bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the performance of hydraulic excavator boom based pressure and flow accordance control with independent metering circuit
Authors: Liu Bin , Quan Long , Ge Lei
Published: October 2016

Applying the independent metering circuit on the excavator is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and improve the performance of the actuators, e.g. the boom in the negative load circuit. This paper aims to improve the energy efficiency and the stationarity of the boom system based on the independent metering circuit using the strategy of flow and pressure accordance, pump and valve coordinate in dynamic and static. After studying the mechanic structure of the boom, principles of the system and elements characteristics, the four control strategies are designed to settle the problems in the traditional throttling system using mechanically connected orifices valves such as the load-sensing system and new coordinate challenges brought with the multivariable. Finally, experiments based on load sensing and independent metering circuit are implemented on a physical prototype. The experimental results show that the energy consumption of the boom system falls by 15% compared to the load-sensing system; the pressure pulsations of the pump when the boom starts to move reduce from 6.9 MPa to 1.7 MPa. Therefore, the independent metering circuit and the control strategy are good configuration for the boom actuator.
At the boundary of action and dream: Surrealism and the battle for post-Liberation France
Authors: Adams Ellen E.
Published: October 2016

Upon their return from exile after World War II, Surrealist writers and artists encountered a Parisian intellectual climate transformed by the legacy of the Resistance and nascent Cold War political and cultural battles. Once at the centre of the inter-war avant-garde, Surrealists endured accusations of irrelevance issued by Existentialist writer Jean-Paul Sartre and Communist Party taunts of anti-revolutionary tendencies, advanced by Louis Aragon and others. Yet Surrealism retained and attracted many supporters and as such still constituted a potent threat to Sartre’s and Aragon’s groups. This paper employs Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of boundaries to explore exchanges between and strategic positioning of these cultural entities. In order to fully legitimise their cultural relevance, Existentialist and Communist writers defined the discursive boundaries of their groups in part by comparing themselves with Surrealism. Paradoxically, their very public engagement with the tenets of Surrealism attests to the continued influence of the post-war Surrealist movement.
Book Review: Sujata Ashwarya, India–Iran Relations, Progress, Problems and Prospects
Authors: Khosla I.P.
Published: October 2016

Sujata Ashwarya, India–Iran Relations, Progress, Problems and Prospects. New Delhi: KW Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2016, pp. xiv + 417, ₹1,280.
Evaluating complex medical treatment options: a case report
Authors: Fernando Irosh , Henskens Frans , Talebian Masoud
Published: October 2016

Objective:

Complex treatment decisions can be suboptimal due to lack of a reliable decision-making model, a need this paper aims to meet.

Method:

A model for making complex treatment decisions is introduced.

Results:

The utility of the proposed method is demonstrated by making a complex treatment decision involving evaluation of clozapine treatment in a treatment-resistant patient.

Conclusion:

The proposed method implemented as a software tool can provide a framework for shared decision-making involving the patient.
Validation of the Intuitive Eating Scale in pregnancy
Authors: Paterson Helen , Hay-Smith Jean , Treharne Gareth , Herbison Peter , Howarth Caroline
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to examine the content validity and test–retest reliability of the Intuitive Eating Scale among pregnant women. A qualitative think-aloud study of the Intuitive Eating Scale analysed the content validity. Overall, the Intuitive Eating Scale made sense to pregnant women, but food safety affected the interpretation of some items. A version with instructions modified accounting for food safety, the Intuitive Eating Scale–Pregnancy, was subsequently shown to have stable scores over 5 weeks during the second trimester, mean change = −0.08 (95% limits of agreement: −0.61 to 0.45), r = 0.79, n = 240. The Intuitive Eating Scale–Pregnancy was acceptable for use in this New Zealand pregnant population.
Post-disaster tourism: Towards a tourism of transition
Authors: Tucker Hazel , Shelton Eric J , Bae Hanna
Published: October 2016

‘Disaster tourism’ is usually conflated with ‘dark tourism’ and also is often linked with disaster recovery. This article contributes to discussion on these relationships by examining the post-disaster narratives which have played out through tourism in the central Canterbury city of Christchurch, New Zealand, following the major earthquakes of September 2010 and February 2011. Through an analysis of regional and national media and tourism promotion material related to the earthquakes, the post-disaster narratives which developed in relation to tourism were observed. The article thereby highlights how disasters become framed through tourism, showing how post-quake tourism narratives can transition from narratives of destruction and loss to narratives of renewal and hope. The notion of ‘transition’, having become a powerful tourism product in itself, sheds new light on the relationship between ‘disaster tourism’ and ‘dark tourism’ and also between tourism and disaster recovery.
Sequential regression measurement error models with application
Authors: Moffatt Joanne L , Scarf Phil
Published: October 2016

