bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of Women in Academic Anesthesiology: A 10-Year Update
Authors: Bissing Martha A. , Lange Elizabeth M. S. , Davila Wilmer F. , Wong Cynthia A. , McCarthy Robert J. , Stock M. Christine , Toledo Paloma
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND:

Gender inequity is still prevalent in today’s medical workforce. Previous studies have investigated the status of women in academic anesthesiology. The objective of this study is to provide a current update on the status of women in academic anesthesiology. We hypothesized that while the number of women in academic anesthesiology has increased in the past 10 years, major gender disparities continue to persist, most notably in leadership roles.

METHODS:

Medical student, resident, and faculty data were obtained from the Association of American Medical Colleges. The number of women in anesthesiology at the resident and faculty level, the distribution of faculty academic rank, and the number of women chairpersons were compared across the period from 2006 to 2016. The gender distribution of major anesthesiology journal editorial boards and data on anesthesiology research grant awards, among other leadership roles, were collected from websites and compared to data from 2005 and 2006.

RESULTS:

The number (%) of women anesthesiology residents/faculty has increased from 1570 (32%)/1783 (29%) in 2006 to 2145 (35%)/2945 (36%) in 2016 (P = .004 and P < .001, respectively). Since 2006, the odds that an anesthesiology faculty member was a woman increased approximately 2% per year, with an estimated odds ratio of 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.014–1.025; P < .001). In 2015, the percentage of women anesthesiology full professors (7.4%) was less than men full professors (17.3%) (difference, −9.9%; 95% confidence interval of the difference, −8.5% to −11.3%; P < .001). The percentage of women anesthesiology department chairs remained unchanged from 2006 to 2016 (12.7% vs 14.0%) (P = .75). To date, neither Anesthesia & Analgesia nor Anesthesiology has had a woman Editor-in-Chief. The percentage of major research grant awards to women has increased significantly from 21.1% in 1997–2007 to 31.5% in 2007–2016 (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

Gender disparities continue to exist at the upper levels of leadership in academic anesthesiology, most importantly in the roles of full professor, department chair, and journal editors. However, there are some indications that women may be on the path to leadership parity, most notably, the growth of women in anesthesiology residencies and faculty positions and increases in major research grants awarded to women.
Continuous Popliteal-Sciatic Blocks for Postoperative Analgesia: Traditional Proximal Catheter Insertion Superficial to the Paraneural Sheath Versus a New Distal Insertion Site Deep to the Paraneural Sheath
Authors: Sztain Jacklynn F. , Finneran John J. , Monahan Amanda M. , Khatibi Bahareh , Nguyen Patrick L. , Madison Sarah J. , Bellars Richard H. , Gabriel Rodney A. , Ahmed Sonya S. , Schwartz Alexandra K. , Kent William T. , Donohue Michael C. , Padwal Jennifer A. , Ilfeld Brian M.
Published: August 2018

We tested the hypothesis that during a continuous popliteal-sciatic nerve block, postoperative analgesia is improved with the catheter insertion point “deep” to the paraneural sheath immediately distal to the bifurcation between the tibial and common peroneal branches, compared with the traditional approach “superficial” to the paraneural sheath proximal to the bifurcation. The needle tip location was determined to be accurately located with a fluid bolus visualized with ultrasound; however, catheters were subsequently inserted without a similar fluid injection and visualization protocol (visualized air injection was permitted and usually implemented, but not required per protocol). The average pain (0–10 scale) the morning after surgery for subjects with a catheter inserted at the proximal subparaneural location (n = 31) was a median (interquartile) of 1.5 (0.0–3.5) vs 1.5 (0.0–4.0) for subjects with a catheter inserted at the distal supraparaneural location (n = 32; P = .927). Secondary outcomes were similarly negative.
Exercise is Medicine for Concussion
Authors: Leddy John J. , Haider Mohammad N. , Ellis Michael , Willer Barry S.
Published: August 2018

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a physiological brain injury that produces cerebral and systemic effects, including exercise intolerance. Exercise intolerance after concussion is believed to be the result of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Ventilation is inappropriately low for the level of exercise intensity, raising arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. Elevated PaCO2increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) out of proportion to exercise intensity, which is associated with symptoms that limit exercise performance. Thus, elevated exercise PaCO2may signal incomplete recovery from SRC. This article reviews recent observational and experimental data and presents the evidence that subthreshold aerobic exercise normalizes the cerebrovascular physiological dysfunction and is “medicine” for patients with concussion and persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS). It discusses the systematic evaluation of exercise tolerance after concussion using the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) and reviews the utility of the Buffalo Concussion Bike Test (BCBT), the data from which are used to establish an individualized heart rate “dose” of subthreshold exercise to safely speed recovery, which also may work in the acute recovery phase after SRC with the potential to reduce the incidence of PPCS. Evaluation and treatment approaches based on the physiology of concussion suggest that exercise is medicine for concussion, potentially adding a new dimension to concussion care to help safely speed recovery and prevent PPCS in some patients.
Beblue: mobile payment aplicado ao cashback
Authors: Cernev Adrian Kemmer , Sarvasi Julie Costa
Published: August 2018

