bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding attitudes among adolescent mothers attending a nutrition breastfeeding support group
Authors: Manion Amy , Wideman Marilyn , Tutlewski Amanda
Published: October 2017

Objective: Breastfeeding is an ideal way of providing infant nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding and nutrition education on breastfeeding attitudes using a support group model.Methods: Design: A descriptive comparative design was used to achieve the aim of this study. The study was conducted at a public school for pregnant and/or parenting young women located in a large metropolitan area. Participants: Pregnant or parenting female adolescents (n = 67) in 6th through 12th grade attending a nutrition breastfeeding support group. Instruments: Participants completed an evaluation survey and a breastfeeding questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of the support group and generate information on the group’s breastfeeding attitudes and nutrition knowledge.Results: Breastfeeding attitudes improved as more support group meetings were attended. Public embarrassment due to breastfeeding for new group members was reported at 27% and as more meetings were attended dropped to zero with a significant likelihood ratio of .013. Breastfeeding attitude questions regarding never being able to give a bottle, being tired about hearing about breastfeeding, thinking breastfeeding is nasty, and hearing that breastfeeding is good all showed positive trends in breastfeeding attitudes.Conclusions: Attendance at a nutrition breastfeeding support group positively correlated to improved breastfeeding attitudes among adolescent mothers. Peer involvement in a support group environment is an effective intervention for improving breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes in the adolescent population.
Community Awarenes and Child-Friendly School at the District Nonghet, Northern of Lao PDR
Authors: Hermino Agustinus , Luangsithideth Viengdavong
Published: October 2017

This qualitative research has purpose in order to get deep meaning of community awareness and child-friendly school at the District Nonghet, Northern of Lao PDR, relate with aspect of: (1) strengthening of Lao language as an instructional language in the school; (2)child participation to come to school; (3) role of Village Education Development Committee (VEDC); (4) child-friendly school with local wisdom. Location of the research were in four village groups at the Nonghet district, Xieng Khouang Province.The result of this research indicates that quality education and be improved if there is real involvement by the community, and community awareness and child-friendly school can be addressed, based on: (1) strong education in the family; (2) the importance of attention to the socially outside of school; (3) atmosphere environment in school; (4) methods of theaching by teacher; (5) strengthen the role of teaches as learner and educator; (6) strengthen relationship teacher-student-parent; (7) exempary habituation; (8) implementation of curriculum-based character in the teaching learning process; (9) strengthen of character education; (10) strengthen the role of school principal.
Study on Pricing Mechanism of Urban Public Service Based on Viewpoint of Performance Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Leping
Published: October 2017

Pricing mechanism and price supervision are the most important way to supervise the filed of public service. This paper studies the pricing methods and principles of Chinese public service product based on performance evaluation theory of public service, and compares the different methods of the urban public service pricing among various countries, then analyze the problems of the current pricing mechanism of Chinese urban public service product, and finally contribute suggestion to improve the pricing mechanism of Chinese urban public service product.
Revisiting Insurance Capital Structure, Risk-Taking Behaviour and Performance between 1995 – 2002
Authors: Akpan Sunday S. , Mahat Fauziah , Noordin Bany-Ariffin A. , Nassir Annuar A.
Published: October 2017

This paper examines the effect of capital structure and the moderation effect of risk-taking behaviour of insurance firms on performance of insurers in Nigeria from 1995 to 2002. This study became necessary as literatures in this area and regime are scarce. Secondary data from financial reports of each insurance firm were used. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the data while a two-stage estimation procedure of the fixed effect and random effect models were used to test the hypothetical framework of the study. Result shows that insurance capital structure (measured by equity ratio) had an insignificant negative effect on insurance performance while it had a significant positive effect on insurance performance if measured by technical provision ratios. On average, risk taking behaviour moderates the relationship between technical provision ratio and insurance performance. This study focused on capital structure and moderation effect of risk on performance of insurers in non risk-based capital era. Further study on risk-based capital era will provide more on performance of insurers before and after the implementation of risk-base capital requirement. These findings provide important insight to managers and regulators and investors by fostering more understanding of how to manipulate insurance capital and which source of fund should be used to embark on risky investment to attain superior performance. This investigation adds to literature on insurance capital structure, regulation and risk management and insurance performance in Nigeria.
The Impact of the General Level of Prices and Operating Profit on Economic Value Added (EVA) (Analytical Study: ASE 2001 - 2015)
Authors: Al Taha'at Ebraheem , Al-Afeef Mohammad Abdel Mohsen , Al Tahat Saqer , Ahmad Muhannad Akram
Published: October 2017

