bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of dietary intake of antioxidant micronutrients on burn wound healing: a study in a tertiary health institution in a developing country
Authors: Adjepong Mary , Agbenorku Pius , Brown Patricia , Oduro Ibok
Published: August 2015

Background

Burn injury results in emotional stress affecting dietary intake and antioxidant micronutrient intake, which is known to have effects on recovery outcomes. The study aimed to assess dietary intake of antioxidant micronutrients and recovery outcomes of burn patients.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered to 40 burn patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Ghana) from January 1, 2014 to May 30, 2014. The data taken include anthropometric measurements and dietary assessment. Their nutrient intakes were assessed with the Nutrient Analysis Template. The average intakes were compared to the recommended daily allowance. Assessment of recovery was based on records of wound healing assessments and infection rates from the health practitioners.

Results

A cross-sectional study of 40 patients revealed an average total burn surface area (TBSA) of 31.4 %, where 70.0, 35.0, 75.0, 52.5, 12.5 and 32.5 % patients were deficient in vitamins A, C and E, zinc, copper and selenium, respectively and adequate amounts of vitamin C intake were related with significantly better wound healing progress. Positive wound healing outcomes were observed for patients with adequate vitamins A and E and zinc intake. Less infection presented among patients with adequate amount of vitamins A and C and zinc, but this was not observed for patients with adequate vitamin E, copper and selenium.

Conclusions

Most burn patients did not meet their dietary requirements for antioxidant micronutrients and this was due to meals not tailored to suit individual requirements. Adequacy of the antioxidants especially vitamin C resulted in positive wound healing outcomes. Hence, there is need for planned well-balanced meals of high vitamin C.
Critical Analysis of Primary Literature in a Master’s-Level Class: Effects on Self-Efficacy and Science-Process Skills
Authors: Abdullah Christopher , Parris Julian , Lie Richard , Guzdar Amy , Tour Ella
Published: August 2015

The ability to think analytically and creatively is crucial for success in the modern workforce, particularly for graduate students, who often aim to become physicians or researchers. Analysis of the primary literature provides an excellent opportunity to practice these skills. We describe a course that includes a structured analysis of four research papers from diverse fields of biology and group exercises in proposing experiments that would follow up on these papers. To facilitate a critical approach to primary literature, we included a paper with questionable data interpretation and two papers investigating the same biological question yet reaching opposite conclusions. We report a significant increase in students’ self-efficacy in analyzing data from research papers, evaluating authors’ conclusions, and designing experiments. Using our science-process skills test, we observe a statistically significant increase in students’ ability to propose an experiment that matches the goal of investigation. We also detect gains in interpretation of controls and quantitative analysis of data. No statistically significant changes were observed in questions that tested the skills of interpretation, inference, and evaluation.
Arginine Vasopressin Potentiates the Stimulatory Action of CRH on Pituitary Corticotropes via a Protein Kinase C–Dependent Reduction of the Background TREK-1 Current
Authors: Lee Andy K. , Tse Frederick W. , Tse Amy
Published: August 2015

The hypothalamic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) potentiates the stimulatory action of CRH on ACTH secretion from pituitary corticotropes, but the underlying mechanism is elusive. Using the perforated patch-clamp technique to monitor membrane potentials in mouse corticotropes, we found that AVP triggered a transient hyperpolarization that was followed by a sustained depolarization. The hyperpolarization was caused by intracellular Ca2+ release that in turn activated the small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels. The depolarization was due to the suppression of background TWIK-related K+ (TREK)-1 channels. Direct activation of protein kinase C (PKC) reduced the TREK-1 current, whereas PKC inhibition attenuated the AVP-mediated reduction of the TREK-1 current, implicating the involvement of PKC. The addition of CRH (which stimulates the protein kinase A pathway) in the presence of AVP, or vice versa, resulted in further suppression of the TREK-1 current. In corticotropes with buffered cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), AVP evoked a sustained depolarization, and the coapplication of AVP and CRH caused a larger depolarization than that evoked by AVP or CRH alone. In cells with minimal perturbation of [Ca2+]i and background TREK-1 channels, CRH evoked a sustained depolarization that was superimposed with action potentials, and the subsequent coapplication of AVP and CRH triggered a transient hyperpolarization that was followed by a larger depolarization. In summary, AVP and CRH have additive effects on the suppression of the TREK-1 current, resulting in a more robust depolarization in corticotropes. We suggest that this mechanism contributes to the potentiating action of AVP on CRH-evoked ACTH secretion.
No Association of Blood Type O With Neuroendocrine Tumors in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1
Authors: Nell Sjoerd , van Leeuwaarde Rachel S. , Pieterman Carolina R. C. , de Laat Joanne M. , Hermus Ad R. , Dekkers Olaf M. , de Herder Wouter W. , van der Horst-Schrivers Anouk N. , Drent Madeleine L. , Bisschop Peter H. , Havekes Bas , Borel Rinkes Inne H. M. , Vriens Menno R. , Valk Gerlof D.
Published: August 2015

