bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gendering Late Colonial Ayurvedic Discourse: United Provinces, c. 1890–1937
Authors: Rai Saurav Kumar
Published: December 2015

The late nineteenth and early twentieth century India witnessed the rise and growth of cultural and political nationalism with its unflinching support to revive ‘indigenous’ culture, system or tradition. A sudden interest in the revival of ‘indigenous’ medical systems of India during the same period was a natural corollary to the aforesaid phenomenon. This led to the growth of a medical revivalist movement centred largely around the portrayal of Ayurveda as an ‘indigenous’ self. Ayurveda in such a discourse became a true representative of a ‘time-tested’, ‘authentic’, ‘indigenous’ healing culture of India. However, a close analysis of the contemporaneous Ayurvedic discourse reflects gender-oriented concerns and predilections. The present article explores some of these gendered concerns and predilections of Ayurveda thereby showing how the Ayurvedic discourse on health and medicine, despite its claim to rationality and scientificity, was not separate from its social surroundings. Set in the early twentieth century United Provinces, this article reflects on the ideas and notions of the Ayurvedic practitioners who, in many ways, became handy in reinforcing patriarchy. Even Yashoda Devi, the famous female Ayurvedic practitioner from Allahabad who had expertise on women-oriented diseases, cannot be cleared of this blame. Thus, this article attempts a gender-sensitive analysis of the late colonial Ayurvedic discourse.
Current Japanese Security Policy towards China and Neoclassical Realism: Testing IR Theories
Authors: Sherrill Clifton W. , Hough Richard A.
Published: December 2015

This article examines various theoretical viewpoints, assessing their success in explaining Japan’s current security policy towards China. With a variety of theoretically salient factors in place, including a dynamic balance of power, extant regional institutions, economic interdependence and a highly publicized pacifist identity, Japan’s China policy presents a prime opportunity to test different international relations theories. We review four theories of interest, structural realism, neoliberal institutionalism, liberal interdependence and constructivism, finding limited support for structural realist and constructivist predictions. We then offer a neoclassical realist model, building from a realist foundation but accounting for the influence of state structure, strategic culture and parochial interests of governing elites.
Prenatal exposure to antibiotics and wheezing in infancy: a birth cohort study
Authors: Popovic Maja , Rusconi Franca , Zugna Daniela , Galassi Claudia , Merletti Franco , Migliore Enrica , Trevisan Morena , Nannelli Tiziana , Gagliardi Luigi , Richiardi Lorenzo
Published: December 2015

The role of prenatal antibiotic exposure in the development of childhood wheezing is debated. We evaluated whether this association could potentially be explained by confounding factors.

Antibiotic use in the first and third trimester of pregnancy, wheezing in children aged ≤18 months and confounding factors were assessed in singletons participating in the NINFEA (Nascita e Infanzia: gli Effetti dell'Ambiente) birth cohort (n=3530 for first-trimester exposure and n=3985 for third-trimester exposure).

There was no evidence of an association between antibiotic exposure in the first trimester of pregnancy and ever-wheezing (adjusted risk ratio (RR) 1.02, 95% CI 0.80–1.30) or recurrent wheezing (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.54–1.82). For the third-trimester exposure, the crude RRs (95% CI) of ever-wheezing and recurrent wheezing were 1.34 (1.10–1.64) and 2.72 (1.80–4.11), respectively, which decreased to 1.12 (0.90–1.39) and 2.09 (1.32–3.29) after adjustment. The RRs of wheezing after genitourinary infections during pregnancy were increased independently of antibiotic treatment.

In conclusion, the association between prenatal antibiotic exposure and infant wheezing could be largely explained by confounding factors, in particular respiratory infections during pregnancy. An excess risk of wheezing after antibiotic exposure during the third trimester of pregnancy remains after adjustment.
Cost–benefit analysis of Xpert MTB/RIF for tuberculosis suspects in German hospitals
Authors: Diel Roland , Nienhaus Albert , Hillemann Doris , Richter Elvira
Published: December 2015

Our objective was to assess the cost–benefit of enhancing or replacing the conventional sputum smear with the real-time PCR Xpert MTB/RIF method in the inpatient diagnostic schema for tuberculosis (TB).

Recent data from published per-case cost studies for TB/multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB and from comparative analyses of sputum microscopy, mycobacterial culture, Xpert MTB/RIF and drug susceptibility testing, performed at the German National Reference Center for Mycobacteria, were used. Potential cost savings of Xpert MTB/RIF, based on test accuracy and multiple cost drivers, were calculated for diagnosing TB/MDR-TB suspects from the hospital perspective.

Implementing Xpert MTB/RIF as an add-on in smear-positive and smear-negative TB suspects saves on average €48.72 and €503, respectively, per admitted patient as compared with the conventional approach. In smear-positive and smear-negative MDR-TB suspects, cost savings amount to €189.56 and €515.25 per person, respectively. Full replacement of microscopy by Xpert MTB/RIF saves €449.98. In probabilistic Monte-Carlo simulation, adding Xpert MTB/RIF is less costly in 46.4% and 76.2% of smear-positive TB and MDR-TB suspects, respectively, but 100% less expensive in all smear-negative suspects. Full replacement by Xpert MTB/RIF is also consistently cost-saving.

