bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O processo de formação de conceitos na perspectiva vigotskiana
Authors: Fonseca-janes Cristiane Xavier , Lima Elieuza Aparecida
Published: December 2016

Em seus trabalhos sobre o conhecimento humano, Vigotski revela a segunda natureza humana, aquela de cunho histórico-cultural, decorrente de aprendizagens que cada pessoa realiza no decurso de sua vida, por meio da mediação do outro e de condições concretas de vida e de educação. Nesse processo eminentemente social,a criança penetra na vida intelectual da geração adulta e se apropria de capacidades especificamente humanas. Isso significa que, para se trabalhar no plano abstrato,são necessárias formulações de conceitos, entendidos como um ato complexo,dinâmico e interfuncional, construídos por meio da atuação e inserção do indivíduo na cultura, mediado pelas relações com as outras pessoas. Nesse meio, o indivíduorecebe conhecimentos por meio de aprendizados formais e não-formais promotores de subsídios para construção dos conceitos científicos e cotidianos. Para realizar seus estudos sobre o processo de formação de conceitos, Vigotski utilizou um método experimental pautado nos pressupostos filosóficos da teoria marxista do funcionamento dos processos mentais, porque percebia estes processos como em constante mudança e movimento. Assim, o método denominado “Instrumental Cultural e Histórico”diferenciava-se dos estudos experimentais convencionais centrados no desempenho da tarefa em si. O método utilizado por Vigotski preocupava-se com o processo de formação de conceitos e não apenas com recortes estáticos dos processos cognitivos.Depreendemos, em nosso estudo, a constituição da natureza social do homem a partir de processos de apropriação e objetivação de conhecimentos, que torna individuais as conquistas historicamente construídas pela humanidade, dentre as quais tipos sofisticados de pensamento, o que requer discutir a formação de conceitos.
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Prevention of Excessive Weight Gain during Pregnancy: Study in a Cohort of Normal Weight Caucasian Women
Authors: Spadafranca Angela , Bulfoni Camilla , Liguori Isabel , Mastricci Luciana , Bertoli Simona , Battezzati Alberto , Ferrazzi Enrico
Published: December 2016

This study investigated the association between adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MD) and the risk of excessive Gestational Weight Gain (GWG).

Ninety five Caucasian normal weight pregnant women were recruited within the 16thgestational week. We evaluated the adherence to MD at recruitment (T0) and at third trimester (T1) by validated food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to MD was indicated by a score between 0 and 13. Adequate GWG was defined in according with IOM (Institute of Medicine, 2009) recommendations.

The 26.3% dropped out, then the completer participants were 70 (33.2±3.5 ys, 74.3% nulliparous).

MD score at T0 was 7.2±1.5 and it did not significantly change at T1. Mean MD score between T0 and T1 was 7.3±1.3: a good adherence to MD, defined by MD score≥8, was satisfied by 27.1%. The GWG at T1 was adequate in 64.3%, while exceed in 35.7%. Women with adequate GWG showed a MD score significantly higher than women with excessive GWG (MD score: 7.5±1.3 vs 6.8±1.0, p=0.02).

A good adherence to MD was associated with a significantly lower risk ratio of excessive GWG (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.1-0.9, p=0.04).

MD could be a dietary pattern able to prevent excessive GWG in normal weight women.
Effect of chemical treatments on the chemical composition and properties of flax fibers
Authors: Lazic Biljana , Janjic Svjetlana , Rijavec Tatjana , Kostic Mirjana
Published: December 2016

