bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of indirect calorimetry in assessing of resting metabolic rate in obese children
Authors: Okorokov Pavel L.
Published: May 2018

Basal metabolism accounts for more than half of daily energy expenditure and characterizes energy expenditure necessary to maintain the vital body functions at rest. The lean body mass makes the greatest contribution to the formation of basal metabolism. The «gold standard» for assessing basal metabolism is indirect respiratory calorimetry. This technique also evaluates, apart from basal metabolism, the rate of macronutrient oxidation, which is an important component of a personalized diet. In clinical practice, formulas for calculating basal metabolism are widely used, but their accuracy in children should be verified. Indirect calorimetry is characterized by a high variability of the measured parameters, which is related to the experimental peculiarities. This review briefly describes the main techniques for assessing basal metabolism and the methodology of indirect respiratory calorimetry in adults and its use in the child population. Also, we provide the literature data on the accuracy of assessing basal metabolism in obese children based on the most commonly used calculation formulas. Investigation of the energy metabolism features is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of obesity pathogenesis and develop new techniques for its prevention and treatment.
The psychological component of comprehensive lifestyle modification program in overweight (obese) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Andreeva Svetlana I. , Rudina Larisa M. , Savelyeva Larisa V. , Gurkina Maria V. , Surkova Elena V. , Galstyan Gagik R. , Shestakova Marina V.
Published: May 2018

Background. Despite the emergence of new modern classes of antihyperglycemic medications, lifestyle modification of patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a necessary component of the therapeutic approach in this disease. Clinically significant weight reduction and its maintenance is extremely important, but elusive goal for most patients with T2DM in the real clinical practice. The use of specially developed programs with involvement of the different profiles specialists (endocrinologists, dieticians, psychologists, instructors or сlinical exercise physiologists) can greatly contribute to this task.
Aims — to study individual psychological characteristics in overweight (obese) patients with T2DM and to evaluate the dynamic of these characteristics, anthropometric, clinical and metabolic parameters during the comprehensive lifestyle modification program.
Material and methods. The lifestyle modification program was developed. The main structural components of this program were dietary intervention, dosed individualized exercise intervention, specific model of team psychotherapeutic work (health coaching), comprehensive group education and dynamic medical support of patients with the adaptation of drug therapy. Psychological characteristics of patients, clinical and metabolic parameters and the level of physical activity were assessed before inclusion, at 3 and 12 months of follow-up.
Results. The study was completed by 55 people of 60 (5 people dropped out of the study because of various reasons). There were not undesirable phenomena, directly related to participation in the program. At the end of the study we noted the positive dynamics of psychological characteristics in patients: 15% of men and 22% of women became less inclined to self-blame and hyper-responsibility; the locus of control in a relationship to own capabilities of health management changed from external to internal in 30% of women and 41% of men. 65% of participants achieved clinically significant weight loss (most patients reduced MT by 10% or more) and retained this result during 1 year. Improvement of clinical and metabolic parameters was also noted.
Conclusions. The multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program in overweight (obese) patients with T2DM, the most important part of which was team psychotherapeutic work, showed high effectiveness of both the reduction of MT and the improvement of clinical and metabolic parameters in the long-term period.
Heraclitus’ Political Thought
Authors: Robitzsch Jan Maximilian
Published: May 2018

This paper deals with Heraclitus’ political thought. First, in discussing the conception of cosmic justice, it argues that it is a mistake to separate Heraclitus’ political thought from his cosmological thought. Second, the paper works out two basic principles of Heraclitean political thinking by offering a close analysis of fragment B 114 as well as related texts. According to Heraclitus, (1) there is a standard common and relevant to all human beings in the political realm, namely, thelogos, and (2) ruling well is a matter of grasping thelogosand using it as a guide in all things political. Finally, the paper tackles the notoriously difficult question of whether there are certain forms of political order towards which Heraclitean thought is more or less inclined. According to what may be called the traditional view, Heraclitus is seen as a supporter of an aristocratic political order, while according to what may be called the revisionist view, Heraclitus is classified as a supporter of a democratic political order. The paper concludes that while Heraclitean philosophy is compatible with a plethora of different forms of political order, including democratic ones, the two basic principles of Heraclitean politics that were distinguished above are more conducive to aristocratic forms of political order.
Interaktive Arbeit mit Kunden und Netzwerkpartnern
Authors: Brandl Sebastian , Brussig Martin
Published: May 2018

Das Handeln von Sozialverwaltungen prägt die Teilhabechancen von Personen, die auf staatliche Unterstützung angewiesen sind. Dies gilt in besonderer Weise für die öffentliche Arbeitsvermittlung, werden durch sie doch die Chancen zur Erwerbsteilhabe beeinflusst. Für ein angemessenes Verständnis der Arbeit in der öffentlichen Arbeitsvermittlung ist ein Konzept von Arbeit erforderlich, das den Besonderheiten dieses Tätigkeitsfeldes Rechnung trägt. Der Beitrag geht anhand konzeptioneller Überlegungen und empirischer Beobachtungen der Frage nach, ob Arbeit in der öffentlichen Arbeitsvermittlung unter Einbezug oftmals notwendiger externer Kooperationen als eigenständiger Typ von interaktiver Dienstleistungsarbeit zu verstehen ist.
Application of Photonic Crystal Ring Resonators for Realizing All Optical Demultiplexers
Authors: Serajmohammadi Somaye , Alipour-Banaei Hamed , Mehdizadeh Farhad
Published: May 2018

