bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of chronic beta-blocker treatment on admission haemodynamics in STEMI patients treated with primary angioplasty
Authors: Roolvink Vincent , Hemradj Veemal V , Ottervanger Jan Paul , van ’t Hof Arnoud WJ , Dambrink Jan-Henk E , Gosselink AT Marcel , Kedhi Elvin , Suryapranata Harry ,   for the Zwolle Myocardial Infarction Study Group
Published: January 2018

Background:

The association between chronic beta-blocker treatment and haemodynamics at admission in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention is not well studied. We investigated the impact of chronic beta-blocker treatment on the risk of cardiogenic shock and pre-shock at admission in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and results:

A total of 4907 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were included in the study. A total of 1148 patients (23.3%) were on chronic beta-blocker treatment. Cardiogenic shock was observed in 264 patients (5.3%). Pre-shock was defined as a shock index (the ratio of heart rate and systolic blood pressure) of 0.7 or greater, and was observed in 1022 patients (20.8%). The risk of cardiogenic shock in patients with chronic beta-blocker treatment was not increased (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–1.46, P=0.90). Chronic beta-blocker treatment was also not associated with an increased risk of pre-shock (adjusted HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.68–1.07, P=0.19). Also after propensity score matched analysis, there was no increased risk of cardiogenic shock or pre-shock in patients with chronic beta-blocker treatment (respectively HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.61–1.51, P=0.88 and HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65–1.06, P=0.12).

Conclusion:

In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, chronic beta-blocker treatment is not associated with an increased risk of cardiogenic shock or pre-shock.
The sound-to-music illusion
Authors: Simchy-Gross Rhimmon , Margulis Elizabeth Hellmuth
Published: January 2018

The speech-to-song illusion tracks a perceptual transformation across repetitions where a stimulus that originally sounded like speech comes to sound like song. This article examines whether the illusion also generalizes to other kinds of nonspeech sounds. Participants heard each of 20 environmental sound clips repeated in either original or jumbled form. They rated the musicality of the clips on a 5-point scale where 1 represented sounds exactly like environmental sound and 5 sounds exactly like music. Average ratings increased significantly across repetitions, suggesting that the speech-to-song illusion is one form of a more general sound-to-music illusion produced by repetition. This illusion occurred regardless of whether the clips were repeated in original or jumbled form, marking a difference compared to speech, for which the illusion only occurred if the repetitions were exact.
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Contact with Police in Chicago: Disparities across Sexuality, Race, and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Steele Sarah M. , Collier Megan , Sumerau J. E.
Published: January 2018

In this article, we examine intersections of race, sexuality, and socioeconomic status (SES) in people’s experiences with police contact in Chicago. Utilizing representative data concerning police contact as well as sexual and racial identification, we examine variations in police contact for respondents occupying different racial, sexual, and economic social locations. In so doing, we examine the case of an urban area often lauded for progress in sexual minority rights to quantitatively evaluate disparities in the experiences of sexual minorities occupying different racial and sexual positions in society. In conclusion, we draw out implications for (1) developing intersectional analyses of contemporary sexual minority experience; (2) understanding the ways race, sexuality, and SES shape experiences with police contact even in settings deemed more progressive than the broader society; and (3) the ways in which incorporating an analysis of bisexuality into mainstream social science complicates existing assumptions and theories.
Thinking Clearly About Correlations and Causation: Graphical Causal Models for Observational Data
Authors: Rohrer Julia M.
Published: January 2018

Correlation does not imply causation; but often, observational data are the only option, even though the research question at hand involves causality. This article discusses causal inference based on observational data, introducing readers to graphical causal models that can provide a powerful tool for thinking more clearly about the interrelations between variables. Topics covered include the rationale behind the statistical control of third variables, common procedures for statistical control, and what can go wrong during their implementation. Certain types of third variables—colliders and mediators—should not be controlled for because that can actually move the estimate of an association away from the value of the causal effect of interest. More subtle variations of such harmful control include using unrepresentative samples, which can undermine the validity of causal conclusions, and statistically controlling for mediators. Drawing valid causal inferences on the basis of observational data is not a mechanistic procedure but rather always depends on assumptions that require domain knowledge and that can be more or less plausible. However, this caveat holds not only for research based on observational data, but for all empirical research endeavors.
The effects of a 12-week worksite physical activity intervention on anthropometric indices, blood pressure indices, and plasma biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk among university employees
Authors: Corbett Duane B. , Fennell Curtis , Peroutky Kylene , Kingsley J. Derek , Glickman Ellen L.
Published: January 2018

Background

To determine the effectiveness of a low-cost 12-week worksite physical activity intervention targeting a goal of 10,000 steps per day on reducing anthropometric indices, blood pressure indices, and plasma biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among the employees of a major university.

