bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examination of published articles with respect to statistical errors in veterinary sciences
Authors: Ercan Ilker , Kaya Mehmet Onur , Uzabaci Ender , Mankir Seray , Can Fatma Ezgi , Bashir Albishir Musa
Published: March 2017

The aim of this present work was to examine statistical errors in published veterinary science articles. A total of 204 published articles (SCI or SCI-Exp) were used in this study. The articles were chosen from among those indexed in PubMed database between the years 2010 and 2014, inclusive. A total of 199 articles had at least one statistical error. The most frequently encountered statistical error among the articles published in journals indexed in SCI and in SCI-E was “errors in summarizing data”. No statistical error was found in 2.45% (n=5) of 204 (SCI: 0.98% (1/102), SCI-E: 3.92% (4/102)) articles. To reduce and prevent statistical errors in publications, the researchers must have a basic knowledge of statistics and during the study process they must consult field experts. While reviewing, the reviewers have to redirect the publications to statistical editors when needed and most importantly during the process of editing, the editors have to direct the publications to a statistics reviewer.
Effects of Aronia melanocarpa juice on plasma and liver phospholipid fatty acid composition in Wistar rats
Authors: Zec Manja , Debeljak Martačić Jasmina , Ranković Slavica , Pokimica Biljana , Tomić Mirko , Ignjatović Đurđica , Glibetić Maria , Popović Tamara
Published: March 2017

A nutritional placebo-controlled study was performed in Wistar rats in order to investigate the effects of 5-weeks aronia juice consumption towards fatty acid (FA) composition of phospholipids in the plasma and liver, as well as plasma glucose (Glu) and cholesterol levels. The animals were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals each, and randomized to receive either the full polyphenol dose of Aronia melanocarpa juice (AMJ), 4 times less polyphenol dose (¼-AMJ) or polyphenol-lacking placebo beverage (PLB). Each group of 8 male adult Wistar rats received the liquid ad libitum. AMJ decreased the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P < 0.05) vs. PLB. AMJ increased dihomo-γ-linoleic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) (P < 0.05) and decreased arachidonic acid content (AA, 20:4n-6) (P < 0.05) vs. PLB in liver phospholipids. AMJ significantly increased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) levels both in the liver (P < 0.05) and plasma (P < 0.05). Both aronia juice doses elevated the levels of beneficial n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the plasma and liver. There was a dose-dependent, significant increase (P < 0.001) in cis-vaccenic acid (VA, 18:1n-7) in phospholipids in the plasma and liver. Our results indicate favorable effects of aronia juice intake on lipid parameters in Wistar rats. These findings suggest the potential of aronia dietary intake in cardiometabolic diseases primary prevention strategies in the human population.
Translation, Cultural Adjustment and Evaluation of Reliability and Validity of “Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short Form” for Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Petrović-Kitić Aleksandra , Janković Slobodan
Published: March 2017

The Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short Form is the most often used scale for measuring the quality of life of patients with psychiatric diseases. The aim of this research was to analyze the possibilities for measuring the quality of life in clinical conditions on the sample of patients with schizophrenia by using this scale. The study was conducted on the group including 153 patients with schizophrenia at the Institution for Accommodation of Adults “Male Pčelice”, Kragujevac. The study was observational and cross-sectional. The reliability of questionnaire was examined by using Cronbach’s alpha. The two tests of factor analysis adequacy were used, Spherical Bartlett’s Test and Keiser-Meyer-Olkin test (sampling adequacy). Validation was performed by calculating the correlation (validation by criteria). The Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short Form was reliable (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.730) and valid. According to Catell criterion two domains were applied. This two-component solution explained the total of 37.80% variance, whereby the contribution of the first domain was 27.1% and the second 10.7%. The Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short Form is suitable for everyday clinical evaluation of the patients with schizophrenia.
The Relation between Academic Achievement and Emotional Intelligence in Iranian Students: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ranjbar Hossein , Khademi Seyed Hossein , Areshtanab Hossein Namdar
Published: March 2017

Academic achievement is one of the most important concepts in the field of education. Although emotional intelligence, as a key factor in academic achievement, has been studied in various studies, yet the results obtained are not in harmony with each other and the topic is yet under debate. In order to fill in this informational vacuum, the present research was undergone using a meta-analysis method.

In order to make a thorough search to find articles within the Iranian context, key words such as “Emotional Intelligence” AND (Emotional OR Intelligence) AND “academic achievement” OR “academic status” AND “Student” AND “Iran”, were used without limitation in dates or language in the following sites: Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Knowledge, Ovid, Wiley, Google Scholar, and Persian databases such as SID, Irandoc and Magiran. The random effect model was utilized for statistical pooling.

A total of 23 articles were chosen to enter the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed a meaningful relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement (Pooled Correlation = 0.157; 95% CI, 0.081-0.231). The Cochran Q (Q = 145:126, p = 0.000) and I2 = 84.84% index indicated a high heterogeneity among the articles entering the meta-analysis. In subgroup analysis, the students in state universities had more summary effect (0.177; 95% CI, 0.085 - 0.267) compared to the ones studying in private ones (0.118; 95% CI, 0.024-0.255). No sign of publication bias was found.

