bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPLEMENTASI ASAS LEX SPECIALIS DEROGAT LEGI GENERALI DALAM SISTEM PERADILAN PIDANA
Authors: Agustina Shinta
Published: August 2018

This study aims to assess and analyze the application of the principle of lex specialis the derogat legi generali in the Criminal Justice System related to the stages in the criminal justice process, and the form of the indictment in applying the principle of lex specialis the derogat legi generali. The method used is empirical juridical with descriptive analytical. The result shows that this principle is applied in criminal cases that violating the general and special criminal provisions in the Penal Code, the general criminal provisions in the Penal Code and special criminal provisions outside the Penal Code, as well as criminal cases that violating two special criminal acts outside the Penal Code. Regarding the fase of criminal procedure in handling the case under this principle, it is implemented in the adjudication process, using the subsidiarity or cumulative model of chargingPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji dan menganalisis penerapan asas lex specialis derogat legi generali dalam Sistem Peradilan Pidana terkait dengan tahapan dalam proses peradilan pidana, dan bentuk surat dakwaan dalam menerapkan asas lex xpecialis derogat legi generali tersebut. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode  yuridis empiris yang bersifat deskriptif analitis. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan bahwa asas lex specialis derogat legi generali diterapkan dalam perkara pidana yang mempertemukan ketentuan pidana umum dan khusus dalam KUHP, ketentuan pidana umum dalam KUHP dan ketentuan pidana khusus di luar KUHP, serta perkara pidana yang mempertemukan dua atau lebih ketentuan pidana khusus di luar KUHP. Berkenaan dengan tahapan dalam sistem peradilan pidana, asas ini diterapkan dalam tahap adjudication, yang mengharuskan surat dakwaan dibuat dalam model subsidiaritas atau kumulatif
Debating the use of social media in higher education in Australasia: Where are we now?
Authors: Willems Julie , Adachi Chie , Bussey Francesca , Doherty Iain , Huijser Henk
Published: August 2018

The integration of social media into higher education is having a significant impact on learning and teaching. As they become enmeshed in the fabric of academia, they are also becoming a site of contestation, especially in relation to teaching and learning. This research paper explores the key issues dominating current debates about the use of social media in higher education in Australasia. By exploring themes emerging from a debate around the use of social media in higher education in Australasia, it integrates additional comments from the collective wisdom of experienced colleagues from around the globe, as captured in the debate’s Twitter feed and live Periscope streaming. These comments highlight points of sensitivity in the adoption of social media in higher education in Australasia. This paper presents the findings and some key ideas that emerged from the debate.
Learning management system acceptance scale (LMSAS): A validity and reliability study
Authors: Sezer Baris , Yilmaz Ramazan
Published: August 2018

This study aims to develop a measurement tool that will allow a valid and reliable measurement of students’ acceptance levels within the framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model concerning LMS. The study was conducted in the 2016-2017 academic year with three groups of participants consisting of 515 medical students. Expert opinion was obtained to examine content validity and face validity of the scale, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to examine the construct validity of the conclusions based on measurements. A construct with four factors and 21 items was obtained at the end of the EFA, which explained 64.39% of the total variance. CFA results showed that the construct with four factors and 21 items had good fit to the data. The reliability of the measurements based on the scale was examined using Cronbach’s Alpha and test-retest methods. To examine the discriminatory power of the items, adjusted item-total correlations and a comparison of top and bottom 27% of participants were used. Findings of the study show that the scale can be used as a tool that generates valid and reliable measurements of students’ acceptance concerning LMS.
Derivatives of meromorphic functions sharing two sets with least cardinalities
Authors: Sarkar Arindam
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we prove two theorems establishing the uniqueness of the derivatives of meromorphic functions{f^{{(k)}\vphantom{k}}}and{g^{{(k)}\vphantom{k}}}when they share two sets with least cardinalities. Our results improve some existing results of Fang–Lahiri, Banerjee–Bhattacharjee, Banerjee–Mallick and Banerjee–Chakraborty.
Partner relationships and the raising of a temperamentally difficult infant
Authors: Bajgarová Zdeňka , Stuchlíková Iva
Published: August 2018

This paper explores marital adjustment among couples raising a temperamentally difficult infant. Employing a multiple case study methodology we conducted ten interviews with six couples. The parenting distress these couples experienced meant they were at higher risk of marital maladjustment. Four couples experienced marital crisis, resulting in the separation of one couple. Our analysis suggests that reference to “insufficient father involvement” during the interviews signaled problems with the mother’s satisfaction and marital adjustment. We found that mothers consider four specific aspects of paternal behavior as constituting involvement: 1. the father caring for the child in the mother’s presence, 2. the father caring for the child on his own, 3. the father sleeping in the same room as the mother and baby, and 4. the father being psychologically involved and supportive.
“Naked flesh”—A somatic calling of the “mind”?
Authors: Švarc Robert
Published: August 2018

