bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Oral Assessment Techniques Used in EFL Classrooms in Saudi Arabia From Students and Teachers Point of View
Authors: Alharbi Asma F. , Surur Radhi S.
Published: April 2019

Assessing learners’ oral skills are considered as a crucial process in most EFL teaching and learning programs. However, it can be challenging for teachers to make a valid, reliable, and fair assessment. This study aimed to investigate Saudi college students’ and teachers’ point of views toward the effectiveness of oral assessment techniques used to assess learners speaking-skills in the EFL classroom. Two different questionnaires were administered to 12 EFL teachers and forty-two students’ who are majoring in English at the Languages and Translation College at King Saud University. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from respondents, treated statistically, analyzed and revealed in the following sections. The findings of the study revealed that EFL teachers are using a variety of communicative oral assessment techniques and are utilizing effective assessment procedures in assessing their students’ speaking skills. For students, the results revealed that students are generally satisfied with the assessment techniques and procedures that, teachers use in assessing their language performance. Recommendations and suggestions are offered for all concerned parties.
Depression Level and Burden of Care Among Family Caregivers of Older People With Physical and Mental Disability in Makkah City KSA
Authors: Al-shareef Haitham , Hasan Abd Alhadi , Tumah Hussein
Published: April 2019

AIMS: This study is aimed at examining the burden of care and depression level among the family caregivers of client diagnosed with physical or mental disability. In addition, this study purposed to test the relationship between socio-demographic factors and level of depression and burden of care.

METHODS: Study design was a descriptive survey design. Study sample was 129 family caregivers of patients diagnosed with physical and mental disabilities in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data collected using a pre-designed structured interviewing questionnaire including the Beck Depression Inventory scale (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996) and Family Burden Interview Schedule.

RESULTS: Percentage of depression level ranged from 63% among caregivers of physically disorder clients to 69% among caregivers of mentally disorder clients. Moreover, there were many factors that may increase risk of depression such as old age of caregivers, spouse and caregivers who cared for their charges four hours or more per day. There was significant difference in depression level and burden of care as regard to nature of relative illness (p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Policies and programs to alleviate the burden of care and to provide social support for these family caregivers are equally important for both family caregivers and their care receivers.
The management accounting system oriented to university management – a case study
Authors: Kalinowski Jacek
Published: April 2019

Readiness for change is currently one of the most critical challenges that universities, and the people
managing them, face today. The effect of this is a significant rise in the demand for financial and nonfinancial
information about the management processes of universities. In this context, a suitably adapted
management accounting system whose task is to provide such details becomes the fundamental element
necessary for the effective management of the university. The article aims to analyze the suitability of the
management accounting system for the management of a higher education system on the example of the
solution applied at the University of Lodz. Five qualitative research methods were used for its implementation:
a literature analysis, participant observation, free interviews, structured interviews, and a case
study. The article presents the key users’ opinions of the system on its usefulness in daily work, and it
enumerates the benefits obtained by the University of Łódź thanks to the use of the system. It allowed us
to formulate a conclusion about the applicability of this solution as an example of the creation of similar
management accounting systems in other universities.
Compliance with the German Corporate Governance Code: Can the heterogeneous implementation be explained?
Authors: Eisenschmidt Karsten , Vanini Ute
Published: April 2019

Starting with the Cadbury code in 1992, various national and international Corporate Governance (CG) codes have been issued all over the world. So far, empirical studies have revealed mixed results concerning the effects and outcomes of code implementation and thus supported the hypothesis of a ‘one system does not fit all’ approach in CG. Therefore, this paper empirically analyses influence factors on compliance with the German Corporate Governance Code for a large sample of 306 listed firms in 2015. We chose German companies because of the specific institutional settings in Germany, e.g., the strong influence of founder families on a firm’s management or the relevance of debt financing. It is assumed that the country-specific institutional setting limits the transferability of results of US and UK studies. Thus, we used the German setting to derive relevant influence factors on Code compliance. In addition, we applied a more sophisticated measure of Code implementation than previous studies. Overall, we find a significant positive effect of ownership dispersion and firm size on Code compliance, whereas the other influence factors, e.g., family influence or the supervisory board’s size, reveal the right direction of impact but not the required level of statistically significance. In contrast to institutional theory, we find a negative although statistically insignificant impact of the strength of foreign investors’ influence on Code compliance. Overall, our results indicate that the institutional setting is not decisive for Code compliance. Instead, we assume that the main rationale for Code compliance is not the reduction of agency conflicts but the alignment with peer group practices as indicated by the variable company size. Future research should investigate the peer effects on the level of Code compliance in detail.
Guidelines for Validation of Qualitative Real-Time PCR Methods for Molecular Diagnostic Identification of Probiotics
Authors: Shehata Hanan R. , Ragupathy Subramanyam , Shanmughanandhan Dhivya , Kesanakurti Prasad , Ehlinger Teri M. , Newmaster Steven G.
Published: April 2019