Sequential regression approaches can be used to analyze processes in which covariates are revealed in stages. Such processes occur widely, with examples including medical intervention, sports contests and political campaigns. The naïve sequential approach involves fitting regression models using the covariates revealed by the end of the current stage, but this is only practical if the number of covariates is not too large. An alternative approach is to incorporate the score (linear predictor) from the model developed at the previous stage as a covariate at the current stage. This score takes into account the history of the process prior to the stage under consideration. However, the score is a function of fitted parameter estimates and, therefore, contains measurement error. In this article, we propose a novel technique to account for error in the score. The approach is demonstrated with application to the sprint event in track cycling and is shown to reduce bias in the estimated effect of the score and avoid unrealistically extreme predictions.
Assessment of pedestrian discomfort glare from urban LED lighting
Authors: Villa C , Bremond R , Saint-Jacques E
Published: October 2016

Due to different visual tasks and gaze patterns, the discomfort glare experienced by pedestrians may differ from that experienced by drivers. This paper investigates the discomfort glare experienced by pedestrians under various urban LED luminaires through psychovisual experiments conducted on a test track. The ability of state-of-the-art models to predict the level of discomfort glare, measured on the de Boer rating scale, for this application is also investigated. With one exception, the models all overestimate the mean subjective discomfort glare compared to the experimental data. Models proposed by Lin et al. (2015) and Bullough et al. (2008, 2011) perform well. However, the implementation of these models is not straightforward because choices are needed to estimate some of the variables such as the background luminance and the glare source area.
A Systematic Review of Proximal Neck Dilatation After Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Kouvelos George N. , Oikonomou Kyriakos , Antoniou George A. , Verhoeven Eric L. G. , Katsargyris Athanasios
Published: October 2016

Purpose: To provide an updated systematic literature review and summarize current evidence on proximal aortic neck dilatation (AND) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: A review of the English-language medical literature from 1991 to 2015 was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify studies reporting AND after EVAR. Studies considered for inclusion and full-text review fulfilled the following criteria: (1) reported AND after EVAR, (2) included at least 5 patients, and (3) provided data on AND quantification. The search identified 26 articles published between 1998 and 2015 that encompassed 9721 patients (median age 71.8 years; 9439 men). Results: AND occurred in 24.6% of patients (95% CI 18.6% to 31.8%) over a period ranging from 15 months to 9 years after EVAR. No significant dilatation of the suprarenal part of the aorta was reported by most studies. The incidence of combined clinical events (endoleak type I, migration, reintervention during follow-up) was higher in the AND group (26%) when compared with 2% in the group without AND (OR 28.7, 95% CI 5.43 to 151.67, p<0.001). Conclusion: AND affects a considerable proportion of EVAR patients and was related to worse clinical outcome, as indicated by increased rates of type I endoleak, migration, and reinterventions. Future studies should focus on a better understanding of the pathophysiology, predictors, and risk factors of AND, which could identify patients who may warrant a different EVAR strategy and/or a closer post-EVAR surveillance strategy.
An adaptive hybrid schema for data-centric storage in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Hejazi Pooya
Published: October 2016

Storage, query cost, and energy efficiency are among the most important data dissemination issues in wireless sensor networks. Data-centric storage approach can be viewed as energy efficient and low cost solution to these issues, which itself suffers from hotspot storage problem. Some provided solutions tried to handle this mentioned problem and also brought load balancing and scalability to the network. In this article, we present a method called adaptive resilient data-centric storage which reduces the storage cost and also improves the load balancing and fault tolerance in the network by making data-centric storage adaptive based on the frequency of sensed events. Then, we propose a mathematical model to determine the threshold for the frequency of occurrence of sensed events. Finally, we developed a discrete-event-based simulator for two-dimensional graphical view of the network and collected the results. Simulations and analytical results show the superiority of the proposed method over the compared approaches with the miscellaneous frequency of events.
Organization of stroke care in Turkey
Authors: Ince Birsen , Necioglu Dilek ,   on behalf of the Turkish Stroke Study Group
Published: October 2016

Stroke is one of the major health problems in Turkey. Since cerebrovascular disease is the second leading cause of death, institutional organizations are important to decrease the burden of stroke in our country. Although the number of comprehensive stroke centers has been increasing constantly and many significant improvements have been realized in last years, there are still some regions without a comprehensive stroke center in Turkey.
Adverse drug reactions due to cancer chemotherapy in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Wahlang Julie Birdie , Laishram Purnima Devi , Brahma Dhriti Kumar , Sarkar Chayna , Lahon Joonmoni , Nongkynrih Banylla Shisha
Published: October 2016

Background:

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as ‘Any response to a drug which is noxious, unintended and occurs at doses used in man for prophylaxis, diagnosis or therapy’. ADRs associated with cancer chemotherapy warrant analysis on their severity and preventability. The outcome would create awareness among health care providers and prevent their recurrence. We have performed a hospital-based prospective observational study designed to analyze the pattern of ADRs to chemotherapeutic agents in cancer patients of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

A total of 119 cancer patients were monitored for suspected ADRs during the course of chemotherapy from November 2014 to December 2015. Clinical events were recorded and analyzed with regard to the demographics and drug details of the patients.

