bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symplectic factorization, Darboux theorem and ellipticity
Authors: Kneuss O. , Dacorogna B. , Gangbo W.
Published: May 2017

This manuscript identifies a maximal system of equations which renders the classical Darboux problem elliptic, thereby providing a selection criterion for its well posedness. Let

f

be a symplectic form close enough to

\omega _{m}

, the standard symplectic form on

\mathbb{R}^{2m}

. We prove existence of a diffeomorphism

φ

, with optimal regularity, satisfying

\varphi ^*\left(\omega _{m}\right) = f\:\text{and}\:〈d\varphi ^{♭};\omega _{m}〉 = 0.

We establish uniqueness of

φ

when the system is coupled with a Dirichlet datum. As a byproduct, we obtain, what we term
symplectic factorization of vector fields
, that any map

u

, satisfying appropriate assumptions, can be factored as:

u = \chi \circ \psi \:\text{with}\:\psi ^*\left(\omega _{m}\right) = \omega _{m}\:,\:〈d\chi ^{♭};\omega _{m}〉 = 0\:\text{and}\:\mathrm{∇}\chi + \left(\mathrm{∇}\chi \right)^{t} > 0;

moreover there exists a closed 2-form

Φ

such that

\chi = \left(\delta \mathrm{\Phi }\:⌟\:\omega _{m}\right)^{♯}

. Here,

♯

is the musical isomorphism and

♭

its inverse. We connect the above result to an

L^{2}

-projection problem.
La estrategia y la transformación de firmas en declive: revisión de la literatura de los últimos 15 años
Authors: Dupleix María Dolores , Rébori Alfredo
Published: May 2017

Los primeros estudios que abordaron el rol de la estrategia en los procesos de transformación de firmasen declive revelaron que el cambio estratégico jugaba un rol central. Sin embargo, estos estudios demostraron tener deficiencias y limitaciones, principalmente metodológicas, lo cual originó un intenso debate respecto al papel de la estrategia. El presente trabajo revisa la literatura reciente y muestra que a lo largo de los años la investigación fue evolucionando e incorporando nuevos elementos e integrando distintos enfoques, generando así análisis más completos. Al ofrecer una visión amplia del tema, esta investigación puede ser útil en la práctica para los actores involucrados en intentos de recuperación de firmas en declive y para los académicos involucrados en su estudio. Así también, estos resultados complementan la literatura de fracaso empresarial.
Psychoeducational groups for adults with ADHD and their significant others (PEGASUS): A pragmatic multicenter and randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hirvikoski T. , Lindström T. , Carlsson J. , Waaler E. , Jokinen J. , Bölte S.
Published: May 2017

Objective:

To examine the feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness of PEGASUS, a group-based structured psychoeducation for adults with ADHD and their significant others.

Method:

A pragmatic parallel group add-on design multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted, comparing an 8-session treatment with PEGASUS (allocated n = 97; 48 with ADHD and 49 with significant others) to treatment as usual (TAU, allocated n = 82; 39 with ADHD and 43 significant others). Participants (individuals with ADHD and significant others) were recruited from five psychiatric outpatient departments and block randomized to PEGASUS or TAU. Knowledge about ADHD was measured using the ADHD 20 scale pre- and post-intervention and served as primary outcome.

Results:

Knowledge about ADHD (d = 0.97 [95% CI: 0.61–1.31]) increased following PEGASUS participation compared to TAU. Improvements were also observed in secondary outcomes e.g. global life satisfaction (d = 0.25 [95% CI: from –0.09 to 0.59]). Overall treatment satisfaction was good. Over 90% of the participants completed the program. Post-intervention data was obtained from n = 89 in PEGASUS group and n = 70 in TAU group and analyses were conducted per protocol. No important adverse effects or side effects were observed.

Conclusions:

Group-based structured psychoeducation PEGASUS for adults with ADHD and their significant others is a feasible, efficacious, and effective treatment option to increase ADHD knowledge and general life satisfaction in psychiatric outpatient care.
Alfabetización en salud de una comunidad universitaria del noroeste de México en el año 2016
Authors: Mávita-Corral Carlos Javier
Published: May 2017

Introducción: Desde su aparición en 1974, el término alfabetización en salud ha asumido cada vez más importancia; se refiere a la habilidad para acceder, comprender y evaluar la información en salud para tomar decisiones. La población con una inadecuada alfabetización en salud representa un grupo vulnerable. Se carece de investigaciones al respecto en colectividades educativas.
Objetivo: Medir y analizar el nivel de alfabetización en salud de una comunidad universitaria del noroeste de México.
Método: Estudio transversal analítico. Mediante un muestreo probabilístico estratificado se incluyeron 477 individuos: alumnos, académicos, administrativos y empleados; 68.34% correspondió a mujeres; edad media 29.6 años. Previa autorización verbal, se aplicó el European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire, versión en español, elaborado por el Consorcio HLS-EU, coordinado por la Universidad de Maastricht y financiado por la Comisión Europea. Se recogieron también antecedentes de salud, estudiándose su relación con el grado de alfabetización en salud a través de la prueba 2 de Pearson y t de Student.
Resultados: El 8.17% presentó un índice de alfabetización en salud inadecuado; 43.39%, problemático; 39.83%, suficiente; 8.59%, excelente. Las variables asociadas más significativamente (p < 0.01) con un resultado deficiente fueron: pertenecer al grupo de administrativos, padecer enfermedades crónicas, uso frecuente de los servicios de urgencias, constante asistencia a consultas médicas y sedentarismo.
Conclusiones: La mitad (51.56%, 95% IC 47.09-56.03) de esta comunidad universitaria cuenta con un nivel insuficiente de educación en salud. En virtud de su impacto social, es necesario implementar este tema como un eje estratégico en las instituciones educativas superiores.
Apuntes históricos sobre la formación de médicos especialistas en México desde la evolución educativa
Authors: Vázquez Martínez Francisco Domingo
Published: May 2017

