bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shared Decision-Making Tool for Self-Management of Home Therapies for Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Eckman Mark H. , Kopras Elizabeth J. , Montag-Leifling Karen , Kirby Lari P. , Burns Lisa , Indihar Veronica M. , Joseph Patricia M.
Published: June 2017

Objective: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) undertake time-consuming programs of home therapies. Our objective was to develop a tool to help CF patients prioritize personal goals for some of these treatments. We describe the development and results of initial evaluation of this shared decision-making tool. Methods: Multicriteria decision-making method to develop a shared decision-making tool that integrates patient’s values and perceptions of treatment impact on functionality/sense of well-being. Treatment efficacy data obtained through comprehensive review of English language literature and Cochrane reviews. Field study of 21 patients was performed to assess acceptability of the approach, understandability of the tool, and to determine whether there was sufficient patient-to-patient variability in treatment goals and patient preferences to make use of a personalized tool worthwhile. Results: Patients found the tool easy to understand and felt engaged as active participants in their care. The tool was responsive to variations in patient preferences. Priority scores were calculated (0–1.0 ± SD). Patients’ most important treatment goals for improving lung health included improving breathing function (0.27 ± 0.11), improving functionality/sense of well-being (0.24 ± 0.13), preventing lung infection (0.21 ± 0.08), minimizing time to complete treatments (0.16 ± 0.12), and minimizing cost (0.11 ± 0.09). Conclusions: A shared decision-making tool that integrates patients’ values and best evidence is feasible and could result in improved patient engagement in their own care.
Developing and Using a Board Game as a Tool for Urban and Social Resilience and Flood Management Planning in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region
Authors: Marome Wijitbusaba , Pholcharoen Thitirat , Wongpeng Natthaphon
Published: June 2017

Public participation in the development of urban resilience can help create cities that are not only more sustainable but also more fair and inclusive. However, incorporating public inputs in the planning process is difficult for urban practitioners. This article explores the researchers’ attempt to develop and utilise a board game as a tool for consolidating urban and social resilience and flood management planning in Bangkok, outlining the challenges and shortcomings that had to be overcome with each revision during the designing process, and the outcomes. The experience suggests that board games, whose development should be an evolving process based on research, could be used as an effective deliberative tool for knowledge exchange, transformative learning and gathering inputs for policymaking.
Neurobiology of Chronic Stress-Related Psychiatric Disorders: Evidence from Molecular Imaging Studies
Authors: Davis Margaret T. , Holmes Sophie E. , Pietrzak Robert H. , Esterlis Irina
Published: June 2017

Chronic stress accounts for billions of dollars of economic loss annually in the United States alone, and is recognized as a major source of disability and mortality worldwide. Robust evidence suggests that chronic stress plays a significant role in the onset of severe and impairing psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Application of molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography in recent years has begun to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress confers risk for these disorders. The present paper provides a comprehensive review and synthesis of all positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography imaging publications focused on the examination of molecular targets in individuals with major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or bipolar disorder to date. Critical discussion of discrepant findings and broad strengths and weaknesses of the current body of literature is provided. Recommended future directions for the field of molecular imaging to further elucidate the neurobiological substrates of chronic stress-related disorders are also discussed. This article is part of the inaugural issue for the journal focused on various aspects of chronic stress.
Iatrogenic bleeding during flexible bronchoscopy: risk factors, prophylactic measures and management
Authors: Bernasconi Maurizio , Koegelenberg Coenraad F.N. , Koutsokera Angela , Ogna Adam , Casutt Alessio , Nicod Laurent , Lovis Alban
Published: June 2017

Significant iatrogenic bleeding during flexible bronchoscopy is fortunately rare and usually self-limiting. Life-threatening bleeding, however, can occur, especially after conventional or cryoprobe-assisted transbronchial biopsy. The aim of this review is to provide the practising pulmonologist with a concise overview of the incidence, severity and risk factors for bleeding, to provide sensible advice on prophylactic measures and to suggest a plan of action in the case of significant bleeding. Bronchoscopy units should have a standardised approach and plan of action in the case of life-threatening haemorrhage. Wedging the bronchoscope in the bleeding segment, turning the patient in an anti-Trendelenburg position and onto the side in order for the bleeding lung to be in the dependent position, installing vasoconstrictors and using a tamponade balloon early are the recommended first-line strategies. Involving a resuscitation team should be considered early in the case of massive bleeding, desaturation and haemodynamic instability.
Integrating Evidence-Based Medicine for Treatment of Spinal Metastases Into a Decision Framework: Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanicals Stability, and Systemic Disease
Authors: Barzilai Ori , Laufer Ilya , Yamada Yoshiya , Higginson Daniel S. , Schmitt Adam M. , Lis Eric , Bilsky Mark H.
Published: June 2017

