bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversidad cultural e implicaciones en la enseñanza de las ciencias: reflexiones y avances
Authors: Molina Andrade Adela , Martínez Rivera Carmen Alicia , Mosquera Suárez Carlos Javier , Mojica Rios Lyda
Published: June 2018

El presente artículo se configuró a partir de la versión del marco teórico y los antecedentes del proyecto de investigación “Concepciones de los profesores de ciencias sobre la diversidad cultural y sus implicaciones en la enseñanza”1. Se inicia con una idea de diversidad cultural, apoyada en Mauss, Douglas y Bruner. Luego se argumenta cómo el problema de la diversidad implica emergencias y complejidades que incluyen lo político, la configuración de la identidad y la memoria cultural, que actúan como un mecanismo de recuerdo y olvido. En esta dialéctica, se describen algunos trazos de nuestra propia constitución cultural. Con este marco se caracterizan posibles relaciones entre diversidad cultural y educación. Así, se pueden destacar varias reflexiones, entendidas como un abreboca para iniciar la discusión en torno a lo educativo y en relación con lo diverso, apareciendo entonces, notas para comprender la homogeneización en la educación y las relaciones entre diversidad cultural, educación y enseñanza de las ciencias. La polaridad descrita se discute en el marco de la educación en ciencias como campo de investigación, ya que es tal vez en el que los debates sobre homogenización y la diversidad se manifiestan con gran “efervescencia”, dado que la ciencia encarna uno de los pilares más importantes de la modernidad.
La convivencia ciudadana: Su análisis a partir del “aprendizaje por reglas”
Authors: Burbano Arroyo Andrea Milena
Published: June 2018

El presente artículo analiza diferentes instrumentos legales orientados a la regulación de los comportamientos de los individuos en escenarios colectivos a partir de los supuestos, las ocasiones, los oferentes y las reglas explícitas o tácitas que establecen dichos instrumentos diseñados como mecanismos que contribuyen a la convivencia entre los ciudadanos. Finalmente se propone el concepto de “reglas del lugar” como elemento constitutivo en la mediación entre extraños a partir del reconocimiento de su importancia en la formación de las personas en los escenarios colectivos o macroambientes como los que se encuentran en los grandes centros urbanos.
En busca de la escuela del siglo XXI: ¿Puede darnos la pista la Escuela Nueva de Colombia?
Authors: Shiefelbein Ernesto , Vera Rodrigo , Aranda Humberto , Vargas Zoila , Corco Víctor
Published: June 2018

Mejorar la calidad de la educación es ahora el principal desafío de los países de América Latina y del Caribe, pero puede ser una tarea muy difícil de llevar a cabo con éxito. Los indicadores de calidad de la educación básica han detectado la existencia de serios problemas de calidad en la mayoría de los sistemas educativos de América Latina. El que la educación sea de baja calidad merece una atención prioritaria de parte de los gobiernos, ya que tiene consecuencias, en muchas actividades y es especialmente crítica, ahora que el crecimiento económico y la democracia demandan personas con mejor formación. Sin embargo, muchos intentos por mejorarla no han tenido éxito. La escuela tradicional donde un profesor enseña a un alumno promedio (método frontal de enseñanza) enfrenta una cantidad  de problemas y limita la posibilidad de ofrecer una educación de buena calidad adecuada a las exigencias del desarrollo económico. Sólo una revisión profunda de la educación básica, sobre la  base de un nuevo modelo de escuela y métodos de enseñanza renovadas, permitiría lograr la calidad requerida para el siglo XXI.
La educación en América Latina: de políticas expansivas a estrategias competitivas
Authors: Martíenz Boom Alberto
Published: June 2018

El artículo presenta los modos como se configuran y regulan los sistemas educativos contemporáneos en América Latina. La primera parte se refiere a la escuela expansiva, la cual designa un modo de modernización educativa iniciado a mediados del siglo XX, ligado a la estrategia del desarrollo en el cual la tendencia expansiva del aparato escolar es impulsada mediante la puesta en marcha de un proceso modernizador y reformista que supuso la incorporación de estrategias y principios del mundo económico al campo educativo. La segunda parte se refiere la formación de la nueva discursividad sobre la educación basada en los paradigmas del ‘Desarrollo Humano’ y de las ‘Necesidades Básicas de Aprendizaje’, y que marca el giro estratégico que se opera entre la ‘escuela expansiva’ y la ‘escuela competitiva’, en la década de los años 90. La tercera se refiere a la escuela competitiva como un modo singular de modernización educativa caracterizada por la integración de la educación, la escuela y el maestro a la lógica planteada por la globalización de la sociedad.
Estándares curriculares y autonomía
Authors: Bustamante Zamudio Guillermo
Published: June 2018

La evaluación masiva entró en nuestra educación en relación con la política educativa. La Ley General de Educación la convirtió luego en un programa permanente. Pero entonces la autonomía que esa misma ley había querido implementar, que se enunciaba como mecanismo para tener una mejor calidad de la educación, se enunció luego, a partir de la evaluación masiva, como mecanismo para acentuar las diferencias educativas debidas a diferencias sociales. Entonces, la evaluación masiva, convertida en instrumento para legitimar la política educativa, no contaba con un referente común que le permitieramostrarse como equitativa. De ahí que, en un movimiento aparente hacia un pasado de diseño instruccional, se promulguen los estándares educativos.
Un análisis de la revolución educativa
Authors: Rodríguez Abel
Published: June 2018

