bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATION OF LONG-RUN RELATIONSHIP OF INFLATION (CPI & WPI), AND OIL PRICES WITH KSE-100 INDEX: EVIDENCE FROM JOHANSEN MULTIVARIATE COINTEGRATION APPROACH
Authors: RAHEEM AHMED Rizwan , VVEINHARDT Jolita , ŠTREIMIKIENĖ Dalia , GHAURI Saghir Pervaiz , AHMAD Nawaz
Published: June 2017

This research is an attempt to framework the applied strides to evaluate the long run relationship among commonly used inflation proxies induces such as, wholesale price index (WPI) and consumer price index (CPI), and crude oil price (COP) with KSE100 index returns. In this research we used monthly data for the time period from July 1995 to June 2016, and thus, in this way total 252 observations have been considered. Time series have been made stationary by applying ADF and PP tests at first difference. Johansen multivariate conintegration approach was used to test the long-term association amongst the considered macroeconomic variables. The results indicated that CPI and COP significantly affect KSE100 index returns that indicated CPI along with COP have foreseen power to impact KSE100 index. In contrary, the results of WPI and COP do not have long run relationship with KSE100 index in case of Pakistani economy. Results of variance decomposition exhibited that the index of LKSE100 was realistically rarer exogenous in connection to distinctive factors, as around 92.31% of its variation was explained due to its own specific shocks. It is concluded that CPI and COP can impact the KSE100 index returns. It is confirmed by the results of impulse response function that there is a positive and long run relationship between KSE100 returns and consumer price index (proxy of inflation) and international crude oil prices.
NEDARBO LYGIO POVEIKIO BENDRAJAM VIDAUS PRODUKTUI
BALTIJOS ŠALYSE ANALIZĖ
Authors: Slavinskaitė Neringa , Koniuhovaitė Rūta , Stanislovaitytė Eglė
Published: June 2017

Nedarbo lygis ir bendrasis vidaus produktas (BVP) – tai vieni svarbiausių makroekonominių rodiklių,
parodančių šalių išsivystymo ir pragyvenimo lygius, todėl tiek ekonomikoje, tiek politikoje jiems skiriamas didelis
dėmesys. Mokslinėje literatūroje yra nurodoma, kad šie rodikliai yra tarpusavyje susiję, t. y. tarp jų egzistuoja
neigiamas ryšys. Šiame straipsnyje yra analizuojamas nedarbo lygio ir BVP palyginamosiomis kainomis ryšys
Baltijos šalyse. Analizei naudojami 2000–2015 metų duomenys. Tyrimui atlikti naudojama koreliacinė regresinė
analizė, kurios gauti rezultatai įrodo neigiamo ryšio tarp nedarbo lygio ir BVP palyginamosiomis kainomis
egzistavimą, tačiau ryšys reikšmingas Lietuvoje ir Estijoje, o Latvijoje priešingai – silpnas, t. y. nedarbo lygis turi
mažai įtakos BVP palyginamosiomis kainomis.
DARBUOTOJŲ LOJALUMĄ LEMIANTYS VEIKSNIAI
Authors: Vasiliauskaitė Ugnė , Vilkaitė-Vaitonė Neringa
Published: June 2017

Darbuotojų lojalumas – emocinis darbuotojo ryšys su organizacija bei noras likti dirbti joje. Darbuotojų
lojalumo ugdymas organizacijai, siekiančiai turėti kompetentingus ir motyvuotus žmogiškuosius išteklius,
kurti patikimo ir patrauklaus darbdavio įvaizdį, šiuolaikinėmis intensyvios konkurencijos sąlygomis yra itin svarbus.
Ugdant darbuotojų lojalumą svarbu parinkti tinkamas priemones, kurių tikslingumas priklauso nuo darbuotojų
lojalumą lemiančių veiksnių. Atlikus mokslinės literatūros analizę bei palyginus Lietuvos bei užsienio šalių mokslininkų
minimus darbuotojų lojalumą lemiančius veiksnius, nustatyta, kad lojalumą organizacijai labiausiai lemia
geri ir šilti bendradarbių tarpusavio ryšiai. Svarbus ir darbo užmokestis, saugumas, pripažinimas bei galimybių
tobulėti sudarymas, darbuotojų įvertinimas.
MEDIENOS PERDIRBIMO PRAMONĖS PLĖTROS PROBLEMOS IR PERSPEKTYVOS
Authors: Žaptorius Albert , Armackij Jonas
Published: June 2017

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos pagrindinės medienos verslo sektoriaus plėtros problemos ir galimybės, įvertinus klimato kaitą, ekologinius pokyčius bei energetinių resursų išteklius. Atlikta išsami pagrindinių medienos gaminius eksportuojančių šalių – JAV, Rusijos, Švedijos, Suomijos veiklos analizė ir nustatyti pagrindiniai medienos pramonei įtaką darantys išoriniai veiksniai, augimo modeliai, aplinkos apsaugos problemos, verslo pokyčių ir sėkmės atvejai. Darbe pateikiama Lietuvos medienos pramonės situacija, pagrindinės verslo šakos plėtros problemos ir pateikiami darnios verslo plėtros pasiūlymai, atitinkantys šiuolaikines rinkos tendencijas. Trumpalaikėje perspektyvoje medienos perdirbimo verslas gali būti plėtojamas pritaikant beatliekinį gamybos modelį, automatizuojant gamybos procesus, plačiau naudojant atsinaujinančią energiją, alternatyvias medžiagas.
INVESTAVIMO STRATEGIJŲ PASIRINKIMO GALIMYBIŲ ANALIZĖ IR JŲ KLASIFIKAVIMAS AKCIJŲ RINKOJE
Authors: Gaigalaitė Ieva , Žilinskij Grigorij
Published: June 2017