Backgroud: Probiotics have been shown to benefit human health through several mechanisms, including their role in improving the health of our gastrointestinal tracts. The health benefits of probiotics are strain specific, and therefore it is critical to include the correct strains
in probiotic products when claiming specific health benefits. Several studies have reported issues concerning the accuracy of labeling of commercial probiotic products, including inaccurate taxonomy, missing species, or undeclared species. Consequently, there is a growing need to develop and
validate assays to reliably verify strain identity in commercial probiotic products. PCR-based methods are the most commonly used methods for food species ingredient diagnostics because they are simple, fast, sensitive, and can be validated. Objective: The aim of this paper is to set
the guidelines for validating targeted qualitative real-time PCR assays to verify the presence of specific strains in a probiotic supplement. Methods and Results: Qualitative real-time PCR assays are validated to evaluate the assay performance in terms of specificity, sensitivity, repeatability,
and reproducibility in detecting target strains. Conclusions and Highlights: Setting these guidelines will facilitate and streamline the validation process for qualitative real-time PCR-based assays for probiotic identity authentication in support of quality assurance systems.
Occupational health and safety hazards encountered by Ontario Public Health Inspectors
Authors: Tustin Jordan Lee , Hau Jeffrey P. , Hon Chun-Yip
Published: April 2019

Public health inspectors (PHIs) are exposed to many occupational health and safety issues during their daily tasks. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the job-specific health and safety hazards among working PHIs. Our objective was to determine the type and extent of health and safety hazards faced by PHIs working for Ontario health units as well as their perception of risk with respect to these hazards. In early 2018, an invitation to a web-based survey was sent to all members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Ontario Branch. One-hundred and thirty-four respondents met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Results showed PHIs reported safety hazards (e.g., slips or falls), working alone, and chemical hazards as the top three types of hazards. Inspections of food and (or) nonfood premises were the duties most associated with encountering all types of hazards. In addition, a majority of respondents reported being somewhat concerned about their exposure to all types of hazards. This study provides novel information on the occupational health and safety risks as reported by Ontario PHIs. Further in-depth research is needed to investigate the specific hazards and concerns among PHIs as well as the level of prevention and monitoring within health units.
Práticas artísticas e musicais com crianças e jovens com deficiência: possibilidades e desafios
Authors: De Freitas Martins Denise Andrade , Rocha Pâmela Silva , Fabrício Flávia Delago
Published: April 2019

Neste artigo buscamos compartilhar os resultados obtidos em uma pesquisa realizada junto à comunidade de um projeto de extensão desenvolvido na Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais de Ituiutaba (APAE), cujo objetivo foi tentar compreender de que forma crianças e jovens com deficiência se envolvem em práticas artísticas e musicais e quais são os processos educativos decorrentes dessas práticas. O processo de construção da pesquisa constou de dois momentos: metodologia de intervenção e metodologia de pesquisa, tendo como referência os princípios pedagógicos de Paulo Freire. O referencial teórico se sustentou principalmente nos conceitos de práticas sociais e interculturalidade. De natureza qualitativa e inspiração fenomenológica, o principal instrumento de coleta de dados foram os diários de campo, além de fotos, filmagens, desenhos, textos escritos e entrevistas, com posterior análise (ideográfica e nomotética). Foram identificadas três categorias: A) Querer fazer; B) Saber fazer; C) Pensar o outro. A construção de performance em práticas artísticas e musicais com crianças e jovens com deficiência mostrou a força potente de tais práticas, tendo em vista os processos educativos delas decorrentes. Como protagonistas, foi possível contar e recontar história, memorizar falas, aprender canções, percutir objetos sonoros, interagir com as pessoas e instituições envolvidas (APAE, creche, escola de música e universidade), aprender novos conteúdos, metodologias e modos de expressão. Práticas como essas podem contribuir com o processo de formação de pessoas com deficiência; garantir o exercício de direitos; suscitar reflexões e se constituir como parte integrante do processo de formação (pessoal e profissional) em Educação Especial.
Entre a casa e a rua, o “espaço”
Authors: Bologna Paula Cristina Corrêa
Published: April 2019

Prédios abandonados, ao serem ocupados por movimentos de luta por moradia, passam a ser reivindicados como “casa” pelos seus ocupantes. No cotidiano, contudo, o usual é que as pessoas que habitam as ocupações declinem do termo “casa” e se refiram aos seus locais de moradia enquanto um “espaço”. O que sugiro neste artigo é que o uso deste termo pelos militantes não é aleatório, mas possui uma gramática e noções de temporalidade própria. Ademais, sugiro que estes “espaços”, reduto do cotidiano, são locais conformadores de experiencia e de novas sociabilidades que são caras à formação do movimento de moradia enquanto ator político. As reflexões apresentadas neste artigo são o resultado de dois anos de pesquisa etnográfica junto ao Movimento de Moradia da Região Centro (MMRC) e à Ocupação Mauá.
Por que ocupar? Uma narrativa a partir dos moradores da ocupação Dandara, Belo Horizonte
Authors: Machado Beatriz Ribeiro , Silva Douglas Mansur da
Published: April 2019

