bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who’s Afraid of Virginia’s Nat Turner? Mesmerism, Stowe, and the Terror of Things
Authors: Zwarg Christina
Published: April 2015

When mesmerism first came to this hemisphere by way of St. Domingue, a complex association between radical abolition and the new science was born. Harriet Beecher Stowe takes up that association in her second abolitionist novel Dred. In so doing she charts an emergent trauma theory developing among slaves that deliberately focused on perpetrators rather than victims of New World slavery. Such a reading widens our understanding of early trauma theory by making visible the tension between Stowe’s sentimental strategy famously inscribed in Uncle Tom’s Cabin and her adaptation of theories by thinkers like Frederick Douglass. If the first strategy depends on familiar but discrete bonds of sympathy between her reader and slaves like Uncle Tom, the second involves recognition of uncontained levels of fear compulsively linking emancipation with slave insurrection. The title Dred deliberately puns on that fear, working to undo what Brian Massumi has called its “preemptive logic.”
The Korean War, the Cold War, and the American Novel
Authors: Belletto Steven
Published: April 2015

From a Cold War literary and cultural studies perspective, the Korean War (1950–1953) is a distinctive moment in US cultural history. This essay proposes that there are two broad phases of Korean War literature: the first phase is work written in the 1950s and early 1960s generally by white, male Americans who fought in the war, reported on the war, or had some other ties to the US military. Work of this phase renders the Korean War in terms of the bipolar global imaginary dictated by the Cold War: even as this imaginary is ultimately unsuitable for capturing the complexities of the war, writers of the first phase understand Korea’s meaning only in terms of US political imperatives. The second phase, marked by Richard E. Kim’s The Martyred (1964) but not gaining traction until the 1980s and 1990s, is work generally written by first- or second-generation Korean Americans who either experienced the war directly or explored the cultural memory of a war that, some scholars have argued, is a precondition of the very idea of Korean Americanness. Work of this phase begins with the premise that the US framing of the Korean War is damaging, and as such is marked by meta-engagements with the Cold War rhetorical frame that shift the meaning of the war away from US claims about it. The category of “Korean War literature” changes how we understand “Cold War literature” and therefore post-1945 American literature and culture.
Poetry, Recognition, and Redistribution: The September 11 Chronocanon
Authors: Fox Nicholas Hengen
Published: April 2015

This essay engages the mass publication of poetry—ranging from W. H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” to Lorna Dee Cervantes’s “Palestine” and Amiri Baraka’s “Somebody Blew Up America”—in the months after September 11, 2001. I label this set of texts linked together by near-simultaneous (re)publication a chronocanon. The chronocanon, I argue, can serve as a means by which an oppositional group articulates its position to a broadly construed public and, in so doing, deploys literature in an attempt to produce a new hegemonic formation. In particular, I focus on the way this chronocanon put forth antiracist and anti-imperialist arguments in an era when racist violence and imperialist tendencies were widely deployed, both by the US government and by many of its citizens. More broadly, I argue that for critics interested in the politics of literature, more attention to mass republication can help ground such claims in praxis.
CAPACITY OF THE INTERSTAND COOLING UNIT IN HOT ROLLING PROCESS
Authors: Brovkin Vladimir L. , Kachal Vladislav A. , Doroshenko Tatiana V. , Lazic Ladislav , Varga Augustin , Kizek Jan , Brovkina Svetlana V.
Published: April 2015

The aim of the paper was to improve the economy of rolling mill production and to extend the control range of cooling capacity of the accelerated cooling unit by choosing the optimal dimensions of the cooling chamber. The object of research was the interstand cooling unite for accelerated cooling of the hot-rolled products of round section in the line of continuous rolling mill in order to reduce the machine time rolling or even eliminate completely the requirement for heat treatment of the hot-rolled products in heat-treatment furnaces. The influence of the design parameters of the cooling chamber on the expanding the control range, retaining a high cooling capacity of the chamber, was investigated by the numerical model based on the finite difference method. The diagrams presented in the paper allow determining the diameters of the cooling chamber, which provide a wide control range of the chamber cooling capacity and minimization of energy consumption of the electric water pump.
TECHNICAL OPTIMIZATION OF SHAFT FURNACES FOR THE SINTERED MAGNESIA PRODUCTION
Authors: Kostial Imrich , Nascak Dusan
Published: April 2015

The contemporary shaft furnaces for the production of sintered magnesia have a very good  performance. However, there are still significant possibilities of their improvement. Thermodynamic, hydrodynamic and rheological processes don’t run optimally. The purpose of the research was to determine the reasons and realization of optimization measures. One of the significant requirements was to process materials with lower granularity (20 - 40 mm). The improvement was focused on the charging system modification, burner system modification, coke utilization in the central part of the furnace, sinter heat utilization, increasing the insulation. Their verification was reached at the operational conditions. The result was conceptually new pilot shaft furnace, determined for the further research. The basic features of the new shaft furnace are distributed burners improving combustion of the secondary air flowing through the central part of the furnace. By this approach significant improvement of the temperature homogeneity through the furnace cross section is achieved.
RECYCLING OF CARBON CONTAINING ALUMINUM MATRIX COMPOSITES VIA THEIR REMELTING
Authors: Skrobian Milan , Krahulec Jan , Krivan Peter
Published: April 2015

