bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algunos elementos socioculturales para el control y prevención de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores ETV: El caso del zika en la ciudad de Santa Marta (Colombia) en 2015 y 2016.
Authors: Ledezma Astrid Lorena Perafán
Published: June 2017

Durante el año 2016, el grupo de Investigación en Diversidad Humana (IDHUM) de la Universidad del Magdalena inició un proceso de investigación sobre conocimientos, percepciones y prácticas en torno al Zika y su vector en la ciudad de Santa Marta. Dado lo relevante del tema para la salud pública, consideramos pertinente comunicar a través de este medio algunos de nuestros hallazgos antes de terminar la investigación y que esta se publique en su totalidad.
Editorial - Revista Mosaico - Número 8 - Volume 1
Authors: Monteiro Angelo Ferreira
Published: June 2017

Apresentamos o primeiro volume de 2017 da nossa Revista, destacando a adesão de novos membros ao ComitêEditorial que visa engrandecer com seu conhecimento intelectual nosso periódico.Agradecemos ainda, os autores e os avaliadores Ad hoc que colaboraram, respectivamente com suas pesquisase suas contribuições na análise dos artigos submetidos para este número.No Dossiê Temático Resiliência e Afetividade, apresentamos o artigo “Resiliência no trauma – apossibilidade de manejo na Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental”, de Moraes e da Rocha, onde os autoresabordam alguns conceitos de resiliência sob a visão do psicólogo, e também seu desenvolvimento diante de umtrauma e no artigo “A importância da afetividade na creche”, Freire e Rodrigues, demonstram a importânciadeste momento da Educação Infantil tendo como proposta pedagógica, o desenvolvimento da afetividade e asua inclusão no currículo escolar.Nos Artigos de Demanda Contínua, o artigo “Você Pediu, A USS Atendeu: Feedback da AvaliaçãoInstitucional”, do Val et al., demonstram a importância da Avaliação Institucional e a necessidade do feedbackpara os envolvidos neste processo. No artigo “A Educação Moral e Cívica na construção de ser brasileiro:Um indivíduo obediente, cristão e anticomunista”, da Silva e Bartholo, apresentam a inclusão da disciplina deEducação moral e Cívica, pelo governo militar, como forma de construir um cidadão modelo para o Brasil e livredo perigo da ideologia comunista. No artigo “Tour da experiência caminhos do Brasil Imperial em Vassouras(RJ). Qual história está sendo contada?”, as autoras Gomes e Mendonça, fazem uma análise da política públicade turismo no Brasil, tendo como objeto a região turística conhecida como Vale do Café.Na Seção Primeiros Escritos, no artigo “Aprendizagem Significativa: passível de ser trabalhada no EnsinoFundamental I”, os autores Silva e Rodrigues, destacam a importância da Aprendizagem Significativa, em quecondições ela acontece e os métodos utilizados para sua efetivação.Na Resenha, Campos analisa a obra “Padrões em Matemática: uma proposta didática no âmbito do novoprograma para o ensino básico” de autoria de Isabel Vale e Teresa Pimentel, publicada em Portugal no ano de 2011,que aponta as vantagens desta abordagem na disciplina durante a Educação Básica.
Maxillary Overdenture Retained with an Implant Support CAD-CAM Bar: A 4 Years Follow Up Case
Authors: Corsalini Massimo , Venere Daniela Di , Stefanachi Gianluca , Muci Giovannino , Palminteri Andrea , Laforgia Alessandra , Pettini Francesco
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

Oral rehabilitation with overdenture on implants of upper jaw must be taken into consideration a variety of anatomical and biomechanical issues. It is possible to provide for rehabilitation with two or more implants, in different positions, solidarizing them with a bar.

Materials & Methods:

The present study involved a patient rehabilitated with 4 Xive implants (Friadent GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) solidarized with a titanium bar crafted with CAD-CAM technology for maximal comfort, precision and structural lightness.

Results & Discussion:

The follow-up was 54 months, with an implant survival of 100%. Based on our clinical evidence, bars engineered with CAD-CAM technology are promising in terms of precision and comfort despite higher costs.
Evaluation of Wet Mapping Functions Used in Modeling Tropospheric Propagation Delay Effect on GPS Measurements
Authors: Abdel-Monam Younes Sobhy
Published: June 2017

Background:

The author compares several methods to map the a priori wet tropospheric delay of GNSS signals in Egypt from the zenith direction to lower elevations.

Methods and Materials:

The author compared the following mapping techniques against ray-traced delays computed for radiosonde profiles under the assumption of spherical symmetry: Saastamoinen, Hopfield, Black, Chao, Ifadis, Herring, Niell, Moffett, Black and Eisner and UNBabc mapping functions. Radiosonde data were computed from radiosonde stations at the Egyptian stations; in the south of Egypt, near the Mediterranean Sea, and near the Red Sea over a period of 5 years (2000-2005), most of the stations launched radiosonde twice daily, every day of the year. Moreover, data is received from the Egyptian Meteorology Authority.

