bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Psychological Distress and Perceived Impact on Child Feeding Practices in South Kivu, DR Congo
Authors: Emerson Jillian A. , Tol Wietse , Caulfield Laura E. , Doocy Shannon
Published: June 2017

Background:

Maternal mental health problems are associated with poor child growth and suboptimal child feeding practices, yet little qualitative research has been conducted to understand mothers’ perceptions about how maternal mental ill health and child nutrition are related.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to understand maternal perceptions on sources of psychological distress, and how distress impacts functioning, especially related to childcare and feeding practices among mothers of young children in South Kivu, DR Congo.

Methods:

Mothers of young children who were participating in a larger study were eligible. Using purposive sampling, participants were selected if they had high or low levels of psychological distress, based on their mean item score on measures of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Twenty in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions were conducted, with a total of 35 mothers. Key informant interviews were conducted with 5 local health workers. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded, and the analysis was guided by Grounded Theory methodology.

Results:

Major themes to emerge were that women’s husbands were a significant source of distress, with husbands’ infidelity, abandonment, and lack of financial support mentioned by participants. Psychological distress resulted in appetite and weight loss, and poor nutritional status made it difficult to breastfeed. Participants perceived psychological distress caused milk insufficiency and difficulty breastfeeding.

Conclusion:

Mothers experiencing psychological distress may need greater support for maternal nutrition and breastfeeding, and engaging fathers through responsible parenting interventions may reduce psychological distress and have a positive impact on child health.
Immunomodulatory effects of cigarette smoke condensate in mouse macrophage cell line
Authors: Zhao Junwei , Li Xiang , Xie Fuwei , Yang Zhihua , Pan Xiujie , Zhu Maoxiang , Shang Pingping , Nie Cong , Liu Huimin , Xie Jianping
Published: June 2017

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the secretion of cytokines may be associated with cigarette smoke–induced immunomodulatory effects, but a comprehensive analysis of the cytokine profile for cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) exposure is lacking. The aims of this study were to (1) examine the release of 20 cytokines induced by CSC from 12 brands of cigarettes in macrophages cells (Ana-1) and (2) to investigate the general characteristics of the immunomodulatory effects of CSC. Luminex technology was used to simultaneously determine the levels of 20 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), keratinocyte-derived Chemokine (KC), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), induced protein 10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monkine inducible by γ interferon (MIG), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-basic) in the supernatants from Ana-1 cells treated with the CSC. The results showed that the release of eight cytokines was altered (IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, VEGF, IP-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1α) compared with the control. These cytokines fall into two major subtypes: proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and VEGF, and chemokines, including IP-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1α. Compared with control, the remaining 12 cytokines were not significantly affected by CSC from the 12 brands of cigarettes. As a general characteristic, CSC exerts potently suppressive immunomodulatory effects on cytokine production of Ana-1 cells. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines may account for or contribute to the immunosuppressive properties of CSC.
The ‘Problem’ with the Employment Tribunal System: Reform, Rhetoric and Realities for the Clients of Citizens’ Advice Bureaux
Authors: Kirk Eleanor
Published: June 2017

Successive reforms of the Employment Tribunal System, based upon the interlinked assumptions that there are too many claims and that it is too easy for people with nothing to lose to lodge deliberately vexatious claims in the hope of a large payout, have made it progressively more difficult to bring claims against employers. This article challenges these persistent, though unsubstantiated assumptions, used to justify weakening employment rights enforcement and further deregulate the labour market. It draws upon the experiences of 158 clients of Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, who were tracked over the course of their disputes, as they sought to resolve work-related grievances. Among this group, it can be argued that rather than too many, too few claims go forward, discouraged by the real and imagined costs of making a claim. Financial compensation is usually the only (less than satisfactory) remedy offered.
The Development of Positive Literate Identities Among Emerging Bilingual and Monolingual First Graders
Authors: Moses Lindsey , Kelly Laura Beth
Published: June 2017

In this study, the researchers examined how first-grade students initially positioned as struggling readers took up literacy practices to reposition themselves as capable competent readers and part of a literate community of practice over an academic year. Using positive discourse analysis and case study methodology, the researchers documented and analyzed the identity work of two students, an English monolingual and a Spanish-English emerging bilingual, who worked to reposition themselves in their classroom community. The participants were part of a diverse, urban, first-grade dialogic inquiry-based classroom in the Southwest. The yearlong study documented students taking up inclusive literacy practices, practices that invited the participation of all students regardless of literacy level or language background, to negotiate positive identities in the literate community. The in-depth qualitative analysis utilized both positive and critical discourse analysis lenses to provide research that not only deconstructs power but also identifies positive ways in which students make room for themselves within academic settings. The use of both lenses led to findings on identity negotiations that provide insight into possibilities for power to be redistributed in positive ways for young children.
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Japan
Authors: Nojiri Shuko , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: June 2017