As formações de ocupações urbanas são cada vez mais comuns em contextos de grandes cidades. Este fenômeno está diretamente ligado ao déficit habitacional e à segregação socioespacial que induz famílias inteiras a comporem estes prédios e terrenos ocupados em uma perspectiva de luta pelo direito de morar e pelo direito de fazer parte da cidade. Os movimentos sociais de reforma urbana possuem protagonismo político neste processo de acompanhamento dos inúmeros prédios e terrenos ocupados para moradia. Entretanto, por que ocupar? Constituída a ocupação, quais os riscos e os conflitos que passam a fazer parte da rotina destas famílias? Partindo destes questionamentos, o presente trabalho se desenvolve na Ocupação Dandara, localizada na Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, onde mais de 1000 famílias, em meados de 2009, passam a construir suas moradias em um terreno com mais de 315 mil metros quadrados, localizado em área de alto valor imobiliário da cidade. Ao longo de mais de três anos foi possível acompanhar a rotina destes moradores e movimentos sociais envolvidos, buscando a partir da narrativa destes atores, um resgate histórico da construção da ocupação desde seu planejamento até as razões que levaram as diversas famílias a construírem coletivamente seu espaço dentro da cidade.
A commentary on the economic aspects of the trade and TRAFFIC of wild animals and their correlates to the demand curve
Authors: Dendi Daniele Dendi
Published: April 2019

All animals subject to legal and illegal trade are to be considered from an economical point of view as real economic goods. This preliminary study shows how the economic correlates of the wild trade may influence the elasticity of the demand curve. The elasticity of the demand curve should become a driver in the conservation policy focused to protect the biodiversity of the species. The prices trends are an important key to fully study the elasticity of demand. Understanding the response of consumers and hunters to perceived rarity is vital for predicting the impact of intervention strategies that seek to minimize extinction risk (Hall 2008). The trade in animals is directed towards markets with a higher level of income. In the global market, as the goods increase in price, they will always find their demand. For conservation reasons it is extremely important to understand which are, for each species, the reactions of the demand curve respect to the price changes
Los registros conventuales como fuente para la historia económica. Aproximaciones metodológicas a partir del caso de Santa Fe (Argentina), 1700-1850
Authors: Djenderedjian Julio César , Frid Carina , Martirén Juan Luis
Published: April 2019

Objective/context: This article focuses on a problem common to the pre-statistical economic history of Latin America: the scarcity of sources and the methodological difficulties in studying the evolution of standards of living over time. Methodology: We begin with a case study done on the city of Santa Fe, a commercial enclave of the late-colonial Río de la Plata, where four religious orders had settled since the 17th century. Long-term records (1700-1850) from accounting books of convents, which included prices of two basic foodstuffs (yerba mate and sugar), are shown in order to demonstrate the advantages and difficulties of using this source in studying habits of consumption, the evolution of food prices and living conditions in certain urban areas of the colonial era. The exposition includes comparisons of the prices in different convents throughout the period, and specifically discusses the challenges in constructing the weighted indexes. Originality: Although these records are widely used by the academic literature analyzing this period, no specific comparisons had been made between the accounts of the different religious orders, particularly for a peripheral city of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. Conclusions: The final results show not only the usefulness of the source, but also the difficulties in constructing long run series to analyze living standards. Specific and detailed case studies are useful tools in order to improve broad international comparisons.
Cine, autoritarismo y política de medios en Argentina: el Festival de Mar del Plata de 1968
Authors: Ramírez Llorens Fernando
Published: April 2019

Objective/context: The article analyzes the organizational process and execution of the IX Mar del Plata International Film Festival of 1968. It outlines the objectives that General Juan Carlos Onganía’s dictatorship pursued with this festival, which had, until 1968, been organized by private entities. The tensions that arose between the government alliance and cinematographic groups is also discussed. Originality: Until now, historiography has emphasized the strong cultural repression of the Onganía dictatorship. Without denying this perspective, the analysis of this selective opening experience at the film festival brings to the fore new perspectives on how dictatorships used cultural and media policies as an internal consensus building strategy and as a tactic to legitimize the government internationally. Conversely, the cultural arena is seen as a territory for political disputes within the framework of authoritarian governments. Methodology: The research was conducted mainly from the analysis of multiple printed publications of the time. Conclusions: This paper proposes understanding this cultural experience as a process aimed at improving the image of the government abroad through cinematography. However, this attempt by the dictatorship failed because, from the moment that the strategy was launched, the festival became politicized and it was transformed into a terrain of disputes between different factions within the government as well as between the government and the world of cinema.
Neural activity in a hippocampus-like region of the teleost pallium is associated with active sensing and navigation
Authors: Fotowat Haleh , Lee Candice , Jun James Jaeyoon , Maler Len
Published: April 2019

Most vertebrates use active sensing strategies for perception, cognition and control of motor activity. These strategies include directed body/sensor movements or increases in discrete sensory sampling events. The weakly electric fish, Gymnotus sp., uses its active electric sense during navigation in the dark. Electric organ discharge rate undergoes transient increases during navigation to increase electrosensory sampling. Gymnotus also use stereotyped backward swimming as an important form of active sensing that brings objects toward the electroreceptor dense fovea-like head region. We wirelessly recorded neural activity from the pallium of freely swimming Gymnotus. Spiking activity was sparse and occurred only during swimming. Notably, most units tended to fire during backward swims and their activity was on average coupled to increases in sensory sampling. Our results provide the first characterization of neural activity in a hippocampal (CA3)-like region of a teleost fish brain and connects it to active sensing of spatial environmental features.
Hibiscus Asper (Raman Kogi) Fibre Use as a Sorbent for Oil Spill Clean in Water Body
Authors: Alpha N. E. , Barminas J. T. , Osemeahon S. A.
Published: April 2019

