automated antinuclear immunofluorescence antibody analysis is a reliable approach in routine clinical laboratories
Authors: Zheng Bing , Li Enling , Zhu Haoming , Lu Jingbo , Shi Xinming , Zhang Jie , Li Min
Published: May 2017

Background:

Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assays are recommended as the gold standard method for the detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). This study aimed to investigate the reliability of an automated system.

Methods:

We compared 3745 serum samples using NOVA View archived images with manual analysis via microscopy. A custom cutoff value was established to distinguish ANA titers and was validated in two clinical laboratories. The automatic ANA pattern recognition system was evaluated, and all ANA-positive sera were subjected to two commercial ANA IIF kits to compare the consistency of the pattern interpretation results. For inconsistent patterns, a third ANA IIF testing kit was utilized.

Results:

Agreement of the interpretation of the ANA IIF test using the platform of NOVA View and manual microscopy was 96.9%. The local cutoff value to discriminate ANA titers in four main ANA patterns was calculated based on 1390 serum samples. In our laboratory, the titer prediction accuracy was superior to the preset cutoff in NOVA View (p<0.01); the performance was similar in another laboratory (p=0.11). The automatic pattern recognition accuracies of speckled, homogeneous, centromere, nucleolar and nuclear dot patterns were 62.7%, 57.4%, 92.6%, 30.5% and 27.3%, respectively. The consistency of the pattern interpretation results between INOVA and MBL kits was 95.3%.

Conclusions:

It is necessary to establish a custom value-added ANA report. However, confirmation of the digital immunofluorescence images by expert technicians was essential, and suspect results of an ANA pattern should be reconfirmed by another commercial ANA IIF kit to achieve more reliable results.
Dietary habits of urban pigeons (Columba livia) and implications of excreta pH – a review
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H. R. , Watson Maggie J.
Published: May 2017

Pigeons are considered to be urban pests, causing untold damage to buildings and potentially impacting the health of humans who come into contact with them or their faeces. Pigeon faecal matter has been implicated in both health impacts and building damage, with the acidity of the excreta playing an important role. Purpose of the Review. This paper is a wide-ranging review of the chemical processes of excreta in the pigeon to aid our understanding of the potential problems of pigeons to buildings and human amenity in the urban space. The natural pH of pigeons is shown to vary based on the bird’s and age as well as reproductive stage. Key findings of the review. The influences of the altered diet between the rock dove (the wild progenitor of the feral pigeon) and the feral pigeon are detailed, indicating that the human-based diet of urban pigeons most likely causes the feral pigeon excreta to be more acidic than the rock dove excreta. This higher acidity is due in part to diet, but also to potential increases in faecal and/or uric acid volumes due to the low quality of human-based diets. Again, this area of interest is highly data deficient due to the few number of studies and unspecified dietary intake before pH measurement. Implications of the review. Humans are increasingly concerned about pigeon populations (and presumably their accumulated faeces) in the urban space, and control comprises a large part of the interaction between humans and feral pigeons. This review provides a greater understanding of feral pigeons and the true effects of their excreta.
An English Neural Network that Learns Texts, Finds Hidden Knowledge, and Answers Questions
Authors: Ke Yuanzhi , Hagiwara Masafumi
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a novel neural network is proposed, which can automatically learn and recall contents from texts, and answer questions about the contents in either a large corpus or a short piece of text. The proposed neural network combines parse trees, semantic networks, and inference models. It contains layers corresponding to sentences, clauses, phrases, words and synonym sets. The neurons in the phrase-layer and the word-layer are labeled with their part-of-speeches and their semantic roles. The proposed neural network is automatically organized to represent the contents in a given text. Its carefully designed structure and algorithms make it able to take advantage of the labels and neurons of synonym sets to build the relationship between the sentences about similar things. The experiments show that the proposed neural network with the labels and the synonym sets has the better performance than the others that do not have the labels or the synonym sets while the other parts and the algorithms are the same. The proposed neural network also shows its ability to tolerate noise, to answer factoid questions, and to solve single-choice questions in an exercise book for non-native English learners in the experiments.
A Machine Learning Approach for the Segmentation of Driving Maneuvers and its Application in Autonomous Parking
Authors: Notomista Gennaro , Botsch Michael
Published: May 2017