El presente artículo analiza, de forma crítica, el plan educativo del gobierno del presidente Uribe Vélez, denominado La Revolución Educativa. Se quiere mostrar que este plan muestra diversos problemas, entre los cuales sobresalen: un diagnostico sesgado de la realidad educativa nacional, serias inconsistencias entre los programas y los problemas expuestos en el diagnóstico y la utilización de una serie de mecanismos y acciones, que adicionadas a la falta de financiamiento y soporte institucional, permiten poner en entredicho la consecución de las metas propuestas y siembran severas dudas sobre sus efectos y consecuencias en el futuro de la educación.
STYLISTIC RESOURCE OF CREOLIZATION IN MODERN MASS-MEDIA
Authors: DERGACH DMYTRO
Published: June 2018

The author analyzes stylistic resource and potential of creolization in modern mass media. Approaches to the scientific interpretation of the phenomenon in the paradigm of communicative linguistics, functional stylistics are considered. The intra- and extralinguistic factors that actualize the means of creolization in modern media-media communication are taken into consideration. The author proposes to interpret partial and associative types of media creolization, which determine the dominant verbal/nonverbal components in media texts. The functional potential of means of creolization of the media language, aimed at informing, analyzing and influencing the language consciousness of the mass audience is also determined.
A HYBRID NUMERICAL/EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE AERODYNAMIC NOISE PREDICTION
Authors: ALKAN Beyza
Published: June 2018

An accurate noise prediction
is important in order to reduce noise emission significantly and to prevent
expensive after-design treatments. This study aims to examine the aerodynamics
and aeroacoustics performance of an open system consisting of an axial fan and
a heat exchanger where hybrid method incorporating CFD (Computational Fluid
Dynamics) and CAA (Computational Aeroacoustics) is used to predict the noise
behavior. The hybrid model method used consists of three steps. Firstly, the
flow is computed by means of flow-computed fluids and the pressure fluctuations
are obtained. This is followed by the acquisition of acoustic signals from
these fluctuations and the attainment of a sound pressure level approach with
the FW-H (Ffowcs Williams & Hawkings) model.  Unsteady flow field of the air channel case
was obtained by using different turbulence models. The SAS model is capable of
resolving largescale turbulent structures without the time and grid-scale
resolution restrictions of LES (Large Eddy Simulations), often allowing the use
of existing grids created for URANS simulations. For this reason, two different
turbulence models, namely URANS (Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes)
model, SAS (Scale Adaptive Simulations) model have been applied. Acoustic
sources were computed based on the pressure fluctuations and sound pressure
level and frequency dependent graphics were plotted with Fast Fourier
Transform. On the other hand, acoustic measurements were performed in a
semi-anechoic chamber for both of them. When the experimental and numerical
results were compared with the previously determined receiver points, the
accuracy rate was obtained as SAS, URANS respectively.
Desenvolvimento e Evolução de Competências Empreendedoras em Alunos de um Curso de Graduação em Administração
Authors: Werlang Nathalia Berger , Favretto Fabiane , Flach Rosiane Oswald
Published: June 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar as competências empreendedoras entre os discentes do curso de administração de uma instituição de ensino superior (IES) do oeste catarinense. Ao realizá-lo buscou-se identificar quais as competências com mais destaque entre os acadêmicos entrevistados. Nesta pesquisa, os autores embasaram-se nas instruções de Malhotra (2001), para a realização de uma pesquisa de abordagem quantitativa e caráter descritiva. A amostra foi composta por 137 acadêmicos regularmente matriculados no curso de administração de uma instituição de ensino superior do oeste catarinense, sendo a coleta de dados realizada pela técnica de levantamento ou survey de corte transversal (cross-sectional). Como principais resultados do presente estudo, podemos destacar que assim como existe o desenvolvimento de competências do conjunto de poder no decorrer do processo formativo dos acadêmicos, existe a diminuição de competências do conjunto de realização a medida em que os alunos avançam nos semestres da graduação.
Sistema de Busca de Dados Bionorte: Aproximando, de Forma Colaborativa, as Pesquisas Acadêmicas e a Bioindústria Amazônica
Authors: Mafra Rosana Zau , Zanotto Sandra Patricia , Medeiros Rafael Lima , Astolfi-Filho Spartaco , Hiragi Cesar Oliveira , Bigi Maria de Fátima Mendes Acácio , Pontes Isabel Da Mota
Published: June 2018

Este texto relata a experiência das ações gerais para o desenvolvimento do Sistema de Busca de Dados Bionorte, uma ferramenta que possibilita aos usuários participarem de forma colaborativa do processo de difusão dos conhecimentos tanto de relevância socioambiental sobre a biodiversidade amazônica quanto do potencial de agregação de valor comercial aos recursos dela advindos. Esta iniciativa decorreu da ausência de ferramentas que integrem o conhecimento científico sobre esta biodiversidade ao mercado, via empresas. O desenvolvimento ocorreu em três ações conjugadas: a concepção científica e empresarial de sua interface; o design de interface do aplicativo juntamente com a programação do servidor e a programação do banco de dados; e a prospecção e inserção dos dados. Durante o estudo, foram cadastradas mais de 526 empresas, 34 instituições de ensino e pesquisa, 1475 pesquisadores, 139 Programas de Pós-graduação, e 99 Cooperativas, com informações interconectadas por uma categoria central: a matéria-prima. Ressalva-se, porém a necessidade de alimentação de novos dados e a contínua validação dos mesmos para que o Sistema de Busca de Dados Bionorte seja preciso, confiável e se torne uma ferramenta para a visibilidade dos atores que têm interesse nos recursos da biodiversidade amazônica.
Um Diagnóstico do uso das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TICs) em uma Instituição de Ensino Superior
Authors: Momo Fernanda Da Silva , Behr Ariel , Marcolin Carla Bonato , Farias Everton Da Silveira
Published: June 2018

As Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TICs) estão presentes em nossa sociedade, que vive no paradigma social chamado Sociedade da Informação, em que ocorre a produção e consumo de informação sem que haja a necessidade de perceber a existência da tecnologia. Na educação, as TICs possibilitam mudanças no que se refere ao processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Tendo em vista esse contexto, o presente artigo objetiva descrever o grau de utilização das TICs nas estratégias educativas no curso de Administração de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior do Rio Grande do Sul. Através das análises das respostas dos docentes foi possível identificar que as TICs estão presentes nas práticas docentes e possuem um papel de suportar e mediar as atividades realizadas pelos docentes.
Literatura Comparada: o homoerotismo nas obras O terceiro travesseiro e Do começo ao fim
Authors: Lopes Job
Published: June 2018

O presente artigo busca refletir o homoerotismo em duas obras contemporâneas: a primeira literária, O terceiro travesseiro (2003) de Nelson Luiz de Carvalho e a segunda cinematográfica Do começo ao fim (2009) de Aluizio Abranches. O homoerotismo não está reduzido a um grupo identitário. É um desejo que pode se manifestar de várias formas. As relações homoeróticas podem estar constituídas ou não de sentimento, uma vez que o homoerotismo privilegia o afeto, sendo tal estímulo sexual ou afetivo. Assim, o desejo sexual e o afeto entre dois indivíduos do mesmo gênero podem ser considerados homoerótico. Por conseguinte, busca-se refletir as obras elencadas, valendo-se das teorias de Mario Mieli (1978) e Jurandir Costa (1992), ao analisar de que maneira o desejo entre iguais é apresentado e quais os elementos utilizados para exploração do tema.
Vertentes da poesia infantil: uma introdução
Authors: Silva Maurício
Published: June 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é, num primeiro momento, analisar algumas vertentes fundamentais da literatura infantil, buscando delimitar seu campo conceitual e estabelecer alguns de seus contornos, a fim de que se possa alcançar uma melhor compreensão de suas peculiaridades estéticas e dos eventuais papéis sociais e/ou funções práticas que fatalmente a narrativa para crianças desempenha na sociedade; e, num segundo momento, analisar os componentes estruturais da produção poética infantil, a fim de depreender suas linhas de força, sobretudo comparando-a à produção tradicional, além de inserir essa poesia na discussão teórica que articula, no âmbito da literatura infantil, os aspectos estético e pedagógico.
La utilidad de los datos georreferenciados con teléfonos móviles para las terapias psicoanalíticas y cognitivo conductuales
Authors: Ferrás Carlos
Published: June 2018

Presentamos una reflexión sobre las aportaciones del análisis geográfico y los teléfonos móviles para las terapias psicosociales y sobre cuáles son las preguntas que deben formularse las investigaciones futuras. La producción de datos georreferenciados a través de los teléfonos móviles sobre la vida cotidiana de las personas abre grandes posibilidades para la terapia cognitivo conductual y para el psicoanálisis y la salud mental. Permite elaborar mapas de estados de ánimo que localizan lugares de estrés en la vida diaria de una persona; la cartografía de las emociones, la cartografía cognitiva de los lugares y de nuestros sentimientos.
Influencia de fenómenos meteorológicos y variables geográficas en el deterioro del Malecón habanero (La Habana, Cuba)
Authors: Remond Ricardo , Múgica Aguilar Karen , Alfonso-Álvarez Cindy , Martínez Murillo Juan Francisco
Published: June 2018

El Malecón habanero ubicado al norte de la franja costera de la ciudad constituye uno de los espacios públicos y turísticos más importantes que existen en La Habana. Su mantenimiento y conservación se ha convertido en una urgente necesidad, aún más en el nuevo contexto del cambio climático. El presente trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de cartografiar el estado de esta infraestructura y analizar los eventos meteorológicos y variables geográficas que más influyen en su deterioro, para lo cual se emplean los sensores remotos y el análisis espacial y estadístico en los Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG). La investigación se desarrolló a través de la consulta de diversas fuentes bibliográficas, mapas e imágenes de satélite de muy alta resolución espacial, que permitieron la cartografía del estado de esta infraestructura, y al mismo tiempo, diferenciar los sectores de acuerdo a los niveles de deterioro y de actuación de las variables estudiadas. Los resultados obtenidos muestran datos inéditos de gran utilidad y aplicación para el gobierno local y las entidades encargadas de su gestión y mantenimiento.
Análisis de la distribución espacial de equipamientos educativos (0–16 años) en Extremadura a escala de detalle
Authors: Nieto Masot Ana , Márquez Segovia Nieves
Published: June 2018

La educación supone uno de los derechos universales más esenciales, por ello es necesario que se garantice su accesibilidad a toda la población  y en especial a las zonas más desfavorecidas. Por ello, en este trabajo se estudiarán los recursos educativos en edades tempranas (Educación Infantil, Primaria y Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) en una región eminentemente rural y con baja densidad demográfica como es el caso de Extremadura para comprobar si existe una adecuada distribución de los mismos. Se han utilizado técnicas de análisis espaciales y de correlación de variables, mediante Sistemas de Información Geográfica, para comprobar si la distribución a los servicios educativos es la adecuada.
Diagnóstico del eje transinsular de transportes en el contexto de la integración territorial de Canarias
Authors: Hernández Luis José Ángel
Published: June 2018

