bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of alteplase for acute stroke according to criteria defining the European Union and United States marketing authorizations: Individual-patient-data meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Hacke Werner , Lyden Patrick , Emberson Jonathan , Baigent Colin , Blackwell Lisa , Albers Gregory , Bluhmki Erich , Brott Thomas , Cohen Geoffrey , Davis Stephen M , Donnan Geoffrey A , Grotta James C , Howard George , Kaste Markku , Koga Masatoshi , von Kummer Rüdiger , Lansberg Maarten G , Lindley Richard I , Olivot Jean-Marc , Parsons Mark , Sandercock Peter AG , Toni Danilo , Toyoda Kazunori , Wahlgren Nils , Wardlaw Joanna M , Whiteley William N , del Zoppo Gregory , Lees Kennedy R ,   on behalf of the Stroke Thrombolysis Trialists’ Collaborators Group
Published: November 2017

Background

The recommended maximum age and time window for intravenous alteplase treatment of acute ischemic stroke differs between the Europe Union and United States.

Aims

We compared the effects of alteplase in cohorts defined by the current Europe Union or United States marketing approval labels, and by hypothetical revisions of the labels that would remove the Europe Union upper age limit or extend the United States treatment time window to 4.5 h.

Methods

We assessed outcomes in an individual-patient-data meta-analysis of eight randomized trials of intravenous alteplase (0.9 mg/kg) versus control for acute ischemic stroke. Outcomes included: excellent outcome (modified Rankin score 0–1) at 3–6 months, the distribution of modified Rankin score, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and 90-day mortality.

Results

Alteplase increased the odds of modified Rankin score 0–1 among 2449/6136 (40%) patients who met the current European Union label and 3491 (57%) patients who met the age-revised label (odds ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.21−1.68 and 1.43, 1.23−1.65, respectively), but not in those outside the age-revised label (1.06, 0.90−1.26). By 90 days, there was no increased mortality in the current and age-revised cohorts (hazard ratios 0.98, 95% CI 0.76−1.25 and 1.01, 0.86–1.19, respectively) but mortality remained higher outside the age-revised label (1.19, 0.99–1.42). Similarly, alteplase increased the odds of modified Rankin score 0-1 among 1174/6136 (19%) patients who met the current US approval and 3326 (54%) who met a 4.5-h revised approval (odds ratio 1.55, 1.19−2.01 and 1.37, 1.17−1.59, respectively), but not for those outside the 4.5-h revised approval (1.14, 0.97−1.34). By 90 days, no increased mortality remained for the current and 4.5-h revised label cohorts (hazard ratios 0.99, 0.77−1.26 and 1.02, 0.87–1.20, respectively) but mortality remained higher outside the 4.5-h revised approval (1.17, 0.98–1.41).

Conclusions

An age-revised European Union label or 4.5-h-revised United States label would each increase the number of patients deriving net benefit from alteplase by 90 days after acute ischemic stroke, without excess mortality.
A profile of mini rugby coaches in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Basson Jacques , van Deventer Karel , Kraak Wilbur
Published: November 2017

A coach and a coaching process that offers a supportive learning environment and appropriate levels of challenge, and that engenders a passion for the sport can produce positive and productive sporting outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine a profile of mini rugby coaches in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Mini rugby coaches (N = 91) completed a 15-item questionnaire to obtain descriptive information about the coaches, as well as their perceptions about their ability and confidence to coach mini rugby. The results indicate that a significant number of coaches did not have any experience in playing rugby (32%) or coaching mini rugby (19%), and the majority of coaches (51%) did not have any form of rugby coaching education. The results also show that a significant number of the coaches did not feel efficacious in coaching mini rugby (23%) and did not believe that they were optimally developing the skills of the mini rugby players (29%). The findings from the current study highlight an unfavourable situation where untrained and inexperienced individuals coach mini rugby, which has important practical implications for rugby administrators, developers of coaching education courses, players, as well as the game itself. One recommendation to remedy this situation would be that all coaches must be educated to coach rugby. A coaching education course designed specifically for mini rugby will aid in preparing individuals to successfully coach mini rugby. The content and structure of coaching education courses also need to be reviewed to ensure it is pertinent to the coaches’ needs.
Effect of coaching behaviors on job satisfaction and organizational commitment: The case of comprehensive community sport clubs in Japan
Authors: Takamatsu Shohei , Yamaguchi Yasuo
Published: November 2017

