bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourier Finite-Element Method with Linear Basis Functions on a Sphere: Application to Elliptic and Transport Equations
Authors: Cheong Hyeong-Bin , Kong Hae-Jin , Kang Hyun-Gyu , Lee Jae-Deok
Published: November 2014

The Fourier finite-element method (FFEM) on the sphere, which performs with an operation count of O(N2 log2N) for 2N × N grids in spherical coordinates, was developed using linear basis functions. Dependent field variables are expanded with the Fourier series in the longitude, and the Fourier coefficients are represented with a series of first-order finite elements. Different types of pole conditions were incorporated into the Fourier coefficients of the scalar and vector variables in order to avoid discontinuity at the poles. For the Laplacian operator, the linear element was defined as a function of the sine of latitude instead of the latitude. The FFEM was applied to the derivatives of the first- and second-order elliptic equations and the transport equations. The scale-selective high-order Laplacian-type filter was implemented as a hyperviscosity. For the first-order derivative the fourth-order convergence rate of the accuracy, as is expected from the theoretical analysis, was achieved. Elliptic equations were found to be solved accurately without pole discontinuity, and the convergence rate turned out to be second order. The cosine bell advection, time-differenced with a third-order Runge–Kutta method, showed that the squared-norm error convergence rate was slightly above second order. Both the Gaussian bell advection and the deformational flow produced the theoretical convergence rate of fourth order. The high-order filter was found to be effective in maintaining a quasi-uniform resolution over the sphere, and thus allowed a large time step size. Sensitivity experiments of cosine bell advection over the poles revealed that the CFL number, as defined with the maximum grid size on the global domain, can be taken to be as large as unity.
Making the Best of a Bad Bargain
Authors: Veluthat Kesavan
Published: November 2014

This article rejoins the issues raised in Professor R.S. Sharma’s landmark paper on references to Kaliyuga as indicating a major social crisis and shows that all was not as dark as has been represented in his writings. It shows that the same texts shows the other, brighter side of Kaliyuga and argues that even this is in an attempt to promote the ideology of the upper sections of society, where bhakti or devotion to a personalised god was found most successful.
Familist Movement and Social Mobility
Authors: Nite Dhiraj Kumar
Published: November 2014

This article offers an answer to the question as to why the movement to ensure a ‘civilised’, human life for mineworkers in the Jharia coalfields in eastern India, in the early decades of the twentieth century, had some ‘unsought for’ results. These results included the vulnerability of women excluded from certain categories of work, school-dropout children and above all absence of a reproductive support system. Industrialists as well as the industrial workforce slowly braced themselves to devise the means for satisfying reproduction requirements of the principal component of the workforce. The resultant reproduction regime, representing a shift to industrial paternalism, took effect within the matrix of mineworkers’ new reproduction politics, the competition between different categories of mineworkers, and their access to social and political power. On family and women questions, the familist discourse became the site of contestation between various ideas and practices that represented different responses to the need to reconstitute the reproduction regime in the industrial space.
Productivity Change and Technical Efficiency in Indian Microfinance Institutions
Authors: M. Muneer Babu , Kulshreshtha Praveen
Published: November 2014

Majority of Indian rural poor lack access to finance and depend on informal sources of finance (e.g., moneylenders). Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which provide small financial services (loans, savings and insurance) to the poor without any collateral, have emerged as a major source of finance. Greater access and expansion of microfinance services require MFIs in India to enhance their productivity and organizational effectiveness over time. This article examines the changing trends and sources of productivity growth in Indian MFIs, by computing the Malmquist Total Factor Productivity (TFP) index for a panel of 34 Indian MFIs during 2005–2006 to 2010–2011, using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The TFP index is decomposed to identify two important sources of productivity change, namely, changes in technical efficiency and technology of the sample MFIs. Technical efficiency change is further decomposed to measure pure technical efficiency change and scale efficiency change in the sample MFIs. The decomposition of TFP index indicates that the productivity of sample MFIs has declined over time, which shows that the Indian MFIs need to achieve significant innovations in technology to enhance their productivity. However, technical efficiency of MFIs has increased on average, which indicates that the managerial and operational effectiveness of MFIs has improved over time.
Characterisation of orange peel on highly polished steel surfaces
Authors: Miranda-Medina M. L. , Somkuti P. , Bianchi D. , Cihak-Bayr U. , Bader D. , Jech M. , Vernes A.
Published: November 2014

