bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival Analysis and ROC Analysis in Analyzing Credit Risks
Authors: Hu Nan , Cheng Haojie
Published: November 2017

As the aim of large banks has been changing to select customers of highest benefits, it is important for banks to know not only if but also when a customer will default. Survival analyses have been used to estimate over time risk of default or early payoff, two major risks for banks. The major benefit of this method is that it can easily handle censoring and competing risks. An ROC curve, as a statistical tool, was applied to evaluate credit scoring systems. Traditional ROC analyses allow banks to evaluate if a credit-scoring system can correctly classify customers based on their cross-sectional default status, but will fail when assessing a credit-scoring system at a series of future time points, especially when there are censorings or competing risks. The time-dependent ROC analysis was introduced by Hu and Zhou to evaluate credit-scoring systems in a time-varying fashion and it allows us to assess credit scoring systems for predicting default by any time within study periods.
The Effects of Situational and Dispositional Factors on the Change in Financial Risk Tolerance
Authors: Ruiz-Menjivar Jorge , Heo Wookjae , Grable John E.
Published: November 2017

Utilizing the lens of Heider's (1958) attribution theory and Grable and Joo's (2004) conceptual framework, this chapter studies the effect of situational and dispositional attributions on changes in financial risk tolerance. Situational factors are assessed through changes in household situation and changes in macroeconomic factors. For dispositional factors, changes upon sensation seeking attitudes are explored. The data employed in this research come from the 1993, 1994, and 2006 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 5,449). Results from structural equation modeling indicate that changes in internal attributions have a significant and positive effect (coefficient = 0.12, p <0.01) on the change in risk tolerance, as is true for changes in external attributions where a significant effect is seen (coefficient = 0.30, p <0.01). Thus, the findings from this study support the conceptual framework premised on Heider's attribution theory and Grable and Joo's (2004) conceptual model.
The role of Financial Market Infrastructures in Financial Stability
Authors: Martinez-Jaramillo Serafin , Molina-Borboa Jose Luis , Bravo-Benitez Bernardo
Published: November 2017

Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs) are essential for the well-functioning of the financial system, as they play a central role in facilitating clearance and settlement of financial transactions such as payments, securities, and derivatives contracts. Nowadays, it is widely acknowledged that the proper functioning of systemically important FMIs is also vital to maintain financial stability; their failure for solvency reasons or operational disruptions could almost certainly lead to systemic instability. As a consequence, the adequate supervision of FMIs is inherent to the function of preserving financial stability. The aim of this chapter is to provide a general overview of the different FMIs; discuss their role in financial stability and to give an overview of the efforts made by some financial authorities towards the supervision, risk assessment and reinforcement of FMIs.
Project Risk Management Process for Professionals
Authors: Toth Tamas , Sebestyen Zoltan
Published: November 2017

This chapter will provide an instantly applicable integrated project risk analysis method, which tracks the probabilities of the occurrences of harmful events perceived by the owners from the conceptual phase to the end of the project. The chapter follows a threefold structure. First, the paper provides a revised integrated project risk assessment framework that enhances conventional risk category-based methods. Second, the minimum requirements of the owners are clarified to attain the main goal of project risk assessment and to identify the harmful events jeopardizing this goal. Third, the widely known risk assessment procedures are revised, and a methodology for taking and selecting proper risks is provided. Finally, a new valuation approach to the monitoring phase is introduced, which is able to capture the current market value of the project based on the risk management and controlling system's data.
Financial Innovation in Medium-Sized Enterprises Optimizes Their Gravitation Towards Capital Markets
Authors: Vemić Milan B.
Published: November 2017

A major problem for medium enterprises is ensuring that their financial management exercises prudence in the attraction of alternative sources of financing in transition into middle tier, larger enterprise status and towards stock exchange. Difficulties in attracting capital, the high cost of bank credit, absence of robust financial and business information reporting capacities may represent obstacles. One partial solution is capacity development for access to stock exchanges and having these institutions with a strong allocation capacity to efficiently finance these businesses. Though underdeveloped in transition economies, they are potentially important institutions in successful financial performance of businesses. In a review of conditions for handling risk and uncertainty, developing capacity for access to stock exchanges through working capital combinations, this treatise demonstrates that medium enterprises could benefit from this approach. Regulatory reforms to facilitate the use of stock exchange financing and well-designed financial management models are recommended.
The Influence of Specific Criteria of Emerging Markets on SME Financing in MENA Markets
Authors: Snoussi Wafa , Béjaoui Azza
Published: November 2017

