bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing Funding Rates for Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy Procedures in Ontario
Authors: Monakova J. , Wong J. , Blais I. , Langan A. , Ratansi N. , Morgan D. , Baxter N.N.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: This paper describes the funding rates established in Ontario to reflect best practices in hospital-based care delivery for these endoscopic procedures: colonoscopy, colonoscopy biopsy, gastroscopy, gastroscopy biopsy, and colonoscopy combined with gastroscopy. Methods: The funding rates are based on direct costs and were established using a micro-costing approach after receipt of inputs from 3 working groups and a review of the administrative data and literature, where applicable. The first group advised on nursing activities, time, and staffing ratios along the patient pathway for each of the procedures. The second group provided recommendations about the duration for each procedure, and the third group provided information about supplies and equipment, their use, and costs. Results: The resulting funding rates are $161.18 for colonoscopy and $151.08 for gastroscopy (without accompanying interventions), $16.06 for colonoscopy biopsy and $8.22 for gastroscopy biopsy (added to the respective procedures), and $207.26 for combined colonoscopy and gastroscopy. Detailed costs for each component embedded in the rates are also provided. Conclusions: The rates came into effect in April 2018. The process and outcomes described here allowed for a transparent pricing mechanism in which funding follows the patient, clinical expert consensus is the basis for practice, and providers and payers both understand the components.
Cost-of-Illness Study for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Using Real-World Data
Authors: Seung S.J. , Hurry M. , Hassan S. , Walton R.N. , Evans W.K.
Published: April 2019

Background: With recent advances in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and current fiscal constraints within publicly funded health care systems, understanding the real-world economic effect of lung cancer management has become important. The objective of the present study was to determine the costs and resources used in the management of nsclc cohorts in Ontario. Methods: Patients diagnosed between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2015 were identified in the Ontario Cancer Registry and linked to provincial administrative databases, capturing resources such as hospitalizations, cancer clinic visits, physician services, and systemic therapies or radiotherapy. A cost-of-illness analysis using a bottom-up approach and the GETCOST macro available at ices determined the overall total and mean costs in 2017 Canadian dollars. Resource utilization results were analyzed according to the total number of encounters per resource, the number of patients using each resource, and the number of encounters per patient. A separate cost-and-resource analysis was conducted for radiotherapy. Results: The 24,729 NSCLC patients identified included 4542 with stage iii unresectable disease and 10,103 with stage iv nonsquamous disease. The overall total cost for all nsclc patients was $1.9 billion, with inpatient hospitalizations ($635.2 million), cancer clinic visits ($323.7 million), and physician services ($301.4 million) being the top cost contributors. The mean cost per patient was $76,816. The total cost of radiotherapy was $38.5 million. Conclusions: Real-world costs for the management of nsclc during the 5-year period examined were substantial, despite the fact that median survival was poor and treatment information was limited.
Real-World Costing Analysis for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in British Columbia
Authors: Costa S. , Scott D.W. , Steidl C. , Peacock S.J. , Regier D.A.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for 30%–40% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Approximately 60% of patients are cured with standard treatment. Targeted treatments are being investigated and might improve disease outcomes; however, their effect on cancer drug budgets will be significant. For the present study, we conducted an analysis of real-world costs for dlbcl patients treated in British Columbia, useful for health care system planning. Methods: Patient records from a retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with dlbcl in British Columbia during 2004–2013 were anonymously linked across multiple administrative data sources: systemic therapy, radiotherapy, hospitalizations, oncologist services, outpatient medications, and fee-for-service physician services. Using generalized linear modelling regression, time-dependent costs (in 2015 Canadian dollars) were estimated in 6-month intervals over a 5-year period. The inverse probability weighting method was applied to account for censored observations. Nonparametric bootstrapping was used to estimate standard errors for the mean cost at each time interval. Results: The cohort consisted of 678 patients (5-year overall survival: 67%). Mean age at diagnosis was 64 ± 14 years; median follow-up was 3.2 years. Mean total cost of care was highest in the first 6 months after diagnosis ($29,120; 95% confidence interval: $28,986 to $29,170) and after disease progression ($18,480; 95% confidence interval: $15,187 to $24,772). Systemic therapy and hospitalization costs were the largest cost drivers. At each time interval, costs were observed to be positively skewed. Conclusions: Our results depict real-world costs for the treatment of dlbcl patients with standard chop-r therapy. Cost-model parameters are also provided for economic modelling of dlbcl interventions.
Real-World Outcomes of Nivolumab and Cabozantinib in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results from the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium
Authors: Stukalin I. , Wells J.C. , Graham J. , Yuasa T. , Beuselinck B. , Kollmansberger C. , Ernst D.S. , Agarwal N. , Le T. , Donskov F. , Hansen A.R. , Bjarnason G.A. , Srinivas S. , Wood L.A. , Alva A.S. , Kanesvaran R. , Fu S.Y.F. , Davis I.D. , Choueiri T.K. , Heng D.Y.C.
Published: April 2019