Results and Conclusion:

The results indicate that currently, the saastamoinen mapping function should be used for all geodetic applications in Egypt, and if necessary, the Chao and Moffett mapping functions can serve as an acceptable replacement without introducing a significant bias into the station position.
Horizontal Bedding Shale Geostress Calculation Method
Authors: Ligang Zhang , Sining Qu , Tie Yan , Bing Guan
Published: June 2017

Background:

Since the fragile anisotropy of shale, it is difficult to carry out laboratory experiments of geostress by shale cores. The existing geostress calculation model that is based on the homogeneous hypothesis also cannot meet the accuracy requirement. Therefore, it is necessary to establish the new geostress calculation model and test methods which are suitable for shale and provide the effective guidance for drilling and fracturing.

Methods:

Firstly, the triaxial stress experiments were carried out. It showed that the mechanical parameters had strong difference between parallel and vertical bedding direction. The characteristics of transversely isotropic were shown obviously. Then, the geostress calculation model which considers the mechanical parameters of anisotropy in different direction was established by the constitutive relation of transversely isotropic materials. Finally, it was assumed that there is no relative displacement between formations in the process of deposition and the late tectonic movement; the prediction method for the shale geostress was established by the adjacent homogeneous formation. The sensitivity factors and influence laws were analyzed for the horizontal bedding shale geostress.

Results:

The results showed that the shale geostress was controlled by the elastic parameters of its own and the adjacent beds’.

Conclusion:

The research can provide the theoretical basis and easy way for calculating the shale geosterss.
Metodologia comparada e análise da cobertura da corrupção política [Entrevista com Isabel Ferin Cunha]
Authors: Castilho Fernanda
Published: June 2017

A Prof.ª Dr.ª Isabel Ferin Cunha possui uma relação extremamente próxima com o Brasil desde os anos 1980, quando cursou mestrado e doutorado na Escola de Comunicações e Artes da Universidade de São Paulo (ECA-USP). Em virtude dessa relação privilegiada não apenas como o Brasil, mas como o espaço lusófono, na Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal), onde leciona no Departamento de Filosofia, Comunicação e Informação da Faculdade de Letras (FLUC), a docente orienta grande parte dos estudantes estrangeiros de língua portuguesa. O projeto “Corrupção política nos media: uma perspetiva comparada”, que atualmente coordena, financiado pela agência portuguesa de fomento FCT (Fundação para Ciência e Tecnologia), tem como objetivo analisar a cobertura jornalística da corrupção tanto na imprensa, como na televisão, para além da internet (blogs políticos), em três países: Portugal, Brasil e Moçambique. Nessa entrevista, Isabel Ferin aponta as dificuldades inerentes à realização de pesquisas comparadas, indicando caminhos para transpor questões como a utilização de metodologias comuns e análise de dados provenientes de diferentes realidades sociais e midiáticas. Por outro lado, afirma que o tratamento da corrupção política na mídia é um dos fatores da transformação da democracia no ocidente. 
Recursos institucionales para diabéticos maya-hablantes de Tizimín, Yucatán. Carencias y logros en los Grupos de Ayuda Mutua (GAM)
Authors: Lerin Piñón Sergio
Published: June 2017

El presente artículo aborda la integración-exclusión de pacientes diabéticos en la Estrategia Nacional de los Grupos de Ayuda Mutua (GAM) en el estado de Yucatán, donde se registra un aumento sostenido de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM-T2). En los registros institucionales los índices más negativos los presentan las mujeres y, en general, los grupos sociales que cuentan con menos recursos económicos, de desarrollo y de servicios de salud, ya que reciben una atención deficiente y no adecuada a sus expectativas y especificidades culturales. Se ilustra críticamente la Política Pública de la Secretaría de Salud (SS), rectora de los GAM, y de igual forma las acciones institucionales que la Secretaría de Salud de Yucatán (SSY) instrumenta en los GAM, que se caracteriza por acciones sin pertinencia cultural para la población maya-hablante habitante de pequeños poblados.
Sufrir de azúcar por Ak’chamel (mal echado) en el marco de un horizonte cosmológico amplio: dos casos en Tenejapa, Chiapas
Authors: Page Pliego Jaime Tomás
Published: June 2017

A partir de entrevistas realizadas a diabéticos de tres localidades de los Altos de Chiapas y del seguimiento de casos, en este trabajo se hace referencia a la subjetividad expresada por dos mujeres que consideran que su padecimiento de «azúcar» fue causado por ak’chamel ‘mal echado’. Los casos fueron seleccionados de entre 16 enfermos tseltales de la cabecera municipal de Tenejapa, Chiapas. Se trata de mujeres mayores de 45 años, monolingües y analfabetas; la asociación causal se cimenta en ciertos rasgos de sus sueños, aunados a condiciones particulares de vida caracterizada por violencia constante, o bien signos y síntomas particulares.
Una noche de luces y festejo en Cartagena de Indias, 1690
Authors: Navarrete María Cristina
Published: June 2017

En la segunda mitad del siglo xvii, la tripulación de las flotas y galeones de España a las Indias y viceversa se vio obligada a contratar capitanes, pilotos y marineros extranjeros, a pesar de su prohibición. Cierto número de ellos provenían de naciones enemigas y religiones heréticas. Quienes arribaban a Cartagena estuvieron expuestos a caer en manos del Tribunal de la Inquisición. El artículo tiene como propósito aprovechar varios documentos inquisitoriales que relatan la realización de una fiesta en 1690, un viernes en la noche, cuyos partícipes fueron acusados de reunirse a celebrar prácticas judías. Gracias a sus biografías fue posible recorrer con ellos sus experiencias de vida, aventuras, formas de pensar, creencias, diversiones e infortunios.
Los efectos de la creación del Virreinato de Nueva Granada en la Real Hacienda de Quito (1718-1721)
Authors: Ruigómez Gómez Carmen
Published: June 2017