Using Xpert MTB/RIF as an add-on to and even as a replacement for sputum smear examination may significantly reduce expenditures in TB suspects.
Differential effects of graduating during a recession across gender and race
Authors: Kondo Ayako
Published: December 2015

This study examines the differential effects of the unemployment rate at labor market entry, defined as the time of leaving school, on subsequent wages across gender and race using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79. Results suggest that the negative effect of a recession at entry on wages is weaker for women. The differences between blacks and whites are not statistically significant for both genders. These results are robust to controlling for the endogenous timing and location of entry, using an instrumental variable based on the predicted year of graduation and the state of residence at age 14.

JEL codes: J01, J14, J16.
Immigrants and gender roles: assimilation vs. culture
Authors: Blau Francine D.
Published: December 2015

This paper examines evidence on the role of assimilation versus source country culture in influencing immigrant women’s behavior in the United States—looking both over time with immigrants’ residence in the United States and across immigrant generations. It focuses particularly on labor supply but, for the second generation, also examines fertility and education. We find considerable evidence that immigrant source country gender roles influence immigrant and second generation women’s behavior in the United States. This conclusion is robust to various efforts to rule out the effect of other unobservables and to distinguish the effect of culture from that of social capital. These results support a growing literature that suggests that culture matters for economic behavior. At the same time, the results suggest considerable evidence of assimilation of immigrants. Immigrant women narrow the labor supply gap with native-born women with time in the United States, and, while our results suggest an important role for intergenerational transmission, they also indicate considerable convergence of immigrants to native levels of schooling, fertility, and labor supply across generations.

JEL codes: J13, J16, J22, J24, J61
Molecular docking studies on InhA, MabA and PanK enzymes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis of ellagic acid derivatives from Ludwigia adscendens and Trewia nudiflora
Authors: Shilpi Jamil A. , Ali Mohammad Tuhin , Saha Sanjib , Hasan Shihab , Gray Alexander I. , Seidel Véronique
Published: December 2015

Purpose

There is an urgent need to discover and develop new drugs to combatMycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) in humans. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the discovery of new anti-TB agents from natural sources. In the present investigation, molecular docking studies were carried out on two ellagic acid derivatives, namely pteleoellagic acid (1) isolated fromLudwigia adscendens, and 3,3′-di-O-methyl ellagic acid 4-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (2) isolated fromTrewia nudiflora, to investigate their binding to two enzymes involved inM. tuberculosiscell wall biogenesis, namely 2-trans-enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) and β-ketoacyl-ACP reductase (MabA), and to pantothenate kinase (PanK type I) involved in the biosynthesis of coenzyme A, essential for the growth ofM. tuberculosis.

Methods

Molecular docking experiments were performed using AutoDock Vina.

The crystal structures of InhA, MabA and PanK were retrieved from the RCSB Protein Data Bank (PDB). Isonicotinic-acyl-NADH for InhA and MabA, and triazole inhibitory compound for PanK, were used as references.

Results

Pteleoellagic acid showed a high docking score, estimated binding free energy of −9.4 kcal/mol, for the MabA enzyme comparable to the reference compound isonicotinic-acyl-NADH.

Conclusions

Knowledge on the molecular interactions of ellagic acid derivatives with essentialM. tuberculosistargets could prove a useful tool for the design and development of future anti-TB drugs.
Gendered role communication in marketing blue-collar occupational gear and clothing in the United States
Authors: Min Seoha
Published: December 2015

Considering the need for gender equity in the workforce, this research explores social construction of gender; how that construction relates to work; and, subsequently, how gender construction influences the design and marketing of work clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for women working in blue-collar occupations. To explore the phenomenon, a content analysis of products and advertising images in seven websites selling blue-collar work clothes and PPE was used. Collected data suggests work clothing and PPE designed for women is limited in terms of size, design, and number of products available. It was also found that there exists a cultural discomfort with portraying women as competent blue-collar professionals in the advertisement of work clothing. The research provides a discussion of guiding ideas for improvement in the design and marketing of products for women workers in blue-collar occupations. Findings suggest design and marketing images could be improved to better reflect and appeal to women purchasing and using these products.
Complete genome sequence of and proposal of Thermofilum uzonense sp. nov. a novel hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon and emended description of the genus Thermofilum
Authors: Toshchakov Stepan V. , Korzhenkov Aleksei A. , Samarov Nazar I. , Mazunin Ilia O. , Mozhey Oleg I. , Shmyr Ilya S. , Derbikova Ksenia S. , Taranov Evgeny A. , Dominova Irina N. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A. , Patrushev Maxim V. , Podosokorskaya Olga A. , Kublanov Ilya V.
Published: December 2015