Introducción: Se estudió la formación de médicos especialistas en México desde la perspectiva de la evolución educativa. Según esta, la formación profesional se inicia, en la etapa artesanal, con la incorporación inmediata del aprendiz al trabajo. Posteriormente, los saberes, las habilidades y las actitudes profesionales se organizan en programas educativos en instituciones escolares autónomas del ámbito laboral, características de la etapa escolar. ¿Puede la teoría de la evolución educativa contribuir al conocimiento de la historia de la formación de médicos especialistas en México?

Objetivo: Explorar la pertinencia del enfoque y, en su caso, dar respuesta a la pregunta planteada.

Método: Relectura, desde la perspectiva de la evolución educativa, de bibliografía publicada sobre la formación de médicos especialistas en México, el reconocimiento delposgrado como ciclo de estudios en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México y el Movimiento Médico de 1964-1965.

Resultados: En la formación de médicos especialistas en México, durante todo el siglo XX, se vinculan los papeles de estudiante y trabajador, primero en el aprendiz y después en el residente. Esto es, se puede identificar claramente la etapa artesanal. En esta se distinguen 3 periodos: tutelar, conformacional y de aval universitario. En el Movimiento Médico de 1964-1965 los residentes exigieron ser reconocidos como trabajadores y en la Ley Federal del Trabajo de 1970 quedaron definidos como tales.

Conclusiones: La Ley Federal del Trabajo de 1970 legitimó la etapa artesanal para la formación de médicos especialistas; garantizó fuerza de trabajo a las instituciones de salud, subordinó el proceso educativo al trabajo, e imposibilita el paso hacia la etapa escolar y el despliegue de todo el potencial existente en el país para la formación de médicos especialistas.
Prevalencia del síndrome de burnout en residentes de Pediatría de un hospital
Authors: Medina Myriam Lucrecia , Medina Marcelo Gabriel , Gauna Nélida Teresita , Molfino Luciana , Merino Luis Antonio
Published: May 2017

Introducción: La residencia médica es una etapa de gran estrés; pudiendo contribuir a la aparición del síndrome de burnout (SBO) y depresión. No obstante, a pesar de la importancia de este síndrome para la salud del profesional y de pacientes, ha sido poco estudiado en residentes de Pediatría.
Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia del SBO en médicos residentes de Pediatría de un hospital.
Método: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Se aplicó en forma anónima, voluntaria, el cuestionario de Maslach Burnout Inventory a residentes de Pediatría del hospital pediátrico referente. Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, edad, estado civil, año de la residencia, SBO. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados mediante programa SPSS (v.13.0).
Resultados: Quedaron incluidos 18 residentes de los cuales 4 fueron (R1); 6 (R2) y 8 (R3). Del total 14 fueron mujeres y 4 hombres, con un rango de 25 a 32 años (edad media: 28 años). La tasa de respuesta fue del 100%, hallándose SBO en el 100% de los residentes. Los valores obtenidos de las subescalas fueron de 18 residentes: 9 con alto cansancio emocional (CE); 12 con alta despersonalización (DP) y 11 con baja realización personal (RP). Del análisis del cuestionario de Maslach Burnout Inventory se desprende que de 4 (R1) se halló: 3 con bajo CE; 2 con baja DP  y  Autor 4 con baja RP. En tanto que de 6 (R2): 4 presentaron baja RP y 3 tuvieron entre alto y moderado CE y DP. Mientras que de 8 (R3): todos presentaron alta DP y 5 con alto CE y 3 con bajo RP. Se halló que el SBO en todos los casos fue moderado.
Conclusiones: Todos los residentes de la especialidad de Clínica Pediátrica de este hospital presentaron valores compatibles con SBO, siendo el componente más afectado la alta DP.
Diagnostic dilemmas in Alzheimer's disease: Room for shared decision making
Authors: van der Flier Wiesje M. , Kunneman Marleen , Bouwman Femke H. , Petersen Ronald C. , Smets Ellen M.A.
Published: May 2017

The launch of the NIA‐AA research criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis illustrates the large advances that have been made in the field of AD diagnosis. These new possibilities however also introduce new dilemmas into the consulting room, and this provides room for shared decision making (SDM). SDM refers to clinicians and patients (and/or their caregivers) working together to decide which care plan best fits individual patients and their lives, when there is more than one reasonable option. Here, we describe how SDM in the diagnosis of AD promotes patient‐centered care, as it helps to adapt the diagnostic process to the patients' values and preferences. We provide an outline for a research agenda, as SDM in the diagnosis of dementia should be studied intensively incorporating the views of both patients and caregivers.
Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments
Authors: Hamylton Sarah M.
Published: May 2017

