bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Contributing Factors Related to Driver Errors on Highway Segments
Authors: Shaon Mohammad Razaur Rahman , Qin Xiao , Chen Zhi , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2018

A significant portion of crashes occurred on highway segments, with more than 90% of crashes associated with driving errors. To avoid a crash, a driver needs to detect a hazard, decide the safest driving maneuvers, and execute them properly. Driver errors at any of these sequential phases may lead to a crash; therefore, it is necessary to identify the contributing factors and assess their influence on driver behavior. To assist this investigation, a multinomial probit model was employed to study driver errors reported in crashes in rural and urban areas. The modeling results identified many highway geometric features, traffic conditions, roadway events, and driver characteristics as statistically correlated to different types of driver error. Following the extensive list, the impacts of error-contributing factors were discussed within each error category. This exercise helps to gain a better understanding of similar or varying effects of explanatory variables across different error categories. The broad and insightful information will help researchers and safety professionals to better understand when, where, and how the driver error may lead to a crash and to develop cost-effective preventive countermeasures.
Predicting the effect of cooling rate on the mechanical properties of glass fiber–polypropylene composites using artificial neural networks
Authors: Kabbani Mohammed S , El Kadi Hany A
Published: August 2018

Properties of thermoplastic-based composites are affected by their processing conditions, and understanding their behavior under these different conditions is of most importance. The current study aims to predict the static tensile behavior of unidirectional glass fiber–polypropylene composite materials processed under different cooling rates using artificial neural networks (ANNs). Stress–strain relations for the material processed under various cooling rates were predicted using ANN. For all the cases investigated, the modulus of elasticity was predicted with a minimum accuracy of 97%, while the ultimate strain was predicted, in most cases, with a minimum accuracy of 90%. These predictions indicate that ANN can be successfully used to predict the mechanical properties of unidirectional composites manufactured under different cooling rates. This method allows users to predict the behavior of the material under cooling rate conditions for which no experimental data are available.
Precariousness Profile and Career Adaptability as Determinants of Job Insecurity: A Three-Wave Study
Authors: Urbanaviciute Ieva , Udayar Shagini , Maggiori Christian , Rossier Jérôme
Published: August 2018

The present study compares the mean levels and growth in job insecurity across employees’ precariousness profiles as defined by a combination of perceived employability and financial difficulties. Drawing on the labor market precariousness and workplace stress literature, we hypothesized that employees with the most precarious profile would report elevated levels of job insecurity followed by a growth trend. Moreover, career adaptability was expected to act as a resource for counteracting job insecurity. The study was based on three waves of a longitudinal “Professional Paths” survey (National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES) conducted in Switzerland. The data of 799 professionally active adults were analyzed using latent growth modeling. In line with our hypothesis, the findings showed the highest levels of job insecurity and the most pronounced growth trend among employees with the precarious profile. Interestingly, different career adaptability facets played differing roles in predicting job insecurity, potentially revealing some of its under-researched aspects.
Need for Closure and individual tendency for design fixation and functional fixedness
Authors: Ho J , Shu LH
Published: August 2018

Past work explored the use of Kruglanski’s Need for Closure scale to separately predict individual tendency for design fixation and functional fixedness. The Need for Closure scale is a social-psychological individual difference variable that has five subscales: (1) order, (2) predictability, (3) decisiveness, (4) ambiguity, and (5) closed-mindedness. In a past study on design fixation, participants were asked to develop concepts for which an example solution was provided, and correlations were found between participants’ score on the Need for Closure scale and the degree of fixation in their concepts. In a separate study on functional fixedness, participants were asked to identify alternative uses for everyday objects, and correlations were found between measures of functional fixedness and components of Need for Closure. The current work explored whether individual tendency for design fixation and functional fixedness could be related, combining similar methods used in past work. While no significant relationship was found between measures for design fixation and functional fixedness, significant results are related to, and further elucidate past work.
Parametric design of patient-specific fixation plates for distal femur fractures
Authors: Chen Xiaozhong
Published: August 2018

To facilitate the creation, modification, and optimization of patient-specific plates for distal femur fractures, a novel approach was proposed for the rapid and convenient design of patient-specific plates for patients’ fractured femurs using feature parameterization. First, several femur parameter values were obtained for a specific patient and used to construct a restored surface model of the fractured femur. Next, combined with the particular femur anatomy and the fracture, a parameterized plate with a suitable shape was created automatically based on the parameter maps between the femur and plate. Finally, using finite-element analysis, the Von Mises stresses of the plate under human gait loads were calculated to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the plate, and the plate was optimized for specific patients by recursively adjusting the parameter values. Case results indicate that patient-specific plate models can be created rapidly based on the fractured femur modes of patients and can be optimized efficiently with high-level semantic parameters. Therefore, the proposed approach may be used as a basic tool for the design and modification of patient-specific plates for use in orthopedic operations.
Rani Gaidinliu: The Iconic Woman of Northeast India
Authors: Niumai Ajailiu
Published: August 2018

