bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development, construct validity, and reproducibility of a mimetic sealed jar measuring the dynamics of opening
Authors: Ellingson Arin M , McGee Corey , Nuckley David J , Ferkul Michelle , Mathiowetz Virgil G
Published: February 2017

Measurement of the dynamic kinetics involved in opening a jar may enable health care professionals to understand and train individuals in optimal hand/grip mechanics. This technical note details the design, validity, and reproducibility testing of a mimetic jar capable of measuring the forces and moments and isolated digital forces applied to the lid of the jar. An ecological jar instrument was designed with a torque limiter to provide a natural opening mechanism while a six-axis load cell and force sensing resistors recorded the way individuals applied force to the jar and lid during opening of a sealed container. A total of 115 volunteers participated in a validation of the device and an additional 36 participated in repeatability testing. Compared with prior instruments, this mimetic jar provides more force data and a simulated opening experience – making this jar instrument unique. Future studies utilizing the jar designed herein may allow health care professionals to evaluate patients suffering from debilitating osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia or other neuromuscular conditions and offer improvement strategies.
Thai Entrepreneur and Community-Based Enterprises’ OTOP Branded Handicraft Export Performance
Authors: Sitabutr Vipada , Pimdee Paitoon
Published: February 2017

Thailand’s One Tambon One Product (OTOP) branded handicraft and food export program is expected in 2016 to reach nearly US$3 billion, with products coming from approximately 6,000, five-star-ranked community-based and small–medium enterprises countrywide. This study therefore examined influences of perceived quality, perceived price, trust, and satisfaction on enterprise export performance using the OTOP product brand. Structural equation modeling used LISREL Version 9.1 to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis and test the hypothesized interrelationships on the variables’ effect on export performance. The vast majority of the entrepreneurs selected by simple random sampling either owned or worked in groups that had 50 or fewer employees, which represented 472 of the survey’s 500 respondents, or 94.4%. Additional results indicated a high and positive correlation between perceived quality, perceived price, trust and satisfaction, and export performance, with the most significant factor affecting export performance being customer satisfaction. In addition, perceived quality also has a positive and direct effect on trust as well as on the exporter’s customer satisfaction. Perceived price plays a role as well and has a direct and positive impact on both customer satisfaction and a customer’s trust of the exporter. Perceived quality also affects export performance in a direct and positive way with trust having a direct and positive impact on satisfaction.
Critical Race Theory, Afro-Pessimism, and Racial Progress Narratives
Authors: Ray Victor Erik , Randolph Antonia , Underhill Megan , Luke David
Published: February 2017

Much work in the sociology of race and ethnicity centers on an underlying narrative of racial progress. Progress narratives are typically conceptualized as a linear process of slow, yet inevitable, improvement. Drawing on Critical Race Theory and Afro-Pessimism, theoretical perspectives that emerged outside of the discipline of sociology, this paper urges a rethinking of linear progress narratives. First we elucidate the central tenets of these theoretical paradigms. We then apply them to diversity and labor market research, providing suggestions for how sociology can incorporate these perspectives.
Behavioral Economic Approaches to Influencing Children’s Dietary Decision Making at School
Authors: Madden Gregory J. , Price Joseph , Sosa Frank A.
Published: February 2017

The health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables (FVs) are clear, but most children do not eat them regularly. At school, FVs are available, but children often refuse them or throw them away. This review article illustrates the evidence for and against behavioral–economic approaches to increasing FV consumption in schools. Simple but effective interventions include prompting children to take FVs and serving vegetables before other foods are available. Also effective is reducing their handling costs (e.g., serving sliced fruit) and opportunity costs (e.g., scheduling lunch after recess). Still larger improvements can be achieved by improving the taste of FVs, or by incentivizing consumption. Although controversial, even small incentives can produce immediate and lasting effects. Game-based virtual incentives can reduce the costs of incentive systems, while minimizing concerns that children are being bribed into healthy habit formation.
Biofeedback
Authors: Lehrer Paul
Published: February 2017

Although evidence supports the efficacy of biofeedback for treating a number of disorders and for enhancing performance, significant barriers block both needed research and payer support for this method. Biofeedback has demonstrated effects in changing psychophysiological substrates of various emotional, physical, and psychosomatic problems, but payers are reluctant to reimburse for biofeedback services. A considerable amount of biofeedback research is in the form of relatively small well-controlled trials (Phase II trials). This article argues for greater payer support and research support for larger trials in the “real life” clinical environment (Phase III trials) and meta-analytic reviews.
Psychosis-Risk Syndromes
Authors: Macdonald Allison N. , Goines Katrina B. , Novacek Derek M. , Walker Elaine F.
Published: February 2017

Identifying individuals at risk for psychotic disorders is now a major focus of research. The key objectives of this work are to identify mechanisms underlying the emergence of psychosis and predict impending illness, with the goal of developing preventive interventions. Despite notable progress, there is a dearth of ethically informed policies to guide disclosure, documentation, and treatment practices. The limited predictive validity of psychosis-risk criteria and stigma surrounding psychotic disorders hinder such policy development. Thus, several challenging questions remain: Does the psychosis-risk designation achieve an adequate predictive power to indicate risk for a more serious disorder? When and how should individuals learn that they are at risk for a psychotic illness, and should such information be included in medical records? What, if any, treatment recommendations should be made? This article addresses these challenges and frames the central issues confronting ethically informed policies and practices for identifying and treating psychosis-risk syndromes.
Dimensions of Patient Experience and Overall Satisfaction in Emergency Departments
Authors: Tanniru Mohan , Khuntia Jiban
Published: February 2017

Objective:

To determine the correlation between individual patient experience dimensions and overall patient satisfaction using text-based analysis of subjective comments of patients treated in emergency departments.