This research aimed at investigating the possibility of using Imperata cylindrical fibre as a sorbent for oil spill clean-up. The acetylation was carried out in a free solvent system under mild conditions using acetic anhydride, in the presence of calcium chloride as a catalyst, at a temperature of 100oC for 3 hours. The crude oil and the Hibiscus asper sorbent were characterised, the sorption behaviours studied were found to increase with an increase in weight per gain percent (WPG%). The WPG% and oil sorption capacity indicated the success of acetylation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used for the analysis of unmodified and modified Hibiscus asper sorbent to further examine the success of acetylation. In the spectra of FT-IR of the acetylated Hibiscus asper material evidence of acetylation is clearly proven by, the enhancement of 1755 cm-1, as 1755.31-1715.97 cm-1 which are carbonyl C=O stretching of esters, the enhancement of 1494.97 -1403.35 cm-1 of (C-H bond in –O(C=O)-CH3 and the appearance of 1154.69- 1154.43 cm-1 which is a C=O stretching of acetyl group. The values for the correlation coefficient (R2) showed that the model fitted the Langmuir isotherm (R2 Hibiscus asper 0.99) better than the Freundlich isotherm, indicating that the adsorption process was a monolayer. The higher oil sorption capacity shown by the modified Hibiscus asper sorbent compared to the lower oil sorption capacity of unmodified indicated that the modified Hibiscus asper sorbent can substitute for synthetic fibres and recommended for oils spill clean-up in contaminated environments.
Cesarean in Adolescents at the Rural Hospital of Neisu (Democratic Republic of Congo): Epidemiological Aspects and Neonatal and Maternal Prognosis
Authors: Jeanine Nadi Aninyesi , Nguma J. D. Bosenge , Nobikana S. , Osundja Likilo , Juakali S. K. V. , Likwekwe Komanda , Bosunga Katenga
Published: April 2019

Aim: We attempted to determine the epidemiological aspect of cesarean section performed in adolescent girls at Neisu Rural Hospital, DR Congo, and maternal and neonatal prognosis, whereby to contribute to the reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study from January 1st, 2016 to June 30th 2018, involving 114 cases of caesarean section of 13 to 19 year-olds. Maternal and perinatal data were analyzed on the SPSS 20.0 software.

Results: The prevalence of caesarean section among adolescents was 24.8%. The majority of female deliveries had a low level of education (80.7%), half were married, 30.7% were transfer cases, 77.2% were primiparous, and 100% christian and 81.6% had not followed quality prenatal consultations. Cesarean section was done in emergency (97.4%) under spinal anesthesia (69.3%) and especially indicated for feto-pelvic disproportion (69.3%). In newborns there was: 1.8% of prematurity; 21.1% of low weight; 14.9% of resuscitation; 3.5% of Apgar <7 in the 5th minute; 9.6% of neonatal infection and 43.9‰ perinatal mortality. Concerning the maternal prognosis: 10.5% of severe anemia; 16.7% of parietal infection; 16.7% endometritis and 8.8‰ of maternal mortality.

Conclusion: The cesarean section in adolescent girls to Neisu is a public health problem and the fetal-maternal prognosis is worrying.
Hygienic Conditions of Selected Eateries within Ibadan Metropolis
Authors: Ajulo Hephzibah Oluwatoyin , Adetunji Veronica Olusola , Ajulo Matthew Olugbenga
Published: April 2019

Study Design: A questionnaire survey was carried out on 25 eateries from 7 local government areas (LGAs) in Ibadan. Eateries and LGAs were selected by convenience purposive sampling. Four eateries at the most, comprising of standard and substandard types were selected from each of the LGAs. The questionnaire was designed to get information on the hygienic and sanitary condition involved in preparation of the ready to eat chicken meat.

Methodology: Questionnaires were administered to twenty-five eateries in seven LGAs in Ibadan. Data on food handling and preparation practices were obtained from questionnaire filled for each eatery by the representative.

Results: The results showed that most of the chickens were obtained frozen (84%) from cold food shops. Bore hole (88%) was the major source of water. Most (75%) of the prepared chicken were kept in heat regulated show cases.  Most of the respondents (91.3%) reported that they were not using the same chopping board for raw and ready to eat food items. Milton was used on utensils and chopping board by most (87.5%) of the respondents. All (100%) the respondents possessed licenses for operation. Majority (88%) of the respondents wore protective clothing while 96% of them always covered their hair. Septic tank latrines were means of disposal by nearly half (54.2%) of the respondents. There was no significant difference P >.05, in hygiene practices of the three classes.