A strain of a hyperthermophilic filamentous archaeon was isolated from a sample of Kamchatka hot spring sediment. Isolate 1807-2 grew optimally at 85 °C, pH 6.0-6.5, the parameters being close to those at the sampling site. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed the novel isolate in the crenarchaeal genusThermofilum;Thermofilum pendenswas its closest valid relative (95.7 % of sequence identity). Strain 1807-2 grew organothrophically using polysaccharides (starch and glucomannan), yeast extract or peptone as substrates. The addition of other crenarchaea culture broth filtrates was obligatory required for growth and could not be replaced by the addition of these organisms’ cell wall fractions, as it was described forT. pendens. The genome of strain 1807-2 was sequenced using Illumina and PGM technologies. The average nucleotide identities between genome of strain 1807-2 andT. pendensstrain HRK 5Tand “T. adornatus” strain 1910b were 85 and 82 %, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny, ANI calculations and phenotypic differences we propose a novel speciesThermofilum uzonensewith the type strain 1807-2T(= DSM 28062T = JCM 19810T). Project information and genome sequence was deposited in Genbank under IDs PRJNA262459 and CP009961, respectively.
Genome sequence of Lysobacter dokdonensis DS-58T, a gliding bacterium isolated from soil in Dokdo, Korea
Authors: Kwak Min-Jung , Kwon Soon-Kyeong , Yoon Jung-Hoon , Kim Jihyun F.
Published: December 2015

Lysobacter dokdonensis DS-58, belonging to the family Xanthomonadaceae, was isolated from a soil sample in Dokdo, Korea in 2011. Strain DS-58 is the type strain of L. dokdonensis. In this study, we determined the genome sequence to describe the genomic features including annotation information and COG functional categorization. The draft genome sequence consists of 25 contigs totaling 3,274,406 bp (67.24 % G + C) and contains 3,155 protein coding genes, 2 copies of ribosomal RNA operons, and 48 transfer RNA genes. Among the protein coding genes, 75.91 % of the genes were annotated with a putative function and 87.39 % of the genes were assigned to the COG category. In the genome of L. dokdonensis, a large number of genes associated with protein degradation and antibiotic resistance were detected.
The application of seismic attribute analysis technique in coal field exploration
Authors: Jingbin Cui , Zhonghong Wan , Ping Chen , Quanhu Li , Chen Xu
Published: December 2015

Seismic exploration technologies developed in coal mines and oil fields are basically the same but with certain differences. Safety is one of the key issues in coal mining in China due to unexpected fatal accidents of underground work. Most of these accidents were derived from a geologic anomaly, such as minor faults, subsidence columns, gobs (old coal mining areas), and caving zones (collapse areas), which are of fundamental importance to prevent mining losses from coal mining risk caused by flooding accidents, broken coal beds, added fissures, and accumulated gas. In addition, minor faults also have significant influences on tunnel design in mechanical mining. Above all, accurate identification of these factors is critical in coal mining. We have focused on a coal mine located in eastern China with a burial depth from 500 to 1000 m and a smaller area of less than [Formula: see text]. Using high-precision 3D seismic data and seismic attribute analysis techniques, such as variance, curvature, ant tracking, etc., satisfactory results have been achieved in identifying minor faults, subsidence columns, coal tunnels, and gobs. Verified with actual coal mining, up to 85% of the predicted minor faults with a fault throw within 2–3-m match actual minor faults, and the predicted subsidence columns, coal tunnel, and gob were in perfect agreement with the real-world situation.
Photoperiodic and Diurnal Regulation of WNT Signaling in the Arcuate Nucleus of the Female Djungarian Hamster, Phodopus sungorus
Authors: Boucsein Alisa , Benzler Jonas , Hempp Cindy , Stöhr Sigrid , Helfer Gisela , Tups Alexander
Published: December 2015

The WNT pathway was shown to play an important role in the adult central nervous system. We previously identified the WNT pathway as a novel integration site of the adipokine leptin in mediating its neuroendocrine control of metabolism in obese mice. Here we investigated the implication of WNT signaling in seasonal body weight regulation exhibited by the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus), a seasonal mammal that exhibits profound annual changes in leptin sensitivity. We furthermore investigated whether crucial components of the WNT pathway are regulated in a diurnal manner. Gene expression of key components of the WNT pathway in the hypothalamus of hamsters acclimated to either long day (LD) or short day (SD) photoperiod was analyzed by in situ hybridization. We detected elevated expression of the genes WNT-4, Axin-2, Cyclin-D1, and SFRP-2, in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, a key energy balance integration site, during LD compared with SD as well as a diurnal regulation of Axin-2, Cyclin-D1, and DKK-3. Investigating the effect of photoperiod as well as leptin on the activation (phosphorylation) of the WNT coreceptor LRP-6-(Ser1490) by immunohistochemistry, we found elevated activity in the arcuate nucleus during LD relative to SD as well as after leptin treatment (2 mg/kg body weight). These findings indicate that differential WNT signaling may be associated with seasonal body weight regulation and is partially regulated in a diurnal manner in the adult brain. Furthermore, they suggest that this pathway plays a key role in the neuroendocrine regulation of body weight and integration of the leptin signal.
Althusser’s Authorless Theater
Authors: Montag Warren
Published: December 2015

In his commentary on what he calls Althusser’s dramaturgy, Étienne Balibar notes the importance of theater as a metaphor and in its literal, material existence as an organized space in which both visibility and invisibility are staged. This essay attempts to explore the importance of the figure of machinery in Althusser’s work: stage machinery but also the machinery and apparatuses by which the world of subjection is simultaneously staged and disrupted. This theater is also a theater of war and as such is an authorless theater, a production in the double sense of the term of absent or metonymic causes.
Dogville; Or, on Ambiguity and Oppression: A Beauvoirian Reading
Authors: Shabot Sara Cohen
Published: December 2015

