bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Feasibility of an eLearning Nutrition Education Program for Low-Income Individuals
Authors: Stotz Sarah , Lee Jung Sun , Rong Hui , Murray Deborah
Published: August 2016

Background. Online eLearning may be an innovative, efficient, and cost-effective method of providing nutrition education to a diverse low-income audience. Aims. The intent of this project is to examine perceptions of nutrition educators regarding the feasibility of an eLearning nutrition education program tailored to low-income Georgians. Method. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted, guided by the constructivist theory. The interview guide focused on three themes: accessibility, literacy, and content. A prototype of the program also served as a talking point. Interviews were conducted in two urban Georgian counties in a location chosen by each participant. We recruited a convenience sample of Georgian nutrition educators ( n = 10, 100% female, 50% Black). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using constant comparative method. Results and Discussion. Motivation is considered the primary barrier to program feasibility. Neither access to the Internet nor literacy are considered significant barriers. Inclusion of skill-based, visual education methods such as cooking videos, recipes, and step-by-step teaching tools was highlighted. Nutrition educators perceived this program would be a feasible form of nutrition education for the priority audience. Conclusions. Findings from this study will inform the user-centered development of the program.
Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy in the Acute Stage
Authors: Woldag Hartwig , Voigt Nancy , Bley Maria , Hummelsheim Horst
Published: August 2016

Background. Constraint-induced aphasia therapy (CIAT) has proven effective in patients with subacute and chronic forms of aphasia. It has remained unclear, however, whether intensity of therapy or constraint is the relevant factor. Data about intensive speech and language therapy (SLT) are conflicting. Objective. To identify the effective component of CIAT and assess the feasibility of SLT in the acute stage after stroke. Method. A total of 60 patients with aphasia (68.2 ± 11.7 years) were enrolled 18.9 days after first-ever stroke. They were randomly distributed into 3 groups: (1) CIAT group receiving therapy for 3 hours per day (10 workdays, total 30 hours); (2) conventional communication treatment group, with same intensity without constraints; and (3) control group receiving individual therapy twice a day as well as group therapy (total 14 hours). Patients were assessed pretreatment and posttreatment using the Aachener Aphasia Test (primary end point: token test) and the Communicative Activity Log (CAL). Results. Pretreatment, there were no between-group differences. Posttreatment, all groups showed significant improvements without between-group differences. Conclusion. It was found that 14 hours of aphasia therapy administered within 2 weeks as individual therapy, focusing on individual deficits, combined with group sessions has proven to be most efficient. This approach yielded the same outcome as 30 hours of group therapy, either in the form of CIAT or group therapy without constraints. SLT in an intensive treatment schedule is feasible and was well tolerated in the acute stage after stroke.
ADOS-CFAR Algorithm for Multibeam Seafloor Terrain Detection
Authors: Du Weidong , Zhou Tian , Li Haisen , Chen Baowei , Wei Bo
Published: August 2016

To solve the false terrain problem caused by the tunnel effect in the conventional multibeam seafloor terrain detection, a detection method of multibeam seafloor terrain based on the ADOS-CFAR (Amplitude Dichotomy Order-Statistics Constant False Alarm Rate) is developed. This paper first discusses the principles and existing problems of the OS-CFAR and K-FINDER algorithms and then suggests the ADOS-CFAR algorithm and its fast calculation method for those problems. By adopting this algorithm into the detection method of multibeam seafloor terrain and carrying out the simulation study on the computational load of the ADOS-CFAR, it is shown that this method has a lower computational load on the premise of ensuring the detection performance. Finally, the proposed algorithm is analyzed and verified through the test data in Songhua Lake. The result indicates that this method can effectively avoid the false terrain caused by tunnel effect with higher terrain detection accuracy.
Energy Efficiency Strategy in D2D Cognitive Networks Using Channel Selection Based on Game Theory and Collaboration
Authors: Romero Elena , Blesa Javier , Rozas Alba , Araujo Alvaro
Published: August 2016

The growth of Device-to-Device (D2D) communications and the extensive use of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) bring new problems such as spectral coexistence and spectrum saturation. Cognitive Radio (CR) appears as a paradigm to solve these problems. The introduction of CR into WSNs as a solution to the spectrum utilization problem could be used not only to increase the reliability of communications, but also to optimize energy consumption. The contribution of this paper is a cognitive lightweight strategy based on game theory and collaboration proposed to save energy consumption in Cognitive Wireless Sensor Networks (CWSNs). The proposed strategy takes advantage of the two main capabilities of CWSNs, the ability to adapt communication parameters, specifically channel allocation, and collaboration among devices. The decision making is modeled through a light noncooperative game designed for low resources networks. Despite the fact that the game used is a noncooperative game, the decision process takes advantage of the collaboration among CWSN nodes in a distributed way. Simulations over Castalia Simulator have been carried out in order to validate the strategy in different scenarios with different interference schemes showing increases in energy savings around 50% depending on the scenario.
Dynamics of synchronization for four hydraulic motors in a vibrating pile driver system
Authors: He Bin , Zhao Chunyu , Wang Haiyang , Chang Xuede , Wen Bangchun
Published: August 2016

