bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do anesthesia emergence times reflect resident training progression, educational competency, and operating room efficiency?
Authors: Miles Luke Fitzgerald , Hoffman Christopher Ryan , Granche Janeway , Green Michael Stuart
Published: August 2019

Background: Anesthesia residents are often subjectively and objectively deemed competent by their impact of cost-efficacy and perioperative metrics. Assessing knowledge acquisition and procedural skill is difficult to measure equitably. Inspecting tangible metrics of perioperative efficiency may or may not provide a source for reliable evaluation.
Methods: Retrospective case-log database review yielded 3072 surgical cases involving residents over five years. Primary variable investigated was the time from surgery completion to exit from operating room. Other variables recorded included day of week, attending anesthesiologist name, attending surgeon name, patient age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA PS), and in-patient versus day surgery status.
Results: After controlling for procedure duration time, in-patient status, ASA class, surgeon, and attending anesthesiologist, resident training time became highly significant (p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model, one year of resident training was associated with a reduction in emergence time by 28 seconds (95% CL = (12, 44)). A one-hour increase in procedure time was associated
with an increase in emergence time of 34 seconds (95% CL = (17, 50)).
Conclusions: Although a statistically significant correlation was demonstrated, the clinical significance is likely low given the relatively small amount of actual time saved. We question the value of utilizing perceived or measured perioperative metrics for evaluating anesthesia resident competency.
Influenza, Malaria parasitaemia and Typhoid fever Coinfection in Children: Seroepidemiologic Investigation in Four Healthcare Centres in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Anjorin AbdulAzeez Adeyemi , Babalola Shola R , Iyiade Oluwaseun P
Published: August 2019

Background : According to WHO, out of about one billion individuals usually infected with influenza virus, children from developing countries account for 99% of deaths due to related infections. There is dearth of clinical-epidemiological information on the trio of influenza, malaria, and typhoid fever co-infection in Nigeria. Similarity of their clinical symptoms coupled with lack of vaccine and all year-round circulation in sub-Saharan Africa cause serious paediatric morbidity and mortality. This study therefore investigated influenza, malaria and typhoid fever coinfection among children in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods : A sero-epidemiologic hospital-based study was designed. Blood from 364 children tested by RDT for malaria HRP-II/pLDH (Accessbio or Medicon BioCheck, USA) and typhoid (CTKBiotech, USA or Omega, UK) were screened by ELISA (Demeditec, Germany) for influenza virus specific IgM antibody. Descriptive statistics was used and p-values were determined with Chi-square.
Results : Demographic data showed median age of 3 (mean 3.8, mode 2, range 0-14) years. Out of the 364 samples tested, 76/364 (20.9%) were seropositive for influenza A virus. Of the 76 seropositive patients, 47/76 (61.8%) had malaria parasitaemia, 42/76 (55.3%) had typhoid, and 21/76 (27.6%) were co-infected with malaria parasitaemia and typhoid fever. Furthermore, 2/76 (2.6%) children having underlying health condition of sickle cell anaemia recorded influenza seropositivity. Ojo primary healthcare centre had the highest seroprevalence of 48.7% (37/76), age group 1-4 years recorded the highest seroprevalence of 55.3% (42/76), the highest serologic evidence of 61.8% (47/76) was detected among male children, while fever 27.6% (21/76) was the most common of all the clinical symptoms recorded. Although, the month of March had the highest seroprevalence of 20/76 (26.3%), seropositivity was recorded in all other months considered for this study.
Conclusions : We hereby report the first paediatric co-infection of influenza, malaria and typhoid fever with a percentage seroprevalence of 27.6% among all age group round the months. Low co-infection was however recorded in children having sickle cell anaemia. Annual vaccination is strongly recommended for children of all ages in order to prevent co-infection of influenza with other deadly diseases.
In vitro and in vivo efficacies of artesunate in the treatment of cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Wen LM , Lv GD , Zhao J , Lu S , Gong YH , Li YF , Zheng HY , Chen B , Gao HJ , Tian CY , Wang JH
Published: August 2019

Background: In this study, we aim to investigate the efficiency of artesunate (AS) in treating cystic echinococcosis (CE). Methods: Eosin staining and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were utilized for the evaluation of treatment efficiency. DHR123 method and comet assay were utilized to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and DNA damages. Results: Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that AS showed significantly higher anti-parasitic effects on CE compared to albendazole (ABZ), especially under in vitro conditions. AS could elevate the ROS level in the protoscoleces (PSCs), which resulted in obvious DNA damages. AS could significant improve the liver function in infected mice compared with the model group (P < 0.05). Moderate and high doses of AS could decrease the TNF-α content compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The content of H2O2 in hydatid fluid treated by AS showed significant decrease compared with the model group (P < 0.01), while the T-SOD level showed significant elevation compared with model group (P < 0.01). Conclusions: In this study, we confirmed that the effects of AS on PSCs may be related to the DNA damages induced by oxidative stress, which provided solid information for the research and development of drugs for hydatid disease.
Plastome phylogenomic and biogeographic study on Thuja (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Adelalu Kole F. , Zhang Xu , Qu Xiaojian , Landis Jacob B. , Sun Yanxia , Meng Aiping , Sun Hang , Wang Hengchang
Published: August 2019