A Beblue é uma fintech que iniciou sua operação em maio de 2016, no segmento de fidelidade de clientes, oferecendo uma solução de cashback para estabelecimentos físicos. A empresa atuava inicialmente no interior de São Paulo e posteriormente expandiu suas operações para metrópoles brasileiras, alcançando 600 mil usuários ativos. Durante o período de expansão, ganhou sua primeira concorrente direta, já atuante em cashback por comércio eletrônico. Para realizar transações de cashback, a Beblue utiliza terminais de captura nos pontos de venda, contudo, após um ano de operação, seus executivos não estavam satisfeitos com essa tecnologia e cogitavam implementar mobile payment como alternativa para seu modelo de negócio.
Ελεφαντοσχέινο κτένι με τις προσωποποιήσεις της Ρώμης και της Κωνσταντινούπολης
Authors: Βαραλής Ιωάννης Δ.
Published: August 2018

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη.
Η Αποκοιμισμένη Γυναίκα: μια ανάγνωση
Authors: Παίσιος Νίκος Π.
Published: August 2018

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη.
Πρόλογος
Authors: Δεληβορριάς Άγγελος
Published: August 2018

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη.
Missing the point: are journals using the ideal number of decimal places?
Authors: Barnett Adrian G
Published: August 2018

Background: The scientific literature is growing in volume and reducing in readability. Poorly presented numbers decrease readability by either fatiguing the reader with too many decimal places, or confusing the reader by not using enough decimal places, and so making it difficult to comprehend differences between numbers. There are guidelines for the ideal number of decimal places, and in this paper I examine how often percents meet these guidelines.

Methods: Percents were extracted from the abstracts of research articles published in 2017 in 23 selected journals. Percents were excluded if they referred to a statistical interval, typically a 95% confidence interval. Counts and percents were calculated for the number of percents using too few or too many decimal places, and these percents were compared between journals.

Results: The sample had over 43,000 percents from around 9,500 abstracts. Only 55% of the percents were presented according to the guidelines. The most common issue was using too many decimal places (33%), rather than too few (12%). There was a wide variation in presentation between journals, with the range of ideal presentation from a low of 53% (JAMA) to a high of 80% (Lancet Planetary Health).

Conclusions: Many percents did not adhere to the guidelines on using decimal places. Using the recommended number of decimal places would make papers easier to read and reduce the burden on readers, and potentially improve comprehension. It should be possible to provide automated feedback to authors on which numbers could be better presented.
Relationship between levels of the heavy metals lead, cadmium and mercury, and metallothionein in the gills and stomach of Crassostrea iredalei and Crassostrea glomerata
Authors: Hertika Asus Maizar Suryanto , Kusriani Kusriani , Indrayani Erlinda , Nurdiani Rahmi , Putra Renanda B. D. S.
Published: August 2018

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, and Cd) and metallothionein (MT) in the gills and stomach of two species of mussels (Crassostrea iredalei and Crassostrea glomerata), and to observe the ability of the mussels to absorb the heavy metals Pb, Hg and Cd present in the water.

Methods: The mussels were obtained from Mayangan, Kenjeran and Gresik ports, East Java, Indonesia. MT levels were determined using ELISA. Heavy metal levels of Pb, Hg and Cd were assayed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results: The levels of Pb and Cd in water were below the maximum permissible levels for local water quality standards. By contrast, the level of Hg in the water was above the maximum permissible levels for water quality standards. At Mayangan Port (Station 1), the level of Pb was higher than Hg and Cd. Levels of MT and heavy metals varied greatly among of C. iredalei and C. glomerata individuals, but were always higher in the gills than in the stomach. The highest MT level (160,250 ng/g) was observed at Kenjeran Port (Station 2). MT levels were shown to be significantly associated with heavy metal level (P<0.0001).

Conclusions: This result indicates that MT may be responsible for the sequestration of these heavy metals, as has already been observed in terrestrial animals.
Copycat Layout: Network layout alignment via Cytoscape Automation
Authors: Settle Brett , Otasek David , Morris John H , Demchak Barry
Published: August 2018

The copycatLayout app is a network-based visual differential analysis tool that improves upon the existing layoutSaver app and is delivered pre-installed with Cytoscape, beginning with v3.6.0. LayoutSaver cloned a network layout by mapping node locations from one network to another based on node attribute values, but failed to clone view scale and location, and provided no means of identifying which nodes were successfully mapped between networks. Copycat addresses these issues and provides additional layout options.

