bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injectable negatively charged gelatin microsphere-based gels as hemostatic agents for intracavitary and deep wound bleeding in surgery
Authors: Li Lin , Du Yan , Xiong Yi , Ding Zhengwen , Lv Guoyu , Li Hong , Liu Tielong
Published: October 2018

Gelatin, as natural macromolecular material, has been used in biomedical fields widely. In this study, various injectable gelatins A, B, and their compound AB microsphere-based gels (A-GMGs, B-GMGs and AB-GMGs) were prepared through water-in-oil emulsion method for hemostasis, and the effects of blood coagulation in vitro and surgical hemostasis (a deep liver wound model) in vivo were evaluated. Furthermore, the influences of gelatin sorts, the size of microsphere, zeta potential (ZP) and viscoelastic properties on hemostasis were also assessed. Results showed that the gelatin microspheres (GMs) exhibited smooth surface, good sphericity and the particle size of a rough normal distribution. GMs carried negative charges and their electronegativity was stronger than that of gelatin A (GA) and gelatin B (GB) raw materials. Rheological analysis showed that a decreasing particle size of the microspheres led to stronger gel strength, and solid-like gels were exhibited under low stress conditions and liquid-like gels were exhibited under high stress conditions. The blood clotting time of B-GMGs was within 60 s, which exhibited a significantly higher blood clotting effect compared with control groups. The hemostasis assay in vivo showed that the gels had better hemostatic effect on a deep liver wound bleeding model compared with control groups, especially B-GMGs. However, in vivo and vitro hemostatic experiments, particle size of GMs had no obvious influence on the hemostatic effect of the gels. In addition, the CCK-8 assay of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of murine (mMSCs) indicated non-cytotoxicity of GMs for cells. These results demonstrated that the gelatin microsphere-based gels (GMGs) had potential to be an effective hemostatic material for intracavitary and deep wound bleeding in surgery.
John Marshall Cowan: An appreciation
Authors: Lorimer A Ross , Dunn Francis G , Parry Carol A
Published: October 2018

John Marshall Cowan (1870–1947) descended from a long line of Glasgow medical practitioners. He was at the forefront in the great advances made in cardiology during the first quarter of the 20th century. He was a founder member of the Cardiac Club and the principal author of a major text book Diseases of the Heart, first published in 1914. He had a distinguished military career and was physician in charge of wards in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow and Professor of Medicine at Anderson's College, Glasgow. This article outlines Cowan's life, career and publications and also provides an examination of his magnum opus, Diseases of the Heart.
The Study of Memorisation in Piano Students in Higher Education in Mexico
Authors: Herrera Miriam , Cremades Roberto
Published: October 2018

This paper describes how Mexican piano students enrolled in higher education music courses memorise scores, which is necessary to increase their capacity for memorisation and to prepare a repertoire of higher complexity. We also analysed the different types of memory in the musical practice of the students, investigating what they emphasise the most to memorise musical pieces. Interest in this topic arose because it was observed that piano syllabi in the different participating institutions do not include a specific memorisation development process for piano repertoire; however, piano students are required to present a memorised repertoire at the end of each semester. We distributed a questionnaire to 545 students from 18 Higher Artistic Education institutions with a degree in music, with piano as the main instrument, in 13 states of Mexico. The results indicate that the development of analytical memory through musical analysis is fundamental and essential while learning memorisation skills to achieve a better understanding of the score and its piano performance. We also found that there are significant differences between the variables of age range and gender.
Engaging Child Welfare–Involved Families in Evidence-Based Interventions to Address Child Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Authors: Lewis Ericka M. , Hooley Cole , Feely Megan , Lanier Paul , Korff Suzanne J. , Kohl Patricia L.
Published: October 2018

Evidence-based behavioral parent training (BPT) programs are the most effective way to address children’s behavior disorders and participant engagement is essential to achieving positive treatment outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of the factors that contribute to engagement, particularly for at-risk families. This qualitative study explored factors affecting behavioral and attitudinal engagement among child welfare–involved parents participating in Pathways Triple P ( n = 47). Data were collected through semistructured interviews and three major themes affecting parental engagement were identified: (a) ensuring comprehension, (b) increasing parenting efficacy, and (c) addressing obstacles to participation. Findings suggest that practitioner behaviors play an essential role in increasing the engagement of families receiving BPT, and identify practitioners as a promising strategy to improve program effectiveness for parents involved with child welfare.
Bundling Justice: Medicaid's Support for Housing
Authors: Crossley Mary
Published: October 2018

Should Medicaid pay for supportive housing for homeless persons? After describing current limits on how states can use Medicaid funds to support housing, this article considers whether justice requires treating Medicaid recipients residing in nursing homes and Medicaid recipients needing supportive housing similarly.
Data Collection, EHRs, and Poverty Determinations
Authors: Konnoth Craig
Published: October 2018

