bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operation of a MOEMS Deformable Mirror in Cryo: Challenges and Results
Authors: Zamkotsian Frederic , Lanzoni Patrick , Barette Rudy , Helmbrecht Michael , Marchis Franck , Teichman Alex
Published: July 2017

Micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) Deformable Mirrors (DM) are key components for next generation optical instruments implementing innovative adaptive optics systems, both in existing telescopes and in the future ELTs. Characterizing these components well is critical for next generation instruments. This is done by interferometry, including surface quality measurement in static and dynamical modes, at ambient and in vacuum/cryo. We use a compact cryo-vacuum chamber designed for reaching 10–6 mbar and 160 K in front of our custom Michelson interferometer, which is able to measure performance of the DM at actuator/segment level and at the entire mirror level, with a lateral resolution of 2 µm and a sub-nanometer z-resolution. We tested the PTT 111 DM from Iris AO: an array of single crystalline silicon hexagonal mirrors with a pitch of 606 µm, able to move in tip, tilt, and piston (stroke 5–7 µm, tilt ±5 mrad). The device could be operated successfully from ambient to 160 K. An additional, mainly focus-like, 500 nm deformation of the entire mirror is measured at 160 K; we were able to recover the best flat in cryo by correcting the focus and local tip-tilts on all segments, reaching 12 nm rms. Finally, the goal of these studies is to test DMs in cryo and vacuum conditions as well as to improve their architecture for stable operation in harsh environments.
Food Sources of Sodium Intake in an Adult Mexican Population: A Sub-Analysis of the SALMEX Study
Authors: Colin-Ramirez Eloisa , Espinosa-Cuevas Ángeles , Miranda-Alatriste Paola , Tovar-Villegas Verónica , Arcand JoAnne , Correa-Rotter Ricardo
Published: July 2017

Excessive dietary sodium intake increases blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. In Western diets, the majority of dietary sodium comes from packaged and prepared foods (≈75%); however, in Mexico there is no available data on the main food sources of dietary sodium. The main objective of this study was to identify and characterize the major food sources of dietary sodium in a sample of the Mexican Salt and Mexico (SALMEX) cohort. Adult male and female participants of the SALMEX study who provided a complete and valid three-day food record during the baseline visit were included. Overall, 950 participants (mean age 38.6 ± 10.7 years) were analyzed to determine the total sodium contributed by the main food sources of sodium identified. Mean daily sodium intake estimated by three-day food records and 24-h urinary sodium excretion was 2647.2 ± 976.9 mg/day and 3497.2 ± 1393.0, in the overall population, respectively. Processed meat was the main contributor to daily sodium intake, representing 8% of total sodium intake per capita as measured by three-day food records. When savory bread (8%) and sweet bakery goods (8%) were considered together as bread products, these were the major contributor to daily sodium intake, accounting for the 16% of total sodium intake, followed by processed meat (8%), natural cheeses (5%), and tacos (5%). These results highlight the need for public health policies focused on reducing the sodium content of processed food in Mexico.
Association between Toenail Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes in Chinese Adults
Authors: Zhang Jiguo , Wang Huijun , Wang Zhihong , Zhang Ji , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2017

Previous studies have showed an inverse association between magnesium level and type 2 diabetes, but the results are inconsistent, and the evidence relates only to dietary and serum magnesium. Moreover, it is not certain how these findings are applicable to Asian people. This study was designed to examine the association between toenail magnesium and type 2 diabetes in Chinese adults. The sample was 5683 adults aged 18 years or older from the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey. We used hemoglobin A1c equal to or greater than 6.5% as the diagnostic criterion for type 2 diabetes. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry determined toenail magnesium. Mean toenail magnesium in participants with and without type 2 diabetes was 263.0 ± 170.9 and 282.3 ± 191.9 micrograms per gram, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for type 2 diabetes comparing the highest to the lowest quartile of toenail magnesium was 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.99). We found a statistically significant interaction between toenail magnesium and geographic region on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (p for interaction = 0.009). Our findings suggest that toenail magnesium is inversely associated with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Promoting the intake of magnesium-rich foods may bring considerable benefits for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, especially in those at high risk.
Do Religious Struggles Mediate the Association between Day-to-Day Discrimination and Depressive Symptoms?
Authors: Hill Terrence , Christie-Mizell C. , Vaghela Preeti , Mossakowski Krysia , Johnson Robert
Published: July 2017