With the advent of Cytoscape Automation (packaged in Cytoscape v3.6.0), researchers can utilize the Copycat layout and its output in workflows written in their language of choice by using only a few simple REST calls. Copycat enables researchers to visually compare groups of homologous genes, generate network comparison images for publications, and quickly identify differences between similar networks at a glance without leaving their script. With a few extra REST calls, scripts can discover nodes present in one network but not in the other, which can feed into more complex analyses (e.g., modifying mismatched nodes based on new data, then re-running the layout to highlight additional network changes).
Analysis of a large food chemical database: chemical space, diversity, and complexity
Authors: Naveja J. Jesús , Rico-Hidalgo Mariel P. , Medina-Franco José L.
Published: August 2018

Background: Food chemicals are a cornerstone in the food industry. However, its chemical diversity has been explored on a limited basis, for instance, previous analysis of food-related databases were done up to 2,200 molecules. The goal of this work was to quantify the chemical diversity of chemical compounds stored in FooDB, a database with nearly 24,000 food chemicals.

Methods: The visual representation of the chemical space of FooDB was done with ChemMaps, a novel approach based on the concept of chemical satellites. The large food chemical database was profiled based on physicochemical properties, molecular complexity and scaffold content. The global diversity of FooDB was characterized using Consensus Diversity Plots.

Results: It was found that compounds in FooDB are very diverse in terms of properties and structure, with a large structural complexity. It was also found that one third of the food chemicals are acyclic molecules and ring-containing molecules are mostly monocyclic, with several scaffolds common to natural products in other databases.

Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis of the chemical diversity and complexity of FooDB. This study represents a step further to the emerging field of “Food Informatics”. Future study should compare directly the chemical structures of the molecules in FooDB with other compound databases, for instance, drug-like databases and natural products collections. An additional future direction of this work is to use the list of 3,228 polyphenolic compounds identified in this work to enhance the on-going polyphenol-protein interactome studies.
Association between intensity of STI screening and development of antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae in 12 cities in the USA: An ecological study
Authors: Kenyon Chris R.
Published: August 2018

In this study, we assessed if there was a city-level association between sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening intensity in men who have sex with men and antimicrobial sensitivity inNeisseria gonorrhoeaein the United States, 2007 to 2013.  We found positive associations between STI screening intensity and increases in minimum inhibitory concentrations for cefixime and azithromycin, but not ceftriaxone.
Exploring machine learning: A bibliometric general approach using Citespace
Authors: Rincon-Patino Juan , Ramirez-Gonzalez Gustavo , Corrales Juan Carlos
Published: August 2018

Background: Machine learning researches algorithms that allow a machine to learn about resolving problems in different application domains. Due to the wide number of machine learning applications, it is necessary for newcomers to the field to have alternatives to explore this field faster.

Methods: In this paper, we present a science mapping analysis on the machine learning research in the period 2007-2017. This study was develop using the CiteSpace tool based on results from Clarivate Web of Science. This analysis shows how the field has evolved, by highlighting the most notable authors, institutions, keywords, countries, categories, and journals.

Results: The results provide information on trends and possibilities in the near future, particularly in areas such as health, biology and banking, where machine learning is a valuable tool to generate solutions.

Conclusions: Machine learning is being widely studied, and several institutions in countries like the USA and China constantly generate machine learning based solutions. Diseases, such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, studies in biology, such as the protein molecule, virtual reality, commerce, smartphones, and ubiquitous computing, are all fields where machine learning contributes to resolving problems.
Audit of transvaginal sonography of normal postmenopausal ovaries by sonographers from the United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS)
Authors: Stott Will , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Ryan Andy , Amso Nazar , Seif Mourad , Jones Chris , Jacobs Ian , Parmar Max , Menon Usha , Campbell Stuart , Burnell Matthew
Published: August 2018

Background: We report on a unique audit of seven sonographers self-reporting high visualization rates of normal postmenopausal ovaries in the United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS). This audit was ordered by the trial’s Ultrasound Management Subcommittee after an initiative taken in 2008 to improve the quality of scanning and the subsequent increase in the number of sonographers claiming very high ovary visualisation rates.

Methods: Seven sonographers reporting high rates (>89%) of visualizing normal postmenopausal ovaries in examinations performed between 1st January and 31st December 2008 were identified. Eight experts in gynaecological scanning reviewed a random selection of exams performed by these sonographers and assessed whether visualization of both ovaries could be confirmed (cVR-Both) in the examinations. A random effects bivariate probit model was fitted to analyse the results.  

Results: The eight experts reviewed images from 357 examinations performed on 349 postmenopausal women (mean age 60.0 years, range 50.2-73.3) by the seven sonographers. The mean cVR-Both obtained from the model for these sonographers was 67.2% with a range of 47.6-86.5% (95%CI 63.9-70.5%). The range of cVR-Both between the experts was 47.3-88.3% and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for left and right ovary confirmation was 0.39.   