Nowadays aluminum alloys are strong enough to have good mechanical properties. What is their weak point is stiffness (Young modulus) that cannot be significantly improved be standard alloying elements. Carbon or carbon containing substances like silicon carbide with high values of Young modulus are often used in aluminum matrix composites with intention to increase stiffness of the resulting material. However, carbon bearing aluminum matrix composites are not easily recycled via melting because of reactivity of molten aluminum with carbon or carbides. Direct remelting of Al-SiC composite resulted in silicon containing melt and aluminum carbide while oxide envelop of input material keeps original shape to as high temperature as 850 °C. Addition of fluxes helps to break oxide layers but it does not prevent aluminum from reaction with carbon to form aluminum carbides.
Airway management skills and knowledge for nurses
Authors: Simpson Trevor
Published: April 2015

The evidence base concerning the vulnerability of the deteriorating patient has been built over a period of two decades or more (Schein et al, 1990; Franklin and Mathew, 1994; McQullian et al, 1998; Department of Health (DH), 2000). In addition, the Audit Commission (1999) reported on the need for a system of early detection of a patient at risk of deteriorating and in likely need of specialist critical care services. For many acute NHS trusts within the UK, a move towards a system of early detection and a focused support system for ward-based clinical staff has been commonplace with the evolution of early warning scoring (EWS) systems and the critical care outreach team.
Evaluation of the transitional care model in chronic heart failure
Authors: Williams Grace , Akroyd Karen , Burke Linda
Published: April 2015

Background:

Chronic heart failure (CHF) prevalence is on the increase in the UK, with readmissions to hospital and length of stay remaining a significant problem both for patients and the NHS. The role of the clinical nurse specialist in the management of CHF patients has yielded positive results in a number of previous studies.

Aim:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a transitional care service on readmissions and length of stay in hospital for patients with CHF.

Design:

A quasi-experimental design was used over a period of 18 weeks. The historical group (n=50) and the transitional care group (n=47) were compared.

Method:

The study was carried out in an acute hospital trust. A patient questionnaire was used as a post-intervention measure.

Results:

The number of readmissions was higher in the control group (14%; n=7) compared with the transitional care group (8.5%; n=4; P=0.526). Difference in length of stay for both groups almost achieved statistical significance (P=0.06). Patients gave positive feedback about the service.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that the introduction of the transitional care service did not reduce the number of readmissions. The length of stay, if anything, appeared to increase in the historical group when compared with the transitional group. Although it was clear that the two groups were different in important ways, causal effect cannot be attributed to the transitional care group as a result of these other differences. Results from the patient satisfaction questionnaires used in the transitional group did illustrate satisfaction with the discharge process and care received.
From novice to expert: using simulators to enhance practical skill
Authors: Traynor Marian , Gallagher Anne , Martin Lorna , Smyth Susan
Published: April 2015

This article reports on the introduction of simulation (using a high fidelity patient simulator) into an undergraduate nursing curriculum in Northern Ireland to develop confidence and proficiency without compromising patient safety. It also reports on how the students perceived the impact of this experience on their clinical practice. The simulation was developed for third-year adult branch nursing students (n=90). Students attended in groups of six for a 4-hour session over a period of 8 days. The students participated in three case scenarios using a high-fidelity patient simulator (HPS). Students’ responses showed that the simulation helped them to gain a perspective on the role of a qualified nurse and also enhanced their understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. Students also reported that they valued the experience as a means of highlighting gaps in their knowledge, but it also had given them confidence for future clinical practice.
Osteoporosis and falls: some further considerations for the nursing profession
Authors: Stubbs Brendon
Published: April 2015

I found the article very informative and factual and believe that it provides an excellent snapshot of osteoporosis for nurses and other interested health professionals. Statistics released over 10 years ago estimated the cost of osteoporotic fractures to the NHS as standing at £1.8 billion (Dolan and Togerson, 1998). This cost is almost certainly higher today to the NHS, thus articles raising this issue and promoting nurses to adopt a proactive management role are welcomed additions to the literature. I do, however, have two points that I would like to raise.
Report identifies defects in care for elderly surgery patients
Authors: Tingle John
Published: April 2015

John Tingle discusses a recent report by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) into the care received by elderly patients undergoing surgery.
Small AnimalReview
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: April 2015

Introduction:

Use of the Patnaik and Kiupel histological grading systems in combination provides better prognostication of mast cell tumours.
Tortoise feeding and nutritional requirements
Authors: Pellett Sarah , Stocking Donna , Wissink-Argilaga Nathalie
Published: April 2015

Tortoises have gained in popularity as pets, and are now seen frequently in general practice. Knowledge of correct nutrition and husbandry for these animals is essential. The first in this nutrition series will describe the basic dietary requirements for the common terrestrial chelonia seen in practice.
Viral infections during pregnancy
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: April 2015

Pregnant women exposed to viruses require appropriate testing and management, says Suneeta Kochhar
Prescribing in general practice: Developing the practice team
Authors: Robinson Mark
Published: April 2015

As workload in general practice increases, it is becoming more important to further develop the practice team. Many have spoken about the need for a multidisciplinary approach and the introduction of pharmacists into the practice team. Nurses and pharmacists working in the practice can bring their skills and knowledge together to improve care for patients with long-term conditions.
Impact of Drug Shortages on Health System Pharmacies in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Caulder Celeste R. , Mehta Brenna , Bookstaver P. Brandon , Sims Lavetra D. , Stevenson Bill ,   The South Carolina Society Of Health-System Pharmacists
Published: April 2015

Background

Drug shortages have become all too common and affect all aspects of the health care delivery system. The increased number of drug shortages has had a negative impact on patient care as well as costly financial implications.

