bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Coding of Frequency Modulation in the Ventral Cochlear Nucleus
Authors: Paraouty Nihaad , Stasiak Arkadiusz , Lorenzi Christian , Varnet Léo , Winter Ian M.
Published: March 2018

Frequency modulation (FM) is a common acoustic feature of natural sounds and is known to play a role in robust sound source recognition. Auditory neurons show precise stimulus-synchronized discharge patterns that may be used for the representation of low-rate FM. However, it remains unclear whether this representation is based on synchronization to slow temporal envelope (ENV) cues resulting from cochlear filtering or phase locking to faster temporal fine structure (TFS) cues. To investigate the plausibility of those encoding schemes, single units of the ventral cochlear nucleus of guinea pigs of either sex were recorded in response to sine FM tones centered at the unit's best frequency (BF). The results show that, in contrast to high-BF units, for modulation depths within the receptive field, low-BF units (<4 kHz) demonstrate good phase locking to TFS. For modulation depths extending beyond the receptive field, the discharge patterns follow the ENV and fluctuate at the modulation rate. The receptive field proved to be a good predictor of the ENV responses for most primary-like and chopper units. The currentin vivodata also reveal a high level of diversity in responses across unit types. TFS cues are mainly conveyed by low-frequency and primary-like units and ENV cues by chopper and onset units. The diversity of responses exhibited by cochlear nucleus neurons provides a neural basis for a dual-coding scheme of FM in the brainstem based on both ENV and TFS cues.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNatural sounds, including speech, convey informative temporal modulations in frequency. Understanding how the auditory system represents those frequency modulations (FM) has important implications as robust sound source recognition depends crucially on the reception of low-rate FM cues. Here, we recorded 115 single-unit responses from the ventral cochlear nucleus in response to FM and provide the first physiological evidence of a dual-coding mechanism of FM via synchronization to temporal envelope cues and phase locking to temporal fine structure cues. We also demonstrate a diversity of neural responses with different coding specializations. These results support the dual-coding scheme proposed by psychophysicists to account for FM sensitivity in humans and provide new insights on how this might be implemented in the early stages of the auditory pathway.
Low-protein diet in puberty impairs testosterone output and energy metabolism in male rats
Authors: de Oliveira Júlio Cezar , de Moura Egberto Gaspar , Miranda Rosiane Aparecida , de Moraes Ana Maria Praxedes , Barella Luiz Felipe , da Conceição Ellen Paula Santos , Gomes Rodrigo Mello , Ribeiro Tatiane Aparecida , Malta Ananda , Martins Isabela Peixoto , Franco Claudinéia Conationi da Silva , Lisboa Patrícia Cristina , Mathias Paulo Cezar de Freitas
Published: March 2018

We examined the long-term effects of protein restriction during puberty on the function of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axes in male rats. Male Wistar rats from the age of 30 to 60 days were fed a low-protein diet (4%, LP). A normal-protein diet (20.5%) was reintroduced to rats from the age of 60 to 120 days. Control rats were fed a normal-protein diet throughout life (NP). Rats of 60 or 120 days old were killed. Food consumption, body weight, visceral fat deposits, lipid profile, glycemia, insulinemia, corticosteronemia, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), testosteronemia and leptinemia were evaluated. Glucose-insulin homeostasis, pancreatic-islet insulinotropic response, testosterone production and hypothalamic protein expression of the androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and leptin signaling pathway were also determined. LP rats were hypophagic, leaner, hypoglycemic, hypoinsulinemic and hypoleptinemic at the age of 60 days (P < 0.05). These rats exhibited hyperactivity of the HPA axis, hypoactivity of the HPG axis and a weak insulinotropic response (P < 0.01). LP rats at the age of 120 days were hyperphagic and exhibited higher visceral fat accumulation, hyperleptinemia and dyslipidemia; lower blood ACTH, testosterone and testosterone release; and reduced hypothalamic expression of AR, GR and SOCS3, with a higher pSTAT3/STAT3 ratio (P < 0.05). Glucose-insulin homeostasis was disrupted and associated with hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and increased insulinotropic response of the pancreatic islets. The cholinergic and glucose pancreatic-islet responses were small in 60-day-old LP rats but increased in 120-day-old LP rats. The hyperactivity of the HPA axis and the suppression of the HPG axis caused by protein restriction at puberty contributed to energy and metabolic disorders as long-term consequences.
Review of Preston, The Fantasy of Disability: Images of Loss in Popular Culture (2017).
Authors: Hudrlik Mikhel
Published: March 2018

Portrayals of disability in mainstream culture and media, and questions about the implications they have for disabled people, are not new. However, in The Fantasy of Disability: Images of Loss in Popular Culture, Jeffrey Preston takes those questions to new places.
The Once and Future of Medicine
Authors: Wang Fuzhou
Published: March 2018