Actionism, Performance and Body Art have produced forms that still provoke in their radicalism and brutality and raise many questions. Regardless of the theme—love, violence, gender, death, sexuality, killing of animals, ritual practices and myths, ecology, criticism of the ideology and so on—they are almost always characterized by an explicit and demonstrative exposure of flesh. The topic of my research is the body as a medium of the human act. Does the body elicit different “corporations of the mind” or does it draw attention to its own complex naked presence and extensionality in every elementary social interaction? Is the body unquantifiable—imponderabilia, unpredictable, and is it spinning out of the generated statistics of the system research?
Female erotic desire
Authors: Škubalová Tereza
Published: August 2018

This paper explores the epistemology and methodology for describing sexual/erotic desire in women. Culture provides a variety of discourses which create possibilities for individual agents to think, experience and act. This paper outlines the dominant discourses of sexuality. The main focus is on the emerging psychodynamic understanding of erotic desire as a cultivated way of experiencing and expressing intersubjective embodied desire. The story of a female research participant has been selected to illustrate the journey from undifferentiated physical and mental experiences of desire to the peculiar integration of both aspects in her lived experience. A combination of interpretive methods is employed.
Screening of the immunomodulatory and antibacterial activity of Termitomyces letestui (Pat.) Heim (Lyophyllaceae), an edible mushroom from Cameroon
Authors: Mahamat Oumar , Christopher Tume , Andre-Ledoux Njouonkou , Jude Amadoh , Ndiane Nfor , Albert Kamanyi
Published: August 2018

Background

Globally, Termitomyces letestui is used by different communities to treat various illnesses, including bacterial infection, although with limited scientific evidence. The current study aims to assess the immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties of the water extract of a wild mushroom, T. letestui in mice model.

Methods

The base study was completed following the standard methods and procedures using white mice Mus musculus. The immunomodulatory was investigated for humoral and cell-mediated response in both the normal and dexamethasone-immunosuppressed mice. An immunostimulatory drug, levamisole, was used as reference. The treatment was done daily and the extract doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg bwt were used. Delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH), mice lethality rate and hemagglutination antibody titer were determined. Disc diffusion assay was performed using the Muller-Hinton agar to assess the effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad prism 5.0 a Software.

Results

T. letestui water extract (TLAE) provided significant inhibition zones against E. coli and S. aureus. TLAE=, along with the antigen (Salmonella typhi) showed a significant increase in the circulating antibody titer and reduced the lethality rate in mice. The extract also showed significant increase in the DTH response against S. typhi.

Conclusions

This preliminary study demonstrated that TLAE caused a significant immunostimulatory effect on both the cell-mediated and humoral immune systems in the mice and antibacterial property against E. coli and S. aureus.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[(2-(5-chloroquinolin-8-yloxy)-1-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethan-1-one-κ3
N,O,O′)-(dinitrato-κ2
O,O′)mercury(II)], C15H15N4O8ClHg
Authors: Huang Cun-Han , Gao Liang-Liang , Wu Wei-Na
Published: August 2018

C15H15N4O8ClHg, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 10.660(8) Å, b = 9.523(8) Å, c = 18.275(15) Å, β = 99.248(12)°, V = 1831(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0267, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0696, T = 296(2) K.
Cui bono? – Die Bürgerversicherung und die Beihilfe
Authors: Bührer Christian , Fetzer Stefan , Hagist Christian
Published: August 2018

In der deutschen Gesundheitspolitik wird seit langem unter dem Stichwort Bürgerversicherung über die Einbeziehung aller Bürger in das System der Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung diskutiert. Dabei wird meistens die Perspektive der GKV-Versicherten eingenommen, seltener diejenige der Versicherten der PKV. Es stellt sich jedoch insbesondere für die Gruppe der Beihilfeberechtigten die Frage, welche monetären Konsequenzen durch eine Bürgerversicherung für sie entstehen und in welcher Höhe daraus Kompensationszahlungen abgeleitet werden können. Die Ergebnisse zeigen: Selbst, wenn diese Kompensationen weniger als die Hälfte der Differenz der Versicherungsleistungen zwischen PKV/Beihilfe und einer Bürgerversicherung abdecken, hat der Business case Bürgerversicherung für die Gebietskörperschaften zumindest kurzfristig negative fiskalische Folgen.
Fractional anticipated BSDEs with stochastic Lipschitz coefficients
Authors: Sow Ahmadou Bamba , Diouf Bassirou Kor
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we deal with an anticipated backward stochastic differential equation driven by a fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter

H
∈

(

1
/
2

,
1
)

{H\in(1/2,1)}

. We essentially establish existence and uniqueness of a solution in the case of stochastic Lipschitz coefficients and prove a comparison theorem in a specific case.
Microstructure evaluation, thermal and mechanical characterization of hybrid metal matrix composite
Authors: Lal Shyam , Kumar Sudhir , Khan Zahid A.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, an inert gas assisted electromagnetic stir casting process is adapted for manufacturing a cast hybrid metal matrix composite (MMC) using Al2O3 and SiC particulates as a hard phase reinforcement in Al 7075 alloy metal matrix. Four different samples containing 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% of Al2O3 and SiC with Al 7075 alloy composites were fabricated. The characterizations for all the samples were carried out through optical microstructure, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractograph, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA) analysis and mechanical properties. The results revealed that the particles are uniformly distributed in the matrix. No peaks of Al4C3 were found. There is negligible loss of material in the composite. The tensile strength and microhardness of the hybrid composite are higher by 65.7% and 13.5%, respectively, when compared to its cast metal matrix Al 7075 alloy.
Semiparametric efficient adaptive estimation of the GJR-GARCH model
Authors: Ciccarelli Nicola
Published: August 2018