La creación del Virreinato de Nueva Granada en 1717 tuvo dos consecuencias inmediatas para el espacio quiteño: la incorporación de su distrito a la nueva jurisdicción y la supresión de su Audiencia. Estas dos medidas afectaron, además de a otras instancias, a la Real Hacienda de Quito. En el trabajo analizamos los primeros pasos del proceso de aplicación de la nueva articulación en materia hacendística y alguno de los problemas a los que se enfrentaron los funcionarios de la Caja Real quiteña.
SOBRE CARNES Y VIDAS DESNUDAS EN TIEMPO DE SILENCIO DE LUIS MARTÍN-SANTOS
Authors: Almenara Erika
Published: June 2017

Under the context of the historical period known as “franquismo español,” this essay analizes the desubjectification of the Spanish subject. Through an examination of the novel Tiempo de silencio by Luis Martín-Santos, this essay demonstrates that the Franquista State, reduced the subject and its body in maleable and collective flesh to allow the emergence of the new Spanish subject.
DISQUISICIONES EN TORNO AL PORTUNHOL SELVAGEM. DEL HORROR DE LOS PROFESORES A UNA “LENGUA PURA”
Authors: Locane Jorge J.
Published: June 2017

Latin American nation states were founded by creole elites based on a monolingual ideology that should also organize national literatures. In opposition to this principle, literatures produced in areas of cultural and linguistic transit have recently begun to gain visibility questioning those colonial orders. This study highlights the importance of literature produced on the border between Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay and demonstrates how its emergence, having caused the regulatory agencies spokesmen’s reaction, problematizes cultural and commercial interests.
Neoliberal Aesthetics: 250cm Line Tattooed on 6 Paid People
Authors: Kim Eunsong
Published: June 2017

Eunsong Kim challenges existing literature on Spanish artist Santiago Sierra, articulating Sierra’s neoliberal aesthetics as part of a process of managing the imagination of finance capitalism. By situating Sierra’s performance art as a performance of terror, Kim argues that Sierra does not just collaterally reproduce capitalist power relations, but coldly and calculatedly exploits and violates the bodies of the working poor, particularly people of color, for his own profit and for the viewing pleasure of his wealthy audiences. Kim fiercely critiques the ways Sierra profits from his use of Marxist discourse and appeals to political action. In doing so, Kim challenges scholars and artists to embrace the position of laborers and take up Black Radicalism against artistic instantiations of capitalism.
Human Settlements in High Altitude Region Nepal
Authors: Chidi Chhabi L
Published: June 2017

Nepal has human settlements in high altitude areas above 3 000 masl. Those areas of Himalayan region have extreme cold climate, rugged terrains, fragile geology and slow growing vegetation, which all create very low carrying capacity for human life. Despite these, the ethnic groups have been living in those areas for several hundred years. Yet, information on those settlements in Nepal is extremely lacking and therefore, our knowledge of understanding of planning and development needs of those areas is very poor. This paper is an attempt to identify the human settlements lying above 3 000 m and analyse their distribution and size. Topographic maps of 1:50 000 have been used to find out location and size of those settlements. GIS and other software were used to extract and process required information. There are 1,282 high altitude settlements in Nepal with estimated households and population of 9,827 and 51,486 respectively. This paper analyses those settlements by altitudinal zones, major river basins from west to east, and size. The results would be helpful for further planning and development of those settlements with respect to the locally available natural resources.The Geographical Journal of Nepal, Vol. 7, 2009: 1-6
Le contexte organisationnel favorable à l’innovation ambidextre
Authors: Brion Sébastien , Mothe Caroline
Published: June 2017

Une étude empirique sur 307 entreprises françaises révèle que la créativité est un chaînon manquant entre le contexte organisationnel et l’ambidextrie au niveau de l’innovation. Ce résultat a des implications importantes par rapport aux conditions préalables à la créativité et à l’ambidextrie au niveau de l’innovation. Les managers devraient ainsi mettre en place un contexte organisationnel qui encourage essentiellement la créativité plutôt que de se focaliser directement sur des dispositifs favorisant la combinaison des innovations d’exploration et d’exploitation.
ONG, initiateurs des stratégies Bottom of the Pyramid?
Authors: Dumalanède Constance
Published: June 2017

Cet article appréhende la manière dont une ONG peut, au même titre qu’une firme multinationale (FMN), mener une initiative adaptée aux populations démunies en se tournant vers le secteur commercial. Le cas de l’entreprise sociale Nafa Naana, créée par une ONG au Burkina Faso est étudié. Les résultats prouvent qu’une organisation issue de l’économie sociale et solidaire (ESS) peut conduire une initiative durable si elle interagit avec l’écosystème local et acquiert les ressources et compétences nécessaires au développement de pratiques commerciales. L’adoption d’une identité d’entreprise sociale indépendante de son incubateur l’ONG, offre une flexibilité bénéfique à la création équilibrée de valeurs économiques et sociales.
Les organisations à but non lucratif et l’innovation managériale
Authors: Robert Marc , Khallouk Marouane , Mignon Sophie
Published: June 2017