The development of new therapies in medicine has a very rich history, and evolves quickly with society changes along some trends, and will definitely have an exciting future. In the last century, there has been an exponential increase in complex interactions between medical practitioners, pharmaceutical companies, governments and patients. It is believed that technology and societal expectations will open up a world of opportunity for more individuals to participate as information becomes freely available and inequality less acceptable. Corporations must recognize that usual market forces do not function ideally in a setting where health is regarded as a human right, and as modern consumers, patients will increasingly take control of their own data, wellbeing, and even the means of production for developing their own treatments. Ethics and legislation will increasingly impact the processes that facilitate drug development, distribution and administration. As Artificial Intelligence becomes more wide spread in healthcare sector, and also take the place of current digital clinical decision support systems, the role of the doctor as the primary diagnostician will slowly be taken over by more and smarter machines. The journey has already began with the creation of advance laboratory and radiology systems that are being used, and will extend to the bedside, and then to primary care system. AI will also be able to formulate the best practice treatment plans available, customize this for the individuals. Proceduralists may still be needed, and supported by robotics, however, even simple surgical interventions may, at some point, be replaced by advanced robots.
Thematic mapping of avalanche-threatened areas
Authors: Babiy Lyubov , Hrytskiv Nazar , Laykun Lybomyr
Published: March 2018

Providing avalanche-threatened areas with modern thematic data mapping is an urgent task. It
will allow us to predict and prevent catastrophic consequences of snow avalanches. The purpose
of this paper is to create a set of thematic raster maps of Polonyna Borzhava mountain ridge,
including a physical map, a map of relative avalanche hazards, and a map of avalanche paths,
on the basis of analysing certain morphometric and environmental factors. Modelling and ana�lysing morphometric parameters of the ridge surface were implemented, and they were repre�sented as factors of avalanche occurrence. The areas with consistent snow avalanche occurrence
in the Polonyna Borzhava mountain ridge were allocated by combining cartographic material,
remote sensing data, statistical meteorological data and some geomorphometric data about the
surface in one unified geographic information system. Thematic mapping of snow avalanches of
Polonyna Borzhava ridge has been implemented in the scale of 1:50000. The resulting thematic
maps can be used when developing winter tourist routes.
Developing “green” public spaces as a path to urban revitalisation of residential-industrial zones
Authors: Sosnova Nadiya , Wilkosz-Mamcarczyk Magdalena
Published: March 2018

Optimization of the urban structure, as well as modernization of city districts as a result of
changes in the functional use of the urban territory, are currently coming to the fore among
research topics for most cities in Eastern Europe.
In the present article, as seen in the example of the Pidzamche district of the city of Lviv
(Ukraine), attention was drawn to the need of revitalising the already urbanized, often post�industrial areas, which had lost their original function over time. The developmental impetus
for this area may arrive by way of “green” public spaces project, which will affect the “quality of
life” for the local residents, through: performing recreational and leisure functions, raising the
aesthetic value of the place, as well as potentially constituting so-called “green corridors”, con�necting individual parts of the discussed area.
Inclusão produtiva, pecuária familiar e situação das mulheres rurais do Programa Brasil Sem Miséria em um município do RS - contexto de uma realidade pouco conhecida
Authors: Marques Lopes Marta Julia , Belem Langbecker Tatielle
Published: March 2018

O objetivo principal deste artigo é descrever e analisar características sociodemográficas de mulheres rurais atuantes na pecuária familiar, inseridas no Plano Brasil sem Miséria, em Encruzilhada do Sul. Essa modalidade de trabalho é culturalmente definida como masculina, assim, questiona-se como as mulheres nela se inserem. No Rio Grande do Sul, a Metade Sul tem na pecuária de corte sua atividade produtiva principal, o que alude a uma suposta homogeneidade produtiva. Essa condição desafia e impulsiona pesquisas que demonstrem a multiplicidade das vivências das famílias rurais pecuaristas. Desta forma, a motivação deste artigo também fundamenta-se na discussão de problemáticas pouco debatidas sobre a pecuária familiar, como a divisão sexual do trabalho e a participação feminina na atividade. Assim, constatou-se a presença de mulheres na pecuária familiar e sua inserção no Programa Brasil Sem Miséria. As informações analisadas mostram que 92,31% da titularidade no Programa é de mulheres, 6,59% de homens e 1,10% de ambos. Essa realidade remete à ideia de protagonismo feminino na ação, entretanto há que se considerar outras questões que contribuem para outras possibilidades explicativas dessa condição. A trajetória e a divisão sexual do trabalho, "destinando" as mulheres aos trabalhos mais precários, é possível que seja uma potencial resposta. Dessa forma, o reconhecimento do trabalho feminino é dificultado nas práticas sociais e intrafamiliares e a divisão sexual do trabalho é reafirmada pelas noções do que são "coisas de homem e coisas de mulher". As questões que emergem inter-relacionam pecuária, pobreza e gênero, pois grande parte das famílias participantes do Brasil Sem Miséria também está inserida na atividade pecuária. Questiona-se até que ponto a pecuária é atividade masculina e se a pobreza seria um “parâmetro” para caracterizar atividades rurais, inclusive a pecuária, como femininas?
Reforma Agrária e territorialização da agricultura familiar: o caso do Assentamento São Domingos dos Olhos D’Água/Morrinhos (GO)
Authors: Dos Santos Moacir José , Pontes Alzair Eduardo
Published: March 2018