In this paper we derive a semiparametric efficient adaptive estimator for the GJR-GARCH

(
1
,
1
)

{(1,1)}

model.
We first show that the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal for the model used in analysis, and we secondly derive a semiparametric estimator that is more efficient than the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator.
Through Monte Carlo simulations, we show that the semiparametric estimator is adaptive for the parameters included in the conditional variance of the GJR-GARCH

(
1
,
1
)

{(1,1)}

model with respect to the unknown distribution of the innovation.
Effect of food azo-dye tartrazine on physiological functions of pancreas and glucose homeostasis
Authors: Rehman Kanwal , Ashraf Amna , Azam Farooq , Akash Muhammad Sajid Hamid
Published: August 2018

Background

Food industry is extensively using tartrazine however, influence of tartrazine-exposure on pancreas remains to be elucidated.

Materials and methods

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of tartrazine on pancreas and glucose homeostasis in rats. Albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I was control, group II and III were assigned as low and high doses of tartrazine-exposed groups respectively. Blood samples were collected to estimate the glucose homeostasis and insulin, amylase and lipase activity, and glucose tolerance along with morphology of pancreas.

Results

The results showed that tartrazine at higher doses, increased blood sugar (230.830±0.940 mg/dL) and insulin (0.395±0.012 ng/mL) levels as compared to that of control. HOMA-IR value of tartrazine-exposed rats was significantly high (1.450±0.090) as compared to that of control. Moreover, the serum levels of amylase and lipase were also increased significantly in tartrazine-exposed rats. Correspondingly, morphology of pancreas was also found to be changed in tartrazine-exposed rats.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that tartrazine has a critical influence on glucose homeostasis. This evidently reveals that tartrazine has damaging effects on pancreas and enduring the exposure of tartrazine could possibly result in the disturbance of normal endocrine functioning of pancreas.
Validity and Reliability of Methods to Determine Barbell Displacement in Heavy Back Squats: Implications for Velocity-Based Training
Authors: Appleby Brendyn B. , Banyard Harry , Cormack Stuart J. , Newton Robert U.
Published: August 2018

Appleby, BB, Banyard, H, Cormack, SJ, and Newton, RU. Validity and reliability of methods to determine barbell displacement in heavy back squats: Implications for velocity-based training. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3118–3123, 2020—The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of methods for determining barbell displacement during heavy back squats. Twelve well-trained rugby union players (mean ± SD 1 repetition maximum [1RM] 90° squat = 196.3 ± 29.2 kg) completed 2 sets of 2 repetitions at 70, 80, and 90% of 1RM squats. Barbell displacement was derived from 3 methods across 4 load categories (120–129, 140–149, 160–169, and 180–189 kg) including: a (a) linear position transducer (LPT) attached 65 cm left of barbell center, (b) 3D motion analysis tracking of markers attached to either end of a barbell, and (c) cervical marker (C7) (criterion measurement). Validity was calculated using the typical error of the estimate as a coefficient of variation (CV%) ±90% confidence interval (CI), mean bias as a percentage, and the Pearson product moment correlation (r). Intraday reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient and the typical error expressed as a percentage of CV% ±90% (CI). Mean displacement for C7, LPT, and the barbell ends was 520, 529, and 550–564 mm, respectively. Validity of the LPT compared with the criterion was acceptable (CV% = 2.1–3.0; bias = 0.9–1.5%; r = 0.96–0.98), whereas that of the barbell ends was less (CV% = 2.7–7.5; bias = 4.9–11.2%; r = 0.71–0.97). The CV% reliability of the C7 marker across the load categories was 6.6%, the LPT 6.6%, and the barbell ends between 5.9 and 7.2%. Despite reliable measures, overestimation of displacement occurs as the tracking location moves to the barbell ends in weighted back squats. The LPT demonstrated high validity to the criterion and high trial-to-trial reliability.
Neural Pattern Classification Tracks Transfer-Appropriate Processing in Episodic Memory
Authors: Bramão Inês , Johansson Mikael
Published: August 2018

