Search

Although nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) are exposed to prolonged stress, no burnout prevention policy has yet been established. This study aims to determine the attitudes and “sense” of knowledge of burnout in nurses with burnout.

Introduction: European gerontological research confirms that accelerated aging of the population will lead to a pronounced occurrence of target groups of functionally capable older people. Lifelong learning is a tool that enables an active post-retirement period in order to enhance cognitive mental capacities, prevent dementia, and overcome the intergenerational gap. The aim of this paper is to develop strategies in the field of lifelong learning for older adults through SWOT analysis.

Built heritage is incessantly exposed to natural disasters including numerous earthquakes. Therefore, it is important to take measures to reduce vulnerability and increase the protection of buildings depending on the exposure to seismic hazard and the importance of the building. Studying the history of construction reveals examples of building constructions aimed at protecting against earthquakes. For this reason, such examples are presented here, starting with the buildings from the distant past until now. The documentation related to the action of earthquakes throughout history and the procedures in planning the building protection measures in order to preserve the heritage from dilapidation were commented. The paper, also, presents some examples of incorrect use of materials and construction technologies that damage the original structural fabric, and thus, the value of a certain cultural property.

A case of replaced right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery is presented with its segmental distribution and the morphometric features. The case was encountered in a 66-year-old formalin-fixed male cadaver during dissection for undergraduate lab education. Length and diameter of the replaced right hepatic artery were measured 63.10 mm and 3.6 mm, respectively. The replaced right hepatic artery coursed posterior to the portal vein initially, and then lateral to it. One of its branches entered into liver segments V and VIII, and the other entered into segments VI and VII. Left hepatic artery arose from the common hepatic artery and gave the middle hepatic artery 11.9 mm distal to its origin. Length and diameter of the middle hepatic artery were measured 30.2 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. After giving a small branch to caudate lobe, the middle hepatic artery reached the quadrate lobe. The diameter and segmental distribution of replaced right hepatic artery was similar to the normal right hepatic artery described in earlier studies. The middle hepatic artery arose from the left hepatic artery at a substantial distance from the liver tissue in the presence of a replaced right hepatic artery. This is of clinical significance in liver transplantations as the arterial supply of segment IV is from the middle segmental artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this paper is to examine the influence of macro factors and the degree of the exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) on aggregate and disaggregate import prices of the industrial sectors in the short- and long-run. The study is based on a model used by Campa and Goldberg (2002) and Campa et al. (2005). The ERPT is determined by applying the single equation and the cointegration approach (autoregressive distributed lag model [ARDL]), vector decomposition, and data over the period from 2002Q1 to 2016Q4. In the long-run, the ERPT is complete for the aggregate import and for the industrial sector beverages and tobacco. In the short-run, the ERPT is incomplete for the aggregate import and for majority of industrial sectors. Further, we have discovered that the degree of the ERPT is higher with heterogeneous products than with homogeneous products. Due to the inaccessibility of data for micro factors, we were not able to determine their effect on import prices. The results of our research can help economic policymakers to create adequate measures in the field of economic policies that will improve the competitiveness of the economy. Finally, this paper identified the effect of the volatility degree of the ERPT on the disaggregate import prices of industrial sectors that has not been sufficiently explored so far.