Although numerous studies have shown that discrimination contributes to poorer mental health, the precise mechanisms underlying this association are not well understood. In this paper, we consider the possibility that the association between day-to-day discrimination (being disrespected, insulted, and harassed) and depressive symptoms is partially mediated by religious struggles (religious doubts and negative religious coping). To test our mediation model, we use data collected from the 2011 Miami-Dade Health Survey (n = 444) to estimate a series of multiple regression models assessing associations among day-to-day discrimination, religious struggles, and depressive symptoms. We find that day-to-day discrimination is positively associated with religious struggles and depressive symptoms, net of adjustments for general religious involvement, age, gender, race, ethnicity, immigrant status, interview language, education, employment, household income, financial strain, and marital status. We also observe that religious struggles are positively associated with depressive symptoms. Our mediation analyses confirm that day-to-day discrimination can contribute to depressive symptoms by stirring religious struggles. Our key finding is that religious struggles may serve as a maladaptive coping response to discrimination. Our analyses extend previous work by bridging research in the areas of discrimination, religious struggles, and mental health.
An Improved Evaluation Scheme for Performing Quality Assessments of Unconsolidated Cultivated Land
Authors: Peng Lina , Hu Yan , Li Jiyun , Du Qingyun
Published: July 2017

Socioeconomic factors are extrinsic factors that drive spatial variability. They play an important role in land resource systems and sometimes are more important than that of the natural setting. The study aims to build a comprehensive framework for assessing unconsolidated cultivated land (UCL) in the south-central and southwestern portions of Hubei Province, China, which have not experienced project management and land consolidation, to identify the roles of natural and especially socioeconomic factors. Moreover, the study attempts to identify the attributes and indicators that describe the characteristics of the extrinsic factors affecting land spatial variability. Assessment supplement 12 proposed land use indicators on the basis of natural factors using the method of gradation of agricultural land quality (GALQ). The overall level of cultivated land quality (CLQ) in the two study areas is moderate, and this quantity is significantly correlated with topography. Excellent and high-quality UCL are mainly distributed in the south-central plain division of Hubei Province (SCPDHP), whereas lower grades are mainly distributed in the area of the southwestern mountainous division of Hubei Province (SWMDHP). These results suggest that the pattern of small-scale agricultural development depends strongly on the labor force and is the key land use-related factor that limits the improvement of regional CLQ. Such assessments and their findings are essential for the protection of cultivated land and the adjustment of agricultural structure to promote the sustainable use of UCL.
Optimal Operation of a Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Residential Applications
Authors: Maleki Akbar , Rosen Marc , Pourfayaz Fathollah
Published: July 2017

The results of a study on incorporating solar-thermal collectors into a hybrid renewable energy system are reported. A photovoltaic–wind turbine–fuel cell–solar-thermal collector system is designed and an economic model is introduced for supplying the residential thermal and electrical loads via the grid-connected hybrid system. Since determining the optimal operation of a hybrid system such as a combined heat and power system constitutes a complex optimization problem requiring a sophisticated optimization method, a modified heuristic approach-based particle swarm optimization is proposed for solving the optimization problem. The results are compared with those obtained by an efficient metaheuristic optimization method, namely a genetic algorithm, in terms of accuracy and run time. The results show that, using the grid-connected hybrid combined heat and power system, among the cases considered, decreases the total cost of the system. The results also demonstrate that the reductions in daily cost relative to the base case by the modified particle swarm optimization algorithm for Cases 1–4 are 5.01%, 25.59%, 19.42%, and 22.19%, respectively. Finally, Case 2 is the most cost-effective and reliable. Moreover, the modified particle swarm optimization algorithm leads to better results than the genetic algorithm.
Control of Tungiasis in Absence of a Roadmap: Grassroots and Global Approaches
Authors: Elson Lynne , Wright Katherine , Swift Jennifer , Feldmeier Herman
Published: July 2017

Tungiasis is a tropical skin disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans. It inflicts misery upon tens of millions of people, mostly children, across Central and South America and sub-Saharan Africa, and yet there is no globally accepted roadmap for its control. Here we review how research in the last 15 years has developed control methods and report on new grassroots and digital mapping approaches. Treatment is now possible with a two-component dimethicone, used for the treatment of headlice in Europe, Asia and Canada, but not yet available in most tungiasis-endemic areas. Prevention is possible through the daily use of repellents based on coconut oil. A Kenyan coastal community has successfully controlled tungiasis using a neem and coconut oil mix produced locally to treat cases, combined with spraying floors with neem solution and distributing closed shoes. Development of affordable hard floor technology is underway, although not yet widely available, but is a priority to control off-host stages in the floors of homes. A new web-based digital mapping application will enable researchers and health officials to collaborate, share data and map the prevalence of tungiasis. We conclude that tungiasis can be controlled through a multi-disciplinary, One Health approach.
Modelling Fine Sediment Dynamics: Towards a Common Erosion Law for Fine Sand, Mud and Mixtures
Authors: Mengual Baptiste , Hir Pierre , Cayocca Florence , Garlan Thierry
Published: July 2017