Flax fibers were modified with NaOH and NaClO2 under different conditions in
order to clarify effects of hemicelluloses and lignin removal on the
morphology and properties of flax fibers, but also to improve fiber quality.
The quality of flax fibers was characterized in terms of chemical
composition, fineness, whiteness, mechanical and sorption properties. Both
treatments, alkali treatment leading to hemicelluloses removal (up to 72 % of
hemicelluloses removed) and chlorite treatment leading to lignin removal (up
to 96 % of lignin removed), induce a modification of morphology and
properties of flax fibers. For 5 % NaOH treatments, as well as all NaClO2
treatments, increase in the crystallinity was observed, while for higher NaOH
concentrations, the mercerization phenomenon induces a slight decrease of the
crystallinity. Modification with NaClO2 results in fiber fibrillation while
modification with NaOH at boiling temperature results in smoother fiber
surfaces. Both treatments cause decrease in tensile strength and water
retention values, with maximal decrease obtained for NaOH treatment at
boiling temperature. Chlorite treatment results in finer fibers having a
higher whiteness index compare to alkali modified fibers.
Psychological and spiritual well-being aspects of the quality of life in colostomy patients
Authors: Repic Gordana , Ivanovic Suncica , Stanojevic Cedomirka , Trgovcevic Sanja
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Colorectal cancer and its treatment can have a negative impact on the quality of life which has become an important outcome measure for cancer patients. The aim of this work was assessment of psychological and spiritual dimension of the quality of life in colostomy patients, regarding the gender and age. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Abdominal Surgery Polyclinic in the Clinical Canter of Vojvodina among colostomy patients operated between January 2010 and June 2011. The instrument used in this study was Quality of Life Questionnaire for a Patient with an Ostomy (QOL-O). Results. Majority of respondents were male (M:F = 50.7% : 49.3%). The age ranged between 36?86 years. Respondents did not report difficulties in adjustment to stoma, but their great difficulty was to look at it and the sense of depression and anxiety. The care of stoma was worse perceived by younger respondents (p = 0.014). Respondents were mostly satisfied with their memorizing ability and having the sense of control. The lowest score was found in sensing satisfaction or enjoyment in life. The age had a significant impact on positive aspects of psychological well-being (p < 0.05). Higher scores were found among younger age groups. The mean score of spiritual well-being (6.47 ? 3.01) was lower than the mean score of psychological well-being (7.76 ? 2.35). There were no statistically significant differences regarding gender (t = -0.738, df = 65, p = 0.463) or age (F = 1.307, p = 0.280). Conclusion. Psychological and spiritual well-being in colostomy patients appeared to be at satisfactory level, but it is necessary to provide tailor made support in order to prevent and resolve negative responses to stoma.
Flexural strength and modulus of autopolimerized poly (methyl methacrylate) with nanosilica
Authors: Balos Sebastian , Pilic Branka , Petrovic Djordje , Petronijevic Branislava , Sarcev Ivan
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Autopolymerized, or cold polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) class of materials have a lower mechanical properties compared to hot polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate), due to a limited time of mixing before the polymerization process begins. The aim of this study was to test the effect of different relatively low nanosilica contents, in improving mechanical properties of the cold polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate). Methods. A commercially available autopolymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) denture reline resin methyl methacrylate liquid component was mixed with 7 nm after treated hydrophobic fumed silica and subsequently mixed with poly(methyl methacrylate) powder. Three nanosilica loadings were used: 0.05%, 0.2% and 1.5%. Flexural modulus and strength were tested, with one way ANOVA followed by Tukey?s test. Furthermore, zeta potential, differential scanning calorimetry, scaning electrone microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyses were performed. Results. Flexural modulus and strength of poly(methyl methacrylate) based nanocomposites were statistically significantly increased by the addition of 0.05% nano-SiO2. The increase in nanosilica content up to 1.5% does not contribute to mechanical properties tested, but quite contrary. The main reason was agglomeration, that occurred before mixing of the liquid and powder component and was proved by zeta potential measurement, and after mixing, proved by scanning electrone microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analyses. Conclusions. Addition of 7 nm 0.05% SiO2 is the most effective in increasing flexural modulus and strength of autopolimerized poly(methyl methacrylate).
Assessing temporomandibular disorders: Mouthpiece design considerations
Authors: Bukovic Dino , Glavicic Igor , Dimitric Goran , Smajic Miroslav , Radanovic Bozana , Vitosevic Biljana
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Scuba diving is one of the sports with the fastest growing popularity. Nowadays doctors of dental medicine meet divers-patients in their offices more often. Treatment of these patients has some specific features that are related to difficulties in the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles and soft tissues of the oral cavity. A set of those complaints represent a condition called ?diver's mouth syndrome?. Most scuba divers complain of temporomandibular joint and the masticatory muscles pain; inadequate mouthpieces can exacerbate temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) even when its symptoms are not present in everyday life. The aim of this research was to find a decent substitute for a fully customised mouthpiece, that are not present at our market, to discover the qualities of a good mouthpiece and establish prevalence of TMD among divers. Methods. This study included 30 scuba divers. Scuba divers filled out the questionnaire before diving, then dived twice with each of the 3 different commercial mouthpieces provided for this research (Mares Universal, Seac sub, Mares LiquidSkin (Universal Mares, Seac sub, Mares LiquidSkin). After diving, they filled out the second part of the questionnaire and so they performed an assessment of the mouthpiece and gave insight into the prevalence of TMD symptoms caused by using the mouthpiece. Results. According to the average score of satisfaction (the least present symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and numbness of the masticatory muscles and the jaw joint), this research proved Mares LiquidSkin mouthpieces to be the best out of the 3 commercial mouthpieces. For its use, average satisfaction score among participants was 7.07 (out of 10) and none of the divers reported jaw and muscle stiffness during and after the dive with this mouthpiece. The smallest percentage of participants reported pain in the orofacial region and discomfort while swallowing when used it in comparison with other mouthpieces. The anatomy and material of the mouthpieces turned out to be an extremely important factor. Conclusion. Several factors contribute to a good mouthpiece design; the choice of material, its elasticity and softness, the thickness and length of the interdental bite platform and the width of the oral screen that is inserted into the vestibule. The preferred material should be soft silicone. The interdental bite platforms should support the posterior teeth and the oral screen should fit the jaws and not be too wide.
Ovarian reserve in patients who have undergone endometriosis surgery
Authors: Dzatic-Smiljkovic Olivera , Vasiljevic Mladenko , Rudic Ivana , Vugdelic Jelena , Ristic Aleksandar , Vugdelic Rada
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The aim of this paper was to determine the effect of laparoscopic cystotomy and cystectomy on ovarian function, as well as to compare these two methods in terms of qualitative and quantitative damage to the ovaries, achieved pregnancies and recurrence. Methods. The prospective study, conducted in ?Narodni Front? Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic in Belgrade at the Endoscopic Infertility Treatment Ward, included a total of 150 patients. The study group was represented by 100 patients who underwent a surgical treatment of endometrial ovarian cysts. The patients in the study group were divided into 2 subgroups: Subgroup I consisted of 50 patients who underwent a laparoscopic cystotomy (incision of the cyst and thermal coagulation) and subgroup II which included 50 women who underwent a laparoscopic cystectomy. The control group consised of patients who underwent a surgery due to tubal factor infertility. The following parameters of the ovarian function were tested: the ovarian volume, the antral follicle count, the presence of the preovulatory follicle on the operated ovary, the serum levels of anti- M?llerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), ovarian tumor marker (Ca 125), inhibin B, as well as the rate of achieved pregnancies one year after the surgery. Results. The ovarian volume and the antral follicle count as well as the FSH values were significantly higher in the control group in comparison with the patients in the study group. There were no significant differences in the ovarian volume, the antral follicle count, the AMH values and inhibin B values in the study group between the patients with cystectomy and those with the incision and coagulation of the cyst. Conclusion. Both surgical techniques diminished the ovarian reserve: cystectomy was more aggressive method in terms of the damage inflicted on the ovarian tissue, and incision with coagulation carried a higher risk of recurrence.