In this chapter we are interested in the impact of specific microstructure criteria of emerging markets in the financing of SMEs especially in risk measures. The main risk measurement tool is the Value-at-Risk (VaR) which is recommanded by the Basel II Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). The recommendations of the Basel II committee give financial institutions the freedom to develop their own Value-at-Risk model of risk measurement in order to calculate their capital requirements for financial risk. The Basel II committee recommends the use of back testing in order to validate the choice of the best method. In order to finance SMEs enterprises in emerging market we must consider the specific microstructure criteria of these emerging markets such as low liquidity, very pronounced asymmetric information, over predictability and high volatility how affects the risk estimation.
Emerging Markets Reward Risk
Authors: Lahmiri Salim , Gagnon Stephane
Published: November 2017

The relationship between risk and return in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stock markets is estimated during 2008 international financial crisis; including Jordan, KSA, Morocco, and Turkey. For comparison purpose, stock markets from Europe are also examined; including, FTSE (UK), CAC40 (France), DAX (Germany), and the Swiss market. The empirical findings show evidence that; contrary to European stock markets; MENA region stock markets generally reward risk during 2008 financial crisis. This result is important for international asset managers and investors to consider investing in emergent markets from MENA region.
Decision-Making
Authors: Neal Julie
Published: November 2017

The demand for accountability and measurement regarding educational programs in community colleges makes the decision-making process of advisory committees more important than ever. The role of the advisory committee for educational workforce programs is changing, and becoming increasingly necessary, due to legislative actions and consistent changes in the workforce. Business, industry, and higher-education institutions are adapting programs to fit thriving regional economies, and calling upon advisory committees to make major decisions within their organizations. Perceptions of and experiences with the decision-making processes that educational practitioners and workforce advisory-committee members utilize to make informed decisions for workforce-education programs are vital to their success. This chapter reveals the best practices that business and industry use to make informed decisions, including how to utilize those practices to include educational entities.
BIM Education Framework for Clients and Professionals of the Construction Industry
Authors: Rodriguez Ana Karina Silverio , Suresh Subashini , Heesom David , Suresh Renukappa
Published: November 2017

Lack of qualified BIM professionals is a key BIM challenge that affects specific organisations and on a more macro scale, individual countries. A salient solution to this problem is the provision of better BIM education. This article represents the initial work into the implementation of BIM in the Dominican Republic, a country affected by different challenges in regard to BIM implementation, with a key issue surrounding the lack of BIM education. The aim of the article is the development of a conceptual BIM education framework which suggests strategies to be implemented in Academia and the industry for the delivery of BIM education to all the construction parties involved in a project, including the client. A literature review about BIM education and training and the revision of BIM education frameworks worldwide helped in its development. The framework is beneficial to this country as it is intended to be part of a toolkit, the final outcome of a PhD research on this country. However, it can be consulted by any country or organisation interested in developing BIM education strategies.
BI4IPM
Authors: Zaza Claudio , Bimonte Sandro , Faccilongo Nicola , La Sala Piermichele , Contò Francesco , Gallo Crescenzio
Published: November 2017

The Agri-Food sector is facing global challenges. The first challenge is feeding a world population that will reach 9.3 billion people in 2050, according to UN projections. The second challenge is the demand from consumers for high-quality products obtained through more sustainable, safe and clear agri-food chains. Integrated pest management (IPM) could be an important instrument for helping farmers face these challenges. IPM requires the simultaneous use of different crop protection techniques to control pests through an ecological and economic approach. This work explores the possibility of developing a framework that combines business intelligence (BI) technologies with IPM principles to support farmers in the decisional process, thereby decreasing environmental cost and improving production performance. The proposed BI system is called BI4IPM, and it combines on-line transaction processing (OLTP) with on-line analytical processing (OLAP) to verify adherence to the IPM technical specifications.
Evaluating Instructional Effects of Flipped Classroom in University
Authors: Zhu Wenlong , Xie Wenjing
Published: November 2017

Flipped classroom provides the new ideas and ways for the innovation of university pedagogical mode. Nowadays instructors may apply this new approach to liberal arts majors in university class in order to make up for the problems of low instructional effects in traditional teaching method. From the subjective and objective perspectives, this research analyzes experimentally the similarities and differences of instructional effects among traditional teaching method, semi-flipped classroom approach and full flipped classroom approach in electronic business course in university. The results show that two kinds of flipped classroom approaches can produce better instructional effects relative to traditional teaching method. Moreover, semi-flipped classroom approach is more suitable for liberal arts specialties in university compared to full flipped classroom approach. Lastly, flipped classroom approach only achieves its instructional effects after a period of time.
Emotional Design Tutoring System Based on Multimodal Affective Computing Techniques
Authors: Wang Cheng-Hung , Lin Hao-Chiang Koong
Published: November 2017