This article proposes a self-synchronous vibrating mechanism with four unbalanced rotors driven by four hydraulic motors mounted symmetrically on two coaxial rotating beams. Analytical expressions of the steady-state response for the multi-body vibrating system are deduced. The dimensionless coupling equations of the four unbalanced rotors are derived by virtue of the averaging method of modified small parameters. The synchronization and stability criteria are deduced using the existence and stability of the zero solution for the dimensionless coupling equations of the four unbalanced rotors. The coefficients of synchronization ability are defined. By numeric analysis, effect of the dynamic parameters on the characteristics of coupling dynamics for the unbalanced rotors is discussed to determine dynamic parameter intervals of synchronization stability. Computer simulations are carried out to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Quit rates at 6 months in a pharmacist-led smoking cessation service in Malaysia
Authors: Fai Sui Chee , Yen Gan Kim , Malik Nurdiyana
Published: August 2016

Background:

Smoking cessation clinics have been established in Malaysia since 2004, but wide variations in success rates have been observed. This study aimed to evaluate the proposed pharmacist-led Integrated Quit Smoking Service (IQSS) in Sabah, Malaysia, and identify factors associated with successful smoking cessation.

Methods:

Data from 176 participants were collected from one of the quit-smoking centres in Sabah, Malaysia. Pharmacists, doctors and nurses were involved throughout the study. Any health care provider can refer patients for smoking cessation, and free pharmacotherapy and counselling was provided during the cessation period for up to 3 months. Information on demographic characteristics, smoking behaviours, follow-up and pharmacotherapy were collected. The main outcome measure was the abstinence from smoking, which was verified through carbon monoxide in expired air during the 6-month follow-up.

Results:

A 42.6% success rate was achieved in IQSS. Smoking behaviour such as lower cigarette intake and lower Fagerström score were identified as factors associated with success. On top of that, a longer duration of follow-up and more frequent visits were significantly associated with success in quitting smoking.

Conclusion:

Collaboration among health care practitioners should be the main focus, and we need a combination of proven effective modalities in order to create an ideal smoking cessation module.
Data transmission reliability evaluation of a stochastic computer network through minimal paths with a retransmission mechanism
Authors: Lin Yi-Kuei , Pan Chih-Li
Published: August 2016

Multipath Transmission Control Protocol is a new networking protocol which can allow data transmission and retransmission across multiple minimal paths. It can reduce data transmission time and ensure data integrity. In computer networks, the capacity of each arc should be considered as stochastic because there are different situations such as failures, partial failures, and maintenance. This article focuses on a stochastic retransmission flow network to evaluate data transmission reliability that the data can be transmitted successfully through multiple minimal paths within transmission time threshold. We first propose an algorithm to generate all minimal capacity vectors satisfying both constraints and requirements and to obtain data transmission reliability. A numerical example and a large-scale case study of the Pan-European Research and Education Network are presented to illustrate the algorithm.
Blood Pressure Screening, Control, and Treatment for Patients With Developmental Disabilities in General Medicine Practices
Authors: Erickson Steven R. , Kornexl Kayla
Published: August 2016

Background: Little is known about the adequacy of screening for and treatment of hypertension for people with developmental disabilities (DD). Pharmacists may assist in identifying and treating this special patient population. Objective: To characterize and compare the screening, treatment, and control of blood pressure (BP) in patients with DD to patients without DD. Methods: This retrospective study identified adult patients of primary care practices within a large academic health system who had DD (DD group) and a comparator group without DD (GenMed group). Outcomes assessed included percentage of patients screened, mean BP, percentage of patients with controlled BP, and antihypertensive medications prescribed. Results: The DD (n = 183) and GenMed groups (n = 497) were nearly all screened for BP. Mean systolic BP was significantly lower in the DD group (119.9 ± 14.6 mm Hg vs 122.8 ± 15.4 mm Hg GenMed, P = .03), while diastolic BP was no different ( P = .7). Stroke was documented significantly more often in the DD group (5.5% vs 1.4%, P = .005). Of patients with uncontrolled BP, the DD group had significantly higher systolic BP (155.8 ± 14.1 mm Hg vs 147.4 ± 9.5 mm Hg GenMed, P = .02). Hypertension was documented in 32% of DD group versus 38.5% of GenMed group, P = .15. Of this group, 88.1% of the DD group had controlled BP versus 78.0% of the GenMed group, P = .09. Antihypertensive prescribing was not different between the groups. Conclusion: DD group patients had similar outcomes for hypertension therapy compared to patients without DD. Those with uncontrolled BP in the DD group tended to have higher systolic BP. Significantly more DD patients had a history of stroke.
Control of GVHD by regulatory T cells depends on TNF produced by T cells and TNFR2 expressed by regulatory T cells
Authors: Leclerc Mathieu , Naserian Sina , Pilon Caroline , Thiolat Allan , Martin Gaëlle H. , Pouchy Charlotte , Dominique Claude , Belkacemi Yazid , Charlotte Frédéric , Maury Sébastien , Salomon Benoit L. , Cohen José L.
Published: August 2016

