bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WORK FAMILY BALANCE – MITO OU APTIDÃO? ESTUDO EMPÍRICO SOBRE OS ANTECEDENTES E AS CONSEQUÊNCIAS
Authors: Pedro Ana Margarida Alexandre , Alcoforado Joaquim Luís M.
Published: December 2017

O objetivo geral desta investigação consistiu em avaliar um novo modelo conceitual que permitisse inferir variáveis que, embora estudadas, não se enquadravam nos modelos tradicionais da investigação em Work Family Balance. Apresentaram-se diversas variáveis antecedentes e consequentes evidenciadas pela literatura, mas que não haviam sido testadas empiricamente, contribuindo para uma nova visão conceitual do Work Family Balance. O objetivo geral foi propor e avaliar um modelo conceitual de análise que inferisse as variáveis que estariam relacionadas com o Work Family Balance e concluir até que ponto ele interfere na Felicidade Subjetiva, na Performance Individual e no Burnout, de uma amostra de trabalhadores portugueses. A metodologia quantitativa aplica inquéritos, por meio de questionários, a uma amostra de trabalhadores portugueses. As hipóteses corroboradas foram: Inteligência Emocional (parcialmente), Workaholism, Reward System e Valores Éticos Corporativos, como antecedentes e Felicidade Subjetiva, Performance Individual e Burnout (parcialmente) como consequentes.
A BUSCA DA CIENTIFICIDADE DO SECRETARIADO NO CONTEXTO BRASILEIRO: ASPECTOS HISTÓRICOS E CONTEMPORÂNEOS
Authors: Martins Cibele Barsalini , Leal Fernanda Geremias , Souza Eduardo César Pereira , Todorov Maria do Carmo Assis
Published: December 2017

Tendo em vista o entendimento de que as questões relativas à pesquisa científica no secretariado executivo influenciam a gestão das organizações e, estão, direta e indiretamente, imbricadas nos panoramas histórico, cultural e sociológico que permeiam essa profissão, este ensaio tem o objetivo de apresentar um mapeamento da busca pela cientificidade no campo secretarial. Para tanto, consideram-se os embates vivenciados no território brasileiro, tanto no passado quanto no presente, em uma perspectiva profissional e acadêmica. Trata-se de um estudo teórico, desenvolvido com o suporte de pesquisas bibliográficas e documentais. Os resultados permitem evidenciar que a busca pela cientificidade nesse domínio tem sido uma constante e já produziu importantes legados, a despeito de sua recente estruturação formal. À medida que os campos profissional e científico do Secretariado se desenvolvem no País, eles também se tornam mais complexos e suscitam proposições acerca das perspectivas e dos desafios emergentes.
Infective endocarditis today
Authors: D'Agostino Donato
Published: December 2017

Endocarditis is an infectious disease caused by numerous microorganisms, many of which habitually colonize the oral cavity and skin. Various bacteria and bacterial factors influence the duration of bacteremia and the possible colonization of cardiac valves. If not recognized and treated early, the disease may have serious consequences until death: despite the possibility of setting up targeted antibiotic therapy, it may occur in 30% of cases. This event is related to sepsis that develops in these patients and can result in cellular functional alterations in many districts, resulting in multi-organ failure (MOF) status.

This paper is aimed to present an overview of this condition, based on the author’s own clinical experience and literature review.
Rationale and design of a multi-center, open-label, randomised clinical trial comparing HIV incidence and contraceptive benefits in women using three commonly-used contraceptive methods (the ECHO study)
Authors: Hofmeyr G. Justus , Morrison Charles S. , Baeten Jared M. , Chipato Tsungai , Donnell Deborah , Gichangi Peter , Mugo Nelly , Nanda Kavita , Rees Helen , Steyn Petrus , Taylor Douglas ,   ECHO Trial Team
Published: December 2017

Background: In vitro, animal, biological and observational clinical studies suggest that some hormonal methods, particularly depot medroxyprogesterone acetate – DMPA, may increase women’s risk of HIV acquisition. DMPA is the most common contraceptive used in many countries worst affected by the HIV epidemic. To provide robust evidence for contraceptive decision-making among women, clinicians and planners, we are conducting the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) study in four countries with high HIV incidence and DMPA use: Kenya, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zambia (Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT02550067).

Study design: We randomized HIV negative, sexually active women 16-35 years old requesting effective contraception and agreeing to participate to either DMPA, the copper T 380A intrauterine device or levonorgestrel implant. Participants attend a contraception support visit after 1 month and quarterly visits thereafter for 12 to 18 months. Participants receive a standard HIV prevention package and contraceptive side-effect management at each visit. The primary outcome is HIV seroconversion. Secondary outcomes include pregnancy, serious adverse events and method discontinuation. The sample size of 7800 women provides 80% power to detect a 50% difference in HIV risk between any of the three method pairs, assuming 250 incident infections per comparison.

Ethical considerations: Several WHO consultations have concluded that current evidence on HIV risk associated with DMPA is inconclusive and that a randomized trial is needed to guide policy, counselling and choice. Previous studies suggest that women without a specific contraceptive preference are willing to accept randomization to different contraceptive methods. Stringent performance standards are monitored by an independent data and safety monitoring board approximately every 6 months. The study has been conducted with extensive stakeholder engagement.

