bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passions, consciousness, and the Rosetta Stone: Spinoza and embodied, extended, and affective cognition
Authors: Bula German
Published: August 2018

Baruch Spinoza is often cited as a forerunner of current ideas in neuroscience and neurobiology and is seen as an early champion of embodied cognition. This article aims to specify in what way Spinoza’s ideas are useful to current research on the mind-body problem. Rather than seeking coincidences here and there between Spinoza’s positions and current findings, the article proposes that Spinoza provides a broad ontological framework that can guide research. This idea is fleshed out by contrasting Spinoza’s ideas on emotions, the treatment of harmful passions, and the mind-body relationship with those of Descartes; by showing how Spinoza’s positions are importantly different from those of current neuroscience; and by showing how Spinoza proposes a solution to the problem of consciousness that makes use of his ontological framework, which suggests an heuristic in which mind and body can be treated as hermeneutical keys to each other.
Product Sound Design as a Valuable Tool in the Product Development Process
Authors: Sanz Segura Rosana , Manchado Pérez Eduardo
Published: August 2018

Product sound design is a current topic in the field of product design. It proposes the study and application of sound as one of the essential configurable parameters in the product design process, given its potential to communicate relevant and complex information to the user. In this article, we describe some of the basic principles of this discipline based on different examples and reflect on the importance of implementing specific design methodologies available for product design teams. Finally, we propose possible lines of work that can contribute to new knowledge and facilitate access to future work in this field.
Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Repair, Replacement or Nothing
Authors: Nonaka Daisuke Francis , Fox Amanda Arlene
Published: August 2018

The treatment strategy for ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) continues to evolve with the completion of multicenter trials and the advancement of surgical and percutaneous interventional techniques. This review defines ischemic MR, outlines key clinical trials that assess surgical and interventional approaches, and reports the main elements of recent national guidelines for decision making in treatment of ischemic MR. New findings in percutaneous mitral valve repair and replacement for ischemic MR will also be described. Effective perioperative care of patients with ischemic MR requires clinicians to be well versed in the most up-to-date recommendations and emerging technological developments.
Early application of an intermittent pneumatic compression device assists dilation of radiocephalic fistulas
Authors: Sullivan Breanna , Desai Sanjay , Singh Tej M , Mitra Amit
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Radiocephalic fistulas are the preferred type of arteriovenous fistula due to their advantageous location. However, radiocephalic fistula maturation has historically been inferior to brachiocephalic fistulas. Research indicates that intermittent compression may aid in forearm vein dilation. Early use of a compression device may assist radiocephalic fistula maturation.

Objectives:

This prospective, randomized, placebo controlled study evaluates device safety and the effect of intermittent compression on vein size of radiocephalic fistulas and brachiocephalic fistulas.

Methods:

This was an institutional review board–approved study. After fistula creation, a novel, intermittent pneumatic compression device (Fist Assist®) was worn 15 cm proximal to fistulas 6 h daily for 30 days. Those in the treatment group (n = 43) wore Fist Assist® (24 with brachiocephalic fistulas and 19 with radiocephalic fistulas). Clinical controls (n = 16) wore a sham device. Vein diameter was measured at 0 and 30 days by duplex measurement. Percentage increase was recorded and tested for significance.

Results:

After 30 days, the mean percentage increase in vein diameter in the radiocephalic fistula treatment group was significantly larger than brachiocephalic fistulas in the treatment group at all proximal locations from the anastomosis. Increases in percentage vein dilation for those in the radiocephalic fistula treatment group were significantly larger than those in the control group. All fistulas treated with Fist Assist® are still functional with no reported complications.

Conclusion:

Early application of the Fist Assist® device may be more effective at helping radiocephalic fistula mature as compared to brachiocephalic fistulas. Successful radiocephalic fistula maturation may decrease vascular access costs, reduce complications, and preserve upper arm veins for future use in vascular access.
The ‘blame game frame’: Ethical blame patterns and media framing upon negotiations failure in the Middle East
Authors: Herfroy-Mischler Alexandra , Friedman Elie
Published: August 2018

To understand the relationship between ethical basis of blame, framing and its impact on future negotiations in protracted conflicts, we examined the blame occurrences (n = 721) in written press coverage of the 2014 Israeli–Palestinian and the 2016 Syrian Civil War mediation efforts. Through quantitative and qualitative analyses, our study found that episodic framing is exclusively utilized when presenting action-based blame, which explicitly casts blame upon acts, while thematic framing can be utilized to present (1) action-based blame; (2) virtue-based blame, which casts blame on the personality traits of the actor; and (3) conflict-essence based blame, a meta-discourse critical of the assumption that rational, right action or virtue based on a universal ‘good’ have the potential to solve an intrinsically intractable conflict. Our data challenge the dichotomy of episodic framing/conflict escalation coverage versus thematic framing/conflict de-escalation. We illustrate that in the case of blame, thematically presented blame is more destructive for future relations and potential negotiations between the actors. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding the relationship between journalism, blame, and conflict resolution.
Trackless mourning: the mobilities of love and loss
Authors: Pearce Lynne
Published: August 2018

