bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demystifying the impact of university graduate’s core competencies on work performance: A Saudi industrial perspective
Authors: Khan Sania
Published: November 2018

This study aims to investigate whether the graduates’ core competencies are fairly sufficient to get employed and also aims to understand the impact of these employable skill (ES) on work performance (WP). Toward this, a theoretical framework was developed by considering delivery-related competencies (DRCs), interpersonal competencies (IPCs), and strategic competencies (SCs) as independent variables and ESs and WP as predictable variables. The survey was conducted across private companies in Saudi through a questionnaire that received 235 completed responses. A qualitative approach by conducting few interviews were also considered to gain possible value added comments from the respondents. An exploratory factor analysis) using varimax rotation was conducted to evaluate the impact of competencies on ESs and its further effect on WP. The results demonstrated that, though the DRCs and IPCs have low positive significant effect on the overall ESs, the SCs were not able to significantly predict the recent graduates’ ESs. It is also evident that the overall ESs are not significantly predicting the WP. The indirect effect of independent variables on WP through the mediation of ESs were also assessed using AMOS software. The results revealed that ESs have a significant partial mediating effect only between delivery competencies, IPCs, and WP but not with SCs. The findings also provide a deep insight to the national recruiters to consider the competency-based management. The study is limited to understand the fresh graduates’ competencies, so the results cannot be generalized to experienced graduates. Further, few important recommendations were also proposed to the higher education establishments to strengthen their efforts and finely groom their future graduates according to the global labor market. The study also sheds numerous directions to potential new graduates for enhancing their present skills and to become competent in the job market.
Spiritual Formation in the Graduate School of Clinical Psychology at George Fox University
Authors: Bufford Rodger K. , Thurston Nancy S. , Gathercoal Kathleen A. , Goodworth Marie-Christine , Holt Lynn H.
Published: November 2018

At its inception, the training model in the Graduate School of Clinical Psychology (GSCP) at George Fox University was informed by the approach inaugurated at Fuller Theological Seminary School of Psychology in the 1960s. In the original model, training in Christian religion/spirituality and theology accompanied training in professional psychology. In the interim, our culture, psychological knowledge, perceived psychological needs, and training programs have changed greatly. Here we report changes in religion/spirituality (R/S) training and integration over the last two decades. We describe our current spiritual formation structure and process, and program evaluation efforts. Over the past several years the GSCP has shifted from relying mainly on a cognitive approach involving Bible and theology courses (theoretical-conceptual integration) toward a more personal-experiential approach that includes team teaching of the theology and religion courses, an individualized spiritual direction experience spread over two years, and more intentional integration of R/S and spiritual formation components throughout the program. We anticipate this may be an ongoing area for further development in coming years as we seek to meet the needs of a changing student body with greater R/S diversity and largely postmodern worldviews.
The Role of Attachment in Spiritual Formation at Richmont Graduate University
Authors: Sartor Daniel C. , Cochran Cara , Blackburn Amanda M. , Plisco Mary K. , White Jama L.
Published: November 2018

This article describes the spiritual formation training program for counseling students at Richmont Graduate University, an evangelical institution providing Master’s-level instruction for counselors and ministers. This model of spiritual formation has a dual foundation which includes the centrality of love to the Christian life and the importance of attachment to the development of persons. The training is intentionally designed to invite students to pursue a more secure attachment to God, healthier relationships with others, and a more grace-based self-awareness. Integrative and clinical instruction, and experiences that foster establishment of secure attachment are described. Co-curricular efforts in research and student advisement focus on grace and wellness, as well as opportunities for service, and these serve to further contribute to a supportive environment for spiritual formation.
The Beautiful Movement: Spiritual Formation in a Christ-Centered Communal Ministry
Authors: McHale David , Jones Courtney , Tso Michael , Olson Trevor , Jones Noelle
Published: November 2018

The following article outlines spiritual formation as it occurs at His Mansion Ministries, a communal ministry centered on Jesus Christ that focuses on helping men and women struggling with life-controlling behaviors and attitudes. Spiritual formation is argued to be a beautiful movement from self to other, a movement that is rooted in a conversion of the self to God. This movement is displayed in the community of His Mansion and the relationships therein. This spiritual movement is also seen in the work and learning that is accomplished at His Mansion. The experience of relationships, work, and learning in the world is typically oriented around the self. At His Mansion Ministries, we believe that spiritual formation happens as a person, in submission to God and his love, moving from being oriented around the self to being aware of and acting for the good of others.
Christian Spiritual Formation in a Southeast Asian Theological College
Authors: Tan Jimmy Boon-Chai
Published: November 2018

This article is an account of the teaching and practice of a course on Christian spirituality and ministry at Trinity Theological College in Singapore. It introduces the design of the course, discuss its theological foundations and practicums, and explains how it is delivered and assessed. The course adopts a historical-theological approach to the introduction of Christian spirituality and traces its development from the early church until the Protestant and Catholic Reformations. It introduces spiritual exercises from each epoch of the Christian tradition and engages the student in their practice through week-long practicums. An important feature lies in the immediacy of feedback given to the student after they submit a reflection on their practicums. The course has been taught as a three-credit hour, sixteen-week semester-long course each academic year for the past three years. The students come from a broad range of nationalities and cultural contexts, as well as from different stages of life and denominational backgrounds. The course contributes to an overall emphasis on Christian spiritual formation at the college.
Lay Theories of Gender Influence Support for Women and Transgender People’s Legal Rights
Authors: Wilton Leigh S. , Bell Ariana N. , Carpinella Colleen M. , Young Danielle M. , Meyers Chanel , Clapham Rebekah
Published: November 2018