Patients with cancer are frequently affected by spinal metastases. Treatment is palliative, with the principle goals of pain relief, preservation of neurologic function, and improvement in quality of life. In the past decade, we have witnessed a dramatic change in the treatment paradigms due to the development of improved surgical strategies and systemic and radiation therapy. The most important change to these paradigms has been the integration of spinal stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS), allowing delivery of tumoricidal radiation doses with sparing of nearby organs at risk. High-dose SSRS provides durable tumor control when used either as definitive therapy or as a postoperative adjuvant therapy. Integration of SSRS has fundamentally changed the indications for and type of surgery performed for metastatic spine tumors. Although the role for surgical intervention is well established, a clear trend toward less-aggressive, often minimally invasive techniques has been observed. Targeted therapies are also rapidly changing the way cancer is being treated and have demonstrated improved survival for a number of malignancies. As these treatment decisions become more complex, a multidisciplinary approach including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, interventionalists, and pain specialists is required. In this article, the current evidence affecting the treatment of spinal metastases is integrated into a decision framework that considers four principal assessments of a patient’s spine disease: NOMS (neurologic, oncologic, mechanical instability, and systemic disease).
Archetypes Embodied, Then and Now
Authors: Spolsky Ellen
Published: June 2017

With Renaissance paintings of the Annunciation to Mary and the 1984 and 1991 Terminator movies as examples, this essay notes a common interest in the availability of help from a superhuman source. It argues that the yearning for access to a powerful hybridity, a cooperative mixing, a productive grotesque, is an archetype. However, with the support of some recent hypotheses in evolutionary anthropology and biology, the article refurbishes the term archetype for reuse, recognizing that it signals a painful cognitive failure. The cognitive perspective allows us to understand how our brains not only organize but also re-organize, as the world turns, not only our literary experience but also our ethical and political thinking. Artists and poets return to old stories and reconsider old images not because they are, as Northrop Frye considered them, successfully integrated clusters, but because they are not. By acknowledging their many threads and their recombinatory possibilities, we recognize them as affordances whose recurrence arises from their frustrating resistance to untangling. Artists continue to search for a more pleasing, a more satisfying, a more cooperative and thereby more life-sustaining hybridity between the human and the nonhuman, be that divine or machine. They return repeatedly to reuse archetypes not because they are satisfying but because they might yet be.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritis effects of tectorigenin
Authors: Wang Cheng-Long , Li De , Wang Chuan-Dong , Xiao Fei , Zhu Jun-Feng , Shen Chao , Zuo Bin , Cui Yi-Min , Wang Hui , Gao Yuan , Hu Guo-Li , Zhang Xiao-Ling , Chen Xiao-Dong
Published: June 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and dynamic joint disease, including the articular cartilage, underlying bones, and synovium. In particular, OA is considered as the degeneration of the cartilage. Tectorigenin (Tec) can affect many biological processes. However, its effect on articular chondrocytes remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the role of Tec in articular cartilage. In vitro, Tec inhibited the expression levels of type X collagen, cyclooxigenase-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, and MMP-13 gene but enhanced those of Runx1, type II collagen, and aggrecan in the presence of IL-1β. Meanwhile, Tec inhibited apoptosis through the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway, upregulating p-Bad, downregulating Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and activating caspase-3 compared with IL-1β treatment only. Moreover, this process was partially regulated by NF-κB P65. In vivo, the chondroprotective effect of Tec was assessed by establishing a model of surgically induced OA. Tec-treated joints exhibited fewer osteoarthritic changes than saline-treated joints. Meanwhile, 1.5 µg/kg Tec treatment produced better protective effect than 0.75 µg/kg. Osteoarthritis Research Society International scoring system were employed to assess histopathological grading of the models , as well as the outcomes of immunohistochemistry for Aggrecan Neoepitope and MMP-3, further confirmed the results. In conclusion, this study showed that Tec played a chondroprotective role on the OA process by preventing articular cartilage degeneration and chondrocyte apoptosis via the NF-κB P65 pathway.
New frontiers in the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Canny Susan , Mellins Elizabeth
Published: June 2017

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and its most significant complication, macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), have traditionally been treated with steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. However, the introduction of biologic medications that inhibit specific cytokines, such interleukins 1 and 6, has changed the treatment paradigm for sJIA patients. In this review, we discuss the therapies currently used in the treatment of sJIA as well as novel targets and approaches under consideration, including mesenchymal stromal cell therapy and JAK inhibitors. We also discuss targeting cytokines that have been implicated in MAS, such as interferon gamma and interleukin 18.
Recent insights into the implications of metabolism in plasmacytoid dendritic cell innate functions: Potential ways to control these functions
Authors: Saas Philippe , Varin Alexis , Perruche Sylvain , Ceroi Adam
Published: June 2017

