bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of vitamin D status in children with refractory epilepsy
Authors: Karaoğlu Pakize , Polat Ayşe İpek , Ayanoğlu Müge , Yiş Uluç , Hız Semra
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in children using antiepileptic drugs. Multiple antiepileptic drugs may increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study is to evaluate the vitamin D status and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in children with refractory epilepsy. METHODS: Forty children with refractory epilepsy seen in our tertiary pediatric neurology outpatient clinic were included and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase were measured. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL, and insufficiency between 21 and 29 ng/mL. Correlation between vitamin D levels and type of epilepsy (generalized or localization related), etiology of epilepsy (symptomatic vs idiopathic), body mass index, seizure frequency, number of antiepileptic drugs, type of antiepileptic drugs (old or new; enzyme inducing or not), presence of intellectual disability, ambulatory status and gross motor function classification scores were evaluated. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 17 boys and 23 girls with a mean age of 6.65 ± 5.29 years. Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 25 (62.5%) and insufficiency in 6 (15%) of the patients. There was no correlation between vitamin D levels and type of epilepsy, etiology of epilepsy, body mass index, seizure frequency, number of antiepileptic drugs, type of antiepileptic drugs, presence of intellectual disability, ambulatory status and gross motor function classification scores. CONCLUSION: We found that vitamin D deficiency was high in this cohort of children with refractory epilepsy. Vitamin D level should be monitored in patients with refractory epilepsy irrespective of the potential risk factors.
Lung abcess in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undistinguishable from fungal infection: Case report
Authors: Çağan Eren , Soysal Ahmet , Koç Ahmet
Published: December 2020

Many opportunistic infections occur in febrile neutropenic patients after chemotherapy. When lung masses are found in febrile neutropenic patients the first things that come to mind are tumor metastasis and yeast infections. Lung abscess that presents with the appearance of a mass is a very rare situation. This paper presents a febrile neutropenic patient with an abscess caused by ESBL (-) E.coli with mass appearance similar to fungal ball and tumor metastasis. After antimicrobial treatment and 52 days after surgical intervention the patient was discharged. We wish to draw attention to the fact that in patients with lung mass lesions and febrile neutropenia, fungal balls, tumor metastasis and abscesses have a similar appearance in the early period.
Polysaccharide-based hydrogels with tunable composition as 3D cell culture systems
Authors: Gentilini Roberta , Munarin Fabiola , Bloise Nora , Secchi Eleonora , Visai Livia , Tanzi Maria Cristina , Petrini Paola
Published: December 2020

Background:

To date, cell cultures have been created either on 2-dimensional (2D) polystyrene surfaces or in 3-dimensional (3D) systems, which do not offer a controlled chemical composition, and which lack the soft environment encountered in vivo and the chemical stimuli that promote cell proliferation and allow complex cellular behavior. In this study, pectin-based hydrogels were developed and are proposed as versatile cell culture systems.

Methods:

Pectin-based hydrogels were produced by internally crosslinking pectin with calcium carbonate at different initial pH, aiming to control crosslinking kinetics and degree. Additionally, glucose and glutamine were added as additives, and their effects on the viscoelastic properties of the hydrogels and on cell viability were investigated.

Results:

Pectin hydrogels showed in high cell viability and shear-thinning behavior. Independently of hydrogel composition, an initial swelling was observed, followed by a low percentage of weight variation and a steady-state stage. The addition of glucose and glutamine to pectin-based hydrogels rendered higher cell viability up to 90%-98% after 1 hour of incubation, and these hydrogels were maintained for up to 7 days of culture, yet no effect on viscoelastic properties was detected.

Conclusions:

Pectin-based hydrogels that offer tunable composition were developed successfully. They are envisioned as synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) either to study complex cellular behaviors or to be applied as tissue engineering substitutes.
Teaching Modern Jewish Ethics Through Role-Play
Authors: Claussen Geoffrey D.
Published: December 2020

This article considers the use of role-playing pedagogy in an undergraduate Jewish Ethics course, focusing on a course activity in which students represented diverse modern Jewish thinkers and debated how Jews should understand particular moral virtues. As an example, this article describes a class in which students represented seven modern Jews with diverse perspectives on altruistic love, kindness, and compassion and engaged in character with questions regarding gender, violence, and who is included in the commandment to love one's fellow, among other issues. This article explores how such role-playing engaged students and challenged them to think critically about the views of others, the construction of virtue, the diversity of modern Jewish ethical traditions, and their own approaches to ethics.
Are There Limits to How Far One Must Go for Others? Toward a Theoretical Model for Healthcare Providers
Authors: Weiner Jason
Published: December 2020

This article compares classic Jewish and bioethics principles to suggest a novel approach to determining limits to healthcare providers' duties. Applying interpretations of specific Biblical verses to this issue to some lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic will also be illustrative.
GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY TO AGROCHEMICAL CONTAMINATION
Authors: Soares Rogério Barbosa , Silva Samiria Maria Oliveira , Souza Filho Francisco de Assis de , Studart Ticiana Marinho de Carvalho , Frota Renata Locarno
Published: December 2020