Transmission efficiency, quality factor, crosstalk levels and number of output channels are the most crucial parameters in designing optical demultiplexers, suitable for wavelength division multiplexing applications. In this paper we proposed an 8-channel optical demultiplexer based on photonic crystal ring resonator. For performing wavelength selection task we used eight ring resonators. The resonance wavelength of the ring resonators depends on the dimensions of the ring core, therefore we choose eight different values for the lattice constant of the ring resonators core section. The average channel spacing of the structure is about 3 nm the transmission efficiency in most of the channels is equal or more than 99 % except in one channels whose transmission efficiency is 85 %.
Cannibalism and cultural manipulation: How Morier is received in the Persian literary canon
Authors: Fatollahi Moslem
Published: May 2018

Post-colonialism and orientalism have inspired literary scholars to study various aspects of literature and literary translation in the post-colonial era. One of the implications of post-colonialism for literature as a discipline is the idea of cannibalism and cultural manipulation. This corpus-based study aims to analyze the notions of “cultural manipulation” or “cannibalism” in the Persian translation of Haji Baba by Mirza Habib Isfahani, to explore the translator’s strategy, as an intercultural mediator, in modulating the source novel’s colonial stance and adapting it to the religious, literary and cultural tastes of the Iranians. Our findings reveal that two main techniques—of omission and euphemism—have been applied in rendering the novel into Persian. Using these techniques, the translator has attempted to challenge the imperial stance of the main writer and come up with a version of the source novel which is much less insulting to Iranians’ cultural values. That is why this translation has been widely received as a literary masterpiece in Persian literature. One implication is that it might be claimed that cannibalism and cultural manipulation can be used to explain the trend of manipulating western literature in countries which have never been colonized, but that have suffered from the colonial stance of colonial writers.
Research and educational potential of feminist care ethics in sex education
Authors: Jesenková Adriana , Minarovičová Katarína
Published: May 2018

In this article, we interpret sex education from the perspective of feminist care ethics, emphasizing the concept of caring democracy, advanced by Joan Tronto one of the most influential feminist political theorists. According to Tronto, these theories show that a deficit of care and a lack of democracy are mutually conducive. We argue that, as in other areas of life, a lack of care in sexuality and sex education leads to social inequalities that eventually translate into an unequal approach to freedom, equality, and justice, and to a deficit of democracy in the lives of some people. At the same time, we believe that, as a moral theory, care ethics, with its emphasis on the needs of men and women, can be adequately applied to the design of research projects, as well as to sexuality policies and practices. This may contribute to overcoming the stalemate in the debate on sex education and other topics in Slovakia.
INTELLIGENT CONTROL OF ELECTRICAL DRIVE SYSTEM USED FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Authors: Silaghi Helga , Gamcova Maria , Silaghi Andrei Marius , Spoială Viorica , Silaghi Alexandru Marius , Spoială Dragoş
Published: May 2018

An electric vehicle (EV) uses an electric motor for traction and chemical batteries, superconductors, combustion cells and / or inertial masses as energy sources. To avoid problems regarding the accuracy of the mathematical model of the system, the use of artificial intelligence in electric drives is a viable alternative. Among other advantages of using artificial intelligence in the electric drive system, it can be emphasized that its application reduces the design time and leads to avoiding problems with the introduction of the mathematical model in the system control algorithm. This paper presents several case studies of electrical vehicles and some considerations about intelligent control of EVs. Finally some experimental results that compare classical control system with fuzzy logic control system for EV are presented.
THE MAJOR PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE ACTIONS OF THE ELECTRIC EQUIPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
Authors: Cazacu Emil , Petrescu Lucian , Petrescu Maria-Cătălina
Published: May 2018

In modern low-voltage electrical installations, the predictive maintenance of the major electrical equipments involved in the power delivery process (transformers) or in the conversion of the electrical energy (especially electric motors) becomes mandatory. Thus, a high level of reliability and safety is assured for both the electric facility and operators. The proactive maintenance is to be non-invasively performed and mainly requires an infrared (IR) thermographic inspection and power quality analysis of the installation loads. A vibration investigation is also necessary for the motor drive systems. The paper critically studies the first two main maintenance procedures revealing their main characteristics, performances and limits. A case-study presents a 1000 kVA distribution transformer that supplies a bakery facility that comprised mainly heaters and inductions motors as loads.
MONITORING A SEMAPHORED CROSSROADS USING FPGA DE0
Authors: Predusca G. , Bogdan M.
Published: May 2018

Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is a worldwide movement meant to use advanced technology to make the ground transport systems more efficient, clogging-free, more secure and less polluting. The present technologies permit the development of applications for traffic monitoring in a semaphored crossroads. The solution proposed is a low-cost one, using FPGA DE0 development platform. The implementation and simulation of the application have been realized in Quartus II 13.1 and the diagrams corresponding to the outputs and inputs have been obtained using ModelSim- Altera 10.1d.
WAVELET AND FOURIER DECOMPOSITION BASED PERIODIC NOISE REMOVAL IN MICROSCOPY IMAGES
Authors: Ionita M.G. , Coanda H.G.
Published: May 2018

The microscopy images can be affected by periodic noise, resulting in quality degradation and the appearance of repetitive patterns on the micrograph. In order to effectively remove the periodic noise, a new adaptive method is proposed in this paper. The presented approach analyzes the frequency domain of the first order Haar Wavelet transform, determines the frequency regions that correspond to noise and corrects the magnitude spectrum components of the undecomposed DFT transform of the image. Experimental results are provided.
THE STATE OF INTER-ETHNIC RELATIONS IN MACEDONIA AFTER 16 YEARS OF THE OHRID AGREEMENT
Authors: Demjaha Agon
Published: May 2018

Inter-ethnic relations between Albanians and Macedonians in Macedonia have been rather problematic since the times of former Yugoslavia. After independence, the new constitution of the Republic of Macedonia instead of improving it has further downgraded the position of Albanians and other minorities living in the country. The non-fulfilment of Albanians’ core demands led to an armed conflict in 2001. The Ohrid Agreement has in addition to ending the armed conflict, also provided for a range of legislative and policy measures to improve the position of the Albanians by ensuring equality and minority protection. However, 16 years after the Ohrid Agreement, inter-ethnic relations in Macedonia still remain burdened by prejudice and stereotypes, rather than cooperation and mutual prosperity. The main aim of the paper is to analyse the state of inter-ethnic relations in Macedonia, with special focus on relations between ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians. The paper also offers an analysis of main factors that contribute to inter-ethnic tensions in the country and explores possible scenarios in the future. The most relevant part of the paper analyses the causality between inter-ethnic and interstate relations. The paper claims that similarly to most of the countries in the Western Balkans, inter-ethnic and interstate relations are basically the components of the same equation. The paper concludes that in Macedonia, Kosovo rather than Albania is much more relevant for the causality between inter-ethnic and interstate relations in Macedonia, and it also offers several reasons to support such thesis. Accordingly, the overall inter-ethnic relations between Macedonians and Albanians in Macedonia heavily depend on inter-state relations between Macedonia and Kosovo and vice versa.
THE LEGAL REASONING OF THE PRESIDENT’S RIGHT TO ISSUE PARDONS
Authors: Arifi Besa
Published: May 2018

Presidential pardon has always existed in criminal law and continues to constitute a very important competence of the head of state in many modern day countries. In the past, the clemency given by the sovereign (usually the king/queen or the emperor/empress) represented an act which showed his/her mercy upon their subjects. It was often used as a tool to show the arbitrary will of the sovereign that constituted the law, rather than the law itself. Therefore, the classical school of criminal law that appeared in the 18th century and emphasized the importance of the principle of legality, opposed harshly every kind of arbitrary deciding that excluded the law at the interest of the sovereign. This school is among the only interpretations of criminal law that engages for a complete abandonment of institutes such as pardon or amnesty. The revolutionary French Penal Code of 1791, which was strongly influenced by the classical school, excluded clemency for the proved wrongs that were severely punished. However, due to imperfections of the criminal justice system, amnesty (given by the parliament) and pardon or clemency (given by the head of the state), continue to exist and to be used in modern day criminal law. They are no longer considered acts of arbitrary decisions of the sovereign, instead they should represent important instruments of criminal law, used rarely and wisely with specifically designed goals that aim to bring justice rather than deny it. However, there are many cases when these institutes have been inappropriately used in a very arrogant way which shows that the ancient regime is not yet over for some countries in which the highest institutions continue to act as old and middle age despots. This article will analyze the legal reasoning of the institution of presidential pardon. It will try to establish why the classical school was so strictly opposed to this institute making use of the studies and interpretations found in the writings of Cesare Beccaria. It will explain the philosophy of modern day institutions of amnesty and pardon and the way in which they are regulated in the legal theory and practice. The article will explain the recent developments in Macedonia in regard to the use of presidential pardon. The methods to be used consist of desk research, historical and comparative methods and analysis of legal texts, laws and judicial decisions.
IMPROVING INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES THROUGH UNIVERSITY ERP: A STUDY OF THE ACADEMIC PLANNING MODULE DEVELOPMENT AT SEEU
Authors: Chaushi Blerta Abazi , Dika Zamir , Chaushi Agron
Published: May 2018