There are more and more data concerning the role of cellular metabolism in innate immune cells, such as macrophages or conventional dendritic cells. However, few data are available currently concerning plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC), another type of innate immune cells. These cells are the main type I interferon (IFN) producing cells, but they also secrete other pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor or interleukin [IL]-6) or immunomodulatory factors (e.g., IL-10 or transforming growth factor-β). Through these functions, PDC participate in antimicrobial responses or maintenance of immune tolerance, and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several autoimmune diseases, as well as in tumor immune escape mechanisms. Recent data support the idea that the glycolytic pathway (or glycolysis), as well as lipid metabolism (including both cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism) may impact some innate immune functions of PDC or may be involved in these functions after Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/9 triggering. The kinetics of glycolysis after TLR7/9 triggering may differ between human and murine PDC. In mouse PDC, metabolism changes promoted by TLR7/9 activation may depend on an autocrine/paracrine loop, implicating type I IFN and its receptor IFNAR. This could explain a delayed glycolysis in mouse PDC. Moreover, PDC functions can be modulated by the metabolism of cholesterol and fatty acids. This may occur via the production of lipid ligands that activate nuclear receptors (e.g., liver X receptor [LXR]) in PDC or through limiting intracellular cholesterol pool size (by statin or LXR agonist treatment) in these cells. Finally, lipid-activated nuclear receptors (i.e., LXR or peroxisome proliferator activated receptor) may also directly interact with pro-inflammatory transcription factors, such as NF-κB. Here, we discuss how glycolysis and lipid metabolism may modulate PDC functions and how this may be harnessed in pathological situations where PDC play a detrimental role.
Dengue, Zika e Chikungunya: Análise da cobertura do risco de doenças associadas às mudanças climáticas sob a ótica do Jornalismo Ambiental
Authors: Herte de Moraes Cláudia , Beling Loose Eloisa , Tourinho Girardi Ilza Maria
Published: June 2017

Entendemos que el periodismo ambiental puede ser visto como parte de la comunicación del riesgo asociada con el ambiente, debido a que muchos conflictos derivados de la relación hombre-naturaleza son percibidos como peligrosos o una amenaza para la vida. Con el fin de reflexionar sobre su rol en los contextos de crisis, analizamos la cobertura del Folha de S. Paulo sobre tres enfermedades (dengue, chikungunya y zika), que pueden relacionarse con la intensificación del cambio climático. Con la orientación teórica y metodológica del análisis del discurso, concluimos que el abordaje está basado en fuentes científicas, extranjeras y con informaciones discursivas que apuntan al optimismo tecnológico, la incertidumbre científica y la precaución.
Exploiting Big Data in Logistics Risk Assessment via Bayesian Nonparametrics
Authors: Shang Yan , Dunson David , Song Jing-Sheng
Published: June 2017

In cargo logistics, a key performance measure is transport risk, defined as the deviation of the actual arrival time from the planned arrival time. Neither earliness nor tardiness is desirable for customer and freight forwarders. In this paper, we investigate ways to assess and forecast transport risks using a half-year of air cargo data, provided by a leading forwarder on 1,336 routes served by 20 airlines. Interestingly, our preliminary data analysis shows a strong multimodal feature in the transport risks, driven by unobserved events, such as cargo missing flights. To accommodate this feature, we introduce a Bayesian nonparametric model—the probit stick-breaking process mixture model—for flexible estimation of the conditional (i.e., state-dependent) density function of transport risk. We demonstrate that using alternative methods can lead to misleading inferences. Our model provides a tool for the forwarder to offer customized price and service quotes. It can also generate baseline airline performance to enable fair supplier evaluation. Furthermore, the method allows us to separate recurrent risks from disruption risks. This is important, because hedging strategies for these two kinds of risks are often drastically different.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2017.1612 .
A Novel PID Controller with Second Order Lead/Lag Filter for Stable and Unstable First Order Process with Time Delay
Authors: Medarametla Praveen Kumar , Muthukumarasamy Manimozhi
Published: June 2017

A novel Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller is proposed for stable and unstable first order processes with time delay. The controller is cascaded in series with a second order filter. Polynomial approach is employed to derive the controller and filter parameters. Simple tuning rules are derived by analysing the maximum sensitivity of the control loop. Formulae are provided for initial guess of tuning parameter. The range of tuning parameter around the initial guess and the corresponding range of maximum sensitivity is specified based on time delay to time constant ratio. Promising results are obtained with the proposed method is compared against recently proposed methods in the literature. The comparison is made in terms of various performance indices for servo and regulatory responses separately. The proposed method is implemented for an isothermal chemical reactor at an unstable equilibrium point.
A Polarization Reconfigurable Slot Antenna with a Novel Switchable Feeding Network
Authors: Xie Peng , Wang Guang Ming
Published: June 2017

A polarization reconfigurable slot antenna is proposed in this paper. The antenna consists of a microstrip line-to-slotline transition structure, two radiation slots and a switchable feeding network. The feeding network is a gradually changed ring slot with six switching diodes on it. By controlling the diodes states, the antenna can generate y-direction polarization, z-direction polarization, left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization. Detailed design considerations of the proposed antenna, simulated and measured results are presented and discussed. Measured results agree well with simulated. The results proved that the antenna can realize polarization reconfiguration effectively at 5 GHz.
Steam explosion treatments of technical hydrolysis lignin
Authors: Krutov Stepan , Ipatova Elena , Vasilyev Aleksander
Published: June 2017