In response to recent work in cultural geography on the spatial practices of mourning and remembrance, I draw upon my own research on the discourse of romantic love (in the field of literary and cultural theory) in order to theorise a connection between the memorial practices associated with the ‘life’ of a relationship and those pursued in retrospect. Through a focus on embodied mobility, I propose that there are implicit links between the way in which we create and store memories ( à propos Bergson), the way we protect and project them (the processes commonly associated with nostalgia) and the way we activate them in later years (memorialisation). A secondary – but related – line of argument concerns the distinction between public (and ‘spectacular’) and private (and ‘invisible’) memorial practices and the function of mobilities of various kinds within each. With reference to a small selection of autobiographical and literary texts, I reflect upon the way in which burials (in the Christian tradition) have, for centuries, been inscribed by spectacular hypermobility (for the deceased as well as the bereaved) and how, by contrast, our more private memorial practices are often invisible precisely because they exist only as micro-mobilities of some kind. For while mourning may involve visits to memorials in the landscape (as explored in the work of Avril Maddrell and others), it may equally take the form of walks (or drives) devoid of both destination and visible trace (what I refer to here as a ‘trackless mourning’) or express itself in the smallest of gestures that, unbeknown to the world, unite the deceased and the bereaved.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension induced by a novel method: Twice-intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline
Authors: Zhuang Wei , Lian Guili , Huang Bangbang , Du Apang , Xiao Genfa , Gong Jin , Xu Changsheng , Wang Huajun , Xie Liangdi
Published: August 2018

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in humans manifests as a chronic process. However, PAH induced by high-dose monocrotaline (MCT) in animals occurs as a subacute process. To establish a chronic PAH model, rats were randomly divided into three groups, control (ctrl), single injection (SI), and twice injection (TI) groups. Rats in the SI group received a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MCT on day 0. Rats in the TI group received twice injections of 20 mg/kg MCT on days 0 and 7. Survival percentage, characteristic changes of pulmonary arterial variables, and right ventricular features were evaluated. Thirty-five days after the first MCT injection, survival percentage in TI group was higher than that in the SI group. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), pulmonary vascular remodeling, serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were higher either in SI or in TI 28 and 35 days after the first MCT injection. The rats in the SI and TI groups exhibited higher right ventricle end diastolic diameter (RVEDD) and lower adjusted pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT/HR), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), cardiac output (CO) and right ventricle fractional shortening (RVFS) when compared with controls. However, mPAP, RVHI, TAPSE, PAAT/HR, CO, TNFα, and IL-6 were lower and RVEDD were higher in the TI group than in the SI group. Pulmonary macrophage infiltration and right ventricle (RV) fibrosis were lower in TI than SI groups. The cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and the beta myosin heavy chain (MYH7) mRNA level of RV were lower in TI than SI, whereas alpha myosin heavy chain (MYH6) was increased. These results show that two intraperitoneal injections of 20 mg/kg MCT with seven days interval could induce a model similar to chronic PAH with increased survival percentage in rats.

Impact statement

We demonstrated previously that a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MCT produced a subacute, not chronic, PAH model in rats, and the short survival periods of these rats did not represent adequately the chronic PAH seen in humans. To overcome this limitation, in this study, the single dose of 40 mg/kg MCT was divided into twice injections of 20 mg/kg with an interval of seven days. This modified administration of MCT produced an animal model much more similar to chronic PAH with prolonged survival and characteristic changes of structures and function in pulmonary arteries and right ventricles.
Sensor selection scheme in activity recognition based on hierarchical feature reduction
Authors: Wei Yu , Jiao Libin , Sha Jie , Ma Jixin , Umek Anton , Kos Anton
Published: August 2018

To better understand the activity state of human, we might need multiple sensors on different parts of the body. According to different types of activities, the number and slot of required sensors would also be different. Therefore, how to determine the number and slot of necessary sensors regarding to wearers’ experience and processing efficiency is a meaningful study in actual practice. In this work, we propose a novel sensor selection scheme that is based on the improvement of the feature reduction process of the recognition. This scheme applies a hierarchical feature reduction method based on mutual information with max relevance and low-dimensional embedding strategy. It divides the process of feature reduction into two stages: first, redundant sensors are removed with one-order sequential forward selection based on mutual information; second, feature selection strategy that maximizing class-relevance is integrated with low-dimensional mapping so that the set of features will be further compressed. To verify the feasibility and superiority of the scheme, we design a complete solution for real practice of human activity recognition. According to the results of the experiments, we are able to recognize human activities accurately and efficiently with as few sensors as possible.
Novel electrical discharge machining system with real-time control and monitoring for preparing nanoiron colloid
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Hsiung , Chang Chaur-Yang , Chen Mei-Jiun , Tseng Yi-Kai
Published: August 2018

