bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Risk Factors of Coagulation Profile Derangement After Liver Surgery: Implications for the Use of Epidural Analgesia—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jacquenod Pierre , Wallon Grégoire , Gazon Mathieu , Darnis Benjamin , Pradat Pierre , Virlogeux Victor , Farges Olivier , Aubrun Frédéric
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

Hepatic surgery is a major abdominal surgery. Epidural analgesia may decrease the incidence of postoperative morbidities. Hemostatic disorders frequently occur after hepatic resection. Insertion or withdrawal (whether accidental or not) of an epidural catheter during coagulopathic state may cause an epidural hematoma. The aim of the study is to determine the incidence of coagulopathy after hepatectomy, interfering with epidural catheter removal, and to identify the risk factors related to coagulopathy.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective review of a prospective, multicenter, observational database including patients over 18 years old with a history of liver resection. Main collected data were the following: age, preexisting cirrhosis, Child-Pugh class, preoperative and postoperative coagulation profiles, extent of liver resection, blood loss, blood products transfused during surgery. International normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.5 and/or platelet count <80,000/mm3 defined coagulopathy according to the neuraxial anesthesia guidelines. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between selected factors and a coagulopathic state after hepatic resection.

RESULTS:

One thousand three hundred seventy-one patients were assessed. Seven hundred fifty-nine patients had data available about postoperative coagulopathy, which was observed in 53.5% [95% confidence interval, 50.0–57.1]. Maximum derangement in INR occurred on the first postoperative day, and platelet count reached a trough peak on postoperative days 2 and 3. In the multivariable analysis, preexisting hepatic cirrhosis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.49 [1.38–4.51]; P = .003), preoperative INR ≥1.3 (OR = 2.39 [1.10–5.17]; P = .027), preoperative platelet count <150 G/L (OR = 3.03 [1.77–5.20]; P = .004), major hepatectomy (OR = 2.96 [2.07–4.23]; P < .001), and estimated intraoperative blood loss ≥1000 mL (OR = 1.85 [1.08–3.18]; P = .025) were associated with postoperative coagulopathy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Coagulopathy is frequent (53.5% [95% confidence interval, 50.0–57.1]) after liver resection. Epidural analgesia seems safe in patients undergoing minor hepatic resection without preexisting hepatic cirrhosis, showing a normal preoperative INR and platelet count.
Anesthesia Capacity in Ghana: A Teaching Hospital’s Resources, and the National Workforce and Education
Authors: Brouillette Mark A. , Aidoo Alfred J. , Hondras Maria A. , Boateng Nana A. , Antwi-Kusi Akwasi , Addison William , Hermanson Alec R.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

Quality anesthetic care is lacking in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Global health leaders call for perioperative capacity reports in limited-resource settings to guide improved health care initiatives. We describe a teaching hospital’s resources and the national workforce and education in this LMIC capacity report.

METHODS:

A prospective observational study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana, during 4 weeks in August 2016. Teaching hospital data were generated from observations of hospital facilities and patient care, review of archival records, and interviews with KATH personnel. National data were obtained from interviews with KATH personnel, correspondence with Ghana’s anesthesia society, and review of public records.

RESULTS:

The practice of anesthesia at KATH incorporated preanesthesia clinics, intraoperative management, and critical care. However, there were not enough physicians to consistently supervise care, especially in postanesthesia care units (PACUs) and the critical care unit (CCU). Clean water and electricity were usually reliable in all 16 operating rooms (ORs) and throughout the hospital. Equipment and drugs were inventoried in detail. While much basic infrastructure, equipment, and medications were present in ORs, patient safety was hindered by hospital-wide oxygen supply failures and shortage of vital signs monitors and working ventilators in PACUs and the CCU. In 2015, there were 10,319 anesthetics administered, with obstetric and gynecologic, general, and orthopedic procedures comprising 62% of surgeries. From 2011 to 2015, all-cause perioperative mortality rate in ORs and PACUs was 0.65% or 1 death per 154 anesthetics, with 99% of deaths occurring in PACUs. Workforce and education data at KATH revealed 10 anesthesia attending physicians, 61 nurse anesthetists (NAs), and 7 anesthesia resident physicians in training. At the national level, 70 anesthesia attending physicians and 565 NAs cared for Ghana’s population of 27 million. Providers were heavily concentrated in urban areas, and NAs frequently practiced independently. Two teaching hospitals provided accredited postgraduate training modeled after European curricula to 22 anesthesia resident physicians.