A weak correlation was seen between emotional intelligence and educational achievement in the context of Iranian university students. It seems that the relationship of these concepts may be affected by other factors in this setting, so this calls for further studies in this field.
Improving the Method of Roof Fall Susceptibility Assessment based on Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Ghasemi Ebrahim , Ataei Mohammad , Shahriar Kourosh
Published: March 2017

Retreat mining is always accompanied by a great amount of accidents and most of them are due to roof fall. Therefore, development of methodologies to evaluate the roof fall susceptibility (RFS) seems essential. Ghasemi et al. (2012) proposed a systematic methodology to assess the roof fall risk during retreat mining based on risk assessment classic approach. The main defect of this method is ignorance of subjective uncertainties due to linguistic input value of some factors, low resolution, fixed weighting, sharp class boundaries, etc. To remove this defection and improve the mentioned method, in this paper, a novel methodology is presented to assess the RFS using fuzzy approach. The application of fuzzy approach provides an effective tool to handle the subjective uncertainties. Furthermore, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to structure and prioritize various risk factors and sub-factors during development of this method. This methodology is applied to identify the susceptibility of roof fall occurrence in main panel of Tabas Central Mine (TCM), Iran. The results indicate that this methodology is effective and efficient in assessing RFS.
An Evaluation of Practical Applicability of Multi-Assortment Production Break-Even Analysis based on Mining Companies
Authors: Fuksa Dariusz , Trzaskuś-Żak Beata , Gałaś Zdzisław , Utrata Arkadiusz
Published: March 2017

In the practice of mining companies, the vast majority of them produce more than one product. The analysis of the break-even, which is referred to as CVP (Cost-Volume-Profit) analysis (Wilkinson, 2005; Czopek, 2003) in their case is significantly constricted, given the necessity to include multi-assortment structure in the analysis, which may have more than 20 types of assortments (depending on the grain size) in their offer, as in the case of open-pit mines.

The article presents methods of evaluation of break-even (volume and value) for both a single-assortment production and a multi-assortment production. The complexity of problem of break-even evaluation for multi-assortment production has resulted in formation of many methods, and, simultaneously, various approaches to its analysis, especially differences in accounting fixed costs, which may be either totally accounted for among particular assortments, relating to the whole company or partially accounted for among particular assortments and partially relating to the company, as a whole. The evaluation of the chosen methods of break-even analysis, given the availability of data, was based on two examples of mining companies: an open-pit mine of rock materials and an underground hard coal mine. The selection of methods was set by the available data provided by the companies. The data for the analysis comes from internal documentation of the mines – financial statements, breakdowns and cost calculations.
New Computer Simulation Procedure of Heading Face Mining Process with Transverse Cutting Heads for Roadheader Automation
Authors: Dolipski Marian , Cheluszka Piotr , Sobota Piotr , Remiorz Eryk
Published: March 2017

The key working process carried out by roadheaders is rock mining. For this reason, the mathematical modelling of the mining process is underlying the prediction of a dynamic load on the main components of a roadheader, the prediction of power demand for rock cutting with given properties or the prediction of energy consumption of this process. The theoretical and experimental investigations conducted point out – especially in relation to the technical parameters of roadheaders used these days in underground mining and their operating conditions – that the mathematical models of the process employed to date have many limitations, and in many cases the results obtained using such models deviate largely from the reality. This is due to the fact that certain factors strongly influencing cutting process progress have not been considered at the modelling stage, or have been approached in an oversimplified fashion.

The article presents a new model of a rock cutting process using conical picks of cutting heads of boom-type roadheaders. An important novelty with respect to the models applied to date is, firstly, that the actual shape of cuts has been modelled with such shape resulting from the geometry of the currently used conical picks, and, secondly, variations in the depth of cuts in the cutting path of individual picks have been considered with such variations resulting from the picks’ kinematics during the advancement of transverse cutting heads parallel to the floor surface. The work presents examples of simulation results for mining with a roadheader’s transverse head equipped with 80 conical picks and compares them with the outcomes obtained using the existing model.
Cerebral Vasospasm in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Through Aneurysm Rupture - Clinical Considerations and Case Report
Authors: Caraban B.M. , Romila Aurelia , Hangan L.T. , Lungu Mihaela
Published: March 2017

Arterial aneurysm ruptures of the circle of Willis determine subarachnoid hemorrhage, which evolving due to the irritating effect of the blood in the subarachnoid space may lead to complications such as large arterial vasospasm in the origin of the large cerebral arteries, from the base of the brain.

Cerebral vasospasm causes a downstream cerebral ischemia, that may lead to the establishment of an ischemic stroke which is life threatening.