Les organisations à but non lucratif, après une croissante forte et une professionnalisation accrue, jouent aujourd’hui un rôle économique majeur. Ce travail a pour objectif d’identifier les spécificités de ces organisations favorisant leur profonde mutation organisationnelle et managériale. La combinaison suivante est apparue comme facteur déclencheur d’une innovation managériale : une culture organisationnelle spécifique intégrant l’innovation, une diversité du personnel conduisant à l’enrichissement des connaissances organisationnelles et une capacité à gérer la pression exercée par les bailleurs de fonds.
Clinical outcomes of an endoscopic transclival and transpetrosal approach for primary skull base malignancies involving the clivus
Authors: Kim Yong Hwy , Jeon Chiman , Se Young-Bem , Hong Sang Duk , Seol Ho Jun , Lee Jung-II , Park Chul-Kee , Kim Dong Gyu , Jung Hee-Won , Han Doo Hee , Nam Do-Hyun , Kong Doo-Sik
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

The endoscopic endonasal approach for treating primary skull base malignancies involving the clivus is a formidable task. The authors hypothesized that tumor involvement of nearby critical anatomical structures creates hurdles to endoscopic gross-total resection (GTR). The aim of this study was to retrospectively review the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach to treat primary malignancies involving the clivus and to analyze prognostic factors for GTR.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and November 2015, 42 patients underwent the endoscopic endonasal approach for resection of primary skull base malignancies involving the clivus at 2 independent institutions. Clinical data; tumor locations within the clivus; and anatomical involvement of the cavernous or paraclival internal carotid artery, cisternal trigeminal nerve, hypoglossal canal, and dura mater were investigated to assess the extent of resection. Possible prognostic factors affecting GTR were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 42 patients, 37 were diagnosed with chordomas and 5 were diagnosed with chondrosarcomas. The mean (± SD) preoperative tumor volume was 25.2 ± 30.5 cm3 (range 0.8–166.7 cm3). GTR was achieved in 28 patients (66.7%) and subtotal resection in 14 patients (33.3%). All tumors were classified as upper (n = 17), middle (n = 17), or lower (n = 8) clival tumors based on clival involvement, and as central (24 [57.1%]) or paramedian (18 [42.9%]) based on laterality of the tumor. Univariate analysis identified the tumor laterality (OR 6.25, 95% CI 1.51–25.86; p = 0.011) as significantly predictive of GTR. In addition, the laterality of the tumor was found to be a statistically significant predictor in multivariate analysis (OR 41.16, 95% CI 1.12–1512.65; p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

An endoscopic endonasal approach can provide favorable clinical and surgical outcomes. However, the tumor laterality should be considered as a potential obstacle to total removal.
A microcontroller-based simulation of dural venous sinus injury for neurosurgical training
Authors: Cleary Daniel R. , Siler Dominic A. , Whitney Nathaniel , Selden Nathan R.
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Surgical simulation has the potential to supplement and enhance traditional resident training. However, the high cost of equipment and limited number of available scenarios have inhibited wider integration of simulation in neurosurgical education. In this study the authors provide initial validation of a novel, low-cost simulation platform that recreates the stress of surgery using a combination of hands-on, model-based, and computer elements. Trainee skill was quantified using multiple time and performance measures. The simulation was initially validated using trainees at the start of their intern year.

METHODS

The simulation recreates intraoperative superior sagittal sinus injury complicated by air embolism. The simulator model consists of 2 components: a reusable base and a disposable craniotomy pack. The simulator software is flexible and modular to allow adjustments in difficulty or the creation of entirely new clinical scenarios. The reusable simulator base incorporates a powerful microcomputer and multiple sensors and actuators to provide continuous feedback to the software controller, which in turn adjusts both the screen output and physical elements of the model. The disposable craniotomy pack incorporates 3D-printed sections of model skull and brain, as well as artificial dura that incorporates a model sagittal sinus.

RESULTS

Twelve participants at the 2015 Western Region Society of Neurological Surgeons postgraduate year 1 resident course (“boot camp”) provided informed consent and enrolled in a study testing the prototype device. Each trainee was required to successfully create a bilateral parasagittal craniotomy, repair a dural sinus tear, and recognize and correct an air embolus. Participant stress was measured using a heart rate wrist monitor. After participation, each resident completed a 13-question categorical survey.

CONCLUSIONS

All trainee participants experienced tachycardia during the simulation, although the point in the simulation at which they experienced tachycardia varied. Survey results indicated that participants agreed the simulation was realistic, created stress, and was a useful tool in training neurosurgical residents. This simulator represents a novel, low-cost approach for hands-on training that effectively teaches and tests residents without risk of patient injury.
Korsakoff syndrome from retrochiasmatic suprasellar lesions: rapid reversal after relief of cerebral compression in 4 cases
Authors: Savastano Luis E. , Hollon Todd C. , Barkan Ariel L. , Sullivan Stephen E.
Published: June 2017

Korsakoff syndrome is a chronic memory disorder caused by a severe deficiency of thiamine that is most commonly observed in alcoholics. However, some have proposed that focal structural lesions disrupting memory circuits—in particular, the mammillary bodies, the mammillothalamic tract, and the anterior thalamus—can give rise to this amnestic syndrome. Here, the authors present 4 patients with reversible Korsakoff syndromes caused by suprasellar retrochiasmatic lesions compressing the mammillary bodies and adjacent caudal hypothalamic structures.

