bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound K Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Human Liver Cancer Cells by Regulating STAT3
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhang Silin , Sun Qitong , Jiao Wenjun , Yan Yan , Zhang Xuewu
Published: June 2018

The ginsenoside compound K (20-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol; CK) is an intestinal bacterial metabolite of ginseng protopanaxadiol saponin that has been reported to induce apoptosis in many cancer cells; however, the precise mechanisms of its activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that CK inhibited the growth and colony formation of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, phenotypes that were mediated by inducing apoptosis. Meanwhile, CK showed lower toxicity in normal hepatoma cells. After treating HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells with CK, p-STAT3 levels decreased, the three branches of the unfolded protein response were activated, and levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins were increased. We also revealed that CK decreased the DNA-binding capacity of STAT3. Moreover, silencing STAT3 with CRISPR/Cas9 technology enhanced CK-induced ERS and apoptosis. Finally, we showed that CK inhibited the growth of liver cancer xenografts with little toxicity. Mice bearing human HCC xenografts that were treated with CK showed increased GRP78 expression and decreased p-STAT3 levels. Taken together, these data showed that CK induced ERS and apoptosis by inhibiting p-STAT3 in human liver cancer cells; thus, CK might be a potential therapeutic candidate for human HCC.
Fatty Acid-Stimulated Insulin Secretion vs. Lipotoxicity
Authors: Ježek Petr , Jabůrek Martin , Holendová Blanka , Plecitá-Hlavatá Lydie
Published: June 2018

Fatty acid (FA)-stimulated insulin secretion (FASIS) is reviewed here in contrast to type 2 diabetes etiology, resulting from FA overload, oxidative stress, intermediate hyperinsulinemia, and inflammation, all converging into insulin resistance. Focusing on pancreatic islet β-cells, we compare the physiological FA roles with the pathological ones. Considering FAs not as mere amplifiers of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), but as parallel insulin granule exocytosis inductors, partly independent of the KATP channel closure, we describe the FA initiating roles in the prediabetic state that is induced by retardations in the glycerol-3-phosphate (glucose)-promoted glycerol/FA cycle and by the impaired GPR40/FFA1 (free FA1) receptor pathway, specifically in its amplification by the redox-activated mitochondrial phospholipase, iPLA2γ. Also, excessive dietary FAs stimulate intestine enterocyte incretin secretion, further elevating GSIS, even at low glucose levels, thus contributing to diabetic hyperinsulinemia. With overnutrition and obesity, the FA overload causes impaired GSIS by metabolic dysbalance, paralleled by oxidative and metabolic stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and numerous pro-apoptotic signaling, all leading to decreased β-cell survival. Lipotoxicity is exerted by saturated FAs, whereas ω-3 polyunsaturated FAs frequently exert antilipotoxic effects. FA-facilitated inflammation upon the recruitment of excess M1 macrophages into islets (over resolving M2 type), amplified by cytokine and chemokine secretion by β-cells, leads to an inevitable failure of pancreatic β-cells.
MIL-100(Al) Gels as an Excellent Platform Loaded with Doxorubicin Hydrochloride for pH-Triggered Drug Release and Anticancer Effect
Authors: Feng Yuge , Wang Chengliang , Ke Fei , Zang Jianye , Zhu Junfa
Published: June 2018

Slow and controlled release systems for drugs have attracted increasing interest recently. A highly efficient metal-organic gel (MOGs) drug delivery carrier, i.e., MIL-100(Al) gel, has been fabricated by a facile, low cost, and environmentally friendly one-pot process. The unique structure of MIL-100(Al) gels has led to a high loading efficiency (620 mg/g) towards doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) as a kind of anticancer drug. DOX-loaded MOGs exhibited high stability under physiological conditions and sustained release capacity of DOX for up to three days (under acidic environments). They further showed sustained drug release behavior and excellent antitumor effects in in vitro experiments on HeLa cells, in contrast with the extremely low biotoxicity of MOGs. Our work provides a promising way for anticancer therapy by utilizing this MOGs-based drug delivery system as an efficient and safe vehicle.
Developmental Biology and Induction of Phi Thickenings by Abiotic Stress in Roots of the Brassicaceae
Authors: Aleamotu’a Maketalena , Tai Yu-Ting , McCurdy David W. , Collings David A.
Published: June 2018

Phi thickenings are specialized bands of secondary wall deposited around radial walls of root cortical cells. These structures have been reported in various species from the Brassicaceae, including Brassica oleracea, where previous reports using hydroponics indicated that they can be induced by exposure to salt. Using roots grown on agar plates, we show that both salt and sucrose can induce the formation of phi thickenings in a diverse range of species within the Brassicaceae. Within the genus Brassica, both B. oleracea and B. napus demonstrated the formation of phi thickenings, but in a strongly cultivar-specific manner. Confocal microscopy of phi thickenings showed that they form a complex network of reinforcement surrounding the inner root cortex, and that a delicate, reticulate network of secondary wall deposition can also variously form on the inner face of the cortical cell layer with phi thickenings adjacent to the endodermal layer. Results presented here indicate that phi thickenings can be induced in response to salt and water stress and that wide variation occurs in these responses even within the same species.
GNSS Code Multipath Mitigation by Cascading Measurement Monitoring Techniques
Authors: Pirsiavash Ali , Broumandan Ali , Lachapelle Gérard , O’Keefe Kyle
Published: June 2018