Straipsnyje yra nagrinėjamos investavimo akcijų rinkoje strategijų pasirinkimo galimybės, bei strategijos yra klasifikuojamos, pagal investuotojų elgseną rinkoje ir kaip aktyviai jie dalyvauja investavime. Išnagrinėjus literatūroje pateikiamas investavimo sąvokas ir pasiūlius jas apibendrinantį investavimo apibrėžimą, trumpai pristatoma investavimo strategijos sąvoka, išskiriamos pagrindinės dvi investavimo strategijų grupės. Įvertinus literatūroje sutinkamų investavimo strategijų įvairovę ir trumpai jas aprašius, informacija apie strategijas yra sisteminama, remiantis bendrais investuotojų aktyvumo bruožais ir pasiūlant galimą aktyvaus ir pasyvaus investavimo strategijų klasifikavimą. Įvertinus aktyvaus ir pasyvaus investavimo strategijų ypatybes pateikiamos įžvalgos dėl investavimo priemonių pasirinkimo aktyviai ir pasyviai investicijas valdantiems investuotojams, priklausomai nuo investuotojų požiūrio, lūkesčių ir aktyvumo.
LIETUVOS DARNAUS VYSTYMOSI 2010–2014 METŲ DINAMIKA IR GALIMŲ POKYČIŲ PROGNOZĖ 2020 METAMS
Authors: Lapinskaitė Indrė , Vinkelytė Greta
Published: June 2017

Norint nustatyti šalies darnaus vystymosi įgyvendinimo lygį, neužtenka žinoti pavienių rodiklių reikšmių, kurias nustato ir kontroliuoja įvairios organizacijos, reikia suvokti visumą, kurią gali atskleisti tinkamai pasirinkti darnaus vystymosi vertinimo metodai. Darbe taikomas integruotas darnaus vystymosi indekso (DVI) skaičiavimo metodas. Straipsnio tikslas – išnagrinėti Lietuvos darnaus vystymosi dinamiką 2010–2014 metais pagal darnaus vystymosi indeksą ir prognozuoti galimus pokyčius 2020 metams. Pirmoje straipsnio dalyje remiantis mokslinės literatūros šaltiniais apžvelgiama darnaus vystymosi samprata. Antroje dalyje nagrinėjami DVI ir darnaus vystymosi rodikliai kurie bus naudojami praktinėje dalyje. Trečioje dalyje atlikta Lietuvos darnaus vystymosi analizė ir galimų pokyčių prognozės 2020 metams.
LIETUVOS NAMŲ ŪKIŲ TAUPYMO IR INVESTAVIMO PROCESŲ
PALYGINAMOJI ANALIZĖ 2006–2016 m.
Authors: Zaliotovaitė Viktorija , Taujanskaitė Kamilė
Published: June 2017

Straipsnyje nagrinėjami įvairių autorių požiūriai charakterizuojant investicijas ir jų sampratą. Analizuojami
svarbiausi asmeninių finansų aspektai, didžiausią dėmesį skiriant asmeninių investicijų ir taupymo sritims. Siekiama
atskleisti investavimo galimybes, apibūdinant investicinių priemonių teorinius ypatumus bei išskiriant jų privalumus ir
trūkumus. Remiantis investicijų grąžos rodikliais ir namų ūkių finansinės elgsenos apžvalga, įvertinamas taupymo ir
investavimo aktyvumas bei tendencijos Lietuvos finansų rinkoje. Apibendrinant teorinius ir praktinius duomenų rezultatus,
pateikiamos išvados. Atlikta analizė parodė, kad Lietuvos namų ūkių finansinė elgsena pasižymi konservatyvumu –
didžioji dauguma laisvas lėšas taupo grynųjų pinigų pavidalu arba sąskaitose finansinėse įstaigose, o kitų alternatyvų,
tokių kaip investavimas, pasirinkimo aktyvumas yra mažas.
THE GLOBALIZATION AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Kontrimiene Valerija , Melnikas Borisas
Published: June 2017

The article analyses a concept of the sector of creative industries thus highlighting the importance of the sector and showing its role in society and economic development. Particular attention is shifted on the growth of exports and imports of creative industries considering the current challenges of globalization. The paper presents comparative and structural analyses of exports and imports of creative industries reflecting the place of the sector of creative industries in the economy of the modern world, including the tendencies indicating changes in the export and imports of the products created in this sector. The article also reveals the impact of the development of this sector on employment and economic growth in general and demonstrates that research on the development processes of the creative industry sector, particularly in the context of globalization challenges, is a highly promising trend of scientific knowledge and further research.
ELEKTRONINĖS MEDIJOS KONFERENCIJŲ TURIZMO VERSLE
Authors: Mičiūnaitė Justė , Davidavičienė Vida
Published: June 2017