Essentialism—the belief that differences between groups of people are biologically based and unchangeable—is strongly associated with prejudice toward a variety of social groups. The present work examines how gender essentialism shapes support for the rights of two marginalized gender groups: women and transgender people. Study 1 provides correlational evidence that endorsement of gender essentialism is a robust predictor of people’s opposition to both women’s and transgender people’s rights, over and above other individual difference measures. Studies 2 and 3 provide evidence that exposure to anti-essentialist messages about gender indirectly increases the support for women’s and transgender people’s rights. Study 4 examines the underlying psychological process, showing that gender essentialism reduction indirectly increases the support for women’s and transgender people’s rights through prejudice. Implications for research on lay theories and transgender people are discussed.
Proximal pulmonary arterial wall disease in patients with persistent pulmonary hypertension after successful left‐sided valve replacement according to the hemodynamic phenotype
Authors: Domingo Enric , Grignola Juan C. , Trujillo Pedro , Aguilar Rio , Roman Antonio
Published: November 2018

Regression of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is often incomplete after successful left‐sided valve replacement (LSVR). Proximal pulmonary arterial (PPA) wall disease can be involved in patients with persistent‐PH after LSVR, affecting the right ventricular to pulmonary arterial (RV‐PA) coupling. Fifteen patients underwent successful LSVR at least one year ago presenting PH by echo (> 50 mmHg). Prosthesis‐patient mismatch and left ventricular dysfunction were discarded. All patients underwent hemodynamic and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) study. We estimated PPA stiffness (elastic modulus [EM]) and the relative area wall thickness (AWT). Acute vasoreactivity was assessed by inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) testing. RV‐PA coupling was estimated by the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to systolic pulmonary arterial pressure ratio. Patients were classified as isolated post‐capillary PH (Ipc‐PH; pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR] ≤ 3 WU and/or diastolic pulmonary gradient [DPG] < 7 mmHg) and combined post‐ and pre‐capillary PH (Cpc‐PH; PVR > 3 WU and DPG ≥ 7 mmHg). Both Ipc‐PH and Cpc‐PH showed a significant increase of EM and AWT. Despite normal PVR and DPG, Ipc‐PH had a significant decrease in pulmonary arterial capacitance and RV‐PA coupling impairment. Cpc‐PH had worse PA stiffness and RV‐PA coupling to Ipc‐PH (P < 0.05). iNO decreased RV afterload, improving the cardiac index and stroke volume only in Cpc‐PH (P < 0.05). Patients with persistent PH after successful LSVR have PPA wall disease and RV‐PA coupling impairment beyond the hemodynamic phenotype. Cpc‐PH is responsive to iNO, having the worse PA stiffness and RV‐PA coupling. The PPA remodeling could be an early event in the natural history of PH associated with left heart disease.
SphK1/S1P mediates TGF‐β1‐induced proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and its potential mechanisms
Authors: Wang Jian , Feng Wei , Li Fangwei , Shi Wenhua , Zhai Cui , Li Shaojun , Zhu Yanting , Yan Xin , Wang Qingting , Liu Lu , Xie Xinming , Li Manxiang
Published: November 2018

The upregulation of Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) expression and accompanied sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) production have been reported to contribute to the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) and pulmonary arterial remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms of SphK1/S1P upregulation in PASMC and the specific mechanisms of how SphK1/S1P pathway promotes PASMC proliferation remain largely unclear. This study aims to address these issues. Here, we demonstrated that TGF‐β1 significantly upregulated SphK1 expression and S1P production by promoting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in PASMC. Further study indicated that SphK1/S1P pathway mediated TGF‐β1‐induced Notch3 activation in PASMC. In addition, we showed that TGF‐β1 significantly induced proliferation of PASMC, while pre‐inhibition of Smad2/3 phosphorylation with SB431542 or silencing SphK1 using small interfering RNA in advance, or pre‐blocking Notch3 pathway with N‐[N‐(3,5‐difluorophenacetyl)‐L‐alanyl]‐S‐phenylglycine t‐butyl ester (DAPT), attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced PASMC proliferation. Taken together, our study indicates that Smad2/3/SphK1/S1P/Notch3 pathway mediates TGF‐β1‐induced PASMC proliferation and suggests this pathway as a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
Skin Hygiene and Dermatitis in Industry
Authors: Birmingham Donald J.
Published: November 2018