Key Points

In vivo Treg effect depends on TNFα produced by T cells. TNF/TNFR2 interaction represents a novel immune checkpoint therapy to modulate alloreactivity after allo-HCT.
PREPARATION OF MANUSCRIPTS FOR PUBLICATION IN GEOPHYSICS
Authors: NETTLETON* L. L.
Published: August 2016

This paper is prepared to aid authors submitting material to Geophysics so that a larger proportion of the manuscripts, as received by the Editor, may be in suitable form for publication. Particular attention has been given to the preparation of material for illustrations, and diagrams are included which will indicate whether or not a given drawing or map will produce a satisfactory illustration when reduced to the limits of the printed page. Lt.bile prepared eq)ecially for Geophysics, the same general considerations apply to the preparation of manuscript and illustrations for other technical journals.
Intellectual Outcome in Molecular Subgroups of Medulloblastoma
Authors: Moxon-Emre Iska , Taylor Michael D. , Bouffet Eric , Hardy Kristina , Campen Cynthia J. , Malkin David , Hawkins Cynthia , Laperriere Normand , Ramaswamy Vijay , Bartels Ute , Scantlebury Nadia , Janzen Laura , Law Nicole , Walsh Karin S. , Mabbott Donald J.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To evaluate intellectual functioning and the implications of limiting radiation exposure in the four biologically distinct subgroups of medulloblastoma: wingless (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4.

Patients and Methods

A total of 121 patients with medulloblastoma (n = 51, Group 4; n = 25, Group 3; n = 28, SHH; and n = 17, WNT), who were treated between 1991 and 2013 at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Children’s National Health System (Washington, DC), or the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital (Palo Alto, CA), had intellectual assessments. First, we compared intellectual trajectories between subgroups. Next, we evaluated the effect of treatment with reduced-dose craniospinal irradiation (CSI) plus a tumor bed boost versus treatments that deliver higher CSI doses and/or larger boost volumes to the brain (all other treatments) within subgroups. Linear mixed modeling was used to determine the stability or change in intelligence scores over time.

Results

Intellectual outcomes declined comparably in each subgroup except for processing speed; SHH declined less than Group 3 ( P = .04). SHH had the lowest incidence of cerebellar mutism and motor deficits. Treatment with reduced-dose CSI plus a tumor bed boost was associated with preserved intellectual functioning in WNT and Group 4 patients considered together (ie, subgroups containing patients who are candidates for therapy de-escalation), and not in Group 3 or SHH. Across all subgroups, patients in the all other treatments group declined over time (all P < .05).

Conclusion

SHH patients appear to have the most distinct functional (ie, motor deficits and mutism) outcomes and a unique processing speed trajectory. Only WNT and Group 4 patients seem to benefit from limiting radiation exposure. Our findings highlight the value of conducting subgroup-specific analyses, and can be used to inform novel biologically based treatment protocols for patients with medulloblastoma.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Gefitinib With and Without Pemetrexed as First-Line Therapy in Patients With Advanced Nonsquamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Activating Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations
Authors: Cheng Ying , Murakami Haruyasu , Yang Pan-Chyr , He Jianxing , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Kang Jin Hyoung , Kim Joo-Hang , Wang Xin , Enatsu Sotaro , Puri Tarun , Orlando Mauro , Yang James Chih-Hsin
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To determine whether the addition of pemetrexed to gefitinib (P+G) provides clinical benefit, compared with gefitinib monotherapy, in patients with advanced nonsquamous (NS) non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.

Patients and Methods

Chemotherapy-naïve for advanced NSCLC patients from China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan (35 sites) with advanced, EGFR-mutant, NS NSCLC were randomly assigned (2:1; computer-generated, interactive voice response) to open-label pemetrexed (500 mg/m2 on day 1 of every 21-day cycle) plus gefitinib (250 mg/d [n = 129]) or gefitinib alone (n = 66). The primary end point was progression-free-survival (PFS); secondary end points were time to progressive disease, overall survival, tumor response rates, duration of response, and safety. All end points were assessed in the intent-to-treat and safety population (P+G, n = 126; gefitinib alone, n = 65).

Results

PFS was significantly longer with P+G (median, 15.8 months; 95% CI, 12.6 to 18.3 months) than with gefitinib (median, 10.9 months; 95% CI, 9.7 to 13.8 months; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.96; one-sided P = .014; two-sided P = .029). Results of EGFR exon 19 deletion and EGFR exon 21 L858R point mutation subgroup analyses were consistent with the intent-to-treat result. P+G, compared with gefitinib alone, resulted in significantly longer time to progressive disease (median, 16.2 v 10.9 months, respectively; HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.93) and numerically longer duration of response (median, 15.4 v 11.3 months, respectively; HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.08). Tumor response rates did not differ. Overall survival data are immature. Drug-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events were more common with P+G, but toxicities were manageable.

