bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of New Physical Problems Emerging in Long-Term Care Residents With Dementia
Authors: Kovach Christine R. , Ellis Julie , Evans Crystal-Rae
Published: April 2017

Individuals receiving skilled nursing care have multiple comorbid conditions that impact comfort and resource use. The current study describes variations in the trajectories of new physical problems emerging over 8 weeks and the predictive value for future health and behavior in a sample of 72 residents with dementia. Residents had two to 37 new physical problems occurring over 8 weeks. Sixty-five percent of the sample had five or more new problems and were identified by three unstable trajectories. Common problems, illnesses, and symptoms accounted for 28.2% of the variance in subsequent new physical problems (
p
< 0.001) and 25.7% of the variance in subsequent agitation (
p
< 0.001). This study found more new problems than earlier studies that only examined new acute illness. Findings suggest a higher intensity of need for skilled assessment and treatment than may be available in many long-term care organizations. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(8), 25–32.]
Portuguese Older Adults Presenting at the Emergency Department: Predictive Validity of the Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) Tool
Authors: de Almeida Tavares João Paulo , Sa-Couto Pedro , Boltz Marie , Capezuti Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

Following an emergency department (ED) visit, older adults are more likely to experience poorer outcomes than younger adults. It is crucial to identify older patients using a validated tool. One of the most studied tools is the Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR), which is used to identify older adults at risk of adverse outcomes after ED admission. The purpose of the current study was to examine the sensitivity, specificity, and interrater reliability of the Portuguese version of the ISAR when considering early (30 days) and late (180 days) outcomes. Four hundred two older adults presenting in EDs from January 2013 to August 2014 were prospectively enrolled and surveyed. The ISAR threshold (cutoff =2) presented a better compromise between sensitivity (81.8% to 88.7%) and specificity (14.7% to 28.1%) when compared to cutoffs =1 or =3, respectively. Interrater reliability results were very good (0.81 to 0.94). Overall, the Portuguese ISAR appears worthwhile for screening older adults at risk in EDs. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
,
43
(8), 18–24.]
Physical Activity, Functional Ability, and Obesity in Older Adults: A Gender Difference
Authors: Gretebeck Kimberlee A. , Sabatini LeAnn M. , Black David R. , Gretebeck Randall J.
Published: April 2017

Disability, institutionalization, and loss of independence may be directly caused or exacerbated by physical inactivity and obesity. The purpose of the current cross-sectional survey was to explore the impact of gender and obesity on functional ability tasks, physical activity, and psychosocial factors in older adults. Participants comprised 964 University retirees (55% female, mean age = 75.3 years,
SD
= 6.7 years) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.1 kg/m
2
(
SD
= 4.7 kg/m
2
). Results revealed significant gender and BMI interaction effects. Women were less active than men and obese women were most functionally impaired, particularly in activities that target lower extremity function, regardless of weight status. These findings suggest that physical activity interventions for older adults should focus on exercises that improve functional ability and are tailored to meet individual needs while considering weight and gender. Type, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercises should be individualized to limit injuries and improve functional ability and physical activity adherence. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(9), 38–46.]
Septic Arthritis of the Wrist: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Predictors of Infection
Authors: Jennings John D. , Zielinski Elizabeth , Tosti Rick , Ilyas Asif M.
Published: April 2017

Septic arthritis of the wrist can result in permanent damage to the joint, making timely diagnosis crucial to initiate empiric antibiotics and surgical intervention. Although septic arthritis is routinely included in the differential diagnosis of atraumatic wrist pain, the incidence is unknown. Unlike large joints, there is no consensus on cell count values considered pathognomonic for wrist septic arthritis. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of wrist septic arthritis and to identify the clinical, serum, and joint fluid values that predict infection. The records of patients who presented to a single urban hospital with a swollen, painful wrist without trauma during a 10-year period were reviewed. For patients who had a joint fluid analysis, the records were examined for history as well as demographic and laboratory data. Joint fluid analysis consisted of cell count, Gram stain, and cultures. Of 892 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 1.5% had wrist septic arthritis. Variables associated with septic arthritis included serum white blood cell count above 11,000/µL, core temperature above 100.4°F within 24 hours of aspiration, history of intravenous drug abuse, and smoking. No joint cell count analysis predicted septic arthritis, although patients with septic wrists had an elevated joint white blood cell count above 97,000/µL. Wrist septic arthritis is uncommon; however, objective factors can help identify patients at risk. Because joint cell count analysis cannot reliably predict a septic wrist, priority for joint aspirations with limited fluid should be given instead to Gram stain, culture, and crystal analysis. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(3):e526–e531.]
Comparison of Anteromedial and Transtibial ACL Reconstruction Using Expandable Fixation
Authors: Ozel Omer , Yucel Bulent , Orman Osman , Demircay Emre , Mutlu Serhat
Published: April 2017