Skin hygiene is the science of preserving skin health. It means cleanliness of the skin and clothing, the prime requisite in preventing occupational skin disease. In most industrial plants, the level of cleanliness determines the frequency of the occupational dermatoses. A good preventive program is attained ideally through industrial hygiene engineering and medical control methods, but these are available only to a small percentage of the employed. In the small plants it is necessary to rely upon personal hygienic practices to attain cleanliness. Management must be aware of its responsibility to furnish the workmen with washing facilities, industrial cleansers, and if necessary, protective clothing and ointments. Workmen must be informed about the existing hazards and taught the importance of cleanliness. There is no magic formula for preventing these skin disorders. The workman who fails to use the facilities provided generally develops dermatitis; the management which disregards their need pays unnecessary compensation.
Implications of Current Social Changes For the Nurse in Occupational Health
Authors: Sturgis Katharine R.
Published: November 2018

We have touched on some current social changes and their impact on nurses in the field of occupational health. It is true, in this electronic age, that an individual has real difficulty in keeping up with the trends. Let us not be confused; a machine may, if given symptoms and laboratory studies, turn out a list of potential diagnoses, but no automaton has yet given the emotional support so essential in the lives of men. In this hectic period, hold fast to the understanding, warm approaches to human beings that have commanded admiration and respect for our professions in the past. Social trends change, but generosity of spirit and loving care still stand as strong supports, whichever way the pendulum swings.
Pelvic organ cross-talk: A new paradigm for endometriosis-related pelvic pain?
Authors: Monten Lina , Forman Axel , Andersson Karl-Erik
Published: November 2018

Endometriosis patients often complain about pelvic and abdominal pain with varying bowel and bladder symptoms unrelated to the location and extent of the disease. The pathophysiology can be multifactorial, but one possibility is that pelvic organ cross-talk may play a role. The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific support for this hypothesis. A search was performed in PubMed to identify relevant experimental and clinical studies. Data achieved in animal models and clinical evidence suggest that endometriosis-related pain may implicate interactions between pelvic structures like the urinary tract, the bowel and the vagina, mediated by the autonomous nervous system. Such pelvic organ cross-talk with involvement of nerve fibre outgrowth into endometriosis lesions, peripheral sensitisation and convergence of afferent nerve fibres could be an explanation for the varying pain problems in endometriosis, but the precise mechanisms are still poorly understood. Some patients with chronic pelvic pain, including those with endometriosis, also seem to have a more general somatic, musculoskeletal hyperalgesia, indicating a potential viscero-somatic convergence. This might be due to continuous nociceptive input to the brain, resulting in changes in brain structures and finally leading to central sensitisation. Thus, pelvic organ cross-talk seems to represent a new paradigm for endometriosis-related pain with novel possibilities for the development of therapeutic strategies.
Cognitive representations of spatial location
Authors: Jeffery Kate J.
Published: November 2018

Spatial memory has fascinated psychologists ever since the discipline began, but a series of findings beginning in the middle of last century propelled its study into the domain of neuroscience and helped bring about the cognitive revolution in psychology. Starting with the discovery that the hippocampus plays a central role in memory, particularly spatial memory, studies of the mammalian hippocampus and related regions over the latter half of the century slowly uncovered an extensive neural system involved in processing place, head direction, objects, speed and other spatially informative parameters. Meanwhile, the concurrent discovery of hippocampal synaptic plasticity allowed theoreticians and experimentalists to collaborate in linking spatial perception and memory, and genetic techniques developed towards the end of the century opened the door to circuit dissections of these processes. Building on these discoveries, spatial cognition and episodic memory may be the first cognitive competences understood across all levels from molecules to behaviour.
Impact of traffic on the spatiotemporal variations of spatial accessibility of emergency medical services in inner-city Shanghai
Authors: Hu Wenyan , Tan Jinkai , Li Mengya , Wang Jun , Wang Fahui
Published: November 2018

Variability in spatial accessibility of emergency medical services has become a major concern in evaluating the quality of emergency medical services in China. Unlike some other public services, response time is critical in the provision of emergency medical services. Traffic congestion may significantly affect response time, especially in large cities. This study uses a transportation simulation model to estimate the travel time under free-flow and congested road conditions and measure the corresponding spatial accessibility of emergency medical services for various hours of a day in inner-city Shanghai. When traffic congestion is considered, the overall spatial accessibility is significantly reduced, and the effect is further magnified in certain congested areas. The results help policy makers in planning the emergency medical services resource that is sensitive to the spatiotemporal variation of its accessibility.
An evaluation of techniques for dose calculation on cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Giacometti Valentina , King Raymond B. , Agnew Christina E. , Irvine Denise M. , Jain Suneil , Hounsell Alan R. , McGarry Conor K.
Published: November 2018

Objective:

To assess the accuracy and efficiency of four different techniques, thus determining the optimum method for recalculating dose on cone beam CT (CBCT) images acquired during radiotherapy treatments.

Methods:

Four established techniques were investigated and their accuracy assessed via dose calculations: (1) applying a standard planning CT (pCT) calibration curve, (2) applying a CBCT site-specific calibration curve, (3) performing a density override and (4) using deformable registration. Each technique was applied to 15 patients receiving volumetric modulated arc therapy to one of three treatment sites, head and neck, lung and prostate. Differences between pCT and CBCT recalculations were determined with dose volume histogram metrics and 2.0%/0.1 mm gamma analysis using the pCT dose distribution as a reference.