Context:

An association between ABO blood type and the development of cancer, in particular, pancreatic cancer, has been reported in the literature. An association between blood type O and neuroendocrine tumors in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) patients was recently suggested. Therefore, blood type O was proposed as an additional factor to personalize screening criteria for neuroendocrine tumors in MEN1 patients.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the association between blood type O and the occurrence of neuroendocrine tumors in the national Dutch MEN1 cohort.

Design:

This is a cohort study using the Dutch National MEN1 database, which includes more than 90% of the Dutch MEN1 population. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed by blood type. Chi-square tests and Fisher exact tests were used to determine the association between blood type O and occurrence of neuroendocrine tumors. A cumulative incidence analysis (Gray's test) was performed to assess the equality of cumulative incidence of neuroendocrine tumors in blood type groups, taking death into account as a competing risk.

Results:

The ABO blood type of 200 of 322 MEN1 patients was known. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar among blood type O and non-O type cohorts. The occurrence of neuroendocrine tumors of the lung, thymus, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract was equally distributed across the blood type O and non-O type cohorts (Grays's test for equality; P = 0.72). Furthermore, we found no association between blood type O and the occurrence of metastatic disease or survival.

Conclusions:

An association between blood type O and the occurrence of neuroendocrine tumors in MEN1 patients was not confirmed. For this reason, the addition of the blood type to screening and surveillance practice seems not to be of additional value for identifying MEN1 patients at risk for the development of neuroendocrine tumors, metastatic disease, or a shortened survival.
Improving the Stability of a Liquid-type Perovskite Solar Cell by Capping Spiro-OMeTAD Layer onto CH3NH3PbI3/TiO2 Film
Authors: Hong Cheng-You , Hsieh Tsung-Yu , Wei Tzu-Chien , Ikegami Masashi , Lee Chia-Hua , Tung Yung-Lung
Published: August 2015

Introducing spiro-OMeTAD as protecting layer for CH3NH3PbI3 in a liquid-type perovskite solar cell is found to suppress the degradation of the device efficiently. Evidenced by XRD analysis, the dissolution of CH3NH3PbI3 is significantly retarded in the presence of spiro-OMeTAD capping layer and consequently the current–voltage parameter decay is stabilized.
How to Control Controlled School Choice
Authors: Echenique Federico , Yenmez M. Bumin
Published: August 2015

We characterize choice rules for schools that regard students as substitutes while expressing preferences for a diverse student body. The stable (or fair) assignment of students to schools requires the latter to regard the former as substitutes. Such a requirement is in conflict with the reality of schools’ preferences for diversity. We show that the conflict can be useful, in the sense that certain unique rules emerge from imposing both considerations. We also provide welfare comparisons for students when different choice rules are employed. (JEL D47, H75, I21, I28)
Evaluating Behaviorally Motivated Policy: Experimental Evidence from the Lightbulb Market
Authors: Allcott Hunt , Taubinsky Dmitry
Published: August 2015

Imperfect information and inattention to energy costs are important potential motivations for energy efficiency standards and subsidies. We evaluate these motivations in the lightbulb market using a theoretical model and two randomized experiments. We derive welfare effects as functions of reduced-form sufficient statistics capturing economic and psychological parameters, which we estimate using a novel within-subject information disclosure experiment. The main results suggest that moderate subsidies for energy-efficient lightbulbs may increase welfare, but informational and attentional biases alone do not justify a ban on incandescent lightbulbs. Our results and techniques generate broader methodological insights into welfare analysis with misoptimizing consumers. (JEL D12, D83, H21, H31, L67, Q41, Q48)
Nucleotide sequence composition adjacent to intronic splice sites improves splicing efficiency via its effect on pre-mRNA local folding in fungi
Authors: Zafrir Zohar , Tuller Tamir
Published: August 2015

