bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reevaluating urban identity under changing circumstances: the case of Samsun, Turkey
Authors: Oktay Derya
Published: December 2017

At a time when many places are beginning to look alike, effective urban design policies and strategies have the potential to reinforce local character and create places with identity. Therefore, a thorough analysis of the concept of identity is needed and an understanding of the ways through which it can be achieved without reducing the concept to an aesthetic dressing possesses a great significance. As viewed from a holistic perspective, it can be claimed that the most powerful elements contributing to the identity of the city are natural environment, social–cultural environment, identifiable quarters, public spaces, and in some cases, landmarks. As cities are always changing and evolving in response to social, economic and political forces, the urban environment has to be considered in a time-based perspective identifying the changes in the local context. In line with these, this paper searches for urban identity by focusing on the organising elements in both theory and practice, as in the case of Samsun, a big city with a rich cultural background where transformations are dramatic.
Raising Educational and Occupational Aspirations: Encouraging Family Conversation
Authors: Golding Susan
Published: December 2017

This paper considers the importance of conversations at home about the educational qualifications and aspirations of family members and how these may impact on post-16 choices. It presents previously unpublished data gathered in an 11–16 school situated in a post- industrial community
in the south Wales valleys. Pupils in Year 11 were asked on several occasions to find out about the educational qualifications of household members – it is the responses to these questions that became the focus of this paper. In conclusion, the need to consider the support and information
provided to pupils and their families at key transitional points in their educational careers is emphasised in light of continued debates about underachievement in Welsh schools.
Language Learning and Childcare Choice in Wales
Authors: Dallimore David J. , Cunnington-Wynn Lowri
Published: December 2017

While there is increasing evidence that children who learn Welsh before they start formal education have higher levels of fluency, few parents choose Welsh-medium or bilingual early childhood education and care. This paper reports on the findings and policy implications of a mixed-method
study that examined Welsh parents' childcare choices and asked to what extent those choices are influenced by language. Using Bourdieusian theory it was found that attitudes and practices within the childcare field differ according to parents' habitus and perceived capital value of the Welsh
language. Where Welsh is widely spoken, both Welshand non-Welsh-speaking parents chose Welsh-medium early childhood services intuitively and in recognition of the extent to which bilingualism forms valuable social and cultural capital that is convertible to future economic capital. In non-Welsh-speaking
areas, without such intuition or recognition of the transferable value of language as redeemable capital, parents did not form the habitus that might dispose them to choose Welsh-medium or bilingual pre-school experiences. As a consequence, the supply of Welsh-language childcare does not develop
in response to demand, limiting opportunities for bilingualism to take root in many areas. These findings are important in the context of Welsh Government's policy target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Computer Aided Molecular Modeling of the Piezoelectric Properties of Ferroelectric Composites on the Base of Polyvinylidene Fluoride with Graphene and Graphene Oxide
Authors: Быстрова А.В. , Bystrova A.V.
Published: December 2017

Molecular modeling of ferroelectric composites containing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), graphene (G) and/or graphene oxide (GO), was performed
using the semi-empirical quantum approximation PM3 in the HyperChem software package. The piezoelectric properties of the composites were analyzed
and compared with the experimental data obtained for thin films containing poly(vinylidene-fluoride-trifluoroethylene) with graphene oxide
(P (VDF-TrFE)/GO). A qualitative agreement was obtained between the simulation results and the experimental measurements of the piezoelectric
coefficient, its decrease in the presence of G or GO was revealed. When models containing one or more layers of graphene with 54 carbon atoms
were investigated, it was found that the average piezoelectric coefficient was reduced to -9.8 pm/V for the one-sided PVDF/G model and
to -18.98 pm/V for the two-sided sandwich model G/PVDF/G in compare with the calculated piezoelectric coefficient for pure PVDF (-42.2 pm/V).
After computer modeling for models incorporating one or more layers of 96 carbon atoms in the oxide graphene, it was found that the piezoelectric
coefficient was reduced to a value of -14.6 pm/V for a one-sided PVDF / GO model and to a value of -29.8 pm/V for a two-sided sandwich model
GO/ PVDF/GO compared to the piezoelectric coefficient for pure PVDF.
Accelerating Computer-Based Recognition of Fynbos Leaves Using a Graphics Processing Unit
Authors: Winberg Simon Lucas , Ramone Moeko , Naidoo Khagendra
Published: December 2017