A classification system for the segmentation of driving maneuvers and its validation in autonomous parking using a small-scale vehicle are presented in this work. The classifiers are designed to detect points that are crucial for the path-planning task, thus enabling the implementation of efficient autonomous parking maneuvers. The training data set is generated by simulations using appropriate vehicle-dynamics models and the resulting classifiers are validated with the small-scale autonomous vehicle. To achieve both a high classification performance and a classification system that can be implemented on a microcontroller with limited computational resources, a two-stage design process is applied. In a first step an ensemble classifier, the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, is constructed and based on the RF-kernel a General Radial Basis Function (GRBF) classifier is generated. The GRBF-classifier is integrated into the small-scale autonomous vehicle leading to excellent performance in parallel-, cross- and oblique-parking maneuvers. The work shows that segmentation using classifies and open-loop control are an efficient approach in autonomous driving for the implementation of driving maneuvers.
Pseudo-Orthogonalization of Memory Patterns for Complex-Valued and Quaternionic Associative Memories
Authors: Minemoto Toshifumi , Isokawa Teijiro , Nishimura Haruhiko , Matsui Nobuyuki
Published: May 2017

Hebbian learning rule is well known as a memory storing scheme for associative memory models. This scheme is simple and fast, however, its performance gets decreased when memory patterns are not orthogonal each other. Pseudo-orthogonalization is a decorrelating method for memory patterns which uses XNOR masking between the memory patterns and randomly generated patterns. By a combination of this method and Hebbian learning rule, storage capacity of associative memory concerning non-orthogonal patterns is improved without high computational cost. The memory patterns can also be retrieved based on a simulated annealing method by using an external stimulus pattern. By utilizing complex numbers and quaternions, we can extend the pseudo-orthogonalization for complex-valued and quaternionic Hopfield neural networks. In this paper, the extended pseudo-orthogonalization methods for associative memories based on complex numbers and quaternions are examined from the viewpoint of correlations in memory patterns. We show that the method has stable recall performance on highly correlated memory patterns compared to the conventional real-valued method.
Effect of the Administration of PGF2α Analogue to Extended Boar Semen on Sperm Motility, Morphology and Kinematic Parameters
Authors: Chervenkov Mihail , Ivanova Teodora , Taushanova Paulina , Stefanov Rossen , Georgiev Boyko
Published: May 2017

The addition of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) to boar semen prior to insemination improves the conception and farrowing rates in sows. It is accepted that this is due to increased myometrial contractility, which improves the spermatozoa movement. However, there are limited data about the effect of the exogenous PGF2α analogs on sperm motility parameters and morphology. The aim of the current study was to define if there are changes in motility, morphology and kinematic parameters of spermatozoa on 1st and 24th hour after addition of PGF2α analogue to extended boar semen. A total of 18 ejaculates, obtained from clinically healthy boars were diluted 1:3 in semen extender, and each of them was separate into four aliquots, 50 ml each. PGF2α was added to 3 of them in concentrations of 6, 12 and 25 μg/ml, and the fourth served as untreated control. The motility, kinematic parameters and morphology of spermatozoa were evaluated on 1st and 24th hours after addition of PGF2α. There was no significant difference in sperm morphology, total and progressive motility between the untreated and treated groups. There was however a significant decrease in the rapid velocity and some of the kinematic parameters (VCL, VSL and VAP) in the group treated with 25 μg/ml compared to the control at the 1st hour after PGF2α treatment, which (except for the rapid velocity) persisted to the 24th hour. The results indicate that addition of Oestrophan (Bioveta, CZ) to the extended boar semen did not improve the sperm motility, morphology and kinematic parameters of the spermatozoa.
Archiving Digital Objects as Maintenance: Reading a Rosetta Machine
Authors: Galloway Patricia Kay
Published: May 2017