This study describes the building of a common erosion law for fine sand and mud, mixed or not, in the case of a typical continental shelf environment, the Bay of Biscay shelf, characterized by slightly energetic conditions and a seabed mainly composed of fine sand and muddy sediments. A 3D realistic hydro-sedimentary model was used to assess the influence of the erosion law setting on sediment dynamics (turbidity, seabed evolution). A pure sand erosion law was applied when the mud fraction in the surficial sediment was lower than a first critical value, and a pure mud erosion law above a second critical value. Both sand and mud erosion laws are formulated similarly, with different parameters (erodibility parameter, critical shear stress and power of the excess shear stress). Several transition trends (linear or exponential) describing variations in these erosion-related parameters between the two critical mud fractions were tested. Suspended sediment concentrations obtained from simulations were compared to measurements taken on the Bay of Biscay shelf with an acoustic profiler over the entire water column. On the one hand, results show that defining an abrupt exponential transition improves model results regarding measurements. On the other hand, they underline the need to define a first critical mud fraction of 10 to 20%, corresponding to a critical clay content of 3–6%, below which pure sand erosion should be prescribed. Both conclusions agree with results of experimental studies reported in the literature mentioning a drastic change in erosion mode above a critical clay content of 2–10% in the mixture. Results also provide evidence for the importance of considering advection in this kind of validation with in situ observations, which is likely to considerably influence both water column and seabed sediment dynamics.
Syntheses of 3,4- and 1,4-dihydroquinazolines from 2-aminobenzylamine
Authors: Díaz Jimena E , Ranieri Silvia , Gruber Nadia , Orelli Liliana R
Published: July 2017

A straightforward strategy for the synthesis of dihydroquinazolines is presented, which allows for the preparation of 3,4- and 1,4-dihydroquinazolines with different substitution patterns from 2-aminobenzylamine (2-ABA) as common precursor. The required functionalization of both amino groups present in 2-ABA was achieved by different routes involving selective N-acylation and cesium carbonate-mediated N-alkylation reactions, avoiding protection/deprotection steps. The heterocycles were efficiently synthesized in short reaction times by microwave-assisted ring closure of the corresponding aminoamides promoted by ethyl polyphosphate (PPE).
The Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey (NGVS). XXVI. The Issues of Photometric Age and Metallicity Estimates for Globular Clusters
Authors: Powalka Mathieu , Lançon Ariane , Puzia Thomas H. , Peng Eric W. , Liu Chengze , Muñoz Roberto P. , Blakeslee John P. , Côté Patrick , Ferrarese Laura , Roediger Joel , Sánchez-Janssen Rúben , Zhang Hongxin , Durrell Patrick R. , Cuillandre Jean-Charles , Duc Pierre-Alain , Guhathakurta Puragra , Gwyn S. D. J. , Hudelot Patrick , Mei Simona , Toloba Elisa
Published: July 2017

Large samples of globular clusters (GC) with precise multi-wavelength photometry are becoming increasingly available and can be used to constrain the formation history of galaxies. We present the results of an analysis of Milky Way (MW) and Virgo core GCs based on 5 optical-near-infrared colors and 10 synthetic stellar population models. For the MW GCs, the models tend to agree on photometric ages and metallicities, with values similar to those obtained with previous studies. When used with Virgo core GCs, for which photometry is provided by the Next Generation Virgo cluster Survey (NGVS), the same models generically return younger ages. This is a consequence of the systematic differences observed between the locus occupied by Virgo core GCs and models in panchromatic color space. Only extreme fine-tuning of the adjustable parameters available to us can make the majority of the best-fit ages old. Although we cannot exclude that the formation history of the Virgo core may lead to more conspicuous populations of relatively young GCs than in other environments, we emphasize that the intrinsic properties of the Virgo GCs are likely to differ systematically from those assumed in the models. Thus, the large wavelength coverage and photometric quality of modern GC samples, such as those used here, is not by itself sufficient to better constrain the GC formation histories. Models matching the environment-dependent characteristics of GCs in multi-dimensional color space are needed to improve the situation.
How the First Stars Regulated Star Formation. II. Enrichment by Nearby Supernovae
Authors: Chen Ke-Jung , Whalen Daniel J. , Wollenberg Katharina M. J. , Glover Simon C. O. , Klessen Ralf S.
Published: July 2017

Metals from Population III (Pop III) supernovae led to the formation of less massive Pop II stars in the early universe, altering the course of evolution of primeval galaxies and cosmological reionization. There are a variety of scenarios in which heavy elements from the first supernovae were taken up into second-generation stars, but cosmological simulations only model them on the largest scales. We present small-scale, high-resolution simulations of the chemical enrichment of a primordial halo by a nearby supernova after partial evaporation by the progenitor star. We find that ejecta from the explosion crash into and mix violently with ablative flows driven off the halo by the star, creating dense, enriched clumps capable of collapsing into Pop II stars. Metals may mix less efficiently with the partially exposed core of the halo, so it might form either Pop III or Pop II stars. Both Pop II and III stars may thus form after the collision if the ejecta do not strip all the gas from the halo. The partial evaporation of the halo prior to the explosion is crucial to its later enrichment by the supernova.
A Solar Blowout Jet Caused by the Eruption of a Magnetic Flux Rope
Authors: Zhu Xiaoshuai , Wang Huaning , Cheng Xin , Huang Chong
Published: July 2017