Intraoperative diagnosis of an anterior sacral meningocele mimicking a giant ovarian cyst in an adult
Authors: Simsek Hakan
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Anterior sacral meningocele (ASM) is a very rare condition that is the herniation of the meningeal sac into the pelvic cavity through a developmental bone defect of the anterior wall of the sacrum. Most of the ASM are diagnosed in childhood but the reported cases that are diagnosed in adults exhibit a gamut of complications. Case report. We presented a case of ASM excision that was misdiagnosed as a giant ovarian cyst. A 28-year-old woman was admitted to the General Surgery Clinic and than to the Gynecology Department with suspect of ovarian cyst depending on ultrasonography (US) scans solely. Adnexial torsion was suspected and surgery to remove the cyst and adnexial exploration was planned. When the lesion was found out to be ASM, neurosurgery team tied the neck and excised the whole meningocele. Histopathologic evaluations confirmed dural sac. Neurological examinations right after the operation revealed 20% weakness in knee extension. It totally recovered in 6 months time. Her MR imaging studies and computed tomography (CT) scans revealed multiple ASM sacs and defects of the anterior wall of the sacrum. Conclusion. This case emphasizes the importance of utilizing available screening tools including CT andmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies as the gold standard in addition to US scans in the preoperative period in order to accurately evaluate and characterize any pelvic lesion.
The impact of somatic symptoms on depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students in central Serbia
Authors: Simic-Vukomanovic Ivana , Mihajlovic Goran , Milovanovic Dragan , Kocic Sanja , Radevic Svetlana , Djukic Svetlana , Vukomanovic Vladimir , Djukic-Dejanovic Slavica
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Depression and anxiety problems are a major public health concern due to their high prevalence rates, difficult treatment, and often chronic course. This study examined the impact of somatic symptoms on depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students in Serbia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed among 1,940 students using a questionnaire specially designed for this study which included presence of Somatic and Non-specific Mental Symptoms (SNMS), Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The presence of somatic and associated non-specific mental symptoms over the last six months served as the basis for creating a new variable called SNMS score. Results. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the SNMS score might be a very good marker for the distinction of students with or without depressive symptoms (area = 0.754, p < 0.05). The threshold value was 8.50 (sensitivity 67.6%, specificity 69.4%). Binary logistic regression showed that Odds ratio was 1.052 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.045?1.059], which means that an increase in the value of the SNMS score by 1 increases the risk of depressive symptoms by 5.2%. ROC curve showed that the SNMS score might be an excellent marker for the distinction of students with or without anxiety symptoms (area = 0.800, p < 0.05). Limit value (cut-off) was 7.50 (sensitivity 74.2%, specificity 71.6%). Binary logistic regression showed that odds ratio was 1.056 (95% CI 1.049?1.064), which means that increasing the value of SNMS score by 1 increases the risk of anxiety symptoms by 5.6%. Conclusion. The SNMS score might be a state marker for the screening and distinction of students with depressive symptoms, and excellent state marker for screening and making distinction between students with anxiety symptoms and the students who do not have these symptoms.
Morphological characteristics of lateral branches of human basilar artery
Authors: Gajanin Vesna , Sladojevic Igor , Sarovic-Vukajlovic Mirka , Gajanin Radoslav , Ninkovic-Baros Djuka , Krivokuca Bozo
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Lateral branches of basilar artery mostly supply pons and cerebellum. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of lateral branches and side branches of the individual lateral branches of human basilar artery. Methods. The research was done on 25 anatomical specimens of adult brainstems, both sexes, previously fixed by immersion in a 10% formalin. Microdissection and precise measurements of caliber and length of the basilar artery were done under the stereolupe MBS-9 by the ocular micrometer. Results. A number of lateral branches was 9 on both sides, and the number of side branches of the individual lateral branch of basilar artery ranged from 0 to 4. The average diameter of side branches on both sides was 0.15 mm while the average length on the left side was 4.31 mm and 4.06 mm on the right. Side braches on the left side of the basilar artery most commonly penetrated pons and postpontine fossa (29.82% each) and rarely the area of middle cerebellar pedicle (1.74 %). On the right side, side branches most commonly penetrated pons (35.29%), and rarely the areas of inferior and middle cerebellar pedicle (1.96% each). Conclusion. Maintrunk of basilar artery gives an equal number of lateral branches on both sides. On average, every lateral branch gives 2 side branches. The most common site of descent of the side branches is pons, while the rarest one was cerebellar pedicle.
Characteristics of suicide in the City of Nis within the period 2000-2010.
Authors: Ljusic Dragana , Ravanic Dragan , Stojanovic-Tasic Mirjana , Filipovic-Danic Snezana , Cvetkovic Jovana , Soldatovic Ivan
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Suicide is a significant public health problem worldwide. Numerous factors contribute to suicide. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of suicide in the city of Nis in the period 2001?2010. Methods. The retrospective study consisted of 608 persons divided into three groups: suicide committers with mental disorders, somatic disorders or without registered disorders. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, previous suicide attempts, methods of suicide and presuicidal syndrome were obtained from the Police Directorate for the city of Nis, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Republic of Serbia and from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. Results. Persons with mental disorders were the most prevalent group of people who committed suicide (54.3%), followed by persons without registered disorders (31.9%) and with somatic disorders (13.8%). Persons with mental disorders who committed suicide were most often divorced, with high school education, monthly salary and with at least one previous suicide attempt. The hanging was the most frequent method of committing suicide in all investigated groups, followed by self-poisoning using drugs or liquid substances. The presuicidal syndrome was significantly more frequent among persons with mental disorders compared to persons with somatic disorders or without registered disorders others (45.8% vs. 16.7%, and 45.8% vs. 28.4% respectively p < 0.001). Conclusion. Although the persons with mental disorders are in the greatest risk of suicide, they are under medical care. In this regard, the prevention programs should be directed towards persons with severe somatic disorders and to old persons without registered disorders.
Platelet turnover and function in end-stage renal disease
Authors: Filipov Predrag , Bozic Dusan , Mijovic Romana , Mitic Gorana
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by significant impairment of platelet functions which may cause bleeding or thrombotic complications. The iam of this study was the aim of this study was the assessement of platelet turnover and function and their correlation with inflammatory and procoagulant markers in ESRD patients as well as platelet indicies comparison between ESRD diabetic and ESRD non-diabetic patients. Methods. The prospective, observational clinical study included 63 ESRD patients and 30 age and sex matched healthy volunteers. Following laboratory parameters of platelet turnover and function (platelet count, reticulated platelets, platelet indices, whole blood impedance platelet aggregation), inflammatory and procoagulant markers (number of neutrophils, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, plasma fibrinogen, D dimer, von Willebrand factor) were obtained. Results. Platelet turnover (% of reticulated platelets) was significantly higher (3.8 ? 2.3 vs. 2.3 ? 1.3; p < 0.01) and platelet aggregation tests induced by thrombin receptor activiting peptide (TRAP) (p < 0.01), adenosine diphospate (ADP) (p < 0.05), arachidonic acid (ASPI) (p < 0.05) and collagen (p < 0.05) were markedly increased in the ESRD patients compared to the control group. The comparison of chronic inflammation and procoagulant markers revealed higher values in all patients comparing to the group of healthy subjects (p < 0.01 regarding all parameters). There was no difference between the ESRD diabetic and ESRD non-diabetic patients. Conclusion. Results point out increased platelet turnover in ESRD as a consequence of platelet activation and consumption induced by clotting system hyperactivity and chronic inflammation. None of the examined parameters do not predict bleeding occurrence.