Objectives: In the present study, we explored the real-world efficacy of the immuno-oncology checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor cabozantinib in the second-line setting. Methods: Using the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) dataset, a retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) treated with nivolumab or cabozantinib in the second line after prior therapy targeted to the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) was performed. Baseline characteristics and imdc risk factors were collected. Overall survival (OS) and time to treatment failure (TTF) were calculated using Kaplan–Meier curves. Overall response rates (ORRS) were determined for each therapy. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to determine survival differences between cabozantinib and nivolumab treatment. Results: The analysis included 225 patients treated with nivolumab and 53 treated with cabozantinib. No significant difference in median OS was observed: 22.10 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 17.18 months to not reached] with nivolumab and 23.70 months (95% CI: 15.52 months to not reached) with cabozantinib (p = 0.61). The TTF was also similar at 6.90 months (95% CI: 4.60 months to 9.20 months) with nivolumab and 7.39 months (95% CI: 5.52 months to 12.85 months) with cabozantinib (p = 0.20). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for nivolumab compared with cabozantinib was 1.30 (95% CI: 0.73 to 2.3), p = 0.38. When adjusted by IMDC criteria and age, the HR was 1.32 (95% CI: 0.74 to 2.38), p = 0.35. Conclusions: Real-world IMDC data indicate comparable OS and TTF for nivolumab and cabozantinib. Both agents are reasonable therapeutic options for patients progressing after initial first-line VEGFR-targeted therapy.
Are Patient Education Materials about Cancer Screening More Effective When Co-Created with Patients? A Qualitative Interview Study and Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bashir N.Y. , Moore J.E. , Buckland D. , Rodrigues M. , Tonelli M. , Thombs B.D. , Bell N.R. , Isaranuwatchai W. , Peng T. , Shilman D.M. , Straus S.E.
Published: April 2019

Background: Patient education materials (PEMS) are frequently used to help patients make cancer screening decisions. However, because PEM are typically developed by experts, they might inadequately address patient barriers to screening. We co-created, with patients, a prostate cancer (pca) screening PEM, and we compared how the co-created PEM and a PEM developed by experts affected decisional conflict and screening intention in patients. Methods: We identified and used patient barriers to pca screening to co-create a pca screening PEM with patients, clinicians, and researchers. We then conducted a parallel-group randomized controlled trial with men 40 years of age and older in Ontario to compare decisional conflict and intention about pca screening after those men had viewed the co-created PEM (intervention) or an expert-created PEM (control). Participants were randomized using dynamic block randomization, and the study team was blinded to the allocation. Results: Of 287 participants randomized to exposure to the co-created PEM, 230 were analyzed, and of 287 randomized to exposure to the expert-created PEM, 223 were analyzed. After PEM exposure, intervention and control participants did not differ significantly in Decisional Conflict Scale scores [mean difference: 0.37 ± 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): −2.05 to 2.79]; in sure (Sure of myself, Understand information, Risk–benefit ratio, or Encouragement) scores (odds ratio: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.52 to 1.08); or in screening intention (mean difference: 0.09 ± 0.08; 95% CI: −0.06 to 0.24]). Conclusions: The effectiveness of the co-created PEM did not differ from that of the PEM developed by experts. Thus, PEM developers should choose the method that best fits their goals and resources.
Direct growth of few-layer graphene on AlN-based resonators for high-sensitivity gravimetric biosensors
Authors: Olivares Jimena , Mirea Teona , Gordillo-Dagallier Lorena , Marco Bruno , Escolano José Miguel , Clement Marta , Iborra Enrique
Published: April 2019

We present the successful growth of few-layer graphene on top of AlN-based solidly mounted resonators (SMR) using a low-temperature chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process assisted by Ni catalysts, and its effective bio-functionalization with antibodies. The SMRs are manufactured on top of fully insulating AlN/SiO2 acoustic mirrors able to withstand the temperatures reached during the CVD growth of graphene (up to 650 °C). The active AlN films, purposely grown with the c-axis tilted, effectively excite shear modes displaying excellent in-liquid performance, with electromechanical coupling and quality factors of around 3% and 150, respectively, which barely vary after graphene integration. Raman spectra reveal that the as-grown graphene is composed of less than five weakly coupled layers with a low density of defects. Two functionalization protocols of the graphene are proposed. The first one, based on a covalent binding approach, starts with a low-damage O2 plasma treatment that introduces a controlled density of defects in graphene, including carboxylic groups. After that, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) chemistry is used to covalently bind streptavidin molecules to the surface of the sensors. The second functionalization protocol is based on the non-covalent bonding of streptavidin on hydrophobic graphene surfaces. The two protocols end with the effective bonding of biotinylated anti-IgG antibodies to the streptavidin, which leaves the surface of the devices ready for possible IgG detection.
GMRT Low-frequency Imaging of an Extended Sample of X-shaped Radio Galaxies
Authors: Lal Dharam V. , Sebastian Biny , Cheung C. C. , Rao A. Pramesh
Published: April 2019