Increased global mortality is associated with atherosclerosis, which appears to be independent of race. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in Japan. Atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by abnormal lipid accumulation and inflammation in the arterial wall, is the main underlying cause of cardiovascular disease. Numerous cardiovascular risk scores have been developed and are used to prioritize patients’ treatment needs. The predictive performance of risk scores established in Western nations needs to be examined in Japanese populations. For secondary prevention, it is imperative to control hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and local interventions. In this review, we present a historical overview of atherosclerotic risk research and the risk factors for atherosclerosis in Japan and compare the situation in Japan with that in Western nations. In addition, we discuss relevant cardiovascular risk assessment tools in the context of clinical practice in Japan.
Early access to occupational pension plans
Authors: Nys Inne , Stevens Yves , Forman Jonathan
Published: June 2017

Occupational pension plans help people to maintain their living standards after retirement. This article looks at differences in the design of occupational pensions in Belgium and the USA, and more specifically, at early access. The article shows that different cultural backgrounds influence occupational pension systems. Occupational pension plans are intended to provide retirement income, and assets should therefore not be used for non-retirement purposes such as holidays Credit card debts. However, both Belgium and the USA provide mechanisms for early access. In Belgium, early access to an occupational pension plan is, in principle, prohibited. The only exception is for the purchase of real estate since this fits within the Belgian pension philosophy that retirees should not have to spend any of their retirement income on rent. It is culturally established that pensions and house ownership are inter-connected. In the USA, early access is not prohibited but it is often discouraged. Leakages from occupational pension plans must be limited, but some flexibility needs to remain. Since participation in occupational pension plans ought to be encouraged, (too many) restrictions on access may discourage individuals from making contributions to those plans. This is the reason why there is greater flexibility towards early take up in the American private pension system.
The association between supportive relatives and lower occurrence of anxiety and depression in heart patients: Results from a nationwide survey
Authors: Hansen Camilla , Zinckernagel Line , Schneekloth Nanna , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe Olsen , Holmberg Teresa
Published: June 2017

Background:

Approximately 30–40% of heart patients develop anxiety and/or depression, which might influence recovery and long-term survival. Research has suggested that support from relatives may decrease anxiety and depression among heart patients; however, the results are inconsistent and often based on small study populations.

Aim:

The paper aimed to investigate the association between having supportive relatives and the occurrence of anxiety and depression in heart patients.

Methods:

A population-based cross-sectional study among Danish patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or heart valve disease. Presence of supportive relatives was measured as the degree to which the patients felt that they had relatives they could count on, while symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multiple logistic regression analyses accounting for confounders were used to examine the association between supportive relatives and anxiety/depression.

Results:

The questionnaire was answered by 2496 heart patients, corresponding to 50% of the invited population. Patients with low or some degree of supportive relatives had a higher odds ratio (OR) of anxiety than patients with a high degree (OR = 2.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28–2.37; OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.57–3.08, respectively). Likewise, patients with low or some degree of supportive relatives had a higher OR of depression than patients with a high degree (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.40–2.66; OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.37–2.60, respectively).

Conclusions:

The presence of supportive relatives was found to be associated with lower occurrence of anxiety and depression. Health professionals should focus on including relatives in the treatment and rehabilitation of heart patients.
Multi-objective shape optimization of submarine hull using genetic algorithm integrated with computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Vasudev K. L. , Sharma R. , Bhattacharyya S. K.
Published: June 2017

A multi-objective optimization framework is developed for design of submarine hull shape. Internal volume of the vehicle and its hydrodynamic drag are optimized by seamlessly integrating non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm and Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes solver in a single code. The methodology seeks a geometric shape with minimum drag and maximum volume satisfying the constraints on the geometric design parameters given by a 5-parameter formula that describes the submarine hull. The shape of the sail is not a part of the optimization process, and only its longitudinal location over the submarine hull is optimized. Two design optimization approaches are proposed, solved and compared. In the first approach, the combined hull–sail location is optimized, and in the second, the hull shape without sail is optimized first, and for this optimized hull shape, the sail location is optimized next. Our reported results show that the former approach yields significantly lower drag.
Education quality and the Kenyan 8-4-4 curriculum: Secondary school learners’ experiences
Authors: Milligan Lizzi O
Published: June 2017