Methods:

Open-ended comments from 331 patients who visited the emergency departments of 4 hospitals were used for coding different dimensions of patient experience. Regression coefficients were calculated to assess the relationships between dimensions of patient experiences with overall satisfaction.

Results:

Positive and negative experience of nursing, communications, and infrastructure influence the overall satisfaction. Positive experience attributes of overall care quality influence overall satisfaction, whereas negative experience of the same does not have any influence. Further, experiences of interactions with doctors and scheduling do not have any effect on overall satisfaction in emergency departments.

Conclusions:

Emergency departments may get higher overall patient evaluations by focusing on positive aspects of care, nursing, communication, and infrastructure attributes. Doctors and scheduling (emergency) may be considered as expected quality attributes and so not surprising that they did not play a role in overall satisfaction.
What Kind of Urban? A Case Study of Kullu, A Small Indian Town
Authors: Mehra Diya
Published: February 2017

This article examines the kind of urbanisation that is emerging in Kullu, a small but quickly growing North Indian mountain town. It does this both within the context of the town itself, but also by studying its relationship to nearby villages that are increasingly a part of the town’s remit as it emerges as a new metropolitan region.

What the article seeks to highlight is that despite rising incomes, urban and spatial expansion and in-migration, many of the markers of new urban growth commonly found in other metropolitan Indian cities are absent in Kullu. These include increasing corporate real estate development, middle class and public consumptive cultures, neoliberal experiments with governance and rising urban inequality. The article locates the area’s tepid response to the templated ‘new’ Indian urban in a continuing orientation and attunement of Kullu residents to the high alpine Himalayan landscape within which the town is located and by which it is hemmed wherein belonging and dwelling are predicated on a continuing attentiveness to the unfolding landscape, and on rurality, in which many urban residents continue to have a stake. This, even as relatively widespread land distribution among those considered ‘local’ ensures a relatively well-distributed and languid prosperity in the area as a whole.

In this context, the article argues for the rethinking of singular definitions of urbanisation and of the relationship between urban and rural areas, particularly in light of dominant metropolitan experiences, and to consider the alternative forms of urban life that Kullu presents. Simultaneously, however, it discusses new and emerging fault lines that threaten Kullu’s existing rural–urban compact in the concluding section, namely new youth cultures and the building practices of locals themselves.
Brazilian dietary patterns and the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet-relationship with metabolic syndrome and newly diagnosed diabetes in the ELSA-Brasil study
Authors: Drehmer Michele , Odegaard Andrew O. , Schmidt Maria Inês , Duncan Bruce B. , Cardoso Letícia de Oliveira , Matos Sheila M. Alvim , Molina Maria del Carmen B. , Barreto Sandhi M. , Pereira Mark A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Studies evaluating dietary patterns, including the DASH diet, and their relationship with the metabolic syndrome and diabetes may help to understand the role of dairy products (low fat or full fat) in these conditions. Our aim is to identify dietary patterns in Brazilian adults and compare them with the (DASH) diet quality score in terms of their associations with metabolic syndrome and newly diagnosed diabetes in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health-the ELSA-Brasil study.

Methods

The ELSA-Brasil is a multicenter cohort study comprising 15,105 civil servants, aged 35–74 years at baseline (2008–2010). Standardized interviews and exams were carried out, including an OGTT. We analyzed baseline data for 10,010 subjects. Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis. Multivariable logistic regression investigated associations of dietary patterns with metabolic syndrome and newly diagnosed diabetes and multivariable linear regression with components of metabolic syndrome.

Results

After controlling for potential confounders, we observed that greater adherence to the Common Brazilian meal pattern (white rice, beans, beer, processed and fresh meats), was associated with higher frequencies of newly diagnosed diabetes, metabolic syndrome and all of its components, except HDL-C. Participants with greater intake of a Common Brazilian fast foods/full fat dairy/milk based desserts pattern presented less newly diagnosed diabetes. An inverse association was also seen between the DASH Diet pattern and the metabolic syndrome, blood pressure and waist circumference. Diet, light foods and beverages/low fat dairy pattern was associated with more prevalence of both outcomes, and higher fasting glucose, HDL-C, waist circumference (among men) and lower blood pressure. Vegetables/fruit dietary pattern did not protect against metabolic syndrome and newly diagnosed diabetes but was associated with lower waist circumference.

