bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges experienced by postgraduate nursing students at a South African university
Authors: Havenga Yolanda , Sengane Malmsey L.
Published: April 2018

Background: The increase in nurses enrolling in postgraduate programmes as well as the need to improve their completion requires academics to establish environments conducive for postgraduate studies. The challenges experienced during postgraduate studies have to be identified to establish conducive environments. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore and describe the challenges experienced by postgraduate nursing students enrolled in postgraduate coursework and research programmes at a South African university. Methods: An exploratory, descriptive and qualitative design was used. The study was contextual in nature. Purposive sampling was used. Fifteen honours, master’s and doctoral students participated in the study. Data were analysed through qualitative content analysis and measures to ensure trustworthiness, and ethical implementation of the study were implemented. Results: Three themes with categories were identified, namely personal challenges (i.e. finances, employment, family and accommodation), academic and institutional challenges (i.e. workload and time constraints, contact sessions, subject information and assessment) and research-related challenges (i.e. information literacy, supervisory relationship and supervisory structure and process). Conclusion: Institutional support addressing personal, academic and research-related challenges should be provided to enhance student experiences and completion.
Phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation of selected medicinal plants in Meru community of Kenya
Authors: Mutembei Jackson K. , Kareru Patrick G. , Madivoli Edwin S. , Murigi Martin K. , Karanja Joseph , Cheruiyot Kipyegon , Rechab Sylvester O. , Maina Ernest G.
Published: April 2018

Background: Increased resistance against antimicrobial medication used to combat bacterial infection necessitates the need for alternative medication. Objective: This study seeks to evaluate the antimicrobial potential and phytochemical profiles of 10 medicinal plants collected from Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi County of Kenya. Plant samples were collected, dried, pulverised into fine powders and extracted with distilled water. Methodology: Qualitative phytochemical screening and disc-agar diffusion methods were used according to standard method to determine phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extracts against four bacterial strains and a fungus. Results: Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of terpenoids, tannins and reducing sugars in all the plants except one. Saponins were found to be present in Albizia anthelmintica, Entada leptostachya, Raponae rhododendroides and Warbugia ugandensis. Steroids were present in seven plants while alkaloids were present in five. Albizia anthelmintica, E. leptostachya and W. ugandensis extracts were active against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Escherichia coli was the most susceptible bacteria against all the plant extracts tested, except Harrisonia abyssinica. Vernonia lasiopus and Uvariodendron anisatum were the least active extracts. Susceptibility against E. coli and C. albicans was significantly comparable to benzathine penicillin and streptomycin. Conclusion: The type of ailments the plants are claimed to treat can be attributed to the presence of various classes of phytochemicals. In conclusion, the plants evaluated were found to be active against the microorganisms tested.
A review of biodiversity reporting by the South African seafood industry
Authors: Usher Kieran , Maroun Warren
Published: April 2018

Background: Biodiversity reporting is an area of sustainability accounting research that has received comparatively little attention from the academic community. This is despite the growing scientific concern about climate change, habitat destruction and extinction of species and mounting evidence on the implications of these environmental issues for our current way of life. This necessitates additional research on biodiversity reporting, especially in a South African context given that the country is home to some of the richest biodiversity regions on earth. Aim: This research examines what information companies in the South African seafood industry are reporting on biodiversity. This includes the development and application of an easy-to-use disclosure scorecard to track the quality of biodiversity-related disclosures. Setting: The study focuses on South African biodiversity reporting. The choice of region is informed by the country’s significant marine resources and mature corporate reporting environment, where non-financial disclosures are expected to be well developed. Methods: Content analysis was used to collect data from a sample of companies’ integrated and sustainability reports. The data were analysed interpretively to determine what biodiversity disclosures companies provide and the quality of those disclosures. Conclusion: The study shows that while the quantum of biodiversity reporting is relatively low, some companies are starting to provide more detailed accounts of their biodiversity impact, pointing to higher levels of reporting quality. There is still room for improvement, but these findings suggest that reporting on non-financial sustainability issues is maturing and that companies are beginning to appreciate the importance of preserving biodiversity for ensuring long-term sustainability.
State-of-the-Art Congestion Control Protocols in WSN: A Survey
Authors: Ahmad Jan Mian , Roohullah Jan Syed , Usman Muhammad , Alam Muhammad
Published: April 2018

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) inherently are resource-constrained in terms of available energy, bandwidth, processing power and memory space. In these networks, congestion occurs when the incoming traffic load surpasses the available capacity of the network. There are various factors that lead to congestion in WSNs such as buffer overflow, varying rates of transmission, a many-to-one communication paradigm, channel contention and interference. Congestion leads to depletion of the nodes energy, deterioration of network performance and an increase in network latency and packet loss. As a result, energy-efficient and reliable state-of-the art congestion control protocols need to be designed to detect, notify and control congestion effectively. In this paper, we present a review of the latest state-of-the-art congestion control protocols. We analyze these protocols from various perspectives such as, their deployed environments, internal operational mechanisms, their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on their inherent nature of control mechanisms, these protocols are classified either as traffic-based congestion control or resource-based congestion control. Based on our analysis, we further subdivided these protocols based on their hop-by-hop and end-to-end delivery modes.
BER and NCMSE based Estimation algorithms for Underwater Noisy Channels
Authors: Khalil Paracha Fahad , Ahmed Sheeraz , Arshad Jaleel M. , Shahid Hamza , Tayyab Umais
Published: April 2018