Collecting and deploying poverty-related data is an important starting point for leveraging data regarding social determinants of health in precision medicine. However, we must rethink how we collect and deploy such data. Current modes of collection yield imprecise data that is unsuited for research. Better data can be collected by cross-referencing other sources such as employers and public benefit programs, and by incentivizing and encouraging patients and providers to provide more accurate information. Data thus collected can be used to provide appropriate individual-level clinical and non-clinical care, and to systematically determine what share of social resources healthcare should consume.
Reflections on Evolving Understandings of the Role of Healthcare Providers
Authors: Leonard James C.
Published: October 2018

Improving the health and life of individuals living in poverty requires new models and new approaches, moving healthcare away from today's medical mindset of acute care toward a conception of healthcare as value-based, which necessarily means connecting disparate impacts with the healthcare services that are delivered.
Intentionally Designing Communities for Health and Well-Being: A Vision for Today
Authors: Levine Marissa
Published: October 2018

Efforts in Virginia highlight an emerging approach to improving health and well-being for the population — human-centered design intentionally focused on protecting health and improving well-being. This keynote emphasized a data-informed approach facilitated by multi-sectoral leadership that promotes alignment of community assets focused to result in system changes more likely to sustainably improve health and well-being.
What the Theatre Taught Me about Alzheimer's (or: The Giraffe in the Hallway Problem)
Authors: Fuchs Elinor
Published: October 2018

The author recounts her experience as an Alzheimer's care-giver to her mother, stressing the value of her professional background in theater.
Influenza Mandates and Religious Accommodation: Avoiding Legal Pitfalls
Authors: Reiss Dorit Rubinstein , Dubal V.B.
Published: October 2018

Influenza mandates in health care institutions are recommended by professional associations as an effective way to prevent the contraction of influenza by patients from health care workers. Health care institutions with such mandates must operate within civil rights frameworks. A recent set of cases against health care institutions with influenza mandates reveals the liabilities posed by federal law that protects employees from religious discrimination. This article examines this legal framework and draws important lessons from this litigation for health care institutions. We argue counterintuitively that providing religious exemptions from influenza mandates may expose health care institutions to more liability than not providing a formal exemption.
Clinical use of Sherlock-3CG® for positioning peripherally inserted central catheters
Authors: Pittiruti Mauro , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo , Dolcetti Laura , Emoli Alessandro
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Intracavitary electrocardiogram technique is recognized as a safe, accurate, and inexpensive method for verifying the tip location of central venous access devices. While the technique can be carried out with any standard electrocardiogram monitor, dedicated electrocardiogram monitors specifically designed for the intracavitary electrocardiogram are also available. One of these dedicated monitors is Sherlock-3CG®, characterized by the integration of a magnetic-based tip navigation method with an electrocardiogram-based tip location method.

Methods:

In this prospective study, we inserted 130 peripherally inserted central catheters using Sherlock-3CG, evaluating the safety, feasibility, and accuracy of both tip navigation and tip location. Magnetic-based tip navigation was compared with ultrasound-based navigation; electrocardiogram-based tip location was compared with electrocardiogram-based tip location performed by another dedicated monitor (Nautilus®) and with post-procedural tip location by chest X-ray.

Results:

All insertions were successful and the overall safety of the device was 100%. In terms of tip navigation, the maneuver was feasible only in 81%; the accuracy was 100%. In terms of tip location, feasibility was 94% and accuracy was 100%, while Nautilus showed a 100% feasibility and 100% accuracy.

Conclusion:

Our study could not demonstrate any specific advantage of Sherlock-3CG either as a magnetic-based tip navigation method or as an electrocardiogram-based tip location method.
Symbol Digit Modalities Test: A valid clinical trial endpoint for measuring cognition in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Strober Lauren , DeLuca John , Benedict Ralph HB , Jacobs Adam , Cohen Jeffrey A , Chiaravalloti Nancy , Hudson Lynn D , Rudick Richard A , LaRocca Nicholas G ,   Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessments Consortium (MSOAC)
Published: October 2018

Background:

The need for more robust outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials has been a main priority of the field for decades. Dissatisfaction with existing measures has led to several consensus meetings and initiatives over the past few decades in hopes of defining and gaining acceptance of measures that are valid, reliable, sensitive to change and progression, and most importantly, relevant to those living with MS. The Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessments Consortium (MSOAC) was formed for this purpose.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to describe the results of the MSOAC plan to obtain qualification for a cognitive performance measure that meets these requirements.

Methods:

Using data from 14 MS disease-modifying registration trials, we completed a comprehensive examination of the psychometric qualities of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) with the goal of compiling evidence to support the utilization of one of these measures in future clinical trials.