Results:

Dose volume histogram analysis indicated that all techniques yielded differences from expected results between 0.0 and 2.3% for both target volumes and organs at risk. With volumetric gamma analysis, the dose recalculation on deformed images yielded the highest pass-rates. The median pass-rate ranges at 50% threshold were 99.6–99.9%, 94.6–96.0%, and 94.8.0-96.0% for prostate, head and neck and lung patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

Deformable registration, HU override and site-specific calibration curves were all identified as dosimetrically accurate and efficient methods for dose calculation on CBCT images.

Advances in knowledge:

With the increasing adoption of CBCT, this study provides clinical radiotherapy departments with invaluable information regarding the comparison of dose reconstruction methods, enabling a more accurate representation of a patient’s treatment. It can also integrate studies in which CBCT is used in image-guided radiation therapy and for adaptive radiotherapy planning processes.
Recent advances in non-surgical management of cancer in the elderly
Authors: Guerard Emily J. , Harmon Gil E. , Sahasrabudhe Kieran D. , LoConte Noelle K.
Published: November 2018

This article summarizes the seminal publications from mid-2016 through 2017 in the area of medical care for older adults with cancer. Areas addressed include chemotherapy tolerance and efficacy in the aged, geriatric fitness assessments, and advancements in palliative and supportive care. The practice-changing finding from this past year’s publications is that antipsychotics should not be used in the management of terminal delirium in older adults receiving palliative care. The other trials demonstrated an improved understanding of the utility of geriatric assessments in patients with cancer, developed the body of information about which chemotherapy agents are safe and effective in older adults (and which are not), and expanded our understanding of good palliative and supportive care.
Prediction of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis α-crystallin oligomer chaperone activity using polynomial graphs
Authors: Krishnan Gautam , Roy Utpal
Published: November 2018

Background: Mycobacterial α-crystallin (Acr) is a chaperone that prevents misfolding of proteins when Mycobacterium tuberculosis is found in a latent form in the host tissue.

Methods: Using insulin as a model substrate and utilizing polynomial graphs, we attempted to predict molecular-level interactions that are a function of the oligomeric state of the recombinant protein. The chaperone activity of the recombinant oligomeric Acr was measured at 60°C with Acr samples obtained before gel filtration chromatography and compared with a gel-filtered sample.

Results: The polynomial graphs constructed showed improved molecular coverage of the insulin B chain by the oligomer. The 2nd order coefficient is the one that changes with the oligomeric ratio of Acr and improves chaperone activity. Polynomial analysis suggested that it could be a useful parameter to predict chaperone activity for potential in vitro batches of M. tuberculosis Acr based on the dynamic nature of the association and disassociation of oligomers.

Conclusions: The results showed that coverage of insulin B chain improved with higher ratio of 9-mer as compared to lower ratios. This was shown by both simulation plots and actual assay data. The polynomial graphs showed increase in the 2nd order coefficient, thus suggesting the important role of oligomerisation in improved molecular coverage of insulin B chain.
Antiasthmatic effect of Curcuma aeruginosa extract on isolated organ of the trachea
Authors: Paramita Swandari , Moerad Emil Bachtiar , Ismail Sjarif , Marliana Eva
Published: November 2018

Background:Asthma is a major health problem worldwide. Antiasthma drugs have side effects and can be expensive. It is important to develop antiasthma drugs from medicinal plants that have fewer side effects and are cheaper. One of the medicinal plants used for antiasthma treatment comes fromCurcuma aeruginosa(Zingiberaceaefamily). The aim of the research is to examine spasmolytic activity of ethanol extract ofC. aeruginosaon isolated guinea pig tracheas to determine the antiasthma effects.

Methods:The spasmolytic activity ofC. aeruginosaextracts was tested in separated organs of guinea pig trachea. Guinea pig was sacrificed and its trachea rings were suspended in L-shaped wire loops in organ baths containing the Krebs solution aerated with carbogen. Isometric contractions of tracheal rings were measured by the transducer coupled to the amplifier. The trachea rings were exposed to DMSO as negative control, aminophylline as positive control andC. aeruginosaextracts. The single concentration-relaxation curve was obtained in every preparation.

Results:The result showed that the decrease of the spasmolytic activity in the guinea pig tracheal tone due toC. aeruginosaextract was significantly better (p=0.022) when compared to the negative control. Meanwhile, the EC50value of aminophylline (0.019 ± 0.05) was not significantly different (p=0.454) withC. aeruginosa(0.024 ± 0.05).