This article argues that Dogville, a film by the polemical Danish director Lars von Trier (2003), has a great deal to say on the themes of freedom and of the ambiguity of oppression. This discussion of the film’s philosophical grounding brings several defining ideas of existentialist thought into play, particularly as they are fleshed out in Simone de Beauvoir’s treatment of oppression and its counterpart, freedom. Reading Dogville through Beauvoir’s eyes, it appears that oppression, being ambiguous, cannot be defeated by means that are not themselves oppressive. In denying the freedom of the other, the oppressor renders his or her own freedom illusory and therefore unworthy of respect. It is only through the punishment of oppression, paradoxically, that free agency is restored to the oppressor; only through the abolition of oppression are both victim and oppressor set free.
Structural Characterization of Ferrihydrite/Hematite Nanocomposites and Their Arsenic Adsorption Properties
Authors: Pariona Nicolaza , Camacho-Aguilar Karla I. , Ramos-González Rodolfo , Martinez Arturo I. , Herrera-Trejo Martin
Published: December 2015

A rich variety of ferrihydrite/hematite nanocomposites (NCs) with specific size, composition and properties were obtained in transformation reactions of 2-line ferrihydrite. Transmission electron microscopy observations showed that the NCs consist of clusters of strongly aggregated nanoparticles (NPs) similarly to a “plum pudding”, where hematite NPs “raisins” are surrounded by ferrihydrite “pudding”. The arsenic adsorption performance of the NCs can be modified for As(III) and As(V) removal, which depends on the NCs composition and the size of hematite NPs. It was found that adequate ferrihydrite/hematite NCs adsorb As(III) faster than ferrihydrite. Otherwise, for As(V), the adsorption exhibited by NCs is slower that for pure ferrihydrite. The data of adsorption isotherms fitted better to the Freundlich model for both As(III) and As(V) adsorption. For all the samples, the model revealed that chemical adsorption is the favorable adsorption process. Additionally, for the ferrihydrite/hematite NCs, the capacity of adsorption for As(III) is higher than for As(V). The high affinity of the NCs for the adsorption of As(III) makes them a good alternative for arsenic removal.
One Step Carbonization/Activation Process for Carbonaceous Material Preparation from Pecan Shells for Tartrazine Removal and Regeneration after Saturation
Authors: Torres-Pérez J. , Soria-Serna L.A. , Solache-Ríos M. , McKay G.
Published: December 2015

The removal of tartrazine dye (A5) onto activated carbon produced from pecan nut shells ( Carya illinoinensis) obtained under specific conditions and one step simultaneous carbonization/activation process was carried out in this work. First order, pseudo-second order and Elovich adsorption kinetic models were applied for the kinetic studies. The experimental equilibrium data were analysed using the isotherms of Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin. Batch adsorption studies were performed for the removal of tartrazine azoic dye from aqueous solutions by two materials obtained at 600 °C (NAC-600) and 857 °C (NAC-857) and another two materials prepared at the same temperatures but simultaneously activated with steam (NAC-600-H2O and NAC-857-H2O). The zero point charge was between pH values of 9 to 11 and the maximum adsorption occurred when activated carbons were steam activated and were 4.47 and 13.66 mg g−1 for NAC-600-H2O and NAC-857-H2O respectively. The results clearly showed that the adsorption of A5 onto carbonaceous materials from nut shells (NAC) best fit to the pseudo second- order model, and the rate constants were in the range from 489.3 to 509.4 g mg−1 h−1. Maximum uptake capacity of tartrazine was comparable to values encountered in the literature for other carbonaceous materials. The results show that under specific activation conditions, Mexican pecan nut shells, as agricultural residues, present high potential as a raw material to produce alternative adsorbent materials for dyes removal from aqueous solutions.
Analysis of Vehicle Dynamic Behavior under Ballasted Track Irregularities in High-Speed Railway
Authors: Cai Xiaopei , Zhao Lining , Lau Albert Leong Lee , Tan Shiyu , Cui Rixin
Published: December 2015

Track irregularity is the main source of excitation that affects the dynamic characteristics of a railway vehicle. It has a significant influence on the stability and safety of a vehicle. In this study, a detailed vehicle–ballasted track dynamic model was established. The vehicle and ballasted track were modeled by multibody software SIMPACK and finite element software Abaqus respectively. The two models were then coupled by FEMBS which is an interface program between finite element (FE) analysis codes and SIMPACK. Based on the dynamic model, the vehicle dynamic behaviors of German and Chinese high-speed railways under ballasted track irregularity were analyzed. The results show that the vehicle dynamic behavior has random characteristics and responds differently to different types of single or combined irregularities. Comparatively, the vehicle dynamic responses acquired from a certain Chinese railway line measured on-site are slightly higher than those from GRSLI. It is also observed that the amplitude of vehicle dynamic responses increased linearly with the train's speed, and the dynamic response under the combined irregularity is slightly higher than the dynamic response under a single irregularity.
Extraction of Archaeological Information Using High Resolution FormoSAT-2 Data
Authors: Agapiou Athos , Alexakis Dimitrios , Simon Francois-Xavier , Kalayci Tuna , Papadopoulos Nikos , Sarris Apostolos , Hadjimitsis Diofantos
Published: December 2015