In a traditional class, the role of the teacher is to teach and that of the students is to learn. However, the constant and rapid technological advancements have transformed education in numerous ways. For instance, in addition to traditional, face to face teaching, E-learning is now possible. Nevertheless, face to face teaching is unavailable in distance education, preventing the teacher from understanding the student's learning emotions and states; hence, a system can be adopted to collect information on students' learning emotions, thereby compiling data to analyze their learning progresses. Hence, this study established an emotional design tutoring system (EDTS) and investigated whether this system influences user interaction satisfaction and elevates learning motivation. This study determined that the learners' perception of affective tutoring systems fostered positive attitudes toward learning and thereby promoted learning effects. The experimental results offer teachers and learners an efficient technique for boosting students' learning effects and learning satisfaction. In the future, affective computing is expected to be widely used in teaching. This can enable students to enjoy learning in a multilearning environment; thus, they can exhibit higher learning satisfaction and gain considerable learning effects.
Data Visualization with IBM Watson Analytics for Global Cancer Trends Comparison from World Health Organization
Authors: Tsoi Kelvin K. F. , Chan Felix C. H. , Hirai Hoyee W. , Keung Gary K. S. , Kuo Yong-Hong , Tai Samson , Meng Helen M. L.
Published: November 2017

Visual analytics is widely used to explore data patterns and trends. This work leverages cancer data collected by World Health Organization (WHO) across a hundred of cancer registries worldwide. In this study, the authors present a visual analytics platform, IBM Watson Analytics, to explore the patterns of global cancer incidence. They included 26 forms of cancers from eight different geographic regions which are United States, the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Sweden, Croatia, Japan, Hong Kong and China (Shanghai). An interactive interface was applied to plot a choropleth map to show global cancer distribution, and line charts to demonstrate historical cancer trends over 29 years. Subgroup analyses were conducted for different age groups. With real-time interactive features, one can easily explore the data with a selection of any cancer type, gender, age group, or geographical region. This platform is running on the cloud, so it can handle data in huge volumes, and is accessible by any computer connected to the Internet. IBM Watson Analytics released a latest version named “IBM Watson Analytics New User Experience” in the end of 2016. The new version streamlined the process to add data, discover data meaning and display result visually. The authors discuss the new features in the end of this paper.
From E-Prescribing to Drug Management System
Authors: El Halabieh Rola , Beaudry Anne , Tamblyn Robyn
Published: November 2017

This study focuses on user reactions to the replacement of an information system they had been using. More specifically, a survey of physicians involved in the transition from an e-prescribing system to a new integrated drug management system was conducted. Data about physicians' level of stress induced by the system transition, satisfaction with the new system, and intention to continue to use the system, were collected as well as system usage logs before, during, and after the transition. Results indicate that physicians experiencing higher level of stress used the new system less during the transition as well as during the two months post-transition than their counterparts who reported lower level of stress. Although satisfaction with the new system was positively related to physicians' intention to use, it was not significantly related to actual usage. A discussion of the results and their implications for research and practice concludes the paper.
Decision Support System For Internship Management in Higher Education
Authors: Almeida Fernando , Amoedo Nelson
Published: November 2017

The success of the students' internship in business contexts assumes today a core mission in the future professional career of students. There is a window of opportunity to include a decision support decision in a higher education context that could help course coordinators to identify the best students and proposal, and, thus, increase the satisfaction levels of the overall assignment internship process. The proposed model is composed of seven phases which includes the evaluation process of students, proposals and the assignment process itself. The model can also be easily extended to support nine phases, which includes the student's choice of their internship place. The model is characterized to be iterative based on its structure, and also interactive by allowing the participation of the course coordinator and students in the process. The results obtained from four scenarios have demonstrated the validity of the proposed model and the high level of correlation between students and proposals in the assignment process.
A Review of Heat Stress Policies in the Context of Climate Change and Its Impacts on Outdoor Workers
Authors: Ngwenya Bigboy , Oosthuizen Jacques , Cross Martyn , Frimpong Kwasi , Chaibva Cynthia Nombulelo
Published: November 2017

Record-breaking summer heat events are increasing in frequency in Zimbabwe and 2016 was a particularly hot year with the country experiencing its worst heat wave event in decades. Currently, Zimbabwe has no coordinated public health response to deal with heat wave events and no specific data on heat-related morbidity and mortality. The country has no legislation for protecting workers against environmental heat exposure, particularly those most vulnerable who are employed in the informal sector. These workers are also at risk due to their outdoor work environments. The article outlines the state of climate and heat stresses in Zimbabwe, as benchmarked against other African countries and France. It further summarizes outdoor workers' susceptibility to heat exposure and the need for the Zimbabwean Government to develop policies to ensure the health and safety of an increasing population of outdoor workers in Zimbabwe.
Exploring the Relationship Between Tourism Development, Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions
Authors: Sekrafi Habib , Sghaier Asma
Published: November 2017

