bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active learning: let’s make them a song
Authors: Demirci Cavide , Yavaslar Erhan
Published: October 2018

Active learning strategy has an important role in helping students gain twenty-first-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, responsibility and effective communication. By being more active and free in classrooms, students take their own learning responsibility. In this study, we wanted to see the active learning strategy through students’ eyes. Thus, we asked for their views after the completion of the activity. Consequently, students stated they had a lot of fun, felt happy and proud. They also indicated that they developed their imagination and creativity. They also found the opportunity to practice speaking English and discovered how to reach a consensus as a group. In sum, the activity we adopted active learning strategy provided them a better learning environment.
Keywords: Active learning, group work, creative thinking
Determining Intervention Fidelity From Chronological Field Notes
Authors: Dowell Jo , Beeber Linda , Schwartz Todd
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose: Intervention fidelity (IF) is a relatively recent methodological consideration in nursing research that refers to the adherent and competent behaviors by the interventionist. The purpose of this study was to explore an alternative method of determining IF using chronological field notes (CFNs). Method: A secondary analysis using data from an intervention study. A randomly selected sample of CFNs (N = 181) written by interventionist nurses (N = 20) were coded using the Collaborative Study Psychotherapy Rating Scale, a validated fidelity instrument used in similar studies. Results: The study provides no evidence that the field notes could be used for determining intervention fidelity. Conclusion: Further research is needed on IF that would provide less intrusive an alternate method.
Instruments to Measure Readiness to Lose Weight: An Integrative Review
Authors: McCusker Mélinda , Gregoski Mathew J.
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose: Obesity is a modifiable risk factor associated with multiple disease states. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesize instruments measuring participants' readiness to lose weight. Methods: The CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases were searched; 1,048 manuscripts were initially retrieved. Results: There were 11 studies retained. Eight reported moderate to strong validity; however, reliability was not reported in two studies. Overall, sample heterogeneity was limited, reducing generalizability across more diverse populations. In conjunction with readiness to lose weight, some instruments focused on additional attributes. Conclusions: An overview of instruments for assessing or monitoring readiness to lose weight is provided. Gaps in the literature included a lack of scales focusing on overweight, but not obese individuals, and male participants.
Development and Validation of an Evidence-Based Practice Instrument for Nursing Students Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Watters Richard , Moore Elizabeth R. , Wallston Kenneth
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose: This study developed and validated a theory of planned behavior (TPB)-based self-report instrument to measure nursing students' attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP), perceived support, self-efficacy, and implementation of EBP. Methods: There were 348 nursing students at 1 university who completed the measure as a pretest at the beginning of a course designed to teach them about EBP; 164 at the end of the course as a posttest. Results: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students reported higher EBP implementation scores than Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students who, in turn, had higher scores than prespecialty students. At the pretest, selfefficacy and network support accounted for 31% of the variance in EBP implementation. Conclusions: Evidence provides initial support for the reliability and validity of this 4-part EBP instrument based on the TPB.
Construct Validity of the Brazilian Version of the Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication Adherence Scale
Authors: Pedrosa Rafaela Batista Dos Santos , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus , Oliveira Henrique Ceretta , Alexandre Neusa Maria Costa
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and the construct validity of the Brazilian version of the Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication Adherence Scale (SEAMS). Methods: One hundred forty-seven patients with coronary artery disease participated in the study. Reliability was estimated by composite reliability (CR). Convergent validity was estimated by the factor loading and average variance extracted (AVE). The discriminant validity was assessed by cross-factor loadings, comparing the square roots of AVEs by correlation coefficients between latent constructs and disattenuated correlation. Results: The values of CR of .88 and .99 for Factors 1 and 2, respectively, indicate internal consistency reliability. Values of AVE = 0.52 for Factor 1 and 0.69 for Factor 2 to the convergent validity of the model. Cross-factor loadings were found ≥.50 for all items of the scale in areas that were allocated in the original instrument, square roots of AVEs higher than the correlations between the constructs and desatenuada correlation (r = .83), suggesting discriminant validity fashion model. Conclusion: Confirmatory factor analysis partially yielded the construct validity of the Brazilian version of the SEAMS.
Family Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Management: Psychometric Testing
Authors: Mcewen Marylyn M. , Pasvogel Alice , Murdaugh Carolyn L.
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management among Hispanic adults occurs in a family context. Self-efficacy (SE) affects T2DM selfmanagement behaviors; however, no instruments are available to measure family diabetes self-efficacy. The study's purpose was to test the psychometric properties of the Family Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Scale (FSE). Methods: Family members (n = 113) of adults with T2DM participated. Psychometric analysis included internal consistency reliability and concurrent and construct validity. Results: Internal consistency reliability was .86. Items loaded on 2 factors, Family SE for Supporting Healthy Behaviors and Family SE for Supporting General Health, accounting for 71% of the variance. FSE correlated significantly with 3 diabetes-related instruments. Conclusions: The FSE is a reliable and valid instrument. Further testing is needed in diverse populations and geographic areas.
Validation of a Japanese Version of the Decision Regret Scale
Authors: Tanno Kiyomi , Bito Seiji , Isobe Yoh , Takagi Yasuo
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose: In Japanese health care, no current index measures patient satisfaction with decision making during the treatment process. Our research aimed to test a Japanese version of the Decision Regret Scale (DRS) for this purpose. Methods: We distributed a Japanese version of the DRS twice, 3 weeks apart, to 80 postoperative patients younger than the age of 85 years with inguinal hernias, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and gallbladder polyps. Results: The reliability (α = .85) and validity of the Japanese version of the DRS was demonstrated among postoperative patients. Conclusion: The Japanese version of the DRS will have significant implications for clinicians in improving their shared decision making with patients.
Evaluation of Nurse Empathy Perceived by the Standardized Patient in Simulation: A French Validation of the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy
Authors: Gosselin Emilie , Paul-Savoie Emilie , Lavoie Stephan , Bourgault Patricia
Published: October 2018