Conclusion:It could be concluded thatC. aeruginosaextracts have the potency to be further developed as a new natural source of the antiasthma agents.
УЧЕБНО-МЕТОДИЧЕСКОЕ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ ВАРИАТИВНОГО ИНОЯЗЫЧНОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ В ВУЗЕ
Authors: Timkina Yuliya Yurevna
Published: November 2018

Суть профессионально-ориентированного вариативного иноязычного образования заключается в предоставлении обучающимся свободы выбора образовательного варианта из многообразия содержания, методов и форм, применяемых при обучении иностранному языку в вузе. Для внедрения системы в образовательную практику необходимы специальным образом разработанные учебно-методические материалы.Цель. Статья посвящена созданию технологии разработки вариативного учебно-методического обеспечения. Отмечается необходимость наличия в пособиях и учебниках нескольких вариантов в ряду, обеспечивающих действительную свободу выбора.Методы проведения работы. Анализ учебной литературы по иностранным языкам для студентов аграрно-технологического вуза показал отсутствие пособий по узким направлениям подготовки, что не реализует профессионализацию образования в вузе, образовательных вариантов, направленных на индивидуализацию образовательного процесса, обусловливает необходимость создания технологии разработки учебно-методических материалов вариативного иноязычного образования.Результаты. Автором представлена технология разработки учебных материалов, обеспечивающих вариативное иноязычное образование. Разработано учебное пособие по английскому языку по направлению «Техносферная безопасность».Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в практике обучения иностранным языкам в неязыковых вузах.
Girls and women with autism
Authors: Rynkiewicz Agnieszka , Janas-Kozik Małgorzata , Słopień Agnieszka
Published: November 2018

Dziewczęta i kobiety ze spektrum autyzmu często pozostają niezdiagnozowane, mają błędne lub zbyt późno postawione rozpoznania, co ma negatywny wpływ na ich rozwój, dobrostan psychiczny, edukację, zatrudnienie oraz samodzielność. Rozpoznanie stanu/zaburzenia ze spektrum autyzmu (zwanego dalej: „autyzmem”) powszechnie przyjęte na podstawie kryteriów diagnostycznych zawartych w międzynarodowych systemach klasyfikacji chorób i zaburzeń psychicznych, w przeważającej większości oparte jest na obserwacji i badaniach płci męskiej. Autorzy używają określenia „stanu ze spektrum autyzmu” (ASC, Autism Spectrum Condition), wprowadzonego przez Simona Barona–Cohena i używanego w profesjonalnej literaturze medycznej już od dekady jako alternatywnej nazwy dla zaburzenia ze spektrum autyzmu (ASD), uwzględniając zastrzeżenia tych osób ze spektrum autyzmu, które uznają określenie „zaburzenie” za stygmatyzujące, podczas gdy nazwa ASC ujmuje zarówno mocne strony, jak i trudności, jakich osoby te doświadczają. Wyniki badań naukowych wskazują na unikalne cechy autyzmu u płci żeńskiej z odmienną, subtelniejszą postacią kliniczną zwłaszcza u wysokofunkcjonujących dziewcząt i kobiet tj. z rozwiniętą mową płynną, przeciętnym lub ponadprzeciętnym ilorazem inteligencji. Wyniki badań wskazują także na stereotypy diagnostyczne oraz niedostateczną czułość dostępnych narzędzi diagnostycznych w wykrywaniu autyzmu u dziewcząt i kobiet, które nie uwzględniają unikalnego żeńskiego fenotypu autyzmu, obejmującego m.in. wysoką zdolność kompensacji, kamuflażu i naśladowania. Dodatkowo autyzm u dziewcząt wiąże się z wysoką współchorobowością w okresie adolescencji, częstym współwystępowaniem zaburzeń lękowych, tikowych i depresji, wysokim wskaźnikiem samobójstw, zaburzeń odżywiania oraz innych problemów zdrowotnych. Odpowiednio wczesne jednak rozpoznanie zmniejsza trudności, jakich dziewczęta i kobiety z autyzmem doświadczają w okresie całego życia, umożliwiając ocenę ich potrzeb w zakresie zdrowotnym, wykształcenia, wypoczynku, relacji społecznych oraz zatrudnienia.
Comparison of patterns of dressing for two generations within a local context
Authors: DeLong Marilyn R. , Bang Haeun , Gibson Laureen
Published: November 2018

This research explores the dressing patterns of two generations of women with similar educational levels, and both located in the upper Midwest, USA. Based upon a review of the theories about dressing, the expectation was that differences in patterns of dressing would arise between the two groups that differed in age and generational cohort group. This is significant in today’s milieu in which sustainable best practices from fast to slow fashion are encouraged and differences in generational groups could change the approach to intervention. The total sample of 115 females included two groups, the first numbered 55 with an average age of 73 years and the second numbered 60 with an average age of 20 years. Participants responded to a survey focused on the contemporary American woman. The two groups were asked the same questions about how they desired to appear, how they strategized about their wardrobe and putting together of ensembles, and their shopping patterns. Analysis included a comparison of responses of each group. There were a few differences in patterns of dressing based upon age and generational cohort group, but the number of similarities pointed to other influences such as the similar location of the two groups.
Let’s not play: Interpassivity as resistance in ‘Let’s Play’ videos
Authors: Gekker Alex
Published: November 2018

This article examines contemporary practices of ‘idling’ (playing ‘idle games’) and ‘let’s playing’ (watching ‘Let’s Play’ [LP] videos of performed gameplay) as forms of power and resistance in the attention economy. Through the prism of interpassivity, a theory developed by Robert Pfaller and Slavoj Žižek, it establishes idling as relegating certain enjoyment from gameplay to the machine, while reproducing the anxieties associated with digital work as a whole. LPs, on the other hand, position the viewer as a critical analyst rather than a hands-on player. This vicarious experience of delegating play to others can allow avoidance and disengagement, which in turn may allow for a critical examination of the system as whole. As I will argue in this article, such interpassive practices can thus be seen as forms of resistance enabling users to step outside the controlling mechanism of digital media and the associated cybernetic feedback loops.
Sequential Adaptation in Mammalian CHO-K1 Cells Producing Human Erythropoietin
Authors: Wisnuwardhani Popi Hadi , Septisetyani Endah Puji , Santoso Adi
Published: November 2018