The transfer-appropriate processing (TAP) account holds that episodic memory depends on the overlap between encoding and retrieval processing. In the current study, we employed multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) of electroencephalography to examine the relevance of spontaneously engaged visual processing during encoding for later retrieval. Human participants encoded word-picture associations, where the picture could be a famous face, a landmark, or an object. At test, we manipulated the retrieval demands by asking participants to retrieve either visual or verbal information about the pictures. MVPA revealed classification between picture categories during early perceptual stages of encoding (∼170 ms). Importantly, these visual category-specific neural patterns were predictive of later episodic remembering, but the direction of the relationship was contingent on the particular retrieval demand of the memory task: a benefit for the visual and a cost for the verbal. A reinstatement of the category-specific neural patterns established during encoding was observed during retrieval, and again the relationship with behavior varied with retrieval demands. Reactivation of visual representations during retrieval was associated with better memory in the visual task, but with lower performance in the verbal task. Our findings support and extend the TAP account by demonstrating that processing of particular aspects during memory formation can also have detrimental effects on later episodic remembering when other aspects of the event are called-for and shed new light on encoding and retrieval interactions in episodic memory.
Coherent Activity between the Prelimbic and Auditory Cortex in the Slow-Gamma Band Underlies Fear Discrimination
Authors: Concina Giulia , Cambiaghi Marco , Renna Annamaria , Sacchetti Benedetto
Published: August 2018

The medial prefrontal cortex and the basolateral amygdala (BLA) are essential for discriminating between harmful and safe stimuli. The primary auditory cortex (Te1) sends projections to both sites, but whether and how it interacts with these areas during fear discrimination are poorly understood. Here we show that in male rats that can differentiate between a new tone and a threatening one, the selective optogenetic inhibition of Te1 axon terminals into the prelimbic (PL) cortex shifted discrimination to fear generalization. Meanwhile, no effects were detected when Te1 terminals were inhibited in the BLA. Using a combination of local field potential and multiunit recordings, we show that in animals that discriminate successfully between a new tone and a harmful one, the activity of the Te1 and the PL cortex becomes immediately and tightly synchronized in the slow-gamma range (40–70 Hz) at the onset of the new tone. This enhanced synchronization was not present in other frequency ranges, such as the theta range. Critically, the level of gamma synchrony predicted the behavioral choice (i.e., no freezing or freezing) of the animals. Moreover, in the same rats, gamma synchrony was absent before the fear-learning trial and when animals should discriminate between an olfactory stimulus and the auditory harmful one. Thus, our findings reveal that the Te1 and the PL cortex dynamically establish a functional connection during auditory fear-discrimination processes, and that this corticocortical oscillatory mechanism drives the behavioral choice of the animals.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIdentifying neural networks that infer safety versus danger is of great interest in the scientific field. Fear generalization reduces the chances of an animal's survival and leads to psychiatric diseases, such as post-traumatic stress disorders and phobias in humans. Here we demonstrate that animals able to differentiate a new tone from a previous threating tone showed synchronization between the prefrontal and primary auditory cortices. Critically, this connectivity precedes and predicts the behavioral outcome of the animal. Optogenetic inhibition of this functional connectivity leads to fear generalization. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that a corticocortical dialogue occurring between sensory and prefrontal areas is a key node for fear-discrimination processes.
AKAP1 Protects from Cerebral Ischemic Stroke by Inhibiting Drp1-Dependent Mitochondrial Fission
Authors: Flippo Kyle H. , Gnanasekaran Aswini , Perkins Guy A. , Ajmal Ahmad , Merrill Ronald A. , Dickey Audrey S. , Taylor Susan S. , McKnight G. Stanley , Chauhan Anil K. , Usachev Yuriy M. , Strack Stefan
Published: August 2018

Mitochondrial fission and fusion impact numerous cellular functions and neurons are particularly sensitive to perturbations in mitochondrial dynamics. Here we describe that male mice lacking the mitochondrial A-kinase anchoring protein 1 (AKAP1) exhibit increased sensitivity in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model of focal ischemia. At the ultrastructural level, AKAP1−/−mice have smaller mitochondria and increased contacts between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum in the brain. Mechanistically, deletion of AKAP1 dysregulates complex II of the electron transport chain, increases superoxide production, and impairs Ca2+homeostasis in neurons subjected to excitotoxic glutamate. Ca2+deregulation in neurons lacking AKAP1 can be attributed to loss of inhibitory phosphorylation of the mitochondrial fission enzyme dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) at the protein kinase A (PKA) site Ser637. Our results indicate that inhibition of Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission by the outer mitochondrial AKAP1/PKA complex protects neurons from ischemic stroke by maintaining respiratory chain activity, inhibiting superoxide production, and delaying Ca2+deregulation. They also provide the first genetic evidence that Drp1 inhibition may be of therapeutic relevance for the treatment of stroke and neurodegeneration.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPrevious work suggests that activation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and mitochondrial fission contribute to ischemic injury in the brain. However, the specificity and efficacy of the pharmacological Drp1 inhibitor mdivi-1 that was used has now been discredited by several high-profile studies. Our report is timely and highly impactful because it provides the first evidence that genetic disinhibition of Drp1 via knock-out of the mitochondrial protein kinase A (PKA) scaffold AKAP1 exacerbates stroke injury in mice. Mechanistically, we show that electron transport deficiency, increased superoxide production, and Ca2+overload result from genetic disinhibition of Drp1. In summary, our work settles current controversies regarding the role of mitochondrial fission in neuronal injury, provides mechanisms, and suggests that fission inhibitors hold promise as future therapeutic agents.
An update of Wnt signalling in endometrial cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target
Authors: Coopes A , Henry C E , Llamosas E , Ford C E
Published: August 2018