Background: Investigating the biogeographical disjunction of East Asia and North America flora is the key to understanding the formation and dynamic biodiversity in the Northern Hemisphere. The small Cupressaceae genus Thuja, comprising five species, exhibits a typical disjunct distribution in East Asia and North America. Owing to the obscure relationships, the biogeographical history of the genus remains controversial. Here, complete plastomes were employed to investigate the plastome evolution, phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history of Thuja. Results: All plastomes of Thuja share the same gene contents arranged in the same order. The loss of an IR was evident in all Thuja plastomes, and the B-arrangement as previously recognized was detected. Phylogenomic analyses resolved two sister pairs, T. standishii-T. koraiensis and T. occidentalis-T. sutchuenensis, with T. plicata sister to T. occidentails-T. sutchuenensis. Molecular dating and biogeographic result suggest the diversification of Thuja occurred in the Middle Miocene, and the ancestral area of extant species was located in northern East Asia. Incorporating the fossil record, we inferred that Thuja likely originated from the high-latitude areas of North America in the Paleocene with a second diversification center in northern East Asia. Conclusions: The dispersal events attributed to the Bering Land Bridge in the Miocene and subsequent vicariance events accompanying climate cooling may have shaped the current geographic distributions of Thuja. Given most lineages of gymnosperm, including Thuja, have encountered massive extinction resulted from climatic oscillations, we here advocate that the potential effect of extinction should be re-evaluated in exploring the evolutionary history of gymnosperms.
The impact of vascular calcification among dialysis dependent south African CKD patients: A five year follow up study.Cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, ethnic variation and hemodynamic correlates
Authors: SIMBA Kudakwashe , BORKUM Megan , STRAUSS Nalene , BASERA Wisdom , SWANEPOEL Charles , FREERCKS Robert Jeremy , RAYNER Brian Lindsay
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND Vascular calcification is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). In Western countries, Blacks with ESRD appear to have lesser degrees of vascular calcification compared to non-Blacks. However, there is no published data on the association of ethnic differences in vascular calcification and survival in ESRD from Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS This study assessed 5-year changes in vascular calcification and mortality in a previously published cohort of patients with ESRD. Vascular calcification was assessed by abdominal aortic calcification score and vascular stiffness by pulse wave velocity. RESULTS Sixty-six of the original 74 participants, studied at baseline, were identified. The median age was 46.6 years (37.6-59.2) and 57.6% were women. Abdominal aortic calcification showed no progression among Blacks [baseline range 0-5, follow up range 0-8 (p=1.00)], but a non-significant trend to progression among non-Blacks [baseline range 0-19, follow up range 0-22 (p=0.066)]. Black participants did not display a survival advantage (p=0.870). Overall, sepsis was the most common cause of mortality (64% of those with an identifiable cause of death). Non-Blacks had higher parathyroidectomy rates than Blacks with 9/30 cases compared to 2/36 (p=0.036). After adjustment for parathyroidectomy at follow up, the odds ratio of having abdominal vascular calcification score of ≥1 amongst non-Blacks was 8.6-fold greater compared to Blacks (p= 0.03). Central aortic systolic pressures (CASP) and pulse wave velocities (PWV) were higher in the study population than age matched normative values. At follow up, a positive correlation (r=0.5) was observed between PWV and abdominal aortic calcification (p=0.047). Elevated baseline coronary artery calcification score and FGF-23 level at baseline were not associated with a difference in mortality. CONCLUSION There was no significant progression in vascular calcification among Blacks. After adjusting for increased parathyroidectomy rates, there was a greater progression of vascular calcification amongst non-Blacks compared to Blacks highlighting possible ethnic differences in calcium phosphate metabolism in patients with ESRD. Lack of vascular calcification progression in Blacks was not associated with improved survival, but the sample size was small.
Analysis of factors associated with local recurrence after endoscopic resection of gastric epithelial dysplasia
Authors: Back Min Kyung , Moon Hee Seok , Kwon In Sun , Park Jae Ho , Kim Ju Seok , Kang Sun Hyung , Sung Jae Kyu , Lee Eaum Seok , Kim Seok Hyun , Lee Byung Seok , Jeong Hyun Yong
Published: August 2019

Background : Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are widely used techniques for the treatment of gastric epithelial dysplasia. Previous studies have compared the clinical outcome of endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer, but few studies have focused on gastric dysplasia alone. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term prognosis following endoscopic procedures for gastric epithelial dysplasia, investigate differences in local recurrence rates according to the treatment modality, and identify risk factors associated with local recurrence. Methods : In this retrospective study, local recurrence rates and risk factors associated with local recurrence were compared between 599 patients who underwent EMR and 306 who underwent ESD for gastric epithelial dysplasia from January 2011 to December 2015. Results : The en bloc resection rate (32.2% vs. 100%, p<0.001) and complete resection rate (94.8% vs. 99.0%, p=0.003) were significantly lower in the EMR group than in the ESD group. The local recurrence rate was significantly lower in the ESD group (1.3%) than in the EMR group (4.2%; p=0.026). There was a significantly increased risk of local recurrence, regardless of lesion location or histologic grade, in patients with lesions >2 cm (p=0.002) or red in color (p=0.03). The ESD group had a significantly lower local recurrence rate, with a higher complete resection rate, than that in the EMR group (p<0.05). Conclusions : The complete resection rate was significantly higher, and the local recurrence rate was significantly lower, in patients with gastric epithelial dysplasia treated with ESD. Therefore, ESD should be considered the preferred treatment in patients with lesions >2 cm or showing redness due to an increased risk of local recurrence.
Determinants of pregnant mothers to bypass primary health facilities and directly seek postnatal care in hospitals in Dar es Salaam region – A Community health needs assessment, Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Hokororo Joseph Christopher , Eliakimu Eliudi S. , Ngowi Ruth , Mohammed Mohammed A. , Malebo Hamisi M. , Kim Sehyeon , Jigabha Nyambuli , Makupa Jackline , Salimu Fatuma , Mtesigwa Pauline , Kim Sukyung , Nkungu Daniel , Mawazo Akili
Published: August 2019