Conclusions: The ECHO study is designed to provide robust evidence on the relative risks (HIV acquisition) and benefits (pregnancy prevention) between three effective contraceptive methods.
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF CRISES IN THE FIELD OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Authors: Митрофанова Елена , Mitrofanova Elena , Эсаулова Ирэна , Esaulova Irena
Published: December 2017

Crises, which have become an integral part of modern social development, penetrate, among other things, the sphere of human resources management, which requires a scientific justification of their specifics in terms of effective management. In this regard, the negative consequences of crises in the field of human resources management, which require the adoption of appropriate managerial decisions, are shown. The general typology of crises is supplemented by the types of specific human resources crises, among them: personnel hunger, the crisis of labor productivity, the crisis of competence, the crisis of motivation, the crisis of culture, the crisis of social and labor relations. Characteristics of human resources crises are given, the main signs of the consequences for the organization are shown. The content of the stages of human resources crises is substantiated: pre-crisis, acute phase, depression, moderate growth and recovery. Their specificity is shown from the standpoint of constructing an effective system of crisis human resources management.
Personnel Management in Conditions of Restructuring of the Railway Industry
Authors: Яркова С. , Yarkova S. , Якимова Л. , Yakimova L. , Варламова Е. , Varlamova E.
Published: December 2017

This article discusses the organization of administration and personnel management in a time of organizational change in the company, the mechanism of management of human risk as a factor of increase of efficiency of enterprise activity during restructuring. The main method used by the authors to build models of an estimation of personnel risks — the method of expert evaluations. The importance of planned management of the behavior of workers during organizational change is marked. Recommendations for prevention of personnel resistance to change and actions for reducing or eliminating risks are given.
Dependence of the F2-layer critical frequency median at midlatitudes on geomagnetic activity
Authors: Деминов Марат , Deminov Marat , Деминова Галина , Deminova Galina , Депуев Виктор , Depuev Viktor , Депуева Анна , Depueva Anna
Published: December 2017

We put forward a method of separating the geomagnetic activity contribution to the F2-layer critical frequency median, foF2med, at middle latitudes. It is based on the analysis of dfoF2, which is the ratio foF2med/foF2q in percent, where foF2q is the F2-layer critical frequency for quiet conditions. The quantities foF2q and dfoF2 depend on solar and geomagnetic activity respectively. These dependences are taken into account using indices F12 (the average over 12 months flux of solar radiation at 10.7 cm) and Apm (the average over a month value of Ap-index), thus facilitating the use of this method for forecasting foF2med. With this method, from Slough station (51.5° N, 0.6° W) data for midday and midnight for 1954 to 1995 we have found that at midnight the dfoF2 dependence on Apm is significant at the 95 % confidence level for equinoxes and summer. For midday, this dependence is less pronounced and is significant only from April to July. At equinoxes and summer, an Apm increase causes a dfoF2 decrease. For midnight, this feature is more pronounced than for midday. This regularity is valid also for annual average Apm and dfoF2.
First results of registering ionospheric disturbances obtained with SibNet network of GNSS receivers in active space experiments
Authors: Ишин Артем , Ishin Artem , Перевалова Наталья , Perevalova Natalia , Воейков Сергей , Voeykov Sergey , Хахинов Виталий , Khakhinov Vitaliy
Published: December 2017

Global and regional networks of GNSS receivers have been successfully used for geophysical research for many years; the number of continuous GNSS stations in the world is steadily growing. The article presents the first results of the use of a new regional network of GNSS stations (SibNet) in active space experiments. The Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ISTP SB RAS) has established this network in the South Baikal region. We describe in detail SibNet, characteristics of receivers in use, parameters of antennas and methods of their installation. We also present the general structure of observation site and the plot of coverage of the receiver operating zone at 50–55° latitudes by radio paths. It is shown that the selected location of receivers allows us to detect ionospheric irregularities of various scales. The purpose of the active space experiments was to reveal and record parameters of the ionospheric irregularities caused by effects from jet streams of Progress cargo spacecraft. The mapping technique enabled us to identify weak, vertically localized ionospheric irregularities and associate them with the Progress spacecraft engine impact. Thus, it has been shown that SibNet deployed in the Southern Baikal region is an effective instrument for monitoring iono-spheric conditions.
INTELIGENCIA EMOCIONAL Y BIENESTAR SUBJETIVO EN ESTUDIANTES UNIVERSITARIOS CON DIFERENTES TIPOS Y GRADOS DE DISCAPACIDAD
Authors: Suriá Martínez Raquel
Published: December 2017