Channel estimation and equalization of sparse multipath channels is a real matter of concern for researchers in the recent past. Such type of channel impulse response is depicted by a very few significant non-zero taps that are widely separated in time. A comprehensive comparison of few algorithms in this regard has been provided. The algorithms simulated are LS, LMS and MP while simulation results along with observations are also presented in this paper. The metrics used for performance evaluation are Bit error rate (BER) and Normalized channel mean square error (NCMSE). On the basis of obtained simulation results, it is observed that MP algorithm requires shorter training sequence for estimation of channel response at the receiver as compared with LS. Furthermore, it is observed that MP has best performance while LS and LMS stand after respectively.
Comparison of PCR Methods for Onchocerca volvulus Detection in Skin Snip Biopsies from the Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Prince-Guerra Jessica L. , Cama Vitaliano A. , Wilson Nana , Thiele Elizabeth A. , Likwela Josias , Ndakala Nestor , Muzinga wa Muzinga Jacques , Ayebazibwe Nicholas , Ndjakani Yassa D. , Pitchouna Naomi A. , Mumba Dieudonne , Tshefu Antoinette K. , Ogawa Guilherme , Cantey Paul T.
Published: April 2018

Defining the optimal diagnostic tools for evaluating onchocerciasis elimination efforts in areas co-endemic for other filarial nematodes is imperative. This study compared three published polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods: the Onchocerca volvulus–specific qPCR-O150, the pan-filarial qPCR melt curve analysis (MCA), and the O150-PCR enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) currently used for vector surveillance in skin snip biopsies (skin snips) collected from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The pan-filarial qPCR-MCA was compared with species-specific qPCRs for Loa loa and Mansonella perstans. Among the 471 skin snips, 47.5%, 43.5%, and 27.0% were O. volvulus positive by qPCR-O150, qPCR-MCA, and O150-PCR ELISA, respectively. Using qPCR-O150 as the comparator, the sensitivity and specificity of qPCR-MCA were 89.3% and 98.0%, respectively, whereas for O150-PCR ELISA, they were 56.7% and 100%, respectively. Although qPCR-MCA identified the presence of L. loa and Mansonella spp. in skin snips, species-specific qPCRs had greater sensitivity and were needed to identify M. perstans. Most of the qPCR-MCA misclassifications occurred in mixed infections. The reduced sensitivity of O150-PCR ELISA was associated with lower microfilaria burden and with lower amounts of O. volvulus DNA. Although qPCR-MCA identified most of the O. volvulus–positive skin snips, it is not sufficiently robust to be used for stop-mass drug administration (MDA) evaluations in areas co-endemic for other filariae. Because O150-PCR ELISA missed 43.3% of qPCR-O150–positive skin snips, the qPCR-O150 assay is more appropriate for evaluating skin snips of OV-16 + children in stop-MDA assessments. Although improving the sensitivity of the O150-PCR ELISA as an alternative to qPCR might be possible, qPCR-O150 offers distinct advantages aside from increased sensitivity.
Improving the security of the Hwang-Su protocol for mobile networks
Authors: Hemad Miloud Ait , El-Kiram My Ahmed , Lazrek Azzeddine
Published: April 2018

The mobile networks are experiencing a growing success. This success is mainly due to the fact that these networks providing the mobility of users, the transmission of data through open air and the requirement of low power. But, it is threatened by weak security, especially at the level of authentication. Hwang and Su have proposed an efficient authentication protocol for mobile networks. This protocol, called Hwang-Su here, is based on the use of one-way hash function, symmetric key cryptosystem and nonce. Hwang-Su protocol consists of two sub-protocols, named intra-domain authentication and inter-domain authentication. If the user and the service provider registered in the same domain, we would use intra-domain authentication protocol. Otherwise, we would initiate inter-domain authentication protocol. In this article, we show that both sub-protocols are not secured. Indeed, any legitimate user can abuse of these rights to attack them. We also propose improvements to increase its security.Keywords: Authentication, Mobile communication, Cryptography, Security
Optimum material gradient composition for the functionally graded piezoelectric beams
Authors: Lezgy-Nazargah M , Farahbakhsh M
Published: April 2018

