bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 Improves Intestinal Enzyme Function: A Trophic Effects Review
Authors: Moré Margret I , Vandenplas Yvan
Published: February 2018

Several properties of the probiotic medicinal yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 contribute to its efficacy to prevent or treat diarrhoea. Besides immunologic effects, pathogen-binding and anti-toxin effects, as well as positive effects on the microbiota, S boulardii CNCM I-745 also has pronounced effects on digestive enzymes of the brush border membrane, known as trophic effects. The latter are the focus of this review. Literature has been reviewed after searching Medline and PMC databases. All relevant non-clinical and clinical studies are summarized. S. boulardii CNCM I-745 synthesizes and secretes polyamines, which have a role in cell proliferation and differentiation. The administration of polyamines or S. boulardii CNCM I-745 enhances the expression of intestinal digestive enzymes as well as nutrient uptake transporters. The signalling mechanisms leading to enzyme activation are not fully understood. However, polyamines have direct nucleic acid–binding capacity with regulatory impact. S. boulardii CNCM I-745 induces signalling via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. In addition, effects on the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) pathway have been reported. As an additional direct effect, S. boulardii CNCM I-745 secretes certain enzymes, which enhance nutrient acquisition for the yeast and the host. The increased availability of digestive enzymes seems to be one of the mechanisms by which S. boulardii CNCM I-745 counteracts diarrhoea; however, also people with certain enzyme deficiencies may profit from its administration. More studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms of trophic activation by the probiotic yeast.
Developing a self-assessment tool for English language teachers
Authors: Borg Simon , Edmett Adam
Published: February 2018

In the context of increasing global interest in teacher evaluation, this article describes the development of a self-assessment tool (SAT) for teachers of English and analyses responses to it by 1,716 teachers from around the world. One feature of respondents’ self-assessments was that they were mostly positive, and this issue is discussed in relation to concerns about the accuracy of self-assessed competence more generally. Teachers also provided feedback on the tool itself and their comments on its relevance, clarity, coverage and value were mostly positive too. The teachers did, though, suggest ways in which the SAT could be developed further, and a number of design enhancements are discussed. Two particular challenges highlighted by the results of this study are also considered: the feasibility of developing a self-assessment tool that teachers of English in all contexts can use, and the extent to which teachers are able to assess their competence without reference to the specific circumstances in which they work. The potential for further research around the SAT is also noted, particularly in terms of how it can be combined with classroom observations to provide a more robust overall picture of what teachers are able to do.
Nation branding and the social imaginary of participation: An exploratory study of the Swedish Number campaign
Authors: Pamment James , Cassinger Cecilia
Published: February 2018

The Swedish Number is a 2016 marketing campaign by an independent tourist association that relies heavily on a developing heritage of Swedish nation branding initiatives. It uses media technologies to encourage citizen participation in promoting Swedish values, partly for the purpose of showing the country’s authentic side and partly for generating publicity. This article conducts a case study of the campaign in order to explore the ways in which media technologies were used to circulate tropes originating in the official nation brand in the service of a commercial interest. We argue that Brand Sweden has established a set of national identity resources that may be leveraged through public participation, vast publicity drives via media technologies and through mimicry of the national interest. Such a study supports a closer analysis of the ways in which nation brands influence identity politics via media technologies. This article will be of much interest to scholars of nation brands, cultural studies, participatory culture, national identity and transmedia engagement. This article forms part of the ‘Theorizing Media in Nation Branding’ Special Issue.
Explaining Time of Vote Decision: The Socio-Structural, Attitudinal, and Contextual Determinants of Late Deciding
Authors: Willocq Simon
Published: February 2018

In the last decades, Western democracies have witnessed an increase in the proportion of voters who make their electoral choice late in the campaign. Consequently, scholars have paid considerable attention to this phenomenon and attempted to identify the factors which influence time of vote decision. This article reviews the literature on the determinants of decision timing. Several studies suggest that women and young citizens are more likely to be late deciders. Besides, party identification has been shown to hasten the electoral decision, whereas attitudinal ambivalence and network cross-pressures have been found to delay the crystallisation of vote intentions. Moreover, previous work reveals that strategic voters decide later than do their sincere counterparts. Special attention is also devoted to the debate on whether the phenomenon of late deciding can be seen as the consequence of a lack of political sophistication or as the product of a high level of political engagement.
A hybrid fusion of wireless signals and RGB image for indoor positioning
Authors: Jiao Jichao , Li Fei , Tang Weihua , Deng Zhongliang , Cao Jichang
Published: February 2018