Conclusion: Many eateries were supervised by well trained staff on food safety hygiene but in actual practice, hygienic standards were not thoroughly upheld.
Comparative Study on Color Stability of Denture Reline Polymers when Using Microwave and Chemical Disinfection
Authors: Jabeen Farhat , Gupta Rajeev , Nagpal Archana , Katna Vishal , Mahajan Vishwas , Bali Pragya
Published: April 2019

This study investigated the color stability of reline resin after two methods of disinfection i.e  microwave disinfection and chemical disinfection. A stainless steel mold with a breakaway compartment (10 mm in diameter by 0.7 mm thickness) was made to fabricate specimens of various resins. Each material was mixed according to manufacturer’s instructions and applied into the mold. Prior to color stability testing, specimens were cleaned in distilled water for 20 minutes to kill any microorganisms that may had contaminated the discs during fabrication. And then specimens were immersed in Sodium Perborate Monohydrate 200 ml of solution for 15 days and microwaved for 15 days so that it is comparable to chemical disinfection soaking. The color stability of each specimen was measured again using spectrophotometer and values were obtained. The data of ∆E, ∆L, ∆b, ∆a were analysed by 2 way repeated measures ANOVAs test. Significant statistic changes in color parameters ∆L, ∆a, ∆b of the reline resin DPI, Ufi Gel Hard And Kooliner were observed when dentures were disinfected by Sodium Perborate Monohydrate 2% solutions. The color stability of the reline resin was influenced by time, regardless of disinfection or non disinfection. This can be attributed to bleaching (whitening) effect of reline material. Discoloration of resin based materials may be caused by intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are related to internal alterations in material resulting from physicochemical reactions or residual monomer oxidation with time. Thus the initiator, quantity and type of monomer and the polymerisation efficiency can affect the color stability of resin based materials. The color stability deviation value ∆E significantly increased to maximum for chemical disinfectant, least for Control group and intermediate for microwaved group. Ufi Gel showed the highest deviation ∆E and Control Group showed the lowest deviation according to results.
Simultaneous Quantification of Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Ibuprofen in Fixed Dose Combination Drug Using HPLC with UV Detection
Authors: Darkwah Emmanuel K. , K. Acquah Christopher , Lambon Paul S. , Ameko David K. , Akanji Omotayo , K. Ayim John Sefah
Published: April 2019

Combination therapy of analgesics is well suited for pain management especially in elderly patients and, has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Drug analysis plays an important role in the development, manufacture and therapeutic use of drug. In this study, a suitable, cost effective Isocratic HPLC-UV method (Reversed Phase) has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Ibuprofen in fixed dose combination drugs, using a mobile phase combination of methanol and 0.025M Phosphate buffer –(adjusted to pH 3.2 with Orthophosphoric acid) in the ratio 85:15.A Vertex Column-Eurospher C18 (250 x 4.6 mm), flow rate of 1.0 ml/min at 25°C were the chromatographic conditions. With Piroxicam as internal standard, quantification was achieved with UV detection at 225 nm based on the peak area responses. A good resolution and a short run time (7mins) were achieved with the validated conditions. In consequence, statistical evaluation at the 95% confidence limits revealed that, the method was Linear; with an average correlation coefficient (R = 0.995), and accurate - (mean recovery 99.45% for Acetaminophen, 100.10% for Caffeine and 99.28% for Ibuprofen). With an instrument and intermediate precision RSDs>2.0, the method was found to be specific, Robust, and more economical. Six formulated combination products on the Ghana market were assayed using the validated method. The Acetaminophen, Caffeine and Ibuprofen contents in the combination drugs varied from 97.35% to 103.88%.
Yield and Physical Quality of the Yellow Passion Fruit under Spacing within Plants and Water Salinity
Authors: Da Silva Macedo João Paulo , Cavalcante Lourival Ferreira , Lobo Jackson Teixeira , Pereira Micaela Benigna , Lima Marcelino Aline Dayanna Alves de , Coelho Bezerra Francisco Thiago , Ferreira Bezerra Marlene Alexandrina
Published: April 2019

Aims: The aim of this work was to evaluate the yield and the physical quality of the yellow passion fruit accession ‘Guinezinho’ as a function of the within-row plant spacing, with saline irrigation water in consecutive growing seasons.

Study Design: The experiment was arranged in randomized blocks, with four replicates and 12 plants per parcel, in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement, referring to the spacing in the planting lines of 3, 6, 9 and 12 m, and two consecutive growing seasons.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was developed in the municipality of Coronel Ezequiel, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil, within the months of April 2013 and October 2014.

Methodology: The seedings were transplanted in the spacings of 3, 6, 9 and 12 m, and distant 2 m within lines according to the treatments; they were conducted in a vertical shoot position (VSP) training system, and daily irrigated during the arid period with saline water (ECiw = 3.4 dS m-1). The following characteristics were evaluated: fruit yield, fruit mass, longitudinal and transversal fruit diameter, pulp yield, peel mass and peel thickness.

Results: The interaction between spacing and growing season exercised a significant effect on the fruit yield, longitudinal fruit diameter, pulp yield, thickness and mass of the peel (P = .05).  The variables transversal diameter and fruit mass only varied within the growing seasons (P = .05). The plants cultivated in the 3 m spacing were the most productive in the two seasons, with 23.7 and 36.3 t ha-1, in the first and second seasons, respectively.