Positive effects of hearing and speech rehabilitation on lexical fund quality in hearing impaired children
Authors: Maletic-Sekulic Ivana , Veselinovic Ivana , Jelicic Ljiljana , Sijan-Gobeljic Mirjana , Dragutinovic Ninoslava
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Initial experiences in rehabilitation of children with cochlear implants and frequent debates regarding the effects of their application have imposed the necessity to compare the effects of speech rehabilitation in children with hearing aids with those having cochlear implants. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the level of lexical development in hearing impaired children who are involved in the process of hearing and speech-language rehabilitation and who were amplified by hearing aids or cochlear implants. Methods. The sample consisted of 55 children aged 3?6 years, diagnosed with prelingual bilateral hearing impairment with a hearing threshold above 90 dB. All examined children had average intellectual abilities and no additonal impairments. The sample was divided into 2 groups: E1 group consisted of 30 children with cochlear implants and E2 group consisted of 25 children who were amplified by individual hearing aids. Research methodology included a Test of Vocabulary. The testing was performed individually. A year after the testing, a retest was done. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS v. 17 for Windows. Results. The largest number of children had average achievements on a Test of Vocabulary during initial testing. After a year (retest) significant improvements were noticed. A large number of children had above average achievements (46.7% in the E1 and 36% in the E2 group) while the number of children with below average achievements was significantly reduced (3.3% in the E1 and 8% in the E2). A comparative analysis of the test and those with gearing aids achievements showed that there was no statistically significant difference between children with cochlear implants and retest. Conclusion. Significant improvement of the achievements on retest in both groups can be explained by positive effects of systematic, planned, intensive and continuous rehabilitation of hearing impaired children, and not by application of certain type of hearing amplification.
Bone tunnel enlargement after the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament using bone-tendon-bone graft
Authors: Ninkovic Srdjan , Harhaji Vladimir , Rasovic Predrag , Gvozdenovic Nemanja , Obradovic Mirko
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Bone-tendon-bone (BTB) graft is one of the strongest biological grafts and it provides a strong initial fixation with the application of interference screws making possible the primary bone healing and bone integration of the graft on the place of fixation during arthroscopic reconstruction of the arterior cruciate ligament of the knee. The aim of our research was to determine if BTB graft from which, throughout the surgical treatment, soft tissue and periosteum are removed, leads to the reduction of the enlargement in the femoral and tibial bone after the arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Methods. The first phase consisted of bio-mechanical study on 12 pairs of cadaveric BTB grafts. The testing was performed on the mechanical testing machine. The second phase involved clinical testing. The first group consisted of 40 patients treated with the classical BTB autograft. The second group consisted of 56 patients who had two thirds of the bony parts of the bone-tendon-bone autografts of the soft tissue and periosteum removed. We measured the distance between the edge of the sclerotic tunnel on the tibial and femoral bone in three different points: proximal (F1;T1), middle (F2;T2) and the lower part (F3;T3). Results. The experimental part of the study showed no statistically significant difference in graft breakout force expressed in N/mm2 between classically treated BTB graft and graft with a partially removed soft tissue and periosteum. By comparing the expansion of tunnels in all segments in both bone tunnels between study groups, statistically significantly lower enlargement was measured in the group with BTB grafts with partially removed soft tissues and periosteum (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The use of BTB grafts with partially removed soft tissues and periosteum provides less bone tunnel expansion as compared to classically treated grafts of the anterior cruciate tendon.
Estimation of influenza activity in Vojvodina (Serbia) for five consecutive influenza seasons
Authors: Ristic Mioljub , Strbac Mirjana , Medic Snezana , Petrovic Vladimir
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. After pandemic 2009/10 influenza season, influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B viruses have continued to circulate in the population. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and virological characteristics of influenza and evaluate values of proposed case definitions of influenza like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) for detecting laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in Vojvodina. Methods. We conducted a descriptive epidemiological study using surveillance reports and laboratory data from October 2010 to May 2015 (five surveillance seasons). Results. Out of 1,466 samples collected, 720 (49.1%) were laboratory confirmed as influenza. Influenza A infection was more frequently detected than influenza B infection. Using the case definition of ILI was a good predictor for influenza confirmation (p < 0.05) during 5 influenza seasons. The predominant age-range of patients with confirmed influenza A (42.2%) and B (43.0%) infections was 30 to 64, but the patients aged from 15 to 29 years were more likely to have influenza A (p = 0.0168). In the period from December to January, influenza A (17.8%) was more frequently registered than influenza B (7.6%). The highest number of deaths (19/38) and hospitalized patients (128/402) was registered during the last influenza season (2014/15). The immunosuppressed patients with confirmed influenza infection were more likely to have influenza B than influenza A (p = 0.0110). Conclusion. Our results indicate that influenza surveillance should be continued and expanded in order to fully assess the burden of the disease in given population.
Self-rated health among older adults in two fast ageing European countries: Evidence from Italy and Serbia
Authors: Piumatti Giovanni , Lietz Francesco , Marinkovic Jelena , Bjegovic-Mikanovic Vesna
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Self-rated health (SRH) is a widely adopted tool to compare health across countries. Relationships of socio-demographics with SRH in later life have been extensively cross-nationally observed. However, cross-comparisons of the effects of health behaviors (i.e., eating habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption) and health status (i.e., chronic diseases) on SRH are less frequent. Our aim was to examine SRH differences between older adults in Italy and Serbia and to observe the role of predictors of SRH particularly referring to health behaviors in both countries. Methods. Two samples of 4,406 Italians and 3,539 Serbs aged 65 and older were extracted from national health surveys conducted in 2013. For this secondary analysis, SRH, sociodemographics, health status variables, and health behavior factors were selected. In the multivariate logistic regression models, SRH was the dependent variable while the selected independent predictors were socio-demographics, characteristics related to health status and to health behavior. Results. Both Italians (30.3%) and Serbs (22.3%) reported lower values of good- or very good-SRH than the European average (36.9%). The logistic regressions showed that Serbs reported poor?SRH significantly more often than Italians. Moreover, gender, education level, chronic diseases, and daily life limitations resulted as significant predictors of SRH in both national samples. In addition, vegetables intake was positively associate to SRH among Italians, while among Serbs an adequate fruits intake was positively associated to SRH. Conclusion. Health behavior and health status factors are associated with better SRH in the population aged 65 and older. The effects differ between countries. It is essential that decision-makers of the implementation of international preventive strategies take into account the specific characteristics of countries in the organization of interventions for the aged population.
Outbreak of enterovirus D68 of the new B3 lineage in Stockholm, Sweden, August to September 2016
Authors: Dyrdak Robert , Grabbe Malin , Hammas Berit , Ekwall Jonas , Hansson Karin E , Luthander Joachim , Naucler Pontus , Reinius Henrik , Rotzén-Östlund Maria , Albert Jan
Published: December 2016