Purpose: The aim is to validate a French version of the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy (F-JSPPPE). Methods: Twenty-six intensive care nurses took part in a standardized clinical simulation (SCS). For each nurse, a standardized simulated patient completed the F-JSPPPE and three observers filled the French version of the Reynolds Empathy Scale (F-RES). Results: The expert committee concluded that the F-JSPPPE has a good content validity. The internal consistency was good. A positive correlation was observed between the F-JSPPPE and the F-RES, suggesting good convergent validity. Conclusions: The F-JSPPPE validated with a standardized patient in SCS is the first reliable and valid instrument available in French to measure patient's perception of intensive care unit (ICU) nurse's empathy. Future study is needed to evaluate test–retest reliability.
Systematic Review and Critical Analysis of Measures of Social Support Used in Studies of Persons With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Al-Dwaikat Tariq N. , Hall Lynne A.
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose: Social support is linked to improved glycemic control and psychosocial well-being of patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose was to critically evaluate the psychometric properties of social support measures used in this population. Method: A systematic review of measures of social support was performed using 5 databases. Two hundred and fifty-six studies were initially retrieved, and 48 studies met the inclusion criteria for review. Results: The majority used general measures of perceived social support. Only 17% measured positive and negative social support; 92% used a single measure of social support. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) was used in 25% of the studies. Conclusions: Using a combination of social support measures and further evaluation of their psychometric properties in this population is recommended.
L'intervention EMDR rapide après un incident critique dans une collectivité : un essai clinique randomisé
Authors: Shapiro Elan , Laub Brurit
Published: October 2018

Le but de cette étude était d'investiguer l'efficacité de l'intervention EMDR (désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements oculaires) rapide à l'aide du protocole EMDR de l'épisode traumatique récent (EMDR recent traumatic episode protocol [R-TEP]) après un événement traumatique dans une collectivité, lors duquel un missile a frappé un bâtiment dans un quartier très fréquenté de la ville. Dans un essai contrôlé randomisé de groupes parallèles avec liste d'attente/traitement reporté, 17 rescapés manifestant une détresse post-traumatique ont été traités avec la psychothérapie EMDR en utilisant le protocole R-TEP. Des praticiens EMDR bénévoles ont effectué le traitement lors de deux journées consécutives. Les participants étaient assignés de manière aléatoire à la condition du traitement immédiat ou à celle de la liste d'attente/traitement reporté. Les évaluations à l'aide de l'échelle Impact of Event Scale-Revised (Échelle révisée d'impact de l'événement [IES-R]) et de l'inventaire bref de la dépression du Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) ont été réalisées lors du pré- et du post-traitement ainsi qu'au suivi après trois mois. Une semaine post-traitement, les scores du groupe de traitement immédiat s'étaient significativement améliorés sur l'IES-R en comparaison du groupe liste d'attente/traitement reporté qui n'a montré aucune amélioration avant le traitement. Lors du suivi après trois mois, les résultats de l'IESR étaient maintenus et les scores PHQ-9 montraient une amélioration significative. Cette étude pilote apporte des preuves préliminaires qui soutiennent l'efficacité de l'EMDR R-TEP dans la réduction du stress post-traumatique chez les victimes civiles d'hostilités et qui montrent que ce modèle d'intervention, brièvement ajouté aux services locaux à la suite d'incidents traumatiques à grande échelle, fondé sur une intervention EMDR sur deux jours consécutifs, peut être efficace.
Les effets des mouvements oculaires bilatéraux sur la cohérence EEG lors du rappel d'un souvenir plaisant
Authors: Keller Brandon , Stevens Larry , Lui Colleen , Murray James , Yaggie Matthew
Published: October 2018