El objetivo central de este trabajo es la realización de un diagnóstico –al igual que la viabilidad–, del denominado Eje Transinsular de Infraestructuras y Transportes, promovido por el Gobierno de Canarias, con el fin de paliar la fragmentación territorial de las Islas. Se aborda el caso de la intermodalidad entre el transporte marítimo y terrestre desde diferentes puntos de vista (accesibilidad horaria, económica, etc.), demostrando el actual déficit que existe desde el punto de vista de la cohesión territorial. Se estudia por último cómo hacer más sostenible dicha integración territorial.
Impact of Phenotypic Correction Method and Missing Phenotypic Data on Genomic Prediction of Maize Hybrids
Authors: Galli Giovanni , Lyra Danilo Hottis , Alves Filipe Couto , Granato Ítalo Stefanine Correia , e Sousa Massaine Bandeira , Fritsche-Neto Roberto
Published: June 2018

Phenotypic datasets in plant breeding are commonly incomplete due to missing phenotypic information. The best approach for correcting these datasets for a stage‐wise genomic prediction (GP) is not unanimous in the scientific community. Therefore, this study evaluates a two‐step GP based on different methods of phenotypic correction considering complete and incomplete datasets of maize (Zea mays L.) single crosses. The dataset consists of 325 hybrids evaluated for grain yield and plant height in four sites. Sequential levels of data loss were simulated to the original dataset (from 0 to 30%) to assess the impact of missing information. The prediction was performed by an additive genomic best linear unbiased prediction model (GBLUP) using best linear unbiased estimations (BLUEs), best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs), and deregressed BLUPs as the response variable. Mean reliability and predictive ability slightly decreased as missing phenotypic information increased, irrespective of the response variable. Regarding phenotypic correction, all methods yielded similar results for these parameters over most missing information percentages. The coincidence of selection between single‐ and two‐stage GP was not systematically affected by response variable across multiple selection intensities, and missing data only led to a minor decrease in coincidence. Therefore, from a breeding standpoint, regardless of phenotypic correction method and missing data level, a similar set of genotypes tend to be selected.
SASHAYDIALL: A SAS Program for Hayman's Diallel Analysis
Authors: Makumbi Dan , Alvarado Gregorio , Crossa José , Burgueño Juan
Published: June 2018

Different methods of diallel crossing are commonly used in plant breeding. The diallel cross analysis method proposed by Hayman is particularly useful because it provides information, among others, on additive and dominance effects of genes, average degree of dominance, proportion of dominance, direction of dominance, distribution of genes, maternal and reciprocal effects, number of groups of genes that control a trait and exhibit dominance, ratio of dominant to recessive alleles in all the parents, and broad‐sense and narrow‐sense heritability. In this paper, we fully describe a SAS‐based software SASHAYDIALL for performing a complete diallel cross analysis based on Hayman's model with or without reciprocals. We demonstrate the use of SASHAYDIALL with two data sets; one is a published diallel cross data set with reciprocals in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), and the second is a data set from a multilocation diallel cross trial in maize (Zea mays L.) without reciprocals. With SASHAYDIALL, diallel experiments conducted in single sites can be analyzed to estimate various genetic parameters, and this analysis is extended over locations or environments to assess genetic effect × environment interaction. SASHAYDIALL is user‐friendly software that provides detailed genetic information from diallel crosses involving any number of parents and locations.
Writing the Nation: Re-thinking the Masculinist Project in Eça de Queirós’s Ilustre casa de Ramires
Authors: Bishop-Sanchez Kathryn
Published: June 2018

This article examines José Maria de Eça de Queirós’s novel A ilustre casa de Ramires (1900) through a focus on the writing process of the main protagonist, Gonçalo Mendes Ramires, who attempts to produce a historical novella of his ancestry. Drawing on Hélène Cixous’s concept of écriture féminine and the visceral experience of writing through the body, I analyze the protagonist’s quest for political advancement and social acceptance. If Ramires yearns for enhanced virility in male-dominated political and literary circles, Eça’s ironic textual subtleties, humor, and multifaceted narrative all serve to question established norms of gender, power, and sexuality. In the end, both historiography and political glory emerge as ambivalent phenomena.
Masculinidade em questão: lei, corpo e desejo em "Dão-lalão"
Authors: Valente Luiz Fernando
Published: June 2018

In the present essay, I examine eroticism in "Dão-lalão," by Brazilian fictionist João Guimarães Rosa (1908-1967). Calling into question Benedito Nunes’s argument that the dialectics of love in Guimarães Rosa's oeuvre points to a sense of harmony and totality, I view the erotic element in Guimarães Rosa’s work as a form of transgression. Focusing on the body in “Dão-lalão,” I revisit Guimarães Rosa’s skepticism regarding reason as the primary vehicle for understanding reality. Whereas Nunes relies on Plato, the Neoplatonists, and the mystic traditions of hermeticism and alchemy, I turn to the philosophy of Georges Bataille (1897-1962). Finally, I propose that in addition to asking probing questions about eroticism as an expression of what Bataille called non-savoir, "Dão-lalão" invites its readers to reconsider race and gender relations within a Brazilian cultural and historical context.
Entre metáforas e epifanias: a (trans)formação de identidades em Sergio Y. vai à América
Authors: Moraes Lidiana de
Published: June 2018