The surface quality of high gloss polished steel sheets with respect to ‘orange peel’ is studied. This is motivated by the fact that workpieces are ranked solely on the visual appearance of finished surfaces according to the observed degree of orange peel. Here, to quantify the degree of orange peel, surface topographies of industrial samples are acquired by means of phase shifting interferometry, from which various surface roughness parameters are calculated. These parameters are related to qualitative aspects of the surface using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Two surface roughness parameters were identified as necessary for the evaluation of orange peel, suggesting that traditional methods can be replaced with suitable parameters that improve quality control procedures at the industry.
Year in review 2013: Critical Care– out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, traumatic injury, and other emergency care conditions
Authors: Goldberg Scott A , Kharbanda Bryan , Pepe Paul E
Published: November 2014

In this review, we discuss articles published in 2013 contributing to the existing literature on the management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the evaluation and management of several other emergency conditions, including traumatic injury. The utility of intravenous medications, including epinephrine and amiodarone, in the management of cardiac arrest is questioned, as are cardiac arrest termination-of-resuscitation rules. Articles discussing mode of transportation in trauma are evaluated, and novel strategies for outcome prediction in traumatic injury are proposed. Diagnostic strategies, including computerized tomography scan for the diagnosis of smoke inhalation injury and serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of post-cardiac arrest syndrome and acute aortic dissection, are also explored. Although many of the articles discussed raise more questions than they answer, they nevertheless provide ample opportunity for further investigation.
Minimizing antibiotic exposure in the ICU: in search of the optimal strategy
Authors: Brun-Buisson Christian
Published: November 2014

The current paradigm for antibiotic management in critically ill patients is to initiate broad-spectrum therapy followed by de-escalation based on microbiological results. Routine screening cultures may allow better targeting and reduce unnecessary exposure to antibiotics.
Genomic mapping of the MHC transactivator CIITA using an integrated ChIP-seq and genetical genomics approach
Authors: Wong Daniel , Lee Wanseon , Humburg Peter , Makino Seiko , Lau Evelyn , Naranbhai Vivek , Fairfax Benjamin P , Chan Kenneth , Plant Katharine , Knight Julian C
Published: November 2014

Background

The master transactivator CIITA is essential to the regulation of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II genes and an effective immune response. CIITA is known to modulate a small number of non-MHC genes involved in antigen presentation such as CD74 and B2M but its broader genome-wide function and relationship with underlying genetic diversity has not been resolved.

Results

We report the first genome-wide ChIP-seq map for CIITA and complement this by mapping inter-individual variation in CIITA expression as a quantitative trait. We analyse CIITA recruitment for pathophysiologically relevant primary human B cells and monocytes, resting and treated with interferon-gamma, in the context of the epigenomic regulatory landscape and DNA-binding proteins associated with the CIITA enhanceosome including RFX, CREB1/ATF1 and NFY. We confirm recruitment to proximal promoter sequences in MHC class II genes and more distally involving the canonical CIITA enhanceosome. Overall, we map 843 CIITA binding intervals involving 442 genes and find 95% of intervals are located outside the MHC and 60% not associated with RFX5 binding. Binding intervals are enriched for genes involved in immune function and infectious disease with novel loci including major histone gene clusters. We resolve differentially expressed genes associated in trans with a CIITA intronic sequence variant, integrate with CIITA recruitment and show how this is mediated by allele-specific recruitment of NF-kB.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a broader role for CIITA beyond the MHC involving immune-related genes. We provide new insights into allele-specific regulation of CIITA informative for understanding gene function and disease.
Trans-ethnic genome-wide association studies: advantages and challenges of mapping in diverse populations
Authors: Li Yun R , Keating Brendan J
Published: November 2014

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) are the method most often used by geneticists to interrogate the human genome, and they provide a cost-effective way to identify the genetic variants underpinning complex traits and diseases. Most initial GWASs have focused on genetically homogeneous cohorts from European populations given the limited availability of ethnic minority samples and so as to limit population stratification effects. Transethnic studies have been invaluable in explaining the heritability of common quantitative traits, such as height, and in examining the genetic architecture of complex diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. They provide an opportunity for large-scale signal replication in independent populations and for cross-population meta-analyses to boost statistical power. In addition, transethnic GWASs enable prioritization of candidate genes, fine-mapping of functional variants, and potentially identification of SNPs associated with disease risk in admixed populations, by taking advantage of natural differences in genomic linkage disequilibrium across ethnically diverse populations. Recent efforts to assess the biological function of variants identified by GWAS have highlighted the need for large-scale replication, meta-analyses and fine-mapping across worldwide populations of ethnically diverse genetic ancestries. Here, we review recent advances and new approaches that are important to consider when performing, designing or interpreting transethnic GWASs, and we highlight existing challenges, such as the limited ability to handle heterogeneity in linkage disequilibrium across populations and limitations in dissecting complex architectures, such as those found in recently admixed populations.
Expression of one important chaperone protein, heat shock protein 27, in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Zhang Xuekai , Shi Jing , Tian Jinzhou , Robinson Andrew C , Davidson Yvonne S , Mann David M
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by accumulations of misfolded proteins that can colocalise with chaperone proteins (for example, heat shock protein 27 (HSP27)), which might act as modulators of protein aggregation.