O artigo discute como a ação dos movimentos sociais de luta por acesso à terra promove mudanças não restritas à apropriação do território, pois se estendem à constituição de uma identidade territorial na medida em que o acesso ao assentamento rural se estabelece e consolida. O objetivo é analisar o processo identitário estabelecido entre os assentados do assentamento São Domingos dos Olhos D’Água, localizado ao sul do Município de Morrinhos, no Estado de Goiás. A investigação do objetivo pertinente à pesquisa implicou na adoção de uma perspectiva descritiva, da modalidade estudo de caso quanto à natureza das variáveis relativas ao processo de territorialização da luta por reforma agrária, seguida pela abordagem metodológica qualitativa quanto à coleta e análise dos dados. Observou-se no assentamento rural investigado a produção de processos de identificação socioterritorial entre os assentados. Conclui-se que a constituição de um novo território a partir da realização de ações pertinentes à reforma agrária resulta em uma experiência territorial balizada por relações de produção, poder e conflitos mediados na identidade territorial e nas distinções entre o momento de reivindicação da reforma agrária, a ação coletiva, e a fixação à terra, com a reprodução parcial de uma lógica produtiva individual.
'n ope brief aan Dorian Gray en 'n peiling van die Afrikaanse resensiebedryf
Authors: Cochrane Neil
Published: March 2018

The young Afrikaans poet, Ruan Fourie, published his debut volume of poetry, 'n ope brief aan Dorian Gray, in 2017. Fourie's debut received predominantly negative reviews from Afrikaans critics. A review by Afrikaans critic, Tom Gouws, was particularly destructive and transgressed acceptable professional standards. This example of destructive criticism is scrutinized in relation to similar transgressions in Afrikaans book reviews. In addition, a comparable Irish case study and theoretical viewpoints by Van Rees and Janssen are considered to provide a nuanced perspective on current practices in Afrikaans literary criticism. The article also focuses on the responses of Odendaal and Spies to Fourie's poetry to provide a critical and independent opinion on aspects such as publishing decisions, mentorship, manuscript development and editorial mentorship. The last part of the article consists of a substantiated evaluation of 'n ope brief aan Dorian Gray. It is concluded that despite evidence of creative talent, there are too many shortcomings due to questionable editorial mentorship and impetuous publishing decisions.
RNA Imaging with MERFISH - Probe Construction v1
Authors: R. Moffitt Jeffrey , Zhuang Xiaowei
Published: March 2018

Staining hundreds to thousands of RNA species each of which requires tens of unique encoding probes requires a very large number of unique oligonucleotide sequences. The sheer number of unique sequences makes traditional solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis prohibitively expensive in most cases. For example, assuming a modest cost of $0.10/base, an encoding probe length of ~100 nt, and the need for ~50,000 unique oligos for a single MERFISH measurement, the cost of the needed oligos would be $500,000! To circumvent this astronomical cost, we have developed a high-throughput approach to generating these probes which utilizes array-derived synthesis of complex oligonucleotide pools. These arrayderived complex oligonucleotide pools that contain ~100,000 custom designed sequences can be purchased for only a few thousand dollars. The challenge to using these pools is that each individual sequence is provided in quantities far too small to be used directly for labeling. Thus, we developed an enzymatic amplification protocol to generate the encoding probes in high quantity sufficient for RNA FISH experiments using the array-derived complex oligonucleotide pools as templates.
RNA Imaging with MERFISH - Imaging v1
Authors: R. Moffitt Jeffrey , Zhuang Xiaowei
Published: March 2018

The basic imaging process for MERFISH involves several fluid handling steps, e.g. introduction of hybridization buffers and wash and imaging buffers, in conjunction with the collection of smFISH images and the photobleaching of the sample. While it would be possible to perform these fluid exchange and imaging steps manually, we strongly recommend the use of an integrated and automated fluid exchange and imaging approach. Here we provide protocols for how to construct a fluid handling system that should be compatible with a variety of microscopes. We also discuss the basic protocols for hybridizing readout probes to samples on the microscope, imaging the sample, and bleaching residual signal.
Parapoxvirus real-time PCR v1
Authors: A Northill Judy , M Mackay Ian
Published: March 2018

A real-time PCR for Parapoxvirus targeting the DNA polymerase. It is used to screen human samples where Parapoxvirus is suspected. This protocol is based on the published RVSS assay by Das et al 2017. Oligonucleotides have been modified and a different PCR kit is used.
Quality Control of NGS data v1
Authors: Tanwar Deepak
Published: March 2018

The NGS data could be conatminated with adapters and low quality sequenced reads. In best practice, the adapters are removed from the reads and low quality sequenced bases are trimmed off.
Before data acquisition -- Start MRI Project Spinoza REC v5
Authors: Beemsterboer Tinka , Snoek Lukas
Published: March 2018

