bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the Unsaturated Hydraulic Properties of Cohesionless Soils: An Integrated Experimental and Inverse Modeling Approach
Authors: El Mohtar C. S. , Sangroya-Kundu R.
Published: August 2019

A simple, inexpensive and quick method for measuring the van Genuchten soil water retention curve (SWRC) model parameters for cohesionless soil is presented. The proposed method is an integration of laboratory testing and numerical modeling. The experimental testing consists of multistage bottom-top water imbibition of a dry sand column while recording pore pressure at the inlet. The experiment is then simulated numerically using Hydrus 1D, and the van Genuchten SWRC model parameters are determined through inverse modeling to match the recorded pore pressures. The soil column flushing includes multiple flow stoppages and resumptions, all before permeating one pore volume of water. The flow stoppage results in a time-dependent redistribution of moisture near the waterfront that is controlled by the unsaturated hydraulic properties of the soil and is reflected by changes in the pore pressure measurements. The uniqueness of this method comes from the simple experimental setup and the multistage flushing that can reduce the testing time by a factor of 30 compared with other methods. The results from testing three different sands with different grain size distributions are presented. The new method generated consistent results from multiple specimens tested at a range of flow rates for the three sands. The hypothesis behind moisture redistribution during flow stoppage was confirmed through a combination of experimental and numerical observations. The van Genuchten SWRC parameters obtained from the new method were comparable to those obtained using the conventional hanging column test for Sands B and C and available data in the literature. Sand A could not be tested using the hanging column test because of its large particle size, which demonstrates the wide range of soils that can be tested using the new proposed method.
Visual Motion and Form Integration in the Behaving Ferret
Authors: Dunn-Weiss Erika , Nummela Samuel U. , Lempel Augusto A. , Law Jody M. , Ledley Johanna , Salvino Peter , Nielsen Kristina J.
Published: August 2019

Ferrets have become a standard animal model for the development of early visual stages. Less is known about higher-level vision in ferrets, both during development and in adulthood. Here, as a step towards establishing higher-level vision research in ferrets, we used behavioral experiments to test the motion and form integration capacity of adult ferrets. Motion integration was assessed by training ferrets to discriminate random dot kinematograms (RDK) based on their direction. Task difficulty was varied systematically by changing RDK coherence levels, which allowed the measurement of motion integration thresholds. Form integration was measured analogously by training ferrets to discriminate linear Glass patterns of varying coherence levels based on their orientation. In all experiments, ferrets proved to be good psychophysical subjects that performed tasks reliably. Crucially, the behavioral data showed clear evidence of perceptual motion and form integration. In the monkey, motion and form integration are usually associated with processes occurring in higher-level visual areas. In a second set of experiments, we therefore tested whether PSS, a higher-level motion area in the ferret, could similarly support motion integration behavior in this species. To this end, we measured responses of PSS neurons to RDK of different coherence levels. Indeed, neurometric functions for PSS were in good agreement with the behaviorally derived psychometric functions. In conclusion, our experiments demonstrate that ferrets are well suited for higher-level vision research.
Reduction in Length of Stay and Morphine Use for NAS With the “Eat, Sleep, Console” Method
Authors: Blount Thomas , Painter Alana , Freeman Emily , Grossman Matthew , Sutton Ashley G.
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES:

To reduce average length of stay (ALOS) in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) transferred to the inpatient floor from the mother-infant unit. Secondarily, we aimed to reduce morphine exposure in these infants.

METHODS:

Using quality improvement methodology, we redesigned our approach to NAS on the inpatient floor. Key interventions included transitioning from a modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System to the “Eat, Sleep, Console” method for withdrawal assessment, reeducation on nonpharmacologic interventions, and adding as-needed morphine as initial pharmacotherapy. Data for infants ≥35 weeks’ gestation with confirmed in utero opioid exposure and worsening symptoms of NAS requiring transfer to the inpatient floor were obtained, including ALOS, number of morphine doses, and total morphine amount administered. Infants with conditions requiring nothing by mouth for >12 hours or morphine initiation in the ICU were excluded.

RESULTS:

ALOS for infants (baseline n = 40; intervention n = 36) with NAS transferred to the inpatient floor decreased from 10.3 to 4.9 days. Average morphine administered decreased from 38 to 0.3 doses per infant. No infant in the intervention period required scheduled morphine. The percent of all infants transferred to the floor for NAS requiring any morphine decreased from 92% at baseline to 19% postimplementation. There were no observed adverse events or NAS-related readmissions in the intervention period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Transitioning to the Eat, Sleep, Console assessment with re-enforcement of nonpharmacologic care and use of as-needed morphine as initial pharmacotherapy resulted in a notably decreased ALOS and near elimination of postnatal opioid treatment of infants with NAS managed on our inpatient floor.
Successful Implementation of the Eat Sleep Console Model of Care for Infants With NAS in a Community Hospital
Authors: Dodds Douglas , Koch Kayla , Buitrago-Mogollon Talia , Horstmann Sara
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND:

Opioid use across the United States is increasing. The concomitant rise in the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has made care of infants with this disease process a top priority for pediatric centers across the country. There is growing evidence that the Eat Sleep Console (ESC) model of care is superior to the established Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System model.