Conclusions

The inverse associations found for the dietary pattern characterizing Brazilian fast foods and desserts, typically containing dairy products, with newly diagnosed diabetes, and for the DASH diet with metabolic syndrome, support previously demonstrated beneficial effects of dairy products in metabolism. The positive association with metabolic syndrome and newly diagnosed diabetes found for the pattern characterizing a typical Brazilian meal deserves further investigation, particularly since it is frequently accompanied by processed meat.

Trial registration NCT02320461. Registered 18 December 2014
Does drug-induced sleep endoscopy change the surgical decision in surgically naïve non-syndromic children with snoring/sleep disordered breathing from the standard adenotonsillectomy? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gazzaz Malak Jamal , Isaac André , Anderson Scott , Alsufyani Noura , Alrajhi Yaser , El-Hakim Hamdy
Published: February 2017

Background

Adenotonsillectomy is the most commonly performed operation for pediatric snoring/sleep disordered breathing (S/SDB). However, 20–40% of patients will fail to improve. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) may provide a more individualized surgical plan and limit unsuccessful surgeries. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of DISE on surgical decision-making in surgically naïve children with S/SDB.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was undertaken at the Stollery Children's Hospital. Patients 3–17 years of age who underwent DISE-directed surgery for S/SDB between January 2009 and December 2015 were eligible. We excluded other indications for tonsillectomy and syndromic children. The primary outcome was the level of agreement between a DISE-based surgical decision and the reference standard based on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines via un-weighted Cohen's kappa. Secondary outcomes included the frequency and type of alternate surgical targets identified by DISE. The agreement on tonsil size between in-office physical assessment and DISE was also calculated. The effectiveness of DISE-directed surgery on postoperative S/SDB was not investigated.

Results

Five hundred fifty-eight patients were included. DISE changed the surgical plan in 35% of patients. Agreement between DISE-based and AAP clinical practice guidelines-based management was low (κ = 0.354 +/- 0.021 [95% CI 0.312–0.395]). An alternate diagnosis or surgical target was identified by DISE in 54% of patients. There was moderate agreement on tonsil size (κ = 0.44 [0.33–0.55]) between DISE and in-office clinical assessment.

Conclusions

This is a first phase diagnostic study, which demonstrates that DISE affects decision-making in surgically naïve children with S/SDB in up to 35% of patients. It has utility in individualizing first stage surgical treatments as well as identifying alternate targets for further surgical or medical therapy, while potentially limiting unsuccessful surgeries. Further studies to examine the effect of DISE on surgical outcomes are required.
Network modeling of liquid flow in Yanchang shale
Authors: Afsharpoor Ali , Javadpour Farzam , Wu Jinqiao , Ko Lucy T. , Liang Quansheng
Published: February 2017

The pore geometry and slip conditions are two principal characteristics of liquid flow in shale noncircular nanopores. We have considered the pore shape and liquid slippage on the pore interior wall in pore-network models of the Yanchang shale in China. Multiple scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the Yanchang shale samples were analyzed to document and summarize various pore shapes and sizes. Fluid-flow behavior in noncircular pores significantly deviates from the flow behavior in circular pores used in many current models. In addition, liquid flow simulations in conventional reservoir systems assume a no-slip flow boundary condition, which is unacceptable in nanoscale pores associated with the Yanchang shale. We studied liquid permeability in the Yanchang shale by developing realistic pore-network models based on nitrogen sorption data and SEM image analysis. The input data to the developed pore-network models include pore-size distribution, total organic carbon, porosity, surface area, pore geometry, and liquid slip length. We found that the effective permeability based on the realistic multigeometry model is significantly higher than the predicted Darcy permeability. The apparent permeability discrepancy between Darcy’s law and the realistic slip-corrected multigeometry model is higher for shale samples with an increasing number of noncircular pores. We also found that neglecting the liquid slip and noncircularity of pores significantly underestimates apparent permeability in Yanchang shale samples.
Ultrasound Elastography for Determination of the Age of Venous Thrombi. Evaluation of Thrombus Evolution in Patients After Sclerotherapy
Authors: Paluch Łukasz , Nawrocka-Laskus Ewa , Dąbrowska Agnieszka , Popiela Tadeusz , Walecki Jerzy
Published: February 2017

Background: Venous thrombosis is a multicausal disease involving intravenous clot formation. It may occur spontaneously or after provoking events, such as traumatic injuries to the pelvis, upper and lower extermities, immobilization, intravascular procedures, including venous catheterization or injection. Color Doppler ultrasonography is a rapid and non-invasive technique for evaluation of venous disease. It is a very sensitive method for detection of thrombi, but has some limitations, e.g. inability to distinguish between an old and fresh thrombus. Elastography as a method for evaluation of tissue elasticity and allows more accurate assessment of venous thombosis. The thrombus solidifies significantly during the process of remodeling, thereby changing elasticity, while the tissues located around the vessel remain unchanged. Moreover, the homogeneity of the thrombus is also changed. These factors allow for exact determination of the age of the thrombus depending on changes of its elasticity.