Coaches are widely regarded as playing an important role in the development of comprehensive community sport clubs, in terms of meeting the needs of club members and club staff. However, few studies have explored the coaching activities of comprehensive community sport clubs in Japan. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the effect of coaching behaviors in comprehensive community sport clubs on job satisfaction and organizational commitment. One hundred seventy-seven coaches completed questionnaires assessing coaching behaviors in comprehensive community sport clubs, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. The scale measuring coaching behaviors in comprehensive community sport clubs was comprised of seven factors: (1) manner education, (2) cooperative approach, (3) field management, (4) coaching skills, (5) communication with people outside the club, (6) communication with people inside the club, and (7) safety management. Path analysis with structural equation modeling revealed cooperative approach and field management influenced job satisfaction. The study additionally indicated job satisfaction positively impacted organizational commitment. Furthermore, communication with people inside the club directly influenced on organizational commitment. Thus, it was concluded that creating a sporting environment in which coaches can behave autonomously, as well as providing a space where coaches can communicate with many people, are necessary preconditions to increase job satisfaction and organizational commitment of coaches in comprehensive community sport clubs.
A 130-Year-Old Specimen Brought Back to Life: A Lost Species of Bee-Mimicking Clearwing Moth, Heterosphecia tawonoides (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Osminiini), Rediscovered in Peninsular Malaysia’s Primary Rainforest
Authors: Skowron Volponi Marta A. , Volponi Paolo
Published: November 2017

Heterosphecia tawonoides Kallies, a “lost” species of clearwing moth known only from a single specimen from 1887 (the holotype, which is missing important morphological features), was observed and filmed for the first time in its natural habitat. Our studies have shown that it is associated with Malaysian primary lowland dipterocarp forests, ecosystems which are vanishing rapidly due to extensive human activity. This is the first record of H. tawonoides in Malaysia. Behavioral aspects, such as mud-puddling among bees and acoustic mimicry, are discussed and shown in a video. A morphological redescription, including features visible on live individuals only, is provided. The DNA barcode sequence is given, with comparison to closely related species.
Endovascular embolization of branch-incorporated cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Kawabata Yasuhiro , Nakazawa Takuya , Fukuda Shunichi , Kawarazaki Satoru , Aoki Tomokazu , Morita Takumi , Tsukahara Tetsuya
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility, technique, and clinical and angiographic outcomes of endovascular coiling to treat a cerebral aneurysm with a branch incorporated into the aneurysmal wall.

Methods

From 2012 to 2016, 25 patients with 26 cerebral aneurysms having a branch incorporated into the aneurysm (9 unruptured, 17 ruptured) were treated to prevent rupture or re-bleeding from the sac while preserving the incorporated branch by using single-catheter ( n = 18), balloon-remodeling ( n = 4), stent-assisted coiling ( n = 3), or double-catheter ( n = 1) techniques.

Results

Endovascular coiling was conducted in 26 procedures without angiographic occlusion of the incorporated branch. Post-embolization angiography revealed near-complete occlusion ( n = 8; 30.7%), neck remnant ( n = 13; 50%), and incomplete occlusion ( n = 5; 19.3%) aneurysms. Thromboembolisms were observed in four (15.4%) patients during or after the procedure. A procedure-related neurological deficit was observed in one (3.8%) patient. When patients with a preictal modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3 presenting with grade 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage were excluded, all patients had favorable outcomes (mRS 0–2). Six (23.1%) recurrent aneurysms were observed during follow-up, five of which were treated endovascularly at 5–22 months without complication. The location of an aneurysm at the ICA-posterior communicating artery associated with the dominant-type posterior communicating artery was significantly associated with recurrence ( p = 0.041).

Conclusions

Cerebral aneurysms with an incorporated branch were safely treated using conventional endovascular coiling. However, treatment durability was unsatisfactory, especially for dominant-type ICA-posterior communicating artery aneurysms.
Developments in rare bone diseases and mineral disorders
Authors: Bacon Siobhan , Crowley Rachel
Published: November 2017

In the last decade, there have been a number of significant advances made in the field of rare bone diseases. In this review, we discuss the expansion of the classification system for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and the resultant increase in therapeutic options available for management of OI. Bisphosphonates remain the most widely used intervention for OI, although the effect on fracture rate reduction is equivocal. We review the other therapies showing promising results, including denosumab, teriparatide, sclerostin, transforming growth factor β inhibition and gene targeted approaches. X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is the most common heritable form of osteomalacia and rickets caused by a mutation in the phosphate regulating endopeptidase gene resulting in elevated serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and decreased renal phosphate reabsorption. The traditional treatment is phosphate replacement. We discuss the development of a human anti-FGF23 antibody (KRN23) as a promising development in the treatment of XLH. The current management of primary hypoparathyroidism is replacement with calcium and active vitamin D. This can be associated with under or over replacement and its inherent complications. We review the use of recombinant parathyroid hormone (1–84), which can significantly reduce the requirements for calcium and vitamin D resulting in greater safety and quality of life for individuals with hypoparathyroidism. The use of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand infusions in the treatment of a particular form of osteopetrosis and enzyme replacement therapy for hypophosphatasia are also discussed.
Acute severe ulcerative colitis: latest evidence and therapeutic implications
Authors: Dulai Parambir S. , Jairath Vipul
Published: November 2017