In this article, we propose a new indoor positioning algorithm using smartphones, where wireless signals and images are deeply combined together to improve the positioning performance. Our approach is based on the use of local binary patterns’ feature, which has the advantages of rotation invariance and scale invariance. Moreover, the term “uniform” are fundamental properties of local image textures and their occurrence histogram is proven to be a very powerful texture feature. Besides, the received signal strength acts as a reliable cue on a person’s identity. We first obtain a coarse-grained estimation based on the visualization of wireless signals, which are presented by a vector, making use of fingerprinting methods. Then, we perform a matching process to determine correspondences between two-dimensional pixels and three-dimensional points based on images collected by the smartphone. After being evaluated by experiments, our proposed method demonstrates that the combination of the visual and the wireless data significantly improves the positioning accuracy and robustness. It can be widely applied to smartphones to better analyze human behavior and offer high-accuracy indoor location–based services.
Medical assistance in dying: Examining Canadian pharmacy perspectives using a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Verweel Lee , Rosenberg-Yunger Zahava R. S. , Movahedi Taranom , Malek Allan H.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Canada legalized assisted dying with the passing of Bill C-14, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), in June 2016. This legislation has implications for health care professionals participating in MAiD. This research aims to understand the effect that MAiD has on pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Canada.

Methods:

We conducted a thematic document analysis of pharmacy guidelines, position statements and standards of practice from pharmacy regulatory authorities across Canada. In addition, the Ontario Pharmacists Association surveyed its members (including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students) about their perceptions of MAiD.

Results:

Our thematic analysis of the reviewed documents resulted in 3 major themes: pharmacists’ role in quality assurance, practice considerations when implementing MAiD and resources for pharmacy staff involved in MAiD. Survey responses illustrated that most (68%) pharmacy staff would dispense MAiD medications. Nonetheless, many respondents perceived that they lacked knowledge or comfort with different aspects of the MAiD process. Overall, 80% of participants reported a desire for professional development about MAiD.

Conclusion:

Despite the rapidly changing landscape surrounding medical assistance in dying within the past year, most pharmacy regulatory authorities have provided direction and resources to their pharmacists. Ontario pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are willing to dispense MAiD medications; however, additional support in the form of professional development may be necessary based on participants’ desire for education coupled with their perceived lack of knowledge. Future research may focus on the efficacy of provincial guidelines in supporting pharmacists’ participation in MAiD.
TRPV1 gain-of-function mutation impairs pain and itch sensations in mice
Authors: Duo Lina , Hu Linghan , Tian Naxi , Cheng Gen , Wang Huijun , Lin Zhimiao , Wang Yun , Yang Yong
Published: February 2018

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a non-selective cation channel, which can detect various noxious stimuli that cause pain, inflammation, hyperalgesia, and itch. TRPV1 knock-out mice show deficiency in nociception, but the in vivo effects of persistent activation of TRPV1 are not completely understood. Here, we generated TRPV1 knock-in mice with a G564S mutation. In the heterologous expression system, an electrophysiological study showed that the G564S mutation in mouse TRPV1 caused increased basal current and a leftward shift of voltage dependence. Intriguingly, using behavioral analysis, we found that knock-in mice showed a thermosensory defect, impaired inflammatory thermal pain, and capsaicin sensitivity. We also demonstrated an attenuated behavioral response to the pruritic agent histamine in the knock-in mice. Indeed, calcium imaging together with electrophysiology showed that the overactive mutant had decreased capsaicin sensitivity. Western blot analysis revealed that the G564S mutant reduced TRPV1 phosphorylation and cell membrane trafficking. Together, we have generated a mouse model with a gain-of-function mutation in Trpv1 gene and demonstrated that the pain and histamine-dependent itch sensations in these mice are impaired due to a decreased phosphorylation level and reduced membrane localization of TRPV1.
Accelerated ambulation after vascular access closure device
Authors: Brancheau Daniel , Sarsam Sinan , Assaad Mahmoud , Zughaib Marcel
Published: February 2018

Background:

Patients who are candidates to receive an Angioseal® (St. Jude Medical) device for arteriotomy closure are allowed to ambulate 20 min after the deployment of the device. More frequently, however, patients are kept on bed rest for several hours following Angioseal® deployment. The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess patients when ambulating 20 min after Angioseal® deployment instead of prolonged best rest of 2–3 h.

Methods:

Patients undergoing angiography from the common femoral artery approach were included in the study if they received a 6 Fr Angioseal® closure device.