BackgroundApproximately 20% of women suffer from postpartum depression (PPD). Due to barriers such as limited access to care, half of the women with PPD do not receive treatment. Therefore, it is critical to identify effective and scalable interventions. Traditional mindfulness programs have been effective in reducing depressive symptoms, however access remains a barrier. A self-paced mobile health (mHealth) mindfulness program may fit the lifestyle of busy mothers who are unable to attend in-person classes. However, little is known regarding the feasibility or efficacy of mHealth mindfulness interventions in postpartum women with depressive symptoms. ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an mHealth mindfulness intervention for postpartum women with moderate to moderately severe depressive symptoms. MethodsWe conducted a single-arm feasibility trial of an mHealth mindfulness intervention within Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), a large integrated health care system. Participants were identified through clinician referral and electronic health records via KPNC's universal perinatal depression screening program and recruited by the study team. Inclusion criteria included the following: English-speaking, up to 6 months postpartum with a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) score of 10 to 19, and no regular mindfulness/meditation practice. Participants were asked to use a mindfulness app, Headspace, 10 to 20 min/day for 6 weeks. Baseline and postintervention surveys captured data on patient-reported outcomes (depression and stress symptoms, sleep quality, and mindfulness). Semistructured interviews captured acceptability. Retention and adherence were used to assess feasibility. ResultsOf the 115 women who were contacted and met the eligibility criteria or declined participation before eligibility assessment, 27 (23%) were enrolled. In addition, 70% (19/27) completed the study. The mean age of participants was 31 years (SD 5.2), 30% (8/27) were non-Hispanic White, and, on average, participants were 12.3 weeks postpartum (SD 5.7). Of the women who completed the study, 100% (19/19) used the Headspace app at least once, and nearly half (9/19, 47%) used the app on ≥50% of the days during the 6-week intervention period. Of the 16 participants who completed the postintervention interview, 69% (11/16) reported that they were very or extremely satisfied with the app. Interviews indicated that women appreciated the variety of meditations and felt that the program led to reduced anxiety and improved sleep. Significant improvements in pre- and postintervention scores were observed for depressive symptoms (PHQ-8: −3.8, P=.004), perceived stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale: −6.0, P=.005), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: −2.1, P=.02, indicating less sleep disturbance). Improvements in mindfulness were also significant (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form: 10.9, P=.01). ConclusionsAn mHealth mindfulness intervention for postpartum women with moderate to moderately severe depressive symptoms is feasible and acceptable. An efficacy trial is warranted.

The Republic of Serbia has a rich constitutional tradition. During historical epochs, there have been changes in different constitutional acts as well as in the forms of the political system and rule which have often differed in content, but in fact included the same constitutional matter and protected the highest human values. In such a genesis of constitutionality the national minorities have found their place as well. Although some constitutions through the history of Serbia did not contain the specific systems of minorities' protection, most previous Serbian constitutions guaranteed special minority rights. Consequently, the constitutional protection of national minorities in the legal system of the Republic of Serbia has a traditional character, which prompted the authors in this paper to make an analysis of the constitutional history of the protection of minorities in Serbia and make a special review of the current Constitution of 2006.

Siliceous sinters that precipitate around modern hot spring systems are able to fossilize the indigenous microbial communities, forming molds that accurately outline the shape of the microorganisms. Over time, the biomass decays, and only silica molds or their infill may remain as evidence of the former living cells. However, little is known regarding the fidelity of such silica molds in terms of size and morphology, and the preservation of critical parameters for the identification of ancient silicified microorganisms by silica molds remains untested. Here we report experiments examining the formation of microbial molds of the cyanobacteriumSynechococcus elongatusin silica gel. We demonstrate that post-depositional processes, primarily desiccation, are crucial for obtaining accurate and robust molds, and that initial desiccation acts to strengthen cell molds against further alteration. However, all silica gel treatments systematically created preservational biases (changes in size, additional structures) that may be misleading and may complicate the identification of fossil microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What explains the breakout of violence following the repression of moderate Islamist groups in some Muslim countries? Part of the answer can lie in the political organization style of those groups, which can constrain or expand their long-term strategy choices in unpredicted ways. Using examples from Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, and Turkey, this study suggests that organizing as a political party can initially restrict the means of action otherwise available to a moderate Islamist movement, while the loose framework of a political front reduces its organizational costs and lends remarkable flexibility to attract a wider range of followers. Later, paradoxically, the political party framework can enable limited access of an Islamist group into the political system otherwise completely inaccessible earlier, and help to enhance its power, while political fronts are exposed to attacks from both incumbent regimes and radical Islamists groups alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomineralization processes have traditionally been grouped into two distinct modes; biologically induced mineralization (BIM) and biologically controlled mineralization (BCM). In BIM, microbes cause mineral formation by sorbing solutes onto their cell surfaces or extruded organic polymers and/or releasing reactive metabolites which alter the saturation state of the solution proximal to the cell or polymer surface. Such mineral products appear to have no specific recognized functions. On the other hand, in BCM microbes exert a great degree of chemical and genetic control over the nucleation and growth of mineral particles, presumably because the biominerals produced serve some physiological function. Interestingly, there are examples where the same biomineral is produced by both modes in the same sedimentary environment. For example, the magnetic mineral magnetite (Fe3O4) is generated extracellularly in the bulk pore waters of sediments by various Fe(III)-reducing bacteria under anaerobic conditions, while some other anaerobic and microaerophilic bacteria and possibly protists form magnetite intracellularly within preformed vesicles. Differences in precipitation mechanisms might be caused by enzymatic activity at specific sites on the surface of the cell. Whereas one type of microbe might facilitate the transport of dissolved Fe(III) into the cell, another type will express its reductive enzymes and cause the reduction of Fe(III) external to the cell. Still other microbes might induce magnetite formation indirectly through the oxidation of Fe(II), followed by the reaction of dissolved Fe(II) with hydrolyzed Fe(III). The biomineralization of magnetite has significant effect on environmental iron cycling, the magnetization of sediments and thus the geologic record, and on the use of biomarkers as microbial fossils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the effect of the real effective exchange rate depreciation of the lek on the trade balance of Albania using quarterly data from 1994 to 2015. Bounds testing cointegration approach, vector error correction model (VECM), and impulse response were used for the empirical analysis. The results of the study show a long-term cointegration between the real effective exchange rate (REER) and the trade balance (TB). Specifically, the REER depreciation positively affects the trade balance of Albania in both the long and short run, indicating the weak presence of the J-curve effect. Important recommendations were derived from the results.