This paper investigates the potential use of the high resolution FormoSAT-2 sensor for supporting archaeological research. Although satellite remote sensing data have been widely used in the context of archaeological research, the high-resolution FormoSAT-2 dataset has attracted little attention. For a better understanding of the Neolithic habitation of the Thessalian plain in central Greece, the authors have used a variety of remote sensing techniques, including satellite and in situ data. In situ spectroradiometric measurements have been recalculated based on the Relative Response Filters of the FormoSAT-2 sensor and compared with other medium- and high-resolution sensors. The FormoSAT-2 spectral characteristics tend to give similar results with the Landsat 5 TM and 7 ETM+ sensors during the whole phenological cycle of the crops, which make this ideal for pan-sharpening fusion techniques. As we found, FormoSAT-2 data can be sufficiently used for the documentation of tells (locally called magoules) in the area as well as to reconstruct the current landscape of the area. Results presented here are part of the ISPRS WG VI/5 “Archaeo-FORMOSAT” project, sponsored by the National Space Organization, National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs-NSPO) and jointly supported by the Chinese Taipei Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and the Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research (CSRSR) at the National Central University (NCU) of Taiwan.
Stereo-Orthoimage as a GIS Tool for Reliable Restitution of Cultural Monuments
Authors: Soile Sofia , Verykokou Styliani , Ioannidis Charalabos
Published: December 2015

The use of photogrammetric techniques for the geometric documentation of monuments and archaeological sites is widely known and applied. The basic techniques are: (a) the stereo-restitution, which provides the advantage of 3D observation and accurate digitization but requires specific photogrammetric knowledge and equipment, and (b) the orthophoto, an easy to use raster product that enables the 2D digitization, which is, however, not sufficient for monuments that consist of complex surfaces. The concept of stereo-orthoimage was firstly introduced at the end of the 1960s for cartographic and cadastral applications, combining the advantages of both the orthophoto and 3D observation. This paper analyses the algorithms used for the generation of stereo-orthoimages, presents a developed plugin for the free open-source Geographic Information System QGIS that implements the stereo-orthoimage technique and examines the use of this technique for the restitution and digitization of complex surfaces of monuments for their large scale geometric documentation. The QGIS plugin, named OrthoStereoMate (OSM), has been developed in the Python programming language and will become freely available to the official python plugin repository for QGIS users.
A Progressive Hedging Approach for Surgery Planning Under Uncertainty
Authors: Gul Serhat , Denton Brian T. , Fowler John W.
Published: December 2015

We propose a multistage stochastic mixed-integer programming formulation for the assignment of surgeries to operating rooms over a finite planning horizon. We consider the demand for and the duration of surgery to be random variables. The objective is to minimize three competing criteria: expected cost of surgery cancellations, patient waiting time, and operating room overtime. We discuss properties of the model and an implementation of the progressive hedging algorithm to find near-optimal surgery schedules. We conduct numerical experiments using data from a large hospital to identify managerial insights related to surgery planning and the avoidance of surgery cancellations. We compare the progressive hedging algorithm to an easy-to-implement heuristic for practical problem instances to estimate the value of the stochastic solution. Finally, we discuss an implementation of the progressive hedging algorithm within a rolling horizon framework for extended planning periods.
Research Roundup
Authors: Cowan Helen
Published: December 2015

Christmas festivities can warm the heart—however, higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality often coincide with this season. In one seminal study, all deaths from coronary artery disease were recorded over a 12 year period, and death rates were consistently shown to be higher in December and January than in June through to September ( Kloner, 2004 ). In this month's roundup, Helen Cowan will consider recent studies on the effects of cold weather, alcohol and chocolate on the cardiovascular system. Insights into carvedilol since the ‘CHRISTMAS’ trial and the effect of 12-hour shifts, especially hard at Christmas time, will be outlined. The aim is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail.
AF: Treatment and management
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: December 2015

This section presents a concise overview of the conditions, treatments and clinical procedures in the field of cardiovascular care. This ‘back-to-basics’ article aims to refresh nurses' knowledge on correct practice, as well as introduce students and junior nurses to procedures
Burnout in nursing professionals: Associations with early stress
Authors: Pereira Sandra de Souza , Teixeira Carla Araujo Bastos , Reisdorfer Emilene , Gherardi-Donato Edilaine Cristina da Silva , Juruena Mario Francisco , Cardoso Lucilene
Published: December 2015

This study aims to explore the prevalence of burnout syndrome, and its association with early life stress and coping strategies in nursing professionals in a general hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. A study was conducted with a quantitative approach, using a socio-demographic questionnaire of working and health conditions. The prevalence of burnout was 7.4%, early life stress in 31.3% of the sample, and the most used coping strategy were the ones focused on the problem (60%). Burnout syndrome was associated with variables corresponding to living alone (p = 0.03), not having children (p = 0.04), and having been through a doctor's appointment (p = 0.05), and among subjects who do not use strategies focused on the problem (p = 0.01). Early life stress was associated with a high level of emotional exhaustion (p = 0.00). These results bring up important factors associated with burnout syndrome.
Antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: December 2015

