bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unmet Medical Needs in the Management of Ulcerative Colitis: Results of an Italian Delphi Consensus
Authors: Daperno Marco , Armuzzi Alessandro , Danese Silvio , Fries Walter , Liguori Giuseppina , Orlando Ambrogio , Papi Claudio , Principi Mariabeatrice , Rizzello Fernando , Viscido Angelo , Gionchetti Paolo
Published: September 2019

Background. The lifelong and remitting nature of ulcerative colitis results in considerable disability and a substantial negative impact on quality of life. The major goal of the therapy of ulcerative colitis is considered to be the modification of the course of the disease, so that the patient’s quality of life can be improved while minimising disease-related disability. Although considerable progress in understanding the molecular pathways involved in ulcerative colitis has led to improved treatment options, there is currently no definitive cure for ulcerative colitis, there remain considerable unmet needs in terms of long-term efficacy and safety, and there are many patients who continue to be burdened by physical and psychological symptoms. Defining unmet needs can help to increase the awareness of the shortcomings of current therapeutic management and highlight the need to achieve not only a control of clinical symptoms but also control of mucosal healing, in order to attain the best possible long-term outcomes. Methods. With the aim of providing a better understanding of the unmet needs of patients towards improving overall care, a Delphi process was used to obtain consensus among a group of Italian ulcerative colitis experts. The consensus group met with a major focus of delineating the unmet needs of current treatment strategies and overall management of ulcerative colitis, while also focusing on quality of life and patient care. Results. Three main areas were identified: (i) treatment, (ii) monitoring and risk management, and (iii) patient-related issues. A high level of consensus was reached on all but one of the statements identified. Conclusions. The findings arising from the Delphi process provide valuable insights into the unmet needs in the management of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis from the clinician’s perspective, while emphasising the benefits of therapeutic individualization and suggesting areas that need additional study with the aim of optimising the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis.
Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus Treated with High Dose Perampanel: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Newey Christopher R. , Mullaguri Naresh , Hantus Stephen , Punia Vineet , George Pravin
Published: September 2019

Introduction. Acute symptomatic seizures are frequent in the critically ill patient and can be difficult to treat. The novel anticonvulsant perampanel may be effective in the treatment of status epilepticus considering its mechanism of action of being an AMPA antagonist. We present four cases of super refractory status epilepticus treated with high dose perampanel. Method. Case report. Cases. Four patients were treated with perampanel for their refractory status epilepticus. One patient had new onset refractory status epilepticus of unknown etiology. Three other patients had status epilepticus as a result of their cardiac arrest. Two of the cardiac arrest patients had myoclonus. In all patients, the additional of perampanel resulted in a reduction of seizure burden without affecting hemodynamics or hepatic or renal function. Conclusion. Perampanel may be effective in the treatment of super-refractory status epilepticus of varying etiologies. A larger, prospective study is needed to further assess this therapy.
Factors Influencing Seasonal and Daily Dynamics of the Genus Stomoxys Geoffroy, 1762 (Diptera: Muscidae), in the Adamawa Plateau, Cameroon
Authors: Lendzele Sevidzem S. , François Mavoungou J. , Roland Zinga-Koumba C. , Armel Koumba A. , Duvallet Gérard
Published: September 2019

The rangelands of the Vina Division on the Adamawa Plateau are densely infested with Stomoxyinae, but little is known about their species composition and ecology. A trap-transect survey was carried out in three villages: Galim, Mbidjoro, and Velambai, using Nzi (n = 3), Vavoua (n = 3), and Biconical (n = 3) traps, all baited with octenol. Three traps of each trap type were set in each of the study villages, and collections were carried out daily. In total, 3,762 Stomoxys spp. were collected from October 2016 to June 2017 and identified using standard keys into five species: Stomoxys niger niger, S. calcitrans, S. niger bilineatus, S. omega, and S. xanthomelas. Galim recorded the highest apparent density of stomoxyines (30 stomoxyines/trap/day) with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The Vavoua trap was an ideal tool for Stomoxyinae collection. Stomoxyines abundantly occurred at the end of the dry season (March 2017) and beginning of the rainy season (May 2017). The monthly rainfall positively influenced monthly ADTs of Stomoxyinae. Their diurnal biting activity was bimodal in the rainy season and unimodal in the dry season. The daily activity peak was between 14 h and 16 h with a mean temperature of 31°C, a mean wind speed of 1.5 m/s, and a mean humidity of 50%. The daily trap catch was positively influenced by temperature and wind speed but negatively influenced by rainfall and air humidity. Weather variables influenced Stomoxys spp. monthly and daily ADTs.
Prolonged Treatment Response to Pembrolizumab in a Patient with Pretreated Metastatic Colon Cancer and Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Keating Matthew , Giscombe Lisa , Tannous Toufic , Hartshorn Kevan
Published: September 2019