Conclusions: The audit suggests that self-reported visualization of postmenopausal ovaries is unreliable, as visualisation of both ovaries could not be confirmed in almost a third of examinations. The agreement for visualization of both ovaries based on review of a static image between experts and sonographers and between expert reviewers alone was only moderate. Further research is needed to develop reliable Quality Control metrics for transvaginal ultrasound.
The use of eHealth to promote physical activity in people with mental health conditions: a systematic review
Authors: Moran Jonathan , Kelly Grainne , Haberlin Ciarán , Mockler David , Broderick Julie
Published: August 2018

Background: Achieving adequate amounts of physical activity (PA) confers important physical and mental health benefits. Despite this, people with mental health conditions often do not meet recommended levels of PA. eHealth, the delivery of health information through internet and mobile technologies, is an emerging concept in healthcare which presents opportunities to improve PA. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the use of eHealth to increase or monitor PA levels in people with mental health conditions.

Methods: Databases searched included OVID Medline, EMBASE, PsychInfo and Web of Science using a combination of key-words and medical subject headings. Articles were included if they described an eHealth technology designed to improve or monitor PA in people with mental health conditions. Two reviewers screened articles. Articles included in the qualitative synthesis were screened for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for experimental studies and Downs and Black Checklist for non-experimental studies.

Results: Seven studies met the eligibility criteria. A variety of eHealth platforms designed to promote or monitor PA were described in these studies; web-based (n=4), web and mobile application (n=3) and e-mail-based (n=1), one study used both a web-based and mobile application. Three studies reported eHealth interventions significantly increased PA levels, however it is unclear if eHealth interventions are superior at promoting PA compared to conventional interventions. Four studies reported that higher levels of PA, measured using eHealth, were associated with better mental health profiles. 

Conclusion: eHealth interventions may be an innovative low-cost method to increase PA levels which may have knock-on effects on mental health outcomes. Although some of the included studies in this review demonstrated promising results, methodological restrictions and potential biases from using subjective measures of PA limit the interpretability of these results. Future research should evaluate this promising technology using well-designed trials.
Invalidity of interested party transactions, made by joint-stock companies: a comparative legal experience
Authors: Трофимик Александр , Trofimik Aleksandr
Published: August 2018

The monograph is devoted to complex and system research of the problems in legal regulation concerning invalidity of related-party transactions in the context of the last short stories contained Chapter 11 of the Federal Law «On Joint-Stock Companies».
With the application of comparative legal methodin this article is an attempt to establish fundamental primary legal unities of law and order in Germany and the Russian Federation in corresponding regulation and to differentiate substantial characteristics of theologically equivalent legal mechanisms.
In this article such aspects of counteraction to conflict of interest in Germany’s Joint-Stock Companies are considered, which have not been presented in Russian research works earlier.
In the article is given a doctrinal definition of the term «related-party transactions», analyzed a new order of making related-party transactions with relation to given guaranties for declaring a transaction voidable, formulated the invalidity elements of related-party transactions.
The author made an attempt of technical legal analysis of invalidity elements correlation, established by the paragraph of third point 1 of Article 84 of the Federal Law «On Joint-Stock Companies», and in accordance with point 2 of Article 174 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.
Legal Regulation of the Financial Support of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Authors: Ручкина Гульнара , Ruchkina Gul'nara , Демченко Максим , Demchenko Maksim , Ключникова Ярославна , Klyuchnikova Yaroslavna , Фрумина Светлана , Frumina Svetlana , Венгеровский Евгений , Vengerovskiy Evgeniy
Published: August 2018

At the current stage of the Russian economic development, the small and medium-sized businesses are becoming an immediate priority in the development of the state financial policy for the long term. Strategic documents developed at the federal and regional levels necessarily include measures to promote small businesses followed by the establishment of professional associations, business development centers, business incubators, technology parks, introduction of new and improvement of existing legislation standards, etc.
However, notwithstanding the efforts made by the authorities, increased “injections” of financial resources into this sphere of the economy as well as the direct interest of governments at all levels and a substantial public response, the development of small businesses in Russia is facing great difficulties. The data on the number of registered small enterprises indicate that the sharp rise of entrepreneurship observed in the early 1990s changed into the stagnation towards the end of the decade and the sluggish current dynamics at the present time.
In this regard, the relevance of the research subject is substantiated by the need to improve the regulation of the financial support of small and medium-sized businesses in the Russian Federation in order to create favorable conditions for their development and ensure the country's economic growth.
In the research framework the main tasks to be solved to ensure the achievement of the research objective were defined.
Based on the research findings, proposals were made related to improvement of the legislation in the field of financial support of small and medium-sized businesses, including proposals to improve government programs for supporting the small and medium-sized business institution. Other proposals address the harmonization of planned and program-target documents defining activities aimed at financial support of small and medium-sized business entities in the Russian Federation,
as well as proposals on how to make the currently applicable budgetary and tax methods of small and medium-sized business promotion in the Russian Federation more effective to ensure the accessibility of financial resources and improve the quality of the state regulation.
The results obtained are presented in the form of conclusions and recommendations for state authorities concerned with the regulation of financial support of small and medium-sized businesses.
The practical significance of the results of the work makes it possible to use them in the activities of the Economics and Finance Department of the Russian Federation Government, the RF Government Commission on Competition and Development of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, and the Department of Small and Medium-Sized Business Development and Competition of the RF Ministry of Economic Development.
Transforming professional and service user identities in the heterotopian ‘hybrid spaces’ of public–private partnerships
Authors: Waring Justin , Bishop Simon
Published: August 2018