Technical hydrolysis lignins, both freshly obtained and stored longterm under atmosphere conditions, were treated by steam explosion (SE, 235°C/3.2 MPa) for 1, 2, and 3 min. The SE treated lignins were characterized by means of solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was found that SE leads to significant changes in morphological and chemical properties of lignin due to oxidation, condensation and hydrolytic destruction.
Safety concerns associated with second-generation antipsychotic long-acting injection treatment. A systematic update
Authors: Gentile Salvatore
Published: June 2017

Background

It has been recently suggested that second-generation antipsychotic long-acting injection (SGA-LAIs) are underutilized in clinical practice, despite that their costs significantly impact on national health system budgets. Hence, an updated analysis of safety data shown by SGA-LAIs may contribute to clarify their role in clinical practice.

Materials and methods

English-language, peer-reviewed articles reporting updated, primary findings on the SGA-LAI safety were identified (updated through an electronic search of five databases – PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, DARE and the Cochrane Library).

Results

The articles reviewed suggest that the most frequent treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) associated with aripiprazole long-acting injection (ARI-LAI) are psychotic symptoms, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and weight gain. Data on olanzapine long-acting injection (OLA-LAI)-associated TEAEs highlight the risk of psychosis, metabolic disturbances and hyperprolactinemia. Four-hundred and forty cases of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome (PDSS) have also been recorded. Although not reported in reviewed studies, the risk of impulse-control problem and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) ARI- and OLA-associated, respectively, must not be underestimated. With regards paliperidone palmitate 1-month formulation (PP1), the high incidence of clinically relevant weight gain and hyperprolactinemia are both findings of concern. Reviewed data also confirm that the leading cause of death in risperidone long-acting injection (RIS-LAI) clinical trials is suicide. The new 3-month paliperidone palmitate formulation, risperidone sustained release 1-month formulation (RIS-SR1), aripiprazole lauroxil (ARI-LXL) are still lacking exhaustive safety data.

Conclusion

The risk of specific TEAEs associated with all SGA-LAIs confirms SGA-LAIs do not offer advantages in safety compared with FGA-LAIs or oral antipsychotics and, especially, in early-phase schizophrenia patients. Implementing non pharmacological intervention and strategies can be effective for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who adhere poorly to medication regimens.
Advances in Studies on Hepatitis E Virus
Authors: Zhang Weiying
Published: June 2017

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is transmitted mainly through food and water sources. HEV is a major public health problem faced by developing countries. HEV causes large outbreaks of hepatitis E (HE) or acute sporadic infection. HEV can also lead to chronic infection. HEV mainly affects the young, middle-aged people, and pregnant women, who especially display high rates of infection. This study reviews HE while considering its biological characteristics, clinical symptoms, epidemic characteristics, vaccine, and detection methods.
Clinical, biochemical and genetic features with nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency and final height
Authors: Savaş-Erdeve Şenay , Çetinkaya Semra , Abalı Zehra Yavaş , Poyrazoğlu Şükran , Baş Firdevs , Berberoğlu Merih , Sıklar Zeynep , Korkmaz Özlem , Buluş Derya , Akbaş Emine Demet , Güran Tülay , Böber Ece , Akın Onur , Yılmaz Gülay Can , Aycan Zehra
Published: June 2017

Background:

The clinical, laboratory, genetic properties and final height of a large cohort of patients with nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (NC21OHD) in Turkey were analyzed.

Methods:

This multicenter, nationwide web-based study collected data.

Results:

The mean age was 9.79±4.35 years (229 girls, 29 boys). The most common symptoms were premature pubarche (54.6%) and hirsutism (28.6%). The peak cortisol was found below 18 μg/dL in three (15.45%) patients. A mutation was detected in the

Conclusions:

The final height of the patients who were treated during childhood was found to be shorter than the final height of patients during the adolescent period.
Das deutsche Kartellrecht – Einführung und Wiederholung
Authors: Küster Stefan
Published: June 2017

Der Beitrag richtet sich an Studenten, die sich im Schwerpunkt oder aus Interesse mit dem Kartellrecht beschäftigen. Er will den Einstieg in die Materie erleichtern und auch dem Wiederholenden noch einmal die wichtigsten Denkbrücken zur Lösung eines kartellrechtlichen Falles nach dem GWB aufzeigen. Dabei orientiert er sich nach den möglichen Einstiegsmöglichkeiten in eine Klausur und erläutert Schritt für Schritt die wesentlichen Tatbestandsmerkmale und Probleme.
Pragmatics of emotionality in discourse processing: prolegomena to ideology shaping engines
Authors: Pinich Iryna
Published: June 2017