This research aimed at evaluating groundwater vulnerability to agrochemical contamination. To that end, we developed an index called Hydric Vulnerability and Agrochemical Contamination Index (HVACI), which integrates a geographic information system and fuzzy logic to measure catchment vulnerability to agrochemical contamination. Our case study investigates two sub-basins, the Baixo Jaguaribe and the Médio Jaguaribe, in the state of Ceará, Brazil. We built a logical relationship matrix involving economic and environmental information as a tool to enhance public managers’ decision-making capabilities. Evaluation was based on four categories of vulnerability — high, medium-high, medium-low, and low —, and we found that the joint area of the Baixo Jaguaribe and Médio Jaguaribe sub-basins presented the following levels of risk contamination: 80.3% of the area had low vulnerability, 3.5% had medium-low vulnerability, 3.0% had medium-high vulnerability, and 13.2% had high vulnerability. Geographically, the municipalities with high vulnerability to contamination by pesticides were Aracati, Icapuí, Limoeiro do Norte, Tabuleiro do Norte, and Quixeré. Therefore, HVACI is an important tool for directing environmental management efforts toward areas identified as highly vulnerable to agrochemical contamination.
AVALIAÇÃO DE NUTRIENTE LIMITANTE DA PRODUÇÃO ALGAL EM RESERVATÓRIOS DO SEMIÁRIDO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Wiegand Mário Cesar , Do Nascimento Antônia Tatiana Pinheiro , Costa Alexandre Cunha , Neto Iran Eduardo Lima
Published: December 2020

A sobrecarga de nutrientes em reservatórios artificiais pode representar um risco para a saúde humana e para a biodiversidade aquática. Assim, o estado trófico de um reservatório é uma característica importante para o entendimento das suas condições ambientais e seus possíveis usos. Sua descrição pode ser feita com base na concentração de nutrientes, principalmente o fósforo. Dessa forma, este trabalho testou a hipótese de que o fósforo total é o nutriente limitante do crescimento fitoplanctônico em reservatórios do semiárido brasileiro. Três modelos empíricos foram utilizados para inferir o status de nutriente limitante. Além disso, uma análise de regressão linear múltipla foi utilizada para estabelecer a relação de causalidade entre nutrientes (nitrogênio total — NT e fósforo total — PT) e a produção algal. Os resultados não confirmaram a hipótese. Conforme dois modelos utilizados, o NT foi o fator preponderante para a produção algal em cerca de 60% dos reservatórios, fato também observado na análise de regressão linear. Segundo o critério de Carlson, a herbivoria pode ser um importante fator do desenvolvimento algal. Assim, nossos resultados mostraram que a eutrofização por ambos os nutrientes, relevantemente o NT, e a herbivoria merecem ser considerados.
The Yichun Ta-Sn-Li Deposit, South China: Evidence for Extreme Chemical Fractionation in F-Li-P-Rich Magma
Authors: Pollard Peter J.
Published: December 2020

The Yichun Ta-Sn-Li deposit occurs within the 9.5-km2 Yashan Igneous Complex, which is made up of felsic, peraluminous intrusions including two-mica, Li-mica, and topaz-lepidolite granites. The topaz-lepidolite granite forms a thin sheet confined to the upper part of the Li-mica granite and is separated from the host metasediments by a marginal pegmatite. The topaz-lepidolite granite is characterized by the presence of snowball textures in which quartz, K-feldspar, and topaz phenocrysts contain albite laths and rare lepidolite and columbite arranged along growth zones. These textures indicate simultaneous crystallization of these phases and attest to the subsolvus character of the topaz-lepidolite granite. Minor and accessory phases in the topaz-lepidolite granite include amblygonite, cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, microlite, wodginite, zircon, monazite, and pollucite.

The topaz-lepidolite granite is characterized by low SiO2 (68.6–69.7 wt %), TiO2 (0.01 wt %), Fe2O3(total) (0.15–0.33 wt %), MgO (0.01–0.05 wt %), and CaO (0.15–0.19 wt %), whereas Al2O3 (17.97–18.26 wt %), Li2O (0.90–2.09 wt %), P2O5 (0.43–0.54 wt %), and F (1.09–2.30 wt %) are all very high. Na2O ≫ K2O due to both high Na2O (5.18–6.30 wt %) and low K2O (2.63–3.05 wt %). The topaz-lepidolite granite contains extremely high concentrations of Rb (>3,300 ppm), Cs (>340 ppm), Sn (>140 ppm), and Ta (>120 ppm), with very low Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta.

Gaps of >3.5 wt % SiO2 and >2.5 wt % Al2O3 together with large increases in F, Li2O, and P2O5 between the Li-mica and topaz-lepidolite granites are not compatible with an evolution by Rayleigh fractionation processes. It is proposed instead that early crystallization of the Li-mica granite led to the formation of an Si-poor, Al-, Na-, and flux-rich boundary layer whose low viscosity and density allowed effective separation from the remaining melt and crystals. This melt concentrated incompatible elements including tin and tantalum and accumulated in the upper part of the magma chamber where it crystallized the sheet-like bodies of marginal pegmatite and topaz-lepidolite granite.