Dans une enquête sur le modèle de cohérence interhémisphérique (CIh) dans la désensibilisation et le retraitement par les mouvements oculaires (EMDR) et les effets des mouvements oculaires bilatéraux (MOB), 30 sujets ont été exposés à un point fixe, à un point clignotant vert/rouge ou à des MOB alternés pendant la visualisation d'un souvenir agréable. On a mesuré ensuite les électroencéphalogrammes (EEG) lors d'une étape de traitement où les participants avaient les yeux fermés. Les analyses n'ont pas révélé d'amélioration significative de la CIh pour la condition MOB, mais des augmentations importantes dans la cohérence MOB intrahémisphérique des EEG des ondes delta et bêta basses dans les zones frontales droites et gauches, respectivement, et une augmentation tendancielle dans la cohérence MOB des ondes bêta basses de la zone frontale droite. On a eu recours à la neuro-imagerie LORETA afin de visualiser les changements significatifs d'amplitude correspondants aux effets de cohérence observés. Nous exposons ici la signification fonctionnelle de ces effets de cohérence intrahémisphérique et nous suggérons d'étendre le modèle CIh à la cohérence corticale.
Comprendre et traiter le narcissisme avec la psychothérapie EMDR
Authors: Mosquera Dolores , Knipe Jim
Published: October 2018

Le trouble de la personnalité narcissique et le trouble de traits narcissiques sont associés à des conduites égoïstes et à un défaut d'empathie envers les autres. Les patients dont la présentation initiale dans la psychothérapie correspond à l'un ou l'autre de ces tableaux ont un profil égocentrique ; ils manquent d'empathie ou se préoccupent peu de la souffrance qu'ils peuvent provoquer chez d'autres personnes, mais ceci n'est qu'un élément parmi d'autres. Parfois le défaut d'empathie et l'égoïsme ne sont que des défenses. Pour appréhender pleinement ce problème, il faut également avoir conscience des difficultés sous-jacentes à se définir soi-même qui sont à l'origine des manifestations comportementales du narcissisme. Comme c'est le cas pour tout problème psychologique, le traitement EMDR nécessite une compréhension de la manière dont les expériences en début de vie conduisent aux symptômes ultérieurs. La compréhension des voies qui relient les expériences vécues à un jeune âge aux traits narcissiques (y compris les présentations latentes) est essentielle à une conceptualisation de cas adéquate, tout comme il faut cerner les structures mentales défensives qui empêchent l'accès aux expériences défavorables fondamentales sous-jacentes aux symptômes.
La aplicación de la terapia EMDR en el trastorno límite de la personalidad
Authors: Mosquera Dolores , Leeds Andrew M. , GonzalezM Anabel
Published: October 2018

Existe un interés creciente en usar la terapia de desensibilización y reprocesamiento mediante movimientos oculares (EMDR) más allá del trastorno por estrés postraumático; para el cual dicha aplicación está bien consolidada. Con el fuerte consenso académico de que las experiencias vitales adversas y traumáticas contribuyen al desarrollo del trastorno límite de la personalidad (TLP), parecería que EMDR podría aportar mucho al tratamiento de las personas con TLP. Sin embargo, dadas las características específicas de estos pacientes, la aplicación de la terapia EMDR a su tratamiento puede ser todo un reto y son necesarias pequeñas adaptaciones de los procedimientos estándar de EMDR para el TEPT. Este artículo proporciona una orientación a los principios y estrategias para preparar de manera segura y eficaz a los pacientes con TLP para la terapia EMDR, y para acceder a los orígenes traumáticos del TLP y reprocesarlos. Se ofrecen ejemplos clínicos a lo largo del artículo.
Persönlichkeitsdissoziation und EMDR-Therapie bei komplexen traumabezogenen Störungen: Anwendungen in Behandlungsphasen 2 und 3
Authors: van der Hart Onno , Groenendijk Mariëtte , Gonzales Anabel , Mosquera Dolores , Solomon Roger
Published: October 2018

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Psychotherapie kann eine bedeutende Rolle in der phasenorientierten Behandlung von komplexen traumabezogenen Störungen spielen. In einem vorangegangenen Artikel wurde die Behandlungsphase 1 im Sinne der Theorie der strukturellen Persönlichkeitsdissoziation und der ihr zugeordneten Aktionspsychologie – Stabilisation, Symptomreduktion und Skills-Training – beschrieben und die Anwendung von EMDR-Verfahren in dieser Phase hervorgehoben. Behandlungsphase 2 beinhaltet im Wesentlichen EMDR-Anwendungen zur Überwindung der Phobie vor traumatischen Erinnerungen und deren anschließende Integration. Behandlungsphase 3 legt den Schwerpunkt auf weitere Persönlichkeitsintegration, was die Überwindung verschiedener das adaptive Funktionieren im Alltag betreffender Phobien mit einschließt. Dieser Artikel hebt Behandlungsansätze hervor, die Therapeuten bei der Integration von EMDR-Protokollen in Phase 2 und 3 einer phasenorientierten Behandlung unterstützen, ohne dabei die integrativen Kapazitäten oder das Toleranzfenster der Patienten zu überschreiten.
Thérapie de groupe EMDR pour des femmes agressées sexuellement au Congo
Authors: Allon Michel
Published: October 2018