Methods

Fifty university employees (n = 43 female, n = 7 male; mean age = 48 ± 10 years) participated in the 12-week physical activity intervention (60 min, 3 day/week). Each session included both aerobic (cardiorespiratory endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) physical activity using existing university facilities and equipment. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure indices, and plasma biomarkers of CVD risk assessed included those for obesity (body mass index), hypertension (systolic blood pressure, SBP; diastolic blood pressure, DBP), dyslipidemia (high-density lipoprotein, HDL; low-density lipoprotein, LDL; total serum cholesterol), and prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose, IFG). Steps per day were assessed using a wrist-worn activity monitor. Participants were given the goal of 10,000 steps per day and categorized as either compliers (≥ 10,000 steps per day on average) or non-compliers (< 10,000 steps per day on average) based on their ability to achieve this goal.

Results

Overall, 34% of participants at baseline were already at an elevated risk of CVD due to age. On average, 28% of participants adhered to the goal of 10,000 steps per day. After 12-weeks, participants in both groups (compliers and non-compliers) had lower BMI scores (p < 0.001), lower HDL scores (p < 0.034), and higher IFG scores (p < 0.001). The non-compliers had a greater reduction of BMI scores than the compliers (p = 0.003). Participants at risk for CVD had greater reductions than those not at risk for several risk factors, including SBP (p = 0.020), DBP (p = 0.028), IFG (p = 0.002), LDL (p = 0.006), and total serum cholesterol (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

While the physical activity intervention showed mixed results overall with both favorable changes in anthropometric indices yet unfavorable changes in plasma biomarkers, it was particularly beneficial in regards to both blood pressure indices and plasma biomarkers among those already at risk of CVD.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03385447; retrospectively registered
Relations between open innovation and product quality: an empirical study of Japanese electronics firms
Authors: Ishikawa Takeshi , Suzuki Hideo
Published: January 2018

In late years, the concept of open innovation receives attention from industry and academic. This concept means that firms utilize resources outside for their R&D beyond their boundaries. Behind this background is the fact that firms have more opportunities to utilize resources outside. Previous studies indicate that by utilizing resources outside, firms could make R&D process more efficient or create new products. On the other side of the coin, we have to solve some aspects in open innovation context. First, product quality on the basis of activities of open innovation has to be defined. The definition of product quality is still unclear; thus, it is necessary to identify product quality in open innovation context. In addition, comparison between open innovation and in-company cooperation is not done so much. In the examination of effectiveness of open innovation, we should compare utilization of resources outside with that of in-company ideas. In this paper, we quantitatively analyze relations among product quality, utilization of resources outside, and utilization of internal resources on the basis of Covariance Structure Analysis. This analysis is based on a questionnaire survey at Japanese electronics firms in July 2015.
Colon epithelial cells luminal environment and physiopathological consequences: impact of nutrition and exercise
Authors: Blachier François , de Sá Resende Ayane , da Silva Fogaça Leite Geovana , Vasques da Costa Aline , Lancha Junior Antonio Herbert
Published: January 2018

The colonic epithelial cells represent a border between the colon luminal content, containing notably bacteria and a complex mixture of compounds, and the “milieu interieur” as defined by the French physiologist Claude Bernard. The physical-chemical composition of the luminal content, including luminal pH and bacterial metabolite, that obviously is not constant, is modified for instance according to the diet. Data obtained recently indicate that physical exercise may also modify the colonic luminal content. Evidence has indicated that modification of the luminal content characteristics has, indeed, consequences for the colonic epithelial cells, notably in terms of energy metabolism and DNA integrity. Although such alterations impact presumably the homeostatic process of the colonic epithelium renewal and the epithelial barrier function, their contribution to pathological processes like mucosal inflammation, pre-neoplasia, and neoplasia remains partly elusive. Open questions remain regarding the individual and collective roles of luminal changes, particularly in a long-term perspective. These questions are related particularly to the capacity of the bacterial metabolites to cross the mucus layer before entering the colonocytes, to the concentrations of metabolites in proximity of the colonic crypt stem cells, and to the capacity of colonocytes to detoxicate deleterious compounds, to take up and utilize beneficial compounds.
Estimation of proton density fat fraction of the salivary gland
Authors: Chikui Toru , Yamashita Yasuo , Kise Yoshitaka , Saito Tomonori , Okamura Kazutoshi , Yoshiura Kazunori
Published: January 2018

Objective:

Our first objective was to prove the validity of the six-point Dixon method for estimating the proton density fat fraction (PDFF) of the salivary gland. The second objective was to estimate the salivary gland PDFF using Dixon method to evaluate the pathological conditions.

Methods:

At first, 12 volunteers underwent two types of sequences: single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the Dixon method and the PDFFs obtained by the two methods were compared. Next, a total of 67 individuals [normal, n = 46; Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), n = 11; and IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis (IgG4-DS), n = 4, parotitis, n = 6] were enrolled to estimate the parotid gland (PG) and submandibular gland (SMG) PDFF using the Dixon method.