Dabartinė visuomenė yra visiškai priklausoma nuo naujausių technologijų. Sudėtinga skaitmeninė tikrovė lydi kiekviename žingsnyje ne tik atskirus individus, bet ir visą mus supančią aplinką – verslą, mediciną, mokslą ir kt. Šiame, nuolat atsinaujinančiame procese jau yra begalė, ir vis atsiranda naujų, informacijos gavimo, saugojimo ir platinimo būdų. Senosios, tradicinės medijos yra skaitmenizuojamos ir keičiamos naujomis, modernesnėmis, kad kuo lengviau ir greičiau galėtų įsilieti į naujųjų (elektroninių) medijų sferą. Taikant naująsias technologijas, viena iš verslo šakų – konferencijų turizmas, taip pat įtraukia vis daugiau elektroninių medijų. Straipsnyje apžvelgiamos naujosios elektroninės medijos, bei aptariamos elektroninių medijų ir konferencijų turizmo sąsajos.
Anakinra in a Cohort of Children with Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis
Authors: Pardeo Manuela , Pires Marafon Denise , Messia Virginia , Garganese Maria Carmen , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Insalaco Antonella
Published: June 2017

Objective.

To report efficacy and safety in patients with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) unresponsive to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) and bisphosphonates and/or glucocorticoids treated with anakinra.

Methods.

Nine patients (6 females) with refractory CNO were treated with anakinra for at least 6 months. We recorded, at baseline and after 6 months of treatment, clinical and laboratory features, and number and distribution of bone lesions detected by 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy. Disease activity was evaluated using a physician’s global assessment (PGA).

Results.

At baseline, 9/9 patients had mild to severe PGA. After 6 months of treatment, in 5 patients the PGA score was graded from none to minimal. At baseline, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were elevated in 8 out of 9 patients. After 6 months, 5/9 patients had normalized CRP and ESR and in all except 1, CRP and ESR decreased. Before starting anakinra, a total of 77 bone lesions were detected by bone scintigraphy. After 6 months of treatment of the 77 lesions, 42 had resolved and 35 were stable. In 7/9 patients, 20 new lesions appeared during treatment; 2 of these 7 patients were symptomatic. At the last followup visit (median 1.7 yrs, range 0.8–2.8), 6/9 patients maintained a PGA graded as none to minimal.

Conclusion.

Anakinra is a possible therapeutic alternative in patients with refractory CNO. The practical significance of clinically silent bone lesions detected by bone scintigraphy remains to be established.
Sleep Disturbance in Psoriatic Disease: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Wong Ian T.Y. , Chandran Vinod , Li Suzanne , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: June 2017

Objective.

We aimed to determine the prevalence and quality of sleep in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and those with psoriasis without PsA (PsC) followed in the same center, to identify factors associated with sleep disturbance, and to compare findings to those of healthy controls (HC).

Methods.

The study included 113 PsA [ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria] and 62 PsC (PsA excluded by a rheumatologist) patients and 52 HC. Clinical variables were collected using a standard protocol. The sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Other patient-reported outcomes collected included the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Dermatology Life Quality Index, EQ-5D, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 survey, patient’s global assessment, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-fatigue) scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and linear regression.

Results.

The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 84%, 69%, and 50% in PsA, PsC, and HC, respectively. Total PSQI score was higher in both patients with PsA and patients with PsC compared with HC (p < 0.01) and higher in patients with PsA compared to patients with PsC (p < 0.0001). EQ-5D anxiety component, EQ-5D final, and FACIT-fatigue were independently associated with worse PSQI in patients with PsC and those with PsA (p < 0.05). Actively inflamed (tender or swollen) joints are independently associated with worse PSQI in patients with PsA (p < 0.01).

Conclusion.

Patients with psoriatic disease have poor sleep quality. Poor sleep is associated with fatigue, anxiety, and lower EQ-5D. In patients with PsA, poor sleep is associated with active joint inflammation.
CUBATURES FOR MEDIUM-SIZED PLUS ENERGY BUILDINGS
Authors: Sick Friedrich , Ross Lioba
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION

On the basis of dynamic building simulations within a maximal realistic framework, it may be useful with respect to the overall energy balance to dispense with pursuing a minimal surface/volume ratio of buildings—thus minimizing heat losses across the building shell—in favor of solar energy use. The specific use of the building (here: office or residential) plays a crucial role. Balancing the energy demand for heating and cooling and a possible photovoltaic yield, a surplus is possible in all cases under investigation. Long, low unobstructed buildings perform best due to large portions of roof area suitable for solar energy use. For tall buildings with less roof area, parts of the facades may be used for solar applications which makes them also perform better than compact designs. If the total energy demand including auxiliary energy for HVAC and especially electricity for the office and residential usages, respectively, is considered, compact cubatures of the size considered here (about 3500 m2) are not capable of providing positive energy balances. Residential usage performs worse than office use. Investigations are performed for the climatic conditions of Berlin, Germany.
Protein Docking and Drug Design
Authors: Gangopadhyay Aditi , Chakraborty Hirak Jyoti , Datta Abhijit
Published: June 2017

Protein docking is integral to structure-based drug design and molecular biology. The recent surge of big data in biology, the demand for personalised medicines, evolving pathogens and increasing lifestyle-associated risks, asks for smart, robust, low-cost and high-throughput drug design. Computer-aided drug design techniques allow rapid screening of ultra-large chemical libraries within minutes. This is immensely necessary to the drug discovery pipeline, which is presently burdened with high attrition rates, failures, huge capital and time investment. With increasing drug resistance and difficult druggable targets, there is a growing need for novel drug scaffolds which is partly satisfied by fragment based drug design and de novo methods. The chapter discusses various aspects of protein docking and emphasises on its application in drug design.
Applying Bayesian Networks in the Early Diagnosis of Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents
Authors: Pinheiro Placido Rogerio , Pinheiro Mirian Caliope Dantas , Damasceno Victor Câmera , Marques Marley Costa , Araújo Raquel Souza Bino , Branco Layane Mayara Gomes Castelo
Published: June 2017