INTRODUCCIÓN. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo el análisis de diferentes perfiles de IE en un grupo de estudiantes universitarios con diferentes tipos de y grados de discapacidad. El mismo indica también si existe una relación entre la tipología y el grado de discapacidad en los perfiles de IE. Finalmente, son analizados también las diferencias significativas en cuanto al Bienestar personal, entre los perfiles de IE, previamente identificados. MÉTODO. El método Train Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24) y la Escala Psicológica de Bienestar de Ryff (the Psycological Well-Being Scale of Ryff) fueron administrados a 88 estudiantes jóvenes con diferentes tipos de discapacidades producidos a lo largo de la vida. Entre ellas: físicas, intelectuales, visuales y auditivas. La edad de los participantes del estudio es entre 18 y 33 años. (M=23,28; DS=7,24). En total, la muestra estaba integrada por 39 mujeres y 49 hombres. RESULTADOS. Los resultados obtenidos y basados en los tipos de discapacidad muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a la resistencia o flexibilidad de los participantes. Al mismo tiempo, el análisis de los grupos permitió identificar tres diferentes tipos de perfiles de IE: el grupo de estudiantes con puntuaciones altas en los tres tipos de habilidades de IE; el grupo en el que claramente predominaban unas puntuaciones altas en la habilidad de claridad y reparación pero que puntuaba bajo en las de atención emocional; finalmente, el grupo de jóvenes con puntuaciones bajas en las tres (todas) tipos de habilidades. Por otra parte, los resultados también mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los perfiles de IE, en relación con el tipo y nivel de discapacidad. Finalmente, los resultados revelaron también diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al dominio del bienestar entre los perfiles. Los estudiantes del grupo con puntuaciones altas en la categoría de claridad y reparación emocional obtuvieron también unas puntuaciones altas en los distintos perfiles de bienestar. DISCUSIÓN. Los resultados obtenidos señalan la importancia de los programas diseñados, ya que los mismos ayudan a para el desarrollo de las habilidades claramente apropiadas de reparación emocional, habilidades que conforman la IE, desde ese modelo se promueve el desarrollo de un nivel más alto de bienestar subjetivo entre los estudiantes universitarios discapacitados.
Medicine too? Sexual harassment and surgery
Authors: Sayburn Anna
Published: December 2017

As stories of inappropriate sexual conduct in Hollywood and Westminster continue to dominate the headlines, Anna Sayburn asks how prevalent the problem is in our profession.
Os guerreiros do imaginário: Entrevista de Abdellatif Chaouite com Patrick Chamoiseau
Authors: Brun Milenna , Brun Eric
Published: December 2017

Tradução de uma entrevista com Patrick Chamoi­seau, por Abdellatif Chaouite realizada na ação « Fazer o mundo com o Outro », iniciada pela Maison des Passages (Lyon) no contexto do Contrato Urbano de Coesão Social, publicada no periódico Ecarts d'identité, Grenoble: n°112,  p. 25-34, junho, 2008.
Uma análise do objeto nulo no corpus do PEPP
Authors: Silva Jilvan Evangelista da , Paim Marcela Moura Torres
Published: December 2017

Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar uma análise do objeto nulo no corpus do Programa de Estudos sobre o Português Popular Falado de Salvador – PEPP. Diferentemente das variáveis linguísticas, que os gerativistas propõem-se a estudar em diferentes línguas do mundo, o foco aqui é verificar como as variáveis sociais comportam-se diante desse fenômeno, baseando-se nos pressupostos da sociolinguística variacionista. Esse fenômeno tem um caráter bastante relevante no português brasileiro, pois é uma língua que permite o preenchimento da posição de objeto, bem como seu apagamento, estratégia utilizada para escapar do julgamento linguístico da sociedade, ou seja, não utilizar uma forma estigmatizada, que é o caso do preenchimento com um pronome lexical (cf. CÔRREA, 1992), mas não o clítico, que só é realizado em contextos de muita monitoração linguística. É importante salientar que é necessário fazer a continuação do estudo para chegar a dados mais conclusivos.
Play like Jay: Pedagogies of drum kit performance after J Dilla
Authors: Stadnicki Daniel Akira
Published: December 2017

This article explores the legacy of hip-hop producer J Dilla (1974–2006) through examining his impact on live drum kit performance and pedagogy. Specifically, it addresses how the so-called ‘Dilla-feel’ is emulated by drummers and rhythm section players through a range of informal learning strategies and extended techniques, which include practices of online teaching and learning. Closely associated with the neo-soul movement of the late 1990s and early 2000s, J Dilla’s musical contributions have often gone overlooked, despite being essential for the development of the characteristic, lilting time-feel heard on many of these recordings. Incorporating historical, ethnographic and performance-based approaches, the study outlines how hip-hop’s sample-based aesthetic has dramatically shaped live musicianship on more traditional instruments, focusing on the significance of J Dilla’s drum programming in contemporary popular musicianship.
Examining music teachers’ experiences in a rock band performance and pedagogy professional development course
Authors: Dorfman Jay
Published: December 2017

Using a framework of transformation in schools that may result from teachers’ professional development, this study documented five music teachers’ experiences in a professional development course about performing in and teaching rock bands. Research questions focused on examining the participants’ experiences and recognizing influences from the course that might lead to change in the participants’ teaching after the class. Findings centred on rehearsal experiences, emergence of leadership, changes in attitudes about music styles and evidence of continued participation in rock music. As suggested in other studies of professional development experiences, the students enjoyed the class because they felt it was relevant, it addressed student learning and it contributed to their development as teachers. The students drew on their own backgrounds as leaders and learners in order to transition to the role of teacher of popular music.
Determination of Saturation versus Centrifugal Dewatering for a Multilayer Porous Cotton Textile
Authors: Kasap Fatih , Ozdemir Mustafa
Published: December 2017