Objectives

This article identifies the current problems and negative outcomes drug shortages have caused and provides a framework for how to best prepare for and combat future shortages. It highlights specific problems faced by health care system pharmacies in the Southeastern United States and the managerial responses to address these shortage situations.

Methods

A 34-question, multiple-choice survey was distributed to pharmacy directors in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Results

Of 549 surveys distributed, 219 (40%) responses were received. Respondents reported that drug shortages cause 1% to 5% error rates in hospitals and that 60% of the time drug shortages create unsafe conditions for patients and staff. Many of the respondents reported a 300% to 500% markup on medications on the shortage list. Seventy-six percent of institutions have autosubstitutions for drug shortages that have been preapproved by Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees.

Conclusions

The causes of drug shortages are multifaceted, and the safety and financial implications can be costly. In the short term, health care institutions can utilize pharmacists to assist in circumventing the drug shortage problem. The combined efforts of all health care professionals, the US government, manufacturers, and the lay public are necessary to bring awareness and plausible solutions to the drug shortage problems in the long term.
Nursing, Pharmacy, and Prescriber Knowledge and Perceptions of High-Alert Medications in a Large, Academic Medical Hospital
Authors: Engels Melanie J. , Ciarkowski Scott L.
Published: April 2015

Background

High-alert medications pose a greater risk of causing significant harm to patients if used in error. The Joint Commission requires that hospitals define institution-specific high-alert medications and implement processes to ensure safe medication use.

Method

Nursing, pharmacy, and prescribers were asked to voluntarily complete a 34-question survey to assess their knowledge, experience, and perceptions regarding high-alert medications in an academic hospital.

Results

The majority of respondents identified the organization's high-alert medications, the consequences of an error involving a high-alert medication, and the reversal agent. Most of the risk-reduction strategies within the institution were viewed as being effective by respondents. Forty-five percent of the respondents utilized a high-alert medication in the previous 24 hours. Only 14.2% had experienced an error with a high-alert medication in the previous 12 months, with 46% being near misses. The survey found the 5 rights for medication administration were not being utilized consistently. Respondents indicated that work experience or hospital orientation is the preferred learning experience for high-alert medications.

Conclusions

This study assessed all disciplines involved in the medication use process. Perceptions about high-alert medications differ between disciplines. Ongoing discipline-specific education is required to ensure that individuals accept accountability in the medication use process and to close knowledge gaps on high-alert medications and risk-reduction strategies.
Planning an Integrated and Fulfilled Life
Authors: Zilz David A. , Weber Robert J.
Published: April 2015

Most pharmacy leaders are motivated by altruistic personal and professional goals. Pharmacy leaders want to develop departments that are patient-centered and optimize financial performance, quality, and safety in the medication use process. In addition, many pharmacy leaders want to give back to their communities; this may be in the form of volunteerism, service on leadership boards, or through philanthropy. Because of these many, often competing, personal and professional priorities, life can become chaotic. By taking the time and effort to think about their priorities and to create a comprehensive life plan, pharmacy leaders can integrate all aspects of their lives and achieve their aspirations. An integrated life plan will help the pharmacy leaders to conduct their personal and professional lives with purpose.
Breaches of law and violating rights
Authors: Carlos Orjuela
Published: April 2015

Despite immense pressure, human rights lawyers in Turkey have remained resolute, says Carlos Orjuela
Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome in a 13 y.o. child (clinical case)
Authors: Atanesyan Roza Arturovna , Klimov Leonid Yakovlevich , Vdovina Tatiana Michailovna , Uglova Tatiana Alexeevna , Kuryaninova Victoria Alexandrovna , Alaverdyan Lilit Samvelovna , Andreeva Elena Ivanovna , Saneeva Galina Alexandrovna
Published: April 2015

We present a case of a teenage boy with a Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome. There are only few recent publications on the topic of Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome in medical literature. This syndrome appears with a same frequency in both sexes. The disease prevalence is still unknown due to many undiagnosed cases linked with high mortality in early childhood. There are no prenatal screening for this disease till now, but it is clear, that in case of positive diagnostic tests, abortion should be recommended. The typical clinical symptoms of Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome are the following: physical development delay, loss of subcutaneous fat, teeth and nails abnormalities (premature teeth eruption, teeth number doubling, nails thickening). The earliest signs of the syndrome are skin hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis at neck, armpits and groin, which are typical for insulin resistance. Children with Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome usually have early manifestation of diabetes mellitus, characterized by labile disease course and frequent ketoacidosis state. The present clinical case might be interesting regarding a long follow-up of the child.
Endothelial progenitor cells in diabetes complications
Authors: Michurova Marina Cergeevna , Kalashnikov Victor Yur'evich , Smirnova Olga Michailovna , Kononenko Irina Vladimirovna , Ivanova Olga Nikolaevna
Published: April 2015