The Cape Floristic Kingdom (CFK) is the most diverse floristic kingdom in the world and has been declared an international heritage site. However, it is under threat from wild fires and invasive species. Much of the work of managing this natural resource, such as removing alien vegetation or fighting wild fires, is done by volunteers and casual workers. Many fynbos species, for which the Table Mountain National Park is known, are difficult to identify, particularly by non-expert volunteers. Accurate and fast identification of plant species would be beneficial in these contexts. The Fynbos Leaf Optical Recognition Application (FLORA) was thus developed to assist in the recognition of plants of the CFK. The first version of FLORA was developed as a rapid prototype in MATLAB; it utilized sequential algorithms to identify plant leaves, and much of this code was interpreted M files. The initial implementation suffered from slow performance, though, and could not run as a lightweight standalone executable, making it cumbersome. FLORA was thus re-developed as a standalone C++ version that was subsequently enhanced further by accelerating critical routines, by running them on a graphics processing unit (GPU). This paper presents the design and testing of both the C++ version and the GPU-accelerated version of FLORA. Comparative testing was done on all three versions of FLORA, viz., the original MATLAB prototype, the C++ non-accelerated version, and the C++ GPU-accelerated version to show the performance and accuracy of the different versions. The accuracy of the predictions remained consistent across versions. The C++ version was noticeable faster than the original prototype, achieving an average speed-up of 8.7 for high-resolution 3456x2304 pixel images. The GPU-accelerated version was even faster, saving 51.85 ms on average for high-resolution images. Such a time saving would be perceptible for batch processing, such as rebuilding feature descriptors for all the leaves in the leaf database. Further work on this project involves testing the system with a wider variety of leaves and trying different machine learning algorithms for the leaf prediction routines.
Ficha Catalográfica
Authors: Westrup Rosângela
Published: December 2017

Ficha Catalográfica
Influence of Participation in Athletics on Students’ Academic Performance in Uasin Gishu County
Authors: Nyabero Charles
Published: December 2017

The study investigated the influence of learners’ participation in athletic activitieson academic performance of students in secondary school Uasin Gishu County. The study was grounded on Astin’s theory of involvement, whichasserts that students learn more when they are involved in both academic and social aspects of the collegiate experience. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research process with a target population being students and teachers of Uasin Gishu County. Sample of 378 was calculated with aid Krecie & Morgan sample table and sample was arrived at through stratified sampling on secondary schools and simple random sampling on selected secondary schools whose students were picked without bias. Tools for data collection included questionnaire, in-depth interview and review of literature. The tools were calibrated on validity and reliability through expert check and Chronbach’s Alpha Coefficient, which was 0.76, which was fair enough for utility of the questionnaires.The achieved data was analyzed based on confidence level of 95%and person correlation coefficient and using descriptive statisticsthat included frequencies, standard deviation and mean. The analysis was carried out with help of SPSS program. The finding indicated that participation in athletic activities has potential to positively influence students’ academic performance (R=0.632; p<0.05). Athletics participationstimulates fine and gross motor growth, learner concentration and cognitive development. The finding suggests that schools need to create a conducive environment for participation in athletics and encourage the students to participate in order to enhance their performance.
Концепция экологически безопасной защиты от морского обрастания и её разработка с использованием каучук-эпоксидных покрытий
Authors: Раилкин А. И. , Отвалко Ж. А. , Коротков С. И. , Фомин С. Е. , Кулева Н. В.
Published: December 2017

Развиты положения авторской концепции экологически безопасной защиты от морского обрастания. Изучены три направления её практической реализации: небиоцидная противоадгезионная защита с использованием оксидов некоторых металлов и органических соединений, а также покрытия с пониженной экологической опасностью за счёт частичного замещения меди противоадгезионным компонентом. В качестве базового использовано покрытие КЭЛТ-2, разработанное в ФГУП «НИИСК». Для лабораторных исследований противообрастающих веществ и покрытий использованы методы экспериментальной биологии, для морских испытаний покрытий — нестационарные стенды (гидрофлюгеры). Представлены результаты технических и биологических испытаний каучук-эпоксидных покрытий. При испытаниях в Белом и Чёрном морях разработанные покрытия показали более высокую эффективность, чем судовые краски. Обсуждается перспективность дальнейшей разработки экологически безопасных противоадгезионных покрытий и медных покрытий с пониженной экологической опасностью.
Концентрация мышьяка в тканях культивируемой мидии Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam., воде и донных осадках (Крым, Чёрное море)
Authors: Рябушко В. И. , Козинцев А. Ф. , Тоичкин А. М.
Published: December 2017