Methods

The role of HSP27 in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and motor neuron disease (MND) was investigated. We used immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis to determine the distribution and amount of this protein in the frontal and temporal cortices of diseased and control subjects.

Results

HSP27 immunostaining presented as accumulations of granules within neuronal and glial cell perikarya. Patients with AD and FTLD were affected more often, and showed greater immunostaining for HSP27, than patients with MND and controls. In FTLD, there was no association between HSP27 and histological type. The neuropathological changes of FTLD, AD and MND were not immunoreactive to HSP27. Western blot analysis revealed higher HSP27 expression in FTLD than in controls, but without qualitative differences in banding patterns.

Conclusions

The pattern of HSP27 immunostaining observed may reflect the extent of ongoing neurodegeneration in affected brain areas and is not specific to FTLD, AD or MND. It may represent an accumulation of misfolded, damaged or unwanted proteins, awaiting or undergoing degradation.
Genetic transformation of Knufia petricola A95 - a model organism for biofilm-material interactions
Authors: Noack-Schönmann Steffi , Bus Tanja , Banasiak Ronald , Knabe Nicole , Broughton William J , Den Dulk-Ras H , Hooykaas Paul JJ , Gorbushina Anna A
Published: November 2014

We established a protoplast-based system to transfer DNA to Knufia petricola strain A95, a melanised rock-inhabiting microcolonial fungus that is also a component of a model sub-aerial biofilm (SAB) system. To test whether the desiccation resistant, highly melanised cell walls would hinder protoplast formation, we treated a melanin-minus mutant of A95 as well as the type-strain with a variety of cell-degrading enzymes. Of the different enzymes tested, lysing enzymes from Trichoderma harzianum were most effective in producing protoplasts. This mixture was equally effective on the melanin-minus mutant and the type-strain. Protoplasts produced using lysing enzymes were mixed with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and plasmid pCB1004 which contains the hygromycin B (HmB) phosphotransferase (hph) gene under the control of the Aspergillus nidulans trp C. Integration and expression of hph into the A95 genome conferred hygromycin resistance upon the transformants. Two weeks after plating out on selective agar containing HmB, the protoplasts developed cell-walls and formed colonies. Transformation frequencies were in the range 36 to 87 transformants per 10 μg of vector DNA and 106 protoplasts. Stability of transformation was confirmed by sub-culturing the putative transformants on selective agar containing HmB as well as by PCR-detection of the hph gene in the colonies. The hph gene was stably integrated as shown by five subsequent passages with and without selection pressure.
Evaluation of a German version of the tonsil and adenoid health status instrument
Authors: Steinbichler Teresa , Bender Birte , Blassnigg Elisabeth , Riechelmann Herbert
Published: November 2014

Background

To create and validate a German version of the Tonsil and Adenoid Health Status Instrument (TAHSI) for evaluation of tonsillectomy outcome in adult patients with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.

Subjects and methods

46 healthy volunteers were assessed twice in a 6 week interval with the TAHSI questionnaire. Their results were compared with 45 patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis before tonsillectomy and 6 months following surgery. For internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was calculated; to identify normal score values, the optimum cutoff between healthy and diseased individuals was identified with receiver operating characteristic analysis; and responsiveness was assessed using Guyatt's Responsiveness Index (GRI).

Results

Cronbach's alpha for all questions was 0.92. Test- retest intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.80-0.94 p < 0.001). Mean score for the healthy individuals was 7.0 (95% confidence interval 4.2-9.7). The optimum cut off score between healthy and diseased was 20 with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 90% to differentiate controls from tonsillectomy patients.

Conclusion

The TAHSI performed well in this validation tests and is considered a favorable instrument to evaluate the effectiveness of tonsillectomy in adults with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.
Mindfulness-based training in residential settings: rationale, advantages and obstacles
Authors: Didonna Fabrizio , Bhattacherjee Shaun
Published: November 2014

The past few decades have witnessed the synthesis of Buddhist mindfulness practice with the Western psychological paradigm, leading to the development of a variety of mindfulness-based interventions. These are delivered to various populations to treat a wide range of physical and psychological disorders, and several protocols have been implemented and evaluated, mostly, if not exclusively, in open or out-patient treatment settings. Little attention has been given to the definition of criteria, guidelines and protocols for the use of mindfulness in residential settings such as in-patient psychiatric wards, secure and forensic services, prisons, nursing homes and hospices. In this article, we discuss the rationale, advantages and obstacles to delivering mindfulness-based interventions in residential treatment settings, with specific reference to forensic settings. We also discuss the problem of developing robust outcome data and recommendations for future research.