This article attempts to analyse why Rani Gaidinliu, who was a freedom fighter and social and religious reformer, was keen to preserve the identity and culture of her cognate tribe1—the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmai/Kabui and Npui. Does Heraka—a socio-religious movement started by Haipou Jadonang and later developed by the Rani—become a tool of ‘cultural revivalism’ and act as a means to unite cognate tribes? Why do we juxtapose Heraka with the Hindutva ideologues such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that position Rani Gaidinliu in a new spirit of nationalism and identity as the lone woman spiritual and political protagonist of Northeast India? She used Heraka with politics to fulfil her goals in fighting the British. Using the interview method, I spoke to selected respondents, particularly elders and community leaders, about Rani Gaidinliu. Her story illustrates a rationality that could encourage marginalised and invisible women to become sociopolitical and spiritual leaders, questioning patriarchy and bringing about empowerment and social inclusion.
Pakistan’s First Successful Launch of a Real Estate Investment Trust-Dolmen City (REIT)—(Shariah Compliant Rental REIT Scheme)
Authors: Seyyed Fazal Jawad , Khan Salman , Mir Yasir , Amir Zeeshan
Published: August 2018

It was the start of November 2015. Muhammad Ejaz, the CEO of Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited (AHDRML), was preparing for a presentation to the Board of AHDRML for the following week. The presentation was to recount the story of Dolmen City REIT (DCR), launched a few months back in June 2015, highlighting the regulatory and legal challenges faced during the process and many lingering issues still confronting this nascent sector. Ejaz realized that the group, as a leading player in the sector, had a crucial role to play in lobbying for further changes in the regulation to pave the way for future launches. More importantly, Ejaz wanted a nod from the Board for launch of a different REIT structure in 2016 to capitalize on the immense opportunity in the real estate sector of Pakistan.
From Villain to Hero: Masculinity and Political Aesthetics in the Films of Bangladeshi Action Star Joshim
Authors: Awwal Arpana
Published: August 2018

In this article, I trace the growth of the action film genre in Bangladesh in the 1970s and 1980s, at a time when new technologies such as video cassette recorder (VCR) were emerging in the market and national politics was wrestling with the competing notions of masculinity, leadership and heroism. I look at the emergence of the Bangladeshi action star Joshim within the context of South Asian trans-regional cinema and its changing tropes of masculinity. I argue that anxiety over new technologies, changes within Bangladesh’s political regime and its leadership, including state censorship, and shifts in the representation of heroic masculinity within national imagery—from a socialist model associated with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the modern, energetic and globally inflected masculinity of Ziaur Rahman—were intertwined. These changes, I contend, are reflected in the transition in Joshim’s roles from the primarily villainous characters of his early films to an action hero from the 1980s onwards. The article examines Joshim’s role in the film Muhammad Ali (Motaleb Hossain, 1986b), as an example of a glocalised action film. Its sources include articles and letters printed in Purbani and Chitrali, the most widely read Bangladeshi film magazines of the 1970s and 1980s.
Book Review: Swarnavel Eswaran Pillai, Madras Studios: Narrative, Genre, and Ideology in Tamil Cinema
Authors: Ingle Hrishikesh
Published: August 2018

Swarnavel Eswaran Pillai, Madras Studios: Narrative, Genre, and Ideology in Tamil Cinema. New Delhi: SAGE, 2015, 332 pp., ₹852.00, ISBN 9789351501213.
Clinical Safety Outcomes in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation on Rivaroxaban and Diltiazem
Authors: Bartlett Jenna W. , Renner Elizabeth , Mouland Erin , Barnes Geoffrey D. , Kuo Liane , Ha Nghi B.
Published: August 2018