Early treatment against the vasospasm with calcium channels blockers should prevent occurrence of ischemia. However, the effectiveness of this treatment is not fully confirmed, fact that was mentioned even in the presentation of our case.
Monopolistic Competition and Exclusive Quality
Authors: Ortiz-Ospina Esteban
Published: March 2017

In this paper I adapt a classic model of monopolistic competition where products are differentiated by quality, in order to study a market in which high-quality products can only be enjoyed by users with sufficient ability. Casting the model in the context of higher education – where selective colleges pledge quality by excluding low-ability students –, I show that there are two equilibrium market segmentations: one in which highly selective colleges serve high-income high-ability students, and another in which highly selective colleges are cheaper than the less selective competitors that cater to low-ability high-income students. I provide an example to illustrate the welfare implications of these two market configurations.
Positive effect of pedometer-based walking intervention on body image and physical activity enjoyment in adolescent girls
Authors: Kantanista Adam , Bronikowski Michał , Laudańska-Krzemińska Ida , Król-Zielińska Magdalena , Osiński Wiesław
Published: March 2017

Study aim: To assess the effects of an eight-week pedometer-based walking intervention, using different strategies of goalsetting, on self-efficacy, physical activity enjoyment, and body image.

Material and methods: The study included data from 82 girls, aged 16 to 18 years. The participants took part in the intervention using goal setting with the do your best strategy (do your best group, n = 26) or specific step goals predetermined by the researcher (predetermined goals group, n = 56). The group of participants from the predetermined goals group was divided into a group of those achieving the goals (n = 28) and a group where goals were not achieved (n = 28). Self-efficacy, body image, and physical activity enjoyment were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results: The results of ANOVA with repeated measures between the measurement times and groups showed a significant effect of body image (F = 3.60, p = 0.03, η² = 0.08) and physical activity enjoyment (F = 3.10, p = 0.05, η² = 0.07). Participants who achieved goals in step counts predetermined by the researcher had a more positive body image and a higher level of physical activity enjoyment after the intervention.

Conclusion: An eight-week pedometer-based walking program implemented in a school setting may improve body image and physical activity enjoyment in adolescent girls only if the set goals (the number of steps) are specific and fully achieved by participants. Using pedometers in conjunction with a goal setting program seems to be an effective motivational way to improve physical activity in female students.
Coupled Free and Forced Convection Heat Transfer in a Porous Enclosure Saturated by Nanofluid with Irregular Temperature Distributions on Sidewalls
Authors: Muthtamilselvan M. , Sureshkumar S. , Doh Deog Hee
Published: March 2017

A two dimensional steady and laminar mixed convection flow in lid-driven porous cavity filled with Cu-water nanofluid is presented in this numerical investigation. The vertical side walls are considered with two spatially varying sinusoidal temperature distributions of different amplitude ratios and phase deviations while the horizontal walls are thermally insulated. The transport equations are solved using finite volume method on a uniformly staggered grid system. The variations of fluid flow, heat transfer, mid-plane velocity, and Nusselt number were discussed over a wide range of Richardson number $(Ri)$
, Darcy number $(Da)$
, porosity $(\epsilon)$
, amplitude ratio $(\epsilon_a)$
, phase deviation $(\phi)$
, and solid volume fraction $(\chi)$
. The results show that the total heat transfer rate increases on increasing Darcy number, amplitude ratio, and solid volume fraction with fixed $Ri$
. For $\phi=\frac{3\pi}{4}$
, the average Nusselt number gets its maximum value when the natural convection dominates. It is found that for $Ri =0.01$
and $1$
, the total heat transfer rate decreases on increasing porosity whereas for $Ri=100$
it is contradictory. It is also observed that the heat transfer is affected mainly on the right side wall where the phase deviation varies from $0$
to $\pi$
. But the effect of $\phi$
is not significant on the left side wall. The sinusoidal temperature distribution along the sidewalls gives better heat transfer rate than the uniform temperature.
Neural Network Based Simulation of Micro Creeping Fibrous Composites SiC/Al6061 for Plastic Behaviour
Authors: Monfared Vahid
Published: March 2017

The present work presents a new approach based on neural network prediction for simple and fast estimation of the creep plastic behaviour of the short fiber composites. Also, this approach is proposed to reduce the solution procedure. Moreover, as a significant application of the method, shuttles and spaceships, turbine blades and discs are generally subjected to the creep effects. Consequently, analysis of the creep phenomenon is required and vital in different industries. Analysis of the creep behaviour is required for failure, fracture, fatigue, and creep resistance of the optoelectronic/photonic composites, and sensors. One of the main applications of the present work is in designing the composites with optical fibers and devices. At last, a good agreement is seen among the present prediction by neural network approach, finite element method (FEM), and the experimental results.
Application of Local Fourier Transform to Mathematical Simulation of Synchronous Machines with Valve Excitation Systems
Authors: Fedotov A. , Fedotov E. , Bahteev K.
Published: March 2017

The article proposes a method of mathematical simulation of electrical machines with thyristor exciters on the basis of the local Fourier transform. The present research demonstrates that this method allows switching from a variable structure model to a constant structure model. Transition from the continuous variables to the discrete variables is used. The numerical example is given in the paper.
Nanoindentation Response analysis of Thin Film Substrates-I: Strain Gradient-Divergence Approach
Authors: Kanders U. , Kanders K.
Published: March 2017