Results:

Twenty-nine patients were successfully enrolled in the study; 27 (93.1%) patients ambulated at 20 min, 1 (3.45%) patient ambulated at 28 min, and 1 (3.45%) patient ambulated at 27 min due to transport times. There were zero complications with regard to hemorrhage or other groin complications. There is a substantial time difference in ambulation times between the conventional and early ambulation groups.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates that it is probably safe to ambulate patients who undergo diagnostic cardiac catheterization as early as 20 min after deployment of the 6 Fr Angioseal® closure device. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03142126
Paraoxonase-2 regulates coagulation activation through endothelial tissue factor
Authors: Ebert Julia , Wilgenbus Petra , Teiber John F. , Jurk Kerstin , Schwierczek Kathrin , Döhrmann Mareike , Xia Ning , Li Huige , Spiecker Lisa , Ruf Wolfram , Horke Sven
Published: February 2018

Key Points

Loss of antioxidative PON2 causes cardiovascular dysfunction and activates coagulation. PON2 predominantly controls redox-sensitive endothelial TF-activation pathways.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress activation in adipose tissue induces metabolic syndrome in individuals with familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type
Authors: Foss-Freitas Maria C. , Ferraz Rafael C. , Monteiro Luciana Z. , Gomes Patricia M. , Iwakura Ricardo , de Freitas Luiz Carlos C. , Foss Milton C.
Published: February 2018

Background

Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type is one of the most common inherited lipodystrophies variables. These individuals have important metabolic disorders that cause predisposition to various diseases. In this study we aimed to demonstrate the relation between the metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory profile and the expression of genes involved in the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in subjects with FPLD.

Methods

We evaluated 14 female FPLD patients and compared with 13 female healthy individuals. The subjects were paired with their respective BMI and age and categorized into two groups: Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type (FPLD) and control. Patients were fasted for 12 h before blood collection for measurement of HbA1c, glucose, insulin, lipids and inflammatory markers. Subcutâneous adipose tissue was collected by puncture aspiration of submental region during ambulatorial surgical aesthetic procedure.

Results

We demonstrate that patients with FPLD show increased HbA1c (p < 0.01), fasting glucose (p < 0.002) and triglycerides (p < 0.005) while HDL/cholesterol (p < 0.001) was lower when compared to healthy individuals. We found that 64.2% FPLD patients had metabolic syndrome according to International Diabetes Federation definition. We also observe increased AUC of glucose (p < 0.001) and insulin during oGTT, featuring a frame of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, suggesting insulin resistance. Also we found hyperactivation of several genes responsible for ERS such as ATF-4 (p < 0.01), ATF-6 (p < 0.01), EIF2α3K (p < 0.005), CCT4 (p < 0.001), CHOP (p < 0.01), CALR (p < 0.001) and CANX (p < 0.005), that corroborate the idea that diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome are associated with direct damage to the endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Ultimately, we note that individuals with lipodystrophy have an increase in serum interleukins, keys of the inflammatory process, as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 (p < 0.05 all), compared with healthy individuals, which can be the trigger to insulin resistance in this population.

Conclusion

Individuals with FPLD besides having typical dysfunctions of metabolic syndrome, show a hyperactivation of ERS associated with increased systemic inflammatory profile, which together may explain the complex clinical aspect of this diseases.

Trial registration HCRP no 6711/2012
Clinical effect of a dentifrice containing three kinds of bactericidal ingredients on periodontal disease: a pilot study in patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy
Authors: Kita Daichi , Kinumatsu Takashi , Yokomizo Atsushi , Tanaka Miki , Egawa Masahiro , Makino-Oi Asako , Tomita Sachiyo , Saito Atsushi
Published: February 2018

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate clinically the effect of a novel dentifrice containing three kinds of bactericidal ingredients on periodontal disease.

Results

This was a single-arm, prospective clinical study that enrolled patients with periodontitis undergoing supportive periodontal therapy. Periodontal examination, microbiological testing of saliva samples, and evaluation of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) in gingival crevicular fluid were performed. After 4 weeks of the use of test dentifrice, these parameters were re-evaluated. The use of dentifrice was also subjectively evaluated by clinicians and participants. Among 30 participants, there were significant improvements in the periodontal and microbiological parameters, and the level of interleukin-1β in the gingival crevicular fluid, following the use of the test dentifrice. In clinicians’ subjective evaluation of the overall usefulness of the dentifrice, ‘mild’ and ‘moderate’ improvement accounted for 83% of the total responses. In the participants’ subjective evaluation, the majority indicated their experience of the use as favorable. Within the limitations of this study, it is suggested that the progression of periodontal disease during the supportive periodontal therapy can be prevented by the use of the test dentifrice.

Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) 000023175. Date of formal registration: July 14, 2016 (https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000026716)
Thyroid Disorders in Athletes
Authors: Luksch John R. , Collins Philip B.
Published: February 2018

When athletic performance begins to deteriorate, it is important to identify possible underlying etiologies to explain such a phenomenon. Causes include inadequate nutrition, improper training habits, infection, and hematologic or endocrine diseases. In athletes, a thorough investigation of potentially reversible underlying medical conditions may be warranted when there are noted disruptions in training, competition, and recovery. Thyroid disorders should be considered in athletes in whom such a condition is suspected. The clinical picture may not be entirely clear, as athletes may have serum laboratory values that do not accurately correlate with the presenting signs and symptoms, as one might expect. That picture is even further muddled in individuals undergoing significant physiologic stress, and in whom anabolic agents or exogenous thyroid hormone are used. Because there are currently no consensus guidelines on the matter, return to play issues must be addressed when implementing treatment strategies and monitoring serial laboratory values on a case-by-case basis.
Energy Drinks: A Contemporary Issues Paper
Authors: Higgins John P. , Babu Kavita , Deuster Patricia A. , Shearer Jane
Published: February 2018