Introduction Dar es Salaam is the region with a large number of Primary healthcare facilities (dispensaries and health centres) outnumber the available hospitals. Although policies on referral system are available, there is a gap in terms of compliance and adherence to the governance system. Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients as compared to primary healthcare facilities, leading to poor quality of the healthcare services. The aim was to assess the needs of community members for primary healthcare services, as well as, to identify the reasons and determinants that influence mothers to bypass primary healthcare facilities.Methodology A cross-sectional study that assessed the determinants associated with pregnant mothers to bypass primary healthcare facilities in their healthcare needs. The study was conducted in Kinondoni, Ilala, Kigamboni, Temeke and Ubungo healthcare facilities in Dar es Salaam region. It targeted all postnatal women. A consecutive sampling procedure was used and a total of 544 of respondents were involved in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on: social demographic; Clinical factors of the mother; Health services; and provider’s factors that might contribute to the observed bypass. Data were analysed in levels of univariate, bivariate and multivariate using SPSS statistical package number 20.Results A total of 544 respondents were interviewed. Mothers who bypassed the primary healthcare facilities were 94%. After adjustment it was found that, those with income more than 1USD a day were (OR=4.27, CI=1.8- 15.4, P=0.01) more likely to bypass the primary facilities and go straight to the upper levels of healthcare facilities.Conclusions This study has found postnatal women in Dar es Salaam region are at high chance of going straight to the secondary and tertiary Hospitals without passing at primary healthcare facilities. Nine in every ten postnatal women were found to have by passed the primary healthcare facilities. Findings from this study reveals a strong and urgent need to strengthen primary healthcare facilities and as well implement the referral guidelines on all clients who seek health care to reduce the bypass.
Predictors of very preterm births (born between 23 and 29 weeks’ gestation) at a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan: additional multivariate analyses on data from primary cohort
Authors: Yakoob Mohammad
Published: August 2019

Objective: Previously, we have published univariate analyses on a cohort of all singleton very preterm infants (N=101) born between 23 and 29 weeks of gestation during January 01, 1998 to June 30, 2003 at The Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Our main objective was to extend these analyses to multivariate logistic regression models and report Odds Ratios (ORs) for univariate and multivariate analyses. All variables in univariate were included in multivariate models. Results: The survival incidences were 0% at 23, 16.7% at 24, 40.0% at 25, 30.0% at 26, 33.3% at 27, 68.8% at 28 and 83.9% at 29 weeks of gestation. In univariate analyses, gestational age, birth-weight and mode of delivery (Cesarean-section had higher survival compared to vaginal) were statistically significant predictors of survival (P≤0.001 each). Other variables that also included antenatal steroids did not achieve significance. However, in complete case multivariate analyses, only gestational age (per week) was associated with survival (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.1–5.5, P=0.03); birthweight and C-section were not associated-1.2, 0.88–1.6, P=0.26 and 2.4, 0.48–12.2, P=0.28. Antenatal steroid use, maternal age, year of birth, parity, history of preterm delivery, hemoglobin levels, complications and time of birth remained not associated.
Six memos for teaching Italian as a foreign language: Creativity, storytelling, and visual imagination in the language classroom
Authors: Sottilotta Elena Emma , Cannamela Danila
Published: August 2019

By combining pedagogical, linguistic, and literary perspectives on creativity, storytelling, and visual imagination with their application in the language classroom, this article proposes storytelling and creative writing techniques in teaching Italian as a foreign language (FL). The main objective of this contribution is to provide some concrete examples on how creative approaches can be incorporated in Italian language courses at different proficiency levels. Therefore, the procedures and the theoretical assumptions of three creative projects involving communicative means such as mimes and gestures, and technological tools such as Twitter and meme generators, will be illustrated in detail and put in relation to linguistic research on creativity.
Legume Cover Crops Provide Nitrogen to Corn During a Three‐Year Transition to Organic Cropping
Authors: Yang X.M. , Drury C.F. , Reynolds W.D. , Reeb M.D.
Published: August 2019

Crop yields are often lower during the “three‐year transition” period from conventional to organic production systems. This paper presents the results from an organic cropping trial which used summer‐seeded legume cover crops as the primary N source for corn in a corn (Zea mays L.)‐ soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr)‐ winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The cover crop treatments included crimson clover (CC, Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch (HV, Vicia villosa Roth subsp. villosa) and red clover (RC, Trifolium pratense L.). Also included were a conventional control (CKC, with synthetic fertilizers) and an organic control (CKO, no synthetic fertilizer) without cover crops. The objectives were to determine the N and C accumulation in the legume above‐ground biomass; the impacts of cover crops on residual soil mineral N (RSN) in late fall and on crop grain yields during the 3‐yr transition period. Compared to CKC, cover crops left less RSN (51 kg N ha−1 less) in the soil profile (0–90 mm) by late November. In early May before plow‐down, significantly more above‐ground biomass was found for HV (3313 kg C ha−1, 240 kg N ha−1) and RC (2766 kg C ha−1, 199 kg N ha−1) than for CC (1787 kg C ha−1, 119 kg N ha−1). In the three‐year transition period, average corn grain yields were 13.1 and 13. 0 Mg ha−1 for HV and RC which were similar (P = 0.05) to CKC (13.8 Mg ha−1) but greater than CKO (6.4 Mg ha−1) (P = 0.05). This study highlighted the effectiveness of using HV or RC as a primary N source for organic corn production in southwestern Ontario.