Nanoindentation is a widely-used method for sensitive exploration of the mechanical properties of micromechanical systems. We derive a simple empirical analysis technique to extract stress-strain field (SSF) gradient and divergence representations from nanoindentation data sets. Using this approach, local SSF gradients and structural heterogeneities can be discovered to obtain more detail about the sample’s microstructure, thus enhancing the analytic capacity of the nanoindentation technique. We demonstrate the application of the SSF gradient-divergence analysis approach to nanoindentation measurements of bulk silicon.
Untersuchung und Modulation kortikaler Inhibition mittels transkranieller Magnetstimulation
Authors: Vlachos Andreas , Funke Klaus , Ziemann Ulf
Published: March 2017

Die Transkranielle Magnetstimulation (TMS) ist eine nicht-invasive Hirnstimulationstechnik, die zu diagnostischen, therapeutischen und wissenschaftlichen Zwecken in der Neurologie und Psychiatrie eingesetzt wird. Sie beruht auf dem physikalischen Grundprinzip der elektromagnetischen Induktion und ermöglicht die lokale Aktivierung kortikaler Areale durch den intakten Schädel des wachen Probanden oder Patienten. Eine sogenannte repetitive TMS (rTMS) kann zu anhaltenden Veränderungen der kortikalen Erregbarkeit führen. Die TMS stellt somit einen vielversprechenden Ansatz zur nicht-invasiven Untersuchung neuronaler Netzwerke, sowie deren lang anhaltender Beeinflussung dar. Trotz ihres mittlerweile breiten klinischen Einsatzes, sind die zellulären und molekularen Wirkmechanismen der TMS noch nicht genau geklärt. Etablierte Therapiekonzepte gehen von einer Wiederherstellung einer krankheitsbedingt veränderten kortikalen Erregbarkeit aus, die auf einer „Langzeit-Potenzierung“ oder „Langzeit-Depression“ erregender Synapsen beruhen könnte. Tatsächlich zeigen tierexperimentelle Studien, dass die rTMS in der Lage ist, anhaltende Veränderungen erregender Neurotransmission zu bewirken. Es bleibt allerdings unklar, auf welche Weise synaptische Veränderungen, die durch eine elektromagnetische Aktivierung der Hirnrinde bewirkt werden und demnach nicht kontext- oder verhaltensspezifisch sind, einen positiven Einfluss auf Hirnfunktionen haben. Neuere Befunde deuten nun darauf hin, dass die rTMS in der Lage ist, neben erregenden auch hemmende neuronale Netzwerke anhaltend zu beeinflussen. So gelang es nachzuweisen, dass 10 Hz repetitive Magnetstimulation zu einer kalziumabhängigen „Langzeit-Depression“ inhibitorischer GABAerger Synapsen führt. Da der Verminderung hemmender Neurotransmission (=Disinhibition) eine wichtige Rolle bei der Bahnung assoziativer Plastizität erregender Synapsen beigemessen wird, ist davon auszugehen, dass rTMS-induzierte Disinhibition die Ausbildung kontext- und verhaltensspezifischer synaptischer Veränderungen begünstigt. Das Modell der
Mechanismen des Neuritischen Prunings
Authors: Rumpf Sebastian , Rode Sandra , Herzmann Svende , Krumkamp Rafael
Published: March 2017

Die Entwicklung des Nervensystems beinhaltet sowohl progressive Phasen, in denen Neuriten und Synapsen geformt werden, als auch regressive Phasen, in denen überzählige Fortsätze zurückgezogen und abgebaut werden. Solche regressiven Mechanismen werden auch als
Our hungry brain: Which role do glial cells play for the energy supply?
Authors: Deitmer Joachim W. , Theparambil Shefeeq M. , Ruminot Iván , Becker Holger M.
Published: March 2017

Our brain, which accounts for about 2 % of our body weight, uses up to 20 % of our total energy requirements. The supply with sufficient energetic substrates to all brain cells, which are very densely packed, in particular in the human brain, is a huge logistic challenge. The most important energy substrate for our brain is glucose, which reaches the brain via the blood circulation. Glucose is not only utilized by nerve cells directly, but to a large extent also taken up by glial cells, which then either store glucose after conversion to glycogen as energy reserve, or transfer it as lactate to nerve cells. Lactate in nerve cells can then be converted to pyruvate, which is efficiently utilized together with oxygen for the formation of chemical energy in form of ATP. The intermediate metabolic product lactate hence plays an important role as energetic substrate, which is exchanged between cells both under aerobic and non-aerobic conditions. Transport of lactate across the cell membrane is carried out in co-transport with protons (H+), which are crucial regulators of various metabolic processes and membrane transporters. In addition, the lactate carriers form a functional network with carbonic anhydrases, enzymes, which not only catalyze the equilibrium between carbon dioxide, hydrogen carbonate (bicarbonate) and protons, but also facilitate lactate transport. In this article, we focus on physiological processes of the energy metabolism in glial cells as well as on the transfer of energetic substrates to nerve cells, processes, which themselves are critically modulated by pH and its regulation in glial cells.
A study on the imaging characteristics of Gold nanoparticles as a contrast agent in X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Mesbahi Asghar , Famouri Fatemeh , Ahar Mohammad Johari , Ghaffari Maryam Olade , Ghavami Seyed Mostafa
Published: March 2017

Aim: In the current study, some imaging characteristics of AuNPs were quantitatively analyzed and compared with two conventional contrast media (CM) including Iodine and Gadolinium by using of a cylindrical phantom.