Chaque année, des milliers de femmes sont victimes d'agressions sexuelles en République démocratique du Congo. En 2008, l'auteur a été invité en République démocratique du Congo afin d'aider au développement et à l'évaluation d'une approche thérapeutique brève pouvant traiter efficacement des femmes victimes d'agression sexuelle et souffrant de stress post-traumatique. Dans cette étude de terrain, 37 femmes ont reçu, soit 2 séances de thérapie individuelle (n = 8) utilisant la désensibilisation et le retraitement par les mouvements oculaires (EMDR), soit 2 séances de thérapie de groupe (n = 29) utilisant le protocole EMDR intégratif de traitement de groupe (EMDR-PITG). Les résultats de l'étude ont montré une amélioration importante des notes à l'échelle d'unités subjectives de perturbation (SUD). Les notes SUD des femmes ayant suivi des séances de thérapie individuelle ont indiqué une diminution significativement plus forte que celles des participantes traitées en thérapie de groupe. Avant le traitement, toutes les femmes de l'étude avaient rempli l'échelle d'impact de l'événement (IES – Impact of Event Scale), avec des notes bien au-dessus du seuil indiquant un état de stress post-traumatique. Ces mesures avaient également été relevées, deux semaines après la fin de leur traitement, auprès des femmes (n = 6) du premier des quatre groupes EMDR-PITG, avec une diminution significative des notes. De plus, beaucoup de femmes ont spontanément rapporté l'élimination de douleurs corporelles après la thérapie. Cette étude suggère l'importance de mener davantage de recherches et de développement.
A Carreira Médica e os Fatores Determinantes da Saída do Serviço Nacional de Saúde
Authors: Ferreira Marianela , Lopes Alexandra , Guimarães Miguel , Barros Henrique
Published: October 2018

Introdução: Este artigo aborda a temática da organização e gestão da carreira médica em Portugal no quadro do Serviço Nacional de Saúde. Foca, em particular, alguns indicadores de motivação e satisfação profissional.Material e Métodos: Este artigo resulta de um projeto de investigação mais alargado sobre a organização da carreira médica em Portugal. Foram aplicados inquéritos a médicos especialistas ativos, a realizar o internato de especialidade médica e que já abandonaram o Serviço Nacional de Saúde. A base de sondagem compreende os médicos inscritos na Secção Norte da Ordem dos Médicos.Resultados: Foram inquiridos 3253 médicos. Os níveis de satisfação dos médicos variam em função da idade, do tipo de ligação ao SNS e associados às expectativas em relação ao futuro profissional.Discussão: Apesar da estreita ligação com o Serviço Nacional de Saúde, os médicos mais jovens evidenciaram maiores níveis de insatisfação profissional e incerteza em relação ao seu futuro profissional. Ainda que com graus de descontentamento variáveis em função dos grupos considerados, a insatisfação dos profissionais inquiridos é com as condições materiais de exercício da profissão e com as oportunidades de progressão. No plano das relações interpessoais e da formação, a satisfação é elevada. A antecipação da reforma e a transferência para o setor privado são opções que os profissionais equacionam como estratégia para responder à insatisfação profissional.Conclusão: O estudo demonstra que as configurações atuais de funcionamento do Serviço Nacional de Saúde não diminuem o interesse pelo exercício da medicina, mas sim motivam a procura de condições mais aliciantes e compensatórias no exercício da mesma.
Da anormalidade na saúde para a anormalidade na educação
Authors: Dourado Cláudia Regina da Silva , Bernardes Anita Guazzeli
Published: October 2018

Este texto tem como temática a relação entre políticas públicas e Psicologia da Saúde a partir da articulação entre formas de governo da população e modos de condução de condutas. Para tanto, problematiza o deslocamento de enunciados de normalidade e anormalidade do campo da saúde para o campo da educação, como estratégia para compreender uma ontologia do presente. O texto apoia-se em autores da Psicologia Social, mais especificamente do pós-estruturalismo, que são ferramentas conceituais para pensar em Psicologia da Saúde. A Psicologia da Saúde aqui é um plano forjado por distintas articulações teórico-conceituais que se ocupam de problematizar a saúde. Desse modo, torna-se uma superfície mediante a qual é possível considerar não o que é a saúde, mas os efeitos daquilo que produz, quando articulada a outros campos, como as políticas públicas e mais especificamente a Educação.
A dimensão do belo no tempo
Authors: Souza Jose Carlos Rosa Pires , Lopes Luiz Henrique Bernardinelli , Souza Vitor Cruz Rosa Pires
Published: October 2018

A busca constante da beleza nas sociedades contemporâneas exerce uma forte influência sobre os fatores que determinam o bem-estar biopsicossocial dos indivíduos. Isso, no entanto, não é uma preocupação recente. Por milhares de anos, nossa espécie tenta representar-se através da arte, em uma tentativa inconstante de encontrar a verdadeira beleza. A relação entre o conceito de saúde e beleza é confundida, pois nem sempre o que é lindo é um ser saudável e vice-versa, assim como uma visão de beleza se torna contrastante quando a individualidade e a imagem do corpo de uma pessoa são sugestivas da visão de outra pessoa, que é conhecida como “imagem em espelho”. Este texto traz uma breve revisão do conceito de beleza ao longo da história da cultura ocidental, considerando as implicações atuais do corpo ideal segundo os fatores que determinam e condicionam o processo saúde-doença.
A Robust Control of Two-Stage Grid-Tied PV Systems Employing Integral Sliding Mode Theory
Authors: Kihal Abbas , Krim Fateh , Talbi Billel , Laib Abdelbaset , Sahli Abdeslem
Published: October 2018