OBJECTIVES:

We aimed to improve the care of infants with NAS by transitioning from the Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System model to the ESC model of care. Our goal was to decrease the average length of stay from 11.77 to 5.94 days without having an increase in readmissions.

METHODS:

A multidisciplinary team was created. Education about NAS and ESC was created and distributed. Patients were admitted to the inpatient unit, and outcomes were observed. Standard quality improvement methodology was used for this intervention.

RESULTS:

After implementation of the ESC care model, average length of stay decreased to 5.94 days, with 0 patients readmitted or transferred for NAS-related complications. We saw a 48% reduction in average variable cost per patient. In addition to these reductions and savings, total per patient morphine exposure was reduced from 2.25 to 0.45 mg/kg, a 79% reduction in use.

CONCLUSIONS:

The ESC model of care was successfully implemented at our institution with resultant cost savings, decreased length of stay, and decreased medication use. Our work further supports the adoption of this new model of care for infants with NAS.
Postpartum Nurses’ Experience Caring for Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Loyal Jaspreet , Nguyen Victoria N. , Picagli Doreen , Petrucelli Amy , O’Mara Elizabeth , Grossman Matthew R. , Colson Eve
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES:

In previous years, otherwise healthy infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in our hospital were transferred to the NICU and frequently treated with medication. Currently, infants with NAS room-in with their mothers and rarely require medication. We sought to understand the lived experience of nurses on maternity and well-newborn units caring for infants with NAS.

METHODS:

We conducted focus groups of registered nurses on postpartum units at 2 hospitals using qualitative methodology. Themes were identified through consensus, and the focus groups were stopped when no new themes were identified.

RESULTS:

Seventeen postpartum nurses participated in 5 focus groups. The following major themes emerged: (1) managing the expectations of parents of newborns with NAS, (2) current NAS protocol (positive aspects of rooming-in and challenges with withdrawal scoring tool), (3) inconsistencies in care and communication, (4) perceived increase in nursing workload on the postpartum unit, and (5) nurses’ emotional response to the care of infants with NAS.

CONCLUSIONS:

We highlight the perspectives of nursing staff on the well-newborn unit who were previously unaccustomed to caring for infants with NAS. With increasing numbers of infants with NAS and longer stays on the well-newborn unit, hospitals must prepare to better support staff and implement protocols that offer consistency in practice.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Ross Lainie Friedman , Kwon Jennifer M.
Published: August 2019

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by deletions or mutations in the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. SMA is characterized by loss of lower motor neurons (anterior horn cells) in the spinal cord and brainstem nuclei, leading to progressive symmetrical muscle weakness and atrophy. It affects approximately 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 10,000 individuals and is the most common inherited cause of childhood mortality, but this may soon change given recent developments. In December 2016, nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide drug, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of SMA, and in July 2018, SMA was added to the recommended uniform screening panel, a list of conditions that all states are encouraged to include in their newborn screening (NBS) panels. In this review, we begin with a brief clinical history of the diagnosis of SMA, discuss the current SMA clinical classification system, describe the current treatment, and discuss evolving treatment guidelines. We then discuss the path to include SMA in NBS programs as well as the controversies it engenders because the variability in age at symptom onset means early identification of asymptomatic patients who will not require therapy for years or decades. We also consider alternate population screening opportunities. Next, we consider experimental treatments. We conclude by supporting NBS for SMA with the caveat that a long-term follow-up registry is ethically essential to ensure that the benefits outweigh the harms for all screened infants, including those with milder and/or later-onset forms of SMA.
Patient Satisfaction and Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Infections by Telemedicine
Authors: Foster Charles B. , Martinez Kathryn A. , Sabella Camille , Weaver Gregory P. , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a common reason for direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine consultation. Antibiotic prescribing during video-only DTC telemedicine encounters was explored for pediatric RTIs.

METHODS:

Encounter data were obtained from a nationwide DTC telemedicine platform. Mixed-effects regression was used to assess variation in antibiotic receipt by patient and physician factors as well as the association between antibiotic receipt and visit length or patient satisfaction.

RESULTS:

Of 12 842 RTI encounters with 560 physicians, antibiotics were prescribed in 55%. The provider was more likely to receive a 5-star rating from the parent when an antibiotic was prescribed (93.4% vs 80.8%). A 5-star rating was associated with a prescription for an antibiotic (odds ratio [OR] 3.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.84 to 4.02), an antiviral (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.81 to 3.64), or a nonantibiotic (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.58 to 2.36). Visit length was associated with higher odds of a 5-star rating only when no antibiotic was prescribed (OR 1.03 per 6 seconds; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.06). Compared with nonpediatricians, pediatric providers were less likely to prescribe antibiotics (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.68); however, pediatricians received higher encounter satisfaction ratings (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.03).