We investigate the three-dimensional (3D) magnetic structure of a blowout jet originating in the western edge of NOAA active region (AR) 11513 on 2012 July 2 by means of recently developed forced field extrapolation model. The results show that the blowout jet was caused by the eruption of the magnetic flux rope (MFR) consisting of twisted field lines. We further calculate the twist number

and squashing factor Q of the reconstructed magnetic field and find that (1) the MFR corresponds well with the high

region, and (2) the MFR outer boundary corresponds well with the high Q region, probably interpreting the bright structure at the base of the jet. The twist number of the MFR is estimated to be

. Thus, the kink instability is regarded as the initiation mechanism of the blowout jet as

reaches or even exceeds the threshold value of the kink instability. Our results also indicate that the bright point at the decaying phase is actually composed of some small loops that are heated by the reconnection occurring above. In summary, the blowout jet is mostly consistent with the scenario proposed by Moore et al., except that the kink instability is found to be a possible trigger.
Le système agricole et alimentaire de la région Afrique du Nord – Moyen-Orient : une analyse rétrospective (1961-2012)
Authors: Marty Pauline , Manceron Stéphane , Le Mouël Chantal , Schmitt Bertrand
Published: July 2017

En s’appuyant sur les bilans emplois-ressources de la Fao entre 1961 et 2011, on montre que la forte croissance de la dépendance alimentaire de la région Afrique du Nord – Moyen-Orient sur la période, s’explique d’abord par la croissance démographique, l’évolution des régimes alimentaires et l’évolution concomitante des rations animales vers des produits végétaux importés (céréales et tourteaux). Ces évolutions se traduisent par une multiplication par six de la demande régionale en cinquante ans. La progression de la production végétale (multipliée par quatre) ne suffit pas à couvrir ces besoins, surtout en céréales. Les faibles performances des agricultures régionales sont liées aux contraintes naturelles (rareté des terres cultivables et de l’eau) auxquelles s’ajoutent les défaillances des politiques agraires et agricoles. Ce déséquilibre offre-demande est comblé par un recours croissant au marché international, facteur important de la vulnérabilité du système agricole et alimentaire de la région.
Job satisfaction, organizational commitment and OCB: an examination of three employees’ behaviors in unionized work context
Authors: Dhammika K. A. S.
Published: July 2017

One of the characteristics of the industrial relation climate of Sri Lanka is that it has high unionized working environment. This high unionization of employees is claimed to affect number of behavioral factors associated with employees. Though the effect of unionization on organizations’ outcomes have been carried out, researches in this regard in Sri Lankan context are rare. This study is aimed at examining the effect of employees’ unionization on employees’ behaviors. The sample of this study is consisted of 380 public and private sector employees and it was drawn by using the stratified random sampling method. Data was collected by administering questionnaires. The data was analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). It was found that unionization has a negative effect on the work related behavior of employees. Further it was revealed that the negative effect of unionization is higher in the public sector than in the private sectors.
Building relations between a company and consumers through cocreation: Polish and Chinese context
Authors: Wiścicka M. , Misiak-Kwit S.
Published: July 2017

The paper consists of two parts, i.e. theoretical and practical. The theoretical deliberations are devoted to the explanation of supporting the process of product co-creation. The practical part of this paper reports the findings of a study concerning the interest of young people in participation in co-creation in Poland and China. The aim of the article is finding whether the Polish and Chinese Y generation client’s role understanding about the cocreation process and their feelings regarding the usefulness about the co-creation process. To gather primary data field survey method has been adopted with a structured questionnaire. The target group (population) of the survey was constituted by young people (generation Y) who, by virtue of their psycho-physical characteristics, are more prone to share their experience and engage in various activities. Percentage analysis has been applied to analysis the primary data. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the potential interest in the participation in co-creation is high among both groups of respondents (the Poles 56%, the Chinese 90%).
Ramayana trail as a cultural tourism product in Sri Lanka: New paradigm for destination marketing
Authors: Fernando P. I. N. , Sarangi Pabasara
Published: July 2017

Tourism could consider as the most booming sector in service economy where the novel paradigms popular among tourism destination that leads for huge competition. Ramayana Trail is an untapped market, which symbolizes eminent synthesis of Sri Lankan and Indian cultural values. Ramayana Trail is featured novelty nature in tourism industry which was recognized by the least and crucial to promote as more than fifty sites were located in Sri Lanka with the ability to influence tourists for diversified experiences. The objective of the study to identify the potentiality to promote of Ramayana Trail as a cultural tourism product with special reference to Uva and central province through the investigation of tourist‘s profile, existing awareness and destination attributes. Sample size is 120 tourists and for data collection semi structured questionnaire and interview method were adopted. Findings reveal that the existing level of awareness is low among foreign tourists. Comparably Indian tourists are aware about the legend but not for the Ramayana sites. Attraction has been identified as the most significance destination attributes and promotion of Ramayana trail as a cultural tourism product has been recommended through government intervention and websites, blogs and social media marketing tools.
Lactation-Based Maternal Educational Immunity Crosses MHC Class I Barriers and Can Impart Th1 Immunity to Th2-Biased Recipients
Authors: Ghosh Mrinal K. , Muller H. Konrad , Walker Ameae M.
Published: July 2017