The uppermost part of the topaz-lepidolite granite consists of aplite and overlying quartz lepidolite rock, which is composed mainly of quartz, lepidolite, albite, K-feldspar, topaz, amblygonite, cassiterite, and columbite. Compared to the topaz-lepidolite granite the aplite and quartz-lepidolite rock shows a number of complementary element enrichments and depletions. The quartz-lepidolite rock is enriched in Fe, Mn, K, Rb, Cs, Li, F, Ba, Sr, Ti, Zr, Nb, W, Th, and Sm. The formation of the quartz-lepidolite rock is interpreted to result from separation of an F- and Li-rich alkaline phase, which accumulated beneath the already crystallized marginal pegmatite. Complementary to this was crystallization of the strongly peraluminous sodic aplite with the highest tantalum contents measured in this study.
ORGANIZATIONAL FORMS OF DIDACTIC COOPERATION IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING IN THE RATING OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
Authors: Krajewska Anna
Published: December 2020

This study aims to explore the effects of didactic cooperation between teachers and students with particular attention to the organizational forms used in teaching process. The level of their rationality and profitability in the phases of teaching process were analyzed in the rating students and teachers via the scaling method. The study encompassed 1166 pedagogy students and 55 teachers from two universities. The results revealed that the quality of effects in terms of rationality and profitability of the organizational forms used in didactic cooperation was evaluated by students at average or low level, although the teachers rated these aspects at higher level. This paper concludes that there is a need to increase the level of cooperation in this element of the teaching process, because it is closely interrelated with other elements and thus it determines the effects of the teacher’s and students’ work in the phases of teaching process, as well as the quality of teaching.
Werte für die Medien(ethik)
Authors: Paganini Claudia
Published: December 2020

In this study, the author endeavours to compile a core inventory of values which have proved to be constitutive of media communication in its various contexts (transparency, fairness, respect, responsibility and competence) against the backdrop of the lively and yet demanding debate on media ethics in recent years. In doing so, she uses concrete practice, that is, the moral convictions and ideals of prominent individuals in this field, as her starting point. By adopting this approach, she reconstructs a minimum consensus which, through evaluation and argumentation, is in turn intended to help her arrive at a well-substantiated and concrete answer to the research question she poses.
Das Verhältnis von EuGH und Investitionsschiedsgerichten auf der Grundlage von intra-EU BIT
Authors: Boknik Berta
Published: December 2020

Die Einbettung intra-europäischer Investitionen in ein rechtliches Mehrebenensystem bewirkt neben der Geltung divergierender materieller Schutzstandards die Koexistenz von zur Streitbeilegung berufenen Akteuren. Die Studie untersucht ihre Beziehung aus völker- und unionsrechtlicher Perspektive. Sie arbeitet dogmatisch die EuGH-Rechtsprechung zu dem unionsrechtlichen Streitbeilegungsmonopol, der Vorlagebefugnis, der Autonomie der Unionsrechtsordnung und dem Grundsatz des gegenseitigen Vertrauens auf. Zudem geht sie unter Zugrundelegung einer Pflicht zur Gleichbehandlung von EU-Ausländern der Frage der diskriminierenden Wirkung von ISDS-Klauseln in intra-EU BIT nach und leitet anschließend ihre Unanwendbarkeit aus völkerrechtlicher Sicht her.
Europäische Gemeinnützigkeit
Authors: Schmidt Benjamin
Published: December 2020

This thesis seeks to develop a conceptual framework for EU-compliant charity laws. It analyzes critically the legal practice that has emerged in many EU member states after the ECJ decisions in Stauffer and Persche: to require charitable “free movers” to comply with all charitable law requirements of the country in which tax exemption is sought (so-called “strict” comparability test). Further, the thesis focuses on the readiness of national charity laws to administer cross-border cases, the introduction of “new” national factors into charity laws and the proposal for a European Foundation Statute.
Die florentinischen Autoren- und Druckerprivilegien während der Herrschaft der Familie Medici
Authors: Dreyer Julia
Published: December 2020

With a printing privilege, the holder was able to prevent others from reprinting a book without his consent for a certain period of time and even enforce sanctions against any person who violated that privilege. This dissertation, which received the 2019 Research Award from the Association of the Research Centre for Industrial Property Rights in Münster, examines over 300 documents from the State Archives in Florence on Florentine printing privileges and the applications of printers and authors for such privileges from the era of the (grand) dukes of the Medici family with regard to the history of copyright law.
Kapitalmarktkommunikation des Aufsichtsrats
Authors: Greimel Laura
Published: December 2020

The author analyzes the dialogue between supervisory board and stock holders against the background of the board's and the supervisory board's level of competences as set forth in German stock corporation law. Part one outlines "if" the supervisory board is authorized to communicate with stock holders and interprets applicable competences under German stock corporation law to be extended by communication annexes. Part two sets out contents and limits to such communication competences based on (i) the board's overall management responsibility as well as (ii) the rules of equality and confidentiality.
Zur Zweckadäquanz der IFRS-Rechnungslegung als Informationsinstrument für die Bankenaufsicht
Authors: Biewer Johannes
Published: December 2020