This study aims to show the importance of the economic value added as one of the most modern to measure the financial performance for firms, then to know the effect of the general prices level and earnings before interest and taxes on EVA in the companies listed in (ASE) (2006-2015), the researcher addresses a random sample consisting of (46) Company, and uses regression model, which connects the dependent and independent variables.The results of the study shows that There is a significant impact for the general prices level and the earnings before interest and taxes on the economic value added, and also shows that 22% of the changes in the economic value added are due to general prices level and earnings before interest and taxes, and 78% of the changes are due to other factors.This study also recommends the need to manage of operating expenses because of the positive impact of operating profit on EVA value, and to take inflation into account when calculating the value of EVA, and also searching for other factors that could affect the value of EVA such as sales volume, cost of capital, and the growth in the total assets of the company's financial leverage, etc…
The Soldiers Welfare: The Military Keynesianism Perspective for The Indonesian Armed Forces’s Professionalism
Authors: Muradi Muradi
Published: October 2017

Building professional soldiers into the wishes and commitments of many countries, this is due to the strengthening of threats that are not only traditional threats, but also non-traditional threats. This situation confirms that the presence of professional soldiers will ensure the sovereignty of the state, because the military institution can focus on its duties and functions on the defense of the country. In this context, the Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia—TNI) is also faced with situations that place TNI institutions to become professionals, relying on democratic civilian government through the defense ministry with an emphasis on improving the welfare of soldiers simultaneously with efforts to modernize Indonesia's defense system. Because the Military-Keynesianism approach believes that improving the welfare of the army is part of the consequences of increasing defense budgets. The paper argues that the increase in defense budget will be correlated with the welfare of the army, although the policy is not directly for the welfare of the army. The article also argues that the increase in the defense budget should improve the TNI foundation as an ideal institution by emphasizing the welfare of soldiers.
Abdurrahman Wahid on the Public Role of Islam and Theory of Secularization
Authors: Rochmat Saefur
Published: October 2017

As a cleric, Abdurrahman Wahid, the former president of Indonesia, was well versed with both the Islamic and the West civilization. Accordingly, he tried to synergize Islam with the development of modern era. In line with this, he tried to modify the theory of secularization to suit with the context of Indonesia in which Islam constitutes one of the major social political forces. The contextualization of Islam was not something new for the Muslims in their efforts to adjust to social system, including its political system. For that purpose Wahid employed the fiqh paradigm which is not ideological to the form of the state. In line with this he developed a mutual legitimacy between Islam and the Pancasila state that both should develop democracy as basic principle of modern state as well as the manifestation of the principles of syuro at modern era. In this regard, democracy constitutes an overlapping consensus between the state and the religion. Wahid considered it as substantive Syari’ah, as contrary to the legal formal Syari’ah. In line with this, religious communities take on a role in civil society which would provide checks and balances to the state.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 13, No. 11
Authors: Zhang Jenny
Published: October 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 13, No. 11, 2017.
Chinese Seniors’ Leisure Participation and Constraints in Five Cities
Authors: Li Ying , Luo Baozhen , Huang Chenchen , Wu Junmin
Published: October 2017

Leisure participation plays an important role in healthy aging. With the increasing elderly population and its potential social and economic influences, examining the factors that contribute to leisure constraints can be meaningful in evaluating and shaping Chinese seniors’ leisure participation. Adopting a face-to-face cross-sectional design, this study interviewed 907 community-dwelling seniors in five cities across Eastern, Western, and Southeastern China to explore their leisure comprehension, participation, perceived constraints, and the relationship between demographic factors and perceived constraints. The results indicated that the participants were satisfied with their leisure participation in general; their leisure comprehension and participation were consistent with the literature. Various demographic factors influenced the perception of leisure constraints differently, with the city size of the participants’ residence standing out in terms of its impact on the number of constraints. Recommendations for future research and policy development to promote healthy aging are discussed.
The Evaluation of Cultural Differences on the Identity of the Window Display: The Case Study of the Perception of British and Thai Consumers
Authors: Somoon Kanokwan , Moorapun Chumporn
Published: October 2017

Window display is a marketing tool for products presentation and sale promotion as well as product image promotion. There are some researches that tried to describe relationship between consumer behavior and window display design by using marketing concept and psychologically acknowledge but they are not involve to cross culture. However, consumer’s perception depends on their background, experience and cultural factor. Our research attempts to evaluate the cross culture consumer perception on window display identity; case study on the Thai and British. The study based on cross cultural perception, environmental psychology and design elements of shop window display concept. The photograph of shop window display and questionnaire were used for the research tools. Finally, the research found that Thai and British view the design of window display as a whole as well as its light, colour, composition and theme’s concept are the design elements that work as the stimulus to consumers. The consumer’s perception was described by 13 bi-polar words. Factor analysis was used to group and reduce variables. The new variables were pleasant/unpleasant and arousing/not arousing that were used for creates a model that describe the consumer feeling on window display identity.
Climate Justice in the Palestinian Legal System: Analysis and Proposals for Reform
Authors: Dodeen Mahmoud M.
Published: October 2017