Spin drying is the most commonly-used operation for laundry dehydration in domestic washing machines. In past decades, some parameters affecting residual water were investigated and semi-empirical models were given. However, they were only valid for test conditions because of incompatible unit analyses. In this study, a mathematical model with dimensionless numbers was developed by analogy between multilayer porous cotton textile and compressible porous media. Initially, textile porosity determined under compression and dewatering experiments were then determined at different drum speeds, water temperatures, and with test fabrics having various numbers of textile layers. Afterwards, all inputs and outputs were converted to dimensionless numbers, such as saturation ( S) and capillary number ( N cap). Finally, the mathematical model, including capillary effects for compressible porous media, was obtained to predict water content after spinning.
An investigation of attitudes of 10-12 year-old students enrolled in public and private schools towards physical education course
Devlet okulu ve özel okulda okuyan 10-12 yaş grubu öğrencilerin beden eğitimi ve spor dersine karşı tutumlarının incelenmesi
Authors: Özsarı İsmail
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are any difference in 10-12-year-old students’ attitudes towards physical education course according to school types (public school/private school). The survey method was used in the study. The sample consisted of 185 students from two public schools and two private schools. 119 students were enrolled in public school while 66 students were in enrolled in private school. As data collection tools, a 24-item questionnaire to obtain sport activities students participate, the resources they have, and their demographic information; and a likert-type, 49-items "Physical Education Course Attitude Scale" to assess their attitudes towards physical education course were used.  The scale was developed by Sherrill and Toulmin in 1977 and adapted by Özer and Aktop into Turkish in 2003. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software, findings were presented in frequency-percentage tables, and independent group t-test and chi-square test were used. According to findings, students of private schools had significantly more positive attitudes towards the physical education course than students of public schools.Extended English abstract is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file.ÖzetBu çalışma 10-12 yaş grubu öğrencilerinin okudukları okul türü değişkenine (devlet okulu/özel okul) göre Beden Eğitimi ve Spor dersine karşı tutumlarında farklılık olup olmadığını ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmada betimsel tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Örneklem grubunu İstanbul ilindeki ikisi devlet okulu, ikisi özel okul olmak üzere dört farklı okulda öğrenim gören toplam 185 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Öğrencilerden 119’u devlet okulunda, 66’sı özel okulda öğrenim görmektedirler. Veri toplama aracı olarak öğrencilerin demografik bilgileri, yaptıkları spor faaliyetleri ve sahip oldukları olanakları yansıtan 24 maddelik anket ve Beden Eğitimi ve Spor dersine karşı tutumlarını ölçmek amacıyla 49 maddelik, 7’li likert tipindeki “Beden Eğitimi Dersi Tutum Ölçeği” uygulanmıştır. Ölçek 1977 yılında Sherrill ve Toulmin tarafından geliştirilmiş, Özer ve Aktop tarafından 2003 yılında Türkçe’ye uyarlanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler SPSS 20.0 programı ile analiz edilmiş, bulgular frekans-yüzdelik tabloları şeklinde sunulmuş ve bağımsız grup t-testi ki-kare testi teknikleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda özel okulda okuyan öğrencilerin Beden Eğitimi ve Spor dersine ilişkin tutumlarının, devlet okulunda okuyan öğrencilere göre anlamlı derecede daha olumlu olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır.
Analisis Keberlanjutan Pembangunan Kota Tepian Pantai (Studi Kasus: Kota Baubau Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara)
Authors: Supardi Suparman , Hariyadi Sigid , Fahrudin Achmad
Published: December 2017

The complexity of coastal development in Baubau City needs to be anticipated carefully for hindering coastal ecosystems sustainability away from disruptions and threats. Environmental degradation resulted from developments could be disastrous to economic and infrastructure sectors as well as human lives. Therefore, development initiatives are supposed to comply with the principles of sustainable development. Accordingly, sustainability analysis is necessary to figure out the sustainability status of Baubau City development. The purpose of this study is to analyze the sustainability of Baubau City development in accordance with multidimensional measurement of ecological, economic, social, infrastructure and technology, and law and institution. The data used in this study include primary and secondary data obtained through literature studies, expert discussions/stakeholder, interviews, questionnaires, and field surveys. The sustainability analysis applies multidimensional scaling, leverage, Pareto, and Monte Carlo techniques. The results show that Baubau City is quite sustainable in technological infrastructure dimension (74,77), and institutional law dimension (65,87), but less sustainable in ecology dimension (32,90) and economic dimension (41,87), and unsustainable in social dimension (20,61). In addition, there are 35 sensitive attributes affecting the sustainability of Baubau City development.
Vzdělávací obsah: ukazují Bernsteinova teorie a sociální realismus cestu z krize?
Authors: Dvořák Dominik
Published: December 2017

Teoretická studie poukazuje na dvě okolnosti, které limitují kvalitu obsahu vzdělávání: jde o absenci teorie vědění a o problémy s předáváním konceptuálně náročného kurikula části sociokulturně znevýhodněných žáků. Při překonávání obou problémů může být užitečné pozdní sociologické dílo Basila Bernsteina, jehož vybrané a u nás méně známé myšlenky jsou v článku načrtnuty. Dále je ukázáno, jak na tyto koncepty navazuje tzv. sociální realismus v pojetí M. Younga a skupiny Bernsteinových žáků. Jsou popsány dva modely kurikula, které vycházejí mj. z pojetí vědění jako systému vs. procesu. Nakonec je charakterizován smíšený model výuky, který kombinuje prvky tradiční a progresivní pedagogikya představuje slibnou cestu pro předávání konceptuálně náročného kurikula širokému spektru žáků.Klíčová slova: kurikulum, vzdělávací obsah, sociologie vzdělávání, sociální realismus.
Two Broadside Ballads About a Family Tragedy in Příbor on the Christmas Eve in 1844
Authors: Fiala Jiří
Published: December 2017