In this study, the author deals with the reform measures in banking regulation initiated in the aftermath of the financial crisis, while also analysing existing links between IFRS accounting and prudential capital requirements, the leverage ratio and liquidity requirements. Following on from this, he examines the appropriateness of IFRS accounting rules for financial instruments with regard to their use in prudential risk ratios. The book also contains recommendations for a more resilient banking industry.
A Reverse Osmosis and Electrodialysis System Simultaneously Powered by Gravitational Potential Energy
Authors: Rocha Dias Juvenal , Aparecida Faria Amaral Fadigas Eliane
Published: December 2020

This chapter proposes an alternative system for conventional reverse osmosis (RO) and electrodialysis (ED) desalination plants by incorporating the use of gravitational potential energy (GPE). The proposed system is devised with two subsystems, the RO module followed by the ED module, both simultaneously powered by GPE. This kind of energy is obtained by storing the brackish water to be desalinated. The system’s primary source of energy is wind. Windmills harness the wind energy to pump water to a reservoir located at a certain height (<20 m). The stored water has the GPE that will make a special plunger pump work. The piston of this special plunger pump is designed so that high pressure (about 15 bar) can be achieved in a different way from conventional RO plants. In the alternative system, here proposed, to pump water to the RO membranes, the special pistons go downward due to their own weight and are lifted, through a system of pulleys, with a counterweight filled with water obtained from the reservoir. The technical viability of the alternatives was theoretically proven by deductions based on physics and mathematics and with a special plunger pump prototype that worked successfully.
Fournier’s Gangrene of the Shoulder Girdle
Authors: Patriota Gyoguevara , Marcelo Bastos Leite Luiz , Cardozo Filho Nivaldo , Santoro Belangero Paulo , Ejnisman Benno
Published: December 2020

Fournier’s gangrene is uncommon, a high-mortality infection that affects the subcutaneous tissue with rapidly progressive necrosis. Reports on cases involving the shoulder girdle are more rare. Similar to the presentation on other regions of the human body, fundamental is early diagnosis and surgical intervention.
Improving Product Quality through Functional Analysis Approach: Case of Dual Axis Solar Tracker
Authors: Karabo Mpodi Emmanuel , Tjiparuro Zeundjua , Matsebe Oduetse
Published: December 2020

Product quality determines how well a product meets the customer’s requirements. One way of measuring and ensuring that the product’s quality is achieved is through incorporating the functional analysis approach in the design process of the product, especially at early stage of lifecycle. A case study involving the design of a dual axis solar tracking system is used to illustrate the approach. In the study, the designed solar tracking concept was compared to existing mechanisms. The designed concept was found to be, generally, less complex than existing models.
Mixed Forest Plantations with Native Species for Ecological Restoration in Cloud Forests of the Venezuelan Andes
Authors: Quevedo-Rojas Ana , Jerez-Rico Mauricio
Published: December 2020

Tropical cloud forests play a fundamental role in the hydrological cycle of mountain watersheds having the largest biodiversity per unit area. In Venezuela, cloud forests are subject to intense deforestation and fragmentation by farming and cattle-ranching causing soil erosion, water cycle alteration, and biodiversity loss. Reforestation projects used exotic species as Pines and Eucalyptus, native species were rarely planted by lacking knowledge on species requirements and management. We report the performance of 25 native cloud forest species differing in shade-tolerance, planted in mixed assemblies on degraded areas. Tree survival and the individual tree variables: total height, root-collar diameter, tree-slenderness, and crown-ratio were evaluated at 1, 2, 4.5 and 7 years-old. Data was analyzed with a repeated measures analysis of variance mixed model considering species shade-tolerance, light intensity at planting and age as explanatory factors. Survival was over 80%. Shade-intolerant species displayed faster height and root-collar diameter growth. Shade-tolerant species had larger crown ratios due to persistence of lower branches; whereas, shade-intolerant showed signs of crown recession at age 7. Slenderness values from age 4.5 were indicative of good trees stability and health across treatments. The positive results have motivated landowners to establish native species plantations in critical areas with our support.
Successful Treatment of Severe Parainfluenza Pneumonia in a Liver Transplant Recipient with Oral Ribavirin and Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Ghiasvand Fereshteh , Ahmadinejad Zahra , Mansouri Davood , Raisi Elham , Taher Mohammad , Fattah Ghazi Samrand
Published: December 2020