CONCLUSIONS:

During DTC telemedicine consultations for RTIs, pediatric patients were frequently prescribed antibiotics, which correlated with visit satisfaction. Although pediatricians prescribed antibiotics at a lower rate than other physicians, their satisfaction scores were higher. Further work is required to ensure that antibiotic use during DTC telemedicine encounters is guideline concordant.
Reliabitily study (test-retest) of the Scale for Conception of Disability (SCD)
Authors: Leite Lucia Pereira , Cardoso Hugo Ferrari
Published: August 2019

This article describes the reliability of the test-retest of the Scale for Conception of Disability (SCD), which comprehends four dimensions – biological, social, metaphysical and historical cultural – through the analysis of its temporal stability. In this study, a sample of 52 students from a public university of the State of São Paulo completed the same instrument with 30-day-interval between one another. For rating the stability, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used. In terms of total sample, the results of the SCD, as a whole, presented a correlation of strong magnitude (r=0,77) between test and retest. According to the results, the reliability of the scale was considered appropriate, recommending its use in studies that aim to find out how social groups conceive the disability, understanding that such conception guides the attitudes of society towards people in this condition.
Relationship between facial attractiveness and pupil diameter in young adults
Authors: Carvalho Silvana Queiroga da Costa , De Andrade Michael Jackson Oliveira , Dos Santos Natanael Antonio
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between pupil diameter and facial attractiveness. Participated in the study 60 young adults (30 men and 30 women) between 18 and 26 years of age (M = 20.65, SD = 2.20). Ten different unfamiliar neutral faces (five men and five women) were used as stimuli. The pupil diameter of each face was manipulated with pupil diameters of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 mm (10 faces x 5 pupil diameters = 50 stimuli). A two-step study was carried out with the same sample and the same sets of faces, seeking to understand the difference of responses between subjects of both sexes. In phase I, result indicated a significant difference in relation to the pupil diameter factor for both the men (ꭓ² = 21.93, p < .05) and the women (ꭓ² = 44.73, p < .05). In phase II, the results indicated significant differences in relation to the pupil size [F (1, 234) = 19.06, p < 0.05]. The post hoc Tukey HSD test showed that both the men and the women differently judged the faces with a pupil diameter of 2 mm in relation to the faces with pupil diameters of 3, 4, 5 and 6 mm (p < .05). Also, a significant difference between the diameter of 5 mm in relation to the diameter of 3 mm (p < .05). In general, the results indicate that the pupil diameter is a structural component of the human face that plays an important role in the process of judging facial attractiveness.
Autismo e mães com e sem estresse: análise da sobrecarga materna e do suporte familiar
Authors: Faro Katia Carvalho Amaral , Santos Rosita Barral , Bosa Cleonice Alves , Wagner Adriana , Silva Simone Souza da Costa
Published: August 2019

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar dois grupos de mães de crianças com autismo (com e sem estresse), quanto à: (a) sobrecarga de cuidado; (b) autonomia da criança; e (c) percepção de suporte familiar. Participaram 30 mães de crianças, de três a sete anos de idade, com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Inventário Biosociodemográfico, Inventário de Sintoma de Stress de Lipp, Escala de Sobrecarga de Zarit, Inventário de Avaliação Pediátrica de Incapacidade e Inventário de Percepção de Suporte Familiar. Os resultados revelaram que, mães com estresse tiveram quase o dobro de percepção de sobrecarga, enquanto as sem estresse perceberam maior suporte familiar, principalmente nos aspectos de afetividade e autonomia em relação aos familiares, como expressão e comunicação de afetos e respeito pela sua liberdade e tomadas de decisões. Nesse sentido, os resultados apontaram a importância do suporte familiar na adaptação de mães de crianças com autismo.
Fatores relacionados aos casamentos de longa duração: panorama a partir de uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Goulart Suzel Alves , Oliveira Ana Carolina Graner Araújo , Scorsolini-Comin Fabio , Santos Manoel Antônio dos
Published: August 2019

Este estudo teve por objetivo apresentar uma revisão integrativa da literatura acerca dos casamentos de longa duração. A revisão foi operacionalizada mediante consulta às bases/bibliotecas LILACS, PePSIC, SciELO e PsycINFO, de janeiro de 2009 a junho de 2017, amparada na estratégia PICO. A pergunta norteadora foi: Como os casamentos de longa duração são abordados na literatura científica nacional e internacional? Foram recuperados 22 artigos empíricos, nove deles brasileiros. Os casamentos longevos promovem apreciação na qualidade de vida, conferida pelo elevado nível de satisfação conjugal, repercutindo na saúde física e emocional dos cônjuges. As relações sexuais e o amor são considerados dimensões essenciais para a manutenção do matrimônio e a sua ausência é motivo de conflito conjugal. Os antagonismos tendem a abrandar com o tempo, sendo importante criar estratégias saudáveis de enfrentamento. Além disso, em casais idosos percebe-se uma necessidade acentuada de apoio social, que pode ser proporcionado pelo parceiro ou pela família.
Curso Autoformativo de Português para Intercâmbio (CAPI): materiais didáticos baseados nas noções de uso da linguagem e gênero do discurso
Authors: Timboni Kétina Allen da Silva , Rupert Andrea De Araújo , Schlatter Margarete
Published: August 2019