Results and conclusion:

Consistent with the published literature, the SDMT proved superior to the PASAT. The SDMT should be considered the measure of choice for MS trials in assessing cognitive processing speed.
Scam as survival in Central America
Authors: Wayne Fontes Anthony , O’Neill Kevin Lewis
Published: October 2018

This essay explores the intimate details and ethical quandaries of tele-promotion’s fraud. Perpetrated from inside Guatemalan prisons using black market cellphones, incarcerated gang members surf the affects of capitalism to create a sensorium of authenticity through which they swindle the unwary. An experiment in genre, this ethnographic essay foregrounds the lived experiences, survival strategies, and virtuosities of those pushed to the very margins of capitalism.
Does distance education go the distance for adult learners? Evidence from a qualitative study at an American community college
Authors: Iloh Constance
Published: October 2018

Online coursework is dramatically changing the higher education landscape, particularly for adult learners. And while research notes the way these courses increase college opportunity for post-traditional students, they have poor learning and completion out-comes at many of the institutions to which older students frequently enroll. The author conducted a qualitative exploration involving 34 adult students at a large community college on the west coast to better understand the perceptions, experiences, opportunities, and challenges of online instructional delivery for adult students. Informed by semi-structured interviews with participants, findings from this study highlight: (1) the challenge of being a digital/online course novice, (2) online courses as better in theory than practice, and (3) problematic institutional assumptions that online pedagogy is better for adult learners. Results from this investigation provide new directions for implementation of online courses for adult learners students in higher education.
Examining HPV Awareness, Sexual Behavior, and Intent to Receive the HPV Vaccine Among Racial/Ethnic Male College Students 18–27 years
Authors: Cooper Dexter L. , Zellner-Lawrence Tiffany , Mubasher Mohamed , Banerjee Ananya , Hernandez Natalie D.
Published: October 2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and vaccination among males in the general population is low. Men in general, but particularly racial/ethnic men, are disproportionately affected by HPV. The purpose of this article is to examine college males’ (a) HPV awareness, (b) sexual behaviors, and (c) intention to receive the HPV vaccination. A non-probability sample of all students who self-reported their race/ethnicity and were attending a university in Southeastern United States were contacted by the university registrar’s office and recruited to participate in the 15-minute survey. Males, ages 18–27 years ( N = 190), were identified for this study. χ2, t-tests, and binomial logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between knowing about HPV and HPV vaccine and the intent to receive the HPV vaccination. Findings indicated that 67.4% of the sample identified as Hispanic or Black. Among all men, 73.2% reported previous sexual experience and 49.5% were currently sexually active. There were 79.5% who had previous knowledge about HPV and 55.8% had knowledge about the HPV vaccine; 71.1% of the sample did not intend to receive the vaccine. Hispanic and Black men were less likely to identify as virgins, more likely to be sexually active, and more likely to have sexual experiences at an earlier age compared to White, Asian, and other men. Men with previous HPV vaccine knowledge (28.4%) were more likely to intend to receive the vaccine compared to men who did not have previous knowledge about the vaccine (14.9%). Providing males with information about HPV, its transmission, and possible HPV-related outcomes may increase HPV vaccine uptake.
ASA classification – What is the real impact of the introduction of the new clinical examples?
Authors: Godinho Pedro , Gonçalves Lúcia , Muendane Paulo , dos Anjos Dixe Maria , Valente Elisabete
Published: October 2018

Aim

The American Society of Anesthesiologists scale is used worldwide for the assessment of the physical status of patients proposed for anaesthesia interventions. This study aims to assess the level of agreement of the last updated American Society of Anesthesiologists classification version, with the introduction of examples for each class, and search for variables that could promote inconsistency.

Methods

An online questionnaire was sent to anaesthesiology specialists and residents in Portugal, describing 10 fictitious clinical cases. Sociodemographic and labour data were also correlated. Results/findings: A total of 243 anaesthesiology physicians participated. There was a high diversity in responses. Years of practice influence this diversity (P < 0.05). Discussion and conclusions: The need for a universal scale for classification of patients proposed for anaesthesia is consensual. Despite the last update in 2014, the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification continues to present limitations regarding consistency and objectivity. Efforts should be made to reduce their interpersonal variability.
Advances in the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: improved endoscopic management through better diagnostics
Authors: Knoedler John J. , Raman Jay D.
Published: October 2018

As a rare disease, the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) continues to evolve. While radical nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard, there is a growing desire to pursue nephron-sparing approaches through endoscopic management, particularly for low-risk disease or in the setting of imperative indications. A particular challenge for those undertaking endoscopic management is appropriate grading and staging of tumors, and thereby appropriate patient selection. In this review we will cover the current state of diagnostics for UTUC as well as highlight the challenges in accurate diagnosis. Additionally, we will focus on emerging technologies to aid in optimizing diagnostic accuracy in UTUC. This will include discussion of narrow band imaging, photodynamic diagnosis, optical coherence tomography, and confocal laser endomicroscopy.
Immunization Noncompliance: Gauging the Cause, Effect, and Management in the School Setting
Authors: Rogers Kristy M.
Published: October 2018