Dear researcher, This protocol gives you the steps to start an MRI project at the Spinoza Centre Roeterseiland. If you haven't had contact with Steven Scholte or Tinka Beemsterboer, make sure to contact them before completing this protocol. You can reach us by email: Steven Scholte: h.s.scholte@uva.nl Tinka Beemsterboer: t.beemsterboer@uva.nl If you have any suggestions for improving the workflow, don't hesitate to add comments to the steps in the protocol. Hope to see you soon! The Spinoza REC team, Steven Scholte, Tinka Beemsterboer, and Lukas Snoek
The Effectiveness of Using L1 in Second Language Classrooms: A Controversial Issue
Authors: Almoayidi Khedir A.
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to uncover the hidden debate about the efficacy and inefficacy of using mother tongue in second language classroom. Teaching English as a second language is not an easy task to be undertaken. There are many approaches that postulate the optimal strategy for better teaching. As such, numerous researchers in the fields of language teaching and learning hold a belief that the use of L1 in L2 classrooms helps to facilitate learning. However, a significant number of researchers contend that the use of L1 in L2 classroom hinders learning and deprives learners from the exposure to the second language. As such, this paper tries to shed light on both views and to give evidence that using L1 in L2 classroom has a negative impact on L2 learners.
Critical Discourse Analysis of News Discourse
Authors: Xie Qin
Published: March 2018

News discourse is one of main analysis subjects of critical discourse analysis. People can know the opinions implied by the author and grasp the real situation of the events described in the discourse by critical discourse analysis. Furthermore, it is beneficial for the audience to establish the critical awareness of News discourse and enhance the ability to critically analyze news discourse. Based on the discussion of the concept of news discourse and critical discourse analysis, the theoretical foundations and steps of critical discourse analysis, the paper illustrates the method of the critical analysis of news discourse. The author also puts forward issues that needed to pay attention to in order to improve the ability of news discourse analysis.
The Alphabetic Abbreviation Process in Persian Scientific Texts
Authors: Yazdani Fatemeh , Kazemi Foroogh
Published: March 2018

Abbreviating has a long history. Lots of new services and products are distributed inthe markets daily due to the wide use of languages all over the world. Certainly, labeling these services and merchandise is quitean interesting subject in the domain of language.Moreover, regarding the increasing number of organizations and developments in science and technology, the need for accelerating the process of communication especially linguistic communication is a must. This study examines the process of alphabetic abbreviation and the extent of its application in some Persian scientific journals.The research data were gathered fromThe Pulse of Economy, Air Industry and Future Trademagazines and were analyzed by the analytical research method. Among the mentioned magazines, the Air Industry had the highest number of alphabetic abbreviations; Future Trade was in the second place and The Pulse of Economy was the third in rank. In this article, the use of alphabetic abbreviation was analyzed in Persian and English languages separately and it was determined that 99 percent of abbreviated words were used in English scientific journals whereas in Persian journals this number was only 1 percent. This indicates the high role of borrowing in Persian texts. An explanation for the higher use of abbreviated elements is the scientific genre, which indicates that message transmission in the least possible time period is the main characteristic of any human communication, especially scientific communication.
The Effect of Modified vs. Authentic Input on Iranian EFL Learners' Reading Comprehension
Authors: Taghavi Farzad , Aladini Farzaneh
Published: March 2018

The present study investigated the effect of authentic input as a classroom activity on Iranian EFL learners' reading comprehension. This study intended to determine whether authentic reading materials could enhance Iranian EFL learners' reading comprehension at the upper-intermediate level. To achieve this goal, 46 language learners were randomly selected from 60 ones who attended Shokoh English Language Institute in Rasht, Iran. Quick Placement Test was conducted to homogenize the participants. They were divided into two groups: the experimental and control groups. The groups experienced identical conditions during the study except for their exposure to the independent variable. After administrating the pretest, the participants in the experimental group received the treatment. After eight sessions of the treatment, the posttest was administered to both groups of the study to find out the possible effect of authentic reading materials (independent variable) on the participants' reading comprehension skill (dependent variable). The results indicated that in the experimental group EFL learners' improvement in reading comprehension was significantly greater than those in the control group. This research is meant to improve EFL classes with respect to reading skill and to help English language publishers and teachers to see the unquestioning value of authentic texts.
THE REGULATORY EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF GERMANIUM CITRATE ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSES IN THE BODY MALE F2
Authors: Khrabko M. , Fedoruk R. , Kropuvka S. , Tesarivska U. ,   State Scientific-Research Control Institute of Veterinary Medicinal Products and Feed Additives, Lviv
Published: March 2018

Studied the impact of prolonged watering of different amounts of citrate Ge, obtained by nanotechnology method, on the biochemical processes and antioxidant activity blood of male rats F2 1 and 2nd offspring in times of physiological and puberty. Established differently directed influence citrate Ge on the biochemical parameters bloods of animals of all ages – the increase of creatinine, phosphorus and triacylglycerol in male 4-month-old 1st offspring, while in animals 2 offspring grew albumin, calcium, phosphorus and triacylglycerols. Noted growth activity of antioxidant enzymes – catalase, SOD and GP animals 2-month-old 1st offspring, while the 4 months activity remained at the level of the control group, but males 2nd offspring grew – SOD and GP. For the watering 200 mkg Ge content hydroperoxides lipid and TBA products in the blood is reduced by 4 months of age the animals received both the first and second litters.
Trust in organizations — organizational, intergroup, and value research perspective
Authors: Kaltiainen J. , Helkama K. , Jasinskaja-Lahti I.
Published: March 2018