Curso Autoformativo de Português para Intercâmbio (CAPI) is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) that aims to prepare students for academic exchange programs. The didactic materials of CAPI are being designed based on a perspective of language use (Clark, 2000) and discourse genres (Bakhtin, 2011). This paper analyzes the course contents in order to examine how this theoretical construct was put into practice in the selection of themes and texts and in the design of the pedagogical tasks. The materials are coherent with the theoretical perspective in that they foster the learning of Portuguese in use and to use through the interaction with oral and written texts in social practices in which students might participate in the university and the city of destination, thus preparing them for their stay. The addition of explicit reflection on possible implications of interlocutors’ relations to the use of linguistic-discursive and cultural repertoires is suggested.
Measuring usability and purchase intention for online travel booking: A case study
Authors: Ani Nur , Noprisson Handrie , Ali Nazlena Mohamad
Published: August 2019

User experience is vital in usability evaluation to understand all aspects of user interactions with a product or system. The usability includes user satisfaction, efficiency, and effectiveness to achieve certain goals. On the other hand, to support the sustainability of the business, it is necessary to know the factors that significantly affect purchase intention through online travel booking application. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the usability of online travel booking system and consumer-level factors of purchase intention in online travel booking application. The research attempt to find whether product diagnosticity influences perceived quality and product trust and generally impacts purchase intention. In this study, we select an existing online travel booking application named Traveloka. The system usability scales (SUS) were used to evaluate the usability for web applications. A total of 1,225 respondents participate in online questionnaire using Google form. Most of the respondents recruited are based in Jakarta, Indonesia. The overall SUS score is only 56.13 from 100. The results show that intention for purchase is influenced by product trust and perceived quality. Moreover, the product diagnosticity (PD) supported perceived quality (PQ) and product trust (PT), and variable of product trust (PT) also supported perceived quality (PQ).
Relationship analysis of wall transmittance and wind speed with numerical method
Authors: Szodrai F.
Published: August 2019

In heat transfer calculations, transmittance values are often used as a constant in practice. With the spread of dynamic simulations, it opens an opportunity to study the sensitivity of the external effects (e.g., wind speed) on buildings. With the proper amount of result, adequate simplifications can be made to reduce the duration of the simulations. In this paper several steady sate simulations were carried out by Ansys 19.1. Academic version. In the examined cases three building structures were examined with different thermal resistances. Average initial air temperature difference was applied on the two sides of the structures, at the cold side the wind speed was varied, while at the warm side natural convection was present. The surface temperatures and the heat flux were monitored and the transmittances were calculated as a result.
‘Well, I saw the picture’
Authors: Ehrlich Susan
Published: August 2019

Cultural norms surrounding heterosexuality have been shown to influence legal and popular understandings of rape. In particular, Nicola Gavey has proposed that normative ideas about men’s aggressive, hard-to-control sexuality and women’s passive, acquiescing sexuality operate as a ‘cultural scaffold’ for rape – they provide a sense-making framework that allows rape to be understood as ‘just sex’. This paper, a case study of the 2013 Steubenville (Ohio, USA) rape trial, attempts to show how the social media evidence in the trial, especially the photographic evidence, was able to unsettle some of these discourses surrounding heterosex. Following work by Webb Keane and Crispin Thurlow on semiotic ideologies, I argue that the special status assigned to the digital images by the trial participants, relative to the linguistic representations, had significant consequences for the outcome of the trial. Crucially, it brought into stark relief the problematic nature of the defence’s claim that passivity and silence on the part of the complainant was tantamount to consent.
Constituting and responding to domestic and sexual violence
Authors: Weatherall Ann
Published: August 2019

-
THE SHELF-LIFE OF BLACK TIGER SHRIMP (PENAEUS MONODON) TREATED WITH THE DIFFERENT CONDITIONS
Authors: Tam Le Nhat , Vu Truong Huynh Anh , Hai Chu Van
Published: August 2019