Immunization noncompliance is a public health issue. Vaccines have been noted as one of the most effective public health interventions against the spread of infectious disease. However, there is an increase in the number of nonmedical exemptions and vaccine hesitancy. This has been linked to a decrease in the fear of contracting vaccine preventable diseases to public concerns regarding vaccine safety. Research has shown that decreased vaccine coverage lessens the effect of herd immunity placing those who are unvaccinated or unable to be vaccinated at increased risk of contracting vaccine preventable diseases. These factors have led to legislative action with some states implementing stricter exemption laws and stronger enforcement of vaccine mandates. Within the school setting, the school nurse is in a unique position working within both the educational and healthcare domains. The monitoring of immunizations is a key and vital factor in ensuring the health and safety of the school community.
The Stressed Executive: Sources and Predictors of Stress Among Participants in an Executive Health Program
Authors: Ganesh Ravindra , Mahapatra Saswati , Fuehrer Debbie L , Folkert Levi J , Jack Whitney A , Jenkins Sarah M , Bauer Brent A , Wahner-Roedler Dietlind L , Sood Amit
Published: October 2018

Background

Stress is highly prevalent in the U.S. society, especially in executives, and is a well-documented risk factor for a wide range of medical disorders. Knowledge of common sources of stress and predictive factors may help identify executives at risk of high stress and allow us to appropriately refer them for stress management treatment.

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to identify common sources of stress, predictors of high stress, and other correlates among executives.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey of executives who requested a stress management consult at our institution. We abstracted the data from a 14-item intake survey as well as from the patient interview.

Results

Of the 839 executives, 827 executives (98.6%) who were referred for individual stress management consults completed the stress-related questions of the survey; 51.3% of these executives reported having a high stress level. Study participants mostly struggled with the well-being measures of sleep, anxiety, energy level, and diet. The majority reported that their main stressor was work related (n = 540, 64.4%) followed by family related (n = 371, 44.2%), health related (n = 170, 20.3%), and work–life balance (n = 62, 7.4%). In unadjusted analysis, high stress was associated with younger age ( P = .006), lower quality-of-life scores ( P < .001), and less physical activity ( P < .001). In multivariable analyses, the strongest predictors for high stress level were younger age (odds ratios [OR] = 0.84, P = .045) and worse quality-of-life indicators such as anxiety (OR = 2.72, P < .001), diet (OR = 0.78, P = .02), and sleep (OR = 0.74, P < .003).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that executives with a high level of stress might be best helped through a multimodality stress management program. Our findings merit replication in larger studies and more definitive confirmation with prospective clinical trials.
Exploring the Relational Leadership Potential of Appreciative Inquiry: A Case Study
Authors: Sim John H.
Published: October 2018

This case explores the potential of Appreciative inquiry (AI) as a process for leadership development. As a relational approach, AI is poised to develop new leadership by encouraging upcoming generations to collectively envision novel and inspiring futures and engage in participatory action. Moreover, generative capacity and collaborative strength are identified as primary developmental variables in AI, the interconnection of which facilitates a concert of leadership and engenders change through collective imagination. To that end, this case draws from data derived from a case study of AI in a military setting to support this claim. Additionally, a basic programme model for AI-based leadership development and implications for future research and practice are presented for consideration.
Analyzing the Interaction of Barriers in E-Governance Implementation for Effective Service Quality: Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach
Authors: Gupta Anchal , Suri Pradeep Kumar , Singh Rajesh Kumar
Published: October 2018

E-Governance is being encouraged in most of the countries of the world for providing effective e-services to their citizens. In India, many planned e-governance projects under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) could not be implemented effectively due to various implementation barriers. In this study, the objective is to identify and analyze the key barriers which impede effective implementation of Indian e-governance projects. Based on literature review and experts’ opinion, 14 key barriers in the implementation of e-governance are identified. This is the first type of article where the causal model for understanding the relationship among identified barriers is developed by using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). Then, further, the barriers are categorized as drivers, dependent, autonomous, and linkage variables based on their driving and dependence power with the help of MICMAC Analysis. Out of 14 barriers, 6 have been identified as dependent barriers, 6 as driver barriers, and 2 as linkage barriers. No barrier is identified as autonomous barrier. Lack of political will is found to be the most crucial driving barrier in implementing e-governance projects. This study is expected to provide useful inputs to practitioners in terms of crafting better implementation strategies for better service quality of e-governance initiatives.
Turn an Ear to Hear: How Hearing-Impaired Listeners Can Exploit Head Orientation to Enhance Their Speech Intelligibility in Noisy Social Settings
Authors: Grange Jacques A. , Culling John F. , Bardsley Barry , Mackinney Laura I. , Hughes Sarah E. , Backhouse Steven S.
Published: October 2018