In this overview article, we discuss the importance of trust for organizations by employing a multilevel and multidisciplinary perspective. We complement and contribute to the existing reviews by (1) considering trust not only within and between individuals and organizations, but also at the societal level, (2) bridging findings and literature from the fields of organizational, intergroup, and value research, and (3) summarizing recent research on the dynamics of trust and its development in organizations. Related to contemplating trust at various levels, we present multiple topics such as individual’s tendency to trust, employees’ trust in leaders, trust between groups with examples from organizational mergers and interethnic relations, and the relationship between trust and societies’ economic competitiveness. We conclude by summarizing recent organizational literature about the development of trust, transfers of trust towards different levels of leadership, and reciprocity in employees’ trust and fairness perceptions. In so doing, we contribute to the means to promote trust, active citizenship and socially sustainable growth of organizations and our societies.
Personal development plan (PDP) in practice and technology of introducing mentoring in organizations
Authors: Bukharina A.Y.
Published: March 2018

The article details the methods and practices of introducing mentoring in the organization. The definition and distinction of such concepts as “mentoring”, “mentoring”, “coaching” is given. The approaches to the introduction of mentoring as a system and mentoring as an element of the company’s corporate culture have been worked out and described. The article presents detailed step-by-step method for creating and implementing personal development plans (PDPs) and mentor plans as key practical elements for the implementation of mentoring. Also, there is depicted vividly the main mistakes, pitfalls and ways to avoid them in the implementation of similar projects. This article should be interesting for practicing psychologists, HR, organizational development and internal communications specialists, as well as managers of different levels.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Yoga in Medical Students: Assessment of Anthropometry and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Hegde Shreelaxmi V. , Rao Swathi K. , Menezes Ritesh G. , Kotian Shashidhar M. , Shetty Sowmya
Published: March 2018

Medical students often experience significant stress during their undergraduate training. Evidence has shown short-term yoga to be effective in decreasing stress in students. This study aimed to assess knowledge about, attitude toward, and practice of (KAP) yoga among medical students. A secondary objective was to analyze their dietary habits and physical activity. Participants consisted of 224 medical students aged 18–23 years in pre- and paraclinical groups. A closed-ended KAP questionnaire was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Results showed that paraclinical students (70.5%) favorably perceived the health benefits of yoga. Nearly three-fourths of study subjects had previously practiced yoga; greater numbers intended to practice yoga in the future. About 95.5% of the preclinical students who had done yoga had discontinued the practice. Perceived barriers to the practice of yoga were lack of time, insufficient facilities, lack of company, and lack of interest. Consideration of the undergraduates' lifestyle revealed that 50.4% of preclinical students did not exercise, and they routinely consumed more junk food with fewer servings of fresh fruits/salads. Preclinical students exhibited higher BMI and waist circumference compared to paraclinical students. Findings suggest that knowledge of and attitude regarding yoga were good among medical undergraduates.
Improved Self-Acceptance, Quality of Life, and Stress Level from Participation in a Worksite Yoga Foundations Program: A Pilot Study
Authors: Casey Lori J. , Van Rooy Kimberly M. , Sutherland Stephanie J. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Rosedahl Jordan K. , Wood Nadia G. , Ebbert Jon O. , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Egginton Jason S. , Sim Leslie A. , Clark Matthew M.
Published: March 2018

Yoga is increasing in popularity in the United States and across the globe. However, most yoga programs are provided outside the worksite; although many companies offer worksite wellness programs, at present there is limited documentation regarding the potential benefits of participating in a worksite yoga program. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to examine the potential effect of a worksite yoga program on self-acceptance, quality of life, and perceived stress. A prospective cohort pilot study that examined a structured worksite yoga program was designed and tailored to individuals new to yoga. The 8-week Yoga Foundations program was conducted at an academic medical center's worksite wellness center with 86 subjects. Outcome measures were the 36-item Self-Acceptance Scale; a six-item quality-of-life measure that assesses overall, social, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being; and the ten-item Perceived Stress Scale. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in their overall self-acceptance (p < 0.001), quality of life (p < 0.001), and perceived stress (p < 0.001) levels. They also highly rated the yoga instructors and the weekly format of the program. Participation in a Yoga Foundations program was associated with improvements in self-acceptance, quality of life and stress levels in worksite wellness center members. Future studies should use randomized designs and examine other wellness domains to learn more about the potential benefits of worksite yoga programs.
A prospective randomised study comparing intravenous magnesium sulphate and sublingual nitroglycerine spray in attenuating haemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation
Authors: Kotwani Deepti M. , Kotwani Manish B. , Hiwarkar Amit
Published: March 2018

Background: Laryngoscopy and tracheal Intubation are invariably associated with certain stress responses due to the sympatho-adrenal stimulation. These cardiovascular and neurohumoral alterations may directly affect the physiology and increase the risk. So far, various drugs have been tried but none has been considered ideal for blunting this presser response. We therefore, planned this comparative study to evaluate and compare the efficacy of intravenous magnesium sulphate (30 mg/kg) versus sublingual nitroglycerine spray (0.4 mg/spray) in attenuating the presser response to Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation.