This contribution considers an improved control scheme for three-phase two-stage grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) power system based on integral sliding mode control (ISMC) theory. The proposed control scheme consists of maximum power point tracking (MPPT), DC-Link voltage regulation and grid currents synchronization. A modified voltage-oriented maximum power point tracking (VO-MPPT) method based on ISMC theory is proposed for design of an enhanced MPPT under irradiation changes. Moreover, a novel DC-Link voltage control based on ISMC theory is proposed in order to achieve good regulation of DC-Link voltage over its reference. To inject the generated PV power into the grid with high quality, a voltage oriented control based on space vector modulation (SVM) and ISMC (VOC-ISMC-SVM) has been developed to control the grid currents synchronization. Numerical simulations are performed in Matlab/SimulinkTM environment in order to evaluate the proposed control strategy. In comparison with conventional control scheme, the developed control strategy provides an accurate MPP tracking with less power oscillation as well as a fast and an accurate DC-Link regulation under climatic conditions variations. Moreover, the transfer of the extracted power into the grid is achieved with high quality.
In-Situ Study of Road Marking Durability Using Glass Microbeads and Antiskid Aggregates as Drop-On Materials
Authors: Coves-Campos Andrés , Bañón Luis , Coves-García José Andrés , Ivorra Salvador
Published: October 2018

Road markings play an important role in road safety because they provide significant information to drivers about the road. For that reason, they must be replaced when they are not correctly perceived by road users. To analyse which are the main factors that affect road marking perception over time, a test section was designed in a two-lane rural highway, running actual traffic over 18 different types of markings fabricated with different combinations of drop-on materials. Chromatic coordinates, luminance and retroreflectivity of each sample were measured during 18 months in order to study their evolution over time. The results obtained show different behaviours depending on the aggregates and application method used. An increment of the durability has been observed with the use of different layers and mixtures of glass microbeads with different sizes.
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Governs a Full Program for Dopaminergic Neuron Survival, Neurorescue and Regeneration in the MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Marchetti Bianca
Published: October 2018

Wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt) signaling is one of the most critical pathways in developing and adult tissues. In the brain, Wnt signaling contributes to different neurodevelopmental aspects ranging from differentiation, axonal extension, synapse formation, neurogenesis and neuroprotection. Canonical Wnt signaling is mediated mainly by the multifunctional β-catenin protein which is a potent co-activator of transcription factors such as Lymphoid Enhancer Factor (LEF) and T Cell Factor (TCF). Accumulating evidence points to dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in major neurodegenerative disorders. Here I focus on a “Wnt/β-catenin-glial connection” in Parkinson’s disease (PD), the most common movement disorder characterized by the selective death of midbrain dopaminergic (mDAergic) neuronal cell bodies in the subtantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and gliosis. I will summarize the work of the last decade documenting that Wnt/β-catenin signaling in partnership with glial cells is critically involved in each step and at every levels in the regulation of nigrostriatal DAergic neuronal health, protection and regeneration in the MPTP mouse model of PD, focusing on Wnt/β-catenin signaling to boost a full neurorestorative program in PD.
A Review of the Usefulness of Non-invasive Exhaled Breath Condensate pH Analysis for Diseases Diagnosis with Elements of Meta-analysis: An Update from 2012
Authors: Muża Marcin , Konieczna Lucyna , Bączek Tomasz
Published: October 2018

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) sample analysis is an entirely non-invasive novel sample collection method that is fast, easy to perform, and effort-appeared independent. EBC samples can be very useful in identifying the biomarkers of many diseases. This review provides an updated overview of EBC pH disturbances in different disorders as well as physiological levels among healthy individuals since 2012. Our meta-analysis addresses some of the key questions related to sample processing before pH measurement and discusses various methods of condensate standardization that can be employed prior to conducting a pH assay. Given the recent widespread interest in research into the use of EBC to identify biomarkers, it is necessary to establish a pathway leading from analytical methods for biomarker evaluation using EBC pH to clinical applications of this technology. This review fills a gap in the literature and attempts to connect theory to practical analytical approaches to analyzing EBC samples and making critical treatment-related decisions next to the patient's bed.
Wheat ATI CM3, CM16 and 0.28 Allergens Produced in Pichia Pastoris Display a Different Eliciting Potential in Food Allergy to Wheat
Authors: Tundo Silvio , Lupi Roberta , Lafond Mickael , Giardina Thierry , Larré Colette , Denery-Papini Sandra , Morisset Martine , Kalunke Raviraj , Sestili Francesco , Masci Stefania
Published: October 2018