This study examines the chemical and microbiological changes and the sensory attributes of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) when stored at the temperature of 0 ºC. Sodium propionate and sodium lactate were used to treat shrimps before storage. Vacuum packaging was also carefully investigated. Throughout storage, the quality indicates including TVB-N, TMA-N, histamine, quality index (QI) and total viable count (TVC) were used to evaluate the quality changes of shrimp. The results show that though with different rates, the increase in quality indicators caused the decrease in the quality of shrimp during storage. The quality of shrimps treated with salts of organic acids or those packed in the vacuum bags was significantly higher than that of the control. In particular, the shelf-life of the sample packed in the vacuum packages was twelve days, which was four days longer than that of the control.
FUZZY SLIDING MODE CONTROL OF A STRUCTURE BASED ON HEDGE ALGEBRAS CONTAINING INPUT TIME DELAY
Authors: Bui Le Hai , Le Anh Tung , Bui Binh Van , Nguyen Hoan Thai Tat
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the authors present the sliding mode control problem of a structure using hedge-algebras-based fuzzy controller considering the impact of time delay (de-sHAC). Controlled model is a structure subjected to earthquake excitations. Numerical simulations are implemented in order to show advantages of the proposed controller. Obtained results include: variation of maximum displacement and maximum absolute acceleration versus time delay; time responses of displacement, absolute acceleration and control force of the structure in the uncontrolled case, the controlled case using the hedge-algebras-based fuzzy controller with input time delay (de-HAC) and the de-sHAC.
Investigation of AA5083 T-lap joint fabricated by friction stir welding
Authors: Nhan Phan Thanh , Khang Tran Minh , Tra Tran Hung
Published: August 2019

Transportation industries are faced to big maters that the scientists focus on, such as energy saving and ecologically sustainable products. Therefore, many innovative solutions are delivered that will support environmental preservation but meet industries’ requirements for greater productivity and minimized operational costs. Aluminium alloys have successfully contributed to meeting the rising demand for lightweight structures. Recently, notable developments in aluminium welding techniques have resolved many welding related problems, although some problems need to be addressed. In this paper, 5083 aluminium alloy T-lap-joints were successfully fabricated by friction stir welding with various welding regimes. The defects morphology in the T-joints was experimentally observed and analyzed by a high magnification microscope. The roles of the grain microstructure and the effects of defects morphology in the mechanical behavior of the T-joint was investigated. In addition, the fracture locations and the fracture surface of the failure specimens were observed and discussed as well. Results indicate that the fracture of T-joints along the stringer is attributed to the bonding line defects, kissing bond defects and the tunnel defects. The result also shows, in the T-joints of 5083 aluminum alloy, the welding parameters influence significantly on the features and sizes of the defects.
A DISTANCE BASED INCREMENTAL FILTER-WRAPPER ALGORITHM FOR FINDING REDUCT IN INCOMPLETE DECISION TABLES
Authors: Quang Nguyen Ba , Giang Nguyen Long , Oanh Dang Thi
Published: August 2019

Tolerance rough set model is an effective tool for attribute reduction in incomplete decision tables. In recent years, some incremental algorithms have been proposed to find reduct of dynamic incomplete decision tables in order to reduce computation time. However, they are classical filter algorithms, in which the classification accuracy of decision tables is computed after obtaining reduct. Therefore, the obtained reducts of these algorithms are not optimal on cardinality of reduct and classification accuracy. In this paper, we propose the incremental filter-wrapper algorithm IDS_IFW_AO to find one reduct of an incomplete desision table in case of adding multiple objects. The experimental results on some sample datasets show that the proposed filter-wrapper algorithm IDS_IFW_AO is more effective than the filter algorithm IARM-I [17] on classification accuracy and cardinality of reduct
Reducing the property appraisal bias with decision support systems: An experimental investigation in the South African property market
Authors: Evans Kathleen Margaret , Lausberg Carsten , Sui Sang How Jesse
Published: August 2019

Background – Researchers have observed that valuation accuracy and valuation variation are caused by human adaptive approaches called cognitive shortcuts. Of particular interest for valuation tasks is the susceptibility of decision-makers to the anchoring and adjustment heuristic, a mental shortcut which involves deliberate and conscious adjustment of values. Various studies have shown that valuers are prone to anchoring to asking price, previous estimates, and other reference points.
Aim – The research aim is to determine the efficacy of a decision-support tool in reducing property appraisal bias.
Setting and Methods – A controlled experimental study design was used. The design in which test persons had to appraise a fictitious property is based on a German study that uses a self-written valuation software, adapted to South African conditions. The software comprises two versions, a standard software and a decision-support software. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric testing were used to interpret the results.
Findings – Despite the results not being as robust as expected, the study revealed that test subjects were susceptible to the anchoring bias and that using a decision-support tool can help reduce this and so decrease the valuation variations.
Practical implications – This study heightened the need to counter the effect of bias in valuation. Few studies have delved into debiasing methods and even fewer have used technical tools for this task. Other forms of cognitive shortcuts used by valuers should be incorporated into the decision-support tool, and a similar test run for different valuation settings.
Urban Expansion and Loss of Agricultural Land in Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria, using Multi-Temporal Imageries
Authors: Oladehinde Gbenga , Fatusin Afolabi Francis , Ojo Victor
Published: August 2019