This study investigates the relation between the material gradient properties and the optimum sensing/actuation design of the functionally graded piezoelectric beams. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis has been employed for the prediction of an optimum composition profile in these types of sensors and actuators. To this end, various static tests for functionally graded piezoelectric beams with different geometric parameters, material gradient index, mechanical and electrical boundary conditions are considered. The obtained numerical results of the present study not only would help the selection of a most suitable volume fraction distribution for the functionally graded piezoelectric sensors and actuators but also give a comprehensive insight about the static electro-mechanical behavior of these structures. Moreover, the present results could serve as a benchmark to assess different one-dimensional functionally graded piezoelectric beam theories.Keywords: Piezoelectric sensors and actuators, Functionally graded materials, Stress minimization, Optimum design, Finite element method
Potential improvements in global carbon flux estimates from a
network of laser heterodyne radiometer measurements of column
carbon dioxide
Authors: Palmer Paul I. , Wilson Emily L. , Villanueva Geronimo L. , Liuzzi Giuliano , Feng Liang , DiGregorio Anthony J. , Mao Jianping , Ott Lesley , Duncan Bryan
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Abstract. We present Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) to evaluate the impact of a new network of ground-based miniaturized laser heterodyne radiometer (mini-LHR) instruments that measure atmospheric column-averaged carbon dioxide (XCO2) with high precision (1 ppm). A particular strength of this passive measurement approach is its insensitivity to clouds and aerosols due to its direct sun pointing and narrow field-of-view (0.2 degrees). Developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), these portable, low-cost mini-LHR instruments were designed to operate in tandem with the sun photometers used by the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET). This partnership allows us to leverage the existing framework of AERONET's 500+ site global ground network, as well as provide simultaneous measurements of aerosols that are known to be a major source of error in retrievals of XCO2 from passive nadir-viewing satellite observations. We show using the global 3-D GEOS-Chem chemistry transport model that a deployment of 50 mini-LHRs to strategically-selected AERONET sites significantly improves our knowledge of global and regional land-based CO2 fluxes. This improvement varies seasonally and ranges from 58 % to 81 % over southern lands, 47 % to 76 % over tropical lands, 71 % to 92 % over northern lands, and 64 % to 91 % globally. While column CO2 measurements from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) provide a similar level of improvement, it is limited to the northern hemisphere where the majority of the 23 TCCON sites are located. We show that supplementing TCCON's existing network with mini-LHR instruments would provide significant improvements in northern hemispheric summertime CO2 flux estimates which would especially benefit the northernmost latitudes of North America and Eurasia where satellites and ground-based networks have limited data coverage. Our studies suggest that the mini-LHR network could also play a substantive role in reducing carbon flux uncertainty in Arctic and tropical systems by filling in geographical gaps in measurements left by ground-based networks and space-based observations. A realized network would also provide necessary data for the quinquennial global stocktakes that form part of the Paris Agreement.
CALIPSO lidar level 3 aerosol profile product: version 3 algorithm
design
Authors: Tackett Jason L. , Winker David M. , Getzewich Brian J. , Vaughan Mark A. , Young Stuart A. , Kar Jayanta
Published: April 2018

Abstract. The Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) level 3 aerosol profile product reports globally-gridded, quality-screened monthly mean aerosol extinction profiles retrieved by the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). This paper describes the quality screening and averaging methods used to generate the version 3 product. The fundamental input data are CALIOP level 2 aerosol extinction profiles and layer classification information (aerosol, cloud, and clear-air). Prior to aggregation, the extinction profiles are quality-screened by a series of filters to reduce the impact of layer detection errors, layer classification errors, extinction retrieval errors, and biases due to an intermittent signal anomaly at the surface. The relative influence of these filters are compared in terms of sample rejection frequency, mean extinction, and mean AOD. The extinction QC flag filter is the most influential in preventing high-biases in level 3 mean extinction, while the misclassified cirrus fringe filter is most aggressive at rejecting cirrus misclassified as aerosol. The impact of quality screening on monthly mean aerosol extinction is investigated globally and regionally. After applying quality filters, monthly mean AOD is reduced by −24 and −31 % for global ocean and global land, respectively, thus indicating the importance of quality screening.
Climatology of the scintillation onset over southern Brazil
Authors: Sousasantos Jonas , de Oliveira Moraes Alison , Sobral José H. A. , Muella Marcio T. A. H. , de Paula Eurico R. , Paolini Rafael S.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. This work presents an analysis of the climatology of the onset time of
ionospheric scintillations at low latitude over the southern Brazilian
territory near the peak of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA). Data from L1
frequency GPS receiver located in Cachoeira Paulista (22.4∘ S,
45.0∘ W; dip latitude 16.9∘ S), from September 1998 to
November 2014, covering a period between solar cycles 23 and 24, were used in
the present analysis of the scintillation onset time. The results show that
the start time of the ionospheric scintillation follows a pattern, starting
about 40 min earlier, in the months of November and December, when
compared to January and February. The analyses presented here show that such
temporal behavior seems to be associated with the ionospheric prereversal
vertical drift (PRVD) magnitude and time. The influence of solar activity in
the percentage of GPS links affected is also addressed together with the
respective ionospheric prereversal vertical drift behavior. Based on this
climatological study a set of empirical equations is proposed to be used for
a GNSS alert about the scintillation prediction. The identification of this
kind of pattern may support GNSS applications for aviation and oil extraction
maritime stations positioning. Keywords. Ionosphere (ionospheric irregularities; modeling and forecasting) – radio science (space and satellite communication)
Disturbance legacies have a stronger effect on future carbon exchange than climate in a temperate forest landscape
Authors: Thom Dominik , Rammer Werner , Garstenauer Rita , Seidl Rupert
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Forest ecosystems play an important role in the global climate system, and are thus intensively discussed in the context of climate change mitigation. Over the past decades temperate forests were a carbon (C) sink to the atmosphere. However, it remains unclear to which degree this C uptake is driven by a recovery from past disturbances vs. ongoing climate warming, inducing high uncertainty regarding the future temperate forest C sink. Here our objectives were (i) to investigate legacies within the natural disturbance regime by empirically analyzing two disturbance episodes affecting the same landscape 90 years apart, and (ii) to unravel the effects of past disturbances and future climate on 21st century forest C uptake by means of simulation modelling. We collected historical data from archives to reconstruct vegetation and disturbance history of a forest landscape in the Austrian Alps from 1905 to 2013. The effect of past legacies and future climate was determined by simulating 32 different combinations of past disturbances (including natural disturbances and management) and future climate scenarios. We found only moderate spatial overlap between two episodes of wind and bark beetle disturbance affecting the landscape in the early 20th and 21st century, respectively. The future forest C sink was driven by past disturbances, while climate change reduced forest C uptake. Historic management (and its cessation) had a considerably stronger influence on the future C balance than the natural disturbance episodes of the past. We conclude that neglecting disturbance legacies can substantially bias assessments of future forest dynamics.
The SeaSWIR dataset
Authors: Knaeps Els , Doxaran David , Dogliotti Ana , Nechad Bouchra , Ruddick Kevin , Raymaekers Dries , Sterckx Sindy
Published: April 2018