Although wheat is a staple food for most of human population, some of its components trigger adverse reactions. Among wheat components, the alpha-amylase/trypsin inhibitors (ATI) are important triggers of several allergies and activators of innate immunity. ATI are a group of exogenous protease inhibitors and include several polypeptides. The three ATI polypeptides named CM3, CM16 and 0.28 are considered major allergens, and might also play a role in other common wheat-related pathologies, such as Non Celiac Wheat Sensitivity and even Celiac Disease. On this basis, we pointed to obtain high amounts of them in purity and evaluating their allergenicity potential. We thus isolated the mRNA corresponding to the three ATI genes CM3, CM16 and 0.28 from 28 days post-anthesis wheat kernels and the corresponding cDNAs were used for heterologous expression in Pichia pastoris. The three purified proteins were tested in degranulation assay against human sera of patients with food allergy to wheat. A large range of degranulation values was observed for each protein according to the sera tested. All the three purified proteins CM3, CM16 and 0.28 were active as allergens because able to induce basophils degranulation on wheat allergic patients’ sera, but the highest values of β-hexosaminidase release were observed for CM3 protein.
Analysis of the National Adult Nutrition Survey (Ireland) and the Food4Me Nutrition Survey Databases to Explore the Development of Food Labeling Portion Sizes for the European Union
Authors: Gibney Michael J. , O'Sullivan Aifric , Flynn Albert , Walton Janette , Daniel Hannelore , Manios Yannis , Martinez Alfredo , Saris Wim H.M. , Gibney Eileen R. , Uzhova Irina
Published: October 2018

The present study set out to explore the option of developing food portion size for nutritional labelling purposes using two European Union (EU) dietary surveys. The surveys were selected as they differed in (a) methodologies (food diary v food frequency questionnaire), (b) populations (Irish National Adult Nutrition Survey: NANS) versus a seven-country based on the pan EU study Food4Me), (c) food quantification (multiple options v, solely photographic album) and (d) duration (4 consecutive days v recent month). Using data from these studies, portion size was determined for 15 test foods, where portion size was defined as the median intake of a target food when consumed. The median values of the portion sizes derived from both the NANS and Food4Me surveys were correlated (r = 0.823; P<0.00) and the mean of the two survey data sets were compared to US values from the Recognized as Customarily Consumed (RACC) database. There was very strong agreement across all food categories between the averaged EU and the US portion size (r = 0.947; P<0.00). It is concluded that notwithstanding the variety of approaches used for dietary survey data in the EU, the present data supports using a standardized approach to food portion size quantification for food labelling in the EU.
Sodium Rechargeable Battery with Electrolyte Based on Nafion Membrane
Authors: Kulova Tatiana , Skundin Alexander , Chekannikov Andrey , Novikova Svetlana , Voropaeva Daria , Yaroslavtsev Andrey
Published: October 2018

The possibilities of manufacturing batteries with Nafion 117 membranes in the Na+-form intercalated by mixtures of non-aqueous organic solvents used both as electrolyte, separator and binder were investigated. Electrochemical stability of various organic solvent mixtures based on N,N-dimethylacetamide, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, tetrahydrofuran was characterized. It was shown that sodium battery based on Nafion-Na membrane intercalated by mixture of ethylene carbonate ‑ propylene carbonate with Na3V1.9Fe0.1(PO4)3/C positive electrode is characterized by a discharge capacity of ca. 110 mAh g-1 (C/10) at room temperature and shows the ability to cycle for a long time. Batteries with Nafion membrane electrolytes, containing N,N-dimethylacetamide were characterized by capacity fading during cycling, which is due to the interaction of N,N-dimethylacetamide and a negative sodium electrode.
The Natural Flavonoid Compound Deguelin Inhibits HCMV Lytic Replication within Fibroblasts
Authors: Nuikui Masatoshi , O'Connor Christine M. , Murphy Eain A.
Published: October 2018

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus, for which there is no vaccine or cure. This viral infection, once acquired, is life-long, residing latently in hematopoietic cells. However, latently infected individuals with weakened immune systems often undergo HCMV reactivation, which can cause serious complications in immunosuppressed and immunocompromised patients. Current anti-viral therapies target late stages of viral replication, and are often met with therapeutic resistance, necessitating the development of novel therapeutics. In this current study, we identified a naturally occurring flavonoid compound, deguelin, which inhibits HCMV lytic replication. Our findings reveal that nanomolar concentrations of deguelin significantly suppress the production of infectious virus. Further, we show that deguelin inhibits the lytic cycle during the phase of the replication cycle consistent with early (E) gene and protein expression. Importantly, our data reveal that deguelin inhibits replication of a ganciclovir-resistant strain of HCMV. Together, our findings identify a novel, naturally occurring compound that may prove useful in the treatment of HCMV replication.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Method for the Rapid Identification of Dendrobium officinale
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhou Hua , Lai Huili , Fu Fei , Wu Wenru
Published: October 2018

Background: Dendrobium officinale is not only an ornamental plant, but also a valuable medicinal herb that is both effective and widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, distinguishing D. officinale from other Dendrobium species is usually a difficult task that need much time and complex technologies due to their very similar external morphologies. The aim of this study is to develop a fast, even on-spot approach to identify D. officinale. Methods: We used DNA barcode-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method with species-specific LAMP primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA of D. officinale. LAMP reaction time and temperature were optimized and the specificity and sensitivity of LAMP species-specific primers were assessed. Results: This technique showed a high specificity and sensitivity to amplify the genomic DNA of D. officinale and allowed for rapid amplification (within 40 min) of the ITS region under a constant and mild temperature range of 65 °C without using thermocyclers. Besides, by using SYBR® Green I dye as the color developing agent, the color change was easily observed with naked eye. Reaction mixture containing DNA of D. officinale changed from orange to green, while the other Dendrobium species and the negative control retained original orange color. The specificity of this LAMP-based method was confirmed by testing 17 samples of D. officinale and 32 adulterant samples from other Dendrobium species. Conclusions: This LAMP-based rapid identification method does not require expensive equipment or specialized techniques and can be used in field surveys for accurate and fast on site identification.
Black Hole as Gravitational Hydrogen Atom by Rosen’s Quantization Approach
Authors: Corda Christian , Feleppa Fabiano
Published: October 2018