Tourism is viewed increasingly as an essential sector to local, regional and national reconstruction and development for economies at various scales. However, its contribution on environmental quality degradation is more important. Indeed, any increase in the number of tourism requires amounts of growing energy, which increases CO2 emissions. The objective of this article is to empirically investigate the relationship between tourism development, energy consumption and carbon emissions in Tunisia over the period of 1974-2014.To recognize this relationship, a bonds test of co-integration, ARDL model and Granger Causality Tests have been employed. After having confirmed that the existence of co-integration relationship between energy consumption tourism demand and CO2 emission, the results indicate that tourism has a direct impact and statistically significant effect on the consumption of energy for the future of the Tunisian economy. The short-term results indicate bidirectional causality between energy consumption and emissions of CO2 and also between the consumption of energy and tourism, meanwhile the absence of any causal relationship between the emissions of CO2 and tourism. Tourism affects the quality of the environment indirectly through the consumption of energy. So, the protection measures in the tourism sector should be laid down in Tunisia. Sustainability in the tourism sector is one of the major axis of debate on tourism development integrated in the environment.
Socioeconomic Status of Artisanal Fishers in the West Part of Moroccan Mediterranean
Authors: Awadh Hesham , Aksissou Mustapha , Benhardouze Wafae , Darasi Fahd , Snaiki Jaafar
Published: November 2017

Artisanal fisheries in Moroccan Mediterranean generally lack management and planning, thus development. Recently, some of these fisheries had received an attention in field of infrastructure, however, there is lake of data on socioeconomic conditions of these fisheries. The main objective of this article is an update of the state of knowledge of socioeconomic of the artisanal fishers, by means of a case study in Belyounech, Fnideq, Martil and Kaa Asras areas, through a diagnosis based on analysis of socioeconomic indicators derived from data obtained through a structured questionnaire. The data analyses revealed there was a high illiteracy rate and a low level of education among fishers. This community of fishers had lack of awareness about the issues related to the sustainability of resources. Despite species of a high commercial value, Income Net Profit is somewhat not satisfactory, thus, the wealth produced by these fisheries have no real impact on the quality of the fisher's lives, hence, do not ensure sustainable development of this activity.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Participation in Standardization
Authors: de Vries Henk J. , Veurink Joey L.
Published: November 2017

Participation in standardization costs time and thus money and additionally there are out of pocket costs. Is it worth this investment? This paper seeks to develop and test a method to calculate cost and benefits of participation. Companies can use such a calculation to prepare a decision whether or not to join, during the process whether or not to continue, and afterwards to evaluate if the overall benefits outweigh the cost. Academic researchers can use the same method to analyze impacts of standardization projects.
Bioinspiration From Flexible Propulsors: Organismal Design, Mechanical Properties, Kinematics and Neurobiology of Pectoral Fins in Labrid Fishes
Authors: Westneat Mark W. , Aiello Brett R. , Olsen Aaron M. , Hale Melina E.
Published: November 2017

AbstractLabrid fishes use their pectoral fins for efficient high-speed cruising behavior, as well as for precision maneuvering in complex environments, making them good models for biomimicry applications in propulsor technology for aquatic vehicles. Lift-based labriform locomotion is a form of aquatic flight used by many species and is the sole mode of transport across most speeds by some of the largest wrasses and parrotfishes on coral reefs. Although basic and applied research has explored fin design in several species utilizing labriform propulsion, a detailed analysis of fin anatomy, fin mechanical properties, and well-resolved three-dimensional (3D) kinematics in high-performance aquatic flyers has not yet been attained. Here, we present recent research on fin structure, fin flexural stiffness, sensory abilities of fins, and a novel 3D approach to flexible fin kinematics. Our aims are to outline important future directions for this field and to assist engineers attempting biomimicry of maneuverable fin-based locomotion for applications in robotics. First, we illustrate the anatomical structure and branching patterns of the pectoral fin skeleton and the muscles that drive fin motion. Second, we present data on the flexural stiffness of pectoral fins in the parrotfish (Scarus quoyi), setting up a stiffness field that gives the fin propulsor its passive mechanical properties and enables hydrodynamically advantageous fin deformations during swimming. Third, we present 3D reconstructions of the kinematics of high-performanceScarusfins that greatly enhance our ability to reproduce fin motions for engineering applications and also yield insight into the functional role of the fin stiffness field. Lastly, recent work on mechanosensation is illustrated as key to understanding sensorimotor control of labriform locomotion. Research on pectoral fin structure, function, and neural control in large marine species with high-performance wing-like fins is important to the comparative biology of locomotion in fishes, and we suggest it is a productive area of research on fin function for applications in the design of quiet, efficient propulsors.
Kinematics and Hydrodynamics of Mobuliform Swimming: Oscillatory Winged Propulsion by Large Pelagic Batoids
Authors: Fish Frank E. , Dong Haibo , Zhu Joseph J. , Bart-Smith Hilary
Published: November 2017