The influence of anatomical or nonanatomical femoral tunnel position on tunnel widening and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is not fully understood. This retrospective study examined the influence of tunnel width and placement on anterior knee stability and clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction using the AperFix System (Cayenne Medical Inc, Scottsdale, Arizona), a direct expandable fixation technique with autologous hamstring grafts. The records of 80 patients (79 men and 1 woman) who underwent ACL reconstruction were evaluated. In 38 patients, anatomical femoral tunnel placement was performed via an accessory medial portal (anteromedial group); in the remaining 42 patients, the femoral tunnel was positioned nonanatomically using a transtibial technique (transtibial group). Mean follow-up was 40.7 months (range, 27–60 months). Postoperative knee kinetics were measured, and clinical outcomes were assessed using International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. Femoral tunnel widening was measured by comparing postoperative radiographs with final follow-up radiographs. Femoral tunnel width was significantly greater (
P
<.001) and anterior knee translation was significantly higher (
P
=.01) in the transtibial group. Lysholm and Tegner scores were not significantly different (
P
>.05) between the 2 groups. These findings suggest that femoral tunnel widening is associated with increased anterior joint laxity when a direct fixation technique is used for ACL reconstruction, particularly in nonanatomically positioned femoral tunnels. Anatomical femoral tunnel placement provides better anterior stability and less tunnel widening than transtibial tunnel placement; however, these benefits did not produce a detectable advantage in clinical outcomes measures. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(3):e532–e537.]
Influence of Surgical Approach on Pelvic Lift in Hip Arthroplasty During Cup Insertion
Authors: Brodt Steffen , Windisch Christoph , Krakow Linda , Nowack Dimitri , Matziolis Georg
Published: April 2017

The position of the acetabular cup is a major factor in the long-term outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Malpositioning of the acetabular cup frequently has been reported with the use of a minimally invasive implantation technique. It remains unclear whether the limited visibility or the increased retractor traction and thus tilting of the pelvis during cup implantation is the cause. This study investigated the influence of iatrogenically related pelvic lift using an anterolateral minimally invasive THA technique. In a group of 30 consecutive patients who underwent THA via a minimally invasive anterolateral approach, iatrogenic lifting of the pelvis was measured with a smartphone using a 3-axis accelerometer and compared with patients in a historical age- and sex-matched control group who underwent THA using a transgluteal approach. Postoperatively, the inclination and anteversion of the cup was determined on pelvic radiographs. In the anterolateral group, the pelvis was lifted by a maximum of 6.3° and by an average of 3.9° when the acetabular cup was impacted; no difference was noted compared with the transgluteal group. In contrast, the cups in the anterolateral group showed significantly increased inclination and reduced anteversion. In both techniques, the iatrogenic tilting of the pelvis at the time of cup implantation occurred to a comparable extent. Therefore, the significant differences in postoperative radiographs cannot be attributed to increased retractor traction on exposure of the acetabulum, which means that the limited visibility must be responsible. [
Orthopedics
. 2017; 40(4):e589–e593.]
Integrated Education Management System via Cloud Computing
Authors: El-Seoud Samir Abou , AboGamie Eslam Ahmed , Salama Mostafa
Published: April 2017

In this work, we present a framework to integrate the functionalities of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with the University academic and management functionalities at the British University in Egypt , in order to produce a University Resource Planning (URP) that facilitates the integration between educational and management processes within higher educational institutions.

Our ERP systems should be enabled to:

Automate admissions. Eliminate manual processes and save significant staff time by enabling prospective students to apply online through a self-service portal. Provide one-stop student access. Allow students to enroll, register, and pay for courses through the portal.

Simplify records management. With a single system for all your data needs—and a single digital record for each student—any department on campus can find the student information they need.

Engage faculty. Give faculty the means to enter and update grades, and have personalized access to timely, accurate, and institution-wide information.

Manage resources. Manage personnel, funds and processes more transparently.

Strengthen decision-making. Track the metrics you need to guide day-to-day operations, meet reporting requirements, and engage your organization.
Keywords:  Integrated management systems for higher education, eLearning, MOODLE, cloud technology, systems integrity
4PD Functionalized Dendrimers: A Flexible Tool for In Vivo Gene Silencing of Tumor-Educated Myeloid Cells
Authors: Zilio Serena , Vella Jennifer L. , De la Fuente Adriana C. , Daftarian Pirouz M. , Weed Donald T. , Kaifer Angel , Marigo Ilaria , Leone Kevin , Bronte Vincenzo , Serafini Paolo
Published: April 2017

