bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salmonella bongori 48:z35:– The first Italian case of human infection outside Sicily
Authors: Bellio Alberto , Bianchi Daniela M. , Acutis Pierluigi , Biolatti Cristina , Luzzi Ida , Modesto Paola , Rocchetti Andrea , Decastelli Lucia , Gallina Silvia
Published: October 2016

Salmonella bongori 48:z35:– is considered endemic to Sicily (Italy) due to its epidemiological peculiarity. To our knowledge, no previous cases of human infection caused by S. bongori 48:z35:– have ever been reported in mainland Italy. Here we describe the isolation of S. bongori 48:z35:– from a 1-year-old symptomatic child in northwest Italy (Piedmont Region). The strain showed no antimicrobial resistance. Reporting of S. bongori 48:z35:– in a previously safe area is important to identify epidemiological changes.
Genotypes of the hepatitis B virus within the area of Terni, Italy: our experience
Authors: Piermarini Michela , Medori Maria Chiara , Pagnani Alessandra , Proietti Monica , Scaccetti Augusto
Published: October 2016

Background and aims: The presence of hepatitis B varies depending on the different areas of the world; 10 genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (A to J) have been identified, and they differ from one another in the nucleotide sequence and geographical location. The various genotypes are associated with a different evolution of the disease and with distinct responses to treatment.
Materials and Methods: From January 2010 to March 2014 we assessed the genotype of the HBV virus on 35 specimens with HBVDNA>1000 IU/mL. The HBV genotype has been determined through sequencing.
Results: The 35 specimens belonged to individuals with a mean and median age of 42.8 and 40 years respectively: 17 of them were Italian and 18 from other countries. In total there were 19 males: 12 Italians and 7 foreigners. Females were 16: 5 Italians and 11 foreigners. The subjects with HBV-DNA≥106 IU/mL were prevailing, followed by subjects with HBV-DNA between 1000 IU/mL and 10.000 IU/mL. Out of 35 patients analysed by genotype, we found 20 genotypes D and 15 non-D genotypes.
Conclusions: The analyses carried out on results suggest that Italy, land of immigration, has become a multi-ethnic country with people coming from high and medium endemic disease areas in terms of HBV. Most patients show D genotype, however the migratory flows lead to the introduction of patients with non-D HBV genotypes in the native population as highlighted in Terni.
Real life turnaround time of blood cultures in the clinical microbiology laboratory: results of the first Italian survey, May 2015
Authors: Arena Fabio , Argentieri Marta , Bernaschi Paola , Fortina Giacomo , Kroumova Vesselina , Manso Esther , Montanera Pier Giorgio , Nicoletti Pierluigi , Pecile Patrizia , Rassu Mario , Rossolini Gian Maria , Spanu Teresa , Clerici Pierangelo , Fontana Carla
Published: October 2016

Background and aims: Blood culture (BC) results are essential to guide antimicrobial chemotherapy for patients with sepsis. However, BC is a time-consuming exam, which can take several days. Reducing BCs turn around time (TAT) could impact on multiple outcome parameters and TAT monitoring is an important tool for measurement of microbiology laboratory performance. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of BC TATs among Italian microbiology laboratories.
Materials and methods: Five laboratories collected and recorded, for a month period, date and time of the BC processing events. Cumulative TATs were analysed using the GraphPad software.
Results: Participating laboratories reported data from 302 sepsis episodes. The median time from when the BC system produced a positive signal until Gram-stain results were reported was 7.6 hours. A rapid molecular identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed in 26.5% of BCs. Mean TAT for identification report was significantly lower when a molecular approach was adopted (12 vs. 28.7 hours, P<0.001). Similarly, results of the molecular AST were obtained more than 24 hours in advance compared with phenotypic AST (mean 13.2 vs. 47.6, P<0.001). TATs from BC positivity of laboratories opened 7 days/week were not significantly lower than those of laboratories opened 6 days/week.
Conclusions: BC is a time-consuming exam, however, molecular identification and AST methods can drastically reduce time to results. The lack of difference between TATs observed for laboratories working 7 days/week and 6 days/week, coupled with a high rate of BCs turning positive during the night enable to conclude that the most urgent measure to reduce TATs is the expansion of laboratory regular duty hours.
Search for serological markers of infection in transfused patients: are the limitations of these assays always clear?
Authors: De Paschale Massimo , Sambri Vittorio
Published: October 2016

Not available
Irrepressible pain treatment: Small Auto Emo Infusion and subcutaneous infiltrations of oxygen-ozone monitored with echography
Authors: Morello Roberto , Piccoli Marina
Published: October 2016

This is a case of an 82-year-old woman with a two year left coxalgia, following a complete hip prosthetic implant, treated with an oxygenozone therapy cycle (5 ng subcutaneous infiltrations and 10 ng small artery elasticity index).
Oxygen-ozone therapy in the treatment of adipose tissue diseases
Authors: Cuccio Gaetano , Franzini Marianno
Published: October 2016

The panniculosis or edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (PEFS), commonly called cellulite is a subcutaneous adipose disease that afflicts the vast majority of women at all ages. PEFS is framed as a subcutaneous adipose suffering from venous and lymphatic stasis whose etiology is multifactorial. Many others are the implications and clinical relapses of diseases of inflammatory or autoimmune basis that determine disease states with involvement of the patient’s general conditions. The oxygen-ozone therapy, thanks to its abilities of improving the rheological properties of the microcirculation, immuno-modulating and anti-inflammatory abnormalities, arises as adjuvant and is a valid method, which is also an alternative compared to conventional protocols.
Observational study of a case of fibromyalgia treated with Ozone Therapy: local and systemic effects documented with Metatron Hunter
Authors: Fioravanti Bruno
Published: October 2016