Мышьяк является одним из токсикантов, для которых разработаны нормативы предельно допустимых концентраций в морских организмах, используемых в пищевых целях. Поэтому необходимы сведения о содержании мышьяка в тканях культивируемых гидробионтов, а также в воде и грунте акваторий расположения морских хозяйств. В качестве модельного объекта выбрана ферма, находящаяся в Карантинной бухте (г. Севастополь, Крым, Чёрное море). Содержание мышьяка в пробах определяли с помощью метода инверсионной вольтамперометрии. Среднегодовая концентрация мышьяка в воде акватории марихозяйства Карантинной бухты оказалась в 1,2 раза ниже рыбохозяйственных нормативов, в донных осадках — в 1,5 раза ниже норм по «голландским листам». Концентрация мышьяка в мидии почти на порядок ниже предельно допустимых концентраций для пищевых продуктов, в частности моллюсков.
Forecasting short-term carbon emission futures price volatility: information for hedging carbon emission futures risk
Authors: C. Ngwakwe Collins
Published: December 2017

This paper aimed to illustrate how short-term carbon futures speculators might use short-term carbon emission futures data to predict and forecast carbon prices. The paper became apposite given ubiquitous research focussing on long-term carbon futures data, which has left out short-term carbon emission futures speculators with information. Therefore, this paper demonstrated that short-term speculators in carbon futures could indeed use short-term time series data on carbon futures to make a reliable prediction and forecasting of carbon emissions futures price volatility within a short term and thus decide on investment opportunity. The sample data results showed that short-term data could produce a dependable in-sample futures prediction since the in-sample prediction fell within the 95% confidence interval. The demonstration also showed that short-term carbon futures data could assist speculators to conduct a reliable short-term out of sample forecast of carbon futures prices within the closer period. The paper offers practical assistance to carbon futures speculators and is equally important for academic studies for business and economic students on discussions and research bordering on carbon emissions, carbon trading, environmental economics and sustainable development. More carbon short-term forecasting is encouraged – such research should compare short-term forecasting of carbon futures amongst different carbon markets.
Investigation of humic acids concentration in different seasons in a raw water canal, Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Tungsudjawong K. , Leungprasert S. , Peansawang P.
Published: December 2017

This study presents an overview of the changes in humic acids, which are disinfection by-product precursors in a raw water canal, Bangkok, Thailand, during different seasons. Fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy was employed to characterize and quantify spatial and seasonal variations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) along a raw water canal of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 276 raw water samples were collected from 23 stations during the winter, summer and rainy season. Results indicate that hydrophobic fractions made up the majority of DOM and this water source also had high specific UV absorbance (SUVA). Seasonal variation of DOM was found to be more pronounced than geographical variation along the canal. The presence of humic substances was the highest in the rainy season due to rainfall and surface runoff, while soluble microbial by-product-like substances were found only in summer. The results provide an insight into the prediction of humic acids in source water, which benefits the MWA in being aware of seasonal variation in water quality.
Adapting a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Delivery via Facebook: A Pilot Series Among Low-Income Postpartum Women (Preprint)
Authors: Silfee Valerie J. , Lopez-Cepero Andrea , Lemon Stephenie C. , Estabrook Barbara , Nguyen Oanh , Wang Monica L. , Rosal Milagros C.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Efforts to translate evidence-based weight loss interventions, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), to low-income postpartum women have resulted in poor intervention attendance and high attrition. Strategies that improve engagement and retention in this population are needed to maximize the reach of evidence-based weight loss interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to adapt a DPP-based weight loss intervention (Fresh Start) for Facebook delivery and to evaluate its feasibility among low-income postpartum women.

METHODS

This study comprised 3 single-group pilot studies where feasibility outcomes iteratively informed changes from one pilot to the next. We paralleled the in-person program for Facebook delivery by translating the protocol to a content library of Facebook posts with additional posts from lifestyle coaches. Low-income postpartum women were recruited from Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics in Worcester, Massachusetts. Participants were enrolled into a 16-week weight loss intervention delivered via Facebook. During the first 8 weeks, Facebook intervention posts were delivered 2 times per day, with additional posts from coaches aiming to stimulate interaction among participants or respond to participants’ questions and challenges. For the following 8 weeks, posts were delivered once per day without additional coaching. Feasibility outcomes were engagement (defined by number of likes, comments, and posts measured throughout intervention delivery), acceptability, and retention (survey at follow-up and assessment completion rate, respectively). Changes in weight were also assessed at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