Various measurement monitoring techniques are investigated to mitigate the effect of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) code multipath through error correction, stochastic weighting of measurements and detection and exclusion (or de-weighting) of affected measurements. Following a comprehensive review of each approach, the paper focuses on detection/exclusion and detection/de-weighting techniques where several single and dual-frequency monitoring metrics are employed in a combination with time-averaging and the M of N detection strategy. A new Geometry-Free (GF) detection metric is proposed given its capability to be combined with a preceding Code-Minus-Carrier (CMC)-based error correction to reduce the number of excluded or de-weighted measurements and thus preserve the measurement geometry. Three geometry-based algorithms, namely measurement subset testing, consecutive exclusion and iterative change of measurement weights are investigated to address multipath scenarios with multiple simultaneously affected measurements. Experimental results are provided using GPS L1, L2C and L5 data collected in multipath environments for static and kinematic scenarios. For GPS L1, the proposed combined method shows more than 38% improvement over a conventional Carrier-to-Noise-density ratio (C/N0)-based Least-Squares (LS) solution in all but deep urban canyons. Lower performance was observed for L2C and L5 frequencies with a limited number of satellites in view.
Firm’s Environmental Expenditure, R&D Intensity, and Profitability
Authors: Kim Tae Hyung , Kim Bowon
Published: June 2018

In order to live up to its environmental responsibility, a firm makes an environmental expenditure to reduce its pollution emissions. Then, an important question is what impact the environmental expenditure has on the firm’s profitability. In this paper, we first propose and test a hypothesis that the more environmental expenditure the firm makes, the less profitability it enjoys, i.e., there is a negative relationship between the firm’s environmental expenditure and its profitability, more specifically its return on assets (ROA). We go further to suggest and test the second hypothesis that the more R&D-intensive the firm is, the lower the “negative impact” of the environmental expenditure on the firm’s profitability is, i.e., the firm’s R&D intensity moderates the negative relationship between firm’s environmental expenditure and its profitability. A significant implication is that since it has to spend money on reducing its pollution emission, the firm should also enhance its innovation capability. That is, by investing in its R&D, the firm can mitigate the negative impact of environmental expenditure on its profitability. In order to test the hypotheses, we collect financial data and carry out panel regression analyses. The analysis results support our hypotheses that there is a negative relationship between the firm’s environmental expenditure and its profitability and that the negative relationship is moderated by the firm’s R&D capability represented by its R&D intensity.
Effect of Marine Microorganisms on Limestone as an Approach for Calcareous Soil
Authors: Villarreal Sanchez Juan Antonio , Diaz Jimenez Lourdes , Escobedo Bocardo Jose Concepcion , Cardenas Palomo Jose Omar , Guerra Escamilla Nereida Elizabeth , Luna Alvarez Jesus Salvador
Published: June 2018

Calcareous soils generally have low levels of organic matter and nitrogen; they require modification to promote their support for agriculture production. Calcareous soils are commonly found in important agricultural areas throughout the world, mainly around the Mediterranean, America and Australia. In this study, we the isolated and identified different groups of microorganisms, from a product made from seaweed, in relation to their soil improvement properties. The objective was to use these microorganisms for the solubilization of specific soil elements and reduce their accumulation as a result of overfertilization. The isolated microorganisms were grown in specific culture media and were applied on limestone to determine their effect on mobility of Ca, Mg and K. Also, changes in soil properties such as pH, texture and density were evaluated. This study demonstrated that the treatments applied were able to modify the solubility of Ca, Mg and K, increasing it, in some cases, up to 3500%. In addition, an increase of organic matter close to 200% was observed. Both the group of molds and yeasts, and the group of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, modified the proportion of sand, silt and clay in the treated limestone. These results open possibilities for the widespread use of marine microorganisms on a large scale in the agricultural sector, since they improve the nutrient availability present in the soil.
Mass, Radius, and Composition of the Transiting Planet 55 Cnc e: Using Interferometry and Correlations
Authors: Crida Aurélien , Ligi Roxanne , Dorn Caroline , Lebreton Yveline
Published: June 2018

The characterization of exoplanets relies on that of their host star. However, stellar evolution models cannot always be used to derive the mass and radius of individual stars, because many stellar internal parameters are poorly constrained. Here, we use the probability density functions (PDFs) of directly measured parameters to derive the joint PDF of the stellar and planetary mass and radius. Because combining the density and radius of the star is our most reliable way of determining its mass, we find that the stellar (respectively planetary) mass and radius are strongly (respectively moderately) correlated. We then use a generalized Bayesian inference analysis to characterize the possible interiors of 55 Cnc e. We quantify how our ability to constrain the interior improves by accounting for correlation. The information content of the mass–radius correlation is also compared with refractory element abundance constraints. We provide posterior distributions for all interior parameters of interest. Given all available data, we find that the radius of the gaseous envelope is