Three of the patients were found to have large pituitary macroadenomas in their workup for memory deficiency and cognitive decline with minimal visual symptoms. These tumors extended superiorly into the suprasellar region in a retrochiasmatic position and caused significant mass effect in the bilateral mammillary bodies in the base of the brain. These 3 patients had complete and rapid resolution of amnestic problems shortly after initiation of treatment, consisting of resection in 1 case of nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma or cabergoline therapy in 2 cases of prolactinoma. The fourth patient presented with bizarre and hostile behavior along with significant memory deficits and was found to have a large cystic craniopharyngioma filling the third ventricle and compressing the midline diencephalic structures. This patient underwent cyst fenestration and tumor debulking, with a rapid improvement in his mental status. The rapid and dramatic memory improvement observed in all of these cases is probably due to a reduction in the pressure imposed by the lesions on structures contiguous to the third ventricle, rather than a direct destructive effect of the tumor, and highlights the essential role of the caudal diencephalic structures—mainly the mammillary bodies—in memory function.

In summary, large pituitary lesions with suprasellar retrochiasmatic extension and third ventricular craniopharyngiomas can cause severe Korsakoff-like amnestic syndromes, probably because of bilateral pressure on or damage to mammillary bodies, anterior thalamic nuclei, or their major connections. Neuropsychiatric symptoms may rapidly and completely reverse shortly after initiation of therapy via surgical decompression of tumors or pharmacological treatment of prolactinomas. Early identification of these lesions with timely treatment can lead to a favorable prognosis for this severe neuropsychiatric disorder.
Incidence and risk factors for preoperative deep venous thrombosis in 314 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastasis
Authors: Zacharia Brad E. , Kahn Sweena , Bander Evan D. , Cederquist Gustav Y. , Cope William P. , McLaughlin Lily , Hijazi Alexa , Reiner Anne S. , Laufer Ilya , Bilsky Mark
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

The authors of this study aimed to identify the incidence of and risk factors for preoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing surgical treatment for spinal metastases.

METHODS

Univariate analysis of patient age, sex, ethnicity, laboratory values, comorbidities, preoperative ambulatory status, histopathological classification, spinal level, and surgical details was performed. Factors significantly associated with DVT univariately were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The authors identified 314 patients, of whom 232 (73.9%) were screened preoperatively for a DVT. Of those screened, 22 (9.48%) were diagnosed with a DVT. The screened patients were older (median 62 vs 55 years, p = 0.0008), but otherwise similar in baseline characteristics. Nonambulatory status, previous history of DVT, lower partial thromboplastin time, and lower hemoglobin level were statistically significant and independent factors associated with positive results of screening for a DVT. Results of screening were positive in only 6.4% of ambulatory patients in contrast to 24.4% of nonambulatory patients, yielding an odds ratio of 4.73 (95% CI 1.88–11.90). All of the patients who had positive screening results underwent preoperative placement of an inferior vena cava filter.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients requiring surgery for spinal metastases represent a population with unique risks for venous thromboembolism. This study showed a 9.48% incidence of DVT in patients screened preoperatively. The highest rates of preoperative DVT were identified in nonambulatory patients, who were found to have a 4-fold increase in the likelihood of harboring a DVT. Understanding the preoperative thrombotic status may provide an opportunity for early intervention and risk stratification in this critically ill population.
Depression as an independent predictor of postoperative delirium in spine deformity patients undergoing elective spine surgery
Authors: Elsamadicy Aladine A. , Adogwa Owoicho , Lydon Emily , Sergesketter Amanda , Kaakati Rayan , Mehta Ankit I. , Vasquez Raul A. , Cheng Joseph , Bagley Carlos A. , Karikari Isaac O.
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Depression is the most prevalent affective disorder in the US, and patients with spinal deformity are at increased risk. Postoperative delirium has been associated with inferior surgical outcomes, including morbidity and mortality. The relationship between depression and postoperative delirium in patients undergoing spine surgery is relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if depression is an independent risk factor for the development of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing decompression and fusion for deformity.

METHODS

The medical records of 923 adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) undergoing elective spine surgery at a single major academic institution from 2005 through 2015 were reviewed. Of these patients, 255 (27.6%) patients had been diagnosed with depression by a board-certified psychiatrist and constituted the Depression group; the remaining 668 patients constituted the No-Depression group. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and intra- and postoperative complication rates were collected for each patient and compared between groups. The primary outcome investigated in this study was rate of postoperative delirium, according to DSM-V criteria, during initial hospital stay after surgery. The association between depression and postoperative delirium rate was assessed via multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Patient demographics and comorbidities other than depression were similar in the 2 groups. In the Depression group, 85.1% of the patients were taking an antidepressant prior to surgery. There were no significant between-group differences in intraoperative variables and rates of complications other than delirium. Postoperative complication rates were also similar between the cohorts, including rates of urinary tract infection, fever, deep and superficial surgical site infection, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, urinary retention, and proportion of patients transferred to the intensive care unit. In total, 66 patients (7.15%) had an episode of postoperative delirium, with depressed patients experiencing approximately a 2-fold higher rate of delirium (10.59% vs 5.84%). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, depression was an independent predictor of postoperative delirium after spine surgery in spinal deformity patients (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that depression is an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium after elective spine surgery. Further studies are necessary to understand the effects of affective disorders on postoperative delirium, in hopes to better identify patients at risk.
The effects of a calisthenics training intervention on posture, strength and body composition
Authors: Thomas E. , Bianco A. , Mancuso E.P. , Patti A. , Tabacchi G. , Paoli A. , Messina G. , Palma A.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