Material/Methods: The object of this study was to assess thrombus age in patients with saphenous vein insufficiency treated with sclerotherapy. We examined 34 patients, 30 women and 4 men, aged 18–62 years. All short-listed patients with initial 7–8 mm vessel diameter underwent treatment with 3% Aetoxysklerol mixed with CO2 and other respiratory gases. Data acquisition was performed using an Esaote MyLab Twice device with LA523 linear probe.

Results: On the sixth day after the treatment 31 patients presented uniform, hypoechogenic thrombus in B-mode image. Ultrasound-based elasticity images (elastography) showed significant predominant red and green areas. Blue area was either invisible or appeared in insignificant grade on examined area. The mosaic image of colors appeared on 2 patients. On the fourteenth day of study 21 patients still presented hypoechogenic thrombus, whereas mixed echogenicity of thrombus appeared on 11 patients. On 28 examined patients mosaics of red, green and blue colors were observed, with blue color significantly predominating over red color. 3 patients presented mosaics of colors without a predominate color.

Conclusions: Elastography as a method of thrombus evaluation, provides information about relative shrinkage of blood clot. It seems that elasatography can improve accurate assessment of the exact age of thrombus.
Raja asterias population assessment in FAO GFCM GSA17 area
Authors: FERRÀ C. , FABI G. , POLIDORI P. , TASSETTI A. N. , LEONI S. , PELLINI G. , SCARCELLA G.
Published: February 2017

Population structure and distribution of the starry ray, Raja asterias, were described based on data collected during yearly rapido trawl surveys (SoleMon), between 2005 and 2014 in the Northern and Central Adriatic Sea. A total of 306 individuals were caught, sex ratio was 1.04:1 in favor of males and length-weight relationships were obtained for the whole sample. Following the MEDITS scale, maturity was estimated, observing a higher number of immature individuals. Relative abundance significantly increased during the recent period with the highest values recorded at 5-30 m depths. Such increase could be related to the response of R. asterias to climatic change or to the decrease  in fishing pressure in the area. Clear spatial segregation of individuals depending on their life stage was observed, with immature individuals inhabiting the coastal areas and adults more abundant at depths greater than 40 m. The comparison of the result of the present study with MEDITS survey outcomes in terms of  distribution patterns, persistence areas of adults and juveniles and abundances indices, evidences that SoleMon survey seems to be more suitable in defining such features of the stock, likely due to the greater catchability of the rapido trawl in respect to the MEDITS trawl net. However, further investigations are needed to identify factors affecting the increasing abundance of this species, and develop an action plan for spatial management of fishing activities.
Seasonality and trophic diversity in molluscan assemblages from the Bay of Tunis (southern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: ANTIT M. , DAOULATLI A. , URRA J. , RUEDA J. L. , GOFAS S. , SALAS C.
Published: February 2017

Soft bottom molluscan assemblages from the Bay of Tunis have been studied in order to analyse their seasonality and trophic diversity in relation to environmental variables. A total of 147 species of molluscs was identified, with gastropods displaying the highest species richness and bivalves the highest abundances, and including five non-indigenous species such as the dominant ectoparasite Polycerella emertoni. Carnivorous and scavenger gastropods were among the most frequent species, reflecting a diverse benthic community. Seasonal changes were significant, being more acute at 3-4 m than at 10-15 m depth, and were driven mainly by seawater temperature and percentage of organic matter in the sediment. The high affluence of tourists in summer was coincident with high decreases in species richness and abundance of molluscs, together with a strong siltation of the sediment. Nevertheless, most trophic groups remained and the trophic diversity was relatively high. Significant relationships were found between the index of trophic diversity and Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness indices, suggesting that the identity of the species with its particular trophic trait, together with the good distribution of the individuals among the species (density) would be the drivers for the maintenance of the molluscan food web under environmental stress. The abundance of P. emertoni altered the trophic structure of the molluscan assemblage, with the ectoparasite trophic group reaching an unusual punctual higher dominance. Soft bottom molluscan assemblages of the Bay of Tunis should be taken into account in monitoring programs for anthropogenic impacts and non-indigenous species trends throughout the Mediterranean basin.
Soft Bottom Molluscan Assemblages of the Bathyal Zone of the Sea of Marmara
Authors: DOĞAN A. , ÖZTÜRK B. , BİTLİS-BAKIR B. , TÜRKÇÜ N.
Published: February 2017

The present study deals with the soft bottom molluscan species collected from the bathyal zone of the Sea of Marmara in 2013. Replicated samples were taken by a Box Core, sampling an area of 0.1 m2 at 31 stations at the two depth transects, 500 and 1000 m. A total of 1229 individuals belonging to 4 classes and 28 species were collected. Two species (Akritogyra conspicua and Liostomia hansgei) are new records for the marine molluscan fauna of Turkey and four species (Benthonella tenella, Odostomia silesui, Syrnola minuta and Crenilabium exile) are new records for the molluscan fauna of the Sea of Marmara. A relatively richer fauna was determined in 500 m (25 species) than in 1000 m (17 species). The most dominant species at 500 m and 1000 m depths were Crenilabium exile and Parthenina flexuosa, respectively. Number of species and number of individuals varied significantly only between depths while number of individuals changed significantly among basins (ANOVA test). A significant difference in species assemblages between the Tekirdağ and the Central Basins was detected (ANOSIM test). The multivariate analysis showed that the depth was the main factor influencing the molluscan assemblages in the area.
Temporal evolution of sand corridors in a Posidonia oceanica seascape: a 15-years study
Authors: GOBERT S. , LEPOINT G. , PELAPRAT C. , REMY F. , LEJEUNE P. , RICHIR J. , ABADIE A.
Published: February 2017