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are interpreted as ‘hybrid’ organisations that combine the distinct organising principles of public and private sectors. This paper develops a spatial analysis of these ‘hybrid spaces’ to understand how they transform the practices and identities of professionals and service users. Informed by Foucault's ‘heterotopia’ concept, the paper considers how the juxtaposition of competing organising principles disrupts established identities, with patients recast as ‘consumer-travellers’ and staff as ‘productive professionals’. The tensions between these organising principles, manifest in the spatial practices of professionals and patients, create opportunities for actors to reflexively contest prescribed practices and identities.
Deteksi Tingkat Risiko Kehamilan dengan Metode Fuzzy Mamdani dan Simple Additive Weighting
Authors: Wulandari Tri , Susanto Ajib
Published: August 2018

The risk of pregnancy is a contributing factor in increasing mother maternal mortality (MMR). This study aimed to produce a pregnancy risk detection system based on patient examination results. This research combines fuzzy Mamdani and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) methods using 11 criteria to determine the risk of pregnant women, that is low, high, and very high. The criteria that determine the risk of pregnancy are expressed as fuzzy statements. In system testing to 100 pregnant women patients, obtained an accuracy of 88% using recognition rate method.
PID Parameters Auto-Tuning on GPS-based Antenna Tracker Control using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Riyandi Ahmad , Sumardi Sumardi , Prakoso Teguh
Published: August 2018

The moving vehicles require an antenna to communicate which is placed on the vehicles and at the ground station (ground control station, GCS). Generally, GCS uses a directional antenna equipped with the drive system with the conventional proportional, proportional-integral, or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, and step-tracking algorithms based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). This research used PID control method tuned with fuzzy logic based on Global Positioning System (GPS) to control a directional antenna at GCS. The resulting antenna tracker system was capable of tracking objects with a minimal error of 0° at azimuth and elevation angle and had a maximal error of 49° for a 49 km/hour speed object. The system had an average rise time of 0.7 seconds at an azimuth angle and 1.08 seconds at an elevation angle. This system can be used to control antenna direction for moving vehicles, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and rocket.
The metric derivative of set-valued functions
Authors: Muslikh Mohamad , Kilicman Adem , bt Sapar Siti Hasana , bt Bachoklati Norfifah
Published: August 2018

In this article, we introduce the notion of “metrically differentiable” for set-valued functions. By using this notion, it is shown that each Lipschitz set-valued function is differentiable almost everywhere. Its relationship to the differentiation in the sense of Hukuhara and its generalizations are also discussed.
Exploring morphological variation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): A combined study of disease resistance, genetic divergence and association of characters
Authors: Kouam Eric Bertrand , Dongmo Joseph Roger , Djeugap Joseph Fovo
Published: August 2018

Genetic variation of quantitative traits is a prevalent characteristic among cultivated tomato varieties. Twenty tomato genotypes comprising indigenous varieties and commercial cultivars, cultured in the Western Region of Cameroon were evaluated using fourteen quantitative traits for disease resistance, phenotypic divergence and heritability estimates. The experiment was carried out using a randomized completed blocks design with three replications. Data collections were disease characteristics, plant development features and yield attributes. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among genotypes for all the experimental quantitative traits. Hybrid varieties had significantly more fruit yield (1066.00 g/plant), single fruit weight (57.28 g), fruit diameter (4.47 cm) and pericarp thickness (0.54 cm) compared to standard and indigenous varieties. These indigenous varieties were significantly more resistant to late blight, alternaria leaf spot and viral diseases. They also had significantly higher collar diameter (16.30 mm), number of primary branches per plant (8.45), number of fruit per plant (31.58) and plant height (88.33 cm) compared to standard and hybrid plants. The genotype local 2 was the third most productive (1576.39 g / plant) after Rio Semagri (1984.80 g/plant) and Sakato F1 (1691.69 g/plant). Heritability and genetic advance estimates were high for twelve of the fourteen studied quantitative traits. Fruit yield showed significant positive correlations with single fruit weight and number of fruit per plant. However, significant negative correlation was found between fruit yield and time to 50 % flowering, 50 % fruiting, 50 % maturity and viral disease. The first three and the first four components in the principal component analysis explained, respectively, 77.85 % and 88.38 % of the total variation observed among genotypes. The first component determined 41.42 % of the total variation, dominated by the collar diameter, the number of primary branches per plant and plant height. This study clearly indicated that indigenous varieties are the most disease resistant genotypes and are having substantial fruit yield (945.30 g/plant) similar to standard varieties and at a touching distance to hybrid cultivars.
Determinants of forest land use decisions among rural farm households in south-western Nigeria
Authors: Adetoye Ayoade Matthew , Adewuyi Samuel Ayodele , Akerele Dare
Published: August 2018