: The most common viruses affecting immunocompromised hosts include cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, influenza virus, measles virus, and adenovirus. Parainfluenza virus infection is common among human populations. It causes non-specific symptoms in immune-competent hosts; therefore, it may go undiagnosed. However, it is particularly dangerous for immunocompromised patients by presenting a high risk of morbidity and sometimes mortality among them. Patients who have bone marrow or solid organ transplantation need to follow an intense immunosuppressing routine, which leaves them extremely vulnerable to opportunistic agents such as parainfluenza viruses. Several factors determine the severity of parainfluenza virus infections, such as the type of the virus, the level of immunosuppression, and co-infection with other agents. Co-infection is especially important because it makes a correct differential diagnosis difficult. While almost all bodies of influenza infection information in immunocompromised patients are from studies of bone marrow transplant recipients, there are very limited data available on influenza infections in liver transplant patients. We present a liver transplant patient with severe parainfluenza pneumonia that was improved significantly with oral ribavirin and intravenous immunoglobulin. A 23-year-old female patient with a history of liver transplantation from 18 months ago presented with a one-week cough and tachypnea. Chest computed tomography demonstrated ground-glass opacities and diffuse infiltrates throughout both lungs. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the detection of respiratory viruses in the nasopharynx was positive for parainfluenza virus type 3 and she was successfully treated with oral ribavirin and intravenous immunoglobulin. Respiratory infection with the parainfluenza virus in immunocompromised adults, including transplant patients, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and early treatment with ribavirin and intravenous immunoglobulin may markedly improve their outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of the successful treatment of parainfluenza infection with ribavirin and intravenous immunoglobulin in a patient with liver transplantation.
AST and HBeAg Level Can Help to Distinguish Non-Minimal Liver Inflammation in Persistently Normal Alanine Aminotransferase of Chronic HBV Infection
Authors: Zhang Lu , LI Ming Hui , Yi Wei , Lu Yao , Wu Shu-Ling , Hao Hong-xiao , Gao Yuan-jiao , Lu Hui-hui , Chen Qiqi , Shen Ge , Chang Ming , Hu Lei-Ping , Liu Ru-Yu , Sun Lei , Wan Gang , Xie Yao
Published: December 2020

Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the characteristics of HBV serum markers (HBsAg, HBeAg), biochemical indicators, HBV DNA, and the age to distinguish minimal from non-minimal liver histological inflammation group in HBeAg-positive chronic HBV-infected patients with ALT≤ 1ULN (40U/L). Methods: The HBeAg-positive patients with treatment-naïve hospitalized at Ditan hospital from January 2008 to January 2017 are investigated. Patients were separated into two groups of minimal and non-minimal (mild and moderate) histological inflammation group by liver biopsy specimens. Data were analyzed using the SPSS package. Results: There were both positive (age, ALT, and AST) and negative correlation factors (serum HBsAg, HBeAg, or HBV DNA quantitation) to the liver inflammation grades. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that HBeAg (P < 0.001, b = -0.554, Exp (B) = 0.575) and AST (P = 0.003, b = 0.074, Exp (B) = 1.077) were independent influential factors. The cutoff values of HBeAg and AST were separately 2.85 Log10S/CO (AUC0.724, Sensitivity64%, Specificity79%), 28U/L (AUC0.726, Sensitivity68%, Specificity 78%) to distinguish Minimal from Non-minimal liver histological inflammation in chronic HBV-infected patients with ALT ≤ 1 ULN (40U/L). Conclusions: In total, 31.34% (115/367) of patients with chronic HBV infection who had non-minimal (mild and moderate) liver histological inflammation reached the required inflammation levels for antiviral treatment in HBeAg-positive patients with persistently normal ALT. HBeAg (cutoff < 2.85 Log10S/CO) and AST (cutoff > 28 U/L) were the independent influential factors of predicting non-minimal liver inflammation with ALT ≤ 1 ULN (40U/L).
The Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome on T-Lymphocyte Subgroups and Natural Killer Cell Activity in the Peripheral Blood of Children
Authors: Huang Lili , Chen Yimin , Wang Jiarong , Qiu Liansheng
Published: December 2020

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) can impact multiple organ systems in children. Objectives: To investigate the effects of OSAHS on T-lymphocyte subgroups and natural killer (NK) cell activity in the peripheral blood of affected children. Methods: A total of 85 children with OSAHS were enrolled into an experimental group (OSAHS) and 76 healthy children were placed in a control group (CON) to compare peripheral blood levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and NK cell activity using flow cytometry. Meanwhile, their polysomnography results were monitored to analyze the correlation between T-lymphocyte subgroups/NK cell activity and lowest pulse oxygen saturation (LSaO2)/apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Results: Compared to the CON group, the CD3+ percentage in the OSAHS group showed no significant difference (65.98 ± 6.54 vs 64.36 ± 5.32; P > 0.05), but the CD4+ percentage, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and NK cell activity decreased markedly (33.52 ± 3.04 vs 35.26 ± 3.68,1.29 ± 0.14 vs 1.43 ± 0.26, and 11.47 ± 4.58 vs 12.69 ± 2.36, respectively; P < 0.05). In addition, the CD8+ percentage increased significantly (26.18 ± 4.76 vs 24.36 ± 2.32; P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that the CD3+ percentage was not related to LSaO2/AHI (P > 0.05), but the CD4+ and CD8+ percentages, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and NK cell activity were linearly related to LSaO2 and AHI (P < 0.05). Conclusions: OSAHS can affect the cellular immunity of children. The AHI and LSaO2 may be involved in cellular immunity function.
Identification of Native Physicians Retention Components in Iranian Health System: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Yazdani Zahra , Saketi Parviz , Karimi Fariba , Yarmohammadian Mohammad H
Published: December 2020