Conclusion

P+G improved PFS compared with gefitinib alone in East Asian patients with advanced NS NSCLC and activating EGFR mutations. This combination may offer EGFR mutation–positive patients new treatment options and improved clinical outcomes compared with the current standard of care.
Intracellular targeting with engineered proteins
Authors: Miersch Shane , Sidhu Sachdev S.
Published: August 2016

If the isolation, production, and clinical use of insulin marked the inception of the age of biologics as therapeutics, the convergence of molecular biology and combinatorial engineering techniques marked its coming of age. The first wave of recombinant protein-based drugs in the 1980s demonstrated emphatically that proteins could be engineered, formulated, and employed for clinical advantage. Yet despite the successes of protein-based drugs such as antibodies, enzymes, and cytokines, the druggable target space for biologics is currently restricted to targets outside the cell. Insofar as estimates place the number of proteins either secreted or with extracellular domains in the range of 8000 to 9000, this represents only one-third of the proteome and circumscribes the pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. Clearly, a major objective for this field to reach maturity is to access, interrogate, and modulate the majority of proteins found inside the cell. However, owing to the large size, complex architecture, and general cellular impermeability of existing protein-based drugs, this poses a daunting challenge. In recent years, though, advances on the two related fronts of protein engineering and drug delivery are beginning to bring this goal within reach. First, prompted by the restrictions that limit the applicability of antibodies, intense efforts have been applied to identifying and engineering smaller alternative protein scaffolds for the modulation of intracellular targets. In parallel, innovative solutions for delivering proteins to the intracellular space while maintaining their stability and functional activity have begun to yield successes. This review provides an overview of bioactive intrabodies and alternative protein scaffolds amenable to engineering for intracellular targeting and also outlines advances in protein engineering and formulation for delivery of functional proteins to the interior of the cell to achieve therapeutic action.
The Multifaceted Nature of Competitive Response: Repositioning and New Product Launch as Joint Response to Competition
Authors: Wang Richard D. , Shaver J. Myles
Published: August 2016

The literature abounds with theories on firms’ response to competition, highlighting various response strategies. Although firms likely use combinations of these response strategies in practice, there is little attention to this in the literature. We investigate how firms coordinate two closely related strategies—product repositioning and new product launch. Our approach is to empirically document how firms use these strategies in response to moves by a dominant competitor, in order to provide insight and ground future theoretical development. Using data from the Chinese TV industry, we: (a) document that in most cases, firms respond to competitive approaches by simultaneously changing their position and product launch strategies; (b) interpret the nuanced response strategies that reflect the different combinations of repositioning and changes in product launch; and (c) assess which types of firms are more likely to choose these nuanced response strategies. We discuss how our findings can advance theory development of firms’ responses to competition.
Ethics, end of life and end of a life
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: August 2016

‘End of life’ and ‘end of a life’ are two different concepts, although there are a number of overlaps between the two. Many healthcare assistants (HCAs) are likely to encounter and work with patients who are approaching or are at the end of their lives, whenever it occurs, and their families. Therefore, HCAs and nurses are likely to encounter and work through ethical questions regarding end of life and end of a life. This article seeks to highlight a number of these issues.
Radial nerve palsy
Authors: Bumbasirevic Marko , Palibrk Tomislav , Lesic Aleksandar , Atkinson Henry DE
Published: August 2016

As a result of its proximity to the humeral shaft, as well as its long and tortuous course, the radial nerve is the most frequently injured major nerve in the upper limb, with its close proximity to the bone making it vulnerable when fractures occur. Injury is most frequently sustained during humeral fracture and gunshot injuries, but iatrogenic injuries are not unusual following surgical treatment of various other pathologies. Treatment is usually non-operative, but surgery is sometimes necessary, using a variety of often imaginative procedures. Because radial nerve injuries are the least debilitating of the upper limb nerve injuries, results are usually satisfactory. Conservative treatment certainly has a role, and one of the most important aspects of this treatment is to maintain a full passive range of motion in all the affected joints. Surgical treatment is indicated in cases when nerve transection is obvious, as in open injuries or when there is no clinical improvement after a period of conservative treatment. Different techniques are used including direct suture or nerve grafting, vascularised nerve grafts, direct nerve transfer, tendon transfer, functional muscle transfer or the promising, newer treatment of biological therapy.