We report an enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) outbreak in Stockholm Sweden in 2016. Between 22 August and 25 September EV-D68 was detected in 74/495 respiratory samples analysed at the Karolinska University Hospital. During the peak week, 30/91 (33%) samples were EV-D68 positive. Viral protein (VP)P4/VP2 sequencing revealed that cases were caused by B3 lineage strains. Forty-four (59%) EV-D68-positive patients were children aged ≤ 5 years. Ten patients had severe respiratory or neurological symptoms and one died.
Malaria in the 18th and 19th centuries in Ontario.
Authors: Fallis A. Murray
Published: December 2016

The year was 1793. Invitations for a gala ball had been extended by the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada and Mrs. Simcoe. The evening for gaiety arrived but the usual sparkle was missing. Mrs. Simcoe, ill with malaria, was unable to attend. Speculation suggests that the Governor, too, was not immune: as Mrs. Jarvis, the wife of William Jarvis, the Provincial Secretary, “his health is much impaired and his eyes are as yellow as saffron and he is peevish beyond description”. Others succumbed to the disease in the decades to follow as it spread across the southern part of the province bringing misery to hundreds.
Le forgeron-soigneur au Canada français
Authors: Dupont Jean-Claude
Published: December 2016

L'ethnologie, science socio-historique des habitudes de vie, étudie aussi bien les faits de culture spirituelle (coutumes, croyances, récits populaires) que matérielle (technologies et formes artistiques). Chacun de ces deux champs d'étude peut à lui seul faire l'objet d'un domaine de recherche et l'on retrouve déjà à l'intérieur de l'un ou l'autre matière à synthèse; mais la mise en rapport de phénomènes relatifs à ces deux structures donne souvent un éclairage nécessaire à la compréhension d'activités humaines.
The myth of a Canadian Boswell: Dr. R.M. Bucke and Walt Whitman.
Authors: Shortt S.E.D.
Published: December 2016