CONCLUSIONS:

While important limitations to capacity exist in Ghana, the overall situation is good compared to other LMICs. Many of the challenges encountered resulted from insufficient PACU and CCU provisions and few providers. Inadequate outcomes reporting made analysis and resolution of problem areas difficult. While many shortcomings stemmed from limited funding, strengthening physician commitment to overseeing care, ensuring oxygen supplies are uninterrupted, keeping ventilators in working order, and making vital signs monitors ubiquitously available are feasible ways to increase patient safety with the tools currently in place.
Citation of a taxon name identifier issued by the ICN‐recognized registration repositories instead of taxon name author citation
Authors: Rambold Gerhard , Bensch Konstanze , Kirk Paul M. , Yao Yi-Jian , Robert Vincent , Sanz Veronica , Triebel Dagmar
Published: September 2017

Problems with taxon name author citation in the running text of scientific articles are outlined. Particularly, the length of author names strings has significantly increased in the last decades, which could be demonstrated by analysis of names in the LIAS database. In addition, ambiguity of author name citation has increased because of variations in author name abbreviation and incomplete or incorrect citation of authors’ names. It is therefore suggested that in non‐taxonomic scientific publications, author names should be replaced by taxon name identifiers as issued by registration repositories. The advantage of such approach especially in context with linked open data and semantic network challenges is described. An additional recommendation in Article 46 of the ICN with an example is suggested.
LIABILITY OF LEGAL ENTITIES IN CORPORATE LAW: ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Терновая Ольга , Tyernovaya Olga
Published: September 2017

The article deals with the issues associated with the withdrawal from responsibility by founders of a legal entity. To solve this problem a legislator uses not only private but also public legal measures. The author explores the specific features of the emergence and perspectives of using the doctrine of lifting the corporate veil as an effective means of countering the abuse of law. The two main approaches to the application of the doctrine of lifting the corporate veil in foreign countries are investigated. If in Common law countries a compulsory condition for bringing a corporation member to responsibility is the fact of abuse of the right, in Civil law countries the major approach is the presumption of responsibility of the parent company for the obligations of the subsidiary. Based on the analysis of Russian jurisprudence and legislation the author concludes that the doctrine under consideration is not widespread in Russia which is why there is a need to improve Russian legislation on the liability of legal persons in corporate law. It is noted that there are issues which creditors face in the reorganization and bankruptcy of legal entities, as well as the liability of legal entities for violation of legislation that leads to forced reorganization. An interesting feature of French law is that the rules on criminal liability for corporate violations are contained not in the Criminal Code but in the Commercial Code. Comparative analysis of judicial practice, doctrines and various provisions of Russian and French legislations allows us to conclude that the discussion of the prospect of criminal liability of legal persons in Russian corporate law requires an integrated approach. It is proposed to conduct comparative studies of the experience of foreign countries in which criminal liability of legal entities for violations of corporate legislation has already been introduced. From this point of view, the French experience is particularly interesting.
REGISTRATION SYSTEM OF PROPERTY RIGHTS IN FRANCE (EXPERIENCE ANALYSIS)
Authors: Путря Константин , Putrya Konstantin
Published: September 2017

The article deals with the questions of French law and the recent French judicial practice concerning the type of the registration system of property rights and the nature of the list of property rights. The author briefly reveals the basic essence of the two main types of registration systems of property rights in Europe — the French model and the German model. The author considers the idea of creating in France the new property rights by the efforts of law enforcers and the will of turnover participants and without stipulation of these new rights in the law. Then the author analyzes the arguments of the supporters of open and closed list (numerus clausus) of limited property rights.
The author comes to the conclusion that sequential withdrawal of the French law from the principle of numerus clausus. On the basis of the one of judicial decisions of the Cassation Court, which became a continuation of the concept of property right reform, laid down and formed in France in 2007, the author shows that the French law prefers the open list of limited property rights or the transitional mixed nature of the list of limited property rights, which can recognize the new limited property rights created by the entities, and limited property rights already enshrined in law. The author shows and proves, using the example of French and German law that the registration system of property rights based on the “principle of inclusion”, and the registration system of property rights based on transcription-inscriptional approach can affect the nature of the list of property rights — it can be open or closed.
LEGAL REGULATION OF LEAVES IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Хозерова Елена , Hozerova Elena
Published: September 2017

Under the conditions of created integration of the EAEU and the Trade Union there exists an objective necessity for harmonization of the member states’ legislation of the said organizations. A comparative analysis of these states’ legislation became the most popular for the purposes of formation of a unified legal system, including the sphere of labor and labor relations. In this connection the question of labor relations and in particular the legal regulation of labor and rest became especially relevant.
In accordance with Article 24 of the Universal declaration of human rights (1948) the right to periodic holidays with pay is granted to everyone. This right is a constitutional right of all EAEU member states (the Republics of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, the Kyrgyz Republic), in terms of which the free movement of goods, services, capital and manpower is ensured.
Given that as part of the implementation of the Plan of Nation — 100 concrete steps for realization of five institutional reforms the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted a new Labor code, whose provisions are intended for liberalization of labor legislation, which is in terms of the implementation of economic reforms also is proposed in Russia, a comparative analysis of these countries’ labor legislation, including the question of leaves, appears to be very relevant.
The system of leaves in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation is similar in many ways, although there are certain procedural differences. A comparative analysis of the leave regulations in these states would help find out and take into account both positive and negative experience, which at the end of the day will foster the development of national legislation and the formation of a unified legal system.
FORMATION OF A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR ORGANIC AQUACULTURE IN THE COUNTRIES OF THE EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION
Authors: Шаляпин Григорий , Shalyapin Grigoriy
Published: September 2017