Since their introduction in 1987, energy drinks have become increasingly popular and the energy drink market has grown at record pace into a multibillion-dollar global industry. Young people, students, office workers, athletes, weekend warriors, and service members frequently consume energy drinks. Both health care providers and consumers must recognize the difference between energy drinks, traditional beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, soft drinks/sodas, juices, or flavored water), and sports drinks. The research about energy drinks safety and efficacy is often contradictory, given the disparate protocols and types of products consumed: this makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Also, much of the available literature is industry-sponsored. After reports of adverse events associated with energy drink consumption, concerns including trouble sleeping, anxiety, cardiovascular events, seizures, and even death, have been raised about their safety. This article will focus on energy drinks, their ingredients, side effects associated with their consumption, and suggested recommendations, which call for education, regulatory actions, changes in marketing, and additional research.
The role of NAFLD in cardiometabolic disease: an update
Authors: Faasse Sarah , Braun Hayley , Vos Miriam
Published: February 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the world, yet the complex pathogenesis remains to be fully elucidated. The prevalence of NAFLD has risen precipitously in recent years and is now a leading indication for liver transplantation. New waitlist registrants with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis–induced cirrhosis increased by 170% from 2004 to 2013. In addition, patients with NAFLD are at increased risk of both cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. In this update, recent studies contributing to the understanding of the place of NAFLD in cardiometabolic disease will be discussed.
Dermal fibroblasts from patients with Parkinson’s disease have normal GCase activity and autophagy compared to patients with PD and GBA mutations
Authors: Collins Lucy M , Drouin-Ouellet Janelle , Kuan Wei-Li , Cox Timothy , Barker Roger A
Published: February 2018

Background: Recently, the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been linked to a number of genetic risk factors, of which the most common is glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutations.

Methods: We investigated PD and Gaucher Disease (GD) patient derived skin fibroblasts using biochemistry assays.

Results: PD patient derived skin fibroblasts have normal glucocerebrosidase (GCase) activity, whilst patients with PD and GBA mutations have a selective deficit in GCase enzyme activity and impaired autophagic flux.

Conclusions: This data suggests that only PD patients with a GBA mutation have altered GCase activity and autophagy, which may explain their more rapid clinical progression.
Recent advances in neuromuscular block during anesthesia
Authors: Boon Martijn , Martini Christian , Dahan Albert
Published: February 2018

Muscle relaxation is a routine part of anesthesia and has important advantages. However, the lingering effects of muscle relaxants in the postoperative period have historically been associated with postoperative adverse events. Neuromuscular reversal, together with neuromuscular monitoring, is a recognized strategy to reduce the rate of postoperative residual relaxation but has only marginally improved outcome in the past few decades.

Sugammadex, a novel reversal agent with unique encapsulating properties, has changed the landscape of neuromuscular reversal and opened up new opportunities to improve patient care. By quickly and completely reversing any depth of neuromuscular block, it may reduce the rate of residual relaxation and improve respiratory recovery. In addition, sugammadex has made the use of deep neuromuscular block possible during surgery. Deep neuromuscular block may improve surgical working conditions and allow for a reduction in insufflation pressures during selected laparoscopic procedures. However, whether and how this may impact outcomes is not well established.
Missing the egocentric spatial reference: a blank on the map
Authors: Miniaci Maria Concetta , De Leonibus Elvira
Published: February 2018

Egocentric (self-centered) and allocentric (viewpoint independent) representations of space are essential for spatial navigation and wayfinding. Deficits in spatial memory come with age-related cognitive decline, are marked in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and are associated with cognitive deficits in autism. In most of these disorders, a change in the brain areas engaged in the spatial reference system processing has been documented. However, the spatial memory deficits observed during physiological and pathological aging are quite different. While patients with AD and MCI have a general spatial navigation impairment in both allocentric and egocentric strategies, healthy older adults are particularly limited in the allocentric navigation, but they can still count on egocentric navigation strategy to solve spatial tasks. Therefore, specific navigational tests should be considered for differential diagnosis between healthy and pathological aging conditions. Finally, more research is still needed to better understand the spatial abilities of autistic individuals.
Knowledge transfer: Theoretical framework to systematically spread best practice
Authors: Forkuo-Minka Anthony
Published: February 2018

In the service sector, there is widespread understanding of how knowledge transfer contributes to increased productivity. However, there is no evidence of the extent to which school nursing services benefit from transfer of externally sourced and internally generated knowledge.

This study aims to explore and describe the perception and practice of knowledge transfer in school nursing, and to establish whether school nurses were aware of knowledge repositories and what tools were available for access. The study also aims to generate a knowledge transfer framework and describes the reasons why perceived productivity was low or high within a school nursing service.