This work has examined the use of Metatron diagnostics on fibromyalgia, analyzing the evolution and the effectiveness of treatment with oxygen-ozone therapy.
Computed Tomography Angiography with a 192-slice Dual-source Computed Tomography System: Improvements in Image Quality and Radiation Dose
Authors: Linsen Philip V M , Coenen Adriaan , Lubbers Marisa M , Dijkshoorn Marcel L , Ouhlous Mohamed , Nieman Koen
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

This study aims to compare image quality, radiation dose, and the influence of the heart rate on image quality of high-pitch spiral coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) using 128-slice (second generation) dual-source CT (DSCT) and a 192-slice DSCT (third generation) scanner.

Materials and Methods:

Two consecutive cohorts of fifty patients underwent CCTA by high-pitch spiral scan mode using 128 or 192-slice DSCT. The 192-slice DSCT system has a more powerful roentgen tube (2 × 120 kW) that allows CCTA acquisition at lower tube voltages, wider longitudinal coverage for faster table speed (732 m/s), and the use of iterative reconstruction. Objective image quality was measured as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Subjective image quality was evaluated using a Likert scale.

Results:

While the effective dose was lower with 192-slice DSCT (1.2 ± 0.5 vs. 0.6 ± 0.3 mSv; P < 0.001), the SNR (18.9 ± 4.3 vs. 11.0 ± 2.9; P < 0.001) and CNR (23.5 ± 4.8 vs. 14.3 ± 4.1; P < 0.001) were superior to 128-slice DSCT. Although patients scanned with 192-slice DSCT had a faster heart rate (59 ± 7 vs. 56 ± 6; P = 0.045), subjective image quality was scored higher (4.2 ± 0.8 vs. 3.0 ± 0.7; P < 0.001) compared to 128-slice DSCT.

Conclusions:

High-pitch spiral CCTA by 192-slice DSCT provides better image quality, despite a higher average heart rate, at lower radiation doses compared to 128-slice DSCT.
Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma - Multimodality Imaging
Authors: Jeong Nari , Seol Sang-Hoon , Kim Il Hwan , Kim Ji Yeon
Published: October 2016

Pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) is a rare and fatal disease. PAS can often be misdiagnosed as pulmonary thromboembolism. Moreover, the correct diagnosis is frequently delayed due to nonspecific signs and symptoms. The prognosis of patients with PAS is poor. We report a case of a woman with a primary PAS who was initially diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism.
WoSIS: Serving standardised soil profile data for the world
Authors: Batjes Niels H. , Ribeiro Eloi , van Oostrum Ad , Leenaars Johan , Heng Tom , Mendes de Jesus Jorge
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The aim of the World Soil Information Service (WoSIS) is to serve quality-assessed, georeferenced soil data (point, polygon, and grid) to the international community upon their standardisation and harmonisation. So far, the focus has been on developing procedures for legacy point data, with special attention for the selection of soil analytical and physical properties considered in the GlobalSoilMap specifications (e.g. organic carbon, soil pH, soil texture (sand, silt, and clay), coarse fragments (
Reversing land degradation through grasses: a systematic meta-analysis in the Indian tropics
Authors: Mandal Debashis , Srivastava Pankaj , Giri Nishita , Kaushal Rajesh , Cerda Artemi , Alam Nurnabi Mehrul
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The present study critically analyzes the effect of grasses in reversing the process of land degradation using a systematic review. The collected information was segregated under three different land use and land management situations. Meta-analysis was applied to test the hypothesis that use of grasses reduce runoff and soil erosion. Effect of grasses was deduced for grass strip and in combination with physical structures. Similarly, the effects of grasses were analyzed in degraded pasture lands. The overall result of the meta-analysis showed that infiltration capacity increased approximately two-fold after planting grasses across the slopes in agricultural fields. Grazing land management through cut and carry system increased conservation efficiencies by 42 % and 63 % with respect to reduction in runoff and erosion, respectively. Considering comprehensive performance Index (CPI) it has been observed that hybrid napier (Pennisetum purpureum) and sambuta (Saccharum munja) seem to posses the best desirable attributes as effective grass barrier for western Himalaya and eastern Gahts while natural grass (Dicanthium annulatum) and broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima) are found to be most promising grass species for Konkan region of western Ghat and north eastern Himalayan region, respectively. In addition to these benefits, it was also observed that soil carbon loss can be reduced by 83 % with the use of grasses. Overall, efficacy for erosion control of various grasses was more than 60 % hence their selection should be based on the production potential of these grasses under given edaphic and agro-ecological condition.
Turismo rural y paisaje en zonas de montaña. Propuesta metodológica para identificar sus relaciones en las Sierras Meridionales de la Provincia de Albacete
Authors: Cebrián Abellán Francisco , García González Juan Antonio
Published: October 2016