This article examines the legal treatment of climate change matters in the Palestinian legislation. To assess the adequacy of current legislation, the article starts by looking at the amended Basic Law of 2003, as a temporary constitution. It then looks at laws relevant to various environmental elements and energy, and finally explores options for reform. It is found that several legal aspects of environment justice are already addressed by national legislation. Nonetheless, key legal and regulatory provisions on climate change concerns, in particular mitigation and adaptation, are still need to be developed. The article recommends appropriate legislative instruments to fill gaps in the overall existing legal framework, including the creation of a well-architected institutional framework, with clear jurisdiction and responsibilities, among competent authorities; to enhance national and sectoral strategies and plans for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. A national highly-transparent Environment and Climate Change Fund has also been suggested; to sustain the national ability in financing environmental and climate change activities.
Kuwait's Foreign Policy towards Regional Issues in the Middle East from 2003 to 2014
Authors: Naser Mohamed
Published: October 2017

Regionally, Kuwait has a unique foreign policy that is characterized by neutrality. This study investigates Kuwait’s foreign policy towards regional issues in the Middle East in the period from 2003 to 2014. The study investigates the role of two tools of foreign policy: economics and mediation. The study investigates the role and implications of both economics and economic development assistance in activating foreign policy in Kuwait. It determines social, political, cultural and economic implications of economic development assistance in implementing and activating foreign policy in Kuwait. The study discusses some mechanisms of activating the economic foreign policy in Kuwait such as interdependence, soft power and national interests. It investigates mediation as one of foreign policy activation tools. The study suggests some ways for improving the efficiency of economic development assistance in implementing and activating foreign policy.
The Effectiveness of Blackboard-Based Blended Teaching in the Development of Academic Achievement, Study Skills and Self-Confidence among Students of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
Authors: Al-Otaibi Wadha H.
Published: October 2017

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of blended teaching, based on the e-learning management system “Blackboard”, in the development of academic achievement, study skills and self-confidence among the students of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU). The study sample consisted of (38) female students who were specialized in primary classroom at the University. The participants were randomly selected, where the experimental group was (21) female students who were taught the course of “Science Teaching Strategies” by blended teaching based on the e-learning management system “Blackboard”, and the control group was (17) ones who studied the course by the traditional method of teaching. Pre and post tests for academic achievement, the scale of study skills and the scale of self-confidence were applied to the participants. The results showed statistically significant differences at the level of (α ≤ 0.05) between the average scores of the students of the two groups in the academic achievement test in favor of the experimental group. Eta squared (η2) was (0.75) rated very high effect. There were no statistically significant differences in both the degree of university study skills and self-confidence.
Fighting Illiteracy in the Arab World
Authors: Abu Hammud Muwafaq , Jarrar Amani G.
Published: October 2017

Illiteracy in the Arab world is becoming an urgent necessity particularly facing problems of poverty, ignorance, extremism, which impede the required economic, social, political and cultural development processes. Extremism, violence and terrorism, in the Arab world, can only be eliminated by spreading of knowledge, fighting illiteracy. The study shows that illiteracy rate among males in the Arab world is 25% for males, (46%) for Females. Results of the study show that if the educational situation in all Arab countries does not change, illiteracy rates will increase in the Arab world, and the number of illiterates in the Arab world will reach 49 million in the category of age of 15 years, and by 2024,it may reach 5.5 million of youth (15 - 24 years). The study identifies factors affecting the rise of illiteracy in the Arab world, particularly: Low economic level of many Arab countries, the growing security, political turmoil and internal problems experienced by most Arab countries, Social reasons, and random policies and contradiction in the trends and areas of combating illiteracy. The study concluded that illiteracy has a significant impact on social behavior, and that democracy, political participation, violence, cultural development, respect, pluralism, and accepting diversity, are all affected by illiteracy. The study recommends that Arab governments must formulate clear strategies linked to development plans to save 100 million Arab citizens who suffer from illiteracy, and ignorance. Illiteracy is to be taken seriously because it entails misunderstanding democracy, lack of youth interest in political affairs, corruption, and therefore the absence of comprehensive reform programs.
Relationship between Students’ Perception toward the Teaching and Learning Methods of Mathematics’ Lecturer and Their Achievement in Pre-University Studies
Authors: Ahmad Nor Amalina , Azizan Farah Liyana , Rahim Nur Fazliana , Jaya Nor Hayati , Shaipullah Norhunaini Mohd , Siaw Emmerline Shelda
Published: October 2017