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the colorectum which results from a complex interplay between environmental, genetic and microbial factors. One-fifth of patients with UC will experience an acute flare requiring hospitalization. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt recognition and multidisciplinary management. In patients who fail first-line therapy after approximately 3–5 days of intravenous steroids, medical rescue therapy is indicated with either infliximab (IFX) or cyclosporine (CsA). Optimal dosing strategies for IFX are uncertain, with several retrospective studies suggesting an association between an intensified or accelerated IFX induction regimen and lower colectomy rates, although prospective studies are warranted. In patients not responding to medical rescue therapy, or in those with fulminant colitis, urgent colectomy is indicated. Longer prognosis is suboptimal, with half of patients requiring colectomy within 5 years of presentation with acute severe UC (ASUC).
The Oscillating Potential Model of Visually Induced Vection
Authors: Seno Takeharu , Sawai Ken-ichi , Kanaya Hidetoshi , Wakebe Toshihiro , Ogawa Masaki , Fujii Yoshitaka , Palmisano Stephen
Published: November 2017

Visually induced illusions of self-motion are often referred to as vection. This article developed and tested a model of responding to visually induced vection. We first constructed a mathematical model based on well-documented characteristics of vection and human behavioral responses to this illusion. We then conducted 10,000 virtual trial simulations using this Oscillating Potential Vection Model (OPVM) . OPVM was used to generate simulated vection onset, duration, and magnitude responses for each of these trials. Finally, we compared the properties of OPVM’s simulated vection responses with real responses obtained in seven different laboratory-based vection experiments. The OPVM output was found to compare favorably with the empirically obtained vection data.
Importance of endoscopist quality metrics for findings at surveillance colonoscopy: The detection‐surveillance paradox
Authors: Mangas-Sanjuan Carolina , Zapater Pedro , Cubiella Joaquín , Murcia Óscar , Bujanda Luis , Hernández Vicent , Martínez-Ares David , Pellisé María , Seoane Agustín , Lanas Ángel , Nicolás-Pérez David , Herreros-de-Tejada Alberto , Chaparro María , Cacho Guillermo , Fernández-Díez Servando , Marín-Gabriel José-Carlos , Quintero Enrique , Castells Antoni , Jover Rodrigo ,   COLONPREV study investigators
Published: November 2017

Background

Guidelines recommend surveillance colonoscopies based exclusively on findings at baseline colonoscopy. This recommendation leads to the paradox that the higher the baseline colonoscopy quality, the more surveillance colonoscopies will be indicated according to current guidelines.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on follow‐up findings of different quality metrics of the endoscopist performing the baseline colonoscopy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included individuals with advanced adenomas at baseline colonoscopy. Adenoma detection rate (ADR) and adenomas per colonoscopy rate (APCR) were determined for 44 endoscopists. Surveillance colonoscopies were checked after systematic tracking.

Results

A total of 574 individuals were diagnosed with advanced adenomas, of whom 270 received a surveillance colonoscopy. Patients whose baseline colonoscopy endoscopist had an ADR lower than the median of 33.8% had significantly higher rates of advanced neoplasia at follow‐up (13.1% vs 4.0%; p = 0.001). On univariate analysis, high‐risk advanced adenomas at baseline (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.19–0.97) and ADR (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89–0.99) showed a significant relationship with advanced neoplasia at surveillance. In a multivariate Cox model, the ADR of the endoscopist who performed the baseline colonoscopy was the only independent predictor of risk for developing advanced neoplasia at follow‐up (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89–0.99).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the risk of identifying advanced adenomas at follow‐up is closely related to the quality metrics of the endoscopist who performs the baseline colonoscopy.
Engineering the Anthropocene: Scalable social networks and resilience building in human evolutionary timescales
Authors: Fox Tim , Pope Matt , Ellis Erle C
Published: November 2017

The Anthropocene represents the emergence of human societies as a ‘great force of nature’. To understand and engage productively with this emergent global force, it is necessary to understand its origins, dynamics and structuring processes as the long-term evolutionary product of human niche construction, based on three key human characteristics: tool making, habitat construction and most importantly: social network engineering. The exceptional social capacities of behaviourally modern humans, constituting human ultrasociality, are expressed through the formation of increasingly complex and extensive social networks, enabling flexible and diverse group organisation, sociocultural niche construction, engineered adaptation and resilience building. The human drive towards optimising communication infrastructures and expanding social networks is the key human adaptation underpinning the emergence of the Anthropocene. Understanding the deep roots of human ultrasocial behaviour is essential to guiding contemporary societies towards more sustainable human–environment interactions in the Anthropocene present and future. We propose that socially networked engineered solutions will continue to be the prime driver of human resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of global environmental risks and societal challenges such as climate change, sea-level rise, localised extreme weather events and ecosystem degradation.
Cognitive fatigue effect on rehabilitation task performance in a haptic virtual environment system
Authors: Yang C , Lin Y , Cai MY , Qian ZQ , Kivol J , Zhang WJ
Published: November 2017

Introduction

This paper presents a study on an affordable rehabilitation approach to post-stroke patients. In this approach, a patient performs a task on a haptic virtual environment system and a physician examines the patient’s task remotely based on the performing data.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to test a hypothesis that an elevated cognitive fatigue state may significantly affect the patient’s task performance so as to disturb judgment by physicians.