The diseases and health problems are concerns of managers of the Unified Health System has costs in more sophisticated care sector are high. The World Health Organization focused on prevention of chronic diseases to prevent millions of premature deaths in the coming years, bringing substantial gains in economic growth by improving the quality of life. Few countries appear to be aimed at prevention, if not note the available knowledge and control of chronic diseases and may represent an unnecessary risk to future generations. Early diagnosis of these diseases is the first step to successful treatment in any age group. The objective is to build a model, from the establishment of a Bayesian network, for the early diagnosis of nursing to identify eating disorders bulimia and anorexia nervosa in adolescents, from the characteristics of the DSM-IV and Nursing Diagnoses The need for greater investment in technology in public health actions aims to increase the knowledge of health professionals, especially nurses, contributing to prevention, decision making and early treatment of problems.
Leadership in Open and Distance Learning Institutions Within the Scope of 21st Century Skills
Authors: Kilinc Hakan , Altinpulluk Hakan
Published: June 2017

Leadership is one of the 21st century characteristics that everybody involved in distance learning institutions should have. From this point of view, the fact that individuals having a say in the functioning of open and distance learning institutions possess 21st century skills such as leadership and accountability is seen as an important point in order to correctly carry out the missions of such institutions. The fact that the individuals who operate open and distance learning institutions have 21st Century skills such as leadership and accountability will play an important role in achieving the aims of the institution. Therefore, it is important that individuals have the features required by the age in order to reach the goals they aim at. In this study, it has been emphasized that individuals must have 21st century skills in order to maintain the functioning of open and distance learning institutions in a healthy manner and the necessity of possessing leadership feature has been argued.
Reflections on Distance Higher Education in Africa
Authors: Mkonongwa Luka Mathayo , Komba Sotco Claudius
Published: June 2017

This chapter examines literature about distance higher education in Africa, as presented by different scholars. The evolution of distance education has been well explored from the print to the current era of information and communication technology. Challenges and opportunities in the provision of distance higher education have been discussed and better practices for providing quality distance education have been suggested. It is concluded that the provision of distance education must be carefully planned and the technologies employed in its delivery must be reflective of the context in which they are used.
Administrative-Related Evaluation for Distance Education Institutions in Turkey
Authors: Demiray Uğur , Ekren Gülay
Published: June 2017

This chapter intends to determine the existing status of distance education at higher education level in Turkey. Recently, there are various institutions in Turkey which provide distance education such as distance education research and application centers, information departments, continuing education centers, head of IT departments etc. However, little is known about their administrative related structuring. This chapter provides a qualitative research which aims to answer following issues: (1) to determine the existing distance learning programs and compulsory joint courses being provided in distance mode, (2) to identify varying titles given to the institutions or units which provide compulsory joint courses or programs in higher education, (3) to determine the LMSs used to provide distance education, (4) to determine e-learning activities in distance education institutions, (5) to identify the roles of administrative staff in distance education institutions.
The management of the patient with malnutrition: from evidence to clinical practice
Authors: Poggiano Maria Rita , Ciarla Sara , Gnerre Paola , Roberts Anna , Magni Laura , Morbidoni Laura , Maffettone Ada , Paradiso Antonella , Rondana Massimo , Schimizzi Anna Maria , Risicato Roberto
Published: June 2017

Malnutrition can be defined as a state of nutrition in which a deficiency or excess (or imbalance) of energy, protein and other nutrients causes measurable adverse effects on tissue/body form (body shape, size, composition) body function and clinical outcome. Malnutrition is a highly prevalent condition in the acute hospital setting with studies reporting rates of approximately 40%. Malnutrition is associated with many adverse outcomes including depression of the immune system, impaired wound healing, muscle wasting, longer lengths of hospital stay and increased mortality. Unidentified malnutrition not only heightens the risk of adverse complications for patients but results in an increase in health care costs. This can be prevented if special attention is given to their nutritional care. For this reason, hospital and healthcare organizations should have a policy and a specific set of protocols for identifying patients at nutritional risk, leading to appropriate care plans. The objective of this monograph is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the proper management of malnutrition by multi-parametric analysis of the guidelines available to date.
Management of stable coronary artery disease: from evidence to clinical practice
Authors: Gerloni Riccardo , Mucci Luciano , Ciarambino Tiziana , Ventura Manuel , Baglio Valeria , Chiuch Massimiliano , Saladini Francesca , Dorigoni Stefania , Tizzani Davide , Gnerre Paola
Published: June 2017