The study used grounded theory strategy, and with a purposive sampling of 20 participants, data were collected using open questions in semi-structured interviews. The constant comparative analysis techniques were employed to code the data into themes to form conclusions. The coding was supported with the use of QSR NVivo 10 qualitative analysis software.

The findings suggest that knowledge exists in the form of best practice, cumulative competence, and expertise in school nursing. However, the absence of a framework to link this knowledge to enhance productivity was highlighted. The study findings have highlighted that there was exasperation with the interface between resource and practice and that structural issues in school nursing services made the transfer of knowledge challenging.

In conclusion, school nursing knowledge repositories were variable and lacked frameworks to link to enhanced productivity. School nursing teams and caseload allocation must be reviewed, and performance measured in a systematic manner.
How to talk about disfigurement in the school environment
Authors: Camble Alexis , Spalding Henrietta
Published: February 2018

The charity Changing Faces offers advice on how to ensure schools are sensitive to the needs of children and young people who look different.
Garantir a validade de conteúdo na construção de instrumentos: O caso do Cenas para Processamento de Informação Social na Adolescência
Authors: Vagos Paula , Rijo Daniel , Santos Isabel M.
Published: February 2018

O Cenas para Processamento de Informação Social na Adolescência (SSIPA) propõe avaliar diversos passos cognitivos sugeridos pelo modelo de processamento de informação social, além de considerar estados emocionais que podem interferir com este processamento racional. A avaliação psicométrica deste instrumento aponta para a sua validade de constructo, mas muito pouca informação foi avançada acerca do seu processo de construção, de forma a garantir que reflete adequadamente, como se propõe, as experiências sociais únicas de adolescentes. Este trabalho apresenta informação detalhada acerca dos três processos que foram considerados para desenvolver o SSIPA: 1) três grupos focais com um total de 23 adolescentes e utilização das suas verbalizações para construção de itens; 2) análise da validade facial dos itens por 7 peritos, que avaliaram cada item de acordo com o conteúdo pretendido para cada item, e 3) avaliação da usabilidade, compreensibilidade e pertinência geral do instrumento numa nova amostra de 23 adolescentes. Os grupos focais e a avaliação dos itens constituíram ferramentas apropriadas para construir itens que cumprissem o princípio de aceitabilidade inicial e captassem com precisão o processamento de informação social de adolescentes, resultando num instrumento inovador e psicometricamente robusto, passível de utilização em contextos clínicos e de investigação.
Será que valeu a pena? A avaliação da experiência do tratamento de procriação medicamente assistida pelos casais inférteis e ajustamento psicossocial um ano após o tratamento
Authors: Moura-Ramos Mariana , Canavarro Maria Cristina
Published: February 2018

O recurso a técnicas de procriação medicamente assistida (PMA) tem sido descrito como um acontecimento exigente física e psicologicamente. No presente estudo, e utilizando um desenho longitudinal., pretendemos descrever as mudanças no ajustamento psicossocial desde o momento do tratamento até um ano após o tratamento, em 33 casais inférteis portugueses, bem como avaliar, de forma retrospetiva, a experiência do tratamento. Os resultados mostraram que, quando comparado o momento tratamento com um ano mais tarde, os casais cujos tratamentos tinham sido bem- sucedidos tiveram um aumento das emoções positivas e diminuição das negativas. No entanto, de um modo geral, todos os casais avaliaram de forma positiva o tratamento de PMA, independentemente do seu resultado, apesar de os casais que alcançaram uma gravidez terem avaliado a experiência de forma mais positiva. Pode concluir-se que a reatividade emocional e a avaliação da experiência são em parte influenciadas pelo resultado do tratamento.
Pengaruh Metode Karyawisata Terhadap Kreativitas Menggambar Anak di Taman Kanak-Kanak Bani Toifur Kabupaten Nganjuk
Authors: Pangastuti Ratna , Qumillaila Qumillaila
Published: February 2018

Many kinds of learning methods for early age level in stimulate all aspects of its development. One of the methods is karyawisata method. With this method the children directly faced with concrete objects that corresponds to its development stage. In addition to play and and imagine, early children have extraordinary creativity level. In this study researchers want to know how much the influence of karyawisata method against the ability of creativity of early childhood (kindergarten) through activities such as drawing. Where the drawing included in the learning achievement indicator on the Fine motoric aspects. this study use the quantitative approach and analysis technique with product moment in order to measure the scale of "influence" against two variables variable X as bound namely karyawisata method and a variable Y as free namely creativity. While the population is all the students of class B kindergarten of bani Toifur Nganjuk Regency. From the collected data and data processing obtained the result that the table of the value of the "r" product moment with df of 18, on the rank of the significance of 5 percent obtained r_table = 0,444. Because the r_xy on the rank of the significance of 5 percent greater than r_tables, 0.47 > 0,444 dors to write it on the rank of the significance of 5 percent zero hypothesis was rejected, while the alternative hypothesis is received. This means that between both variables X and Y is the influence of the karyawisata method against creativity drawing children in kindergarten of Bani Toifur there is a significant positive correlation.
La infertilidad en la mujer subsahariana. Las nuevas tecnologías en la cultura tradicional africana
Authors: Nieves Vázquez Auxiliadora
Published: February 2018