The academic performance of students is affected by many factors, including effectiveness in teaching, the subjects taught and the environment as well as the facilities provided. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between students’ perceptions of the teaching and learning towards the lecturers with their achievements in Mathematics at the Centre for Pre University Studies. The study was a descriptive study in which a survey research design was adopted. A total of 841 students from the centre participated in the study. The data were collected through student’s questionnaire. The questionnaires consisted of 26 questions. 5-Likert Scale questionnaires used in this study focused on the five categories of students’ perceptions; teaching, evaluations, subjects, guidance and environment dimensions. The findings revealed that there is no significant correlation between the average scores of students’ perceptions of teaching and learning towards the Mathematics lecturer with the average scores Mathematics achievement of the students. The study also revealed that there are no significant differences between the average scores of male and female students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of teaching and learning of the Mathematics lecturer. The findings of this study show that the lecturer can improve their teaching skills and techniques that are appropriate to the students.
The Metaphorical Perceptions of Teacher Candidates Attending the Pedagogical Formation Program on Academic Staff—Gazi University Sample
Authors: Arslangilay A. Selcen , Taspinar Mehmet
Published: October 2017

Teacher training in Turkey has a long history with various practices. It has taken a different dimension with training teachers through pedagogical formation program certificates that last for a short time. The aim of this research is to reveal the metaphors of teacher candidates attending pedagogical formation program towards the academic staff. The research was designed with qualitative model and phenomenology design was used. The sample of the study group was composed of 392 teacher candidates. Teacher candidates were asked to fill in the sentence; “Academic staff during the pedagogical formation program is like ….….; because …………………”. The data analysis was conducted with qualitative methods. The academic staff is described in 11 basic categories. Most of these categories are made of positive behaviors composing 86.47% as guiding, advisor and counselor, the resource of knowledge and experience, constructive and developer, multi-perspective, self-developing, open to change, respectful, patient, tolerant and democratic, role model, using effective body language and presentation techniques. The remaining 4 categories are made of metaphors presenting the negative behaviors of academic staff reflecting 14.03% of teacher candidates: just narrating, not communicating enough, authoritative and oppressive, behaving inconsistently and irresponsive, non-communicative and with high ego.
Longitudinal Study of EFL Students Using the Systemic Functional Linguistics Method
Authors: Nagao Akiko
Published: October 2017

This study examined the progress of English as a foreign language (EFL) writers using the instructional framework of systemic functional linguistics (SFL) and the communities of practice (CoPs) model. The study participants comprised 11 first-year undergraduate students in Japan with intermediate-level English proficiency who were exposed to SFL in a single EFL classroom (CoP). The participants’ genre understanding and meaning-making decisions when writing discussion essays were studied over two semester-long courses. To do so, their developmental changes were analyzed using pre- and post-instructional writing tasks. In particular, their ability to convey interpersonal meaning, such as through the use of modal verbs, was examined and compared between the pre- and post-tasks. To triangulate the findings, participants’ genre awareness in relation to discussion essays was also examined using in-depth qualitative analysis of their self-reflective texts and peer assessments, based on a grounded theory approach. In the pre-writing task, it was apparent that the learners lacked understanding of the components of discussion essay writing. However, analysis of their post-instructional tasks revealed that most had begun to apply the language components required to convey interpersonal meaning in their discussion genre texts. These results suggest that the changes in learner’s genre awareness and knowledge affected the lexicogrammatical features they used when writing discussion essays. Thus, this study concludes that applying the SFL framework to writing instruction enhanced EFL learners’ awareness of textual meaning and their understanding of the function of discussion essay texts.
A Pragmatic Study of Concealment in Tony Blair’s Speeches on Iraq War
Authors: Abdulmajeed Rufaidah Kamal , Finjan Shafaa Ali
Published: October 2017

Concealment, among other crucial notions appeared during the process of political discourse analysis, means hiding the truth by one of the parties participating in the communication event who intends to deceive the other party. It is either the manipulation of information or changing the truth whether intentionally or unintentionally or a deceptive strategy. It is considered as one of the means used by politicians to achieve certain goals and aims, of them is influencing the behaviors, desires, beliefs and emotions of their audience to their self-interests.The main concern of the current study is to discuss the concept of concealment in Tony Blair’s speeches on Iraq during the time of UN sanctions on Iraq and during the time of the preparation for the war on Iraq.The study is carried out with the aim of specifying the concealment criteria, pinpointing the strategies of concealment used to fulfill each stage of concealment, and finally highlighting the pragmatic strategies of concealment resorted to by Blair in his speeches and finding out which pragmatic strategies score higher frequency in these speeches.The findings show that the main aim of Blair in concealing facts in his speeches is to achieve persuasion. To achieve this aim, pragma-rhetoric devices, as a pragmatic strategy, are highly used and they score the highest frequency.
Analysis of the Complex Index of Extruded Corn Starch and Degermed Corn
Authors: Ma Chengye , Fan Yuyan , Wu Shuhua , Zhang Zhehao , Zhang Dongliang
Published: October 2017