We present a low-frequency imaging study of an extended sample of X-shaped radio sources using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at two frequencies (610 and 240 MHz). The sources were drawn from a Very Large Array Radio Images of the Sky at Twenty-Centimeters (FIRST) selected sample and extend an initial GMRT study at the same frequencies of 12 X-shaped radio galaxies predominantly from the 3CR catalog (Lal & Rao 2007). Both the intensity maps and spectral index maps of the 16 newly observed sources are presented. With the combined sample of 28 X-shaped radio sources, we found no systematic differences in the spectral properties of the higher surface brightness, active lobes versus the lower surface brightness, or off-axis emission. The properties of the combined sample are discussed, including the possible role of a twin active galactic nuclei model in the formation of such objects.
Microcredit and Microenterprises Performance in Malaysia
Authors: Mustapa Wan Nurulasiah binti Wan , Al Mamun Abdullah , Anuar Nur Izzati binti Mohamad , Hayat Naeem
Published: April 2019

This study examined the effects of microcredit provided by Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) on the performance of microenterprises by the participants in Malaysia. This study adopted a cross-sectional design and the quantitative data were collected from a total of 387 borrowers of AIM. The findings revealed significantly positive correlations between microenterprises performances and economic loan, number of training programs, as well as hours of training programs. The multiple regression analysis further confirmed the positive and statistically significant effects of economic loan and number of training programs on the performance of microenterprises by the participants of AIM in Malaysia. However, the length of participation shows a negative effect on microenterprise performance. These findings highlighted the positive effect of microcredit on microenterprises performance such as access to credit, microenterprises' development training programs, and negative effects on the psychological aspect of the entrepreneurs by the microcredit availability and long-term credit. The government and development organisations in Malaysia should focus on designing fixable and diversified credit schemes with a watchful eye on the duration of the loan and training programs for the microenterprises in Malaysia.
Factors Affecting Loan Repayment Performance of Microfinance Institution Borrowers
Authors: Mohammed Akalewold Fedilu , Wobe Mesfin Hirpato
Published: April 2019

This study investigated the factors that affect the loan repayment performance of Omo Microfinance Institution borrowers at Wondo Genet Woreda, Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. The required data were collected from 225 borrowers of Omo Microfinance. Respondents were selected by a stratified random sampling technique. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis were used. The findings of the study revealed that 44.9% of borrowers in the study area did not repay the amount of money they borrowed as per credit schedules. The major factors that affect the loan repayment performance of borrowers were their sex, educational level, family size, borrowing experience, timelines of loan, repayment period and advisory visit.
Application of Neurogenetic Modeling in Optimization of Water Treatment Plant Based on the Temporal Monitoring of Water Input Quality
Authors: De Paulami
Published: April 2019

This article addresses methods to adjust operating requirements in water treatment plants (WTPs) in order to increase the efficiency of water treatment plants based on the nature of the water inflows into the systems. In the past, various studies have suggested that the quality of water inflow into the WTP has an impact on the efficiency and economic viability of operating treatment plants. Among all other quality parameters, the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) is one of the basic indicators about the overall quality of the water. Identification of a temporal pattern can help the engineers to adapt the WTP operations and can save the unnecessary wasting of plant resources. That is why the present article has proposed a new model that can predict the temporal patterns of various chemical parameters with the help of an analytic neuronal network. The model was applied to the case of a WTP that responds to a peri-urban catchment, leading to regular variations in the DO of water inflow. According to the performance metrics utilized the model was able to predict the temporal pattern at a lag of 1 hour.
News Presentation and the Third-Person Effect of Violent Video Games
Authors: Hong Seong Choul
Published: April 2019

The present study explored the relationships between the tone in news presentations and the third-person effect. It investigated whether news stories about violent video games changed viewers perspectives based on the positively or negatively portrayed messages presented by the media. Overall, this study examined how news stories encouraged or discouraged viewers from supporting government regulations of violent video game content. An online survey of 388 American adults served as the main source of data collection. The study found that presumed media effects decreased on both others and self when viewers were exposed to positively presented news coverage. Subsequently, their support for regulating violent video games was reduced. However, no changes were found in third-person perception. In addition, those who were exposed to negative news coverage showed no significant changes in their perceived media effects on self, others, and support regulations on video game contents.
Framework for the Discovery of Newsworthy Events in Social Media
Authors: Duarte Fernando José Fradique , Pereira Óscar Mortágua , Aguiar Rui L.
Published: April 2019

The new communication paradigm established by social media along with its growing popularity in recent years contributed to attract an increasing interest of several research fields. One such research field is the field of event detection in social media. The contribution of this article is to implement a system to detect newsworthy events in Twitter. The proposed pipeline first splits the tweets into segments. These segments are then ranked. The top k segments in this ranking are then grouped together. Finally, the resulting candidate events are filtered in order to retain only those related to real-world newsworthy events. The implemented system was tested with three months of data, representing a total of 4,770,636 tweets written in Portuguese. In terms of performance, the proposed approach achieved an overall precision of 88% and a recall of 38%.
The Unique Characteristics of the Horses for Humans Learning Purposes in Equine Assisted Learning Practice
Authors: Gehtmane-Hofmane Ilona
Published: April 2019