Myeloid cells play a key role in tumor progression and metastasis by providing nourishment and immune protection, as well as facilitating cancer invasion and seeding to distal sites. Although advances have been made in understanding the biology of these tumor-educated myeloid cells (TEMCs), their intrinsic plasticity challenges our further understanding of their biology. Indeed, in vitro experiments only mimic the in vivo setting, and current gene-knockout technologies do not allow the simultaneous, temporally controlled, and cell-specific silencing of multiple genes or pathways. In this article, we describe the 4PD nanoplatform, which allows the in vivo preferential transfection and in vivo tracking of TEMCs with the desired RNAs. This platform is based on the conjugation of CD124/IL-4Rα–targeting peptide with G5 PAMAM dendrimers as the loading surface and can convey therapeutic or experimental RNAs of interest. When injected i.v. in mice bearing CT26 colon carcinoma or B16 melanoma, the 4PD nanoparticles predominantly accumulate at the tumor site, transfecting intratumoral myeloid cells. The use of 4PD to deliver a combination of STAT3- and C/EBPβ-specific short hairpin RNA or miR-142-3p confirmed the importance of these genes and microRNAs in TEMC biology and indicates that silencing of both genes is necessary to increase the efficacy of immune interventions. Thus, the 4PD nanoparticle can rapidly and cost effectively modulate and assess the in vivo function of microRNAs and mRNAs in TEMCs.
Extravillous Trophoblast and Endothelial Cell Crosstalk Mediates Leukocyte Infiltration to the Early Remodeling Decidual Spiral Arteriole Wall
Authors: Choudhury Ruhul H. , Dunk Caroline E. , Lye Stephen J. , Aplin John D. , Harris Lynda K. , Jones Rebecca L.
Published: April 2017

Decidual spiral arteriole (SpA) remodeling is essential to ensure optimal uteroplacental blood flow during human pregnancy, yet very little is known about the regulatory mechanisms. Uterine decidual NK (dNK) cells and macrophages infiltrate the SpAs and are proposed to initiate remodeling before colonization by extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs); however, the trigger for their infiltration is unknown. Using human first trimester placenta, decidua, primary dNK cells, and macrophages, we tested the hypothesis that EVTs activate SpA endothelial cells to secrete chemokines that have the potential to recruit maternal immune cells into SpAs. Gene array, real-time PCR, and ELISA analyses showed that treatment of endothelial cells with EVT conditioned medium significantly increased production of two chemokines, CCL14 and CXCL6. CCL14 induced chemotaxis of both dNK cells and decidual macrophages, whereas CXCL6 also induced dNK cell migration. Analysis of the decidua basalis from early pregnancy demonstrated expression of CCL14 and CXCL6 by endothelial cells in remodeling SpAs, and their cognate receptors are present in both dNK cells and macrophages. Neutralization studies identified IL-6 and CXCL8 as factors secreted by EVTs that induce endothelial cell CCL14 and CXCL6 expression. This study has identified intricate crosstalk between EVTs, SpA cells, and decidual immune cells that governs their recruitment to SpAs in the early stages of remodeling and has identified potential key candidate factors involved. This provides a new understanding of the interactions between maternal and fetal cells during early placentation and highlights novel avenues for research to understand defective SpA remodeling and consequent pregnancy pathology.
Tratando con dinámica e incertidumbre de pesquerías de pelágicos menores: análisis bioeconómico de respuesta del administrador ante diferentes estrategias de manejo
Authors: De Anda Montañez Juan Antonio , Salas Silvia , Galindo Cortes Gabriela
Published: April 2017

Las pesquerías de pelágicos menores se han caracterizado por sus grandes fluctuaciones en abundancia, debido a factores ambientales, regímenes de captura, patrones de reproducción, entre otros. Dada esta complejidad, el desarrollo de esquemas de manejo para la pesquería de sardina requiere de la evaluación del impacto de diferentes estrategias de manejo, considerando la incertidumbre asociada con el comportamiento biológico de los recursos y el rendimiento económico de las pesquerías. Una forma de predecir dichos cambios en la abundancia, es a través de procesos de simulación bajo diferentes escenarios. En este estudio, se usó un modelo bioeconómico dinámico estructurado por edad de la pesquería de sardina del Pacífico (Sardinops sagax) de la península de Baja California en México para evaluar el efecto de cambios en el reclutamiento sobre diferentes variables de estado (biomasa, valor presente neto y captura). Se consideró riesgo e incertidumbre asociada a parámetros sensibles (mortalidad natural, precio y capturabilidad). Se empleó el enfoque precautorio para evaluar la respuesta de los responsables de tomar decisiones con diferente actitud al riesgo (adverso, neutral y buscador de riesgo) bajo diferentes escenarios, desde acceso abierto hasta restricciones en el esfuerzo pesquero. Los resultados mostraron que las estrategias de manejo que involucraron restricciones en el esfuerzo pesquero resultaron en una baja probabilidad (0-7, expresado en porcentaje) de exceder los puntos de referencia límite (PRL) comparado con aquellas bajo condiciones de acceso abierto o captura en rendimiento máximo sostenible (RMS) y cuotas de captura (13-60%). El análisis enfatiza las ventajas de utilizar un enfoque que incorpore el riesgo y la incertidumbre para la generación de estrategias de manejo de las pesquerías pelágicas con alta exposición a condiciones inciertas.
Riqueza, composición de la comunidad y similitud de las especies bentónicas de la Subclase Opisthobranchia (Mollusca: Gastropoda) en cinco sitios del litoral de Acapulco, México
Authors: Flores Rodríguez Pedro , Flores Garza Rafael , García Ibáñez Sergio , Valdés González Arcadio , Martínez Vásquez Berenice Grisel , Mora Marín Yocelin , González Sandoval Elías Jonadad
Published: April 2017