Results:

This volunteer study demonstrated excellent correlation between two methods (R  2 = 0.964, slope = 1.05). In the normal group, the PG-PDFF was correlated with the weight and body mass index (BMI) (ρ = 0.38, p = 0.0085; and ρ = 0.63, p < 0.0001). The SMG-PDFF was also correlated with the weight, BMI, and serum triglyceride (ρ = 0.37, p = 0.0067; ρ = 0.42, p = 0.0022; and ρ = 0.35, p = 0.024). The PG-PDFF of the SS group (48.2 ± 15.1%) was higher than that of any other groups; however, no significant difference was found due to the wide overlap. The SS group (39.0 ± 26.14%) also had significantly higher SMG-PDFF than the normal group (8.9 ± 5.4%), p < 0.0001) and IgG4-DS group (3.8 ± 2.3%), p = 0.020).

Conclusion:

The Dixon method is a feasible method for estimating the PDFF and demonstrates fat accumulation in SMG in the SS group.

Advances in knowledge:

The PDFF obtained by the Dixon method is helpful for understanding the salivary gland pathological condition.
Prevention of influenza-related illness in young infants by maternal vaccination during pregnancy
Authors: Nunes Marta C , Madhi Shabir A
Published: January 2018

The influenza virus circulates yearly and causes global epidemics. Influenza infection affects all age groups and causes mild to severe illness, and young infants are at particular risk for serious disease. The most effective measure to prevent influenza disease is vaccination; however, no vaccine is licensed for use in infants younger than 6 months old. Thus, there is a crucial need for other preventive strategies in this high-risk age group. Influenza vaccination during pregnancy protects both the mothers and the young infants against influenza infection. Vaccination during pregnancy boosts the maternal antibodies and increases the transfer of immunoglobulin G from the mother to the fetus through the placenta, which confers protection against infection in infants too young to be vaccinated. Data from clinical trials and observational studies did not demonstrate adverse effects to the mother, the fetus, or the infant after maternal influenza vaccination. We present the current data on the effectiveness and safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy in preventing disease in the young infant.
Competition and Crowd-Out for Brand Keywords in Sponsored Search
Authors: Simonov Andrey , Nosko Chris , Rao Justin M.
Published: January 2018

On search keywords with trademarked terms, the brand owner (“focal brand”) and other relevant firms compete for consumers. For the focal brand, paid clicks have a direct substitute in the organic links below the paid ad(s). The proximity of this substitute depends on whether competing firms are aggressively bidding to siphon off traffic. We study the returns to focal brands and competitors using large-scale experiments on Bing with data from thousands of brands. When no competitors are present, we find a positive, statistically significant impact of brand ads of 1%–4%, with larger brands having a smaller causal effect. In this case, the effective “cost per incremental click” is significantly higher than what focal brands typically pay on other keywords. When the focal brand ad is present, competitors in paid positions 2–4 can “steal” 1%–5% of the focal brand’s clicks and raise its costs by shifting traffic to the paid link. Finally, for a set of brands that face competition on their brand search but choose not to advertise, competitors “steal” 18%–42% of clicks, suggesting a strong causal effect of position. Under such position effects, we find the return on investment on defensive advertising to be strongly positive.

Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2017.1065 .
Strategic Selection of Risk Models and Bank Capital Regulation
Authors: Colliard Jean-Edouard
Published: January 2018

The regulatory use of banks’ internal models makes capital requirements more risk sensitive but invites regulatory arbitrage. I develop a framework to study bank regulation with strategic selection of risk models. A bank supervisor can discourage arbitrage by auditing risk models and implements capital ratios less risk sensitive than in the first-best to reduce auditing costs. The optimal capital ratios of a national supervisor can be different from those set by supranational authorities, in which case the supervisor optimally tolerates biased models. I discuss the empirical implications of this “hidden model” problem, and policy answers such as leverage ratios and more reliance on backtesting mechanisms.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2898 .

This paper was accepted by Amit Seru, finance.
Stochastic Runway Scheduling
Authors: Solak Senay , Solveling Gustaf , Clarke John-Paul B. , Johnson Ellis L.
Published: January 2018

Runway scheduling deals with the sequencing of arriving and departing aircraft at airports such that a predefined objective is optimized subject to several operational constraints. Different from the existing deterministic approaches in the literature, we consider a new approach to the stochastic version of this problem within the general context of machine scheduling problems. As part of our analysis, we first show that a restricted version of the stochastic runway-scheduling problem is equivalent to a machine-scheduling problem on a single machine with sequence-dependent setup times and stochastic due dates. We then extend this restricted model by considering characteristics specific to the runway-scheduling problem and present two different stochastic integer programming models. We derive some tight valid inequalities for these formulations and propose a solution methodology based on sample average approximation and Lagrangian-based scenario decomposition. Realistic data sets are then used to perform a detailed computational study involving implementations and analyses of several different configurations of the models. The results from the computational tests indicate that truncated versions of the proposed solution algorithm, where the best solution is reported after short run times, almost always produce very high-quality solutions, implying that the proposed stochastic approach to runway scheduling is likely to be practically implementable with potential value over current practice or deterministic models.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2017.0784 .
The importance of recording mental health history – a case report
Authors: Mills Ian James , Barker Sarah , Renton Tara
Published: January 2018