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are used by universities to handle the academic services and business processes while providing enhanced experience and services to students. This study begins with a background review of ERPs in higher education institutions, the impact on the business processes through optimization and the importance of critical success factors for easier implementation. Secondly, Academic Planning, a core part of the student module of ERPs for higher education, is analyzed in this paper from the prism of data integration, business process workflow, and process optimization. The issues that arise with development of a module are addressed through a case study at SEE-University. The data and business process workflows are based on an actual study by real implementation at this institution. The findings from this study will serve other universities who are in the process of implementation of an ERP to ease their development process and improve the efficiency of the services provided. Main contribution of this study is that it reduces the gap in literature and practice for issues and solutions that arise with the development of a new system, especially in higher education institutions, which in turn are very scarce in nature.
ELLIPSIS IN THE MACEDONIAN NOUN PHRASE
Authors: Zdravkovska-Adamova Blagojka
Published: May 2018

The aim of our paper is to present noun phrase ellipsis as a cohesive tie in the Macedonian language. We will start our paper briefly discussing a few definitions of the term ellipsis, emphasizing our understanding of this term, and more concretely its meaning when occurring in the NP. Namely, we define ellipsis as a complex phenomenon. In linguistics, it means the omitting of linguistic elements that need to be understood from the context, where the recipient should adequately fill the grammatically allowable gap. Then we will refer to different kinds of ellipsis in Macedonian, starting with our main issue - ellipsis in the noun phrase. Elliptical NP is cohesive and usually refers anaphorically to another NP. But the main question is how much of the full noun phrase is involved in the elliptical NP in Macedonian. For that purpose, we will analyze examples to define which elements of the NP can be omitted and under which conditions. Examples of cataphoric ellipsis are also included. When there is an ellipsis of the center of the phrase, the other element of the NP functions as the center of the phrase. For more precision research, we will use examples of different functional styles in Macedonian. The examples will be given first in Macedonian (M), and then translated into English (E). Our conclusion will be presented through graphs.
Multi-Technique Residual Stress Measurements to Quantify Stress Relief of 7085-T7452 Aluminum Die Forgings
Authors: Olson Mitchell D. , Spradlin Thomas J. , DeWald Adrian T. , Hill Michael R.
Published: May 2018

This article describes the use of complementary residual stress measurements to quantify cold-work stress relief in die forgings used for monolithic unitized aerospace components. Two specimens were used, being nominally identical, but measured at different processing stages: one that was die forged and quenched (high residual stress state) and one having a post-quench, cold-work stress relief (low residual stress state). Multi-component residual stress maps were developed using multiple techniques along a single measurement plane (axes of this plane run parallel to the nominal long-transverse [x-direction] and short-transverse directions [y-direction]). The measurement techniques were energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD), neutron diffraction (ND), and primary slice removal (PSR) biaxial mapping. Good agreement was found between the EDXRD and PSR biaxial mapping measurements. In the high-stress specimen, measured stress normal to the measurement plane (z-direction [L]) is highly compressive along the part exterior (−300 MPa) and highly tensile toward the center (250 MPa), as typical of quenched aluminum. Stress along the x-direction has a similar spatial distribution but smaller magnitude (−200 MPa to 130 MPa). The measured stresses in the cold-worked, low-stress specimen are significantly lower, with z-direction and x-direction stresses ranging between −130 MPa and 75 MPa.
Revisión Narrativa: elementos que la constituyen y sus potencialidades
Authors: Zillmer Juliana Graciela Vestena , Díaz-Medina Blanca Alejandra
Published: May 2018

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Jazida
Authors: Lugares-Livro: dimensões poéticas e materiais (UFPEL) Grupo de pesquisa
Published: May 2018

O presente Ensaio Visual reúne e apresenta parte da proposição artística chamada JAZIDA, desenvolvida junto ao grupo de pesquisa Lugares-Livro: dimensões poéticas e materiais, projeto ativo desde 2013 no Centro de Artes/UFPel, que busca propor o pensamento sobre a produção de livros em especial Livros de Artista. A proposição teve início com inventário bibliográfico existente na casa de cada um dos membros do grupo e realizado por via fotográfica a qual seguiu uma metodologia e culminou com uma colagem coletiva no tapume da obra de construção da Biblioteca do Instituto de Ciências Humanas/UFPel. MINEThis visual essay presents and reunites part of the proposition called JAZIDA (MINE), developed by the Research Group Book-Places: poetic dimensions and materials, a project of the Centro de Artes, Federal University of Pelotas(UFPel), active since 2013, which seeks to generate reflection about the production of books and, particularly, artists’ books. The proposition began with a bibliographical inventory of the books found at each group member’s home, using a specific methodology, culminating  in a group collage posted on the plywood construction fence at the construction site of the Library of Human Sciences of UFPel, on the 22nd of April, 2015, on the eve of commemorating World Book Day.
Problems of Families of Patients after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Antczak-Komoterska Anna , Filipska Karolina , Raszka Anna
Published: May 2018