Background: It is unknown whether diltiazem, a moderate cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP3A4) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor, increases the incidence of bleeding events in combination with rivaroxaban, a CYP3A4 and P-gp substrate. Objective: To assess major and clinically relevant nonmajor (CRNM) bleeding outcomes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) on rivaroxaban with concomitant diltiazem in a real-world setting. Methods: This retrospective case-cohort study included adult patients with NVAF prescribed both rivaroxaban and diltiazem for at least 30 days. Patients were matched 1:1 by age and baseline creatinine clearance (CrCl) to control patients taking rivaroxaban alone. The primary outcome was the composite of major and CRNM bleeding. Additional outcomes included bleeding events resulting in discontinuation of rivaroxaban, time to first bleeding event, and type of first bleed. Results: A total of 143 cases and 143 controls were included. The mean age was 69 years and median baseline CrCl was 87 mL/min. Median follow-up time was 12.4 months for cases and 16.5 months for controls. There was no significant difference in proportion of patients experiencing a major and/or CRNM bleeding event between cases and controls: 23.1% versus 28.0%, respectively; 9 cases and 8 controls permanently discontinued rivaroxaban because of bleeding. Gastrointestinal/rectal bleeding and hematuria were the most frequently reported bleeding events in both groups. Conclusion and Relevance: This is the first study to assess major and CRNM bleeding outcomes in patients with NVAF on rivaroxaban and diltiazem. Diltiazem use was not associated with an increased rate of bleeding events.
Genetic Polymorphism of VKORC1-1639 in Children With Intracranial Hemorrhage Due to Vitamin K Deficiency
Authors: Berber Uğur , Özdemir Mehmet Akif , Unal Ekrem , Taheri Serpil , Yildiz Serkan , Bayramov Keziban Korkmaz , Güler Yunus , Per Hüseyin
Published: August 2018

Intracranial hemorrhage due to vitamin K deficiency is a serious disease that can lead to morbidity, mortality, and mental retardation. Our goal in this study is to determine the frequency of VKORC1-1639 G>A polymorphism in patients who have undergone intracranial hemorrhage due to vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). To study VKORC1-1639 G>A polymorphism, blood was drawn from patients (n = 51, age 8:0 ± 6:5 years) followed at the Pediatric Neurology and Hematology section, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, between 1990 and 2016, diagnosed with VKDB as idiopathic or from patients diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage due to secondary vitamin K deficiency and also from volunteers (n = 51, age 11 ± 4.5 years). Intensive care and nutrition needs of patients and the laboratory radiological imaging results and treatments that were applied were analyzed through scanning the files of the patients and information received from families. Through detailed physical examination, patients with neurologic sequelae and ongoing epilepsy were determined. The results were compared to clinical and laboratory results with control group. Eight (15.7%) of the patients were normal, 29 (56.9%) heterozygous carrier, and 14 (27.5%) homozygous mutants. In the control group, 19 (37.3%) were normal, 19 (37.3%) heterozygous carriers, and 13 (25.5%) homozygous mutants. The VKOR1-1639>A (SNP:rs9923231) mutant positivity (homozygous plus heterozygous mutant) was significantly higher in the patient group when compared to controls. There were no significant differences between patient and control groups in terms of the prognosis.
Bleeding risk and complications associated with percutaneous ultrasound-guided liver biopsy in cats
Authors: Pavlick Michelle , Webster Cynthia RL , Penninck Dominique G
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Liver biopsy is necessary for a diagnosis of liver disease; however, post-biopsy bleeding is a concern. The aim of this study was to describe the extent of bleeding and the occurrence of complications after percutaneous ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (PUGLB) in cats.

Methods

The medical records of 30 cats that had a PUGLB were retrospectively reviewed. Using human guidelines, bleeding was classified as minor or major when the absolute change in packed cell volume (ΔPCV) was <0 and >−6% or ≤-6%, respectively. Complications were defined as physiologic compromise necessitating an intervention, or death. The relationship between ΔPCV and the occurrence of complications and the signalment, initial PCV, coagulation parameters, serum liver enzymes and bilirubin, number of biopsies, histological diagnosis, ultrasound findings, radiologist experience, concurrent procedures and vitamin K administration were assessed using Fisher’s exact test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with a P value <0.05 considered significant.

Results

All cats had a decrease in PCV after biopsy. The mean ΔPCV was −6.9% ± 4.1%. Minor and major bleeding occurred in 13/30 (43.3%) and 17/30 (56.7%) cats, respectively, and non-lethal bleeding complications occurred in 5/30 (16.7%). Cats with complications had a lower pre-biopsy PCV ( P <0.003). Major bleeding was more likely with a diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis ( P = 0.03). There was no correlation between ΔPCV or complications and signalment, coagulation parameters, serum parameters, number of biopsies, ultrasound findings, radiologist experience, concurrent procedures and vitamin K administration.

Conclusions and relevance

PUGLB is a relatively safe procedure in cats, although many cats have a subclinical decrease in PCV. As conventional coagulation tests did not predict complications or the magnitude of ΔPCV, there is a need for more sensitive indicators of bleeding risk in cats undergoing PUGLB.
Choroidal neovascularization due to choroidal osteoma treated with anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy: An optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Furino Claudio , Di Antonio Luca , Grassi Maria Oliva , Rispoli Marco , Reibaldi Michele , Niro Alfredo , Alessio Giovanni
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the response to anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal osteoma using optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods:

This retrospective study included four eyes of four females with choroidal osteoma complicated by choroidal neovascularization, treated with ranibizumab. All patients underwent full ophthalmologic examination, including ocular ultrasound, retinography, fluorescein angiography, spectral-domain or swept-source optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. These images were analyzed to measure choroidal osteoma and to study choroidal neovascularization changes after intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor.

