bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential of chondrogenic pre-differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regeneration in harsh nucleus pulposus microenvironment
Authors: Wang Jingkai , Tao Yiqing , Zhou Xiaopeng , Li Hao , Liang Chengzhen , Li Fangcai , Chen Qi-xin
Published: August 2016

Recent studies indicated that cell-based therapy could be a promising approach to treat intervertebral disc degeneration. Though the harsh microenvironment in disc is still challenging to implanted cells, it could be overcome by pre-conditioning graft cells before transplantation, suggested by previous literatures. Therefore, we designed this study to identify the potential effect of chondrogenic pre-differentiation on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in intervertebral disc-like microenvironment, characterized by limited nutrition, acidic, and high osmosis in vitro. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells of rat were divided into five groups, embedded in type II collagen scaffold, and cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium for 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days. Then, the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were implanted and cultured in intervertebral disc-like condition. The proliferation and differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 test, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Analyzed by the first week in intervertebral disc-like condition, the results showed relatively greater proliferative capability and extracellular matrix synthesis ability of the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells pre-differentiated for 7 and 10 days than the control. We concluded that pre-differentiation of rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in chondrogenic culture medium for 7 to 10 days could promote the regeneration effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in intervertebral disc-like condition, and the pre-differentiated cells could be a promising cell source for disc regeneration medicine.
Design, analysis, and simulation of a planar serial–parallel mechanism for a compliant robotic fish with variable stiffness
Authors: Cui Zuo , Jiang Hongzhou
Published: August 2016

Biological evidence suggests that fish use muscles to stiffen their bodies and improve their swimming performance. Inspired by this phenomenon, we propose a planar serial–parallel mechanism with variable stiffness to mimic a swimming fish. Based on Lighthill’s elongated-body theory, we present a general method to design the body stiffness, which is related to morphological parameters and the swimming frequency. The results show that the stiffness profile is directly proportional to the square of the driving frequency. Furthermore, a SimMechanics model of a robotic fish is innovatively built. Numerical results show that the fish with the designed stiffness has the maximum speed when the driving frequency is close to the resonance frequency of fish body, and that the maximum speed is linearly proportional to the resonance frequency. The range of the Strouhal number given by simulations is also consistent with the range 0.25 < St < 0.35 required by the optimal efficiency. All these results agree well with biological observations, indicating that the swimming performance of fish is significantly affected by the body stiffness and the driving frequency.
Where is Paulo Freire?
Authors: Fernández-Aballí Altamirano Ana
Published: August 2016

Paulo Freire was a Brazilian thinker and educator. His pedagogic, academic and political trajectory left a vast legacy that is still of great relevance. However, his epistemological proposal has not been systematized despite of its importance for the field of critical communication research. In fact, he has been silenced, marginalized and misread in the academic agenda, both in the North and in the South, to fit research models which accommodate well to the neoliberal subjectivity, and which deactivate the transformative character of Freire’s proposal. In this article, we question Freire’s absence in dominant critical social theory, to subsequently synthesize Freirean epistemology as a cogno-emotional cycle with two juxtaposed ontological dimensions based on vulnerability and consciousness. We further question whether it is possible that the Freirean proposal serves as the general epistemological frame for practices and disciplines which are geared towards social transformation, namely, those which compose the field of socio-praxis.
European international broadcasting and Islamist terrorism in Africa: The case of Boko Haram on France 24 and Deutsche Welle
Authors: Połońska-Kimunguyi Eva , Gillespie Marie
Published: August 2016

This article examines the relationship between European (international) broadcasting and Islamist terrorism in Africa and positions media portrayal of Boko Haram within the larger picture of Europe’s relations with Africa. Two international broadcasters provide the basis for the analysis: France 24 and Deutsche Welle. The article compares and contrasts their discourse on terrorism to advance several arguments: 1) that through their respective portrayal of Boko Haram and Nigeria both France 24 and Deutsche Welle’s reporting is in line with their respective countries’ foreign policies towards Africa, 2) that discourse on both F24 and DW perpetuates the unequal relationship between African countries and Western powers, 3) that portraying terrorism in terms of ‘clash of civilisations’, as in the case of France 24, may unintentionally contribute to the strengthening of the extremist cause. This is due to the transformation of violent extremism into ‘new wars’. The concept, elaborated in the article, differently explains the logic of extremist behaviour and its relationship with media.
Reliability and accuracy of helmet-mounted and head-mounted devices used to measure head accelerations
Authors: Cummiskey Brian , Schiffmiller David , Talavage Thomas M , Leverenz Larry , Meyer Janette J , Adams Douglas , Nauman Eric A
Published: August 2016