Se estudió la Subclase Opisthobranchia en Acapulco. Los objetivos fueron conocer la riqueza de especies, la composición de la comunidad a partir de las abundancias, disposición espacial local y la ubicación jerárquica de las especies, además comparar la similitud entre sitios. Se muestreó de 2009 a 2012 en 5 sitios, durante el día, en marea baja, bimensualmente. En la zona intermareal rocosa se hicieron muestreos siguiendo la línea de costa y en el submareal se efectuaron inmersiones hasta 4 m por buceo libre. Se identificaron 59 especies, 5 más identificadas hasta género. Son nuevos registros de distribución para Acapulco 28 especies. El Orden Nudibranchia fue el de mayor cantidad de familias, riqueza de especies y abundancia. La mayor riqueza de especies se encontró en la familia Dorididae y la mayor abundancia en la familia Facelinidae. Las especies más abundantes fueron Phidiana lascrucensis, Elysia diomedea, Pleurobranchus aerolatus, Glossodoris sedna y Polycera alabe. El 24,44% de las especies presentó disposición espacial local ampliada, el 32,8% disposición semirestringida y el 43,75% restringida. Se encontró que 19 especies fueron dominantes y representaron el 28,78%. Se halló la mayor similitud en abundancia en los sitios Tlacopanocha y Parque de la Reina, que presentan características de intensidad de oleaje bajo y sustratos muy heterogéneos. La riqueza de especies encontrada es de las más altas reportada para el Pacífico Americano. Se amplía considerablemente el listado de especies conocidas para Acapulco y se contribuye al conocimiento de la composición de la comunidad de la Subclase Opisthobranchia.
The six-sphere framework: A practical tool for assessing monitoring and evaluation systems
Authors: Crawley Kieron D.
Published: April 2017

Background: Successful evaluation capacity development (ECD) at regional, national and institutional levels has been built on a sound understanding of the opportunities and constraints in establishing and sustaining a monitoring and evaluation system. Diagnostics are one of the tools that ECD agents can use to better understand the nature of the ECD environment. Conventional diagnostics have typically focused on issues related to technical capacity and the ‘bridging of the gap’ between evaluation supply and demand. In so doing, they risk overlooking the more subtle organisational and environmental factors that lie outside the conventional diagnostic lens.Method: As a result of programming and dialogue carried out by the Centre for Learning on Evaluation and Results Anglophone Africa engaging with government planners, evaluators, civil society groups and voluntary organisations, the author has developed a modified diagnostic tool that extends the scope of conventional analysis.Results: This article outlines the six-sphere framework that can be used to extend the scope of such diagnostics to include considerations of the political environment, trust and collaboration between key stakeholders and the principles and values that underpin the whole system. The framework employs a graphic device that allows the capture and organisation of structural knowledge relating to the ECD environment.Conclusion: The article describes the framework in relation to other organisational development tools and gives some examples of how it can be used to make sense of the ECD environment. It highlights the potential of the framework to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the ECD environment using a structured diagnostic approach and to move beyond conventional supply and demand models.
Acknowledgement to reviewers
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: April 2017

No abstract available.
Validation of the Whooley questions for antenatal depression and anxiety among low-income women in urban South Africa
Authors: Marsay Carina , Manderson Lenore , Subramaney Ugasvaree
Published: April 2017

Background/objective: In South Africa, approximately 40% of women suffer from depression during pregnancy. Although perinatal depression and anxiety are significant public health problems impacting maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, no routine mental health screening programmes exist in the country. A practical, accurate screening tool is needed to identify cases in these busy, resource-scarce settings.Method: A convenience sample of 145 women between 22 and 28 weeks gestation was recruited from Rahima Moosa Hospital antenatal clinic in Johannesburg. All women completed a biographical interview, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Whooley questions and a structured clinical interview.Results: The results demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the Whooley questions and the EPDS in identifying depression, anxiety and stress disorders of varying severity. The importance of personal, social and cultural context in influencing the content and expression of these common perinatal conditions was also identified.Discussion and conclusion: The validity of the Whooley questions in the context of urban South Africa, and the importance of ensuring clinical interviews to supplement any screening tools, is emphasised.
Quelle est l’influence du genre dans la recherche de soins chez les joueurs?
Authors: Beaulac Éric , Andronicos Mélina , Lesage Alain , Robert Marie , Larochelle Sébastien , Séguin Monique
Published: April 2017