Until recently, dentists were not trained in psychology and access to education in psychiatry and mental health remained limited within the dental curriculum. A major obstacle for integrating mental health initiatives into primary healthcare services is the lack of consensus on a definition of mental health. Currently, there is widespread use of the term ‘mental health’ as a euphemism for ‘mental illness’. Mental health can be defined as the absence of mental disease, or it can be defined as a state of being that also includes the biological, psychological or social factors which contribute to an individual's mental state and ability to function within the environment. This lack of consensus on the definition of mental health has implications for research, policy and practice.

Mental health issues will impact significantly upon many aspects of patients' health, including: seeking care, presentation, compliance with treatment and providing additional complexities in delivering routine care. Significant issues can arise in relation to routine care but, as dental procedures become more complex in their delivery and maintenance, the impact of undiagnosed mental health issues are likely to increase in prevalence and impact not only on individual patients but also their treating clinicians.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case report provides an account of a case where early identification of the patient's mental health status may have prevented significant post-treatment sequelae.
Aspiration of dental impression material – a case report
Authors: Bateman Geoffrey , Saha Shuva
Published: January 2018

Aspiration of dental impression material is a rare but potentially serious complication of routine care. Prior to this case report the authors found three other reports of impression material aspiration. The following report describes the presentation, management and sequelae of a case.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Routine impression-taking is a procedure with some risk, albeit low, in vulnerable patients and all dental operators should attempt to reduce risk and refer urgently where they suspect adverse outcome.
Adult wellbeing: why it matters and how we achieve it
Authors: Mainstone-Cotton Sonia
Published: January 2018

In 2017, I wrote articles about how we can help children's wellbeing, during which I mentioned a few ideas on how we could enhance our own. This article will extend and expand on those thoughts and ideas, offering some very simple ideas that we can all try.
How can we handle difficult people?
Authors: Burnage Steve
Published: January 2018

Continuing his regular series, Steve Burnage talks us through CPD ideas that can be adapted for your school. He will offer a template for a 45-minute workshop, with free handouts and slides available on our website. This instalment looks at handling difficult people
Distributed leadership
Authors: Solly Ben
Published: January 2018

Exactly what is distributed leadership? And how can it help to raise standards? School leader Ben Solly explains the three secrets to distributed leadership – autonomy, capacity and accountability
A representação dos Povos Indígenas em livros didáticos de Língua Portuguesa
Authors: Santana Cunha Rejane Cristine , Sousa Irlena Moreira Lopes de , Bastos Valdete Venturote
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo tem por objetivo verificar em dois materiais didáticos de língua portuguesa do 9º ano do Ensino Fundamental, a abordagem realizada acerca do ensino de história, línguas e culturas indígenas em sala de aula; e discutir posturas pedagógicas de valorização à diversidade étnica. Como embasamento teórico, nos apoiamos em Stuart Hall (2011) e Tomaz Tadeu (2011) para um suporte concernente às discussões sobre cultura e identidade; Moita Lopes (2003), Rajagopalan (2003) que nos traz uma abordagem sobre a linguística aplicada para o ensino de língua na perspectiva político-cultural; os Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais – PCN (1998) que evidencia a inserção da temática etnicorracial no contexto escolar. Com as análises realizadas nas questões propostas pelos livros didáticos, detectamos caminhos que possibilitam reflexão e compreensão acerca da identidade e diferença sobre as culturas indígenas, ao contexto histórico de suas línguas, bem como o legado linguístico-cultural na formação do povo brasileiro, aspectos, esses, relevantes para discussão no contexto escolar.  Palavras-chave: Materiais didáticos. Identidade. Povos Indígenas.
DESKRIPSI KEMAMPUAN SPASIAL SISWA SMP DITINJAU BERDASARKAN PERBEDAAN GENDER DAN KEMAMPUAN MATEMATIKA
Authors: Prastiwi Lusiana
Published: January 2018

Spatial ability is closely related to the learning of geometry, such as helping students in solving geometry problems. This descriptive qualitative research aims to find out the profile of spatial ability of students in solving geometry problems in accordance with spatial ability indicator that has been prepared that is spatial perception, spatial visualization, mental rotation, spatial relation, and spatial orientation reviewed based on gender differences and students with math skills.The subjects of this study were 6 people consisting of 3 men with high, moderate, and low ability level and 3 women with high, moderate and low ability level. The determination of the subject is done by giving a math test. Instrument in the research is a test of math ability, spatial ability test, and interview guidance. Subjects were given spatial ability tests and interviews to obtain data and then analyzed the data collected. Based on the results of the analysis, it is found that high-ability male students and high-ability female students have relatively equal ability. Furthermore for the capable male students having all the spatial abilities. While female students are capable of not having the ability to spatially rotate the mind (mental rotation).
EFEKTIVITAS PENGGUNAAN BAHASA INGGRIS GURU MIPA SEKOLAH RSBI
Authors: Ismaili Ismaili
Published: January 2018