The attention given to brain injury has grown in recent years as its effects have become better understood. A desire to investigate the causal agents of head trauma in athletes has led to the development and use of several devices that track head impacts. In order to determine which devices best measure these impacts, a Hybrid III headform was used to quantify the accuracy for translational and angular accelerations. Testing was performed by mounting each device into the helmet as instructed by its manufacturer, fitting the helmet on the headform, and impacting the helmet using an impulse hammer. The root mean square error for the peak translational acceleration varied with location. The worst root mean square error for a head-mounted device was 74.7% while the worst for a helmet-mounted device was 298%. Head-mounted devices consistently outperformed those mounted in helmets, suggesting that future sensor designs should avoid attachment to the helmet. Deployment to a high school football team affirmed differences between two of the device models, but strongly indicated that head-mounted systems require further development to account for variation between individuals, the relative motion of the skin, and helmet–sensor interactions. Future work needs to account for these issues, refine the algorithms used to estimate the translational and angular accelerations, and examine technologies that better locate the source of the impact.
Our self-tracking movement and health literacy: are we really making every moment count?
Authors: Vamos Sandra , Klein Klaus
Published: August 2016

There is a growing movement related to self-tracking in the quest for better health. Why do so many people like to use ‘intelligent tools’ like shiny sensors or mobile apps to keep an eye on every move? Do they really help us drive sustained healthy behavioral changes? Despite technological advances and product promises, we must remember that technology alone does not facilitate change to optimize health benefits. The purpose of the commentary is to pose the question: How ‘health literate’ do we have to be to reap the actionable health benefits of self-tracking? Research has revealed the prevalence of limited health literacy across the globe. Health literacy involves a complex set of inter-connected skills, including acting upon health information. This commentary puts attention on health literacy as an essential human tool to better equip people to overcome barriers and use devices to leverage their full potential.
Double-plane-wave reverse time migration in the frequency domain
Authors: Zhao Zeyu , Sen Mrinal K. , Stoffa Paul L.
Published: August 2016

We have developed an efficient, accurate, and flexible plane-wave migration algorithm in the frequency domain by using a compressed and coupled-plane-wave data set, known as the double-plane-wave (DPW) data set. The DPW data set obtained by slant stacking of seismic shot profiles over source and receiver/offset represents seismic data in a fully decomposed plane-wave domain, which is called the DPW domain. A new DPW migration algorithm is derived under the Born approximation in the frequency domain, and it is referred to as the frequency-domain DPW reverse time migration (RTM). Frequency plane-wave Green’s functions need to be constructed and used during the migration. Time dips in shot profiles help to estimate the range of plane-wave decomposition. Therefore, the number of frequency plane-wave Green’s functions required for migration is limited. Furthermore, frequency plane-wave Green’s functions can be used for imaging each set of plane waves — either source or receiver/offset plane waves. As a result, the computational burden of computing Green’s function is substantially reduced; this results in increasing the migration efficiency. A selected range of plane-wave components can be migrated independently to image specific targets. Ray-parameter common-image gathers can be generated after migration without extra effort. The algorithm was tested on several synthetic data sets to show its feasibility and usefulness. The frequency-domain DPW RTM can also include anisotropy by constructing plane-wave Green’s function in anisotropic media.
Use of Estrogen-Containing Contraception Is Associated With Increased Concentrations of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D
Authors: Harmon Quaker E. , Umbach David M. , Baird Donna D.
Published: August 2016

Context:

Small studies suggest exogenous estrogen may improve vitamin D status, but the etiology is unclear because women who use hormones may make lifestyle choices that differentially affect vitamin D status.

Objective:

Our objective was to investigate the association between use of hormonal contraception and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D).

Design:

We used linear regression modeling of cross-sectional data to estimate percent change in season-adjusted serum 25(OH)D with estrogen use after adjustment for other factors.

Setting:

At the enrollment clinic visit (2010–2012) into a cohort study of uterine fibroids, each subject provided a blood sample, had anthropomorphic variables and skin reflectance measured, and answered questionnaires on demographics, dietary and supplement intake, contraceptive use, reproductive and medical history, and behaviors.

Participants:

A total of 1662 African American women, community volunteers, 23–34 years old, living in the Detroit, Michigan, area were included.

Interventions:

None.

Main Outcomes and Measures:

Serum 25(OH)D was measured.

Results:

Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were low (70% <20 ng/ml). Current use of an estrogen-containing contraceptive was associated with a 20% (95% confidence interval: 14–27) increase in 25(OH)D after adjustment. There was no increase in 25(OH)D among participants who had used estrogen in the past, but were not current users, indicating that results were unlikely to be due to unmeasured confounding by factors related to contraceptive choice.

Conclusions:

The increase in 25(OH)D with use of estrogen-containing contraceptives raise mechanistic questions regarding the biological pathways involved, and highlights the need for studies that examine possible endogenous estrogen effects on vitamin D.
Tensin 3 is a new partner of Dock5 that controls osteoclast podosome organization and activity
Authors: Touaitahuata Heiani , Morel Anne , Urbach Serge , Mateos-Langerak Julio , de Rossi Sylvain , Blangy Anne
Published: August 2016