Stroke is a clinical syndrome associated with sudden onset of focal or global brain dysfunction. Causes of stroke are disorders of blood circulation, resulting in brain damage. As a result, intra-cerebral imbalances occur.A stroke has often resulted in neurological changes and, consequently, functional difficulties. The patient needs help with self-care and self-service. A significant role is played by the patient’s family, which requires commitment to meet the needs and reduce deficits. Difficulties in the care of the patient include, but are not limited to, living conditions, family relationships, social roles and lack of knowledge about the disease. The role of the people taking care of the patient is to reduce deficits, meet needs and improve the quality of life of the patient.The aim of the study is to identify the problems of the families of patients suffering from cerebral stroke. Literature analysis will show significant difficulties that arise from deficits and the need for immediate action in the area of patient care to improve the quality of life. (JNNN 2017;6(3):126–129)
The Quality of Life of a Teenager with Rasmussen’s Encephalitis — Case Report
Authors: Lewicka Marta , Barczykowska Ewa , Małecka Bogumiła , Kontna Ewa
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Rasmussen’s Syndrome (RE), is a rare type of chronic focal encephalitis (CFE) of unexplained etiology and progressive course. It is characterized by resistant to treatment epileptic seizures. Mainly, these are epilepsy partialis continua (EPC) seizures. In the course of the disease, regress of cognitive function and progressive neurological deficits follow, primarily, hemiparesis. Quality of life examination is an expression of a holistic approach towards the patient. These studies are really important in the chronic diseases. Apart from the time of survival, they may be the dependent variable in the models of, treatment effectiveness of and care assessment.Case Report. The case study concerns a 15- year-old sick girl, whose neurological condition, has been steadily deteriorating — aphasia and dementia dominate, hemiparesis is low. The assessment of the quality of the patient’s life was assessed by the pediatric quality of life questionnaire (PedsQL 4.0)Discussion. Subjective assessment of the quality of life assessed by the patient, is a source of information, which is often different from the assessment made by the girl’s mother. Furthermore, subjective evaluation suggests for existence of patient’s needs that are imperceptible, which require professional care and assistance outside the hospital environment.Conclusions. The patient with RE is characterized by complexity and a multitude of health problems. According to the assessment made by the girl the quality of her life is lower compared to the answers given by the mother. (JNNN 2018;7(1):33–39)
Tears in Paradise
Authors: Yu Esther
Published: May 2018

The “tender conscience” of seventeenth-century British discourse redirected the course of political history and the history of the emotions. In the 1640s, the unimpeachable repute of the tender conscience as a spiritual identity provided lay citizens with the authority needed to voice political dissent. The growing antiprelatical movement found in the tender conscience a ready-made resistance theory. For John Milton, the work of defining this conscience is so closely tied to arguments for the legitimacy of revolutionary action that his oeuvre can be read as a protracted struggle to establish its boundaries.
Prophets Genuine and Spurious
Authors: Lecourt Sebastian
Published: May 2018

This essay uses the overlapping cases of Victorian comparative religion and the Victorian Jesus novel to explore the vexed function of comparative types in nineteenth-century writing. Where Victorian comparative religion, with its concept of the generic founder type, had a surprisingly hard time validating the lives of particular individuals, evangelical Jesus novels were able to make use of historical realism in a way that standard portraits of the novel as a secularizing genre seldom anticipate.
Vitamin D supplementation does not improve CVD risk factors in vitamin D-insufficient subjects
Authors: Kubiak Julia , Thorsby Per Medbøe , Kamycheva Elena , Jorde Rolf
Published: May 2018

Objective

Low serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and some of its risk factors. However, in interventional studies, the effects of vitamin D supplementation have been uncertain, possibly due to inclusion of vitamin D-sufficient subjects. Our aim was therefore to examine effects of vitamin D supplementation on CVD risk factors in vitamin D-insufficient subjects.

Design

Double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A 4-month interventional study with high-dose vitamin D (100,000 IU loading dose, followed by 20,000 IU/week) or placebo with measurements of blood pressure, lipids (total-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A1 and B), and glucose metabolism parameters (blood glucose, HbA1c, serum human receptors for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), insulin, C-peptide and HOMA-IR).

Results

A total of 422 subjects with mean serum 25(OH)D level 34 nmol/L were included, with 411 subjects completing the study. Serum 25(OH)D levels increased with 56 nmol/L and decreased with 4 nmol/L in the vitamin D and placebo group, respectively. We found no statistically significant differences between the two groups in any of the measured CVD risk factors, except for a minor increase in sRAGE in the vitamin D group. Stratified analyses of subjects with low baseline serum 25(OH)D levels alone, or combined with blood pressure, lipid and HOMA-IR values above the median for the cohort, did not skew the results in favour of vitamin D supplementation.

Conclusion

Supplementation with vitamin D in subjects with baseline vitamin D insufficiency does not improve CVD risk factor profile.
Ovarian steroid dependence of endoplasmic reticulum stress involvement in endometrial cell apoptosis during the human endometrial cycle
Authors: Choi Jong Yeob , Jo Min Wha , Lee Eun Young , Lee Dong-Yun , Choi Doo Seok
Published: May 2018