The production of recombinant proteins for clinical applications using mammalian cell technology has become a prevalent system because of its capacity in assembling functional proteins.  One of the main problems with CHO-K1 cells is that this cell has to grow in the presence of serum. However, the presence of serum will complicate the downstream step for protein production. Thus, protein produced in media without serum, theoretically, would be easier to purify.  Technically, this type of cell can be produced by growing the CHO-K1 cells in serum-free media by using adaptation method in suspension condition. This research showed that through sequential adaptation using conditioned media, the CHO-K1 cell line that produces the human erythropoietin gene (hEPO) was able to grow in suspension culture using serum-free media.  Based on Western blot analysis, it showed that the protein (hEPO) was able to be expressed in suspension culture with molecular mass of about 47 kDa.
Familial neurodegenerative disease with parkinsonism syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Davydova T. K. , Tappakhov A. A. , Popova T. E. , Konnikova E. E. , Alekseeva A. D. , Popov D. A.
Published: November 2018

The concurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with parkinsonism syndrome and dementia is described as Guam ALS, in which up to 70% of patients have a positive family history. The concurrence of parkinsonism with other neurological disorders, such as autonomic failure, dementia, cerebellar ataxia, visual disturbances, and pyramidal syndrome, is characteristic of some neurodegenerative diseases, for example, multiple system atrophy, dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration. These diseases are common in the practice of a neurologist, have a detailed description and clear diagnostic criteria. The isolated concurrence of parkinsonism and ALS without other neurological disorders is extremely rare. This disorder is known as Brait–Fahn–Schwartz disease and is named after the scientists who first described this overlap syndrome. No cases of familial neurodegenerative disease concurrent with parkinsonism and ALS have been found in the literature. This paper presents the authors' own case of two siblings, one of whom is observed to have parkinsonism with ALS syndrome; and the other had Parkinson's disease.
Current strategies to improve the efficiency and safety of prevention and treatment of embolic stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: possibilities of neutralizing therapy
Authors: Yanishevsky S. N.
Published: November 2018

The paper reviews an update on the status of neurological care and thrombolysis in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) who take oral anticoagulants. The possibilities of providing effective and relatively safe emergency care to patients with IS, including those receiving new oral anticoagulants, are shown to be substantially expanded now. Since it is necessary for recanalization therapy to block the effect of an anticoagulant, the latter that has a specific antagonist should be prescribed as a basic therapy to prevent stroke.
Effect of indapamide/perindopril fixed-dose combination on 24-hour blood pressure and cognitive functions in treatment-naive middle-aged patients with essential arterial hypertension
Authors: Ostroumova T. M. , Parfenov V. A. , Ostroumova O. D. , Borisova E. V.
Published: November 2018

Objective: to investigate the effect of indapamide/perindopril fixed-dose combination (FC) on 24-hour blood pressure (BP) and cognitive functions in antihypertensive treatment-naive middle-aged patients with uncomplicated grade 1–2 essential arterial hypertension (EAH) . Patients and methods. The open prospective study enrolled 25 patients (9 men and 16 women) aged 40–59 years with a diastolic BP of 90–109 mm Hg and/or a systolic BP of 140–179 mm Hg, as evidenced by routine measurements. As starting antihypertensive therapy, the patients received indapamide 1.25/perindopril 5 mg FC once daily in the morning; if necessary, after 2 weeks (if the routine blood pressure was ≥140/90 mm Hg) they took indapamide 2.5/perindopril 10 mg once daily in the morning. The follow-up period was 14–16 weeks. Before and at the end of the follow-up, the patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and evaluation of cognitive functions using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), ten-words test (immediate and delayed word recall), verbal association test (literal and categorical associations), number connecting test (Trail making test (TMT), part A and numbers and letters connecting test (TMT) part B), and Stroop test. Results. At the end of the follow-up period, treatment with indapamide/perindopril fixed-dose combination showed a statistically significant reduction in BPs, as evidenced by routine measurements and ABPM (during 24-hour, and awake and sleep periods); a statistically significant cognitive improvement: an increase in the number of the so-called words in the ten-words test during both immediate (from 5.5±1.6 6.5±1.5 words; p=0.02 vs baseline) and delayed (from 6.2±1.7 to 7.4±1.4 words; p=vs baseline) recalls, a decrease in the performance time of TMTB (from 112.6±42.5 to 90.4±28.4 sec; p=0.02) and Stroop test Part 3 (from 135.5±50.1 to 112.6±19.6 sec; p=0.02), and a larger number of called words in the categorical associations test (from 6.5±2.4 to 8.1±2.9 words; p=0.02). Conclusion. The results obtained indicate that in treatment-naive middle-aged patients with EAH, indapamide/perindopril fixed-dose combination assures an effective reduction in BPs, as evidenced by routine measurements and ABPM, also improves cognitive functions, particularly attention, information processing speed, semantic memory, cognitive flexibility, and short-term and long-term memory.
Median nerve decompression in carpal tunnel syndrome: short- and long-term results
Authors: Gilveg A. S. , Parfenov V. A. , Evzikov G. Yu.
Published: November 2018