Employing the theory of Intentionality the paper argues ubiquity and continuity of the pragmatic category of emotional intentionality in generating and promulgating ideologies via the literary works of contemporaries. The paper offers explanations of the nature of emotionality in the structure of emotional ecosystems and highlights the correlation of dominant emotional communities and dissemination of ideologies.
When phonetics matters: creation and perception of female images in song folklore
Authors: Stashko Halyna
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a stylistic analysis of female images in American song folklore in order to examine how sound symbolic language elements contribute to the construction of verbal images. The results obtained show the link between sound and meaning and how such phonetic means of stylistics as assonance, alliteration, and onomatopoeia function to reinforce the meanings of words or to set the mood typical of the characters. Their synergy helps create and interpret female images and provides relevant atmosphere and background to them in folk song texts.
Acquisition of sociolinguistic awareness by German learners of English: A study in perceptions of quotative be like
Authors: Davydova Julia , Tytus Agnieszka Ewa , Schleef Erik
Published: June 2017

This article examines the perception of the quotatives
Assessing soundscape: Comparison between in situ and laboratory methodologies
Authors: Hermida Cadena Luis Fernando , Lobo Soares Antonio Carlos , Pavón Ignacio , Coelho Luis Bento
Published: June 2017

The assessment of soundscape implies an interdisciplinary approach, where objective and subjective aspects are considered. For the subjective evaluation, in situ and laboratory methodologies are usually followed. Local observations allow the collection of information on the influence of different stimuli present in the environment, whereas laboratory tests present a determined quantity of controlled stimuli to the evaluator. The purpose of this work is to compare results from the different methodologies in order to understand their strengths and their weaknesses. Three urban parks in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, were evaluated. Fragments of binaural sound recordings collected in the parks were used in laboratory tests to compare with the responses in situ and of expert and nonexpert listeners. Statistically significant differences were found in several of the perceptual attributes under observation, which led to variation in the results of the main model’s components. The sound environments were found to be more pleasant and uneventful in situ than in the laboratory, a phenomenon possibly due to the influence of other stimuli such as visual in the process of assessment. The in situ tests allow a systemic and holistic evaluation of the environment under study,whereas the laboratory tests allow a specific and tightly targeted analysis of different component sound events. Therefore, the two methodologies can be useful in soundscape assessment depending on the specific application and needs. No differences were found in the assessment made by either experts or nonexperts.
Assessment of highway infrastructure projects in Latin America and Perú from the competences point of view
Authors: Zevallos Germán Gallardo , Machicao Tatiana , Romero María Josée Martínez-Echevarría
Published: June 2017

It is stressed that Latin America and Perú should become more competitive. Under the actual development scenarios, attention to competences of programme managers and project managers related to public transportation infrastructure projects has risen substantially.

An inefficient bureaucratic system is related with deficiencies of people skills and competences. On the other hand, an excellent system demands quality of the system and quality of people working in it.

Thus, it is important to have excellence in administration and excellent administrators in the public sector. Three main lacking elements have been identified: i) lack of good education; ii) absence of fair salaries in the public sector; and iii) lack of incentives. Many misconceptions and disputed consequences have been observed and analyzed. It is clear that there is lack of competence among infrastructure transport project managers and teams, which causes trouble with the main goal of Peru getting benefits from these investments and achieving sustainable development. Furthermore, the right way to achieve these benefits is through a new model of education for project managers and programme managers in Perú. This education should be based more on competences than on qualifications. Thus, the International Project Management Association (IPMA) competence baseline, which is the standard that best fits to these needs, needs to be implemented to achieve the real contribution and benefits of these projects to society.
Dry periods impact on the surface water quality
Authors: Duca Gheorghe , Xiao Hong , Nedealcov Maria , Ivanov Violeta , Tarita Anatol
Published: June 2017

Current changes of the environment represent the major threats to the sustainable development and are one of the biggest problems, with negative consequences on the national economy. The accelerated pace of these changes is shareholder and by the manifestation of extreme events, which in recent years become more intense and frequent. The drought events frequent manifestation over the Republic of Moldova territory, in the context of climate change, requires a scientific monitoring adjusted.

The dry period’s manifestation is greatly conditioned by increasing daytime temperatures (above 25°C) and the lower relative humidity (below 30%). At present, on the background of climate change, there is an increase of dry days. Over the Republic of Moldova territory, their occurrence during growth and development of crops particularly damaging role in obtaining low yields. Meanwhile, prolonged dry periods, may possibly cause fires, at the same time can determine lands’ irrigation and surface water quality.

In this context, there is a need to estimate the evaporation’s spatial and temporal variability, the number of dry days and their correlation to Dry Periods Index (Izu), the index developed at regional level.
Obesity in children - a problem of the contemporary civilization
Authors: Kupczak-Wiśniowska Bogusława , Borgosz Jolanta , Podsiadło Beata , Serzysko Bogusława , Jędrkiewicz Elżbieta
Published: June 2017

Introduction.In the recent thirty years obesity has become one of the most serious and still increasing health problems among children and adults in the world. Scientific magazines inform about world obesity epidemic. Lack of physical activity, excessive energy supply compared to needs of organism, as well as bad eating habits, have made obesity a civilization disease. Excess weight and obesity lead to premature atherosclerosis development and consequently, to other cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, thrombosis, cardiac insufficiency, hyperlipemia.