Pilot 1 had a retention rate of 89% (24/27), and on average, 62% (17/27) of women actively engaged with the group each week during the 8-week coached phase. Mean weight loss was 2.6 (SD 8.64) pounds, and 79% (19/27) would recommend the program to a friend. Pilot 2 had a retention rate of 83% (20/24), and on average, 55% (13/24) of women actively engaged with the group weekly during the 8-week coached phase. Mean weight loss was 2.5 (SD 9.23) pounds, and 80% (16/24) would recommend the program to a friend. Pilot 3 had a retention rate of 88% (14/16), and on average, 67% (11/16) of women actively engaged with the group weekly during the 8-week coached phase. Mean weight loss was 7.0 (SD 11.6) pounds, and 100% (16/16) would recommend the program to a friend.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that a Facebook-delivered intervention was acceptable and could be feasibly delivered to low-income postpartum women. Future research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention.
A Mobile Game to Support Smoking Cessation: Prototype Assessment (Preprint)
Authors: Raiff Bethany R , Fortugno Nicholas , Scherlis Daniel R , Rapoza Darion
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoking results in an estimated seven million deaths annually. Almost half of all smokers attempt to quit each year, yet only approximately 6% are successful. Although there are multiple effective interventions that can increase these odds, substantial room remains for improvement. One effective approach to helping smokers quit is contingency management, where quitting is incentivized with the delivery of monetary rewards in exchange for objective evidence (eg, exhaled carbon monoxide levels) of abstinence.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the feasibility and promise of Inspired, a contingency management mobile app for smoking cessation that uses game-based rewards to incentivize abstinence from smoking instead of the monetary (or material) rewards typically used. We sought participant feedback and limited objective data on: the features and design of Inspired, interest in using Inspired when it becomes available, the likelihood of Inspired being an effective cessation aid, and the rank order preference of Inspired relative to other familiar smoking cessation aids.

METHODS

Twenty-eight treatment-seeking smokers participated in this study. Participants attended a single one-hour session in which they received an overview of the goals of the Inspired mobile game, practiced submitting breath carbon monoxide (CO) samples, and played representative levels of the game. Participants were then told that they could play an extra level, or they could stop, complete an outcome survey, receive payment, and be dismissed. A sign-up sheet requesting personal contact information was available for those who wished to be notified when the full version of Inspired becomes available.

RESULTS

Using binary criteria for endorsement, participants indicated that, assuming it was currently available and fully developed, they would be more likely to use Inspired than: any other smoking cessation aid (21/28, 75%), the nicotine patch (23/28, 82%), a drug designed to reduce smoking cravings (23/28, 82%), or a program involving attendance in training sessions or support group meetings (27/28, 96%). In the questionnaire, participants indicated that both the Inspired program (26/28, 93%) and the Inspired game would be “Fun” (28/28, 100%), and 71% (20/28) reported that the program would help them personally quit smoking. Fifty-eight percent of participants (15/26) chose to continue playing the game rather than immediately collecting payment for participation and leaving. Eighty-two percent of participants (23/28) signed up to be notified when the full version of Inspired becomes available.

CONCLUSIONS

This was the first study to evaluate a game-based contingency management app that uses game-based virtual goods as rewards for smoking abstinence. The outcomes suggest that the completed app has potential to be an effective smoking cessation aid that would be widely adopted by smokers wishing to quit.
AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS OF EVOLVING TAKAGI-SUGENO-KANG FUZZY MODELS
Authors: Precup Radu-Emil , Preitl Stefan , Bojan-Dragos Claudia-Adina , Radac Mircea-Bogdan , Szedlak-Stinean Alexandra-Iulia , Hedrea Elena-Lorena , Roman Raul-Cristian
Published: December 2017

This paper presents theoretical and application results concerning the development of evolving Takagi-Sugeno-Kang fuzzy models for two dynamic systems, which will be viewed as controlled processes, in the field of automotive applications. The two dynamic systems models are nonlinear dynamics of the longitudinal slip in the Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and the vehicle speed in vehicles with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) systems. The evolving Takagi-Sugeno-Kang fuzzy models are obtained as discrete-time fuzzy models by incremental online identification algorithms. The fuzzy models are validated against experimental results in the case of the ABS and the first principles simulation results in the case of the vehicle with the CVT.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND MICROMECHANICS OF SHALE ROCKS: CASE STUDY OF MARCELLUS SHALE
Authors: Du Hui , Carpenter Kristen , Hui David , Radonjic Mileva
Published: December 2017

Shale rocks play an essential role in petroleum exploration and production because they can occur either as source rocks or caprocks depending on their mineralogical composition and microstructures. More than 60% of effective seals for geologic hydrocarbon bearing formations as natural hydraulic barriers constitute of shale caprocks. The effectiveness of caprock depends on its ability to immobilize fluids, which include a low permeability and resilience to the in-situ formation of fractures as a result of pressurized injection. The alteration in sealing properties of shale rocks is directly related to the differences in their mineralogical composition and microstructure.Failure of the shale starts with deterioration at micro/nanoscale, the structural features and properties at the micro/nanoscale can significantly impact the durability performance of these materials at the macroscale, therefore, study at micro/nanoscale becomes necessary to get better understanding of the hydraulic barriers materials to prevent failure and enhance long-term geologic storage of fluids.Indentation tests were conducted at both micro and nanometer level on Marcellus shale samples to get the mechanical properties of bulk and individual phase of the multiphase materials. The mechanical properties map were created based on the nano indentation results and the properties of each individual phase can be correlated with bulk response in the multiphase composite; the effect of each component on the microstructure and bulk mechanical properties can be better understood.
Analisis Senyawa Metabolit Primer Pada Jamur Merang (Volvariela volvaceae) Di Daerah Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit Lalundu
Authors: Wahidah Nur , Ratman Ratman , Ningsih Purnama
Published: December 2017