Pembrolizumab and other immunotherapies now play a prominent role in the treatment of metastatic colon cancer. Clinicians have achieved significant response rates even in heavily pretreated patients, particularly those with mismatched repair deficiencies. The endpoint of pembrolizumab treatment for patients who enjoy a strong response remains unclear. Herein, we present the case of a 33-year-old man with pretreated metastatic colon cancer and a prolonged treatment response of over three years to single-agent pembrolizumab even after treatment discontinuation in July 2018. Prior to pembrolizumab, he was found to have lung and liver metastases despite multiple lines of chemotherapy. With pembrolizumab, there was a persistent downtrend in CEA level and uptrend in weight. After nearly three years of pembrolizumab treatment from October 2015 through July 2018, PET scan showed no FDG-avid disease, and further treatment was placed on hold. He remains under surveillance, with CT scan in February 2019 again showing no evidence of local or metastatic disease. In patients whose treatment duration and disease course are not defined by toxicities/progressive disease but rather by sustained treatment responses, we propose that immunotherapy treatment duration be guided by close monitoring of CEA levels, weight, and clinical exams in addition to traditional imaging.
Spectral Expansion Method for Cloud Reliability Analysis
Authors: Kotteswari K. , Bharathi A.
Published: September 2019

Cloud computing is a computing hypothesis, where a huge group of systems is linked together in private, public, or hybrid network, to offer dynamically amendable infrastructure for data storage, file storage, and application. With this emerging technology, application hosting, delivery, content storage, and reduced computation cost are achieved, and it acts as an essential module for the backbone of the Internet of Things (IoT). The efficiency of cloud service providers (CSP) could be improved by considering significant factors such as availability, reliability, usability, security, responsiveness, and elasticity. Assessment of these factors leads to efficiency in designing a scheduler for CSP. These metrics also improved the quality of service (QoS) in the cloud. Many existing models and approaches evaluate these metrics. But these existing approaches do not offer efficient outcome. In this paper, a prominent performance model named the “spectral expansion method (SPM)” evaluates cloud reliability. The spectral expansion method (SPM) is a huge technique useful in reliability and performance modelling of the computing system. This approach solves the Markov model of cloud service providers (CSP) to predict the reliability. The SPM is better compared to matrix-geometric methods.
Model-Based Extraction of Knowledge about the Effect of Cloud Application Context on Application Service Cost and Quality of Service
Authors: Stupar Ivana , Huljenić Darko
Published: September 2019

With the increased usage of cloud computing in production environments, both for scientific workflows and industrial applications, the focus of application providers shifts towards service cost optimisation. One of the ways to achieve minimised service execution cost is to optimise the placement of the service in the resource pool of the cloud data centres. An increasing number of research approaches is focusing on using machine learning algorithms to deal with dynamic cloud workloads by allocating resources to services in an adaptive way. Many of such solutions are intended for cloud infrastructure providers and deal only with specific types of cloud services. In this paper, we present a model-based approach aimed at the providers of applications hosted in the cloud, which is applicable in early phases of the service lifecycle and can be used for any cloud application service. Using several machine learning methods, we create models to predict cloud service cost and response times of two cloud applications. We also explore how to extract knowledge about the effect that the cloud application context has on both service cost and quality of service so that the gained knowledge can be used in the service placement decision process. The experimental results demonstrate the ability of providing relevant information about the impact of cloud application context parameters on service cost and quality of service. The results also indicate the relevance of our approach for applications in preproduction phase since application providers can gain useful insights regarding service placement decision without acquiring extensive training datasets.
A Case of Essential Thrombocythemia and IgA Nephropathy with Literature Review of the Concurrence
Authors: Rahimian Shoja , Johnson Timothy , Herb Ronald
Published: September 2019