Background: Physicians and health professionals are the cornerstone of health systems and play an indelible role in promoting the health of each community. As mentioned by the World Bank, human capital, particularly elites and highly skilled human resources, is the wealth of countries. Maintaining and preserving them is the prerequisite of sustainable development of the health sector, availability, and quality of health services. Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to identify the effective key variables in the retention of native Iranian physicians and preventing their migration abroad. Methods: This study was conducted using a mixed-method approach based on a sequential exploratory strategy in 2018. In the qualitative section, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 faculty members of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). The theoretical saturation was reached via a purposeful sampling and maximum variation by applying conventional thematic analysis method processes. In the quantitative section, a questionnaire was developed, and its validity and reliability were tested and verified. The questionnaire was distributed among a random sample of 158 physicians out of a target population of 283 first-year medical assistants at SUMS. In addition, the data were reviewed by applying a descriptive-survey method, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: In total, 60 basic themes, 9 organizing themes, and one global theme were extracted. The strong educational management base for the educational support theme with a factor of 0.91 (P < 0.001) was the best descriptor in the physicians’ preservation model. Conclusions: The following critical variables affect the native physicians’ retention: effective and strong medical education administration as educational support, flexible working hours, availability of complete labor market information, emphasis and attention to creativity and scientific, and research innovations in the medical profession.
Paracrine Effect of Synovial-Derived Stem Cells on Induced Knee Osteoarthritis in Rats
Authors: Tanideh Nader , Nabavizadeh Sara Sadat , Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil , Koohi Hosseinabadi Omid , Ghaemmaghami Parvin , Zare Shahrokh , Azarpira Negar , Tanideh Romina , Daneshi Sajad
Published: December 2020

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disease. Previous treatment strategies have tried to slow the progress of OA. Objectives: The present study aimed to stop and reverse the progressive nature of OA by the paracrine effects of synovial stem cells. Methods: Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to five equal groups (n = 10). The control group received no treatment. The second group received an intra-articular Hyalgan injection. The third group received an intra-articular injection of secreta. The fourth group received an intra-articular injection of synovial-derived stem cells (5 × 106). The last group received an intra-articular injection of secreta combined with synovial-derived stem cells (5 × 106). Three months after treatment, the samples were harvested and evaluated by histopathological and radiological analyses. Results: Histopathological and radiological findings demonstrated significant differences between the synovial stem cell combined with the secreta group and the control and Hyalgan groups. Significant differences were observed in the subchondral bone and matrix scores between the secreta group and the synovial stem cell and Hyalgan groups (P-value = 0.042 and P-value = 0.0001, respectively). Both secreta and synovial stem cell groups showed better healing in terms of cell population viability index than the Hyalgan group (P-value = 0.015 and P-value = 0.005, respectively). The synovial stem cell combined with secreta group showed a significant difference from the synovia stem cell group in both medial femoral condyle and fabella osteophyte indices (P-value = 0.004 and P-value = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: The group treated with synovial stem cells combined with secreta showed better outcomes than other groups in histopathological and radiological evaluations.
Effects of Short-term Plyometric Training on Countermovement Vertical Jump Height and Kinematics of Take-Off
Authors: Azreh Rasoul , Hashemi Oskouei Alireza , Emamian Shirazi Seyed Amirhossein
Published: December 2020

Background: Countermovement vertical jump is a crucial skill in many sports. Plyometric training is a prevalent method to improve athletes' jumping ability. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a 6-week plyometric training on the kinematics of take-off and countermovement vertical jump height. Methods: Fifteen young, healthy male subjects performed plyometric exercises in three sessions per week for six weeks. Digital videos of pre-training and post-training jumps were captured. The Kinovea software was used to measure the kinematic parameters of take-off in the sagittal plane. Pre and post-training values were compared by paired sample t-test with the statistical significance level of P < 0.05. Results: Post-training results showed a higher jump height (P < 0.05), more flexed shoulder, and more extensive hip and knee at take-off (P < 0.05). Also, while hip extension velocity was decreased, shoulder flexion and knee extension velocities were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The 6-week plyometric training, including 720 jumps, improved shoulder flexion, and hip and knee extensions at take-off, resulting in high CMJ height. We employed plyometric training to improve the shoulder flexion and hip and knee extension velocities and increase CMJ height.
Philosophy with Teeth
Authors: Cohen Elliot D. ,   National Philosophical Counseling Association
Published: December 2020

The American Society for Philosophy, Counseling, and Psychotherapy (ASPCP) was founded on the premise that philosophical and psychological practices are interdependent and mutually supportive. While psychological practice can benefit from becoming more philosophical, the converse is also true. In contrast, the American Philosophical Practitioner’s Association, under the direction of Louis Marinoff, has driven a wedge between these two practices. In this paper, I show how philosophical therapies such as my own Log­ic-Based modality, and psychological therapies, especially Rational-Emotional Behavior Therapy (REBT) work together synergistically. I hold that the APPA bifurcation of psycho­logical from philosophical practice is artificial, impractical, and self-defeating. Further, I maintain that Marinoff’s position that there is a distinct class of “sane” clients appropriate for the latter form of therapy serves to propagate a dangerous popular stereotype, that clients who “need” conventional psychological therapy must therefore be “insane.”
What’s Love Got to do With It?
Authors: Fraser Bruce W. ,   National Philosophical Counseling Association
Published: December 2020