Core Ideas

Summer seeded legume cover crops decreased residual soil N in late fall.

Summer seeded hairy vetch & red clover grow well in the following spring.

Summer seeded hairy vetch & red clover were good N sources for corn in SW Ontario.
Agronomic and Economic Benefits of Rotating Corn with Soybean and Spring Wheat under Different Tillage in Eastern Canada
Authors: Gagnon Bernard , Pouleur Stephan , Lafond Jean , Parent Gaétan , Pageau Denis
Published: August 2019

Agronomic and economic performance of the corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation is well documented, but few studies have investigated the addition of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to this rotation, particularly at the northern limit of corn and soybean production in North America. A 6‐yr field study was initiated in 1999 on a clay soil in eastern Canada to identify the best crop rotation (continuous corn, continuous soybean, corn–soybean, corn–corn–soybean, corn–soybean–spring wheat, or corn–spring wheat–soybean) under moldboard plow (MP) and reduced tillage (RT) in terms of grain yield, soil aggregate distribution, and annual net returns. To isolate the effect of annual climatic conditions, all crop phases of each rotation were present each year for a total of 13 rotation sequences within each soil tillage practice. Corn grown in rotation had greater yield (+0.6 to +0.9 Mg ha−1) than continuous corn or second‐year corn regardless of soil tillage. Soybean grown once every 3 yr had consistently greater yields (+0.20 Mg ha−1) than continuous soybean. The addition of spring wheat in the rotation improved both corn and soybean yields compared with either continuously cropped. The RT management did not affect crop yield but increased the soil macro‐aggregation only when corn was present in the rotation. Economic analysis revealed that continuous soybean, the 3‐yr corn–soybean–spring wheat with wheat straw being sold, and the 2‐yr corn–soybean were the most profitable and most efficient rotations when averse risk is considered.

Core Ideas

Corn in rotation yielded 0.7 Mg ha−1 more than continuous corn, regardless of soil tillage.

Soybean grown once every 3 yr had consistently higher yields than continuous soybean.

Including spring wheat in the corn and soybean continuous cropping improved corn and soybean yields.

Reduced tillage did not affect crop yield but improved soil macro‐aggregation when corn grown continuously or in rotation.

Continuous soybean, corn–soybean, and 3‐yr rotation with corn, soybean, and spring wheat with wheat straw being sold were the most efficient economic rotations when considering the risk aversion.
Effects of Silicon and Zinc Nanoparticles on Growth, Yield, and Biochemical Characteristics of Rice
Authors: Kheyri Norollah , Norouzi Hossein Ajam , Mobasser Hamid Reza , Torabi Benjamin
Published: August 2019

Silicon (Si) and Zn are beneficial for improving plant growth and human health. Fortifying rice (Oryza sativa L.) with Si and Zn can correct deficiencies of these elements in humans who consume rice. The present study evaluated the effects of different Si and Zn application forms as nanoparticles (NPs) foliar application and soil application (traditional fertilizers) on agronomic performance, grain yield (GY), Si and Zn accumulation, and protein content in rice tissue. The experiment was performed as a randomized complete block design with a factorial set of treatments that included three Si treatments (0, soil‐Si, nano‐Si) and three Zn treatments (0, soil‐Zn, nano‐Zn) with three replicates in two experimental farms (Mazandaran, Iran). The results indicated that Si and Zn applications by both NPs (300 g ha−1) and soil application (9 kg Zn ha−1 and 392 kg Si ha−1) ameliorated the yield components, yield, and nutrient accumulation in rice plant tissue. Application of nano‐Zn, nano‐Si, soil‐Zn, and soil‐Si significantly increased GY by 12.6, 9.5, 9.2, and 6.9%, respectively, above the control. Application of Si and Zn through NPs had greater effects than soil form for some experimental parameters, such as fortification of rice grains. Overall, our results suggest that Si and Zn applications as NPs could increase GY, reduce fertilizer costs and environmental pollution, and enrich rice grains with Si and Zn through improving agronomic and physiological traits, leading to higher GY and nutrients accumulation in grain.

Core Ideas

Application of Si and Zn increased the agronomic parameters and grain yield.

There was no significant interaction among Si and Zn on grain yield.