At present, the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) working hard in the law-making process by creating a system of regulatory legal acts on production and turnover of organic agricultural products. This activity is realizing at the level of national and international legislation. The problem of creating a unified legal and economic space in this area is very important for the entire agricultural sector including representatives of commercial aquaculture, who are particularly interested in the legal grounds for the management of organic fish farming in the framework of international cooperation, as declared in the draft concept of aquaculture development in EAEU States. In the nearest time this document will be adopt by the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council. But there is no enough legislation on organic production of Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. Analysis of national legislation demonstrates that similar laws were adopted in Armenia and Kazakhstan, but the effectiveness of their actions on commodity fish farming in doubt. Russian and Belarusian legislation in this field also require review and refinement.
Applying the logical-legal and comparative legal methods of research we were able to identify the specific gaps of the relevant laws and legislation of these countries.
At the end the author makes a conclusion that in the current period the most disoriented from the point of view of legal regulation of organic production are the fish farms of Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. These identified problems create non-competitive conditions in the field of production and turnover of organic fish products. So, in order to solve these problems the author gives some suggestions for improvement of draft laws and existing legislation in this field.
DEVELOPMENT OF A HYDROGEN MANAGEMENT CONCEPT FOR THE CANADIAN SUPERCRITICAL WATER-COOLED REACTOR
Authors: Gardner Lee Brian , Ryland Don K , Suppiah Sam
Published: September 2017

Accidental hydrogen production in nuclear reactors has been a significant focus of nuclear reactor safety for decades. However, since the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear generating station, hydrogen safety in nuclear reactors is a more relevant topic. As new reactor concepts, such as the supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR), are designed and developed the risk of unintentional hydrogen generation is not eliminated; however, it can be mitigated in the design.

A systematic assessment of the hydrogen risk from both normal and accident conditions in the Canadian SCWR design was performed, in which various techniques to mitigate the hydrogen combustion potential were considered. While the rate of hydrogen generation under normal operating conditions was found to be low when held at supercritical water conditions, conservative estimates suggest that a significant quantity of hydrogen may be produced and released to the containment building in a severe accident. As a result, a hydrogen–oxygen management concept has been proposed to mitigate the hydrogen produced in a severe accident that includes a nitrogen-inerted containment building to reduce the combustion potential of hydrogen and the installation of passive autocatalytic recombiners for oxygen management. This hydrogen–oxygen management concept results in significant design changes and likely significant economic and operational impacts on the Canadian SCWR design.
The variability in Oxford hip and knee scores in the preoperative period: is there an ideal time to score?
Authors: Quah C , Holmes D , Khan T , Cockshott S , Lewis J , Stephen A
Published: September 2017

Background

All NHS-funded providers are required to collect and report patient-reported outcome measures for hip and knee arthroplasty. Although there are established guidelines for timing such measures following arthroplasty, there are no specific time-points for collection in the preoperative period. The primary aim of this study was to identify whether there was a significant amount of variability in the Oxford hip and knee scores prior to surgical intervention when completed in the outpatient clinic at the time of listing for arthroplasty or when completed at the preoperative assessment clinic.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of patients listed for primary hip or knee arthroplasty was conducted. Patients were asked to fill in a preoperative Oxford score in the outpatient clinic at the time of listing. They were then invited to fill in the official outcome measures questionnaire at the preoperative assessment clinic. The postoperative Oxford score was then completed when the patient was seen again at their postoperative follow up in clinic.

Results

Of the total of 109 patients included in this study period, there were 18 (17%) who had a worse score of 4 or more points difference and 43 (39.4%) who had an improvement of 4 or more points difference when the scores were compared between time of listing at the outpatient and at the preoperative assessment clinic. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0054) in the mean Oxford scores.

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest that there should be standardisation of timing for completing the preoperative patient-reported outcome measures.
Near-infrared autofluorescence imaging to detect parathyroid glands in thyroid surgery
Authors: Ladurner R , Al Arabi N , Guendogar U , Hallfeldt KKJ , Stepp H , Gallwas JKS
Published: September 2017

Objective

To identify and save parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy by displaying their autofluorescence.

Methods

Autofluorescence imaging was carried out during thyroidectomy with and without central lymph node dissection. After visual recognition by the surgeon, the parathyroid glands and the surrounding tissue were exposed to near-infrared light with a wavelength of 690–770 nm using a modified Karl Storz near infrared/indocyanine green endoscopic system. Parathyroid tissue was expected to show near infrared autofluorescence at 820 nm, captured in the blue channel of the camera.