Methods: Fifty patients, aged 15–50 years, scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia, were randomly assigned to one of the two groups of 25 each, Group A (magnesium group) and Group B (nitroglycerine group). Study drug was given 90-120 seconds before tracheal intubation. Heart rate, Systolic blood pressure and Rate pressure product were recorded at different intervals after administering the study drug till 3 minutes after intubation.

Results: Mean heart rate was significantly higher from the baseline at all times after administering the study drug in both the groups. Increase in systolic blood pressure as a presser response was limited to 7.25% in Group A and 5.83% in Group B from the baseline after tracheal intubation. There was relative hypotension after administration of the study drug in both the groups.

Conclusions: Intravenous magnesium or sublingual nitroglycerine pre-treatment is found to be effective in attenuating the presser response to laryngoscopy and intubation. These drugs may lead to rise in HR but it is transient and dose dependent. However, both the drugs can significantly control the hypertensive response after laryngoscopy and intubation.

 
Electrocardiographic changes of antidepressant medication in depressive episode
Authors: Mishra Dheerendra Kumar , Kumar Pradeep
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Depressive disorder is leading cause of mortality in the world, with the help of recent therapeutic strategies it is easily manageable. Antidepressant medication is the most commonly used for management of depressive disorders. Among the side effects of antidepressant, cardiovascular effects of antidepressant deserve close monitoring. Invariably, it is observed that patients undergoing antidepressant therapy are not screened for pre-existing cardiovascular diseases and more so for cardiotoxicity. Various antidepressant medications are available, with different cardiac side effects profile. Ignorance, over clinical burden, poor follow up and under evaluation of cardiovascular side effects could be attributable to an ultimate surveillance of such cases. So, this study conducted to evaluate electrocardiographic changes in therapeutic doses of antidepressant medication.Methods: An Open label-controlled study was conducted on 386 subjects to evaluate the antidepressant-induced electrocardiographic changes. Treatment seeking subjects for the depressive episode was recruited from outpatient and inpatient section of Psychiatry department after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, and detailed pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical evaluation and electrocardiographic assessment were done.Results: Data collected and analyzed from 204 subjects, mean age of subjects taking tricyclics and SSRI (Fluoxitine) 43.6±7.5 years vs 41.5±9.6 years respectively. The study sample consists of 66% females, 33% males. Among them, 35% study subject expose to tricyclics and 65% subjects taking SSRI. 19% study subjects presented electrocardiograph changes especially tachycardia among them 55% was taking the tricyclic antidepressant. Only 10% subjects taking SSRI had post-treatment abnormal electrocardiograph changes.Conclusions: Conclusively, antidepressant form a safe therapeutic modality for the management of major depression. Its cardiovascular side effects warrant against indiscriminate use of particularly in high dose and old aged person and preexisting cardiac disease.
Chemical properties of modified mahogany wood by heat treatment
Authors: Lukmandaru Ganis , Susanti Dewi , Widyorini Ragil
Published: March 2018

Mahogany woods from community forests generally have relatively low qualities due to lack of maintenance activities and for their young harvesting stage. Heat treatment is known as wood modification method that could improve the quality of the wood. The aim of this study was to determine the interaction effect of temperature and method of heat treatment on the chemical properties of young mahogany wood. Materials used in this research were mahogany wood boards from community forest which were heat-treated using oven and steam methods performed at the temperature of 90°C, 120°C, and 150oC for 2 hours. In this research, some chemical changes were analyzed. Results of the research showed that the interaction of temperature and heat treatment method gave a significant decreasing on the pentosan amount, and hot-water extractive solubility, particularly the steaming at 150oC. The increasing temperature of heat treatment significantly decreased the content of holocellulose, α-cellulose, hemicellulose, and pH values whereas it increased lignin content,  extractives (cold-water and alcohol-benzene extractives) and solubility in 1% NaOH. Steaming method provided lower levels in the content of holocellulose, ethanol-benzene extract, cold-water solubility, and pH values compared to the oven heating. However, the steaming method over 1200C should be considered as it would reduce the wood strengths.
Hydrological responses of agroforestry system application which is not based on land suitability, a case study in Cimuntur watershed
Authors: Junaidi Edy , Indrajaya Yonky
Published: March 2018