Bone resorption by osteoclasts is mediated by a typical adhesion structure called the sealing zone or actin ring, whose architecture is based on a belt of podosomes. The molecular mechanisms driving podosome organization into superstructures remain poorly understood to date, in particular at the osteoclast podosome belt. We performed proteomic analyses in osteoclasts and found that the adaptor protein tensin 3 is a partner of Dock5, a Rac exchange factor necessary for podosome belt formation and bone resorption. Expression of tensin 3 and Dock5 concomitantly increase during osteoclast differentiation. These proteins associate with the osteoclast podosome belt but not with individual podosomes, in contrast to vinculin. Super-resolution microscopy revealed that, even if they colocalize in the x-y plane of the podosome belt, Dock5 and tensin 3 differentially localize relative to vinculin in the z-axis. Tensin 3 increases Dock5 exchange activity towards Rac, and suppression of tensin 3 in osteoclasts destabilizes podosome organization, leading to delocalization of Dock5 and a severe reduction in osteoclast activity. Our results suggest that Dock5 and tensin 3 cooperate for osteoclast activity, to ensure the correct organization of podosomes.
Crisis in Russian Economy and Its Impact on Business
Authors: Докукина  , Dokukina Anna , Карпухин  , Karpukhin K.
Published: August 2016

The article considers the factors and features of current crisis in Russian

economy and their analysis on the basis of general economic cycle and crisis

theory, and by the example of Great Depression in USA and case of financial

crisis in 2007–2008 in Russia.
A case series of a magnetic bone conduction hearing implant
Authors: Reddy-Kolanu RWC , Gan RWC , Marshall AH
Published: August 2016

The objective of the study was to retrospectively review the postoperative outcomes of patients from a single centre who were implanted with a magnetic bone conduction hearing implant system. The medical and audiological case notes of all patients (n = 34) in a tertiary referral centre ENT department who had been implanted with a Baha® 4 Attract System between October 2013 and April 2015 were reviewed retrospectively.

The main outcome measures were use of the aid and complications from implantation or use of the aid. Results indicated that 23 patients had no significant postoperative problems; 5 required an alteration in magnet strength; 1 reported troublesome tinnitus; 1 had the implant changed to an abutment system; 1 had the magnet removed; 1 has ongoing skin problems; 2 have been changed to a newer, lighter sound processor. The majority of patients had good outcomes from the magnetic bone conduction aid. A proportion of patients had significant problems requiring medical attention.
Mantoux test results and BCG vaccination status in TB-exposed children
Authors: Harahap Fadilah , Daulay Ridwan M. , Ali Muhammad , Dalimunthe Wisman , Daulay Rini Savitri
Published: August 2016

Background Tuberculosis (TB) infection is highly prevalent in Indonesia. The source of transmission of TB to a child is usually via an adult with sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. The Mantoux test is a diagnostic tool for tuberculosis infection. The BCG vaccine has been used for the prevention of TB, but its efficacy is still debated. Objective To assess for an association between Mantoux test results and BCG vaccination in children who had contact with adult pulmonary tuberculosis and to assess for differences in Mantoux test induration with regards to nutritional status, age, type of TB contact, and time duration since BCG vaccination in BCG-vaccinated and BCG-unvaccinated children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in FebruaryMarch 2011 on infants and children (aged 3 months to five years), who had household contact with adult pulmonary TB. We performed tuberculin (Mantoux) skin tests to detect TB infection in the children. Subjects were consisted of two groups: BCG-vaccinated and BCG-unvaccinated. Results Subjects were 100 children (50 BCG-vaccinated and 50 BCG-unvaccinated subjects). Positive Mantoux test results were observed in 9 vaccinated subjects and 33 unvaccinated subjects. The mean diameters of induration in the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups were 7.6 mm and 9.6 mm, respectively (95%CI of difference -4.25 to 0.20; P=0.074). In children who had household contact with sputum smear-positive adult pulmonary TB, BCG vaccination was a protective factor against TB infection, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.113 (95%CI 0.045 to 0.286; P=0.0001). There were no significant differences in Mantoux test induration associated with nutritional status, age, type of TB contact, and duration since BCG vaccination, between the two groups. Conclusion BCG vaccination has a protective effect on TBexposed children, based on Mantoux test results. However, there are no differences in Mantoux test induration associated with nutritional status, age, type of TB contact, or duration since BCG vaccination, between the BCG-vaccinated and BCGunvaccinated groups.
Immature-to-total neutrophil ratio as an early diagnostic tool of bacterial neonatal sepsis
Authors: Darnifayanti Darnifayanti , Tjipta Guslihan Dasa , Rusdidjas Rusdidjas , Lubis Bugis Mardina
Published: August 2016

Background Bacterial sepsis is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for the condition can reduce mortality rates. Blood cultures are the gold standard to diagnose bacterial sepsis, but they require 3-5 days for results, whilst the disease may progress rapidly in neonates. Examination of immature-to-total neutrophil ratio (I/T ratio) in peripheral blood smears is a quicker and less expensive method to diagnose bacterial sepsis in neonates. Some studies found the sensitivity of I/T ratio to be 88%-90% in predicting bacterial spesis.Objective To assess the usefulness of the I/T ratio as an early diagnostic tool for neonatal bacterial sepsis.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2011. Subjects were collected by consecutive sampling. Fifty-three neonates suspected to have bacterial sepsis in the Perinatology Unit at H. Adam Malik Hospital were included. Subjects underwent routine blood examinations, C-reactive protein level measurements, blood cultures, and peripheral blood smears. All statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS (version 16.0 for Windows).Results Of the 53 subjects, 26 had bacterial sepsis based on blood cultures. The I/T ratio had a sensitivity of 88.46%, specificity 81.84%, positive predictive value 82.14%, and negative predictive value 88%. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed a cut-off point of 83.3 (95%CI 71.3 to 95.3)%.Conclusion The I/T ratio may be a good alternative to blood cultures as an early indicator of bacterial neonatal sepsis, as it is faster, less expensive and has good sensitivity and specificity.
Social competence of 3 to 5-year-old children born with low birth weight
Authors: Komariah Nurul
Published: August 2016