Results

We investigated 41 parathyroid glands from 20 patients; 37 glands were identified correctly based on near-infrared autofluorescence. Neither lymph nodes nor thyroid revealed substantial autofluorescence and nor did adipose tissue.

Conclusions

Parathyroid tissue is characterised by showing autofluorescence in the near-infrared spectrum. This effect can be used to identify and preserve parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy.
Developing a simplified clinical prediction score for mortality in patients with cerebral gunshot wounds: The Maritzburg Score
Authors: Kong VY , Odendaal J , Sartorius B , Clarke DL , Bruce JL , Laing GL , Esterhuizen T
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Cerebral gunshot wounds are highly lethal and literature on the clinical scores for mortality prediction is limited.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was undertaken over a 5-year period at the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service in South Africa. A simplified clinical prediction score was developed based on clinical and/or physiological variables readily available in the resuscitation room.

Results

A total of 102 patients were included; 92% (94/102) were male and the mean age was 29 years; 22% (22/102) died during the admission. The presence of visible brain matter (odds ratio 12.4, P = 0.003) and motor score less than 5 (odds ratio 89.6, P  < 0.001) allows the prediction success of 92% (sensitivity 73% and specificity 98%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 94% (95% confidence interval 88–100%, P  < 0.001).

Conclusions

The presence of visible brain matter, together with a motor score of less than 5, allows accurate identification of non-survivors of cerebral gunshot wounds. Further study is required to validate this score.
The impact of mechanism on the management and outcome of penetrating colonic trauma
Authors: Oosthuizen GV , Kong VY , Estherhuizen T , Bruce JL , Laing GL , Odendaal JJ , Clarke DL
Published: September 2017

Introduction

In light of continuing controversy surrounding the management of penetrating colonic injuries, we set out to compare the outcome of penetrating colonic trauma according to whether the mechanism of injury was a stab wound or a gunshot wound.

Methods

Our trauma registry was interrogated for the 5-year period from January 2012 to December 2016. All patients over the age of 18 years with penetrating trauma (stab or gunshot) and with intraoperatively proven colonic injury were reviewed. Details of the colonic and concurrent abdominal injuries were recorded, together with the operative management strategy. In-hospital morbidities were divided into colon-related and non-colon related morbidities. The length of hospital stay and mortality were recorded. Direct comparison was made between patients with stab wounds and gunshot wounds to the colon.

Results

During the 5-year study period, 257 patients sustained a colonic injury secondary to penetrating trauma; 95% (244/257) were male and the mean age was 30 years. A total of 113 (44%) sustained a gunshot wound and the remaining 56% (144/257) sustained a stab wound. Some 88% (226/257) of all patients sustained a single colonic injury, while 12% (31/257) sustained more than one colonic injury. A total of 294 colonic injuries were found at laparotomy. Multiple colonic injuries were less commonly encountered in stab wounds (6%, 9/144 vs. 19%, 22/113, P < 0.001). Primary repair was more commonly performed for stab wounds compared with gunshot wounds (118/144 vs. 59/113, P < 0.001). Patients with gunshot wounds were more likely to need admission to intensive care, more likely to experience anastomotic failure, and had higher mortality.

Conclusions

It would appear that colonic stab wounds and colonic gunshot wounds are different in terms of severity of the injury and in terms of outcome. While primary repair is almost always applicable to the management of colonic stab wounds, the same cannot be said for colonic gunshot wounds. The management of colonic gunshot wounds should be examined separately from that of stab wounds.
A rare case of simultaneous pneumoperitoneum and pneumomediastinum with a review of the literature
Authors: Kourounis G , Lim QX , Rashid T , Gurunathan S
Published: September 2017

Simultaneous pneumoperitoneum and pneumomediastinum is a rare clinical occurrence. It has been reported in the literature as a complication of various medical and dental procedures. To our knowledge, we present the first case of a non-iatrogenic and traumatic simultaneous pneumoperitoneum and pneumomediastinum in a previously independent 91-year-old man who presented to hospital with back and chest wall pain following mechanical fall from standing. A new radiological diagnosis of diverticular disease with possible perforation was made following admission. Despite appropriate management and supportive measures, the patient died 12 days after admission from a kidney injury.
Women war reporters’ resistance and silence in the face of sexism and sexual violence
Authors: Steiner Linda
Published: September 2017

Women began reporting on war in the mid-nineteenth century, covering, among other wars, Europeans revolutions and the US Civil War. The numbers of women reporting on war increased over the twentieth century with the First and Second World Wars and especially the Vietnam War. This increased again more recently, when many news organizations needed journalists in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Nonetheless, war reporting remains widely regarded as men’s domain. It remains a highly sexist domain. Women war reporters continue to face condescension, pseudo-protectionism, disdain, lewdness, and hostility from their bosses, rivals, military brass, and the public. They also experience sexual violence, although they are discouraged from complaining about assaults, so that they can keep working. This research focuses on the sexism and sexual harassment facing contemporary women war reporters, with particular attention to Lara Logan, whose career demonstrates many of these highly gendered tensions.
Modelo para determinar as quantidades em estoque de peças sobressalentes em uma planta de geração de energia
Authors: Teodoro Filho Alberto Magno , Schroeder Marcos de Andrade , Ignácio Paulo Sérgio de Arruda , Costa Lima Gabriel Alves da
Published: September 2017