Land use in a watershed should consider land capability and watershed carrying capacity so that the land can optimally. Agroforestry is a land use system that not only aims to generate income for the people but also to maintain hydrological conditions of a watershed. This research aims to evaluate the hydrological responses due to the application of agroforestry system on several land use pattern that has been changed. There are three steps in the analysis: (1) Assessment on land use planning (RTRW), (2) Land use suitability classification for agroforestry system, and (3) Development of scenarios for suitable land use of agroforestry system for hydrological function. The results of this study show that the application of agroforestry system of woody plant (i.e. sengon), fruit plant (i.e. Nephelium lappaceum), annual crops (i.e. clove, coconut, Parkia speciosa and banana), perennial crops (i.e. cardamom, and banana), and seasonal crops (i.e. cassava) on unsuitable land use gives the lowers on Coefficient of River Regime (KRS), specific discharge, Run off Coefficient (C)  and Total Dissolve Sediment (TDS). This agroforestry system can be applied on several land use pattern that has been changed, because this system not only aims to generate income for the people but also to the maintain hydrological condition of a watershed.
Развитие налоговой системы Кыргызстана в период становления и развития рыночной экономики
Authors: Кошокова Нуржан Жарматовна
Published: March 2018

В данной статье раскрывается процесс реформирования налоговой системы и ее адаптация к рыночным условиям хозяйствования. Обоснована необходимость этого процесса, вскрыты основные причины проведения радикальных изменений для становления современной налоговой системы. Рассмотрен процесс поэтапного реформирования налоговой системы, вскрыты положительные и ошибочные мероприятия в этом процессе, преодоление которых привело к созданию прочной основы для дальнейшего совершенствования налоговой системы, расширению налогооблагаемой базы в стране.
История становления частного сектора как эффективного инструмента для борьбы с бедностью и социальным неравенством в США: уроки для российских предпринимателей
Authors: Завьялова Елена Борисовна , Пичков Олег Борисович
Published: March 2018

Основной задачей статьи является рассмотрение этапов становления американского частного сектора как ключевого актора в деле искоренения бедности, исторических факторов, ставших причиной формирования культуры благотворительности среди населения, а также препятствий, возникавших на этом пути. Помимо этого, в статье большое внимание уделяется мерам, которые американские филантропы предпринимали для облегчения положения слабых и безграмотных представителей низшего класса. В заключение, авторы данной статьи приходят к выводу об эффективности данной американской традиции и возможности применения этого опыта другими странами.
Сценарии развития стратегии дистрибьюции на рынке FMCG в условиях усиления давления федеральных торговых сетей
Authors: Алексина Светлана Борисовна
Published: March 2018

Современное состояние товародвижения на рынке FMCG характеризуется все возрастающим уровнем влияния на данный процесс федеральных торговых сетей. Особенно остро указанная проблема проявляется на уровне региональной торговли. Зачастую требование перехода на прямую дистрибьюцию товаров в федеральные торговые сети вызывает конфликт интересов предприятий-производителей с существующими партнерами-дистрибьюторами товаров. В статье раскрываются различные сценарии развития стратегий дистрибьюции крупного производителя FMCG в условиях усиления давления федеральных торговых сетей по вопросу прямого контракта. Автором проведено экономическое исследование и доказано негативное влияние на экономику партнеров-дистрибьюторов, а в конечном итоге и самого производителя перехода на прямое товароснабжение розничных торговых сетей. Предложены различные сценарии минимизации возникающих рисков снижения объемов продаж у данных компаний.
Прогнозирование емкости и розничных цен на российском B2C рынке рыбных товаров
Authors: Рамазанов Ибрагим Агаевич , Перельман Михаил Александрович
Published: March 2018

Оценивается емкость российского B2C рынка рыбы и рыбных продуктов в контексте перемен, происходящих в традициях потребления в целом по России и отдельных регионов. Предлагается матричный метод определения конфигурации ценовых колебаний, позволяющий учитывать влияние традиций потребления и закономерные ожидания покупателей. Такой подход позволяет предсказывать и формировать ценовую политику, ориентированную на ожидания и настроения потребителей и их устойчивую покупательскую активность. Прогнозируются цены на рыбу мороженую разделанную до 2022 года.
Торговля Республики Крым: тенденции, проблемы и перспективы развития
Authors: Комиссарова Ирина Петровна , Майорова Елена Александровна , Каращук Оксана Сергеевна
Published: March 2018

Важным условием восстановления экономики Республики Крым и улучшения благосостояния ее населения является обеспечение эффективного функционирования торговой отрасли. В статье представлены результаты исследования развития торговли Крыма в 2010-2017 гг. Авторами проведен анализ статистических данных, позволивший сопоставить тенденции развития торговли Крыма как субъекта Украины (2010-2013 гг.) и Российской Федерации (2014-2017 гг.) и на этой основе оценить изменения, связанные с новым статусом региона. Сформулированы основные проблемы развития торговли Республики Крым после присоединения к Российской Федерации, такие как рост потребительских цен на товары и услуги, нарушение системы товародвижения, ухудшение состава субъектов торговли, недостаточная информационная обеспеченность субъектов торговли, неэффективная структура инвестиций в торговлю, сокращение внешней торговли, и выявлены пути их решения.
Content adaptation procedures to cater for students with diverse academic backgrounds in deliveringTextile, Clothing and Design programmes in Zimbabwe. A case study of two universities of technology
Authors: Chimbindi Felisia , Rembe S.
Published: March 2018