Abstract. The SeaSWIR dataset consists of 137 ASD (Analytical Spectral Devices, Inc.) marine reflectances, 137 Total Suspended Matter (TSM) measurements and 97 turbidity measurements gathered at three turbid estuarine sites (Gironde, La Plata, Scheldt). The dataset is valuable because of the high quality measurements of the marine reflectance in the Short Wave InfraRed I region (SWIR-I: 1000–1200 nm) and SWIR-II (1200–1300 nm) and because of the wide range of TSM concentrations from 48 mg L−1 up to 1400 mg L−1. The ASD measurements were gathered using a detailed measurement protocol and were subjected to a strict quality control. The SeaSWIR marine reflectance is characterized by low reflectance at short wavelengths (
SALSA2.0: The sectional aerosol module of the
aerosol-chemistry-climate model ECHAM6.3.0-HAM2.3-MOZ1.0
Authors: Kokkola Harri , Kühn Thomas , Laakso Anton , Bergman Tommi , Lehtinen Kari E. J. , Mielonen Tero , Arola Antti , Stadtler Scarlet , Korhonen Hannele , Ferrachat Sylvaine , Lohmann Ulrike , Neubauer David , Tegen Ina , Siegenthaler-Le Drian Colombe , Schultz Martin G. , Bey Isabelle , Stier Philip , Daskalakis Nikos , Heald Colette L. , Romakkaniemi Sami
Published: April 2018

Abstract. In this paper, we present the implementation and evaluation of the aerosol microphysics module SALSA2.0 in the framework of the aerosol-chemistry-climate model ECHAM-HAMMOZ. It is an alternative microphysics module to the default modal microphysics scheme M7 in ECHAM-HAMMOZ. The SALSA2.0 implementation is evaluated against the observations of aerosol optical properties, aerosol mass, and size distributions. We also compare the skill of SALSA2.0 in reproducing the observed quantities to the skill of the M7 implementation. The largest differences between SALSA2.0 and M7 are evident over regions where the aerosol size distribution is heavily modified by the microphysical processing of aerosol particles. Such regions are, for example, highly polluted regions and regions strongly affected by biomass burning. In addition, in a simulation of the 1991 Mt Pinatubo eruption in which a stratospheric sulfate plume was formed, the global burden and the effective radii of the stratospheric aerosol are very different in SALSA2.0 and M7. While SALSA2.0 was able to reproduce the observed time evolution of the global burden of sulfate and the effective radii of stratospheric aerosol, M7 strongly overestimates the removal of coarse stratospheric particles and thus underestimates the effective radius of stratospheric aerosol. As the mode widths of M7 have been optimized for the troposphere and were not designed to represent stratospheric aerosol the ability of M7 to simulate the volcano plume was improved by modifying the mode widths decreasing the standard deviations of the accumulation and coarse modes from 1.59 and 2.0, respectively, to 1.2. Overall, SALSA2.0 shows promise in improving the aerosol description of ECHAM-HAMMOZ and can be further improved by implementing methods for aerosol processes that are more suitable for the sectional method, e.g size dependent emissions for aerosol species and size resolved wet deposition.
Covariance resampling for particle filter – state and parameter
estimation for soil hydrology
Authors: Berg Daniel , Bauser Hannes H. , Roth Kurt
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Particle filters are becoming increasingly popular for state and parameter estimation in hydrology. One of their crucial parts is the resampling after the assimilation step. We introduce a resampling method that uses the full weighted covariance information calculated from the ensemble to generate new particles and effectively avoids filter degeneracy. The ensemble covariance contains information between observed and unobserved dimensions and is used to fill the gaps between them. The covariance resampling approximately conserves the first two statistical moments and partly maintains information of higher order moments in the retained ensemble. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated with a synthetic case – an unsaturated soil consisting of two homogeneous layers – by assimilating time domain reflectometry (TDR)-like measurements. Using this approach we can estimate state and parameters for a rough initial guess with just 100 particles. The estimated states and parameters are tested with a free run after the assimilation, which is found to be in good agreement with the synthetic truth.
Comparison of SCAT-3 Baseline Testing and P300 ERP between Seasons in University Football Players
Authors: Richards Dillon J
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Contact sport teams require their athletes to undergo baseline concussion testing for comparison to their post-concussion results. The standard test during this study was the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3rd edition (SCAT-3). Clinically used for return to play procedure, most athletes return to baseline scores 8-10 days’ post-concussion. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive means of measuring the electro-physiological function of the brain. EEGs are the summative measure of Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) which are measures of brain activity after a specific event. P300 is an example of an ERP that is commonly used as a neurocognitive marker in concussion research. P300 can be further broken down into P3a and P3b, which relate to attention and decision making respectively. Using this technique, lasting functional deficits, beyond those that are highlighted on the SCAT-3 scores, have been noted. This study aims to evaluate the effect subconcussive impacts (SCI) have on SCAT-3 and electrophysiology from one season to the next in Canadian University football players over two seasons. Participants underwent standard SCAT-3 and EEG baseline testing at the beginning of two subsequent seasons. The EEG tests consist of two 5-minute baseline periods with eyes open and closed, followed by a 10-minute session collecting event-related potentials using a three-stimulus Oddball paradigm. Players mean scores showed increases in both number of symptoms (1±4.08) and symptom severity (1.9±6.6). Mean P3a and P3b latencies increased. Additionally, mean amplitudes decreased for both P3a and P3b. University Football players show physiological defects from accumulated SCI during a season. These deficits may accumulate each successive season without resolution. Due to their slow onset, evaluations of these changes are difficult identity. EEG measurements are sensitive to small changes in function and serve as an ideal tool to measure these changes. The SCAT-3 is less sensitive to these minor changes but still has value since it can be used acutely in sideline assessment of concussion.
Determinants of the physician assistant/associate concept in global health systems
Authors: Cawley James F. , Hooker Roderick S.
Published: April 2018