Learning Objectives

•

Understand the advantages and challenges of introducing mindfulness-based interventions in in-patient settings.

•

Understand how mindfulness-based interventions can be adapted to accommodate individual patient psychopathology.

•

Understand how mindfulness-based interventions can be adapted to specialist clinical settings such as forensic units.
Low birth weight, preterm birth and small for gestational age
association with adult depression: systematic review and
meta-analysis
Authors: De Mola Christian Loret , De França Giovanny Vinícius Araújo , de Avila Quevedo Luciana , Horta Bernardo Lessa
Published: November 2014

Background

There is no consensus on the effects that low birth weight, premature
birth and intrauterine growth have on later depression.

Aims

To review systematically the evidence on the relationship of low birth
weight, smallness for gestational age (SGA) and premature birth with
adult depression.

Method

We searched the literature for original studies assessing the effect of
low birth weight, premature birth and SGA on adult depression. Separate
meta-analyses were carried out for each exposure using random and fixed
effects models. We evaluated the contribution of methodological
covariates to heterogeneity using meta-regression.

Results

We identified 14 studies evaluating low birth weight, 9 premature birth
and 4 SGA. Low birth weight increased the odds of depression (OR = 1.39,
95% CI 1.21–1.60). Premature birth and SGA were not associated with
depression, but publication bias might have underestimated the effect of
the former and only four studies evaluated SGA.

Conclusions

Low birth weight was associated with depression. Future studies
evaluating premature birth and SGA are needed.
Characterization of vaccine antigens of meningococcal serogroup W isolates from Ghana and Burkina Faso from 2003 to 2009
Authors: Ispasanie Emma , Pluschke Gerd , Hodgson Abraham , Sie Ali , MacLennan Calman , Koeberling Oliver
Published: November 2014

Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of bacterial meningitis and a considerable health problem in the 25 countries of the ‘African Meningitis Belt’ that extends from Senegal in West Africa to Ethiopia in the East. Approximately 80% of cases of meningococcal meningitis in Africa have been caused by strains belonging to capsular serogroup A. After the introduction of a serogroup A conjugate polysaccharide vaccine, MenAfriVac™, that began in December 2010, the incidence of meningitis due to serogroup A has markedly declined in this region. Currently, serogroup W of N. meningitidis accounts for the majority of cases. Vaccines based on sub-capsular antigens, such as Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA), are under investigation for use in Africa. To analyse the antigenic properties of a serogroup W wave of colonisation and disease, we investigated the molecular diversity of the protein vaccine antigens PorA, Neisserial Adhesin A (NadA), Neisserial heparin-binding antigen (NHBA) and factor H binding protein (fHbp) of 31 invasive and carriage serogroup W isolates collected as part of a longitudinal study from Ghana and Burkina Faso between 2003 and 2009. We found that the isolates all expressed fHbp variant 2 ID 22 or 23, differing from each other by only one amino acid, and a single PorA subtype of P1.5,2. Of the isolates, 49% had a functional nhbA gene and 100% had the nadA allele 3, which contained the insertion sequence IS1301 in five isolates. Of the W isolates tested, 41% had high fHbp expression when compared with a reference serogroup B strain, known to be a high expresser of fHbp variant 2. Our results indicate that in this collection of serogroup W isolates, there is limited antigenic diversification over time of vaccine candidate outer membrane proteins (OMP), thus making them promising candidates for inclusion in a protein-based vaccine against meningococcal meningitis for Africa.
Toward Mass Adoption of Electric Vehicles: Impact of the Range and Resale Anxieties
Authors: Lim Michael K. , Mak Ho-Yin , Rong Ying
Published: November 2014

Key to the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is the establishment of successful business models based on sound understanding of consumer behavior in adopting this new technology. In this paper, we study the impact of two major barriers to mass adoption of EVs: (i) range anxiety, the concern that the driving range of EVs may be insufficient to meet the driving needs, and (ii) resale anxiety, the concern that used values of EVs may deteriorate quickly. Using a stylized model calibrated to a data set based on the San Francisco Bay Area, we show that although both types of consumer anxieties typically harm the firm’s profit, they often improve consumer surplus. In addition, we show that a business model that requires consumers to lease the EV batteries (rather than purchase them) may lead to a greater level of adoption and emission savings when the level of resale anxiety is high. Further, a business model that offers EV range improvement through enhanced charging infrastructure typically yields greater adoption and consumer surplus, but lowers the firm’s profit, compared with one that offers enlarged batteries. Overall, we find that the combinations of battery owning/leasing with enhanced charging service, referred to as the (O, E) and (L, E) models in our paper, typically yield the best balance among the objectives of EV adoption, emission savings, profitability, and consumer surplus, when the degree of resale anxiety is low and high, respectively.
CONDITIONS OF INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING IN AREA OF RFID TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Jankowska-Mihułowicz Marzena , Jankowski-Mihułowicz Piotr
Published: November 2014