We apply Rosen’s approach to the quantization of the gravitational collapse in the simple case of a pressureless “star of dust” and we find the gravitational potential, the Schroedinger equation and the solution for the collapse’s energy levels without any approximation. By applying the constrains for a black hole (BH), we found the analogous quantum quantities and the BH mass spectrum, again without any approximation. Remarkably, such a mass spectrum is the same which was found by Beken- stein in 1974. Finally, our approach permits to find the exact quantum representation of the Schwarzschild BH ground state at the Planck scale.
Indonesian Traditional Market Flexibility amidst State Promoted Market Competition
Authors: Purnomo Mangku , Otten Fenna , Faust Heiko
Published: October 2018

The penetration of modern supermarkets is believed to be the cause of the declining role of traditional markets and street vendors in Indonesia. But the competition between state-promoted markets and traditional markets is rarely discussed. This investigation focuses on traditional markets as social institutions, which continuously have developed a variety of strategies in order to remain competitive in the midst of intense rivalry. Firstly, we will outline a theoretical understanding of the traditional markets positioning along the concepts of flexibility and market devices. Secondly, we empirically reflect the strategies of four traditional vegetable markets in the District of Malang, East Java Province, as case studies. We show that the traditional markets build flexibility without governmental support by: (1) specifying commodities, (2) segmenting customers, (3) managing the load time, (4) modifying transportation to operate more efficiently, and (5) minimizing transaction costs by leveraging social capital. We argue that traditional vegetable markets institutionally reduce the potential of transaction costs to be competitive and avoid problems of coordination by building social capital through networks. All in all, market institutions supported by market devices are flexibly capable of adapting to the pressures of both selfishness among actors and competition with other markets.
Two-Level Evolutionary Multi-Objective Optimization of a District Heating System with Distributed Cogeneration
Authors: Casisi Melchiorre , Costanzo Stefano , Pinamonti Piero , Reini Mauro
Published: October 2018

The paper deals with the modelization and optimization of an integrated multi-component energy system. On-off operation and presence-absence of components must be described by means of binary decision variables, besides equality and inequality constraints; furthermore, the synthesis and the operation of the energy system should be optimized at the same time. In this paper a hierarchical optimization strategy is used, adopting a genetic algorithm in the higher optimization level, to choose the main binary decision variables, whilst a MILP algorithm is used in the lower level, to choose the optimal operation of the system and to supply the merit function to the genetic algorithm. The method is then applied to a distributed generation system, which has to be designed for a set of users located in the center of a small town in the North-East of Italy. The results show the advantage of distributed cogeneration, when the optimal synthesis and operation of the whole system are adopted, and significant reduction in the computing time by using the proposed two-level optimization procedure.
Highly Sensitive Detection of 4-Methylimidazole Using a Terahertz Metamaterial
Authors: Shin Hee Jun , Jang Hae Won , Ok Gyeongsik
Published: October 2018

We demonstrate, for the first time, a highly sensitive detection of 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI), a carcinogenic material, by applying an electric field enhancement technique using a terahertz (THz) metamaterial at the THz region. The THz metamaterials were fabricated with a metal array using an electric-field-coupled inductor-capacitor (ELC) resonator structure, and FDTD simulation showed good agreement with experimental results. We measured the THz spectra of the metamaterials to detect 4-MeI concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/L. The resonance frequency of the metamaterial was shifted by approximately 8 GHz and transmittance at the resonance frequency increased to 2 x 10-3 as the concentration was increased, up to 20 mg/L. Our study provides new insight into application of metamaterials to detect carcinogen using a THz technique.
Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss in the Mining Sector in South Africa: How Are Mineworkers Trained—Perspective from Occupational Health Personnels
Authors: Moroe Nomfundo
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to explore perspectives of occupation health personnels (OHPs) regarding education and training of mineworkers on occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) and its impact on mineworkers’ hearing. Qualitative, in-depth telephonic and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 16 OHPs comprising representatives from the state, employer and labour as well as audiologists and occupational health hygienists.  Purposive and snowball sampling were utilized to recruit participants. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings revealed that mineworkers have a superficial awareness and knowledge of the impact of noise on their hearing and health. Moreover, OHPs are not knowledgeable on how mineworkers are educated on ONIHL and its latent consequences. Furthermore, language, low levels of education and literacy as well as the financial constraints were factors that had a negative impact on raising awareness and training mineworkers. There is a need to prioritize health literacy among mineworkers. Additionally, audiologists need to play an active role in educating mineworkers about the effects of excessive exposure to noise. There is a need to take into account literacy levels and language barriers in planning training material for mineworkers.
Copper-Fructose Interactions: A Novel Mechanism in the Pathogenesis of NAFLD
Authors: Song Ming , Vos Miriam , McClain Craig
Published: October 2018