Nanoiron colloid is remarkably suitable for medical, engineering, and other applications because it exhibits excellent properties such as nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and high chemical stability. Because no studies have examined preparation of nanoiron colloid through electric spark discharge method, an electrical discharge machining system for preparing nanoiron colloid was developed in this study based on automated electric spark discharge method with real-time monitoring. An Arduino microcontroller, laser positioning technology, and closed-loop motor control were combined for automatic alignment of the two discharge electrodes. This electrode alignment method enabled achieving electrode alignment accuracy of 0.139 mm. The real-time monitoring applied the Ziegler–Nichols method with a proportional–integral–derivative controller for closed-loop control of the interelectrode gap that, compared with the manually tuned proportional–integral–derivative controller, increased the interelectrode gap discharge success rate from 22.25 to 28.99. A user-friendly interface and process parameters were realized through VisSim software, an Arduino microcontroller, and an RT/DAC4 PCI card. This design enabled obtaining data on process efficiency and providing real-time process diagnosis. Compared with colloids prepared using chemical methods, the nanoiron colloids prepared in this study contained only iron and oxygen; therefore, they would be safer for application in the human body. According to the UV-Vis and Zetasizer analyses, the absorbance peak of the nanoiron colloid prepared with this system ranged from 200 to 220 nm, and the zeta potential was approximately –11.6 mV with a diameter of approximately 155.9 nm. These results verified that this electrical discharge machining system can prepare nanoiron colloid featuring excellent suspension stability.
Calibrating intuitive and natural human–robot interaction and performance for power-assisted heavy object manipulation using cognition-based intelligent admittance control schemes
Authors: Rahman S M Mizanoor , Ikeura Ryojun
Published: August 2018

In the first step, a one degree of freedom power assist robotic system is developed for lifting lightweight objects. Dynamics for human–robot co-manipulation is derived that includes human cognition, for example, weight perception. A novel admittance control scheme is derived using the weight perception–based dynamics. Human subjects lift a small-sized, lightweight object with the power assist robotic system. Human–robot interaction and system characteristics are analyzed. A comprehensive scheme is developed to evaluate the human–robot interaction and performance, and a constrained optimization algorithm is developed to determine the optimum human–robot interaction and performance. The results show that the inclusion of weight perception in the control helps achieve optimum human–robot interaction and performance for a set of hard constraints. In the second step, the same optimization algorithm and control scheme are used for lifting a heavy object with a multi-degree of freedom power assist robotic system. The results show that the human–robot interaction and performance for lifting the heavy object are not as good as that for lifting the lightweight object. Then, weight perception–based intelligent controls in the forms of model predictive control and vision-based variable admittance control are applied for lifting the heavy object. The results show that the intelligent controls enhance human–robot interaction and performance, help achieve optimum human–robot interaction and performance for a set of soft constraints, and produce similar human–robot interaction and performance as obtained for lifting the lightweight object. The human–robot interaction and performance for lifting the heavy object with power assist are treated as intuitive and natural because these are calibrated with those for lifting the lightweight object. The results also show that the variable admittance control outperforms the model predictive control. We also propose a method to adjust the variable admittance control for three degrees of freedom translational manipulation of heavy objects based on human intent recognition. The results are useful for developing controls of human friendly, high performance power assist robotic systems for heavy object manipulation in industries.
Recruitment and retention of the Hardest-to-Reach families in community-based asthma interventions
Authors: Goldman Hillary , Fagnano Maria , Perry Tamara T , Weisman Ariel , Drobnica Amanda , Halterman Jill S
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims

Engaging underserved populations in research requires substantial effort for recruitment and retention. The objective of this study is to describe the effort needed to recruit and retain urban participants in pediatric asthma studies and to characterize the Hardest-to-Reach group by demographics and asthma severity.

Methods

We included 311 children (3–10 years) with persistent asthma enrolled in two school-based asthma interventions in Rochester, NY. Contact logs were collected at four time points (baseline, 2 month, 4 month, 6 month). We defined “Hardest-to-Reach” (vs “Easier-to-Reach”) as being unable to reach a family by telephone at any given contact attempt due to disconnected or wrong numbers. Chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests were used to compare groups.