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a 2- to 4-times higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications compared with non-diabetic controls. Hyperglycemia activates pathophysiological mechanisms that damage the endothelium. According to the current views, circulating progenitor cells derived from bone marrow repair the damage. These cells, known as endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), maintain endothelial homeostasis and contribute to the formation of new vessels. Many clinical studies have reported that EPC population is dysfunctional and declines in numbers in patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. In addition, bone marrow doesn?t respond adequately to mobilizing stimuli in DM. Therefore, EPC alterations might have a pathogenic role in the complications of DM. In this review, EPC alterations will be examined in the context of macrovascular and microvascular complications of DM, highlighting their roles and functions in the progression of the disease.
Hyperglycaemia in criticaly ill patients
Authors: Klypa Tatiana Valer'evna , Orehova Maria Sergeevna , Zabrosaeva Ludmila Ivanovna
Published: April 2015

The review highlights the problem of stress-induced hyperglycaemia (IT). The study of this condition is in demand because there is an association between IT and increasing number of complications and mortality among patients in critical state. In the review pathological and physiological mechanisms of stress-induced IT syndrome and its components are shown. These are acute IT, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The range of critical states, in which development of stress-induced IT is more probable and the IT negative impact on different organs and systems are described in the article. Clinical significance, influence on treatment and complications development of stress-induced IT are considered. It has been shown that adequate control and correction of IT are leading to improvement in critically ill patients state. Much attention in the review is paid to early diagnostics of any carbohydrate abnormalities in critical care medicine, as well as to prevention and optimal correction of IT. The variety of IT correction methods, target glucose levels and various therapeutic methods of hyperglycaemia correction are discussed. Dealing with hyperglycaemia in intensive care units is described in details.
Ileal transposition in surgical treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kornyushin Oleg Viktorovich , Galagudza Mikhail Michailovich , Neymark Alexander Evgen'evich , Grineva Alina Yur'evna , Babenko Elena Nikolaevna
Published: April 2015

High prevalence and insufficient efficacy of medical treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a major challenge for medical care. Generally, only 30% of patients reach therapeutic goals, while remission occurs only in the minority of patients. In the obese (BMI>35 kg/m2), bariatric surgery provides an alternative to pharmacological treatment of T2DM, boosting remission/compensation rate up to 76.8%. A few recent clinical studies explored the anti-diabetic effect of ileal transposition (IT). This type of surgery targets restoration of incretin balance by proximal transposition of ileal segment. In this review, we discuss the salutary mechanisms of IT in T2DM based on the analysis of the pioneering clinical trials.
Аrterial stiffness and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy relationship in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Laptev Dmitriy Nikitich
Published: April 2015

Aim. To evolve the association between cardiac autonomic function and arterial stiffness in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Materials and methods. 72 T1DM patients aged 7?18 years without history of macrovascular complications or renal disease, including microalbuminuria, were involved in the study. Cardiac function was assessed by the cardiovascular tests and 24-hour ECG monitoring with automatic calculation of QT interval and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Artery stiffness was assessed by measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AI) obtained from arterial blood pressure monitoring for 24 hours. Results. Estimated prevalence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) was 31,9%. CAN+ patients had significantly higher PWV and AI than those without CAN. A negative correlation between PWV and AI with some cardiovascular tests and HRV parameters was observed. In multivariable analysis, AI was independent predictor of autonomic dysfunction defined as number of positive cardiovascular tests, HRV parameters below normal values and prolongation of QT interval (?. =0,18; p=0,035). Conclusion. Cardiac autonomic function is an independent predictor of arterial stiffness, in children and adolescents with T1D without macrovascular and renal complications. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors and arterial stiffness in children and adolescents with T1DM may contribute to the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood in patients with CAN.
Reading attitude scale: The reliability and validity study
Okuma tutum ölçeği: Geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması
Authors: Çakıroğlu Orhan , Palancı Mehmet
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the adaptation, reliability and validity of a “reading attitude scale” that was developed by McKenna and Kear (1990) to determine the reading attitudes of students.  The study was conducted with 318 students attending to 5th,6th,7th, and 8th grades in Trabzon. The scale includes 20 items and two factors called as leisure time reading and academic reading. The analyses were conducted in SPSS 20.0 and AMOS v.22. The final Turkish version of the scale included 20 items and two factors as it was in the original scale. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was 0.84 and 0.78 according to test-retest analysis. This is the first study that examines the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the scale by using advanced statistics to determine the psychometric characteristics of the measure. Based on the study findings, the Reading Attitude Survey is a practical, feasible, and an understandable measurement tool.