Background Low birth weight (LBW) has long been used as an indicator of public health. Low birth weight is not a proxy for any dimension of other maternal or perinatal health outcomes. Low birth weight infants require special care, and have more chronic conditions, learning delays, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders compared to infants of normal birth weight (NBW). Social competence is viewed as a primary component of healthy function and development and is an important predictor of academic and financial success.Objective To examine social competence of children aged 3-5 years born with low birth weight.Methods This cross-sectional study was undertaken in Palembang in 2012. Subjects consisted of children aged 3-5 years attended a preschool in the Seberang Ulu I District, Palembang, and were divided into two groups: low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW). Social competence was assessed by observation and Interaction Rating Scale (IRS) and Parenting Style questionnaire (PSQ). Chi-square analysis was used to compare social competence between the two groups. Multivariate regression logistic analysis was used to assess for the dominant factors that may affect a child’s social competence.Results Low birth weight children aged 3 to 5 years had a 1.435 times higher risk of low social competence compared to normal birth weight children of similar age. (RP 1.435; 95%CI 1.372 to 13.507; P=0.019). Multivariate regression logistic analysis revealed that parenting style was a dominant factor affecting social competence.Conclusion Social competence in 3 to 5-year-old children born with low birth weight is lower compared to those with normal birth weight.
Risk of nutritional status on diarrhea among under five children
Authors: Iskandar Wiliam Jayadi , Sukardi I wayan , Soenarto Yati
Published: August 2016

Background Diarrhea is still the leading cause of children’s mortality worldwide and the main cause of malnutrition. Meanwhile, malnourished children are proven to have more severe, prolonged, and frequent episodes of diarrhea, making them a vicious circle.Objective To investigate the risk of nutritional status on diarrheal severity and duration as well as length of hospital stay.Methods We conducted a cross sectional study involving 176 under five children who admitted to Mataram Province Hospital with acute diarrhea since January until December 2013. We analyzed data using logistic regression model.Results Most subjects were infants (median 12 months, range 1-53), male (56.8%), well-nourished (85.8%), admitted with acute watery diarrhea (97.2%), mild-to-moderate dehydration (71.6%), diarrhea severity score ≥11 (74.4%), duration of diarrhea ≤7 days (96.6%), and length of stay <5 days (73.3%). Logistic regression model indicated significant risk of nutritional status on length of hospital stay (adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 6.38), but neither diarrheal severity (adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.38 to 2.80) nor duration of diarrhea (adjusted OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.13 to 10.89) indicated significant risks. However, malnourished children had more severe (76% versus 74.2%) and longer duration (4% versus 3.3%) of diarrhea than well-nourished children.Conclusion Nutritional status is the risk for length of hospital stay in under-five children admitted with acute diarrhea. [
PELOD score, serum procalcitonin, and lactate levels in pediatric sepsis
Authors: Ismy Jufitriani , Lubis Munar , Mutiara Erna , Yani Gema Nazri , Trisnawati Yunnie
Published: August 2016

Background Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity andmortality among critically ill children in the pediatric intensivecare unit (PICU). Procalcitonin and lactate have been used asbiomarkers of sepsis, as they have been correlated with diseaseseverity, organ failure and death. The Pediatric Logistic OrganDysfunction (PELOD) score is a tool to assess the severity oforgan dysfunction in critically ill children.Objective To investigate the correlation between PELOD scoreand procalcitonin and lactate levels in pediatric sepsis.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in childrenwith sepsis who were admitted to the PICU from April to July2012. Sepsis was defined as systemic inflammatory responsesyndrome (SIRS), as a result of suspected or proven infection.Proven infection was defined as positive culture findings (blood,􀁘􀁕􀁌􀁑􀁈􀀃 􀁒􀁕􀀃 􀁒􀁗􀁋􀁈􀁕􀀃 􀁖􀁓􀁈􀁆􀁌􀁐􀁈􀁑􀁖􀀌􀀃 􀁄􀁑􀁇􀀒􀁒􀁕􀀃 􀁖􀁈􀁕􀁘􀁐􀀃 􀁓􀁕􀁒􀁆􀁄􀁏􀁆􀁌􀁗􀁒􀁑􀁌􀁑􀀃 􀂕􀀕􀀃 􀁑􀁊􀀒mL. Spearman’s test was used to assess for correlations betweenPELOD scores and procalcitonin as well as lactate levels.Results Thirty-two patients were analyzed, consisting of 18 malesand 14 females with an age range of 1-432 months (median 21months). There was no statistically significant correlation betweenprocalcitonin level and PELOD score (r=- 0.186, 95%CI -0.502to 0.174, P=0.308) nor between lactate level(r=-0.069, 95%CI-0.408 to 0.287, P=0.709) and PELOD score.Conclusion Serum procalcitonin and lactate levels are notcorrelated with PELOD scores in children with sepsis.
«Conmemorar la revolución y sus mártires». Sobre el lugar de un ritual político en la constitución de la identidad del radicalismo ( 1891- 1897)»
Authors: REYES FRANCISCO J.
Published: August 2016