Results

Overall, we enrolled 311 children (60% Black, 29% Hispanic, 70% Medicaid, response rate 70%). On average, 3.1 contact attempts were required for recruitment (range 1–15), and 35% required rescheduling at least once for the enrollment visit. All but 12 participants completed each follow-up (retention rate = 96%). Completion of follow-ups required an average of 7.6 attempts; we considered 38% of caregivers “Hardest-to-Reach.” Caregivers in the Hardest-to-Reach group were slightly younger (33 vs 36 years, p = 0.007) with more depressive symptoms (41% vs 29%, p = 0.035) and smokers in the home (59% vs 48%, p = 0.048). Furthermore, more of the Hardest-to-Reach children had moderate-severe versus mild persistent asthma (64% vs 52%, p = 0.045). Importantly, even the Easier-to-Reach families required many contact attempts, with 52% having >5 attempts for at least one follow-up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found that among an already vulnerable population, the Hardest-to-Reach families demonstrated higher risk and had children with significantly worse asthma. This study highlights the importance of persistence in reaching those in greatest need.
‘Who can support me?’: Studying teacher leadership in a Hong Kong primary school
Authors: Wan Sally Wai-Yan , Tse Yuen-Shan , Tsang Wing-Ki , Lee Thomas Wing-Ki , Wong Ylena Yan , Wan Ada Wing-Tung , Wan Wai-Po Eunice
Published: August 2018

Teacher leadership is one of the essential factors in curriculum implementation. Curriculum development is never an easy task for teachers. Several studies have indicated that teacher leadership has led to school improvement and fostered student achievement and engagement in learning. However, most studies have focused on examining teacher leadership in Western contexts; rarely have studies been conducted to explore how teacher leadership takes place in an ‘East meets West’ context. The aims of the mixed-method study are the following: (a) to investigate teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teacher leadership, and (b) to explore how teachers act out teacher leadership in a peer network. This study used the case of a local primary school. Data collection methods included teacher surveys, individual interviews with teachers, and field notes from a one-day teacher shadowing. The data indicated that teachers were more oriented towards student learning, but insufficient space was available for enacting teacher leadership in terms of teacher collaboration, shared leadership and reflective practice. Thus, implications for teacher leadership development are discussed.
Investigating the Association Between Diabetes Distress and Self-Management Behaviors
Authors: Khan Aneesah , Choudhary Pratik
Published: August 2018

Background:

Diabetes distress has been linked with suboptimal glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes. We evaluated the effect of diabetes distress on self-management behaviors in patients using insulin pumps.

Methods:

We analyzed the impact of diabetes distress on self-management behaviors using pump downloads from 129 adults treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) at a single hospital clinic. Exclusion criteria were CSII treatment <6 months, pregnancy, hemoglobinopathy, and continuous glucose monitoring/sensor use. People were categorized into three groups based on the Diabetes Distress Scale-2 (DDS-2) score: < 2.5, 2.5-3.9, > 4.

Results:

Participants had a mean age of 45.2 ± 19.0 years; duration of diabetes 26.6 ± 16.2 years; duration of CSII 6.0 ± 3.5 years; HbA1c 8.0 ± 1.2%; and DDS-2 score 2.7 ± 1.3. Self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) frequency and bolus wizard usage was similar between groups. Patients with higher distress had higher HbA1c (7.7 ± 0.9 vs. 8.0 ± 0.9 vs. 8.7 ± 1.8; P = 0.004), lower frequency of set changes (4.7 ± 1.3vs. 4.8 ± 1.9 vs. 3.8 ± 1.1; P = .025), a greater number of appointments booked (5.8 ± 4.4 vs. 8.6 ± 4.8 vs. 8.1 ± 6.9; P = .021), and a greater number of appointments missed (1.9 ± 1.3 vs. 2.5 ± 1.5 vs. 3.8 ± 4.1; P = .004).

Conclusions:

Although in some patients, high distress may be caused by reduced self-management, in our highly trained, pump-using patients, high distress was associated with suboptimal biomedical outcomes despite appropriate self-management behaviors. Future work should further explore the relationships between diabetes distress, self-management, and glycemic control.
Utilizing Pacific Methodologies as Inclusive Practice
Authors: Ponton Vaoiva
Published: August 2018

For academics embarking on research with Pacific people for the benefit of Pacific communities or issues, what is paramount is the need for Pacific methodologies to be adopted as well as adapted, to improve communication and rapport with prospective participants. When one thinks of research of a Pacific nature, it is not until existing Pacific methodologies are known that one ponders on the type of methodology best suits one’s research practice. Since Smith’s research on the importance for the decolonization process to be more at the fore regarding research undertaken about, for, and with indigenous groups, there has been a growing shift away from Eurocentric frameworks. Movement away enables improved understanding and communication with Pacific people and issues; it also confirms the appropriateness of Pacific methodologies to enhance research in general. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has similar elements found in Pacific methodologies; positive outcomes between both researcher and stakeholders are key during planning and implementation stages. By working alongside community partners, researchers work toward implementing research data collection and collation methods with the assistance of indigenous (in this case, Pacific experts and leaders of Pacific communities) to benefit and “advance social change and social justice (Holkup et al., 2004; Minkler, 2004; Petrucka et al., 2012; Walters et al., 2009).” It may be time consuming at research commencement stage, but worthwhile pursuing to ensure all stakeholders involved in the research are aware of expectations and benefit from the outcomes of research pursued.
Approaches for Organizational Learning: A Literature Review
Authors: Basten Dirk , Haamann Thilo
Published: August 2018