At the convergence of the land and sea, coastal environments are some of the most dynamic and populated places on Earth. This book explains how the many varied forms of spatial analysis, including mapping, monitoring and modelling, can be applied to a range of coastal environments such as estuaries, mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs. Presenting empirical geographical approaches to modelling, which draw on recent developments in remote sensing technology, geographical information science and spatial statistics, it provides the analytical tools to map, monitor and explain or predict coastal features. With detailed case studies and accompanying online practical exercises, it is an ideal resource for undergraduate courses in spatial science. Taking a broad view of spatial analysis and covering basic and advanced analytical areas such as spatial data and geostatistics, it is also a useful reference for ecologists, geomorphologists, geographers and modellers interested in understanding coastal environments.
Anatomy of a Campaign
Authors: Kiszely John
Published: May 2017

The British campaign in Norway in 1940 was an ignominious and abject failure. It is perhaps best known as the fiasco which directly led to the fall of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and his replacement by Winston Churchill. But what were the reasons for failure? Why did the decision makers, including Churchill, make such poor decisions and exercise such bad judgement? What other factors played a part? John Kiszely draws on his own experience of working at all levels in the military to assess the campaign as a whole, its context and evolution from strategic failures, intelligence blunders and German air superiority to the performance of the troops and the serious errors of judgement by those responsible for the higher direction of the war. The result helps us to understand not only the outcome of the Norwegian campaign but also why more recent military campaigns have found success so elusive.
Raphael and the Redefinition of Art in Renaissance Italy
Authors: Williams Robert
Published: May 2017

Raphael was one of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most important and influential in the entire history of art. His practice of 'synthetic' or 'critical' imitation became a model of creative method; his engagement with the principle of decorum revealed its deeper expressive and philosophical significance and the operation of his workshop helped to redefine the nature of the work that artists do. Robert Williams draws upon the history of literature, philosophy, and religion, as well as upon economic history, to support his detailed and illuminating accounts of Raphael's major works. His analyses serve as the foundation for a set of hypotheses about the aims and aspirations of Italian Renaissance art in general and the nature of art-historical inquiry.
International Cultural Heritage Law in Armed Conflict
Authors: Lostal Marina
Published: May 2017

This book fills gaps in the exploration of the protection of cultural heritage in armed conflict based on the World Heritage Convention. Marina Lostal offers a new perspective, designating a specific protection regime to world cultural heritage sites, which is so far lacking despite the fact that such sites are increasingly targeted. Lostal spells out this area's discrete legal principles, providing accessible and succinct guidelines to a usually complex web of international conventions. Using the conflicts in Syria, Libya and Mali (among others) as case studies, she offers timely insight into the phenomenon of cultural heritage destruction. Lastly, by incorporating the World Heritage Convention into the discourse, this book fulfills UNESCO's long-standing project of exploring 'how to promote the systemic integration between the [World Heritage] Convention of 1972 and the other UNESCO regimes'. It is sure to engender debate and cause reflection over cultural heritage and protection regimes.
Understanding the Settlements Debate
Authors: Baruch Pnina Sharvit
Published: May 2017

Theodor Meron's editorial
comment revisits the question of the legality of settlements. I will
try to offer an additional perspective which looks at the underlying values of
the laws of occupation and how these impact the legal analysis of settlement
activity in the Israeli context.
Statistical competencies for medical research learners: What is fundamental?
Authors: Enders Felicity T. , Lindsell Christopher J. , Welty Leah J. , Benn Emma K. T. , Perkins Susan M. , Mayo Matthew S. , Rahbar Mohammad H. , Kidwell Kelley M. , Thurston Sally W. , Spratt Heidi , Grambow Steven C. , Larson Joseph , Carter Rickey E. , Pollock Brad H. , Oster Robert A.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

It is increasingly essential for medical researchers to be literate in statistics, but the requisite degree of literacy is not the same for every statistical competency in translational research. Statistical competency can range from ‘fundamental’ (necessary for all) to ‘specialized’ (necessary for only some). In this study, we determine the degree to which each competency is fundamental or specialized.

Methods

We surveyed members of 4 professional organizations, targeting doctorally trained biostatisticians and epidemiologists who taught statistics to medical research learners in the past 5 years. Respondents rated 24 educational competencies on a 5-point Likert scale anchored by ‘fundamental’ and ‘specialized.’

Results

There were 112 responses. Nineteen of 24 competencies were fundamental. The competencies considered most fundamental were assessing sources of bias and variation (95%), recognizing one’s own limits with regard to statistics (93%), identifying the strengths, and limitations of study designs (93%). The least endorsed items were meta-analysis (34%) and stopping rules (18%).

