bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIFESTAT – Living with statins: An interdisciplinary project on the use of statins as a cholesterol-lowering treatment and for cardiovascular risk reduction
Authors: Christensen Christa Lykke , Wulff Helge Jørn , Krasnik Allan , Kriegbaum Margit , Rasmussen Lene Juel , Hickson Ian D. , Liisberg Kasper Bering , Oxlund Bjarke , Bruun Birgitte , Lau Sofie Rosenlund , Olsen Maria Nathalie Angleys , Andersen John Sahl , Heltberg Andreas Søndergaard , Kuhlman Anja Birk , Morville Thomas Hoffmann , Dohlmann Tine Lovsø , Larsen Steen , Dela Flemming
Published: March 2016

Aim: LIFESTAT is an interdisciplinary project that leverages approaches and knowledge from medicine, the humanities and the social sciences to analyze the impact of statin use on health, lifestyle and well-being in cohorts of Danish citizens. The impetus for the study is the fact that 10% of the population in the Scandinavian countries are treated with statins in order to maintain good health and to avoid cardiovascular disease by counteracting high blood levels of cholesterol. The potential benefit of treatment with statins should be considered in light of evidence that statin use has prevalent and unintended side effects (e.g. myalgia, and glucose and exercise intolerance). Methods: The LIFESTAT project combines invasive human experiments, biomedical analyses, nationwide surveys, epidemiological studies, qualitative interviews, media content analyses, and ethnographic participant observations. The study investigates the biological consequences of statin treatment; determines the mechanism(s) by which statin use causes muscle and mitochondrial dysfunction; and analyzes achievement of treatment goals, people’s perception of disease risk, media influence on people’s risk and health perception, and the way people manage to live with the risk (personally, socially and technologically). Conclusions: The originality and success of LIFESTAT depend on and derive from its interdisciplinary approach, in which the disciplines converge into thorough and holistic study and describe the impact of statin use on the everyday life of statin users. This has the potential for much greater benefit than any one of the disciplines alone. Integrating traditional disciplines provides novel perspectives on potential current and future social, medical and personal benefits of statin use.
A cross-sectional content analysis of Android applications for asthma
Authors: Househ Mowafa , Hossain Nassif , Jamal Amr , Zakaria Nasriah , Elmetwally Ashraf , Alsalamah Majid , Khalifa Mohamed
Published: March 2016

Providing patients opportunities for self-management and education about their disease, asthma applications designed for use on an Android operating system can have positive health outcomes across the range of demographics who use mHealth applications. This study provides a content analysis of freely available Google Android Platform Mobile Applications for Asthma. A list of applications was collected on 26 October 2014, using the search feature of the Google Play Android platform and using the words and phrases “Asthma,” “Lung Function” and “Peak Flow.” Each application was coded for its approach to asthma self-management, based on categories adapted by Huckvale et al., which are based on the Global Initiative for Asthma and the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. The characteristics of the 15 asthma applications are described. Most of the asthma applications’ primary function focused on patient self-monitoring and self-assessment. Using the HON Code, we found low health information quality across all asthma applications. Android asthma applications can have positive outcomes in helping patients as they provide opportunities for self-management and education about their disease. Future research should continue to monitor and evaluate the development and use of mHealth Asthma Applications. Based on these findings, and their indication of a gap in existing research, subsequent studies can continue to evaluate the development and use of mHealth Asthma Applications with increasing methodological consistency to improve the quality of in-app health information.
Reimagining omnivorousness in the context of place
Authors: Cutts David , Widdop Paul
Published: March 2016

Place is a key driver in the formation and maintenance of cultural lifestyles. Yet, place remains largely ignored in scholarly studies of cultural omnivorousness. After establishing whether there are different modes of omnivorousness as well as distinguishing between other cultural lifestyles, this article then takes a first step in readdressing this anomaly by examining whether clustering exists at the regional level in England. Using a methodologically innovative approach to simultaneously capture latent class typologies and between-group heterogeneity at the area scale, our findings illustrate how place is vital to consumption habits, particularly to voracious omnivores. We argue that the underlying mechanism behind these cultural patterns at the area level is contextual in nature, and in the case of voracious omnivores, primarily due to the supply of cultural items and the importance of likeminded individuals in active networks.
Identifying Perceived Barriers and Benefits to Reducing Energy Consumption in an Affordable Housing Complex
Authors: Reaves Dan , Clevenger Caroline M. , Nobe MaryEllen , Aloise-Young Patricia A.
Published: March 2016

Reduction of energy consumption in the affordable housing sector is highly impacted by human behavior. However, only limited behavior change research exists that is aimed at reducing energy consumption in this sector. This study seeks to implement the first two phases of the community-based social marketing (CBSM) framework in an affordable housing setting. The goals of the research are to identify the optimal behaviors for energy reduction and to identify the perceived barriers and benefits associated with those behaviors in a low-income housing facility. The results of this study identify five target behaviors along with their barriers and benefits. In addition, the study identifies potential issues and nuances in the CBSM process that researchers should take into consideration during future implementations of CBSM in affordable housing environments.
Hands Up, Don’t Shoot, Whose Side Are You On? Journalists Tweeting the Ferguson Protests
Authors: Araiza José Andrés , Sturm Heloisa Aruth , Istek Pinar , Bock Mary Angela
Published: March 2016