The nano‐Zn foliar spray had better effects than soil‐Zn application for grain Zn accumulation.
A comparative analysis of value management practices between consumer and construction based firms
Authors: Ndu Vitalis , Agbaeze Emmanuel , Arisi-Nwugballa Emmanuel , Okwo Henry
Published: August 2019

The use of value management tools in non-management and non-business domains appears to be high, as exemplified by numerous studies conducted on the subject matter in the construction based disciplines, but understanding how such essential tool works in the consumer based domains seems lacking, this study becomes relevant in this regard. The aim of the study therefore is to understand how consumer based and construction based firms differ with regard to the use, focus and control of value management on a firm-by-firm basis, locational basis and on the basis of industrial typology. The researchers adopted a survey research design using a 16-item questionnaire instrument administered to 509 respondents across 10 firms: 5 being consumer and the other 5 being construction based firms. The formulated hypotheses were tested using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney’s U-test for non-parametric comparisons. The results obtained showed that consumer based firms ranked higher than construction based firms, both on a firm-by-firm (CSB = 256.9, CTB = 247.4, p@0.005; CSB=264.6, CTB = 234.3, p@0.011) for focus and control, respectively, and on an industrial type (CSB = 267.65, CTB = 235.93, p@0.017; CSB = 268.71, CTB = 234.33, p@0.009; CSB = 269.21, CTB = 233.58, p@0.007; CSB = 268.38, CTB = 234.83, p@0.011) comparison basis on actual usage, perceived usage, focus and control of value management, respectively. For the locational difference, there were no statistical significance. The study concludes that there is a case for a multidisciplinary study of value management as it appears more present in consumer than construction based firms.
Reprodução de Discursos Racistas em Textos de Discentes do Instituto Federal Farroupilha - São Vicente do Sul/RS
Authors: Costa Laís Braga , Lauxen Sirlei De Lourdes , Amaral Marcel Jardim
Published: August 2019

O presente artigo tomou por base textos produzidos por alunos do ensino médio do Instituto Federal Farroupilha, Campus de São Vicente do Sul, na disciplina de língua portuguesa. A questão central da discussão está baseada na análise sobre a reprodução de discursos racistas trazidos pelos textos dos discentes. Por se tratar de uma pesquisa social, é de natureza qualitativa conforme Minayo (2001). O texto discute a questão étnica no Brasil, a perspectiva política dos discursos e a realidade sociocultural da comunidade que compõe o IFFar. O aporte teórico foi constituído a partir de autores como Davis (2016), Freire (1996), Santos (2010), entre outros. Como conclusão apresenta-se a necessidade da discussão sobre racismo na escola para fomentar a empatia com os grupos étnicos não dominantes.
O Combate ao Tráfico de Drogas na Fronteira Brasil-Bolívia (2008-2012)
Authors: Castro Helena Salim de
Published: August 2019

O tráfico internacional de drogas é uma das principais ameaças de segurança para os países da América do Sul, em especial o Brasil e a Bolívia. O país andino é o terceiro maior produtor mundial de cocaína e o território brasileiro é uma das principais rotas de trânsito para as drogas enviadas à Europa, bem como, é considerado o principal mercado consumidor para a cocaína boliviana. O objetivo central neste artigo é analisar a cooperação entre o Brasil e a Bolívia para o policiamento do combate ao tráfico de drogas. O recorte temporal abarcará o período entre novembro de 2008, quando a agência antidrogas estadunidense, Drug Enforcement Admnistration (DEA), foi expulsa do território boliviano, o que gerou uma aproximação entre os governos brasileiro e boliviano, até o final de janeiro de 2012, quando foi estabelecido um acordo trilateral entre Bolívia, Brasil e Estados Unidos. Analisar-se-á os acordos, reuniões e operações realizados pelas autoridades e burocracias brasileiras e bolivianas responsáveis pelas atividades de fiscalização e repressão ao tráfico de drogas, a fim de compreender como ocorreu a relação bilateral Brasil-Bolívia.
Online monitoring and control of drinking water corrosion potential at a full-scale plant
Authors: Zraick F. , Cazin C. , Bedry S. , Andres M. , Rabaud B.
Published: August 2019

To mitigate pipe and water quality degradation in distribution, treatment targets were established to continuously control the corrosion potential of drinking water towards cement, lead and iron materials at a 225 MLD surface water treatment plant. Indicators were identified to estimate the corrosion potential of water for each of the 3 materials: the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) for cement, pH for lead and a novel corrosion index for iron. Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR) probes equipped with cast iron and lead electrodes provided direct and continuous measurements of actual lead and iron corrosion rates for finished water. Corrosion control was achieved by adjustments to caustic soda doses. The set-point for finished water pH was determined with a site-specific algorithm using online values for temperature, pH, and conductivity as surrogate for calcium and alkalinity. Over the 7 months of implementation, measured iron corrosion rates were maintained well below the established threshold of 50 μm/year. Lead corrosion rates varied from 20 to 40 μm/year with higher levels occurring when pH dropped below 7.5. The full-scale experience validated a treatment strategy and demonstrated the feasibility of using LPR probes for online monitoring of corrosion potential on drinking water matrices.
Chitosan and Quercetin: Potential Hand in Hand Encountering Tumors in Oral Delivery System
Authors: Rashedi Jalil , Ghorbanihaghjo Amir , Asgharzadeh Mohammad , Baradaran Behzad
Published: August 2019

:

Chitosan is a cationic polysaccharide and multi-potential polymer with the ability to interact with other
natural and synthetic polyanionic/polymeric compounds, with or without a cross-linking agent. It has been able to
composite nano-microparticles with a variety of features. This compound has the ability to carry quercetin, as an
anti-tumor subject, through the various epithelial systems and release in the sustained and controlled state to the
target site.