The spatial dynamic of Posidonia oceanica meadows is a process extending over centuries. This paper shows evidence of the natural dynamics of P. oceanica “shifting intermattes” or “sand corridors” (hereafter SCs): unvegetated patches within a dense meadow. We studied features and temporal evolution (2001-2015) of 5 SCs in the Calvi Bay (Corsica) at 15 m depth and followed the characteristics the P. oceanica meadow lining the edge of patches. All SCs show a similar topography. The eroded side is a vertical edge where roots, rhizomes and sediments are visible, when on the opposite colonized side, the sand is at the same level as the continuous meadow. The vertical edge reaches a maximum height of 160 cm and is eroded by orbital bottom currents with a maximum speed of 12 cm.s-1, the erosion speed ranging from 0.6 to 15 cm.y-1. SCs progress toward the coastline with a mean speed of 10 cm.y-1, the rate of colonization by P. oceanica shoots ranging from 1.5 to 21 cm.y-1. We calculated that the studied SCs would reach the coastline within 500 to 600 years. We finally discuss the implication of such dynamic in the framework of meadows’ colonization assessment and the seascape dynamic.
Phenological and molecular studies on the introduced seaweed Dictyota cyanoloma (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) along the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: ARAGAY J. , VITALES D. , GÓMEZ GARRETA A. , RIBERA SIGUAN M. A. , STEEN F. , DE CLERCK O. , GARNATJE T. , RULL LLUCH J.
Published: February 2017

Dictyota cyanoloma, a distinctive brown algal species characterized by a blue-iridescent margin, was recently reported as an introduced species in the Mediterranean Sea (Steen et al., 2016) but little is known about its distribution dynamics, morphological plasticity and genetic structure. In the present integrative study, we evaluate its past and present occurrence along the Mediterranean Iberian coast, assess the species’ phenology in Palamós (Girona, Spain) and analyze the haplotype diversity by sequencing 49 individuals from nine sampling sites for different chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA regions. Although D. cyanoloma currently occurs along the Mediterranean Iberian coast (in 19 of 36 localities sampled between Algeciras and Llançà, mostly in marinas and harbour environments), we were not able to find any herbarium material of this species (at BCN-Phyc and MA) predating the year 1987. In Palamós, D. cyanoloma is present all through the year, with a maximum development in winter and a minimum in summer. Fertile specimens are absent during summer (July and August). Sporophytes are dominant from January to June and dioecious gametophytes were found only in February, March and June. Information about the antheridia, which has never been described before, is provided. Two chloroplast and three mitochondrial haplotypes were observed, indicating that multiple introductions of D. cyanoloma occurred in the study area. Additionally, the genetic structure suggests that spread did not occur through simple advancing wave fronts but by several long-distance dispersal events. Further studies employing microsatellite markers could potentially offer a better resolution to unravel expansion and colonisation dynamics of D. cyanoloma in the Mediterranean Sea.
New Fisheries-related data from the Mediterranean Sea (November, 2016)
Authors: ANASTASOPOULOU A. , BIANDOLINO F. , CHATZISPYROU A. , HEMIDA F. , GUIJARRO B. , KOUSTENI V. , MYTILINEOU CH. , PATTOURA P. , PRATO E.
Published: February 2017

In this fourth Collective Article, with fisheries-related data from the Mediterranean, we present weight-length relationships for eight deep-sea fish species (Brama brama, Conger conger, Etmopterus spinax, Molva macrophthalma, Mora moro, Pagellus bogaraveo, Phycis blennoides) from the Eastern Ionian Sea; Scyliorhinus canicula from various locations in the Mediterranean Sea and weight-length relationships and condition factor of five Mugilidae species (Liza aurata, Liza saliens, Liza ramada, Mugil cephalus, Chelon labrosus) from a Mediterranean lagoon in the Ionian Sea. Moreover, we present otolith weight, fish length and otolith length relationships of the red mullet (Mullus barbatus) in the Aegean and Ionian Sea and otolith weight relationships in European hake (Merluccius merluccius) from the Greek Seas.
Apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Shapiro Michael D. , Fazio Sergio
Published: February 2017

Cholesterol-rich, apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins are now widely accepted as the most important causal agents of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Multiple unequivocal and orthogonal lines of evidence all converge on low-density lipoprotein and related particles as being the principal actors in the genesis of atherosclerosis. Here, we review the fundamental role of atherogenic apoB-containing lipoproteins in cardiovascular disease and several other humoral and parietal factors that are required to initiate and maintain arterial degeneration. The biology of foam cells and their interactions with high-density lipoproteins, including cholesterol efflux, are also briefly reviewed.
How to recruit employees: a guide to avoiding discrimination
Authors: Ashwood Lee
Published: February 2017