Neste artigo apresenta-se um modelo para avaliar o tempo total indisponível de uma planta de geração de energia elétrica devido à falta de peças de reposição em função dos níveis de estoque de cada uma destas peças. O modelo considera itens que apareçam uma ou duas vezes no sistema com configuração de confiabilidade do tipo série ou paralelo, com ou sem política de substituição preventiva. Otimização estocástica baseada na metaheurística Scatter Search foi utilizada para definir os níveis de estoque com objetivo de minimizar a média do tempo total indisponível devido à falta de peças e respeitando a restrição estatística sobre o valor total gasto para o horizonte de planejamento. Os resultados indicaram que, por exemplo, se a restrição de custo de R$ 550.000 para 10 anos for aumentada em 9,1%, a média do tempo indisponível é reduzida em 55,9% (de 617 para 272 horas). Portanto, demonstra-se que otimizar os níveis de estoque com base em diferentes restrições permite compreender o trade-off entre disponibilidade e custo de modo a auxiliar a empresa a escolher a estratégia de estoque que utilize os recursos com eficiência e atenda às expectativas operacionais.
Reforming the Japanese preschool system: An ethnographic case study of policy implementation
Authors: Hayashi Akiko , Tobin Joseph
Published: September 2017

This is an ethnographic study of how two Japanese kindergartens are implementing the yōhoichigenka policy aimed at reforming the Japanese early childhood education system. The cases of these two kindergartens demonstrate what happens when a top-down mandate reaches the level of individual programs. The programs creatively find ways of responding to the reform mandate and to social change while maintaining what their administrators view as their pedagogical traditions. This paper also argues for the value of ethnographic methods to show how local programs are creative, resistant, and pragmatic in how they deal with top down pressures and directives.
Liquidity constraints, international trade, and optimal monetary policy
Authors: Ho Wai-Ming
Published: September 2017

The availability of liquidity matters for an economy’s production and trade as firms need working capital to finance their operations. This paper studies the interaction between trade and capital flows operating through the liquidity allocations in the financial markets using a small-open-economy, overlapping-generations model. Working capital requirements distort the intratemporal consumption allocations. International capital inflows help easing liquidity in the domestic credit market, facilitating trade and improving the intratemporal allocation, while distorting the intertemporal allocation of the economy. We show how the government can use the Friedman rule and differentiated consumption taxes to address the tradeoff between the intratemporal and intertemporal distortions and achieve the second best optimum. Imposing a higher tax rate on imports can reduce the international borrowing to imports ratio and enhance the efficiency in using capital inflows to facilitate trade flows.
Variations of ankle-foot orthosis-constrained movements increase ankle range of movement while maintaining power output of recumbent cycling
Authors: Hamdan Puteri N.F. , Hamzaid Nur Azah , Usman Juliana , Islam Md. Anamul , Kean Victor S.P. , Wahab Ahmad K. Abdul , Hasnan Nazirah , Davis Glen M.
Published: September 2017

Previous research investigated recumbent cycle power output (PO) from the perspective of knee and hip joint biomechanics. However, ankle-foot biomechanics and, in particular, the effect of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)-constrained movements on cycle PO has not been widely explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether AFOs of a fixed position (FP) and in dorsi-plantarflexion (DPF)-, dorsiflexion (DF)- and plantarflexion (PF)-constrained movements might influence PO during voluntary recumbent cycling exercises. Twenty-five healthy individuals participated in this study. All underwent 1-min cycling at a fixed cadence for each of the AFOs. The peak and average PO of each condition were analyzed. The peak and average PO were 27.2±12.0 W (range 6–60) and 17.2±9.0 W (range 2–36), respectively, during voluntary cycling. There were no significant differences in the peak PO generated by the AFOs (p=0.083). There were also no significant differences in the average PO generated using different AFOs (p=0.063). There were no significant differences in the changes of the hip and knee joint angles with different AFOs (p=0.974 and p=1.00, respectively). However, there was a significant difference in the changes of the ankle joint angle (p<0.00). The present study observed that AFO-constrained movements did not have an influence in altering PO during voluntary recumbent cycling in healthy individuals. This finding might serve as a reference for future rehabilitative cycling protocols.
The Mind’s Eye: The Triad of Memory, Space and the Senses in Old Norse Literature
Authors: Hermann Pernille
Published: September 2017