The application of the electronic product code (EPC) in an enterprise may turn out to be one of the choices in the future. The subject of this article is an analysis preceding decisive conditions in an investment process of its implementation. These reflections are preceded by the research in Polish enterprises, aiming at an estimation of the possibility of the RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) transponder commercialisation (market potential) being consistent with the EPC requirements. Conducting such research in the future will lead to a decrease in the decision gap among managers within the scope of the possibility of implementing the innovative solution described, as well as the anticipated business results.  Methods of analysis and synthesis have been applied, within the theory of decision-making and telecommunications. An interdisciplinary approach to the issue in question constitutes the added value of this article.  The conclusion comprises a synthesis of the article contents—crucial decisive areas that require monitoring and simultaneous estimation (now and in the future) regarding implementation of the electronic product code in an organization. In general, these areas are macro environment, competitive environment, strategic potential of an organization, and managers’ decisiveness.
OPPORTUNISM AND EFFICIENCY OF CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS IN RUSSIAN CORPORATIONS
Authors: Benz Daria , Kozlova Elena , Silova Elena
Published: November 2014

Issues related to research of the corporate sector efficiency are extremely important because it is the corporations, which act as a nucleus of almost any economic system. Efficiency of the corporations is largely due to internal corporate quality interactions, i.e. the level of contractual relations efficiency. In the existing economic literature, the questions of contractual relations efficiency still lack sufficient investigation. The present article examines the efficiency of the contractual relations and the factors affecting it, as well as problems of opportunism in Russian corporations and its impact on the contractual relations efficiency.  In the graphic models presented, the efficiency curves of contractual relations and opportunism are described; the major factors that reduce the contractual relations efficiency in corporations are highlighted. The article examines the impact on the contractual relations efficiency of quality of corporate institutes. The basic corporate institutes and their key features are allocated. A quantitative analysis of the contractual relations efficiency, by building production functions of Cobb-Douglas, is conducted; this analysis introduces indicators characterizing the dividend policy and the level of remuneration for management personnel as factors.
CHANGES IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FORMS IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Zhivkova Stela
Published: November 2014

Nowadays, sustainable development is much discussed and is regarded as a very important issue. It is all around us, in every part of our everyday life. It inevitably leads to changes in the economic and social behavior of every country even though these changes in the different economic areas are not well explored yet.  Highlighting and identifying them, specifically in the field of international business operations, lead to development and implementation of a scientific research project called “Global challenges in the environment protection and changes in the international business.”  The research interest was focused on studying the changes in the international business operations in the context of environmental protection on the basis of two specific environmental pollutants—waste and greenhouse gas emissions.  The main methods used were reviews and analysis of literature in the field of sustainable development and international business, critical analysis of the EU policies for waste minimization and climate change mitigation, practical experience, and experts’ opinion.The project results showed that in sustainable development conditions, new economic activities emerge such as bio-trade, production of bio-goods, and consultancy services on environmental issues. Some well-known activities, such as public procurement or public-private partnership, are getting green. In the field of international business, the modifications are related to, for example, development of additional supply chain called “waste chain”, import and export of pollutants, such as waste and emissions, etc. It turns out that most of these changes are a result of the numerous measures taken by the institutions on national and international level to stimulate a sustainable way of work.  In this article, only a few of them are briefly discussed.
DO LITHUANIAN HIGHER EDUCATION ACCOUNTING PROGRAMS REFLECT ACCOUNTING HARMONIZATION IN THE EU?
Authors: Kaupelyte Dalia , Legenzova Renata
Published: November 2014