África es un continente multicultural con contextos sociopolíticos variados, pero en todo el continente existe como característica común, en la base de su cultura tradicional, que el rol reproductivo de la mujer sustenta tanto su estructura social como económica. La esterilidad de la mujer africana supone un importante estigma con un gran impacto personal, familiar y social. Se analizan la incidencia, las causas y las consecuencias de la infertilidad en la mujer subsahariana. También los distintos abordajes terapéuticos, la posibilidad de acceso a nuevas terapias de reproducción asistida en la vida real de esta población y las consideraciones bioéticas de la aplicación de las mismas.
Reproducción selectiva y diagnóstico genético prenatal: cambiando relaciones interpersonales
Authors: Enríquez Canto Yordanis
Published: February 2018

El diagnóstico genético prenatal permite identificar numerosas enfermedades autosómicas recesivas con antelación a la implantación del embrión. No obstante las posibilidades terapéuticas aún son escasas para los individuos diagnosticados. Por esta razón, a través de la selección negativa frecuentemente son eliminados. Se propone un análisis crítico de dos cuestiones: la concordancia entre la aplicabilidad de los test genéticos y el Principio de Igual Valor. Posteriormente, se considera desde un enfoque fenomenológico cómo se modifican relaciones humanas significativas como la filiación y la genitorialidad
Metaphors in anti-bias educational program: Educators’ voices
Authors: Koşan Yekta , Kuru Nilüfer , Korkmaz Aysel , Karademir Hamit , Akman Berrin
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this research is to review the perceptions of faculty members, preschool teachers, and pre-school teacher candidates with regard to the Anti-Bias Education Programs (ABEP) by using a phenomenological pattern. The participants’ metaphors on ABEP were established and categorized and the differences in participants’ perceptions were analyzed in terms of their demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and service time. The working group of this research consisted of 129 participants: from 17 universities, 22 faculty members from the Education Faculty Pre-school Education Departments and 71 pre-school teacher candidates, studying in the fourth year of the Pre-School Education Departments; and 36 pre-school teachers from 9 different cities. The findings of this study show that faculty members produced 17, teachers produced 28 and teacher candidates produced 30 different metaphors about ABEP. The faculty members’ metaphors vary in terms of age and service time, whereas the teachers’ vary in terms of service time, type of institution, education level and age. Teacher candidates’ metaphors vary in terms of age and gender.
Creating tools for inquiry-based mathematics learning from technological pedagogical content knowledge perspectives: Collaborative design approach
Authors: Yan Zhiming , Chai Ching Sing , So Hyo-Jeong
Published: February 2018

This study employed the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework to guide the collaborative design process between preservice and practicing teachers. The teams designed technological pedagogical mathematics tools (TPMTs) for inquiry-based learning based on the syllabi for secondary mathematics. The content of the chat messages of preservice and practicing teachers was coded with different dimensions of TPACK to unpack the process of how the teams arrived at critical design decisions. The TPMTs were further evaluated by 30 practicing mathematics teachers, with respect to three criteria: (1) technology tools and curriculum goals, (2) technology tools and teaching activities, and (3) the fit between pedagogy and technology. The content analysis revealed that the collaborative design process involved three clear stages, demarcated by the different versions of the TMPTs: replacement, enhancement, and transformation. Practicing teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge played a crucial role in the design of pedagogically sound tools, and for refining the initial TPACK of preservice teachers. The subsequent evaluations supported the positive pedagogical values of the TPMTs. Overall, this study contributes to TPACK research with a case where the collaborative design process with distributed expert knowledge can be synthesised to create pedagogically sound technological tools for mathematics.
Solvability of positive solutions for a systems of nonlinear fractional order BVPs with p-Laplacian
Authors: Rao Sabbavarapu Nageswara
Published: February 2018

Values of the parameters λ and μ are determined for which there exist positive solutions for the system of fractional order withp-Laplacian two-point boundary value problems. The well-known Guo–Krasnosel’skii fixed point theorem is applied.
Optimized angiotensin-converting enzyme activity assay for the accurate diagnosis of sarcoidosis
Authors: Csongrádi Alexandra , Enyedi Attila , Takács István , Végh Tamás , Mányiné Ivetta S. , Pólik Zsófia , Altorjay István Tibor , Balla József , Balla György , Édes István , Kappelmayer János , Tóth Attila , Papp Zoltán , Fagyas Miklós
Published: February 2018

Background:

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity determination can aid the early diagnosis of sarcoidosis. We aimed to optimize a fluorescent kinetic assay for ACE activity by screening the confounding effects of endogenous ACE inhibitors and interfering factors. Genotype-dependent and genotype-independent reference values of ACE activity were established, and their diagnostic accuracies were validated in a clinical study.