This article represents a qualitative analysis of the Twitter feed from one news organization during the first phase of protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after the shooting of Michael Brown in 2014. The tweets, images, and videos from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch journalists constitute a real-time record as the protests unfolded. By applying a strand of framing theory known as the protest paradigm, the analysis discovered that journalists’ tweeting marganalized protesters and framed police officers as dispassionate protectors of social order. Journalists’ tweeting of protesters took on a more sympthatic tone when they both were subjected to police tear gas.These findings have implications for the coverage of race, violence, and protests in the United States as well as the way Twitter binds and represents an interpretive community.
Substantial risks associated with few clusters in cluster randomized and stepped wedge designs
Authors: Taljaard Monica , Teerenstra Steven , Ivers Noah M , Fergusson Dean A
Published: March 2016

Given the growing attention to quality improvement, comparative effectiveness research, and pragmatic trials embedded within learning health systems, the use of the cluster randomization design is bound to increase. The number of clusters available for randomization is often limited in such trials. Designs that incorporate pre-intervention measurements (e.g. cluster cross-over, repeated parallel arm, and stepped wedge designs) can substantially reduce the required numbers of clusters by decreasing between-cluster sources of variation. However, there are substantial risks associated with few clusters, including increased probability of chance imbalances and type I and type II error, limited perceived or actual generalizability, and fewer options for statistical analysis. Furthermore, current sample size methods for the stepped wedge design make a strong underlying assumption with respect to the correlation structure—in particular, that the intracluster and inter-period correlations are equal. This is in contrast with methods for the cluster cross-over design that explicitly allow for a smaller inter-period correlation. Failing to similarly allow for the inter-period correlation in the design of a stepped wedge trial may yield perilously low sample sizes. Further methodological and empirical work is required to inform sample size methods and guidance for the stepped wedge trial and to provide minimum thresholds for this design.
Management of women with multiple sclerosis through pregnancy and after childbirth
Authors: Coyle Patricia K.
Published: March 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major acquired neurologic disease of young adults. The prototypic patient is a young woman of reproductive age. Gender preference is becoming more pronounced, since MS is increasing specifically among women. Any healthcare provider who deals with MS must be prepared to discuss pregnancy issues, and provide appropriate counseling. This is now complicated by the availability of multiple treatment options. There is growing literature on which to base recommendations, particularly regarding washout periods. After a brief background introduction, this review will discuss state-of-the-art family planning counseling in the treatment era, divided into prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum MS issues.
Diagnostic workup and management of patients with suspected Niemann-Pick type C disease
Authors: Papandreou Apostolos , Gissen Paul
Published: March 2016

Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a neurovisceral disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 and NPC2 genes. It is characterized by lysosomal storage of a broad range of lipids as a result of abnormal intracellular lipid trafficking. Typically patients develop neurodegeneration; however, the speed of disease progression is variable. The exact functions of NPC1 and NPC2 proteins have not been determined and therefore the molecular pathophysiology of NP-C is still not clearly understood. Due to the disease’s rarity and clinical heterogeneity, delays from symptom onset to diagnosis and treatment initiation are common. Current therapeutic approaches focus on multidisciplinary symptom control and deceleration (rather than reversal) of disease progression. Thus identification of cases at early stages of disease is particularly important. Recent advances in genetic and biochemical testing have resulted in the generation of relatively non-invasive, quick and cost-effective laboratory assays that are highly sensitive and specific and have the capacity to enhance the clinicians’ ability to reach a diagnosis earlier. Miglustat is a compound recently licensed in many countries for the treatment of NP-C that has been shown to decelerate neurological regression, whereas many other promising drugs are currently being trialled in preclinical models or human studies. This review summarizes key clinical, genetic and biochemical features of NP-C, suggests a simple diagnostic investigation strategy and gives an overview of available therapeutic options as well as potential novel treatments currently under development.
Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation in the management of cluster headache: clinical evidence and practical experience
Authors: Holle-Lee Dagny , Gaul Charly
Published: March 2016

The efficacy of invasive vagal nerve stimulation as well as other invasive neuromodulatory approaches such as deep brain stimulation, occipital nerve stimulation, and ganglion sphenopalatine stimulation has been shown in the treatment of headache disorders in several studies in the past. However, these invasive treatment options were quite costly and often associated with perioperative and postoperative side effects, some severe. As such, they were predominantly restricted to chronic and therapy refractory patients. Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation now offers a new, noninvasive neuromodulatory treatment approach. Recently published studies showed encouraging results of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS), especially with respect to cluster headache, with high tolerability and a low rate of side effects; however, randomized controlled trials are needed to prove its efficacy. Further data also indicate therapeutic benefits regarding treatment of migraine and medication overuse headache. This review summarizes current knowledge and personal experiences of nVNS in the treatment of cluster headache.
Using Comparative Advertising to Promote Technology-Based Hospitality Services
Authors: Liu Stephanie Qing , Mattila Anna S.
Published: March 2016