Myeloproliferative neoplasms such as essential thrombocythemia (ET) have been associated with glomerular disease on rare instances. A case of ET associated with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is described in a 57-year-old man with a history of hypertension. Progressively worsening renal function was noted in the patient along with unexplained mild thrombocytosis. Pathological review of renal biopsy identified IgAN concurrently with newly diagnosed JAK2-mutated ET. The patient was started on aspirin therapy and closely monitored for his renal function. A literature review of the association of ET and renal disease revealed nine cases of ET associated with IgAN, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and fibrillary glomerulonephritis. Comparison of the pathological features of the renal biopsies within the cases noted mesangial proliferation as a common finding, which has been described to be potentiated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). This commonality may represent a link between ET and glomerular disease which deserves further attention in future cases. Improved management of such cases depends on the recognition of the combined occurrence of ET and glomerular diseases and uncovering the shared pathogenesis between platelets and glomeruli.
First Report on Association of Hyperuricemia with Type 2 Diabetes in a Vietnamese Population
Authors: Binh Tran Quang , Tran Phuong Pham , Thanh Chung Nguyen , Nhung Bui Thi , Tung Do Dinh , Quang Thuyen Tran , Tuan Linh Duong , Thuy Nga Bui Thi , Anh Ngoc Nguyen , Danh Tuyen Le
Published: September 2019

Background. Uric acid is a powerful free-radical scavenger in humans, but hyperuricemia may induce insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. The study aimed to evaluate the association between hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia, considering the confounding factors in a Vietnamese population. Methods. A population-based cross-sectional study recruited 1542 adults aged 50 to 70 years to collect data on socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and clinical patterns. Associations between hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia (isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), combined IFG-IGT, and type 2 diabetes (T2D)) were evaluated by multinomial logistic regression analysis in several models, adjusting for the confounding factors including socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and clinical measures. Results. Uric acid values were much higher in IFG, IFG-IGT, and T2D groups compared to those in the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group. The significant association of hyperuricemia with IFG, IFG-IGT, and T2D was found in the model unadjusted and remained consistently in several models adjusted for socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and clinical patterns. In the final model, the consistent hyperglycemia risk was found in total sample (OR = 2.23 for IFG, OR = 2.29 for IFG-IGT, and 1.75 for T2D, P≤0.006) and in women (OR = 2.90 for IFG, OR = 3.96 for IFG-IGT, and OR = 2.49 for T2D, P<0.001) but not in men. Conclusions. It is the first report in Vietnamese population suggesting the significant association of hyperuricemia with IFG, IFG-IGT, and T2D; and the predominant association was found in women than in men, taken into account the confounding factors.
Optical Wireless Network Design for Off-Body-Sensor Based Monitoring
Authors: Hoang T. B. , Sahuguede S. , Julien-Vergonjanne A.
Published: September 2019

In this article, we propose an all-optical bidirectional wireless communication system for off-body sensor communication. Optical technology uses infrared (IR) for uplinks and visible light communication (VLC) for downlinks. From numerical simulations, we discuss the impact of body sensor positions on IR and VLC channels. Our goal is to evaluate the possibilities of using optical technology to transmit sensor data for extreme positions such as the ankle, for which the presence of the body creates blockages. In addition, we also consider the variations in orientation of transceivers due to random mobility of body parts during normal movement. Based on a statistical approach, we evaluate performance in terms of outage probability using channel impulse response sets corresponding to the studied scenario, which is health monitoring. Considering a given quality of service, we address trade-offs related to emitting power and data rate. We discuss the results regarding sensor node position and body reflectivity specifically for ankle sensors, corresponding to an extreme but realistic position in the health-monitoring context.
Solid-Phase Hydrogen Storage Based on NH3BH3-SiO2 Nanocomposite for Thermolysis
Authors: Jin Joon-Hyung , Shin Seunghun , Jung Jihoon
Published: September 2019