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a common cellular stress response that enhances apoptosis to trigger cell death. However, recent studies have shown that estrogen suppresses apoptosis by inhibiting ER stress in some cell types, suggesting that ER stress-induced apoptosis is regulated by ovarian steroid hormones. In endometrial cells, ER stress may also be controlled by ovarian steroid hormones and could be involved in apoptosis induction during the menstrual cycle. To test this hypothesis, we elucidate whether ER stress is regulated by ovarian steroid hormones in human endometrial cells and if it is involved in apoptosis induction. Specifically, we sought to determine the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway, a pro-apoptotic pathway mediated by ER stress. Our results show that ER stress maker GRP78 expression was increased in human endometrial Ishikawa and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) treated with tunicamycin. Addition of estrogen decreased tunicamycin-induced GRP78 expression. In contrast, progesterone treatment increased GRP78 in estrogen-treated Ishikawa and ESCs, which significantly increased CHOP expression through phosphorylation of eIF2α and upregulation of ATF4. This upregulation was accompanied by an increased apoptosis induction. The progesterone-induced increase in apoptosis was reversed by either mifepristone (progesterone receptor modulator) or salubrinal (ER stress inhibitor). Furthermore, our in vivo results also showed that GRP78, CHOP expression and apoptosis were significantly increased in endometrial cells during the secretory phase as well as by in vitro treatment with progesterone. In conclusion, our results suggest that estrogen inhibits ER stress in human endometrial cells. This inhibition is reversed by progesterone during the secretory phase, and this is directly involved in apoptosis induction.
Influence of Homocysteine and Vertebral Fractures on prevalent Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Postmenopausal Women: A multicentric cross-sectional study
Authors: GHOZLANI Imad , EL MAATAOUI Aissam , MOUNACH Aziza , GHAZI Mirieme , KHERRAB Anass , OUZZIF Zhor , NIAMANE Radouane , EL MAGHRAOUI Abdellah
Published: May 2018

The main of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma homocysteine (Hcy), asymptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VFs) using vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) and prevalent abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in Moroccan postmenopausal women. The study cohort consisted of 188 consecutive postmenopausal women with no prior known diagnosis of osteoporosis or taking medication interfering with bone metabolism. Mean age, weight, height, body mass index and plasma homocysteine were determined. Lateral VFA images and scans of the lumbar spine and proximal femur were obtained using a Lunar Prodigy Vision densitometer (GE Healthcare Inc., Waukesha, WI). VFs were defined using a combination of Genant’s semiquantitative approach and morphometry. VFA images were also scored for prevalent AAC using a validated 24 point scale. Fifty-eight (30.9%) patients had densitometric osteoporosis. VFs were identified using VFA in 76 (40.4%) patients: 61 women had grade 1 VFs and 15 had grade 2 or 3 VFs. One hundred twenty nine women (68.6%) did not have any detectable AAC, whereas the prevalence of significant atherosclerotic burden defined as AAC score of 5 or higher, was 13.8%. A significant positive correlation between AAC score and homocysteine was observed. Women with extended AAC, were older, had a lower weight, BMI and BMD, higher homocysteine levels and more prevalent VFs than women without extended AAC. Multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of extended AAC was significantly associated with Age and grade 2/3 VFs and not independently associated with homocysteine levels. This study did not confirm that homocysteine is important determinant of extended AAC in postmenopausal women. However, this significant atherosclerotic marker is independently associated with VFs regardless of age
Professional Development of Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers for Collaboration with Parents / Profesionalni razvoj odgajatelja i učitelja za rad s roditeljima
Authors: Mandarić Vukušić Anita
Published: May 2018

AbstractWith initial education, practice and lifelong learning, educational staff develop knowledge, skills, abilities, as well as values and attitudes necessary for holistic approach to child development. Beliefs and attitudes can significantly determine how an individual will act. Therefore, in order to determine the differences in child-rearing beliefs and the image of the child between parents in teaching and non-teaching professions, a survey was conducted on a sample of 544 respondents with completed tertiary education. The sample consisted of 247 parents in teaching professions (kindergarten teachers, teachers, pedagogues) and 297 parents in non-teaching professions (economics, law, healthcare, engineering). The general hypothesis of this research was that there is no difference in child-rearing beliefs and the image of the child between parents in teaching and non-teaching professions. However, the results have revealed some differences. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers, more so than respondents in other professions, think that it is not necessary at all to use corporal punishment, but to be more actively involved instead and use induction in the upbringing of children. They also have a more contemporary view of the image of the child. Based on all the obtained results, it is possible to conclude that educational staff should be more engaged in the development of parental competence.Key words: collaboration with parents; educational competence; teaching professions; professionalism.---SažetakPedagoški djelatnici inicijalnim obrazovanjem, praksom i trajnim usavršavanjem osim znanja, vještina i sposobnosti, razvijaju vrijednosti i stavove potrebne za poticanje cjelovitog razvoja djeteta. Uvjerenja i stavovi mogu znatno odrediti djelovanje pojedinaca. Stoga je s ciljem utvrđivanja razlike u uvjerenjima o odgoju djece i slici djeteta između roditelja pedagoških i nepedagoških zanimanja provedeno istraživanje na uzorku od 544 visokoobrazovana ispitanika. Uzorak je činilo 247 roditelja pedagoških zanimanja (odgojitelji, učitelji, nastavnici, pedagozi) i 297 roditelja nepedagoških zanimanja (ekonomisti, pravnici, zdravstveni djelatnici, inženjeri). Iako se u istraživanju krenulo od generalne hipoteze da ne postoji razlika u uvjerenjima o odgoju djece i slici djeteta između roditelja pedagoških i nepedagoških zanimanja, rezultati su pokazali postojanje razlike. Ispitanici koji su po zanimanju odgojitelji i učitelji više nego ispitanici drugih zanimanja smatraju da u odgoju djece nije potrebno tjelesno kažnjavanje, već da treba biti više aktivno uključen i koristiti se indukcijom. Također, imaju suvremeniji pogled na sliku djeteta. Na temelju svih rezultata moguće je zaključiti da postoji potreba većeg angažmana pedagoških djelatnika u poticanju razvoja pedagoške kompetencije roditelja.Ključne riječi: pedagoške kompetencije; pedagoško zanimanje; profesionalnost; suradnja s roditeljima.
Social Environment and the Quality of Social Interactions: The Perspective of Future Preschool Teachers / Socijalno okruženje i kvaliteta socijalnih interakcija: perspektiva budućih odgojitelja
Authors: Vujičić Lidija , Čamber Tambolaš Akvilina , Navratil Tamara
Published: May 2018