Cette étude vise à décrire l’influence du genre sur les différentes étapes amenant un joueur ayant des problèmes de jeu à prendre la décision de rechercher de l’aide. Le modèle de recherche d’aide de Goldsmith, Jackson et Hough (1988) a été utilisé pour conceptualiser les étapes de prise de décision menant à consulter des services d’aide pour un problème de jeu de hasard et d’argent. Au total, 83 participants, dont 45 femmes et 38 hommes adultes, y ont pris part. Les résultats indiquent que, comparativement aux hommes, les femmes sont plus nombreuses à habiter en couple, ont plus souvent de faibles revenus et subviennent moins fréquemment seules à leurs besoins, rapportent des conduites de jeu plus conséquentes, souffrent davantage de troubles anxieux au cours de leur vie et, enfin, consultent surtout des services non spécialisés. Au cours des 12 derniers mois, les femmes avaient consulté plus souvent les services médicaux de première ligne et avaient eu moins fréquemment recours aux services spécialisés que les hommes.The aim of this study was to describe the influence of gender on the various stages of the decision-making process that bring problem gamblers to seek help. The authors used the help-seeking model developed by Goldsmith, Jackson and Hough (1988) to conceptualize the different stages of the process that leads to consulting support services for a gambling problem. A total of 83 participants (45 females and 38 males) took part in the study. Results show that women are more likely to have a partner and to earn a lower income; they provide for their own needs less frequently than men; report more consistent gaming behaviours; are more prone to anxiety disorder during their lifetime; and consult primarily non-specialized services. In the previous 12 months, they had accessed front-line services more often and specialized services less frequently than men.
Effects of polymorphisms at LEP, CAST, CAPN1, GHR, FABP4 and DGAT1 genes on fattening performance and carcass traits in Simmental bulls
Authors: Ardicli Sena , Dincel Deniz , Samli Hale , Balci Faruk
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at six candidate genes (LEP, CAST, CAPN1, GHR, FABP4 and DGAT1) on fattening performance and carcass traits of Simmental bulls in Turkey. The analysis covered a total of 81 Simmental bulls grown on a private farm that were randomly selected for their fattening period for use in this study. Genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. The S20T polymorphism at the CAST gene and the G316A polymorphism at the CAPN1 gene were associated with variation in final weight, fattening period, weight gain and average daily gain (P < 0.05). In addition, LEP A80V had a significant effect on hot and chilled carcass weight and dressing percentage (P < 0.05). There was no association between GHR S555G, FABP4 V110M and DGAT1 K232A markers with the traits analysed. These results suggested that focusing on the novel effects of LEP, CAST and CAPN1 gene polymorphisms on meat production traits might be useful for marker-assisted selection in Simmental cattle.
Modelling sun-induced fluorescence and photosynthesis with a land surface model at local and regional scales in northern Europe
Authors: Thum Tea , Zaehle Sönke , Köhler Philipp , Aalto Tuula , Aurela Mika , Guanter Luis , Kolari Pasi , Laurila Tuomas , Lohila Annalea , Magnani Federico , Van Der Tol Christiaan , Markkanen Tiina
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Recent satellite observations of sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) are thought to provide a large-scale proxy for gross primary production (GPP), thus providing a new way to assess the performance of land surface models (LSMs). In this study, we assessed how well SIF is able to predict GPP in the Fenno-Scandinavian region and what potential limitations for its application exist. We implemented a SIF model into the JSBACH LSM and used active leaf-level chlorophyll fluorescence measurements (Chl F) to evaluate the performance of the SIF module at a coniferous forest at Hyytiälä, Finland. We also compared simulated GPP and SIF at four Finnish micrometeorological flux measurement sites to observed GPP as well as to satellite-observed SIF. Finally, we conducted a regional model simulation for the Fenno-Scandinavian region with JSBACH and compared the results to SIF retrievals from the GOME-2 (Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2) space-borne spectrometer and to observation-based regional GPP estimates. Both observations and simulations revealed that SIF can be used to estimate GPP at both site and regional scales. At regional scale the model was able to simulate observed SIF averaged over 5 years with r2 of 0.86. The GOME-2-based SIF was a better proxy for GPP than the remotely sensed fAPAR (fraction of absorbed photosynthetic active radiation by vegetation). The observed SIF captured the seasonality of the photosynthesis at site scale and showed feasibility for use in improving of model seasonality at site and regional scale.
Natural Disasters in Southeastern Brazil Associated with the South
Atlantic Convergence Zone
Authors: Nery Jonas Teixeira , Malvestio Leônidas
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This study analyzed rains in southeastern Brazil associated with the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ), which resulted in several disasters over the study area. The study period was from 1976 to 2010 and data were obtained from the National Water Agency (ANA) and Department of Water and Energy (DAEE) of the state of São Paulo. Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) data were also used to analyze SACZ, which is an important dynamics influencing spring and summer in this region. A close relationship between SACZ intensity and economic and life losses in the study area was observed.
Weighted Steklov problem under nonresonance conditions
Authors: Doumatè Jonas , Marcos Aboubacar
Published: April 2017