Turning an ear toward the talker can enhance spatial release from masking. Here, with their head free, listeners attended to speech at a gradually diminishing signal-to-noise ratio and with the noise source azimuthally separated from the speech source by 180° or 90°. Young normal-hearing adult listeners spontaneously turned an ear toward the speech source in 64% of audio-only trials, but a visible talker’s face or cochlear implant (CI) use significantly reduced this head-turn behavior. All listener groups made more head movements once instructed to explore the potential benefit of head turns and followed the speech to lower signal-to-noise ratios. Unilateral CI users improved the most. In a virtual restaurant simulation with nine interfering noises or voices, hearing-impaired listeners and simulated bilateral CI users typically obtained a 1 to 3 dB head-orientation benefit from a 30° head turn away from the talker. In diffuse interference environments, the advice to U.K. CI users from many CI professionals and the communication guidance available on the Internet most often advise the CI user to face the talker head on. However, CI users would benefit from guidelines that recommend they look sidelong at the talker with their better hearing or implanted ear oriented toward the talker.
Complete RHD next-generation sequencing: establishment of reference RHD alleles
Authors: Tounsi Wajnat A. , Madgett Tracey E. , Avent Neil D.
Published: October 2018

The Rh blood group system (ISBT004) is the second most important blood group after ABO and is the most polymorphic one, with 55 antigens encoded by 2 genes, RHD and RHCE. This research uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to sequence the complete RHD gene by amplifying the whole gene using overlapping long-range polymerase chain reaction (LR-PCR) amplicons. The aim was to study different RHD alleles present in the population to establish reference RHD allele sequences by using the analysis of intronic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their correlation to a specific Rh haplotype. Genomic DNA samples (n = 69) from blood donors of different serologically predicted genotypes including R1R1 (DCe/DCe), R2R2 (DcE/DcE), R1R2 (DCe/DcE), R2RZ (DcE/DCE), R1r (DCe/dce), R2r (DcE/dce), and R0r (Dce/dce) were sequenced and data were then mapped to the human genome reference sequence hg38. We focused on the analysis of hemizygous samples, as these by definition will only have a single copy of RHD. For the 69 samples sequenced, different exonic SNPs were detected that correlate with known variants. Multiple intronic SNPs were found in all samples: 21 intronic SNPs were present in all samples indicating their specificity to the RHD*DAU0 (RHD*10.00) haplotype which the hg38 reference sequence encodes. Twenty-three intronic SNPs were found to be R2 haplotype specific, and 15 were linked to R1, R0, and RZ haplotypes. In conclusion, intronic SNPs may represent a novel diagnostic approach to investigate known and novel variants of the RHD and RHCE genes, while being a useful approach to establish reference RHD allele sequences.
Frequent STAT3 mutations in CD8+ T cells from patients with pure red cell aplasia
Authors: Kawakami Toru , Sekiguchi Nodoka , Kobayashi Jun , Imi Tatsuya , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Yamane Taku , Nishina Sayaka , Senoo Yasushi , Sakai Hitoshi , Ito Toshiro , Koizumi Tomonobu , Hirokawa Makoto , Nakao Shinji , Nakazawa Hideyuki , Ishida Fumihiro
Published: October 2018

Dysregulation of T-cell–mediated immunity is responsible for acquired pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Although STAT3 mutations are frequently detected in patients with T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL), which is often complicated by PRCA and which is also reported to be associated with acquired aplastic anemia (AA) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), whether STAT3-mutated T cells are involved in the pathophysiology of PRCA and other types of bone marrow failure remains unknown. We performed STAT3 mutation analyses of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from PRCA patients (n = 42), AA (n = 54), AA–paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (AA-PNH; n = 7), and MDS (n = 21) using an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and amplicon sequencing. STAT3 mutations were not detected in any of the 82 patients with AA/PNH/MDS but were detected in 43% of the 42 PRCA patients. In all 7 STAT3-mutation–positive patients who were studied, the STAT3 mutations were restricted to sorted CD8+ T cells. The prevalence of STAT3 mutation in idiopathic, thymoma-associated, autoimmune disorder–associated, and T-LGLL–associated PRCA was 33% (5 of 15), 29% (2 of 7), 20% (1 of 5), and 77% (10 of 13), respectively. The STAT3-mutation–positive patients were younger (median age, 63 vs 73 years; P= .026) and less responsive to cyclosporine (46% [6 of 13] vs 100% [8 of 8]; P= .0092) in comparison with STAT3-mutation–negative patients. The data suggest that STAT3-mutated CD8+ T cells may be closely involved in the selective inhibition of erythroid progenitors in PRCA patients.
Redefining Paternal Filiation through DNA Testing
Authors: Serrano-Ruano Delfina
Published: October 2018