Organizational learning (OL) enables organizations to transform individual knowledge into organizational knowledge. Organizations struggle to implement practical approaches due to the lack of concrete prescriptions. We performed a literature review to identify OL approaches and linked these approaches to OL theories. We synthesized 18 OL approaches across three domains: people (seven approaches), processes (nine), and technologies (two). Furthermore, we suggest two directions for future research: referring to the evaluation of our results and addressing the contingencies of OL effectiveness. Our mapping guides organizations in the design of learning processes to improve long-term performance. Although relying on a single approach is unlikely to comprehensively enable OL, our mapping facilitates the combination of several approaches aligned with organizational culture and processes.
Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: A Review of Pathogenesis, Characteristics, Clinical Presentation, and Management
Authors: Kim Keonhee , Mendelis Joseph , Cho Woojin
Published: August 2018

Study Design:

Narrative review of available literature.

Objective:

To summarize current trends in pathogenesis and management of spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) and suggest areas where more research would be of benefit.

Methods:

The available literature relevant to SEL was reviewed. PubMed, Medline, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were used to review the literature. Institutional review board approval is not applicable for this study.

Results:

This article clearly summarizes current trends in the pathogenesis and management of SEL.

Conclusions:

Possible etiologies of SEL include exogenous steroid use, endogenous steroid hormonal disease, obesity, surgery induced, and idiopathic disease. Comorbidities such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and Scheuermann’s disease have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of SEL. Steroid-induced SEL seems to have a proclivity for the thoracic region of the spine and has a higher incidence of paraplegia when compared with other forms. Several treatment modalities exist for SEL and are dictated by the underlying cause of the disorder. These include weight reduction, cessation of steroid medications, treatment of underlying endocrine abnormalities, and surgical decompression. Conservative treatments generally aim to decrease the thickness of adipose tissue in the epidural space, but the majority of patients tend to undergo surgical decompression to relieve neurologic symptoms. Surgical decompression provides a statistically significant reduction in symptoms, but postoperative mortality is high, influenced primarily by the patient’s preoperative comorbidities. Physicians should consider the underlying cause of SEL in a given patient before pursuing specific treatment modalities, but alarm symptoms, such as the development of acute cauda equina syndrome, should likely be treated with urgent surgical decompression.
Finding Life in Literacy
Authors: Heath Shirley Brice
Published: August 2018

By the second decade of the 21st century, mentally ill youth who committed suicide and sometimes killed others before they killed themselves received considerable attention in the media of the United States. In none of the accounts of these individuals did their literacy lives come up for consideration. This case study details the role of literacy in the life of a young woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury in her teens. As she aged, she tried suicide multiple times, escalating from cries for help to jumping in front of a moving train. Thereafter, she lived in a care facility with half a dozen elderly residents suffering from various neurological and physical disabilities. Following several months of adaptation, she returned to her childhood love of children’s books and gradually escalated her reading of national newspapers and adult nonfiction works aloud for other residents. During meals and visits from the grandchildren of residents, she read children’s books or poems, and she recorded in her own writings responses to these readings and created short poems. Adaptation to the reality that for the remainder of her life, she would live in such a facility came rapidly and without regression to depression once she found that residents needed and wanted her as their “library,” conversationalist, and inspiration. Four principles of literacy retention and restoration in an individual’s life follow from this case.
[MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] balanced log-ratio in chlorites: a tool for chemo-stratigraphic mapping and proxy for the depositional environment
Authors: Süssenberger Annette , Pospiech Solveig , Schmidt Susanne Theodora
Published: August 2018

The [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] balanced ratio (i.e.the isometric log-ratio of the MnO concentration relative to the concentration of SiO2, Al2O3, FeO and MgO) of chlorite and of whole-rock composition is an effective discriminant between Mesozoic stratigraphic formations in the Magallanes Basin (Chile). The MnO content in chlorite is only controlled by the host rock chemistry and is dependent on the geological environment. The MnO content in chlorite remains unchanged at low-grade metamorphic conditions. Single-grain chlorite analysis (n= 1042, electron microprobe) and whole-rock analysis (n= 40, X-ray fluorescence) were used to discriminate stratigraphic formations and to decipher differences in the depositional environment in the Magallanes Basin. The samples are from one Upper Jurassic and three Cretaceous sedimentary units that were affected either by low-grade regional metamorphism or by Miocene contact metamorphism. The highest [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] values are recorded in the upper Zapata Formation. The Punta Barrosa, Cerro Toro and Tobífera Formations show slightly lower [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] values. Elevated [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] values at the transition between Zapata and Punta Barrosa Formations record an oxygenated shallow marine environment that can be linked to the closure of the Rocas Verdes Basin and the onset of fold-and-thrust belt formation. Decreasing [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] values from the Punta Barrosa towards the Cerro Toro Formation indicate gradually increasing water depths during the Upper Cretaceous that correlate well with the global sea level.
An exploratory pilot study on health education program to improve health literacy among female in their 20s
Authors: Kawata Shiho , Saito Emiko
Published: August 2018