:

This paper reviews published studies on detailed physicochemical properties of chitosan and quercetin in the fight
against the tumor. This also focused on how the chitosan polymer interacts with other polymeric and polyanion
species in order to improve its efficiency to make a more suitable capsule or matrix for a variety of drugs, especially
quercetin, in oral delivery systems.
Outcome Prediction and Evaluation by Imaging the Key Elements of Therapeutic Responses to Cancer Immunotherapies Using PET
Authors: Bu Lihong , Sun Yanqiu , Han Guang , Tu Ning , Xiao Jiachao , Wang Qi
Published: August 2019

:

Cancer immunotherapy (also known as immuno-oncology), a promising anti-cancer strategy by harnessing
the body’s own immune system against cancer, has emerged as the “fifth therapeutic pilla” in the field of
cancer treatment since surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy. Clinical efficacy of several immunotherapies
has been demonstrated in clinical settings, however, only a small subset of patients exhibit dramatic
or durable responses, with the highest reported frequency about 10-40% from single-agent PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors,
suggesting the urgent need of consistent objective response biomarkers for monitoring therapeutic response
accurately, predicting therapeutic efficacy and selecting responders. Key elements of therapeutic responses to
cancer immunotherapies contain the cancer cell response and the alternation of inherent immunological characteristics.

:

Here, we document the literature regarding imaging the key elements of therapeutic responses to cancer immunotherapies
using PET. We discussed PET imaging approaches according to different response mechanisms underlying
diverse immune-therapeutic categories, and also highlight the ongoing efforts to identify novel immunotherapeutic
PET imaging biomarkers. In this article, we show that PET imaging of the key elements of therapeutic
responses to cancer immunotherapies using PET can allow for more precise prediction, earlier therapy response
monitoring, and improved management. However, all of these strategies need more preclinical study and clinical
validation before further development as imaging indicators of the immune response.
A Weighted Ensemble Model for Prediction of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Shashvat Kumar , Basu Rikmantra , Bhondekar Amol P. , Kaur Arshpreet
Published: August 2019

Background:

The ensemble building is a common method to improve the performance of
the model in case of regression as well as classification.

Objective:

In this paper we propose a weighted average ensemble model to predict the number of incidence
for infectious diseases like typhoid and compare it with applied models for prediction.

Methods:

The Monthly data of dengue and typhoid cases from 2014 to 2017 were taken from integrated
diseases surveillance programme, Government of India. The data was processed by three regressions
such as support vector regression, neural network and linear regression.

Results:

To evaluate the prediction error and compare it with different models, different performance
measures have been used such as MSE, RMSE and MAE and it was found that proposed ensemble
method performed better in terms of forecast measures.

Conclusion:

Our main aim in this paper is to minimize the prediction error; the resulting proposed
weighted average ensemble model has shown a significant result in terms of prediction errors.
Evaluation of Pusa Hydrogel for higher Productivity of Wheat in Bihar
Authors: PAL RAM
Published: August 2019

Water is considered as one of the most crucial inputs for agricultural production. Moisture stress at critical stages of growth badly hampers the yield in wheat. Pusa hydrogel (supper absorbent polymer: coated carboxymethyl cellulose) can maintain the optimum moisture level in the root zone and prevent the crop from moisture stress. A trial was conducted during Rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17 to evaluate the appropriate dose of it for getting a better yield of wheat in Bihar (Rohtas district), having three doses (0, 2.5 and 5.0 kg/ha hydrogel). The dose of 2.5 kg/ ha hydrogel recorded the highest estimates for all the traits under the studies, namely, grain yield (6120 kg/ha), biological yield (12356 kg/ha), spikes/m 2 (225.25), grains/ear (65.21), test weight (37.69 g) and harvest index (49.59 %). Spikes/ m 2 and test weight having, significantly superior scores over the control, seems to be the reasons behind the increase in grain yield due to the application of hydrogel. The economic analysis of the findings reflected that the highest B:C ratio (3.43) was recorded in T 2 (2.5 kg/ha hydrogel) , followed by T 1 (0 kg/ha hydrogel) (3.39) and T 3 (5 kg/ha hydrogel) (3. 04) which are about at par with each other. The high cost of the hydrogel may be a reason behind this, nullifying the benefit due to the increase in yield.
Enhancing Nutritional Value of Jute Leafy Vegetable through Ferti-Fortification
Authors: KUMAR MUKESH , MITRA S , NAIK M RAMESH , KUNDU DK
Published: August 2019

Micronutrient malnutrition is one of the serious health problems in the developing world. In India, about 230 million people are estimated to be undernourished, that account for more than 27% of the world’s undernourished population (Chakraborti et al., 2011).
Perspectives From Authors and Editors in the Biomedical Disciplines on Predatory Journals: Survey Study
Authors: Cohen Andrew J , Patino German , Kamal Puneet , Ndoye Medina , Tresh Anas , Mena Jorge , Butler Christi , Washington Samuel , Breyer Benjamin N
Published: August 2019

Background

Predatory journals fail to fulfill the tenets of biomedical publication: peer review, circulation, and access in perpetuity. Despite increasing attention in the lay and scientific press, no studies have directly assessed the perceptions of the authors or editors involved.

Objective

Our objective was to understand the motivation of authors in sending their work to potentially predatory journals. Moreover, we aimed to understand the perspective of journal editors at journals cited as potentially predatory.

Methods

Potential online predatory journals were randomly selected among 350 publishers and their 2204 biomedical journals. Author and editor email information was valid for 2227 total potential participants. A survey for authors and editors was created in an iterative fashion and distributed. Surveys assessed attitudes and knowledge about predatory publishing. Narrative comments were invited.