Las zonas de montaña cuentan con especificidades geográficas y socioeconómicas. En ellas, a partir del patrimonio territorial natural y cultural, se ha producido un considerable impulso del turismo rural, que ha centrado el interés en la valoración de la singularidad y variedad de los paisajes. En este caso se presta atención a las sierras meridionales de la provincia de Albacete. El trabajo se apoya en una metodología que combina el uso de encuestas de preferencias de turistas y técnicas cartográficas a partir de algunas variables del sistema turístico en el medio rural. El trabajo se inserta dentro de los paradigmas del desarrollo local y el desarrollo sostenible, aplicado a los espacios rurales y a las zonas de montaña media del sureste de Castilla-La Mancha. La hipótesis se centra en la consideración del paisaje como elemento medular del turismo rural.
In Vitro Performance Investigation of SynCardia™ Freedom® Driver via Patient Simulator Mock Loop
Authors: Toninato Riccardo , Scuri Silvia , Tarzia Vincenzo , Gerosa Gino , Susin Francesca M.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The gold standard therapy for patients with advanced heart failure is heart transplant. The gap between donors and patients in waiting lists promoted the development of circulatory support devices, such as the total artificial heart (TAH). Focusing on in vitro tests performed with CardioWest™ TAH (CW) driven by the SynCardia Freedom® portable driver (FD) the present study goals are: i) prove the reliability of a hydraulic circuit used as patient simulator to replicate a quasi-physiological scenario for various hydrodynamic conditions, ii) investigate the hydrodynamic performance of the CW FD, iii) help clinicians in possible interpretation of clinical cases outcomes.

Methods

In vitro tests were performed using a mechanic-hydraulic patient simulator. Cardiac output (CO), CW ventricles filling, atrial, ventricles, aortic and pulmonary artery pressures were measured for different values of vascular resistance in both systemic (SVR) and pulmonary (PVR) physiological range.

Results

After increasing the PVR, the left atrial pressure decreased according to the expected physiological trend, while aortic pressure remained almost stable, proving the ability of the simulator to mimic a physiological scenario. Unexpectedly, the mean pulmonary artery pressure (P) was found to increase above 30 mmHg in the range of physiological PVR (2.6 WU) and for constant CO.

Conclusions

The increase in PPA is probably associated with the pre-set driving setup of the FD. The finding suggests a possible explanation of the clinical course of a patient who experienced complications soon after being supported by the FD, with the occurrence of dyspnea and pulmonary edema despite a high cardiac index.
Quality-of-Life Assessment: Arm TIVAD versus Chest TIVAD
Authors: Burbridge Brent , Goyal Kunal
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Venous access devices are essential for the provision of care for patients requiring chemotherapy. Totally implanted venous access devices (TIVADs), also known as ports, are an option for infusion care. Medical devices have an impact upon patient quality of life. We assessed the impact on quality of life and satisfaction with their venous device, for patients with a chest TIVAD versus an upper arm TIVAD.

Materials and methods

Sequential subjects were administered a questionnaire, “Quality of Life Assessment, Venous Device - Port (QLAVD-P)” at the time of their TIVAD removal. All subjects consented to complete the questionnaire and volunteered for this assessment. The TIVADs were all implanted and removed in the medical imaging department.

Results

Between March 1, 2014 and August 30, 2015, 127 subjects completed the QLAVD-P. At the time of their port removal, 51 had chest ports while 76 had arm ports. There were some negative features of the chest ports that were statistically significant in comparison to the arm ports. Most of the subjects felt that their port had a positive impact upon their treatment and they would have another port inserted if required for future treatment.

Discussion

Quality of life for those requiring intravenous chemotherapy is very important. This should be considered when selecting an infusion device. Venous ports were positively received by the subjects in our study and there were fewer negative impacts upon subject satisfaction and quality of life for those with upper-arm devices.
CONHECIMENTO DE PROFISSIONAIS DE ENFERMAGEM SOBRE HIGIENIZAÇÃO DAS MÃOS
Authors: Derhun Flávia Maria , De Souza Verusca Soares , Costa Maria Antônia Ramos , Inoue Kelly Cristina , Matsuda Laura Misue
Published: October 2016

Estudo analítico, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado no mês de janeiro de 2014 e que teve como objetivo analisar o conhecimento de profissionais de enfermagem sobre higienização das mãos. Participaram 267 trabalhadores, de dois hospitais da região noroeste do Paraná, que preencheram um questionário adaptado do Ministério da Saúde, intitulado Teste de Conhecimento a Respeito da Higienização das Mãos para Profissionais de Saúde, contendo oito questões. Os dados foram tratados por meio dos programas Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20 (SPSS) e Epi InfoTM 7.1.3. Constatou-se percentual elevado de acertos das questões, exceto naquelas que se referiam à Rota de infecção e Tempo mínimo de fricção das mãos com preparação alcoólica. Concluiu-se que 86,52% dos profissionais investigados não conheciam na íntegra as instruções para higienização das mãos. Sugere-se que o tema higienização das mãos seja abordado com as equipes investigadas, por meio de processos educativos permanentes, pautados em metodologias ativas.
TECNOLOGIA BOTA DE UNNA NA CICATRIZAÇÃO DA ÚLCERA VARICOSA
Authors: Danski Mitzy Tannia Reichembach , Liedke Deise Cristina Furtado , Vayego Stela Adami , Pontes Letícia , Lind Jolline , Johann Derdried Athanasio
Published: October 2016