This article aims to encourage scientific discussion about one of the aspects of equine-assisted learning practice, the unique characteristics of the horse owing to how it is used in intervention programmes for human learning purposes. Equine-assisted learning is an innovative learning approach where human learning and development takes place through guided interactions between humans and horses. Although scientific interest towards human-horse interactions is becoming increasingly popular, evidence-based research has examined the relationship between humans and horses, and how such bonds may contribute to human learning and development is limited and lacks empirical support. This report provides a review of theoretical and empirical literature regarding the unique characteristics of the horse to find answers to the following - why are horses involved in intervention programmes for human learning purposes. As the result of the research, five main characteristics of the horse were put forward for critical discussion.
Navigating the Shortcomings of Virtual Learning Environments Via Social Media
Authors: Murugaiah Puvaneswary , Yen Siew Hwa
Published: April 2019

It is undeniable that the higher education landscape worldwide has changed with the emergence of virtual learning environments (VLEs). These systems offer learning space and resources for teachers and students regardless of time and place. Although they significantly contribute to the achievement of learning objectives and outcomes, their usage is generally limited. This article uncovers the shortcomings of the use of VLEs for language learning in several Malaysian institutions of higher learning. It also aims to highlight the use of social media in addressing the barriers. Adopting a qualitative approach, data were gathered via in-depth interviews. Employing the dimensions proposed by Chun, Kern and Smith, the hindrances related to VLEs were examined. The findings revealed that instructors faced obstacles linked to the technology, students' experience and expectations as well as language learning environment. Social media helped them in addressing these obstacles.
Critical Role for TCR Signal Strength and MHC Specificity in ThPOK-Induced CD4 Helper Lineage Choice
Authors: Zeidan Nabil , Damen Hassan , Roy Denis-Claude , Dave Vibhuti P.
Published: April 2019

Sustained TCR signaling is critical for ThPOK induction in MHC class II (MHCII)–signaled thymocytes leading to the CD4 helper lineage commitment. ThPOK suppresses the cytotoxic program in the signaled thymocytes and is shown to be necessary and sufficient for the CD4 helper lineage choice. Accordingly, loss and gain of ThPOK function redirects MHCII- and MHC class I (MHCI)–signaled thymocytes into the CD8 cytotoxic and CD4 helper lineage, respectively. However, the impact of a defined ThPOK level on the CD4 helper lineage choice of MHCII- and MHCI-specific thymocytes and the role of TCR signaling in this process is not evaluated. Equally, it is not clear if suppression of the cytotoxic program by ThPOK is sufficient in redirecting MHCI-restricted thymocytes into the CD4 helper lineage. In this study, we have investigated CD8 to CD4 helper lineage redirection in three independent ThPOK overexpressing transgenic mouse lines. Our analysis shows that one of the transgenic lines, despite overexpressing ThPOK compared with wild-type CD4 mature T cells and compromising cytotoxic program, failed to redirect all MHCI-signaled thymocytes into the CD4 helper lineage, resulting in the continued presence of CD8+ mature T cells and the generation of a large number of double negative mature T cells. Critically, the same ThPOK transgene completely restored the CD4 helper lineage commitment of MHCII-specific Thpok−/− thymocytes. Importantly, augmenting TCR signaling significantly enhanced the ThPOK-mediated CD4 helper lineage choice of MHCI-specific thymocytes but was still substantially less efficient than that of MHCII-specific thymocytes expressing the same amount of ThPOK. Together, these data suggest that the ThPOK-induced CD4 helper lineage commitment is strongly influenced by TCR signal strength and MHC specificity of developing thymocytes.
Records of rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from Gran Sasso and Cilento Parks, protected areas in Central and Southern Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Zanetti Adriano , Parisi Francesco
Published: April 2019

A list of 54 Staphylinid species from Parco del Gran Sasso and Parco del Cilento in the central-southern Apennines (Italy) is given. They were sampled by window flight traps, in 2013 and 2016, in areas for which general and botanical features are reported. For each species, distributional and ecological data are included. Atheta taxiceroides, Eusphalerum martinae, Philonthus mannerheimi, Quedius latialis, Q. riparius and Q. truncicola are the most remarkable species from a faunistic and ecological point of view.
TREATMENT PATTERNS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC-PHASE CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKAEMIA IN ROUTINE CLINICAL PRACTICE: THE SIMPLICITY ITALIAN POPULATION
Authors: Abruzzese Elisabetta , Sanassy Jodie
Published: April 2019

Background and Objectives

While tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have transformed CP-CML management, limited data exist on their use in clinical practice.

Methods

SIMPLICITY (NCT01244750) is an observational study in CP-CML patients, exploring first‑line (1L) TKI use and management patterns in the US and Europe. Over half of the patients recruited in Europe are from Italy (n=266). This is an analysis of the Italian cohort and a comparison with the rest of the European SIMPLICITY population. Baseline demographic, factors influencing choice of first-line TKI, response monitoring patterns and predictors of monitoring, and treatment interruptions, discontinuations and switching by index TKIs are presented for the Italian cohort in the first year of treatment and compared with that for the overall European SIMPLICITY cohort.