Results:

In all cases, fluorescein angiography revealed the presence the choroidal neovascularization, as an early hyperfluorescence area increasing during the exam. Optical coherence tomography showed both the choroidal osteoma and choroidal neovascularization and intra- or subretinal fluid as activity sign. In optical coherence tomography angiography, choroidal osteoma vessels were valuable in outer retina and choroidal slabs, and were irregular and did not change after ranibizumab injection; neovascular network correlating with choroidal neovascularization showed a hyperflow tangled vessels in outer retina, decreasing in density after anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Conclusion:

Optical coherence tomography angiography seems to be a useful tool in visualizing and distinguishing vascular networks of choroidal osteoma and of choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal osteoma better than fluorescein angiography.
An Integrative Approach to Neuroinflammation in Psychiatric disorders and Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Lurie Diana I
Published: August 2018

Neuroinflammation is a complex process involving both the peripheral circulation and the Central Nervous System (CNS) and is considered to underlie many CNS disorders including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and pain. Stressors including early-life adversity, psychosocial stress, and infection appear to prime microglia toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Subsequent inflammatory challenges then drive an exaggerated neuroinflammatory response involving the upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators that is associated with CNS dysfunction. Several pharmacologic inhibitors of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β show good clinical efficacy in terms of ameliorating neuroinflammatory processes. Mind/body and plant-based interventions such as yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and herbs/spices have also been demonstrated to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and have a positive impact on depression, anxiety, cognition, and pain. As the intricate connections between the immune system and the nervous system continue to be elucidated, successful therapies for reducing neuroinflammation will likely involve an integrated approach combining drug therapy with nonpharmacologic interventions.
Hybrid Space: An Emerging Opportunity That Alternative Reality Technologies Offer to the Museums
Authors: Baradaran Rahimi Farzan , Levy Richard M. , Boyd Jeffrey E.
Published: August 2018

In addition to the actual space and virtual space, there seems to be a third type that can be called hybrid space. Hybrid space borrows the power of information to empower the physical space around us using technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and augmented virtuality. Hybrid space has been explored and conceptualized in the literature, but it has yet to reach its potential as an effective medium in museums. However, it seems to have quite a few advantages to be employed in the museums to attract more people, motivate a higher participation, and change the existing paradigms by reinventing museums. This article applies a qualitative content analysis to a sample of publications to conceptualize hybrid space and position it in a suggested continuum of space. Moreover, the role of technology and considerations about the museum content in a hybrid space are explored. The aim of this theoretically and technologically oriented article is to promote the professional use of the hybrid space in museums.
Structural nonlinearity and mass identification with a nonparametric model using limited acceleration measurements
Authors: Xu Bin , Deng Bai-Chuan , Li Jing , He Jia
Published: August 2018

Structural nonlinearity identification is critical for post-event damage detection or condition evaluation of engineering structures after strong dynamic excitation such as earthquake where structural nonlinear behaviour should be considered. Structural nonlinear restoring force provides direct indicator describing structural damage initiation and development procedure. Considering the availability of structural dynamic response measurement and the difficulty in defining a parametric model for structural nonlinearity and in estimating structure mass accurately in practice, in this article, a time-domain structural nonlinear restoring force and mass identification approach for multi-degree-of-freedom structures under incomplete excitation using limited acceleration measurements but without using any parametric models of structural nonlinear restoring force is proposed. At first, a memory fading extended Kalman filter with a weighted globl iteration (MF-EKF-WGI) is used to identify the location of nonlinearities and then a Chebyshev polynomial nonparametric model is introduced to model the nonlinear restoring force. The unscented Kalman filter is used to identify the structural responses and the parameters of the Chebyshev polynomial to describe structural nonlinearity. Numerical and experimental studies with a four-storey frame model structure equipped with a magnetorheological damper, which is employed to mimic structural nonlinear behaviour, under impact excitations are carried out to validate the performance of the proposed approach using acceleration measurements at certain degrees of freedom. Numerical and experimental results show that the proposed approach is capable of identifying both structural nonlinear restoring force and mass with acceptable accuracy even with a very rough initial mass estimation. The proposed time-domain identification approach can be used to detect structural damage initiation and development process and to evaluate energy consumption quantitatively of engineering structures under dynamic loadings.
A scoping review of research to assess the frequency, types, and reasons for end-of-life care setting transitions
Authors: Wilson Donna M. , Birch Stephen
Published: August 2018