Conclusion

We have identified the statistical competencies needed by all medical researchers. These competencies should be considered when designing statistical curricula for medical researchers and should inform which topics are taught in graduate programs and evidence-based medicine courses where learners need to read and understand the medical research literature.
Carbonaceous and siliceous Neoproterozoic vase-shaped microfossils (Urucum Formation, Brazil) and the question of early protistan biomineralization
Authors: Morais Luana , Fairchild Thomas Rich , Lahr Daniel J.G. , Rudnitzki Isaac D. , Schopf J. William , Garcia Amanda K. , Kudryavtsev Anatoliy B. , Romero Guilherme R.
Published: May 2017

Vase-shaped microfossils (VSMs) occur in dolomitic extraclasts of indeterminate provenance within the basal diamictite of the Neoproterozoic Urucum Formation (Jacadigo Group) of west-central Brazil, having an age constrained between 889±44 Ma (K-Ar; basement rocks) and 587±7 Ma (40Ar/39Ar age of early metamorphic cryptomelane in overlying manganese ore). Early isopachous carbonate cement entombed these VSMs, preserving rare direct evidence of original wall composition that is carbonaceous (now kerogenous) in practically all specimens. Some tests are siliceous or composed of a quartz-kerogen mixture; secondary replacement explains some features of these tests, but original biomineralization seems more likely for others. This interpretation, coupled with test morphology, suggests affinity to arcellinid testate amoebae. Five VSM taxa are recognized in the deposit:Cycliocyrillium simplexPorter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003, andC.torquataPorter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003, originally described in the Chuar Group (USA), and three new monospecific genera—Palaeoamphora urucumensen. gen. n. sp.,Limeta lageniformisn. gen. n. sp., andTaruma ratan. gen. n. sp. Most of the taxonomically important characteristics of these VSMs occur also in extant testate amoebae, but the combinations of some characters, such as organic-walled tests having exceptionally long necks that exhibit terminal apertures (L.lageniformisn. gen. n. sp.), are evidently novel additions to the known diversity of Neoproterozoic VSMs. Evidence of glacially influenced deposition in the conformably overlying Santa Cruz Formation may indicate that the Urucum Formation slightly preceded or was penecontemporaneous with a major Neoproterozoic glaciation, although the VSM-hosting extraclasts must be older, possibly rivaling the age of the testate amoebae of the Chichkan Formation (766±7 Ma) that are currently regarded as the oldest record of protists in the geological record.
The first Ordovician cyclocystoid (Echinodermata) from Gondwana and its morphology, paleoecology, taphonomy, and paleogeography
Authors: Reich Mike , Sprinkle James , Lefebvre Bertrand , Rössner Gertrud E. , Zamora Samuel
Published: May 2017

Moroccodiscus smithirepresents a new cyclocystoid genus and species based on moldic specimens from the Middle Ordovician Taddrist Formation (Darriwilian) of SE Morocco. This represents the earliest articulated member of the Cyclocystoidea and is the first complete cyclocystoid described from the Ordovician of Gondwana, as well as the first cyclocystoid ever recorded from Africa. The anatomy and morphology of this new species were studied using a combination of conventional paleontological methods and nondestructive X-ray computed tomography. BecauseMoroccodiscusdiffers from other cyclocystoids, in particular by lacking cupules attached to the marginal ossicles, it is assigned to the new family Moroccodiscidae. This new taxon illustrates the relatively poorly known early diversification of these enigmatic extinct echinoderms and sheds light on the mode of life of cyclocystoids, including injuries to plate circlets during early ontogeny and folding of these disk-like specimens at the time of death. The overall thecal shape was very similar in cyclocystoids and many domal edrioasteroids, probably because they were both sessile or attached, benthic, suspension feeders. However, many oral surface, ambulacral, and marginal ring features had become very different, indicating that these two groups had either converged because of similar life modes or were only distantly related sister groups.
The Comparative Significance ofGuanxi
Authors: Bian Yanjie
Published: May 2017

Burt and Burzynska (2017) deliver a great piece of timely and innovative research on Chinese entrepreneurs, social networks, andguanxi. Among other merits, I am most impressed and inspired by two scholarly contributions this work has made to the comparative significance of social network analysis (SNA) and that ofguanxistudies in organizational research.
Entrepreneurs and Social Capital in China
Authors: Sorenson Olav
Published: May 2017

Does social capital operate differently in China? A long and vibrant literature on the concept ofguanxisuggests not only that social capital might have a different character in China but also that it might prove more valuable there to employees and entrepreneurs alike. Drawing on unusually high quality data on Chinese executives, Burt and Burzynska (2017) explore the question of whether the same structural configurations of relationships appear associated with success in China as have been found in the West. Their short answer is yes. As in the West, the founders and managers of larger companies have relationships characterized by a larger proportion of ‘structural holes’ – where the focal individual represents the only connection between his or her contacts (in other words, a brokering relationship). Closure – having multiple ties in common with another individual – meanwhile appears to foster trust, just as it does elsewhere. One could therefore view the results as strong evidence for the universality of a structural approach to social capital, one based on the patterns of relationships between individuals (e.g., Burt, 1992; Coleman, 1988; Podolny, 1993).
A comparison of immersive virtual reality with traditional neuropsychological measures in the assessment of executive functions
Authors: Davison Sophie Melissa Clare , Deeprose Catherine , Terbeck Sylvia
Published: May 2017

Objective

This study investigated immersive virtual reality (IVR), as a novel technique to test executive function of healthy younger and older adults. We predicted IVR tasks to have greater predictive power than traditional measures when assessing age-related cognitive functioning due to the real-world validity of the tasks.

Methods

Participants (n=40) completed the Stroop colour–word test and the trail-making test (TMT) as traditional and commonly used assessments of executive functioning. Participants then completed three IVR tasks; a seating arrangement task, an item location task (both set in a virtual chemistry lab), and a virtual parking simulator.