Results

Italian patients received 1L imatinib (IM; retrospective [(n=31]; prospective [n=106]), dasatinib (DAS; n=56) or nilotinib (NIL; n=73). Documented cytogenetic response monitoring by 12 months was lower than expected, but almost all patients had documented molecular response monitoring. Fewer patients discontinued first-line TKI by 12 months in Italy compared with the rest of the European SIMPLICITY population (p=0.003). Of those with ≥12 months follow-up since start of 1L TKI, only 7.1% (n=19) of Italian patients switched to a second-line TKI, a third less than in the rest of the European SIMPLICITY population. Of interest, intolerance as opposed to resistance, was the main reason for switching.

Conclusion

This analysis provides valuable insights into management and treatment patterns in Italian patients with CML within routine clinical practice.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION, LABORATORY ANALYSIS AND LINEAR GROWTH IN 50 NEONATES AND YOUNG INFANTS WITH ACUTE MENINGITIS: ONE YEAR EXPERIENCE OF A SINGLE CENTER IN QATAR
Authors: De Sanctis Vincenzo
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Meningitis occurs frequently in neonates and can lead to a number of acute, severe complications and long-term disabilities. Although, long term growth delay and abnormal weight gain appear to be risk factors following an acute attack of both bacterial and aseptic meningitis in children, especially during the fast phase of infantile growth, the long-term effects of acute meningitis occurring during the neonatal and early infantile periods on linear growth (length, weight and head growth) have not fully reported.

Aim of the study: The objective of this study is to describe the clinical presentation of neonates and young infants with acute meningitis with different etiologies and to determine the clinical impact of the effect of acute meningitis on growth parameters.

Material and methods: We analyzed the clinical data and the growth parameters of 50 newborns and young infants (age: 1.6 ± 0.9 month) admitted to our hospital (Al Wakhra Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Doha ,Qatar), between 1-1-2016 to 1-1-2017, with acute meningitis. Anthropometric measurements included weight, length, and head circumference. Length SDS (L-SDS) and body mass-index (BMI) were calculated and recorded at every clinic visit, every 3 months for 8 ± 2 months.

Results: In this age group of neonates and young infants with acute meningitis fever (84%) and hypoactivity (64%) were the major presenting manifestations. Acute bacterial meningitis (n: 10) was associated with higher morbidity [shock (n: 1), subdural empyema (n: 1) and hydrocephalus (n: 1)]. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations showed that infants with bacterial meningitis had significantly higher pleocytosis of mainly polymorphic leukocytes and protein levels, compared to those with aseptic meningitis

All infants showed normal linear growth and weight gain during the follow-up period (8 ± 2 months). The annualized growth rate of infants = 25.3 ± 3.5 cm per year. All had normal length standard deviation scores (LSDS) (-0.2 ± 0.9) and none of them had LSDS < -2. All infants had normal BMI (16.7 ± 1.8 kg/m2). Head circumference growth was normal in 49/50 infants (43.8 ± 1.8 cm) at 8 ± 2 months. One infant developed hydrocephalus after GBS meningitis. There was no statistical difference in linear growth between infants with aseptic and bacterial meningitis.

Conclusion: Acute bacterial meningitis in newborns and young infants is still associated with considerably high morbidity and complications. Infantile linear growth appears to be normal in all newborns and young infants with both bacterial and aseptic meningitis.
Seroprevalence of Toxocara canis in the city of Catania, Italy.
Authors: Nicoletti Alessandra , Cicero Calogero Edoardo , Mantella Antonia , Giuliano Loretta , Rascunà Cristina , Paradisi Vincenza , Bartoloni Alessandro , Zappia Mario , Sofia Vito
Published: April 2019

Toxocariasis is one of the most common helminthiases worldwide. However, there is a lack of data regarding Southern Italy. We have evaluated the seroprevalence and associated environmental factors of toxocariasis in a sample of adults living in the city of Catania.

Presence of anti-Toxocara canis IgG antibodies was searched using an ELISA test using excretory/secretory antigens. Environmental risk factors have beene valuated with a face-to-face questionnaire.

Two hundred eighty-seven subjects (mean age of 48.1±15.6 years) were enrolled, and presence of anti T. canis antibodies was found in 23 participants, of whom 18 (78.3%) were women with a mean age of 51.1±14.0 years, giving a seroprevalence of 8.0% (95%CI 5.4-11.7). At multivariate analysis a positive association for subjects with more than 3 siblings (adjOR 3.17; 95%CI 1.09-9.25) was recorded.

Our study confirms that exposition to T. canis is common also in urban areas of western countries.
Disabled people’s organisations and the disability movement: Perspectives from Burkina Faso
Authors: Bezzina Lara
Published: April 2019