Increasing antimicrobial resistance is a concern and there is a need for consistent, ongoing collation and analysis of data on the extent of resistance in bacteria.
Drugs for cat and dog worm elimination: what do we have now and what do we need?
Authors: Castro Pablo David Jimenez , Wright Ian
Published: December 2015

Parasitic worms (helminths) have accompanied domesticated cats and dogs for thousands of years and are still prevalent. This is true not only in the developed world, but especially where there is wide scale poverty, including large parts of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific Region. The global strategy for the control of helminth infections is still morbidity control and reduction or elimination of public health risks. Between 1960 and 1980, astonishing success was accomplished in anthelmintic improvement for animals. In those 20 years, drugs with varied structure, innovative activity and privileged safety were produced. The subsequent years have been spent modifying existing molecules with niche activity (parasite-host research), improving delivery systems and combating the relentless spread of drug resistance. For the years to come, existing technologies are required to design and produce new drugs and biological controls. This article considers the current chemical options for deworming pets and points out the knowledge and treatment gaps that need addressing.
A survey of physiotherapists' attitudes toward older people in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Williams Sonja KP , Nunes Kira
Published: December 2015

Background/Aims:

This study determined the attitude of physiotherapists from Trinidad and Tobago toward older adults and explored the relationships between these attitudes and selected demographic variables. This has become necessary as traditional reverence and respect for older adults is being eroded, and professionals' attitudes are influenced by personal experiences and social biases.

Methods:

Forty physiotherapists were recruited and 30 (75%) participated. Data were collected using the Kogan's Attitudes to Older People Scale (KOPS) and a data collection sheet. KOPS scores were divided into categories to reflect a range of attitude intensities from strongly negative to strongly positive. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data using SPSS software. The relationship between attitude and type of practice was analysed, but that between attitude and age, gender and academic qualification was not analysed owing to small subgroup numbers.

Results:

All participating physiotherapists treated older patients and reported that this exposure influenced their interactions with older patients. The mean KOPS score was 163.03 ±18.26 (median 162), reflecting a weak positive attitude. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean KOPS scores of private and public practitioners (t(28)–1.51, p = 0.14), but private practitioners had a marginally higher mean score.

Conclusions:

Physiotherapists in Trinidad and Tobago showed a weak positive attitude to older adults.
End-tidal CO2 monitoring in the pre-hospital environment: more than just endotracheal tube placement confirmation
Authors: Sinclair Neil
Published: December 2015

Ambulance clinicians can encounter critically ill and injured patients in many unpredictable and challenging environments. The delivery of care and optimising use of all available equipment is essential. Effective measurement and interpretation of end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) monitoring in relation to a patient's clinical state may be one of the most valuable and potentially underused tools available to pre-hospital clinicians.

This article will highlight the benefit of ETCO2 monitoring in the pre-hospital field beyond endotracheal tube placement confirmation. It will discuss the importance of ETCO2 and how it is used in other healthcare settings. An overview will also be given to the devices used and how they work. It will conclude that ETCO2 is a powerful tool which needs to be used, understood and embraced by pre-hospital clinicians.
Pre-hospital treatment of supraventricular tachycardia: a literature review
Authors: Sharp Alex
Published: December 2015

Background:

Tachycardia is a common finding within the unwell patient and can occur as a normal physiological response or as a result of an underlying arrhythmia. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common cardiac arrhythmia which can be treated through a range of differing techniques. The aim of this review was to identify whether the current evidence base supports UK paramedic practice and whether the treatment provided could be enhanced.

Methods:

A literature review through the databases CINAHL, Pubmed and Medline was carried out, using a Boolean search strategy. Articles were included within the study if they discussed the management of SVT through the use of the Valsalva manoeuvre, carotid sinus massage or adenosine within the hospital or pre-hospital environment.

Results:

A total of 32 papers were identified for possible inclusion, with 18 papers being included. The Valsalva manoeuvre was shown to be the most effective vagal manoeuvre, with reversion rates of 21.4–27.7% within the pre-hospital environment. The use of adenosine was shown to be effective in reverting SVT, with most total reversion rates being 80.7–100%. The initial 6 mg dose was shown to have lower efficacy than the subsequent 12 mg doses. Correct paramedic identification rates of SVT were greater than 75%.

Conclusions:

The Valsalva manoeuvre has been shown to be effective and potentially more effective the quicker it is used following onset of the SVT. The safe use of adenosine by paramedics within the US and Australia support the introduction of adenosine into UK paramedic practice.
‘What do you think?’
Authors: Gallagher Rachael
Published: December 2015

Creating an ‘invitation to write’, which encourages children to comment on blog posts is proving an effective way to engage all children with writing.
Connect with ‘real life’ reading and writing
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: December 2015

Dawn Francis-Pester outlines how to bring languages alive and meet curriculum requirements by using a range of authentic materials in your classroom.
Take children outdoors to follow a maths trail
Authors: Davis John
Published: December 2015

Devising an interactive trail around the school and its grounds can literally bring a breath of fresh air to the maths curriculum, which children will appreciate.
On an African adventure with Operation Rhino
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: December 2015