. A stronger correlation between the planetary mass and radius (potentially provided by a better estimate of the transit depth) would significantly improve interior characterization and reduce drastically the uncertainty on the gas envelope properties.
The Progenitor Age and Mass of the Black Hole Formation Candidate N6946-BH1
Authors: Murphy Jeremiah W. , Khan Rubab , Williams Benjamin , Dolphin Andrew E. , Dalcanton Julianne , Díaz-Rodríguez Mariangelly
Published: June 2018

The failed supernova N6946-BH1 likely formed a black hole (BH); we age-date the surrounding population and infer an age and initial mass for the progenitor of this BH formation candidate. First, we use archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging to extract broadband photometry of the resolved stellar populations surrounding this event. Using this photometry, we fit stellar evolution models to the color–magnitude diagrams to measure the recent star formation history (SFH). Modeling the photometry requires an accurate distance; therefore, we measure the tip of the red giant branch and infer a distance modulus of 29.47 ± 0.079 to NGC 6946, or a metric distance of 7.83 ± 0.29 Mpc. To estimate the stellar population’s age, we convert the SFH and uncertainties into a probabilistic distribution for the progenitor’s age. The region in the immediate vicinity of N6946-BH1 exhibits the youngest and most vigorous star formation for several hundred pc. This suggests that the progenitor is not a runaway star. From these measurements, we infer an age for the BH progenitor of

Myr. Assuming that the progenitor evolved effectively as a single star, this corresponds to an initial mass of

M
⊙. Previous spectral energy distribution (SED) modeling of the progenitor suggests a mass of ∼27 M
⊙. Formally, the SED-derived mass falls within our narrowest 68% confidence interval; however, 91% of the probability distribution function we measure lies below that mass, putting some tension between the age and the direct-imaging results.
Des Indignés à Podemos : continuités et ruptures
Authors: Nez Héloïse
Published: June 2018

Lancé à peine trois ans après le « mouvement du 15 mai » (15-M) qui avait rempli les places espagnoles au printemps 2011, Podemos a souvent été présenté en France comme « le parti des Indignés ». Quelles relations peut-on repérer entre ce parti politique et le mouvement social qui l’a précédé ? Quels sont les éléments de continuité et de rupture ? Cet article montre que la filiation revendiquée et mise en scène par les fondateur.trice.s et militant.e.s de Podemos n’est que partielle : en se transformant en « machine de guerre électorale », le parti s’est largement éloigné des principes fondateurs du 15-M.
Peut-on parler d’un mouvement postcolonial en Espagne ?
Authors: Ravelli Quentin
Published: June 2018

Fortement présent.e.s au sein de la population immigrée en Espagne, les migrant.e.s latino-américain.e.s, et notamment équatorien.ne.s figurent parmi les premières victimes des prêts immobiliers à risque et, partant, des expulsions massives qui ont résulté de la crise débutée en 2008. Cible identifiée pour sa fragilité, puis soumise à un harcèlement spécifique par les banques espagnoles, ils et elles jouent un rôle décisif au sein des structures de défense des victimes des hypothèques comme la PAH ( Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca (PAH), ou « Plateforme des victimes du crédit hypothécaire »). Leurs parcours témoignent de formes de réactivation du passé colonial de l’Espagne en Amérique latine, imprimant à leur lutte une dimension postcoloniale, dont cet article propose une approche sociologique.
Has Euro-crisis law affected the power balance in national parliaments?
Authors: Fasone Cristina
Published: June 2018

L’article traite des récents changements qui ont affecté l’organisation interne de certains parlements nationaux suite à l’adoption et à la mise en œuvre du « droit de la crise de l’euro » qui regroupe l’ensemble des accords intergouvernementaux et les mesures de droit européen adoptées en réaction à la crise de la zone euro. L’article démontre que le droit européen de la crise – en particulier les accords intergouvernementaux, le Semestre européen et l’Union bancaire – ont consolidé, voire renforcé, l’avantage concurrentiel que les commissions des finances et du budget avaient déjà dans les parlements, tout en conduisant à un renforcement de la coopération entre ces commissions et les commissions des affaires européennes.
Les parlements nationaux
Authors: Fromage Diane
Published: June 2018

Les parlements nationaux sont longtemps restés écartés du processus d’intégration européenne. Suite à l’entrée en vigueur du traité de Lisbonne, suite à la crise économique et monétaire et suite à l’arrivée du président Juncker, on observe une importante intensification de leurs relations avec les institutions européennes. Se pose dès lors la question de savoir si les parlements sont devenus des acteurs de la gouvernance européenne à part entière. L’analyse présentée ici montre que les relations telles qu’elles existent à présent ne permettent pas de leur donner un tel statut, même s’ils sont indubitablement plus engagés dans ce domaine qu’ils ne l’étaient auparavant.
In the shadow of the treaties
Authors: Lupo Nicola
Published: June 2018