Karena berbagai faktor, implementasi penggunaan bahasa Inggris sebagai bahasa pengantar pada sekolah RSBI sering mengalami kendala. Sering ada gurauan bahwa sebagian guru hanya menggunakan bahasa Inggris pada awal dan akhir pelajaran saja. Padahal untuk dapat mengajar dengan baik, guru MIPA tidak mesti semahir guru bahasa Inggris. Bila kosakata terkait konten dan ungkapan esensial telah dikuasai dengan baik, guru MIPA sejatinya akan dapat mengajar sama baiknya dengan guru bahasa Inggris. Kosakata penting dan ungkapan esensial itu biasanya telah dipelajari dan dipersiapkan dalam pelatihan persiapan RSBI. Persiapan yang sama juga dilakukan oleh lembaga pendidikan yang mempersiapkan guru MIPA untuk mengajar pada kelas-kelas internasional. Sayangnya, informasi mengenai pola-pola dan efektivitas penggunaan bahasa Inggris oleh guru RSBI masih belum banyak ditemukan. Penelitian ini berusaha menggambarkan pola-pola dan efektivitas penggunaan bahasa Inggris guru MIPA RSBI dengan melibatkan tiga orang guru SMP RSBI di Bandung. Data berupa rekaman KBM yang dilakukan responden akan ditranskrip dan dianalisis menggunakan kriteria kelas CLIL efektif yang diajukan de Graaff et al (2007), Coyle et al (2010), Dalton-Puffer (2009), Dalton-Puffer (n.d.) dan Lorenzo (2009). Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa semua responden yang terlibat dapat menggunakan “language of learning” dan “language for learning”, dengan baik dalam interkasi belajar mengajarnya di kelas, namun sedikit “language through learning” yang muncul. Ketiga jenis bahasa itu direalisasikan dalam kegiatan initiation, response dan feedback (IRF). Kelemahan dalam salah satu dari ketiga komponen itu dapat menyebabkan terganggunya aliran IRF dalam interaksi kelas. Dalam kaitannya dengan efektivitas pembelajaran, realisasi penggunaan bahasa Inggris juga bervariasi. Guru MIPA dengan penguasaan bahasa Inggris yang memadai cenderung dapat menampilkan interaksi pembelajaran yang efektif seperti mendorong penggunaan bahasa Inggris, mengantisipasi dan membahas kata-kata sulit, serta mendorong siswa melakukan reaksi atas pendapat rekannya. Sementara itu, guru MIPA dengan kemampuan bahasa Inggris terbatas cenderung lambat beralih antara topik yang satu ke topik lainnya, sering beralih kode ke Bahasa Indonesia, serta tidak mendorong siswanya untuk menggunakan bahasa Inggris.
Flood modelling using satellite-based precipitation estimates and digital elevation model in eastern Iraq
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Zaidoon , Aziz Nadia , Mohammed Abdulkareem
Published: January 2018

Increasingly available and a virtually uninterrupted supply of satellite-estimated rainfall data is gradually becoming a cost-effective source of input for flood prediction under a variety of circumstances. The study conducted in Wasit province/Eastern Iraq when a flood occurs due to heavy rainfall in May 2013. In this study the capability of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall daily data have been used to estimate the relationship between measured precipitation and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), also to study the relationship between rainfall intensity and flood waters areas. Rainfall estimation by remote sensing using satellite-derived data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) is a possible means of supplementing rain gauge data, having the better spatial cover of rainfall fields. The approach used throughout this paper has integrated recently compiled data derived from satellite imagery (rainfall, and digital elevation model) into a GIS geodatabase to study the relationship between rainfall intensity and floodwater's areas then the results' comparison with the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) after the flood. ArcGIS software has been used to process, analyze the archived Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation data, and calculate NDWI from Landsat 8 images. In conclusions, the study explains the flood-area clearly captured by the TRMM measurements; and the region’s water increased. Also, good correlation between measured precipitation and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) has been detected.
Job satisfaction among nurses in Al-Qassim hospitals and primary health care centers, Saudi Arabia, 2016
Authors: Al-Takroni Hassan , Al-Hindi Adel , Joshva Kavija , Al-Harbi Awad
Published: January 2018