Objective

Health literacy (HL) is one of the most important concepts in women’s healthcare. The low cervical cancer screening rate for young Japanese women is an urgent issue. Cervical cancer is preventable, and cervical cancer screening behavior is associated with HL. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the effects of a health education program to improve HL among young female undergraduate students in Japan. Immediately after completing the program, participants evaluated their level of satisfaction with and the level of difficulty of the program, their understanding of the educational materials, and the length of the curriculum. Furthermore, 1 month after completing the program, participants evaluated their overall HL and their knowledge of women’s health, and indicated whether they had undergone cervical cancer screening.

Results

Thirteen female undergraduate students in their 20s participated. All participants indicated high levels of satisfaction and understanding of the material, and an appropriate level of difficulty of the curriculum. Three participants indicated that the program was too long. All participants had improved HL and knowledge of women’s health after completing the education program, but no significant difference was observed in the cervical cancer screening rate.

Trial registration UMINR000036690 April 10, 2018 retrospectively registered
A randomized placebo-controlled phase II study of clarithromycin or placebo combined with VCD induction therapy prior to high-dose melphalan with stem cell support in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Gregersen Henrik , Do Trung , Kristensen Ida Bruun , Frølund Ulf Christian , Andersen Niels Frost , Nielsen Lene Kongsgaard , Andersen Christen Lykkegaard , Klausen Tobias Wirenfeldt , Vangsted Annette Juul , Abildgaard Niels
Published: August 2018

Background

The objective of this randomized placebo-controlled study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of clarithromycin in combination with bortezomib–cyclophosphamide–dexamethasone (VCD) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma eligible for high-dose therapy.

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive tablet clarithromycin 500 mg or matching placebo tablet twice daily during the first 3 cycles of VCD induction therapy. Primary endpoint was to compare the rate of very good partial response (VGPR) or better response after three cycles of VCD combined with clarithromycin or placebo.

Results

The study was prematurely stopped for safety reasons after the inclusion of 58 patients (36% of the planned study population). The patients were randomly assigned to clarithromycin (n = 27) or placebo (n = 31). VGPR or better response after the VCD induction therapy was obtained in 12 patients (44.4%, 95% CI 25.5–64.7) and in 16 patients (51.6%, 33.1–69.8) (p = 0.59) in the clarithromycin group and the placebo group, respectively. Seven patients (25.9%) in the clarithromycin group developed severe gastrointestinal complications (≥ grade 3) comprising pain, neutropenic enterocolitis, paralytic ileus or peptic ulcer. These complications occurred in only one patient in the placebo group. Septicemia with Gram negative bacteria was observed in 5 patients in the clarithromycin group in contrast to one case of pneumococcal septicemia in the placebo group. Patient-reported QoL were negatively affected in the clarithromycin group compared to the placebo group.

Conclusion

The study was prematurely stopped due to serious adverse events, in particular serious gastrointestinal complications and septicemia. The response data do not suggest any effect of clarithromycin when added to the VCD regimen. The combination of clarithromycin and bortezomib containing regimens is toxic and do not seem to offer extra anti-myeloma efficacy.

Trial registration EudraCT (no. 2014-002187-32, registered 7 October 2014, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2014-002187-32/DK) and ClinicalTrials.gov (no NCT02573935, retrospectively registered 12 October 2015, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02573935?term=Gregersen&cntry=DK&rank=9)
Repeated freezing induces a trade-off between cryoprotection and egg production in the goldenrod gall fly,Eurosta solidaginis
Authors: Marshall Katie E. , Sinclair Brent J.
Published: August 2018

Internal ice formation leads to wholesale changes in ionic, osmotic and pH homeostasis, energy metabolism, and mechanical damage, across a small range of temperatures, and is thus an abiotic stressor that acts at a distinct, physiologically-relevant, threshold. Insects that experience repeated freeze-thaw cycles over winter will cross this stressor threshold many times over their lifespan. Here we examine the effect of repeatedly crossing the freezing threshold on short-term physiological parameters (metabolic reserves and cryoprotectant concentration) as well as long-term fitness-related performance (survival and egg production) in the freeze-tolerant goldenrod gall fly Eurosta solidaginis. We exposed overwintering prepupae to a series of low temperatures (-10, -15, or -20 °C) with increasing numbers of freezing events (3, 6, or 10) with differing recovery periods between events (1, 5, or 10 days). Repeated freezing increased sorbitol concentration by about 50% relative to a single freezing episode, and prompted prepupae to modify long chain triacylglycerols to acetylated triacylglycerols. Long-term, repeated freezing did not significantly reduce survival, but did reduce egg production by 9.8% relative to a single freezing event. Exposure temperature did not affect any of these measures, suggesting that threshold crossing events may be more important to fitness than the intensity of stress in E. solidaginis overwintering.
Anti-diuretic activity of a CAPA neuropeptide can compromiseDrosophilachill tolerance
Authors: MacMillan Heath A. , Nazal Basma , Wali Sahr , Yerushalmi Gil Y. , Misyura Lidiya , Donini Andrew , Paluzzi Jean-Paul
Published: August 2018