Claire Hewson suggests ways to use Lauren St John's latest novel to excite children about animal conservation, and promote discussion around its themes.
Five rules for a new headship…
Authors: McLean Colin
Published: December 2015

Headteacher Brian Duffy gives Colin McLean his five rules for a successful new headship
Reduced Basis Approximations for Maxwell’s Equations in Dispersive Media
Authors: Hess Martin , Hesthaven Jan , Benner Peter
Published: December 2015

Simulation of electromagnetic and optical wave propagation in, e.g. water, fog or dielectric waveguides requires modeling of linear, temporally dispersive media. Using a POD-greedy sampling
driven by an error indicator, we seek to generate a reduced model which accurately captures the dynamics. Typically, the reduced basis model reduction reduces the model order by a factor of more than 100, while maintaining an approximation error of less than 1%.
Concentrações de nitrato nas águas subterrâneas em áreas rurais do muni-cípio de São José do Rio Preto (SP)
Authors: De Moura Cinthia Cristine , Gastmans Didier , Kiang Chang Hung , Modesto Rosângela Pacini , Rodrigues Paulo Fernando , Ruby Elaine Cristina , Borges Andrey Vetorelli
Published: December 2015

Inúmeros estudos, realizados em diversos países, relacionam as tipologias agrícolas com a contaminação por nitrato em águas subterrâneas. Em São Paulo, o monitoramento da qualidade das águas subterrâneas realizado pela Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) indica aumento nas concentrações de nitrato no Sistema Aquífero Bauru (SAB), entretanto, em áreas rurais a extensão desse problema é desconhecida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a extensão da contaminação por nitrato, a qualidade e o quimismo das águas do SAB na área rural de São José do Rio Preto (SP). Foram realizados o cadastramento de propriedades rurais, duas campanhas de amostragem de água subterrânea para análise química, tratamento estatístico dos dados e avaliação das possíveis relações entre as concentrações de nitrato observadas e os tipos de atividades desenvolvidas. Apenas duas amostras, nas duas campanhas, apresentaram concentrações de nitrato superiores ao limite de potabilidade estabelecido pela Portaria MS2914/2011. No entanto, várias amostras apresentaram indícios de contaminação, especialmente aquelas em que as concentrações de nitrato possuem correlação com as de cloreto, indicando comprometimento e alteração da composição das águas. Observou-se esses indícios em propriedades onde são desenvolvidas atividades pecuárias e agrícolas de maneira consorciada, e a fonte de contaminação está associada aos sistemas de saneamento in situ, além do acúmulo de dejetos animais. 
A Question of Place
Authors: Boggs Grace Lee
Published: December 2015

On February 29, 2000, a first-grader in the Buell Elementary School in Flint took a semi-automatic rifle to school and fatally shot his classmate, six-year-old Kayla Rolland. Since then, there have been countless stories about the tragedy in the media. Those I have read or heard have focused on the chaos in the boy's family and/or guns in the home and community. All have avoided saying that Buell School is in Flint. Instead they have located it in "Mt. Morris Township, somewhere near Flint."… Buell Elementary School is in the Flint Beecher school district, and has a Flint address and a Flint phone number. But Flint officials, in collusion with GM, deny that Beecher is in Flint, which has been known as Buick City. They want to dissociate GM from the devastation and violence that have overtaken the city since the Buick plant closed down.… I was in Flint a couple of weeks before the Buell shooting and GM's responsibility for the city's disintegration is as plain as day. A generation ago, Flint was a thriving working-class town. Now the abandoned Buick plant, spread out over an area as large as Detroit's downtown, sits like a ghostly monster in the midst of empty parking lots, surrounded by block after block of tiny houses, little more than shacks, which once housed GM workers. No wonder Flint suffers from one of the highest per capita rates of murder, rape, and theft in the country.

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INTERAÇÃO EM SALA DE AULA E DESENVOLV IMENTO DE CAPACITAÇÃO HUMANA
Authors: Reed Malcom
Published: December 2015

Qual é o valor pedagógico prático da Zona de Desenvolvimento Proximal? Como nós poderemos desenhar, a partir dos escritos de Vygotsky e Leontiev, com a intenção de entender o processo de desenvolvimento de crianças e jovens como seres humanos intelectuais socializados? Este artigo apresenta a teoria histórico-cultural em atividades de sala de aula, com intenção de revelar o seu potencial nas dinâmicas transformações na subjetividade humana, posicionamento, cooperação e colaboração. Após detalhada contextualização teórica que relaciona fontes primárias e a tradição histórico-cultural voltada à aprendizagem e ao desenvolvimento através de atividades em sala de aula, discute-se uma situação em aula a qual é tomada em sua narrativa mais ampla de experimentação prática, diagnóstico e implementação. http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i1.3815
RELAÇÕES COM A ESCOLA E EXPECTATIVAS QUANTO AO FUTURO EM JOVENS BRASILEIROS
Authors: Alves Cássia Ferraza , Zappe Jana Gonçalves , Patias Naiana Dapieve , Dell'Aglio Débora Dalbosco
Published: December 2015