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed nations, and its prevalence is rising as women defer or decide not to have children and as obesity rises, both key risk factors. Despite this, treatment options remain limited, particularly for advanced or refractory disease. New genomic analyses have revealed distinct mutational profiles with therapeutic and prognostic potential. Wnt signalling, which is pivotal in embryogenesis, healing and homeostasis, is of importance in the endometrium and has been linked to carcinogenesis. This review aims to update and discuss the current evidence for the role of β-catenin dependent and independent Wnt signalling, including the ROR receptors in the endometrium and its potential as a therapeutic target, in light of recent trials of Wnt-targeted therapy in multiple tumour types.
Karakter Tokoh dalam Cerpen Langit tak Lagi Biru dan Masa Depan Kesunyian Karya Radhar Panca Dahana Imam Safi’i
Authors: Syafi'i Imam
Published: August 2018

Abstract This study aims to identify and describe the character of characters contained in the short story Future of Silence and No Longer Sky Blue by Radhar Panca Dahana. This research is qualitative approach by applying psychoanalytic study. Various character behaviors are identified in terms of id, ego, and super ego. The results showed that psychologically the character of the characters in the short story is an idealistic figure. The character is described as a character always defeated and dikalhkan in life. Mesikipun overwritten with various persolan that heavily he remains firm to face it. The results of this study can be used as a medium of appreciation of work among students and students.---Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi serta mendeskripsikan mengenai karakter tokoh yang terdapat dalam cerpen Masa Depan Kesunyian dan Langit tak Lagi Biru karya Radhar Panca Dahana. Penelitian ini berpendekatan kualitatif dengan menerapkan kajian psikoanalitik. Bergai perilaku tokoh diidentifikasi dari segi id, ego, dan super ego. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, bahwa secara psikologi karakter tokoh dalam cerpen tersebut adalah sosok yang yang idealis. Sang tokoh digambarkan sebagai tokoh selalu kalah dan dikalahkan dalam kehidupan. Mesikipun ditimpa dengan berbagai persolan yang bergitu berat ia tetap tegar menghadapinya.  Hasil penelitian ini dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai media apresiasi karya pada kalangan mahasiswa dan pelajar.DOI : 10.15408/bat.v24i1.7442
Lost Earnings and Nonmedical Expenses of Pediatric Hospitalizations
Authors: Chang Lenisa V. , Shah Anita N. , Hoefgen Erik R. , Auger Katherine A. , Weng Huibin , Simmons Jeffrey M. , Shah Samir S. , Beck Andrew F. ,   on behalf of the H2O Study Group
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Hospitalization-related nonmedical costs, including lost earnings and expenses such as transportation, meals, and child care, can lead to challenges in prioritizing postdischarge decisions. In this study, we quantify such costs and evaluate their relationship with sociodemographic factors, including family-reported financial and social hardships.

METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected during the Hospital-to-Home Outcomes Study, a randomized trial designed to determine the effects of a nurse home visit after standard pediatric discharge. Parents completed an in-person survey during the child’s hospitalization. The survey included sociodemographic characteristics of the parent and child, measures of financial and social hardship, household income and also evaluated the family’s total nonmedical cost burden, which was defined as all lost earnings plus expenses. A daily cost burden (DCB) standardized it for a 24-hour period. The daily cost burden as a percentage of daily household income (DCBi) was also calculated.

RESULTS:

Median total cost burden for the 1372 households was $113, the median DCB was $51, and the median DCBi was 45%. DCB and DCBi varied across many sociodemographic characteristics. In particular, single-parent households (those with less work flexibility and more financial hardships experienced significantly higher DCB and DCBi. Those who reported ≥3 financial hardships lost or spent 6-times more of their daily income on nonmedical costs than those without hardships. Those with ≥1 social hardships lost or spent double their daily income compared with those without social hardships.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nonmedical costs place burdens on families of children who are hospitalized, disproportionately affecting those with competing socioeconomic challenges.
Down Syndrome and the Risk of Severe RSV Infection: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Beckhaus Andrea A. , Castro-Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: August 2018

CONTEXT:

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal condition in live-born infants worldwide, and lower respiratory infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospital admissions.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate RSV-associated morbidity among children with DS compared with a population without DS.

DATA SOURCES:

Four electronic databases were searched.

STUDY SELECTION:

All cohorts or case-control studies of DS with an assessment of RSV infection and the associated morbidity or mortality were included without language restriction.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Two reviewers independently reviewed all studies. The primary outcomes were hospital admission and mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, oxygen requirement, ICU admission, need for respiratory support, and additional medication use.