This article examines the intimate connection between the senses and memory. The focus lies on vision, which was believed to be one of the main routes of access to memory in medieval culture. Because descriptions of and reflections on memory are evident across genres, examples will be drawn from various corners of the Old Norse textual landscape and reference will be made to sagas, eddic poetry and the
Stability of Single and Three-Way Cross Hybrids for Seed Yield and Other Important Agronomic Traits in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Neelima S , Parameshwarappa K. G.
Published: September 2017

A stability analysis was carried out using nine single crosses and fifteen diverse three-way crosses for nine traits across three locations
Heartwood durability of Dyera costulata, Neolamarckia cadamba and Khaya ivorensis trees from fast-growth plantations against subterranean termite Coptotermes curvignathus
Authors: Kadir Roszaini , Masseat Khairul
Published: September 2017

To preserve natural forests, forest plantations with fast-growing species are promoted. In the present work, the heartwood durabilities of Dyera costulata, Neolamarckia cadamba and Khaya ivorensis, from both plantations and natural forests, have been tested in comparison with rubberwood in laboratory and above-ground tests against the subterranean termite Coptotermes curvignathus. Both young trees from forest thinning and mature trees were tested. The results show that there is no significant difference in weight loss between planted trees and trees from a natural forest. The results were also compared with those of rubberwood.
Post-weld Heat Treatment and Groove Angles Affect the Mechanical Properties of T92/Super 304H Dissimilar Steel Weld Joints
Authors: Shuo Wang , Limin Wei , Yi Cheng , Shuping Tan
Published: September 2017

The microstructures and mechanical properties of dissimilar weld joints between T92 and Super 304H steels were investigated. Dissimilar weld joints with four groove angles were constructed using gas tungsten arc welding. The results showed that post-weld heat treatment improved the mechanical properties of the dissimilar weld joints. The optimal groove angle for T92/Super 304H dissimilar weld joints was found to be 20°, considering mechanical properties. Furthermore, the transformation from equiaxed dendrites to columnar dendrites was observed in the weld metal. Epitaxial growth and delta ferrites were found around the fusion line between the Super 304H and the weld metal.
Simulation of Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior under Hot Isothermal Compressions for as-extruded 3Cr20Ni10W2 Heat-Resistant Alloy by Cellular Automaton Model
Authors: Li Le , Wang Li-yong
Published: September 2017

In order to study dynamic recrystallization behavior of the as-extruded 3Cr20Ni10W2 under isothermal compression conditions, a cellular automaton (CA) model was applied to simulate hot compression. Analysis on the strain–stress curves indicates that dynamic recrystallization is the main softening mechanism for the 3Cr20Ni10W2 when the deformation occurred in the temperature range of 1203–1303 K with an interval of 50 K and strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1. The deformation temperature and strain rate have a significant influence on the dynamically recrystallized grain size. Subsequently, a CA model is established to simulate the dynamic recrystallization behaviors of the studied alloy. The simulated results show that the mean grain size increases with the increased deformation temperature and decreases with the increased strain rate, which is consistent with the experimental result. In addition, the average absolute relative error, which is 13.14%, indicates that the process of the dynamic recrystallization and the dynamically recrystallized grain size can be well predicted by the present CA model.
Causative factors for sexual and reproductive health status of pregnant adolescent girls in urban communities of Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Kuyinu Yetunde A. , Femi-Adebayo Toriola T. , Odugbemi Babatunde A. , Ukatu Elochukwu E.
Published: September 2017

Background

The overall goal of this study was to determine the causative factors for pregnancy status in adolescent girls in two communities in the Lagos Island local government area.

Methods

A mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) study reviewing routine health facility antenatal care (ANC) records and conducting focus group discussions among 46 pregnant adolescents, exploring their views about sex, contraception, pregnancy and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, was carried out. Key informant interviews were also carried out among healthcare workers and community members to assess their perceptions of adolescents’ SRH problems.

Results

Five percent of those accessing ANC services were adolescents. Pregnant adolescents were found to access health services at later stages of their pregnancies due to the shame and stigma associated with their condition. The presence of morbidity in the form of anaemia (33%) and HIV (2.4%) was also found in this population.

Social factors such as peer pressure and the desire to develop or maintain a relationship were found to be the major reasons for initiation of sexual activity by the adolescents. There was generally poor knowledge and utilisation of contraceptives, leading to unprotected sex and, thus, unintended pregnancies.

Conclusion

SRH information and services should be made readily available to adolescents at all levels of care.
Association between sleep quality and quality of life among students: a cross sectional study
Authors: Rezaei Omid , Mokhayeri Yaser , Haroni Javad , Rastani Mahdi Jamshidi , Sayadnasiri Mohammad , Ghisvand Hessam , Noroozi Mehdi , Armoon Bahram
Published: September 2017

Background

Lack of sleep and on going sleep disorder can affect family health and interpersonal relationships.

Objective

The aim of study was to investigate the association between sleep quality and the probable determinants of quality of life among students of a public health faculty at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) in the 2015 academic year.