We deal with the existence of weak solutions of the nonlinear problem $-\Delta_{p}u+V|u|^{p-2}u$ in a bounded smooth domain $\Omega\subset \mathbb{R}^{N}$ which is subject to the boundary condition $|\nabla u|^{p-2}\frac{\partial u}{\partial \nu}=f(x,u)$. Here $V\in L^{\infty}(\Omega)$ possibly exhibit both signs which leads to an extension  of particular cases in literature and $f$ is a Carathéodory function that satisfies some additional conditions. Finally we prove, under and between nonresonance condtions, existence results for the problem.
Systems of nonlinear Volterra integro-differential equations of arbitrary order
Authors: Parand Kourosh , Delkhosh Mehdi
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a new approximate method for solving of systems of nonlinear Volterra integro-differential equations of arbitrary (integer and fractional) order is introduced. For this purpose, the generalized fractional order of the Chebyshev orthogonal functions (GFCFs) based on the classical Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind has been introduced that can be used to obtain the solution of the integro-differential equations (IDEs). Also, we construct the fractional derivative operational matrix of order $\alpha$ in the Caputo's definition for GFCFs. This method reduced a system of IDEs by collocation method into a system of algebraic equations. Some examples to illustrate the simplicity and the effectiveness of the propose method have been presented.
On existence and stability results for nonlinear fractional delay differential equations
Authors: Kucche Kishor D. , Sutar Sagar T.
Published: April 2017

We establish existence and uniqueness results for fractional order delay differential equations. It is proved that successive approximation method can also be successfully applied to study Ulam--Hyers stability, generalized Ulam--Hyers stability, Ulam--Hyers--Rassias stability, generalized Ulam--Hyers--Rassias stability, $ \mathbb{E}_{\alpha}$--Ulam--Hyers stability and generalized $ \mathbb{E}_{\alpha}$--Ulam--Hyers stability of fractional order delay differential equations.
(psi-alpha)-Meir-Keeler-Khan type fixed point theorem in partial metric spaces
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Araci Serkan
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we introduce a new concept of (psi-alpha)-Meir-Keeler-Khan type mappings in partial metric spaces. The presented theorems generalize and improve many existing results in the literature. Moreover, an examples is given to illustrate our results.
Existence of solutions for a class of strongly coupled $p(x)-$ laplacian system
Authors: Al Zahrani Eada Ahmed , Mourou Mohamed Ali , Saoudi Kamel
Published: April 2017

We prove the existence of a non trivial weak solution for certain class of strongly coupled nonlinear system containing the ($p(x)-q(x))$ laplacian operators using as main argument the mountain pass Theorem of {\sc Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz}.
The Impact of Supply Chain Management on Financial Performance and Responsibility Accounting Agribusiness Case from Egypt
Authors: Wahdan Mohamed Ali , Emam Mohamed Ashraf
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the impact of applying the supply chain management (SCM) on the agribusiness field to optimize productivity and decreasing cost which will have a direct impact on the net income of the organization. The main two research questions are: is there a significant impact of supply chain management on financial performance? and is there a significant relationship between supply chain management and financial performance as well as responsibility accounting? To answer the research questions, data was collected from financial statements of agribusiness case from Egypt and the survey was conducted. The findings of the study indicated that there is a significant impact of supply chain management on financial performance through enhancing the productivity, decreasing the cost and improving profitability. Moreover, applying the efficient supply chain management can improve the use of responsibility accounting through the efficient usage for the budget of the crop.
Malignant melanoma of the female urethra
Authors: Terada Tadashi
Published: April 2017

Backgrounds: Malignant melanoma (MM) of urethra is extremely rare; only 84 cases have been reported in PubMed search.Case: An 84-year-old woman presented dysuria. Physical and endoscopic examination revealed a polypoid tumor in proximal urethra, and endoscopic tumorectomy was performed. The tumor could not be seen in outer genitalia. Grossly, the tumor is brownish soft tumor measuring 15 mm × 26 mm × 23 mm. Multiple sections were made and immunohistochemical procedures were performed. Microscopically, malignant epithelioid cells with brown pigment were seen to proliferate and invade. The size of tumor was circa 13 mm × 21 mm × 18 mm. The depth of invasion was 10 mm (pT4), but it was not clear whether the marginal tissue status is positive or negative. Lymphovascular permeation seen, yet no obvious vascular invasion was noted. The brown pigment was found to be melanin by Masson-Fontana stain. Immunohistochemical study showed tumor cells were positive for vimentin, S100 protein, HMB45, Melan A, p53, and Ki67 (labeling = 85%), KIT and PDGFRA, while they were negative for cytokeratins. Genetic analysis of paraffin-embedded tumor tissue identified no mutations in hot spots of KIT and PDGFRA genes. No apparent metastatic lesions were seen after the diagnosis. The outcome of the patient is unknown because the patient was referred to a large hospital specializing in cancer treatment.Conclusions: The author presented a very rare case of MM of the proximal urethra. The MM showed typical histochemical and immunohistochemical features. No mutations of KIT and PDGFRA were seen.
The Influence of Channel Environment on Use of Power
Authors: Cao Guanglu
Published: April 2017