Results:

A total of 106 ADRs were recorded from 119 cases. The ADRs commonly encountered included constipation, nausea, vomiting, alopecia and hematological changes. Cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel and 5-FU were used for the treatment of commonly found cancers in this region affecting the lungs, esophagus and lymphomas. Naranjo’s causality assessment showed 86.7% possible (score 4) and 13.2% probable (score 5–6). Severity of adverse reactions showed 77.4% mild, 18.9% moderate and 3.8% severe. A total of 45.3% of ADRs were preventable reactions such as nausea, vomiting and constipation.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the role of active monitoring as an important tool for early detection, assessment and timely management of ADRs in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. The observed ADRs were preventable although ADRs such as hiccough, anemia, neutropenia and alopecia were not preventable.
The social construction of Latino childhood in the New South
Authors: Straubhaar Rolf , Portes Pedro R
Published: October 2016

Childhood in the United States, and in the American South more particularly, has several well-known and popularized constructions, typically divided by social class and ethnic identity. More specifically, Southern childhood is constructed as an either white or black experience, with one’s social world being extremely ethnically segregated in either case. Over the last several decades, as a post–North American Free Trade Agreement immigration boom has brought several generations of Latinos into the American South (in part because of these shifting demographics, the area is now often called the “New South”), this bifurcated popular conceptualization of childhood has been disrupted by the growing presence of Latino children in Southern schools and communities. Building upon Vygotsky’s premise that identity (including ethnic identity) is constructed through a cultural–historical lens, we here use the nascent literature on Latino education in the New South to outline an initial construction of Southern Latino childhood.
Cognitive impairment and assistive devices: Outcomes and adverse effects
Authors: Alkadri Jamal , Jutai Jeffrey
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The goal of this review was to investigate the relationship between cognitive impairment and assistive device use in elderly persons.

Methods

English-language articles for people aged 65 and over were identified by searching MEDLINE and Embase (1985–June 2015) with the keywords “self-help devices” and “cognition disorders” and relevant synonyms. Bibliographies of retrieved articles were also examined; 510 articles were selected for further evaluation. Abstracts of the remaining articles were evaluated and all of the studies that concerned one or more of the following criteria were included: geriatric, long-term care residents or cognitively impaired patients using assistive devices that addressed benefits, risks, adverse effects, or other problems. Ultimately, 15 articles were analyzed and included in the review.

Results

Very few good-quality studies that specifically addressed the research question were found. We found that cognitively impaired elderly patients were more likely to use assistive devices ineffectively than cognitively intact elders. In addition, the literature describes promising approaches to assistive device training and technologies to accommodate cognitive impairment in this population.

Conclusion

The evidence basis for recommendations and training for assistive devices for cognitively impaired elders is weak. More research is needed on safety and effectiveness of devices for this population.
Comparison of a computerized algorithm and prosthetists’ judgment in rating functional levels based on daily step activity in transtibial amputees
Authors: Orendurff Michael S , Kobayashi Toshiki , Villarosa Christopher Q , Coleman Kim L , Boone David A
Published: October 2016

The Medicare Functional Classification Levels: “K-Level” system is a standard scale for functional levels of amputees. But it is problematic to document objectively and reliably. The K-Levels are based on three characteristics: potential to ambulate, cadence variability and energy level of the amputees. Actual mobility patterns of transtibial amputees recorded by a step activity monitor (StepWatch™) were translated using a computerized algorithm to match the three K-Level characteristics: the most active one minute, the ratio of low:medium:high step rates, and the total daily steps, respectively. This study compared prosthetists’ ratings of functional levels based on a visual inspection of step activity patterns with the ratings calculated by the computerized algorithm based on the same step activity data in 81 transtibial amputees. The computerized algorithm produced functional level values that closely matched the average of the ratings by 14 experienced prosthetists. The slope of the linear regression line was 1.04 with an R2 value of 0.829, indicating good linearity and concordance across the range of the two scales. The results of this study demonstrated concurrent validity of the computerized algorithm and suggested that it could potentially serve as a useful tool in rating functional levels of transtibial amputees based on real-world step activities and complement a clinic-based test.
Understanding University Pro Bono
Authors: Jones Balawyn , Lee William , Morrison Rebecca
Published: October 2016

This article develops an approach to establishing university pro bono (UPB) programmes in developing legal jurisdictions. First, through comparative research and surveying of pro bono programmes in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, factors which affect the development of UPB programmes are identified. Second, the authors explore the applicability of different pro bono programme structures and project types, given available resources, supervisory capacity and student participation in the context of developing legal jurisdictions. It was found that limited financial resources or internal or external managerial support does not in itself prohibit the establishment, development or sustainability of UPB programmes. Instead, it simply influences the choice of programme structure and types of projects which can be successfully undertaken. In conclusion, the article advocates for a context appropriate ‘adaptation’ of UPB programme structures and projects as opposed to direct transplantation. Pro bono culture, perceptions of student capability and local context are all key factors which will affect the development of UPB and the types of projects that can be undertaken. Subject to these factors, it was found that legal research and community legal education projects are generally the most appropriate types of projects to run where resources are limited.
The Relationship Between Humeral Retrotorsion and Shoulder Range of Motion in Baseball Players With an Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear
Authors: Lee Bobby Jean S. , Garrison J. Craig , Conway John E. , Pollard Kalyssa , Aryal Subhash
Published: October 2016

Background:

Humeral retrotorsion has been investigated in relation to shoulder range of motion (ROM) in healthy baseball players. Currently, there is limited information on the osseous anatomy and development of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears.