We have previously demonstrated lactational transfer of T cell–based immunity from dam to foster pup. In the short term, a significant part of transferred immunity is passive cellular immunity. However, as time progresses, this is replaced by what we have described as maternal educational immunity such that by young adulthood, all immune cells responding to a foster dam immunogen are the product of the foster pup’s thymus. To reduce confounding factors, this original demonstration used congenic/syngeneic dam and foster pup pairs. In this study, we investigated lactational transfer of immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in MHC class I–mismatched animals, as well as from Th1-biased dams to Th2-biased foster pups. Using immunized C57BL/6J dams, lactational transfer to nonimmunized BALB/cJ foster pups resulted in much greater immunity than direct immunization in 5-wk-old pups (ex vivo assay of pup splenocytes). At this age, 82% of immunogen-responding cells in the pup spleen were produced through maternal educational immunity. FVB/NJ nonimmunized foster recipients had a greater number of maternal cells in the spleen and thymus but a much larger percentage was Foxp3+, resulting in equivalent immunity to direct immunization. Depletion of maternal Foxp3+ cells from pup splenocytes illustrated a substantial role for lactationally transferred dam regulatory T cells in suppression of the ex vivo response in FVB/NJ, but not BALB/cJ, recipients. We conclude that lactational transfer of immunity can cross MHC class I barriers and that Th1 immunity can be imparted to Th2-biased offspring; in some instances, it can be greater than that achieved by direct immunization.
THE UNEXPECTED CARDIOPROTECTION BY EPIGENETIC FOODS
Authors: Lionetti Vincenzo
Published: July 2017

Epigenetic changes affect the gene expression profile of cells without altering the DNA sequence in response to different environmental stimuli, such as the diet. Several dietary plant compounds have the epigenetic ability to prevent both the onset and the progression of different diseases, including cardiovascular diseases that are one of the most common in the world. Heart failure following perioperative myocardial infarction is a complex clinical syndrome without cure, also affecting high-risk patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. It is characterized by serious decay of cardiac pump function as a result of ongoing remodelling of the myocardium. Despite the increasing use of conventional medications has reduced the mortality of patients with myocardial infarction, the outcome remains unpredictable so far. The past three decades have witnessed incessant research aimed at protecting the adult myocardium against ischemic injury, but the development of effective strategies to prevent the maladaptive tissue remodelling is still a desirable achievement. Recent findings reveal that the dietary intake of natural bioactive components with known antioxidant activity improves the intercellular communication and increases the tolerance of both cardiomyocytes and coronary endothelial cells against the ischemic microenvironment. The Epigenetic activation of rescue genes prevents the decay of function of the abovementioned cardiac cells. Consequently, this scenario would reduce the myocardial accumulation of collagen responsible for the tightening of the heart walls. Whereas the noninvasive delivery of cardioprotectant epigenetic compounds through diet is a promising approach, regulatory mechanisms need to be unravelled.
Rural entrepreneurship and rural development in Nigeria
Authors: Nwankwo Francis O. , Okeke Chinwe S.
Published: July 2017

Rural entrepreneurship can help develop rural areas through good management of the local resources. Within the framework of integrated rural development theory, this study attempts to determine the perceptions of rural entrepreneurs on the nature and role of entrepreneurship in rural economic development. The study adopted the survey and descriptive design. The researchers randomly selected 200 rural entrepreneurs from five towns in Oyi Local Government Area. The major source of data was primary data, though secondary data such as journals, textbooks and Internet materials were also consulted. A 24-item questionnaire of strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree was designed and administered. Findings showed that rural entrepreneurship can help increase output, create employment and reduce rural urban migration among other things. However, rural entrepreneurs are faced with certain challenges such as insufficient funds and lack of government support. Based on these findings, the researchers recommended that rural areas should be made attractive and government should create enabling environments for rural entrepreneurs through their policies and other assistance.
The role of patient care workers in private hospitals in the Cape Metropole, South Africa
Authors: Aylward Louise A. , Crowley Talitha , Stellenberg Ethelwynn L.
Published: July 2017