Cite this article: Bumbasirevic M, Palibrk T, Lesic A, Atkinson HDE. Radial nerve palsy. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:286-294. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000028.
Partially Filled Vials and Syringes in Sharps; Containers are a Key Source of Drugs for Diversion; ISMP Targeted Medication Safety Best Practice #9; are Patients who are Allergic to Antibiotics at; Risk for Reactions to Vaccine Ingredients?
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: August 2016

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Utilization of Pharmaceutical Patient and Prescription Assistance Programs via a Pharmacy Department Patient Assistance Program for Indigent Cancer Patients
Authors: Gao Limin , Joseph Jivin , Santoro-Levy Marcelle , Multz Alan S. , Gotlieb Vladimir K.
Published: August 2016

Background

With the advances in cancer treatments, mortality rates in the United States have been consistently falling but they are accompanied by substantial increases in the cost of cancer care. Patient and prescription assistance programs (PPAPs) are offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide free medications to medically indigent patients. To assist the Cancer Care Center (CCC) at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) with drug costs for chemotherapies, the pharmacy department uses a patient assistance program (PAP) to obtain medications from the drug companies at no cost.

Purpose

This study evaluates the impact of the PAP at a public hospital from which indigent cancer patients obtain assistance for chemotherapy.

Methods

We followed all patients requiring assistance with chemotherapy who enrolled in the PAP from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012. Medications included both oral and parenteral chemotherapy drugs and antiemetics used in the outpatient clinic setting.

Results

The program served 347 patients in 2011 and 579 patients in 2012. The total number of visits in the clinic over 24 months was 9,405. The total cost savings of the medications was $1,066,000 in 2011 and $1,715,538 in 2012.

Conclusions

A pharmacy-based PAP to procure free medications from PPAPs for cancer patients has helped to defray the expense of providing care at NUMC, increased patients' compliance with chemo protocols, and allowed many patients to receive the treatment they otherwise would not be able to afford. The combination of PPAPs and PAP provides a safety net to ensure that indigent cancer patients receive needed prescription medications in the outpatient clinic setting.
Big Data: Implications for Health System Pharmacy
Authors: Stokes Laura B. , Rogers Joseph W. , Hertig John B. , Weber Robert J.
Published: August 2016

Big Data refers to datasets that are so large and complex that traditional methods and hardware for collecting, sharing, and analyzing them are not possible. Big Data that is accurate leads to more confident decision making, improved operational efficiency, and reduced costs. The rapid growth of health care information results in Big Data around health services, treatments, and outcomes, and Big Data can be used to analyze the benefit of health system pharmacy services. The goal of this article is to provide a perspective on how Big Data can be applied to health system pharmacy. It will define Big Data, describe the impact of Big Data on population health, review specific implications of Big Data in health system pharmacy, and describe an approach for pharmacy leaders to effectively use Big Data. A few strategies involved in managing Big Data in health system pharmacy include identifying potential opportunities for Big Data, prioritizing those opportunities, protecting privacy concerns, promoting data transparency, and communicating outcomes. As health care information expands in its content and becomes more integrated, Big Data can enhance the development of patient-centered pharmacy services.
Clinical and Business Intelligence: Why It's Important to Your Pharmacy
Authors: Pinto Brian , Fox Brent I.
Published: August 2016

According to the Healthcare Information Management and Systems Society, “Clinical & Business Intelligence (C&BI) is the use and analysis of data captured in the healthcare setting to directly inform decision-making” ( http://www.himss.org/library/clinical-business-intelligence ). Some say that it is the right information given to the right person at the right time in the right way. No matter how you define it, the fact remains that timely access, synthesis, and visualization of clinical data have become key to how health professionals make patient care decisions and improve care delivery.
Reviews
Authors: Marques Ana Paula , Rezola Maria Inácia
Published: August 2016

Sociology of Professions: Continental and Anglo-Saxon Traditions, L. G. Svensson and J. Evetts (eds) (2010) Gothenburg: Diadalos, pp. 209, ISBN: 9789171733160

A Hora Da Liberdade: O 25 De Abril, Pelos Protagonistas/The Hour of Liberty: 25 April by its Protagonists, J. Pontes, R. S. Castro and A. Afonso (2012) Lisbon: Bizâncio, pp. 496, ISBN: 9789725305041, €15.30
Desire under the tribe in Nuruddin Farah’s A Naked Needle and Ken N. Kamoche’s “Secondhand Wife”
Authors: Ben Meriem Helmi
Published: August 2016

This paper will address the notion of desire in Ken N. Kamoche’s “Secondhand Wife” and Nuruddin Farah’s A Naked Needle; it will be centered on the idea of men’s and women’s sexual desire as caught between being controlled and willing to be free. Desire will be studied as being controlled by the tribe in Kenya and Somalia, which channels men’s and women’s desire into pre-made forms. These channels of desire approved by the tribe are contested in Kenya and Somalia by both men and women. Desire is then situated between collective manipulation and individual freedom. On the one hand, desire will be linked to the idea of power relations that is desire as a tool to establish and support the power of the tribe. Desire is no longer a matter of natural instinct and feeling but that of a constructed dialectic of power. On the other hand, desire under the tribe is also about a refusal of the tribal control of desire and a yearn for liberating desire, which manifests itself in different manners such as the refusal of restrictions on marriage with non-Muslims in Somalia, the rejection of arranged marriage for both men and women, or prostitution as the body avenging itself through itself.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among adolescents in Malaysia
Authors: Chan Ying Ying , Lim Kuang Hock , Teh Chien Huey , Kee Chee Cheong , Ghazali Sumarni Mohd , Lim Kuang Kuay , Khoo Yi Yi , Tee Eng Ong , Ahmad Noor Ani , Ibrahim Normala
Published: August 2016

Background:

Suicidal ideation, defined as thoughts, ideas and the desire to commit suicide, is becoming a major public health problem among adolescents. Indeed, suicidal ideation is known as a key predictor of future suicide risk.