This article explores the implementation of Kenyan secondary education in rural Western Kenya, focusing on learners’ experiences. One of the key challenges to educational quality is shown to be the size and breadth of the secondary education curriculum. Learners are in school 12 hours a day with those approaching their final exams working three to five additional hours at home, often with little access to light sources. In school, there are also pedagogical implications with a reliance on rote learning as teachers ‘rush through the syllabus’. It is suggested that this is part of the continued legacy of the 8-4-4 system, introduced in 1984 with one aim of widening the curriculum to prepare learners for formal and informal post-education employment opportunities. Conclusions suggest a review of the 8-4-4 structure and greater attention in discussions of education quality of learners’ lived experiences in socio-economically disadvantaged communities.
Worsening work conditions and rising levels of job satisfaction? Measuring the happiness of academics in Japan
Authors: Aichinger Theresa , Fankhauser Peter , Goodman Roger
Published: June 2017

Working conditions in academia are generally considered to be deteriorating. Data from surveys which look at the job satisfaction of academics, however, do not clearly support this notion. This appears to be especially true for the case of Japan. Much of the recent literature on academics’ job satisfaction globally relies on the comparison of two large-scale international surveys from 1992 and 2007, despite significant shortcomings of such an approach. In the case of Japan, where a third survey - also from 2007 - is available, these shortcomings become particularly apparent. After presenting an overview of how the working conditions of Japanese academics have changed in the twenty-five years between these surveys, the present paper identifies some of the inconsistencies and problems involved in such surveys and then explores the ‘paradox’ of rising levels of job satisfaction in Japan despite the objective worsening work conditions over the same period.
A comparative study of American, Japanese, and Taiwanese early childhood teachers’ perceptions of clean-up time
Authors: Izumi-Taylor Satomi , Ito Yoko , Lin Chia-Hui , Akita Kiyomi
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine similarities and differences of American, Japanese, and Taiwanese kindergarten teachers’ perspectives about clean-up time. The participants consisted of two female American kindergarten teachers in the southeastern US, two female Japanese kindergarten teachers on the main island, and two female Taiwanese kindergarten teachers from central Taiwan, all of whom teach four-year-olds. Qualitative analysis of the data yielded four themes regarding teachers’ views of clean-up time: teaching cleaning-up methods, the developmental stages, the extension of play, and reflection of one’s own practical knowledge and skills. These teachers perceived clean-up time was more than just a transitional time. The implications for early childhood education are presented.
Toward the Development of a Glucose Dehydrogenase-Based Saliva Glucose Sensor Without the Need for Sample Preparation
Authors: Lin Chi , Pratt Breanna , Honikel Mackenzie , Jenish Alaina , Ramesh Bhavna , Alkhan Amnah , La Belle Jeffrey T.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Strict glycemic control is known to be a vital key in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, traditional methods face limitations in their efficacy due to the pain and invasiveness of needle pricking which often discourages DM patients from performing the required number of tests per day. Saliva glucose (SG) sensing has long been considered a noninvasive alternative to blood glucose monitoring for diabetes management, however the sample preparation and sensor detection limit have been deemed as challenges to overcome. Herein, we describe a preliminary clinical validation of a disposable SG sensor without any requirement for sample preparation.

Methods:

The sensor utilizes glucose dehydrogenase flavine-adenine dinucleotide (GDH-FAD) in conjunction with disposable screen printed electrodes to measure glucose levels in saliva collected directly from 9 healthy subjects. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometric-time (Amp-it) assays were used to develop calibration curves and test subjects. Sensor calibration was performed using simulated saliva at 6.5 pH and 37ºC.

Results:

The lower limit of detection was determined to be 0.11 mg/dL. A lag time of 15 minutes with a positive correlation between SG and BG levels was found, which agrees with literature results. The detected SG ranges from 2.38 to 3.40 mg/dL over a BG range of 90 to 143 mg/dL.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported use of measuring SG with GDH-FAD without prior sample preparation. Upon optimization, the sensor has the potential to serve as a supplement to blood glucose monitoring.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Layout and Nurses’ Work
Authors: Doede Megan , Trinkoff Alison M. , Gurses Ayse P.
Published: June 2017

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) remain one of the few areas in hospitals that still use an open bay (OPBY) design for patient stays greater than 24 hr, housing multiple infants, staff, and families in one large room. This creates high noise levels, contributes to the spread of infection, and affords families little privacy. These problems have given rise to the single-family room NICU. This represents a significant change in the care environment for nurses. This literature review answers the question: When compared to OPBY layout, how does a single family room layout impact neonatal nurses’ work? Thirteen studies published between 2006 and 2015 were located. Many studies reported both positive and negative effects on nurses’ work and were therefore sorted by their cited advantages and disadvantages. Advantages included improved quality of the physical environment; improved quality of patient care; improved parent interaction; and improvements in nurse job satisfaction, stress, and burnout. Disadvantages included decreased interaction among the NICU patient care team, increased nurse workload, decreased visibility on the unit, and difficult interactions with family. This review suggests that single-family room NICUs introduce a complex situation in which trade-offs occur for nurses, most prominently the trade-off between visibility and privacy. Additionally, the literature is clear on what elements of nurses’ work are impacted, but how the built environment influences these elements, and how these elements interact during nurses’ work, is not as well understood. The current level of research and directions for future research are also discussed.
Association of Competition Volume, Club Sports, and Sport Specialization With Sex and Lower Extremity Injury History in High School Athletes
Authors: Post Eric G. , Bell David R. , Trigsted Stephanie M. , Pfaller Adam Y. , Hetzel Scott J. , Brooks M. Alison , McGuine Timothy A.
Published: June 2017