Cette contribution, qui conclut ce numéro spécial, propose quelques réflexions quant à la façon dont les parlements nationaux répondent et s’adaptent aux nombreux défis qu’induit le processus d’intégration européenne. Cet article remet en cause plus particulièrement deux éléments qui, supposément, caractérisent les parlements nationaux : leur qualité d’institutions largement passives, et le fait qu’ils ont commencé à jouer un rôle sur la scène européenne seulement après l’entrée en vigueur du traité de Lisbonne. Puis, cet article résume certaines des conclusions présentées dans les articles inclus dans ce numéro spécial en rapport avec les nombreux rôles joués par les parlements dans l’Union européenne (UE), et quant à certaines des caractéristiques du processus d’intégration européenne. Les analyses présentées dans les différents articles adoptent, en effet, différentes approches : certains ont recours à la méthode juridique, alors que d’autres s’appuient sur celle de la science politique. De plus, certains se concentrent sur un secteur spécifique, quand d’autres étudient plusieurs politiques concomitamment, et, enfin, certains comparent plusieurs Etats membres alors que d’autres limitent leur analyse à une période bien définie. Ceci étant, tous les articles inclus dans ce numéro spécial prennent en compte tant la dimension européenne que la dimension nationale. Ainsi, ils contribuent à obtenir une vision plus claire, bien qu’encore incomplète, de l’impact qu’a eu l’attribution de « pouvoirs européens » aux parlements nationaux avec l’entrée en vigueur du traité de Lisbonne ; la mise en œuvre de ces pouvoirs ayant, en outre, eu lieu alors que l’UE faisant face à de profondes crises et d’importantes transformations. On avance ici que de plus amples recherches allant dans le même sens sont encore nécessaires. Elles devraient suivre la même méthodologie en se concentrant sur les échanges entre niveaux national et européen au travers des « processus parlementaires euro-nationaux ». Dans sa dernière partie, le présent article avance que le rôle des parlements nationaux va continuer à croître dans l’évolution future du processus d’intégration européenne, en particulier dans une Union plus asymétrique. Le mécanisme institutionnel à travers lequel le potentiel des parlements nationaux en matière de légitimation démocratique va être utilisé reste, toutefois, encore à définir.
1789 : du sujet au Citoyen
Authors: Bock Fabienne
Published: June 2018

Après l’abolition des privilèges (nuit du 4 août) qui lui ouvre la voie, la Déclaration des Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen, adoptée le 26 août 1789 par l’Assemblée Nationale Constituante, énonce les droits fondamentaux – liberté et égalité – garantis par la loi, de tous les hommes. De sujets du roi, ils deviennent les citoyens qui forment le corps de la Nation. La Déclaration a une portée universelle qui explique qu’elle soit demeurée une référence dans la lutte pour les droits humains. Toutefois, il a fallu attendre 1848 pour une abolition définitive de l’esclavage et l’instauration d’un suffrage universel masculin, puis un siècle de plus pour obtenir le droit de vote des femmes, en 1944.
Citoyenneté, vulnérabilité et handicap
Authors: Durand Bernard
Published: June 2018

Comment donner droit à cette exigence d’une citoyenneté pleine et entière pour les personnes en situation de handicap psychique ? Le recours à l’histoire et à la philosophie conduit à construire une réponse. Le geste libérateur de Philippe Pinel s’inscrit dans la tradition des Lumières, en particulier l’ambition d’Emmanuel Kant de voir l’humanité accéder à l’autonomie. Dès lors, comment concilier cet idéal avec la réalité d’une dépendance ? Le concept de vulnérabilité rappelle que tout un chacun présente ou peut présenter des signes de dépendance. Or, la vulnérabilité permet de penser une société de semblables, dans laquelle les insuffisances font l’objet de suppléances. Articuler handicap et vulnérabilité autorise aussi à considérer une unique condition humaine, quant à la valeur et la dignité des individus singuliers qui la compose. D’indéniables avancées vont dans ce sens, en particulier avec la notion de rétablissement, initiée par les personnes en situation de handicap elles-mêmes.
Discussion de la conférence de Claude Smadja « Corps malade et surmoi »
Authors: Baldacci Jean-Louis
Published: June 2018

Discussion de la conférence de Claude Smadja « Corps malade et surmoi », centrée sur son option principale, celle de considérer que la responsabilité du surmoi au cours de certaines maladies somatiques est liée à des mécanismes de projection/décharge visant non le dehors mais le soma. Serait-ce « la force » ou au contraire « la faiblesse » du surmoi qui orienterait cette projection singulière ?
Strategies and needs of blind pedestrians during urban navigation
Authors: Brunet Lucie , Darses Françoise , Auvray Malika
Published: June 2018