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de analisar as percepções de jovens brasileiros sobre as relações com a escola, suas expectativas quanto ao futuro e ao desempenho escolar. Participaram 3.081 jovens de 11 a 24 anos, de diversas regiões do Brasil, que responderam a um questionário sobre fatores de risco e proteção. Os dados indicaram que os jovens possuem uma visão positiva da escola e de seus professores. Essas percepções são diferenciadas pela idade e pelo desempenho escolar, visto que os mais velhos e com melhor desempenho tendem a perceber de maneira mais positiva as relações com a escola. Esses aspectos também contribuem para suscitar diferenças nas expectativas quanto ao futuro dos jovens. Salienta-se a importância de considerar as percepções dos jovens sobre a escola, pois estas se relacionam com o desempenho acadêmico e com o desenvolvimento psicossocial em um sentido mais amplo. http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i1.3818
ADOLESCÊNCIA, EDUCAÇÃO E SUICÍDIO: UMA ANÁLISE A PARTIR DA PSICOLOGIA HISTÓRICO-CULTURAL
Authors: Netto Nilson Berenchtein , Souza Terezinha Martins dos Santos
Published: December 2015

O objetivo desse artigo é discutir, desde a produção da Psicologia Histórico-Cultural as relações entre adolescência, suicídio e educação formal. Para tanto, os autores tomaram cada um desses fenômenos a partir de suas determinações históricas, sociais e culturais, relacionando-os e criticando as compreensões tradicionais e ideológicas. Abordam-se múltiplos aspectos da relação entre os fenômenos abordados, com o objetivo de subsidiar a análise crítica e a discussão aprofundada entre os/as trabalhadores/ as das instituições educacionais e os/as estudantes. http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i1.3825
ACERCA DA RELAÇÃO ENTRE EDUCAÇÃO ESCOLAR E DESENVOLV IMENTO PSÍQUICO NA ADOLESCÊNCIA
Authors: Dos Anjos Ricardo Eleutério , Ponce Rosiane De Fátima
Published: December 2015

Com base nos pressupostos da psicologia histórico-cultural e da pedagogia histórico-crítica, o presente artigo versa sobre a relação entre educação escolar e desenvolvimento do psiquismo na adolescência. Conceitua psiquismo humano como reflexo subjetivo da realidade objetiva, formado a partir de um sistema funcional complexo, constituído por funções psicológicas afetivo-cognitivas. Postula que a imagem subjetiva da realidade é organizada pelo pensamento por conceitos, que é a forma superior de pensamento conceitual que se torna possível apenas na adolescência. Tal forma de pensamento é apresentada dialeticamente como consequência e condição da apropriação das objetivações não cotidianas do gênero humano, como a arte, a filosofia e a ciência. Daí o artigo considerar o importante papel da educação escolar que, em sua especificidade, transmite de forma direta e intencional os conhecimentos clássicos aos alunos. http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i1.3826
On the Blow-Up of Solutions to Liouville-Type Equations
Authors: Ricciardi Tonia , Zecca Gabriella
Published: December 2015

We estimate some complex structures related to perturbed Liouville equations defined on a compact Riemannian 2-manifold. As a byproduct, we obtain a quick proof of the mass quantization and we locate the blow-up points.
Estimating Sourcing Premia Using Italian Regional Data
Authors: Gattai Valeria , Trovato Valentina
Published: December 2015

This paper explores the link between sourcing and performance for a representative sample of manufacturing firms located in Lombardy, which is the leading region of the Italian economy. The survey estimation methods that we applied to our original database reveal certain performance premia for firms that engage in foreign rather than domestic sourcing and in- rather than outsourcing. This result is robust to different specifications, samples, performance measures, and definitions of sourcing strategies.
Local contractivity of the process of a player rating variation in the Elo model with one adversary
Authors: Avdeev Vadim A.
Published: December 2015

We study the process of variation of a player rating in an infinite series of games with the same adversary in the Elo rating model. This process is shown to have a stationary distribution, an upper estimate of the rate of convergence to which is established. In a previous paper by the author, the existence of a limit distribution was proved under more stringent assumptions on the parameters of a rating model.
On read-once transformations of random variables over finite fields
Authors: Yashunsky Aleksey D.
Published: December 2015

Transformations of independent random variables over a finite field by read-once formulas are considered. Subsets of probability distributions that are preserved by read-once transformations are constructed. Also we construct a family of distributions that may be arbitrarily closely approximated by a read-once combination of independent identically distributed random variables, whose distributions have no zero components.
On large deviations of a branching process in random environments with immigration at moments of extinction
Authors: Dmitruschenkov Dmitriy V.
Published: December 2015

Let (Z*
Existence of arbitrarily long square-free words with one possible mismatch
Authors: Kotlyarov Nikita V.
Published: December 2015

We are concerned with problems of the existence of periodic structures in words from formal languages. We consider both squares (that is, fragments of the form xx, where x is an arbitrary word) and squares with one mismatch (that is, fragments of the form xy, where a word x differs from a word y by exactly one letter). Given natural numbers l

This research was carried out with the financial support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant no. 14-01-00598) and of the Branch of Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences Program “Algebraic and combinatorial methods of mathematical cybernetics and new generation information systems” (the project “Problem of optimal synthesis of control systems”).