AbstractLarge, pelagic rays (family Myliobatidae) that swim by flapping movements of wing-like pectoral fins use the mobuliform mode of swimming. These rays have pectoral fins with a triangular planform and streamlined cross-sectional geometry that would minimize drag. Thrust is produced by vertical oscillations of the fins with spanwise and chordwise flexibility. The thrust is derived from lift generated by the fins. Speed is modulated by changes in oscillatory frequency, whereas the amplitude of heave remains relatively constant with speed. Mobuliform swimming is considered to be a highly efficient means of propulsion. The Strouhal number for different species of myliobatoid rays is within the optimal range for efficient propulsion, except at low swimming speeds. The design of the body, posture of the pectoral fins, and mode of swimming provide a stable platform to resist external and internal perturbations, while permitting maneuverability. The advantages of mobuliform swimming can be exploited through the biomimetic approach to develop a bioinspired autonomous underwater vehicle.
Mitochondrial Hearing Loss Mutations among Finnish Preterm and Term-Born Infants
Authors: Soini Heidi K. , Karjalainen Minna K. , Hinttala Reetta , Rautio Arja , Hallman Mikko , Uusimaa Johanna
Published: November 2017

Mitochondrial ribosomal 12S subunit gene (MTRNR1) is a hot spot for hearing loss mutations. Mutations such as m.1555A>G, m.1494C>T and m.1095C>T, cause sensitivity to aminoglycosides. Aminoglycoside treatment induces permanent hearing loss or deafness in the carriers and should therefore be avoided. The prevalence of these sensitivity mutations varies in different countries and populations. Over 90% of preterm children need aminoglycoside treatment during their first weeks of life. Infants who carry a mitochondrial sensitivity mutation can develop a life-long sensorineural hearing impairment as a side-effect of aminoglycoside treatment. Total of 813 Finnish preterm (born G, m.1494T>C and m.1095C>T mutations. The population prevalence of m.1555A>G was determined to be 0.12% in Finland. M.1494C>T and m.1095C>T mutations were absent. Out of the 813 infants, a term-born infant was found to harbor m.1555A>G at 81% heteroplasmy, while his mother’s heteroplasmy was 68%. Both had normal hearing and had not received aminoglycosides. Mothers with a family history of hearing loss who are at risk of preterm labor would benefit from antenatal genotyping of m.1555A>G mutation. The prevalence of m.1555A>G in Finns was close to other European countries. M.1494C>T and m.1095C>T mutations either do not occur in the Finnish population or they are very rare. This study highlights the importance of population-specific genotyping of MTRNR1 aminoglycoside sensitivity mutations, especially in countries with liberal aminoglycoside use.
Frontal-Plane Variability in Foot Orientation During Fatiguing Running Exercise in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: McGrath Denise , Patterson Matthew , Persson Ulrik McCarthy , Caulfield Brian
Published: November 2017

Context: 

Researchers have reported increased variability in frontal-plane movement at the ankle during jumping in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), which may increase their risk of recurrent ankle sprain. It is not known if this behavior is present during running gait or how fatigue affects the amount of frontal-plane–movement variability in individuals with CAI.

Objective: 

To investigate the amount of roll-angle variability at the foot during a fatiguing exercise protocol in participants with CAI.

Design: 

Controlled laboratory study.

Setting: 

Motion-analysis research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: 

A total of 18 volunteers with CAI (10 men, 8 women; age = 29.8 ± 9.2 years, height = 175.8 ± 11.2 cm, mass = 75.4 ± 10.7 kg) and 17 volunteers serving as controls (8 men, 9 women; age = 28.2 ± 6.3 years, height = 172.3 ± 10.6 cm, mass = 68.8 ± 12.9 kg).

Intervention(s): 

Kinematic data for foot position were collected while participants performed a functional fatigue protocol based on shuttle runs.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Variability (ie, standard deviation) of the roll angle of the foot about the x-axis, corresponding to inversion-eversion, was measured at 2 discrete times: 50 milliseconds before foot strike and 65% of stance.

Results: 

No differences in roll-angle range or variability were observed between limbs in either group. At 65% of stance, we found a main effect for time, whereby both groups demonstrated decreased roll-angle ranges at the end of the fatigue protocol (P = .01). A between-groups effect in the roll-angle variability at 65% of stance was noted (P = .04), with the CAI group exhibiting higher levels of variability. No between-groups differences were observed at 50 milliseconds before foot strike.