Financial accounting is undergoing major changes in the EU and worldwide.  Great efforts are placed on adoption of high quality accounting standards for listed companies, public sector organizations as well as small and medium business entities.  Being a member of the EU Lithuania is in compliance with the EU incentives in de jure accounting harmonization; however de facto situation in Lithuania is not adequately assessed.  One of accounting harmonization related questions is whether Lithuanian higher education provides labor market with market-needs oriented accounting professionals.The objective of this article is to assess if Lithuanian higher education programs in accounting field is in compliance with EU accounting harmonization outcomes.  We analyze if graduates of Accounting programs from Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions are trained to work with different sets of accounting standards—International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Public Sector Accounting Standards that were adopted in Lithuania as a part of accounting harmonization incentives.  To conduct an assessment of research methods by case analysis, comparative analysis has been deployed.  We assessed programs goals, learning outcomes and course curriculum of Professional Bachelor, Bachelor and Master level programs in Lithuanian universities and colleges.Results of the research revealed that de jure accounting harmonization is reflected in Lithuanian higher education Accounting programs.  Accounting for listed companies (required to use International Financial Reporting Standards) is given little importance in Lithuanian Accounting programs. According to the analysis of the learning outcomes, graduates of the Accounting programs in Lithuania have a broad profile, but would not be able to work independently with International Financial Reporting Standards.  On the other hand, even if regulation of public sector accounting was enforced later, it is included in number of analyzed programs.  A number of Professional Bachelor’s programs even offer specialization in this area.  Results of the research allow us to conclude that colleges have their niche in preparing accounting specialist for local labor market and their positioning is relatively strong, concerning public sector accounting.  Meanwhile first and second level universities’ programs could be strengthened toward international accounting to provide labor market with professionals in this area.
EDUCATIONAL POLICIES FOR PROVIDING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
Authors: Liga Marina , Voronchenko Tatiana , Zakharova Yelena
Published: November 2014

Quality of life is an essential parameter to consider when society and its members are concerned.  Education can become crucial in assessing social progress and quality of life. Thus, quality of life, as an indicator of any country’s educational system and its efficiency, becomes an instrument for implementing educational policies both for social and personal development.  Further, quality of life, a person’s satisfaction with his or her life activity, is determined mostly by the state of the educational system and by conditions created for a person’s development and realization of talents. Our research question is “what is considered to be qualitative, material or morality? Culture-centric or universal?”This article aims to address the problem using systemic, structural, functional, and cultural approaches.  Systemic approach helps to reveal the integral character of the studied phenomenon—quality of life. The approach, based on cultural study, helps to ground the culture-centric educational principle as a mechanism to provide adequate quality of life in contemporary society.  Functional and structural approach helps to investigate the function of education and its role in the society. The change from technogenic civilization toward quality-of-life civilization requires a new perspective, which is capable of not only an adaptation to existing reality, but also of an ability to improve upon it.  People who can achieve this become representatives of a new social group—meritocracy.  Culture-centric educational principle is one of the ways to build up a new educational paradigm in order to prepare young people for a contemporary society.
BIOETHICS IN TRANSDISCIPLINARY AND INTERDISCIPLINARY CONTEXT OF POST-NONCLASSICAL SCIENCE
Authors: Zasukhina Vikotoriya
Published: November 2014

Bioethics is an offspring of the post-nonclassical science. The subject of this research is its genesis and development in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary space of the existence of modern philosophical-scientific thought.  The direction of analysis is chosen by the author led to some inferences. Foremost, we will point out that anthropological turn in science is one of the main factors, which have created bioethical interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity.  The aforecited bioethics characteristics created the possibility of the complex solution for this science’s problems.  Philosophical and ethical concepts and methods had played very important role in bioethics formation as a new form of scientific cognition.  At the same time, bioethics enriches and upgrades classical philosophy with new interpretations of fundamental philosophical problems.  Bioethics formed in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary context of modern science is the life axiology.In order to find axiological importance of bioethics, we have decided to identify links and relationships within bioethics as a whole system.  We constructed the bioethics concept as an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary study of the moral and social problems caused by development of modern biomedical technologies.  We then used this concept to form such philosophical-scientific comprehension paradigm of a problem of axiological justification of human life and health in the modern world, which assumes cooperation between representatives of different disciplines, and expansion of scientific outlook—its exit from a scientific radius.
DIVERSITY OF CD1A POSITIVE CELLS IN CASE OF 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Janovska Jana , Voicehovska Julia , Kleina Regina , Kisis Janis , Karls Raimonds , Zubova Olga , Babikovs Sergejs
Published: November 2014