RNA splicing is the central process of intron removal in eukaryotes known to regulate various cellular functions such as growth, development, and response to external signals. The canonical sequences indicating the splicing sites needed for intronic boundary recognition are well known. However, the roles and evolution of the local folding of intronic and exonic sequence features adjacent to splice sites has yet to be thoroughly studied. Here, focusing on four fungi (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Aspergillus nidulans, and Candida albicans), we performed for the first time a comprehensive high-resolution study aimed at characterizing the encoding of intronic splicing efficiency in pre-mRNA transcripts and its effect on intron evolution. Our analysis supports the conjecture that pre-mRNA local folding strength at intronic boundaries is under selective pressure, as it significantly affects splicing efficiency. Specifically, we show that in the immediate region of 12–30 nucleotides (nt) surrounding the intronic donor site there is a preference for weak pre-mRNA folding; similarly, in the region of 15–33 nt surrounding the acceptor and branch sites there is a preference for weak pre-mRNA folding. We also show that in most cases there is a preference for strong pre-mRNA folding further away from intronic splice sites. In addition, we demonstrate that these signals are not associated with gene-specific functions, and they correlate with splicing efficiency measurements (r = 0.77, P = 2.98 × 10−21) and with expression levels of the corresponding genes (P = 1.24 × 10−19). We suggest that pre-mRNA folding strength in the above-mentioned regions has a direct effect on splicing efficiency by improving the recognition of intronic boundaries. These new discoveries are contributory steps toward a broader understanding of splicing regulation and intronic/transcript evolution.
SOCIAL MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR INSURANCE AGENTS: COMPETENCE APPROACH
Authors: Рыболовлева  , Rybolovleva Olga
Published: August 2015

The actual questions of staff professional development are mentioned in the article. The content of professional development of insurance agents is considered from the standpoint of competence approach. Professional, personal and social competences of insurance agents are identified. The basic blocks of social control technology of professional development of insurance agents are presented it details: target block, function block, regulatory unit, operational and procedural block, tool block, resource block.

Details reveals the basic units of social control technology professional development of insurance agents: target block, a function block, the regulatory unit, operational and procedural block tool block, resource block.
SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS OF SAFE CITIZENS STAYING IN PUBLIC PLACES
Authors: Гаврилин  , Gavrilin Sergey
Published: August 2015

The article is devoted to issues of safe staying of citizens in public places. The problem is quite relevant in light of the task set before the bodies of internal affairs in reducing the number of crimes and administrative offenses committed in public places. The introduction of new technologies in the life of the security of citizens´ public places and optimization of police activity in this area require qualitative study of public opinion on this issue, which will carry out certain adjustments to law enforcement agencies on one of the key areas of their work.
IN REGARD TO METHODOLOGY OF CHRONOPOLITICS: POLYTEMPORALITY OF POLITICAL PROCESSES AND INSTITUTIONAL REGIMES
Authors: Горин  , Gorin Dmitriy
Published: August 2015

The article examines the phenomenology of polytemporality of political processes. This problem plays a key in methodological of chronopolitics. The author views the synchronizing of polytemporality of political processes as a tool for maintaining the stability and architectonical balance of institutional regimes. Particular attention is paid to the chronotope characteristic of a institutional regimes.
POTENTIAL OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE PROCESS OF MODERNIZATION OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN MODERN RUSSIA
Authors: Васютин  , Vasyutin Yuriy , Матвеева  , Matveeva Ekaterina
Published: August 2015

In the article authors concentrate attention on the analysis of the processes of modernization of the management system which are realized in many democratic states. The analysis of basic models of public administration from the point of view of definition of participation possibility of public institutes in them is submitted. From this side the models of New Public Management and New Public Governance are presented to judgment. On the basis of consideration of the limits of public participation put in the analyzed concepts, authors come to a conclusion that the model of New Public Governance substantially broadens spheres of possible citizens’ participation in administration and can become the basis for transition to network model of interaction of state and civil society. It gives the chance to analyze practices of public participation, mechanisms of public involvement, and also to estimate efficiency of activities of state institutes for institutionalization of civil society.
PARTICIPATION OF RUSSIA IN INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION PROCESSES
Authors: Огнева  , Ogneva Valentina
Published: August 2015

The article draws attention to the growing role of the regional factor in the social, political and economic life of modern states. The essence of the phenomenon of regionalization reveals one of its leading trends - formation of integration associations. Complex dynamics of the integration processes on a global scale is considered, as well as cooperation in the format of the CIS countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan) - Eurasian Economic Union. It is noted that formation of the Eurasian Union takes place in conditions of unstable economic growth in Belarus and Kazakhstan; Russia is in recession because of Western economic sanctions, the fall in oil prices, the situation in Ukraine. The features of manifestations of political factors and nature of their impact on the integration process are shown. Potential prospects of integration within the Eurasian Economic Union, namely the creation of common pharmaceutical market, common market of electricity, oil and gas are argued. There are difficulties in integration efforts of the «newcomers» - Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. These topical questions are posed to Russia in dependence on the national interests of our country, as well as the national interests of the Eurasian Union of States. New approaches to the optimization of the integration policy of the Eurasian Union are suggested.
USE OF MASS MEDIA IN ELECTORAL CYCLES OF MODERN RUSSIA
Authors: Бакалдина  , Bakaldina Elena , Елисеев  , Eliseev Anatoliy , Фомина  , Fomina Mariya
Published: August 2015