Purpose:

To determine the relationship between humeral retrotorsion and shoulder ROM in baseball players with a UCL tear.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Fifty-four baseball players (mean age, 18.5 ± 2.0 years) with a UCL tear volunteered for this study. Participants were measured bilaterally for shoulder internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) ROM and humeral retrotorsion. Differences between sides (involved to uninvolved) were used to calculate the glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD), external rotation ROM difference (ERDiff), total rotational motion difference (TRM), and humeral retrotorsion difference (HTDiff). A multivariate regression analysis was performed with GIRD, ERDiff, and TRM regressing on HTDiff. Univariate analysis was performed to further evaluate the effect of the predictors on each outcome separately. To control for the effect of age, weight, duration of symptoms, and years of experience, the variables were included as covariates. An a priori level was set at P < .05.

Results:

There was a statistically significant relationship between the GIRD, ERDiff, and TRM results compared with HTDiff ( P = .003). Independent analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between GIRD and HTDiff ( P = .004) and between ERDiff and HTDiff ( P = .003) but no significant relationship between TRM and HTDiff ( P = .999). After adjusting for age, weight, duration of symptoms, years of experience, dominant arm, and position, a significant relationship was found between GIRD and HTDiff ( P = .05) and between ERDiff and HTDiff ( P = .01). No significant relationship was found between TRM and HTDiff ( P = .54). Adjusted univariate regression analysis determined that HTDiff explains approximately 16% of the variance in GIRD ( r2 = 0.158) and approximately 24% of the variance in ERDiff ( r2 = 0.237).

Conclusion:

In baseball players with a UCL tear, approximately 16% of the variance in GIRD and 24% of the variance in ERDiff can be attributed to differences found in humeral retrotorsion between sides. This indicates that humeral retroversion contributes significantly to GIRD and increased ER ROM in baseball players. Recognition of differences in humeral retrotorsion between the dominant and nondominant upper extremities may help explain some but not all of the changes in shoulder ROM commonly seen in baseball players.
“Ooh, It Was All So Awful”
Authors: Chapman H.R.
Published: October 2016

This narrative illustrates how patient post-operative pain experiences can be influenced by worry, catastrophizing, previous learning experiences, and expectations about what will happen and how they will cope. It also demonstrates that a sympathetic dentist can help shape these expectations to the benefit of patients.
Psychoeducational Intervention to Reduce Fear of Cancer Recurrence in People at High Risk of Developing Another Primary Melanoma: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dieng Mbathio , Butow Phyllis N. , Costa Daniel S.J. , Morton Rachael L. , Menzies Scott W. , Mireskandari Shab , Tesson Stephanie , Mann Graham J. , Cust Anne E. , Kasparian Nadine A.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

People with a history of melanoma commonly report a fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), yet psychologic support is not routinely offered as part of ongoing melanoma care. This randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of a psychoeducational intervention to reduce FCR and improve psychologic adjustment in this patient group compared with usual care.

Methods

The intervention comprised a newly developed psychoeducational resource and three telephone-based psychotherapeutic sessions over a 1-month period timed in accordance with dermatologic appointments. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 80) or usual care (n = 84). Assessments were completed at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months after dermatologic appointments. Linear mixed models were used to examine differences between treatment and control groups for patient-reported outcomes, including FCR, anxiety, stress, depression, melanoma-related knowledge, health behaviors, satisfaction with melanoma care, unmet needs, and health-related quality of life.

Results

At 6 months, the intervention group reported lower FCR severity, trigger, and distress scores than the control group in the baseline-adjusted models; the between-group mean difference was −1.9 for FCR severity (95% CI, −3.1 to −0.7; P = .002), −2.0 for FCR triggers (95% CI, −3.3 to −0.7; P = .003), and −0.7 for FCR distress (95% CI, −1.3 to −0.1; P = .03). The decrease in FCR severity (but not triggers or distress) remained statistically significant after adjustment for other covariates ( P = .04). At 6 months, the intervention group also reported lower stress (−1.6; 95% CI, −3.1 to −0.2; P = .03) and improved melanoma-related knowledge (1.7; 95% CI, 0.8 to 2.6; P < .001) compared with the control group. No differences were found between groups for other secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