With data collected from Sinopec distributors, this study builds a SEM model to analyze the influence of channel institutional and task environment on channel members’ use of power. The empirical results suggest that, both task and institutional environments are influential to channel behavior. In a dynamic envioronment, suppliers tend to use coercive power; and in a munificent environment, suppliers would use non-coercive strategy. When the regulatory environment is influential, suppliers tend to use coercive power, and when the cognitive environment is influential, suppliers would employ non-coercive power. This paper provides new insights into research of channel environment, and also provides practical guidance and suggestions for channel member decision makers.
Bill: A Portrait of Discontinuties
Authors: Halliday Arthur
Published: April 2017

A dialogue and a reflection are offered as a way of structuring the author’s thoughts about the life and personality of a dead friend (the dialogue), and his reflection on why he wrote the first dialogue as he did. In particular, the dialogue seeks to present the dead man as confusing to ‘read’. The reflection considers how much attention is given in the first to different aspects of the friend’s life, and offers possible reasons for these choices. Reasons include the personal characteristics of the author highlighted by his friendship with the dead man, and the author’s wish to reflect obliquely something of the felt experience of being the dead man’s friend. This dialogue was submitted to EJLW on August 7th, and published on April 9th 2017. Arthur Halliday is a pseudonym.
Moscow Interdisciplinary Conference on Autobiography
Authors: Rollings Thomas
Published: April 2017

The conference devoted to “Autobiographical writings in an interdisciplinary research environment: people, texts, practices” was held on 1–2 June 2016 in Moscow at the National Research University The Higher School of Economics (HSE). The conference aimed to promote the study of first-person writings as the product of specific social practices and marked a modest step forward in the study of autobiography in Russia. This article was submitted to EJLW on October 21st 2016 and published on April 9th 2017.
Finding a Tongue: Autobiography Beyond Definition
Authors: Prade-Weiss Juliane
Published: April 2017

The outset of Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man presents a stage of life and language that is commonly evoked and, at the same time, systematically avoided in autobiographies as well as theoretical approaches to language: infancy. This textual strategy refers back to Augustine’s Confessiones, one of the most canonical autobiographies, reading it as a mainstay for an unconventional hypothesis: Rather that understanding infancy as an early stage of, or even before, language, Joyce expounds that the condition called infancy – the openness for receiving language while being unable to master it – accompanies all speech, be it childlike or eloquent. The article analyses Joyce’s text as one instance of a general paradox of autobiographical writing: initial aphasia. Setting out with birth or infancy, autobiographical texts precede articulate discourse. In Joyce, this paradox appears as starting point for a poetical – rather than theoretical – thinking about language, and language acquisition. This article was submitted on September 22nd 2015, and published on April 9th 2017.
A review of routinely collected data studies in urology: Methodological considerations, reporting quality, and future directions
Authors: Welk Blayne , Kwong Justin
Published: April 2017

Studies using routinely collected data (RCD) are common in the urological literature; however, there are important considerations in the creation and review of RCD discoveries. A recent reporting guideline (REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely-collected health Data, RECORD) was developed to improve the reporting of these studies. This narrative review examines important considerations for RCD studies. To assess the current level of reporting in the urological literature, we reviewed all the original research articles published in Journal of Urology and European Urology in 2014, and determined the proportion of the RECORD checklist items that were reported for RCD studies. There were 56 RCD studies identified among the 608 articles. When the RECORD items were considered applicable to the specific study, they were reported in 52.5% of cases. Studies most consistently (>80% of them) reported the names of the data sources, the study time frame, the extent to which the authors could access the database source, the patient selection, and discussed missing data. Few studies (<25%) discussed validation of key coding elements, details on data-linkage, data-cleaning, the impact of changing eligibility over time, or provided the complete list of coding elements used to define key study variables. Reporting factors specifically relevant in RCD studies may serve to increase the quality of these studies in the urological literature. With increased technological integration in healthcare and the proliferation of electronic medical records, RCD will continue to be an important source for urological research.
Impact of smartphone digital photography, email, and media communication on emergency room visits post-hypospadias repair
Authors: Chua Michael E. , Saunders Megan A. , Bowlin Paul R. , Ming Jessica M. , Iglesias Lopes Roberto , Farhat Walid A. , Dos Santos Joana
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Advances in communication technology are shaping our medical practice. To date, there is no clear evidence that this mode of communication will have any effect on unnecessary postoperativeemergency room (ER) visits. We aim to evaluate the effect of email and media communication with application of smartphone digital photography on post-hypospadias repair ER visit rates.Methods: This prospective cohort study included all patients who underwent hypospadias repair performed by a single surgeon from October 2014 to November 2015. Patients were categorized intotwo groups: Group A consented for smartphone photography and email communication and Group B declined. Reason for ER visits within 30 days postoperatively was assessed by another physician, who was blinded of patient group assignment. The reasons were categorized as: unnecessary ER visit, indicated ER visit, or visit unrelated to hypospadias surgery. Chi-square test and T-test were used for statistical analysis. Relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were also calculated. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results: Over a 14-month period, 96 patients underwent hypospadias repair (81 in Group A, 15 in Group B 5). No significant difference was noted between groups for overall ER return rate (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21, 1.0). However, the number of ER visits for wound check not requiring intervention was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.035, 0.56); likewise, a higher number of ER visits requiring intervention was noted in Group A compared with Group B, although statistically this was not significant (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.23, 12.21).Conclusions: Email communication with the use of smartphone digital photography significantly reduced the number of unnecessary ER visits for post-hypospadias wound checks.
Supplementary data: External validation of the ProCaRS nomograms and comparison of existing risk-stratification tools for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Tiberi David , Rodrigues George , Pickles Tom , Morris Jim , Crook Juanita , Martin Andre-Guy , Cury Fabio , Catton Charles , Lukka Himu , Warner Andrew , Taussky Daniel
Published: April 2017