In the present essay, I argue that despite the conservative ideals espoused by the narrator of Alexandre Vidal Porto's Sergio Y. vai à América (2014), it is precisely within these conflictive and contradicting thoughts that one finds a critique of heteronormativity. In other words, while Vidal Porto seems not to address problems regularly addressed in the field of queer and gender studies, his omission of queer performativity and any empowering discourse for the transgender community is a strategy he employs to interrogate how conservative societies such as Brazil define sex, sexual identity, social practices, and queer space.
Góes Jr., Plínio de, editor. The Luso-Anarchist Reader: The Origins of Anarchism in Portugal and Brazil. Information Age, 2017.
Authors: Mitchell Sean T.
Published: June 2018

The Luso-Anarchist Reader: The Origins of Anarchism in Portugal and Brazil is a wonderfully edited and translated collection of early twenty-first-century anarchist writing previously unavailable in English. Plínio de Góes, Jr., a professor of Portuguese studies and a lawyer, has done a great service in translating, compiling, and contextualizing these important works.
Pensar construyendo, otros mundos posibles
Authors: Insuasty Rodríguez Alfonso
Published: June 2018

Ante las actuales dificultades que existen para realizar los cambios y transformaciones en nuestra realidad social y sistemas políticos actuales, no queda más que imaginar un posible mundo mejor y el hecho de pensarlo, reflexionarlo es ya, empezar la lucha cotidiana y de largo plazo por realizarlo
Análisis prospectivo de las competencias genéricas Tuning-Alfa en la ciudad de Medellín al 2032
Authors: Vélez Bedoya Ángel Rodrigo , Delgado Vélez Luis David , Sánchez Torres William Camilo
Published: June 2018

Al establecer el carácter estratégico de las competencias genéricas Tuning en los procesos formativos de los administradores al 2032 en la ciudad de Medellín, se evidencian que, la competencia surge con sentido ontológico, evoluciona a lo praxeológico y posteriormente integra los dos sentidos. Se confirma que en la administración se privilegian procesos profesionalizantes, se requiere el dominio de un segundo idioma, se requiere compromiso con el medio sociocultural y se espera el desarrollo de la capacidad de aplicar los conocimientos en la práctica; se considera que la formación se orienta para desarrollar la capacidad creativa; y se evidencia una relevante indiferencia con respecto a la formación ética y de responsabilidad social.
Service quality, customers’ satisfaction, and profitability: an empirical study of Saudi Arabian insurance sector
Authors: Ali Anis , Rumzi Tausif Mohammad
Published: June 2018

Financial performance is the fundamental aspect to test the performance of the companies. The performance of insurance sector, like any other service industry, is supposed to depend significantly on customers. When it comes to customers, it is an established fact that customer satisfaction would be an important element. Customer satisfaction primarily depends on the quality of service it gets. It can be safely hypothesized that better service quality would lead to higher satisfaction, which would ultimately lead to higher profits for the company. Studies on this relationship in the insurance sector for Saudi Arabia are missing. Hence, this study aims at studying both the profitability of companies and quality of service and tries to relate it to customer satisfaction. The results are quite surprising, as the study establishes that although the qualities of services are found wanting in many areas, companies are earning good profits. A probable reason could be the statutory nature of the services. Nevertheless, this study recommends improving the quality of services and differentiating services between age groups for further improvement.
Modelling streamflow response to climate change in data-scarce White Volta River basin of West Africa using a semi-distributed hydrologic model
Authors: Abubakari Sulemana , Dong Xiaohua , Su Bob , Hu Xiaonong , Liu Ji , Li Yinghai , Peng Tao , Ma Haibo , Wang Kai , Xu Shijin
Published: June 2018

This study uses high resolution Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), SWAT and two IPCC climate change (CC) scenarios (A1B and B1) combined with two general circulation models (GCMs) (HADCM3 and MPEH5) to evaluate impact of CC on streamflow in the White Volta basin of West Africa. The evaluation criteria (R2 and NSE > 0.70 and PBIAS within ±25%) during calibration and validation showed good simulation of the basin hydrology. Using average streamflow from 1979 to 2008 as a baseline, there were uncertainties over the sign of variation of annual streamflow in the 2020s. Annually, streamflow change is projected to be within −4.00% to +13.00% in the 2020s and +3.00% to +16.00% in the 2050s. Monthly streamflow changes for most months vary between −13.00% and +32.00%. A shift in monthly maximum streamflow from September to August is projected, while the driest months (December, January and February) show no change in the future. Based on the model results, the White Volta basin will likely experience an increase in streamflow by the mid-21st century. This would call for appropriate investment into cost-effective adaptive water management practices to cater for the likely impact of CC on the future hydrology of the basin.
Effects of recirculation and separation times on nitrogen removal in baffled membrane bioreactor (B-MBR)
Authors: Miyoshi T. , Tsumuraya T. , Nguyen T. P. , Kimura K. , Watanabe Y.
Published: June 2018