Aim.The aim of the thesis is to present, on the basis of literature, the most important factors which can lead to obesity in children.

Conclusions.

Among the most important aspects which can lead to obesity in children the following factors can be mentioned:

genetic factors - it is probable that mutations within many genes connected with energy efficiency regulation of an organism are responsible for the genetic tendency to being obese

environmental factors - there is another fact that together with technological development, the level of physical activity has decreased

psychological factors, like stress, fear, failures at school, family and peer conflicts have become the reasons for compulsive behaviour which lead to excessive consumption of highly processed foods

Obesity results in lowering the quality of life in a significant way.
Trust in the doctor-patient relationship in the light of the latest research
Authors: Pawlikowska-Łagód Katarzyna , Sak Jarosław
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Trusting the medical staff, especially the doctor is a fundamental part of the success of the treatment process. Appropriate level of trust in a doctor-patient relationship affects the patient’s compliance with the physician’s recommendations and motivates patient to fight the disease. Over the last few years, numerous studies have been conducted on the level of trust in medical staff, especially doctors.

Aim. The aim of this study is to present reports on research on patients’ trust in doctors of various specialties. The work will be done in the form of analysis of literature, including statistical data, scientific papers and professional literature.

Results. Discussed topic has been raised in various countries, such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, China. Presented overview of the work of research shows that the level of trust in the doctors of various specialties is unequal.

Conclusions. It is extremely important that the analyzes are conducted on the topic, and as a consequence some appropriate measures to strengthen relationships and trust in doctors should be taken.
First aid at the scene in the opinion of the members of Warsaw medical rescue teams
Authors: Binkowska Aneta , Kamecki Artur
Published: June 2017

Introduction. The ability to provide first aid should be one of the basic skills of each of us.

Aim. The aim of the study was to learn the opinion of the members of Medical Rescue Teams (MRT) of the “Meditrans” Provincial Ambulance and Sanitary Transport Service (PA and STS “Meditrans”) in Warsaw on how people react in real situations threatening life or health of the injured person.

Material and methods. The study was conducted in the third quarter of 2015 on 335 members of medical rescue teams, including 77 women and 258 men, who provided medical services in the “Meditrans” Provincial Ambulance and Sanitary Transport Service MRT in Warsaw. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire survey of own design, which consisted of 12 questions: closed, half open and one open question.

Results. The majority of respondents have encountered instances of first aid provision, but respondents assessed the frequency of such situations as low. Among the largest group of witnesses providing first aid there are the elderly and youth, who are subjected to various forms of education related to first aid provision.

Conclusions. Only continuous education and in particular, practical trainings will help people to overcome the barrier of their limitations in order to help others.
The quality of life perception by gender and place of residence during assessment of thrombocytopenia impact on patients’ daily activities using TSIDAV vignette
Authors: Szkultecka-Dębek Monika , Drozd Mariola , Bem Marta
Published: June 2017

Introduction.The term “quality of life” has been present in the literature for a long time now. It was created in the middle of the last century in Western Europe and from the societal perspective the term initially defined the level of material life, gradually being expanded to other aspects of human life, like happiness, education, broadly defined individual freedom and health.

Aim.To analyze differences by gender and place of residence in perception of quality of life based on data from the assessment of thrombocytopenia impact on daily activities using TSIDAV vignette among Polish patients.

Material and methods.We assessed the impact of thrombocytopenia symptoms on patients’ daily activities using TSIDAV vignette. We wanted to understand the reason for different perception of symptoms and why visible symptoms are perceived as worse by women in comparison to men. We analyzed the groups by age and place of residence.

Results.Within 48 collected questionnaires, 31 were provided by women and 17 by men. As many as 29% of men declared the biggest impact on daily activities due to petechiae and easy bruising. The same symptoms were assessed as having significant impact on daily activities by 68% and 65% of women respectively. The results in relation to the two symptoms were similar in terms of impact: both men and women assessed it as high impact, however in general, a lower proportion of men identified this as an issue. As many as 53% of the pre-menopausal women declared the thrombocytopenia impact on daily activities as very high. Similar results were observed in the male group. Those before retirement age assessed disease symptoms as very high in comparison to the group of older patients. No significant differences in relation to place of residence were observed. During literature research we found that depending on patients’ gender, the perception of the impact of disease on patients quality of life may often differ.