Lalundu region is located in Central Sulawesi where we can find many mushrooms (volvariela volvaceae). The aim of this study is to determine the levels of primary metabolites of mushroom at the regional oil palm plantations Lalundu. The analysis of carbohydrates level was using a UV-vis Spectrophotometer, for protein using a Spectro Direct while for fat by soxhlet. Based on the results of the analysis, the levels of carbohydrates obtained was 7.35% in 1 gram mushroom. The protein content obtained was 1,67% while the fat content results were 2.53%. These indicate that the primary metabolite levels in mushroom at Lalundu region are very high compared to literature.
HeartMate 3 fully magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device for advanced heart failure: Initial Serbian experience
Authors: Nestorovic Emilija , Terzic Dusko , Putnik Svetozar , Ristic Arsen , Ristic Miljko
Published: December 2017

Introduction. As the waiting time for heart transplantation continues to increase due to shortage in organ donation, supporting patients with advanced heart failure with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) increases as well. The latest generation of LVAD, left ventricular assist system (LVAS) started to expand worldwide due to more promising outcomes. The aim of this article was to present the case of treating advanced heart failure in a patient who underwent implantation of HeartMate 3 LVAS as the bridge to transplantation. Case otline. The patient was a 59-year-old man with advanced heart failure requiring inotropic drug support, with ischemic cardiomyopathy as the underlying cause of heart failure. Therefore, in the absence of an adequate donor, it was decided to incorporate the LVAS as a bridge to transplantation. Functional capacity, cardiac, renal, and liver functions improved in the patient. Conclusion. The use of the HeartMate 3 in an advanced heart failure patient results in improvements in functional capacity, cardiac, renal and liver function. Further studies should be performed in order to identify whether improved outcomes are sustained with a longer follow-up period.
Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the operating room
Authors: Pavlovic Aleksandar , Kalezic Nevena , Trpkovic Sladjana , Sekulic Ana , Marinkovic Olivera
Published: December 2017

The occurrence of cardiac arrest during anesthesia and surgery is nowadays associated with many challenges imposed by 21st century medicine. On the one hand, good education of healthcare practitioners, sophisticated anesthetic techniques and equipment, along with safer anesthetics and improved surgical techniques have significantly reduced the risk of cardiac arrest during the perioperative period. Still, the introduction of new, invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the aging patients and those with comorbidities carries along new risk and challenges. Epidemiological data indicate that intraoperative cardiac arrest is an extremely rare event. Due to variety of moral and ethical prejudices, intraoperative cardiac arrest is frequently presented as if it has happened in the immediate postoperative period, following surgery and anesthesia. The preventive measures, the etiology and diagnosis of cardiac arrest, as well as the specificities regarding organization and performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the operating room, result in a better prognosis compared to other hospital departments. The article also describes the specifics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the catheterization laboratory, while a separate section is dedicated to cardiopulmonary resuscitation following systemic toxicity of local anesthetics. Since intraoperative cardiac arrest and death represent very rare complications, European Resuscitation Council has only recently published Guidelines for Resuscitation for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the operating room ? in 2015.
On damage tensor in linear anisotropic elasticity
Authors: Jaric Jovo , Kuzmanovic Dragoslav
Published: December 2017

In this paper, the anisotropic linear damage mechanics is presented starting from the principle of strain equivalence. The authors have previously derived damage tensor components in terms of elastic parameters of undamaged (virgin) material in closed form solution. Here, making use of this paper, we derived elasticity tensor as a function of damage tensor also in closed form. The procedure we present here was applied for several crystal classes which are subjected to hexagonal, orthotropic, tetragonal, cubic and isotropic damage. As an example isotropic system is considered in order to present some possibility to evaluate its damage parameters.
5. Prevention or Delay of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018
Authors:   American Diabetes Association
Published: December 2017

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes” includes ADA’s current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA’s clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.
6. Glycemic Targets: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018
Authors:   American Diabetes Association
Published: December 2017

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes” includes ADA’s current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA’s clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.
7. Obesity Management for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes:Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018
Authors:   American Diabetes Association
Published: December 2017