Conclusions: 

Chronic ankle instability is a complex, multifactorial condition that can affect patients in diverse ways. Identifying excessive foot-position variability in particular situations could potentially inform targeted rehabilitation programs.
Nonsurgical Management of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knee in a Women's Soccer Player: A Validation Clinical Case Report
Authors: Gray Courtney E. , Hummel Chris , Lazenby Todd
Published: November 2017

Background: 

A collegiate women's soccer player sustained an isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and expressed a desire to continue her season without surgical intervention.

Design: 

Case report.

Intervention(s): 

Using the results of a randomized controlled trial and published clinical guidelines, the clinicians classified the patient as an ACL-deficient coper. The patient completed her soccer season without incident, consistent with the findings of the established clinical guidelines. However, 6 months later, she sustained a meniscal tear, which was not unexpected given that 22% of ACL-deficient copers in the randomized controlled trial incurred a meniscal tear within 24 months of ACL injury.

Conclusion: 

The external evidence was helpful in making informed clinical decisions regarding patient care.
The mediating influence of liturgy on the way of life – Disposing oppressing powers in oneself and appropriating of compassion towards the other
Authors: Kruger Ferdinand P. , De Klerk Barend J.
Published: November 2017

This article presents the authors’ research on the mediating functioning of liturgy and its influence on the change of attributions and attitudes. Within a South African context, voices in connection with decolonisation are becoming more audible. This article is not aimed at an evaluation of the positives or negatives of colonisation or decolonisation. It rather intends to show that liturgy can contribute to this debate by helping people to be conscious of their attributions and attitudes regarding other people. In this regard, liturgy can help people to understand their own identity, an identity that is continuously forming and changing in the light of the attitude in the mind of Christ. People have different attributes on societal issues like, inter alia, decolonisation. Liturgy that is concerned with what is happening in society could contribute towards an attitude or attribute change regarding a liturgy of hospitality towards the other. The main research question for this investigation is: In what way does liturgy as a way of life have the potential to influence people’s attributes and attitudes regarding breaking free from oppressing powers in oneself towards the other in every sphere of life? The research first presents a qualitative literature review to understand this matter. The authors utilise two of Heitink’s phases, namely a hermeneutical understanding of what is happening, and liturgical directives for change. Perspectives from Philippians 2:5–11 are provided to highlight the role of the mind of Christ and of discernment. The article concludes with directives that could possibly influence change regarding attributes and attitudes towards other people.
Psychological career resources, career adaptability and work engagement of generational cohorts in the media industry
Authors: Coetzee Melinde , Ferreira Nadia , Shunmugum Crysanther
Published: November 2017

Orientation: The global skills crisis coupled with the aging workforce, rapid technological advances and changing nature of work have infringed various challenges upon organisations and employees. Media organisations in particular are affected by these trends, with retention further at risk because of the specialised and scarce skills sought and the versatility and ambiguity inherent in the nature of careers within the media industry, therefore resulting in engagement and skills retention being high on the agenda.Research purpose: The aim of the study was to explore whether employees’ age, psychological career resources and career adaptability significantly predict their work engagement and whether generational cohorts differ significantly regarding these variables.Motivation for the study: Within a retention context, it is important to gain insight into the employees’ personal career-related capabilities and dispositions as these are deemed important for driving career development and engagement levels, which, in turn, impact on the retention of talent.Research design, approach and method: A stratified random sample (N = 248) of predominantly female (63.3%) and black African people (54%) within their early career stages (80% < 45 years) was used. A cross-sectional, quantitative research design approach was followed. Stepwise regression analyses and tests for significant mean differences were performed.Main findings: The results indicated generational cohort (age), career confidence (career adaptability) and career harmonisers (psychological career resources) as significant predictors of work engagement. The Generation Y individuals had higher levels of psychological career resources (career preferences, career values and career drivers), while the Generation X individuals had higher career curiosity. The Baby Boomers showed higher levels of work engagement.Practical and managerial implications: Psycho-social career meta-capacities positively related to work engagement. It is therefore essential that these constructs are taken into account in career development and engagement practices, which, in turn, may contribute towards enhancing talent retention and employability of individuals within the media sector.Contribution: The study contributed new insights on psychological factors among generational cohorts in the media industry that predict their work engagement and possible retention.
Five-Year experience with pyeloplasty using intubated and nonintubated techniques
Authors: Etabbal Abdalla , El Bashari Younis , Bakar Hussam
Published: November 2017