Results

Younger adults completed significantly more parking simulator levels (p<0.001), placed significantly more objects (p<0.001), and located significantly more items than older adults (p<0.01), demonstrating higher levels of performance. Significant correlations were found between performance on traditional neuropsychological measures and IVR measures. For example, Stroop CW performance significantly correlated with the number of parking simulator levels completed (τ=0.43, p<0.01). This suggests that IVR measures assess the same underlying cognitive constructs as traditional tasks. In addition, IVR measures contributed a significant percentage of the explained variance in age.

Conclusion

IVR measures (i.e. number of parking simulator levels completed and number of objects placed in the seating arrangement task) were found to be stronger contributors than existing traditional neuropsychological tasks in predicting age-related cognitive decline. Future research should investigate the implementation of these real-world-based tasks in clinical groups given this promising initial work.
RNA interference-mediated knockdown of some genes involved in digestion and development of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Vatanparast M. , Kazzazi M. , Mirzaie-asl A. , Hosseininaveh V.
Published: May 2017

Helicoverpa armigera is a significant agricultural pest and particularly notorious for its resistance to many types of common insecticides. RNA interference (RNAi) is a mechanism of post-transcriptional gene silencing and trigged by double-strand RNA (dsRNA), has become a widely used reverse genetics and potent tool for insect pest control. In this study, the effect of ingestion and injection delivery methods of dsRNA related two important enzyme genes, α-amylase (HaAMY48, Ha-AMY49) and juvenile hormone esterase (Ha-JHE), were examined on growth and development of H. armigera. After 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of feeding bioassay, significant down regulation was observed about; 56, 68, 78, 80.75% for HaAMY48, 60, 70, 86.5 and 96.75%, for Ha-AMY49 and 14, 27.5, 23 and 31.7% for Ha-JHE, respectively. The results for injection assay was 61.5, 71.5, 74 and 95.8% for Ha-AMY48; 70, 88, 91.5 and 97.7% for Ha-AMY49 and 22, 61, 75 and 74% for Ha-JHE after 24, 48 and 72 h of last injecting, respectively. Larvae that treated with dsRNA, fed or injected, lost more than half of their weight. 50% mortality in treated larvae was observed in the case injection bioassay with dsHa-JHE and 59% of larvae that fed of dsRNA-treated cubes survived. DsHa-AMY48 and 49 have significant mortality, but mixing of them is more effective in both bioassays. Injection bioassay has a potent inhibitory effect on α-amylase-specific activity about more than 87% in treated larvae with mix of dsHa-AMY48 and 49. Adult malformation percent was evaluated for feeding (28, 35.5 and 43% for Ha-AMY48, 49 and Ha-JHE, respectively) and injection bioassay (23, 42 and 29% for Ha-AMY48, 49 and Ha-JHE, respectively). All these finding suggest that Ha-AMY48, Ha-AMY49 and Ha-JHE can be new candidates to scheming effective dsRNAs pesticide for H. armigera control.
Biochemical studies of amylase, lipase and protease in Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) populations fed with Vigna unguiculata grain cultivated with diazotrophic bacteria strains
Authors: Silva L.B. , Torres É.B. , Nóbrega R.A.S. , Lopes G.N. , Vogado R.F. , Pavan B.E. , Fernandes-Junior P.I.
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the enzymatic activity of homogenates of insects fed on grain of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.), cultivars grown with different nitrogen sources. For the experiment we used aliquots of the homogenate of 100 unsexed adult insects, emerged from 10 g of grain obtained from four cowpea cultivars: ‘BRS Acauã’, ‘BRS Carijó’, ‘BRS Pujante’, and ‘BRS Tapaihum’ grown under different regimes of nitrogen sources: mineral fertilizer, inoculation with strains of diazotrophs (BR 3267, BR 3262, BR 3299; INPA 03–11B, 03–84 UFLA, as well as the control (with soil nitrogen). The parameters evaluated were enzymatic activities of insect protease, amylase and lipase and the starch content of the grains. There were differences in the enzymatic activity of amylase, lipase and protease of insect homogenate according to the food source. A lower activity of the enzyme amylase from C. maculatus homogenate was observed when insects were fed grain of the cultivar BRS Carijó. A lower activity of lipase enzyme from C. maculatus homogenate was observed when the insects fed on grain from the interaction of the cultivar Tapaihum inoculated with BR 3262 diazotrophs. The lowest proteolytic activity was observed in homogenate of insects fed on interaction of ‘BRS Carijó’ inoculated with BR 3262 diazotrophs. Starch content correlated positively with the amylase activity of C. maculatus homogenate. The cultivar BRS Carijó had a different behavior from the other cultivars, according to the cluster analysis.
PREDICTORS OF MALE CIRCUMCISION AMONG MEN AGED 15–35 YEARS IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE
Authors: Mangombe Kudzaishe , Kalule-Sabiti Ishumael
Published: May 2017