This paper argues for an intrinsic connection between Logic-Based Therapy (LBT) and empirical psychology, a connection that suggests the need to employ both philo­sophical and psychological theories in the clinical setting. This link is established by arguing that LBT is conceptually grounded in naturalized epistemology, the view introduced and defended by W. V. O. Quine in the aftermath of his attack on the Analytic-Synthetic dis­tinction. Naturalized epistemology places empirical psychology and logic on the same epis­temic foundation, and, it is argued, it is this foundation that both supports the application of logic in the clinical setting and connects logic to empirical psychology. One consequence of this view is that LBT should be understood as providing a theoretical framework for other forms of philosophical counseling, an idea that establishes the logic-based approach to therapy as the sine qua non of the counseling enterprise.
The Theory of ‘Selfism’—Man as a Hero
Authors: Jobanputra Rajshri ,   National Philosophical Counseling Association
Published: December 2020

Based on my experience as a philosophical counselor for the last two years, in this paper I attempt to describe the perception of life a young mind carries with him when faced with the challenges of life and the typical approaches adopted by him in order to endure them. Subsequent to this I attempt to build the theory of ‘selfism’ explicating the humanistic essence that each individual is not just responsible for the realization of his aspiration but also possesses the power within him to achieve it. This power within an individual is identi­fied by the survival kit he owns consisting of a rational approach to crisis situation, a central purpose vis-à-vis which all daily actions are aligned to and a strong sense of self-worth.
Janet Staab on Philosophical Coaching as Engaged Pedagogy
Authors: Zinaich Samuel ,   National Philosophical Counseling Association
Published: December 2020

In this essay, I critically analyze Janet Staab’s view of engaged pedagogy, as a basis for philosophical coaching. I argue that Staab’s approach fails to address two major issues faced by counselors within a counseling context. First, Staab’s position does not appreciate the need for an appropriate psychical distance between coach and client, one needed to understand the client’s problems. Second, although Staab addresses the need to handle conflicts that may arise between coach and client, her viewpoint does not recognize the value of how it is possible to empower the client even if the choices and outlooks of the client clash with the coach’s own values.
Philosophical Counseling
Authors: Tillmanns Maria daVenza ,   National Philosophical Counseling Association
Published: December 2020

Many philosophical counselors seem to be counselors who use or point to phil­osophical texts or use abstract indeed logical or rational methods when working with a client. I want to introduce the idea of a counseling philosopher, who uses the client’s own concrete experiences as the basis for philosophizing with the client about the nature of the client’s dilemma - using ‘the between’ (Buber) as that special creative space where one em­ploys the art of philosophizing to the unique situation. Otherwise, the particularity of that client gets subsumed under theory or methods, much like what has happened in psychology and which gave rise to Achenbach’s criticisms of psychology/psychiatry. The dialogical of which Buber and Friedman speak is the give and take between client and counseling philosopher of understanding and expanding perceptions confirmed through the actual relationship. Philosophy as an art (and not a method) helps us restore the trust Buber talks about which allows us to engage the world directly and not through categories of thought grounded in psychological or philosophical texts and theories.
Comments on Elliot Cohen’s “Absolute Nonsense: The Irrationality of Perfectionist Thinking”
Authors: Fraser Bruce W. ,   National Philosophical Counseling Association
Published: December 2020

These comments on Cohen’s paper (IJPP, this issue) focus on the question of whether Cohen’s attempt to derive antidotes from incompatible or contradictory philosophical camps— such as Hume’s subjective theory of beauty, on the one hand, and Augustine’s objectivist account—present a fatal problem for Cohen’s LBT. The paper concludes with suggesting a constructive way around the problem.
Una visión crítica de la Ley Orgánica 2/2018, de 5 de diciembre, de reforma de la LOREG para garantizar el derecho de sufragio de todas las personas con discapacidad
Authors: Gálvez Muñoz Luis A.
Published: December 2020

En este trabajo se realiza un análisis abiertamente crítico de la Ley Orgánica 2/2018, de 5 de diciembre, de reforma de la Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio,  el Régimen Electoral General, para garantizar el derecho de sufragio de todas las personas con discapacidad, y en virtud de la cual se ha suprimido la previsión de evaluación de la capacidad para ejercer el sufragio de las personas objeto de un proceso de modificación de capacidad o de internamiento psiquiátrico, además de dejar sin efecto las resoluciones judiciales vigentes de incapacidad electoral e introducir una declaración general sobre el ejercicio del sufragio. La crítica a la Ley de reforma se estructura en torno a tres argumentos: primero, la falacia de la incompatibilidad de la previsión derogada con la Convención de Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad de 2006 y la Constitución; segundo, la injusta desconsideración, por el contrario, del papel que esta norma cumplía en el sistema jurídico en términos de derechos y bienes constitucionales; y, tercero, la forma inadecuada en que se han articulado las disposiciones complementarias, con los negativos efectos jurídicos que ello conlleva.
Selling South Africa: Tourism and the Construction of a Post-Apartheid Nation
Authors: Apotsos Michelle
Published: December 2020