Background: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is an obstruction of urine flow from the renal pelvis to the ureter. This condition can be caused by congenital and acquired due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. UPJO due to acquired conditions such as secondary to inflammation, passage stones, or ureteric folds is less common. In case of suspected UPJO, the critical decision to be made depends on the correlation between the radiologic findings and the physiologic picture. There have been recent and serious trials to perform the surgical repair of UPJO without intubation, with reservation of double J (DJ) stents and nephrostomy tubes for complex cases. The Aim of Study: The aim of the study was a comparison of the time of drain removal, hospital stay, complications, and the end result of surgery in intubated and nonintubated UPJO repair. Patients and Methods: A retrospective case serious study performed in Urological Departments at Benghazi Medical Center and Al-Hawari Urology Center by reviewing 51 files of consecutive patients of UPJO admitted to the department of urology from May 2010 to 2015. All patients were diagnosed using different diagnostic tools. Forty-three cases underwent reconstructive surgeries as follows: 41 (95.3%) patients underwent Anderson-Hynes-dismembered (A-H-D) pyeloplasties and 2 (4.7%) patients underwent VY Foley pyeloplasties. Out of 41 cases underwent A-H-D pyeloplasties, there were six cases underwent concomitant pyelolithotomy. Results: The time of removal percutaneous perinephric tube drain was 7th to 9th postoperative days and 7.9 ± 0.5 days. The postoperative hospital stay for all cases range from 7 days to 10 days and the mean was 8.0 ± 0.8 days. Conclusions: Despite both intubated and nonintubated techniques of UPJO repair are comparable regarding the hospital stay postoperative complication, the tubeless surgical repair of UPJO is more suitable for children and superior to the intubated technique regarding the cost of DJ stent and nephrectomy tube.
Bacteremia and thrombotic complications of temporary hemodialysis catheters: Experience of a single center in Morocco
Authors: Rafik Hicham , Bahadi Abdelali , Aatif Taoufiq , Sobhi Aya , El Kabbaj Driss
Published: November 2017

Background: The use of central venous catheters is essential in hemodialysis care, but it is associated with infectious and thrombotic complications. The aim of this study is to determine rates and risk factors of hemodialysis catheter-related bacteremia and thrombotic complications from a Moroccan single center to set prevention policies. Materials and methods: The trial was designed as a prospective observational study including all patients who required a temporary hemodialysis catheter more than 48 h. Baseline demographic and clinical data including age, sex, causes of kidney failure, comorbidities, indication for insertion, catheter insertion sites, and duration of use were collected. Patients were followed up since the insertion of catheter to its removal. Results: A total of 126 hemodialysis catheters were inserted at different sites in 93 patients for the following reasons: the absence of vascular access in patients with end-stage renal disease in 55 cases (43.65%), vascular access dysfunction or infection in 45 cases (35.71%), and acute kidney injury in 26 (20.63%). During follow-up, 15 catheters (11.9%) were complicated by bacteremia, resulting in a rate of 6.68 per 1000 catheter days. Risk factors associated with catheter-related bacteremia were diabetes (odds ratio [OR] =26.018; P = 0.017) and advanced age (OR = 1.105; P = 0.045). Causative microorganisms were dominated by coagulase-negative staphylococci in 46.66%. Twenty-four thrombotic complications (19.04%) were documented with an incidence of 10.69/1000 catheter-days. Among these complications, 18 were dysfunction of catheter (14.28%, 8.01/1000 catheter-days) and 6 were vein thrombosis (4.76%, 2.67/1000 catheter-days). Lower serum albumin levels was the unique risk factor (OR = 0.801; P = 0.042). Conclusions: Early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and creation of arteriovenous fistula may lower the incidence of catheter use in hemodialysis.
The Role of Structural Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Urothelial Bladder Cancer (Review)
Authors: Brunner Andrea , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: November 2017

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in the modulation of cancer cell invasion. In urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UC) the role of ECM proteins has been widely studied. The mechanisms, which are involved in the development of invasion, progression and generalization, are complex, depending on the interaction of ECM proteins with each other as well as with cancer cells. The following review will focus on the pathogenetic role and prognostic value of structural proteins, such as laminins, collagens, fibronectin (FN), tenascin (Tn-C) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) in UC. In addition the role of integrins mediating the interaction of ECM molecules and cancer cells will be addressed, since integrin-mediated FN, Tn-C and TSP1 interactions seem to play an important role during tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis.
Repeatedly Heading a Soccer Ball Does Not Increase Serum Levels of S-100B, a Biochemical Marker of Brain Tissue Damage: An Experimental Study
Authors: Stålnacke Britt-Marie , Sojka Peter
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to analyse whether the controlled heading of soccer balls elicits increased serum concentrations of a biochemical marker of brain tissue damage S-100B.

Methods

Nineteen male soccer players were randomly divided into two groups, A and B. Group A headed a soccer ball falling from 18 m five times, while group B served as controls (no heading). Blood samples were taken before and 0.5 h, 2 h and 4 h after the heading for analysis of S-100B.