Ischemic heart disease, the leading cause of death, is extremely diffuse among patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine ward so that Internist should be able to manage correctly this disease. The following review revises the most recent literature and offers a practical clinical guide to be confident on this topic. After having emphasized that clinical overview remains essential, it briefly mentions advantages and limits of different investigations, reminds readers of possible alternative etiopathogeneses of ischemic heart disease (cardiac syndrome X), reports the most appropriate medical therapy, and gives the opportunity to understand appropriateness of specialist strategies such as coronary artery by-pass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention. Finally, it illustrates a rational and evidence-based follow-up of these patients, considering that only a small part of them should be followed by a Cardiologist. The aim of a correct management of ischemic heart disease remains to reduce mortality and improve the quality of life.
Dengue fever masquerading as hypokalemic paralysis: a case report
Authors: Rajput Rajesh , Jain Deepak , Mittal Ashima , Kumar Anoop , Pathak Vaibhav
Published: June 2017

Dengue fever is a mosquito borne arboviral disease endemic in tropical countries. The spectrum of presentation of dengue fever ranges from classical flu like illness to dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. It is usually regarded as a non-neurotropic virus and neurological manifestations of dengue are rare and hypokalemic quadriparesis is even rarer. Here we present a case report of a patient who presented with hypokalemic quadriparesis due to dengue.
Errata Corrige, Ital J Med 2017; 11(s1):110
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: June 2017

Nel fascicolo dell’Italian Journal of Medicine 2017; volume 11, supplemento 1 dedicato agli abstracts del XXII Congresso Nazionale della Società Scientifica FADOI, Sorrento, 13-16 maggio 2017, a pagina 110 è stata pubblicata una versione errata dell’abstract intitolato “Fibrillazione atriale spia di gravità di frattura sternale”. La versione corretta è riportata di seguito.
Comparison of cow-side diagnostic tests for subclinical mastitis of dairy cows in Musanze district, Rwanda
Authors: Iraguha Blaise , Hamudikuwanda Humphrey , Mushonga Borden , Kandiwa Erick , Mpatswenumugabo Jean P.
Published: June 2017

Four subclinical mastitis diagnostic tests (the UdderCheck® test [a lactate dehydrogenasebased test], the California Mastitis Test [CMT], the Draminski® test [a conductivity-based test] and the PortaSCC® test [a portable somatic cell count-based test]) were compared in a study comprising crossbreed dairy cows (n = 30) during September and October 2015. Sensitivity and specificity of the CMT, Draminski® and UdderCheck® tests were compared with the PortaSCC® as reference. The CMT, Draminski® and UdderCheck® test results were compared with the results of the PortaSCC® test using kappa statistics. Duplicate quarter milk samples (n = 120) were concurrently subjected to the four tests. Sensitivity and specificity were 88.46% and 86.17% (CMT), 78.5% and 81.4% (Draminski®) and 64.00% and 78.95% (UdderCheck®). The CMT showed substantial agreement (k = 0.66), the Draminski® test showed moderate agreement (k = 0.48) and the UdderCheck® test showed fair agreement (k = 0.37) with the PortaSCC® test and positive likelihood ratios were 6.40, 4.15 and 3.04, respectively. The cow-level subclinical mastitis prevalence was 70%, 60%, 60% and 56.7% for PortaSCC®, CMT, Draminski® and UdderCheck® tests, respectively. At udder quarter level, subclinical mastitis prevalence was 20%, 21.67% and 20.83% for PortaSCC®, CMT and UdderCheck®, respectively. A correlation (P 0.05) and moderate strength of association were found between the four tests used. The study showed that compared to the PortaSCC® test, the CMT was the most preferable option, followed by the Draminski® test, while the UdderCheck® test was the least preferable option for subclinical mastitis screening.
The relationship between demographic variables and well-being of women in South African workplaces
Authors: Geldenhuys Madelyn , Henn Carolina M.
Published: June 2017

Orientation: It is important to investigate the determinants of well-being among working women. Given the unique demographic diversity within the South African context, differences in the experience of well-being among women are expected.Purpose: The study investigated the effects of age, race, marital status and educational status on psychological meaningfulness, life satisfaction, work–family conflict and social support of working women.Motivation: With the increase of women in the workplace, there is a need for knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence the well-being of women. This study aims to investigate demographic variables as determinants of well-being among working women.Method: Cross-sectional surveys were used to gather data from a sample (n = 540) of women from various South African companies. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), the Psychological Meaningfulness Scale (PMS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the WorkRole Conflict Scale and the Job Demands Resources Scale (JDRS) were administered.Results: Significant relationships were found between life satisfaction, work-to-family conflict and work engagement, respectively, and marital status. Higher levels of education showed significant relationships with life satisfaction and work-to-family conflict. Being white showed significant positive relationships with life satisfaction, work-to-family conflict and work engagement. With regard to social support and psychological meaningfulness, race explained significant amounts of variance in psychological meaningfulness, as did age.Practical, managerial and methodological implications: The findings indicate that the experiences of well-being among women vary by age, race, marital status and educational status. It is therefore imperative that human resource practitioners appropriately measure these differences, accommodate them in policies through relevant supportive practices and also champion these practices for women.
Salmonella typhimurium infection in total knee arthroplasty: A case report with review of literature
Authors: Sebastian Sujeesh , Dhawan Benu , Malhotra Rajesh , Gautam Deepak , Kapil Arti
Published: June 2017