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes” includes ADA’s current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA’s clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.
11. Older Adults:Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018
Authors:   American Diabetes Association
Published: December 2017

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes” includes ADA’s current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA’s clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.
India in the World of Regionalization
Authors: Volodin Andrei G.
Published: December 2017

The article is dedicated to the policy of India in the processes of regionalization in Asia. After the collapse of the Soviet Union (a country, which used to be the main ally of India) there appeared a great need for India to make a deep revision of its geo-economic and geopolitical paradigms. Thus, Delhi started looking for the new strategic partners in order to restore the balance between India and extremely active China. The “Look East Policy” had become the first result of those searches, because of the long history of cultural and political influence of India on the South-East Asian countries. Apart from it, due to the active participation of India in the region, the member states of the ASEAN were aimed to set a balance in relationships with China in Asia-Pacific region. By developing the partnership with the members of ASEAN and participating in the processes of regional economic integration, India attempts to “push” the economic development of its northeastern states, situated separately from the main (“continental”) part of the country. Although there are some achievements, regarding the participation of India in the processes of regional integration, the country’s economy is still only partially integrated in the production “chains” in the ASEAN countries. Moreover, there are significant obstacles regarding the economic integration in the South Asia. They appear because of the fear, experienced by the countries of the region, regarding the Indian predominance in the region. Besides, strategically those countries consider contradictions between India and China as a situation from which they potentially may benefit. During the last decades, there has been a rising importance of the Western Asian region in strategic economic activities of India. From the Western Asia India gets energy carriers and due to the financial transfers made by the Indians, working in the Persian Gulf, it covers country`s balance of payment deficit.
Transcontinental Partnerships at the Crossroads: Factors, Risks, Consequences
Authors: Lebedeva Liudmila F.
Published: December 2017

Transcontinental partnerships – Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TATIP) – have been analyzed in view of the new challenges in polycentric world, US foreign economic policy changes, risks for the national economies of the block’s participants, as well as for the other countries. The TPP and the TATIP are in focus as the new stage of the world integration process. The TATIP can deepen the already substantial economic ties between the US and the European Union. But what will be included in the chapters of the agreement on financial services, agricultural products, some other sectors is still subject to debate. Particular concerns arise about the role for the TATIP in harmonizing financial regulation. The practical implementation of president Donald Trump plans to «promote American industry, protect American workers» began with the US withdrawal from the TPP, with negotiating new bilateral trade deals in mind. Since that decision, the leaders of Japan, Singapore, Australia, and other TPP participants emphasized the strategic importance of this agreement for their countries and for US leadership in the region. Withdrawing from the TPP raises concerns among US trade partners and allies in the region and put many questions before them. Besides, US withdrawal from the TPP effectively gives green light to assert a more pronounced leadership role in the region for China, which is already a major trade and investment partner for TPP countries. Furthermore, Donald Trump turned attention to certain imports as a threat to national security and thus potentially subject to steep tariffs. The US steps in this way may undermine the rules-based trading system, and put many questions before TPP partners and other countries. Whether import restrictions for national security reasons be implemented, they may damage not only China as the main U.S. imports driver; but other countries as well, and lead to new barriers against US exports by trading partners. The Trump administration initiatives not only represents a challenge for countries that linked closely to the American economy due to the trade-economic agreements, but leads to new opportunities and choices in international economic relations.
Sosiaalisten resurssien vaikutus hyvinvointiin ja terveyteen: sairausspesifi sosiaalinen pääoma
Authors: Lehto Ulla-Sisko , Ojanen Markku , Nieminen Tarja , Turpeenniemi-Hujanen Taina
Published: December 2017