Background: Job's satisfaction consists of a feeling of well-being, resulting from the interaction of several occupational aspects, and may influence the worker's relationship with the organization, clients and family. Hence, it becomes important than the quality of nursing care to reflect on this topic in depth. The current nursing shortage and high turnover are of great concern in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) because of its impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of any health-care delivery system. Objectives: To assess the level of job satisfaction among staff nurses working in Ministry of Health(MOH) hospitals and primary health care centers (PHC) in Al Qassim region. To prepare and implement an action plan according to the findings from the study.Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional design is utilized in the current study. The study was conducted between 5542 nurses working in 20 hospitals and PHCs in Al Qassim region. Response rate is 18% and 1037 questionnaires were analyzed using factor analysis and correlation.Findings: Overall results show that the job satisfaction is found to be averagely satisfied. Accommodation level, administration, work condition, recognition, co-workers communications, educational activity, payment, vacation and leave are used to determine the job satisfaction. There is no correlation between demographic variables and job satisfaction among the staff nurses. Most of the staffs were not satisfied with the workload. Additionally, most of the nurses not satisfied with their weekly off, and they are not happy with their annual allowance.Conclusion: This study concluded that the majority of the nurses participated in the study are averagely satisfied in their job. Therefore, the administration needs more interventions to build the satisfaction of staff nurse for better nurse retention.
Estimación de la Dispersión de Contaminantes Atmosféricos Emitidos por una Industria Papelera Mediante el Modelo AERMOD
Authors: Vidal Daza Oscar Andres , Perez Vidal Andrea
Published: January 2018

Context: modeling of atmospheric pollutants is an useful tool for air quality monitoring and management. In this study the dispersion of three atmospheric pollutants (SO2, NO2 and Total Suspended Particles - TSP) emitted by a boiler from a paper factory at Valle del Cauca department was estimated and its potential impact on the population settlements located at 5Km around the stationary source was identified.Method: the study was structured in three stages: (i) compiling and processing of meteorological, topographic and isokinetic sampling data; (ii) modeling the dispersion of pollutants using AERMOD ViewTM; and (iii) determination of the impact on surrounding populations.Results: the pollution plume is dispersed towards predominant directions of wind and the trajectory is affected by mountainous topography. The maximum concentrations of pollutants found (0,012 μg SO2/m3, 1,42 μg NO2/m3 and 0,109 μgTSP/m3) were lower than the Colombian air quality standards.Conclusions: the emission-control systems used by the studied paper industry ensures compliance with the air quality standard and generates a low impact on exposed populations. In addition, the atmospheric instability conditions favored the dilution of the contaminants discharged to the atmosphere. Although the AERMOD model was useful in the modeling of pollutants under atmospheric instability conditions and short length (<5 km), it has limitations to simulate the chemical transformations of SO2 and NO2, therefore it is recommended to evaluate other models that allow a comparative analysis and select the most appropriate model.
Una Exploración Conceptual de la Formación de Patrones en Sistemas Sociales Autorganizados
Authors: Anzola David
Published: January 2018

Context: The concept of self-organization plays a major role in contemporary complexity science. Yet, the current framework for the study of self-organization is only able to capture some of the nuances of complex social self-organizing phenomena.Method: This article addresses some of the problematic elements in the study of social selforganization. For this purpose, it focuses on pattern formation, a feature of self-organizing phenomena that is common across definitions. The analysis is carried out through three main questions: where can we find these patterns, what are these patterns and how can we study these patterns.Results: The discussion shows that there is a high level of specificity in social self-organized phenomena that is not adequately addressed by the current complexity framework. It argues that some elements are neglected by this framework because they are relatively exclusive to social science; others, because of the relative novelty of social complexity.Conclusions: It is suggested that interdisciplinary collaboration between social scientists and complexity scientists and engineers is needed, in order to overcome traditional disciplinary limitations in the study of social self-organized phenomena.
Język w modelowaniu relacji dziecko–dorosły w tekstach popularnonaukowych dla najmłodszych
Authors: Bortliczek Małgorzata
Published: January 2018

The article is composed of four parts where the linguistic manners of marking a sender’s and an addressee’s occurrence are analyzed. The following aspects of narrations are described in the subsequent parts of the draft such as defining in an accessible way, developing an illusion of conversation, implementing colloquial metaphors (to expose the vividness of the discourse). There is also an avoidance of learning asymmetry between a sender (a popularizer of knowledge) and an addressee with the help of small number of terms and open manner of their explanation as well as adherence to the verbal etiquette and simultaneous implementation of the direct expressions for the addressee. To summarize, senders of the scientific texts for children pay attention, among others, to the realization of such language features as the accessibility, vividness and dialogue.
Między konwencją a inwencją. Osobliwości językowe w listach abpa Adama Sapiehy skierowanych do prymasa Augusta Hlonda
Authors: Sieradzka Paulina
Published: January 2018