This research draws on regulatory focus theory to explore how to effectively advertise technology-based hospitality services. In an experiment, we compare four types of service ads: narrative-comparative, narrative-noncomparative, list-comparative, and list-noncomparative. Results reveal that narrative-comparative ads, portraying a superior service experience with the advertised brand against its competitors, can elicit gain perceptions, and therefore, they are more effective among promotion-focused individuals than their more prevention-focused counterparts. Conversely, list-comparative ads, presenting attributes of the advertised brand and its competitors side-by-side, can induce either gain or loss perceptions, thus being effective among both promotion-focused and prevention-focused individuals. With no mention of a reference brand, noncomparative ads fail to generate regulatory fit thereby being less persuasive. Managerial implications for hospitality marketers are discussed.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Releases New Guidelines for Exertional Heat Illnesses
Authors: VanScoy Rachel M. , DeMartini Julie K. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: March 2016

Exertional heat illnesses (EHI) occur in various populations and settings. Within a school setting, there are student athletes who take part in physical activity where the risk of EHI is increased. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) released an updated position statement on EHI in September of 2015. This article is a summary of the position statement. The sports medicine team, including school nurses and athletic trainers, provides quality health care to these physically active individuals. Thus, it is important for school nurses to understand the prevention, recognition, and treatment of EHI.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in National Football League Athletes From 2010 to 2013
Authors: Dodson Christopher C. , Secrist Eric S. , Bhat Suneel B. , Woods Daniel P. , Deluca Peter F.
Published: March 2016

Background:

There is a high incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among National Football League (NFL) athletes; however, the incidence of reinjury in this population is unknown.

Purpose:

This retrospective epidemiological study analyzed all publicly disclosed ACL tears occurring in NFL players between 2010 and 2013 to characterize injury trends and determine the incidence of reinjury.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

A comprehensive online search identified any NFL player who had suffered an ACL injury from 2010 to 2013. Position, playing surface, activity, and date were recorded. Each player was researched for any history of previous ACL injury. The NFL games database from USA Today was used to determine the incidence of ACL injuries on artificial turf and grass fields. Databases from Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference were used to determine the injury rate for each position.

Results:

NFL players suffered 219 ACL injuries between 2010 and 2013. Forty players (18.3%) had a history of previous ACL injury, with 27 (12.3%) retears and 16 (7.3%) tears contralateral to a previous ACL injury. Five players (2.28%) suffered their third ACL tear. Receivers (wide receivers and tight ends) and backs (linebackers, fullbacks, and halfbacks) had significantly greater injury risk than the rest of the NFL players, while perimeter linemen (defensive ends and offensive tackles) had significantly lower injury risk than the rest of the players. Interior linemen (offensive guards, centers, and defensive tackles) had significantly greater injury risk compared with perimeter linemen. ACL injury rates per team games played were 0.050 for grass and 0.053 for turf fields ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

In this retrospective epidemiological study of ACL tears in NFL players, retears and ACL tears contralateral to a previously torn ACL constituted a substantial portion (18.3%) of total ACL injuries. The significant majority of ACL injuries in players with a history of previous ACL injury were retears. Skilled offensive players and linebackers had the greatest injury risk, and significantly more ACL tears occurred among interior linemen than perimeter linemen. The month of August had the highest incidence of ACL injuries, probably because of expanded roster sizes at that point in the NFL season.
Horizontal transfer of RNA and proteins between cells by extracellular microvesicles: 14 years later
Authors: Ratajczak Mariusz Z. , Ratajczak Janina
Published: March 2016

Extracellular microvesicles (ExMVs) are part of the cell secretome, and evidence has accumulated for their involvement in several biological processes. Fourteen years ago our team demonstrated for the first time that ExMVs carry functional RNA species and proteins from one cell to another, an observation that opened up the new research field of horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules in cell‐to‐cell communication. Moreover, the presence of mRNA, noncoding RNA, and miRNA in ExMVs in blood and other biological fluids opened up the possibility of employing ExMVs as new detection markers for pathological processes, and ExMVs became a target for “liquid biopsy” approaches. While ExMV‐derived mRNAs may be translated in target cells into appropriate proteins, miRNAs regulate expression of corresponding mRNA species, and both RNA‐depended ExMV‐mediated mechanisms lead to functional changes in the target cells. Following from this observation, several excellent papers have been published that confirm the existence of the horizontal transfer of RNA. Moreover, in addition to RNA, proteins, bioactive lipids, infectious particles and intact organelles such as mitochondria may follow a similar mechanism. In this review we will summarize the impressive progress in this field—14 years after initial report.
Preparation, anti-biofouling and drag-reduction properties of a biomimetic shark skin surface
Authors: Pu Xia , Li Guangji , Huang Hanlu
Published: March 2016