Medical male circumcision has been recommended by the World Health Organization as part of a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention. Zimbabwe is one of the fourteen sub-Saharan countries that embarked on the Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) programme. However, the country has not yet met male circumcision targets. This paper examines the predictors of male circumcision in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 784 men aged 15–35 years in Harare, Zimbabwe. Negative log-log logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of male circumcision. The main predictors of circumcision were age, employment status, ever tested for HIV, approval of HIV testing prior to circumcision, knowledge about male circumcision and attitudes towards male circumcision. By and large, participants had good knowledge about male circumcision and viewed HIV prevention with a reasonably positive attitude. The identification of these predictors can be used to scale up the demand for male circumcision in Zimbabwe.
LONGEVITY IN NORTH KOREA AND SOUTH KOREA: PREVALENCE OF CENTENARIANS IN ONE THE POOREST AND ONE OF THE RICHEST NATIONS
Authors: Schwekendiek Daniel
Published: May 2017

Over recent decades, economic living conditions have dramatically improved in South Korea, which now represents one of the most developed nations. At the same time, its twin in the North remains one of the poorest countries on earth. Thus, the Korean peninsula represents a unique historical experiment that allows for study of the effects of environment on human development under a variety of ceteris paribus cultural, genetic and climatic conditions. Previous studies comparing the biosocial performances of the two Koreas have focused on indicators such as weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference and age at menarche. The purpose of the present study was to investigate longevity based on the number of centenarians living in the two Koreas by drawing on censuses implemented around 1925 and 2010. The study found that North Korea had some 0.7 centenarians per one million persons in 1925, and this rate moderately improved to 2.7 around 2010. Conversely, rates skyrocketed in South Korea from 2.7 in 1925 to 38.2 around 2010. This suggests that the rate of centenarians in North Korea around 2010 corresponds to that of South Korea in 1925, suggesting a chronological lag in delayed human development of some 85 years. The prevalence of centenarians is fourteen times higher in contemporary South Korea compared with the North – broadly confirming previous biosocial studies on the two Koreas and two Germanies reporting improved human development in market-oriented systems compared with socialist ones.
Prevalence of scars of anthropogenic origin in coastal bottlenose dolphin in Ecuador
Authors: Félix Fernando , Centeno Ruby , Romero Juan , Zavala Melanie , Vásconez Óscar
Published: May 2017

The prevalence of scars and wounds of anthropogenic origin was assessed in seven different coastal bottlenose dolphin communities (Tursiops truncatus) on the south-western coast of Ecuador. Between 2011 and 2017 a total of 117 trips were conducted representing a total sampled distance of 6281 km. Twenty-five of the 189 (13.2%) free-ranging photo-identified dolphins were recorded with dorsal fin damage, V-shaped wounds, sawed edges and deformities in the caudal region. The scarring prevalence ranged from 0 to 44.4% and was associated with either fishing interactions or vessel strikes. Dolphin scarring increased five times in the last 25 years from 2.2 to 11.1% and was correlated with a decrease in population in the inner estuary of the Gulf of Guayaquil. Damaged dorsal fins are associated mainly with fishing gear. V-shaped wounds were recorded in three different communities, Posorja, Estero Salado and Salinas, and given their severity associated with either fishing gear or vessel strikes. During the study period three dolphins were found entangled in fishing gears, two in gillnets and one in a long-line, emphasizing the threats posed by current fishing practice to the species. More effective management measures are urgently needed to reverse the observed population decline. This may include reduction of fishing effort, implementation of area-based approaches to coastal planning (including Marine Protected Area designations) and support for further research to understand the problem. Given the difficulty in taking direct observations, scarring prevalence is proposed as a proxy for estimating boat traffic and fishing gear impacts upon cetaceans.
Biological significance of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in a cestode parasite,Raillietina echinobothridaand effect of phytoestrogens on the enzyme from the parasite and its host,Gallus domesticus
Authors: RAMNATH  , DUTTA ASIM KUMAR , DKHAR BARILIN , TANDON VEENA , DAS BIDYADHAR
Published: May 2017

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is involved in glycolysis in the cestode parasite,Raillietina echinobothrida; whereas, it executes a gluconeogenic role in its host,Gallus domesticus. Because of its differing primary function in the cestode parasite and its host, this enzyme is regarded as a plausible anthelmintic target. Hence, the biological significance of PEPCK in the parasite was analysed using siRNA against PEPCK fromR. echinobothrida(RePEPCK). In order to find out the functional differences between RePEPCK and GdPEPCK (PEPCK from its host,G. domesticus), PEPCK genes from both sources were cloned, over-expressed, characterized, and some properties of the purified enzymes were compared. RePEPCK and GdPEPCK showed a standard Michaelis-Menten kinetics withKmappof 46.9 and 22.9µm, respectively, for phosphoenolpyruvate andKmappof 15.4µmfor oxaloacetate in GdPEPCK decarboxylation reaction. Here, we report antagonist behaviours of recombinant PEPCKs derived from the parasite and its host. In search of possible modulators for PEPCK, few phytoestrogens were examined on the purified enzymes and their inhibitory constants were determined and discussed. This study stresses the potential of these findings to validate PEPCK as the anthelmintic drug target for parasitism management.
Survival and development of chicken ascarid eggs in temperate pastures
Authors: THAPA SUNDAR , THAMSBORG STIG M. , MEYLING NICOLAI V. , DHAKAL SURAJ , MEJER HELENA
Published: May 2017