For insects, chilling injuries that occur in the absence of freezing are often related to a systemic loss of ion and water balance that leads to extracellular hyperkalemia, cell depolarization, and the triggering of apoptotic signalling cascades. The ability of insect ionoregulatory organs (e.g. the Malpighian tubules) to maintain ion balance in the cold has been linked to improved chill tolerance, and many neuroendocrine factors are known to influence ion transport rates of these organs. Injection of micromolar doses of CAPA (an insect neuropeptide) have been previously demonstrated to improve Drosophila cold tolerance, but the mechanisms through which it impacts chill tolerance are unclear, and low doses of CAPA have been previously demonstrated to cause anti-diuresis in insects, including dipterans. Here, we provide evidence that low (fM) and high (µM) doses of CAPA impair and improve chill tolerance, respectively, via two different effects on Malpighian tubule ion and water transport. While low doses of CAPA are anti-diuretic, reduce tubule K+ clearance rates and reduce chill tolerance, high doses facilitate K+ clearance from the haemolymph and increase chill tolerance. By quantifying CAPA peptide levels in the central nervous system, we estimated the maximum achievable hormonal titres of CAPA, and found further evidence that CAPA may function as an anti-diuretic hormone in Drosophila melanogaster. We provide the first evidence of a neuropeptide that can negatively affect cold tolerance in an insect, and further evidence of CAPA functioning as an anti-diuretic peptide in this ubiquitous insect model.
National survey of imaging practice for suspected or confirmed plasma cell malignancies
Authors: Westerland Olwen Amy , Pratt Guy , Kazmi Majid , El-Najjar Inas , Streetly Matthew , Yong Kwee , Morris Monica , Mehan Rakesh , Sambrook Martin , Hall-Craggs Margaret , Silver David , Goh Vicky
Published: August 2018

Objective:

Cross-sectional imaging is now recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for patients with suspected and newly diagnosed myeloma instead of skeletal survey. The objectives of this study were: (1) To evaluate compliance of current UK imaging practice with reference to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence best-practice clinical guidelines for plasma cell malignancies. (2) To identify factors which may influence diagnostic imaging choices.

Methods:

We conducted a national online survey to assess compliance with guidelines and to identify challenges to implementation (endorsed by Myeloma UK, UK Myeloma Forum and the British Society of Skeletal Radiologists).

Results:

Responses were received from 31 district general and 28 teaching hospitals. For suspected and confirmed myeloma, skeletal survey remained the most frequent first-line imaging test (suspected myeloma 44.3%, confirmed myeloma 37.7%). Only 9.8 % of responders offered first-line whole body MRI.

Conclusion:

Significant challenges remain to standardisation of imaging practice in accordance with national best-practice guidelines.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first publication to date evaluating current UK imaging practice for assessing myeloma since the publication of new guidelines recommending use of advanced cross-sectional imaging techniques. Skeletal survey remains the most commonly performed first-line imaging test in patients with suspected or confirmed myeloma and this is largely due to resource limitations within radiology departments.
Theory of Creation of Model of Competences As Key Element of a Personnel Management System of the Organization
Authors: Дмитриев Николай , Dmitriev Nikolay , Верховская Елена , Verkhovskaya Elena
Published: August 2018

In modern conditions the human capital is the main value of society, the defining factor of sustainable development and economic growth as competitive advantages of economic systems are in many respects reached due to knowledge, information, innovations as which source the person acts. Effective activity of the modern organizations in many respects is defined by effectiveness of work of workers which depends on existence of competences of personnel, necessary for successful performance of work. In article concepts of competence and model of competences, feature and an order of her construction in the modern organizations are considered, practical approaches to development are considered the concept of model of competences and his interrelation with a personnel management system is defined. The structure of model of competences and also recommendations about her formation is offered. The conclusion is drawn that for management of the company correctly developed model of competences becomes a basis of development of management and motivation of personnel. In the conclusion the value of introduction of model of competences in a personnel management system of the organization as a key element is defined.
Perfection of Financial Instruments of State Regulation of Agrarian Sector of Economy
Authors: Рудская Ирина , Rudskaya Irina , Коршунова Л. , Korshunova L.
Published: August 2018