Methods

The study included the development of a test-bed for the experiment and an experimental study for the hypothesis. The study took the wrist coordination function of the upper limb as an example.

Result

The study showed that the cognitive fatigue state has a significant influence on the patient’s task performance; in other words, there is a noise (75% discrepancy from the true performance information) in the performance data.

Conclusion

The study provides great potential for accurate assessment of the functional state from true patient task performance. The future work needs to focus on the removal of the noise. The limitation of this study is that the experiment was carried out on healthy subjects, although post-stroke patients are more susceptible to an elevated cognitive fatigue state from a common sense.
Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of their work with patients of working age with heart failure
Authors: Frank Catharina , Lindbäck Camilla , Takman Christina , Nordgren Lena
Published: November 2017

There is a lack of knowledge about healthcare professionals’ perspectives on rehabilitation in relation to heart failure. Still, collaboration between different professionals can impact patients. The purpose of this study was to describe healthcare professionals’ perceptions of their work with patients of working age with heart failure. The sample population consisted of six nurses, one physiotherapist and one cardiologist. One individual interview and two focus-group interviews were conducted. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three descriptive categories were constructed: ‘the impact of heart failure on patients’ life situations’, ‘heart failure service’, and ‘patients’ process of returning to work’. To support patients, healthcare professionals need to find ways to combine patients’ personal needs with protocol-driven care.
The Association Between BXO and Obesity in Boys Undergoing Circumcision
Authors: Fuchs Molly E. , Beecroft Nicholas , Dajusta Daniel G. , McLeod Daryl J.
Published: November 2017

This study investigated whether boys with balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) have increased rates of obesity compared with boys with no concern for BXO (NCB). Boys ≤18 years old with circumcision pathology–confirmed BXO were compared with an age-matched group who had NCB during circumcision. Boys with BXO were found to have a mean body mass index of 70.64 percentile for age compared with 52.43 percentile in age-matched controls ( P = .0005). The rate of obesity was significantly higher in boys with BXO (42%) compared with 12.4% in boys with NCB (odds ratio = 5.12; 95% CI = 2.6 to 10.06). Given the increasing rates of childhood obesity and the long-term health consequences of both BXO and obesity, special attention should be paid to this population. Further research is needed to determine if BXO in obese children may represent an early indicator of a systemic disease process where intervention may be warranted.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Sources of Information and Adolescents’ Knowledge and Perceptions
Authors: Rosen Brittany L. , Shew Marcia L. , Zimet Gregory D. , Ding Lili , Mullins Tanya L. K. , Kahn Jessica A.
Published: November 2017

Understanding where adolescents obtain information about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines may be helpful in designing public health interventions promoting HPV vaccination. This study assessed the following: (1) exposure to specific sources of information about HPV vaccines, (2) self-reported helpfulness of these sources of information, and (3) whether the specific source of information was associated with knowledge and perceptions about HPV vaccines among adolescent girls. There were 339 adolescent girls (mean age = 16.8 years) recruited into the study. Television advertisements, the Internet, doctors/nurses, and mothers were the most frequently reported sources of vaccine information; more than 90% of participants who received information from these sources reported they were helpful. Adolescents who received information about HPV vaccines from television advertisements, the Internet, clinicians, and mothers had higher knowledge about HPV vaccines and more positive perceptions. Assuring the accuracy of messages from these sources will be essential, given their importance in influencing adolescents’ knowledge and perceptions about HPV vaccines.
Προβλήματα όρασης και η υποστηριχτική τεχνολογία
Authors: Παπαλεξανδρή Χρυσούλα
Published: November 2017