Universities of technology in Zimbabwe enrol students with various background educational qualifications for Textile, Clothing and Design programmes. The students are combined and learn in same class resulting in high students’ failure rate, drop outs, late completion of degree programmes, and poor performance of graduates. Thus researchers sought to examine curriculum adaptation procedures used to cater for the students. Post-positivism paradigm in mixed method research approach was adopted for the study. Interviews with TCD management, document analysis, and questionnaire with lecturers yielded qualitative and quantitative data. Findings revealed that lecturers employed various uncoordinated methods to adapt the curriculum content to cater for the students
Relationship Between Parents’ Commitment to their Children’s Education and Level of Students’ Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya.
Authors: S.K Mwaniki Goodeve , Ngunjiri Dr. M. , Kiumi Prof. J. Kanjogu
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between parents’ commitment to their children’seducation and level of students’ discipline in public secondary schools in Naivasha sub-county, Kenya.  Thestudy targeted a total of 197 respondents (constituting 28 head teachers and 169 teachers). A total of 195respondents participated in the study (169 teachers and 26 principals) participated giving a response rate of99%. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample head teachers while Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970)table for determining sample size for teachers. Questionnaires were used as instrument for data collection.SPSS was used to analyze the data where both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The analyzeddata were presented in terms of graphs and tables. The results showed that there was a significant positiverelationship between parents’ commitment to child’s education and students’ discipline (r = .387, p = .000).Therefore, the null hypothesis that there was no significant relationship between parents’ commitment tochild’s education and students’ discipline was rejected at .05 level of confidence. The study thereforeconcluded that parents’ commitment to child’s education influences students’ discipline in secondaryschools in Naivasha sub-county. It was recommended that parents should be more committed to theirchildren’s’ education. This can be achieved through participating in school meetings and materiallysupporting the education of their children
Evaluation of Corporate Strategy and Dynamic Capability to Business Performance
Authors: Kurniawan Roy , Christiananta Budiman , Ellitan Lena
Published: March 2018

A dynamic business environment can affect a company's business sustainability. This condition will create a competition that must be faced by the business. On the basis of this, the business must be able to apply the right company strategy to realize the dynamic capabilities so that will be able to survive in the global competition and achieve the expected performance. This paper will examine the concepts of strategies undertaken by businesses on the realization of dynamic capabilities and improve overall business performance.
Learning Culture, Empowerment, Cyber Skill Competence And Self-Engagement
Authors: Permata Sari S.R.M. Indah , Akbar Maruf , Yassin Mahmuddin
Published: March 2018

This study aim at determining the effect of learning culture, empowerment, and cyber skill competence on the employee’s self-engagement. The research used quantitative approach with survey method and path analysis applied in testing hypothesis. The research was conducted at Directorate General of Defense Potential with a sample of 150 employees selected through simple random sampling. The research found: (1) there is positive direct effect of learning culture on self-engagement, (2) there is positive direct effect of empowerment on self-engagement, (3) there is positive direct effect of cyber skill competence on self-engagement, (4) there is positive direct effect of learning culture on cyber skill competence, (5) there is positive direct effect of empowerment on cyber skill competence, and (6) there is positive direct effect of learning culture on empowerment. The conclusion showed that learning culture, empowerment, and cyber skill competence are important determinants to increase the employee’s self-engagement at Directorate General of Defense Potential Ministry of Defense RI
Pregabalin Misuse and Abuse in Jordan
Authors: Obiesat Dr. Maxim A. , Marashdeh Dr. Muath F. , Al-Zoubi Dr. Arafat K , Al-Alwan Dr. Malik M. , Al-Odat Dr. Raya T.
Published: March 2018

Pregabalin are widely used in neurology, psychiatry and primary healthcare for a range of clinical conditions but are increasingly being reported as possessing a potential for misuse. In fact, increasing levels of both prescriptions and related fatalities, together with an anecdotally growing black market, have been reported in Jordan.
Locating new chiropractor practices in England and Wales
Authors: Maina Njiraini John
Published: March 2018

Chiropractor practice is the non use of drugs in healing. In the United Kingdom, these services are not paid for by the Government through the National Health Service but patients must pay for the said services. Chiropractor clinics are increasing becoming popular but are unevenly distributed with their location being subject to both sickness (demand) and ability to pay for the services. In need to establish new clinics in light of increasing demand, this study uses Geographical Information System and statistical analyses to locate optimal location of new clinics. Key factors considered are area’s deprivation, illnesses and poverty as recorded in UK’s 2001 census data. Areas’ deprivation is found to be of less importance in selecting the optimal location areas due to its multiple characters whereas illness, distance from existing clinics and ability to pay are the main determinants. Twenty proposed optimal clinic areas in England and Wales are eventually modelled. These would be used in new establishment with an aim of serving the increasing chiropractor practices demand in the two countries