Osogbo, the state capital of Osun State is one of the rapidly urbanizing cities in Nigeria. This article examined urban expansion and the transition of agricultural land in Osogbo with the use of multi-temporal imageries between 1986 and 2018. Large amounts of cultivated land has been transformed into other land uses in the past 31 years. This paper presents the process of the loss of agricultural land and urban growth in Osogbo with the use of remote sensing and GIS. Landsat imageries for 1986, 2002 and 2018 were used to analyse land use and land cover change. Supervised image classification was applied to classify the images into different land use categories. Six land use classes were identified: built-up area, water body, cultivated area, gallery zone, dense vegetation and rocky outcrops. Built-up areas (residential, educational and industrial areas) have greatly increased while agricultural lands (i.e. farmland and wetland) have considerably decreased during the study period. Built-up area covered 7.06% in 1986 but increased to 53.61% in 2018 while agricultural land decreased from 86.28% to 41.53% in the same period. The study therefore recommends that government should integrate agricultural lands into urban land use, planning for efficient management and protection of the dwindling agricultural space.
Editorial
Authors: Olaleye Abel
Published: August 2019

Welcome to the first issue of the fourth volume of the Journal of African Real Estate Research (JARER). This is our first publication for 2019 and my first as Editor-in-Chief. Since its relaunch, the JARER has offered opportunities for academic and professional researchers across Africa to disseminate their scholarly work in the real estate sector. There has been an increasing rate of submissions and our appreciation goes to the board members of the African Real Estate Society, the Library services at the University of Cape Town, and the Journal Manager, Luke Boyle from the Urban Real Estate Research, who has been working tirelessly in managing the journal’s operations. The JARER continues to be strongly supported by IRES, ERES, and Prof. Karl-Werner Schulte from the IREBS at Regensburg University. Without this support the journal would not be financially sustainable. We also thank the many authors for publishing in the journal, and ofcourse our reviewers and editorial board who have given generously their time to review the papers.
Development and Validation of an Easy-to-Implement, Practical Algorithm for the Identification of Molecular Subtypes of Gastric Cancer: Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Koh Jiwon , Lee Keun-Wook , Nam Soo Kyung , Seo An Na , Kim Ji-Won , Kim Jin Won , Park Do Joong , Kim Hyung-Ho , Kim Woo Ho , Lee Hye Seung
Published: August 2019

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease, and substantial efforts have been made to develop a molecular biology-based classification system for GC. Analysis of the genomic signature is not always feasible, and thus, we aimed to (i) develop and validate a practical immunohistochemistry (IHC)- and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular classification of GC and (ii) to assess HER2 status according to this classification.

Materials and Methods

A total of 894 consecutive patients with GC from two individual cohorts (training, n = 507; validation, n = 387) were classified using Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in situ hybridization, microsatellite instability (MSI) testing, and IHC for E-cadherin and p53.

Results

We were able to classify patients into five groups in the training cohort: group 1 (MSI+), group 2 (EBV−, MSI−, non-epithelial-mesenchymal transition [non-EMT]-like, p53−), group 3 (EBV+), group 4 (EBV−, MSI−, non-EMT-like, p53+), and group 5 (EBV−, MSI−, EMT-like). In the training cohort, each group showed different overall survival (OS) after gastrectomy (p < .001); group 1 had the best prognosis, and group 5 showed the worst survival outcome. The significant impact of the classification system on OS was also verified in the validation cohort (p = .004). HER2 positivity was observed in 6.5% of total population, and most of HER2-positive cases (93.1%) were included in groups 2 and 4.

Conclusion

We developed and validated a modified IHC- and PCR-based molecular classification system in GC, which showed significant impact on survival, irrespective of stage or other clinical variables. We also found close association between HER2 status and non-EMT phenotype in our classification system.

Implications for Practice

Molecular classification of gastric cancer suggested by previous studies mostly relies on extensive genomic data analysis, which is not always available in daily practice. The authors developed a simplified immunohistochemistry- and polymerase chain reaction-based molecular classification of gastric cancer and proved the prognostic significance of this classification, as well as the close association between HER2 status and certain groups of the classification, in the largest consecutive cohort of gastric cancer. Results of this study suggest that this scheme is a cost-effective, easy-to-implement, and feasible way of classifying gastric cancer in daily clinical practice, also serving as a practical tool for aiding therapeutic decisions and predicting prognosis.
Perfil epidemiológico do paciente oncológico em um serviço de odontologia
Authors: Bispo Mayara Simões , Medrado Alena Alves Ribeiro Peixoto , Dantas Juliana Borges de Lima , Lima Hayana Ramos , Carrera Manoela , Campos Elisângela de Jesus
Published: August 2019