Aims: Most people approaching the end of life develop care needs, which typically change over time. Moves between care settings may be required as health deteriorates. However, in some cases, care setting transitions may have little to do with end-of-life care needs and instead reflect the needs, demands, availability, or funding provisions of the country or funding body and organizations providing care. This paper is a scoping review of the international peer-reviewed research literature to gain evidence on the frequency and types of end-of-life care setting transitions, and the reasons for these moves. Methods: All relevant print and open access research articles published in 2000+ were sought using the Directory of Open Access Journals and EBSCO Discovery Host. Results: A total of 39 research articles were identified and reviewed. However, minimal useful evidence was revealed. Most articles focused solely on hospital admissions near death, and some focused on nursing home admissions, with other moves infrequently studied. Conclusions: This review demonstrates the need to quantify and justify end-of-life care setting transitions as it appears dying people are frequently moved, often as death nears. This research is needed to distinguish transitions related to end-of-life care needs and those arising from pressures on or from care providers and others unrelated to the person’s care needs.
Deposition of naphthalene particle in horizontal straight pipe of manufactured gas pipeline
Authors: Li Qian , Wu Xiaonan , Yu Siying , Li Lianqing , Wang Xinxin
Published: August 2018

After long time operation of the manufactured gas pipeline, the naphthalene in the gas will jam the pipeline and threaten the safety of the pipeline seriously. To study the naphthalene particle deposition law in the manufactured gas pipeline, a horizontal straight pipe of Kunming manufactured gas pipeline is taken as an example; based on Reynolds stress model and discrete phase model, ANSYS Fluent software is used to carry out the numerical simulation in different pipe diameters, particle size, inlet velocity, temperature, and pressure conditions. The main conclusion can be obtained as follows (1) in the horizontal straight pipe section, particle diameter and temperature are positively correlated with the deposition rate and the deposition velocity of naphthalene particle and the inlet velocity and pressure are negatively correlated with them; (2) the naphthalene particle deposition rate is mainly affected by the particle size and the inlet velocity; (3) the larger the pipeline diameters, the greater the particle mass flow rate under the same particle inlet concentration, the lower the carrying capacity of the fluid to particles, the greater the naphthalene particle deposition rate; (4) the naphthalene particle deposition can be suppressed by increasing the gas transmission velocity and pressure and reducing the temperature, thus ensuring the safe operation of manufactured gas pipeline.
A Forgotten Spiritual Practice: Puritan Conference and Implications for the Church Today
Authors: Carhart Rebecca F.
Published: August 2018

In Christian books today readers can find dozens of spiritual practices. One resource of the Protestant tradition, however, that has largely been forgotten is the Puritan practice of conference. This article describes how for the English Puritans conference exemplified the importance of communal spiritual life, then considers applications for the contemporary church. Conference refers to intentional conversation among believers about spiritual matters. Conference particularly expresses the value of Christian community and the need for the body of Christ to function together on the journey of faith. Understanding this practice not only illuminates the past but also offers valuable insights for the church today.
Modelling multi-scale cell–tissue interaction of tissue-engineered muscle constructs
Authors: Torii Ryo , Velliou Rallia-Iliana , Hodgson David , Mudera Vivek
Published: August 2018

Expectation on engineered tissue substitute continues to grow, and for an effective development of a functional tissue and to control its quality, cellular mechanoresponse plays a key role. Although the mechanoresponse – in terms of cell–tissue interaction across scales – has been understood better in recent years, there are still technical limitations to quantitatively monitor the processes involved in the development of both native and engineered tissues. Computational (in silico) studies have been utilised to complement the experimental limitations and successfully applied to the prediction of tissue growth. We here review recent activities in the area of combined experimental and computational analyses of tissue growth, especially in the tissue engineering context, and highlight the advantages of such an approach for the future of the tissue engineering, using our own case study of predicting musculoskeletal tissue engineering construct development.
An intriguing cause of male infertility
Authors: Sureka Binit , Meena Virendra , Ganakumar Vijay Mallayya , Khera Pushpinder Singh
Published: August 2018

We would like to submit an interesting radiology image of a case of ejaculatory duct calculus leading to male infertility proven by MRI.