The social malaise produced by thousands of children born out of wedlock and abandoned is widely understood in the Maghreb. It has opened a breach in traditional Islamic legal discourses as well as social practices regarding the establishment of filiation in Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria. Analysis of Islamic jurisprudence and opinions, court decisions, and state laws since 1999 shows that the crisis of abandoned children combined with the biological truth revealed by DNA testing have helped produce a paradigm shift. Islamic legal opinions now argue for the need to grant paternal filiation and rights for children born out of wedlock in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Majority juristic opinions do not always determine state legal practices, and contemporary Islamic legal positions are neither monolithic nor static.
Muftis in the Matrix
Authors: Wynn L. L. , Foster Angel M.
Published: October 2018

English- and Arabic-language cyberfatwas on emergency contraception (EC) illuminate current debates around sexuality in the global Muslim community. In websites with fatwas about EC, there are significant differences in the way that English- and Arabic-language fatwa websites discuss this reproductive health technology. During the study period of 2016–17, English-language sites were more likely to rule that EC was not religiously acceptable, whereas no Arabic-language online fatwas declared the technology forbidden to Muslims. In contrast, Arabic questions to online fatwa sites were more concerned about whether EC would facilitate illicit sex and the health risks of contraceptives. Only English-language sites discussed the morality of pharmacists providing EC. These websites and fatwas reveal different visions of Muslims’ relationships with technology, science, and scientific experts. They also suggest the influence of non-Islamic religious constituencies on Muslim interpretations of reproductive health technologies.
Functional testing of a human PBX3 variant in zebrafish reveals a potential modifier role in congenital heart defects
Authors: Farr Gist H. , Imani Kimia , Pouv Darren , Maves Lisa
Published: October 2018

Whole-genome and exome sequencing efforts are increasingly identifying candidate genetic variants associated with human disease. However, predicting and testing the pathogenicity of a genetic variant remains challenging. Genome editing allows for the rigorous functional testing of human genetic variants in animal models. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are a prominent example of a human disorder with complex genetics. An inherited sequence variant in the human PBX3 gene (PBX3 p.A136V) has previously been shown to be enriched in a CHD patient cohort, indicating that the PBX3 p.A136V variant could be a modifier allele for CHDs. Pbx genes encode three-amino-acid loop extension (TALE)-class homeodomain-containing DNA-binding proteins with diverse roles in development and disease, and are required for heart development in mouse and zebrafish. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to directly test whether this Pbx gene variant acts as a genetic modifier in zebrafish heart development. We used a single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide to precisely introduce the human PBX3 p.A136V variant in the homologous zebrafish pbx4 gene (pbx4 p.A131V). We observed that zebrafish that are homozygous for pbx4 p.A131V are viable as adults. However, the pbx4 p.A131V variant enhances the embryonic cardiac morphogenesis phenotype caused by loss of the known cardiac specification factor, Hand2. Our study is the first example of using precision genome editing in zebrafish to demonstrate a function for a human disease-associated single nucleotide variant of unknown significance. Our work underscores the importance of testing the roles of inherited variants, not just de novo variants, as genetic modifiers of CHDs. Our study provides a novel approach toward advancing our understanding of the complex genetics of CHDs.
Non-fragile gains for simultaneous vibration suppression in structures
Authors: Ashokkumar C R
Published: October 2018

One of the requirements in damage prognosis is to extend the life of the operational structure. Stable vibration suppression through stiffness and/or damping adjustments using a feedback control is one of the techniques useful in these problems. When a structural health monitoring technique through parameter estimation offers a new stiffness matrix, a non-fragile controller that simultaneously suppresses vibrations in healthy and damaged structures is required. In this paper, a procedure to determine such a controller is presented. Discrete and continuous structures are considered. Using velocity feedback, damping adjustments at the local nodes of the finite element model are illustrated. It is shown that in the neighbourhood of the matrix singularities of the Lyapunov matrix established in robust analysis literature, the controller designed based on a healthy model becomes fragile to damage. Thus a meaningful design for simultaneous vibration suppression calls for a non-singularity based controller away from the singularities of the Lyapunov matrix. For the cantilever beam and a spring-mass-damper model, this concept is illustrated using three velocity measurements and a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) patch at the root of the cantilever beam as an actuator.
Posso ser candidato a Presidente? depende do STF
Authors: Veloso Antônio Rodolfo Franco Mota , Lima Martonio Mont'Alverne Barreto
Published: October 2018