Στην παρούσα εργασία εξετάζονται ενδελεχώς τα προβλήματα όρασης και κατά πόσο η υποστηριχτική τεχνολογία μπορεί να συμβάλλει στην άμβλυνση της λειτουργικότητας των τυφλών ατόμων που δημιουργείται αυτών. Aρχικά, αναλύονται τα βασικά χαρακτηριστικά των ατόμων με προβλήματα όρασης ή τύφλωσης. Στη συνέχεια παρουσιάζονται τα κύρια αίτια της τύφλωσης καθώς και η αναγκαιότητα που προκύπτει για χρήση βοηθητικού εξοπλισμού ή άλλων μέσων όπως ανάγνωση με το σύστημα Braille. Έπειτα, αναφέρονται οι δυσκολίες που παρουσιάζει ο μαθητής κατά την διαδικασία της μάθησης σ’ όλα τα γνωστικά επίπεδα, όπως στην γραφή ή στο διάβασμα. Σ’ αυτό το σημείο, ο εκπαιδευτικός διαδραματίζει καθοριστικό ρόλο στην σύνδεση του μαθητή με την γνώση αφού οφείλει να δημιουργήσει ένα εξατομικευμένο σχέδιο διδασκαλίας κατάλληλα προσαρμοσμένο στις λειτουργικές ανάγκες του μαθητή με συμβολικές ή μη αναπαραστάσεις. Η υποστηριχτική τεχνολογία που υπάρχει και παρέχεται στους τυφλούς ή μερικώς βλέποντες μαθητές έχει επίσης έναν καθοριστικό ρόλο. Με γνώμονα πως η τεχνολογία επεκτείνει τα όρια του ανθρώπου και τον βοηθά στην κοινωνικής ένταξη και στην κατάκτηση της γνώσης, έχουν αναπτυχθεί τεχνολογικές λύσεις που ενισχύουν και βοηθούν τους συγκεκριμένους μαθητές. Παραδείγματα αυτών αποτελούν το GPS, οι μεγεθυντικοί φακοί, ειδικές κάμερες, touch υπολογιστές και το ηλεκτρονικό ταχυδρομείο για τυφλά άτομα. Όλα τα παραπάνω έχουν ως απώτερο στόχο την ανάπτυξη προσβάσιμου υλικού με σκοπό την βελτίωση της ποιότητας της παρεχόμενης εκπαίδευσης.
The Principles for Development and Visualization of Analytical Surfaces’ Objects and Perspectives for Their Using at Architecture and Building Constructions
Authors: Иванов В. , Ivanov V. , Кривошапко С. , Krivoshapko S. , Романова В. , Romanova V.
Published: November 2017

In 1960, the University of friendship of peoples was created by the Soviet government’s decision. In 1962 at the University’s faculty of engineering started the "Resistance of Materials, and Structural Analysis" chair. It was headed by doctor of engineering, professor Vladimir Germanovich Rekach. Simultaneously with the educational process at the chair was opened the postgraduate education in the field of study "Structural Mechanics". One of the main tasks set by V.G. Rekach before graduate students was developing of methods for calculating of shells for new complex forms. It was necessary to begin this work with the study of available in the scientific literature information on the considered class of surfaces, derivation of equations for the surfaces of considered forms, derivation of formulas for the quadratic forms’ coefficients, drawings for this class of surfaces and the concrete calculated construction. Currently, the work in this field of study at the “Resistance of Materials” chair (since 2006 the “Strength of Materials and Structures” chair) is carried out under the supervision of doctors of engineering, professors V.N. Ivanov and S.N. Krivoshapko – the disciples of V.G. Rekach. In 1990–2016 have been prepared and defended 12 dissertations on analysis of shells for surfaces with non-canonical forms. A large amount of material on surfaces geometry that has been accumulated at the RUDN University’s “Resistance of Materials” chair, and works variety in world literature has necessitated to systematize available materials, to create a reference manual on analytical surfaces. In 2006 has been published the 1st version of such reference manual. In 2011 has been published “Encyclopedia of Analytical Surfaces” [10]. This paper gives a short history of the encyclopedia creation, as well as its main tasks and principles of formation, the character of treatment for materials on surfaces classes and the concrete surfaces, and examples for classes and surfaces from encyclopedia. The possibilities for encyclopedia materials usage at architecture, building constructions, machine manufacturing and other areas of science and techniques are considered too.
“Flipping” Course of Engineering Geometry and Computer Graphics
Authors: Воронина Марианна , Voronina Marianna , Мороз О. , Moroz O.
Published: November 2017

This study’s urgency is determined by absence of serious researches in the usage area of «flipped» learning model (FLM) applied to engineering geometry and computer graphics (EGCG); by absence of scientifically-based, tested and implemented programs and learning materials for EGCG FLM; as well as by the need for development of new modern tools to support classroom work and forms of students’ individual work. The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of knowledge and practice of existing EGCG courses, using the FLM concept as the main pedagogical strategy. Research methods are pedagogical experiment, expert assessment, cluster analysis. Problem state: since 2012 the FLM approach has gained popularity not only in schools but also in engineering universities. FLM presents opportunities for solutions of complex pedagogic problems in engineering education, but creates some difficulties in model implementation preparing. Most of based on the FLM researches in the area of engineering education have been conducted on the basis of short-term studies, and on feedback from professors and students and their reviews. Theoretical and practical contribution of materials: this paper represents a synthesis of qualitative and quantitative researches on engineering courses using the FLM. The study has demonstrated that the issues of EGCG FLM have not been investigated in the scientific and methodological literature. Has been identified students relation to the FLM, as well as to the role of learning materials and professor’s personality in the FLM. Advantages and disadvantages of the FLM have been revealed, and recommendations on students training have been presented. Study significance: the study has proved the absence of scientifically-based, tested and implemented programs and learning materials for students learning on EGCG using FLM. To create reasonable theoretical bases for pedagogy in the area of EGCG FLM, as well as corresponding evaluation methods it is necessary to conduct further scientific researches examining various aspects related to practical implementation of long-term programs and learning materials. This paper’s materials can be useful for lecturers of technical universities.
METHODICAL APPROACHES TO THE CREATION MOOC (EXPERIENCE LAC)
Authors: Nozdrina L.
Published: November 2017