Mücahid Yılmaz,1 Mustafa Necati Dağlı,2 Ökkeş Uku,1 Mehmet Nail Bilen,1 Hasan Korkmaz,2 Kenan Erdem,3 Ertuğrul Kurtoğlu1 1Department of Cardiology, Elazığ Education and Research Hospital, 2Department of Cardiology, FIRAT University School of Medicine, Elazığ, 3Department of Cardiology, Sivas Hospital State, Sivas, Turkey Background: The relationship between increased mean platelet volume (MPV) and atherosclerosis is well known. In the present study, MPV in patients with coronary slow flow (CSF) and in cases with normal coronary anatomy (NCA) was investigated and compared with the aim of identifying the relationship between CSF and MPV. Patients and methods: We studied 40 patients previously determined via coronary angiography as having NCA and 40 patients with CSF in the coronary blood stream, as identified by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction square. Thus, a total of 80 patients from the Elaziğ Education and Research Hospital (Elaziğ, Turkey) were included in the present study retrospectively and laboratory and anamnesis information was scanned into their files. The relationship between MPV and CSF was studied. Results: MPV levels were observed to be significantly higher in the CSF group compared to the NCA group (10.05±1.3 and 8.6±0.6, p9.05 measured in CSF patients at application had a predictive specificity of 77.5% and sensitivity of 77.5% for CSF (area under the curve: 0.825, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.726–0.924, p

Almost all countries face the problems of trade balance, although they are more inherent in developing countries and economies in transition. A majority of economists adheres to a common opinion real depreciation may lead to an improvement of the trade balance. That said, countries encountering trade balance issues use real exchange rate depreciation in order to improve the trade balance situation. Albania belongs to the group of transition countries that has been facing negative trade balance over last two decades. National currency devaluations of the lek (ALL) have been used by Albania to improve its trade balance. Therefore, this paper intends to investigate the effect of the real effective exchange rate depreciation of the ALL on the trade balance of Albania using quarterly data from 1994 to 2015. Bounds testing cointegration approach, vector error correction model (VECM) and impulse response were used for empirical analysis. The results of the study show that there exists a long-term cointegration between the real effective exchange rate depreciation and the trade balance. Specifically, real effective exchange rate depreciation positively affects the trade balance of Albania in both the long-run and short-run indicating the weak presence of the J-curve effect. Important recommendations were derived from the results.

In its initial stage economic integration has economic interest as the primary objective, whereas security is not emphasized. Nevertheless, in achieving economic interest, business risk is taken into account because it is decreased in a stable political environment and the existence of a high level of security, which allows economic entities to achieve the desired positive effects and a synergistic effect in achieving the objective of integration. Therefore, security should be seen as a common interest of all entities involved in the integration process, and the economic security of states as one of the key elements on which global security rests. Within the economic integration, there is a close connection and interdependence among the member states, and due to the openness of the borders, there is an intensive movement of people, goods, capital and information. Due to the expressed interdependence, the threat to security in any part of the member states will cause consequences throughout the whole integration area. Therefore, in order to protect their own interests, personal, economic and all other types of security, when it comes to the development of integration the member states tend to regulate joint action on security in the area of integration, which significantly affects stability in the region.