Conclusion: The highest yield of the yellow passion fruit accession ‘Guinezinho’ was obtained in the smaller plant spacing in the lines. Except for the pulp yield, the yield and physical quality of the fruits were superior in the second growing season. The irrigation with highly saline water, in this type of soil, did not compromise the productive ability of the passion fruit accession ‘Guinezinho’.
Adherence of Elderly People to Tuberculosis Treatment / Adesão dos Idosos às Formas de Administração do Tratamento da Tuberculose
Authors: Freire Izaura Luzia Silvério , Santos Fernanda Rafaela dos , Menezes Luzia Clara Cunha de , Medeiros Anderson Brito de , Lima Rejane Ferreira de , Silva Bárbara Coeli Oliveira da
Published: April 2019

Objetivo: Conhecer a adesão dos idosos às formas de administração do tratamento da tuberculose. Métodos: Estudo exploratório-descritivo, transversal e quantitativo, desenvolvido no Distrito Sanitário Oeste de Natal, com os idosos que fizeram tratamento entre janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2015. Resultados: Observou-se que os idosos utilizam tanto o regime autoadministrado (51,1%) quanto o diretamente observado (48,9%). Em ambos os grupos prevaleceu a faixa etária de 60 a 69 anos (29,8%; 35,1%), a forma pulmonar da doença (41,5%; 44,7%) e o caso novo como tipo de entrada para o tratamento (31,9%; 27,7%). Quanto ao encerramento, destacou-se a conclusão do tratamento (33,0%; 25,5%). Conclusão: A tuberculose ainda é prevalente no Brasil, destacando-se a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento adequados, além da adoção de medidas de controle e capacitação dos profissionais de saúde frente ao cuidado desses pacientes.
Characteristics and Difficulties of Informal Caregivers in Assisting Elderly People / Características e Dificuldades do Cuidador informal na Assistência ao Idoso
Authors: Garbaccio Juliana Ladeira , Luis Tonaco Luis Antônio Batista
Published: April 2019

Objetivo: identificar as principais dificuldades encontradas pelos cuidadores informais de idosos em domicílio, cadastrados no Programa de Saúde da Família, no município de Bambuí- MG. Método: trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal, após aprovação CAAE – 0146.0.213.000-11, foram entrevistados idosos e seus respectivos cuidadores informais por meio de um questionário, dados analisado por meio de programa. Resultados: participaram 70 idosos e seus respectivos cuidadores, estes referiram como maior dificuldade no cuidado o Lidar com distúrbios cognitivos do idoso (32,9%) seguido de Falta de conhecimento a cerca da assistência prestada (20%). Apresentaram relação com “dificuldade no cuidado” – bivariada: os cuidadores que afirmaram dormir menos tempo (≤ 6horas/noite) (%), “não possuir curso de cuidador” (%) e não ter “atividade de lazer” (%); regressão: indivíduos que afirmaram não ter realizado curso para cuidador de idosos. Conclusão: tornam-se essenciais ações de apoio ao cuidador informal frente às inúmeras dificuldades enfrentadas na assistência ao idoso.
Educational Technologies Focused on the Chronic Renal Patients Aiming to the Self-Care Promotion / Tecnologias Educacionais Direcionadas para Pacientes Renais Crônicos na Promoção do Autocuidado
Authors: Pessoa Natália Ramos Costa , Lira Marta Nunes , Frazão Cecília Maria Farias de Queiroz , Ramos Vânia Pinheiro , De Albuquerque Cibele Pessoa
Published: April 2019

OBJETIVO: Identificar as tecnologias direcionadas para a educação em saúde de pacientes renais crônicos para a promoção do autocuidado. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL e na Biblioteca COCHRANE, sendo a amostra final composta por 16 artigos. RESULTADOS: As publicações ocorreram entre 2008 e 2016, prevalecendo estudos com nível III de evidência. Os achados mostraram que as tecnologias utilizadas na educação em saúde para a promoção do autocuidado do paciente renal crônico utilizaram materiais escritos (folhetos, livretos e apostilas), audiovisuais (vídeos, website, apresentação de Power point, telenovela e CD interativo) e jogos educacionais como veículo de comunicação. CONCLUSÃO: Dentre os artigos que trouxeram essas tecnologias, não foram representantes na literatura cientifica brasileira, configurando-se uma lacuna de conhecimento nesse país.
Auditing Practices in the Brazilian Unified Health System: An Integrative Literature Review / Práticas de Auditoria no Sistema Único de Saúde: Uma Revisão Integrativa
Authors: Santos Elitiele Ortiz dos , Eslabão Adriane Domingues
Published: April 2019