The article presents a number of problems, determining the current state of development of the domestic market of massive open online courses (MOOC). Considering the aim of the research, there is described national experience in this area, proposed and substantiated a number of the criteria and methodological approaches to the implementation of MOOC in higher education. The development of MOOC in the Lviv Academy of Commerce (LAC) is reviewed as example. The main factors which determine the success of this educational innovation in the domestic market and are put under the research are software platforms, multimedia software for creating video lectures, course structure and support the learning process. The results of study which have been analyzed in this course can have a positive impact on the functioning of the market MOOC in Ukrainian universities. The article focuses on finding the ways of improving the process of developing and implementing MOOC in higher education in the example of LAC where Web-center on the MOODLE platform is used for e-learning. Further research should focus on the development of institutional mechanisms to ensure the effective design, implementation and operation of the MOOC in the universities in Ukraine. Particular attention during learning in massive open online course should be aimed at improving the educational process and to strengthen student's motivation in MOOC. Experience of MOOC's development in LAC can be useful at creating similar courses at other institutions of higher education in the different platforms, both MOODLE, and on the others.
Self-regulated learning in nursing: A study from a health education course
Authors: Keçeci Ayla
Published: November 2017

Background: Self-regulation related to cognition and behaviour is an important factor in learning and academic achievement. Self-regulated learning is defined as the process of learning in which students activate and develop their own cognition, motivation and behaviour through self-regulatory processes.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the self-regulation skills of nursing students on a health education course in a state university in Turkey.Methods: The study sample consisted of 110 students who attended the class on the day of the survey and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected with the Turkish version of the ‘Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire’, which was adapted by Büyüköztürk et al. (2004). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean, as well as the Mann–Whitney U test, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results: The results showed that the participants were motivated by external factors, using the elaboration strategy more frequently than other learning strategies. Second- and third-year students had various motivational levels and preferred different types of learning strategies, and those students who had more positive perceptions of the school, the course and the instructor evinced higher levels of internal responsibility and benefited from learning strategies more frequently.Conclusion: Nursing students were found to be predominantly motivated by extrinsic factors and preferred the elaboration learning strategy.
The Need to Reform the Dangerous IFRS System of Accounting
Authors: Richard Jacques
Published: November 2017

As a fundamental instrument of financial capitalism the today’s IFRS system of accounting is not only totally unsuitable for the needs of a new ecological world but also represents a serious menace for the development of a sound economic system. The goal of this article is to explain the main reasons for this criticism and to suggest some elements of reconstruction of the today’s accounting system with a new international environmental accounting to be promoted by the European Union.
Accounting for Europe’s Economy and Society: Considerations for Financial Stability, Economic Development and the Public Good
Authors: Biondi Yuri
Published: November 2017

International accounting convergence led by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has been fostering an accounting revolution by introducing a market basis of accounting. This accounting model makes general reference to current values (mark-to-market, fair value) instead of corporate realised revenues and invested costs, which were central to the previous model (historical cost). This accounting revolution was consistent with the global financial architecture based upon transnational financial markets which was established since the seventies. However, among the main jurisdictions and monetary areas worldwide, only Europe has adopted the international accounting standards (IAS-IFRS), substantially delegating its accounting legislative and regulatory process to the IASB. This delegation has been raising major quarrels with European constituencies, including (i) resistance against the (full) fair value measurement of financial instruments (2003-05); (ii) opposition to amendment of IAS on segment reporting (2006); (iii) forced suspension of fair value measurements and impairments amid the North-Atlantic financial crisis (October 2008); (iv) an institutional conflict over the evaluation of distressed Member States’ sovereign bonds (August 2011). The Maystadt Report of 2013 reviewed and summarised these concerns with both the accounting model, and the governance of Europe’s accounting standards-making. It recommended including further considerations for Europe’s financial stability and public good, while it did consider the option to establish an Accounting Standards Board of Europe.
Open Debate on Accounting for the European Public Sector
Authors: Graeff Imke
Published: November 2017