Methods

The data from a cross-sectional study of 275 students that randomly stratified sampling between different classes of college students of a public health faculty of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were used in this study. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisted of modules on socio-demographic characteristics, the Petersburg Standardized Sleep Quality Questionnaire(PSQL) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Data analysis was done with descriptive and logistic regression. All analyses were carried out using SPSS software V.19.

Results

A total of 275 students participated in this study. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 22.1 ± 3.6 years. In the univariable model, students that were living in their own homes had the odds of 2.18 times more than the others to have a higher quality of life level [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–4.45]. Moreover, sleep disorder was negatively associated with the quality of life [odds ratio (OR) = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.12–0.46].

Conclusion

These results will help university administrators and policy makers to identify factors associated with poor sleep and provide approaches to enhance sleep hygiene and relevant knowledge in university students. Living in a dormitoy while also suffering from sleep problems could significantly reduce the quality of life.
Diversity of users, settings, and practices: how are features selected into ELF practice?
Authors: Thompson Alan
Published: September 2017

This article describes naturally occurring interactions drawn from three disparate English as a lingua franca (ELF) settings, all in Japan but involving diverse multinational groups of users, each bringing with them repertoires of experiences, skills, strategies, and linguistic features. Adaptations were observed in the language practices, including well-attested strategies and non-selections, but also distinct and hybridised patterns (e.g. question–response exchanges, address-reference forms). Although these features can be explained in terms of the improvisational stances of the users, in light of the wide disparities in proficiency, strategies, degrees of success, and of the hybrid forms that came to be locally preferred, a more satisfactory explanatory framework was sought in the broader study of historical language contact and change, especially in Mufwene’s recent re-interpretation of creoles as situated cases of language restructuring. The observed ELF practices are explained as the result of cooperative restructuring, by means of fitness-based selections from the feature pool, or virtual capacity, fed by the diverse repertoires of the participants. Such an approach foregrounds functional interpretations of ELF, and creates an inclusive framework wherein the variables that define different contact situations can be discerned.
Current trends in changing the channel in MOSFETs by III–V semiconducting nanostructures
Authors: John Chelliah Cyril R.A. , Swaminathan Rajesh
Published: September 2017

The quest for high device density in advanced technology nodes makes strain engineering increasingly difficult in the last few decades. The mechanical strain and performance gain has also started to diminish due to aggressive transistor pitch scaling. In order to continue Moore’s law of scaling, it is necessary to find an effective way to enhance carrier transport in scaled dimensions. In this regard, the use of alternative nanomaterials that have superior transport properties for metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) channel would be advantageous. Because of the extraordinary electron transport properties of certain III–V compound semiconductors, III–Vs are considered a promising candidate as a channel material for future channel metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor devices. In this review, the importance of the III–V semiconductor nanostructured channel in MOSFET is highlighted with a proposed III–V GaN nanostructured channel (thickness of 10 nm); Al2O3dielectric gate oxide based MOSFET is reported with a very low threshold voltage of 0.1 V and faster switching of the device.
Causal Linkages between Terrorism and Economic Growth: Evidence from the Four Provinces of Pakistan
Authors: Saeed Luqman , Syed Shabib Haider
Published: September 2017

This study analyses the dynamics of causal linkages between terrorism and economic growth across four provinces of Pakistan using Bivariate and Trivariate Hsaio Granger Causality test. The empirical evidence reveals within country idiosyncratic causal trends; hence demonstrating the importance of analysing sub-national variations while determining the extent to which terrorism is related with other variables. The estimates suggest that terrorist activity Granger causes economic growth in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. The reverse causation from economic growth to terrorism is observed in case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa only. The evidence presented in this paper stresses the importance of taking into account higher vulnerability of comparatively weaker sub-national economies while formulating relevant policies to ameliorate negative impact of terrorism.
Effects of electrochemotherapy with cisplatin and peritumoral IL-12 gene electrotransfer on canine mast cell tumors: a histopathologic and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Salvadori Claudia , Svara Tanja , Rocchigiani Guido , Millanta Francesca , Pavlin Darja , Cemazar Maja , Lampreht Tratar Ursa , Sersa Gregor , Tozon Natasa , Poli Alessandro
Published: September 2017

Background

The study was aimed to characterize tumor response after combined treatment employing electrochemotherapy with IL-12 gene electrotransfer in dogs with spontaneous mast cell tumors (MCT).

Materials and methods

Eleven dogs with eleven MCTs were included in the study. Histological changes were investigated in biopsy specimens collected before the treatment (T0), and 4 (T1) and 8 weeks (T2) later. Cellular infiltrates were characterized immunohistochemically by using anti CD3, CD20, Foxp3 (Treg), CD68 and anti MHC-class II antibodies. Proliferation and anti-apoptotic activity of neoplastic cells were assessed using anti Ki-67 and Bcl-2 antibodies. Angiogenetic processes were investigated immunohistochemically by using anti Factor VIII and anti CD31 antibodies and micro vessel density quantification.