Eggs of chicken ascarids (Ascaridia galliandHeterakisspp.) are believed to be hardy and survive for long periods. However, this has not been evaluated quantitatively and our study therefore aimed to determine development and recovery of chicken ascarid eggs after burying in pasture soil. Unembryonated eggs were mixed with soil, placed in sealed nylon bags and buried at 7 cm depth in pasture plots April (spring,n= 72) and December 2014 (winter,n= 72). Eight randomly selected bags per season were used to estimate pre-burial egg recovery [0 week post-burial (wpb)]. Eight random bags were removed at 5, 12, 23, 38, 52, 71 wpb per season and additionally at 104 wpb for spring burial. The content of each bag was analysed for numbers and development stages of eggs. Eggs buried in spring were fully embryonated within 12 wpb. In contrast, eggs buried in winter were developing between 23 and 38 wpb, so that all viable eggs seemed to be fully developed by 38 wpb. About 90% eggs disappeared within 23 wpb (spring) and 38 wpb (winter). Small proportions (2–3%) of seemingly viable and infective eggs were still recovered up to 2 years after deposition. In conclusion, most eggs buried in temperate pasture soil seem to experience a heavy mortality within a few months after the deposition, especially during warm periods. However, a small proportion of eggs may survive and remain infective for at least 2 years.
ACCESS TO UPPER FLOORS AND AN EARLY LIGHT WELL AT EM II VASILIKI
Authors: Shaw J.W.
Published: May 2017

Discussing Early Minoan (EM) architecture in Crete, it is difficult for one to bypass the site of Vasiliki, located on the Isthmus of Ierapetra. Vasiliki was occupied during a number of prehistoric periods. Its EM IIB houses are among the best preserved, incorporating architectural features that reveal how the inhabitants managed the transition between single- and two-storied buildings, and how they, usually, reached their upper levels, probably without the use of stairways. This paper singles out three separate houses from among the group of rooms originally called the ‘Red House’ by its discoverer, Richard Seager; it presents their sequencing, the order in which they were probably built, and how their first floors and roofs were reached. Additionally, a detailed study of House C suggests that one of the large ‘rooms’ was actually open to the sky, and had served partly as an interior court, which may well have been the predecessor of the later interior courts (or light wells) characterising the elite architectural style, typical of the later Middle and Late Minoan periods.
Ear–voice span and pauses in intra- and interlingual respeaking: An exploratory study into temporal aspects of the respeaking process
Authors: CHMIEL AGNIESZKA , SZARKOWSKA AGNIESZKA , KORŽINEK DANIJEL , LIJEWSKA AGNIESZKA , DUTKA ŁUKASZ , BROCKI ŁUKASZ , MARASEK KRZYSZTOF
Published: May 2017

Respeaking involves producing subtitles in real time to make live television programs accessible to deaf and hard of hearing viewers. In this study we investigated how the type of material to be respoken affects temporal aspects of respeaking, such as ear–voice span and pauses. Given the similarities between respeaking and interpreting (time constraints) and between interlingual respeaking and translation (interlingual processing), we also tested whether previous interpreting and translation experience leads to a smaller delay or lesser cognitive load in respeaking, as manifested by a smaller number of pauses. We tested 22 interpreters, 23 translators, and a control group of 12 bilingual controls, who performed interlingual (English to Polish) and intralingual (Polish to Polish) respeaking of five video clips with different characteristics (speech rate, number of speakers, and scriptedness). Interlingual respeaking was found to be more challenging than the intralingual one. The temporal aspects of respeaking were affected by clip type (especially in interpreters). We found no clear interpreter or translator advantage over the bilingual controls across the respeaking tasks. However, interlingual respeaking turned out to be too difficult for many bilinguals to perform at all. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine temporal aspects of respeaking as modulated by the type of materials and previous interpreting/translation experience. The results develop our understanding of temporal aspects of respeaking and are directly applicable to respeaker training.
XRD study of phase transformations in lithiated graphite anodes by Rietveld method
Authors: Missyul Alexander , Bolshakov Ivan , Shpanchenko Roman
Published: May 2017

Commercial anodes with different state of charge are investigated by X-ray diffraction technique using Rietveld method for data collected with standard laboratory equipment. It is shown that full profile refinement gives good approximation for quantitative description of the charge/discharge process and may be used for estimation of real state of charge (SoC). Careful analysis of the diffraction profile with Rietveld method allows us to quantitatively distinguish the contribution of different LixC6 phases and estimate the real SoC.
Survival rates of a reintroduced population of the Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon in Ningshan County (Shaanxi, China)
Authors: LI YANFANG , YE XINPING , WANG MIN , LI XIA , DONG RONG , HUO ZHIPING , YU XIAOPING
Published: May 2017