Background: Nursing managers have to meet expectations of patients despite economic pressures, an increasing burden of disease and nursing shortages. Shifting health care-related tasks to lower categories of staff, including non-nursing support staff, has become one solution to address this dilemma. Patient care workers are a specific group of non-nursing support staff working in South African hospitals. Although patient care workers have been used for several years and their numbers are increasing, there are controversial opinions about the role of patient care workers, ranging from praise for their contribution towards patient care to serious concerns about the impact of their role on patient safety.Objective: The study objective was to explore and describe the role of patient care workers in private hospitals.Methods: A qualitative, descriptive design was applied to explore the role of patient care workers. Purposive sampling was used to select unit managers, nurses and patient care workers from medical and surgical wards of three private hospitals. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. The researcher applied interpretative data analysis to move from the participants’ descriptions of their experiences to a synthesis of all participants’ descriptions.Results: Patient care workers are involved in direct patient care and spend much time with patients, often not working under direct supervision of registered nurses despite limited training and lack of regulation. Their contribution, however, is valued by nurses.Conclusion: Patient care workers are well-integrated into the patient care team and are mostly seen as nurses. Yet, there are concerns about their evolving role despite their limited training and the lack of direct supervision. Regulating the work of patient care workers is recommended.
Handling of pastoral misconduct and discipline: Evidence from the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe church
Authors: Chivasa Norman
Published: July 2017

Misconduct has permeated almost every community across the globe and Christian churches have not been spared either. The two basic questions that the current study addresses were what are some of the reported behaviours of male pastors that constitute misconduct in the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe church?; and is there any policy framework in the AFM in Zimbabwe designed to repair distressed relationships between offending pastors and the church? Results showed that in the AFM in Zimbabwe, pastoral misconduct is seen as a negative force that militates against sustaining harmony in the church. As such, whenever a male pastor commits an act of misconduct, disciplinary action is taken against him. It was also found that constructive dialogue to address misconduct is still a blind spot in the church under review. And because there is no policy framework to amend distressed relationships after administering discipline, social interactions between offending pastors and the church remain antagonistic. In view of the identified problem, this study proposed that the AFM in Zimbabwe might need to embrace a peace building framework because it has the propensity to repair broken relationships and to build friendships, social networks and trust between people. This framework can be instrumental in repairing distressed relations between offending pastors and the church at large. The strength of peace building lies in the values of brotherly love, forgiveness, reconciliation and relationship building, which are compatible with Christianity.
Practical theology as life science: Fides Quaerens Vivendi and its connection to Hebrew thinking (Hālak)
Authors: Louw Daniël J.
Published: July 2017

The term practical theology is complex and, due to many different religious and cultural settings, a many layered concept. During the past 40 years the paradigm in theory formation for an academic and disciplinary approach to practical theology shifted from the clerical and ecclesial paradigm of ministerial actions to experiences of faith with the emphasis on an empirical based epistemology. Rather than a deductive approach, the shift is towards a more inductive approach within the methodological framework of phenomenology. Currently, in the international discourse on theory formation, there is a tendency towards a hermeneutical approach with the focus on the networking, relational dynamics of civil society Thus, the attempt to describe practical theology as a kind of ‘life science’ (the concern for the mundane and existential reality of everyday life – Alltagsreligion). Within the context of African spiritualties, with its emphasis on the communal dynamics of vital, human relationships, the focus on lifestyles becomes vital. In light of an ontology of life (l’energie spirituelle – Henri Bergson), the notion of fides quaerens vivendi [faith seeking lifestyles] is researched. With reference to the theory of complexification and chaosmos as well as the impact thereof on different theories in life sciences, the connection between sapientia and the vivid praxis of God is critically explored. The focus of this article is on the question: What is the impact of an ontology of life on both praxis thinking and theological reflection? Instead of the Cartesian framework of causative definitions, the notion of the ‘infinition of God’ is proposed within the praxis of Hebrew, wisdom thinking.
The cultural aspect in the contextualisation of pastoral caregiving ministry
Authors: Du Plessis Amanda L.
Published: July 2017

Due to the political changes during the last three decades in South Africa, many voices raised for the post-colonializing of sciences. This is also applicable to the pastoral caregiving ministry. Although the science of pastoral caregiving in South Africa has developed into an authentic recognised science, it seems as if the development followed in the fashion of the Western context and the call for the contextualising of pastoral caregiving for all the people of South Africa was mostly ignored. It was only at the end of the 20th century that the concept of interculturality emerged to indicate that such an approach could be more appropriate that an incultural approach. Since then many scholars wrestles with the aspect of culture in the contextualising of pastoral care and the challenge of staying true to the Word of God. In this regard, the research question concentrates on the interwovenness between the Christian faith and the different cultures of the people of South Africa: How can pastoral caregiving be contextualised in the different cultures of South Africa while staying true to God’s gospel. The central theoretical argument is that the contextualising of pastoral care rest on hermeneutical principles that form a bridge between the Bible text and its application in the circumstances and needs of the people of South Africa. The article unfolds by looking at the compatibility and/or incompatibility of Western and African cultures, the effect of monocultural ethnocentric bias, and concludes with the principles of a Christian culture and its implications for the pastoral caregiving process of addressing certain challenges in people’s experiences of life.
Factors contributing to antiretroviral drug adherence among adults living with HIV or AIDS in a Kenyan rural community
Authors: Kioko Mary T. , Pertet Anne M.
Published: July 2017