On the Christmas Eve of 1844, the master shoemaker Carl Ertel in Přibor murdered his wife and his three children by slitting their throats, after which he attempted suicide in the same way and died of his injuries on 31 December of the same year. This family tragedy is do cumented by records in the death registry of the Přibor parish. One year later, two broadside ballads of the same strophic structure were created and then printed in Vienna and Banska Bystrica. The author of the composition Žalostivý příběh v novou píseň uvedený… [A Pitiful Story Made into a New Song...] sees the cause of Ertel’s criminal behaviour in his destitution and his eviction from the rented flat, and the composition thus exhibits features of a social ballad; according to the author of the composition Pravdivé popsání o velmi strašném příběhu…[A True Account of a Dreadful Story], on the other hand, Carl Ertel murdered his entire family in a fit of alcoholic rage.
Association of serum bilirubin with longevity: Evidence from a retrospective longitudinal study and cross-sectional data
Authors: Chmielewski Piotr , Strzelec Bartłomiej , Chmielowiec Jolanta , Chmielowiec Krzysztof , Borysławski Krzysztof
Published: December 2017

Bilirubin is a potent antioxidant and an important anti-inflammatory factor. Therefore, there has been an increasing focus on serum bilirubin as a negative risk factor of cardiovascular mortality in men and an indicator of improved survival in both sexes, but the direct mechanisms of these links and the causes of sex differences are not well understood. Moreover, the evidence from longitudinal studies on effects of bilirubin on longevity is limited. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed two groups of older adults to explore age-dependent changes in serum bilirubin levels and their associations with long-term survival in both sexes. Longitudinal data from 142 individuals (68 men and 74 women) aged 45 to 70 years were compared with cross-sectional data from 225 individuals (113 men and 112 women). The latter group was divided into four categories of survival, i.e. 53, 63, 68, and 76+ based on data on lifespan. ANOVA, t-test, and regression analysis were run. The analysis of the longitudinal data showed an increase in serum total bilirubin levels in men (0.3038e0.093x, R2 = 0.667) and women (0.1838e0.0187x, R2 = 0.950), while the analysis of cross-sectional data revealed a U-shaped pattern of age-related changes in men (0.001x2 - 0.1263x + 4.4524, R2 = 0.999) but an inverted U-shaped pattern in women (0.0006x2 + 0.072x - 1.6924, R2 = 0.195). On balance, these results suggest that elevated but normal bilirubin levels might confer a survival advantage in older men but not women. Alternatively, the positive relationship between serum total bilirubin and lifespan was not causal but coincidental. Further studies are needed to elucidate the direct mechanisms of the association between serum bilirubin levels and longevity in elderly people of both sexes.
Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment among Macau students: age group differences and weight management strategies
Authors: Ho Walter King Yan , Ahmed Md Dilsad , Leong Chi Ian , Chan Patrick , Van Niekerk Rudolph Leon , Huang Fan , Tian Haili , Liu Min , Chan Nikon , Silva João , Wong Wilfred , Ho Frederick K , Ip Patrick
Published: December 2017

There is evidence that rapid weight gain during the first year of life is associated with being overweight later in life. Therefore, overweight tendencies need to be detected at an appropriate age, and suitable strategies need to be implemented for weight management to achieve optimal long-term health. The objective of this study was to investigate comparisons in BMI status and associated categories in male and female students over ten years in two phases, including 2008-2013 and 2009-2014. Weight and height data were collected to obtain BMI (Body Mass Index) over ten years in two phases. The first phase occurred from 2008 to 2013, and the second phase occurred from 2009 to 2014 in a population of 10846 school children (Males: 6970, 64.3%, and females: 3875, 35.7%) in Macau. Their ages ranged from 6 years old in 2008 to 11 years old in 2013. The same age range was observed in the second phase, i.e., 2009-2014. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, such as the mean, standard deviation, t-tests to determine gender differences (year-wise) and a Chi square test for independence to determine the relationship between BMI (Underweight, Standard, Overweight and Obese) and age groups. In the first phase (2008-2013), the findings indicated a higher BMI level among the male students than the female students across all age groups (2008 t = 5.24, 2009 t = 88.25, 2010 t = 11.32, 2011 t = 17.45, 2012 t = 19.70 and 2013 t = 19.92). In the second phase (2009-2014), a higher BMI level was found among the male students than the female students across all age groups (2009 t = 2.68, 2010 t = 2.886, 2011 t = 3.076, 2013 t = 4.228, and 2014 t = 2.405). The results of the two phases combined (2008 to 2014 and 2009 to 2014) revealed that male students in 2008 had a higher BMI level than their counterparts in 2009 in the two age categories (8 years t = 3.025 and 11 years t = 3.377). Female students in the second phase (2009-2014) showed a higher BMI level than their male counterparts (9 years, t = 3.151). The results indicate the need to have focused strategies and structured interventions for male students at the critical age range of 8 to 9 years old. The results of this study also imply the need for the delivery of suitable school intervention activities at the appropriate time. Specifically, the prevention of weight gain should start early in life to encourage the development of healthier behaviours and habits throughout childhood and later ages.
Footprint analysis and prevalence of flatfoot: a study among the children of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India
Authors: Bhattacharjee Nairrita , Goswami Monali
Published: December 2017