Introduction: A global shortage of doctors has led to strategies to improve access to care. The physician assistant/associate (PA) was established in North America and Africa in the 1960s in response to medical shortages. PA activity was cataloged to understand what determines their utilization in a country’s health system.Methods: A mixed-method study design began with searching the available literature regarding the development of PAs worldwide. Key words included “physician assistants”, “non-physicians”, “physician associates”, and “advanced practice providers”. Additional data was through an online search of reports; personal communications with researchers, policymakers, government officials, and practitioners in each country; visits by the authors to a number of the countries; and a review of official documents. In each country interviews included educators, policymakers and government officials who had direct involvement with the introduction of the PA concept, and clinically active PAs. Domain analyses were based on stratification of differences among countries: global region, income, physician to population ratio, attitudes of medical professionals, and practice/regulatory authority. Countries were segmented into two categories: well resourced and less well resourced.Results: The history and status of the PA concept into the health systems of 15 states were reviewed. The determinants for the successful incorporation of PAs include prevailing medical needs, a shortage of physicians or an aging physician workforce; support and sponsorship by physician organizations and government agencies; the ability to mobilize and establish a legal and regulatory framework to accommodate PAs; and evidence that their introduction is acceptable to patients, physicians, and other health professionals.Discussion: The introduction of PAs into health systems occurs because their education is less expensive and time intensive than physicians. In addition, graduates are more likely to occupy roles where there is scarcity of doctors such as in rural and underserved areas. In most instances, a physician-dependent role permits their introduction into health systems in a non-threatening manner to doctors and their practices. The utilization of PAs, particularly in primary healthcare roles, increases access to services, is cost-beneficial, and shows a physician-equivalent quality of care.Conclusion: The PA has been a remarkable health workforce policy development that has spread among countries’ health systems and is likely to continue.
Hoezo zijn (on)veiligheidsbeslissingen lastig publiekelijk te verantwoorden?
Authors: Helsloot Ira
Published: April 2018

How come we believe that the modern citizen won’t accept insecurity for the common good?

This article analyses a cause for the abundance of disproportional risk policies in the Netherlands. Many policymakers and academics believe that people in the Netherlands today are so risk averse that they are not willing to accept any risk that may result from reasonable risk policies. However, as some examples that we present show, there appears to be another kind of Dutch citizen: a citizen that understands and supports the decision of authorities that increase the risk to citizens but are necessary from the perspective of the common good. We argue that the belief in the unreasonable citizen is informed by one-sided research that only asks citizens how they perceive risks and what they want as risk consumers. Asking the same respondents face-to-face what they would do as policymakers themselves, however, results in diametric answers that show a rational and social side of those respondents. Respondents give higher priority to the education system or traffic safety than to preventing unusual risks such as asbestos or terrorism to themselves. Hence, the justification of reasonable risk policies is not as difficult as generally assumed.
PROFITABILITY OF POLESIE RASPBERRY PRODUCTION
Authors: Zarzecka Krystyna , Baranowska Alicja , Gugała Marek , Mystkowska Iwona , Wereszczyński Karol
Published: April 2018