Methods: AuNPs were synthesized with the mean diameter of 16 nm and were equalized to the concentration of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/mL in the same volumes. A cylindrical phantom resembling the head and neck was fabricated and drilled to contain small tubes filled with Iodine, Gadolinium, and AuNPs as contrast media. The phantom was scanned in different exposure techniques and CT numbers of three studied contrast media inside test tubes were measured in terms of Hounsfield Unit (HU). The imaging parameters of the noise and contrast to noise ratios (CNR) were calculated for all studied CMs.

Results: AuNPs showed 128% and 166% higher CT number in comparison with Iodine and Gadolinium respectively. Also, Iodine had a greater CT number than Gadolinium for the same exposure techniques and concentration. The maximum CT number for AuNPs and studied contrast materials was obtained at the highest mAs and the lowest tube potential. The maximum CT number were 1033±11 (HU) for AuNP, 565±10 (HU) for Iodine, 458±11 for Gadolinium. Moreover, the maximum CNRs of 433±117, 203±53, 145±37 were found for AuNPs, Iodine and Gadolinium respectively.

Conclusion: The contrast agent based on AuNPs showed higher imaging quality in terms of contrast and noise relative to other iodine and gadolinium based contrast media in X-ray computed tomography. Application of the AuNPs as a contrast medium in x-ray CT is recommended.
Single center experience and technical nuances in the treatment of distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms
Authors: Gherasim Dorin Nicolae , Gyorki Gabriel , Balasa Adrian
Published: March 2017

Objective: This study presents the experience of one neurosurgical center in the treatment of 18 consecutive patients with distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms during a 10 years period. Our aim was to compare treatment outcomes of these lesions with intracranial aneurysms in general, and to present technical nuances in surgical treatment.

Methods: We analyzed the clinical and radiological data of 18 patients treated between 2005 and 2015. All patients were treated surgically using the microscope. No patients were lost to follow-up. We compared treatment and outcome of ruptured DACA aneurysms (n 18) with all consecutive ruptured aneurysms treated in our clinic during the same period (n 446).

Results: DACA aneurysms accounted for 4% of all intracranial aneurysms. They were smaller (median, 5,5 versus 9 mm) We found only one case with associated aneurysms (5,5%). DACA aneurysms presented more often with intracerebral hematomas (39% versus 26%) than ruptured aneurysms in general. Their microsurgical treatment showed the same complication rates (treatment morbidity, 15%) as for other ruptured aneurysms in literature. Their mortality rate was lower (11% versus 24%).

Conclusion: Despite their specific anatomic features, and particular surgical technique, with modern treatment methods, ruptured DACA aneurysms have the same favorable outcome and lower mortality as ruptured aneurysms in general.
Spinal schwannomatosis of the cauda equina in the absence of neurofibromatosis: case report and treatment strategies
Authors: Turliuc Dana , Cucu A. , Sandu R. , Dumitrescu Gabriela , Costea Claudia
Published: March 2017

Schwannomatosis is a rare tumor syndrome characterized by the presence of multiple benign non-vestibular, non-intradermal schwannomas and by the absence of neurofibromatosis type 1 or 2 syndromes. Multiple schwannomas are clinically and genetically distinct from neurofibromatosis, and the main treatment in case of symptomatic lesions is represented by surgical resection. In case of asymptomatic lesions, the indicated treatment is neuroimaging follow-up (MRI). We are presenting the case of a patient with three schwannomas of the cauda equina, as well as the treatment strategy in the case of this rare pathology.
Surgery in cervical disc herniation: anterior cervical discectomy without fusion or with fusion
Authors: Iencean Andrei Stefan
Published: March 2017

The study included a group of anterior cervical microdiscectomy without fusion performed at one level (either C5-C6 level or at the C6-C7 level) and a second group of patients with same single-level of anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. The kinematic analysis included the range of motion, anteroposterior translation and disc height assessed for the cervical functional spinal units at the operated level and adjacent levels. At the operated level the range of motion and the translation were minimal in the anterior cervical discectomy without fusion group, both for the C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels, and absent in the cervical discectomy with fusion group. The superior adjacent levels translations were greater in the ACDF group compared with the ACD group. The clinical results of both types of cervical discectomy were comparable. In cervical microdiscectomy without fusion the elastic fibrous intradiscal scar at the operated level allows a small degree of mobility and the adjacent cervical levels are not overstressed. No need for anterior cervical discectomy with fusion to trait a single level cervical disc herniation than in selected cases.
Butterfly vertebra: a case report
Authors: Adam D. , Iftimie D. , Burduşa Gina , Moisescu Cristiana
Published: March 2017

Background and importance: Butterfly vertebra is an uncommon congenital spinal anomaly, which can be easily mistaken for vertebral fracture, infection or tumor.