Archiving digital objects consists of maintenance and conservation: the job of arresting a cultural object in time, maintaining it as closely as possible in the state in which it was created. Hardware and software provide the context in which digital objects are created, and other hardware and software provide the context in which they must be maintained, but practitioners of digital preservation are only now beginning to move seriously into the area of deciding how to perform digital objects for users. In this paper I discuss a personal effort at stopping time for hardware and what it has taught me about approaching construction of preservable platforms that can replicate the context of creation for digital objects. I will also discuss what we lose when we decide to discard environment in favor of some generalized idea of content.
Making a Killing: On Race, Ritual, and (Re)Membering in Digital Culture
Authors: Sutherland Tonia
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates cultural, social, and technological issues created by the increasingly widespread circulation of digital records documenting the deaths of black Americans in the United States. This research takes as its foundation questions about ritual, embodiment, memorialization, and oblivion in digital spaces. Further, it examines the interplay between the permanence of the digital sphere and the international human rights concept of the “right to be forgotten,” paying particular attention to black and brown bodies as records and as evidence. Methodologically, the work engages critical race theory, performance studies, archival studies, and digital culture studies, asking how existing technologies reflect the wider social world offline, how they create new cultural interactions, and how those new interactions reshape the real (non-virtual) world.
Effects of surface modification of halloysite nanotubes on the morphology and the thermal and rheological properties of polypropylene/halloysite composites
Authors: Yin Xiaochun , Wang Liang , Li Sai , He Guangjian , Yang Zhitao
Published: May 2017

Effects of unmodified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonnium bromide treated halloysite nanotubes (CTAB-HNTs) on the morphology as well as the thermal and rheological properties of the HNT-filled polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated. The composites were melt-blended with a novel vane mixer dominated by extensional deformation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy well demonstrated that ammonium molecules were successfully interacted with halloysite groups. Compared with unmodified HNTs, the modified HNTs had a better dispersion in the PP matrix. The degree of crystallinity increased with the introduction of HNTs into the PP matrix. Thermal analyses revealed that CTAB-HNTs can improve the composites’ thermal stability compared with unmodified HNTs. As for dynamic shear rheology, the PP/CTAB-HNT composites showed higher viscoelaticity than neat PP in most frequency regimes, and that the raw HNT/PP composites presented the opposite phenomenon. The relaxation time of PP melt and the availability of heterogeneous PP domains increased with the presence of CTAB-HNTs.
Hydrodynamic Properties of High Temperature Natural Circulating Helium Cooling Loop
Authors: Dzianik František , Gužela Štefan
Published: May 2017

The paper deals with the hydrodynamic properties, i.e. the consumption of mechanical energy expressed by pressure drops within a helium loop intended for the testing of decay heat removal (DHR) from the model of a gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR). The system is characterised by the natural circulation of helium, as a coolant, and assume steady operating conditions of circulation. The helium loop consists of four main components: model of gas-cooled fast reactor, model of the heat exchanger for decay heat removal, hot piping branch and cold piping branch. Using the process hydrodynamic calculations, the pressure drops of circulating helium within the main components of the helium loop were determined. The calculations have been done for several defined operating conditions which correspond to the different helium flow rates within the system.
Modeling of Ice-Shedding from ACSR Power Line
Authors: Hrabovský Juraj , Gogola Roman , Murín Justín , Sedlár Tibor
Published: May 2017

In this contribution, the analysis of ice-shedding from Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) power lines is presented. The impact of the icing position on the overhead power lines, the resulting jump height, and impact on attachment tension points after ice-shedding is examined. In the numerical simulations the effective material properties of the ACSR conductor is calculated using the homogenisation method. Numerical analysis of one power line and double-bundle power lines with icing over the whole range or only on certain sections of single and double-bundle power lines are performed
Static Characteristics of Pressure Control Valve
Authors: Vykoukal Ondřej , Hružík Lumír , Bureček Adam
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the measurement of static characteristics of a pressure control valve. The pressure, at which the valve starts to leak oil, is adjusted by a spring. The measurement is performed on a hydraulic system that consists of tank, hydraulic pump, check valve, relief valve and pressure control valve which is measured. The results of this experimental measurement are Δp - Q characteristics of the pressure control valve for various pressure settings.
Effects of mTOR on neurological deficits after transient global ischemia
Authors: Xing Jihong , Lu Jian
Published: May 2017