In this study, we investigated the effects of recirculation and separation times on removals of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a baffled membrane bioreactor (B-MBR) treating real municipal wastewater. A pilot-scale B-MBR experimental apparatus was operated under two different sets of recirculation and separation times. The results revealed that, irrespective of operating conditions, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and concentration of total nitrogen (T-N) in the treated water can be lowered to less than 3 and 5 mg/L, respectively. Although T-N was effectively removed in the two different operating conditions, increase in the fraction of recirculation time results in tiny deterioration of nitrogen removal efficiency in the B-MBR. Phosphorus removal efficiency was also slightly decreased as the fraction of recirculation time (ratio between recirculation and separation times) was increased. The results of the measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO) profiles at different points of the B-MBR apparatus indicate that the increase in DO concentration in the anoxic zone of the B-MBR becomes much more pronounced by increasing recirculation intensity. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that efficient removal of BOD, T-N, and total phosphorus can be achieved by the B-MBR as long as appropriate recirculation intensity is selected.
BPC157 as Potential Agent Rescuing from Cancer Cachexia
Authors: Kang Eun A. , Han Young-Min , An Jeong Min , Park Yong Jin , Sikiric Predrag , Kim Deok Hwan , Kwon Kwang An , Kim Yoon Jae , Yang Donghwa , Tchah Hann , Hahm Ki Baik
Published: June 2018

Cancer cachexia, one of the metabolic syndromes caused by cancer, is a devastating and miserable
condition encountered in more than 50% of terminal cancer patients presenting with significant weight loss
associated with skeletal muscle atrophy and fat loss. Though cachexia may account for up to 20% of cancer
deaths, no significant treatment is still lacking and is of urgent unmet medical need in cancer treatment.
Therefore, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms is essential for anticipating therapeutic
approaches. Since the primary events driving cachexia are mediated via either the central nervous system relatedor
inflammation related-anorexia, hypoanabolism, and hypercatabolism, therapy usually targets nutritional
support to compensate reduced food intake along with some anti-inflammatory agents to cover specific
inflammation-related metabolic derangement, and encourages exercise to supplement reduced physical activity,
but all proven to be not so effective so far. Therefore, combination therapies such as a standard multi-modal
package including an anorexic agent, megestrol acetate, and anti-inflammatory agent coupled with the
development of potential novel therapeutics promise a new era in rescuing patients from cancer cachexia. In this
review, we propose the potential application of BPC157, one of the active cytoprotective agents isolated from
gastric juices for cancer cachexia. Before clinical trial, we introduced the evidence showing BPC157 rescued
from cancer cachexia supported with explored mode of actions.
Midterm Results of Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Stempin Radosław , Stempin Kacper , Kaczmarek Wiesław , Dutka Julian
Published: June 2018

Background:

There is an ongoing debate about whether to use cementless or cemented fixation for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA).

Objective:

The study aimed to assess midterm survivorship of the Vanguard cementless system, and to demonstrate the utility of the Bone Hardness Test (BHT) for the selection of cementless fixation TKA.

Methods:

From September 2009 through November 2014, 123 total knee arthroplasties were completed, with cementless Vanguard Cruciate Retaining TKA in 110 knees (102 patients) and cemented Vanguard in 13 cases (12 patients). Implant fixation was based on intraoperative assessment of posterior cruciate ligament stability, bone quality, and BHT. All patients with a cementless Vanguard implant were eligible for this retrospective study. Preoperative and postoperative Knee Society Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index were obtained. Standardized standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were taken.

Results:

Three patients (4 TKAs) were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 5.5 ± 1.4 years. All scores significantly improved postoperatively. No radiographic failures were observed. Five-year implant survival, with revision of any component for any reason as an endpoint, was 97.2% (95% confidence interval, 91.7 - 99.1%). Five-year survival with revision for aseptic loosening was 100%. Only one knee required revision due to an isolated unrelated bearing exchange, and two additional knees required secondary resurfacing of the patella for retropatellar pain.

Conclusion:

Good midterm results were obtained with the cementless Vanguard Cruciate Retaining TKA for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The Bone Hardness Test appears to be an effective way to determine the selection of cementless TKA.
Relaxing and Communication-Promoting Effects of Wooden Tableware at Workplace Social Gathering
Authors: Hayano Junichiro , Yamamoto Kento , Yoshida Yutaka , Yuda Emi
Published: June 2018

Human beings are thought to have evolved in close contact with wood and touching wood is known to have relaxing effects. In 10 health subjects participating workplace social gathering, the effects of the use of wooden tableware on autonomic functions and communication were examined in comparison to the use of porcelain-metal tableware with a crossover study design. Analysis of pulse rate variability revealed that, compared to porcelain-metal tableware, wooden tableware lowered the amplitude of low-frequency (LF, 0.04-0.15 Hz) component without affecting the amplitude of high-frequency (HF, 0.15-0.45 Hz) component, resulting lower LF-to-HF ratio. Communication measured by the total number of utterances did not differ with the type of tableware. Subjective evaluation by a post questionnaire also showed consistent results, indicating better impression, warmth, relaxation, remission, nostalgic feeling for wooden tableware than porcelain-metal tableware. The use of wooden tableware may reduce sympathetic tone at the workplace social gathering compared to porcelain-metal tableware.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Findings from Single Audits: The Implications of Auditee Type and Auditor Expertise
Authors: Waymire Tammy R. , Webb Thomas Z. , West Timothy D.
Published: June 2018