The study examined factors determining forest land use decisions among rural farm households in south-western Nigeria. Primary data on socio-economic and community characteristics as well as land use systems were obtained from 300 farm households using a structured questionnaire through a multistage sampling technique. The study revealed that marital status (P < 0.01), gender (P < 0.01), land tenure security (P < 0.01), dominant crop type (P < 0.05), and preference for tree on farm land (P < 0.01) are factors influencing forest land use decision in either agroforestry, pure cultivation or in both practices. Land use choice proportion estimation shows that 63 % are still willing to retain their existing land use practice (pure cultivation). A total of 32 % are willing to shift completely from their existing land use practice while 4 % of the respondents are willing to practice both “agroforestry and pure cultivation” simultaneously. The study therefore suggests the need for a change in forest land use policy, particularly, with a view influence the pattern of use, limitation on type of crop that can be grown, and compliance to sustainable land use practice. This would go a long way in driving forest land use towards agroforestry – a practice identified as a means of ensuring food security while ensuring safe environment.
Transformative Interventions Fostering Mainstreaming of Black South African Women into Managerial Positions in the Private Sector
Authors: Matotoka Dennis , Odeku Kola O.
Published: August 2018

In South Africa, progressive laws, policies and institutions established since 1996 seek to proliferate the representation of black African women in the private sector. However, the sector remains stagnant in giving opportunities to black African women to attain and occupy managerial and leadership positions. Black African women are not yet accepted as an integral of part of decision-making in the private sector contrary to the public sector that has somewhat progressed to place black African women in key decision-making positions in government. Consequently, black African women in the private sector predominately dominate the unskilled labour positions. The underrepresentation of black African women essentially denies them of economic participation and equality in the workplace. It is against the backdrop of this underrepresentation that this article analyses salient transformative legislative interventions that have been put in place to foster ample representation of black African women into managerial positions in the private sector. However, the concern is that the current legislative framework in South Africa does not explicitly make it mandatory for the private sector to achieve a specific target of black African women representation at the top management positions. The article showcases that the glass ceiling in the private sector is real and is nurtured by the organizational culture, policies and strategies which promote exclusion. Therefore, effective implementation and enforcement of laws and policies fostering mainstreaming of black African women into top managerial positions will help in breaking down the glass-ceiling. This will become realizable with the cooperation of all stake holders and role players where there is deliberate effort to empower and enhance the skill and capacity of women through quality training and education that will drive and deliver robust career development.
Explicit phonetic instruction vs. implicit attention to native exposure: phonological awareness of English schwa in CLIL
Authors: Lacabex Esther Gomez , Gallardo-del-Puerto Francisco
Published: August 2018

The present study aims at determining whether instruction in the form of explicit phonetic training and of implicit exposure to native input impacted Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) students’ phonological awareness of the occurrence of Englishschwain unstressed syllables of content words (bacon). Four intact CLIL groups were administered a perception task immediately before and after an intervention period of one month in which two groups underwent explicit instruction on the incidence of reduced vowels versus full vowels in English disyllabic words while another group was exposed to native input in their CLIL sessions. A fourth CLIL group with neither explicit intervention nor native teacher input served as control group. All four groups tended to judge bothschwasand full vowels as correct in the pre-test, indicating that they were not knowledgeable of the general pattern of vowel reduction occurrence in unstressed syllables in English prior to intervention. In the post-test, the three experimental groups significantly improved their ability to identify full vowels as incorrect, the groups receiving explicit instruction exhibiting higher gains than the group which was implicitly exposed to native input.
Cyclic behavior of GFRP strengthened infilled RC frames with low and normal strength concrete
Authors: Arslan Mehmet Emin , Durmuş Ahmet , Hüsem Metin
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the experimental behavior of plane, non-strengthened and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) strengthened infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames with low strength concrete (LSC) and normal strength concrete (NSC) under lateral reversed cyclic loading. For this purpose, eight full-scale, one-bay, one-storey plane and infilled (brick and aerated concrete blocks which are commonly used in RC construction) RC frames with LSC and NSC were produced and in-plane lateral loading tests were carried out. Test results indicate that infill walls considerably change the behavior of frames by increasing rigidity and load carrying capacity. By contrast, GFRP fabric used for strengthening of infilled RC frames improves ductility, load carrying and energy dissipation capacity of infilled frames with LSC and NSC as well. After all the test results were evaluated together, a GFRP strengthened brick infilled frame demonstrated the best performance under cyclic lateral loading.
Behavioral Health and Adult Milestones in Young Adults With Perinatal HIV Infection or Exposure
Authors: Abrams Elaine J. , Mellins Claude A. , Bucek Amelia , Dolezal Curtis , Raymond Jeannette , Wiznia Andrew , Jurgrau Andrea , Bamji Mahrukh , Leu Cheng-Shiun , Ng Yiu Kee Warren
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND:

Young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV infection (PHIVYAs) are at risk for poor biomedical and behavioral health outcomes. Few studies offer a comprehensive overview of the functioning of this population in young adulthood and the role of HIV.