Results

A total of 249 complete survey responses were analyzed. A total of 40% of editors (17/43) surveyed were not aware that they were listed as an editor for the particular journal in question. A total of 21.8% of authors (45/206) confirmed a lack of peer review. Whereas 77% (33/43) of all surveyed editors were at least somewhat familiar with predatory journals, only 33.0% of authors (68/206) were somewhat familiar with them (P<.001). Only 26.2% of authors (54/206) were aware of Beall’s list of predatory journals versus 49% (21/43) of editors (P<.001). A total of 30.1% of authors (62/206) believed their publication was published in a predatory journal. After defining predatory publishing, 87.9% of authors (181/206) surveyed would not publish in the same journal in the future.

Conclusions

Authors publishing in suspected predatory journals are alarmingly uninformed in terms of predatory journal quality and practices. Editors’ increased familiarity with predatory publishing did little to prevent their unwitting listing as editors. Some suspected predatory journals did provide services akin to open access publication. Education, research mentorship, and a realignment of research incentives may decrease the impact of predatory publishing.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Technology Intervention to Support Postabortion Care (The FACTS Study Phase II) After Surgical Abortion: User-Centered Design
Authors: Gill Roopan Kaur , Ogilvie Gina , Norman Wendy V , Fitzsimmons Brian , Maher Ciana , Renner Regina
Published: August 2019

Background

Human-centered design is a methodology that applies an iterative participatory process that engages the end-user for whom an innovation or intervention is designed for from start to end. There is general evidence to support the use of human-centered design for development of tools to affect health behavior, but specifically for family planning provision. This study is part two of a three-phase study that uses a user-centered design methodology which uses the findings from Phase I to design, develop, and test a digital health solution to support follow-up after an induced surgical abortion.

Objective

The objectives for this study were to: (1) develop a Web-based intervention based on preferences and experiences of women who underwent an abortion as measured in the formative phase of the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Technology Intervention to Support Postabortion Care Study; (2) conduct usability testing of the intervention to determine user-friendliness and appropriateness of the intervention; and (3) finalize a beta version of the Web-based intervention for pilot testing.

Methods

The study design was based on the “development-evaluation-implementation” process from the Medical Research Council Framework for Complex Medical Interventions. This study is in Phase II of III and is based on user-centered design methodology. Phase I findings demonstrated that women engage with technology to assist in clinical care and they preferred a comprehensive website with email or text notifications to support follow-up care. In Phase II we collaborated with family planning experts and key stakeholders to synthesize evidence from Phase I. With them and a development partner we built a prototype. Usability testing was completed with 9 participants using a validated System Usability Scale. This was then used to refine the intervention for Phase III pilot study. This study was approved by the local Ethics board.

Results

We developed a comprehensive Web-based tool called myPostCare.ca, which includes: Post-Procedure Care, Emotional Well-Being Tool, Contraception Explorer, Sexual Health, Book an Appointment, and Other Resources. Additionally, over the course of a month after the procedure, automatic email notifications were sent to women as a form of virtual follow-up support, directing them to myPostCare.ca resources. The Web-based tool was refined based on usability testing results.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that user-centered design is a useful methodology to build programs and interventions that are women-centered, specifically for abortion care.
Evaluation of Mobile Apps Targeted at Patients With Spondyloarthritis for Disease Monitoring: Systematic App Search
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Ong Wei Jie , Xiong Mengfei , Leung Ying Ying , Phang Jie Kie , Wang Charmaine Tze May , Fong Warren
Published: August 2019

Background

There are many apps developed for patients with spondyloarthritis in the market, but their purpose and quality are not objectively evaluated.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate existing publicly available, high-quality apps that use validated measurement instruments for monitoring spondyloarthritis disease activity.

Methods

We conducted a review of apps available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store based on a combination of keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Validated disease activity measurement instruments were identified. Data regarding app characteristics, including the presence of validated disease activity measurement, were extracted. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to review the apps for user experience.

Results

A total of 1253 apps were identified in the app stores, and 5 apps met the criteria and were further analyzed. Moreover, 2 apps (MySpA and Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis App) contained some of the validated disease activity monitoring instruments for specific spondyloarthritis subtypes. These 2 apps were also rated good on the MARS (with total mean scores ≥4 out of 5), whereas the other apps scored poorly in comparison.

Conclusions

There are 2 high-quality spondyloarthritis disease activity monitoring apps publicly available, but they only target 2 spondyloarthritis subtypes—ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. There is a lack of high-quality apps that can measure disease activity for other spondyloarthritis subtypes, and no app that consolidates all validated disease activity instruments across subtypes was available.
MAĞAZA ATMOSFERİNİN MAĞAZAYA YÖNELİK DUYGUSAL YAKINLIK, MÜŞTERİ MEMNUNİYETİ VE TAVSİYE ETME DAVRANIŞI ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİNİN İNCELENMESİ: GİYİM SEKTÖRÜ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: ALTUNIŞIK Remzi , EMİNLER Osman , ESKİLER Ersin
Published: August 2019