Current H2-proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems available for commercial applications employ heavy and high-risk physical hydrogen storage containers. However, these compressed or liquefied H2-containing cylinders are only suitable for ground-based electric vehicles, because although highly purified H2 can be stored in a cylinder, it is not compatible with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which require a lighter and more stable energy source. Here, we introduce a chemical hydrogen storage composite, composed of ammonia borane (AB) as a hydrogen source and various heterogeneous catalysts, to elevate the thermal dehydrogenation rate. Nanoscale SiO2 catalysts with a cotton structure dramatically increase the hydrogen evolution rate on demand, while simultaneously lowering the startup temperature for AB thermolysis. Results show that the dehydrogenation reaction of AB with a cotton-structured SiO2 nanocatalyst composite occurs below 90°C, the reaction time is less than a minute, and the hydrogen generation yield is over 12 wt%, with an activation energy of 63.9 kJ·mol-1.
Assessment of the Use of Epicarp and Mesocarp of Green Coconut for Removal of Fluoride Ions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Canciam César Augusto , Pereira Nehemias Curvelo
Published: September 2019

Fruit consumption and processing result in considerable volumes of residual biomass. Transformation of this biomass into biosorbents offers an alternative for its reuse and disposal. As the green coconut shell is a waste often discarded in landfills and dumps, generating gases and leachate, two biosorbents were developed from the epicarp and mesocarp of green coconut to adsorb fluoride ions in aqueous solution. The kinetic experiments showed that sorption of fluoride ions reached equilibrium at 300 min for both epicarp and mesocarp at temperatures of 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C. The removal efficiency of fluoride ions varied from 66.25% (at 25°C) to 77.50% (at 45°C) for the epicarp and from 90% (at 25°C) to 97.50% (at 45°C) for the mesocarp. The thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption process showed that adsorption is a spontaneous, endothermic process for both biosorbents. The adsorption was classified as chemical, with the Langmuir isotherm model best suited to the adsorption isotherms data.
Multiple Extracranial Metastases from Primary Gliosarcoma in a Patient with Two Previous Different Primary Cancers
Authors: Capion T. , Hauerberg J. , Broholm H. , Muhic A.
Published: September 2019

Gliosarcoma (GS) constitutes a minor fraction of primary glioblastoma (GBM), which is the most frequent malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite the fact that malignant gliomas are highly invasive, extracranial metastases are very rarely seen, and the mechanisms behind extracranial dissemination are still unclarified. We report a case of a 55-year-old male with a prior history of two distinct primary cancer types who, as a third independent type, developed GS with penetrating tumor growth to the skull and subcutaneous soft tissue via explosive spreading through a titanium net as well as extracranial metastases to the lumbar spine, paravertebral musculature, and most likely the right lung. The case illuminates the clinical challenge of diagnosing extracranial metastases from primary GBM and GS as these are still unexpected, especially in cases with possible competing diagnoses.
An Application-Aware Clustering Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks to Provide QoS Management
Authors: Rozas Alba , Araujo Alvaro
Published: September 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have long been established as a suitable technology for gathering and processing information from the environment. However, recent applications and new multimedia sensors have increased the demand for a more adequate management of their quality of service (QoS). The constraints and demands for this QoS management greatly depend on each individual network’s purpose or application. Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) is arguably the most well-known routing protocol for WSNs, but it is not QoS-aware. In this paper, we propose LEACH-APP, a new clustering protocol based on LEACH that takes the network’s application into account and is aimed at providing a better overall QoS management. We thoroughly describe our proposal and provide a case study to explain its operation. Then, we evaluate its performance in terms of two significant QoS metrics—throughput and latency—and compare it to that of the original protocol. Our experiments show that LEACH-APP increases the throughput by roughly 250% and reduces the latency by almost 80%, overall providing a more flexible and powerful QoS management.
Marginal Discrepancy of Cast Copings to Abutments with Three Different Luting Agents
Authors: Rosas José , Mayta-Tovalino Frank , Guerrero Maria Eugenia , Tinedo-López Pedro Luis , Delgado Claudia , Ccahuana-Vasquez Vanessa Z.
Published: September 2019

Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the MD (marginal discrepancy) on the calcinable copings in abutments for cemented prostheses with three luting agents. Methods. Sixty-four analogs of CeraOne-type abutments (NACONIH code, Titanium Fix Implant Sytem SP, Brazil) were divided into four groups (n = 16). The copings were cast and placed on the CeraOne abutment analogs and cemented with eugenol-free zinc oxide (EfZO) (n = 16), with glass ionomer (GI) (n = 16), and with zinc phosphate (ZP) (n = 16), and as a control group, there were CeraOne plastic copings (NACOC code, Titanium Fix Implant Sytem SP, Brazil) (n = 16) which were not cemented with any material. After 24 hours, the MD of the four groups was measured. MD was evaluated using a stereoscopic microscope (Leica EZ4 W, Leica Microsystems, Germany) with an increase of ×100. MD was measured at four predetermined and equidistant sites with respect to the marginal line of the cast adaptation. The measurement was made from the distance between the free edge of the cast cylinder and the margin of preparation of the titanium abutment, with a level of statistical significance of p<0.05. Results. Of the three fixing agents, the ZP was found to have the highest MD (53.59 ± 14.21 μm); however, the lowest MD (41.72 ± 9.10 μm) was found in the GI group. These differences are statistically significant at p<0.001. Conclusions. In summary, according to our results, it was found that ZP cement showed the highest MD after cementation, followed by the glass ionomer, while EfZO showed the lowest MD.
Oral Phosphatidylcholine Improves Intestinal Barrier Function in Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Chen Meijuan , Huang Haijun , Zhou Pengcheng , Zhang Jiajie , Dai Yining , Yang Danhong , Fan Xuegong , Pan Hongying
Published: September 2019

Objective. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the major surface-active phospholipid and creates a hydrophobic nature to the surface. It has been reported to reverse the progression of liver fibrosis and to improve liver function. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of orally administered PC on intestinal barrier function (IBF) in rats with drug-induced liver injury. Method. Rats with carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver injury were treated with 100 mg/kg PC once daily for 21 days. The effects of PC therapy on (i) liver function and portal pressure, (ii) intestinal and hepatic histology, and (iii) plasma endotoxin, diamine oxidase (DAO), and tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α levels were investigated. Results. PC therapy reduced portal pressure and improved the liver function in CCl4-induced liver injury. In PC-treated liver injury rats, collagen fibres were gradually decreased, while the disordered arrangement of hepatocytes and disorganized hepatic lobules were partially repaired, and inflammatory cell infiltration was decreased in the fibrous tissue. Lower inflammatory cell infiltration in the ileum improved intestinal histology, and reduced serum DAO levels were observed in PC-treated cirrhotic rats. These changes were associated with reduced inflammatory activity, as indicated by decreased serum TNF-α levels and plasma endotoxin levels. Conclusions. These results suggest that PC therapy is hepatoprotective and is able to restore IBF and reduce endotoxaemia in rats with drug-induced liver injury.
The Iterative Scheme and the Convergence Analysis of Unique Solution for a Singular Fractional Differential Equation from the Eco‐Economic Complex System’s Co‐Evolution Process
Authors: Ren Teng , Xiao Helu , Zhou Zhongbao , Zhang Xinguang , Xing Lining , Wang Zhongwei , Cui Yujun
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we focus on a class of singular fractional differential equation, which arises from many complex processes such as the phenomenon and diffusion interaction of the ecological‐economic‐social complex system. By means of the iterative technique, the uniqueness and nonexistence results of positive solutions are established under the condition concerning the spectral radius of the relevant linear operator. In addition, the iterative scheme that converges to the unique solution is constructed without request of any monotonicity, and the convergence analysis and error estimate of unique solution are obtained. The numerical example and simulation are also given to demonstrate the application of the main results and the effectiveness of iterative process.
Visceral Leishmaniasis in West Africa: Clinical Characteristics, Vectors, and Reservoirs
Authors: Kone Abdoulaye K. , Niaré Doumbo Safiatou , Piarroux Martine , Izri Arezki , Marty Pierre , Laurens Matthew B. , Piarroux Renaud , Thera Mahamadou A. , Doumbo Ogobara K.
Published: September 2019

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most serious form of human leishmaniasis. VL is understudied in West Africa. The increasing number of patients at-risk, including persons living with HIV and other chronic immunosuppressive diseases, and likely underreporting of VL related to diagnostic challenges advocate for review of existing data to understand VL regional epidemiology. Our review aims to describe the clinical characteristics and epidemiology of Human VL (HVL) in West Africa. We conducted a literature search to identify peer-reviewed articles and grey literature sources using the search terms “Visceral leishmaniasis West Africa”, “Leishmania donovani West Africa”; and “Leishmania infantum West Africa”. Thirty published articles report HVL from seven countries, including The Gambia, Niger, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Guinea Bissau. Three countries report cases of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL), including The Gambia, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. Niger, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast report the greatest number of HVL cases. As VL is present in West Africa, active surveillance, increased diagnostic capacity, and studies of vectors and reservoirs are essential to better understand VL epidemiology in the region.
Synthesis of Mesoporous TiO2 Spheres via the Solvothermal Process and Its Application in the Development of DSSC
Authors: Velázquez-Martínez S. , Silva-Martínez S. , Jiménez-González A. E. , Maldonado Álvarez A.
Published: September 2019