The purpose of the study was to determine the profitability of production of Polesie raspberries in the period of 2016-2017. Data concerning raspberry cultivation came from a farm located in the Łuków Commune. The profitability of cultivation was determined on the basis of standard gross margin (SGM). In the analyzed farm, greater yield of raspberry fruits was obtained in 2016 than in 2017, which was reflected in the financial result. The value of the Standard Gross Margin was, respectively, PLN 11,675 per ha in 2016 and PLN 5,875 per ha in 2017. The obtained financial result indicates that raspberry production in the analyzed farm in 2016-2017 was profitable.
Health-related quality of life in oropharyngeal cancer survivors – a population-based study
Authors: Guenzel Thomas , Walliczek-Dworschak U. , Teymoortash A. , Singer S. , Eichler M. , Wilhelm T. , Schimmer M. , Franzen A.
Published: April 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare QoL of oropharyngeal cancer survivors who had received different treatments.
Subjects and methods: We contacted 954 survivors. Each survivor received the QoL questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35.
Results: A total of 263 survivors completed the questionnaires (28% responses). Forty-five of them had undergone surgery, 20 had received definitive radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy, 85 surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy, and 111 surgery plus adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. Survivors who had received adjuvant radiotherapy and surgery reported significantly more problems with swallowing (B=13.43 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.83-25.03]), senses (B=24,91 [CI 11.86-37.97]), eating (B=16.91 [CI 3.46-30.36]), dry mouth (B=26.42 [CI 12.17-40.67]), sticky saliva (B=22.37 [CI 6.23-38.50]) and nutritional supplements (B=18.59 [CI 0.62-36.56]) than those who had received surgery only. Survivors who had received adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and surgery reported significantly many more problems with dry mouth (B=34.15 [CI 18.91-49.39]) and sticky saliva (B=22.90 [CI 5.65-40.16]), and fewer problems with physical functioning (B=-12.07 [CI 0.49-23-64]).
Conclusion: Survivors who participated in this survey and who had undergone surgery alone reported in some head- and neck-specific domains a better health-related quality of life than patients who had undergone multi-modal treatment or adjuvant radiotherapy.
Assessment of short-term functional voice therapy in patients with unilateral paralysis of the larynx
Authors: Krasnodębska Paulina , Domeracka-Kołodziej Anna , Szkiełkowska Agata , Panasiewicz Aleksandra , Mularzuk Marzena , Sokołowska-Łazar Dorota , Wilhelmsen Karina
Published: April 2018

Introduction Laryngeal paralysis deteriorates all laryngeal functions. Therefore the therapeutic process must include restoration of respiratory, defensive and vocal function. Selection of a proper rehabilitation path plays a key role. Appropriate research protocol that includes objective methods of voice evaluation is an important element of monitoring the return of vocal efficiency. Voice efficiency is important for the patient particularly due to psychological and social reasons. Aim The aim of the study was the assessment of short-term functional voice therapy (FVT) in patients with unilateral paralysis of the larynx with the usage of objective parameters describing the glottis and voice quality. Material and Method During the last 10 years 355 patients with laryngeal paralysis were hospitalized in the Audiology and Phoniatrics Clinic due to dysphonia. All patients undergone 5-day FVT. From 2015 we unified diagnostic protocol measuring parameters obtained from videostrobokymography (VSK), electroglottography (EGG), perceptual and acoustic voice analysis before and after 5 day hospitalization. Results After FVT patients improved voice quality and glottal compensation. The majority of patients achieved a statistically significant improvement in the VSK, EGG, MDVP and perceptual analysis. Group of patients with unsatisfactory voice improvement after therapy required a prolonged rehabilitation or has been qualified for laryngeal microsurgery. Potential factors that could have cause insufficient effects of FVT were analysed. Conclusions The complexity of voice rehabilitation is crucial for the success of therapy. Interdisciplinary therapeutic team plays a significant role during voice rehabilitation in patients with vocal fold paralysis.
Posturography studies in patients with central and mixed vertigo Summary
Authors: Fedorowicz J.P. , Bielińska M. , Olszewski J.
Published: April 2018

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the results of posturography in patients with central and mixed vertigo.

Material and methods: 50 patients (40 female and 10 male) aged between 26-47 complaining of vertigo were examined during their hospitalization in the Department of Otolaryngology, Laryngological

Oncology, Audiology and Phoniatrics, Medical University of Lodz in 2014. The subjects were divided into two groups: I – 26 patients (23 female and 3 male) with central vertigo, II – 24 patients (17 female and 7 male) with mixed vertigo. The control group (III) consisted of 26 subjects, students and graduates of Lodz Universities, aged from 19 to 30, that did not complain of vertigo. The subjects were qualified to particular groups based on videonystagmography results. The examinations were conducted with “BioSway portable balance system” by Biodex.