Background: In Burkina Faso, the disability movement is rather weak, both in terms of funding and staffing – its range does not extend far outside the capital city and is largely dependent on international non-governmental organisations (INGOs). Despite the huge number of grassroots disabled people’s organisations (DPOs), many of these organisations do not function beyond the occasional meeting and celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The reasons for this are various, including dependency on external funding (such as from international organisations), lack of access to resources, being dependent on voluntary members, and lack of organisation.Objectives: This article looks at the functioning of – and politics governing – DPOs in Burkina Faso, their significance in the lives of people with disabilities and the challenges they encounter.Method: This article is based on research findings obtained through interviews conducted with people with disabilities, as well as INGOs working with people with disabilities and state authorities in Burkina Faso.Results: Evidence suggests that the farther people with disabilities are from the capital, the lesser are their chances of being heard and of being involved in decision-making. However, DPOs offer a haven for many, offering people with disabilities solace in meeting other members and finding a sense of belonging in these associations. Others give importance to the role of DPOs in raising awareness and human rights advocacy.Conclusion: Finally, the article raises the question as to what the future of DPOs in Burkina Faso might entail.
Rhizosphere to the atmosphere: contrasting methane pathways, fluxes, and geochemical drivers across the terrestrial–aquatic wetland boundary
Authors: Jeffrey Luke C. , Maher Damien T. , Johnston Scott G. , Maguire Kylie , Steven Andrew D. L. , Tait Douglas R.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Although wetlands represent the largest natural source of atmospheric
CH4, large uncertainties remain regarding the global wetland CH4 flux.
Wetland hydrological oscillations contribute to this uncertainty,
dramatically altering wetland area, water table height, soil redox
potentials,
and CH4 emissions. This study compares both terrestrial and aquatic
CH4 fluxes in permanent and seasonal remediated freshwater wetlands in
subtropical Australia over two field campaigns, representing differing
hydrological and climatic conditions. We account for aquatic CH4
diffusion and ebullition rates and plant-mediated CH4 fluxes from
three distinct vegetation communities, thereby examining diel and
intra-habitat variability. CH4 emission rates were related to
underlying sediment geochemistry. For example, distinct negative
relationships between CH4 fluxes and both Fe(III) and SO42-
were observed. Where sediment Fe(III) and SO42- were depleted,
distinct positive trends occurred between CH4 emissions and Fe(II) ∕ acid volatile sulfur (AVS).
Significantly higher CH4 emissions
(p < 0.01) in the seasonal wetland were measured during flooded
conditions and always during daylight hours, which is consistent with soil
redox potential and temperature being important co-drivers of CH4
flux. The highest CH4 fluxes were consistently emitted from the
permanent wetland (1.5 to 10.5 mmol m−2 d−1), followed by the
Phragmites australis community within the seasonal wetland (0.8 to 2.3 mmol m−2 d−1), whilst the lowest CH4 fluxes came from a region of
forested Juncus spp. (−0.01 to 0.1 mmol m−2 d−1), which also
corresponded to the highest sedimentary Fe(III) and SO42-. We
suggest that wetland remediation strategies should consider geochemical
profiles to help to mitigate excessive and unwanted methane emissions,
especially during early system remediation periods.
View from the Canoe vs. the View from the Ship: The Art of Alliance
Authors: Hill Rick
Published: April 2019

Histories of art and popular culture have made more familiar the inaccurate images of Indigenous bodies as they were fantasized from the perspective of what I am calling “People of the Ship”—Europeans. Yet, we appear to lack similar views from “People of the Canoe”—Indigenous artists. European images made me wonder: how did my ancestors, in their bark canoes, perceive the funny-looking people who arrived in the big sailing ships? Were their images of the newcomers equally distorted? This essay is about art and material culture that speaks to the relationship between the Haudenosaunee and Europeans.
Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil as an effective antifungal and herbicidal agent
Authors: Ben Kaab Sofiene , Rebey Iness B. , Hanafi Marwa , Berhal Chadi , Fauconnier Marie L. , De Clerck Caroline , Ksouri Riadh , Jijakli Haissam
Published: April 2019

In order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, great interest has been focused on environment-friendly biological control agents and botanicals that preserve biodiversity. In this context, our study aimed to assess the antifungal and herbicidal activities of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EO) to find an alternative to synthetic pesticides. The chemical composition of R. officinalis essential oil was determined by gaz chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). Results showed that R. officinallis EO was rich in monoterpenes and the major constituents were 1,8-cineole (54.6%), camphor (12.27%) and α-pinene (7.09%). However, under laboratory conditions, two tests were carried out. The first one consisted on the study of EO antifungal activity using ELISA microplates and the second one consisted on evaluating the effect of EO on seedling growth of weeds. It was confirmed that this EO significantly inhibits spore germination of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium culmorum, Penicillium italicum and at 6 mM, the percentage of inhibition reached 100% on Fusarium oxysporum. Indeed, EO slows down seedling growth of Trifolium incarnatum, Silybum marianum, and Phalaris minor. In fact, EO at 5 mM completely inhibits seed germination. On the other hand, another experiment was carried out to evaluate the herbicidal activity by spraying EO on weeds. This showed that a novel herbicide formulation was set up for the first time to improve the activity of R. officinalis EO on post-emergence. Overall, R. officinalis EO can be suggested as a potential eco-friendly pesticide and suitable source of natural compounds potentially usable as natural pesticides.
Gentrificación, clase y capital cultural transformaciones económicas y socioculturales en barrios pericentrales de Santiago de Chile
Authors: Marín Hernán , Ruiz-Tagle Javier , López-Morales Ernesto , Orozco Hernán , Monsalves Sadia
Published: April 2019