Background: Antiretroviral (ARV) adherence of ≥ 95% is recommended for suppressing HIV. However, studies have shown that the ≥ 95% recommended level is rarely achieved.Objective: This cross-sectional community-based study sought to assess factors contributing to ARV drug adherence among adults living with HIV or AIDS.Setting: The study was conducted in a rural community in Machakos County, Kenya.Methods: The questions used for the study were adapted from the Patient Medicine Adherence Questionnaire (PMAQ), a tool grounded in the Health Belief Model. Adherence to ARV was measured using self-reports and pill counts. The perception social support was measured with a 5-point Likert scale, whereas the type and the number of side effects experienced were recorded using ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions. We used the chi-square test to test associations and binary logistic regression to assess factors explaining dose adherence to ARV.Results: The levels of adherence of 86% using self-reports were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the pill count of 58.6%. The immediate family was rated high in providing social support (3.7 ± 0.6) followed by social support groups (3.1 ± 0.8). A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict ARV adherence (adherent, non-adherent) using social support, side effects and marital status as explanatory variables. The Wald criterion demonstrated that marital status (p = 0.019) and burden of side effects (p ≤ 0.001) made a significant contribution to the prediction of ARV adherence.Conclusion: The burden of side effects and being a divorcee are primary predictors of ARV adherence.
Об устойчивых возмущениях линейных дифференциальных уравнений, порождающих равномерно ограниченную группу
Authors: Skazka Valeriy Vsevolodovich
Published: July 2017

Рассматриваются вопросы устойчивости решений дифференциального уравнения $u'(t)=Au+\varepsilon B(t,u)$ в банаховом пространстве. Предполагается, что при $\varepsilon=0$ это уравнение порождает равномерно ограниченную группу класса $C_0$. Найдены достаточные условия на $B$ и $A$, при которых при малых $\varepsilon$ решения этого уравнения будут ограничены. Также доказан принцип линеаризации для этого уравнения при определенных условиях на оператор $B$.
Библиография: 9 названий.
Effect of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Coenzyme Q10 in Infertile Men with Idiopathic Oligoasthenozoospermia
Authors: Alahmar Ahmed T
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of male infertility and recently antioxidants have been tried to treat men with idiopathic infertility.

Objective

To assess the effect of treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and coenzyme Q10 on seminal fluid parameters in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia.

Materials and methods

A prospective randomized trial was conducted on 32 infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospmia who received a daily supplement of one caplet containing vitamin C (90 mg/day), vitamin E (15 mg/day), coenzyme Q10 (4 mg/day), selenium (30 µg/day), and zinc (5 mg/day) for 3 months. Semen analysis was performed at baseline and 3 months after treatment using World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 guidelines.

Results

Significant improvement in sperm concentration was observed after combination therapy (9.13 ± 4.29vs11.3 ± 6.05 × 106/mL, p < 0.05). Sperm progressive motility (18.1 ± 8.68vs24.6 ± 10.2%, p < 0.01) and total motility (28.4 ± 8.71vs34.4 ± 11.7%, p < 0.01) also increased significantly following treatment. No change, however, was observed in semen volume or the proportion of sperms with normal morphology.

Conclusion

The combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and coenzyme Q10 can significantly improve sperm concentration and motility in infertile men with idiopathic oligo­asthenozoospermia, which could be attributed to their synergistic antioxidant action.

How to cite this article

Alahmar AT. Effect of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Coenzyme Q10 in Infertile Men with Idiopathic Oligoasthenozoospermia. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2017;8(2):45-49.
Sustentabilidade para Governança, Supremo Tribunal Federal e Conflito de Interesses
Authors: Gomes Magno Federici , Pighini Bráulio Chagas
Published: July 2017

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2177-7055.2016v37n73p165O presente estudo pretende abordar o tema conflito de interesses e a composição do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF). Trata-se de pesquisa teórico-documental. O atual desenho constitucional de acesso aos cargos de ministros do STF, tendo como paradigma as regras de governança corporativa, não corresponde às melhores práticas, uma vez que permite prévias alianças políticas em prol daqueles que indicam para com aqueles que irão decidir a constitucionalidade/legalidade das normas. A influência dominante dos Poderes Executivo e Legislativo na composição do Poder Judiciário caracteriza verdadeiras negociações, que não se comprometem com a própria independência do processo decisório e com a sustentabilidade.
Processo Legislativo para além do Parlamento em Estados Autoritários: uma análise comparada entre os Códigos Penais Italiano de 1930 e Brasileiro de 1940
Authors: Nunes Diego
Published: July 2017