This newly developed evidence-based psychoeducational intervention was effective in reducing FCR and stress and increasing melanoma-related knowledge in people at high risk for another melanoma.
Impact of Increasing Age on Cause-Specific Mortality and Morbidity in Patients With Stage I Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Competing Risks Analysis
Authors: Eguchi Takashi , Bains Sarina , Lee Ming-Ching , Tan Kay See , Hristov Boris , Buitrago Daniel H. , Bains Manjit S. , Downey Robert J. , Huang James , Isbell James M. , Park Bernard J. , Rusch Valerie W. , Jones David R. , Adusumilli Prasad S.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To perform competing risks analysis and determine short- and long-term cancer- and noncancer-specific mortality and morbidity in patients who had undergone resection for stage I non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

Of 5,371 consecutive patients who had undergone curative-intent resection of primary lung cancer at our institution (2000 to 2011), 2,186 with pathologic stage I NSCLC were included in the analysis. All preoperative clinical variables known to affect outcomes were included in the analysis, specifically, Charlson comorbidity index, predicted postoperative (ppo) diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, and ppo forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Cause-specific mortality analysis was performed with competing risks analysis.

Results

Of 2,186 patients, 1,532 (70.1%) were ≥ 65 years of age, including 638 (29.2%) ≥ 75 years of age. In patients < 65, 65 to 74, and ≥ 75 years of age, 5-year lung cancer–specific cumulative incidence of death (CID) was 7.5%, 10.7%, and 13.2%, respectively (overall, 10.4%); noncancer-specific CID was 1.8%, 4.9%, and 9.0%, respectively (overall, 5.3%). In patients ≥ 65 years of age, for up to 2.5 years after resection, noncancer-specific CID was higher than lung cancer–specific CID; the higher noncancer-specific, early-phase mortality was enhanced in patients ≥ 75 years of age than in those 65 to 74 years of age. Multivariable analysis showed that low ppo diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide was an independent predictor of severe morbidity ( P < .001), 1-year mortality ( P < .001), and noncancer-specific mortality ( P < .001), whereas low ppo forced expiratory volume in 1 second was an independent predictor of lung cancer–specific mortality ( P = .002).

Conclusion

In patients who undergo curative-intent resection of stage I NSCLC, noncancer-specific mortality is a significant competing event, with an increasing impact as patient age increases.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis Dysfunction in Survivors of Childhood CNS Tumors: Importance of Systematic Follow-Up and Early Endocrine Consultation
Authors: Chemaitilly Wassim , Armstrong Gregory T. , Gajjar Amar , Hudson Melissa M.
Published: October 2016

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.

An 11-year-old male with a history of metastatic tectal plate low-grade glioma who was diagnosed at age 2.8 years transferred his care to the long-term follow-up clinic. He completed treatment with multiagent chemotherapy—carboplatin, vincristine, temozolomide, procarbazine, lomustine, and thioguanine—at age 4.5 years and did not require radiotherapy. At primary diagnosis, he presented with hydrocephalus that required ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, with a subsequent shunt revision at age 6 years. Residual metastatic tumors in the third and fourth ventricles and in the suprasellar region remained stable for more than 5 years. The patient achieved normal developmental milestones and was not taking medications. He was offered screening for hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) dysfunction because of his suprasellar lesion. His height was at the 25th percentile for chronological age, with decline from the 50th percentile noted during the preceding 18 months ( Fig 1 , point c). Pubertal stage was Tanner 4 for pubic hair and penile size, which contrasted with small testes (4.5 mL). Pubic hair and voice changes were noticed 2 to 3 years before this visit. Plasma testosterone level was consistent with Tanner 4 (255 ng/dL = 8.9 nmol/L). An x-ray of the left hand revealed a notably advanced bone age of 15.5 years. Plasma free T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and 8 am cortisol levels were normal. The patient was referred to the endocrinology clinic where he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency and was started on replacement therapy. He reached his final adult height of 144.1 cm at age 13.3 years ( Fig 1 , point d).
Using Data From Ontario’s Episode-Based Funding Model to Assess Quality of Chemotherapy
Authors: Kaizer Leonard , Simanovski Vicky , Lalonde Carlin , Tariq Huma , Blais Irene , Evans William K.
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

A new episode-based funding model for ambulatory systemic therapy was implemented in Ontario, Canada on April 1, 2014, after a comprehensive knowledge transfer and exchange strategy with providers and administrators. An analysis of the data from the first year of the new funding model provided an opportunity to assess the quality of chemotherapy, which was not possible under the old funding model.

Materials and Methods:

Options for chemotherapy regimens given with adjuvant/curative intent or palliative intent were informed by input from disease site groups. Bundles were developed and priced to enable evidence-informed best practice. Analysis of systemic therapy utilization after model implementation was performed to assess the concordance rate of the treatments chosen with recommended practice. The actual number of cycles of treatment delivered was also compared with expert recommendations.

Results:

Significant improvement compared with baseline was seen in the proportion of adjuvant/curative regimens that aligned with disease site group–recommended options (98% v 90%). Similar improvement was seen for palliative regimens (94% v 89%). However, overall, the number of cycles of adjuvant/curative therapy delivered was lower than recommended best practice in 57.5% of patients. There was significant variation by disease site and between facilities.