Clinical presentation: We report the case of a 20-year-old male patient with a 3-year history of intermittent mid-thoracic spinal pain. Local examination showed a mild thoracic kyphoscoliosis. Neurological examination was normal. Computer tomography revealed the presence of a T6 butterfly vertebra associated with morphological anomalies in adjacent vertebral bodies and T6-T9 Schmorl’s nodes. MRI scan confirmed the diagnosis and additionally showed a mild spinal stenosis caused by apparent posterior epidural fat hypertrophy. The patient was treated with painkillers and physical therapy.

Conclusion: Butterfly vertebra is a benign condition. Once diagnosed, additional diagnostic procedures are not necessary. Neurosurgeons must be aware of this congenital anomaly that should not be confused with a vertebral fracture.
Selected International Definitions about Young Students’ Leisure Time: Theoretical and Practical Background in Poland
Authors: Janicka-Panek Teresa
Published: March 2017

Terms such as recreation, leisure, functions of spare time, physical hygiene, mental hygiene or forms of spare time are among the issues discussed in the branch of educational science. The majority of educationalists are convinced that the issue of active leisure should form part of the core curriculum and should be an objective of education in kindergarten, in early schooling and in subsequent tiers of education. Some teaching aids (textbooks, workbooks and worksheets) for young children do reflect this process. It is worthwhile making this issue the subject of educational research in order to assess the achievements in this regard in a sub-discipline referred to as ‘early school pedagogy’. This article constitutes a preliminary theoretical and practical study to this end. It has been indicated that the students of classes I–III (depending on the attitude of parents) spends his free time in the following way: learning a foreign language, usually English sports; the other for boys and another for girls, reading books, watching television, playing on the computer, recreation with their parents, the practice of tourism, family shopping in supermarkets. It has been stated that physical activity is a popular form of recreation, which has been proven during a small-sample research project; this type of recreation meets numerous psycho-social needs; it facilitates adaptation to rapidly changing conditions of life by helping with stress management, illness prevention and fitness improvement; it shapes interpersonal relations by strengthening social integration and family ties; it also aids development of physical and artistic skills.
Peculiarities of Future Technology Teachers’ Training in Poland and Great Britain
Authors: Androshchuk Iryna , Androshchuk Ihor
Published: March 2017

The importance of studying foreign experience to enhance the efficiency of teacher training in higher education institutions has been justified. Peculiarities of future technology teachers’ training in Poland and Great Britain have been considered. Special attention has been paid to revealing the ways of enhancing the level of teachers’ professional competency while and after studying at university. The requirements for technology teachers’ have been specified. It has been indicated that apart from the requirements for professional training, future specialists should follow moral rules, cooperate with the participants of the education process and manage information and communication technologies. Qualification categories of teachers in Poland as well as educational routes for future technology teachers’ training in Great Britain have been found out. Based on the generalization of the study results, the authors have singled out the main cycles of professional disciplines needed for professional training of technology teachers’ training in Great Britain. The role of school placements in future teachers’ training for professional activity has been considered. It has been proved that the great amount of hours is allotted for practical training of students and forming of those skills and abilities needed in professional activity. Relative stages of students’ practical training in higher education institutions have been identified.
Understanding Changes on the Country-of-origin Effect of Portugal
Authors: Costa e Silva Susana , Saraiva Lucénio
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study is to understand the international perception of Portugal, as well as the strategies used by Portuguese companies to overcome any possible negative country-of-origin (COO) effect. The paper focuses on companies belonging to different Portuguese businesses: wine, footwear and electromechanical. Cases were chosen because of the dynamic process that was correctly put forward at different levels. The results show that Portuguese companies are interested in getting to know how to accommodate or be part of that dynamic process, as this seems to be crucial if they want to succeed in international markets. The perception of Portugal is improving, and there seems to be signs of a positive COO effect being created in some instances. Most of the achievements are due to the previous success of Portuguese businesses and businesspeople in international markets that have been able to create a positive reputation. The key to success seems to be rooted in how companies combine their unique resources with technological innovations and strategic tools, backed by public policy. This study contributes to enhance the knowledge of managers on the COO effect and its effects on companies, by presenting different levels of analysis: company, industry and country level.
The Organizational Culture Dimensions – The Case of an Independent Private University in Macedonia
Authors: Zeqiri Jusuf , Alija Shpresa
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study is to explore how the organizational culture as one of the most vital elements of any organization affects the success of an organization. In recent years, the organizational culture has become one of the most important areas of research. Researchers simultaneously examine the concept of organizational culture in different environments in order to develop credibility and productivity in the workplace. The effectiveness of a university and how well it operates depend, to a large extent, on how the university culture is formed. This research examines and takes in consideration the 6 Hofstede's cultural dimensions: process-oriented versus results-oriented; employee-oriented versus job-oriented; parochial versus professional; open system versus closed system, loose versus tight control, and normative versus pragmatic. The paper determines the dimensions that better represent the organizational culture of an independent private university. The study attempts to explain the effect on this university’s culture, as well as the implications in administering this system which contributes in fulfilling the mission and vision, as well as its impact in developing and realizing the strategic objectives of the university itself.
Wachstum und Rentabilität badenwürttembergischer, bayerischer und niedersächsischer stromerzeugender Energiegenossenschaften im Zeitraum 2006-2015
Authors: Wulf Inge , Kramer Mike , Sackbrook Jürgen Lars
Published: March 2017