The present study envisages the morphological differences in anthropometric measurements on footprints among the preschool children and analyzes its manifestation in the different weight category. This study also focuses on the diagnosis of flatfoot among the studied population. Data has been collected from 160 participants (80 boys and 80 girls) from Bengali Hindu caste population aged 3 to 6 years. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight and body mass index. Other measurements on foot morphology included foot length, foot breadth diagonal, foot breadth horizontal, ball of the foot length, outside ball of the boot length, heel breadth, and toe lengths T1, T2, T3.T4, T5. Staheli’s Plantar Arch Index, Chippaux-Smirak Index and foot angle were calculated. Various statistical tests like t-test, Pearson’s correlation and ANOVA were performed. Among all the variables, foot breadth horizontal showed statistically significant difference between boys and girls (p<0.05). All the footprint dimensions showed a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation with height and weight in both the boys and the girls. However, the Staheli’s Plantar Arch Index showed a significant (p<0.05) negative correlation with height and weight and Chippaux-Smirak Index showed a significant (p<0.05) negative correlation with height only among both the boys and the girls. Significant differences (ANOVA) were found between the foot morphology of children in three different weight categories (underweight, healthy and overweight) except the foot angle, and both indices. The present study evinces that weight affects the foot structure of the children. The prevalence of flatfoot was found to be 57.5% among the children with no significant difference (p<0.05) between the boys and the girls. The results thus provide a podium for intricate studies in the future. Timely prognosis of flatfoot in children can instigate early rectification of flat-footedness.
Using dental and activity indicators in order to explore possible sex differences in an adult rural medieval population from Thebes (Greece)
Authors: Michael Dimitra Ermioni , Iliadis Efstathios , Manolis Sotiris K.
Published: December 2017

Assessing the subsistence strategies of past populations; through their dietary and occupational patterns; could provide important information regarding social status and possible gender differences, especially in turbulent historical periods, as the one of the Crusader’s occupation in Greece (1204-1460 AD). Therefore, the human sample from Aghia Triada in Thebes (13th-14th c. AD) serves as the ideal skeletal material. Diet was explored through two dental indicators; dental caries and tooth wear, while occupational stress was explored through three activity markers; osteoarthritis (OA), spinal facet remodeling and Schmorl’s nodes. The aims of the present study are to assess the dietary and activity patterns of the stated population and explore possible sex differentiations. A total of 126 teeth and 350 vertebrae have been examined. The entire population presents a caries rate of 16.7%, and males present a much higher caries frequency than females (25.5% males vs. 9.9% females). Furthermore, females present significantly higher rates of osteophytes than males, whereas no significant sex differences were found regarding facet remodeling and Schmorl’s nodes. Dental results confirm historical information of medieval Thebes having an agricultural economy and are also in agreement with isotopic data. In addition, our findings suggest very intense physical activity for both sexes, whereas the distribution of facet remodeling along the spine could indicate a possible gender division of labor. Our study proposes two positive correlations; between facet remodeling and osteophytes, and between Schmorl’s nodes and facet remodelling; as activity indicators in past or/and modern populations. Finally, we strongly encourage the inclusion of spinal facet remodelling in studies focusing on occupational stress.
Gallstone Ileus Caused by a Cholecysto-Duodeno-Colic Fistula, Case Report And Literature Review
Authors: Suciu B. A. , Hălmaciu Ioana , Vunvulea V. , Trâmbițaș C. , Pisică R. , Lata Laura , Fodor D. , Molnar C. , Copotoiu C. , Brînzaniuc Klara
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Complex cholecysto-duodeno-colic fistulas are an extremely rare complication that can occur in patients with cholelithiasis. The aim of this article is to present the case of a pacient with cholecystoduodeno- colic fistula manifested with biliary ileus in a patient known for many years with cholelithiasis. Case report: We present the case of a 62 y/o male that was admitted in our clinic with the diagnosis of gallstone ileus. Emergency surgical intervention was needed. Intraoperatively we discovered a cholecysto-duodenocolic fistula complicated with gallstone ileus. During the operation we practiced retrograde cholecystectomy, closure of the fistulous tract (duodenoraphy, coloraphy), enterotomy and extraction of the calculus located inside the small intestine. The postoperative evolution was favorable. Conclusions: Cholecysto-duodeno-colic fistulas complicated with gallstone ileus are an extremely rare complication that can occur in patients with gallstones. In case of the occurrence of gallstone ileus, the surgical treatment is an emergency, being the only therapeutic technique that can save the patient’s life.
Enterovirus Meningitis in Children from Constanta
Authors: Bolojan Bianca Mihaela , Cambrea Simona Claudia
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Many different viruses can cause meningitis. Most children are exposed to some of them during their life without developing meningitis. Of all the viruses, enteroviruses are the most frequent involved in etiology of meningitis. Material and Method: The evaluated group consisted of 73 patients, boys and girls aged 1 to 12 years, hospitalized at Constanta Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital during the period May 2016 - October 2017. Results: Over the studied period, 243 patients were admitted with suspicion of meningitis, but just 73 of them were confirmed (30.04%). The average age of children with Viral Meningitis was 5 years and 8 months old, with a gender distribution that revealed a 2:1 balance in boy’s favor. The most affected age groups were 1-3 years and 4-6 years with 27 cases each. Fever, headaches and vomiting were the most common symptoms, occurring in majority of the patienst (53/73). Cerebrospinal fluid was clear in 58 cases, meanwhile in 15 cases the fluid was opalescent. Polymerase chain reaction on cerebrospinal fluid revealed Enterovirus in 27 out of the 73 cases. Conclusions: Viral meningitis with enteroviruses should be considered in any paediatric patients admitted with fever, headaches and vomiting, boys and girls, due to the potential outbreaks that can appear during the summer or autumn.
Bird Communities and Vegetation Composition in the Urban Forest Ecosystem: Correlations and Comparisons of Diversity Indices
Authors: Blinkova Olena , Shupova Tetyana
Published: December 2017