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium is a rare cause of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The recognized predisposing risk factors for Salmonella septic arthritis include diabetes mellitus, renal failure, human immunodeficiency virus infection and chronic corticosteroid use. We describe a case of PJI of the knee in a 74-year-old lady who was on antitubercular treatment. The patient presented with discharging sinus and raised inflammatory markers. She was successfully treated by the removal of prosthesis and debridement followed by ciprofloxacin therapy for 6 weeks. This case report highlights the potential virulence of Salmonella in immunocompromised patient with a joint prosthesis. Continuous monitoring and close collaboration of microbiologists and orthopedicians helped obtain the resolution of infection in our patient.
Acquired aplastic anemia associated with trisomy eight converting into acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Grover Sumit , Dhiman Amit Kumar , Garg Bhavna , Sood Neena , Narang Vikram
Published: June 2017

Aplastic anemia (AA) is nowadays considered to be a clonal disorder arising from a defective hematopoietic stem cell developing after a generalized insult to bone marrow. Immunosuppressive treatment (IST) of AA causes suppression of the target dominant population of haematopoietic cells allowing the defective non targeted clones to expand. This may give rise to acute leukemia. Cytogenetic studies for chromosomal aberrations such as trisomy and monosomy may help in detecting such conversions. We present a case of acquired AA in a 60-year-old male presenting with pancytopenia and hypoplastic marrow treated with antithymocyte globulin, converting into myelodysplastic syndrome and later on acute promyelocytic leukemia after being in remission for 4 years. The patient was found to have trisomy 8 on fluorescence in situ hybridization and karyotyping.
Comparison of bone marrow aspiration cytology with bone marrow trephine biopsy histopathology: An observational study
Authors: Gilotra Meenu , Gupta Monika , Singh Sunita , Sen Rajeev
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow examination is a useful investigative tool for the diagnosis of many hematological and nonhematological disorders. Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) provides information about the numerical and cytological features of marrow cells, whereas bone marrow trephine biopsies (BMB) provide excellent appreciation of spatial relationships between cells and of overall bone marrow structure. We conducted this study with the objective of comparing the accuracy of BMA with BMB in the diagnosis of various hematological disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both BMA and BMB were performed on a total of 130 cases and a comparative evaluation was performed in 100 cases to see the complementary role of both the procedures. However, 30 cases were excluded due to inadequate BMA, BMB, or both. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed whenever required.

RESULTS: In our study of 100 cases, 87% of cases were confirmed on bone marrow biopsy and in remaining 13% of cases final diagnosis was achieved with the help of other ancillary investigations. These cases were excluded for calculation of concordance rate between BMA and BMB. The concordance and disconcordance rate between BMA and BMB was 72.4% and 27.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: BMA cytology and trephine biopsy histopathology complement each other and the superiority of one method over the other depended on the underlying disorder. Furthermore, application of ancillary techniques such as flow cytometery and IHC proved to be an additional advantage in further typing of various diseases.
Current mycological profile of onychomycosis in Kashmir valley: A hospital-based study
Authors: Asifa Nazir , Farhath Kanth
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION: Onychomycosis is a common nail ailment associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity. It is caused by dermatophytes, nondermatophytic molds, and yeasts. Increased prevalence in the recent years is attributed to enhanced longevity, comorbid conditions such as diabetes, avid sports participation, and emergence of HIV.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to identify the mycological profile and etiological agents associated with this infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-nine cases of clinically suspected onychomycosis were included in this study. Clinical patterns were noted, and samples collected from most severely affected nail. They were subjected to direct microscopy and culture.

RESULTS: The microscopic and/or culture examination was positive in 64.34% of cases. The most common clinical type was distal lateral subungual onychomycosis in 42 (50.60%) Candida sp. was the most common fungal agent among yeasts, followed by Trichophyton sp among dermatophytes and Aspergillus among nondermatophytic molds. Females were affected more than males and fingernails were affected more frequently than toenails.

CONCLUSION: Onychomycosis is a significant and important disease which can cause many physical, physiological, and occupational problems, considerably impairing patient quality of life. Hence, fungal cultures are of paramount importance in all suspected cases of onychomycosis because the antifungal agent with an appropriate spectrum of activity can only be used if the underlying fungal pathogen is identified correctly.
Denominatie van de school, gezins- en schoolsamenstelling en onderwijsprestaties
Authors: Driessen Geert , Agirdag Orhan , Merry Michael
Published: June 2017

School denomination, family and school composition, and educational achievement: Are there differences between religious and non-religious schools?

Despite an ever increasing process of secularization in Dutch society, the share of religious schools in the Netherlands has remained remarkably stable over the last fifty years. One explanation for this persistent attraction among parents is the sector’s good reputation regarding educational quality and achievement. This study tests whether this assumption corresponds with empirical reality. The data analyzed come from the second measurement round of the COOL5-18 cohort study conducted in 2011. A total of 19 cognitive and non-cognitive outcome measures were available from 27457 students in grades 2, 5 and 8 of 386 primary schools. The analyses compare the outcomes of public (i.e. neutral) schools with those of three types of religious schools, namely Protestant, Catholic, and Islamic schools. The results show that after controlling for differences between students in terms of social and ethnic background, and schools in terms of share of low educated and immigrant parents, no differences between public and religious schools remain. Meanwhile, Islamic schools appear to have a special potential regarding the elimination of their educational disadvantage.
Emancipatiebeleid tussen geleefde droom en onvoltooide daad
Authors: Schippers Joop
Published: June 2017