In article influence of political transit on application of selective technologies in modern electoral system of the Russian Federation is analysed. Authors prove situation that the political processes which are taking place in transitive democracies which the modern Russian Federation is have considerable impact on the contents, character and rates of transformations in society. As, during election campaign various electoral technologies having various impact on behavior of voters are applied. However, despite application of new technologies, mass media have the greatest impact on electorate as are the most available means of informing voters

As a result authors formulated a conclusion that in the most effective ways of impact on voters, and also stimulation of electoral behavior mass media are.
INNOVATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: PROBLEMS OF APPROBATION IN THE REGIONS
Authors: Волкова  , Volkova Alla
Published: August 2015

The regional characteristics of construction industry in the Russian regions and the reform of its economic mechanism are structured in the article.

The author considers the existing problems in the construction sector and proposes basic solutions. In particular, the author defines the introduction of modern innovative technologies as a factor producing the growth in this area.

Events developed by the author are not only a mechanism of testing of innovative building projects, but can realize scientific, technical and intellectual potential in the production process to get new or improved market production.
PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS IN THE MUNICIPALITY
Authors: Дорохова  , Dorokhova Yuliya , Анненкова  , Annenkova Alla , Гришина  , Grishina Anzhelika
Published: August 2015

The article is based on the results of the survey of the heads of municipalities of the Orel region; it is dedicated to the study of conditions for the promotion of small business sector and reducing admi-nistrative barriers to its development. The purpose of writing this article is to pay attention of the representatives of legislative and executive authorities and the scientific community to the problems preven-ting the development of entrepreneurial activity in the municipalities. The research methodology includes conducting expert survey, comparative analysis and logical interpretation of the results set out in the form of conclusions on the presented issue. The results of the study are generalizations of sociological survey and authors’ conclusions that the most popular ways of supporting entrepreneurs of the municipality are financial support measures and measures for the development of business infrastructure. The main provisions reflecting the results of the study are the following: the conclusions of inefficient interaction between small businesses and local governments, lack of social orientation of this interaction and the need to strengthen it; the lack of effective dialogue between local authorities and the public on issues of interaction with small businesses; the need for state regulation of equal partnerships in financing and lending, administrative regulation and taxation in order to create conditions for development of small businesses.
ON THE PROBLEMS OF REALIZATION OF STATE RUSSIAN ECONOMIC POLICY AT THE MODERN STAGE
Authors: Щеголев  , Shchegolev Aleksandr
Published: August 2015

In the article the main directions of state policy at the present stage are considered. The author analizes the current state of Russian economy, the impact of the crisis and international sanctions on the dynamics of economic growth. In the dynamics the balance of payments indicators and the external debt of the Russian Federation are presented. The reasons for destabilization of the national currency system are given.
SPIRITUAL CONSISTORY AS A CHURCH COURT FOR PARISH CLERGY IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE
Authors: Матвеева  , Matveeva Evgeniya
Published: August 2015

In the article gives the characteristic and the importance of the Spiritual Consistory as the highest church judicial body for the parish clergy in the Russian Empire based on the content of legislative acts regulating the activities of Orthodox Russian church periodicals, archival documents, as well as interpretations and perceptions of modern scientists. Methodological basis of the research is essential principles of history science, such as consistency, Historicism, interdisciplinary and scientific objectivity that allow to review the studied facts and events in the dynamics and interactions. Consideration of the key issues is done within the context of dichotomy of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian State as a whole and on the basis of the development of the overall social policy in particular. The article deals with the powers and competence of the ecclesiastical courts of the Russian Empire in the 19th and early 20th century. This period, XIX-beginning of XX century, is characterized by the desire of the State to control the Church and its activities, including those directed towards identifying ethos of professional suitability and clergy. The author proves that trial was closed against the clergy and had corporate character.
Strategic Technological Development of Industries of Defense Industry Sector
Authors: Быстров  , Bystrov Andrey , Пименов  , Pimenov Vladimir
Published: August 2015

The article describes a scenario of strategic breakthrough in technological development of the country’s economy through the use of innovative poten- tial of high-tech enterprises of defence-industrial complex (DIC). The remain- ing period up to 2020 is shown to open a «window» for possible use of DIC innovative potential for such a breakthrough.
Features of Corporate Culture of a Modern Enterprise
Authors: Каманина  , Kamanina Raisa
Published: August 2015