Conclusions.We found out that the perception of disease symptoms impact on quality of life is different by women and men. That may be the result of different factors such as the influence of social roles determined for each sex. At the same time, the perception of the impact of thrombocytopenia symptoms on daily activity almost does not depend on age or place of residence of neither women nor men.
Emergence of Commodity Derivatives as Defensive Instrument in Portfolio Risk Hedging: A Case of Indian Commodity Markets
Authors: Singhal Shelly
Published: June 2017

This paper empirically examines whether commodity derivatives can be used as an alternative investment asset in India where commodity markets are at emerging state and provides the same diversification benefit as they provide in developed commodity markets. In India only commodity futures are prevalent so various commodity indices representing various sectors has been used in the study. Diversification aspect of commodity derivatives has been tested initially by using correlation analysis. Compounded Daily Growth rate and Relative Standard deviation has been used as a measure of calculating risk and return of daily data of SENSEX, BOND and four Commodity Indices (MCX Comdex, MCX AGRI, MCX Metal, MCX Energy). Markowitz Efficient Frontier theory has been used to calculate portfolio risk return and Sharpe risk adjusted ratio has been used to evaluate the various portfolios. Optimal portfolio has been obtained for the combination of equity, bond and commodity and overall results of the study indicate that an investor who is risk averse will prefer to invest in combination of SENSEX, BOND & MCX Energy whereas an investor who gets utility by taking more risk for more returns will prefer to invest in combination of SENSEX, BOND & MCX Metal. Investor having inclination towards moderate risk return would tend to invest in MCX AGRI along with SENSEX and BOND.
On the Certain Topological Indices of Titania Nanotube TiO2[m, n]
Authors: Javaid M. , Liu Jia-Bao , Rehman M. A. , Wang Shaohui
Published: June 2017

A numeric quantity that characterises the whole structure of a molecular graph is called the topological index that predicts the physical features, chemical reactivities, and boiling activities of the involved chemical compound in the molecular graph. In this article, we give new mathematical expressions for the multiple Zagreb indices, the generalised Zagreb index, the fourth version of atom-bond connectivity (ABC4) index, and the fifth version of geometric-arithmetic (GA5) index of TiO2[m, n]. In addition, we compute the latest developed topological index called by Sanskruti index. At the end, a comparison is also included to estimate the efficiency of the computed indices. Our results extended some known conclusions.
Stability and Metastability of Trapless Bose-Einstein Condensates and Quantum Liquids
Authors: Zloshchastiev Konstantin G.
Published: June 2017

Various kinds of Bose-Einstein condensates are considered, which evolve without any geometric constraints or external trap potentials including gravitational. For studies of their collective oscillations and stability, including the metastability and macroscopic tunneling phenomena, both the variational approach and the Vakhitov-Kolokolov (VK) criterion are employed; calculations are done for condensates of an arbitrary spatial dimension. It is determined that that the trapless condensate described by the logarithmic wave equation is essentially stable, regardless of its dimensionality, while the trapless condensates described by wave equations of a polynomial type with respect to the wavefunction, such as the Gross-Pitaevskii (cubic), cubic-quintic, and so on, are at best metastable. This means that trapless “polynomial” condensates are unstable against spontaneous delocalization caused by fluctuations of their width, density and energy, leading to a finite lifetime.
Towards a Theory of Change for Community-based Research Projects
Authors: Janzen Rich , Ochocka Joanna , Stobbe Alethea
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this article is to present a preliminary theory of change for community-based research projects. The theory of change emerged from a Canadian Summit titled, “Pursuing Excellence in Collaborative Community-Campus Research.” The article begins by providing a rationale for why a theory of change could be helpful to advance the agenda of community-based research (i.e., concept clarification, guide to action, and quality assessment). Next we describe how our preliminary theory of change was developed, before outlining the theory of change under the headings of activities, intended outcomes, and sample indicators. We conclude by discussing what is needed in order to deepen our understanding of the theory of change for community-based research projects.
Conversation with Ted Jackson, Carleton University
Authors: Jackson Edward T. , Khanenko-Friesen Natalia
Published: June 2017

In the Exchanges, we present conversations with scholars and practitioners of community engagement, responses to previously published material, and other reflections on various aspects of community-engaged scholarship meant to provoke further dialogue and discussion. We invite our readers to offer in this section their own thoughts and ideas on the meanings and understandings of engaged scholarship, as practiced in local or faraway communities, diverse cultural settings, and various disciplinary contexts. We especially welcome community-based scholars’ views and opinions on their collaboration with university-based partners in particular and on engaged scholarship in general. Below, Natalia Khanenko-Friesen talks to Edward “Ted” Jackson about his work and his views on engaged scholarship in Canada. Dr. Jackson is a senior research fellow of Carleton Centre for Community Innovation and adjust research professor in Public Policy and Administration, International Affairs and African Studies at Carleton University, Ottawa. Ted Jackson served as a the conference convenor for C2UExpo, held at the Carleton in May 2015.
Implicit Weight Bias in Children Age 9 to 11 Years
Authors: Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Payne Keith , Perrin Andrew J. , Panter Abigail T. , Howard Janna B. , Bardone-Cone Anna , Bulik Cynthia M. , Steiner Michael J. , Perrin Eliana M.
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVES:

Assess implicit weight bias in children 9 to 11 years old.