Level of evidence: Level 5
Speaking well: The benevolent public and rhetorical production of neoliberal political economy
Authors: Dingo Rebecca
Published: August 2018

This essay shows how race and gender are central to the rhetorical production of neoliberal political economy. It examines how the mainstream and feminist-appearing movement for girls’ empowerment is in service of the continued production of neoliberal political economy and in service of cultivating a benevolent public based on a sense of economic exceptionalism—a new form of the bourgeois public sphere that values neoliberalism and positive actions of charity and goodwill taken on another’s behalf. The production of neoliberal political economy and the formation of a benevolent neoliberal public sphere, particularly around girls’ empowerment, is animated by racialized and gendered girl-empowerment discourses which link particular young brown bodies to arguments about girls’ potential (economic and otherwise), educational aspirations, economic investment, and international security.
Unmasking the Practices of Nurses and Intercultural Health in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Useful Way to Improve Health Care?
Authors: Gyasi Razak M.
Published: August 2018

In 2001 and 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002-2005 and 2014-2023, respectively, to address policy, ethics, quality, and integration of complementary health therapies (CHT). Despite the adoption of these strategic frameworks, sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries largely run dualistic and inclusive health care system. A recent article published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice analyzed the role of practicing nurses in CHT integration and intercultural health in an SSA country setting. Drawing on the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Health Belief Questionnaire, the study specifically examined nurses’ knowledge, practices, and attitudes toward CHT. The study revealed that nurses had low knowledge about CHT, which reflected in their ineptitude to engage in professional practices of CHT. In spite of the knowledge deficit, nurses generally held favorable attitudes toward CHT and the majority supported the need for “safe” and evidence-based integrative model. Efforts to improve CHT-related knowledge of nurses may enhance medical integration in SSA. This commentary proposes novel political will and investment in CHT education and research as well as an inclusion of CHT modules in the nurses’ training programs; viabilities to achieve intercultural health and improved care in SSA.
Overexpression of amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1) gene promotes lung adenocarcinoma aggressiveness in vitro and in vivo by upregulating C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4
Authors: He Liru , Deng Haixia , Liu Shiliang , Chen Jiewei , Li Binkui , Wang Chenyuan , Wang Xin , Jiang Yiguo , Ma Ningfang , Liu Mengzhong , Xie Dan
Published: August 2018

Background

We previously found that overexpression of the gene known as amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1) was associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. However, the role of AIB1 in that malignancy remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the function of AIB1 in the process of lung adenocarcinoma cell metastasis.

Methods

A series of in vivo and in vitro assays were performed to elucidate the function of AIB1, while real‐time PCR and Western blotting were utilized to identify the potential downstream targets of AIB1 in the process of lung adenocarcinoma metastasis. Rescue experiments and in vitro assays were performed to investigate whether the invasiveness of AIB1‐induced lung adenocarcinoma was mediated by C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4).

Results

The ectopic overexpression of AIB1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells substantially enhanced cell migration and invasive abilities in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo, whereas the depletion of AIB1 expression substantially inhibited lung adenocarcinoma cell migration and invasion. CXCR4 was identified as a potential downstream target of AIB1 in lung adenocarcinoma. The knockdown of AIB1 greatly reduced CXCR4 gene expression at both the transcription and protein levels, whereas the knockdown of CXCR4 in cells with AIB1 ectopic overexpression diminished AIB1‐induced migration and invasion in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, we found a significant positive association between the expression of AIB1 and CXCR4 in lung adenocarcinoma patients (183 cases), and the co‐overexpression of AIB1 and CXCR4 predicted the poorest prognosis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that AIB1 promotes the aggressiveness of lung adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo by upregulating CXCR4 and that it might be usable as a novel prognostic marker and/or therapeutic target for this disease.
Analysis of RNA nearest neighbor parameters reveals interdependencies and quantifies the uncertainty in RNA secondary structure prediction
Authors: Zuber Jeffrey , Cabral B. Joseph , McFadyen Iain , Mauger David M. , Mathews David H.
Published: August 2018

RNA secondary structure prediction is often used to develop hypotheses about structure-function relationships for newly discovered RNA sequences, to identify unknown functional RNAs, and to design sequences. Secondary structure prediction methods typically use a thermodynamic model that estimates the free energy change of possible structures based on a set of nearest neighbor parameters. These parameters were derived from optical melting experiments of small model oligonucleotides. This work aims to better understand the precision of structure prediction. Here, the experimental errors in optical melting experiments were propagated to errors in the derived nearest neighbor parameter values and then to errors in RNA secondary structure prediction. To perform this analysis, the optical melting experimental values were systematically perturbed within the estimates of experimental error and alternative sets of nearest neighbor parameters were then derived from these error-bounded values. Secondary structure predictions using either the perturbed or reference parameter sets were then compared. This work demonstrated that the precision of RNA secondary structure prediction is more robust than suggested by previous work based on perturbation of the nearest neighbor parameters. This robustness is due to correlations between parameters. Additionally, this work identified weaknesses in the parameter derivation that makes accurate assessment of parameter uncertainty difficult. Considerations for experimental design are provided to mitigate these weaknesses are provided.
Cycles in the Russian Economy
Authors: Дунаев Б. , Dunaev B. , Варнавский Владимир , Varnavskii Vladimir , Кириленко Л. , Kirilenko L.
Published: August 2018