This article contains the proceedings of the open debate that followed the plenary panel on ‘Accounting for the European Public Sector: The Ongoing Reform of European Public Sector Accounting Standards’ at the international workshop on ‘Which accounting regulation for Europe’s economy and society?’ organised under the auspices of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, on 20 May 2015.
Non-isothermal Crystallization, Thermal Stability, and Mechanical Performance of Poly(L-lactic acid)/Barium Phenylphosphonate Systems
Authors: Cai Yan-Hua , Zhao Li-Sha
Published: November 2017

The introduction of a nucleating agent in semi-crystalline polymers is a frequently utilized way to improve the crystallization performance, and the use of a nucleating agent has a very great effect on the performance of the polymer in other areas including thermal stability and mechanical properties. In this investigation, barium phenylphosphonate (BaP) was prepared as a crystallization accelerator for Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), and the non-isothermal crystallization behavior, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of PLLA modified by BaP were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electronic tensile testing. Non-isothermal crystallization analysis showed that the BaP could significantly accelerate the crystallization of PLLA, and the non-isothermal crystallization peak shifted to a higher temperature with increasing concentration of BaP, however, the corresponding crystallization peak became wider. XRD results after non-isothermal crystallization confirmed the non-isothermal crystallization DSC results. Additionally, the addition of BaP did not change the crystal form of PLLA. A comparative study on thermal stability indicated that BaP decreased the onset decomposition temperature of PLLA, resulting from the formation of more tiny and imperfect crystals. Whereas the influence of BaP on the thermal decomposition profile of PLLA was negligible. In terms of mechanical properties, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of PLLA/BaP increased compared to the virgin PLLA, unfortunately, the elongation at break decreased.
Appreciation of landscape aesthetic values in Slovakia assessed by social media photographs
Authors: Lieskovský Juraj , Rusňák Tomáš , Klimantová Alexandra , Izsóff Martin , Gašparovičová Petra
Published: November 2017

Geolocated photos from google Panoramio are used as a proxy for evaluation of aesthetic values appreciation of different landscape types in Slovakia. We collected the photo’s metadata from years 2005 - 2014 and calculated the density of photos uploaded by unique user per square kilometre. Then we compared the photos density in different landscape types. The most appreciated are subalpine and alpine landscape types. The high photo density was also found in urban landscapes where most of the population live. Outside the urban area, we found that less intensive type of landscapes are visually more attractive. From the abiotic landscape categories the most aesthetically valuable are landscapes in giant highlands and glacial giant highlands. The lowland landscape used intensively for agricultural production is less attractive.
Advances in research on influencing factors of hepatitis B virus infection caused by blood transfusions
Authors: Guo Ming , Zhang Jingfeng
Published: November 2017

As one of the main factors affecting safe blood transfusion, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection through blood transfer seriously endangers human health. Therefore, studies should focus on both reducing infection rate of HBV and accurately evaluating the risk of infection. This study discusses the main factors affecting HBV infection that results from blood transfusions, with the aim of gaining insights into reducing HBV infection.
État présent
Authors: Zarandona Juan Miguel
Published: November 2017

In 2015 the publication of the long-awaited volume Arthur of the Iberians promoted, alongside more traditional areas, the need to study contemporary Iberian Arthurian literature, the subject matter of its last chapter. This état présent insists on this idea and makes the claim that a world of research opportunity awaits those interested in this subfield of study. International scholars interested in Arthuriana will be introduced to the how, when and why the matter of Britain staged a very slow comeback to the Iberian Peninsula as the nineteenth century progressed. The prejudice against chivalric fiction and the so-called curse of Cervantes’s Don Quixote proved very difficult to forget. The fundamental role played by translation in the contemporary period and the lack of a full account of Latin American Arthurian literary output are two key areas for further research. Arthur in Iberian fine and performing arts and in Iberian popular culture are two other territories demanding deeper exploration. In other words, King Arthur also belongs to contemporary Portugal, Spain, Latin America and other parts of the Hispanic world.
Paving the Way for the Arthurian Revival: William Caxton and Sir Thomas Malory’s King Arthur in the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Fuwa Yuri
Published: November 2017

This article examines how Malory’s Morte Darthur re-emerged from the shadows in the eighteenth century. It considers how the fates of Malory and Caxton were intertwined, the reputation of one closely connected to the reputation of the other: the perception of Malory as ‘light’ or morally questionable reading first impacting on Caxton’s standing, then later the resuscitation of Caxton’s reputation impacting in turn on Malory’s growing status as a literary hero. Questions about the reputation of Malory’s Arthuriad surfaced across a wide variety of literary media in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, and these ongoing discussions about the morality and value of Malory’s work occurred at the same time as the first flowering of English historical bibliography. This serious historical study of typography and printing was central to the revival of Caxton’s reputation, and thus also central to the establishment of Malory’s work as worthy to be included in the canon of English Literature. Hence, I argue that a series of key early publications by notably John Lewis (1675–1747), the first biographer of Caxton, who championed the reputations of Caxton and Malory, and by Joseph Ames (1689–1759), a ‘pioneer historian of printing’, should correctly be viewed as part of the continuum which ultimately led to the Arthurian Revival.
Path Dependence, Abnormal Times and Missed Opportunities: Case Studies of Catastrophic Natural Disasters From India and Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Kanksha Mahadevia
Published: November 2017