In the article the author reveals the influence of the organizational culture on the processes occurring within organization (enterprise) and the need for psychological comfort of those working in the team. The main types of organizational culture of modern Russian enterprises are described.
Сobb-Douglas Production Function: Myth and Reality
Authors: Юсим  , Yusim Vyacheslav , Прокопьев  , Prokopev Aleksandr
Published: August 2015

The article considers the problem of assessing the impact of technology on the dynamics of economic development and critically evaluates the best-known production function — the Cobb-Douglas function, which is the basis of many models seeking to explain the sources of economic growth. Meanwhile the provision is argued that the methodological solution to this problem exists and reveals the essence of the author’s approaches to the definition of the role of technological factors in the development of economic systems.
Social Development and International Trade in Central Europe
Authors: Cieślik Andrzej , Michałek Jan Jakub , Mycielski Jerzy
Published: August 2015

In this paper we study the impact of social development on international trade in Central and Eastern Europe using the generalized gravity model. Many previous empirical studies which explored the determinants of trade flows, concentrated only on traditional gravity variables, such as the size of trading partners, factor abundance, technology differences or distance. In our study, in addition to the standard set of gravity variables, we examine the role of aggregate social development indicators such as Human Development Index and its components. Our results show that both aggregate and disaggregate measures of social development affect the volume of international trade flows. In particular, the education indexes seem to be positively related to bilateral trade flows.
Exit Strategies From the Crisis on the Example of the Baltic States
Authors: Moszyński Michał
Published: August 2015

The aim of this paper is to analyze the macroeconomic policy of the Baltic states in response to the financial crisis of the years 2007-2010. The considerations are based on the thesis that the general direction of the macroeconomic policy chosen by the analyzed countries is correct. The consistent maintaining of a fixed exchange rate during the crisis aroused much controversy and was criticized in the literature. In the study, particular attention was paid to the issues of exchange rate, which has constituted the key element of the policy, both in the initial period of transformation, as well as in the times of recession. The first part of the study concentrates on the specificities of small open economies of the Baltic countries and on the determinants of their monetary and exchange rate policy. Subsequently, the economic situation of the Baltic republics in the face of the crisis was characterized, indicating the main factors increasing their vulnerability to economic shocks. The next subject of the analysis was the macroeconomic policies in response to the deep recession. The considerations were intended to assess the validity of maintaining a fixed exchange rate policy as a core element of an anti-crisis strategy. The methods used in solving the scientific problem were the critical literature studies and the analysis of macroeconomic indicators.
Investor Relations & Importance in the Global Financial Market
Authors: Dziawgo Danuta
Published: August 2015

The aim of the elaboration is to draw attention to selected aspects of investor relations importance for capital market functioning to increase the quality of communication with investors in the global financial market. The article presents the importance of investor relations from a macroeconomic and microeconomic point of view. The theory was complemented with selected surveys results.The surveys were conducted by the author on a sample of individual investors, stock-quoted companies and sell-side analysts on Polish capital market between June 2009 – March 2010. In the article, description method, comparison method, case study and questionnaire method were used.
Dilemmas of Financial Reporting as the Reliable Information Source of an Entity Performance Results
Authors: Zuchewicz Joanna
Published: August 2015

The objective of the hereby paper is to indicate, on the one hand, the need for transformations in financial reporting as the basic source of information about the financial situation of an economic entity indispensable in the decision making process by its users, and on the other to provide the analysis of the adopted reporting reconstruction directions validity, as suggested by international financial community. On the basis of comments and reservations presented by practitioners and the analysis of research conducted by scientific circles the thesis is put forward by the Author that the suggested extension of information scope to be disclosed in obligatory financial reports proposed by the authorities responsible for the preparation of international accounting standards will not increase the usefulness of information they include and will not influence higher security of business transactions. The paper is divided into there interrelated parts. The first presents the overview of critical opinions expressed by financial circles regarding accounting as the system generating information about the achievements of entities operating at the global market. The second refers to an entity stakeholders and their information needs. Irrespectively of opinions about the primacy of investors and their rights in making investment decisions it is of great importance to meet the needs of the remaining interest groups by means of providing both reliable and useful information in financial statements. The final part of the paper presents an outline of undertaken and suggested restructuring directions in financial reporting proposed by IASB and FASB, as the institutions responsible for preparing international accounting standards. This part also discusses the selected suggestions by Polish researchers regarding the form and content of particular components included in a financial statement.
Crisis Caused Changes in Intrinsic Liquidity Value in Non-profit Institutions
Authors: Michalski Grzegorz
Published: August 2015