Objective:

This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among adolescents in Malaysia.

Methods:

This study used data from the 2013 Malaysian adolescent health risk behavior (MyAHRB) study, a cross-sectional school survey conducted in Peninsular Malaysia among school-going adolescents aged 16–17 years (n=2789). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among Malaysian adolescents.

Results:

The overall prevalence of suicidal ideation among the adolescents was 6.2%. The prevalence was significantly higher among females than males (7.6% vs. 4.7%; p=0.002). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that adolescents who were females [odds ratio (OR)=2.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–2.92] or of Indian ethnicity (OR=2.32; 95% CI: 1.35–3.98) were more likely to report suicidal ideation. Loneliness (OR=2.54; 95% CI: 1.57–4.11), anxiety or worry (OR=2.70; 95% CI: 1.70–4.31), no close friends (OR=2.71; 95% CI: 1.43–5.14), and lack of supportive peers (OR=1.69; 95% CI: 1.15–2.47) were identified as risk factors for adolescents’ suicidal ideation. Adolescents who ever had sexual intercourse (OR=2.70; 95% CI: 1.48–4.92) and had been in a physical fight (OR=2.45; 95% CI: 1.62–3.70) were also reported to have higher risks of suicidal ideation.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence on risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among Malaysian adolescents. Targeted mental health and health risk behavioral interventions for high-risk adolescents are recommended.
Linking alternative food networks and urban food policy: a step forward in the transition towards a sustainable and equitable food system?
Authors: Matacena Raffaele
Published: August 2016

Seen as a response to the incumbent crisis affecting the food system, alternative food networks are a promising link of a new food chain, founded on a sustainable paradigm. Their activities aim at realizing a process of ‘re-localization’ and ‘re-socialization’ of food production-distribution-consumption practices, holding a prospect for the construction of a more environmentally sound, socially just and economically sustainable local food system. In order to provide such benefits, though, a host of regulatory constraints and logistical and operational barriers have to be overcome. In this paper we argue that a potentially effective force supporting the development of alternative food networks is detectable in the rapidly diffusing trend constituted by the adoption, by local governments, of a set of urban food policies integrating food issues into the many spheres of urban regulation. Such policy effort may help to coordinate public intervention with the purpose of setting the ground for a healthy local/regional food system, and provide alternative food networks with stronger connections, political capital and legitimization.
Accessible Robots for Improving Social Skills of Individuals with Autism
Authors: Tennyson Matthew F. , Kuester Deitra A. , Casteel John , Nikolopoulos Christos
Published: August 2016

This paper reports on an ongoing project between members of the computer science and special education departments of Bradley University and Murray State University, detailing the robotic platforms developed and investigated as a potential tool to improve social interactions among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Development of a fourth generation robotic agent is described, which uses economically available robotic platforms (Lego NXT) as Socially Assistive Robotics (SAR), combined with direct instruction pedagogy and social scripts to support an alternative educational approach to teaching social behavior. Specifically, in this fourth generation, changes to the physical design of the robots were made to improve the maintainability, reliability, maneuverability, and aesthetics of the robots. The software architecture was designed for modularity, configurability, and reusability of the software.
Embending Sustainability Dynamics in the Lean Construction Supply Chain Management
Authors: Sertyesilisik Begum
Published: August 2016

The world’s habitat is being deteriorated despite of the precautions taken. Construction industry is among the industries which highly effect the environment adversely not only through its outputs but also through the construction process and its inputs. The main focus in dealing with the reduction of its footprint has been on sustainable building certificates which mainly analyse the output of the construction activies. There is need to analyse the construction supply chain as a whole and to embed sustainability dynamics in construction supply chain management. Lean construction project management contributes to the reduction of the environmental footprint of the construction industry, enabling reduction in waste, and increasing value added activities. For this reason, based on an in depth literature review, this paper analyses and establishes the principles of the integration of the sustainability dynamics into lean construction supply chain management.
Can APACHE II, SOFA, ISS, and RTS Severity Scores be Used to Predict Septic Complications in Multiple Trauma Patients?
Authors: Trancă Sebastian , Petrișor Cristina , Hagău Natalia , Ciuce Constantin
Published: August 2016

Background: Physiological composite scores are used to predict mortality in multiple trauma patients. Sepsis is the leading cause of late mortality in trauma victims brought about by immune suppression due to homeostasis dysregulation.