The author also comments on the interview with D’Ancona and Bussemaker. He enumerates the similarities between them: their enthusiasm and their struggles to ‘frame’ the problem of emancipation in a correct way. Both make a distinction between the substance and the process of emancipation policy, making it all the more surprising, he argues, that so little has been done in the past years to establish new institutions and to generate continuity. Lack of consensus between political parties about the way forward has generated an incremental way of policy making, resulting in a patchwork of regulations, which are often very confusing to the public. Schippers, furthermore, draws attention to the differences between the interviewees in view of the work/care problem – sharing between partners or stimulating the commercialisation of care work.
MIPAS observations of volcanic sulphate aerosol and sulphur dioxide in the stratosphere
Authors: Günther Annika , Höpfner Michael , Sinnhuber Björn-Martin , Griessbach Sabine , Deshler Terry , von Clarmann Thomas , Stiller Gabriele
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Volcanic eruptions can increase the stratospheric sulphur content by orders of magnitude above the background level and are the most important source of variability of stratospheric sulphur loading. We present a set of vertical profiles of sulphate aerosol volume densities and derived liquid-phase H2SO4 mole-fractions for 2005–2012, retrieved from infrared limb emission measurements by the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) on board of the Environmental Satellite. The MIPAS aerosol dataset has been corrected for a possible altitude-dependent bias by comparison with balloon-borne in situ aerosol measurements at Laramie, Wyoming. The MIPAS data of stratospheric sulphate aerosol is linked to MIPAS observations of sulphur dioxide (SO2) with the help of Chemical Transport Model simulations. We investigate the production of sulphate aerosol and its fate from volcanically emitted SO2 for two volcanic case studies: the eruptions of Kasatochi in 2008 and Sarychev in 2009, which both occurred in the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes during boreal summer. We show that the MIPAS sulphate aerosol and SO2 data are qualitatively and quantitatively consistent to each other. Further, we demonstrate that the lifetime of SO2 is well described by its oxidation by hydroxyl radicals. While sedimentation of the sulphate aerosol plays a role, we find that the dominant mechanism controlling the stratospheric lifetime of sulphur after these volcanic eruptions at mid-latitudes is transport in the Brewer-Dobson circulation. Sulphur emitted by the two mid-latitude volcanoes resides mostly north of 30° N at altitudes of ~ 10–16 km, while at higher altitudes (~ 18–22 km) part of the volcanic sulphur is transported towards the equator where it is lifted into the stratospheric overworld and can further be transported into both hemispheres.
Temperature and mineral dust variability recorded in two low accumulation Alpine ice cores over the last millennium
Authors: Bohleber Pascal , Erhardt Tobias , Spaulding Nicole , Hoffmann Helene , Fischer Hubertus , Mayewski Paul
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Among ice core drilling sites in the European Alps, the Colle Gnifetti (CG) glacier saddle is the only one to offer climate records back to at least 1000 years. This unique long-term archive is the result of an exceptionally low net accumulation driven by wind erosion and rapid annual layer thinning. To-date, however, the full exploitation of the CG time series has been hampered by considerable dating uncertainties and the seasonal summer bias in snow preservation. Using a new core drilled in 2013 we extend annual layer counting, for the first time at CG, over the last 1000 years and add additional constraints to the resulting age scale from radiocarbon dating. Based on this improved age scale, and using a multi-core approach with a neighboring ice core, we explore the potential for reconstructing long-term temperature variability from the stable water isotope and mineral dust proxy time series. A high and potentially non-stationary isotope/temperature sensitivity limits the quantitative use of the stable isotope variability thus far. However, we find substantial agreement comparing the mineral dust proxy Ca2+ with instrumental temperature. The temperature-related variability in the Ca2+ record is explained based on the temperature-dependent snow preservation bias combined with the advection of dust-rich air masses coinciding with warm temperatures. We show that using the Ca2+ trends for a quantitative temperature reconstruction results in good agreement with instrumental temperature and the latest summer temperature reconstruction derived from other archives covering the last 1000 years. This includes a Little Ice Age cold period as well as a medieval climate anomaly. In particular, part of the medieval climate period around 1100–1200 AD stands out through an increased occurrence of dust events, potentially resulting from a relative increase in meridional flow and dry conditions over the Mediterranean.
Altimetry, gravimetry, GPS and viscoelastic modelling data for the joint inversion for glacial isostatic adjustment in Antarctica (ESA STSE Project REGINA)
Authors: Sasgen Ingo , Martín-Español Alba , Horvath Alexander , Klemann Volker , Petrie Elizabeth J. , Wouters Bert , Horwath Martin , Pail Roland , Bamber Jonathan L. , Clarke Peter J. , Konrad Hannes , Wilson Terry , Drinkwater Mark R.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. A major uncertainty in determining the mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet from measurements of satellite gravimetry, and to a lesser extent satellite altimetry, is the poorly known correction for the ongoing deformation of the solid Earth caused by glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). In the past decade, much progress has been made in consistently modelling the ice sheet and solid Earth interactions; however, forward-modelling solutions of GIA in Antarctica remain uncertain due to the sparsity of constraints on the ice sheet evolution, as well as the Earth's rheological properties. An alternative approach towards estimating GIA is the joint inversion of multiple satellite data – namely, satellite gravimetry, satellite altimetry and GPS, which reflect, with different sensitivities, trends of recent glacial changes and GIA. Crucial to the success of this approach is the accuracy of the space-geodetic data sets. Here, we present reprocessed rates of surface-ice elevation change (Envisat/ICESat; 2003–2009), gravity field change (GRACE; 2003–2009) and bedrock uplift (GPS; 1995–2013.7). The data analysis is complemented by the forward-modelling of viscoelastic response functions to disc load forcing, allowing us to relate GIA-induced surface displacements with gravity changes for different rheological parameters of the solid Earth. The data and modelling results presented here are available in the Pangea archive; https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.875745. The data sets are the input streams for the joint inversion estimate of present-day ice-mass change and GIA, focusing on Antarctica. However, the methods, code and data provided in this paper are applicable to solve other problems, such as volume balances of the Antarctic ice sheet, or to other geographical regions, in the case of the viscoelastic response functions. This paper presents the first of two contributions summarizing the work carried out within a European Space Agency funded study, REGINA.
rpe v5: an emulator for reduced floating-point precision in large numerical simulations
Authors: Dawson Andrew , Düben Peter D.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. This paper describes the rpe (reduced-precision emulator) library which has the capability to emulate the use of arbitrary reduced floating-point precision within large numerical models written in Fortran. The rpe software allows model developers to test how reduced floating-point precision affects the result of their simulations without having to make extensive code changes or port the model onto specialized hardware. The software can be used to identify parts of a program that are problematic for numerical precision and to guide changes to the program to allow a stronger reduction in precision.The development of rpe was motivated by the strong demand for more computing power. If numerical precision can be reduced for an application under consideration while still achieving results of acceptable quality, computational cost can be reduced, since a reduction in numerical precision may allow an increase in performance or a reduction in power consumption. For simulations with weather and climate models, savings due to a reduction in precision could be reinvested to allow model simulations at higher spatial resolution or complexity, or to increase the number of ensemble members to improve predictions. rpe was developed with a particular focus on the community of weather and climate modelling, but the software could be used with numerical simulations from other domains.
A prognostic pollen emissions model for climate models
(PECM1.0)
Authors: Wozniak Matthew C. , Steiner Allison
Published: June 2017