Las descripciones socioculturales de la gentrificación en Santiago se han concentrado en el «nuevo habitante», sus estilos de vida y la oferta cultural y comercial asociada, pero sin acercarse a alguna variable explicativa. Este artículo pretende abordar las transformaciones socioculturales de estos barrios, no solo describiendo los síntomas de las luchas simbólicas observadas (prácticas y consumo cultural), sino profundizando sobre sus factores estructurantes. A partir de una encuesta en cuatro barrios pericentrales, un Análisis de Correspondencias Múltiples (ACM) y un análisis de respuestas abiertas, se observaron importantes diferenciaciones en preferencias y gustos culturales, marcadas por variables como la edad y el nivel socioeconómico, lo cual enfatiza el rol de factores culturales en la «presión de desplazamiento», dentro de un proceso de gentrificación.
El rol de las pioneras en el proceso de difusión de la primera cohabitación en España
Authors: Thaís García-Pereiro
Published: April 2019

En este artículo se identifican las etapas del proceso de difusión que han experimentado las primeras cohabitaciones en España, considerando la generación, el período de formación de la pareja, el nivel educativo y el nacimiento de un hijo como elementos clave para la lectura del proceso dentro de un contexto metodológico de riesgos competitivos (matrimonio o cohabitación como primera unión). Los resultados muestran una rápida difusión de la cohabitación como primera unión en España, que se inicia con las mujeres que formaron la unión entre 1980 y 1989 y se extiende siguiendo una orientación que va del alto al bajo.
Fitting of Probability Distribution on the Post-Monsoon Rainfall of Different Locations in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Habibur
Published: April 2019

Different probability distributions of post-monsoon rainfall of different locations in Bangladesh are fitted. It is found that, for the data, Weibull distribution for Barisal, Bogra, Chittagong, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, Maijdi Court, Mymensingh, Satkhira, and Sylhet; the Gamma distribution for Dhaka, Ishurdi, Rangamati, Rangpur, and Srimangal based on graphical assessment and goodness-of-fit criterion. In this study, different probability distributions have been fitted for the data of post-monsoon precipitation for 17 different locations in Bangladesh over the period 1961-2014.
Self-Regulation Strategies in an Engineering Design Project
Authors: Lawanto Oenardi , Febrian Andreas , Butler Deborah , Mina Mani
Published: April 2019

Models of self-regulation describe how individuals engage deliberately and reflectively in goal-directed action in order to achieve valued goals. Studies have found that the consistent use of self-regulation in an academic setting is highly correlated with student achievement. Self-regulation plays a critical role in problem-solving, particularly when unraveling ill-structured problems as is required in engineering design. The primary research question: How did engineering students perceive their self-regulation activities while engaged in a design project? A total of 307 students from three higher education institutions working on their capstone engineering design projects participated in the study. The study evaluated students’ self-regulation in relation to both design and project management skills. We used a self-regulation in engineering design questionnaire (EDMQ) to assess students’ approaches to self-regulation. Quantitative data were analyzed in two parts using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings suggested that: (1) Students focused more consistently on task interpretation than other self-regulatory strategies, particularly during design; (2) Students lacked awareness of the essential need to develop a method to assess the design deliverables; (3) Self-regulation gaps were found during early design phases, but as the design process progressed, a more balanced approach to self-regulation was apparent. Given the importance of task interpretation to successful performance, students attended to identifying tasks during both the design process and project management. However, they did not report engaging in planning, implementing, and monitoring and fix-up strategies as consistently, even when those processes were relevant and called for. Implications are drawn for research, theory, and practice.
Barras Bravas: Youth Violence in Football Crowds at School
Authors: Bermúdez-Aponte José J. , Buitrago-Medina John A. , Ávila-Martínez Bibiana , Ortiz-Mora Abel J.
Published: April 2019

This article results from the analysis of the phenomenon of barras bravas (violent supporter groups) in football and its influence in school coexistence at three public educational institutions in Bogotá. The methodology of the study was mixed with a concurrent triangulation design (DITRIAC), hence diverse instruments were employed to verify the findings and cross-validate quantitative and qualitative data. The information obtained from a survey applied to 300 students was complemented with life histories, field notes and a document review of the institutional reports on school coexistence. The study revealed that violence emerges as a consequence of the participation in barras bravas, whose members attend the institutions where this research was conducted. The discussion reflects how important it is to vindicate the role of the school within the framework of public policies which both integrate youth dynamics and articulate programs and projects suitable for the Colombian context.
Smoking by High School Students in Kosovo
Authors: Shatri Zamira Gashi , Shatri Jeton
Published: April 2019

Adolescence is a critical age of change and experiencing, so the influence of social factors in it is very important. The main focus of this research is precisely the elaboration of a negative phenomenon that is very expressed to Kosovar youth, such as smoking. The purpose of the paper is to present how much smoking is present, the factors that influence how much they are aware of the damage they cause, and to make a comparison between the students of two high schools about smoking. Quantitative research was conducted in two high schools in Kosovo including students aged 15-18, both sexes. The realization of the research is done directly with the students. We used the method of theoretical analysis, comparative method and statistical method, as well as questionnaire technique. The main factors affecting smoking are the society, the family, and the personal, also other problems. Based on our research, we can say that this phenomenon is not as worrying as a small number of people consume smoking dominating more males than females. The family (parents) according to them are the main responsibility for preventing this negative phenomenon, then health services, and fewer schools and society.
A Correcting Note on Forecasting Conditional Variance Using ARIMA vs. GARCH Model
Authors: Azimi Mohammad Naim , Shahidzada Seyed Farhad
Published: April 2019