The cooperative energy transition does not only need energy cooperative start-ups, but also a profitable and dynamic development of the existing energy cooperatives. A balance sheet analysis of power generating energy cooperatives in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Lower Saxony demonstrates the declining profitability and the missing growth dynamics.
Using integrated, ecosystem-level management to address intensifying ocean acidification and hypoxia in the California Current large marine ecosystem
Authors: Klinger Terrie , Chornesky Elizabeth A. , Whiteman Elizabeth A. , Chan Francis , Largier John L. , Wakefield W. Waldo
Published: March 2017

Ocean acidification is intensifying and hypoxia is projected to expand in the California Current large marine ecosystem as a result of processes associated with the global emission of CO2. Observed changes in the California Current outpace those in many other areas of the ocean, underscoring the pressing need to adopt management approaches that can accommodate uncertainty and the complicated dynamics forced by accelerating change. We argue that changes occurring in the California Current large marine ecosystem provide opportunities and incentives to adopt an integrated, systems-level approach to resource management to preserve existing ecosystem services and forestall abrupt change. Practical options already exist to maximize the benefits of management actions and ameliorate impending change in the California Current, for instance, adding ocean acidification and hypoxia to design criteria for marine protected areas, including consideration of ocean acidification and hypoxia in fisheries management decisions, and fully enforcing existing laws and regulations that govern water quality and land use and development.
The risks of hydraulic fracturing and the responsibilities of engineers
Authors: Kirkman Robert , Arson Chloé F. , Stewart Lauren , Harris Rebecca , Francis Amanda
Published: March 2017

One third of U.S. natural gas is extracted by injecting fluid at high pressure into shale formations, a process associated with a number of possible hazards and risks that have become the subject of intense public controversy. We develop a three-part schema to make sense of risks of hydraulic fracturing and the responsibilities of engineers: the lab, the field, and the forum. In the lab, researchers seek to answer basic questions about, for example, the behavior of shale under particular conditions; there uncertainty seems to arise at every turn. In the field, engineers and others work to implement technological processes, such as hydraulic fracturing and the subsequent extraction of oil and gas; hazards may arise as natural and social systems respond in sometimes surprising ways. In the forum, the public and their representatives deliberate about risk and acceptable risk, questions that are framed in ethical as well as technical terms. The difficulty of characterizing – and in living up to – the responsibilities of engineers lie in part in the apparent distance between the lab and the forum. We examine in turn uncertainties in the lab, hazards in the field, and deliberation in the forum, leading to the conclusion that scientists and engineers can and should help to inform public deliberation but that their research cannot, on its own, resolve all controversies. Scientists and engineers who seek to inform deliberation should be mindful of the scope and limits of their authority, clear and modest in communicating research findings to the public, and careful to avoid even apparent conflicts of interest wherever possible. We close by drawing from the lab-field-forum schema to suggest a direction for pedagogical innovations aimed at the formation of responsible engineers in the context of college-level degree programs.
Nurse-Driven Clinical Pathway for Inpatient Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pound Catherine M. , Gelt Victoria , Akiki Salwa , Eady Kaylee , Moreau Katherine , Momoli Franco , Murchison Barbara , Zemek Roger , Mulholland Brett , Kovesi Tom
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE:

We examined the impact of a nurse-driven clinical pathway on length of stay (LOS) for children hospitalized with asthma.

METHODS:

We conducted a randomized controlled trial involving children hospitalized with asthma. Nurses of children in the intervention group weaned salbutamol frequency using an asthma scoring tool, whereas physicians weaned salbutamol frequency for the control group patients as per standard care. The primary outcome was LOS in hours. Secondary outcomes included number of salbutamol treatments administered, ICU transfers, unplanned medical visits postdischarge, and stakeholders’ pathway satisfaction. Research staff, investigators, and statisticians were blinded to group assignment, except for research assistants enrolling participants. Qualitative interviews were done to assess acceptability of intervention by physicians, nurses, residents, and patients.

RESULTS:

We recruited 113 participants (mean age 4.9 years, 62% boys) between May 2012 and September 2015. Median LOS was 49 hours (21–243 hours) and 47 hours (22–188 hours) (P = .11), for the control and intervention groups, respectively. A post hoc analysis designed to deal with highly skewed LOS data resulted in a relative 18% (95% confidence interval 0.68–0.99) LOS reduction for the intervention group. There was no difference in secondary outcomes. No significant adverse events resulted from the intervention. The 14 participants included in the qualitative component reported a positive experience with the pathway.