Liquid assets which non-profit institutions hold are not a source of any special interests and although the close to cash assets together with credit lines available for non-profit institution are connected with resigning from realizing a part of income or costs, non-profit institutions decide to hold some liquidity reserves. This results not only from transactional needs, but also from precautional and speculative reasons. Investment in liquid reserves resulting from speculative demand for money may be assessed by usage of capital budgeting methods. In the paper, each of these aspects of liquidity was taken into consideration and presented from non-profit perspective. Non-profit liquidity value determination may often significantly contribute to the solution of working capital management problems in these institutions.
Smoking and the risk of tuberculosis treatment failure
Authors: Cope Graham
Published: August 2015

Graham Cope explains why smokers are at greater risk of pulmonary infection, including tuberculosis (TB), and how when they are infected smokers tend to have poorer treatment outcomes
Managing the risk of travellers' diarrhoea
Authors: Grieve Sandra
Published: August 2015

Travellers' diarrhoea is a common problem. Although often mild, it is important that travellers know how to self-manage and when to seek medical advice. Sanda Grieve provides advice for practice nurses
Recent changes to the routine childhood immunization schedule
Authors: Ford Karen
Published: August 2015

Practice nurses play a key role in both promoting the uptake of immunizations and administering them, ensuring that every child benefits from this important public health intervention. Karen Ford discusses recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule
Ketoacidosis in diabetes: Recognition and avoidance
Authors: MacArthur Clare
Published: August 2015

Diabeteic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a medical emergency and has a high mortality rate if not promptly managed. Clare MacArthur advises on how practice nurses can promote early recognition and treatment of DKA
Mindfulness for practice nursing: Fad, fantasy or the future?
Authors: Hulatt Ian
Published: August 2015

Mindfulness has been heavily featured in the press. Ian Hulatt looks at whether this is a passing trend, or whether it could be useful for practice nurses
Research roundup: August 2015
Authors: Winter George
Published: August 2015

George Winter provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to practice nurses. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Wood Utilization Pattern in Kashmir Region, Western Himalaya
Authors: Habib Tariq , Malik Zahid Hussain , Dar Muhammad Ejaz ul Islam , Shaheen Hamayun
Published: August 2015

The remoteness of the Qazi Nag Range in the western Himalayas has resulted in complete dependence of local people on woody plants for socioeconomic development. The present study aimed to evaluate utilization of woody plants in the Kashmir region. Information was collected through questionnaires and interviews during field surveys. A total of 40 tree species belonging to 29 genera and 18 families were recorded, being used locally as fence and fuel, hedging, thatching, roofing, construction, decoration, furniture, and agricultural tool making. The predominant plant families included Pinaceae and Moraceae, with five species each, followed by Fagaceae and Salicaceae, represented by four species each. Twenty-seven species were used as fence, 25 as fuel in the study area, and 14 species were used for agricultural tool formation, fodder, and fruit production. Nine species were used for furniture, eight tree species were recorded with medicinal values, and only four species were used in construction as structure wood. Cedrus deodara, Taxus wallichiana, Juglans regia, Pinus wallichiana, Celtis eriocarpa, and Betula utilis had multiple uses, being widely used in manufacturing furniture, decoration pieces, and tool handles; in construction; and as fuel, fence, and medicines. J. regia and C. deodara were also used to create artistic decorative masterpieces. Local inhabitants used T. wallichiana, Aesculus indica, J. regia, C. deodara, P. wallichiana, and Quercus species for cooking and heating homes during the winter season.
Towards a shared responsibility for quality in the participatory arts: Key insights into conditions underpinning quality
Authors: Blanche Rachel
Published: August 2015

The ArtWorks programme has succeeded in generating deeper insights into the realities of participatory arts practice in the United Kingdom, in particular the conditions needed to achieve quality and the extent to which these are enabled. In parallel with ArtWorks research, in 2014 Creative Scotland commissioned a detailed analysis of the extant ‘body of knowledge’ concerning quality, which uncovered a number of generic concepts of quality held in the commercial world, which are of profound relevance to the participatory arts and the questions currently being explored by the sector. When such ‘global’ perspectives – about the inherent nature of quality, how to ‘build it in’ to a product and how to manage quality outputs – are considered alongside evidence and testimony from the sector captured by ArtWorks, several important learning points emerge: One, that quality does not reside just in the art or work undertaken with participants ‘on the day’ but stems from a holistic process consisting of several preceding phases including conception, design and planning, each of which contain quality components. Two: quality in the participatory arts is not solely determined by the artist and what they deliver ‘in the room’, but is directly affected by a range of key decision makers some of whom may be far removed from the project itself, but who nonetheless influence whether the experience of the participants is a quality one. Three: there are recognizable essential preconditions for quality that appear to be common across participatory arts practice. Many of these are outside the artist’s direct control and are often missing from projects, undermining the chances of quality experiences for participants. The seminal theory of US researchers Seidel et al. constructing the interconnectedness of decision makers provides vital context for appreciating the roles and responsibilities of a wider group of stakeholders (including commissioners, employers and funders) in the achievement of quality experiences for participants. These observations lead to important recommendations for greater stakeholder engagement and responsibility; again gaining especial pertinence in light of evidence generated by ArtWorks. This article outlines each of these points in detail, reconstructing the logical development of key insights contained in the Creative Scotland report, which was researched and written by this author. The core components of an optimum quality system are proposed and represented as features of a holistic framework.
Maximizing empowerment in applied theatre with refugees and migrants in the United Kingdom: Facilitation shaped by an ethic of care
Authors: Smith Anne
Published: August 2015