Results

Histopathological examination of samples at T0 confirmed the diagnosis and the presence of scanty infiltrates consisted mainly of T-lymphocytes and macrophages. At T1 and T2 neoplastic cells were drastically reduced in 7/11 cases, small clusters of neoplastic cells were detected in 3/11 cases and 1/11 cases neoplastic cells were still evident. Proliferation activity of neoplastic cells was significantly reduced at T1 and T2 and expression of anti-apoptotic protein at T1. Microvessel density was drastically reduced in all samples after treatment. The number of T-lymphocytes increased at T1, although not significant, while Treg were significant higher at T1 and macrophages at T2.

Conclusions

The combined electrochemotherapy and IL-12 gene electrotransfer effectively induced a cellular response against neoplastic cells characterized mainly by the recruitment of T-lymphocytes and macrophages and a fibrotic proliferation with reduction of microvessels.
Impact factors for perioperative morbidity and mortality and repercussion of perioperative morbidity and long-term survival in pancreatic head resection
Authors: Potrc Stojan , Ivanecz Arpad , Pivec Vid , Marolt Urska , Rudolf Sasa , Iljevec Bojan , Jagric Tomaz
Published: September 2017

Background

The focus of the present study was to reveal any impact factors for perioperative morbidity and mortality as well as repercussion of perioperative morbidity on long-term survival in pancreatic head resection.

Patients and methods

In a retrospective study, clinic-pathological factors of 240 patients after pancreatic head (PD) or total resection were analyzed for correlations with morbidity, 30- and 90-day mortality, and long-term survival. According to Clavien–Dindo classification, all complications with grade II and more were defined as overall complications (OAC). OAC, all surgical (ASC), general (AGC) and some specific types of complications like leaks from the pancreatoenteric anastomosis (PEA) or pancreatic fistula (PF, type A, B and C), leaks from other anastomoses (OL), bleeding (BC) and abscesses (AA) were studied for correlation with clinic-pathological factors.

Results

In the 9-year period, altogether 240 patients had pancreatic resection. The incidence of OAC was 37.1%, ASC 29.2% and AGC 15.8%. ASC presented themselves as PL, OL, BC and AA in 19% (of 208 PD), 5.8%, 5.8%, and 2.5% respectively. Age, ASA score, amylase on drains, and pancreatic fistulas B and C correlated significantly with different types of complications. Overall 30- and 90-day mortalities were 5 and 7.9% and decreased to 3.5 and 5% in P2.

Conclusions

High amylase on drains and higher mean age were independent indicators of morbidity, whereas PL and BC revealed as independent predictor for 30-day mortality, and physical status, OAC and PF C for 90-day mortality.
Vergleich von unterschiedlichen Widerstandsthermometern bei niedrigen Eintauchtiefen bezüglich ihres Wärmeableitfehlers
Authors: Brethauer Andreas , Fröhlich Thomas , Engels Elmar
Published: September 2017

Der vorliegende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit den Auswirkungen auf den Wärmeableitfehler eines Widerstandsthermometers beim
Variieren der Eintauchtiefe in ein zu messendes Medium und der Füllhöhe einer Wärmeleitpaste im Schutzrohr. Dabei werden
zudem unterschiedliche Bauformen von Widerstandsthermometern in Bezug auf ihren Wärmeableitfehler bei niedrigen
Eintauchtiefen verglichen und Messergebnisse mit theoretischen Modellen sowie FEM-Simulation verglichen. Es zeigt sich,
dass Füllhöhe und Wärmeleitfähigkeit der Wärmeleitpaste je nach Aufgabenstellung gewählt werden sollten. Gerade bei
niedrigen Eintauchtiefen ist eine Anpassung der Füllhöhe an Sensorhöhe und Eintauchtiefe notwendig. Es kristallisiert sich
zudem heraus, dass für eine genaue Vorhersage des Wärmeableitfehlers die FEM-Simulation der Modellrechnung überlegen
ist. Auch wird die Bedeutung einer guten thermischen Kopplung des Sensors an das Medium und einer thermischen Entkopplung
des Sensors von der anders temperierten Umgebung deutlich.
Dyons and Certain Symmetries in Maxwell’s Equations
Authors: Bruce S. A.
Published: September 2017

We developed certain symmetries in Maxwell’s equations by incorporating (independent) dynamical degrees of freedom. Once magnetic monopoles are included, it was assessed whether this system can admit electromagnetic-like scalar and pseudo-scalar fields so that a full symmetry may be accomplished. The result is restated in differential forms. The subsequent generalised classical equations of motion for dyons are displayed. In quantum mechanics, we find that, for a given scalar potential, a critical behaviour does not occur and the Dirac vacuum remains stable: the scalar coupling cannot create spontaneous electron-positron pairs.