Results: In tests on a stable surface, with both closed and opened eyes, subjects with mixed vertigo coped slightly better. In tests on a sponge surface, subjects with central vertigo coped better. Conclusions: Based on the conducted research, it may be concluded that the ability to keep balance in subjects with central and mixed vertigo is on average three times lower than in population not suffering from vertigo episodes.
AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA DE PROJETOS DE FLORESTAMENTO COM Eucalyptus grandis HILL EX MAIDEN IMPLANTADO SOB DIFERENTES ESPAÇAMENTOS
Authors: Pedroso Filho Juarez Iensen , Biali Leonardo Job , Schneider Paulo Renato , Farias Jorge Antonio de
Published: April 2018

Neste estudo é testada a viabilidade econômica de doze alternativas de espaçamentos com Eucalyptus grandis para lenha. A produção de madeira foi avaliada aos oito anos e os preços das atividades obtidos com coeficientes da região. Nas receitas foi considerado o preço da madeira com casca em pé no mercado. A avaliação deu-se por cinco critérios: VPL, B/C, TIR, VET e CMPr. Considerando a taxa de desconto, todos os projetos mostraram-se viáveis economicamente. A maior produção ocorreu nos plantios mais densos, contudo, não foram os melhores pelos critérios econômicos, devido à maior imobilização de capital para implantação. O espaçamento de 5,0 m²/planta apresentou os melhores resultados em todos os critérios, sendo a melhor alternativa de investimento para uso energético. Seguido pelo espaçamento de 7,5 m²/planta, que se mostrou promissor, pois possibilita manejar a floresta visando obter multiprodutos. As alternativas com espaço inferior a 3,75 m²/planta não são recomendadas.
EMBEBIÇÃO, OSMOCONDICIONAMENTO E VIABILIDADE DE SEMENTES DE Apuleia leiocarpa (VOGEL.) J. F. MACBR.
Authors: Spadeto Cristiani , Mengarda Liana Hilda Golin , Paulucio Márcia Cristina , Lopes José Carlos , Matheus Miele Tallon
Published: April 2018

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, caracterizar a embebição e avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de Apuleia leiocarpa após o osmocondicionamento. O estudo da embebição foi realizado em sementes intactas e escarificadas, em água destilada durante 96 horas. No estudo do osmocondicionamento, as sementes escarificadas foram separadas em três sublotes (L1; L2; L3), o primeiro foi condicionado em água destilada (controle), o segundo e o terceiro foram osmocondicionados em PEG 6000, nos potenciais de -0,4 e -0,8 MPa, respectivamente, por 10 horas. Posteriormente, as sementes foram acondicionadas em sacos plásticos e mantidas sob temperatura controlada de 3 ± 1°C. A semeadura foi realizada após 0, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias do osmocondicionamento. A qualidade das sementes foi avaliada pelos testes: germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, frequência relativa de germinação, comprimento da parte aérea e radicular e massa seca das plântulas. A embebição das sementes escarificadas de Apuleia leiocarpa segue o modelo trifásico de absorção de água, com início após três horas e culmina com a protrusão da raiz primária após 72 horas. As sementes osmocondicionadas em -0,8 MPa de PEG mantiveram a qualidade fisiológica, enquanto as sementes osmocondicionadas em água e em -0,4 MPa de PEG reduziram linearmente a porcentagem e a velocidade de germinação, o comprimento e a biomassa seca das plântulas.
CADEIA PRODUTIVA DE ENERGIA DE BIOMASSA FLORESTAL: O CASO DA LENHA DE EUCALIPTO NO POLO PRODUTIVO DE ITAPEVA - SP
Authors: Simioni Flávio José , Buschinelli Claudio Cesar de Almeida , Deboni Tamires Liza , Passos Bruna Mariá dos
Published: April 2018

A biomassa de origem florestal é uma importante fonte de energia na matriz energética brasileira em que o eucalipto representa a principal espécie para o suprimento da demanda de lenha. Por essa razão, diagnosticar os fatores críticos que limitam o desempenho competitivo da cadeia produtiva da lenha de eucalipto foi o objetivo do trabalho. A área de estudo escolhida (selecionada) foi o polo produtivo de Itapeva - SP e a pesquisa de campo foi realizada no segundo semestre de 2013, utilizando a análise de cadeias produtivas como marco teórico conceitual. Como instrumento para a coleta dos dados, utilizou-se o questionário semiestruturado, um roteiro de entrevistas e painéis envolvendo questões relacionadas à cadeia produtiva da lenha de eucalipto, contemplando 23 diferentes agentes da cadeia. A cadeia analisada demonstrou estruturação, porém, tem enfrentado um revés produtivo decorrente de uma conjuntura macroeconômica que resultou em queda da demanda de produtos de origem florestal, e entraves locais de significativa importância, que precisam ser contornados para aumentar o desempenho da cadeia.
POTENCIAL REGENERATIVO DE UMA FLORESTA ECOTONAL NA REGIÃO DO ALTO URUGUAI EM SANTA CATARINA
Authors: Souza Chayane Cristina de , Rosa Angélica Dalla , Souza Karine , Cruz Aline Pereira , Gonçalves Didiane Ana , Pscheidt Francieli , Loebens Rodineli , Higuchi Pedro , Silva Ana Carolina
Published: April 2018

Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial regenerativo do componente arbóreo em uma área ecotonal entre Floresta Ombrófila Mista e Estacional Decidual, na região do Alto Uruguai, Santa Catarina. Para isso, foi realizada a caracterização florístico-estrutural do componente arbóreo regenerante em diferentes classes de tamanho e verificada a similaridade florística entre as classes e o componente adulto. Foram consideradas três classes para o componente regenerante: Classe 1, plantas com altura entre 0,2 e 1 m, Classe 2, plantas maiores que 1 m e até 3 m, e Classe 3, plantas maiores que 3 m e com DAP < 5,0 cm. Informações sobre o componente adulto para as mesmas unidades amostrais foram extraídas do banco de dados Laboratório de Dendrologia e Fitossociologia (LABDENDRO), da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina. Todas as espécies regenerantes foram classificadas em guildas de regeneração (pioneiras, climácicas exigentes em luz e climácicas tolerantes à sombra), a partir de revisão de literatura e observações de campo. Para todo o componente e para cada classe de tamanho, foram calculados os índices de diversidade de Shannon (H’), de equabilidade de Pielou (J) e os Índices de Regeneração Natural por Classe (RNC) e Total (RNT). As similaridades entre os componentes foram obtidas pelo Índice de Sorensen. Foi realizado um teste de qui-quadrado aplicado a uma tabela de contingência para verificar a existência de associação entre a distribuição dos indivíduos pertencentes a espécies de diferentes guildas de regeneração e a classe de tamanho. Foram amostrados 771 indivíduos regenerantes, distribuídos em 51 espécies, cujos valores de H’ e J foram, respectivamente, de 3,06 e 0,77. A espécie com maior RNT foi Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez. A similaridade com o componente adulto variou entre 0,46 para a Classe 3 e 0,62 para a Classe 1. Em todas as classes de tamanho ocorreu a predominância de indivíduos de espécies classificadas como clímax exigentes em luz. Conclui-se que as espécies do componente adulto estão representadas, principalmente, na classe de menor tamanho, na qual se encontra a maior parte dos indivíduos amostrados.
Ravena e o fim do Império Romano Ocidental: construção imagética do Christus Militans
Authors: Brandão Jack , Meier Christine , Ramos Ricardo Alexandre
Published: April 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar o Christus Militans, mosaico da capela arcebispal de Ravena, obra que chama a atenção não só por sua beleza, mas, sobretudo, por sua temática. Isso porque, acostumados com a mensagem pacífica e salvadora de Cristo, o leitor pode ser levado ao estranhamento ao ver representado um Cristo soldado. Além disso, pretendemos discorrer sobre a questão iconológica e sua tradição presentes em sua representação.
Produção científica sobre os distúrbios psíquicos menores a partir do self report questionnarie
Authors: Tavares Juliana Petri , Beck Carmem Lúcia Colomé , Magnago Tânia Solange Bosi de Souza , Greco Patrícia Bitencourt Toscani , Prestes Francine Cassol , Silva Rosângela Marion da
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: conhecer a produção científica publicada no Brasil em bases de dados eletrônicas sobre os Distúrbios Psíquicos Menores a partir do Self Report Questionarie, bem como identificar possíveis relações entre distúrbios psíquicos menores e trabalho.  Método: realizou-se um levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE e SCIELO, nos últimos dez anos, com as palavras-chave: transtornos mentais comuns, distúrbios psíquicos menores, morbidades psiquiátricas menores, problemas psiquiátricos menores. Resultados: obteve-se 41 estudos, sendo 38 artigos científicos e três dissertações. Observa-se um aumento de publicações do ano de 2004 (2,4%) para o de 2005 (14,6%). O periódico com maior número de publicações foi o Caderno de Saúde Pública (24,4%). Os estudos investigaram populações com idade maior ou igual a 14 anos (48,8%); trabalhadores da saúde (19,5%), trabalhadores de outras áreas (19,5%) e estudantes (12,2%). Conclusão: evidenciou-se que os distúrbios psíquicos menores estão presentes em diversas populações, de variadas regiões do país, apontando para a necessidade de novos estudos que investiguem a associação entre DPM e as condições de trabalho.
STUDIES ON JOINT TOXIC EFFECTS OF A GLYPHOSATE HERBICIDE (FOZÁT 480) AND A HEAVY METAL (CADMIUM) ON CHICKEN EMBRYOS
Authors: SZABÓ Rita , SZEMERÉDY Géza , KORMOS Éva , LEHEL József , BUDAI Péter
Published: April 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the individual and combined toxic effects ofthe herbicide Fozát 480 (glyphosate [isopropylamine salt] 480g/l) and cadmiumsulphate (CdSO4) on the development of chicken embryos. On the first day ofincubation, chicken eggs were injected with 0.1 ml of cadmium sulphate solution(0.1%) and/or with 0.1 ml of Fozát 480 (2.0%). The chicken embryos wereexamined on the 19th day by measuring the rate of embryo mortality and bodyweight and by identification of different types of developmental anomalies andmacroscopic malformations. The body weight data were statistically evaluated byone-way ANOVA and Dunnett tests, while the embryonic mortality and thedevelopmental anomalies were analysed by Fisher test. Our teratogenicity studyrevealed, that the combined administration of cadmium sulphate and glyphosate(isopropylamine salt) containing herbicide formulation caused a significantreduction in the body weight of embryos and increased the rate of embryonicmortality. The joint toxic effect of cadmium sulphate and Fozát 480 is an additiveeffect compared to the individual toxicity of the test materials.