Single audits provide critical accountability for federal grant awards. Our study comprehensively examines differences in single audit findings (related to both financial statements and major program compliance) by auditee type (state/local government and nonprofit) and across varying levels of auditor expertise. In a sample of 24,144 audit engagements over the period 2004 through 2010, nonprofit auditees report fewer internal control deficiencies than government auditees, but more instances of questioned costs related to major programs. Audits conducted by firms with lower single audit expertise are associated with fewer financial statement and major program compliance findings. The results by auditee type and auditor expertise are important to discussions of single audit quality.
Femtosecond laser structuring of graphite anodes for improved lithium-ion batteries: Ablation characteristics and process design
Authors: Habedank Jan B. , Endres Joseph , Schmitz Patrick , Zaeh Michael F. , Huber Heinz P.
Published: June 2018

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as energy storage devices due to their high energy density and versatile applicability. Key components of lithium-ion batteries are electrically isolated electrodes and a liquid electrolyte solution which enables ion transport between the electrodes. Laser structuring of electrodes is a promising approach to enhance the high-current capability of lithium-ion batteries by reducing cell internal resistances, as a larger contact area of the active material with the electrolyte solution is created. In the work described here, lithium-ion battery anodes were structured by locally ablating small fractions of the coating using femtosecond laser pulses with infrared wavelengths. A study on ablation characteristics depending on different process parameters such as laser fluence and repetition rate was performed. Special focus was on the ablation efficiency, enabling an optimized process design. The influence of the electrode composition was taken into account by studying the ablation behavior at a varying binder content. Evenly distributed micro holes were chosen in order to keep active material removal at a minimum. To evaluate the effect of structured graphite anodes on the electrochemical properties of lithium-ion batteries, test cells were manufactured and galvanostatically cycled at different current rates. Results show improvements in high-current performance which is expressed by an increased discharge capacity yield.
Critical Pedagogy in a Māori-Medium Setting
Authors: Gordon Joni
Published: June 2018

Authentic self-determination for indigenous peoples within secondary schools means making legitimate and meaningful ‘space’ for an indigenous worldview which is reflected throughout the curriculum. A Māori-medium setting in a mainstream school provides the perfect background for this as it inherently challenges the status quo that perpetuates the language and culture of the subjugating dominant culture. It is argued here that through a collaborative approach that emphasizes critical pedagogy, indigenous learners can be given the opportunity to succeed on their own terms and through their own indigenous culture and language. The teachings of the critical pedagogues can be brought into a bilingual classroom to liberate the minds of our Māori students.
Is carotid stiffness a possible surrogate for stroke in long-term survivors of childhood cancer after neck radiotherapy?
Authors: Zaletel Lorna Zadravec , Popit Matjaz , Zaletel Marjan
Published: June 2018

Background

The risk for cerebrovascular late effects among childhood cancer survivors is considerable. According to recent studies it is not clear which marker could be reliable for the screening of cerebrovascular diseases among the long-term survivors of childhood cancer. The purpose of this study is to analyse arterial stiffness and intima-media thickness as possible early markers of later occurring stroke in long-term survivors of childhood cancer after neck radiotherapy.

Patients and methods

Twenty-three patients, treated for Hodgkin disease (HD) in childhood, were included. They had received radiation therapy to the neck with 20–65 (median 30) Gy. Twenty-six healthy controls, matched in age, sex, body mass index, arterial hypertension, smoking history and total cholesterol levels were compared. Highresolution colour-coded duplex sonography and power Doppler sonography of the carotid arteries were performed and intima-media thickness, number and quality of plaques were measured. Arterial stiffness indices were calculated.

Results

Plaque deposits and/or arterial wall calcinations were found in 24 out of 43 (55.8%) irradiated vessels in cancer survivors group and 0 out of 52 vessels in the group of healthy controls (p < 0.01). We found significant group differences for all the stiffness parameters we used (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in intima-media thickness between cases and controls (p = 0.92). In a multivariate model, carotid pulse wave velocity was positively associated with smoking.

Conclusions

The arterial stiffness has appeared as a possible surrogate marker for stroke in long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Smoking habit might have an additional negative influence on vascular aging in the group of patients after neck radiotherapy.
Ultrasound elastography can detect placental tissue abnormalities
Authors: Hasegawa Tomoya , Kuji Naoaki , Notake Fumiaki , Tsukamoto Tetsu , Sasaki Toru , Shimizu Motohiro , Mukaida Kazunori , Ito Hiroe , Isaka Keiichi , Nishi Hirotaka
Published: June 2018

Background

In this prospective cohort study, we examined the utility of elastography to evaluate the fetus and placenta.

Patients and methods

Pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy, by which time the placenta has formed, were included in this study. A total of 111 women underwent ultrasound examinations, including elastography. Elastographic evaluation was performed using two protocols. First, the placental index (PI) was measured, which quantitatively assesses the hardness of tissue. Second, regions of interest (ROI) were categorized into 3-step scores according to the frequency of the blue area (hardness of placental tissue score [HT score]), which is a qualitative method. After delivery, 40 of the 111 placentas were pathologically examined.

Results

The average PI was 44.3 (± 29.4) in the in utero SGA group, which was significantly higher than that in the normal group (8.8 (± 10.0); p < 0.01) during pregnancy. There was a significant correlation between the PI and z score for estimated fetal weight (EFW) (r = -0.55; p < 0.01). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was observed between the PI and the z score of birth weight (r = -0.39; p < 0.01). Pathological ischemia findings of the placenta were identified in 67% of the HT score 3 group, representing 6 of the 9 patients, and in 20% of the HT score 1 group, representing only 3 of the 15 patients.