The article describes the author’s approach to the creation of a macroeconomic discrete dynamic model. We derive recurrence relations that connect the main macroeconomic indicators (GDP, capital, investment, employment, unemployment, the amount of money in circulation, inflation, and others). Equilibrium equations are obtained. Calculations for the Russian economy since the crisis of 2009 were carried out. It is shown that in the rising wave of Kondratieff in the Russian economy, there were significant reserves of real GDP growth in terms of industrial capital, a decrease in the material consumption and an increase in the number of people employed in production. Capital is undervalued by 2.5 times, so money in circulation is serviced to a large extent only by market turnover, not ensuring the full reproduction of capital. It is concluded that state accounting and a steady increase in capital can allow a significant mitigation of the negative phenomena of the downward wave of Kondratieff. Fluctuations in the growth of real GDP with the cycles of Juglar and Kitchin under the state regulation of consumer demand on the basis of the current market conditions and the conjuncture of risks and incentives are also possible without economic downturns.
Efficiency of Crowdinvestments in the Financial Market of Russia: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Тома Юрий , Toma Yuriy
Published: August 2018

The relevance of the research in the article is related to the fact that in the current conditions of the development of the Russian economy characterized by limited financial resources, a decrease in the investment activity of organizations, a high probability of crises, the search for alternative sources of financing for start-up projects (small businesses) is particularly acute. As a solution to the proposed problem, the use of crowdinvestments is suggested. Based on the SWOT analysis, the weak and strong sides of the process, its capabilities and threats are highlighted. A technique for calculating the efficiency of regional investment is proposed, based on the determination of the weighted average priority coefficient of investment projects. The results of the calculation can be used to form a portfolio of investment projects.
Linguodidactic Technology of Autonomous Foreign Language Teaching in Higher Education
Authors: Прибылова Н. , Pribylova N. , Тихонова Н. , Tihonova N.
Published: August 2018

The article describes the linguodidactic technology of autonomous foreign language learning in the system of higher education. The fundamental principle of autonomous learning of a foreign language is to develop skills of self-regulating activities, motivation for self-improvement and acquisition of new communication skills. Educational autonomy is an integral part of modern foreign language education as it contributes to the independent use of language and the development of motivation for the language self-mastery. The article analyzes the structure of linguodidactic technology in the unity of goal setting, content, and organization of the educational process, methods and forms of foreign language teaching, comprehensive evaluation of educational progress. The importance of using the latest information technologies, distant resources, educational platforms is emphasized. The technology is based on the principles of individualization and diversifi cation of education and increases its human potential.
The autistic spectrum
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: August 2018

It is a term that we hear regularly these days, but do we know what it really means, what range of behaviours it covers, and what we should look out for in the children in our care?
Supporting the family of a child with a genetic condition
Authors: Noakes Amy
Published: August 2018

The health visitor has a fundamental role in supporting families with a child who has a genetic condition to encourage physical and emotional wellbeing, says Amy Noakes.
Parents' experiences after a child has been diagnosed with food-induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Falcus Helen , Oliver Kim
Published: August 2018

Food allergies and food-induced anaphylaxis (FIA) in children is a major public health issue with little confirmed understanding of cause or cure. As FIA is growing in incidence and prevalence, and Australia has one of the highest incidences of FIA and food allergies in the world, there are concerns that the problem has become an epidemic. Substantial improvements in public awareness and education are needed to keep children safe and free from incidence.
Physical Properties of White and Black Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Senthilkumar Thiruppathi , Jian Fuji , Jayas Digvir S. , Narendran Ramasamy Boopathy
Published: August 2018

Abstract.