Biography has traditionally exerted a compelling attraction for both Canadian historians in general and medical historians in particular. The subject of this paper, Dr. Richard M. Bucke (1837–1902), is well-known in the history of Canadian psychiatry, most recently through the work of, among others, Wendy Mitchinson, Cheryl Krasnick and Cyril Greenland. One area of his career, however, remains poorly understood: his relationship with the poet, Walt Whitman (1819–1892). While this friendship is frequently referred to by literary scholars, their central concern is with Whitman rather than Bucke. In their work, as a result, the poet occupies the scholarly foreground, while Bucke is confined to an obscure and, this paper argues, badly distorted corner of the literary canvas. This neglect may well be an inherent methodological pitfall of biography in which a focus on the principal figure necessarily neglects or misrepresents secondary characters. As a corrective to the prevailing literary interpretation, the following pages describe the Bucke-Whitman relationship in terms of symbiosis rather than of master poet and sycophantic admirer.
Création de connaissances organisationnelles à la suite d’une intervention de développement professionnel en Centre de santé et de services sociaux (CSSS) : une évaluation des laboratoires de promotion de la santé
Authors: Richard Lucie , Fortin-Pellerin Laurence , Chiocchio François , Litvak Éric , Champagne François , Beaudet Nicole
Published: December 2016