Vitamin D has immunomodulatory properties, which influence the immune system through a number of mechanisms, including the activation of dendritic cells (DCs). Langerhans cells (LCs) are dendritic cells in epidermis and belong to the skin immune system. DCs are professional antigen-presenting cells playing a major role in the induction of immune responses by activating native T-cells. In literature, there are no reports regarding the inﬂuence of vitamin D on DCs in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS).  Thus, the aim of this study is to explore potential immunomodulatory activity of vitamin D on LCs in case of metabolic syndrome. In this study, we have conducted an analysis on a group of patients, both male and female, diagnosed with metabolic syndrome between the age of 40 and 55. Patients’ clinical examinations, measurement of blood pressure, and waist circumference were conducted. Blood biochemical analyses (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, vitamin D level, etc.) were also determined. Full-thickness circular 4-mm Punch biopsies were taken from 49 patients. Specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, as well as immunohistochemistry using a transmembrane CD1a Langerhans’ cells marker was parformed by DakoCytomation EnVision method. The average age of patients is 43 years, and mean waist circumference is 95 cm. Total cholesterol is 5.5 mmol/l, LDL is 2.3 mmol/l, and average 25-hydroxyvitamin D is 27.0 ng/ml.  In the skin conditioned with MS and low vitamin D level, evidence of perivascular accumulation of LCs in papillary dermis is observed, as well as a diffusion of mild interstitial cluster of LCs in some cases.  In epidermis activity, the amount and filling of Birbeck’s granules is changed in cases of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency.  In patients with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, an average LC quantity in one field of vision is higher in comparison to those who have normal amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.  Therefore, it is necessary to further investigate vitamin D activity on LCs in cases of metabolic syndrome in order to determine interactions with lymphocytes, plasma cells, and mast cells as a part of the skin immune system.
METHODS OF EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF STEINER THEOREM IN PHYSICAL PRACTICUM AND LABORATORY WORK
Authors: Iskakov Zharilkasin
Published: November 2014

In this paper, the technique of laboratory work on experimental verification of Steiner’s Theorem in laboratory conditions is developed. To do this, specially designed experimental device was used. The main part of such device is a simple physical pendulum, swinging freely about the axis of suspension, consisting of a cylindrical disc set on a thin rod. To determine the moment of inertia of cylindrical body about the axis of vibrations, property of a physical quantity additivity was used. When processing experimental results, functional approximation by a least squares method was applied; as a result, the empirical expression of Steiner’s Theorem was achieved. Results of experimental studies were very close to the results of theoretical calculations. Laboratory work can be easily repeated for a body of arbitrary shape. The methodology used can be recommended for physical practicum in universities as an effective and easy way of experimental verification of Steiner’s theorem.
CRITICAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIZATION OF CLOUD COMPUTING
Authors: Montemayor Alberto Daniel Salinas , López Jesús Fabián , Álvarez Jesús Cruz
Published: November 2014

This research presets the critical factors that influence the use of cloud computing, in case studies of large and medium-sized enterprises in the metropolitan area of Monterrey.  The critical factors are found, according to literature: dependency provider; ignorance of the location, where the information, service knowledge, knowledge of laws, service offered by suppliers, is stored; cost; and information security, describing the research and development, which are significant and demonstrative in its impact.We used Cronbach's alpha to check the validity of the measurement instrument and used a linear regression method to measure the significance of the variables.  We also relied on some measuring instruments, such as Beta, R-squared, Standard Deviation, Anova, Tolerance, and Collinearity index to propose a model.
COLOR CHANGE — MASS LOSS CORRELATION FOR HEAT-TREATED WOOD
Authors: Olarescu Cristina Marinela , Campean Mihaela
Published: November 2014

Heat treatment is renowned as the most environmentally friendly process of dimensional stabilization that can be applied to wood, in order to make it suitable for outdoor uses. It also darkens wood color and improves wood durability. The intensity of heat treatment can be appreciated by means of two parameters: the color change occured in wood due to the high temperature, and the mass loss, which is a measure of the degree of thermal degradation. In order to find a mathematical correlation between these two parameters, an experimental study was conducted with four European wood species, which were heat-treated at 180°C and 200ºC, for 1-3 hours, under atmosheric pressure.The paper presents the results concerning the color changes and mass losses recorded for the heat-treated wood samples compared to untreated wood.  For all four species, the dependency between the color change and the mass loss was found to be best described by a logarithmic regression equation with R2 of 0.93 to 0.99 for the soft species (spruce, pine and lime), and R2 of 0.77 for beech. The results of this study envisage to simplify the assessment procedure of the heat treatment efficiency, by only measuring the color – a feature that is both convenient and cost-effective.
SOCIAL ADAPTATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: Sadovski Marina
Published: November 2014

The article discusses the idea that children with movement disorders have great potential for motor and mental development. The experiment consists of two stages. In the first stage of the experiment, the characteristics of disability in children and adolescents (between age 12 and 16) with Infantile Cerebral Palsy are determined. During this stage, two diagnostic methods, bodily “Me” and “The Color-A-Person Body Dissatisfaction Test,” are used.In the second phase of the research program, social pedagogical aids for people with disabilities have been developed. On the basis of the experimental work, the obtained social pedagogical insights have been successfully implemented in the social adaption of disabled children.It is determined that this method is promising to help adults and children with mobility impairment to enhance their mental well-being, attain a positive body image, express their feelings freely, interact socially using a motor component, and above all—enjoy the movements. This method can ensure the effectiveness of social adaptation of persons with disabilities.
ORAL VERSUS INTRAVENOUS IBUPROFEN FOR THE EARLY CLOSURE OF PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT PRETERM INFANTS
Authors: Hoxha Alketa , Kola Ermira , Kuneshka Numila , Tushe Eduard
Published: November 2014