Advertising for a role and choosing who to hire can be surprisingly difficult. Lee Ashwood explains the legal duties and obligations that an employer is under when looking for staff, and discusses the common pitfalls where accusations of discrimination are made
Appearance matters: setting a care home dress code
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: February 2017

The way a home presents itself has a profound and immediate impact on its success as a business. In this article, Consultant Editor Adrian Ashurst explains why staff should maintain a professional appearance, and that this starts with setting a dress code
Choice and CPD
Authors: Clay Bridget
Published: February 2017

Just how important is teacher choice in a CPD programme? Bridget Clay offers some guidance
Políticas de seguridad alimentaria y agricultura familiar en Brasil: actores, ideas e instituciones
Authors: Flexor Georges , Grisa Catia
Published: February 2017

Este artículo analiza la formulación de dos políticas de seguridad alimentaria en Brasil – el Programa de Adquisición de Alimentos (PAA) y el Programa Nacional de Alimentación Escolar (PNAE) - haciendo hincapié el papel de las ideas, los intereses y las instituciones. El establecimiento del PAA remonta 2003, un período caracterizado por la formulacion de la política de Fome Zero (Hambre Cero), una acción pública que fue el abanderado de la política contra la pobreza del primer gobierno de Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Este programa tiene como objetivo promover la seguridad alimentaria por medio de la oferta de alimentos de la agricultura familiar. Las ideas, actores y instituciones que les han dado forma a el PAA fueron también la base para la reformulación de la NEAP. En este sentido, este artículo proporciona no sólo un análisis de dos políticas que son el objeto de la transferencia a otros países (América Latina y África), sino también un "retrato" - limitado, pero informativo – de un período de historia política de Brasil
Le paradoxe de l’eau en Amazonie brésilienne. Le village sans eau dans la région des eaux
Authors: Bordalo Carlos Alexandre
Published: February 2017

Au début du siècle, le Conseil Mondial de l’Eau a déjà réalisé cinq forums mondiaux de l’eau où des données concernant une crise imminente dans l’approvisionnement de l’eau courante ont été présentées. Il s’agit d’un thème qui doit être considéré par tous. Dans cet article, nous présentons une réflexion sur le paradoxe de l’eau en Amazonie brésilienne, dans laquelle nous verrons qu’il n’existe pas de crise de disponibilité de l’eau courante mais une crise due à l’accès inégal à l’eau potable.
Avaliação do potencial fitorremediador de crisântemo em solo com excesso de cobre
Authors: Menegaes Janine Farias , Backes Fernanda Alice Antonello Londero , Bellé Rogério Antonio , Swarowsky Alexandre , Salazar Rodrigo Fernando dos Santos
Published: February 2017

Minimizing the harmful effects of copper (Cu) in the soil, using plants are slow and gradual, requiring the identification of species with fitorremediativa fitness for this process. Thus, the present work had as objective to evaluate the cultivation of chrysanthemum cv. Dark Fiji in soil added with Cu as promising phytoremediation. The experiment was conducted in the period from July to December 2014, in the greenhouse of the Floriculture UFSM. In a completely randomized experimental design, with five treatments composed of doses of Cu added to the soil, in the amounts of 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 mg kg-1 and control (without addition), with five replications. In two crop cycles both with duration of 104 days from the production of seedlings to harvest. Chrysanthemum cuttings were obtained from cuttings collected in the garden clonal itself, with 8 cm long, rooted in commercial substrate and transplanted into containers containing soil. They evaluated phytotechnical parameters and translocation factors of aerial part of bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factor of Cu in plant roots and metal extraction rate. It was observed that at all doses of Cu added to the soil, the plants showed low plant development and floriferous affecting its aesthetic quality in both crop cycles. The high accumulation of Cu in the roots is indicative of growing tolerance, cv. Dark Fiji in areas with excess of this, with phytoremediation potential.
“The Benefits of Their Liberty”:Race and the Eurafricans of Gorée in Eighteenth-Century French Guiana
Authors: Traver Barbara
Published: February 2017