Los análisis históricos sobre el origen de las identidadespolíticas suelen poner en cuestión losacontecimientos que actuaron como sus mitosfundacionales, aunque reconocen la necesidad dereconstruir el proceso mediante el cual esas operacionespolíticas resultaron exitosas. Este trabajoaborda la forma en que la llamada «Revolucióndel Parque» devino en el núcleo de sentido de unanueva y potente identidad político-partidaria en ladécada de 1890. A partir del seguimiento anualy el desmenuzamiento de las distintas instanciasde un minucioso ritual conmemorativo en las callesde Buenos Aires, se dará cuenta del disputadoy, por momentos, conflictivo proceso de subjetivaciónpolítica que implicó la construcción de laUnión Cívica Radical en la Argentina finisecular.
Kategorizace u dětí na počátku školní docházky v kontextu různých socio-kulturních prostředí
Authors: Denglerová Denisa
Published: August 2016

Studie z oblasti interkulturní psychologie zaměřené na otázku, jak sociální a kulturní prostředí ovlivňuje kognitivní procesy, obvykle srovnávají velmi odlišné kultury žijící ve vzdálených geografických lokalitách. Zjišťují, že příslušníci západní kultury obvykle preferují analytický způsob myšlení a jsou více nezávislí na kontextu, zatímco příslušníci východní kultury preferují spíše holistické způsoby myšlení a jsou pro ně důležitější vztahy mezi objekty a jejich kontextem. Cílem předkládané studie je ověřit, zda se podobné rozdíly mohou nalézat i mezi dětmi pocházejícími z různých kulturních prostředí v rámci naší republiky. Konkrétně je analýza zaměřena na schopnost kategorizace u dětí na počátku školní docházky, a jsou srovnávány romské děti ze sociálně znevýhodněného prostředí, děti cizinců a děti z běžného prostředí. V první části studie jsou uvedena teoretická východiska, v druhé části je představen vlastní výzkumný nástroj a ve třetí části jsou prezentována data získaná testováním téměř tří set dětí. Výsledky nejsou jednoznačné. Nepotvrzují předpokládanou preferenci kontextově podmíněné kategorizace ani preferenci barvově podmíněné kategorizace u romských dětí ze sociálně znevýhodněného prostředí.Klíčová slova: kognitivní procesy, inteligence, myšlení, kategorizace, socio-kulturní prostředí
Determinants of Development of Third Party Liability Insurance: Selected Approaches, Experience and Trends in Poland
Authors: Gasińska Maria
Published: August 2016

The article constitutes an attempt at discussing the determinants of the development of third party liability insurance in historical perspective and on the basis of the observation of trends witnessed in this field nowadays. The identified factors are linked to the functioning of both the demand and the supply aspect of the third party liability insurance market, providing a valuable indicator for insurance practice. The past decade has witnessed steady, though slow, expansion of the third party liability insurance market in terms of the number of contracts concluded, the share of the contributions toward it in the total contribution value as well as the level of the gross contribution assigned. The article characterizes four groups of factors responsible for the third party liability insurance market expansion, namely: (a) determinants resulting from relations between the parties and subjects of the third party liability insurance relation against the complex nature and specific character of the third party liability function; (b) determinants linked to the dynamic development of the so called risk-generating techniques and technologies leading to growth in the development of the so-called damage potential threatening both participants in the production process (including the service provision process) as well as product users and service recipients; (c) determinants of socioeconomic character, in particular the level of legal and insurance awareness of potential damage perpetrators and injured parties as well as material standing of households and financial standing of economic entities; (d) determinants linked to legal regulations, in particular, the leading role of regulations separating the compensatory function of third party liability with respect to the penal function in shaping the scope and value of regulations tightening the scope and principles of third party liability in certain areas of economic turnover and introducing insurance compulsion.
Structural functions of the targeted joke: Iranian modernity and the Qazvini man as predatory homosexual
Authors: Abedinifard Mostafa
Published: August 2016

Focusing on the disciplinary function of humor as an understudied subject in humor studies, this article addresses Qazvini jokes – the contemporary Persian joke cycle targeting men from the Iranian city of Qazvin – as mainstream gender humor that uses ridicule as a means of supporting heteronormativity and fueling homophobia. Adopting an historical-analytical approach and considering examples of and references to Qazvini jokes, I argue that the joke series likely originated as a disciplinary tool to buttress the emerging heteronormative gender order of early modern Iranian society. Contextualized instances of these jokes not only illustrate that this punitive function has endured to the present but also indicate their ongoing homophobic role. This argument problematizes the claim made in humor studies that jokes have no social consequences. Qazvini jokes may be inconsequential in the limited sense that they might not affect attitudes toward their direct targets – that is, individual men of Qazvin – yet their heteronormalizing and homophobic functions clearly speak to larger social structures within Iranian society and culture. This form of ethnic humor both adheres to and informs Iran’s prevailing gender and sexuality norms; as such, in this broader sense, the jokes may indeed have far-reaching consequences.
Religion and Cultural Identity in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the Musical Works it Inspired
Authors: Bottez Alina
Published: August 2016