Conclusions

Placental hardness, as determined by elastography, correlates with both lower estimated fetal body weight and birth weight. These results suggest that ultrasound elastography in the placenta may be an additional marker of intrauterine fetal well-being.
MEDIDAS CEFALOMÉTRICAS APLICADAS EN ESTUDIOS PARA CARACTERIZACIÓN DE POBLACIONES DETERMINADAS: REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA
Authors: Cuenca Tigreros Diana , Caicedo Cruz Maribell , Bedoya Rodrìguez Antonio , Osorio Julio Cesar , Martínez Cajas Carlos
Published: June 2018

Objetivo. Establecer la frecuencia de utilización de distintos esquemas cefalométricos para la caracterización de poblaciones humanas determinadas. Métodos. En las bases de datos de Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Bireme, Scielo, Ebsco, Ovid se realizó la búsqueda de estudios observacionales con resultados de los análisis de las características craneofaciales a través de cefalometrías analógicas y digitales. Tres investigadores de forma independiente, realizaron la búsqueda y la extracción de datos. Los parámetros evaluados incluyeron los análisis del maxilar superior, mandíbula, relaciones intermaxilares, basocraneal, patrón de crecimiento y dentario. Resultados. Fue realizada una búsqueda en 5 bases de datos de referencias bibliográficas. Como resultado se obtuvieron 18308 referencias entre artículos originales, libros, tablas de contenido. Se eliminaron: 12540 duplicados, 144 referencias que correspondían a documentos distintos a artículos científicos (resúmenes, índices, capítulos de libro), 5439 por título, 78 por resumen, 1 por criterios de selección y 45 por accesibilidad. Así entonces se realiza la extracción de datos a 61 artículos. Conclusiones. Los esquemas cefalométricos utilizados con mayor frecuencia en los reportes evaluados en su orden fueron Steiner, Ricketts, Downs, Mcnamara para la evaluación de tejidos duros; mientras que, Holdaway fue más utilizado que Legan y Burstone para el análisis en los tejidos blandos. La calidad de los estudios está sujeta a sesgos de selección, en consecuencia la capacidad de comparación de resultados es limitada
HABITOS DE ALIMENTACION EN MENORES DE 36 MESES DE EDADY SU RELACION CON LA CARIES DE INFANCIA TEMPRANA TIPO II
Authors: Salas Zambrano Andres , Pizano Viviana , Alvarado Guillermo , Díaz Ximena
Published: June 2018

Objetivo. Determinar la asociación de las prácticas de alimentación con la caries de infancia temprana tipo II en niños menores de 36 meses de edad. Métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico, de casos (122) y controles (296). Se entrevistaron a las madres de los menores, mediante encuestas con variables sociodemográficas y las prácticas de alimentación de los niños. Se usó consentimiento informado para padres de los menores. Se calcularon Odds Ratio de Mantel y Haenszel y sus Intervalos de  confianza al 95%,  usando chi2 y el test  exacto  de  Fisher. Resultados. El promedio de edad de los menores se encontró alrededor de los dos años de vida. Tanto en los casos como en los controles hubo más hombres que mujeres y la raza predominante fue la mestiza. El OR del uso del biberón fue de 1,14 p= 0.015, y tener una alimentación que combine la lactancia materna junto con alimentos sólidos tuvo un OR de 0,31 p=0.0001. La práctica de lactancia materna, la duración de la lactancia materna, el uso del chupo de entretención, el uso endulzado del chupo y la alimentación mediante taza o cuchara, no mostraron asociación con la CIT tipo II. Conclusiones. Uso de biberón, tener alimentación únicamente con alimentos sin haber tenido nunca lactancia materna, tener una dieta moderada y altamente cariogénica, mostraron asociación como factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de la CIT tipo II. Tener alimentación con alimentos en combinación con lactancia materna, mostró asociación como factor protector para el desarrollo de la CIT tipo II
TRATAMIENTOS Y COMPLICACIONES FRECUENTES EN LA CLÍNICA DE ANESTESIOLOGÍA Y CIRUGÍA ESTOMATOLÓGICA. FOULA 2011-2013
Authors: Duarte Maria De los Angeles , Tejada Andreina , Martínez Angelicca
Published: June 2018

Objetivo. Describir los tratamientos y complicaciones frecuentes del  paciente en la Clínica de Anestesiología y Cirugía Estomatológica de la Universidad de los Andes- Venezuela, con la finalidad de aportar datos estadísticos actuales para provecho del docente y del estudiante, orientándolos a una mejor planificación del tratamiento con un mínimo de complicaciones. Métodos. Se realizó una investigación  de tipo descriptiva, con un diseño retrospectivo y multivariable. Se empleó como instrumento de recolección una lista de cotejo; además se utilizó el sistema IBM SPSS Statistics 15.0 del año 2014. Se llevó a cabo un análisis descriptivo de los datos, lo cual permitió la realización de tablas que reflejaron la frecuencia absoluta acumulada y el porcentaje de las variables en estudio. Resultados. Se obtuvo que la exodoncia simple fue el principal procedimiento empleado (67,1%), seguido de la exodoncia por colgajo (17,8%), aplicándose para la anestesia mayormente las técnicas infiltrativa (46,2%) y cigomática baja (21,3%), con lidocaína (40%). Conclusiones. La frecuencia de complicaciones fue muy baja y al presentarse, fueron del tipo fractura de la misma pieza (0,9%), perforación sinusal (0,4%) o comunicación bucosinusal (0,5%); lo cual es reflejo de una práctica cuidadosa y de la aplicación de normas de control de infecciones, tanto por los estudiantes como por los profesores encargados de la supervisión del área