Objetivo: Analisar as práticas de auditoria no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura realizada na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), e Web of Science. Ao total, utilizando-se os critérios de inclusão e exclusão selecionou-se 12 artigos científicos para análise. Resultados: Os resultados apontam avanços políticos e nas instituições com relação as práticas de auditoria no SUS. Identifica-se também, muitos desafios para fortalecer tais práticas, como a necessidade de qualificar as ferramentas do Departamento Nacional de Auditoria do SUS e melhorar a comunicação entre o componente, estadual, municipal e federal de auditoria. Conclusão: As práticas de auditoria no SUS estão em construção, necessitando de mais estudos e divulgação, afim de que traga contribuições para a prática e o meio acadêmico.Descritores: Auditoria Operativa, Sistema Único de Saúde, Serviços de Saúde, Reforma dos Serviços de Saúde.
The Lumbar Pain Incidence in an Urgent Care Center Ocorrência de Lombalgia em uma Unidade de Pronto Atendimento
Authors: Rodrigues Ingrid Sterphany Amorim , Oliveira Louise Mangabeira Medeiros de Oliveira Mangabeira , Fernandes Flávia Emília Cavalcante Valença Fern Cavalcante , Teles Maria Emília Vidal Teles Vidal , Sena Vanessa Silva Sena Silva
Published: April 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência de lombalgia em pacientes atendidos em uma Unidade de Pronto Atendimento e fatores associados. Métodos: Estudo transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado na Unidade de Pronto Atendimento (UPA), no município de Petrolina-PE. Os dados foram coletados dos prontuários de pacientes atendidos em 2015 com queixa ou diagnóstico de lombalgia. A análise ocorreu por meio de estatística descritiva e através do modelo de regressão logística binária multivariado para estimativa das razões de chance (Odds Ratio – OR). Resultados: ¼ dos pacientes apresentaram dor lombar. Os homens (56,7%) representam mais da metade dos atendimentos, a média de idade dos pacientes foi de 39,7 anos (Desvio padrão - DP 15,7), 99,2% buscaram atendimento espontaneamente sem encaminhamento de outros serviços de saúde. Conclusão: O estímulo a práticas preventivas é uma alternativa importante para contribuir na redução dos casos de lombalgia, além da adoção de um tratamento efetivo baseado não só na paliação.Descritores: Lombalgia, Saúde do trabalhador, Atenção Primária à Saúde, Promoção da Saúde.
Quantitative analysis and assessment of base composition asymmetry and gene orientation bias in bacterial genomes
Authors: Quan Chun‐Lan , Gao Feng
Published: April 2019

Base composition asymmetry and gene orientation bias are two common genomic structures in bacterial genomes. Here, correlation coefficients between nucleotide disparities and coding sequence (CDS) skew have been calculated, which provides insights into their relationship from an individual genome perspective. Consequently, we find GC and RY disparities correlate significantly with CDS skew, since around 60% of the bacterial genomes under study have correlation coefficients > 0.9. Then, we present a model for quantitative assessment of nucleotide disparity and CDS skew in which a numerical index R2 is used for evaluation. We find that skew curves with higher R2 perform better on the prediction of replication origins in bacteria.
RETRACTED: The long noncoding RNA AK002107 negatively modulates miR‐140‐5p and targets TGFBR1 to induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tang Yun‐Hua , He Guo‐Lin , Huang Shan‐Zhou , Zhong Ke‐Bo , Liao Hui , Cai Lei , Gao Yi , Peng Zhen‐Wei , Fu Shun‐Jun
Published: April 2019

The abnormal expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with human carcinoma. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the function of lncRNA AK002107 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The differential expression of lncRNAs between HCC and paired nontumor tissues was identified using microarrays, and the correlation between the expression of lncRNA AK002107 and the clinical prognosis of HCC was analyzed. We investigated the role of lncRNA AK002107 in HCC tumor biology in vitro using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation, and Matrigel invasion assays and in vivo by assessing the growth of xenografted HCC tumors. The potential microRNAs that interact with lncRNA AK002107 were identified using online tools and were verified using PCR and luciferase reporter assay. The levels of TGFBR1, E‐cadherin, and vimentin were determined using western blot assays. We then further investigated the correlation between expression of lncRNA AK002107 with miR‐140‐5p and TGFBR1 expression in HCC tissues. The expression of lncRNA AK002107 is frequently upregulated in HCC samples and cell lines. Patients with HCC who have elevated lncRNA AK002107 expression exhibit poorer overall survival and disease‐free survival. Silencing lncRNA AK002107 expression significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, lncRNA AK002107 directly binds to miR‐140‐5p and significantly inhibits miR‐140‐5p expression. The functions of lncRNA AK002107 in cell growth and tumor invasion are mediated via miR‐140‐5p. lncRNA AK002107 upregulated TGFBR1 expression and then induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by inhibiting miR‐140‐5p expression. The expression of lncRNA AK002107 inversely correlated with miR‐140‐5p expression and positively correlated with TGFBR1 expression in HCC tissues. In summary, lncRNA AK002107 functions as an oncogene in tumors by inhibiting miR‐140‐5p, targeting TGFBR1, and then inducing EMT. The lncRNA AK002107/miR‐140‐5p/TGFBR1/EMT regulatory network may be a valuable target for the development of novel diagnostic and treatment methods for HCC.
Conjugated Polymers in Bioelectronics: Addressing the Interface Challenge
Authors: Fidanovski Kristina , Mawad Damia
Published: April 2019