Özet

Bu çalışmanın amacı, öğrencilerin okumaya yönelik tutumlarını belirlemek amacıyla Mckenna ve Kear (1990) tarafından geliştirilmiş olan “Okumaya Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği”nin (OTÖ) uyarlama, geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışmasını yapmaktır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu Trabzon ilinde eğitim görmekte olan ve 5.6.,7., ve 8. sınıfa devam eden toplam 318 öğrenci oluşturmuştur. Veriler SPSS 20.0 ve AMOS versiyon 22 paket programlarıyla yapılmıştır. Ölçek orijinaline uygun madde sayısında ve faktör yapısında oluşmuştur. DFA uyum indeksi ve madde faktör dağılımları istatistiksel olarak beklentilere uygun açığa çıkmıştır.   Ölçeğin güvenirlik katsayısı iç tutarlılık yöntemi ile 0.84 test-tekrar test yöntemiyle 0.78 olarak hesaplanmıştır. İlk kez bu kapsamda ileri veri analizleri ile incelemesi gerçekleştirilen aracın psikometrik özelliklerinin kullanılmaya elverişli geçerli ve güvenilir olduğu tespit edilmiştir.  Okuma Tutum Ölçeği’nin pratik, kullanım ve anlaşılması kolay kullanışlı bir ölçme aracı olduğu değerlendirilmektedir.
Volatile profile of wine Teran PTP
Authors: BAŠA ČESNIK Helena , BAVČAR Dejan , LISJAK Klemen
Published: April 2015

Teran PTP is a protected wine with a recognized traditional denomination produced from a grapevine variety ‘Refošk’ in winegrowing district Kras in Slovenia (European Union, 2009; Pravilnik, 2008). The aromatic profile of 82 Teran PTP wines produced in years 2011, 2012 and 2013 was monitored. Intotal the content of 16 volatile compounds was determined. The volatile compounds from wine were extracted following the liquid-liquid extraction and determined with a GC-MS method. The odour activity values and relative odour contributions were calculated for each volatile compound identified. Among sensorial important volatiles the highest odour activity values were determined for ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate and ethyl butyrate. Other research papers also showed, that all red wines investigated except one contained ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate and ethyl butyrate above sensory thresholds.
Exogenous silicon leads to increased antioxidant capacity in freezing-stressed pistachio leaves
Authors: HABIBI Ghader
Published: April 2015

Freezing stress limits photosynthesis and growth of plants. This may be attributed to the enhancement of freezing-associated oxidative damage. In this study, we followed precisely changes in the extent of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage in leaves of pistachio (Pistacia vera ‘Ahmadaghaii’) plants exposed to foliar-applied silicon (Si) under freezing stress. The foliar-applied Si decreased significantly damaging effects of cold on relative water content (RWC), accompanied by an increase in shoot fresh mass (SFM). In addition, pre-Si treatment caused a significant reduction of the leaf area lost by freezing. There was a remarkable increase in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity during recovery. Since leaf phenolic content was not affected by supplementary Si, the possibility that exogenously applied Si directly influences the activity of PAL seems thin. In the present work, freezing stress caused great membrane damage, as assessed by lipid peroxidation, but Si application significantly reduced the membrane damage because of an efficient scavenging by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). Under freezing, despite the increasing POD activity, Si-supplied plants accumulated the highest levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) may act as a signal for recovery ability from freezing injury. A positive correlation was found between the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the percentage of necrotic leaf area. This study suggests that the possible mechanisms for Si enhanced freezing resistance may be attributed to the higher antioxidant defense activity and lower lipid peroxidation through leaf water retention, in addition to its role as a mere physical barrier.
Testing of a machine for walnut cracking
Authors: BERNIK Rajko
Published: April 2015

Fruit of walnut (Juglans regia L.) belongs to stone fruits. This means that the lignified, stony endocarp, a shell, contains delicious kernel. On the tree  a nut is surrounded by the green husk.In Slovenia and in the other parts of the world heavy tools (such as stone, hammer and hand-crusher for nuts) are used to remove nutshell. In the intensive walnut production heavy tools are not competitive with today world economy. This is because the priority in walnuts and nuts kernel production is to reduce costs. Walnut shell cracking devices are invented to reduce walnut handling costs and consumer price. Characteristics of this device and walnut kernel quality are presented in this research.
What's in a Brand Name? Assessing the Impact of Rebranding in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Tsai Yi-Lin , Dev Chekitan s. , Chintagunta Pradeep
Published: April 2015

In the context of the U.S. lodging industry (1994–2012), the authors empirically quantify the effects of the two main factors driving the rebranding effects identified by the theoretical branding literature—(1) the brand effect and (2) the interaction effect between the product (the hotel property) and the brands involved—on occupancy rate and other hotel performance indicators. They find that, on average, rebranding results in approximately a 6.31% increase in occupancy rates; 60% of this effect can be attributed to the brand identities (e.g., Holiday Inn) before and after rebranding while the remaining 40% is attributable to the interaction effect. The authors also find heterogeneity in the property–brand interaction effect of rebranding along various observable characteristics of the hotels. They assess the robustness of the results to various model assumptions and alternative instruments; in addition, they use matching estimators for analysis and exploit rebranding as a consequence of hotel mergers as a means of measuring rebranding effects. Finally, the authors consider the impact that rebranding might have on competitors’ properties. Their approach to measuring rebranding effects can be applied broadly to firms and industries experiencing a decoupling of the individual components of their value chain.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective [3+2] Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides and Acrolein
Authors: Ugarriza Iratxe , Uria Uxue , Reyes Efraím , Carrillo Luisa , Vicario Jose L.
Published: April 2015