Commercial corn starch or degermed corn contains lipids and protein, and starch-lipid (or protein) complexes were formed during extrusion. The formation of starch and lipid (or protein) complexes was investigated using the complex index (CI) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The CI of extrudates of a commercial corn starch/germ mixture (or gluten meal) showed that starch was complexed with lipid or protein, thus decreasing the iodine-binding capacity of amylose. The CI increased as the content of germ or gluten meal blending starch increased. Blends containing degermed corn and thermostable or mesophilic α-amylase were extruded. The CI of extrudates was higher than 55%; however, the starch-lipid complex was not stable and could be separated. The DSC analysis of the blending starch extrudate and palmitic acid showed that the enthalpy of the starch-palmitic acid complex was increased with increasing fatty acid content. Increased complex formation required more DSC heating, resulting in an enthalpy change of the endothermic peak rise, with the peak temperature higher than 100℃.
Effect of Mineral Nitrogen and Legume Intercrops on Maize (Zea Mays L.) Nitrogen Uptake, Nutrient Use Efficiency and Yields in Chitedze and Zomba, Malawi
Authors: Malunga Innocent , Lelei Joyce J. , Makumba Wilkson
Published: October 2017

Nitrogen (N) is the most critical plant nutrient. Maize has a high nitrogen demand. Low maize (Zea mays L.), yields in smallholder farms of Malawi, the country’s staple, is attributable to declining N fertility aggravated by the ever increasing price of fertilizer. Little effort has been made to establish the best nitrogen rate in a maize- cowpea and maize-bean intercrop under variable soil conditions as a way of improving production, and was the objective of the current study. Field experiments were conducted at Chitedze Agricultural Research Station in Lilongwe and Makoka Agricultural Research Station in Zomba during the 2016/17 growing season. A split plot layout in a randomized complete block design, with three replicates was used. The main plots were; sole maize, sole bean, sole cowpea, bean/maize and cowpea/maize intercrop systems. The sub plots were N fertilizer rates (0, 52.5, 78.75 and 105 kg N ha-1), applied as urea. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software version 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc.) at P<0.05. Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range (DMRT) test at 95% significance level. The results showed that application of N increased maize N uptake and grain yield. NUE however decreased with increasing N fertilizer rate.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Bronchial Sleeve Lobectomy
Authors: Ostrowski Marcin , Marjański Tomasz , Rzyman Witold
Published: October 2017

Bronchial sleeve lobectomy offers a chance to avoid excessive resections such as pneumonectomy in central lung tumors. Recent technical advances enable complex procedures such as video-assisted thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve lobectomy (VABSL). We present a case of a 64-year-old patient who underwent the right upper VABSL due to adenocarcinoma. During resection the bronchus was transsected and a specimen removed due to tumor proximity. Intraoperative frozen section revealed no neoplastic infiltration in the bronchial cut line. Due to a stiff round shape of the bronchial defect, impossible to approximate by direct suturing without kinking, sleeve lobectomy was undertaken. Bronchial section was performed through utility incision partly under direct vision. End-to-end anastomosis was led with open surgery needle holder, forceps and with continuous Maxon 4–0. Postoperative stay was uncomplicated and bronchoscopy revealed wide lumen of anastomosis.
Predictors of Noninvasive Ventilation Failure in Critically Ill Obese Patients: A Brief Narrative Review
Authors: Nicolini Antonello , Lemyze Malcom , Esquinas Antonio , Barlascini Cornelius , Cavalleri Maurizio
Published: October 2017

Non-invasive ventilation ( NIV ) has been used successfully for the management of acute respiratory failure (ARF) more often in the last two decades than previously. Unfortunately, NIV can have failure rates ranging from 5% to 50% and patient selection is the key to success. There are particular groups of patients that are more likely to benefit from NIV. For patients with hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) this treatment can be beneficial. This review seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of NIV in acute ARF and determine predictors of NIV failure in morbidly obese patients. Only a few studies have investigated NIV success or failure in these patients. NIV was most often effective when patients were carefully selected. Obese patients who exhibited early NIV failure had a high severity score at admission. In contrast, more than half of hypercapnic patients with decompensated OHS exhibited a delayed but successful response to NIV. Patients with decompensation of OHS had better prognosis and response to NIV than other hypercapnic patients. They required more aggressive NIV settings, a longer time to reduce paCO2 levels , and more frequently a delayed but successful response to NIV which should encourage the use of NIV rather than early intubation. Since clear predictors of NIV failure have not been identified, a strict and prolonged monitoring is mandatory.
Pulmonary Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis in Adults
Authors: Radzikowska Elżbieta
Published: October 2017

Pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare disorder of unknown cause characterised by the infiltration of the lungs and other organs by the bone marrow derived Langerhans' cells, which carry mutations of BRAF gene and/or NRAS, KRAS and MAP2K1 genes. It occurs predominantly in young smokers, without gender predominance. The disease is characterised by formation of eosinophilic granulomas with the presence of Langerhans' cells infiltrating and destroying distal airways. High-resolution computed tomography of the chest (HRCT) plays an outstanding role in PLCH diagnosis. The typical radiological picture of PLCH is the presence of small intralobular nodules, often forming 'tree in bud' lesions, cavitated nodules, thin- and thick-walled cystic lesions frequently confluent. Definite diagnosis requires the finding of characteristic lesions in histological examination and demonstration of antigen CD1a or CD207 presenting cells in immunohistochemistry. Smoking cessation is the most important recommendation for PLCH patients. There are no evidence based data regarding systemic steroid therapy. The treatment of progressive PLCH is based on cladribine or cytarabine as salvage therapy. The prognosis is good, and over 85% of patients survive 10 years.
Network of Breathing. Multifunctional Role of the Diaphragm: A Review
Authors: Bordoni Bruno
Published: October 2017

I read with interest the item by Kocjan and collegues [...]
Career Development in the Uniformed Services of Lithuania: Wide Open Innovation Possibilities vs. Innert Hierarchical Culture
Authors: Ragauskienė Svajūnė Ungurytė , Bileišis Mantas
Published: October 2017

We compare career development models between two uniformed services regimes of Lithuania: military and statutory (police and penitentiary services). In this paper, we differentiate regulative and normative institutions by comparing the egzisting regulation that relates to career development and interview accounts of servicemembers regarding their understanding of career development paths and institutional factors that affect them. We find that regulations between the two regimes are similar; however, there are radical differences in how service members perceive career development. We conclude that other, non-regulatory, factors are at play: (i) considerable legacies of in statutory services since the Soviet-era, and (ii) the exposure of the military service to international practices in the context of NATO alliance. Statutory services inherited their personnel, organizational structure and, to some extent, regulations from the Soviet-era, whereas the military was built from scratch, largely based on conditionalities set by NATO accession. Although we see striking similarities in human resource management (HRM) regulations among services regimes, there are no comparable similarities with regard to how service members view career development. Career development is not regulated in detail in either service regime and serves as a good indicator of normative institutions that shape uniformed services. Service member accounts lead us to conclude that elements of career development that are applied in the military service achieves better HRM outcomes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.19335
Migration of Highly Qualified Workers and Policies to Ensure Labour Market Sustainability in the European Union in 2013-2014
Authors: Janavičiūtė Laura , Telešienė Audronė , Barynienė Jurgita
Published: October 2017

European Union is facing challenges of ageing societies and changes in structure of economy, thus labour shortages turn into an urgent issue that ultimately affects labour market sustainability. In its attempt to recruit highly qualified workers EU has strong international competitors, e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and pursues a variety of initiatives at national level of the Member States and at the EU level in general. This article aims at assessing the EU policies related to migration of highly qualified workers. Statistical data analysis has revealed that labour mobility is increasing in EU. Thus the EU Mobility directive could be evaluated as bringing benefits, yet with a room for improvement, because highly qualified workers still make up just a small part in all the mobile citizens’ population. National initiatives are more effective in fostering the migration of highly qualified workers, but this has the threat of unequal benefits in different EU regions; the effectiveness of EU Blue Card initiative is weak but with a high potential, thus it needs further improvements in its issuing policies.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.19345
An erratum to this article is available at:
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.24731
Considerações acerca da tecnologia assistiva no cenário educacional brasileiro
Authors: Calheiros David dos Santos , Mendes Enicéia Gonçalves , Lourenço Gerusa Ferreira
Published: October 2017

A partir da demanda crescente de produção de conhecimento teórico e prático sobre tecnologia assistiva (TA) nos seus múltiplos contextos no Brasil, o presente texto tem por objetivo apresentar considerações a respeito dessa temática no campo da educação. Por meio de uma revisão de estudos sobre conceitos e práticas, trazemos considerações quanto as definições utilizadas, políticas que legitimam essa interface de uso na educação e investigações sobre práticas já realizadas, destacando três grandes obstáculos identificados: a imprecisão do atual conceito de TA, as dificuldades no acesso aos recursos, e a falta de formação dos profissionais envolvidos. A direção tomada indica que há cada vez mais demandas pela manutenção dos investimentos realizados no país, como capacitação de recursos humanos e desenvolvimento de ações mais assertivas quanto ao uso mais eficiente desses recursos no contexto educacional brasileiro, no sentido de que ele realmente atinja seus objetivos na garantia de autonomia e participação nas atividades cotidianas.
O tradutor intérprete de língua de sinais (TILS) e a política nacional de educação inclusiva em contextos bilíngues para surdos: um estudo da realidade da rede pública estadual paranaense
Authors: Silva Danilo Da , Fernandes Sueli De Fátima
Published: October 2017