Objetivou-se analisar a eficiência da tecnologia Bota de Unna no processo de cicatrização de úlceras varicosas. Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva retrospectiva, realizada no ambulatório de tratamento de feridas de um hospital de ensino da região sul do Brasil, tendo como fonte de dados prontuários de pacientes portadores de úlcera venosa e que utilizaram a Bota de Unna. Incluiu-se 49 pacientes que apresentaram 80 úlceras varicosas, predominantemente em membro inferior direito com 56,2% (n=45) e região de maléolo medial com 42,5% (n=34). Em relação à cicatrização das úlceras, houve significância estatística para volume intenso do exsudato (p-valor=0,0193) e tamanho da úlcera (p-valor<0,0001), tendência para deambulação sem auxílio (p-valor=0,0986) e exsudato purulento (p-valor=0,0629) como variáveis que interferem na cicatrização. Quarenta e um pacientes (51,3%) tiveram cicatrização das lesões mediante o uso da Bota de Unna em até 12 semanas. A tecnologia foi eficiente na cicatrização das úlceras varicosas, em especial nas úlceras de pequeno tamanho.
PREVALÊNCIA DO DIAGNÓSTICO DE ENFERMAGEM NUTRIÇÃO DESEQUILIBRADA EM HIPERTENSOS
Authors: Ferreira Marília Araripe , Carneiro Annah Maria Couto Bezerra , Valente Mayenne Myrcea Quintino Pereira , Cestari Virna Ribeiro Feitosa , Diógenes Maria Albertina Rocha , Diógenes Léa Maria Moura Barroso
Published: October 2016

Objetivou-se investigar a prevalência do Diagnóstico de Enfermagem Nutrição desequilibrada: mais do que as necessidades corporais em hipertensos. Estudo descritivo, exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 90 pacientes hipertensos, acompanhados em unidade de atenção secundária. A coleta de dados foi realizada em 2015, mediante questionário contendo dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos e clínicos. As variáveis categóricas foram resumidas por estatísticas descritivas de frequências (absolutas e relativas). As associações entre as características definidoras maiores e a presença do diagnóstico estudado foi avaliada pelo teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson. Verificou-se que o mesmo esteve presente em 82 (91,1%) dos participantes, tendo em vista que eles apresentavam pelo menos uma das duas características definidoras maiores: “dobra do tríceps alterada” (p<0,001) ou “sobrepeso 20% acima do ideal” (p<0,001). Evidenciou-se a importância do enfermeiro promover estratégias que visem às mudanças comportamentais na alimentação e prática de atividade física, contribuindo para a redução do diagnóstico.
Biologic and Synthetic Grafts in the Reconstruction of Large to Massive Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Gillespie Robert J. , Knapik Derrick M. , Akkus Ozan
Published: October 2016

Rotator cuff injuries are common in both young and elderly patients. Despite improvements in instrumentation and surgical techniques, the failure rates following tendon reconstruction remain unacceptably high. To improve outcomes, graft patches have been developed to provide mechanical strength and to furnish a scaffold for biologic growth across the delicate tendon-bone junction. Although no patch effectively re-creates the structured, highly organized system of prenatal tendon development, augmenting rotator cuff repair may help restore native tendon-to-bone attachment while reproducing the mechanical and biologic properties of native tendon. An understanding of biologically and synthetically derived grafts, along with knowledge of the preliminary data available regarding their combined use with growth factors and stem cells, is needed to improve management and treatment outcomes. The current literature has not been consistent in showing patch augmentation to be beneficial over traditional repair, but novel scaffolding materials may help facilitate rotator cuff tendon repair that is histologically and biomechanically comparable to native tendon.
Teaching and Learning Vocabulary through Reading as a Social Practice in Saudi Universities
Authors: Altalhab Sultan
Published: October 2016

The study explores the social practice of vocabulary learning by examining vocabulary teaching techniques employed by teachers, the vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) identified by students as most useful and the ones they felt most competent in using when reading and teachers’ and students’ attitudes towards learning vocabulary through reading. While most vocabulary research is quantitative, this study used a mixed methods approach of quantitative and qualitative data collected from a range of sources. One hundred and fifty students majoring in English from four different universities completed a semi-structured questionnaire and twenty-two of them were interviewed. In addition, nine teachers of vocabulary and reading subjects were interviewed and their classes observed. A systematic analysis for the prescribed textbooks was also conducted. The findings revealed that both teachers and students were negotiating their autonomy on an ongoing basis, which means that the social context of learning has a powerful influence on what students learn. The study concludes that vocabulary learning is a social practice influenced by a range of factors, such as teaching techniques, VLSs, the prescribed textbook, participants’ beliefs and attitudes, learners’ interests, cultural values and learners’ level of competence in English.
Effect of a Mushroom (Coriolus versicolor) Based Probiotic on the Expression of Toll-like Receptors and Signal Transduction in Goat Neutrophils
Authors: Ekwemalor Kingsley , Asiamah Emmanuel , Worku Mulumebet
Published: October 2016

Neutrophils recognize and destroy pathogens through activation of the Toll like receptor (TLR) system as part of the inflammatory response of innate immunity. The expression and modulation of genes in the TLR signaling pathway in caprine blood neutrophils was investigated. Following initial screening for infection, goats (N=15) were assigned to three groups of five (n=5) individuals. Goats were drenched daily with 10 mL of powdered CorPet (Mycology labs Inc) soaked in hot (treatment I) or cold (treatment II) sterile filtered endotoxin free water, for a 4-week period. A control group of five age-matched goats received sterile water (treatment III). Blood was collected weekly and analyzed for packed cell volume and white blood cell differential counts. At weeks 1 and 4 neutrophils were isolated, using differential centrifugation and hypotonic lysis of red blood cells. The concentration and purity of total RNA isolated using Trizol was determined on a Nanodrop spectrophotometer. The RETROscript kit was used to synthesize cDNA. The expression of 84 genes in the human TLR signaling pathway RT2 PCR Array was evaluated using real time PCR and the Livak method. The house keeping gene GAPDH was used to normalize the data. At week 1 untreated goats expressed 48 genes in the pathway. Goat neutrophils expressed 10 TLRs. Mushroom extracts modulated expression of and signaling by TLR. These results will help in the definition of the role of TLR expression in neutrophils and its contribution to goat innate immunity. Further this may aid in the design of therapeutics for goat health.
Compartmentalization of Metabolites and Enzymatic Mediation in Nutritive Cells of Cecidomyiidae Galls on Piper Arboreum Aubl. (Piperaceae)
Authors: Bragança Gracielle Pereira , Oliveira Denis Coelho , Isaias Rosy Mary dos Santos
Published: October 2016