The [3+2]-cycloaddition reaction between acrolein and in situ generated acyclic azomethine ylides promoted by a chiral secondary amine to generate C-3 unsubstituted pyrrolidines has been studied in detail. Optimum conditions involve the use of the cheap and readily available l-Proline as catalyst to afford the pyrrolidine cycloadduct with complete diastereomeric control and up to 80% enantiomeric control.
Prospective analysis of adrenal function in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD: the Reduction in the Use of Corticosteroids in Exacerbated COPD (REDUCE) trial
Authors: Schuetz Philipp , Leuppi Jörg D , Bingisser Roland , Bodmer Michael , Briel Matthias , Drescher Tilman , Duerring Ursula , Henzen Christoph , Leibbrandt Yolanda , Maier Sabrina , Miedinger David , Mueller Beat , Scherr Andreas , Schindler Christian , Stoeckli Rolf , Viatte Sebastien , von Garnier Christophe , Tamm Michael , Rutishauser Jonas
Published: April 2015

Objective

To analyze prospectively the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and clinical outcome in patients treated with prednisone for exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Subjects and methods

Patients presenting to the emergency department were randomized to receive 40 mg prednisone daily for 5 or 14 days in a placebo-controlled manner. The HPA axis was longitudinally assessed with the 1 μg corticotropin test and a clinical hypocortisolism score at baseline, on day 6 before blinded treatment, at hospital discharge, and for up to 180 days of follow-up. Prednisone was stopped abruptly, irrespective of the test results. Patients discharged with pathological test results received instructions about emergency hydrocortisone treatment.

Results

A total of 311 patients were included in the analysis. Mean basal and stimulated serum total cortisol levels were highest on admission (496±398 and 816±413 nmol/l respectively) and lowest on day 6 (235±174 and 453±178 nmol/l respectively). Pathological stimulation tests were found in 63, 38, 9, 3, and 2% of patients on day 6, at discharge, and on days 30, 90, and 180 respectively, without significant difference between treatment groups. Clinical indicators of hypocortisolism did not correlate with stimulation test results, but cortisol levels were inversely associated with re-exacerbation risk. There were no hospitalizations or deaths as a result of adrenal crisis.

Conclusion

Dynamic changes in the HPA axis occur during and after the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD. In hypocortisolemic patients who were provided with instructions about stress prophylaxis, the abrupt termination of prednisone appeared safe.
İlkokul çağındaki çocuklarda obezite görülme sıklığı ve risk faktörleri
Authors: Savaşhan Çagatay , Sarı Oktay , Aydoğan Ümit , Erdal Muhammed
Published: April 2015

devam etmesi, komplikasyonlara bağlı morbidite ve mortalitede ciddi artışlar yaşanması ve en önemlisi de çoğunlukla önlenebilir olması nedeniyle dikkat edilmesi gereken bir sağlık problemidir. Çalışmamızda, 6-11 yaş arası çocuklarda obezite sıklığı ve gelişiminde rol oynayan faktörleri araştırdık.Yöntem: Ankara’nın Yenimahalle ilçesinde bulunan 71 ilköğretim okulundan küme örneklem ile rastgele seçilen 32’sinde 6-11 yaş arasındaki 3963 çocuk ve ebeveynleri çalışmaya alındı. Çocukların ve ebeveynlerinin yaş, boy, kilo ve cinsiyetleri, çocukların iştah durumu, hazır yiyecekleri (atıştırma) tüketme sıklıkları, ebeveynlerin eğitim ve gelir durumları ve çocukların televizyon ve bilgisayar başında geçirdikleri süre değerlendirildi. Katılımcıların beden kit-le indeksleri hesaplanarak sosyo-demografik özellikleri ile karşılaştırıldı.Bulgular: Çocukların %11,1’i (s=438) kilolu ve %7,5’i (s=299) obez olarak saptandı. Hem anne hem de babası obez olan çocuklarda obezite görülme sıklığı %15,7 (s=18) idi. Anne ve babaların beden kitle indeksleri arttıkça çocuklardaki obezite sıklığının da arttığı saptandı (p
Aydın merkez ilçede kolorektal kanser taramasına ilişkin bilgi, tutum ve engeller
Authors: Şahin Nur Şeyda , Üner Bayram Ali , Aydın Mehmet , Akçan Ayşen , Gemalmaz Ayfer , Dişçigil Güzel , Demirağ Serpil , Başak Okay
Published: April 2015