Background:

High school athletes are increasingly encouraged to participate in 1 sport year-round to increase their sport skills. However, no study has examined the association of competition volume, club sport participation, and sport specialization with sex and lower extremity injury (LEI) in a large sample of high school athletes.

Hypothesis:

Increased competition volume, participating on a club team outside of school sports, and high levels of specialization will all be associated with a history of LEI. Girls will be more likely to engage in higher competition volume, participate on a club team, and be classified as highly specialized.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

High school athletes completed a questionnaire prior to the start of their competitive season regarding their sport participation and previous injury history. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations of competition volume, club sport participation, and sport specialization with history of LEI, adjusting for sex.

Results:

A cohort of 1544 high school athletes (780 girls; grades 9-12) from 29 high schools completed the questionnaire. Girls were more likely to participate at high competition volume (23.2% vs 11.0%, χ2 = 84.7, P < 0.001), participate on a club team (61.2% vs 37.2%, χ2 = 88.3, P < 0.001), and be highly specialized (16.4% vs 10.4%, χ2 = 19.7, P < 0.001). Athletes with high competition volume, who participated in a club sport, or who were highly specialized had greater odds of reporting a previous LEI than those with low competition volume (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.55-2.80; P < 0.001), no club sport participation (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20-1.88; P < 0.001), or low specialization (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.88-3.54; P < 0.001), even after adjusting for sex.

Conclusion:

Participating in high sport volume, on a club team, or being highly specialized was associated with history of LEI. Girls were more likely to participate at high volumes, be active on club teams, or be highly specialized, potentially placing them at increased risk of injury.

Clinical Relevance:

Youth athletes, parents, and clinicians should be aware of the potential risks of intense, year-round participation in organized sports.
Essentialism Promotes Racial Prejudice by Increasing Endorsement of Social Hierarchies
Authors: Mandalaywala Tara M. , Amodio David M. , Rhodes Marjorie
Published: June 2017

Why do essentialist beliefs promote prejudice? We proposed that essentialist beliefs increase prejudice toward Black people because they imply that existing social hierarchies reflect a naturally occurring structure. We tested this hypothesis in three studies ( N = 621). Study 1 revealed that racial essentialism was associated with increased prejudice toward Blacks among both White and Black adult participants, suggesting that essentialism relates to prejudice according to social hierarchy rather than only to group membership. Studies 2 and 3 experimentally demonstrated that increasing essentialist beliefs induced stronger endorsement of social hierarchies in both Black and White participants, which in turn mediated the effect of essentialism on negative attitudes toward Black people. Together, these findings suggest that essentialism increases prejudice toward low-status groups by increasing endorsement of social hierarchies and existing inequality.
On Feeling Warm and Being Warm
Authors: Fetterman Adam K. , Wilkowski Benjamin M. , Robinson Michael D.
Published: June 2017

Previous investigations have linked laboratory manipulations of physical warmth to momentary increases in interpersonal warmth. However, replication concerns have occurred in this area, and it is not known whether similar dynamics characterize daily functioning. Two daily diary studies (total N = 235) suggest an affirmative answer. On days in which participants felt physically warmer, they perceived themselves to be interpersonally warmer and more agreeable, irrespective of the outdoor temperature. These findings are consistent with frameworks proposing that people draw on concepts of physical warmth to represent feelings of interpersonal warmth and they highlight the value of using daily diary and within-subject designs to investigate embodied cognition as well as other priming effects.
CO2 emissions and economic growth in sub-Saharan African countries: A panel data analysis
Authors: Odhiambo Nicholas M
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the causal relationship between CO2 emissions and economic growth in 10 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. This study attempts to answer one critical question: does economic growth Granger-cause CO2 emissions in SSA countries? Unlike some of the previous studies, this paper uses a dynamic panel data analysis procedure to examine this linkage. The results of the error-correction model (ECM)-based panel causality show that there is a unidirectional causal flow from economic growth to CO2 emissions in the 10 studied countries. This applies irrespective of whether the causality is tested in the short run or in the long run. These findings have important implications. They demonstrate that CO2 emissions mitigation policies are unlikely to have any adverse effects on these countries’ long-term growth paths. This implies that these countries can pursue CO2 emission reduction policies without necessarily compromising their quest for a long-term positive growth trajectory.
Surgical technique and early outcomes of intramedullary nailing of displaced proximal humeral fractures in an Asian population using a contemporary straight nail design
Authors: Hao Toon Dong , Huat Andy Wee Teck
Published: June 2017