South Africa’s nationalistic landscape is currently defined by a series of monumental, architectural edifices whose symbolic capital lies in their assumed ability to generate ideological unifications within the country’s charged, often fraught, spaces. Yet the failure of these forms to address the tensions and divisions that continue to define South Africa’s current socio-political climate raises questions as to whether such architectures are capable of acting in a nationalistic capacity within a country that is still negotiating its contemporary post-Apartheid identity. This paper suggests an alternative built landscape for consideration within discussions of South Africa’s current nation-building apparatus, specifically that of tourist space. The unregulated utilization (and exploitation) of structural languages from South Africa’s traumatic past allow tourist space to function as a “counter-monument” within the country’s contemporary nationalistic environment, provoking uncomfortable but potentially necessary confrontations with the charged elements of South Africa’s history as well as their continuity into the present period.
Les estratègies de traducció d’Andreu Febrer en la seva versió de la Commedia de Dante
Authors: Parera Raquel
Published: December 2020

This paper studies the technique applied by Andreu Febrer in the verse translation of Dante’s Commedia, in which hepreserved both the metre and the meaning. The adopted point of view diverges from the usual appraising approach tothis translation, describing instead the varied techniques used by the translator. The examples analised show a skilled andcreative poet able to preserve the formal constriction without sacrificing the semantic accuracy with respect to Dante’s text.
Evidence-based nutritional guidelines: What is meant by trustworthy recommendations
Authors: Zając Joanna , Głodo Paulina , Bała Małgorzata M
Published: December 2020

The article aims to describe the characteristics of trustworthy recommendations as well as standards for trustworthy guidelines published by the Institute of Medicine and tools that can be used for quality assessment. The next section summarizes published assessments of guidelines quality using AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation) Instrument and the problems raised by the National Academy of Sciences regarding the development process of nutritional guidelines. Similar problems are also reflected in the assessment of quality of dietary guides, since less than 50 % of the documents were rated as high quality. The article is concluded with the description of the NutriRECS protocol, as an example of a strict, transparent and comprehensive approach to draw up nutritional guidance.
Eines educatives per menjar millor: Origen i evolució de les guies alimentàries a Catalunya
Authors: Manera Maria , Salvador Gemma
Published: December 2020

Les guies alimentàries són eines d’educació basades en l’evidència científica i en les característiques de la població a la qual van dirigides, que han de facilitar a les persones realitzar bones eleccions en l’alimentació i millorar, per tant, la seva salut, així com tenir cura de l’entorn en què es viu. Les primeres guies utilitzaven imatges gràfiques diverses, fins que als anys noranta es va popularitzar la forma de triangle o piràmide, la qual s’ha mantingut durant dècades, com a representació de referència. Darrerament el plat saludable ha complementat o substituït la piràmide en molts entorns, malgrat que altres entitats han optat per canviar l’enfocament i dissenyar guies diferents i innovadores, com és el cas de l’Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya.
Higher order differential equations of motion for holonomic mechanical system of variable mass
Authors: Zhang Xiang-Wu  ,   陇东学院物理系，庆阳  745000
Published: December 2020

Starting from the Мещерский equations, the higher order D'Alembert-Lagrange principle for mechanical system of variable mass is obtained, and different kinds of higher order differential equations of motion for holonomic mechanical system of variable mass are derived. The result shows that these equations extend and optimize the correlative theory of holonomic mechanics.
The entanglement character of two entangled atoms in Tavis-Cummings model
Authors: Shan Chuan-Jia  , Xia Yun-Jie  ,   曲阜师范大学物理工程学院，曲阜  273165
Published: December 2020

We investigate the entanglement time evolution of two entangled two-level atoms that interact resonantly with a single-mode field in the Fock state. The results show that the two-atom entanglement state appears with periodicity. The influence of the two-atom initial state, the dipole-dipole coupling intensity between two atoms, and the field in the Fock state on the entanglement degree of two atoms are revealed. Meanwhile the two-atom quantum state will forever stay in the maximum entangled state when the initial state is proper.
Influence of harmonic and bounded noise excitations on chaotic motion of Duffing oscillator with homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits
Authors: Yang Xiao-Li  , Xu Wei  , Sun Zhong-Kui  ,   (1)西北工业大学应用数学系，西安  710072; (2)西北工业大学应用数学系，西安  710072;陕西师范大学数学与信息科学学院,西安  710062
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the influence of harmonic and bounded noise excitations on the chaotic motion of a double well Duffing oscillator possessing both homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits is investigated. The criteria for occurrence of transverse intersection on the surface of homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits are derived by Melnikov theory, and are complemented by numerical calculations which display the bifurcation surfaces and the fractality of the basins of attraction. The results imply that the threshold amplitude of bounded noise for the onset of chaos moves upwards as the noise intensity increases beyond a critical value, which is further verified by numerically calculating the top Lyapunov exponents of the original system. Then we come to the conclusion that larger noise intensity results in smaller possible chaotic domain in the parameter space. The influence of bounded noise on Poincaré maps of the system response is also discussed, which indicates that when the noise intensity is less than some critical value, larger noise intensity results in larger area which the map occupies in the phase plane.