Objective: To determine whether APACHE II, SOFA, ISS and RTS scores can predict the occurrence of sepsis in multiple trauma patients.

Methods: APACHE II, SOFA, ISS, and RTS scores were calculated during the first twenty-four hours after the injury for sixty-four adult poly-traumatic patients. The occurrence of infectious complications was investigated over a fourteenday period. The infection-free rates for the multiple trauma patients were considered as end-points in the Kaplan- Meier plot analysis.

Results: For SOFA, a cutoff score of 4 points was identified as a predictor of the occurrence of sepsis, with 89% of the patients with SOFA<4 being infection-free, while 37% of those with SOFA>4 were infection-free (p<0.01). None of the patients with APACHE II≤5 points developed infections. Eighty-four percent of patients with APACHE II scores of 5-10 did not develop sepsis, while 49% with APACHE II≥11 were infection-free (p<0.01). A cutoff of 7 points was found to be most discriminative for RTS. Eighty-eight percent of the patients with RTS≥7 and 43% of those with RTS<7 were infection-free (p<0.01). Eighty-eight percent of patients with ISS<22 did not develop sepsis and 56% with ISS≥22 did not develop sepsis (p<0.01).

Conclusion: APACHE II, SOFA, ISS, and RTS functional severity scores can predict mortality as well as the occurrence of sepsis in multiple trauma patients.
Nosocomial Staphylococcal Toxic Shock. Case Report
Authors: Arbune Manuela , Tercu Loredana
Published: August 2016

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a rare, potentially lethal infection, with a clinical picture of multiple organ dysfunction and shock. The etiology is Staphylococcus aureus exotoxin, while enterotoxins act as superantigens. Most cases are identified in women using a vaginal tampon. A 51-year-old female, with a past medical history of biliary dyskinesia, presented in the emergency room complaining of sudden onset of abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, myalgia, and chills. The initial diagnosis was biliary colic and was treated parenterally with Amoxi-clavulanate and fluid replacement. Initially, progress was unsatisfactory. Four days after admission she developed a systemic inflammatory syndrome, diffuse rash, jaundice, oliguria, confusion, persistent hypotension and biological evidence of thrombocytopenia, nitrogen retention, and cholestasis. She was admitted to the intensive care unit. A gluteal phlegmon induced after intramuscular injections was identified and surgically treated. Blood bacteriological cultures were negative, though MRSA was isolated in phlegmon pus. A diagnosis of STSS was based on CDC criteria.

The risks of similar infections could be prevented by limiting intramuscular treatments and monitoring invasive procedures.
HR strategy – necessity or fad for business sustainability?
Authors: Ghinea Valentina Mihaela , Moroianu Mădălina
Published: August 2016

The present paper pleads for the awareness of HR strategy importance, in terms of proper design and implementation, as they definitely could impede or sustain the development of an organization. By making use of G.VALI, the model of organizational culture dynamics, we look for revealing the impact that (non-)existence of HR strategy, its alignment and coherence could have on the organization success. As proven by human experience, all types of strategies could work and be effective in certain conditions. Even more, no one can say that one strategy is better than other. However, in the same way, there is no guarantee of some strategies success. In this light, the difference lays in the handy and clever interlock of the country specific advantages and firm (-tobe) specific advantages. For achieving this specific aim, vertical (alignment) and horizontal (coherence) integration of each functional strategy must be ensured.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[dichlorido-(μ2-4-(pyridin-4-yl)-isophthalate-κ2
O, O′)cadmium(II)] monohydrate, C13H11NO5Cl2Cd
Authors: Li Shi-Hui , Zheng Min
Published: August 2016

C13H11N1O5Cl2Cd, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 8.036(4) Å, b = 7.113(3) Å, c = 13.556(6) Å, β = 104.725(5)°, V = 749.5(6) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0220, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0562, T = 296(2) K.
Relations between Parenting Stress, Attachment, and Life Satisfaction in Mothers of Adolescent Children
Authors: Lubiewska Katarzyna , Derbis Romuald
Published: August 2016

Causal relations between parenting stress, attachment, and life satisfaction tested in previous studies are multidirectional, even though grounded in respective theories. Additionally, relations between them are dependent on multiple factors viable to act as potential confounders. We set out to analyze the relation between parenting stress of mothers and their life satisfaction as mediated through their general attachment orientations treated as personal resources hypothesized to act as the filter toward their parenting experiences. Three questions were asked: Is the parenting stress-life satisfaction link mediated through attachment? Does the mediation mechanism differ when attachment dimensions of avoidance and anxiety are analyzed? Is the mediation effect sensitive to potential confounding factors? Data from 575 mothers of adolescents were collected using self-reports. Results revealed that parenting stress-life satisfaction relation is partially mediated through attachment, and that the mediation mechanism is different when anxious or avoidant attachment dimensions are analyzed. Sensitivity analysis revealed that mediation models are sensitive to potentially confounding factors. Trying to tackle potential confounders, we tested economic status and the number of children the mother ever had. None of them had enough power to decrease mediation effects. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical and practical implications, causality, and recommendations for further research.
The Effect of Cocoa Beans Heavy and Trace Elements on Safety and Stability of Confectionery Products
Authors: Vītola Vineta , Ciproviča Inga
Published: August 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate cocoa beans quality produced in Cameroon, Ecuador, Nigeria and Ghana from safety position determining heavy and trace metals concentration and evaluating the oxidative stability of confectionery products prototypes (trials) with analysing cocoa beans. For evaluation of oxidative stability of confectionery products, the main ingredients - butter and cocoa beans kernels were tested making trials as milk chocolate prototype.