Background:

Despite being a common orthopedic injury, the optimal management of proximal humeral fractures remains a topic of debate. Although intramedullary nails have been used to treat these fractures, several complications have been reported with older nail devices. We describe our surgical technique and aim to evaluate the early functional and radiological outcomes of displaced Neer’s two- to four-part proximal humeral fractures undergoing fixation with a contemporary straight intramedullary nail.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study of 22 consecutive patients (mean age 55.7 ± 18.0) with acute displaced proximal humeral fractures underwent intramedullary nailing (Depuy Synthes MultiLoc Humeral Nail) by a single surgeon in a single institution. According to Neer’s classification, 11 had two-part fractures, 9 had three-part fractures, and 2 had four-part fractures. Functional and radiological outcomes, as well as occurrence of complications, were assessed at 12 months postoperatively.

Results:

The mean Constant–Murley score and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score at 12 months were 75.5 ± 12.1 and 81.7 ± 6.2, respectively. Mean range of motion was forward flexion 144.3 ± 28.4, abduction 141.3 ± 30.5, external rotation 58.0 ± 13.9, and internal rotation 62.0 ± 15.2. Mean visual analog scale score was 1.7 ± 0.8. Radiographic fracture union was achieved at a mean of 3 months post-op. One patient underwent a second surgery for screw removal due to a proximal screw backing out. No other complications were found in our cohort. Notably, no patients had clinical signs and symptoms of subacromial impingement and/or rotator cuff tear.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that intramedullary nailing using the contemporary straight nail design is well suited for Neer’s two- and three-part proximal humeral fractures, with good early outcomes and low rates of complications. Results for four-part fractures were, however, inferior in our cohort, suggesting that further studies with larger patient numbers are needed to determine the role of intramedullary nailing for four-part fractures.
Stochastic forecasting of project streams for construction project portfolio management
Authors: Shojaei Alireza , Flood Ian
Published: June 2017

Background

Construction companies typically work on many projects simultaneously each with its own objectives and resource demands. Consequently, a key managerial function is to allocate financial, equipment, and human resources between these concurrent projects in a way that satisfies the individual project constraints while optimizing the company’s overall objectives.

Project portfolio management is concerned with managing multiple projects to accomplish strategic goals. The main concentrations of research so far have been project selection, prioritization and alignment of a portfolio with strategic goals among a pool of awarded projects. The objective of this research is to develop a model capable of generating representative future streams of projects that can be used to assist in strategic planning and portfolio management.

Methods

This paper reports on an on-going research project aimed at developing and validating a stochastic model of streams of uncertain and unknown future projects and to demonstrate the significance and implications of such uncertainties on project portfolio and strategic planning. The scope of the research is Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) projects. Records of the past 12 years letting information combined with a pool of candidate variables is analyzed to capture characteristics of the time series data and to determine any project characteristic correlations with macroeconomic factors.

Results

The performances of the various model components presented indicate the viability of an integrated project stream forecaster that predicts, within a simulation environment, the frequencies of projects and empirical distributions of project duration and cost.

Conclusion

The gap in the current body of knowledge is a lack of consideration of the effects of uncertainties associated with future projects, both known (but yet to be awarded to a contractor) and unknown (although statistically quantifiable). It is evident that companies should not just focus on current known projects but also uncertain and unknown future projects. Such a capability, looking into the future, is key to the effective medium and long-term strategic planning for the company. Contractors can, for example, use these stochastic streams of data to test different bidding strategies and to see how sensitive the performance of their portfolio is to changes in different market factors.
The Standing of Trees
Authors: Margil Mari
Published: June 2017

A global movement is attempting to transform the legal systems that govern humankind’s relationship with the environment. Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund’s Mari Margil argues that we must stop treating the planet as if it exists solely for human exploitation and recognize the fundamental rights of nature.
Police Actions in Aesthetics
Authors: Fynsk Christopher
Published: June 2017

This essay addresses Jacques Rancière’s attempt to critique notions of resistance invoked by Jean-François Lyotard and Gilles Deleuze. It focuses in particular on Rancière’s efforts to contain Deleuze within a shallow account of the aesthetic tradition of the past two centuries and to disqualify a post-Heideggerian thought of difference in philosophy of art. It ultimately takes issue with Rancière’s effort to police the function of modern art.
Range-Dependent Utility
Authors: Kontek Krzysztof , Lewandowski Michal
Published: June 2017

First, this paper introduces and axiomatizes range-dependent utility as a new conceptual framework for decision making under risk. It is a simple and well-defined generalization of expected utility theory in which utility depends on the range of lottery outcomes. Second, a special case of this framework is proposed for prediction. It is based on applying a single utility function (decision utility) to every normalized lottery range. The resultant decision utility model predicts well-known expected utility paradoxes without recourse to probability weighting. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the model to satisfy monotonicity with respect to first-order stochastic dominance are identified. The typical decision utility function, which is confirmed by both experimental data and normative considerations, is S shaped.