Analisa a (im)possibilidade de o Judiciário impedir a candidatura de uma pessoa que esteja sendo processada criminalmente em primeira instância ao cargo de Presidente da República. O estudo aufere relevância desde a análise da realidade político-jurídico-econômica nos governos Dilma (2º mandato) e Temer, em que pode ser constatada a intensifi cação do casuísmo nas decisões proferidas pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), principalmente quando se verifi cam os argumentos expressos nos votos de alguns ministros, podendo ser constatados contrastes entre as decisões, ainda que os casos sejam semelhantes. Em decorrência desses dados, emergem indagações em relação à possibilidade de o Judiciário, com a aplicação de determinados princípios (mais especificamente da moralidade, da presunção de inocência e da legalidade), impedir a candidatura de uma pessoa à Presidência da República, conquanto não esteja essa hipótese de inelegibilidade disposta no ordenamento jurídico. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivos estudar as decisões do STF que possam infl uenciar futuros pensamentos dos magistrados, bem como debater o modo como os princípios da moralidade, da legalidade e da presunção de inocência são aplicados a essa situação. Para alcançar tais fi nalidades, far-se-á um levantamento da legislação e de julgados do STF que tratem (in)diretamente da inelegibilidade para, no segundo momento, confrontá-las com os referidos princípios, concluindo que a atuação dos ministros do STF enseja preocupação em virtude da ausência de previsibilidade de suas decisões. Por isso, por mais que os autores entendam não ser possível a ampliação do rol de inelegíveis, senão por meio de lei complementar, as fundamentações expressas pelos membros da referida Corte dão base ao receio de que, com base na imprecisa moralidade, pessoas possam ser impedidas de se candidatar a um cargo público.
Recent advances in management of acalculous cholecystitis
Authors: Balmadrid Bryan
Published: October 2018

Acalculous cholecystitis is a life-threatening gallbladder infection that typically affects the critically ill. A late diagnosis can have devastating outcomes because of the high risk of gallbladder perforation if untreated. The diagnosis is not straightforward as Murphy’s sign is difficult to illicit in the critically ill and many imaging findings are either insensitive or non-specific. This article reviews the current imaging literature to improve the interpretation of findings. Management involves a percutaneous cholecystostomy, surgical cholecystectomy, or more recently an endoscopically placed metal stent through the gastrointestinal tract into the gallbladder. This article reviews the current literature assessing the outcomes of each treatment option and suggests a protocol in determining the modality of choice on the basis of patient population. Specifically, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage is a novel drainage approach for patients who are poor candidates for surgery and obviates the need for a percutaneous drain and all its complications. It has promising results but has caveats in its uses.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL DISORDERS
Authors: Сябрюк Надежда , Syabryuk Nadezhda
Published: October 2018

The article focuses on the features of children with mental disorders and the prerequisites of deviant activities that affect the physical and mental health of the child. The possible difficulties in the process of socialization of a disabled child are presented in the paper. The article also describes the modern conditions created for comfortable education of disabled children in Russia
THE METHODOLOGICAL BASIS OF TEACHING CHILDREN WITH MENTAL PECULIARITIES
Authors: Сябрюк Надежда , Syabryuk Nadezhda
Published: October 2018

The article deals with the current educational tendencies of socialization for children with special health abilities. The main factors for creation educational methods and models of these methods are presented. The article contains a list of necessary principles for all the participants of inclusive education. The importance of the conformity of modern educational methods to the moral requirements is also
Identity in the Oral History of Bujuur Naga
Authors: Chara Elija
Published: October 2018

In this age of objective historical construction based on empirical evidence, the space of oral narrations is minimal and their reliability is doubtful. However, the importance of oral narrations cannot be altogether ignored as many communities’ identity is embedded in them. The article explores and reconstructs the history of Bujuur Naga from oral sources, using analytical and discussion discourse, rather than completely relying on relative interpretation. For the Bujuur, such historical construction is crucial to uphold the being and identity in the ever changing modern period; and being one of the least known community and largely undocumented, the article provides a glimpse of the community, the oral history and other historical events that shaped the identity of the present.
SEISMIC LIQUEFACTION ANALYSIS OF CAPITAL REGION OF ANDHRA PRADESH STATE, INDIA
Authors: Rao G.V. Rama Subba , Sai B. Usha
Published: October 2018

Liquefaction is a phenomenon happens in a loose, fully saturated cohesionless soil in undrained condition subjected to cyclic loading. During liquefaction of the soil lost its shear strength when the mean effective stress is made equal to zero due to the progressively increasing excess pore water pressure. Liquefaction may cause failure of foundations, resulting in collapse of structure, even if the structure is designed as an earthquake-resistant. Liquefaction depends on characteristics of subsurface soil. Amaravathi is a new capital of Andhra Pradesh State, India. The construction activities in the capital region are swiftly increasing. It is essential that the new structures constructing in capital should be assessed for liquefaction susceptibility. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to assess the liquefaction susceptibility of various sites in the capital of Andhra Pradesh State, India. The liquefaction analysis is carried out by using simplified method which mainly relies on Standard Penetration Test (SPT) value.
TWO SIMPLIFIED MODELS OF COLUMN WEB PANEL IN SHEAR
Authors: Kuříková Marta , Wald František , Cábová Kamila
Published: October 2018