The composition of confectionery ingredients affects quality of products; therefore it is very important to evaluate quality of raw materials in confectionery industry, as they are purchased practically in all regions of the world. Mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium concentration was determined in whole cocoa beans as their presence in foods have toxic effect on human beings and their concentration are strictly limited as maximum residue limits for processing. Cocoa shells can be used as additive to confectionery products recipes therefore the object of the study was cocoa beans and cocoa shells.

Analyzing cocoa beans quality indices there was established that lead, cadmium, aluminium and zinc concentrations vary in cocoa beans significantly. Differences in lead concentration in cocoa beans from Ghana, Cameroon and Ecuador were significant (p < 0.05) compared with concentration of lead in cocoa beans from Nigeria (p > 0.05). Cadmium concentration in cocoa beans from Cameroon was significantly different comparing with cocoa beans from Nigeria, Ecuador and Ghana (p > 0.05). Differences in aluminium concentration in cocoa beans kernels were significant (p < 0.05) in all analyzed samples. Concentration of zinc was higher in shells of cocoa beans, especially in shells of cocoa beans from Ecuador (p < 0.05). The presence of cocoa products in milk chocolate prototypes inhibited the speed of lipid peroxidation. The different trace and heavy metals concentrations in cocoa beans should be taken into account choosing ingredients and components for confectionary products production particularly those with high content of cocoa (chocolates, sweets, cocoa fillings, cocoa creams and others) with the aim to prevent oxidation process during shelf-life of products.
View of Electronic Participation and its Application in the Present Conditions of Democracy
Authors: Kollár Vojtech , Gasperová Jana , Poliak Peter
Published: August 2016

Recently we have witnessed declining confidence of citizens in public authorities in developed countries. The paper provides an insight into the tools of e-democracy as a critical component of a developed democracy. We claim that one of the possible reasons for the loss of confidence of the citizens is that the traditional mechanisms of democracy do not often comply with the decision of those who govern. Only the citizens who show interest by watching and following current events, and who know where to look for this information, get to the final output in the form of regulations, decrees, laws, etc. Publication of the outcomes of public administration and governance on their web sites enables to keep track of the news and at the same time, creates a space for the development of the active participation of citizens in the management of public affairs with a feedback.
Diversity in Board of Directors: Review of Diversity as a Factor to Enhance Board Performance
Authors: Pechersky Alexander
Published: August 2016

In light of growing corporate influence in the business world and thus increasing further need to improve framework of corporate governance for shareholders’ protection, diversity is examined as a necessary factor to enhance monitoring and leadership functions of board of directors. This article analyses empirical studies with samples on various countries in order to examine effect of board composition and diversity on primary responsibilities of Board of Directors. Author is providing theoretical overview of diversity benefits and practical perspective of gender, qualifications, and background diversity in board performance. Our results show an added value of gender diversity to company performance in social and healthcare industries. Furthermore, author shows a rather negative effect of gender quotas. This study sheds a light on empirical researches and a need to include additional cultural factors called country readiness factors.
Current Distribution of the Introduced Rock Lizards of the Darevskia (Saxicola) Complex (Sauria, Lacertidae, Darevskia) in Zhytomyr Region (Ukraine)
Authors: Nekrasova O. D. , Kostiushyn V. A.
Published: August 2016

In the autumn of 2015 current distribution of the lizards of Darevskia (saxicola) complex, introduced in 1960s in Zhytomyr administrative region of Ukraine was studied. During the period from introduction until now Darevskia (saxicola) complex has spread along the left bank of the Teteriv River on the territory about 3.7 km lengths. Beside this was found an isolated population of this species, which located about at 4 km direct distance or 8.5 km shore line distance from the main area of occurring this species. It is supposed that this secondary introduction took place occasionally or intentionally due to holidaymakers (e. g. climbers, fishermen). The publication provides description of the lizards on 15 morphological characteristics and information on the results of spatial modeling potential distribution the rock lizards.
One of Thousands
Authors: Tamai Lily Anne Y. Welty
Published: August 2016

This article explores the lessons communicated by a museum exhibition of an oral history, artifacts, and photographs taken by Susumu “Sus” Ito, a Japanese American soldier of the 442nd combat unit in World War II: decentering whiteness, humanizing wartime experience, exploring inter-generational tensions, and resisting presentist assumptions.