CONCLUSIONS:

This nurse-driven pathway led to increased efficiency as evidenced by a modest LOS reduction. It allowed for care standardization, improved utilization of nursing resources, and high stakeholder satisfaction.
Neurodevelopment: The Impact of Nutrition and Inflammation During Infancy in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Krebs Nancy F. , Lozoff Betsy , Georgieff Michael K.
Published: March 2017

Infancy and early childhood (ie, birth through age 24 months) represent a period of life with both exquisite opportunity and vulnerability for neurodevelopment. This is due to rapid brain development, both anatomic and functional, as well as to high nutrient requirements during a time of dependence on human milk and complementary foods. Complex interactions exist among nutrition, social, and physical environments and exposures. The newborn brain also reflects maternal exposures that occurred as the product of many interacting forces during gestation. Connections between nutrient use and acute and chronic inflammation are increasingly recognized, but the evidence base linking both nutrition and inflammation to neurodevelopment is relatively modest and quite limited for this young age group specifically. This article provides an overview of key interactions of nutritional requirements relevant to brain development and function; nutritional vulnerabilities related to maternal nutritional status and function; and the impact of environmental exposures and inflammation on nutrient homeostasis and neurodevelopment during this critical developmental window.
Neurodevelopment: The Impact of Nutrition and Inflammation During Early to Middle Childhood in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: John Chandy C. , Black Maureen M. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: March 2017

The early to middle childhood years are a critical period for child neurodevelopment. Nutritional deficiencies, infection, and inflammation are major contributors to impaired child neurodevelopment in these years, particularly in low-resource settings. This review identifies global research priorities relating to nutrition, infection, and inflammation in early to middle childhood neurodevelopment. The research priority areas identified include: (1) assessment of how nutrition, infection, or inflammation in the preconception, prenatal, and infancy periods (or interventions in these periods) affect function in early to middle childhood; (2) assessment of whether effects of nutritional interventions vary by poverty or inflammation; (3) determination of the feasibility of preschool- and school-based integrated nutritional interventions; (4) improved assessment of the epidemiology of infection- and inflammation-related neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI); (5) identification of mechanisms through which infection causes NDI; (6) identification of noninfectious causes of inflammation-related NDI and interventions for causes already identified (eg, environmental factors); and (7) studies on the effects of interactions between nutritional, infectious, and inflammatory factors on neurodevelopment in early to middle childhood. Areas of emerging importance that require additional study include the effects of maternal Zika virus infection, childhood environmental enteropathy, and alterations in the child’s microbiome on neurodevelopment in early to middle childhood. Research in these key areas will be critical to the development of interventions to optimize the neurodevelopmental potential of children worldwide in the early to middle childhood years.
Effects of land use on soil C02 flux in the Paramo de Guerrero, Colombia
Authors: Peña-Quemba Diego , Rubiano-Sanabria Yolanda , Riveros-Iregui Diego
Published: March 2017

The Andean paramo is an important global carbon sink and has a fundamental ecological function of capture, regulation and supply of water resources. The soil CO2 efflux is a natural process through which the carbon is released into the atmo sphere by molecular diffusion. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of different land use and soil managements practices over CO2 efflux in the Paramo de Guerrero, using the soil respiration chamber technique. We evaluated five differ ent land covers present in the Paramo de Guerrero (paramo vegetation, pasture, two tillage cover and potato crop). Our results show that soil respiration was lower in the paramo (0.42 g CO2 m-2 h-1) than in the others land uses, probably due to the higher moisture content (57.1% on average). The tillage practices showed a primary physical effect, continued by the increase of the velocity of biological and chemical processes drived by soil microorganisms, such as microbial respiration and organic matter mineralization. This study demostrates that moisture and soil temperature were not the main drivers of CO2 flux in the conditions of the Paramo de Guerrero, but the agricultural management and the land use affect differentially the accumulation and release dynamics of soil organic carbon to the atmosphere.
Análisis de la gestión de políticas y procesos burocráticos en la atención a las víctimas de la violencia en Colombia.
Authors: Rodríguez Jairo Enrique , Alzate Velmar David
Published: March 2017

El propósito de este documento es analizar los procesos de atención a las víctimas de la violencia realizados por los gobiernos territoriales en el periodo 2011-2013. Como hipótesis de trabajo se establece que, entre el momento en que se formaliza la atención al desplazamiento como función de Estado (Ley 387 de 1997), y en el que este se integra al marco para la atención a las víctimas del conflicto (Ley 1448 de 2011), se desarrolla de manera independiente (o desarticulada, según el punto de vista) una serie de proyectos e iniciativas de corto plazo, ajustadas a los tiempos de los Planes de Desarrollo y agendas de cooperación, en donde se tiende a privilegiar la fijación de políticas y no la prestación de servicios directamente, sin intentar modificar modelos burocráticos afianzados y con baja adición de recursos financieros. Las entidades territoriales poco o nada modificaron sus esquemas de funcionamiento, lo que terminó en profundizar su crisis por bajas capacidades de respuesta a esta amplia problemática.