AbstractInitial education of future preschool teachers is discussed in the context of them being researchers of their own educational practice, who, on a daily basis, think about and discuss their work. Even at university level, students should be encouraged to develop competencies that will help them build their professional knowledge in interaction with other students.We will present the results of research on practical exercises for students as part of the course Integrated Curriculum of Early and Preschool Education within university undergraduate study Early and Preschool Education. The purpose of this research is to carry out an analysis of the frequency of situations from the social environment that influence the quality and direction of children's interactions. The instrument for data collection consisted of video recordings of children’s and students’ activities. The total material consisted of 660 video recordings, 174 reflections and self-reflections of students. After their analysis, we designed a written protocol (a posteriori), which formed the basis of the content analysis.The research results show that, during their initial education, students perform exercises in kindergarten as a form of reflexive practice, and in that way they develop the skills of reflexive practitioners who continuously evaluate the effects of their own achievements.Keywords: initial education of preschool teachers; reflexive practitioner; social interaction.---SažetakO inicijalnom obrazovanju studenata budućih odgojitelja raspravlja se kao o istraživačima odgojno-obrazovne prakse koji svakodnevno razmišljaju i raspravljaju o svome radu. Već na fakultetima studente treba poticati na razvoj kompetencija kojima će moći graditi svoje profesionalno znanje u interakciji s drugim studentima.Predstavit će se rezultati istraživanja o praktičnim vježbama studenata, odnosno refleksivnom praktikumu unutar kolegija Integrirani kurikulum ranog i predškolskog odgoja i obrazovanja na sveučilišnom preddiplomskom studiju Rani i predškolski odgoj i obrazovanje. Svrha istraživanja je sadržajna analiza učestalosti situacija iz socijalnog okruženja koje su utjecale na kvalitetu i smjer dječjih interakcija. Instrument za prikupljanje podataka činile su videosnimke aktivnosti djece i studenata. Ukupan materijal sastojao se od 660 videozapisa i 174 refleksije i samorefleksije studenata. Nakon njihove analize, pristupilo se izradi pisanog protokola (a posteriori) koji je činio temelj sadržajne analize.Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da studentice tijekom svoga inicijalnog obrazovanja, provedbom vježbi u dječjem vrtiću kao refleksivnih praktikuma, razvijaju sposobnost refleksivnog praktičara koji kontinuirano vrednuje učinke svojih postignuća.Ključne riječi: inicijalno obrazovanje odgojitelja; refleksivni praktičar; socijalna interakcija.
Clinical and Patient-Related Outcomes of a Tapered Implant System With Switched Platform Conical Abutments: A Private Practice Field Trial
Authors: Horwitz Jacob , Machtei Eli E. , Frankental Shai , Gabay Eran , Mayer Yaniv , Joseph Livia , Cohen Omer
Published: May 2018

The aim of this prospective cohort observational field trial was to examine 1-year survival and success rates of a recently introduced tapered implant system with switched platform conical abutments and to evaluate patient related outcomes of therapy. Partially edentulous patients aged between 18 and 75 years, with available bone height for dental implants ≥10 mm desiring to restore the missing tooth/teeth with implant supported restoration, were recruited by 7 periodontists in their respective private practices. Dental implants were installed according to standard implant therapy protocol. Three to 6 months postoperatively, after evaluating interim implant success, implants were restored by the referring dentists. Patient, Ramfjord teeth, and implant data, including baseline and 1-year postoperative, were collected. A total of 60 patients were recruited and received 117 implants. Complete 1-year clinical and radiographic data were available for 83 and 65 implants, respectively. Two implants failed during the first year, resulting in a 1-year survival rate of 98.3%. Mean implant probing pocket depth was 2.29 ± 0.84 mm. Mean radiographic bone distance from implant's shoulder at the mesial and distal sites at 1 year was 0.66 ± 0.5 and 0.79 ± 0.64mm, respectively, resulting in a success rate of 95.4%. Patient subjective evaluation of therapy exhibited a median pain experience of 1 and median esthetics, function, and general satisfaction evaluation of 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. The tapered conical connection dental implant system, used in private dental practices, shows good 1-year survival and success rates that are similar to other implant systems on the market.
The Nature of Household Labor Income Risk
Authors: Pruitt Seth , Turner Nicholas
Published: May 2018