Shark skin surfaces show non-smoothness characteristics due to the presence of a riblet structure. In this study, biomimetic shark skin was prepared by using the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-embedded elastomeric stamping (PEES) method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface microstructure and fine structure of shark skin and biomimetic shark skin. To analyse the hydrophobic mechanism of the shark skin surface microstructure, the effect of biomimetic shark skin surface microstructure on surface wettability was evaluated by recording water contact angle. Additionally, protein adhesion experiments and anti-algae adhesion performance testing experiments were used to investigate and evaluate the anti-biofouling properties of the surface microstructure of biomimetic shark skin. The recorded values of the water contact angle of differently microstructured surfaces revealed that specific microstructures have certain effects on surface wettability. The anti-biofouling properties of the biomimetic shark skin surface with microstructures were superior to a smooth surface using the same polymers as substrates. Moreover, the air layer fixed on the surface of the biomimetic shark skin was found to play a key role in their antibiont adhesion property. An experiment into drag reduction was also conducted. Based on the experimental results, the microstructured surface of the prepared biomimetic shark skin played a significant role in reducing drag. The maximum of drag reduction rate is 12.5%, which is higher than the corresponding maximum drag reduction rate of membrane material with a smooth surface.
Regulators of actin filament barbed ends at a glance
Authors: Shekhar Shashank , Pernier Julien , Carlier Marie-France
Published: March 2016

Cells respond to external stimuli by rapidly remodeling their actin cytoskeleton. At the heart of this function lies the intricately controlled regulation of individual filaments. The barbed end of an actin filament is the hotspot for the majority of the biochemical reactions that control filament assembly. Assays performed in bulk solution and with single filaments have enabled characterization of a plethora of barbed-end-regulating proteins. Interestingly, many of these regulators work in tandem with other proteins, which increase or decrease their affinity for the barbed end in a spatially and temporally controlled manner, often through simultaneous binding of two regulators at the barbed ends, in addition to standard mutually exclusive binding schemes. In this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we discuss key barbed-end-interacting proteins and the kinetic mechanisms by which they regulate actin filament assembly. We take F-actin capping protein, gelsolin, profilin and barbed-end-tracking polymerases, including formins and WH2-domain-containing proteins, as examples, and illustrate how their activity and competition for the barbed end regulate filament dynamics.
Acceptance of animal research in our science community
Authors: Bergmeister Konstantin , Podesser Bruno
Published: March 2016

Animal research is debated highly controversial, as evident by the “Stop Vivi-section” initiative in 2015. Despite widespread protest to the initiative by researchers, no data is available on the European medical research community’s opinion towards animal research. In this single-center study, we investigated this question in a survey of students and staff members at the Medical University of Vienna. A total of 906 participants responded to the survey, of which 82.8% rated the relevance of animal research high and 62% would not accept a treatment without prior animals testing. Overall, animal research was considered important, but its communication to the public considered requiring improvement.
COPD and emotional distress: not always noticed and therefore untreated
Authors: Dury Rona
Published: March 2016

There are more than three million people in the UK living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Focus tends to be on the physical effects of the condition; however, many patients living with COPD develop mental health symptoms that could go unnoticed and therefore untreated. The community nurse’s role includes the management of patients with complex long-term conditions, which may include mental health issues. However, training to support patients whose condition includes a mental health component has long been considered inadequate and may lead to under diagnosis. Compared with other patients with long-term conditions, patients with COPD recount worse psychological functioning and greater psychological distress. Health-care workers’ lack of mental health knowledge may be a contributory factor to why only a small proportion of patients are diagnosed and receive effective treatment.
Exploring the district nurse role in facilitating individualised advance care planning
Authors: Boot Michelle
Published: March 2016

Health-care policy recognises the importance of engaging people in making decisions related to the management of their health. Advance care planning (ACP) offers a framework for decision making on end-of-life care. There are positive indicators that ACP enables health professionals to meet people’s preferences. However, there are reports of insensitive attempts to engage people in end-of-life care decision making. District nurses are in the ideal position to facilitate ACP, as they have the opportunity to build relationships with the people they are caring for—an antecedent to sensitive ACP—and in recognising and fulfilling this role, they could ameliorate the risk of insensitive ACP. Distric nurse leaders also have a role to play in ensuring that organisational and environmental factors support appropriate ACP facilitation including: training, fostering a team culture that empowers district nurses to recognise and meet their ACP role, and advocating for appropriate ACP evaluation outcome measures.
Exploring the prevalence and management of wounds in an urban area in Ireland
Authors: O'Brien Julie Jordan , Moore Zena , Connolly Bernie , Concannon Fiona , McLain Niamh , Strapp Helen , Wilson Pauline
Published: March 2016

Aim:

This study explores the prevalence and management of wounds within an urban setting in Ireland.