This study examined the synthesis of the n-type nanostructured titanium dioxide semiconductor using a combined sol-gel/solvothermal method at 200°C, varying the concentrations of H2O and HCl used as a catalyst for the hydrolysis of the titanium isopropoxide precursor. A white powder of TiO2 nanoparticles was obtained via the solvothermal process. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a spherical morphology of the TiO2 nanoparticles, with their diameter ranging from 2 to 7 microns as the HCl concentration increases. High-resolution electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that the spheres are mesoporous titanium oxide (TiO2m) composed of nanocrystals with an anatase crystalline phase whose crystallite diameter grows from 8 to 13 nm as the HCl concentration increases. On the contrary, optimizing the H2O concentration enabled a decrease in the crystallite size of TiO2m and increases in the surface area and the energy band gap of TiO2m. The enlarged surface area enabled an increase in the number of contact points between TiO2m and the dye of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), resulting in a better solar cell performance. The white powder was used to prepare a TiO2m film via the screen-printing technique, which was used in the development of DSSC. The performance parameters of the DSSC (ISC, VOC, FF, and η%) were correlated with the synthesis parameters of TiO2m. This correlation showed that H2O and HCl greatly influence the semiconductor properties of TiO2m, along with the short-circuit current JSC and the conversion efficiency η% of the DSSC.
Contra uma arquivização da África na cena
Authors: Jesus Luciano Mendes de
Published: September 2019

Este artigo elabora questões do projeto de doutorado Transcriações de tradições: presença e movência de elementos de africanidades em cenas contemporâneas, problematizando a construção do imaginário artístico sobre a África no teatro, a partir dos equívocos que o conceito de arquivo pode trazer às complexidades das transposições ideoplásticas dos sistemas culturais africanos e afrodiaspóricos para a cena teatralperformativa contemporânea. Em diálogo com diferentes teóricos da arte africana contemporânea, o trabalho pretende apresentar linhas de fuga para uma relação criativa com os elementos de africanidades nas cenas pós-dramáticas para além da leitura de África como objeto arquívico.
O batuque nasce do coração
Authors: Ferreira Tiago Lazzarin
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo possui o objetivo de desenvolver uma reflexão sobre a concepção de escola pública análoga à ideia de escola de samba, lugar onde o batuque é um privilégio e onde o samba nasce do coração, tal como nos versos da letra da canção “Feitio de oração” composta pelos sambistas Noel Rosa e Vadico. Esta concepção foi desenvolvida a partir de uma pesquisa de doutorado realizada em uma escola pública de São Paulo, a respeito do engajamento estético de jovens estudantes do ensino médio. A pesquisa envolveu uma série de práticas musicais percussivas baseadas nas linguagens dos gêneros musicais do rap e do jazz. Com base nas proposições de Muniz Sodré sobre o princípio da Arkhé, que designa um modo de pensar segundo o todo, sugerimos uma concepção de escola como lugar do engajamento estético, onde o sentido dos gestos é intrínseco, e não exterior a si mesmo.
O desejo de guardar e as tarefas de proteger e disponibilizar
Authors: Fontana Fabiana Siqueira
Published: September 2019

No contexto nacional, documentos ligados à prática e ao pensamento teatral ganham cada vez mais visibilidade em espaços virtuais. Porém, será que estamos de fato atentos ao compromisso com a proteção de arquivos e coleções dessa natureza, assim como com a garantia de seu real acesso? Sendo tais noções constitutivas da própria ideia de patrimônio documental, este trabalho visa explorar questões técnicas essenciais na discussão sobre os deveres impostos pela custódia dos acervos teatrais.
Notes on the phytogeography and conservation status of the genus Acanthopsis (Acantheae, Acanthaceae)

Authors: STEYN HESTER M. , VON STADEN LIZE , BELLSTEDT DIRK U. , VAN DER MERWE PIETER D.W. , VAN WYK ABRAHAM E.
Published: September 2019