Alors que la recherche en sciences cognitives s’est focalisée sur l’identification de systèmes efficaces pour guider les piétons aveugles, peu d’études ont examiné les stratégies de navigation dans leur ensemble, prenant en compte l’articulation entre la phase de préparation et la phase d’exécution de l’itinéraire. La présente étude a cherché à aborder cette question, en s’appuyant sur la perception spatiale, la cognition spatiale et la navigation humaine. L’étude exploratoire présentée ici vise à étudier de façon fine les besoins et les stratégies (heuristiques et procédures) que les piétons non-voyants mettent en oeuvre au cours d’une activité de navigation dans un environnement urbain inconnu. Six participants non-voyants ont préparé et réalisé un parcours de deux kilomètres en ville. Ce parcours a été divisé en segments, correspondant à chaque intervalle entre chaque point de réorientation. Les participants ont été divisés en trois groupes, en fonction de la manière dont la phase de préparation de l’itinéraire était réalisée : avec des aides technologiques uniquement, avec l’assistance d’une tierce personne, ou bien sans aucune préparation. Les demandes en information des participants et les verbalisations ont été enregistrées avant et pendant la navigation, ainsi qu’au cours d’un entretien individuel mené à l’issue du trajet. Le contenu de ces demandes d’information a été analysé sous l’angle du degré d’anticipation qu’elles reflétaient. Le degré d’anticipation correspond au nombre de segments qui sépare le point où le participant se trouve et l’endroit sur lequel il cherche des informations. Les résultats ont révélé l’influence des habitudes de planification du déplacement (préparation sans aide humaine, préparation avec aide humaine, ou sans préparation du tout) sur les stratégies qui ont été adoptées et sur les besoins en information nécessaires. En outre, les résultats ont souligné que certaines ressources (par exemple, les autres piétons) et certaines contraintes (par exemple, temporelles) sont mobilisées et prises en considération par tous les participants. Inversement, d’autres ressources (par exemple, l’utilisation de l’outil de navigation spécifique) et contraintes (par exemple, l’anxiété) varient en fonction des habitudes de planification adoptées par les participants. Cette étude nous permet de formuler des recommandations concernant la conception des aides à la navigation pour les piétons non-voyants, qui permettraient d’améliorer l’acceptabilité de ces outils par cette population.
Mycotoxin exposure and adverse reproductive health outcomes in Africa: a review
Authors: Eze U.A. , Routledge M.N. , Okonofua F.E. , Huntriss J. , Gong Y.Y.
Published: June 2018

It is well established that mycotoxin exposure can have adverse effects on reproductive health resulting to poor reproductive potential. The most studied mycotoxin in relation to poor reproductive health in humans is aflatoxin, although fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone have also been reported to impair reproductive function and cause abnormal foetal development. These potent fungal toxins contaminate many food products making them a prominent agricultural, food safety and public health challenge, especially in Africa due to little or lack of mycotoxin regulation in agricultural products. Neonates can be exposed to aflatoxinsin utero, as the toxins pass from mother to the foetus through the placenta. This exposure may continue during breast feeding, to the introduction of weaning foods, and then foods taken by adults. The consequences of aflatoxin exposure in mothers, foetus and children are many, including anaemia in pregnancy, low birth weight, interference with nutrient absorption, suppression of immune function, child growth retardation and abnormal liver function. In males, reports have indicated a possible relationship between aflatoxin exposure and poor sperm quality culminating in infertility. Maternal exposure to fumonisin during early pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of neural tube defects among newborns in regions where maize is the common dietary staple with the possibility of chronic fumonisin exposure. Furthermore, zearalenone has been linked to precocious puberty and premature thelarche in girls, correlating with extremely high serum oestrogen levels. This review presents an overview of the several reports linking aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, and zearalenone exposure to poor reproductive health outcomes in Africa, with emphasis on birth outcomes, foetal health and infertility.
Challenges in Treatment of Comorbid Chronic Pain, Depression, and Anxiety
Authors: Snyder Marsha , Handrup Cynthia Taylor
Published: June 2018

Meeting the needs of patients who experience physical pain and a psychiatric illness presents challenges as well as opportunities to optimize collaborative partnerships between specialty and primary care services. It is imperative that patients with pain be evaluated for depression and those who present with depression be evaluated for pain to prevent chronic opiate overuse. Given the overlap in symptomatology patients can present in either primary care or psychiatric care, an understanding of the comorbid presentation and lived experience of these patients is essential to holistic and complementary care. The current article examines the nature of pain and comorbid depression and anxiety along with suggested treatment modalities that can modify psychological processes and behavior that perpetuate the pain experience and increase need for opiate medication. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(12), 17–21.]
Inception of a Peer-Run Wellness Center at a State Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Reinhardt-Wood Dawn L. , Kinter Kenneth T. , Burke Karen
Published: June 2018