Amaç: Tüm kanserler içinde üçüncü sıklıkta görülen ve kanserden ölüm nedenleri arasında ikinci sırada yer alan kolorektal kanser (KRK), tarama programları ile erken tanınabilmekte ve önlenebilmektedir. Toplumun kolorektal kansere ilişkin farkındalığı artırılmadıkça erken tanı ve tarama programlarının başarılı olması olası değildir. Çalışmamızda Aydın merkez ilçede, tarama testi yaptırmanın KRK ve tarama testlerine ilişkin bilgi, tutum ve engellerle ilişkisini araştırdık.Yöntem: Aydın merkez ilçede bulunan sekiz aile sağlığı merkezine 2012 Mart ayı boyunca başvuran kişilerden rastgele seçilen 50 yaş ve üzerindeki 562 katılımcıya yüz yüze standart bir anket uygulaması yapıldı. Çalışma yapılan sağlık merkezleri bölgede bulunan 24 aile sağlığı merkezi (ASM) arasından rastgele yöntemle belirlendi. Veri toplama aracı olarak tarama yaptırma durumunu, KRK ve tarama testlerine ilişkin bilgi, tutum ve engelleri ve tarama yaptırma isteğini sorgulayan sorular içeren bir soru formu kullanıldı.Bulgular: Yaş ortalaması 59,8±7,4 (50-80 yaş arası) olan katılımcıların 376’sı erkekti (%66,9). Yüz kırk altı katılımcı (%25,8) KRK konusunda bilgi sahibi olduğunu, 68 katılımcı (%12,1) ise kolorektal kanserin erken tanınabileceğini belirtmişti. Katılımcılardan 32’si (%5,7) kolonoskopiyi ve 13’ü (%2,3) gaytada gizli kanı (GGK) bir tarama yöntemi olarak bilmekteydi. Toplam 66 katılımcı (%11,9) daha önce KRK taraması yaptırmıştı (GGK %7,7; sigmoidoskopi %3,6 ve kolonoskopi %5,4). Katılımcıların yalnızca %25,9’u (145 kişi) tarama için hekim tavsiyesi almış ve bunların %67,3’ü (105 kişi) tavsiyeye uymuştu. İleri yaştakiler (p=0,009); sağlık güvencesi olanlar (p=0,009), herhangi bir kanser tanısı (p
The factors of milk revenue change in Lithuania: index decomposition analysis based on the Shapley value
Authors: Baležentis Tomas , Kriščiukaitienė Irena
Published: April 2015

The paper aims to analyse the main driving forces behind the changes in milk revenue in Lithuania during 1993–2013 by the virtue of the index decomposition analysis. Specifically, an index decomposition model based upon Shapley value is introduced to account for dynamics in endogenous and exogenous factors underlying dynamics of the revenue. Particularly, the number of cows, average milk yield, market integration, milk composition, and milk price are considered as the main factors causing variation in milk revenue. The country level data are used for the analysis. Results show that such practices as animal recording and application of improved fodder have increased milk revenue by 67 million EUR and 75 million EUR during 1993–2004 and 2004–2013, respectively, due to increase in milk yield and fat.
Farm diversification decision-making stages
Authors: Zaleckienė Jurgita
Published: April 2015

That the farmer's decision to diversify the farm will achieve its objectives, it must be properly designed. Modeling of farm diversification decision–making is a scientific problem, because tests of the farm diversification decision realization are not common in the scientific literature. It is achieved article aim – identified the main farm’s diversification decision–making stages. The expert survey was used to check the theoretical diversification farmer’s decision–making model. 14 experts were interviewed. The study found that the farm diversification objectives connection with identified opportunities in external environment or with farm exploitation creates preconditions for farm development. Expert interviews helped identify new formulation methods of farm diversification solution alternatives. The farm diversification decision alternatives are important to assess according to following criteria: decision outside feasibility, internal feasibility, synergies, riskiness. Learning should become a permanent process.
Harvest prediction model based on public data for large regions
Authors: Zuoza Andrius , Zuoza Aurelijus Kazys , Gargasas Audrius
Published: April 2015

This article describe harvest prediction model for the country or for the big region on the public available data. In the article are analysed impact of main fertilizers component and environmental variables to the grain harvest The aim of the article was to create regression model, which best describes grain harvest prediction on public (free) available data. Created final regression model explain 78% (R2) of the variation in the harvest result. Presented model show, that prediction accuracy significantly increase if environmental variables are added. Prediction accuracy (RMSE) of the final regression model was 3,89. All calculation was made on the example of the Germany.
Computer modeling and molecular dynamics of polarization switching in the ferroelectric films PVDF and P(VDF-TrFE) on nanoscale
Authors: Геворкян В.Е. , Gevorkyan V.E.
Published: April 2015

In this paper, molecular models are used to investigate and analyze the structure and polarization of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and poly(vinylidene
fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) nanofilms, depending on the structure and composition of the monomers of their polymer and
copolymer chains. Quantum-mechanical calculations and modeling, as well as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations based on semi-empirical quantum-chemical
methods (such as PM3), show that the energy of the studied PVDF and P (VDF-TrFE) molecular structures, and their polarization switching proceed by homogeneous
switching mechanism in the framework of the phenomenological theory of Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire (LGD) in the linear approximation of low values of the electric
field. The magnitude of the resulting critical coercive field is within the EC ~ 0.5 ... 2.0 GV/m, which is consistent with experimental data. It is also found
that the uniform polarization switching mechanism of the polymer chains PVDF and P (VDF-TrFE) is due to the quantum properties of the molecular orbitals of
the electron subsystem: the applied electric field induces a gradual shift of the electron "clouds" density (electron polarizability), which in turn causes
a gradual shift of the nuclear cores, in accordance with the principle of minimum total energy of the system, and this leads eventually, when it reaches
a critical point (bifurcation) - to overturn of the entire chain and a sharp decrease in the total energy of the total system to its energetically more favorable
state. This is clearly seen in both the polarization hysteresis loops, and the total energy changes. In this case, the turnover chain time, obtained by molecular
dynamics within semi-empirical quantum-chemical PM3 approach in a limited Hartree-Fock approximation, when approaching this critical point, increases sharply,
tending to infinity, which corresponds to the theory of LGD.
On the Types of Bacterial Growth Laws
Authors: Likhoshvai V.A. , Khlebodarova T.M.
Published: April 2015