Galling insects commonly change the chemical profile of their host plant tissues during gall induction and establishment. As a consequence, galls accumulate a wide range of metabolites in specialized cells, which may be organized in a nutritive tissue and in outer storage cells. The nutrients compartmentalized in nutritive cells may be directly assessed or metabolized via enzymatic mediation, while the gall outer cortex may accumulate secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolitesmay configure a specialized chemical barrier against the attack of natural enemies. Either the nutritive inner cells or the outer cortical cells, with their specific metabolic apparatus, should differentiate under the chemical constraints of each host plant-galling herbivore interaction. This premise is herein addressed by the investigation of the histochemical profile of the non-galled leaves and galls induced by Diptera: Cecidomyiidae on Piper arboreum. The spatial compartmentalization of the nutritive and defensive metabolites indicates the new functions assumed during the redifferentiation of the host plant cells. The enzymatic mediation of the primary metabolites by sucrose synthase and invertases favors the nutritive requirements of the galling Cecidomyiidae or the structural maintenance of the gall. The accumulation of secondary metabolites is restrict to the tissue layers not involved in nutrition, and may act in the chemical protection against predators or parasitoids. Current results systematically document metabolites compartmentalization, evidence the impairment of toxic compounds storage in cells surrounding the larval chamber, as well as, detect the redirection of nutritive substances to the site of the Cecidomyiidae feeding. The activity of sucrose synthase is restrict to the nutritive tissue in the galls on Piper arboreum, and reinforces previous detection of this enzyme mediation in carbohydrate metabolism in Cecidomyiidae galls.
Structure of Cocoa Based Vegetable Seed System for Selected Locale in Ghana
Authors: Osei-Adu Jonas , Bonsu Offei , Ekyem Seth Obosu , Afari-Sefa Victor , Osei Micheal Kwabena
Published: October 2016

The vegetable seed industry in Ghana is still at its formative stages. Farmer access to quality improved seed is still a daunting challenge. As a response, very few improved vegetable lines have been evaluated and tested in the country for dissemination to farmers. Using multistage sampling, a total of 137 vegetable farmers in the Offinso South municipal of the Ashanti region of Ghana were interviewed using structured questionnaires to characterize vegetable seed supply and distribution system. Results from the study indicated 45.3% of respondents acquired seed from commercial seed growers. Farmer saved seed accounted for 37.2% of sampled respondents while 32.1% of respondents sourced seeds from other farmers. The role of the formal seed system through private seed companies was minimal (10.2%). Only 10.9% of respodents treated their seeds before storage with 38.7% of respondents doing so prior to planting. This led to 23% of seed loss in storage with some farmers losing as much as 100%. The development of a vibrant vegetable seed system will require strong actor linkages within the seed supply chain to identify solutions to critical bottlenecks. An enabling policy environment for establishing dynamic and operational private seed companies, is a critical determinant of success in targeted farming communities. Provision of cold room facilities will also be necessary to ensure seeds are well stored.
Associação da ingestão de macronutrientes com o padrão de sono de adolescentes obesos
Authors: Feldner Carla Borges , Freitas Zulmária Rezende Ramos de , Rodrigues Bruno Soares , Nunes João Elias Dias , Santos Heitor Cunha , Cheik Nadia Carla
Published: October 2016

Introdução: A obesidade tornou-se uma preocupação mundial. Estudos mostraram relação negativa entre a duração do sono e o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC), adicionalmente, pesquisas revelam que a privação do sono está relacionada com a inadequação alimentar. Objetivos: Avaliar e relacionar a qualidade do sono, ingestão alimentar e percentual de gordura de adolescentes obesos. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 41 adolescentes obesos. Foi realizada avaliação da composição corporal, ingestão alimentar por recordatório e análise do sono por questionários. Resultados: Foi observada alta prevalência de dietas hiperlipídicas (60,98%), além de má qualidade do sono (82,93%) e sonolência (56,10%). Além disso,a sonolência apresentou correlação positiva com massa corporal (r=0,327), com IMC (r=0,363) e ingestão hiperproteíca (r=0,343). A má qualidade do sono apresentou correlação com a massa corporal (r=0,336). Conclusão: Os sujeitos apresentaram importantes alterações no padrão de sono, possivelmente associada à ingestão exacerbada de nutrientes e a adiposidade.
Protocolo de treinamento proprioceptivo para atletas de Ginástica Rítmica - GR
Authors: Hirata Ana Claudia De Souza , Oliveira Rodrigo Franco de
Published: October 2016