INTRODUÇÃO: A crescente incidência das neoplasias malignas no Brasil aponta como um constante objetivo o conhecimento do perfil sociocultural da população portadora de câncer. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a população atendida no serviço de Odontologia da Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia Nsa. Sra. De Fátima (Salvador - BA), no ano de 2017. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal descritivo. Dados relativos a sexo, idade, escolaridade, ocupação, uso de álcool e/ou tabaco, localização do tumor primário e tipo de tratamento instituído foram coletados de 61 prontuários hospitalares. RESULTADOS: Houve predominância de homens (65,6%) entre 60 e 69 anos (34,4%) e escolaridade compatível com ensino fundamental completo/incompleto (57,3%). O uso associado de álcool e tabaco esteve presente em 42,6% da amostra e as neoplasias mais frequentes foram laringe, laringofaringe e glote (27,9%), seguidas de mama (18%). CONCLUSÃO: A população de pacientes submetidos à radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço foi majoritariamente composta por indivíduos do sexo masculino, idade avançada, baixa escolaridade, tabagistas e etilistas e diagnosticados tardiamente. O grupo submetido a quimioterapia isolada foi composto em sua maioria por mulheres entre 40 e 49 anos, portadoras de neoplasias malignas de mama. Os dados aqui relatados apontam a necessidade de estratégias de prevenção e combate ao câncer, direcionadas ao perfil de risco descrito.
The potential of metabolic and lipid profiling in inflammatory bowel diseases: a pilot study
Authors: Tefas Cristian , Ciobanu Lidia , Tanțău Marcel , Moraru Corina , Socaciu Carmen
Published: August 2019

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are conditions that still pose significant problems. A third of the patients are either misdiagnosed or a proper diagnosis of Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) cannot be made. We need new biomarkers, so that we can offer patients the best treatment and keep the disease in an inactive state for as long as possible. Alterations in metabolic profiles have been incriminated in the pathophysiology of IBD. The aim of the present study was to identify molecules that could serve as biomarkers for a positive diagnosis of IBD as well as to discriminate UC from colonic CD. Twenty-two patients with active colonic IBD (UC = 17, CD = 5) and 24 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Plasma lipid and metabolic profiles were quantified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Univariate and multivariate statistical tests were employed. Six lipid species and seven metabolites were significantly altered in IBD compared to healthy controls, with the majority belonging to glycerophospholipid, linoleic acid, and sphingolipid metabolisms. Five lipid species and only one metabolite were significantly increased in UC compared to CD. This preliminary study suggests that lipid and metabolic profiling of serum can become diagnostic tools for IBD. In addition, they can be used to differentiate between CD and UC.
Modernización de regadíos en España: experiencias de control, ahorro y eficacia en el uso del agua para riego
Authors: Gómez-Espín José María
Published: August 2019

Entre las políticas de gestión de las demandas de agua en España, sobresale la modernización de regadíos, con objeto de actuar sobre el principal consumidor de agua. Se han aprobado el Avance del Plan Nacional de Regadíos (1996), el Plan Nacional de Regadíos (PNR), horizonte 2005 y posteriormente horizonte 2008, así como el Plan de Choque de modernización de regadíos 2006-2008. Se han elaborado varias estrategias como la Estrategia Nacional para la Modernización Sostenible de los Regadíos, horizonte 2015, la Estrategia Nacional de Regadíos, horizonte 2020, y la Estrategia Nacional de Regadíos 2018-2025. Del año 1996 al 2017, se ha modernizado más de la mitad de la superficie regada (de los 3,79 millones de ha regables, más del 50% reciben riego a presión localizado). Las mejoras de las conducciones, la automatización, el cambio de sistemas de riego, etc., han generado un ahorro de agua de más de 1800 hm3/año. Se precisa un nuevo Plan Nacional de Regadíos, donde el esfuerzo conjunto de Administración General, de Comunidades Autónomas y de regantes logre dar soluciones a problemas como la energía en el riego por elevación, el riego deficitario en situaciones de sequía, la aplicación de caudales de la regeneración y de la desalación, la sostenibilidad de los sistemas y paisajes regados, etc.
Diseño de un seguro indexado para la cobertura del riesgo de sequía hidrológica en la agricultura de regadío
Authors: Gómez-Limón José Antonio , Guerrero-Baena María Dolores
Published: August 2019

En España, la agricultura de regadío es especialmente vulnerable al riesgo de sequía hidrológica, circunstancia que, en la práctica, conlleva que las dotaciones de agua que reciben los agricultores sean, en ocasiones, insuficientes para atender las necesidades de sus cultivos. Cuando esto ocurre, se produce el denominado fallo de garantía de suministro, que tiene importantes consecuencias negativas sobre la actividad agraria. Al objeto de minimizar los efectos negativos del ‘fallo de garantía de suministro’, en este trabajo se propone un seguro de sequía hidrológica para regadío indexado a la variable ‘stock de agua disponible en los embalses de regulación’, como nuevo instrumento de gestión de este riesgo. Se espera que esta propuesta, una vez transferida a la práctica, pueda contribuir a mejorar la gestión del riesgo de sequía en los sistemas agrarios de regadío, así como a garantizar la sostenibilidad y resiliencia de estos sistemas ante el progresivo impacto del cambio climático
Futuro de la gestión integrada “aguas residuales tratadas/agricultura periurbana” en Túnez. Caso del perímetro de riego público (PRP) de Zaouia (Susa)
Authors: Hamrita Abdelkarim , Rejeb Hichem
Published: August 2019