Results

No statistically significant (p > 0.05) increases in serum concentrations of S-100B were encountered in group A at 0.5 h (0.109 ± 0.024 μg/L), 2 h (0.098 ± 0.026 μg/L), and 4 h (0.113 ± 0.035 μg/L) when the blood samples obtained before and after the heading were compared (0.157 ± 0.134 μg/L). No statistically significant difference was found when the serum concentrations of S-100B were compared between groups A and B either before or after heading.

Conclusions

Heading a soccer ball dropped from a height of 18 m five times was not found to cause an increase in serum concentrations of S-100B, indicating that the impact was not sufficient to cause biochemically discernible damage of brain tissue.
Candidate List of yoUr Biomarker (CLUB): A Web-based Platform to Aid Cancer Biomarker Research
Authors: Lee Bernett T.K. , Liew Lailing , Lim Jiahao , Tan Jonathan K.L. , Lee Tze Chuen , Veladandi Pardha S. , Lim Yun Ping , Han Hao , Rajagopal Gunaretnam , Anderson N. Leigh
Published: November 2017

CLUB (“Candidate List of yoUr Biomarkers”) is a freely available, web-based resource designed to support Cancer biomarker research. It is targeted to provide a comprehensive list of candidate biomarkers for various cancers that have been reported by the research community. CLUB provides tools for comparison of marker candidates from different experimental platforms, with the ability to filter, search, query and explore, molecular interaction networks associated with cancer biomarkers from the published literature and from data uploaded by the community. This complex and ambitious project is implemented in phases. As a first step, we have compiled from the literature an initial set of differentially expressed human candidate cancer biomarkers. Each candidate is annotated with information from publicly available databases such as Gene Ontology, Swiss-Prot database, National Center for Biotechnology Information's reference sequences, Biomolecular Interaction Network Database and IntAct interaction. The user has the option to maintain private lists of biomarker candidates or share and export these for use by the community. Furthermore, users may customize and combine commonly used sets of selection procedures and apply them as a stored workflow using selected candidate lists. To enable an assessment by the user before taking a candidate biomarker to the experimental validation stage, the platform contains the functionality to identify pathways associated with cancer risk, staging, prognosis, outcome in cancer and other clinically associated phenotypes. The system is available at http://club.bii.a-star.edu.sg .
Chemical Biomarkers of Human Breast Milk Pollution
Authors: Massart Francesco , Gherarducci Giulia , Marchi Benedetta , Saggese Giuseppe
Published: November 2017

Human milk is, without question, the best source of nutrition for infants containing the optimal balance of fats, carbohydrates and proteins for developing babies. Breastfeeding provides a range of benefits for growth, immunity and development building a powerful bond between mother and her child. Recognition of the manifold benefits of breast milk has led to the adoption of breast-feeding policies by numerous health and professional organizations such as the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics.

In industrially developed as well as in developing nations, human milk contamination by toxic chemicals such as heavy metals, dioxins and organohalogen compounds, however, is widespread and is the consequence of decades of inadequately controlled pollution. Through breastfeeding, the mother may transfer to the suckling infant potentially toxic chemicals to which the mother has previously been exposed.

In the present review, environmental exposure, acquisition and current levels of old and emerging classes of breast milk pollutants are systematically presented. Although scientific evidences indicated that the advantages of breast-feeding outweigh any risks from contaminants, it is important to identify contaminant trends, to locate disproportionately exposed populations, and to take public health measures to improve chemical BM pollution as possible.
Sample Stability and Protein Composition of Saliva: Implications for Its Use as a Diagnostic Fluid
Authors: Esser Diederik , Alvarez-Llamas Gloria , De Vries Marcel P. , Weening Desiree , Vonk Roel J. , Roelofsen Han
Published: November 2017

Saliva is an easy accessible plasma ultra-filtrate. Therefore, saliva can be an attractive alternative to blood for measurement of diagnostic protein markers. Our aim was to determine stability and protein composition of saliva. Protein stability at room temperature was examined by incubating fresh whole saliva with and without inhibitors of proteases and bacterial metabolism followed by Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization (SELDI) analyses. Protein composition was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) fractionation of saliva proteins followed by digestion of excised bands and identification by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results show that rapid protein degradation occurs within 30 minutes after sample collection. Degradation starts already during collection. Protease inhibitors partly prevented degradation while inhibition of bacterial metabolism did not affect degradation. Three stable degradation products of 2937 Da, 3370 Da and 4132 Da were discovered which can be used as markers to monitor sample quality. Saliva proteome analyses revealed 218 proteins of which 84 can also be found in blood plasma. Based on a comparison with seven other proteomics studies on whole saliva we identified 83 new saliva proteins. We conclude that saliva is a promising diagnostic fluid when precautions are taken towards protein breakdown.