Introdução: Atletas de Ginástica Rítmica, após lesões ortopédicas, apresentam características sensório-motoras alteradas e estas devem ser focadas em programas de reabilitação sensório motor para obter, assim, um melhor retorno às atividades pré-lesão. Objetivo: Desenvolver uma proposta de treinamento proprioceptivo para atletas de Ginástica Rítmica (GR) e avaliar a influência do treinamento no equilíbrio postural. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um treinamento proprioceptivo específico para a modalidade no período de quatro semanas, em que as atletas foram avaliadas no momento pré-intervenção e pós-intervenção em uma Plataforma de Força. Resultados: Quando avaliada a área do COP, nas três posições testadas, observou-se que após a intervenção houve uma melhora no equilíbrio nas posições unipodal-direita e unipodal-esquerda, da mesma maneira que no equilíbrio bipodal também se identificou melhora. Conclusão: A aplicação de um protocolo proprioceptivo para a modalidade produz efeito significativo no equilíbrio e nas desordens posturais.
Efeitos da Passiflora edulis S. no processo de cicatrização em queimaduras induzidas em camundongos
Authors: Barros Esmeralda Maria Lustosa , Santos Dalva Karine Bello , Coelho Nayana Pinheiro Machado F. , Reis Mayara Rafaela , Bezerra Bianca Gonçalves
Published: October 2016

Introdução: Queimaduras levam à destruição parcial ou total dos tecidos expostos. A Passiflora edulis S. trata inflamações cutâneas. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do extrato da Passiflora edulis em queimaduras induzidas em camundongos. Métodos: 30 camundongos, divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos iguais: Controle (C), Queimaduras (Q) e Queimadura tratado com extrato da Passiflora edulis S. (QT) subdivididos em sete e 14 dias. A avaliação qualitativa se baseou na presença de células inflamatória, fibroblastos e organização das fibras colágenas e a quantitativa no programa Image J®, função “cell conter”. Resultados: Houve redução no número das células inflamatórias e aumento no número de fibroblastos no grupo QT aos sete dias, em comparação com os demais grupos. Aos 14 dias observa-se uma organização das fibras colágenas e uma diferença significativa (p
Intervenções com promoção de atividade física na prevenção primária do diabetes: Metanálise
Authors: Galliano Leony M , Seus Thamires L , Del Vecchio Fabrício B
Published: October 2016

Introdução: Estudos de intervenções com prática de atividade física (AF) e aconselhamento nutricional para indivíduos com risco de desenvolverem diabetes mellitus (DM) têm sido elaborados, mas a síntese de tais estudos ainda é restrita. Objetivo: Reunir e calcular a força de evidência dos achados da última década sobre promoção de AF e prevenção do DM, com base em estudos de intervenção bem delineados e com alta qualidade metodológica com adultos em risco de desenvolver DM. Métodos: Conduziu-se metanálise considerando publicações de 2001 a setembro de 2014. Para pesquisa das referências, foram utilizados os seguintes descritores: diabetes mellitus, intervenção, “atividade física”, “exercício físico”, organizados adequadamente e em diferentes combinações. Resultados: Foi encontrada redução de 2,13 mmol/L (IC95% = 1,62-2,64; p
Efeitos da atividade física terapêutica sobre o perfil glicêmico, composição corpórea e capacidade física funcional em diabéticos tipo II
Authors: Artioli Dérrick Patrick , Sá Filho Dercy José de
Published: October 2016

Introdução: pouco se sabe dos efeitos de uma única sessão semanal de atividade física terapêutica supervisionada aos diabéticos, portanto, resolveu-se analisar a possibilidade de ganho com essa prática. Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos de exercícios supervisionados ao perfil glicêmico, composição corpórea e capacidade funcional. Métodos: 28 diabéticos tipo II na primeira sessão foram avaliados por glicemia capilar, composição corpórea (IMC e percentual de gordura) e capacidade física (Time Up and Go, Sit-To-Stand e Step Test). Sendo reavaliados após oito sessões semanais de exercícios. Utilizou-se o T-Student para variáveis dependentes (p
Avaliação do NF-kB na regulação gênica do sistema NADPH oxidase em pacientes com displasia ectodérmica com imunodeficiência
Authors: Errante Paolo Ruggero , Rodrigues Francisco Sandro Menezes , Ferraz Renato Ribeiro Nogueira
Published: October 2016

Introdução: A displasia ectodérmica anidrótica com imunodeficiência (DEA) é uma doença caracterizada por mutações nos genes que codificam o NF-kB. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do NF-B na regulação gênica dos componentes do sistema NADPH oxidase de pacientes com DEA. Métodos: Sangue periférico de pacientes com DEA e indivíduos saudáveis foram coletados para a separação de células mononucleares obtidas a partir de sangue periférico e as células B foram imortalizadas com vírus Epstein-Barr (B-EBV) para produção de ânion superóxido e extração de RNA para reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real dos componentes do sistema NADPH oxidase. Resultados: A produção de ânion superóxido e a expressão dos genes NCF1 e NCF2 de pacientes DEA foi estatisticamente menor quando comparado com o grupo controle. Conclusão: O NF-B é necessário para a expressão dos genes NCF1 e NCF2 do sistema NADPH oxidase e produção de ânion superóxido, importantes na defesa contra microrganismos.
Suporte à decisão para modelo de maturidade de processo utilizando lógica fuzzy a partir da perspectiva do ciclo PDCA
Authors: Vergara Luiz Fernando de Barros Falcão , Gavião Luiz Octávio , Lima Gilson Brito Alves
Published: October 2016