Conjugated polymers are the material of choice for organic bioelectronic interfaces as they combine mechanical flexibility with electric and ionic conductivity. Their attractive properties are largely demonstrated in vitro, while the in vivo applications are limited to the coating of inorganic electrodes, where they are used to improve the intimate electronic contact between the device and the tissue. However, there has not been a commensurate rise in the in vivo applications of entirely organic implantable electronic devices based on conjugated polymers. To date, there is no comprehensive understanding of how these devices will interface with real biological systems. With the push toward increasingly thinner and more flexible next generation medical implants, this limitation remains a major detractor in the translation of conjugated polymers toward biological applications. This research news article examines the few reported in vivo studies and attempts to establish why there is such a dearth in the literature.
A Textile‐Integrated Polymer Thermoelectric Generator for Body Heat Harvesting
Authors: Elmoughni Hend M. , Menon Akanksha K. , Wolfe Rylan M. W. , Yee Shannon K.
Published: April 2019

Integrating thermoelectric generators (TEGs) into textiles is attractive for body heat harvesting to power wearable electronics. Textile‐integrated TEGs have the advantage of conformity to the body that ensures efficient heat transfer and does not impede movement. Additive printing techniques and solution processable polymer‐based thermoelectric (TE) materials can be used for this purpose. However, a number of fabrication challenges limit the realization of a printed polymer‐based textile TEG using a low cost, scalable, and textile compatible process. In this work, stencil and transfer printing techniques are successfully employed to fabricate a 32‐leg device with a modest fill factor (≈30%) on a commercial sports fabric substrate. PEDOT:PSS and Poly[Na(NiETT)] are formulated into inks and used as the p‐type and the n‐type polymer materials, respectively. The textile‐integrated TE device yields an open circuit voltage of ≈3 mV at ΔT= 3 K. The fabrication process is scaled up to demonstrate an 864‐leg device that yields a voltage output of ≈47 mV. This work is the first demonstration of a textile TEG based on p‐ and n‐type conducting polymers capable of through‐plane body heat harvesting. It serves as a proof‐of‐concept for integrating TE devices into mainstream fabrics and clothing.
Human‐Interactive, Active‐Matrix Displays for Visualization of Tactile Pressures
Authors: Jang Jiuk , Oh Byungkook , Jo Subin , Park Sunghee , An Hyeon Seok , Lee Seunghee , Cheong Woon Hyung , Yoo Seunghyup , Park Jang‐Ung
Published: April 2019

Human‐interactive displays involve the interfacing of a stimuli‐responsive sensor with a human‐readable response. Human‐readable responses include the five recognized senses, i.e., sight (vision), hearing (audition), taste (gustation), smell (olfaction), and touch (somatosensation). Vision is considered to be the most informative human stimulus so that the visualization of electrical, thermal, and mechanical data is important for various applications. Herein, the fabrication of human‐interactive displays is demonstrated in which active‐matrix arrays of pressure‐sensitive Si transistors with air dielectric layers are fully integrated with pixels of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this way, the luminance of the individual OLED pixels can be increased locally by pressing the display, and the luminance is dependent on the magnitude of the applied pressure. Furthermore, the air dielectric layer of transistors provides outstanding electrical properties, including high transconductance and negligible hysteresis. 3D integration of these transistors with dual‐side emissive OLED pixels is also demonstrated. Local pressing increases the light intensity of OLED pixel and then the underlaid Si channel can absorb this light successively to generate additional photocurrents from the pressure‐sensitive transistor, further enhancing its sensitivity. This human‐interactive display can visualize tactile pressure directly, suggesting the substantial promise as next generation displays for intelligent human‐machine interfacing.
PIEZO2 deficiency is a recognizable arthrogryposis syndrome: A new case and literature review
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomomi , Takano Kyoko , Inaba Yuji , Morikawa Manami , Motobayashi Mitsuo , Kawamura Rie , Wakui Keiko , Nishi Eriko , Hirabayashi Shin‐ichi , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Kato Hiroyuki , Takahashi Jun , Kosho Tomoki
Published: April 2019

PIEZO2 encodes a mechanically activated cation channel, which is abundantly expressed in dorsal root ganglion neuron and sensory endings of proprioceptors required for light touch sensation and proprioception in mice. Biallelic loss‐of‐function mutations in PIEZO2 (i.e., PIEZO2 deficiency) were recently found to cause an arthrogryposis syndrome. Sixteen patients from eight families have been reported to date. Herein we report a new case, including detailed clinical characteristics and courses as well as comprehensive neurological features. The patient was a 12‐year‐old girl presenting with congenital multiple contractures, progressive severe scoliosis, prenatal‐onset growth impairment, motor developmental delay with hypotonia and myopathy‐like muscle pathology, mild facial features, and normal intelligence. Her neurological features included areflexia, impaired proprioception, and decreased senses. Neurophysiological examination revealed decreased amplitude of sensory nerve action potentials, absent H reflex, and prolongation of central conduction times. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in PIEZO2 (NM_022068: c.4171_4174delGTCA: p.Val1391Lysfs*39) with no detectable mRNA expression of the gene. PIEZO2 deficiency represents a clinical entity involving characteristic neuromuscular abnormalities and physical features. Next generation sequencing‐based comprehensive molecular screening and extensive neurophysiological examination could be valuable for diagnosis of the disorder.