Method:

It employs a cross-sectional survey design, using a predesigned, validated data-collection instrument.

Findings:

The point prevalence of wounds was 3.7% (n=445), with surgical wounds being the most prevalent (43%; n=189). Wound care was provided across a wide variety of clinical settings, with the majority of patients (60%; n=271) managed in the acute care setting. Most dressings were changed 2–3 times a week (60%; n=271). The mean dressing time was 15 minutes (SD: 12.4 minutes), varying from 2 minutes to 90 minutes. The mean nurse travel time was 3 minutes (SD: 6.5 minutes), varying from 0–60 minutes. Among participants managed using silver and iodine dressings, 53% (n=10, silver) and 78% (n=50, iodine) were prescribed for wounds described as being not infected. Alginate dressings were used incorrectly in 75% of cases, foam dressings in 63% of cases and Hydrofiber dressings in 63% of cases.

Conclusion:

Wound management within the explored geographical area is an important clinical intervention. This study identified areas of practice that need to be addressed, primarily those related to the topical management of the wound and use of offloading. The data has been used to inform practice, education, and further research in this important clinical specialty.
Measuring Teaching Best Practice in the Induction Years: Development and Validation of an Item-Level Assessment
Authors: Kingsley Laurie , Romine William
Published: March 2016

Schools and teacher induction programs around the world routinely assess teaching best practice to inform accreditation, tenure/promotion, and professional development decisions. Routine assessment is also necessary to ensure that teachers entering the profession get the assistance they need to develop and succeed. We introduce the Item-Level Assessment of Teaching practice (I-LAST) as a flexible framework-based approach for quantitative evaluation of teaching best practice in the induction stages. We based the I-LAST on a novel framework for teaching best practice, and used Fuller’s scale as a framework for understanding the potential of the I-LAST in providing longitudinal measures for growth. Using the context of a year-long teacher induction program in the Midwestern United States, we collected data through an online survey from 46 teaching supervisors who were asked to evaluate their interns. We used the Rasch partial credit model as a criterion for construct validity, and measured dimensionality and reliability from both Rasch and classical frameworks. The I-LAST was found to be a unidimensional, valid, and reliable measure for teaching best practice. It demonstrated the ability to provide reliable scores for specific sub-dimensions of best practice, including those which manifest at various stages along Fuller’s scale. Potential uses of the I-LAST to advance understanding of the role of teacher induction programs in fostering productive growth in new teachers is discussed.
Advanced Science Students’ Understandings on Nature of Science in Finland
Authors: Sormunen Kari , Köksal Mustafa Serdar
Published: March 2016

Majority of NOS studies comprise of determination or assessment studies conducted with ordinary students. In order to gain further understanding on variation in NOS understandings among the students, there should be different research attempts focusing on unconventional students such as academically advanced students. The purpose of this study is to determine epistemological understanding of Finnish academically advanced science students concerning aspects of NOS. The study was a case study (N=39) conducted with qualitative perspective. Questionnaires on the students’ attitude toward science and motivation toward science learning plus a form for the teacher’s ideas and VNOS-C, were used as diagnostic tools and data collection instruments. The study revealed that the majority of the students were found to be naïve in aspects such as “empirical basis of science”, “observation and inference”, “subjectivity of scientists”, “social and cultural embeddedness”, “creativity in science”, “theories and laws” and “tentativeness”.
Application of a modified OxiTop® respirometer for laboratory composting studies
Authors: Malińska Krystyna
Published: March 2016

This study applied a modified OxiTop® system to determine the oxygen uptake rate during a 2-day respiration test of selected composting materials at different moisture contents, air-filled porosities and composition of composting mixtures. The modification of the OxiTop® respirometer included replacement and adjustment of a glass vessel (i.e. a 1.9-L glass vessel with wide mouth was used instead of a standard 1-L glass bottle, additionally the twist-off vessel lid was adjusted to attach the measuring head) and application of a closed steel mesh cylinder of 5 cm in diameter and 10 cm in height with the open surface area of the mesh of approximately 56.2%. This modification allowed obtaining different bulk densities (and thus air-porosities) of the investigated composting materials in laboratory composting studies. The test was performed for apple pomace and composting mixtures of apple pomace with wood chips at ratios of 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5 (d.w), moisture contents of 60%, 65% and 75% and air-filled porosities ranging from 46% to 1%. Due to diverse biodegradability of the investigated apple pomace and composting mixtures this test allows for the determination of the effects of different air-porosities (due to compaction in a pile) on the oxygen uptake rate for mixtures with a fixed ratio of a bulking agent. The described method allows for laboratory determination of the effects of moisture content and compaction on biodegradation dynamics during composting.
Optimization of fresh palm oil mill effluent biodegradation with Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma virens
Authors: Jalaludin Noorbaizura , Rahman Roshanida A. , Razali Firdausi , Barghash Hind F.A , Sukri Siti Sabrina Mohd
Published: March 2016