Physical properties including physical dimensions (length, width and thickness), 1000 kernel weight, bulk density, true density, angles of repose, and angles of friction against four structural surfaces of white beans (or navy beans) and black beans ( L.) were measured at 12.1 ±0.3%, 14.0 ±0.0%, 16.0 ±0.2%, and 18.0 ±0.4% moisture contents (wet basis). Physical dimensions of beans were measured using a Vernier caliper and a digital imaging system and the results were compared. Physical dimensions and 1000 kernel weight of beans increased with the increase in moisture content from 12% to 18%. Physical dimensions of both beans measured using the Vernier caliper and the digital imaging system were similar except the thickness of the black bean at 12%, 14%, and 18% moisture contents. Bulk densities and true densities of both beans linearly decreased with the increase in moisture content. Emptying angle of repose was larger than the filling angle of repose for both beans. The filling angles of repose of both beans at 14% moisture content was significantly higher than that at other moisture contents. The largest angle of friction was against the wood-floated concrete followed by the steel-troweled concrete, galvanized steel, and plywood surface for both beans. Angle of friction against galvanized steel and plywood for both beans increased with increase in moisture content, whereas, angle of friction against wood-floated concrete and steel-troweled concrete decreased with increase in moisture content. Keywords: White beans, Black beans, Physical dimensions, Digital imaging system.
Perfuração Indiscriminada de Poços em Iracema/CE: Um Estudo Sobre o Paradoxo da Atual Crise Hídrica
Authors: Dias Ana Carla Holanda , Santiago Marília Cavalcante , Vieira Bianca Alencar , Nogueira Lauro
Published: August 2018

Diante de toda a degradação ambiental, e escassez de água atual, os recursos hídricos subterrâneos surgem como uma nova esperança de sobrevivência. No entanto, a forma de exploração desse recurso não difere da maneira inescrupulosa ao qual as águas superficiais foram utilizadas: indiscriminadamente. Se faz importante discutir em que estado, em um futuro próximo, se encontrarão os recursos hídricos de uma forma geral, se a exploração continuar dessa forma. Este trabalho irá fornecer dados e informações que buscam elucidar o problema ao qual a sociedade, especialmente aquela residente no Nordeste do país, está aos poucos se inserindo, sem que haja o mínimo espanto com a situação. Explicar a ordem em que a crise se instaura, para a solução de escavação de poços, e apresentar os problemas da região. Tomando Iracema como amostra da região, a situação descrita lá, acontece em vários municípios nordestinos. Torna-se evidente o paradoxo entre a necessidade de aproveitamento da água existente no subsolo, e a consciência dos problemas decorrentes dessa exploração. A perfuração de poços artesianos surge como alternativa para o abastecimento de regiões onde a água disponível na superfície é escassa ou inexistente. Para isso, uma atenção especial deve ser destinada a utilização destas reservas, de maneira a preservar o patrimônio mais importante do sertão nordestino.
"Collage of Colors"
Authors: McDowell John
Published: August 2018

In this article, I examine an episode of fantasy play, and a related theatrical production, as arenas for the creative processing of a child’s experience. My five-year-old son, Michael, constructs a microcosm of our field site in Acapulco, Mexico, and animates a drama featuring dinosaurs in mortal conflict. My intention is to explore the ways a child makes sense of place through imaginative play, and, further, to address the role of artistic expression in the child’s growing mastery over his material and social environments.
From the Editor
Authors: Ellsworth Brant
Published: August 2018

From the Editor
Eco-aesthetic features of mineral deposits
Authors: Baranov P. , Slyvna O. , Matyushkina O.
Published: August 2018

The aim of work is a study of worked out fields, under development and explored deposits of minerals for the purpose eco-aesthetics.The basis of eco-aesthetics is the principle of utility (utility, expediency) and beauty (aesthetics).The criteria for assessing the eco-aesthetics of geological objects are economic, environmental and aesthetic characteristics. Developed deposits cause irreparable damage to the geological environment and the entire ecosystem. Extraction from the bowels of the earth of minerals violates the geochemical systems on many decades and centuries, and on occasion changes the landscape of locality. Developed deposits can be economically profitable, ecologically clean and esthetically attractive due to development to the aesthetic and historical aspects. An example is the Wieliczka mine in Poland, where business, ecology and aesthetics are harmoniously combined. A number of the largest worked out fields and developed fields in Ukraine are in extremely need of the development of this issue. Developed iron ore deposits are one of the important factors of industrial potential of Ukraine. Semiprecious stone material, jaspilite, is the aesthetic aspect of these fields. They have colossal reserves. Using their decorative properties, we have developed the laws of shaping for the design of natural stone, identified the main areas of application of jaspilites in decorative art. Implementation of the idea of creating a Jespilite room will allow Krivbas not only industrial, but also cultural and educational center. The achieved results will qualitatively improve the eco conditions for the local population, the development of stone carving art and will lead to business growth. The explored deposits of spodumene pegmatites in the Western sea of Azov in addition to lithium mineralization contain expansive fields of graphic microcline pegmatites, spodumene and albitic pegmatites. They contain samples of pink spodumene (kunzite), petalite from light green to pink, tourmaline (sherl). Thus, this deposits of spodumene pegmatites in Western Azov today require a comprehensive assessment of minerals, because in addition to ore mineralization there is also a gemstone-colored raw material.