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
Cause of Death Following Surgery for Acute Type A Dissection
Authors: McClure R. Scott , Ouzounian Maral , Boodhwani Munir , El-Hamamsy Ismail , Chu Michael , Pozeg Zlatko , Dagenais Francois , Sikdar Khokan , Appoo Jehangir
Published: June 2017

Background:
Surgery confers the best chance of survival following acute Type A dissection (ATAD), yet perioperative mortality remains high. Although perioperative risk factors for mortality have been described, information on the actual causes of death is sparse. In this study, we aimed to characterize the inciting events causing death during surgical repair of ATAD.

Methods:
Nine centers participated in the study. We included all patients who died following surgical repair for ATAD between January 2007 and December 2013. An aortic surgeon at each site determined the primary cause of death from seven predetermined categories: cardiac, stroke, hemorrhage, other organ ischemia (peripheral, renal, or visceral), multiorgan failure, sepsis, or other causes. Additional characteristics and variables were analyzed to delineate potential modifiable factors for mortality.

Results:
Of the 692 surgeries for ATAD, there were 123 deaths (17.8% mortality rate). Mean age at death was 66 years. Events contributing to death were: cardiac (25%), stroke (22%), hemorrhage (21%), multiorgan failure (12%), other organ ischemia (11%), sepsis (4%), and other causes (5%). Neurologic injury at presentation was a predictor of stroke as the inciting cause of death (p = 0.04). Peripheral, renal, or visceral ischemia at presentation was highly predictive of death due to these presenting ischemic conditions (p = 0.004). We found no associations between cardiogenic shock, tamponade, or cardiopulmonary bypass duration and cardiac death.

Conclusion:
Operative mortality for ATAD remains high in Canada. Nearly 70% of deaths arise from cardiac failure, stroke, or hemorrhage. Therefore, novel surgical, hybrid, and endovascular strategies should target these three areas.
Cytogenetic effects of tick-borne encephalitis in residents of the north of Western Siberia with alimentary-constitutional obesity depending on the polymorphism of the genes of glutathione-S-transferase
Authors: Ilyinskikh Ekaterina N. , Ilyinskikh Nicolai Nicolaevich
Published: June 2017

Backgraund. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), one of the large-scale public health problems of the Siberian region, can cause significant cytogenetic damage in humans by stimulating oxidative stress. Active functioning of the detoxification system including enzymes of glutathione-S-transferase is intended to protect the genetic structure of cells in the body, while at the same time, there are studies showing the defective functioning of this system in individuals with obesity.
Aims. Aim of this work is to study the longevity of term of TBE-induced cytogenetic damage in patients with different alleles of genes of glutathione-S-transferase, suffering from alimentary-constitutional obesity compared with the control.
Materials and methods. We were examined 133 female residents of the northern areas of Tomsk region from 35 to 44 years old who were hospitalized for infection TBE at local medical clinics. All individials were divided into two subgroups. Patients of the 1st subgroup (control) had a body mass index (BMI) within 2126, the 2nd subgroup had BMI showing severe obesity (BMI 3545). Buccal cells for cytogenetic and molecular analysis were taken several times: 12 days after hospitalization, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after beginning of the disease. Methods of immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the diagnosis of TBE. As an untreated control were examined 126 healthy female residents of the same age groups. All individuals signed informed consent. In the analysis of deletions in the genes GSTM1 and GSTT1 was used multiplex PCR. We studied at least 1000 epithelial buccal cells from each individual.
Results. In patients with high BMI rates revealed a significant increase in the frequency of the buccal cells with cytogenetic damage, compared to the control group. TBE disease was significantly increased the frequency of the cytogenetically damaged cells in this group of patients. The cytogenetic aberrations persisted in their body for six months after hospitalization. In patients with normal BMI rates TBE induced significantly less changes. The recovery of normal cytogenetic status was observed in this group 3 months after hospitalization. Analysis of the glutathione-S-transferase gene variants showed that in TBE patients with normal BMI and non-active alleles of these genesthe frequency of micronucleated epithelial cellswere significantly increased compared to the patients with the activeGSTM1 (+) / GSTT1 (+)genes. In the patients with alimentary obesity such patterns were not observed.
Conclusions. Thus,infection with TBE in patients with obesity induced significant increase in both the frequency of cytogenetically damaged cells and the longevity of their persistency in the body compared to these in control group. Polymorphisms in genes of glutathione-S-transferase had no significant effect on the indices.
Foot disorders in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tokmakova Alla Y. , Egorova Dar'ya N. , Doronina Lyudmila P.
Published: June 2017