Peer-run wellness centers provide safe places in the community for individuals with psychiatric disorders to develop personal and community supports, feel needed, and be accepted and grow. Until now, these centers have existed only in the community, not in the state hospital setting. The current article chronicles the development of what the authors believe is the first peer-run wellness center on the grounds of a state psychiatric hospital. After 8 years of operation, the center has served hundreds of visitors. In that time, centers have opened in the state's other state hospitals and contributed to peer presence in the hospitals' units and treatment malls. The benefits of peer-run wellness centers are important in the hospital setting as well as the community. Despite institutional barriers, the center was able to address the needs of hospitalized individuals while informing a more recovery-oriented inpatient culture. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(12), 31–35.]
Perinatal Nurses' and Midwives' Knowledge About Assessment and Management of Postpartum Depression
Authors: Elshatarat Rami A. , Yacoub Mohammed I. , Saleh Zyad T. , Ebeid Inas A. , Abu Raddaha Ahmad H. , Al-Za'areer Majed S. , Maabreh Roqia S.
Published: June 2018

The current study addresses lack of knowledge about assessment and management of postpartum depression (PPD) among nurses and midwives in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to recruit a convenience sample of 181 nurses and 143 midwives. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Nurses and midwives lacked knowledge about various aspects of PPD, including its definition, prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, screening tools, and treatment. Only one third of participants were confident in their ability to provide education for women about PPD. Participants' self-confidence to educate women about PPD was significantly correlated with their level of knowledge about assessment and management of PPD. Continuing education is recommended for health care professionals to improve knowledge regarding PPD. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of educational interventions on improving knowledge, practice, and self-confidence about PPD. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(12), 36–46.]
Actualizando el conocimiento: arquitectura, uso y cronología de los monumentos escalonados en Mallorca
Authors: Gelabert Oliver Maria , Hernández-Gasch Jordi , Puig Palerm Antoni
Published: June 2018

La excavación en curso de un monumento escalonado en el yacimiento de Mestre Ramon en la isla de Mallorca ha aportado nueva información cronológica y arquitectónica que ha motivado una revisión analítica de las estructuras conocidas como monumentos escalonados en Mallorca. La combinación de la información cronológica existente con nuevas dataciones radiocarbónicas relacionadas con el yacimiento de Mestre Ramon ha permitido situar el momento de construcción de los monumentos escalonados en el período Prototalayótico (ca. 1100/1000-850 cal a.n.e.). Este encuadre cronológico ha sido la base del análisis de las características arquitectónicas de dichos monumentos y su relación con otras estructuras. El trabajo que se presenta ofrece una caracterización preliminar, pero detallada, de las peculiaridades materiales de los monumentos escalonados y de su dimensión social dentro de los procesos de transformación social que se desarrollaron durante el final de la Edad de Bronce en Mallorca.
LOW-COST AUTOMATED NURSE CALL SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING PATIENT CARE USING LabVIEW
Authors: Arjun Subramaniyan K. S. , Tarunkumar S. , Vinish Y. , Sanchana K. , Chanu Oinam Robita , Gnanavel S. , Muthu P. , Ashokkumar D. , Karthik Raj V.
Published: June 2018

Nurse Call systems are used to signal nurses for medical assistance. Present day technology uses push buttons and room lamps integrated with liquid crystal displays (LCDs) at the nurse station in most hospitals in India. Such systems are not automated and also have the risk of false alarms due to mishandling by caretakers. This prototype uses an automated technology, when implemented monitors patients in critical care units continuously and detects specific arrhythmia conditions with the help of thresholds based on pre-set standards and the information is passed on to the nurse station only in case of an emergency thus allowing continuous monitoring of the patient. Since the system is centralized, the CODE BLUE team (Dedicated team in every hospital to attend patients during a cardiac emergency) is also alerted at the same time minimizing the delay in medical assistance. This system would be most useful in emergency conditions such as Cardiac arrest, thus increasing the chances of survival of a patient. For this project, LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) 2014 version (software) and National Instruments MyRIO (NI Reconfigurable Input/Output) hardware are used. On comparison with some of the present day nurse call systems, the proposed system is also economical in most of the developing countries such as in India.
Editorial v.36, n.1 (2018)
Authors: Geografia - UEM Boletim De
Published: June 2018

Editorial do volume 36, número 1, do ano de 2018.
Les systèmes minéralisateurs à oxydes de fer et altération à éléments alcalins (±calciques), et leurs gîtes IOA, IOCG, skarns, U±Au±Co (au sein d'albitites) et affiliés : une série de cours intensifs. Partie 2 :
Aperçu général des types de gîtes, distribution, âges, contextes, exemples, faciès d'altération et modèles métallogéniques
Authors: Corriveau L , Potter E G , Montreuil J
-F , Blein O , Ehrig K , De Toni A F
Published: June 2018

La partie 2 de cette série de cours intensifs passe en revue les types de gîtes au sein des systèmes minéralisateurs à oxydes de fer et éléments alcalins et calciques, leur classification, leur répartition mondiale et celle
des systèmes d'intérêt au Canada, leurs âges, leurs contextes de formation, leurs faciès d'altération et les modèles métallogéniques invoqués. Ces systèmes renferment des gîtes à oxydes de fer cuivre-or (IOCG) et leurs variantes riches
en Co et Bi, des gîtes à oxydes de ferapatite (IOA), y compris leurs variantes riches en terres rares, ainsi que certains gîtes à U ± Co ± Au et Au±Co±Cu encaissés dans des albitites, gîtes à Mo-Re et skarns polymétalliques. Un continuum
avec des systèmes épithermaux est également commun.
Taxonomic notes on the Rhynchosia densiflora group (Phaseoleae, Fabaceae) in South Africa and its segregation from Rhynchosia section Arcyphyllum
Authors: Jaca Thulisile P. , Moteetee Annah N.
Published: June 2018