What is the nature of labor income risk facing households? We answer this question using detailed administrative data on household earnings from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. By analyzing total household labor earnings as well as each member's earnings, we offer several new findings. One, households face substantially less risk than males in isolation. Second, households face roughly half the countercyclical increase in risk that males face. Third, spousal labor income ameliorates household earnings risk through both extensive and intensive margins.
Table of Contents
Authors: Bass Jordan
Published: May 2018

Table of Contents for Volume Four, Issue One
Mission and Purpose
Authors: Bass Jordan
Published: May 2018

Mission and Purpose for Volume Four, Issue One
DNA extraction from gram negative bacteria for ONT MinION sequencing v1
Authors: Judd Louise
Published: May 2018

This is the protocol I have developed to genterate High'ish' Molecular Weight gDNA from gram negative bacterial speices to use for ONT MinION sequencing. This protocol was intially developed for the high throughput extraction of bacterial gDNA for Illumina short read sequencing. To perform our high throughput work we utislise Beckman Coulter Biomek liquid handling robots and the Beckman Coutler gDNA extraction kit Genfind v2. This kit utilises magnetic pariticles and is relatively gentle. We have found that gDNA extracted using this method has a high'ish' molecular weight. On a fragment analyser the GNDA is typically a clean single peak >60 kb (the limits of the fragment analyser). ONT MinION libraries generated wiht this gDNA typically have N50s in excess of 20 kb and the data is suitable for the assembly automated of almost bacterial genomes we have tested to date. This protocol will not give you the ultra long 'whale' reads that others have reported but it is a good compromise between HMW DNA, speed and ease of use and capacity to scale up to high throughput. NOTE We have found that gDNA extracted using this method often have underepresentation of smaller plamids (<20kbp). We are not sure exactly why this happens but possible reason are; the circular replicons do not bind as readily to the magnetic particles and so are excluded from the extraction or the plamids remain circule and so are not availabe to adapter ligation in the library prep. I will upload an additonal protocol for gDNA extraaction that focuses on enrichment of plasmid sequences.
Teaching and Learning Beliefs of Preservice Science Teachers from Different Grade Levels
Authors: Şenocak Erdal , Tosun Cemal
Published: May 2018

Preservice
teachers' beliefs about teaching and learning have gained increased attention.
Therefore, many studies in the field of educational research have focused on
preservice teachers' beliefs to reveal their images of teaching and learning
through different instruments. Preservice teachers’ drawings of teaching and
learning situations constitute one of these instruments. Drawing is used
commonly because it allows one to represent vivid images of mental models which
may not be expressed verbally. In this study, the Draw-a-Science-Teacher-Test
(DASTT) was used to reveal participants’ beliefs of teaching and learning of
science. The research sample included 134 preservice science teachers from different
grade levels. Also, the relationships between gender and among grade levels of
the participants were investigated. The results showed that preservice science
teachers had educational perspectives including characteristics of both
teacher-centered and student-centered instruction. The results also showed that
there was no significant difference between educational perspectives with
respect to gender and the grade levels of the participants. However, senior
students had different instructional understandings from other participants by
giving science teachers a role of doing experiments or activities instead of
spending the whole class time just by talking and standing in front of
students. Similarly, the senior students imagined a science class as arranged
with U-shaped rows or with oval tables, which allows their students to study in
groups instead of a science class arranged in rows.
Mandibular Condylar Aplasia Treated with a Functional Appliance: A Five years Follow Up
Authors: Mauricio Mejia-Gomez Carlos , Omar Ramirez-Yanez German
Published: May 2018

This report presents a follow up of a clinical case published five years ago by the same authors. In the previous report, the authors showed a young girl treated with a myofunctional appliance due to a mandibular condylar agenesia. After a traditional graft had failed, the patient successfully responded to the functional treatment by forming a mandibular condyle. In this new report, the authors are showing how the mandibular condyle has continued developing within normal limits and, the mandibular ramus has continued positively remodeling. The bone biology embedded in the biological process reported here is discussed by the authors.
Expectations and the quantitative easing in Eurozone
Authors: Apergis Nicholas
Published: May 2018

The European economy suffered from both the 2008 financial crisis and the debt sovereign crisis of certain of its members and then experienced a period of quantitative easing (QE) starting in 2015. The goal of this study is to explore the direct and exclusive effects of this rather unconventional monetary policy on financial markets, economic activity, and labor markets across the Eurozone. The analysis employs the Markov-switching dynamic regression method. The findings illustrate the reduction of short- and log-term credit spreads, increased stock prices, improved market expectations, recovered labor market conditions and economic productivity, while the primary transmission channel of the QE policy is the expectations channel.