En 1768, plusieurs familles euro-africaines originaires de Gorée, accompagnées de leurs esclaves, arrivèrent en Guyane, dans le cadre d’un projet visant à promouvoir les intérêts coloniaux français. Leur arrivée mit à l’épreuve la hiérarchie raciale tripartite en vigueur en Guyane. Lorsqu’ils protestèrent contre le fait d’être traités comme des gens de couleur libres et se battirent pour faire partie de l’élite (blanche), ainsi qu’il leur avait été promis, ils provoquèrent un débat entre les partisans d’un point de vue « insulaire racialiste » et ceux qui promouvaient un point de vue se fondant sur un « pragmatisme continental ». Les premiers souhaitaient que la colonie devienne une colonie sucrière et défendaient une vision essentialiste « dure » du caractère et des capacités « africains », considérant que toutes les personnes possédant des origines africaines étaient marquées d’un « stigmate indélébile ». Les tenants du « pragmatisme continental », quant à eux, tendaient à souligner les besoins et les dangers exceptionnels de la Guyane et promouvaient une vision « plus douce » du caractère africain, pensant que les traits « africains » négatifs pouvaient disparaître au fur et à mesure que la couleur de peau s’éclaircissait. Durant le débat sur le statut des Goréens, les autorités, tant en Guyane qu’à Versailles, exprimèrent des vues divergentes, voire radicalement opposées, sur la question des races et sur les priorités coloniales. La décision finale de Louis XVI en faveur des Goréens marqua une victoire, quoique limitée, du camp des défenseurs d’une vision « plus douce » de la nature « africaine » et d’un « pragmatisme continental ». Le cas des Goréens illustre non seulement les oppositions entre les représentants des autorités concernant le caractère et les capacités « africains » mais montre également comment des questions stratégiques et géopolitiques ont pu entraver le développement de l’idéologie raciale des systèmes d’esclavage et permettre que des visions moins tranchées s’expriment dans des espaces coloniaux périphériques.
Les Tribunaux Résidentiels:Disputed Jurisdictions in the Protectorate of Cambodia
Authors: Low Sally
Published: February 2017

Cet article examine les questions soulevées par les tribunaux résidentiels, présidés par des administrateurs régionaux (résidents) dans le cadre du protectorat du Cambodge. Ces tribunaux ont joué un rôle important s’agissant du contrôle des populations minoritaires vietnamiennes et chinoises dans les zones rurales. Au nom de la séparation des pouvoirs administratifs et judiciaires, certains fonctionnaires judiciaires en Indochine ont cherché à remplacer ces tribunaux par des autorités judiciaires/cours présidées par des juges au bénéfice d’une formation juridique. Cependant, leurs efforts ont été vigoureusement combattus par les résidents supérieurs successifs du Cambodge, lesquels soutenaient qu’une telle mesure serait préjudiciable à la domination coloniale. Ces controverses mettent en lumière les rôles contradictoires, mais entrelacés, de la justice coloniale. L’application des principes de la justice française aux peuples colonisés faisait partie intégrante de la mission civilisatrice, mais le droit jouait également un rôle dans le maintien de la domination coloniale. Envisagé dans le cadre théorique de jurisdiction, le système judiciaire du protectorat cambodgien est considéré comme un processus constitutif de, et constitué par, la colonisation.
Effect of blended learning to academic achievement
Authors: Ceylan Veysel Karani , Elitok Kesici Ayşe
Published: February 2017

In this study, the effects of blended learning on the middle school students’ academic achievement level and product evaluation scores were investigated. Blended learning provides more effective learning outcome gains through enriching todays’ developing Web Technologies with learning environments. This study was carried out with a total of 53 students enrolled in the experimental group and control group in the 6th grade classrooms during the 2014/2015 school year in a middle school in southwest part of Turkey. The intervention lasted 7 weeks. During the seven weeks, the unit of “problem solving, computer programming and development of Software product”, covered in Educational technologies and Software course, is taught through blended learning environment. The experimental group was taught using blended learning environment which supported with enriched web technologies (such as video-conference, Learning Management System, Discussion blogs , etc.). Whereas the experimental group was given access to all these enriched contents that are presented to the control group only during the classroom environment through present teaching methods.The design of the study includes quantitative method. We collected quantitative data such as academic achievement test and product evaluation scale. Academic achievement test and product evaluation scale were used as quantitative data collection sources. Quantitative data was collected through the evaluation of students’ projects that they developed during the process of the study and the academic achievement tests. During the data analysis phase, independent t-test, frequency and ANOVA tests were used. As a result of this study, it is concluded that blended learning environment had generated a significant difference in students’ academic achievement on behalf of experimental group. Implications of the study for the educational environments were discussed.
The effects of diet and fluid education administered to patients of hemodialysis on some parameters
Authors: Arslan Selda , Bekar Tuncalp Figen
Published: February 2017