In this study, we demonstrate that a common approach in using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model is not efficient to forecast all types of time series data and most specially, the out-of-sample forecasting of the time series that exhibits clustering volatility. This gap leads to introduce a competing model to catch up with the clustering volatility and conditional variance for which, we empirically document the efficient and lower error use of the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity model instead.
Above-ground Biomass Recovery in Managed Tropical Forest in the Jari Valley, Eastern Amazon
Authors: Santos Adriano Castelo dos , Sotta Eleneide Doff , Guedes Marcelino Carneiro , Blanc Lilian
Published: April 2019

Tropical forests play an important role in maintaining the regional rainfall regime and global climate, besides representing a significant stock of carbon. This study aimed at evaluate above-ground biomass (AGB) recovery, after reduced-impact logging (RIL) in a managed forest on the Jari River valley. The data were collected in 15 plots (100 m × 100 m) in the management area of the Jari Florestal Company. To estimate AGB we used a local equation adjusted for forests in the eastern Amazon. AGB before logging ranged from 157.9 Mg ha-1 to 619.9 Mg ha-1, with an average of 362.5 Mg ha-1. AGB after logging ranged from 151.2 Mg ha-1 to 632.8 Mg ha-1, with an average of 322.4 Mg ha-1. The time of monitoring of the plots and logging intensity were the main factors that influenced the recovery of the AGB. In 12 years after the RIL, the forest was able to recover its initial stocks of AGB, in places of low exploitation intensity.
Synchronism of Production and Degradation of Litter in Fragment of Dry Tropical Forest in Paraiba, Brazil
Authors: Morais Yasmim Yathiara Gomes Araújo , Souto Patrícia Carneiro , Justino Sérvio Túlio Pereira , Nunes Valdirene Henrique , Monte Anderlon Arrais de Moraes , Souto Jacob Silva , Borges César Henrique Alves
Published: April 2019

The litter is an important way of returning the organic matter to the soil, through the cycling of the nutrients, aiding in the development of the vegetation present in the ecosystems. The study aimed to estimate the spatio-temporal variation of deposition, accumulation and decomposition of the litter present in the preserved caatinga vegetation, located in the RPPN Fazenda Tamanduá in Santa Terezinha-PB, Brazil and the interference of climatic variables in the dynamics of these events. The research was conducted at RPPN Fazenda Tamanduá, in Santa Terezinha-PB, Brazil. The deposition of litter on 20 collectors of 1.0 m × 1.0 m was collected monthly in two periods: period I (August/2015 to July/2016) and period II (August/2016 to July/2017), the collected material was separated into leaves, branches + barks, reproductive and miscellaneous fractions. To estimate the rate of decomposition the litter accumulated on the forest floor was quantified using a 0.5 m × 0.5 m metal frame. The deposition of the total litter in periods I and II was 2,356.83 kg ha-1 and 1,163.67 kg ha-1, respectively. The leaf fraction was the one that contributed the most during the two collection periods. The analysis of the data allowed to conclude that the total litter deposition in the two periods is in line with the average production for the Caatinga. The increase in precipitation provided higher deposition of litter after the rainy season. Due to several factors, the decomposition of litter in the caatinga is slower than in other biomes.
Macronutrient Suppression in Nutrient Solution Alters the Growth and Citral Content of Cymbopogon flexuosus
Authors: Lopes Vauvenargues , Carvalho Alexandre Alves de , Bertolucci Suzan Kelly Vilela , Roza Heitor Luiz Heiderich , Figueiredo Felipe Campos , Pinto José Eduardo Brasil Pereira
Published: April 2019

Cymbopogon flexuosus Stapf is a medicinal species cultivated on several continents. The essential oil extracted from its leaves has relevant commercial value and is widely used in flavoring agents, fragrances, perfumery, cosmetics, soaps, and detergents as well as in the pharmaceutical industry. This study evaluated the effect of macronutrient suppression on the growth, visual diagnosis, content, and chemical composition of C. flexuosus essential oil in a hydroponic culture. A completely randomized design with four replicates was used, with three plants per pot in each replicate. The treatments were characterized by suppressing the macronutrients, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S, under the missing element technique. After 90 days of cultivation, the deficiency symptoms were photographed and characterized. The dry biomass of the roots and shoot, root-to-shoot ratio, number of tillers, leaf analysis, content, yield, and chemical composition of the essential oil were evaluated. Macronutrient suppression in a hydroponic culture influenced growth and chemical composition of C. flexuosus essential oil. Total biomass production was more limited in potassium and magnesium omission. Suppressing sulfur promoted an increase in content and yield of essential oil. The highest citral content was observed in phosphorus and nitrogen omission.