Path dependence literature largely accepts that large-scale disasters trigger abnormal times that weaken path dependence and create windows of opportunity to bring about institutional reforms. Disaster literature insists that lessons must be learnt from past disasters, so that damage caused by future disasters can be mitigated. Yet experience suggests that institutional reforms are rarely implemented post catastrophic disasters. This paper examines factors that might explain why the windows of opportunity triggered by disasters are missed in some cases, while seized in others. This question is explored by juxtaposing two case studies: the Gorkha 2015 earthquakes (Nepal) and the Uttarakhand 2013 flood (India), the worst natural disasters to have struck the regions. Analyzed through the insights of path dependence, the case studies reveal that post disasters institutional reforms were implemented in Nepal, aimed at improving implementation of building construction and zonal laws by public institutions. However, no such institutional reforms were implemented in India, specifically Uttarakhand. A comparative analysis identifies similarities and differences in actions taken by public institutions before and after the disasters aiming to improve public institutions’ implementation of laws, to explore factors explaining the contrasting outcomes. The paper reveals key distinctions highlighting the critical role of (a) gradual reforms taken during normal times and its influence on actions taken during abnormal times; and (b) negative feedback provided by public institutions responsible for implementing building construction and zonal laws (implementing agencies), and by other public institutions, and denial or acknowledgement of such critique by implementing agencies. Based on the findings, the paper elaborates policy suggestions that may aid in mitigating the possibility of abnormal times repeatedly becoming missed opportunities. More specifically, this paper provides a starting point for exploring what might be done during normal times so that when disasters do occur in the future, these opportunities can be seized and used to bring about reforms to improve public institutional functioning.
Bohr against Bell: complementarity versus nonlocality
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: November 2017

In this note we compare the views of Bohr (known as the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics) with the views of Bell: complementarity versus nonlocality.
Distinct Roles of Different Presynaptic and Postsynaptic NCAM Isoforms in Early Motoneuron–Myotube Interactions Required for Functional Synapse Formation
Authors: Hata Katsusuke , Maeno-Hikichi Yuka , Yumoto Norihiro , Burden Steven J. , Landmesser Lynn T.
Published: November 2017

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is expressed both presynaptically and postsynaptically during neuromuscular junction formation. Genetic deletion in mice of all three isoforms (180, 140, and 120 kDa), or just the 180 isoform, suggested that different isoforms played distinct roles in synaptic maturation. Here we characterized in mice of either sex the earliest adhesive contacts between the growth cones of motoneurons and myotubes and their subsequent maturation into functional synapses in cocultures of motoneurons and myotubes, which expressed their normal complement of NCAM isoforms, or were lacking all isoforms either presynaptically or postsynaptically. Growth cone contact with +/+ mouse myotubes resulted in immediate adhesive contacts and the rapid downregulation of growth cone motility. When contacting NCAM−/−myotubes, growth cones touched and retracted/collapsed multiple times and failed to form stable contacts, even after 10 h. Exogenous expression in myotubes of either the 180 or 140 isoform, but not the 120 kDa isoform, rescued the rapid formation of stable contacts, the accumulation of presynaptic and postsynaptic molecules, and functional transmission. When NCAM was absent only in motoneurons, growth cones did not retract upon myotube contact, but, since their motility was not downregulated, they grew off the ends of the myotubes, failing to form synapses. The agrin receptor Lrp4 was strongly downregulated in NCAM-negative myotubes, and motoneuron growth cones did not make stable contacts with Lrp4-negative myotubes. These studies have identified novel roles for presynaptic and postsynaptic NCAM in mediating early cell–cell interactions required for synapse formation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAlthough many molecular signals needed to form the functionally effective neuromuscular synapses required for normal movement have been described, the earliest signals that let motoneuron growth cones make stable adhesive contacts with myotubes and cease motility are not well understood. Using dynamic imaging of motoneuron–myotube cocultures, we show that NCAM is required on both the growth cone and myotube and that different NCAM isoforms mediate initial adhesion and the downregulation of growth cone motility. The agrin receptor Lrp4 was also essential for initial adhesive contacts and was downregulated on NCAM−/−myotubes. Our identification of novel roles for NCAM and Lrp4 and possible interactions between them in transforming motile growth cones into stable contacts opens interesting new avenues for exploration.