Conclusion:

Linking funding to quality, supported by knowledge transfer and exchange, resulted in a rapid improvement in the quality of systemic treatment in Ontario. This analysis has also identified further opportunities for improvement and the need for model refinement.
Absolute Teacher, Sloterdijk
Authors: North Paul
Published: October 2016

Philosophical truth is universal; yet, if what is true for all is actually to be understood by all, an educator of unparalleled breadth and flexibility is needed. Peter Sloterdijk, German philosophical writer, cultural critic, operatic jester, with thirty years of national fame and more than thirty-five books, claims to be this educator. The special operations of his total teaching program for an epigonal age are analyzed here in four major lessons from four major books: a methodological lesson about the drawbacks of critique from Critique of Cynical Reason; a morphological lesson about the existential shape of all human experience from the Spheres trilogy; a psychagogical lesson about the continual need for self-development from You Must Change Your Life; and a moral lesson about the world-shifting power of mood from Rage and Time. These lessons are compared to their sources in German philosophy, and their effectiveness is evaluated.
Perioperative regional anaesthesia and postoperative longer-term outcomes
Authors: Jakobsson Jan G. , Johnson Mark Z.
Published: October 2016

Regional anaesthesia provides effective anaesthesia and analgesia in the perioperative setting. Central neuraxial blocks—that is, spinal and epidural blocks—are well established as an alternative or adjunct to general anaesthesia. Peripheral blocks may be used as part of multimodal anaesthesia/analgesia in perioperative practice, reducing the need for opioid analgesics and enhancing early recovery. Furthermore, regional anaesthesia has increased in popularity and may be done with improved ease and safety with the introduction of ultrasound-guided techniques. The effects of local anaesthetics and regional anaesthesia on long-term outcomes such as morbidity, mortality, the quality of recovery beyond the duration of analgesia, and whether it can expedite the resumption of activities of daily living are less clear. It has also been suggested that regional anaesthesia may impact the risk of metastasis after cancer surgery. This article provides an overview of current evidence around quality of recovery, risk for delirium, long-term effects, and possible impact on cancer disease progression associated with the clinical use of local and regional anaesthetic techniques. In summary, there is still a lack of robust data that regional anaesthesia has a clinical impact beyond its well-acknowledged beneficial effects of reducing pain, reduced opioid consumption, and improved quality of early recovery. Further high-quality prospective studies on long-term outcomes are warranted.
The Forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation in the EU: Higher Compliance Costs Might Slow Down Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ Adoption of Infrastructure as a Service
Authors: Oprysk Liliia
Published: October 2016

Cloud-based services (especially IaaS) are widely used by businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises. The recently adopted General Data Protection Regulation is going to influence the EU cloud computing market significantly, and SMEs using IaaS to process personal data of their clients face a need to adapt to those changes if they are to remain compliant with the data protection rules. The objective with the paper was to look into the regulation adopted and identify the aspects that significantly influence the relations between a cloud provider and a client, especially if seen from the perspective of SMEs. Further, the paper discusses whether IaaS will be an obvious choice for SMEs seeking to hire computer infrastructure resources for the purpose of processing personal data when the compliance efforts necessary after the General Data Protection Regulation comes into force are taken into account. The findings suggest that forthcoming changes could significantly affect the industry and, in light of the likely increase in transaction costs, that SMEs may want to consider traditional outsourcing services instead. Consequently, the results of the data protection reform would be contradictory to other objectives of the European Commission, especially that of wider adoption of cloud services by SMEs.
The Concept of Beneficial Owner in Application of the Ukrainian Double Taxation Treaties
Authors: Tymchenko Leonid , Selezen Pavlo
Published: October 2016

The term ‘beneficial owner’ has been applied by Ukrainian courts and tax authorities in the area of application of the provisions of double-taxation treaties since the adoption of the Tax Code of Ukraine, in 2010. The changing nature of the concept of beneficial owner, its importance as an instrument for counteraction of treaty shopping, and the necessity of improvement of its application in the Ukrainian reality are the main factors that have a strong impact on the development of national practice in the application of the concept of beneficial owner. The article focuses on the main challenges to application of the concept of beneficial owner in the context of prevention of tax avoidance as one of the purposes of double-taxation treaties in Ukraine.
The Estonian Foundation – What is Missing for It to Be A Well-Designed Wealth-Management Vehicle for Local and Foreign High-Net-Worth Individuals?
Authors: Sepp Katrin , Kaarlep Urmas
Published: October 2016