Protean Shakespeare thrives not only in the theatre, but also through what Bolter and Grusin call remediation. This article analyses the religious stances in the play and then shows how opera, symphony and musical have been adapting the veteran Elizabethan drama since the 18th century. Its main approach is comparative and relies on the history of mentalities. Adaptation is dictated by cultural context, the conventions of the lyrical theatre, social and political factors, and reception. The confusing religious configuration of Shakespeare’s England is reinterpreted kaleidoscopically. The article demonstrates, for instance, that Berlioz and Gounod reread it according to staunch Catholicism in 19th century France, while Bernstein’s West Side Story moves the action to New York in the mid- 50’s, the Capulets and Montagues are replaced with rival Polish and Puerto Rican gangs and religion with cultural identity.
Remediating Global Media in Recent Shakespeare Productions on Romanian Stages
Authors: Nicolaescu Mădălina
Published: August 2016

The paper discusses recent Romanian Shakespeare productions of The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Bucharest. It argues that global mass culture, in the form of TV sitcoms and musicals, YouTube clips and computer games, is re-circulated on Romanian stages with the result of re-mediating the older forms of Romanian Shakespeare performances. The paper interrogates the popular character of the new type of productions, which are largely unpolitical and motivated by commercial reasons. The last part of the paper presents a radical deconstruction of Shakespeare’s text in the form of a computer game, which, however, re-introduces the political orientation of older, pre- 1989 performances.
Sustainability and Performance in Agribusinesses: The Case of Vegetable Export Businesses in Mexico
Authors: Jacobo-Hernandez Carlos , Barrón-Borquez Melissa , Ochoajiménez Sergio
Published: August 2016

The study of sustainability has become an increasingly relevant topic for governments, companies, and researchers. As a result, the number of studies in this field has increased substantially, with a special focus on agribusiness. This study aims to analyze the performance of vegetable export enterprises in Mexico, taking into account the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. To achieve this objective, a survey was designed and administered to vegetable exporters in the northwest of Mexico, and indicators were created that allowed each of the dimensions of sustainability to be evaluated. Additionally, a semi-structured interview was designed and conducted in a specific export company. The results indicate that performance is strongly oriented towards economic goals and that the social and environmental aspects of sustainability are not prioritized. In conclusion, one can claim that there is an imbalance among the three dimensions of sustainability within the companies studied, with performance primarily focusing on financial and economic indicators.
Locomotive Remanufacturing to Support Sustainable Development: Lessons Learned from Indonesia
Authors: Priyono Anjar
Published: August 2016

This paper analyses the contribution made by the locomotive remanufacturing to supporting sustainable development. A case study approach is used to analyse the practice of remanufacturing in the centre of locomotive maintenance, repair and overhaul situated in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The practice of locomotive remanufacturing contributes to economic development in at least three ways: economically, socially and ecologically. The challenges of locomotive remanufacturing are also presented. This paper offers originality and contributes to knowledge in the sense that it is the first time that locomotive remanufacturing has been analysed from a macro perspective. Future research recommendations are presented at the end of the paper.
The Usage of Consulting Services Among Romanian SMES between 2011-2015
Authors: Urîtu Daniel , Corcodel Ștefan-Florin
Published: August 2016

The gap in competitiveness between Romanian SMEs and European firms is generated by limited access to economic, legal, technological and management knowledge. This gap can be recovered by using the services of external consultants which can bring added value to the company. The consulting services market has had an upward trend in last years at European level, but in Romania there is still some reluctance to these services and even distrust regarding the companies that offer them. Based on these facts, this paper aims to highlight the proportion and the characteristics of Romanian entrepreneurs that use external consultants and the evolution of the usage of external consulting services, taking into account the last five years. The results obtained in the current research reveal an irregular evolution of rate of SMEs that use external consulting services. One can see that, in the period of analysis, there was been a descendant trend of entrepreneurs that resort to consultancy between 2011 and 2014. On the other hand, the percentage of entrepreneurs that use external consultants has had a significant comeback in 2015, when 10,49% of enterprises have resorted to this type of services.
Empowered Communities: Science, Ideology And The Limits Of Political Action
Authors: Roumeliotis Filip
Published: August 2016