Abstract: This article deals with the Health Promotion Laboratory, a professional development program designed for local public health teams. Building on Nonaka’s model, the study examines organisational knowledge creation in three sites and analyzes the factors involved. The results show significant externalization and noticeable combination in the three sites. The availability of diffusion tools, the transmission of knowledge inherent to the laboratory and the adequacy of resources appear as factors influencing externalization. Participants’ learning capacity stands out as the main organizational factor facilitating combination.
Geographers versus Managers: Expert Influence on the Construction of Values Underlying Flood Insurance in the United States
Authors: Bergsma Emmy
Published: December 2016

A democratic premise is that expert influence should not extend into the political domain of environmental policymaking. This article analyses the relationship between experts and policymakers in the historical development of the National Flood Insurance Program as a flood governance strategy in the United States. The article draws three conclusions. First, while experts asserted great influence on the development of this policy program, underlying values were evaluated and judged by policymakers. Second, as socio-political values changed, new types of experts were involved in the policymaking process. Third, these different types of experts had different implications for how value conflicts were addressed.
Corrigendum: Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab, tocilizumab and abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and after the failure of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs only: systematic review and economic evaluation
Authors: Stevenson Matt , Archer Rachel , Tosh Jon , Simpson Emma , Everson-Hock Emma , Stevens John , Hernandez-Alava Monica , Paisley Suzy , Dickinson Kath , Scott David , Young Adam , Wailoo Allan
Published: December 2016

Correction to Table 209.
Sizing Subsurface Defects in Metallic Plates by Square Pulse Thermography Using an Oriented Gradient Map
Authors: Xie Jing , Xu Changhang , Gong Xumei , Huang Weiping , Chen Guoming
Published: December 2016

We developed a new approach for sizing subsurface defects in the square pulse thermography of metallic plates by employing the oriented gradient of histograms. To size defects with high accuracies is still a challenge in infrared (IR) thermography today. Especially for blurry defects, accurate sizing of them is difficult with existing methods. The oriented gradient of histograms, which is used in the successful probability of boundary (Pb) contour detector in natural image processing literature, is employed in this work to improve the sizing accuracy in square pulse thermography. Experiments on a corroded steel plate with flat blind holes have verified the effectiveness of the proposed approach to size defects. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can size distinct and blurry defects with high accuracies. Comparison research is also implemented between the proposed approach and other sizing methods. The comparison results show that the proposed approach is superior to existing methods.
Personality Traits Bias the Perceived Quality of Sonic Environments
Authors: Lindborg PerMagnus , Friberg Anders
Published: December 2016

There have been few empirical investigations of how individual differences influence the perception of the sonic environment. The present study included the Big Five traits and noise sensitivity as personality factors in two listening experiments (n = 43, n = 45). Recordings of urban and restaurant soundscapes that had been selected based on their type were rated for Pleasantness and Eventfulness using the Swedish Soundscape Quality Protocol. Multivariate multiple regression analysis showed that ratings depended on the type and loudness of both kinds of sonic environments and that the personality factors made a small yet significant contribution. Univariate models explained 48% (cross-validated adjusted R2) of the variation in Pleasantness ratings of urban soundscapes, and 35% of Eventfulness. For restaurant soundscapes the percentages explained were 22% and 21%, respectively. Emotional stability and noise sensitivity were notable predictors whose contribution to explaining the variation in quality ratings was between one-tenth and nearly half of the soundscape indicators, as measured by squared semipartial correlation. Further analysis revealed that 36% of noise sensitivity could be predicted by broad personality dimensions, replicating previous research. Our study lends empirical support to the hypothesis that personality traits have a significant though comparatively small influence on the perceived quality of sonic environments.
Tandem Reactions Combining Biocatalysts and Chemical Catalysts for Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Wang Yajie , Zhao Huimin
Published: December 2016

The application of biocatalysts in the synthesis of fine chemicals and medicinal compounds has grown significantly in recent years. Particularly, there is a growing interest in the development of one-pot tandem catalytic systems combining the reactivity of a chemical catalyst with the selectivity engendered by the active site of an enzyme. Such tandem catalytic systems can achieve levels of chemo-, regio-, and stereo-selectivities that are unattainable with a small molecule catalyst. In addition, artificial metalloenzymes widen the range of reactivities and catalyzed reactions that are potentially employable. This review highlights some of the recent examples in the past three years that combined transition metal catalysis with enzymatic catalysis. This field is still in its infancy. However, with recent advances in protein engineering, catalyst synthesis, artificial metalloenzymes and supramolecular assembly, there is great potential to develop more sophisticated tandem chemoenzymatic processes for the synthesis of structurally complex chemicals.
Silicene Nanoribbons on Pb-Reconstructed Si(111) Surface
Authors: Stȩpniak-Dybala Agnieszka , Jałochowski Mieczysław , Krawiec Mariusz
Published: December 2016