RESULTS:

Twelve studies (n = 1 149 171) from 10 different countries met the inclusion criteria; 10 studies were cohort studies, 1 study was retrospective, and 1 study had both designs. DS was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]: 8.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.33–10.30; I2 = 11%) and mortality (OR: 9.4; 95% CI: 2.26–39.15; I2 = 38%) compared with what was seen in controls. Children with DS had an increased length of hospital stay (mean difference: 4.73 days; 95% CI: 2.12–7.33; I2 = 0%), oxygen requirement (OR: 6.53; 95% CI: 2.22–19.19; I2 = 0%), ICU admission (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.17–5.59; I2 = 0%), need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.17–5.59; I2 = 0%), and additional medication use (OR: 2.65 [95% CI: 1.38–5.08; I2 = 0%] for systemic corticosteroids and OR: 5.82 [95% CI: 2.66–12.69; I2 = 0%] for antibiotics) than controls.

LIMITATIONS:

DS subgroups with and without other additional risk factors were not reported in all of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with DS had a significantly higher risk of severe RSV infection than children without DS.
Influence of four non-conventional additives on the physical, rheological and thermal properties of an asphalt
Authors: Delgado Jojoa Miguel Gerardo , Rondón Quintana Hugo Alexander , Sánchez Gilede Jessica Alexandra , Fernández Gómez Wilmar Darío , Reyes Lizcano Fredy Alberto
Published: August 2018

This article shows the evaluation of the influence of two polymer wastes (crumb rubber – GCR and low density polyethylene – LDPE), a natural bitumen (Gilsonite - G) and a chemical component (Husil) about the physical, rheological and thermal properties of an asphalt cement (AC 60/70 penetration grade). Over a control asphalt and the modified asphalts were performed: penetration, softening point, ductility, ignition point, rheology (using a dynamic cut rheometer – DSR), Multi Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR), linear amplitude sweep (LAS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests. The results show that fourth additives increase the stiffness and rutting resistance of the asphalts. Additionally, it reports an increase in fatigue cracking resistance when asphalt cement is modified with GCR, G and Husil. The additives give thermal stability to the asphalt cement, providing less mass loss (linked mostly to a less oxidation).
Versão portuguesa da escala de satisfação dos pacientes com os cuidados do médico de família – SatMF17: validação psicométrica
Authors: João Ana Rita , Monteiro Maria João F. S. P. , Pereira Maria da Conceição A. R. S. , Rodrigues Vitor Manuel C. P.
Published: August 2018

AIMS: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the satisfaction scale of patients with the care of the family physician (SatMF17).METHODS: Methodological study, in which users enrolled in Family Health Units and Personalized Health Care Units of the Marão and Douro Norte Health Centers. The criteria for inclusion of the users were: to be a patient enrolled in one of the two referenced units, to be over 18 and under 65 years old, to be able to read and write and to have had, at least, one visit in the last year in one of the two units. The SatMF17 scale consists of 17 items, answered by a Likert scale ranging from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent), in which the sum ranges from 17 to 85. The data collection was carried out in the period between January and June 2016. The patient who met the inclusion criteria upon arrival at the health unit was invited to participate in the study by the administrative assistant. After a presentation and explanation of the objectives of the study, and signing of the consent term, the questionnaire was offered to the patient, who at the end of self-completion inserted it into an envelope. For statistical analysis, the statistical resources were Cronbach's alpha coefficient, exploratory factorial analysis, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin criteria, Bartlett's sphericity test and Pearson's correlation coefficient.RESULTS: The sample included had 284 patients, of whom 159 (56,0%) were female. The mean age was 41,2 years, ranging from 18 years to 65 years. The exploratory factorial analysis in main components and varimax rotation revealed a factorial solution of two factors with eigenvalues greater than 1, which together explain 72,48% of the total variance of patient satisfaction with the care of the family doctor.CONCLUSIONS: The SatMF17 Scale is reliable and valid and can be used in populations with similar characteristics, constituting an instrument of practical utility to evaluate the satisfaction of patients with the care of the family doctor.
Belt and Road Initiative: Analysis of Possible Effects on Nigeria’s Economy
Authors: O Ige Ayokunle , A.O Akingbesote
Published: August 2018

The Belt and Road initiative is an important attempt by China to sustain its economic growth, by exploring new forms of international economic cooperation with new partners. Even though the B&R project is not the first attempt at international cooperation, it is considered as the best as it is open in nature and does not exclude interested countries. This review raised and answered three questions of how the B&R project will affect Nigeria’s economy?  How will it affect the relationship between Nigeria and China? What could go wrong?, The review concluded that Nigeria can only benefit positively from the project.
The Link between Organizational Culture and Turnover Intention among Employees in Ghana
Authors: Bosomtwe Theresa Esi , Obeng Bertha
Published: August 2018

In this age of globalization, organizations want to grow and develop in accordance with the demands of the changing environment.  As a result, organizations are defining values, mission and vision that create the sense of who they are and what they stand for, as well as developing a workforce who are committed with no intention of leaving the organisation. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between organizational culture and turnover intentions in Ghana. The study was quantitative in nature and a cross-sectional survey design was used to obtain data from respondents. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Simple regression was used as the main statistical tool for data analyze. The findings of the study indicated an inversely related association between organizational culture and turnover intention. The study recommends that management must develop beliefs, norms and values that all employees can identify with and appreciate at the workplace to retain the human resource.
The Influence of Leadership and Organizational Climate of Employee Performance through Motivation as a Mediation Variable
Authors: Sayoga Diputra Dewa Gede Anggada
Published: August 2018