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2177-7055.2016v37n74p153Neste trabalho será utilizada a experiência das reformas penais realizadas pelo fascismo e o “Estado Novo” para compreender a legitimação constitucional de afastar o parlamento e a colaboração de renomados penalistas para a confecção das codificações sem o controle da representação popular. Analisando documentos de época como os projetos de lei e a historiografia penal, concluiu-se que, na Itália, o parlamento abdicou da competência via delegação de poderes ao governo, e, no Brasil, o golpe de Estado outorgou nova constituição cuja competência foi destinada ao Poder Executivo. Além disso, ambos os regimes valeram-se da legitimação intelectual dos juristas.
Aspects of legitimacy of decisions of international courts and tribunals
Authors: Treves Tullio
Published: July 2017

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2177-7055.2017v38n75p19O artigo analisa alguns aspectos da legitimidade das decisões de cortes e tribunais internacionais. O ponto de partida da análise é uma série de questões tocando potenciais aspectos da legitimidade. O autor primeiramente aplica o teste dos indicadores de legitimidade de Thomas Franck às decisões judiciais internacionais. Em seguida, o autor foca em alguns exemplos de práticas voltadas a “legitimar” ou “deslegitimizar” decisões judiciais por meio do conceito de legitimidade desenvolvido por Goldstone.
Estimation of bubble-mediated air–sea gas exchange from concurrent DMS and CO2 transfer velocities at intermediate–high wind speeds
Authors: Bell Thomas G. , Landwehr Sebastian , Miller Scott D. , de Bruyn Warren J. , Callaghan Adrian H. , Scanlon Brian , Ward Brian , Yang Mingxi , Saltzman Eric S.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Simultaneous air–sea fluxes and concentration differences of dimethylsulfide (DMS) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured during a summertime North Atlantic cruise in 2011. This data set reveals significant differences between the gas transfer velocities of these two gases (Δkw) over a range of wind speeds up to 21 m s−1. These differences occur at and above the approximate wind speed threshold when waves begin breaking. Whitecap fraction (a proxy for bubbles) was also measured and has a positive relationship with Δkw, consistent with enhanced bubble-mediated transfer of the less soluble CO2 relative to that of the more soluble DMS. However, the correlation of Δkw with whitecap fraction is no stronger than with wind speed. Models used to estimate bubble-mediated transfer from in situ whitecap fraction underpredict the observations, particularly at intermediate wind speeds. Examining the differences between gas transfer velocities of gases with different solubilities is a useful way to detect the impact of bubble-mediated exchange. More simultaneous gas transfer measurements of different solubility gases across a wide range of oceanic conditions are needed to understand the factors controlling the magnitude and scaling of bubble-mediated gas exchange.
An improved hydrometeor detection method for millimeter-wavelength cloud radar
Authors: Ge Jinming , Zhu Zeen , Zheng Chuang , Xie Hailing , Zhou Tian , Huang Jianping , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2017

Abstract. A modified method with a new noise reduction scheme that can reduce the noise distribution to a narrow range is proposed to distinguish clouds and other hydrometeors from noise and recognize more features with weak signal in cloud radar observations. A spatial filter with central weighting, which is widely used in cloud radar hydrometeor detection algorithms, is also applied in our method to examine radar return for significant levels of signals. Square clouds were constructed to test our algorithm and the method used for the US Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurements Program millimeter-wavelength cloud radar. We also applied both the methods to 6 months of cloud radar observations at the Semi-Arid Climate and Environment Observatory of Lanzhou University and compared the results. It was found that our method has significant advantages in reducing the rates of both failed negative and false positive hydrometeor identifications in simulated clouds and recognizing clouds with weak signal from our cloud radar observations.
Differentiating local and regional sources of Chinese urban air pollution based on the effect of the Spring Festival
Authors: Wang Chuan , Huang Xiao-Feng , Zhu Qiao , Cao Li-Ming , Zhang Bin , He Ling-Yan
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The emission of pollutants is extremely reduced during the annual Chinese Spring Festival (SF) in Shenzhen, China. During the SF, traffic flow drops by ∼ 50 % and the industrial plants are almost entirely shut down in Shenzhen. To characterize the variation in ambient air pollutants due to the Spring Festival effect, various gaseous and particulate pollutants were measured in real time in urban Shenzhen over three consecutive winters (2014–2016). The results indicate that the concentrations of NOx, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), black carbon (BC), primary organic aerosols, chloride, and nitrate in submicron aerosols decrease by 50–80 % during SF periods relative to non-Spring Festival periods, regardless of meteorological conditions. This decrease suggests that these pollutants are mostly emitted or secondarily formed from urban local emissions. The concentration variation in species mostly from regional or natural sources, however, is found to be much less, such as for bulk fine particulate matter (PM2. 5). More detailed analysis of the Spring Festival effect reveals an urgent need to reduce emissions of SO2 and VOCs on a regional scale rather than on an urban scale to reduce urban PM2. 5 in Shenzhen, which can also be useful as a reference for other megacities in China.