This article argues for the value of fostering an ethic of care within an arts project, which emphasizes the importance of facilitating a culture of agency rather than dependency for participants. Drawing on the work of Virginia Held and Tove Pettersen, it highlights the necessity for all participants to be able to give as well as receive care and the impact of this upon achieving a sense of belonging. The professional skill of the artist is fundamental to the success of community arts practice. However, if a sense of dependency on professional skill remains, the longterm impact of the project is limited. In applied theatre practice with refugees and migrants who may already be disempowered by language, immigration status and poverty, a sense of agency is crucial. Using evidence from practice-based research in Creative English, a drama-based English language programme for adult refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and a family learning project for parents and toddlers, this article shows how the ethic of care disrupts the uneven balance of power between the artist and participant/altruist and recipient and thus impacts more widely on individuals’ actions beyond the workshop sessions, increasing the long-term impact of a time-bound arts project on individuals and their community.
The benefits of being a bit of an asshole
Authors: Schrag Anthony
Published: August 2015

In the United Kingdom, over the past decade, Socially Engaged practices have been variously employed to eradicate conflict and produce artworks that are diverse, multiple, all-welcoming and that smooth the turbulence of social tensions. Conflict, however, is an integral part of the social realm and to deny its presence is to deny the true functioning of a democratic realm. What, then, is the role of conflict within public and participatory artworks?
Whose quality is it anyway? Inhabiting the creative tension between presentational and participatory music
Authors: Camlin David A.
Published: August 2015

The complexity of identifying what constitutes quality in the field of Participatory Music is increased by contrasting it with its counterpart Presentational Music. Resorting to dichotomous positions – e.g. process vs product; access vs excellence; technical vs ethical – only helps to partially understand this complexity. In this article, I argue that applying a dialogic perspective of ‘creative tension’ to the continuums of practice between Presentational Music, Participatory Music and more socially or ethically engaged practices enables us to talk about issues of musical quality in participatory settings in a more meaningful and consistent way. This dialogic approach may also help to resolve similar dichotomies in broader Participatory Arts practice.
In their words: How television and visual media can raise awareness of dementia and other health conditions that carry stigma, including disabilities
Authors: Heward Michelle , Palfreman-Kay James , Innes Anthea
Published: August 2015

This article explores the mutual contribution television and disability studies can make to one another, focusing on the role of television and visual media in raising awareness and challenging gaps in understanding of dementia, a health condition that carries stigma and is framed as a disability. The Living Well with Dementia Dorset Video (LWDDV) project demonstrates the duality of how creating and disseminating a video featuring people with dementia and carers talking about what it means to live well with the condition, provides a way to use media to raise awareness of dementia. Portraying real-life experiences of people affected by dementia was crucial, and enabled these often marginalized voices to be heard. Participants discussed experiences of diagnosis, post-diagnostic support, adjustments to lifestyle, social activities and family relationships. The video was disseminated through YouTube, and the impact on understandings of dementia was established through a questionnaire. Findings indicate personal stories are a powerful way to raise awareness of dementia, an approach that could improve awareness of other health conditions that carry stigma, including disabilities. Video provides researchers with novel ways to disseminate findings that extend to new and wide-ranging audiences.
Disability in television crime drama: Transgression and access
Authors: Ellis Katie
Published: August 2015