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase and activation of its signal pathway plays an important role in regulating protein growth and synthesis as well as cell proliferation and survival. In the present study, we examined the contribution of mTOR and its downstream products to brain injuries and neurological deficiencies after cardiac arrest (CA) induced-transient global ischemia. CA was induced by asphyxia followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in rats. Our results showed that expression of p-mTOR, mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of 4E-binding protein 4 (4E-BP1) and p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 (S6K1) pathways were amplified in CA rats compared to their controls. Blocking mTOR using rapamycin attenuated upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (namely IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), and Caspase-3, indicating cell apoptosis and also promoting the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its subtype receptor VEGFR-2 in the hippocampus. Moreover, the effects of rapamycin were linked to improvement of neurological deficits and increased brain water content observed in CA rats. In conclusion, activation of mTOR signal is engaged in pathophysiological process during CA-induced transient global ischemia and blocking mTOR pathway plays a beneficial role in regulating injured neuronal tissues and neurological deficits via PIC, apoptotic Caspase-3 and VEGF mechanisms. Targeting one or more of these specific mTOR pathways and its downstream signaling molecules may present new opportunities for neural dysfunction and vulnerability related to transient global ischemia.
Theorienvergleich als methodologischer Standard der soziologischen Theorie
Authors: Anicker Fabian
Published: May 2017

Die Unternehmung eines systematischen Vergleichs soziologischer Theorien wird häufig als gescheitert angesehen. Demgegenüber wird hier behauptet, dass in der Theorienvergleichsdiskussion methodologische Fortschritte bezüglich des angemessenen Umgangs mit Theorienvielfalt erzielt wurden, die sich zu einem methodologischen Standard der theoretischen Soziologie bündeln lassen. Das Vorgehen ist dabei selbst vergleichend: Die verschiedenen methodologischen Ansätze werden über einen hermeneutischen Theorienvergleich systematisiert und auf die Zielvorstellung einer wirklichkeitswissenschaftlichen Soziologie bezogen. Die Synthese mündet in einen Vorschlag zur Differenzierung empirischer Bewährungskriterien von Theorien nach Problemklassen. Letztere werden aus einer Revision der Ebenenunterscheidung von Sozial- und Gesellschaftstheorien sowie Theorien mittlerer Reichweite gewonnen.
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment and Barriers to MNC Supply Chain Integration in Vietnam
Authors: Bilici Hamdi , Ta Loi , Carcamo Briant
Published: May 2017

The Vietnamese economy has been progressing to become a supplier to many multinational corporations (MNC). However, barriers presently exist that prevent Vietnamese firms from fully integrating into the supply chain of these global actors. Weak FDI overflow and block trading has government officials and business executives troubled that Vietnamese firms are still on the periphery of these global supply networks. Even as MNCs operating in Vietnam import many semi-finished products from other countries, Vietnamese firms are not benefiting from the opportunities to incorporate into the supply chain because of the lack of global experience, FDI, an educated workforce and outdated facilities. Vietnamese firms must upgrade their facilities and equip their labor forces to acquire MNC contracts and find global partners who can supply financing and knowhow.
Labmagenverlagerung beim Rind – kurzer Überblick zu neueren Erkenntnissen
Authors: Sickinger Marlene
Published: May 2017

Eine Vielzahl an In-vitro- und In-vivo-Untersuchungen versuchte, das Thema Labmagenverlagerung beim Rind in vielerlei Hinsicht zu beleuchten und zu hinterfragen. Eine vollständige Aufklärung der Pathogenese wurde bislang allerdings nicht erreicht. Es gelang jedoch die Entwicklung eines Gentests, durch den sich beim Einzeltier eine genetische Prädisposition für die Labmagenverlagerung nachweisen lässt. Eine züchterische Beeinflussung der Krankheitsinzidenz, zumindest bei Tieren der Rasse Deutsche Holsteins, scheint dadurch möglich, wenngleich die Kosten für den Gentest derzeit noch erheblich sind. Wie Studien zeigten bietet die Untersuchung bestimmter labordiagnostischer Parameter in Kombination mit klinischen Befunden die Möglichkeit, die (postoperative) Prognose für das betroffene Einzeltier objektiver einzuschätzen.
CONSULTA DE ENFERMAGEM A HIPERTENSOS: PERFIL DA POPULAÇÃO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA ASSISTÊNCIA.
Authors: Oliveira Mana Ester Dias de , Ernesto Dayse Zamudio Lopez , Cancino Carola Angeles
Published: May 2017