The article analyzes the effectiveness of the application of the main financial instruments of state regulation of the agrarian sector. The analysis showed that the system of state regulation, which is the main factor of sustainable development of agriculture in our country, has certain drawbacks. In this connection, the authors made suggestions on the improvement of such financial mechanisms of state regulation of the agrarian sector as a system for lending to agricultural producers, tax regulation, budget financing, state support for agricultural insurance, stimulation of innovative development of agricultural enterprises. The implementation of the proposed directions will contribute to improving the efficiency of agricultural production and the competitiveness of domestic products, as well as the investment attractiveness of Russia’s agriculture.
Demonstration Exam: the Formation and Evaluation of General and Professional Competencies
Authors: Романченко А. , Romanchenko A. , Романченко М. , Romanchenko M.
Published: August 2018

The article discusses the issues of introducing competence-based qualifi cation in the procedures of the state fi nal certifi cation in the fi eld of vocational education.
Can the deployment of human resource practices improve cleft surgery service teams?
Authors: Mohan Arvind
Published: August 2018

Human resource development practices are important in the NHS due to complex dynamic work environments which include various sub-specialties, numerous stakeholders, and strong patient-centred influences that are inherent in the NHS. This article presents a number of techniques that can be employed to optimise the productivity and quality of multi-disciplinary team working using the cleft surgery service team at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust as an example. This article reviews the importance of work-life balance, talent management and the psychological contract on employee motivation and performance. Human resource development practices which can optimise these facets are presented. This article suggests a number of techniques in which employees' ability to perform, motivation to perform, and opportunity to perform can be optimised in several NHS departments.
Development and pilot of a positive measure of maternal mental health: The C-MEWS
Authors: Clarry Laura , Carson Jerome
Published: August 2018

The existence of maternal wellbeing is characterised largely by the absence of depressive symptoms and mental illness. This study aimed to develop a positive measure of maternal wellbeing to be used with new mothers to determine mental health levels. Participants (n=323) completed a pilot measure that consisted of sampled and purpose written items endorsed during phase 1 (total n=51). The scale was then analysed for reliability and consistency. During phase 2, a new measure of maternal mental wellbeing was piloted. The C-MEWS score was compared with total sores for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale and the General Anxiety Disorder questionnaire, and successfully discriminated between them. The measure demonstrates high reliability and good validity, taking into account various external factors. This study leads existing research closer to a conceptual definition of maternal wellbeing and a possible new approach to maternal mental health.
Design and Evaluation of Cyclone Separation Cleaning Devices Using a Conical Sieve for Rape Combine Harvesters
Authors: Wan XingYu , Liao QingXi , Xu Yang , Yuan JiaCheng , Li HaiTong
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Cyclone separation cleaning devices and a conical sieve for a rape combine harvester were designed to address problems of vibration and the complexity of conventional combine harvesters with vibration sieves. The cyclone separation cleaning devices consisted of a blower, cyclone separator, pipe, fan and other components. The working processes were examined and an innovative mechanical system was designed. Both single-factor and orthogonal experiments were carried out to obtain optimal parameter values. Based on the single-factor experiments, the proper rotational speed of the conical sieve was 40-60 r/min and the proper airflow speeds of the cyclone separator for the inlet and outlet were 3-5 m/s and 24-28 m/s, respectively. From the orthogonal experiments, the cleaning performance was optimal when the rotational speed of the conical sieve was 40 r/min and the airflow speeds of the cyclone separator for the inlet and outlet were 3 m/s and 24 m/s, respectively. The optimal cleaning ratio and total loss ratio parameters were 88.99% and 4.86%, respectively. This research could provide a reference for the improvement of cleaning systems for rape combine harvesters. Keywords: Agricultural engineering, Cleaning, Combine harvester, Conical sieve, Cyclone separation, Rape.
Determination of Size and Quantity of Chicken Supply: A Simulation-Based Optimization
Authors: Naprom Somkid , Piewthongngam Kullapapruk , Chatavithee Pachara
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The demand for various products in the chicken processing industry necessitates several weight ranges of chicken supplies. Moreover, each chicken flock inevitably exhibits its own weight distribution owing to biological variations, seasonality, and random factors related to weather, pests, and other biological hazards. Therefore, in order to promote cost-effectiveness, a company requires guideline policies for average chicken size, based on production demand and chicken weight supply. In this study, we propose the use of simulation optimization to determine a mean chicken weight and chicken supply quantity by considering order frequency and volume. Empirical data from a studied company are used to illustrate the proposed framework. This article contributes to an improved understanding of the concept of chicken order and supply distribution and its effects on chicken processor profitability. Adopting a policy for appropriate chicken size and supply will benefit both the chicken processor and farmers. Likewise, the proposed concept of simulation optimization offers the potential to facilitate such a decision and yield cost-saving benefits to the chain. Keywords: Chicken production plan, Food supply chain, Mathematical model, Optimum chicken size, Optimum chicken to be procured, Simulation optimization.