METHODS:

Implicit weight bias was measured in children ages 9 to 11 (N = 114) by using the Affect Misattribution Procedure. Participants were shown a test image of a child for 350 milliseconds followed by a meaningless fractal (200 milliseconds), and then they were asked to rate the fractal image as “good” or “bad.” We used 9 image pairs matched on age, race, sex, and activity but differing by weight of the child. Implicit bias was the difference between positive ratings for fractals preceded by an image of a healthy-weight child and positive ratings for fractals preceded by an image of an overweight child.

RESULTS:

On average, 64% of abstract fractals shown after pictures of healthy-weight children were rated as “good,” compared with 59% of those shown after pictures of overweight children, reflecting an overall implicit bias rate of 5.4% against overweight children (P < .001). Healthy-weight participants showed greater implicit bias than over- and underweight participants (7.9%, 1.4%, and 0.3% respectively; P = .049).

CONCLUSIONS:

Implicit bias toward overweight individuals is evident in children aged 9 to 11 years with a magnitude of implicit bias (5.4%) similar to that in studies of implicit racial bias among adults.
Revisão da dimensão desconfiança do Inventário Dimensional Clínico da Personalidade
Authors: Carvalho Lucas De Francisco , Martins Denise Da Fonseca
Published: June 2017

O presente estudo teve como objetivo revisar a dimensão desconfiança do Inventário Dimensional Clínico da Personalidade (IDCP). Fizeram parte da pesquisa 230 sujeitos, com idade entre 18 e 63 anos (M = 23,00; DP = 9,44), sendo 76,4% mulheres. Os sujeitos responderam o IDCP, o NEO-PI-R e o PID-5. A dimensão foi revisada e chegou-se a um conjunto de 35 itens novos, além de 13 itens originais. A partir de procedimentos analíticos, estabeleceu-se um conjunto de cinco fatores, composto por 18 itens, com coeficientes de consistência interna de 0,90 para o conjunto total de itens e índices variando entre 0,73 e 0,83 para os fatores. Foram encontradas correlações coerentes entre os instrumentos. Concluiu-se que a dimensão revisada é mais adequada em relação à original.
First record of Carangoides otrynter (Jordan & Gillbert, 1883) (Perciformes: Carangidae) in Pacasmayo, northern Peru
Authors: Jiménez Andrea A. , De Lucio Luis A. , Solano Amado A. , Escudero Luis O. , Vasquez Cinthia E.
Published: June 2017

The Threadfin Jack (Carangoides otrynter) is re­corded for the first time in the port of Pacasmayo, northern Peru (07°26′18″ S, 079°35′02″ W), based on specimens caught on 22 January 2016 by artisanal fishers. The biometric characteristics of two specimens are 26 and 21 cm total length and 281.82 and 168.12 g total weight, respectively. The presence of this species in the area could be associated with the entry of a Kelvin wave during the El Niño-Southern Oscillation event.
Gymnophthalmus underwoodi Grant, 1958 (Reptilia: Gymnophthalmidae), a new record for the island of Montserrat
Authors: Snyder Sarah J. , Schmidt Robert E. , McMullin Erin R. , Parker Bryce F. , Ferus Hannah Lee
Published: June 2017

Two species of gymnophthalmids are known to inhabit islands in the West Indies, the unisexual Gymnophthalmus underwoodi Grant, 1958 and the bisexual G. pleii Bocourt, 1881, but neither has been previously recorded on Montserrat. Small microteiid lizards were observed between 2008 and 2016 at 5 locations on Montserrat. Scale counts and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences of specimens confirmed them to be G. underwoodi. The widespread distribution of this ninth lizard species on Montserrat suggests that it has gone undetected for some time or has rapidly colonized the island.
Luis Carlos López y Baldomero Fernández Moreno: un callejeo de encuentros y desencuentros
Authors: Rubio Alfonso
Published: June 2017

Con evidentes puntos de contacto señalados por la crítica entre el poeta argentino Baldomero Fernández Moreno y el poeta colombiano Luis Carlos López, hacemos un ejercicio comparativo entre ellos, deteniéndonos en algunos rasgos de su estilo y en el sistema de observación callejera que les permitía realizar su ejercicio poético.
How medical students experience empathy training? An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results from the “Empathize with me, doctor!” project
Authors: Kiosses Vasileios , Symeonidou Konstantina , Alexiou Carolina , Tatsioni Athina , Hyphantis Thomas , Dimoliatis Ioannis
Published: June 2017

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate how a detailed experiential empathy training program was experienced by medical undergraduates.Twelve medical undergraduates completed a 60-hour, experiential, person-centered training, aiming at improving their empathic performance. After the completion of the training they were interviewed, using semi-structured interviews with open questions, while Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to extract the emerged themes.IPA revealed one superordinate theme, i.e. the training as opportunity for actualization, and two subordinate themes, i.e. change in relating with others and self-concept reconstruction through introspection. The first subordinate theme had two components: change in relating with others regarding professional relationships and change related to personal relationships.IPA of students' transcripts revealed that the training was experienced by the students, as an opportunity to introspect, to deal with the obstacles occurring in their encounters with their patients, as a chance to eavesdrop to their inner needs and as a chance to actualize their potential.