Este artigo apresenta um modelo para avaliação do nível de maturidade de processos, considerando uma visão geral da gestão das necessidades (dos processos), sob a perspectiva do ciclo de planejamento (plan) – realização (do) – controle (check) – atuação (act), ou PDCA, utilizando a lógica fuzzy (termo em inglês que se refere à lógica difusa, na qual um mesmo valor de uma determinada variável pode estar relacionado a mais de um estado) para determinar o resultado final do modelo. O avaliador pontua os níveis de desempenho de cada uma das fases do ciclo aplicando critérios específicos propostos neste artigo. Os resultados individuais das avaliações das quatro fases do ciclo são consolidados para obter a avaliação final do conjunto utilizando um sistema fuzzy simples de um único estágio, considerando as regras previamente estabelecidas para o modelo. O resultado final obtido pelo modelo é a medida do nível de maturidade do processo com ênfase na sua gestão.
Análise da implementação do modelo multicritério de decisão: como o gestor observa a importância da decisão racional
Authors: Jerônimo Taciana De Barros , Melo Fagner José Coutinho , Aquino Joas Tomaz de
Published: October 2016

Neste trabalho, foi proposto um modelo para analisar como o gestor observa a importância da decisão racional em pequenas e médias empresas de tecnologia da informação. Assim, utilizaram-se os métodos SERVPERF, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) e ELECTRE TRI. O SERVPERF serviu para avaliar a prestação de serviço conforme as necessidades dos clientes; o AHP, para identificar quais dimensões de serviços exigem maior atenção gerencial; já o ELECTRE TRI foi utilizado considerando-se as dificuldades do gestor em classificar a importância gerencial dos recursos e das restrições nas empresas de TI. Destaca-se que, para o gestor, o AHP foi considerado complexo para elaborar os pesos mediante análise comparativa de cada dimensão da qualidade do SERVPERF. Neste cenário, a contribuição do modelo racional é a capacidade que este oferece para o gestor em entender melhor as expectativas de sua clientela e proporcionar um maior grau de customização entre a empresa e seus clientes.
O gerenciamento de processos de negócio (BPM) nos processos logísticos – uma revisão da literatura
Authors: Milnitz Diego , Da Silva Fernanda Latrônico , Maldonado Mauricio Uriona , Forcellini Fernando Antônio
Published: October 2016

Neste estudo, objetivou-se identificar e avaliar os artigos que abordam o uso do BPM (Business Process Management) na Logística. Para tanto, primeiramente, foi realizada uma análise bibliométrica das principais publicações em periódicos internacionais e, posteriormente, efetuou-se uma revisão sistemática dos textos selecionados. Como resultado, foram escolhidas 23 publicações contidas nas bases de dados Web of Science e Scopus, alinhadas com os temas de pesquisa. Assim, foi possível verificar as investigações mais citadas, os periódicos com maior destaque, a relevância acadêmica dos autores e dos estudos selecionados bem como a situação atual e as possibilidades para futuras pesquisas. Concluiu-se, por meio deste estudo, que os principais assuntos abordados envolvem reengenharia de processos, supply chain management, tecnologia de informação e otimização dos custos voltados para área de Logística.
Research Commentary: From Effective Curricula Toward Effective Curriculum Use
Authors: Taylor Megan Westwood
Published: October 2016

When it comes to improving student achievement in mathematics, a core belief is that curriculum materials are of the utmost importance. However, the link between a curriculum program and student learning is affected by the ways in which teachers use resources to design learning experiences. In the first half of this commentary, I raise questions about the emphasis in research on finding the most effective curriculum programs or the most effective teaching practices as separate from one another, and I claim that research should prioritize understanding the most effective ways in which a teacher can use available materials, including expanding the definition of “effective.” In the second half of this commentary, I suggest how researchers can build on existing work to define, describe, and support teachers in learning more effective practices for using curriculum in ways that bring together research on curriculum effectiveness and teaching effectiveness.
Book Review: Scaling Mathematics Education
Authors: Sriraman Bharath
Published: October 2016

The third edition of the Handbook of International Research in Mathematics Education (henceforth, HIRME) comes at an interesting time for the community of mathematics education researchers because it tackles two essential problems for the community, namely, (a) what constitutes “great challenges” for the field, in the opening chapter, and (b) how scalable mathematics education research is, in the concluding chapter.
When Should You Buy Your Airline Ticket?
Authors: Cibes Margaret , Greenwood James
Published: October 2016

Short items from the media focus mathematics appropriate for classroom study.
Increased Participation and Conversation Using Networked Devices
Authors: Danielson Christopher , Meyer Dan
Published: October 2016

Online lesson design principles help teachers and curriculum developers imagine new possibilities for classrooms.
Creating a Hybrid Immersive Mathematics Experience
Authors: Gates Miriam , Cordner Tracy , Kerins Bowen , Cuoco Al , Badertscher Eden , Burrill Gail
Published: October 2016

With this professional development program, teachers work with colleagues and experience a manner of teaching that embeds habits of mind.
Designing Online Playgrounds for Learning Mathematics
Authors: Johnson Heather Lynn , Hornbein Peter , Bryson Dana
Published: October 2016

Teachers expand conceptions of algebra using interactive tools, video conferencing and social media.
Conic Connections with Polar Functions
Authors: Thele Kent
Published: October 2016

Encourage investigation of the conic-section attributes of focus, eccentricity, directrix, and semi-latus rectum using polar coordinates and projective geometry.
La sensorialidad como estrategia para la educación patrimonial en el aula de educación infantil
Authors: Gómez Carmen , Fenoy Beatriz
Published: October 2016