The paper presents behaviour of the column web panel in shear. The finite element method is employed to examine the resistance of a joint with an extended end plate connection. The FE model is validated to results of physical tests and verified by an analytical solution based on existing formulas. Finally, a parametric study is performed. The studied parameters include web panel thickness, bolt position and the column dimensions.
PERIODICALLY REPEATING SOUND AS A DISRUPTIVE AGENT IN BUILDINGS
Authors: Hejl Jaroslav
Published: October 2018

This work focuses on subjective perception of disruptive sounds with different harmonic frequencies and parts. It verifies the core of subjective disturbance on basis of a listening test. The effort is to clarify if there is more problematic the issue of clearly audible beats – which is more informative contents issue – or predominantly low frequencies of sound. Clearly audible impulses in sound records are meant by the definition beats in this article – for example drums in the recording. The point of interest is mainly low efficiency of sound insulation against low frequency sound as music with significant beats. The research is restricted only on respondents without hearing difficulties. Based on answers from more than 20 respondents there is conclusion from this paper that the research focus is far from clearance and simplicity. Answers are often very inconsistent and complaints about impossible task were noticed multiple times. In general, however, there is very clear that the problem in disturbance is hidden in low frequencies and with audible beats. The low frequencies are the key disturbance agent in this particular matter.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF STRESS WAVE PROPAGATION IN SAP CONCRETE
Authors: Sang Zhenqun , Deng Zhiping , Xi Jianglin , Yao Huibin , Wu Jiang
Published: October 2018

The SAP (Super Absorbent Polymers) concrete is a new kind of concrete materials with uniformly distributed spherical pores with diameter of millimetre-size. The study on propagation characteristics of SAP concrete is important to give a full comprehending of its dynamic mechanical properties.Based on the ABAQUS platform, the numerical model to simulate the propagation of stress wave in SAP concrete was established by introducing the function of dynamic compressive strength increment DIF-fc,r caused by strain-rate effect of the material itself and strain rate into the expanded Drucker-Prager model. Totally six kinds of triangle stress wave have been investigated, and the transmitted stress wave for each triangle incident stress wave through different pressure bars has been analysed. Based on the numerical calculation, the laws of attenuation and dispersion effect on stress waves in the SAP concrete with evenly distributed millimetre-size spherical pores inside have been analysed.
Taking Needs into Deeds: Application of Needs Analysis in Undergraduate EAP Course Design
Authors: Du Jianying , Shi Jie
Published: October 2018

Needs analysis as the central force of EAP has received insufficient practice, resulting in dissatisfactory pedagogy. This study proposes a framework of CEAPNA (comprehensive EAP needs analysis), and illustrates how the framework helps to shape learning-centered EAP pedagogy. The CEAPNA survey covered 452 undergraduates and 83 faculty members from science and engineering departments, and was triangulated with the researchers’ retrospection of seven years of pedagogical practice. Major findings in the study suggest multiple sources as a must in a comprehensive and accurate analysis of EAP learner needs. In the meantime, the specificity of learner needs addresses EAP practitioners’ endeavors to specify these needs in various dimensions, so as to negotiate a satisfactory balance between language, cognition and affect in EAP pedagogy. Due to realistic constraints in specifying and balancing the needs, this paper wishes to oblige with a conceptual interpretation as well as a pedagogical retrospection.
A Case Study on Intermediate CSL Learners’ Word Recognition Processes and Strategies in Contextual Reading Settings
Authors: Luo Shaoqian , Sun Xiaohui
Published: October 2018

This study investigates word recognition processes and strategies of intermediate learners of Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) in contextual reading settings. Two intermediate CSL learners were chosen as research participants, and think-aloud methods and retrospective interviews were used to collect data. The data were analyzed by using Moustakas’ data analysis procedure, Creswell’s three steps and Bogdon and Biklen’s data analysis methods. Results indicated that intermediate CSL learners go through different processes of word recognition as it might be automatic, based on context, pronunciation, previous knowledge and the meaning of characters, or, in case of word recognition failure, skipping the words or skipping them but reading them again later; and their word recognition strategies in contextual reading settings mainly include cognitive strategies and self-regulatory strategies. Among these strategies, cognitive strategies consist of direct transformation, translation, interpretation, guessing, inferring and finding key words; and self-regulatory strategies include metacognitive strategies, behavior regulating strategies, emotion regulating strategies and motivation regulating strategies. A model of intermediate CSL learners’ word recognition strategies can be constructed based on the results. The present study provides both theoretical and pedagogical implications in the field of CSL vocabulary acquisition and teaching.