Calisthenics was a term used to define a generic set of body weight exercises. Such term is now used to define a world wide spread discipline based on body weight and gymnastics exercises.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to administer a calisthenics training protocol and evaluate its effects on posture, strength and body composition in untrained individuals.

METHODS:

Twenty-eight male participants (24.2 [Formula: see text] 4.2 years; 67.0 [Formula: see text] 8.3 Kg; 173.3 [Formula: see text] 5.2 cm) were divided into two groups, a Calisthenics based intervention group (SG) and a control group (CG). The SG exercised for 8 weeks. Each participant underwent a body composition analysis, a postural assessment, a handgrip test, a push-up and a pull-up test. Each participant was tested at baseline and post intervention.

RESULTS:

The SG improved their posture (with open eyes [Formula: see text] 0.001 and with closed eyes [Formula: see text] 0.05), their strength (push-up test [Formula: see text] 0.01 with a 16.4% increase and pull up test [Formula: see text] 0.0001 with a 39.2% increase) and their body composition (Fat mass 14.8 [Formula: see text] 5.1 vs. 11.4 [Formula: see text] 5.9, [Formula: see text] 0.01). No difference was shown for the handgrip test. No significant differences were displayed in any variable of the CG between pre and post measures.

CONCLUSIONS:

Calisthenics training is a feasible and effective training solution to improve posture, strength and body composition without the use any major training equipment.
Research on highly sensitive optomagnetic sensor for rapid detection of inflammation
Authors: Liu Chunxiu , Cai Haoyuan , Jia Jian , Cao Tianyang , Xu Chenghua , Liu Chang
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

C-reactive protein (CRP) is used to evaluate the evolution of infections and sepsis in critically ill patients. For POCT testing, biosensor-based detection techniques offer quick and convenient application.

OBJECTIVE:

A prototype three dimensional chip was fabricated based on a new optomagnetic method to achieve the rapid detection of CRP.

METHODS:

This work investigates a new technology for the quick quantitative detection of the C-reactive protein (CRP) by total internal reflection magnetic imaging (TIRMI) on a three dimensional optomagnetic sensor. Transparent glass and hydrophilic plastic film with channels were used to construct the three dimensional sensor. The magnetic nanoparticles and immunological reagent were immobilized on the reaction area of the sensor. Samples were detected using total internal reflection magnetic spot imaging (TIRMI) based on a sandwich magnetic immunoassay by one-step assay.

RESULTS:

The developed 3D biosensor-TIRMI method showed a wide dynamic linear range (0.2–200 ng/ml) and quick detection (5 min) with low-sample volume (10 [Formula: see text]L).

CONCLUSIONS:

We have presented a three dimensional optical protein chip that fulfills the demanding for point-of-care diagnostics in terms of ease-of-use (one step assay), miniaturization, assay time. This approach shows great promise for application in clinical investigations of biological samples.
Biomechanical design of escalading lower limb exoskeleton with novel linkage joints
Authors: Zhang Guoan , Liu Gangfeng , Ma Sun , Wang Tianshuo , Zhao Jie , Zhu Yanhe
Published: June 2017

In this paper, an obstacle-surmounting-enabled lower limb exoskeleton with novel linkage joints that perfectly mimicked human motions was proposed. Currently, most lower exoskeletons that use linear actuators have a direct connection between the wearer and the controlled part. Compared to the existing joints, the novel linkage joint not only fitted better into compact chasis, but also provided greater torque when the joint was at a large bend angle. As a result, it extended the angle range of joint peak torque output. With any given power, torque was prioritized over rotational speed, because instead of rotational speed, sufficiency of torque is the premise for most joint actions. With insufficient torque, the exoskeleton will be a burden instead of enhancement to its wearer. With optimized distribution of torque among the joints, the novel linkage method may contribute to easier exoskeleton movements.
GPU-based interactive near-regular texture synthesis for digital human models
Authors: Shen Zhe , Wu Chao , Ding Bin , Yuan Zhipeng , Zhang Naisheng , Zhao Meng , Zhao Yuan
Published: June 2017

Near-regular texture is a common feature for both nature scene and 3D human models. However, traditional texture synthesis has only been able to produce a single result. This study proposes a parallel, and interactive, method for the texture synthesis of irregular appearance in 3D human models. The new method includes two major procedures: (1) iterative edge extraction and processing, and (2) parallel texture synthesis, which generates a texture with higher quality. In this paper, the effectiveness of near-regular texture synthesis algorithm is demonstrated experimentally.
A surface acoustic wave ICP sensor with good temperature stability
Authors: Zhang Bing , Hu Hong , Ye Aipeng , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is very important for assessing and monitoring hydrocephalus, head trauma and hypertension patients, which could lead to elevated ICP or even devastating neurological damage. The mortality rate due to these diseases could be reduced through ICP monitoring, because precautions can be taken against the brain damage.