Methods:

Internally quenched fluorescent substrate, Abz-FRK(Dnp)P-OH was used for ACE-activity measurements. A total of 201 healthy individuals and 59 presumably sarcoidotic patients were enrolled into this study. ACE activity and insertion/deletion (I/D) genotype of theACEgene were determined.

Results:

Here we report that serum samples should be diluted at least 35-fold to eliminate the endogenous inhibitor effect of albumin. No significant interferences were detected: up to a triglyceride concentration of 16 mM, a hemoglobin concentration of 0.71 g/L and a bilirubin concentration of 150 μM. Genotype-dependent reference intervals were considered as 3.76–11.25 U/L, 5.22–11.59 U/L, 7.19–14.84 U/L forII,IDandDDgenotypes, respectively.I/Dgenotype-independent reference interval was established as 4.85–13.79 U/L. An ACE activity value was considered positive for sarcoidosis when it exceeded the upper limit of the reference interval. The optimized assay with genotype-dependent reference ranges resulted in 42.5% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 32.4% negative predictive value in the clinical study, whereas the genotype-independent reference range proved to have inferior diagnostic efficiency.

Conclusions:

An optimized fluorescent kinetic assay of serum ACE activity combined withACE I/Dgenotype determination is an alternative to invasive biopsy for confirming the diagnosis of sarcoidosis in a significant percentage of patients.
Inhibitory effect of Atlas cedar essential oil on the corrosion of steel in 1 m HCl
Authors: Idouhli Rachid , Oukhrib Abdelouahd , Koumya Yassine , Abouelfida Abdesselam , Benyaich Abdelaziz , Benharref Ahmed
Published: February 2018

The inhibition efficiency of Atlas cedar essential oil (ACEO) as a green corrosion inhibitor on steel in 1mhydrochloric acidic was studied. The effects of temperature and the concentration of the ACEO inhibitor on the inhibition efficiency were studied. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to test the performance of the inhibitor. We found that the inhibition efficiency of ACEO exceeded 88% at 1 g/l at 298 K and increased with increasing concentration. The evaluation of activation and thermodynamic parameters reveals that the organic molecules of cedar essential oil and its fractions act by chemical adsorption on the metal surface. The adsorption of the inhibitor on the surface of steel is in a good agreement with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Increasing concentration of the corrosion inhibitor enhances the surface coverage and formation of a protective film.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives containing a hydrazone moiety
Authors: Peng Hua-Nan , Ye Li-Min , Zhang Ming , Yang Yan-Chun , Zheng Jie
Published: February 2018

The title compounds were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS data. Their antimicrobial activities against bacterial strains Escherichia coli and fungal strains Aspergillus niger were evaluated.
Insulting and losing face
Authors: Benziman Yotam
Published: February 2018

This paper analyzes the nature of insults—a subject that has been rather neglected in the philosophical literature. I claim that an insult has to do with causing us to lose face. We save face with regards to everybody else, and thus anybody is supposedly liable to insult us. In this sense, our interlocutor serves both as an individual encountering us face-to-face, and as an audience in front of whom our weaknesses are exposed. When the insult involves something we know to be wrong, we can try and refute it. True insults are harder to tackle, and therefore might hurt more. But we cannot adopt a strategy of not caring about what others think because it is through interactions with them that we explore both our views and identity.
Czech teachers’ attitudes towards curriculum reform implementation
Authors: Janík Tomáš , Janko Tomáš , Pešková Karolína , Knecht Petr , Spurná Michaela
Published: February 2018

The study focuses on the implementation of curriculum reform in grammar schools in the Czech Republic. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes of grammar school teachers towards the reform and its implementation. The perceived benefits of and problems with the curriculum reform were measured using closed-ended items (on a Likert scale). The research sample of this questionnaire survey consisted of 1,098 teachers from 58 schools. The results indicate that the reform has been more readily accepted in pilot schools than in non-pilot schools. In general, it can be concluded that although there was support for the main ideas behind the reform, the majority of teachers have not accepted the reform as a whole. The multiple regression analysis revealed that gender, position, length of teaching experience, and knowledge of specific characteristics of curriculum reform did not significantly contribute to teachers’ acceptance of the curriculum reform.
Bilingualism in Ukraine: Value or Challenge?
Authors: Csernicskó István , Máté Réka
Published: February 2018