AIMS - Against the background of an increased interest in community participation in political processes, this article critically examines how the “community” is constituted as a political entity in the Communities That Care drug prevention programme. METHOD - Through an examination of 14 publications written by the programme developers and other collaborators, I have analysed the programme’s theoretical foundation. RESULTS - The programme seeks to constitute the community as an expert community, drawing on the principles of prevention science in its decision-making processes and thereby asserting the primacy of scientific reasoning in politics. Disagreement, otherwise regarded as the “essence” of democratic politics, is to be neutralised through the establishment of a common language based on prevention science. The programme constitutes needs as existing independently of any culturally and politically informed interpretations and promptly met by ready-tested, evidence-based interventions. By combining a consumer subject and an instrumental-rational subject, the programme establishes a specific kind of democratic subject expected to exert its choices on a market offering instant solutions to problems formulated outside of the community’s decision-making processes. CONCLUSION - The analysis points to a range of limitations and issues on how community empowerment and democratic participation are conceptualised in the programme. By asserting the primacy of scientific reasoning in drug-policy processes, the programme sets limits to what counts as a political problem and which responses are deemed legitimate. This risks exerting significant closure on the ability of communities to speak in properly political terms.
Women’s health behaviors and selected determinants in breast cancer prevention / Zachowania zdrowotne kobiet i wybrane ich determinanty w profilaktyce raka piersi
Authors: Ślusarska Barbara , Łochowska Ewa , Piasecka Honorata , Szczekala Katarzyna , Nowicki Grzegorz Józef
Published: August 2016

Introduction. Breast cancer is the most common malignant cancer in women in Poland. Health behaviors concerning lifestyle and breast self-examination (BSE) constitute a significant element of early prevention.

Aim. To determine the level of the women’s health behaviors and selected determinants in breast cancer prevention.

Material and methods. The study was carried out among 144 female residents of Radom County from March to April, 2014. The diagnostic survey method was applied with an author’s questionnaire compiled for this purpose.

Results. The average level of health behavior was presented by 64.6 % of the women while the low level by 32.6 %. The evaluation of awareness of risk factors and breast cancer prevention revealed that 54.9% of the respondents obtained the maximum score. The lowest result equals 19.3 % whereas the highest one is 88.6%. The total of 53.5 % of the females declared embarrassment on clinical breast examination (CBE).

Conclusions. A higher level of health behaviors is found in the women with higher education and greater knowledge of breast cancer risk factors. The respondents who experience greater embarrassment during clinical breast examination present a lower level of health behaviors
Przegląd piśmiennictwa pielęgniarskiego na podstawie czasopisma „Pielęgniarstwo XXI wieku” / Review of nursing literature on the basis of journal “Nursing in the 21st Century”
Authors: Belowska Jarosława , Zarzeka Aleksander , Samoliński Łukasz , Panczyk Mariusz , Iwanow Lucyna , Gotlib Joanna
Published: August 2016

Aim. The first issue of Nursing in the 21st Century was published in 2002. The journal is dedicated to provide information on innovations in nursing, midwifery, as well as other health sciences. It includes peer-reviewed meta-analyses and review papers, original research studies on nursing and related areas, case reports, as well as discussions, comments, and reviews. The study aimed to perform a quantitative and qualitative analysis of articles published in Nursing In the 21st Century.

Materials and Methods. In the study, the authors looked at a total of 247 articles published between 2010 and 2015.

Results. As many as 247 articles were published in 19 issues of Nursing In the 21st Century during the period that the authors looked at. There were some 13 articles per every single issue on average. Original papers and meta-analyses were most frequently published types of publication. There were also other types of articles, like reports, communications, reviews, and case studies but they were only a tiny fraction of the overall number of publications.

Conclusion. Authors’ review of the articles published in the journal revealed a clear tendency to issue specialist and clinical publications on nursing.
Praktyczne aspekty opieki nad dzieckiem chorym na atopowe zapalenie skóry: rola współpracy personelu medycznego z pacjentem i jego rodzicami. Obraz kliniczny, rozpoznanie i leczenie / Practical aspects of caring for a child with atopic eczema: the role of cooperation among medical staff and patients and their parents. Clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Skiba Anna , Połomska Joanna , Sikorska-Szaflik Hanna , Woś Alicja , Boznański Andrzej , Sozańska Barbara
Published: August 2016

Introduction. Atopic eczema (or atopic dermatitis, AD) has a great impact on the quality of life of the affected person as well as the whole family. Hospitalization may be required during exacerbations of the disease.

Aim. The authors of this paper have gathered the essential information about this disease and would like to comment on standards of care and management of atopic dermatitis which are implemented according to the current medical knowledge.

Summary. Applying emollients everyday is a recommended practice for avoiding a recurrence of the disease. Basic skin care is just as important as pharmacological treatment during both the acute and chronic stage. In certain cases, dietary interventions such as food elimination may be beneficial. We present some useful ways for the management of pruritus, which is a disabling feature of AD. In the present paper, the authors discuss clinical presentation and treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Presence of Human Bocavirus 1 in Hospitalised Children with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Latvia and Lithuania / Cilvēka Bokavīrusa 1 Klātbūtne Latvijā Un Lietuvā Hospitalizētiem Bērniem Ar Akūtām Elpceīu Slimībām
Authors: Nora-Krūkle Zaiga , Rasa Santa , Vilmane Anda , Grāvelsiņa Sabīne , Kālis Mārtiņš , Ziemele Inga , Naciute Milda , Petraitiene Sigita , Mieliauskaite Diana , Klimantaviciene Migle , Girkontaite Irute , Liu Hsin-Fu , Lin Jih-Hui , Lin Yung-Cheng , Chan Hsiu-Chuan , Gardovska Dace , Murovska Modra
Published: August 2016