Amaç:
Mağaza atmosferi, tüketim duyguları, memnuniyeti ve satın alma sonrası
eğilimler perakende mağazacılık sektöründeki temel kavramlar arasında yer
almaktadır. Mağaza yöneticileri eşsiz mağaza atmosferi unsurları ve buna bağlı
olarak sadık müşteriler yaratma eğilimindedir. Bu araştırmada, mağaza atmosferi, mağazaya duygusal yakınlık, müşteri
memnuniyeti ve tavsiye etme davranışları arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmak için
nedensel bir model geliştirerek alan yazındaki boşluğu gidermek amaçlanmaktadır.
Yöntem: Veriler anket yöntemi kullanılarak gönüllü
445 mağaza müşterisi tarafından sağlanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde, AMOS 20.0 paket programı kullanılarak
hipotezleri test etmek için yapısal eşitlik modelinden yararlanılmıştır. Bulgular: Bulgular, mağaza atmosferi ve mağazaya yönelik duygusal yakınlığın müşteri
memnuniyetini önemli derecede etkilediği belirlenmiştir. Mağazaya yönelik
duygusal yakınlığın tavsiye etme davranışı üzerindeki etkisinin müşteri
memnuniyetinin etkisinden görece daha yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca,
müşteri memnuniyetinin, mağazaya yönelik duygusal yakınlığın tavsiye etme
davranışı üzerindeki etkisini güçlendirdiği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

Sonuç: Sonuç olarak, mağaza atmosferi ve
mağazaya yönelik duygusal yakınlığın, memnuniyet ve tavsiye etme davranışıyla
ile ilişkili olduğu ve müşterilerin satın alma sonrası davranışlarının
şekillenmesinde önemli ölçüde etkili olabileceği görülmektedir.
YATIRIM PROJELERİ DEĞERLENDİRME YÖNTEMLERİNDEN NET BUGÜNKÜ DEĞER YÖNTEMİ VE İÇ VERİM ORANI YÖNTEMİNİN KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: ÖKTEM Begüm
Published: August 2019

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, yatırım projeleri değerlendirme yöntemlerinden paranın zaman değerini dikkate alan (dinamik) yöntemler olan net bugünkü değer yöntemi ve iç verim (karlılık) oranı yöntemi kullanılarak alternatif iki yatırım projesinden birinin tercih edilmesi durumunun incelenmesidir. Böyle bir seçimde net bugünkü değer ile iç karlılık oranı yöntemi farklı sonuçlar verebilmektedir. Bu durum uygulama üzerinden gösterilmiştir.Yöntem:  Bu çalışmada öncelikle temel kavramlar olan; yatırım kavramı ve yatırım (sermaye) bütçelemesi kavramları açıklanarak yatırım projeleri sınıflandırılmıştır. Ardından yatırım kararı alınmasında gerekli verilere yer verilerek, yatırım projesi değerlendirilmesinde kullanılan yöntemler paranın zaman değerini dikkate alıp - almamasına göre teorik olarak tanımlanmıştır. Yatırım projesi değerlendirme yöntemlerinden net bugünkü değer yöntemi ile iç verim (karlılık) oranı yöntemi detaylı olarak açıklanmış, bu iki yöntem teorik olarak karşılaştırılarak avantaj ve dezavantajlarına yer verilmiş ve ardından bir uygulama üzerinden karşılaştırılmıştır. Bulgular: Bu çalışmada yatırım projeleri değerlendirme yöntemleri kısaca açıklanarak, net bugünkü değer yöntemi ve iç karlılık oranı yöntemi arasındaki ilişki hem teorik olarak, hem de bir uygulama üzerinden gösterilmiştir. Uygulamayı anlaşılır kılmak için oluşturulan şekilde iki eğrinin kesişim noktası projelerin net bugünkü değerlerini birbirine eşit kılan verim oranlarını göstermektedir. Bu oran yaklaşık % 15,31’dir. Sonuç: Proje değerlemesinde kullanılan verim oranı (kabul edilen asgari karlılık oranı) %15,31 değerinden küçükse, B projesi tercih edilecektir. Ancak, kullanılan verim oranı bu değerden büyükse A projesi tercih edilecektir.
Listening to Story: Narratives Shared by Female Khmer Rouge Survivors
Authors: Hart Kathy E. , Hart Claudia
Published: August 2019

Accounts of conflict often ignore the plight of female survivors. In this paper, we explore the history of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge years focusing on the suffering of three females during these years along with their current outlook and support for education in their village. Situated against the history of the three specific time periods: the Khmer Republic Period, the Khmer Rouge Period, and the Vietnamese Period, the words of these women help us understand the personal toll behind numbers and facts. Reported using the Portraiture Approach with a feminist lens, their stories serve as a frame for understanding the female experience in current genocidal regions of the world.
Ethnicity and the Subjectivity of Malaysian-Chinese Diasporic Writers
Authors: Meng Qiao , Guanyu Qin
Published: August 2019

Diasporic writers are blessed with two cultures. Their choice of which culture to identify with may be promoted by social circumstances. During the 1970s and the 1980s when Malaysia prioritized the Malays and the Chinese were marginalized and reduced to an inferior position in the country, Malaysian-Chinese writers turned traditional Chinese culture into cultural capital to bring comfort and consolation for their community. Besides, they wrote to protest the country’s unfair treatment of the Chinese, lamented the aphasiac state of their fellowmen and defied the nation’s actualizing attempts to stifle the ethnicity of the Chinese. The Malaysian-Chinese writers’ choice of ethnic identity indicated that they were not passive targets to consent the power of the dominant discourse; and it highlighted their subjectivity as diasporic writers.