N/A
Distribution of Dehalococcoides 16S rRNA and Dehalogenase Genes in Contaminated Sites
Authors: Yoshikawa Miho , Takeuchi Mio , Zhang Ming
Published: April 2017

Understanding the spatial distribution of Dehalococcoides and its reductive dehalogenase genes in sediment is important for bioremediation of sites contaminated with chlorinated ethylenes. A total of 56 sediment samples were collected from four contaminated sites in Japan, and quantified copies of Dehalococcoides 16S rRNA and reductive dehalogenase genes: tceA, bvcA, and vcrA, as well as chlorinated ethylenes. Dehalococcoides was detected from 22 sediment samples with various geological formations, textures and saturation conditions. The detected Dehalococcoides 16S rRNA gene ranged from 6.4 × 102 to 2.5 × 107 copies g−1. In the 22 samples, the dehalogenase genes: tceA, bvcA, and vcrA were contained 1.4 × 103 to 1.6 × 104, 1.0 × 103 to 2.0 × 105, and     2.7 × 102 to 8.5 × 105 copies g−1, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that the distribution of dehalogenase genes depends on site and depth, but not existence of vinyl chloride. To estimate potential for bioremediation of contaminated sites, quantification of dehalogenase genes according to sediment depth is important and thus recommended.
Investigating Teacher’s Professional Life Quality Levels in Terms of the Positive Psychological Capital
Authors: Yalcin Sinan , Isgor Isa Y.
Published: April 2017

This study, which investigated the relationship between teachers’ professional life qualities and positive psychological capital, was designed in a relational screening pattern in the quantitative research method. Teachers, who worked in primary, secondary and high school in Erzincan city centre of Turkey in 2014-2015 academic year, participated in the research. The study group consisted of totally 182 teachers selected by random sampling method from the research field. The research data were collected through two different scales as “Professional Life Quality” and “Positive Psychological Capital”. The obtained data were subjected to frequency, arithmetic mean, and correlation and regression analysis with SPSS 22 program. According to the results obtained from the research, it was found out that the positive psychological capital levels and quality of professional lives of teachers were high. According to the results of the study, it was noticed that there was a significant positive correlation between the teachers’ professional life qualities and positive psychological capital levels. Another result obtained from the research was that teachers’ professional life qualities were a significant predictor on their positive psychological capitals.
Evaluating Model of Road Traffic in Open Housing Estate Based on Cellular Automaton
Authors: Wen Jialin , Zou Min
Published: April 2017

It has been referred in document issued by the State Council recently that China will promote the block system gradually in the future, no more enclosed residential compounds will be built in principle, and existing residential and corporate will open up step by step as well. The proposal of open area quickly aroused a heated discussion in the whole society. In addition to the most basic security issues, it is one of the main topics that whether the open district can really optimize the road network structure and improve the traffic in the end.Based on the cellular automata model and the actual situation, this paper simulates the traffic flow around the residential area, establishes motor vehicle driving model and makes a comprehensive evaluation of the surrounding road traffic after the opening of different types of residential area. According to the result of the index, it shows that three structures of residential area can relieve the burden of urban traffic flow while one structure of residential area that will aggravate the burden of urban traffic flow. Finally, the paper comes to the conclusion that excessive traffic flow of the trunk road which has adverse effect on road traffic.
Technical Efficiency of Olive-growing Farms in the Northern West Bank of Palestine
Authors: Kashiwagi Kenichi
Published: April 2017

This study examines the firm-level technical efficiency of olive-growing farms in the West Bank of Palestine. Using a sample of 176 olive farms in the Jenin governorate collected during September 2015, we estimated the Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function. The results suggest that higher levels of education of the head of farm households and farms with a higher density of olive trees are associated with higher technical efficiency. The introduction of irrigation had a marginal effect on upgrading efficiency. Enlarging the irrigated area had a negative effect, but increasing the number of years of irrigation had a positive impact on efficiency. While the impact of access to export markets on technical efficiency was negative and farms oriented towards domestic consumption of olive oil showed lower efficiency, access to markets through olive presses and middlemen contributed to improve efficiency. The results of the chosen half-normal model suggest that olive farms in Jenin have the potential to increase production by 51.4% through more efficient use of technology and production inputs. These results imply promotion of intensive farming with mature olive trees and expansion of market access could contribute to improve technical efficiency of olive farms in the West Bank even under severe geographical and geopolitical conditions.