Although Estonia has a foundations regulation that enables establishing private foundations, the local high-net-worth individuals prefer to use schemes and foundations offered by other countries and Estonia’s export of the relevant service is a non-issue today. The article explores why this is so. One of the biggest problems certainly is the current double taxation of private foundations. Another major problem is excessive accountability and publicity: an Estonian foundation is registered in a public register from which the information on that foundation is accessible to everyone. This includes the data on the founder and beneficiaries; the content of the bylaws; and, through annual reports, information on the foundation’s income, wealth, and assets. The authors propose amendments to the current regulation and, to justify the changes, suggest some incentives for encouraging the establishment of private foundations in Estonia.
Damages Subject to Compensation in Cases of Wrongful Birth: A Solution to Suit Estonia
Authors: Sõritsa Dina
Published: October 2016

In cases of wrongful birth, parents seek compensation for any damage related to birth of a disabled child. The claim is made against the health-care provider for negligent failure to detect foetal defects, which has as a consequence loss of the opportunity of the parents to decide to terminate the pregnancy in a timely manner. Case law on this topic is absent in Estonia. Accordingly, the article proposes a reasoned solution for Estonian law on the question of recoverable damages in cases of wrongful birth through analysis of Estonian, German, and United States legal literature and case law. The grounds for the health-care provider’s liability under the Estonian Law of Obligations Act are analysed. The main focus is on analysis of compensation for the disabled child’s maintenance costs and non-pecuniary damage. Among other factors, the article examines the ethics dilemma of avoiding the birth of a disabled child, limits to compensation, and the extent of the damages due.
The Significance of Recognising Domestic Violence, in Light of Estonian Legal Experts’ Opinion and the Prospects for Systematising the Relevant Legislation
Authors: Narits Raul , Kaugia Silvia , Pettai Iris
Published: October 2016

Domestic violence has been under public scrutiny for some time both internationally and in Estonia. A highly negative social phenomenon, it causes considerable harm to individuals` basic rights and thereby poses an acute legal problem. Accordingly, the objective with the article is to address the attitudes of Estonia’s practising legal experts towards domestic violence from the perspective of recognising it and to support the idea of exploring options for further systematising the relevant legislation. World judicial practice uses two fundamental types of regulation to address domestic violence: reconciling and punitive. According to a survey carried out among Estonia’s practising lawyers in 2014, legal professionals may favour either kind of regulation. The authors of the article hold the view that Estonia needs fairly separate regulation for preventing and combating domestic violence yet regulation that is integrated well into the system at large. Obviously, laws cannot solve all problems related to domestic violence on their own; however, the potential of laws should not be underestimated.
Marketing social aplicado à saúde coletiva: definições, usos, aplicações e indicadores da produção científica brasileira
Authors: Meira Sagaz Sidimar , Lucietto Deison Alencar
Published: October 2016

Conceitos e práticas do Marketing Social são utilizados para promover benefícios sociais. Ele se relaciona com os ideais da Saúde Coletiva, campo articulado na luta por melhores condições de vida e saúde para a população brasileira. Este estudo revisou a literatura sobre definições, usos, aplicações e indicadores da produção científica brasileira sobre Marketing Social aplicado à Saúde Coletiva. A pesquisa foi realizada em 2015, de forma independente e em duplicata, utilizando estratégias de buscas específicas, nos bancos de dados eletrônicos Scientific Periodicals Electronic Library (SPELL), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e EBSCO. Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram analisados, na íntegra, 30 artigos. Todos foram publicados a partir de 1982, com predomínio de pesquisas de campo e vinculação a revistas da Administração. A pesquisa apontou usos do Marketing Social em Saúde Coletiva na habitação, educação, ecologia, gerenciamento de resíduos, poluição, violência, pobreza, trânsito e outras. Foi identificado que, pelas suas especificidades, pode ser utilizado no fomento à alimentação saudável, ao combate às drogas, à diminuição do tabaco e do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, na diminuição da mortalidade infantil, no uso de preservativos e na doação de sangue e órgãos. Acredita-se, então, que ações do Marketing Social podem melhorar o bem-estar e a qualidade de vida das pessoas promovendo mudanças cognitivas, de ação, de comportamento e de valor. Os achados sinalizam para sua utilização em programas e ações de gestão em Saúde Coletiva.
THE EFFECT OF MICRONUTRIENT AND PROBIOTIC FOR HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BIRDS
Authors: Колесникова  , Kolesnikova Irina , Никулин  , Nikulin Vladimir
Published: October 2016

The purpose of research is improving physiological and biochemical status and productive qualities of broiler chickens by including basic diet lactoamilovorin and potassium iodide. For experimental studies experimental and control groups formed randomly on the 35 day-old chicks, which were grown in Techa-of 42 days at the cellular content. It was found that the number of red blood cells in the blood of studied groups broiler chickens in the whole investigated period increased. leukocyte concentration was lower in broilers of the experimental group by 2.6%, compared to the control. The hemoglobin content increased in those chenie the entire period of study in a group of birds fed the probiotic and potassium iodide. Statistically significant differences in hematological parameters relative to those of the control group of birds observed in the integrated use of iodine preparations and probiotics in the period from 14 th to 42 th day. At 14, 21, 35 and 42 day old chicks advantage over the control treatment groups on the hemoglobin content amounted to 14.03, respectively; 10.40; 9.79 and 12.28%.Analyzing the morphological indicators of blood of experimental groups, it should be noted that they were within the physiological norm. The maximum effect is the physiological norm was observed in broiler chickens III experimental group, which in addition to the basic diet fed potassium iodide and lactoamilovorin.
SYNTHESIS OF IODINE-CONTAINING NANO-DISPERSED COMPOSITES
Authors: Григорьев  , Grigorev Vasiliy , Козлов  , Kozlov Valeriy , Мамцев  , Mamtsev Aleksandr , Максютов  , Maksyutov Ruslan
Published: October 2016