In this text the stylistic features of Polish letters of Archbishop Adam Sapieha addressed to the Primate August Hlond. To these letters, the author arrived, by inquiring in Archdiocesan Archives in Gniezno. The relevant subject of the article is five puzzling expressions in terms of usage, meaning and construction. The first example: a coterie is a single lex, the other four: real rape, journalistic nerve, thick gloves and operettas performances are constant expressions. As demonstrated by the analysis of the occurence of words and the analysis of expressions, the word coterie reveals the pejorative relation of the speaker to the circumstances described. The expression of real rape is an idiolectic metaphor and the expression of journalistic nerve is a phraseological modification. The phrase to put thick gloves as well as the expression of operetta performances are contaminations. They prove the existence of Sapieha’s individual language and the efforts of the sender of the letters to make the word and its meaning as complete as possible.
Sposoby nobilitowania polityków w wybranych tekstach prasowych
Authors: Bryła Władysława , Bryła-Cruz Agnieszka
Published: January 2018

The article deals with linguistic exponents of ennobling politicians in the press. The authors emphasize the coexistence of graphic elements (photos and colours) with verbal ones, i.e. lexis, grammatical categories and the following ways of argumentation: the legitimization of one’s own function, assuming the pose of dominance, steering a conversation and the functioning of the aureole effect.
Славяно-турецкое языковое и культурное взаимодействие (на материале хамаилов литовских татар)
Authors: Мишкинене Галина
Published: January 2018

One of the most common genre varieties of literary heritage of Lithuanian Tatars is the chamails. Due to their content, chamails are divided into two groups: prayer’s, intended for imams, and so-called faldjey’s, which besides prayers and descriptions of rituals includes materials on the Muslim chronology, advices on the treatment of diseases with the help of prayers, interpretation of dreams, magic texts. Unbelievable value for researchers represents chamails, in which most of the eastern texts of ritual content and prayers are accompanied by an interlinear translation into Belarusian / Polish language.The translated texts from the manuscript (signature 3246 ar.), stored at the Manuscripts and Rare Book Department of the Scientific Library of Kazan Federal University, and manuscripts (signature No. 869) from the collection of professor A. Muhlinsky, stored at the Library of St. Petersburg University, is going to be the object of the comparative study.
Jabůrek, Groeben, von Petr – Heroes of the Austro-Prussian War Between Fiction and Meta-Reality
Authors: Kessler Vojtěch
Published: January 2018

The paper focuses on three figures connected with the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. As the conflict is not a part of the Czech national narrative, it does not present strong personal stories understandable to a broader audience or forming a part of historical awareness of the public. Numerous figures are to be found in the space between the historical reality, myth, tradition and a deliberate literary fiction, but none of them is a part of a universal consensus of understanding – the ability to be placed in time and space. The article focuses on the three figures of the topic of the Prussian-Austrian war that could help to shed some light on several causes of the phenomenon described.
Jaroslav Šejnoha and Egypt
Authors: Onderka Pavel
Published: January 2018

In 2012, the National Museum – Náprstek Museum accessioned a collection of 13 Egyptian antiquities from the original ownership of Jaroslav Šejnoha, who served as the Czechoslovak Ambassador to Egypt between 1944 and 1946. The collection consists of 13 highly interesting pieces, dating of which spans from the Pre-Dynastic to Greco-Roman Periods.
A Collection of African Red Slip Ware in the Náprstek Museum
Authors: Vrtal Vlastimil
Published: January 2018

A group of six specimens of Late Roman pottery from the region of North Africa forms part of collections of the Náprstek Museum. The group comprises of vessels from several different functional types, forming a representative sample of the pottery production of the region. The paper discusses the setting of the individual vessels in the North African ceramic production, their dating, and provenance.
Michael Faraday the educator - an essay to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Faraday’s Death
Authors: Szydło Zbigniew A.
Published: January 2018

Michael Faraday (1791-1867) is renowned for his outstanding contribution to science and technology during the first half of the nineteenth century. However, he is less well known for his contribution to education. In the present paper, an outline of Faraday’s own education is presented, and how this experience inspired him to pass on his knowledge to others. This was mainly achieved through his popular science lectures - Chemical History of a Candle, delivered at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, in London on 19 occasions between 1825 and 1860, and through his popular textbook for students: Chemical Manipulation (London, 1828). The author examines Faraday’s methodology of teaching chemistry by analysing a fragment of one of his lectures, and also by summarizing the content of Chemical Manipulation, and commenting on some excerpts from it. Using Faraday’s approach to chemistry education as a model, the author challenges today’s chemistry teaching programme for schools, and makes a suggestion for its improvement.
Stories with microorganisms…
Authors: Nowak Andrzej , Nowak Maciej J. , Cybulska Krystyna
Published: January 2018