This study aims to examine and analyze the influence of leadership and organizational climate on employee performance through motivation as a mediation variable. This research was conducted at PT Bank Pembangunan Daerah Bali Branch Office Negara with population and sample of research all employees working at PT Bank Pembangunan Daerah Bali Branch Office Negara, which is 61 people. All data obtained from the questionnair distribution is feasible to be used, then analyzed using a variance-based structural equation model known as Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis.The results showed that (1) leadership had positive and significant effect on motivation, (2) organizational climate had positive and significant effect on motivation, (3) leadership had positive and significant effect to employee performance, (4) organizational climate had positive and significant effect on performance employees, (5) motivation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance.The implication of this research is that leadership can be improved by paying attention to information sharing so that employees' performance is increasing, organization climate can be improved by paying attention to commitment among employees to increase employee Performance. Motivation can be improved by taking into account the need for groups to improve employee performance last employee performance can be improved by taking into account the quantity of work.
Analysis of Clinical Results of Three Different Routes of Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy for Lumbar Herniated Disk
Authors: Yudoyono Farid , Dalan Rully Hanafi
Published: August 2018

Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (PETLD) can be performed by using foraminal, intervertebral, and suprapedicular routes. The aim of this study was to assess clinical results of three different routes of PETLD.Methods: One hundred and eleven patients who underwent PETLD between January 2016 and October 2016 were included in this study. PETLD was performed using the foraminal (group A), intervertebral (group B), and suprapedicular (group C) routes in 32, 46, and 33 patients, respectively. Outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and MacNab criteria.Results: Seventy-one men and 40 were women (mean age 53.33 ± 14.12 years). The mean follow-up period was 6.44 ± 3.26 months. The preoperative VAS score decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in all 3 groups, but the postoperative VAS score was higher for the foraminal route than the intervertebral (P<0.001) and suprapedicular routes (P< 0.001). Excellent outcome grade according to MacNab criteria was less in foraminal route (18.7%) than in intervertebral (52.2%) and suprapedicular (56.7%) routes. ODI improved significantly (P< 0.01) in all 3 groups.Conclusion: All 3 routes of PETLD resulted in good to excellent clinical results. Nevertheless, the postoperative VAS score was higher for the foraminal route than the intervertebral and suprapedicular routes, probably because of the neurologic characteristics of the disk location. The surgeon should consider this problem to alleviate pain postoperatively and to better counsel the patient before surgery.
Cervical Spine Trauma Management
Authors: Dahlan Rully Hanafi , Ompusunggu Sevline Estethia , Yudoyono Farid
Published: August 2018

The incidence of spine injury following accidents are still very high in developing countries. Many problems occur after the accident including primary intervention on the scene, transportation to the public primary hospital, the referral system, and finally, the management at the central hospital.Cervical spinal cord injuries represent 20-33% of total spinal injuries with the prevalence of the subaxial levels. In patients with a preoperative neurological deficit due to spine trauma, in case of spinal cord compression or instability, surgery is often the treatment of choice to grant a chance of neurological recovery, early mobilization, and faster return to usual daily activities compared to the conservative treatment. In the past, many authors suggested a delayed surgical treatment to reduce postoperative complications rate, but recent studies have shown that an early decompression (<72 h) may facilitate a postoperative neurological improvement probably due to the prevention of the secondary mechanisms of damage in acute SCI.In the context of the advanced management of spinal injuries, the main points of the focused assessment, the important waypoints of a full classification of the skeletal and spinal cord injury, the principles of early prioritization and decision making, the outline of the surgical strategy including indications, timing, approaches, technique and post-operative care, and the outline principles of rehabilitation. The authors in this paper try to summarize and create a guideline of management, based on experience in a regional centre.
Transforming Special Education Teacher Education: A Reaction to the Report Transforming Teacher Education through Clinical Practice: A National Strategy to Prepare Effective Teachers
Authors: Newton Jennifer R. , Kennedy Michael J. , Walther-Thomas Christine , Cornett Jake
Published: August 2018