Assessment of relationships and diversity indices between bird’s communities and composition of the forest ecosystem is an important subject of synecological research to identify the intensity of human impact on the flora and fauna. Urban recreation is one of the major causes of violation of the structural and functional integrity of the forest ecosystem. Studies of avian complex and phytocoenosis have focused on the impact of urban recreation on the compositions of tree, shrub and herbaceous layers and species, trophic and ecological compositions of breeding-birds and feeding-birds communities. This paper compares the measurement of the diversity of bird communities and forestry vegetation (diversity indices, dominance indices, distribution uniformity indices) of intensive, medium, moderate and weak stages of recreational transformation of biotope. The stands formed Quercus robur L., Carpinus betulus L., Acer platanoides L., Tilia cordata L. The floristic list comprised 78 grass species. A total number of 43 species of avifauna including 37 breeding species are observed during the study. There were significant correlations between vertical heterogeneity of tree distribution and abundance, species richness and nesting density of birds. The interrelationship between species diversity of birds and floristic richness was also confirmed.
Performance and Kinematic Differences in Putting Between Healthy and Disabled Elite Golfers
Authors: Gryc Tomáš , Stastny Petr , Zahálka František , Smółka Wojciech , Żmijewski Piotr , Gołaś Artur , Zawartka Marek , Malý Tomáš
Published: December 2017

Golfers with disability are limited in the execution of the full golf swing, but their performance in putting may be comparable because this stroke does not demand significant strength, balance and range of motion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare putting performance, kinetic and kinematic consistency between golfers with different disabilities and healthy athletes. The participants consisted of three disabled athletes (perinatal cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, below knee lower limb amputee) and three healthy golfers (age 34 ± 4.5 years, body height 178 ± 3.3 cm, body mass 83 ± 6.2 kg). The golfers’ movements were recorded by active 3D markers for kinematic analyses; the subjects performed 10 trials of a 6 m putting task while standing on separate force platforms placed under each lower limb. Putting performance was measured by the distance of the final ball position to the centre of the hole. ANOVA analyses did not show any differences in clubhead speed and total ball distance from the hole. The consistency of those two parameters expressed by the coefficient of variation (CV) was CV = 0.5% or better in both groups for clubhead speed and ranged from CV = 0.40 to 0.61% in healthy and CV = 0.21 to 0.55% in disabled athletes for total error distance. The main effect ANOVA showed differences in weight shift, hip and shoulder kinematics (p < 0.05) between healthy players and all players with disability. All disabled athletes shifted their weight toward the healthy side (towards the healthy lower limb) and alternated the end of the swing. The player with below knee amputation had the lowest range of motion in the shoulder joint during the putting stroke. The players with perinatal cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis had the largest range of motion in the hips. Putting performance of disabled golfers was similar to healthy athletes. During training of disabled players, coaches should pay attention to the specificity of a particular disability when focused on putting performance. However, individual technique should achieve the same consistency as observed in healthy players.
Validation of large scale noise exposure modelling by long-term measurements
Authors: Schlatter Felix , Piquerez A. , Habermacher M. , Ragettli M. S. , Röösli M. , Brink M. , Cajochen C. , Probst-Hensch N. , Foraster M. , Wunderli J.-M.
Published: December 2017

Large scale noise exposure modelling is used in epidemiological research projects as well as for noise mapping and strategic action planning. Such calculations should always be accompanied by an assessment of uncertainty, on the one hand to check for systematic deviations and on the other hand to investigate the sources of uncertainty to address them in future studies. Within the SiRENE (Short and Long Term Effects of Transportation Noise Exposure) project, a large scale nationwide assessment of Switzerland’s road, railway, and aircraft noise exposure was conducted for the year 2011. In the present follow-up study, we equipped 180 sleeping and/or living room windows with sound level meters for one week. The resulting dataset was used to validate noise exposure modelling within SiRENE. For the noise metric LDEN the comparison revealed a difference of 1.6 ± 5 dB(A) when taking all measurements into account. After removing measurement sites with noise mitigation measures not considered in the modelling, the difference to the calculation was reduced to 0.5 ± 4 dB(A). As major sources of uncertainty, the position accuracy and topicality of infrastructure and building geometries, the traffic modelling as well as the acoustic source and propagation models were identified.
Welfare Implications of Alternative Monetary Policy Rules: A New Keynesian DSGE Model for Turkey
Authors: Yağcıbaşı Özge Filiz , Yıldırım Mustafa Ozan
Published: December 2017