Objective: to investigate the short- and long-term results of surgical median nerve decompression via classical and minimally invasive approaches in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), as well as factors that influence surgical outcomes. Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 70 patients (13 men and 57 women) aged 36 to 84 years (mean age, 62±10.8 years) who had undergone median nerve decompression. Surgery was performed in the classical way in 35 patients (Group 1) and via a minimally invasive access in the remaining 35 patients (Group 2). The efficiency of treatment was evaluated using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and a visual analog scale for pain before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, as well as from patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Results. No complications of surgical treatment were detected. There was a marked reduction in pain and other neuropathic disorders just 1 month after surgery and a substantial hand functional improvement following 6 months. After 12 months, in Group 1, the mean BCTQ Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Deficit Scale scores decreased from 2.76 to 1.15 (p≤0.01) and from 2.72 to 1.24 (p≤0.01), respectively; in Group 2, these dropped from 2.86 to 1.14 (p≤0.01) and from 2.95 to 1.24 (p≤0.01), respectively. Complete recovery from sensory problems occurred in 24 (69%) patients in Group 1 and in 25 (71%) patients in Group 2; their partial recovery was observed in 11 (31%) and 10 (29%) patients in these groups, respectively. One 1 month following decompression, the patients in Group 1 had more severe pain syndrome than those in Group 2; these differences became statistically insignificant after 6 months. The patients were found to be highly satisfied with surgical treatment. Permanent numbness, subjective weakness, thenar muscle atrophy, stage III CTS, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were predictors for less pronounced improvement in BCTQ scores after surgical treatment (p<0.05). The paper describes a clinical case that achieved full postoperative occupational and home rehabilitation. Conclusion. The patients with CTS were observed to have a marked reduction in pain and other neuropathic disorders just one month after surgical decompression and a substantial hand functional improvement following 6 months. The benefit from a minimally invasive access is less severe pain syndrome at 1 month after surgery. The predictors of less successful results of surgery are age (the older the patient is, the greater likelihood of having a worse result), permanent numbness, subjective hand weakness, thenar muscle atrophy, DM, and stage III CTS.
Cibernética y educación homeostática: un sistema de cultura socioambiental
Authors: García Arias Pablo
Published: November 2018

En este documento, se plantea la relación máquina-naturaleza desde la perspectiva de sistemas, aplicada a una educación socio-ambiental. Conceptos como homeostasis, cibernética, prácticas virtuales de la pedagogía en el universo holístico de la información virtual, serán puestos en tela de juicio a partir de sus consecuencias en la alteración de los procesos auto-reguladores de la máquina cultural. Se estudiarán algunas ventajas y desventajas de las Técnicas de la Información y de la Comunicación aplicadas a la producción de conocimiento, allá donde éste forma parte de un conjunto de meta-sistemas cuya auto-regulación peligra, simultáneamente que las estructuras globales que lo sostienen.
Semiosphere and Solitary World
Authors: Duan Lian
Published: November 2018

Literati landscape painting was the mainstream of Chinese art in the Yuan dynasty; its keynote is the idea of yi, literally, escaping for freedom, which is represented by the notion of reclusiveness at the conceptual level and the notion of spontaneity at the formal level. Based on an analytical interpretation of the development of Yuan literati landscape painting at the two levels, this essay intends to make a point that, under the Mongol rule, reclusiveness and spontaneity became the artistic pursuit of Chinese artists in the period from late 13th to late 14th century. Employing Yuri Lotman’s theory of “semiosphere” in this study, I argue that the blueprint for the solitary world is designed by the early Yuan literati artist Zhao Mengfu, and this world is constructed by the later Yuan literati artists Huang Gongwang and Ni Zan, among others. I further describe the structure of this world as having two levels and three concentric circles, with reclusiveness as the signified central idea and spontaneous brushwork as its signifier. I then conclude that the interaction of the reclusive idea and spontaneous style semioticizes the structure, and completes the construction of the unique artistic world of Yuan literati landscape painting.
Effects of a Competitive Soccer Match on Jump Performance and Interlimb Asymmetries in Elite Academy Soccer Players
Authors: Bromley Tom , Turner Anthony , Read Paul , Lake Jason , Maloney Sean , Chavda Shyam , Bishop Chris
Published: November 2018