In this work, response surface optimization strategy was employed to enhance the biodegradation process of fresh palm oil mill effluent (POME) by Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma virens. A central composite design (CCD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to study the effects of three independent variables: inoculum size (%), agitation rate (rpm) and temperature (°C) on the biodegradation processes and production of biosolids enriched with fungal biomass protein. The results achieved using A. niger were compared to those obtained using T. virens. The optimal conditions for the biodegradation processes in terms of total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), specific resistance to filtration (SRF) and production of biosolids enriched with fungal biomass protein in fresh POME treated with A. niger and T. virens have been predicted by multiple response optimization and verified experimentally at 19% (v/v) inoculum size, 100 rpm, 30.2°C and 5% (v/v) inoculum size, 100 rpm, 33.3°C respectively. As disclosed by ANOVA and response surface plots, the effects of inoculum size and agitation rate on fresh POME treatment process by both fungal strains were significant.
Investigation of the Acoustic Properties of Viscosity Standards
Authors: Kazys Rymantas , Voleisis Algirdas , Sliteris Reimondas
Published: March 2016

Longitudinal and shear ultrasonic wave velocities were measured versus temperature in the viscosity standards of Paragon S8000S, N30000S and Cannon N2700000. The measurements were performed by the through-transmission method at the frequency of 2 MHz. Ultrasonic pulses were sent via polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) waveguides between the tips of which a small amount of the particular standard liquid was placed. The velocities of longitudinal and shear waves were determined to depend on the viscosity of the liquid and increase with the viscosity.
The Effect of the Cavity Damping on Vehicular Evaluation using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Ferreira Tiago S. , Magalhães Pedro A. , Moura Frederico L. , Ferreira Timoteo S.
Published: March 2016

This work focuses on finding a numerical solution for vehicle acoustic studies and improving the usefulness of the numerical experimental parameters for the development stage of a new automotive project. Specifically, this research addresses the importance of modal cavity damping for vehicle exerts during numerical studies. It then seeks to suggest standardized parameter values of modal cavity damping in vehicular acoustic studies.

The standardized value of modal cavity damping is of great importance for the study of vehicular acoustics in the automotive industry because it would allow the industry to begin studies of the acoustic performance of a new vehicle early in the conception phase with a reliable estimation that would be close to the final value measured in the design phase. It is common for the automotive industry to achieve good levels of numerical-experimental correlation in acoustic studies after the prototyping phase because this phase can be studied with feedback from the simulation and experimental modal parameters.

Thus, this research suggests values for modal cavity damping, which are divided into two parts due to their behaviour: ξ(x) = −0.0126(x − 100) + 6.15 as a variable function to analyse up to 100 Hz and 6.15% of modal cavity damping constant for studies between 30 Hz and 100 Hz.

The sequence of this study shows how we arrived at these values.
A Step Forward in the Harmonization of European Jurisdiction: Regulation Brussels I Recast
Authors: Hamed Alavi , Tatsiana Khamichonak
Published: March 2016

The Brussels regime is a legislative framework that regulates questions of transnational litigation in the European Union. Having been initially shaped upon negotiation of the 1968 Brussels Convention, it has been subsequently superseded and expanded in scope by the Brussels I Regulation on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters, alongside other instruments addressing specific areas of law. Recently, the Brussels regime has been amended by the Recast Brussels I Regulation, which entered into force on January 15, 2015, bringing about significant and long-awaited change. Addressing the experience of application of its predecessors, the changes in the Recast Regulation have been introduced to the treatment of choice-of-court agreements and their relationship with the lis pendens doctrine, abolition of exequatur, reaffirmation and clarification of the arbitration exclusion, as well as further minor amendments.
Localization results for the non-truncated max-product sampling operators based on Fejér and sinc-type kernels
Authors: Coroianu Lucian , Gal Sorin G.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we obtain strong localization results and local direct results in the approximation of continuous functions by the non-truncated max-product sampling operators based on Fejér and sinc (Wittaker)-type kernels. These operators present potential applications in signal theory.
Silviculture, production potential and ecological effects of Grand fir (Abies grandis/Douglas ex D. Don/Lindl.) in the Czech Republic – review
Authors: Fulín Martin
Published: March 2016

The grand fir (Abies grandis/Douglas ex D. Don/Lindl.) is a promising species with a high potential to fulfil many forest functions, mainly production, site improvement and landscaping functions. The aim of the presented study is to summarise the research results concerning the silviculture of this species, production capacity and environmental effects in the conditions of the Czech Republic. Despite its relatively small reduced area, which was 1,208.59 ha in 2013 (http://eagri.cz), Grand fir shows quite high potential of producing timber convenient for specific purposes, and has a favourable effect on forest soils. At specific favourable sites it is superior also to Douglas-fir. It has a considerable potential for ornamental purposes and as a Christmas tree. Basic knowledge for its successful cultivation is available.
Broadband Microwave Amplifier Design with Lumped Elements
Authors: Şengül Metin
Published: March 2016