Background: Rhynchosia section Arcyphyllum is one of the five sections of Rhynchosia as currently circumscribed. Previous studies in South Africa placed two species of Rhynchosia in this section. Some authors treated the species as a group rather than a section, to avoid phytogeographical confusion because the section is based on the North American generic name Arcyphyllum.Objectives: To formally remove the South African taxa from section Arcyphyllum and to provide diagnostic features for these taxa, a key to the subspecies, distribution maps and an illustration of their morphological features.Methods: Observations were made on herbarium specimens housed at NH, NU and PRE. Several field trips were undertaken in search of Rhynchosia connata. Morphological and anatomical features were studied and measurements of characters recorded.Results: In South Africa, the section was until now represented by two species, Rhynchosia densiflora (subsp. chrysadenia) and R. connata. These were separated primarily on stem indumentum, stipule shape, petiole length, leaflet shape and apices. However, this study revealed that there are no clear discontinuities between the two taxa apart from the lobes of the uppermost calyx lip, which are connate more than halfway in R. connata and up to halfway in R. densiflora subsp. chrysadenia. Therefore, R. connata is here relegated to varietal level as R. densiflora subsp. chrysadenia var. connata (Baker f.) Jaca & Moteetee.Conclusions: Two varieties of Rhynchosia densiflora subsp. chrysadenia occur in South Africa and are treated as part of the R. densiflora group instead of section Arcyphyllum.
Luther and Calvin on predestination: A comparison
Authors: Van Wyk Ignatius W.C.
Published: June 2018

Alexander Schweizer propagated the thesis that predestination is a central theme of Calvin’s theology and that later Calvinism had to defend his teaching as the distinguishing point between the Lutheran and reformed traditions. In this article it is shown that election is also an important element of Luther’s theology. The historic development of the two reformers’ thinking about election is presented. In spite of different nuances, the difference between the two are minimal. The main reason why the differences could be underplayed is because it is shown that Calvin’s thesis of ‘double predestination’ only forms one part of Calvin’s doctrinal thinking on this subject. Calvin has actually two sets of statements on predestination. When the unacceptable statements about ‘double predestination’ are not emphasised, but rather his early works and sermons, he and Luther share the same opinions on election in Christ through grace. Both of them understand election as the final word on justification.
Singular variations in geomagnetic disturbance content at
auroral latitudes
Authors: Abraham Abraham , Renuka Gangadharan , Ligi Cherian , Tiju Joseph Mathew , Asha Anie Varghese , Rakesh S. B. Chandran , Blessy Varghese
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The geomagnetic field consists of temporal variations induced primarily by the variations in the interplanetary magnetic field. This paper attempts to develop the latitude profile of fluctuations in the geomagnetic field for 34 observatories across the Earth during solar cycle 23 (1997–2008). It is noticed that the disturbance content is low for equatorial stations and high for auroral stations. We show that the latitude profile of disturbance exhibits `Knee’ behaviour, with the fluctuation content rising sharply beyond this critical latitude. The threshold latitude beyond which the stations are subject to high geomagnetic disturbance and hence become increasingly susceptible to associated geo-electric hazard is precisely determined near 52° latitude. The pattern of increasing geomagnetic fluctuations however ends around the auroral oval beyond where singular variations are observed.
Evolution and Measurement of Formal Institutions in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Ballo Zie
Published: June 2018

This study analyzes the evolution of institutions in Côte d’Ivoire using a new set of data on institutions. Three types of indexes have been constructed: the Property Rights Index, the Political Freedoms and Civil Liberties Index, and the Political Instability Index. These indicators correlate fairly well with some macroeconomic indicators and with some of the institutional indexes produced by the Freedom House. The analysis shows an improvement in political freedom and civil liberties in Côte d’Ivoire over the period 1887–2010. Similarly, following land reforms, an increase in the modern property rights index is also observed over the same period. However, the value of the index remained relatively low. On the contrary, the political instability index shows an increased trend in instability in Côte d’Ivoire. These findings show a need to continue fighting against political instability and also undertake reforms in order to better improve political freedom and civil liberties and modern property rights.
Measuring Institutions—Indicators of Political and Economic Institutions in Namibia: 1884–2008
Authors: Zaaruka Benethelin Bernie P.
Published: June 2018

This article presents a database on institutional measures for Namibia for the period 1884–2008. Using the techniques of principal components and factor analysis in aggregating these indicators, the study does two things. First, it illustrates a methodology for constructing de jure and de facto institutional measures using pieces of legislation and quantitative data, respectively. Second, these indicators are used to assess the nature of political and economic institutional transformation from the colonial legacy to the modern outcome using Namibia as a natural experiment. The new indicators, while covering a long time period (1884–2008), correlate fairly well, but not too highly, with some of the widely used institutional indexes produced by the Freedom House and the Heritage Foundation.
Alternative Indexes of Political Freedoms, Property Rights, and Political Instability for Zambia
Authors: Lourenço Ivo , Gwenhamo Farayi , Fedderke Johannes Wolfgang
Published: June 2018