METHODS:

Data come from the Child and Adolescent Self-Awareness and Health Study, a longitudinal behavioral health cohort study of PHIVYAs and perinatally HIV–exposed but uninfected young adults (PHEUYAs) who are compared on psychiatric and neurocognitive functioning, sexual and substance use behaviors, health and reproductive outcomes, and young adult milestones.

RESULTS:

Overall, 27% of participants met criteria for a psychiatric disorder, including mood (11%), anxiety (22%), and substance use (28%), with no HIV status differences. PHIVYAs performed worse on 2 neurocognitive tests. There were no HIV status differences in condomless sex (41%) or pregnancies (41% women; 38% men). Both groups exhibited similar adult milestones: 67% graduated high school or an equivalent, 19% were in college, and 42% were employed. However, 38% were neither in school or working, 12% reported incarceration, and 16% were ever homeless. Among PHIVYAs, 36% were viremic (>200 copies per mL), and 15% were severely immunocompromised (CD4+ cell count <100 cells per mm3).

CONCLUSIONS:

Many PHIVYAs achieve adult milestones related to school, employment, sexual relationships, and starting families. However, they and PHEUYAs have high rates of psychiatric and substance use disorders and behavioral risks, which can jeopardize long-term health and adult functioning, particularly in the context of HIV. These findings underscore an urgent need to escalate interventions.
Stochastic plans in SMEs: A novel multidimensional fuzzy logic system (mFLS) approach
Authors: Baeza Serrato Roberto
Published: August 2018

Manufacturing planning in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) uses a deterministic behavior, and the execution of these plans has a stochastic behavior. The evaluation of the manufacturing planning is based on a simple criterion as job on time or job delayed, without integrating conditions of uncertainty in the cycle times for each job. The aim of this paper is to propose a novel multidimensional stochastic Fuzzy Logic System (msFLS) approach to execute a plan with stochastic behavior in knitting SMEs and their evaluation. In this paper, two main contributions are identified. On one hand, the generation of a multi-dimensional diffuse system is proposed. Normal probability density function is used to generate multi linguistic variables to transform deterministic plans to stochastic plans in knitting SMEs. The fuzzy subsets or linguistic terms are labelled and categorized in a simple and clear language as poor (P), regular (R), good (G) and excellent (E). The Gaussian function was used as a membership function. On the other hand, the second contribution is the use of the sum of frequencies in the stage of implication for the multi-Fuzzy system. This research was validated through an integration of two different intelligent techniques such as the proposed novel msFLS and artificial neural networks. Neural networks were used as a generalization mechanism to perform any stochastic planning in the knitting companies. The inputs and outputs of the fuzzy system are used as training patterns in the neural network. The stages of the proposed approach are explicitly described and applied to random data and validated with real data of SMEs of the South of Guanajuato, Mexico. The proposed system had a positive response in the textile company, which continues to be used to carry out its manufacturing planning and the evaluation of its execution.
The millipedes and centipedes of Chiapas amber
Authors: Riquelme Francisco , Hernández-Patricio Miguel
Published: August 2018

An inventory of fossil millipedes (class Diplopoda) and centipedes (class Chilopoda) from Miocene Chiapas amber, Mexico, is presented, with the inclusion of new records. For Diplopoda, 34 members are enumerated, for which 31 are described as new fossil records of the orders Siphonophorida Newport, 1844, Spirobolida Bollman, 1893, Polydesmida Leach, 1895, Stemmiulida Pocock, 1894, and the superorder Juliformia Attems, 1926. For Chilopoda 8 fossils are listed, for which 3 are new records of the order Geophilomorpha Pocock, 1895 and 2 are of the order Scolopendromorpha Pocock, 1895.
Anterior Approach to Thoracic and Thoraco-Lumbar Spine
Authors: Sitorus Sahat Edison
Published: August 2018

Anterior surgery approaches have been used for thoracic and upper lumbar spine. These approaches provided a very good exposure to the anterior part of vertebrae and allows for decompression of the spinal canal that help to improves neurological status in patients with neurological deficitsThe primary indications for the anterior approach in vertebral surgery are the conditions with the destruction of corpus vertebrae and disk diseases caused by several diseases. The aim of surgery is to decompress the neural element, reduction and stabilize the anterior part of the vertebra with and without posterior stabilization. Specifically, it could know the underlying disease and eradication of the disease. Access route is determined by the spinal and the length of the procedure, the location of the more prominent lesion, with special attention for the anatomy of the vessel, visceral, nerve, diaphragm for thoracic-lumbar approach and avoid injuring artery between T4-L4 that critical for spinal cord injury. A multidisciplinary team effort with thoracic and urologic surgeon increases the likelihood of the outcome.
Supraclavicular Approach on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: Mu’imin Amiril
Published: August 2018