Com a implementação do Programa de Atendimento ao Hipertenso, no Ambulatório do Instituto do Coração da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, foi possível a viabilização da Consulta de Enfermagem a hipertensos leves e moderados, com a finalidade de proporcionar maior seguimento deste grupo de indivíduos. O presente trabalho fundamentou-se nos dados obtidos, através da Consulta de Enfermagem a 32 clientes, no período de Outubro a Novembro de 1985, tendo por objetivo a caracterização do perfil dessa clientela, o reconhecimento dos problemas comuns a esse grupo e a assistência de enfermagem a ser prestada para solução dos mesmos.
REAÇÕES EMOCIONAIS DA MULHER NO PUERPÉRIO
Authors: Silva Isilia Aparecida
Published: May 2017

A autora procurou obter, através de declarações de enfermeiras, informação sobre se estas conseguem identificar manifestações de comportamento de puérperas que evidenciam reações emocionais e se as mesmas se julgam preparadas para atender adequadamente as puérperas, considerando tanto os aspectos físicos quanto os emocionais.
INSTRUMENTO DE COMUNICAÇÃO DA SALA DE RECUPERAÇÃO ANESTÉSICA: AVALIAÇÃO E REESTRUTURAÇÃO
Authors: Sorbini Amada Rita Sarau , Peniche Aparecida de Cassia G. , Caiado Caria das Virgens , Alvarenga Denise Cavaltini , Andreolli Margarete Rodrigues , Franca Maria Oracy Roliano da , Hoefler Rosane
Published: May 2017

Os autores propõem um novo instrumento de comunicação para a Sala de Recuperação Anestésica de um hospital governamental do Estado de São Paulo com o objetivo de melhorar a assistência prestada ao paciente no pós-anestésico tornando-a cada vez mais individualizada, preenchendo assim, as necessidades das enfermeiras que atuam nas unidades cirúrgicas, equipe de enfermeiras e anestesistas do Centro Cirúrgico e Recuperação Anestésica da referida instituição. Essas necessidades foram detectadas através de trabalhos de pesquisa de campo realizados com esses elementos. A nova ficha de Recuperação Anestésica foi estruturada a partir de dados já existentes associados às conclusões obtidas nos trabalhos de pesquisa mencionados e a uma crescente evolução na prestação de cuidados ao paciente nessa fase de alto risco da assitência. Essa ficha será testada e os resultados publicados posteriormente.
PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DAS INTERNAÇÕES EM UM PRONTO SOCORRO DO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Ide Cilene Aparecida Costardi , Pierin Angela Maria Geraldo , Padilha Kátia Grillo , Chaves Eliane Corrêa
Published: May 2017

Neste estudo foram caracterizadas as internações ocorridas num Pronto Socorro do Município de São Paulo, no ano de 1984, considerando-se as causas de internação segundo sua natureza.
NECESSIDADES HUMANAS BÁSICAS-IDENTIFICAÇÀO DA NECESSIDADE DE EDUCAÇÃO CONTINUADA A PARTIR DA ANÁLISE DO CONTEÚDO DAS ANOTAÇÕES DE ENFERMAGEM
Authors: Matos Selme Silqueira de , Carvalho Daclé Vilma , Stefaneilli Maguida Costa
Published: May 2017

Este estudo refere-se a uma análise do conteúdo das anotações de enfermagem contidas no formulário de observações de enfermagem, de pacientes de unidades médicas e cirúrgicas, de um hospital geral de grande porte de Belo Horizonte. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo geral a identificação da necessidade de um programa de educação continuada, sobre anotações de enfermagem, com ênfase nas necessidades humanas básicas. Constatou-se a necessidade urgente de se implementar um programa de educação continuada.