Bromley, T, Turner, A, Read, P, Lake, J, Maloney, S, Chavda, S, and Bishop, C. Effects of a competitive soccer match on jump performance and interlimb asymmetries in elite academy soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1707–1714, 2021—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a competitive soccer match on jump performance and interlimb asymmetries over incremental time points during a 72-hour period. Fourteen elite adolescent players from a professional English category 3 academy performed single-leg countermovement jumps pre, post, 24-, 48-, and 72-hour post-match on a single force platform. Eccentric impulse, concentric impulse, peak propulsive force, jump height, peak landing force, and landing impulse were monitored throughout. Interlimb asymmetries were also calculated for each metric as the percentage difference between limbs. Significant negative changes (p < 0.05) in jump performance were noted for all metrics at all time points, with the exception of jump height. Interlimb asymmetries were metric-dependent and showed very large increases, specifically post-match, with a trend to reduce back toward baseline values at the 48-hour time point for propulsive-based metrics. Asymmetries for landing metrics did not peak until the 24-hour time point and again reduced toward baseline at 48-hour time point. This study highlights the importance of monitoring distinct jump metrics, as jump height alone was not sensitive enough to show significant changes in jump performance. However, interlimb asymmetries were sensitive to fatigue with very large increases post-match. More frequent monitoring of asymmetries could enable practitioners to determine whether existing imbalances are also associated with reductions in physical performance or increased injury risk.
Effects of Small-Sided Game Variation on Changes in Hamstring Strength
Authors: Madison Glenn , Patterson Stephen David , Read Paul , Howe Louis , Waldron Mark
Published: November 2018

Madison, G, Patterson, SD, Read, P, Howe, L, and Waldron, M. Effects of small-sided game variation on changes in hamstring strength. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 839–845, 2019—Small-sided games (SSGs) are commonly used by soccer practitioners to condition players. This form of exercise can result in fatigue, potentially exposing the muscle to injury risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of SSG variations on hamstring torque in semiprofessional soccer players. In a counterbalanced cross-over design, 10 male semiprofessional soccer players took part in both small relative area (3 vs. 3; 300 m2) and large relative area (4 vs. 4; 1000 m2) SSGs. The games comprised 6 × 4-minute bouts, with 90-second recovery. Both movement and heart rate responses were monitored by global positioning systems (GPS) and hamstring isometric torque was measured pre-training and post-training using a NordBord. There were differences (p < 0.05) between the small and large relative area games for peak hamstring force decrement (5.78 N and −13.62 N, respectively) and mean hamstring force decrement at 90° (11.11 N and −4.78 N, respectively). The number of accelerations was related to (r = 0.46, p = 0.039) reduced hamstring peak torque at 90°. In conclusion, larger relative area SSGs elicited the greatest internal and external loads, resulting in decrements in hamstring force. The number of accelerations performed in the session increases the likelihood of hamstring fatigue and can be controlled with the relative pitch area.
Modified Bidirectional Dc-dc Boost Converter Fed Three-Phase Four-Wire PV-DVR
Authors: Kanagaraj N. , Ramasamy M. , Rezk Hegazy , Manesh T.
Published: November 2018

In this article, a photovoltaic (PV)-integrated bidirectional two-winding coupled inductor–based dc-dc converter-fed three-phase four-wire (3P4W) photovoltaic dynamic voltage restorer (PV-DVR) is proposed. The PV interconnected DVR, connected with the power distribution network, effectively compensates the long-term voltage sag, voltage swell, and interruptions. The conventional PV-DVRs designed with the cascaded connection of dc-dc converters offer high boosting gain with increased losses and cost. The proposed PV-DVR based on two-winding coupled inductor–based bidirectional dc-dc converter is designed to provide high boosting gain with increased efficiency and reduced components. The performance of the proposed scheme is validated by simulation using MATLAB/SIMULINK (MathWorks, Natick, MA) and experimentally under different operating conditions. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed topology in mitigating the long-term voltage sag, voltage swell, and interruptions.
Controlling voltage drops in silicon diodes by electron irradiation and thermal treatment
Authors: Karimov A. V. , Rakhmatov A. Z. , Abdulkhaev O. A. , Aripova U. H. , Khidirnazarova A. Yu. , Kuliyev Sh. M.
Published: November 2018

High-frequency limiting rectifier diodes are used in power sources for rectifying alternating current, in protective elements of radio-electronic equipment, and in switching devices. They are the basis of energy-saving devices, meeting the high requirements for power limit and performance. The main task in the manufacturing process of high-frequency diodes is to ensure the low leakage current and the optimum value of the forward voltage drop which can be compared with the contact potential difference of the p–n junction.
This paper is devoted to studying the effect of radiation exposure and subsequent heat treatment on the current-voltage and capacitance characteristics of high-frequency silicon diodes. The authors studied p+–p–n–n+ diodes made of n-type KEF-4 (ÊÝÔ-4) silicon wafers with an initial thickness of 235 µm. Radiation processing was performed using an ELU-6 (ÝËÓ-6) linear electron accelerator. The integral flux of “fast” electrons ranged from 1,0∙1015 to 2,6∙1017 cm–2, energy was 1.5 MeV, density was 1,7∙1011 — 5,5∙1013 cm–2∙s –1. Heat treatment was performed for 5 hours at a temperature of 90°C in a special chamber.
The studies have shown that heat treatment lead to a shift of the forward current-voltage characteristic to a region of lower voltages (i.e., a given current can be reached at a lower voltage); at low current values, however, the voltage drop may increase after heat treatment. Reverse current decreased fivefold, resulting in a decrease in power output. At the same time, the temporal characteristics of the diode could also be improved by reducing the capacitance (to one order of magnitude)