O tradutor intérprete de língua de sinais (TILS) ganha protagonismo no cenário das políticas educacionais como o profissional, por excelência, que oportunizaria garantir acessibilidade linguística aos surdos em seu processo de educação inclusiva. Em meio a inúmeros avanços no contexto legal, sobretudo a partir da oficialização da língua brasileira de sinais (Libras), em 2002, permanecem lacunas relativas ao direito à educação bilíngue para surdos quanto à real efetividade da atuação desse profissional no território concreto das escolas. Este artigo busca elucidar essa realidade, apresentando o perfil dos TILS que atuam na rede pública estadual da região metropolitana de Curitiba por meio da análise da formação e condições de trabalho desse profissional no contexto das políticas de educação inclusiva. A pesquisa tem abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa apresentando dados coletados em dois contextos investigativos: a consulta oficial à Secretaria de Estado de Educação do Paraná, como órgão gestor da política estadual, e entrevista com tradutores intérpretes de Libras. Foram selecionados vinte e nove municípios para estudo que englobam Curitiba e região pela expressiva população do Estado. Os resultados obtidos permitem uma detalhada análise dos perfil e condições de trabalho dos TILS e apontam que os maiores desafios presentes na realidade concreta das escolas repousam na formação profissional e na proficiência linguística exigida para sua atuação. Desdobramentos desses dois aspectos materializam indicadores na avaliação da qualidade da política nacional de educação inclusiva brasileira em contextos bilíngues para estudantes surdos.
Prolyl dihydroxylation of unassembled uS12/Rps23 regulates fungal hypoxic adaptation
Authors: Clasen Sara J , Shao Wei , Gu He , Espenshade Peter J
Published: October 2017

The prolyl-3,4-dihydroxylase Ofd1 and nuclear import adaptor Nro1 regulate the hypoxic response in fission yeast by controlling activity of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein transcription factor Sre1. Here, we identify an extra-ribosomal function for uS12/Rps23 central to this regulatory system. Nro1 binds Rps23, and Ofd1 dihydroxylates Rps23 P62 in complex with Nro1. Concurrently, Nro1 imports Rps23 into the nucleus for assembly into 40S ribosomes. Low oxygen inhibits Ofd1 hydroxylase activity and stabilizes the Ofd1-Rps23-Nro1 complex, thereby sequestering Ofd1 from binding Sre1, which is then free to activate hypoxic gene expression. In vitro studies demonstrate that Ofd1 directly binds Rps23, Nro1, and Sre1 through a consensus binding sequence. Interestingly, Rps23 expression modulates Sre1 activity by changing the Rps23 substrate pool available to Ofd1. To date, oxygen is the only known signal to Sre1, but additional nutrient signals may tune the hypoxic response through control of unassembled Rps23 or Ofd1 activity.
Single-molecule force spectroscopy of protein-membrane interactions
Authors: Ma Lu , Cai Yiying , Li Yanghui , Jiao Junyi , Wu Zhenyong , O'Shaughnessy Ben , De Camilli Pietro , Karatekin Erdem , Zhang Yongli
Published: October 2017

Many biological processes rely on protein–membrane interactions in the presence of mechanical forces, yet high resolution methods to quantify such interactions are lacking. Here, we describe a single-molecule force spectroscopy approach to quantify membrane binding of C2 domains in Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) and Extended Synaptotagmin-2 (E-Syt2). Syts and E-Syts bind the plasma membrane via multiple C2 domains, bridging the plasma membrane with synaptic vesicles or endoplasmic reticulum to regulate membrane fusion or lipid exchange, respectively. In our approach, single proteins attached to membranes supported on silica beads are pulled by optical tweezers, allowing membrane binding and unbinding transitions to be measured with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. C2 domains from either protein resisted unbinding forces of 2–7 pN and had binding energies of 4–14 kBT per C2 domain. Regulation by bilayer composition or Ca2+ recapitulated known properties of both proteins. The method can be widely applied to study protein–membrane interactions.
Estimating the potential biodiversity impact of redeveloping small urban spaces: the Natural History Museum’s grounds
Authors: Phillips Helen R.P. , Knapp Sandra , Purvis Andy
Published: October 2017

Background

With the increase in human population, and the growing realisation of the importance of urban biodiversity for human wellbeing, the ability to predict biodiversity loss or gain as a result of land use change within urban settings is important. Most models that link biodiversity and land use are at too coarse a scale for informing decisions, especially those related to planning applications. Using the grounds of the Natural History Museum, London, we show how methods used in global models can be applied to smaller spatial scales to inform urban planning.