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), by 2035 the number of diabetes patients will reach 592 million people. Various disorders of the structure and function of the soft tissues and skeleton of the lower extremities is the most common reason that patients seek medical care. The paper presents the modern concept of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic and prevention tactics used in the specialized endocrinological and surgical clinics.
Penentuan Tetapan Keseimbangan Penjerapan Pada Sistem Koloid Dengan Metode Ekstrapolasi Grafik
Authors: Satriadi H. , Bendiyasa I. M. , Rochmadi Rochmadi
Published: June 2017

Percobaan penjerapan pestisida pada sistem koloid air-tanah telah mendapatkan nilai tetapan keseimbangan penjerapan yang selalu berubah dan dipengaruhi perbandingan antara berat penjerap terhadap volum pelarutnya. Hal ini terjadi karena pemisahan antara penjerap dan pelarut sangat sulit dilakukan, dan pelarut selalu masih mengandung butir penjerap. Akibatnya  zat yang terjerap dalam penjerap ikut terbaca ketika menganalisis konsentrasi zat dalam pelarut. Untuk mendapatkan tetapan keseimbangan yang sebenarnya dapat dilakukan dengan modifikasi persamaan keseimbangan dan metode ekstrapolasi secara grafis. Percobaan dilakukan secara batch dengan konsentrasi awal pestisida sumithion 1,1014 ppm, perubahan konsentrasi diamati dengan kromatografi gas yang dilengkapi dengan Flame Photo Detector. Tanah yang digunakan berdiameter  butir 8,066. 10-5 cm, diameter pori 20,443 A, serta mengandung 2,86% bahan organic. Nilai tetapan keseimbangan sebenarnya diperoleh 123,936 ml air/g tanah pada 26,5 0C.Kata kunci : ekstrapolasi grafis, sistem koloid, tetapan keseimbangan penjerapan
Pemanfaatan Ampas Tahu Sebagai Bahan Baku Pembuatan Kecap Dengan Kapang Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Widayat Widayat , Satriadi H.
Published: June 2017

Ampas tahu merupakan limbah dari industri pembuatan tahu yang masih mengandung 17,4% protein, 67,5% karbohidrat, 5,9% lemak dan 4,9% air. Ampas tahu ini biasanya hanya dimanfatkan sebagai tempe gembus, oncom, tauco maupun ccampuran makanan ternak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat kecap dari ampas tahu dengan kapang Aspergillus oryzae dan memperoleh kondisi optimumnya. Proses pembuatan kecap pada prinsipnya terdiri dari  fermentasi bahan baku (koji), fermentasi di dalam larutan garam (moromi), penyaringan dan pemasakan (penambahan bumbu). Variabel tetap pada penelitian ini adalah berat ampas tahu 1000 gr dan suhu fermentasi pada suhu kamar. Variabel berubah yang dipelajari adalah penambahan yeast, waktu fermentasi, dan waktu penyimpanan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa waktu fermentasi merupakan variabel yang paling berpengaruh, diikuti oleh konsentrasi yeast dan waktu penyimpanan. Model matematika untuk optimasi waktu fermentasi dan konsentrasi yeast adalah Y= 3,1134 + 14,4571 X1 + 1,2378 X2 – 73X12 + 0,5 X1.X2 – 0,1925 X22, dengan X1 adalah waktu fermentasi, X2 adalah konsentrasi yeast, dan Y adalah konsentrasi protein. Kondisi optimum didapat sebagai berikut konsentrasi yeast 0,11% dengan waktu fermentasi 80,61 jam (3,36 hari) dan diperoleh kadar protein yang optimal 5,9%.Kata kunci : ampas tahu, konsentrasi protein, Aspergillus oryzae, waktu fermentasi, konsentrasi yeast
ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНА БЕЗПЕКА ЯК ГОЛОВНА СКЛАДОВА ТРАНСКОРДОННОЇ СПІВПРАЦІ В РАМКАХ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ КАРПАТСЬКОГО ЄВРОРЕГІОНУ
Authors: Verbovska L.S.
Published: June 2017