Abstract. We develop a prognostic model of Pollen Emissions for Climate Models (PECM) for use within regional and global climate models to simulate pollen counts over the seasonal cycle based on geography, vegetation type and meteorological parameters. Using modern surface pollen count data, empirical relationships between prior-year annual average temperature and pollen season start dates and end dates are developed for deciduous broadleaf trees (Acer, Alnus, Betula, Fraxinus, Morus, Platanus, Populus, Quercus, Ulmus), evergreen needleleaf trees (Cupressaceae, Pinaceae), grasses (Poaceae; C3, C4), and ragweed (Ambrosia). This regression model explains as much as 57 % of the variance in pollen phenological dates, and it is used to create a climate-flexible phenology that can be used to study the response of wind-driven pollen emissions to climate change. The emissions model is evaluated in a regional climate model (RegCM4) over the continental United States by prescribing an emission potential from PECM and transporting pollen as aerosol tracers. We evaluate two different pollen emissions scenarios in the model: (1) using a taxa-specific land cover database, phenology and emission potential, and (2) a PFT-based land cover, phenology and emission potential. The resulting surface concentrations for both simulations are evaluated against observed surface pollen counts in five climatic subregions. Given prescribed pollen emissions, the RegCM4 simulates observed concentrations within an order of magnitude, although the performance of the simulations in any subregion is strongly related to the land cover representation and the number of observation sites used to create the empirical phenological relationship. The taxa-based model provides a better representation of the phenology of tree-based pollen counts than the PFT-based model, however we note that the PFT-based version provides a useful and climate-flexible emissions model for the general representation of the pollen phenology over the United States.
A Hydrological Emulator for Global Applications
Authors: Liu Yaling , Hejazi Mohamad , Li Hongyi , Zhang Xuesong , Leng Guoyong
Published: June 2017

Abstract. While global hydrological models (GHMs) are very useful in exploring water resources and interactions between the Earth and human systems, their use often requires numerous model inputs, complex model calibration, and high computation costs. To overcome these challenges, we construct an efficient open-source and ready-to-use hydrologic emulator (HE) that can mimic complex GHMs at a range of spatial scales (e.g., basin, region, globe). We constructed both a lumped and a distributed scheme of the HE based on the monthly abcd model, for users' choice – minimal computational cost with reasonable model fidelity, or heavier computational load with better predictability. Model predictability and computational efficiency were evaluated in simulating global runoff from 1971–2010 with both the lumped and distributed schemes. The results are compared against the runoff product from the widely-used Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model. Our evaluation indicates that the lumped and distributed schemes present comparable results regarding annual total quantity, spatial pattern and temporal variation of the major water fluxes (e.g., total runoff, evapotranspiration) across the global 235 basins (e.g., correlation coefficient r between the annual total runoff from either of these two schemes and the VIC is >0.96), except for several cold (e.g., Arctic, Interior Tibet), dry (e.g., North Africa) and mountainous (e.g., Argentina) regions. Compared against the monthly total runoff product from the VIC (aggregated from daily runoff), the global mean Kling-Gupta efficiencies are 0.75 and 0.79 for the lumped and distributed schemes, respectively, with the distributed one better capturing spatial heterogeneity. Notably, the computation efficiency of the lumped scheme is two orders of magnitude higher than the distributed one, and seven orders more efficient than the VIC model. Our results suggest that the revised lumped abcd model can serve as an efficient and acceptable HE for complex GHMs and is suitable for broad practical use, and the distributed scheme is also an efficient alternative if spatial heterogeneity is of more interest.