LLas aguas residuales tratadas eran recursos y su uso en los países áridos y semiáridos es una pregunta de nivel internacional. El artículo aborda el proceso de gestión integrada “aguas residuales tratadas/agricultura periurbana” en Túnez, y sus conflictos ambientales y sociales. La investigación se basa en la combinación del  método de evaluación del paisaje, Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), y las entrevistas realizadas con los agricultores de la zona de riego público (ZRP) de Zaouia, lo que permite la caracterización de los paisajes del ámbito de estudio y explicar la percepción de los agricultores, especialmente, sobre el uso de las aguas residuales tratadas y su interacción con otros actores del territorio. Los resultados será una herramienta de toma de la decisión y desarrollar el compromiso entre las aguas residuales tratadas y la agricultura periurbana.
Prognostic value of lipid peroxidation changes in acute poisoning with household drugs “bath salts”
Authors: Sumnaya D B , Iksanov A V , Shkarednykh V Yu , Sadova V A , Kuleshova M V
Published: August 2019

Aim. To study the state of lipid peroxidation processes in case of psychodisleptic poisoning of the “bath salt” type and to determine the clinical and biochemical markers of a favorable and complicated course of the acute period of poisoning.

Methods. In 347 patients with acute household poisoning (“bath salts”) admitted to the toxicology department of the Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Hospital №3, the clinical and biochemical features of the acute period of psychodisleptic poisoning (“bath salts”) were studied in a favorable and unfavorable course. Blood and urine samples were taken from all patients, which later underwent chemical and toxicological studies by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Also, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity were determined in selected blood samples. Lipid peroxidation products were detected in heptane-isopropanol extracts of biological material by spectrophotometry. The intensity of Fe2+-ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation was determined in E.I. L'vovskaya's modification. The study of patients' samples was carried out in the biochemical laboratory of the regional clinical hospital №3, at the Department of Biochemistry of the Ural state university of physical culture and the South Ural state medical university of Chelyabinsk.

Results. Patients with “bath salts” poisoning in the acute period showed an elevated content of all categories of peroxidation products in the blood serum — by 1.51–1.70 times more than in the control group of healthy people. A decrease in antioxidant activity values I and II by 1.13–1.31 times was also found. With favorable outcomes of poisoning, the level of activation of lipid peroxidation processes decreased with an adequate increase in the activity of the antioxidant system by 1.5–1.6 times. The activation of lipid peroxidation processes in the blood serum accompanied by a decrease in the activity of antioxidant system led to an unfavorable course of the disease and the development of cerebral edema in 18 patients which was fatal.

Conclusion. The clinical and biochemical features of the course of the acute period of poisoning with “bath salts” revealed by us suggest adverse outcomes of the disease with a tendency to an increase in the content of serum lipid peroxidation products in the course of the disease (instead of reducing them) along with a reduction of antioxidant activity; these indicators should be compensated by the use of antioxidant therapy.
Proteomic technologies in the development of new vaccines based on serotype-non-specific protein antigens of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Tyuri Yu A , Zaripova A Z , Isaeva G Sh , Mustafin I G , Bayazitova L T
Published: August 2019

The review presents a modern strategy to improve the means of vaccine prevention of streptococcal infections aimed at finding and developing new vaccines for immunization of people belonging to risk groups. It should be noted that pneumococci (S. pneumoniae) are members of gram-positive bacteria (diplococci) and become the main cause of various nosological forms of human infectious diseases (such as pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, bacteremia and meningitis). Existing pneumococcal vaccines (conjugate and polysaccharide) have some important limitations, for example, serotype dependence, loss of effectiveness due to a change in the serotype landscape, insufficient protective effect from non-invasive forms of pneumococcal infections and high production costs associated with the development of these products. The main part of the review presents the most important research papers that used modern proteomic technologies in the study of the S. pneumoniae proteomic profile. These works allow us to evaluate at the molecular level the importance of bacterial proteins as candidates for creating new combination vaccines that can effectively protect against the full range of pneumococcal serotypes circulating in the human population. So, in particular, the data are provided on the new methodology for the analysis of the proteome of extracellular S. pneumoniae bacterial microvesicles to identify immunoreactive protein antigens, potential candidates for inclusion into vaccines. As a result of these studies, 15 immunoreactive proteins were discovered, 7 of which are cytosolic and 8 proteins are bound to the cell surface (MalX, ABC transporter or substrate binding transport protein, AmiA, AliA, LytC, IgA1 protease, PspA and the putative precursor of β-galactosidase). These are possible candidates for developing combination vaccines. Additionally, the review presents data on the role of significant virulence factors of the protein nature of S. pneumoniae strains in nasopharyngeal colonization, increased infectivity, as well as on overcoming reactions of the host's immune response.