Methods

Data were extracted from relevant primary literature where species richness had been recorded in more than one habitat type within an urban setting. As within-sample species richness will increase with habitat area, species richness estimates were also converted to species density using theory based on the species–area relationship. Mixed-effects models were used to model the impact on species richness and species density of different habitat types, and to estimate these metrics in the current grounds and under proposed plans for redevelopment. We compared effects of three assumptions on how within-sample diversity scales with habitat area as a sensitivity analysis. A pre-existing database recording plants within the grounds was also used to estimate changes in species composition across different habitats.

Results

Analysis estimated that the proposed plans would result in an increase of average biodiversity of between 11.2% (when species density was modelled) and 14.1% (when within-sample species richness was modelled). Plant community composition was relatively similar between the habitats currently within the grounds.

Discussion

The proposed plans for change in the NHM grounds are estimated to result in a net gain in average biodiversity, through increased number and extent of high-diversity habitats. In future, our method could be improved by incorporating purposefully collected ecological survey data (if resources permit) and by expanding the data sufficiently to allow modelling of the temporal dynamics of biodiversity change after habitat disturbance and creation. Even in its current form, the method produces transparent quantitative estimates, grounded in ecological data and theory, which can be used to inform relatively small scale planning decisions.
Escape vents in traps for the fishery of the California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: De-La-Rosa-Pacheco R , Ramírez-Rodríguez M
Published: October 2017

In order to determine the effect of escape vents in traps used in the California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, fishery along the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur (Mexico), comparative fishing operations were conducted with normal traps and traps modified with escape vents. It was found that carapace height is directly related to trap selectivity. The results show the effectiveness of the vents in allowing sublegal lobsters to escape and in enhancing the catch rate of lobsters with carapace lengths greater than 82.5 mm (minimum legal size). However, the decrease in the number of sublegal lobsters in the modified traps is not as great as expected, since they constitute from 82.6 to 91.6% of the catch, depending on the type of vent and fishing area. This indicates the need to conduct new studies to determine the best type of vent.
Ichthyofauna of la cruz coastal lagoon, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Grijalva-Chon JM , Núñez-Quevedo S , Castro-Longoria R
Published: October 2017

To analyze the fish community in La Cruz coastal lagoon, Gulf of California, samplings were carried out during 1989-1991 with four types of fishing gear: plankton net, beach seine, cast net and otter trawl. A total of 34 families, 63 genera and 96 species were registered. The otter trawl caught the highest number of species (48), followed by the plankton net (40), beach seine (37) and cast net (28). The most representative species for each gear, according to the biological value index, were: juveniles of Leuresthes sardina for beach seine, and juveniles and adults of Urolophus maculatus for the cast net and otter trawl. The families Gobiidae, Atherinidae, Gerreidae and Engraulidae were important at the larval stage and responsible for the minimum diversity values. Representatives of these families were also important at the juvenile stage. Thus, changes in diversity were influenced by the succession of dominant species. Species of Urolophidae and Gobiidae were found in different development stages, which indicates that they have high dependency on the system for their vital cycle. It is suggested that La Cruz lagoon is an important area for many fish species that make extensive use of it as a refuge, nourishment and/or reproduction zone.
Evidence of different stocks of mackerel Scomber japonicus
Authors: Gluyas-Millán MG , Quiñonez-Velázquez C
Published: October 2017

Samples of the commercial catch of mackerel Scomber japonicus from Ensenada, Vizcaíno Bay, Magdalena Bay and the Gulf of California were analyzed to show biological evidence that supports a hypothesis of two stocks of mackerel. This evidence is the reproductive period, maturity cycle, deposition pattern of the otolith bands, length (L50%) and age (E50%) of reproduction and composition by length and age of the catch. Two stocks were identified, one that is distributed from southem California to Vizcaíno Bay and the other in the Gulf of California. Both stocks overlapped at Magdalena Bay, which seems be a feeding site where young individuals that have not been recruited to the spawning stock inhabit.
Comparison of the karyotypes of the central and southern populations of the northern anchovy Engraufis mordax, girard 1854 (engraulidae, pisces)
Authors: Uribe-Alcocer M , Valdés-Morales N , Díaz-Jaimes P , Hornelas-Orozco Y
Published: October 2017

The northern anchovy Engraulis mordax is an important fishery resource. The karyotypes of the central and southern populations of the northern anchovy, as well as their C-banding patterns were studied as potential genetic markers. The karyotype of both populations has 48 acrocentric chromo- somes and agrees with the one reported by Ohno et al. (1968) probably from the central population. The common chromosome number, the entirety of their chromosomes of uni-armed type, the agree- ment in their C-banding pattern and the absence of statistically significant differences between the lengths of the chromosome pairs of both populations, do not provide features that could be considered distinctive of the populations analyzed.