Sosiaaliset eli ihmisten väliset suhteet ja terveys ovat olleet pitkään tieteellisen tutkimuksen kohteena, mutta sosiaalisen pääoman käsite nousi terveystutkimuksessa esiin vasta 1990-luvulla. Sosiaalista pääomaa tutkitaan usean eri tieteenalan piirissä, mutta määritelmästä ei olla yksimielisiä; sen kuitenkin ajatellaan tuottavan hyötyjä, muun muassa parempaa hyvinvointia ja terveyttä. Sosiaalinen pääoma koostuu useasta eri alakäsitteestä ja yleensä se tarkoittaa ihmissuhteista saatavia resursseja, jotka koostuvat sosiaalisista verkostoista (rakenne) sekä niissä jaetuista arvoista, uskomuksista, käsityksistä ja asenteista (sisältö), kuten luottamus ja vastavuoroisuus. Sosiaalista pääomaa tutkitaan sekä yksilön ominaisuutena (kuinka yksilöt hyötyvät) että yhteisön ominaisuutena (miksi jotkut yhteisöt pärjäävät toisia paremmin). Yksilötason sosiaalista pääomaa mitataan yksilön sosiaalisina verkostoina ja niiden sisältönä, mm. luottamuksena. Yhteisöllisessä sosiaalisessa pääomassa taas mitataan yhteisöjen, esim. alueiden, ominaisuuksia. Kehittämämme uuden teoreettisen mallin mukaan vakavaan tai pitkäaikaiseen somaattiseen sairauteen sairastuneiden sosiaalista pääomaa tutkittaessa yksilötason sosiaalinen pääoma tulee jakaa yleiseen ja tilannesidonnaiseen eli sairausspesifiin pääomaan. Jälkimmäisen sosiaalisen pääoman rakenteen muodostavat ne sosiaaliset verkostot, joiden kanssa henkilö on ollut vuorovaikutuksessa sairautensa johdosta. Se muodostuu henkilöllä jo ennen sairautta olleen sosiaalisen pääoman pohjalta sekä niistä sosiaalisista verkostoista ja niiden sisällöstä, jotka syntyvät sairauden ja sen hoitojen seurauksena. Sairastumisen aiheuttama muutos sosiaalisissa verkostoissa johtaa sairauspesifin sosiaalisen pääomaan muodostumiseen. Selkeytämme mallissamme myös eri luottamuskäsitteiden vaikutusta sosiaalisen pääoman osatekijöinä.
A snapshot of substitute early childhood teachers in Sweden and Australia: Differences in training, regulation and quality
Authors: Karlsson Rauni , Bigsten Airi , Garvis Susanne
Published: December 2017

Substitute teachers play an important role within early childhood education. They are expected to take on the roles and responsibilities of working with children and parents when the regular teacher is away. While they have an important role, they have received little attention within the research literature. This study helps to fill this void by providing a snapshot of early childhood substitute teachers in Sweden and Australia. A comparative analysis was used to find similarities and differences across the two contexts. Findings show that while the role may be similar, there are many differences in the training, regulation and quality assessment of early childhood substitute teachers. These differences are important for investigation to help improve the quality within early childhood education.
INVESTIGATION OF THE SOLID EARTH TIDE BASED ON GPS OBSERVATION AND SUPERCONDUCTING GRAVIMETER DATA
Authors: Pahlevi Arisauna Maulidyan , Prijatna Kosasih , Meilano Irwan , Sofian Ibnu
Published: December 2017

According to Zheng (2006), vertical displacement caused by the solid earth tide often reaches in range 20 cm, and can exceed 30 cm in some stations. To measure solid earth tide we can use satellite system or sensitive gravimeters (Ito et al., 2009). This paper aims to investigate solid earth tide based on Global Positioning System (GPS) data compare with Superconducting Gravimeter (SG) data and solid earth tide global model. Processing GPS data using Kinematic Precise Point Positioning (KPPP) method within a year data from 1st January – 31st December 2011. We use BAKO GPS Permanent station data and Cibinong SG Station data. The location of BAKO station is close to Cibinong SG station, which is about 50 meters. The result of this paper are solid earth tide which is derived from both devices have the same pattern, and it is dominated by semi-diurnal components. Applicability global models with SG observations has smaller residue with standard deviation is 0.0031 mgal, this result is equivalent with 0.0098 meter. Comparison between the results of GPS observations to global models which have a standard deviation residue for vertical component is 0.0360 meters.
BRUTALIDADE DA MAIORIA E DEMOCRACIA CONSTITUCIONAL: Reflexões sobre o Estatuto da Família e a PEC da Maioridade Penal
Authors: Avila Ana Paula Oliveira
Published: December 2017

Este trabalho propõe reflexões sobre as deliberações parlamentares em dois projetos de lei que tramitam no Congresso Nacional Brasileiro: o Estatuto da Família e a PEC da Maioridade Penal. Propõe-se um exame à luz de conceitos desenvolvidos na teoria política, de tirania e brutalidade da maioria. Em uma análise fundada em pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória e na técnica do estudo de casos, parte-se da definição de brutalidade para o exame das técnicas de contenção, presentes no desenho institucional adotado pelos estados e no discurso dos direitos humanos e fundamentais. Em seguida, aprofunda-se o exame de uma das técnicas em particular –o controle judicial da atividade legislativa–, expondo-se os aspectos mais críticos em relação a esta atividade e sua contribuição para o exercício legítimo e equilibrado da democracia. Nas conclusões, serão pontuadas as inadequações substanciais do Estatuto da Família e da PEC da Maioridade Penal e, com base na jurisprudência consolidada do STF, revela-se o que se pode esperar do Tribunal caso seja provocado para examinar as leis decorrentes da aprovação final desses projetos.
浅析中国安徽省新型城镇化与农业现代化的关系
Authors: 王 波
Published: December 2017