A reintroduction project for the endangered Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon was conducted in Ningshan County (Shaanxi Province) on May 31, 2007. Post-release monitoring of the survival of the reintroduced population was carried out extensively from 2008 to 2015. Data collected over eight years after release were used to estimate the annual survival rate for different cohorts using a Cormack-Jolly-Seber model with capture-recapture data. The mean annual survival rates for all individuals were estimated to be 0.738 (95% CI: 0.547–0.801) and 0.752 (95% CI: 0.478–0.887) for released birds. For different age classes in the recipient population, the survival rates were estimated to be 0.384 (95% CI: 0.277–0.504), 0.853 (95% CI: 0.406–0.978), and 0.812 (95% CI: 0.389–0.950) for yearlings, juveniles and adults, respectively. The higher mortality for yearlings has greatly decreased the survival rate and our focal population was indeed sensitive to changes in yearling survival. Therefore, effective protection of yearlings was crucial to population persistence, as well as to juveniles and adults. The large proportion of mature individuals in our focal population indicated a gradually growing population. There was a slight bias towards males in the adult sex ratio with the increase of wild-born offspring, but it was not statistically significant. Therefore, we conclude that the primary goal of establishing a self-sustaining population of the Crested Ibis in part of their historical range has been achieved. Finally, we discuss factors affecting the survival of the reintroduced population and we propose some changes for future management of endangered species.
Dosimetric study of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, electronic compensator technique, intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy in whole breast irradiation
Authors: Nantavithya Chonnipa , Saksornchai Kitwadee , Oonsiri Puntiwa , Shotelersuk Kanjana
Published: May 2017

Background

Whole breast irradiation is an essential treatment after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). However, there are some adverse effects from inhomogeneity and dose to adjacent normal tissues.

Objective

Aim of this study was to compare dosimetry among standard technique, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), and advanced techniques, electronic compensator (ECOMP), inverse intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Methods

Whole breast irradiation treatment plans of patients who had underwent BCS and whole breast irradiation were re-planned with all four techniques. Clinical target volume was contoured according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group atlas for breast only in patients who had negative node or ductal carcinoma in situ and breast with chest wall for patients with positive node. Planning target volume was non-uniformly expanded. Dose prescription was 50 Gy in 25 fractions with 6 MV photon energy.

Results

In total, 25 patients underwent whole breast irradiation with computed tomography simulation from November 2013 to November 2014 were included. Six patients with positive nodes were re-planned for breast with chest wall irradiation and 19 patients with negative nodes were re-planned for breast only irradiation. Primary outcome, radical dose homogeneity index (HI) of 3D-CRT, ECOMP, IMRT and VMAT were 0·865, 0·889, 0·890 and 0·866, respectively. ECOMP and IMRT showed significant higher HI than 3D-CRT (p-value<0·001). Secondary outcome, conformity index (CI) of advanced technique were significantly better than 3D-CRT. Lung V20, mean ipsilateral lung dose (MILD), mean heart dose (MHD), heart V25, heart V30 of advanced techniques were also lower than 3D-CRT. ECOMP had better mean lung dose (MLD), mean contralateral lung dose (MCLD) and mean contralateral breast dose (MCBD) when compared with 3D-CRT. Monitor units of advanced techniques were significantly higher than 3D-CRT.

Conclusions

HI of ECOMP and IMRT were significantly higher than 3D-CRT technique. All advanced techniques showed statistically better in CI. Lung V20, MILD, heart V25 and heart V30 of advanced techniques were lower than 3D-CRT. However, only ECOMP showed decreased MLD, MHD, MCLD and MCBD when compared with 3D-CRT.
Patient satisfaction with the role of a Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist in palliative care
Authors: Rozanec Natalie , Smith Sandra , Wells Woodrow , Moyo Elen , Zychla Laura , Harnett Nicole
Published: May 2017

Aim

To examine patient satisfaction with a Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT) in a palliative radiotherapy clinical environment.

Materials and methods

A one-point dissemination design captured satisfaction scores from patients who did (n=19) and did not (n=14) receive palliative care from the CSRT. The ‘Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire’ included six common questions and four additional questions for patients seen by a CSRT. T-tests compared results from common questions and mean values, standard deviations were also calculated.

Results

For questions ‘I was told everything that I want to know about my condition’ and ‘I felt that the problem that I came with was sorted out properly’, those who received care from the CSRT scored significantly (p<0·05) higher than those that did not (p=0·033, 0·037). For CSRT-specific questions, 89% of participants felt the experience with the CSRT was excellent, 78% strongly agreed/agreed having a CSRT on the care team was important, and 89% of participants strongly agreed/agreed having a CSRT on the care team was important to patients’ understanding of treatment.

Findings

Patients receiving care from the CSRT had better understanding of treatment and an excellent experience with the CSRT. This interaction provided more opportunities to address patient questions/concerns, thus alleviating patient anxiety, increasing satisfaction with care, and demonstrating how new roles can develop new models of care within the current healthcare system.
The Effects of Civic Consciousness and Civil Disobedience on Support for and Participation in Contentious Politics
Authors: WANG CHING-HSING , WENG DENNIS LU-CHUNG
Published: May 2017

This study examines the effects of civic consciousness and civil disobedience on individual attitudes toward, and participation in, contentious politics. Using the newly collected survey data on civic consciousness and civil disobedience in Taiwan in 2015, this study finds that both civic consciousness and civil disobedience are significantly associated with individual support for and engagement in contentious politics. Specifically, people with strong civic consciousness and civil disobedience are more likely to support the Sunflower Movement and take part in contentious political activities such as rallies, marches, and strikes. The findings imply that as the ideas of civic consciousness and civil disobedience prevail in a democracy, the public will be more likely to choose to use contentious political activities to express their opinions instead of institutional and legal approaches when the government is unable to respond to public needs in a timely manner.