Compelling epidemiologic data support the critical role of dietary fructose in the epidemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The metabolic effects of fructose on the development of metabolic syndrome and NAFLD are not completely understood. High fructose intake impairs copper status, and copper-fructose interactions have been well documented in rats. Altered copper-fructose metabolism leads to exacerbated experimental metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that copper levels are low in NAFLD patients. Moreover, hepatic and serum copper levels are inversely correlated with the severity of NAFLD. Thus, high fructose consumption and low copper availability are considered two important risk factors in NAFLD. However, the causal effect of copper-fructose interactions as well as the effects of fructose intake on copper status remain to be evaluated in humans. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of copper-fructose interactions in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and discuss the potential underlying mechanisms. This review will shed light on the role of copper homeostasis and high fructose intake and point to copper-fructose interactions as novel mechanisms in the fructose induced NAFLD.
Urban Resilience Discourse Analysis: Towards a Multi-Level Approach to Cities
Authors: Rogov Mikhail , Rozenblat Celine
Published: October 2018

This study aims to understand the current state of research in urban resilience and to open a discussion about multi-level perspectives for this concept. Starting with the history of the concept of resilience, we identify three main stages in resilience concept’s evolution: conceptualization, contextualization and operationalization. Confusion occurs between sustainability and resilience, therefore we clearly separate these two concepts by creating conceptual maps. Such maps also underline the specificities of urban and regional resilience discourses. We illustrate that urban resilience research, operating within intra-urban processes, is oriented towards natural disasters, while regional resilience research, operating mostly within inter-urban processes, is oriented towards economic shocks. We show that these two approaches to resilience – urban and regional – are complementary, and we propose to integrate them into a multi-level perspective. By combining these two discourses, we propose a multi-level approach to urban resilience that takes into account both top-down and bottom-up resistance processes. In the discussion section, we propose to take the panarchy perspective as a theoretical framework for multi-level urban resilience, that explains the interactions between different levels through adaptive cycles, relationships between which can help to explain urban resilience.
A Fuzzy Inference System for Unsupervised Deblurring of Motion Blur in Electron Beam Calibration
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Salaheddin
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a novel method of restoring the electron beam (EB) measurements that are degraded by linear motion blur. This is based on a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) and Wiener inverse filter, together providing autonomy, reliability, flexibility and real-time execution. This system is capable of restoring highly degraded signals without requiring the exact knowledge of EB probe size. The FIS is formed of three inputs, eight fuzzy rules and one output. The FIS is responsible to monitor the restoration results, grade their validity and choose the one that yields to a better grade. These grades are produced autonomously by analyzing results of Wiener inverse filter. To benchmark the performance of the system, ground truth signals obtained using an 18 um wire probe are compared with the restorations. Main aims are therefore a) Provide unsupervised deblurring for device independent EB measurement; b) Improve the reliability of the process; c) Apply deblurring without knowing the probe size. These, further facilitates the deployment and manufacturing of EB probes and probe independent and accurate EB characterization. It also makes restoration of previously collected EB measurements easier, where the probe sizes are not known or recorded.
Operating on Tensors within Dynamic Coordinate Frames
Authors: Afas Keith C.
Published: October 2018

This paper puts forward an alteration for Tensor Calculus utliized in a coordinate system which is under a dynamic distortion drawing inspiration from similar fields such as the Calculus of Moving Surfaces (CMS). The paper establishes transformation laws for Tensors within these regions and establishes Operators such as the Tensorial Field Derivative which enforce a Tensorial Transformation on Tensors defined within a Dynamically Moving coordinate system. This variation of Tensor Calculus can be utilized to observe how disciplines such as QFT and Continuum Mechanics would change to accomodate for a distorting coordinate system and can be utliized to develop new theoretical models which account for this temporal distortion particularly within Biological Settings.
Quantification of σ–Holes and Their Use as a Descriptor for the Theoretical Calculation of pKa Values for Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Caballero-García Guillermo , Mondragón-Solórzano Gustavo , Torres-Cadena Raúl , Díaz-García Marco , Sandoval-Lira Jacinto , Barroso-Flores Joaquín
Published: October 2018

Theoretical approaches to calculate pKa values for Brønsted acids is a challenging task that, most of the time, involves sophisticated and time-consuming methods. Therefore, heuristic approaches are efficient and appealing methodologies to approximate these values. Herein, by considering the electrostatic potential on acidic hydrogen atoms in a similar fashion that a σ–hole is defined, we calculated the maximum surface potential, VS,max, and used it as a descriptor to correlate it with experimental acidity constants. These values were calculated using the CPCM implicit solvent model (water) with six different methods: five density functionals and the Møller–Plesset second order perturbation theory. Six different basis sets were combined with each method in order to benchmark a total of thirty-six levels of theory. Overall, 1080 calculations were performed and found to correlate with experimental data. The ωB97X-D/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory stands as the best one for consistently reproduce the reported pKa values.