Background: It is important to assess the effectiveness of education sessions conducted to increase the quality of life of hemodialysis patients, and reduce mortality and complications.Aim: The study was implemented to evaluate the effect of education given to help hemodialysis patients to adjust to diet and liquid restrictions on the patients’ weight, blood pressure, fluid states and laboratory results.Methods: During the study, every week, two sessions of education were given by the researcher-nurse regarding diet and fluid restriction to patients who received hemodialysis treatment for a period of 8 weeks and parameters were evaluated at the end of the education. The study population consisted of 42 patients who consented to participate in the study between June and December 2014 at the Dialysis Unit of Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine. The study was conducted using the pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design. Patients aged 18 or above who had been receiving hemodialysis treatment at least for one year, did not have extremity amputation or plegia. The patients’ blood pressures, heights, weights and bioimpedance were measured by the researcher-nurse. Average, standard deviation, frequency, number, percentage and paired t test were used in the evaluation of the data.  The patients who received treatment were given information about the purpose and method of the study and their consents were received. Results: It was found that 59.5 % of the patients were female, 47.6 % had primary level of education, 83.2 % were married and 45.2 % were housewives. It was seen that 50 % of the patients who received hemodialysis treatment did not have other chronic diseases, 38.1 % had been receiving hemodialysis for 0-3 years, 59.5 % knew the amount of fluid they needed to take, 45.2 % received 1500-2000 liters of fluid, 52,4 % did not urinate. Significant changes were observed in the patients’ blood pressures before and after the education (systolic p:0,012, diastolic p:0,013) and in their weight when they received dialysis (p:0,000). On the other hand, as far as laboratory data were concerned, significant differences were found before and after the education only in sodium input and output, potassium input and output values, and in extracellular fluid as far as bioimpedance results were concerned. Conclusion: It was found that significant results were obtained in some parameters as a consequence of the education given to the patients. Given that the best control in long hemodialysis treatments is a decrease in fluid load, patients should definitely be given education emphasizing the importance of diet and fluid restriction. It can be suggested education sessions can be given for longer periods to obtain more significant results.
Confucianism’s influence on ethics education in South Korea
Authors: Levent Faruk , Pehlivan Meral
Published: February 2017

One of the main functions of educational institutions is to cultivate individuals of good character. However, this situation necessitates systematic and effective ethics education. In this regard, teachers, the implementers of educational programmes, play a critical role in conveying ethical values to their students. In addition to its success in international student assessment examinations, South Korea is a Far East country distinguished for its continuous focus on the ethical values of individuals and the training of high-quality teachers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of Confucianism on ethics education in South Korea. The implication of this study is that it contributes to the educational sciences literature on teacher training systems and ethics education in South Korea, a country of strong social structure in terms of the value given to education and commitment to Confucian teachings.
Common Mistakes in the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in Turkey. A Retrospective Descriptive Multicenter Study
Authors: Karahan Ali Yavuz , Kaya Bugra , Kuran Banu , Altındag Ozlem , Yildirim Pelin , Dogan Sevil Ceyhan , Basaran Aynur , Salbas Ender , Altınbilek Turgay , Guler Tuba , Tolu Sena , Hasbek Zekiye , Ordahan Banu , Kaydok Ercan , Yucel Ufuk , Yesilyurt Selcuk , Polat Almula Demir , Cubukcu Murat , Nas Omer , Sarp Umit , Yasar Ozan , Kucuksarac Seher , Turkoglu Gozde , Karadag Ahmet , Bagcaci Sinan , Erol Kemal , Guler Emel , Tuna Serpil , Yildirim Ahmet , Karpuz Savas
Published: February 2017

Background: Osteoporosis is a widespread metabolic bone disease representing a global public health problem currently affecting more than two hundred million people worldwide. The World Health Organization states that dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the best densitometric technique for assessing bone mineral density (BMD). DXA provides an accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis, a good estimation of fracture risk, and is a useful tool for monitoring patients undergoing treatment. Common mistakes in BMD testing can be divided into four principal categories: 1) indication errors, 2) lack of quality control and calibration, 3) analysis and interpretation errors, and 4) inappropriate acquisition techniques. The aim of this retrospective multicenter descriptive study is to identify the common errors in the application of the DXA technique in Turkey. Methods: All DXA scans performed during the observation period were included in the study if the measurements of both, the lumbar spine and proximal femur were recorded. Forearm measurement, total body measurements, and measurements performed on children were excluded. Each examination was surveyed by 30 consultants from 20 different centers each informed and trained in the principles of and the standards for DXA scanning before the study. Results: A total of 3,212 DXA scan results from 20 different centers in 15 different Turkish cities were collected. The percentage of the discovered erroneous measurements varied from 10.5% to 65.5% in the lumbar spine and from 21.3% to 74.2% in the proximal femur. The overall error rate was found to be 31.8% (n = 1021) for the lumbar spine and 49.0% (n = 1576) for the proximal femur. Conclusion: In Turkey, DXA measurements of BMD have been in use for over 20 years, and examination processes continue to improve. There is no educational standard for operator training, and a lack of knowledge can lead to significant errors in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
A Case of 2-Year-Old Child with Entero-Enteric Fistula Following Ingestion of 25 Magnets
Authors: Pogorelić Zenon , Borić Matija , Markić Joško , Jukić Miro , Grandić Leo
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Magnet ingestion usually does not cause serious complications, but in case of multiple magnet ingestion or ingestion of magnet with other metal it could cause intestinal obstruction, fistula formation or even perforation. Case report: We report case of intestinal obstruction and fistula formation following ingestion of 25 magnets in a 2-year-old girl. Intraoperatively omega shaped intestinal loop with fistula caused by two magnetic balls was found. Intestine trapped with magnetic balls was edematous and inflamed. Resection of intestinal segment was performed, followed by entero-enteric anastomosis. A total of 25 magnets were removed from resected intestine. Conclusion: Single magnet ingestion is treated as non-magnetic foreign body. Multiple magnet ingestion should be closely monitored and surgical approach could be the best option to prevent or to cure its complications.