Background Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in very premature infants. Pharmacological closure of PDA with indomethacin, a prostaglandin inhibitor, has remained the mainstay of treatment in premature infants over the last three decades. Intravenous ibuprofen was recently shown to be as effective and to have fewer adverse reaction in preterm infants. If equally effective, then oral ibuprofen for PDA closure would have several important advantages over the intravenous route.This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of oral ibuprofen and intravenous ibuprofen for the early pharmacological treatment of PDA in LBW preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.MethodsA randomized, single-blinded, controlled study was performed on premature neonates at the neonatal care unit of the University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology”Koco Gliozheni”, Tirana, Albania, from January 2010 to December 2012. The study enrolled 68 preterm infants with gestational age between 28-32 weeks, birth weight ≤ 2000 g, postnatal age 48-96 h, and had echocardiographically confirmed significant PDA. The preterm infants received either intravenous or oral ibuprofen randomly as an initial dose of 10 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg at 24 and 48 h. After the first dose of treatment in both groups, echocardiographic evaluation was performed, to determine the need for a second or third dose. The rate of ductal closure, adverse effects, complications, and the patient’s clinical course were recorded.Results All patients were born after 28 until 32 weeks’ gestation. 36 patients were treated with oral ibuprofen and 32 with intravenous ibuprofen in this period. After the first course of the treatment, the PDA closed in 30 (83.3%) of the patients assigned to the oral ibuprofen group versus 23 (71.8%) of those enrolled in the intravenous ibuprofen group (p = 0.355). There was no difference between treatment groups in demographics or baseline renal function. In the evaluation of renal tolerance, none of the patients had oliguria. There were no significant differences with respect to complications during the stay.Conclusions In low birth weight infants, the rate of early ductal closure with oral ibuprofen is at least as good as with the intravenous route.  Oral ibuprofen is associated with fewer adverse effects
Writing with the Winchesters: Metatextual Wincest and the provisional practice of happy endings
Authors: Torrey KT
Published: November 2014

Soon after its premiere in 2005, the American television show Supernatural spawned an online fandom dedicated to ‘slashing’ the show’s two protagonists, brothers Sam and Dean Winchester: that is, to writing stories in which the brothers are portrayed as lovers. Over time, the existence of these slash narratives – affectionately dubbed ‘Wincest’ by the show’s fans – has been incorporated into the series’ diagesis. Indeed, in the wake of the programme’s repeated forays into diegetic metatextuality, some Supernatural fan writers have re-incorporated Sam and Dean’s canonized awareness of slash fiction back into Wincest stories themselves - specifically, into the subgenre of metatextual Wincest, stories that recast Sam and Dean as conscious participants in Wincest fan culture. Using Della Pollock’s notion of performative writing as a guide, this essay will explore the distinctive types of encounters between reader, writer, and text that metatextual Wincest stories facilitate. Further, the application of this critical approach to three such narratives – nyoxcity’s ‘Stranger Than Fiction’, Road Rhythm’s ‘This is All Very Meta’, and Fanspired’s ‘Conversations with Head People’ – highlights fan writers’ perception of their own creative authority within the ongoing process of meaning-making that continues to spin around Supernatural. Ultimately, this essay will argue that what makes metatextual Wincest stories distinct is their suggestion that only by working in concert with their fans can Sam and Dean finally write their own version of a happy ending, something ‘the show [itself] eternally defers’ – even if the lasting power of the ever-after they create together remains, in the end, uncertain (Tosenberger 2008, 5.12).
An investigation of relations between pre-service teachers' metacognition skill levels and their critical thinking situations
Authors: Demir Özden , Kaya Halil İbrahim
Published: November 2014

The main purpose of this study is to investigate prospective teachers' critical thinking and metacognition levels. The study is descriptive in nature and based on relational screening model. The participants were selected using stratified sampling method which is one of the random sampling methods, and 293 teachers became the participants of the study. The data collected via "California Critical Thinking Scale" and "Metacognition Scale" were analyzed using independent groups t-test, one-way variance analysis, correlation analysis as well as the descriptive statistics. Results show that although the participants' metacognition perceptions differed according to gender in the evaluation and organization dimensions, no significant differences were found in the other dimensions. The participants' perceived critical thinking levels did not show significant differences according to the departments they attend in the seeking truth, open-mindedness, analyticalness, systematicity, curiousness and total dimensions. Critical thinking total scores were found to display a negative relationship with evaluation, organization, and metacognition total scores while they showed a positive relationship with seeking the truth, open-mindedness, analyticalness, systematicity, self-confidence, and curiousness scores.