In recent years, there has been extensive research on the conduct of monetary policy in small open economies that are subject to inflation and output fluctuations. Policymakers should decide whether to implement strict inflation targeting or to respond to the changes in output fluctuations while conducting monetary policy rule. This study aims to examine the response of alternative monetary policy rules to Turkish economy by means of a DSGE model that is subject to demand and technology shocks. The New Keynesian model we used is borrowed from Gali (2015) and calibrated for the Turkish economy. Welfare effects of alternative Taylor rules are evaluated under different specifications of central bank loss function. One of the main findings of this paper is that in the case of a technology shock, strict inflation targeting rules provide the minimum welfare loss under all loss function configurations. On the contrary, the losses are weakened if the monetary authority responds to output fluctuations in the presence of a demand shock. Finally, there exists a trade-off between the volatility of output and inflation in case of a technology shock, while the volatility of both variables moves in the same direction in response to a demand shock.
Long term prognosis of ventriculoatrial shunt for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus in the elderly
Authors: Kawase Tsukasa , Miyatani Kyosuke , Tanaka Riki , Yamada Yasuhiro , Siddiqui Shamim Ul Haq , Kato Yoko , Takagi Kiyoshi , Ansari Ahmed
Published: December 2017

Objective: A retrospective study was conducted to access the long-term prognosis of inserting the Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt in the elderly for the idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Material and Methods: Retrospective data is collected from April 2004 to August 2015, and 1065 patients were selected. Patients who underwent surgical examination or surgery in suspected iNPH were included. Tap test is done in all cases and found to be effective for 968 cases and 656 VA shunts for 614 cases. Out of 614 cases there are 440 cases in which patient age were over 75 years. Of these 440 cases only 141 cases were able to observe 03 years or more after the surgery, 37 deaths and 05 cases with survival and unknown prognosis were found among them. So we analyzed this group mainly in 99 cases that the prognosis after 03 years was known. We access the outcome of VA shunt by the modified Rankin scale (mRS), iNPH grading scale (iNPHGS) and complications in the operative 656 cases and in 03 years follow up of 141 patients. Results: Of 141, there are 78 males and 63 females. Age at the time of VA shunt insertion was 81.5±4.1 years and age at final follow-up was 85.2±4.4 years. The proportion of patients who achieved a favorable outcome by complications was 97.9% in 03 years follow-up period and 87.7% in which follow-up is less than 03 years. At the time of VA shunt insertion out of 141, 57 patients lies between 75-79 years, 57 between 80-84, 24 between 85 to 89, and only 03 were found to be 90 years or more. At the time of final follow-up at 03 years, 15 patients lies between 75 to 79 years, 56 between 80 to 84 years, 57 between 85 to 89 years and 23 patents were found to be 90 years or greater. 70 cases or almost 50% exceeded 85 years. At the time of VA shunt 1, 11, 39, 51, 36, 3, 0 patients were in 0 to 6 modified Rankin Scale Score respectively and at 03 years follow-up 8, 19, 32, 29, 9, 2, 37 were in 0 to 6 mRS respectively. Comparison of the study is done with SIPHONI study on VP shunt and LP shunt. Conclusion: Patients suspected of having idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus were treated by VA shunt and found no significant difference in serious adverse effects. This study shows that VA shunt is an effective choice for iNPH in the late elderly population, but it needs more randomized control trial to establish its efficacy.
Odontoid process fracture in 2 year old child: a rare case report
Authors: Prasad Prajapati Hanuman , Kumar Singh Deepak , Kumar Singh Rakesh , Kuldeep Yadav
Published: December 2017

In small childrens spine injuries are rare. In this age group upper cervical spine is commonally affected. Odontoid process fracture involve only a subset of cervical spine fractures. In small childrens, this fracture typically involves the cartilaginousplate that separates the odontoid process from the body of the axis. Odontoid processfracture is rare in children less than 7 years of age.
Mirror image extradural hematoma in elderly population: management strategy with surgical bilateral or unilateral evacuation or conservative treatment modality with literature review
Authors: Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Yada Rajpur , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Agrawal Amit
Published: December 2017

Extradural hematomas (EDH) represent one of common imaging findings in cases sustaining traumatic brain injury. Bilateral extradural haematoma is considered rare and even rarer in elder people male. Bilateral extradural hematoma is usually acute, and generally associated with severe traumatic head injury. Mirror-image extradural hematomas (MEDH) constitute a special type of bilateral extradural hamatomas, which is placed anatomically symmetrically on both the sides of the intracranial compartment, requires prompt diagnosis and emergent surgical intervention as it carry high mortality if evacuation of hematoma is not carried out expeditely. The mortality rate still remains higher in comparison to unilateral single extradural hematomas. The postoperative outcome depends on preoperative neurological status, total volume of blood, accurate diagnosis and prompt shifting to neurosurgical facility, expatiation of surgical procedure, pre- hospital care. Authors report a case of a - 65-year-old man who presented with acute simultaneous bilateral extradural haematomas following road traffic accident, underwent bilateral trephine craniotomy and simultaneous evacuation on both side led to good recovery.