Crime is one of the most persistent genres in recent television history. Disability is a narrative device often used in this genre to provide information and motivation for criminals, increase the vulnerability of victims and in some cases attribute almost superhuman powers of deduction to the lead investigators. As such, the most common analysis of these images relies on the identification and criticism of stereotypes. Yet as recent theorization in disability studies argues, focusing on negative stereotypes has seen research into disability and television stagnate. Proceeding from the argument that it is important to consider both representation and accessibility in any study of disability and television, research into Australian audiences with disabilities was held to discover what they thought about both the representation of disability on television and the potential for alternative modes of access. The crime drama emerged as a popular genre amongst people with disabilities. Responses to this question reveal impairments have a material impact on the kinds of television people with disability are able to enjoy watching. This is in contrast to prior research into disability and television, which identifies crime genres as a disabling representation of disability. These insights reveal that forms of storytelling are important and indeed acknowledged by the disability community, who seek out popular forms of television despite television’s traditional role in subordinating this group and excluding them from participating in the industry.
Book Reviews
Authors: Hall Nick , Mack Jonathan , Greaves Ian , Ganguly Lauhona
Published: August 2015

Sports on Television: The How and Why Behind What You See, DENNIS Denin ger (2012) New York and Abingdon: Routledge, 236 pp., ISBN: 0415896754, p/bk, $120; ISBN: 041589686, h/bk, $69.95
Dielectric properties of liquid systems: study of interactions in the systems carbon tetrachloride with benzene, toluene, and p-xylene
Authors: Buep Adrián H.
Published: August 2015

Intermolecular associations in liquid systems of non-polar and slightly polar compounds were studied through excess molar volumes (

V
M
E

), and excess dielectric properties (

ε
E

and

n
D

2
E

) for mixtures of carbon tetrachloride (

C
C

l
4

) with benzene (

C
6

H
6

), toluene (

C
6

H
5

C

H
3

), and p-xylene (

p
−

(
C

H
3

)

2

C
6

H
4

). These excess properties were calculated from measurements of density (

ρ

), static permittivity (

ε

), and refractive index (

n
D

) over the whole range of concentrations, at 298.15 K. The values of the excess dielectric properties for these mixtures were fitted in two different ways, one through least squares using the Redlich–Kister equation and the other using a model developed to explain deviations from ideality. The first fit was found to be descriptive while the second gave the equilibrium constant values for the interaction products actually formed in the mixtures and the respective electronic polarizabilities and dipole moments, indicating the existence of interaction products.
A mathematical model for predicting tumor recurrence within 24 months following surgery in patients with T1 high-grade bladder cancer treated with BCG immunotherapy
Authors: Rubinstein Jacob , Bar-On Tomer , Bahouth Zaher , Mano Roy , Shoshany Ohad , Baniel Jack , Nativ Ofer , Halachmi Sarel
Published: August 2015

Objectives: Aggressive bladder cancer has a high rate of recurrence and progression. Treatment of T1 high-grade (T1HG) bladder cancer lesions is challenging. Current prognostic models reasonably predict progression; however, additional prognostic markers are required to accurately predict recurrence. The aim of the study was to develop a prediction model for risk of recurrence in individual patients with T1HG bladder cancer treated with intravesical BCG.
Patients and Methods: Medical records of 115 patients with T1HG bladder cancer treated with adjuvant intravesical BCG immunotherapy from two different hospitals were reviewed. Mathematical algorithms were applied to identify parameters that could accurately predict recurrence within 24 months after surgery.
Results: Overall recurrence rate at 24 months after surgery was 49%. Of all clinical and pathological parameters evaluated, the best predictor of recurrence within 24 months after surgery was neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio. This ratio predicted recurrence with 86% sensitivity and 62% specificity in the whole database. The main limitations of our study are its retrospective nature and the small patient number.
Conclusions: Neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio was found to be superior to traditional parameters for the prediction of recurrence within 24 months following surgery in patients with T1HG bladder cancer treated with intravesical BCG immunotherapy. Stratifying patients using risk factors can help determine the appropriate follow-up and treatment for each individual patient.
Corporate governance reforms and political partisanship: an empirical analysis in 16 OECD countries
Authors: Darcillon Thibault
Published: August 2015

This paper explores the determinants of pro-minority shareholder corporate governance reforms. Using a Cox conditional model in gap time, this paper provides new empirical evidence on the linkages between the adoption of pro-minority shareholder corporate governance reforms at the firm level and government ideological affiliation in 16 OECD countries over the period 1970–2009. I find strong evidence linking rightward shifts in government ideological orientation with the adoption of minority shareholder protection legislation. This result supports our argument that changes in the composition of the coalition of heterogeneous interests and/or a change in the expectations of the parties’ constituency will affect government strategy on the adoption of pro-minority shareholder corporate governance reforms. I also find that the macroeconomic context at the international level may influence the adoption of these reforms. Our findings suggest that international economic integration has resulted not in the convergence of corporate governance regimes to the Anglo-Saxon model, but rather the emergence of hybrid corporate governance systems.