Resumen: Con este artículo se pretende poner en valor la actividad sensorial como estrategia para la educación patrimonial en el aula de infantil. Tras una primera parte de revisión teórica, el artículo pretende demostrar, a través de un diseño educativo realizado al efecto e implementado en el aula de infantil, la relación entre la sensorialidad y los procesos de patrimonialización en edades tempranas. Este diseño nos permite establecer una secuencia didáctica que parte del conocimiento sensorial, como base del aprendizaje significativo en la etapa de infantil y que permite establecer canales para la vinculación afectiva entre sujeto y objeto. Palabras clave: Educación patrimonial, actividad sensorial, procesos de patrimonialización, educación infantil.   Abstract: This article aims to give value to the sensory activity as a strategy for heritage education in the classroom child. After a first part of theoretical review, the article seeks to demonstrate, through an educational purpose design made and implemented in the classroom child, the relationship between the sensory and heritagization processes at an early age. This design allows us to establish a teaching sequence that part of sensory knowledge, as a basis for meaning full earning in the infant stage and allows to establish channels for the emotional connection between subject and object.Keywords : heritage education, sensory activity, heritagization processes, early childhood education.http://dx.doi.org/10.7203/eari.7.8010
Voces y geografías de la educación artística
Authors: Huerta Ramon Ricard
Published: October 2016

Resulta muy necesario afrontar la situación de la educación artística en estos momentos cuando ya contamos con numerosos avances que están llevando a cabo con sus trabajos una gran cantidad de investigadores e investigadoras de todo el mundo. El potencial de nuestra área de conocimiento está todavía por desarrollar, y debemos ir sumando esfuerzos que nos acerquen al terreno de la normalización. Para ello contamos con volúmenes recopilatorios que nos ayudan a observar lo que ocurre en diferentes puntos del planeta.
La experiencia como registro hábil y efectivo para explorar la educación en museos
Authors: Huerta Ramon Ricard
Published: October 2016

La gran ventaja de elaborar discursos desde una perspectiva crítica radica en entablar un verdadero diálogo radical con la ciudadanía. Bienvenidas sean, por tanto, las voces que promulgan la educación como un lugar para la producción de conocimiento crítico y sujetos políticos, capaces de cuestionar y transformar las normas sociales.
Data Mining and Big Freight Transport Database Analysis and Forecasting Capabilities
Authors: Petri Massimiliano , Pratelli Antonio , Fusco Giovanni
Published: October 2016

Transport modeling in general and freight transport modeling in particular are becoming important tools for investigating the effects of investments and policies. Freight demand forecasting models are still in an experimentation and evolution stage. Nevertheless, some recent European projects, like Transtools or ETIS/ETIS Plus, have developed a unique modeling and data framework for freight forecast at large scale so to avoid data availability and modeling problems. Despite this, important projects using these modeling frameworks have provided very different results for the same forecasting areas and years, giving rise to serious doubts about the results quality, especially in relation to their cost and development time. Moreover, many of these models are purely deterministic. The project described in this article tries to overcome the above-mentioned problems with a new easy-to-implement freight demand forecasting method based on Bayesian Networks using European official and available data. The method is app lied to the Transport Market study of the Sixth European Rail Freight Corridor.
Maritime Traffic on Approach to Port of Split and Assessment of Collision and Grounding Risk
Authors: Lušić Zvonimir , Pušić Danijel , Čorić Mirko
Published: October 2016

The Port of Split is the largest Croatian passenger port and its access fairways, characterized by a very high likelihood of accidents, especially of collisions and groundings, the busiest in the Croatian part of the Adriatic. This paper analyzes the main access fairways to the Split City Port, as well as those leading to the Kaštela Bay and the North Port of Split. Small vessel maritime traffic is also analyzed, although it is neither continuous, nor follows any established main routes. The AIS vessel movement data served as the basic source of data for larger vessels, and arrival/departure reports of port authorities for other maritime traffic. Main access fairways, maritime traffic concentration and structure, as well as assessment of collision and grounding risk are defined in keeping with the obtained data.
RFID Control System for the Embarkation/Disembarkation of Passengers and Vehicles on/from Ferries
Authors: Mišković Toni , Ristov Pančo , Markić Zvonko
Published: October 2016

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology which provides automatic identification and real time data acquisition capabilities without requiring additional human resources. This paper presents a control system for the embarkation/ disembarkation of passengers and vehicles on/from ferries, supported by RFID technology. A basic model of a RFID control system is developed to introduce the notion of RFID as a technology capable of access control with certain technical constraints. The ticket check-in process, made automatic by simple entry of a tag into the field of a RFID reader, increases the flow of passengers and vehicles, reduces port congestion, eliminates the possibility of boarding the wrong (by destination) ferry, and significantly reduces the number of cash payments.
Regulation of neuronal axon specification by glia-neuron gap junctions in C. elegans
Authors: Meng Lingfeng , Zhang Albert , Jin Yishi , Yan Dong
Published: October 2016

Axon specification is a critical step in neuronal development, and the function of glial cells in this process is not fully understood. Here, we show that C. elegans GLR glial cells regulate axon specification of their nearby GABAergic RME neurons through GLR-RME gap junctions. Disruption of GLR-RME gap junctions causes misaccumulation of axonal markers in non-axonal neurites of RME neurons and converts microtubules in those neurites to form an axon-like assembly. We further uncover that GLR-RME gap junctions regulate RME axon specification through activation of the CDK-5 pathway in a calcium-dependent manner, involving a calpain clp-4. Therefore, our study reveals the function of glia-neuron gap junctions in neuronal axon specification and shows that calcium originated from glial cells can regulate neuronal intracellular pathways through gap junctions.