This study introduces a broadband microwave amplifier design that utilizes the measured scattering parameters of active devices without assuming an initial topology for the matching networks or an analytic form of the system transfer function. The algorithm can be extended to design multistage broadband microwave amplifiers. An example is given to illustrate the application of the proposed method. It was found that the proposed method provides very good initials for CAD tools to further improve amplifier performance by working on the element values.
On Gender and Apology Strategies: The Case of Arabic
Authors: Harb Mustafa Ali
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to see whether gender plays a role in the apology strategies employed by native speakers of Arabic, i.e., how Arab males and females express apologies in different situations. Data necessary for this study were collected via a Discourse Completion Task (DCT) questionnaire, incorporating 10 real-life scenarios in the form of short descriptive statements. In accordance with the Cross-Cultural Speech Act Realisation Patterns, participants’ responses(n = 20) were analysed and further classified into five distinct apology strategies: (Illocutionary Force Indicating Device (IFID), Responsibility (RESP), Explanation (EXPL), Repair (REPR), and Forbearance (FORB)). The researcher initially hypothesised that apology strategies employed by participants would exhibit more differences than similarities among native speakers of Arabic. Contrary to previously conducted research on this subject (i.e., attesting more differences), the data analysed (n = 350 apology exchanges) revealed more similarities than differences regardless of gender. In fact, no statistically significant differences were found. In addition to contributing to the current theoretical debate on gender and gender-related topics, the results of this study may entail pedagogical implications for those in direct contact with Arab learners of English as a Second Language or with speakers of Arabic in general terms.
Identification of mineralized zones in the Zardu area, Kushk SEDEX deposit (Central Iran), based on geological and multifractal modeling
Authors: Dahooei Ahmad Heidari , Afzal Peyman , Lotfi Mohammad , Jafarirad Alireza
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to delineate the different lead–zinc mineralized zones in the Zardu area of the Kushk zinc–lead stratabound SEDEX deposit, Central Iran, through concentration–volume (C–V) modeling of geological and lithogeochemical drillcore data. The geological model demonstrated that the massive sulfide and pyrite+dolomite ore types as main rock types hosting mineralization. The C–V fractal modeling used lead, zinc and iron geochemical data to outline four types of mineralized zones, which were then compared to the mineralized rock types identified in the geological model. ‘Enriched’ mineralized zones contain lead and zinc values higher than 6.93% and 19.95%, respectively, with iron values lower than 12.02%. Areas where lead and zinc values were higher than 1.58% and 5.88%, respectively, and iron grades lower than 22% are labelled “high-grade” mineralized zones, and these zones are linked to massive sulfide and pyrite+dolomite lithologies of the geological model. Weakly mineralized zones, labelled ‘low-grade’ in the C– V model have 0–0.63% lead, 0–3.16% zinc and > 30.19% iron, and are correlated to those lithological units labeled as gangue in the geological model, including shales and dolomites, pyritized dolomites. Finally, a log-ratio matrix was employed to validate the results obtained and check correlations between the geological and fractal modeling. Using this method, a high overall accuracy (OA) was confirmed for the correlation between the enriched and high-grade mineralized zones and two lithological units — the massive sulfide and pyrite+dolomite ore types.
Micro-scale hydrological field experiments in Romania
Authors: Minea Gabriel , Moroşanu Gabriela A.
Published: March 2016

The paper (communication) presents an overview of hydrologic field experiments at micro-scale in Romania. In order to experimentally investigate micro (plot)-scale hydrological impact of soil erosion, the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management founded Voineşti Experimental Basin (VES) in 1964 and the Aldeni Experimental Basins (AEB) in 1984. AEB and VES are located in the Curvature Subcarpathians. Experimental plots are organized in a double systems and have an area of 80 m
Effects of Smoking on Pegylated Interferon alpha 2a and First Generation Protease Inhibitor-based Antiviral Therapy in Naïve Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1
Authors: Zimmermann Tim , Hueppe Dietrich , Mauss Stefan , Buggisch Peter , Pfeiffer-Vornkahl Heike , Grimm Daniel , Galle Peter R. , Alshuth Ulrich
Published: March 2016

Background & Aims: Smoking has multiple effects on factors influencing hepatitis C and antiviral therapy, including lipid metabolism, fibrosis, platelet count and adherence aspects. The aim of this analysis was to determine the impact of smoking on hepatitis C virus antiviral therapy.

Methods: Data of two cohorts of an observational multicenter study including therapy-naïve patients infected with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with dual antiviral therapy (n=7,796) with pegylated interferon alpha 2a in combination with ribavirin, or triple antiviral therapy (n=1,122) containing telaprevir or boceprevir, were analysed.