论文重点分析了安徽省新型城镇化建设与农业现代化发展之间的内在联系，并阐述了安徽省新型城镇化建设与农业现代化建设过程中出现的一些问题以及新型城镇化与农业现代化协调发展进程中存在的不足。针对其不足，论文提出了一些建议。
Combatting Vitamin A deficiency
Authors: Greiner Ted H
Published: December 2017

Food-based approaches to combat vitamin A deficiency (VAD) continue to be largely ignored by governments and donor agencies. This review deals with common misperceptions as well as constraints that may lay behind this reality. First, high-dose vitamin A capsules provided to preschool age children are no solution for VAD. Second, researchers may assume that it is not possible to standardize foods adequately to study their efficacy in controlled trials. This review summarizes the results of 57 such trials, providing an overview that may assist researchers in making decisions on target groups to study, types of food supplements to provide, quantities, supplementation periods, impacts that are realistic to expect, and sample sizes. Even more complex is to design efficacy trials or impact evaluations of interventions. Again, the paper reviews 40 such trials, providing summary information on approaches, target groups, sample sizes, periods of intervention, and impacts measured using a variety of indicators. There are a number of barriers or constraints that must be planned for and overcome if food-based approaches are to work. This paper reviews several of the most important ones, briefly touching on many of the most effective ways that have been found to overcome them. Food-based approaches can reach all members of the community, are safe for pregnant women, tend to be at least partially sustainable, and confer a wide range of nutritional and other benefits in addition to improving vitamin A status. Food-based approaches are sometimes described as expensive, but this is based on a narrow view. For example, biofortification and dissemination of sweet potatoes cost $9 to $30 per disability-life-year (DALY) gained, while that from VAS was estimated at the estimated cost effectiveness of VAS is $73 per DALY gained. From the community point of view, the economic benefits of food based approaches are likely to subsidize or outweigh their costs.
Perfil epidemiológico das infecções hospitalares causadas por procedimentos invasivos em unidade de terapia intensiva
Authors: Sousa Alvaro Francisco Francisco Lopes de , Oliveira Layze Braz de , Moura Maria Eliete Batista
Published: December 2017

Objetivo: investigar o perfil epidemiológico de infecções hospitalares adquiridas na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital de referência do Nordeste. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de coleta prospectiva dos dados, realizado em duas Unidades de Terapia intensiva adulta de um hospital geral e de ensino. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de um questionário estruturado. Resultados: Entre os participantes, houve predomínio do sexo feminino e da faixa etária que compreende os adultos-jovens e casados. Todos os pacientes passaram por no mínimo um tipo procedimento invasivo, sendo a Sondagem nasogástrica e o cateterismo vesical de demora os mais prevalentes. A infecção de trato respiratório foi a mais prevalente (66,7%)dentre o total das infecções. Chama-se atenção também para as altas taxas de Infecção do trato urinário (45,8%) e infecção de corrente sanguínea (15,8%). Conclusão: a Infecção de trato respiratório configura-se na principal topografia infecciosa no ambiente hospitalar. Descritores: Infecção hospitalar; Unidade de terapia intensiva; Procedimentos invasivos.
HEAVY METALS IN SOIL AND VEGETABLES AND THEIR EFFECT ON HEALTH
Authors: Pal Jitender
Published: December 2017

The present study was carried out to assess heavy metals Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) levels in vegetables like Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Carrot (Daucus carota), Brinjal (Solanum melongena), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Radish (Raphanus sativus) irrigated with domestic wastewater. The vegetable samples were randomly collected from the farmlands irrigated with domestic wastewater around the Hisar district. Spinach, cabbage, brinjal and carrot accumulated higher Cd (1.30±0.31 mg kg-1), Pb (4.23±0.32 mg kg-1), Cu (1.42±0.25 mg kg-1), Zn (3.4±0.28 mg kg-1), Cr (1.16±0.11 mg kg-1) and Ni (2.45±0.86 mg kg-1) respectively. Transfer Factor (TF) of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni are more in spinach (0.0306), cabbage (0.4448), spinach (0.2642), cauliflower (0.2494), carrot (0.0764) and spinach (0.7469) respectively. The health risk assessment has been calculated followed by Estimated Daily Intake Metal (EDIM) and Estimated Health Risk Index (EHRI). The present study highlights that both adults and children consuming vegetables grown in wastewater irrigated soils accumulate significant amount of these metals. However, the values of these metals were lesser than recommended maximum tolerable levelsproposed by the FAO/WHO (1999).