Volume, mass and envelope surface area of a bacterium are significant parameters of cell development during one bacterial cell cycle. In our previous studies it was
shown that during one division cycle cells can encounter the problem of unlimited size growth. Two fundamental types of bacterial growth laws, which were called
“exponential” and “linear”, have been identified. Under certain conditions exponentially growing cells encounter the problem of unlimited growth, whereas lineally
growing cells don’t. In this study the laws of bacterial size growth were shown to belong exclusively to the linear type. It was demonstrated that this phenomenon
is a consequence of the universal principle of storage and transmission of genetic information essential to all living organisms. The bacterial growth laws of exponential
type could exist only at the very early stages of cell evolution, when the genetic machinery had not evolved yet into its modern form.
ADMINISTRAÇÃO CONTRATUAL, NOVA CONTRATUALIDADE ADMINISTRATIVA E CONTRATOS DE PARCERIAS: BREVES CONSIDERAÇÕES ACERCA DE ALGUNS CONCEITOS QUE INTEGRAM UMA NOVA TERMINOLOGIA TRAZIDA PELA A DOUTRINA ADMINISTRATIVISTA CONTEMPORÂNEA
Authors: Ferro Murilo Ruiz , Carvalho André Castro
Published: April 2015

Resumo: Verificadas as polêmicas decorrentes de uma nova terminologia que surge ora para designar institutos potencialmente inéditos ora para manejar outros que já existem, este ensaio procura – por uma linha de raciocínio desenvolvida paralelamente à noção teórica de interesses públicos – encontrar parâmetros conceituais adequados para as expressões doutrinárias “administração contratual”, “nova contratualidade administrativa” e “contratos de parceria”, buscando traçar suas distinções conceituais e também – ainda que de forma sucinta – suas utilizações na prática da Administração Pública brasileira.
La práctica profesional y la formación del Educador Social en Italia
Authors: Lozupone Elvira
Published: April 2015

La Pedagogía social en Italia cuenta con una breve historia. Si a nivel mundial no tiene más de alrededor de 150 años, en Italia el desarrollo de la disciplina, su práctica y la capacitación de los profesionales del sector se resiente este ser una recién nacida (con apenas 50 años o poco más) en el marco de las ciencias de la educación: en particular en la definición del estatuto epistemológico y de sus papeles y funciones en el panorama de la educación y de la realidad social; la capacitación de los operadores, que se enlaza al tema más amplio del reconocimiento de las profesiones educativas por el Estado Italiano, se ha reglamentado recientemente mediante una ley estatal. Tal hito está destinado a abrir en la comunidad académica espacios amplios de debate que se conectan naturalmente a la educación universitaria y que brindarán una contribución fundamental para la definición del estatuto científico de la disciplina y para su papel y funciones en la sociedad.
Fundamentos de la Pedagogía Social y de la Educación Social
Authors: Serrano Gloria Pérez , Llamas José Luis García , Fernández-García Ana
Published: April 2015

Este artículo estudia los fundamentos de la Pedagogía Social (PS) y de la Educación Social (ES). Se analizan las diferencias y semejanzas entre conceptos afines. Resulta arduo fundamentar la Pedagogía Social como ciencia y la Educación Social como ámbito de conocimiento, dado que toda realidad es compleja, y no puede ser aprehendida con herramientas simples. Los conceptos que se manejan son polivalentes y con fronteras no suficientemente delimitadas, dado que interactúan y se interrelacionan con otras disciplinas que trabajan en el campo de lo social. La Pedagogía Social se construye y reconstruye continuamente de modo abierto, es versátil, cambiante y viva. Es un concepto complejo. De ahí que se insista en la necesidad de la investigación teórica y en la reflexión sobre la práctica. La Educación Social presenta dos perspectivas. Una, desde la vertiente normalizada: el proceso de socialización de los individuos, ese continuum que va desde la infancia a la edad adulta. Y otra, desde la óptica de la educación especializada, que hace referencia al tratamiento e intervención de todo tipo de inadaptados sociales. Se estudian conceptos vinculados entre si y con la Pedagogía Social: Educación Social, Trabajo Social y Sociología de la Educación. A modo de síntesis se muestran los elementos de –concepto, objeto, método y ámbito- que configuran cada uno de los constructos señalados. Estos conceptos se interrelacionan y complementan, por lo que las fronteras existentes entre ellos se desdibujan, lo que dificulta su delimitación conceptual.