The purpose of research is to develop techniques for chemical implementation of the obtained low molecular weight products with covalently bound iodine in the biodegradable matrix (glycyrrhizic acid) with obtaining nanosized composites, capable of metered cleavage of iodine in vivo. One of the vital trace elements is iodine. Adding iodine to food components is an advanced technology and it promotes replenishment of iodine deficiency in human organism. The most interesting compounds wherethe inorganic iodine are chemically bound to the organic matrix. The processes of formation of the complex "o-iodobenzoic acid-β-glycyrrhizic acid" and encapsulation mechanisms of 5-iodo-6-metiluratsila in nanoscale biodegradable matrix -β-glycyrrhizic acid by using physical and chemical methods of analysis – IR, UV and NMR spectroscopy. The evaluationof nano-sized ofsynthesized iodinebioorganic complexes by laser nanostructured analysis is carried out. The processes of deiodination o-iodobenzoic acid in vivo by high-performance liquid chromatography is examed. The conducted research showsthe bioavailability of synthesized nanostructured iodine organic-mineral complex.
THEORETICAL SUBSTANTIATION OF CONSTRUCTIVE AND REGIME PARAMETERS OF MECHANICAL CELLULAR-DISK SOWING DEVICE FOR SOWING AMARANTH PANICULATE
Authors: Артамонов  , Artamonov Evgenij , Котов  , Kotov Dmitriy , Артамонова  , Artamonova Olga
Published: October 2016

The purpose of the study is improving the uniformity of sowing seeds of amaranth paniculate cellular-disk sowing device. One of the conditions allowing to achieve high planned yield of amaranth is its accurate seeding with specified messagenum interval. Uniform distribution of seeds and plants is necessary due to the high requirements to the area of nutrition. Analysis of the existing agropolicy and designs of modern metering devices for fine-seed crops shows that they do not allow to implement fully agroclavine accuracy of seed distribution in the row when planting amaranth with a variation megamanny intervals (10-15%) and low seeding rate (0.3-0.5 kg/ha), due to the very small sizes of seeds and characteristics of their physical and mechanical properties. In this regard, was developed a constructive-technological scheme of the cellular-disk sowing device, allowing to carry out the sowing amaranth seeds with low seeding rate and high longitudinal uniformity of distribution of seeds in the row. Novelty design cellular-disk sowing device is confirmed by the patents of the Russian Federation for inventions and utility model №61981, №2347349 respectively. The theoretical substantiation of the basic constructive and regime parameters of mechanical cellular-disk sowing device for sowing amaranth, in particular, the analytically determined: unit cell parameters of a seed disc and the velocity of the seed relative to the wire mesh of a seed disc. As a result of theoretical research has been substantiated geometric cell parameters: maximum diameter of the cell Dmax = 1.42 mm, the maximum depth of a cell Nmax = 1.62 mm, and the conditions of collapse of amaranth seeds in a cell, seed disc, namely the critical speed of the seed cattle = to 0.074 m/s and critical frequency of rotation of a seed disc min-1, which will be retraction of the amaranth seeds in a cell of a seed disc.
PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF WINTER WHEAT VARIETY GRAIN IN CONDITIONSOF MIDDLE VOLGA REGION STEPPE
Authors: Маслова  , Maslova Galina , Лавренникова  , Lavrennikova Olga
Published: October 2016

The purpose of research is to increase the productivity and quality of winter wheat variety trials competitive grain varieties, depending on weather conditions. Studied varieties: Povolzhskaya 86, Kinel’skaya 8, Povolzhskaya niva, Konstantinovskaya. Varieties cultivated by traditional technology, the fresh pair. The data for the 2012-2015 biennium. Grain quality was assessed a number of indicators that characterize its physico-chemical and technological properties: nature grain, vitreous, the strength of flour, protein content, adhesive wine. The maximum value in terms of nature is characterized by grain corn all classes in 2013 and 2014 (782-816 g/l). The high rate of vitreous grains observed in 2012, 2014, 2015 (72-92%). Good data on the same data obtained for the protein content, wet gluten flour strength. It was found that the environmental conditions during the formation and ripening of grain in years of research have a significant impact on productivity and ka-honors winter wheat. The study group of varieties set up in the laboratory breeding and seed, has a rapid rate of accumulation of dry matter. They are adapted to the formation of us, full grain in the conditions of unstable arid climate of the Middle Volga region.