Congenital hypothyroidism is often associated with other congenital anomalies. In some instances it is difficult to differentiate congenital hypothyroidism from Werdnig–Hoffmann's disease. We report a case of congenital hypothyroidism associated with Werdnig–Hoffmann's disease that appears to be the first of its kind in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold (Au) analyses are generally performed using destructive techniques. In this study, the Gamma Absorption Technique has been employed for gold analysis. A series of different gold alloys of known gold content were analysed and a calibration curve was obtained. This curve was then used for the analysis of unknown samples. Gold analyses can be made non-destructively, easily and quickly by the gamma absorption technique. The mass attenuation coefficients of the alloys were measured around the K-shell absorption edge of Au. Theoretical mass attenuation coefficient values were obtained using the WinXCom program and comparison of the experimental results with the theoretical values showed generally good and acceptable agreement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The primary purpose of this study was to predict academic grade point averages (GPAs) of Turki primary school children, using family background and individual measures (sociometric standing, self-reported loneliness, and social efficacy) as predictors. We hypothesized that these two measures would explain the wide variation in GPA for samples differing with respect to sex and paternal education. Regression analyses with male and female subsamples revealed that the background measures explained twice as much variance in GPA, popularity, and loneliness for girls as for boys. Another finding was that the background measures explained a greater proportion of the variance in GPA for children with less- versus more-educated fathers, whereas individual measures explained a greater proportion of the variance for children with more as opposed to less educated fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Yakup Altas,1 Ertugrul Kurtoglu,2 Baris Yaylak,1 Erkan Baysal,1 Berzal Ucaman,1 Hasan Murat Ugurlu,1 Mehmet Zülkif Karahan,1 Bernas Altintas,1 Mehmet Sahin Adiyaman,1 İlyas Kaya,1 Umut Erdolu,1 Kaya Ozen,1 Cayan Cakir,3 Utkan Sevuk4 1Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, 2Department of Cardiology, Malatya State Hospital, Malatya, 3Department of Cardiology, Memorial Diyarbakir Hospital, 4Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir,Turkey Aim: The pathophysiology of slow coronary flow (SCF) involves atherosclerosis, small vessel dysfunction, platelet function disorders, and inflammation. It has been known that eosinophils also play a significant role in inflammation, vasoconstriction, thrombosis, and endothelial dysfunction. We propose to evaluate the relationship between eosinophilia and SCF. Methods: All patients who underwent coronary angiography between January 2011 and December 2013 were screened retrospectively. Of 6,832 patients, 102 patients with SCF (66 males, mean age 52.2±11.7 years) and 77 control subjects with normal coronary angiography (50 males, mean age 50.7±8.1 years) were detected. Baseline characteristics, hematological test results, and biochemical test results were obtained from the hospital database. Results: Baseline characteristics of the study groups were comparable between groups. There was no significant difference between groups regarding leukocyte count, paletelet count, and mean platelet volume. However, patients with SCF had a higher eosinophil count than the controls (0.24±0.17×103/µL vs 0.16±0.15×103/µL, P=0.002). In addition, eosinophil count was found to be correlated with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count in the SCF group (r=0.3, P

Serbian conservationists could learn a lot from the revitalization example of the Old city of Bern. Analyses of this example show that the method of revitalization and protection of listed, but abandoned and inhabited, buildings depends on its future use. Alone analyses of future purpose of built heritage cannot be used as a method for its revitalization. The use of new ideas based on historical importance of the protected building generates the building's structures. The approach of revitalization through the process of building structuring and adaptation to new purpose has been tested through different analyses. It was found that the future purpose of building cannot be determined only by defining the revitalization method, set by public body, but in this process the future owner of building should actively participate. The recommendations for transferring this methodology in solving Serbian built heritage problems are given.

New Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes were synthesized with the bidentate azo-azomethine dye, 4-[(E)-phenyldiazenyl]-2-[(E)-(phenylimino)methyl] phenol (dmpH), which was prepared by the reaction of 2-hydroxy-5-[(E)- phenyldiazenyl]benzaldehyde with aniline in EtOH. The syntheses of the metal chelates of the azo-azomethine dye were realized by the precipitation technique. The synthesized metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, as well as infrared and UV-Vis spectral data. Based on these characterizations, the metal complexes of the transition metal ions may be formulated as [M(dmp)Cl(H2O)] where M = Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II). The metal complexes were formed by the coordination of N and O atoms of the ligand. The molar conductance values of the Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes of the bidentate ligand indicate their non-ionic character. The free ligand and its metal complexes were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial properties against eight bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus cloacae, Bacillus megaterium, and Micrococcus luteus, and three fungi, Kluyveromyces fragilis, Rhodotorula rubra and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in order to assess their antimicrobial potential. The [Ni(dmp)Cl(H2O)] chelate exhibited high activity against all the bacteria and fungi, except Rhodotorula rubra.