Стаття присвячена проблемам ефективного функціонування транскордонного співробітництва як головного фактора впливу міжнародної співпраці у питаннях енергонезалежності в рамках Карпатського єврорегіону. За результатами дослідження встановлено, що українська газотранспортна система має стратегічне значення, на базі якої існує можливість створення газової біржі, дозволяє зберегти власний потенціал та національні пріоритети. Запропоновано варіанти розвитку використання газотранспортної системи України до використання та транспортування нафти і газу в рамках транскордонного співробітництва Карпатський єврорегіон.
Attitudes toward mentally ill patients: a comparison between Romanian and International Medical Students
Authors: Popescu Codruta Alina , Buzoianu Anca Dana , Suciu Soimita Mihaela , Armean Sebastian Mihai
Published: June 2017

Background. Stigmatizing attitudes to mental illness, and especially schizophrenia, are not limited to the general population but are also common among health professionals. Health professionals are in a position to model health related attitudes both in the general public and patients. Medical students are an interesting group to focus upon, since they are future health professionals and correcting stigmatizing attitudes is still possible during their educational curriculum.Methods. This study investigated the attitude toward mental illness in medical students at the Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy. We surveyed first year students, since they have not yet received specific classes or internships in psychiatry; 322 students from the Romanian and English sections participated, representing a response rate of 94.7%. The questionnaire consisted of the Romanian and English versions of Link's Social Distance Scale towards people with mental illness scale.Results. Overall, medical students had a relatively negative attitude towards people with mental illness, with moderate social distance and stereotypical attitudes. The level of personal contact with people with mental illness was correlated with positive attitudes. International students had scored lower then Romanian students on social distance toward mentally ill patients.Conclusions. Medical education can play an important role in the attitudes of students toward mental illness. Medical students have stigmatizing attitudes about mentally ill patients. Personal contact with people suffering from mental illness might contribute to a positive attitude from the medical students toward mentally ill patients.
Infantile hemangiomas: a 7-year experience of a single-center
Authors: Bota Mădălina , Popa Gheorghe , Blag Cristina Lucia , Leucuța Daniel-Corneliu , Tătaru Alexandru
Published: June 2017

Objectives. The aim of the study was to describe the historical and clinical characteristics of hemangiomas in a series of cases of our clinic.Methods. This is a retrospective study of 36 patients with infantile hemangiomas consulted in our clinic.Results. We had 14 multiple hemangiomas, and 1 kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. Almost two-thirds involved the cephalic extremity, and 76% of the cases were treated. Pregnancy risk factors included prematurity, low-birth weight and respiratory distress syndrome. Propranolol was used in 22 cases, followed by prednisone in 3 cases. Vincristine and interferon were used as associated therapies or as second line therapies. Two hemangiomas had complications, one ulceration and a Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. All the patients had a good evolution.Conclusions. Our study results regarding the involvement of pregnancy and birth risk factors in developing infantile hemangiomas is similar to literature data. The majority of patients had at least one risk factor suggesting that at least one trigger to develop an infantile hemangioma is necessary. Our study shows that the cephalic extremity is mostly involved, and because of its potential complications they are most likely to be treated. The study shows that propranolol is the leading treatment option with few and mild side effects.
Levels of C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen and oxyproline in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: The relationship between the course of the disease and the structural and functional state of bone tissue
Authors: Shevchuk S V. , Denyschych L. P. , Marynych L. I.
Published: June 2017

The high prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) makes it necessary to study the abnormalities in bone metabolism, its relationship with reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and the impact of the disease on it. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and oxyproline in patients with SLE, their comparison with the structural and functional state of the patients’ bone tissue and the course of the disease. We examined 58 female SLE patients. The mean age of the patients was 45.1 ± 1.0 years. The control group included 29 healthy individuals,corresponding in age and sex with the researched group. For every patient, data were recorded on age, body mass index (BMI), menstrual history, smoking, chronic SLE damage (SLICC/ACR DI) and disease activity score (SLEDAI), cumulative glucocorticoid dose, serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), bone formation marker (C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen) and bone resorption marker (oxyproline). In all patients BMD was measured by DXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) at two sites. To determine vertebral compression fractures, female SLE patients were examined with an x-ray of the thoracic and lumbar spine. We established that bone turnover markers showed a significant difference between the SLE patients and the control group, with lower levels of PICP and higher levels of oxyproline in the SLE patients. Alterations of bone metabolism were associated with the severity of the disease, active inflammation (high levels of CRP and IL-6), the age of the patients, and the high cumulative glucocorticoid dose but no correlation was found with disease duration, BMI and smoking. Patients with osteopenia, osteoporosis and fractures were significantly more frequently found among patients with reduced bone formation and increased bone resorption rate. Thus, our findings showed that female SLE patients have alterations of bone metabolism in the form of increasing serum oxyproline and reducing serum C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, the correction of which would slow the progression of adverse structural and functional changes in the bone tissue.