Human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) is a parvovirus recently found to be a possible aetiologic agent of acute respiratory disease in children. We conducted the first clinical and molecular study on this virus in Latvia (LV) and Lithuania (LT). The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of HBoV1 in respiratory tract samples taken from hospitalised children with acute respiratory tract infections in LV and LT. In total 186 children with age one to 50 months, and who fulfilled criteria of acute respiratory tract infection, including lower respiratory tract infections, with or without fever, were included in this study. A nasopharyngeal aspirate was obtained from each patient on admission. DNA was isolated and polimerase chain reaction (PCR) performed targeting the HBoV1 NS1sequence. HBoV1 positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed. HBoV1 sequence was detected in 42 (32%) of 130 LV and in 8 (14%) of 56 LT samples. In LV the majority of patients with HBoV1 infection were observed in February while in LT in October. The phylogenetic tree for HBoV1 indicated that isolates of HBoV1 cluster closely and include almost all of the isolates in this study. HBoV1 is common in Latvia and Lithuania and might be a significant pathogen that contributes to acute respiratory tract infections in children.
Possible Relation of Roseolovirus Infection with Fibromyalgia / Iespējamā Roseolovīrusu Infekcijas Saistība Ar Fibromialīiju
Authors: Čapenko Svetlana , Mihailova Marija , Rasa Santa , Krūmiņa Angelika , Zazerska Zane , Logina Ināra , Murovska Modra
Published: August 2016

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic widespread pain disorder that impacts 0.5%-7% of the general population worldwide. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease are still unknown. Human herpesvirus-6 and -7 belong to the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Betaherpesvirinae, and genus Roseolovirus and are immunomodulating viruses potentially pathogenic to the nervous system. Presence of anti-HHV-6 and -HHV-7 antibodies and viral genomic sequences, viral loads, HHV-6 variant-specificity, and TNF-α level were studied in 41 FM patients and 50 healthy individuals using polymerase chain reactions, restriction endonuclease analysis and ELISA. There was no difference in the presence of anti-HHV-6 and anti-HHV-7 IgG class antibodies between FM patients and control group individuals. Viral sequences were found in 80.5% of FM patients and in 62.0% of controls. Significantly higher rate of concurrent HHV-6 and HHV-7 infection and higher viral loads in peripheral blood were detected in FM patients compared to the control group individuals. Plasma viremia was detected only in FM patients. Significantly higher TNF-α levels were detected in virus positive FM patients. From all positive cases only in two FM patients HHV-6A was revealed. Significantly higher detection frequency of concurrent HHV-6 and HHV-7 infection, simultaneous HHV-6 and HHV-7 activation, higher viral loads and TNF-α expression levels in primary FM patients than in control group individuals indicate the potential involvement of Roseoloviruses in development of this disorder.
The cranial nerve zero – mini review
Authors: Vrapciu Alexandra Diana , Popescu Maria Viorela
Published: August 2016

The terminal nerve (cranial nerve zero, cranial nerve XIII, the nerve “N”) was discovered in fish in 1894. In the early 90’s, it was found in human embryos and human adults. In the anterior fossa, it courses on the inner side of the olfactory tract and bulb; it then spreads fibers through the cribriform plate to distribute beneath the nasal septum mucosa. Being provided with intrinsic ganglion cells, its functions are weakly suggested by studies in different species. It may be connected with the visual system, it could act upon the intracranial vascular system, or it could ensure the pathway for pheromone-mediated behaviours. The cranial nerve zero deserves a better attention equally from anatomists and ENT specialists.
Anglicisms in online German newspapers and magazines. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of articles in ‘Die Welt’, ‘Der Spiegel’, and ‘Der Stern’ in February 2016
Authors: Rogoyska Agnieszka
Published: August 2016

Needless to say, words originating in English largely influence other languages. As postulated by Plümer [2000, p. 28], since the nineteenth century English has become the main donor language for German and due to the ongoing influx of Anglicisms used in German both in Fachsprache, i.e. German for specific purposes and on a daily basis, lexical interference between the two languages increases. Some linguists oppose the excessive use of words originating in English postulating that as a consequence, German may become a peripheral language, whereas others posit that it indicates openness to world and language development. The study focuses on the application of Anglicisms in German newspapers in February 2016. The corpus encompasses 90 articles in online versions of three newspapers, viz. Die Welt, Der Spiegel and Der Stern, structured into three categories, be it Beauty, Politics, and IT. Every category covered thirty parallel topics, in order to arrive at a succinct yet comprehensive summary of the total ratio of Anglicisms. The article was divided into four main categories, i.e. theoretical framework, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and concluding remarks.
WEEKLY NEWSPAPER “NASHE SLOVO” (WARSAW) IN THE CONTEXT OF THE FORMATION OF UKRAINIAN STATEHOOD
Authors: Balda Taras
Published: August 2016

This article analyses creation and development of weekly newspaper “Nashe Slovo” (Our Word) and its role in the protection of Ukrainian identity. Also the author analyzes the role of newspaper in strengthening of Ukraine-Polish relations and the maintenance of Ukrainian national identity in Poland.