We report on the initial stage of growing of silicon nanostructures on Pb-induced 3 × 3 and 3 × 7 reconstructed Si(111) surfaces. The deposition of 0.75 monolayer of Si at a temperature of around 200 K results in Si nanoribbons a few-nanometers in length running in three equivalent high symmetry directions of Si(111) surface, as revealed by low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy measurements. The nanoribbons are predominantly 1.6 nm wide and show local 3 × 3 reconstruction. These findings are interpreted within the framework of silicene nanoribbons grown on a bare Si(111) surface.
Comparative Study of Shell and Helically-Coiled Tube Heat Exchangers with Various Dimple Arrangements in Condensers for Odor Control in a Pyrolysis System
Authors: Kim Sun-Min , Jo Jun-Ho , Lee Ye-Eun , Yoo Yeong-Seok
Published: December 2016

This study performed evaluations of the shell and helically-coiled tube heat exchangers with various dimple arrangements, that is, flat, inline, staggered, and bulged, at different Dean numbers (De) and inlet temperatures of a hot channel. Conjugated heat transfer was analyzed to evaluate the heat transfer performance of the exchangers through temperature difference between the inlet and outlet, Nusselt number inside the coiled tube, and pressure drop of the coiled tube by using 3-D Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with shear stress transport turbulence closure. A grid dependency test was performed to determine the optimal number of the grid system. The numerical results were validated using the experimental data, and showed good agreement. The inline and staggered arrangements show the highest temperature differences through all De. The staggered arrangement shows the best heat transfer performance, whereas the inline arrangement shows the second highest performance with all ranges of De and the hot channel’s inlet temperature. The inline and staggered arrangements show the highest pressure drop among all inlet temperatures of the hot channel.
Life Cycle Cost Evaluation of Noise and Vibration Control Methods at Urban Railway Turnouts
Authors: Tavares de Freitas Rodrigo , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: December 2016

A focus of the railway industry over the past decades has been to research, find and develop methods to mitigate noise and vibration resulting from wheel/rail contact along track infrastructure. This resulted in a wide range of abatement measures that are available for today’s engineers. The suitability of each method must be analysed through budget and timeframe limitations, which includes building, maintenance and inspection costs and time allocation, while also aiming at delivering other benefits, such as environmental impact and durability of infrastructure. There are several situations that need noise and vibration mitigation methods, but each design allocates different priorities on a case-by-case basis. Traditionally, the disturbance caused by railways to the community are generated by wheel/rail contact sound radiation that is expressed in different ways, depending on the movement of the rolling stock and track alignment, such as rolling noise, impact noise and curve noise. More specifically, in special trackworks such as turnouts (or called “switches and crossings”), there are two types of noise that can often be observed: impact noise and screeching noise. With respect to the screeching (or flanging), its mitigation methods are usually associated with curve lubrications. In contrast, the impact noise emerges from the sound made by the rolling stock moving through joints and discontinuities (i.e., gaps), resulting in various noise abatement features to minimise such noise impact. Life cycle analysis is therefore vital for cost efficiency benchmarking of the mitigation methods. The evaluation is based on available data from open literature and the total costs were estimated from valid industry reports to maintain coherency. A 50-year period for a life cycle analysis is chosen for this study. As for the general parameters, an area with a high density of people is considered to estimate the values for a community with very strict limits for noise and vibration.
A Review of Computational Methods for Finding Non-Coding RNA Genes
Authors: Abbas Qaisar , Raza Syed , Biyabani Azizuddin , Jaffar Muhammad
Published: December 2016

Finding non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes has emerged over the past few years as a cutting-edge trend in bioinformatics. There are numerous computational intelligence (CI) challenges in the annotation and interpretation of ncRNAs because it requires a domain-related expert knowledge in CI techniques. Moreover, there are many classes predicted yet not experimentally verified by researchers. Recently, researchers have applied many CI methods to predict the classes of ncRNAs. However, the diverse CI approaches lack a definitive classification framework to take advantage of past studies. A few review papers have attempted to summarize CI approaches, but focused on the particular methodological viewpoints. Accordingly, in this article, we summarize in greater detail than previously available, the CI techniques for finding ncRNAs genes. We differentiate from the existing bodies of research and discuss concisely the technical merits of various techniques. Lastly, we review the limitations of ncRNA gene-finding CI methods with a point-of-view towards the development of new computational tools.