Policy makers, university teacher education faculty, school leaders, and government officials are asking the same question: How do we recruit, prepare, and retain effective teachers who will produce desired student outcomes in every classroom? This complex question garners distinct opinions depending on the queried stakeholder, but most agree that significant improvement is needed in the processes of teacher preparation and induction (Darling-Hammond, 2010; Greer & Meyen, 2009; Sykes, Bird, & Kennedy, 2010; Wang, Odell, Klecka, Spalding, & Lin, 2010). An argument can be made that the need for improvement is most urgent within the field of special education teacher preparation (Brownell, Sindelar, Kiely, & Danielson, 2010; Piper, 2007; Pugach, Blanton, & Correa, 2011; Simonsen et al., 2010; Sindelar, Brownell, & Billingsley, 2010) . To illustrate, recent achievement data for students with disabilities provides striking evidence of the critical need for improvement in areas of literacy, graduation rates, and other postsecondary outcomes (e.g. National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2009; Wagner, Newman, Cameto, Levine, & Garza, 2006). There is substantial variability in the numerous factors that contribute to the struggles of students with exceptionalities on measures of academic and social success (see Skiba, Poloni-Staudinger, Simmons, Feggins-Azziz, & Chung, 2005; Wagner et al., 2006). Many complex factors influence a teacher's impact on student achievement, which leads to the need for us to continue to examine and reform our current models of teacher preparation. Thus, teacher educators and practitioners must continue to investigate and evaluate the effects of new and existing policies, programmatic structures, and individual practices on outcomes of interest and disseminate those findings. Although calls to reform teacher education and P-12 instruction for children with exceptionalities are not new (Vaughn & Fuchs, 2003), it is clear that new thinking is needed to overcome traditional barriers to academic and social success for individuals with exceptionalities. However, despite the critical need for improvement, teacher preparation models within special and general education largely remain fixed to traditional methods that reflect the status quo as opposed to evidence-based practice (Boyd, Grossman, Lankford, Loeb, & Wycoff, 2009; Brownell, Griffin, Leko, & Stephens, 2011; Sykes et al., 2010).
Bodo saltans culture protocol v1
Authors: Gomaa Fatma , Li ZhuHong , Docampo Roberto , Girguis Peter , Edgcomb Virginia
Published: August 2018

Medium recipe: ATCC medium: 802 Sonneborn's Paramecium medium Solution 1 Rye grass Cerophyll: Cerophyll*...................2.5 g Distilled water..............1.0 L Add cerophyll to distilled water and boil for 5 minutes. Add 100 ml distilled water to compensate for evaporation. Filter through Whatman #1 filter paper and add 0.5 g Na2HPO4. Autoclave for 15 minutes at 121C. saltans food (K. pneumoniae, or E. coli). I used only the K. pneumoniae so far Agar Medium for Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC-BAA-1705: Agar........................20.0 g Yeast extract................4.0 g Glucose......................0.16 g Distilled water............800.0 ml Dispense in 5 ml amounts. Autoclave for 25 minutes at 121C. Slant. Bacterium, grown on solution 2, is added to solution 1 (Just add very little, few colonies) and incubated at 30C for 24 hours prior to inoculation with Bodo saltans. Cerophyl powder that works best for the saltans is the powder from Pines. CultureMaintenance: Preparethe bacterizedBodo saltans medium as described above. InoculateaT25tissuecultureflask(50ml) containing20 to 25 ml of fresh medium with 1 to 2 ml from Bodo culture thatisatornearpeakdensity Incubatehorizontally at18 to 22°C(room temperature can work fine) withcapscrewedonnot very tightly. 4. Subcultureevery7 to 10days. I usually subculture 3 to 4 flasks every week Cryopreservation: HarvestandPreservation: Harvestcellsfromaculturethatisatpeakdensitybycentrifugationat800xgfor5min. 2. Adjusttheconcentrationofcellsto2x106to107 /mLinfreshmedium (Important step, even for transfection). Preparea20%(v/v)solutionofsterileDMSOinfresh Bodomedium. Add2.0mLofDMSOtoanicecoldtube PlacethetubeoniceandallowtheDMSOtosolidify(~5min)andthenadd8.0mLoficecold medium. InvertseveraltimestodissolvetheDMSO. Allowtowarmtoroomtemperature MixthecellpreparationandtheDMSOinequalportions.Thus,thefinalconcentrationwillbe106 to107and10%(v/v)DMSO.ThetimefromthemixingofthecellpreparationandDMSOstocksolution before thefreezingprocessisbegunshouldbenolessthan15minandnolongerthan30min. Dispensein0.5mLaliquotsinto1.0mLto2.0mLsterileplasticscrewcappedcryules(specialplastic vialsforcryopreservation). Placethevialsinacontrolledratefreezingunit.Fromroomtemperaturecoolat1°C/minto -40°C.If thefreezingunitcancompensatefortheheatoffusion,maintainrateat 1°C/minthroughtheheatoffusion.At- 40°Cplungeintoliquidnitrogen.Alternatively,placethevialsinNalgene1°Cfreezing apparatus.Placetheapparatusat- 80°Cfor1.5to2hoursandthenplungeampulesintoliquid nitrogen.(Thecoolingrateinthisapparatusisapproximately1°C/min.) Toestablishaculturefromthefrozenstateplaceanampuleinawaterbathsetat+35°C.Immersethe ampuletoaleveljustabovethesurfaceofthefrozenmaterial.Donotagitatetheampule. Immediatelyafterthawing,donotleaveinthewaterbath,asepticallyremovethecontentsofthe ampuleandinoculateaT25tissuecultureflaskcontaining10mLofBodomediumbacterized withKlebsiellapneumoniaesubsp.pneumoniae(ATCC®700831). Incubatehorizontallywiththecapscrewedontightlyat22°C