This article presents a new data set of institutional indicators for Zambia covering the period 1947–2007. Coverage is of political rights and freedoms, property rights, and political instability. The new data set can be usefully employed to explore the interactions of different institutional dimensions and their linkage with economic growth in the long run. Such an analysis would help explore the question of whether, in the case of Zambia, institutional factors are key drivers of economic growth in accordance with the new institutional economics view. An additional advantage is that the new indicators are comparable to the similar data sets for Zimbabwe and Malawi, which can facilitate cross-country analysis.
The Measurement of Institutions and Instability in Democratic Republic of Congo, 1880–2010
Authors: Bala Alain Pholo
Published: June 2018

This article introduces a new database for property rights, political and civil rights, and political instability for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the 1880–2010 period. Following the methodology used by Fedderke et al. (2001) and Letete (2015), we compute de jure property, political, and civil rights indicators from archival information based on formal legislature (laws, ordinances-laws, decrees, ordinances) and de facto political instability indicators. Both the property rights and the political rights and civil liberties indexes experience significant declines during the Congo Free State and Mobutu’s dictatorship and more generally low values for most of the 1880–2010 period. This indicates that the history of institutions in the DRC has mostly been dominated by the prevalence of predatory institutions allowing for the extraction of resources for the benefit of the colonizers or the postindependence elite. The political instability index displays more volatility than the previous indexes. Due to the lack of administrative data for the DRC, we could not construct a lengthy series for it. However, an interesting pattern emerges from the graph of the political instability index. Despite several peaks and troughs, this index displays an increasing trend, which seems to suggest that the relatively unsuccessful attempts at democratization of the country have cost dearly in terms of foregone political stability.
Indicators of Political and Economic Institutions in Tanzania: 1884–2008
Authors: Zaaruka Benethelin Bernie P.
Published: June 2018

This article is part of a series of studies focusing on the measurement and definition of institutions. This article presents a database on institutional measures for Tanzania for the period 1884–2008. These indicators are used to assess the nature of political and economic institutional transformation from the colonial legacy to the modern outcome, using Tanzania as a natural experiment. The article argues that despite changes in colonial regimes, the broader framework of institutions remained partly the same. This is reflected in the postindependence period in Tanzania, where the title of the president replaced the governor title in some land laws. Similarly, draconian laws similar to the colonial laws were enacted to curtail political freedom in the postindependence period.
The Choice of Language for African Creative Writers
Authors: Ukam Edadi Ilem
Published: June 2018

Language issue has been considered as a major problem to Africa. The continent has so many distinct languages as well as distinct ethnic groups. It is the introduction of the colonial languages that enable Africans to communicate with each other intelligibly: otherwise, Africa has no one central language. Among the colonial languages are English, French, Arabic and Portuguese which today serve as lingua franca in the mix of multiple African languages. Based on that, there is a serious argument among African critics about which language(s) would be authentic in writing African literature: colonial languages which serve as lingua franca, or the native indigenous languages. While some postcolonial African creative writers like Ngugi have argued for the authenticity and a return in writing in indigenous African languages, avoiding imperialism and subjugation of the colonisers, others like Achebe are in the opinion that the issue of language should not be the main reason in defining African literature: any languagecan be adopted to portray the lifestyles and peculiarities of Africans. The paper is therefore, designed to address the language debate among African creative writers. It concludes that although it is authentic to write in one’s native language so as to meet the target audience, yet many Africans receive their higher education in one of the colonial and/or European languages; and as such, majority do not know how to write in their native languages. Rather, they write in the imposed colonial languages in order tomeet a wider audience. Not until one or two major African languages are standardised, taught in schools, acquired by more than 80 per cent of Africans and used as common languages, the colonial languages would forever continue to have a greater influence in writing African literature. The paper recommendes that Africans should have one or two major African languages standardised, serving as common languages; also African literature should be written in both colonialand African languages in order to avoid the language debate by creative African writers.
Non-restrictive relative clauses in Arabic
Authors: Alqurashi Abdulrahman A
Published: June 2018

This paper discusses the syntax of non-restrictive relative clauses in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). It provides a thorough description of their structures and attempts to offer a preliminary analysis within the transformation framework: Minimalist syntax. Two relativization strategies are available for Arabic non-restrictive relative clauses. The first strategy is similar to that of definite restrictive relatives in which the relative clause is initiated by ʔallaðiwhich is a relative complementizer, whereas the second strategy is a unique one in which the relative clause is initiated by the special particle wa, appears to be a specifying coordinator, along with the complementizer ʔallaði. The paper also argues that De-Vries’s (2006) coordinate approach to appositive relatives can provide a straightforward account for some the facts of non-restrictive relative clauses in Arabic.