Several analyses have summarized the linguistic situation of Ukraine, highlighting various aspects of the problematic issues of Ukraine’s language policy. The fundamental problems of the linguistic situation in Ukraine are the lack of consensus regarding the issue of what role the Ukrainian language has in constructing the new post-Soviet identity and in nation building, what status the Russian language should be given in Ukraine. According to the data from the 2001 census, 80% of the adult population of Ukraine speak (at least) one other language fluently in addition to their mother tongue. In the country it is clear that the reality in most of Ukraine is of bilingualism. Almost everyone in Ukraine is bilingual; to varying degrees, a fundamental characteristic of the language situation in Ukraine is bilingualism of society. In spite of this, due to negative historical experiences, bilingualism is stigmatized in Ukraine, and that makes codification of bilingualism impossible on the state level. The paper shows the attitude of the political elite that took power after the overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovych towards the issue of bilingualism. We present how the linguists and representatives of the intellectuals comment on the bilingualism in Ukraine. The primordial, national romantic view that makes the Ukrainian language and the (free and independent) Ukrainian nation the same nowadays strongly dominates in Ukraine.
A Study of Assyrians’ Language Use in Istanbul
Authors: Arikan Arda , Varli Ozan , Kürüm Eyüp Yaşar
Published: February 2018

Being one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East, Assyrians have continued to live in various parts of Turkey for thousands of years. Today, the estimates related to the number of Assyrians living in Turkey vary between 4,000–25,000 while they cannot benefit from the rights put forward by the Lausanne Treaty among which schooling is the most important. Assyrian community can be said to be deteriorating in number. This decline in the number of Assyrians living in Turkey raises the question of whether they could maintain their ethnic identity while maintaining their language (Syriac). No studies so far have been carried out to find out the linguistic practices of Assyrian community living in Turkey, as well as their attitudes toward the languages they use. This study aims at shedding light on the present situation of Syriac used among the Assyrian community living in Turkey. The participants are limited to those living in Istanbul due to practical reasons. In this study, language attitudes and language use practices of Assyrian community living in Istanbul are found out through a language attitudes questionnaire. It is hoped that the results of the study will provide the current situation of the Syriac language in terms of its ethnolinguistic vitality as spoken among the community. It is also hoped that the results of the study will provide useful data for those who would like to help protect the ethnolinguistic identities of Assyrian minority in Turkey, as well as all those dispersed around the world, which seems to have become increasingly important for such a country at the gates of the European Union as Turkey.
Pidgin in Creative Works in English in Cameroon
Authors: Kouega Jean Paul , Aseh Mildred
Published: February 2018

This study, which deals with code-switching and language choice in multilingual contexts, describes the use of Pidgin in creative works in English in Cameroon, with the focus on the forms that this language takes in the works, the types of characters who are made to speak this language, and the functions that this language plays in these works. The data comprise three plays and two novels, all published between 2000 and 2006 by experienced writers who have a good command of English and yet make their characters speak in Pidgin. The analysis shows that Pidgin in the corpus takes the form of individual lexemes like salaka (libation, sacrifice) and relatively short utterances like This sun fit kill man (This sun is so hot that it can kill someone.). The characters who speak Pidgin in these literary works are generally low-ranking and rural people, illiterates and other people who are hardly looked up to in the Cameroonian society. Finally, Pidgin helps writers to realise some stylistic effects such as variations on the scale of formality, with English being used when addressing a superior person and Pidgin when addressing an inferior person. Most importantly, creative writers reproduce in their works what is observed in the Cameroonian society and this can be regarded as a formal way of enhancing their readers’ plurilingual competence.
CLIL Approach to Legal English Courses: Analysis of Practice and Experience
Authors: Vyushkina Elena Grigorievna
Published: February 2018

The EU consistent policy on languages promotes new language teaching methods and encourages pedagogical experiments at all levels of education, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) being one of language education innovations. Over the past twenty years CLIL proved to be an effective method in foreign language acquisition and there is considerable evidence of successful CLIL implementation in secondary schools in many European countries. Speaking about foreign languages in higher education, it is necessary to note that abbreviation EMI – English as a Medium of Instruction – is mentioned much more often than CLIL. One of the reasons for lower CLIL implementation at a tertiary level is the complexity of subject contents taught at universities. Furthermore, if a student’s major is law, the issue becomes more challenging because of the differences in common law and civil law systems. However, one of lawyer’s professional competences directly connected with language learning is a communicative competence. Such spheres of lawyer’s activity as client counseling, negotiation, and mediation rely heavily on listening, paraphrasing, reframing, summarising, and skills of question formation regardless of what legal system a lawyer belongs to. These so-called soft skills can be developed within a foreign language course but it seems more rational to master them through a professional medium. Therefore, law teachers should be engaged in designing a substantive part of course materials, while language teachers are to be in charge of communicative competence development. The present study aims at analyzing the practice and experience in designing and implementing an original optional course “Client Consultation in English”. This course can serve as an illustration of a CLIL Legal English course and its structure can be used as an example to follow while designing similar courses.