OBJECTIVE:

This paper presents a surface acoustic wave (SAW) pressure sensor to realize ICP monitoring, which is capable of wireless and passive transmission with antenna attached.

METHODS:

In order to improve the temperature stability of the sensor, two methods were adopted. First, the ST cut quartz was chosen as the sensor substrate due to its good temperature stability. Then, a differential temperature compensation method was proposed to reduce the effects of temperature. Two resonators were designed based on coupling of mode (COM) theory and the prototype was fabricated and verified using a system established for testing pressure and temperature.

RESULTS:

The experiment result shows that the sensor has a linearity of 2.63% and hysteresis of 1.77%.

CONCLUSIONS:

The temperature stability of the sensor has been greatly improved by using the differential compensation method, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Body Without a Face: The Disorientation of Trauma inPhoenix(2014) and New Holocaust Cinema
Authors: Landry Olivia
Published: June 2017

This article analyses Christian Petzold's exemplary 2014 film Phoenix, tracking a new development in Holocaust cinema that focuses on phenomenological narratives of embodied experience of trauma. It examines the film through the cinematic representation of the traumatised body. While there is no dearth of scholarly inquiries into the relationship of trauma and the body and how it is mediated through film, these are often more concerned with the way in which the body becomes a projection screen for repressed or collective trauma and less about the lived conditions of individual trauma. The present analysis offers a rethinking of the traumatised body as one beset by the condition of disorientation. As a methodological guide, it turns to Sara Ahmed's pivotal phenomenological study Queer Phenomenology (2006).
Fearsome Acts of Interpretation: Audiovisual Historiography, Film Theory andGangs of New York
Authors: Meneghetti Mike
Published: June 2017

This article revisits Jean-Louis Comolli's “Historical Fiction: A Body Too Much” (1978) in the spirit of film-philosophy's various efforts to reassess the field's seminal texts, and it recasts Comolli's attentive analyses of film acting in terms of the original interpretations they produce. In short, I look to “A Body Too Much’ for its subtle disclosure of an underappreciated substratum of hermeneutics in so called “1970s film theory.” Comolli's study of the discord between actor and referent, I argue, is surprisingly consistent with Paul Ricoeur's pioneering contemporaneous work on metaphor and interpretation, and it leads him to understand the meaningful deployment of film actors in very particular ways. I provide an extended analysis of Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York (2002) to further demonstrate how the distinctive utilization of actors constitutes both a redescription of the historical past and a spur to interpretation. When critically apprehended as a solution to the broadly construed problems of creating historical fictions (pragmatic filmmaking problems, but also the significant matter of making meaning), the calculated deployment of film actors can reveal a manner of thinking about the historical past – simply put, it can tell us what a film is thinking and how it regards its historical characters and events. In the final analysis, I claim, our attention to – and critical interpretation of – the embodiment of such filmic thinking permits us to grasp the imaginative form of historical knowledge on view in such films.
Exploring the Role of Farm Animals in Providing Care at Care Farms
Authors: Hassink Jan , De Bruin Simone , Berget Bente , Elings Marjolein
Published: June 2017

We explore the role of farm animals in providing care to different types of participants at care farms (e.g., youngsters with behavioural problems, people with severe mental problems and people with dementia). Care farms provide alternative and promising settings where people can interact with animals compared to a therapeutic healthcare setting. We performed a literature review, conducted focus group meetings and carried out secondary data-analysis of qualitative studies involving care farmers and different types of participants. We found that farm animals are important to many participants and have a large number of potential benefits. They can (i) provide meaningful day occupation; (ii) generate valued relationships; (iii) help people master tasks; (iv) provide opportunities for reciprocity; (v) can distract people from them problems; (vi) provide relaxation; (vii) facilitate customized care; (viii) facilitate relationships with other people; (ix) stimulate healthy behavior; (x) contribute to a welcoming environment; (xi) make it possible to experience basic elements of life; and (xii) provide opportunities for reflection and feedback. This shows the multi-facetted importance of interacting with animals on care farms. In this study the types of activities with animals and their value to different types of participants varied. Farm animals are an important element of the care farm environment that can address the care needs of different types of participants.
Trap-Neuter-Return Activities in Urban Stray Cat Colonies in Australia
Authors: Tan Kuan , Rand Jacquie , Morton John
Published: June 2017