Microorganisms, usually invisible for us, accompany us always and everywhere. Often we do not realize how decisive its impact on our lives is, how much we use their presence, which of our troubles are the result of their actions, and also how surprising effects result from their activity. Microorganisms also very often play a decisive role in the development of societies, politics and history. One of the most spectacular interventions of micro-organisms in human history include the example of a false “oil fever” that exploded in Australia in the second half of the nineteenth century. It was even more significant to redirect Europe's history in the new direction as a result of the “black death” epidemic in the fourteenth century. Microorganisms have created social conditions for the transition to the next epoch - renaissance, which forms the basis of today's shape. Because of the microorganisms J.F. Kennedy could have been in the 1960 President of the United States of America and to direct her development in the new direction and to stop Khrushchev's expansion into the second hemisphere. Microorganisms, not leaders and generals, won battles and wars. It was Rikketsia prowazeki, not the genius of the opponents, that broke Napoleon's power in Europe. Microorganisms fight disease, improving quality of life and prolonging its period. They allowed to control rabies and numerous infectious diseases. In the economy for the cause of microorganisms, powerful monopolies fell. Bacteria were also used to protect civilians in Poland during World War II. There are many similar stories to tell, stories in which microorganisms play an essential role. But would these stories be about microorganisms only? Or perhaps about people who were fascinated by the microscopic world of microbes discovered his secrets, meaning and ... beauty.
Biocatalytic reduction of ketones in a secondary school laboratory
Authors: Lacušková Dominika , Drozdíková Anna
Published: January 2018

Biocatalysis is one of the most important industrial methods which has been increasingly attracting attention of scientists as a new and environmentally acceptable method. It is used in the preparation of chiral alcohols - important building blocks for the synthesis of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and analogues of natural substances. In biocatalysis the use of traditional chiral agents based on heavy metals has been replaced by the use of enzymes. In many cases, the number of reaction steps has been limited, the selectivity of the desired products has been increased while the negative impact on the environment has been reduced. The principles of biocatalysis have been applied by us to design a simple chemical experiment for the students of higher secondary education. The modified assignment of a lab task consisted of bioreduction of 4-nitroacetophenone using the enzymes present in plant tissues of carrot, parsley and white radish. Within our pedagogical research, the adequacy of the chemical experiment for secondary school students was examined and the extent of understanding of the green chemistry experiment was analysed by the method of a semi-structured interview.
Innovative educational course II: Modelling of odour dispersion from agricultural biogas plants
Authors: Loskot Jan
Published: January 2018

In recent years, the European Union is putting a growing emphasis on constructing agricultural biogas plants, especially in the Czech-Polish border region. In this region, there are large areas of agricultural land which can provide biomass as a substrate used in biogas plants. Biogas plants connected to cogeneration units are a useful renewable source of thermal and electrical energy, but they can cause also some problems. Probably the most serious issue is that inadequately technologically operated biogas plants are the source of unpleasant odour which may affect the surrounding population. Therefore, we prepared a continuation of our educational course focused on biogas plants intended for a study program “Physico-technical Measurements and Computer Technology” at the Faculty of Science at the University of Hradec Kralove and for the education of internshipers from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology at the University of Opole. In this part of the course, the students will learn about the problems with odour released from inadequately technologically operated biogas plants and about the ways how to measure and model the odour contamination in the vicinity of the odour source. An important part of this educational course is a practical exercise on the mathematical modelling of odour contamination from an inadequately technologically operated agricultural biogas plant. Thus, the students will be able to perform the odour modelling using the SYMOS’97 methodology which is approved and used as an official tool for air pollution modelling in the Czech Republic. Students will learn that a biogas plant which is well-operated and correctly located in relation to local hydrometeorological conditions does not annoy local residents by odour.
The Influence of Pyrolitic Degradation on Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fibres within Recycling Composite Materials
Authors: Návrat Michal , Závada Jaroslav , Glogarová Veronika
Published: January 2018

The article deals with the influence of thermal pyrolytic degradation on mechanical properties of carbon fibres used in the production of composite material. The carbon fibre has been chosen as the reinforcement of composite and the resin formed a matrix (binder). During the pyrolysis process, the resin was eliminated and the carbon fibre was separated. Pyrolysis was carried out at temperatures of 450 °C, 550 °C and 650 °C. Subsequently also tensile tests were performed on the treated material to compare the mechanical properties of the fibres prior to pyrolysis and after decomposition. The results showed negative influence at the selected temperatures during the pyrolysis treatment on the mechanical properties of the carbon fibres.
Artificial Recharge – Measurement of Soil Infiltration in Rožnov Pod Radhoštěm
Authors: Chromíková Jitka , Heviánková Silvie , Kyncl Miroslav , Korabík Michal , Marschalko Marian
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential for infiltration in a study area – Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, the Czech Republic. The results are important for the future design of an artificial recharge structure as a method to store water underground in times of water surplus. A total of six measurements of infiltration were made using a double ring infiltrometer on selected prospective sites for the future application of artificial recharge. The results of infiltration tests were analysed based on the Philip’s model. The steady soil infiltration rates ranged from 28 cm∙h−1to 70.38 cm∙h−1and the cumulative soil infiltration ranged from 58 cm to 68 cm.