Background: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a clinical syndrome that refers to abnormal compression of the neurovascular in the neck and axilla with signs and symptoms manifesting in the shoulders, neck, arms, hands and sometimes fingers. It may be underdiagnosed because this syndrome is poorly understood. The compression is primarily neurogenic, vascular, or both.  As the number of patients undergoing successful treatment increases, TOS is becoming a common diagnosis. In those patients in whom pain is refractory to conservative care, surgery should be considered. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of a supraclavicular approach to treat the thoracic outlet syndrome patients in Dr. Ramelan Navy Hospital Surabaya.Materials and methods: This study is a case series of 16 patients (10 females and 6 males) of 19-50 years old, who underwent neurovascular compression with the supraclavicular approach. Symptoms were evaluated with medical records based on peri-operative anamnesis and physical examination.Results: The follow-up with 16 patients showed excellent results such as decreasing pain, decreasing sensory or motoric symptoms, and complications like pneumothorax hematothorax, and injury of artery, vein or plexus brachialis were not found.Conclusion: Supraclavicular approach is relatively effective and safe for neurovascular decompression of TOS. Excellent outcomes were observed with a small incision, safe and minimal complications.
Image-Guided Spinal Surgery and Robotics in MIS: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Shen Chiung Chyi
Published: August 2018

Use of pedicle screws is widespread in spinal surgery for degenerative, traumatic, and oncological diseases. The conventional technique is based on the recognition of anatomic landmarks, preparation and palpation of cortices of the pedicle under control of an intraoperative C-arm (iC-arm) fluoroscopy. With these conventional methods, the median pedicle screw accuracy ranges from 86.7% to 93.8%, even if perforation rates range from 21.1% to 39.8%.The development of novel intraoperative navigational techniques, commonly referred to as image-guided surgery (IGS), provide simultaneous and multiplanar views of spinal anatomy. IGS technology can increase the accuracy of spinal instrumentation procedures and improve patient safety. These systems, such as fluoroscopy-based image guidance ("virtual fluoroscopy") and computed tomography (CT)-based computer-guidance systems, have sensibly minimized risk of pedicle screw misplacement, with overall perforation rates ranging from between 14.3% and 9.3%, respectively."Virtual fluoroscopy" allows simultaneous two-dimensional (2D) guidance in multiple planes, but does not provide any axial images; quality of images is directly dependent on the resolution of the acquired fluoroscopic projections. Furthermore, computer-assisted surgical navigation systems decrease the reliance on intraoperative imaging, thus reducing the use of intraprocedure ionizing radiation. The major limitation of this technique is related to the variation of the position of the patient from the preoperative CT scan, usually obtained before surgery in a supine position, and the operative position (prone). The next technological evolution is the use of an intraoperative CT (iCT) scan, which would allow us to solve the position-dependent changes, granting a higher accuracy in the navigation system.
The Feasibility of Optimal Surgical Result Prediction according to the Centre of Rotation Shift after Multilevel Cervical Total Disc Replacement
Authors: Lee Jun Ho
Published: August 2018

Objective: This study investigates the relation between shifted locations of centre of rotation (COR) at each cervical level and subsequent surgical outcomes after multilevel cervical total disc replacement (MCTDR) and identifies radiological parameter that corresponded to change of COR after MCTDR. Methods: The study included a consecutive series of 24 patients who were treated with MCTDR following diagnosis of multilevel cervical disc herniation or stenosis. Numeric rating scale (NRS), range of motion (ROM) at both C2-7 segment and TDR implanted levels, and the location of COR at TDR implanted level were evaluated at pre- and post-MCTDR. These parameters were compared between patients who experienced successful and unsuccessful pain relief.Results: The inherent CORs relatively at ventro-cranial coordinates have demonstrated significant migrations to dorso-caudal locations at each cervical levels, more prominent shifts for the successful group, after MCTDR switch. The unsuccessful group showed markedly reduced C2-7 ROM and reduced angular improvement at C2-7 as well as MCTDR level after surgery in comparison with the successful group. Postoperative C2-7 ROM was related to postoperative COR along the X-axis.Conclusions: The crucial determinants for clinical success after MCTDR, other than mere preservation of the ROM both at C2-7 and TDR implanted levels, was the restoration of COR from ventro-cranial location at degenerated cervical motion segment close to normal coordinates by posterior and inferior shifts after MCTDR. The position of COR along the X-axis after MCTDR was an important factor to determine maintenance of C2-7 RO.