Trap, neuter and return (TNR) describes a non-lethal approach to the control of urban stray cat populations. Currently, in Australia, lethal control is common, with over 85% of cats entering some municipal pounds euthanized. No research has been published describing TNR activities in Australia. Adults involved with TNR in Australia were invited to participate. Data from 53 respondents were collected via an anonymous online questionnaire. Most respondents were females 36 to 65 years of age, and slightly more participated in TNR as individuals than as part of an organization. Respondents generally self-funded at least some of their TNR activities. The median number of colonies per respondent was 1.5 (range 1 to over 100). Median colony size declined from 11.5 to 6.5 cats under TNR over a median of 2.2 years, and the median percent reduction was 31%; this was achieved by rehoming cats and kittens and reducing reproduction. A median of 69% of cats in each colony were desexed at the time of reporting. Most respondents fed cats once or twice daily, and at least 28% of respondents microchipped cats. Prophylactic healthcare was provided to adult cats and kittens, commonly for intestinal parasites (at least 49%), and fleas (at least 46%); vaccinations were less common. Time-consuming activities for respondents were feeding (median 4 h/week) and locating resources (median 1.1 h/week). These findings indicate that TNR, when involving high desexing rates within colonies, adoption of kittens and friendly adults, and ongoing oversight by volunteer caretakers, can reduce cat numbers over time, improve health and welfare of cats and kittens, and is largely funded by private individuals and organizations.
Equivalence between Fuzzy PID Controllers and Conventional PID Controllers
Authors: Chao Chun-Tang , Sutarna Nana , Chiou Juing-Shian , Wang Chi-Jo
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes the equivalence between fuzzy Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers and conventional PID controllers. A well-designed conventional PID controller, with the help of the proposed method, can be rapidly transformed to an equivalent fuzzy logic controller (FLC) by observing and defining the operating ranges of the input/output of the controller. Furthermore, the knowledge base of the proposed equivalent fuzzy PID controller is represented as a cube fuzzy associative memory (FAM), instead of a combination of PD-type and PI-type FLCs in most research. Simulation results show the feasibility of the proposed technique, both in continuous and discrete time. Since the design techniques of conventional linear PID controllers have matured, they can act as preliminary expert knowledge for nonlinear FLCs designs. Based on the proposed equivalence relationship, the designer can further tune the membership functions of fuzzy variables in the control rules to exhibit the nonlinearity of a FLC and yield more satisfactory system responses in an efficient way.
Back-Calculation of Traffic-Related PM10 Emission Factors Based on Roadside Concentration Measurements
Authors: Wang Yuan , Huang Zihan , Liu Yujie , Yu Qi , Ma Weichun
Published: June 2017

Many researchers have failed to utilize back-calculation to estimate traffic emissions effectively or have obtained unclear results. In this study, the back-calculation of traffic-related PM10 emission factors based on roadside concentration measurements was analyzed. Experimental conditions were considered to ensure the success of back-calculation. Roadside measurements were taken in a street canyon in Shanghai, China. Concentrations from a background site were often found to exceed the measured concentrations at the roadside on polluted days as more errors occurred in the background concentrations. On clean days, these impacts were negligible. Thus, only samples collected on clean days were used in back-calculation. The mean value from back-calculation was 0.138 g/km, which was much smaller than the results obtained using official emission models. Emission factors for light-duty vehicles (LDV), medium-duty vehicles (MDV), heavy-duty vehicles (HDV), and motorcycles were approximately 0.121, 0.427, 0.445, and 0.096 g/km, respectively. The fleet-averaged non-exhaust emission factor was approximately 0.121 g/km, indicating that road dust accounted for 87.7% of the roadside concentration increments. According to the dispersion simulation of reserved samples, the concentrations simulated using back-calculated emission factors were in better agreement with the measured data than the concentrations derived using modeled emission factors.
Fabrication of Luminescent Antireflective Coatings with CaMoO4:Eu3+/Ag Composite Structure
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Hagiwara Manabu , Fujihara Shinobu
Published: June 2017

Highly transparent and luminescent CaMoO4:Eu3+/Ag composite films were fabricated on glass substrates as multifunctional antireflective (AR) coatings. The films were deposited through a combination of a sol–gel dip-coating technique and a hot water treatment. With the addition of an aluminum source in coating solutions, the sol–gel-derived films underwent a remarkable microstructural change during the hot water treatment due to the reaction between an amorphous alumina phase and water. This change brought both an antireflective effect (suppression of Fresnel reflection) and luminescence enhancement (suppression of total internal reflection) to the films. The introduction of Ag nanoparticles into the films further increased luminescence intensity without losing the antireflective effect.
Structuring Medical Education for Workforce Transformation: Continuity, Symbiosis and Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships
Authors: Osman Nora , Atalay Alev , Ghosh Arundhati , Saravanan Yamini , Shagrin Bianca , Singh Tara , Hirsh David
Published: June 2017

Health systems worldwide are increasingly unable to meet individual and population health needs. The shortage of healthcare workers in rural and other underserved communities is compounded by inadequate primary care infrastructure and maldistribution of services. At the same time, the medical education system has not changed to address the growing mismatch between population health needs and care delivery capacity. Internationally, leaders are calling for change to address these challenges. Substantive changes are needed in medical education’s stance, structure, and curricula. Educational continuity and symbiosis are two guiding principles at the center of current clinical educational redesign discourse. These principles rely on empirically-derived science to guide educational structure and improve outcomes. Educational continuity and symbiosis may improve student learning and support population health through workforce transformation. Longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs), growing out of workforce imperatives in the 1970s, have demonstrated sustainable educational and workforce outcomes. Alongside the success of LICs, more innovation and more reaching innovation are needed. We propose restructuring clinical medical education specifically to address workforce needs and develop science-minded (rigorous, inquisitive, and innovative) and service-minded (humanistic, community-engaged, and socially accountable) graduates.