Results: In the univariate matched pair analysis of dual antiviral therapy patients (n=584), smoking was significantly associated with lower sustained viral response rates (p=0.026, OR 0.69 CI: 0.50 – 0.96). The effect of smoking on sustained viral response remained significant (p=0.028, OR 0.67 CI: 0.47 – 0.96) in the multivariate analysis when adjusting for all other baseline parameters with a significant association in the univariate analysis, i.e. diabetes, fibrosis, body mass index, transaminases and baseline viral load. Under protease inhibitors the influence of smoking on virological response did not arise.

Conclusions: Smoking has a negative impact on antiviral therapy in naïve patients infected with HCV genotype 1 independently of age, gender, history of drug use or alcoholic liver disease. The effects of smoking might be overcome by the new antiviral agents.Abbreviations: APRI: AST to platelet ratio index; DAA: direct antiviral agent; DT: dual antiviral therapy; EoTR: end of treatment response; RVR: rapid virological response; EVR: early virological response; HCV: hepatitis C virus; IFN: interferon alpha; MPA: Matched Pair Analysis; NS: non-smokers; PEG-IFN: pegylated interferon alpha 2a; PI: protease inhibitor; RBV: ribavirin; SAE: serious adverse event; SOC: standard of care; S: smokers; SVR: sustained viral response.
Duodenal Ulcer Induced by Hem-o-Lok clip after Reduced Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Soga Koichi , Kassai Kyoichi , Itani Kenji
Published: March 2016

The patient was a 66-year-old woman who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) secondary to chronic cholecystitis status post endoscopic choledocholithotomy 13 months previously. During surgery, Hem-o-Lok clips were used to control the cystic duct and the cystic artery. Due to the presence of extensive adhesions of the cystic duct and surrounding tissue, the surgeons had difficulty in debriding the area. Thirteen months after Lap-C, the patient underwent a screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which demonstrated clip appearance at the inferior wall of the first part of the duodenum. In the EGD, duodenal erosions and edema were observed around the clip. We appreciated that endoscopic clip removal would be difficult because of the presence of severe adhesions and inflammation of the duodenal bulb. On clinical examination of the patient, no major abnormalities or physical findings were noted. Therefore, we decided not to attempt to remove the clip. The patient was treated with an oral proton pump inhibitor to prevent extensive duodenal mucosal injury. Two months later, we repeated the EGD, which revealed that the clip was no longer present, and the duodenum was covered with normal mucosa surrounding the scar.

Abbreviations: EGD: esophagogastroduodenoscopy; Lap-C: laparoscopic cholecystectomy; PPI: proton pump inhibitor.
Risk stratification in the management of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis
Authors: Qi Xingshun , Guo Xiaozhong , Han Guohong
Published: March 2016

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Образ коммунальной квартиры в текстах русских исполнителей
Authors: Кадыкало Анна
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to show how communal apartments were perceived by many authors of Russian songs. The analysis of these texts proves that communal apartments clearly characterize Soviet everyday life. Communal apartments can be called a Soviet microcosm, a non-idealized portrayal of Soviet society in miniature that represents the invasion of individual life. Communal apartments were Stalin’s institute of social control. The forms of communal life left significant imprints on the mentality of Soviet people, causing their moral deformation. The analyzed songs express memories of Soviet citizens. Communal apartments are shown: 1) as a manifestation of negative features of collective mentality; 2) as a model of common life with justice, peace, and social equality; 3) as a place of forced communication with neighbours. The songs of communal apartments became part of collective memory, and they affect the representation of listeners, forming their image of Soviet everyday life.
The problem of Bohai suryongs
Authors: Kim Alexander
Published: March 2016

Bohai (698–713) was a mediaeval state in East Asia. It was recognised by the Tang Chinese Empire in 713 and became a kingdom from the 760s. However, its status was unclear. Although Bohai was a formal vassal of the Tang Empire, it followed independent policies and regarded itself as an empire, not only in internal policy, but also in its foreign relations. The provincial system of Bohai imitated an imperial system but the status of provincial powers in the Bohai state was not clear. The aim of this paper is to investigate the position of leaders and their influence on the provincial powers of Bohai, and to analyse the specifics of the development of Bohai administration.
Cartas amorosas de 1930: um casal não-ilustre do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Silva Érica Nascimento
Published: March 2016

Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar de maneira descritiva alguns aspectos referentes à amostra Casal dos anos 30. Por se tratarem de pessoas não-ilustres, não foi possível obter muitos dados sobre o perfil social dos missivistas, mas, a partir da leitura das cartas, alguns aspectos sobre o casal de noivos puderam ser observados. Além das informações familiares verificadas com a leitura das cartas, constatou-se diferença quanto ao grau de letramento entre os escreventes Maria (MRC) e Jayme (JOS). Enquanto a noiva MRC apresenta mais desvios grafemáticos que o noivo, JOS utiliza alguns recursos estilísticos para tornar seu texto mais erudito.