Acanthopsis is a genus endemic to southern Namibia and southwestern South Africa. Until recently the taxonomy of the group was poorly understood. As a result of a new taxonomic framework (recognising 20 species), the risk of extinction of each taxon could be reassessed and updated. This contribution presents an overview of the distribution and conservation status of the species, as well as the patterns and possible processes involved in the phytogeography of the genus. Specimen localities for all examined specimens were georeferenced and these values were used for mapping and conservation assessments. Phylogenetic relationships within Acanthopsis were studied by using sequence data from the following six gene regions: nrITS, matK, rbcL, rps16, rpl32-trnL and trnS-trnG-trnG. The group appears to have diversified in the arid mountainous semi-desert of the Richtersveld, Northern Cape, South Africa, with the vast majority (96%) of Acanthopsis taxa endemic or near-endemic to the Succulent Karoo Region (more or less congruent with the Succulent Karoo Biome). Twenty of the 23 taxa are range-restricted and have an Extent of Occurrence ≤10000 km2, with at least eight of these known from only one or two subpopulations each. Fourteen (61%) of the taxa are Red Listed as Least Concern, while 39% are Red Listed as Threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered)—mainly as a result of habitat loss due to overgrazing and trampling by domestic livestock. Although the distribution ranges of most members of Acanthopsis coincide with protected areas, the effectiveness of conservation in these regions is questionable as some protected areas are prone to overgrazing and trampling by domestic livestock. The lack of phylogenetic resolution, complex taxonomy and the high numbers of range-restricted and habitat-specific species implies recent speciation in Acanthopsis due to topography, ecological gradients and climatic conditions prevailing in the arid northwestern parts of South Africa’s Northern Cape and adjacent arid parts of southern Namibia.
Henckelia collegii-sancti-thomasii: a new species of Henckelia (Gesneriaceae) from Northeastern India

Authors: BORAH DIPANKAR , TARAM MOMANG , JOE ALFRED , NEELAMKAVIL SANDHYA VINCENT
Published: September 2019

Henckelia collegii-sancti-thomasii, a new species of Henckelia is described here from Nirijuli, Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. Detailed description, its habitat and ecology along with color photographs are provided.
Centroceras gasparrinii subsp. minor subsp. nov. (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta) in the North Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean): molecular and morphological characterization

Authors: WOLF MARION A. , BUOSI ALESSANDRO , JUHMANI ABDUL-SALAM F. , SFRISO ADRIANO
Published: September 2019

Centroceras Kützing is a small red algal genus with 18 currently accepted species (Guiry & Guiry 2019), characterized by simple filamentous thalli with erect axes arising from a prostrate system and di-trichotomous branching (Hommersand 1963). The characters used to distinguish species are primarily cortical filament morphology: shape and number of the acropetal cortical cells, shape of gland cells, and shape of spines (Won et al. 2009). The generitype C. clavulatum (C. Agardh) Montagne has been viewed for a long time as a highly variable and cosmopolitan species (Hommersand 1963). Molecular and detailed morphological analyses brought Barros-Barreto et al. (2006) to report that C. clavulatum may consist of a species complex and Won et al. (2009) confirmed this hypothesis identifying eight taxonomic entities phylogenetically segregated from genuine C. clavulatum. Seven of these entities were assigned to the following species: C. gasparrinii (Meneghini) Kützing, C. hommersandii Won, T.O. Cho & Fredericq, C. hyalacanthum Kützing, C. micracanthum Kützing, C. natalensis Won, T.O. Cho & Fredericq, C. rodmanii Won, T.O. Cho & Fredericq, and C. tetrachotomum Won, T.O. Cho & Fredericq, (Won et al. 2009). Centroceras gasparrinii, C. hyalacanthum, and C. micracanthum are three western Atlantic species listed as synonyms of C. clavulatum since the middle of the 19th century and resurrected from the ‘C. clavulatum complex’ by Won et al. (2009). In particular, two of these taxa were described from specimens of the Mediterranean Sea: C. gasparrinii (as Ceramium gasparrinii Meneghini, type locality Palermo, Italy) and C. micracanthum (reported with the synonym Centroceras leptacanthum Kützing, type locality Genoa, Italy). Therefore, the numerous Mediterranean records of C. clavulatum (e.g., Gómez Garreta et al. 2001; Verlaque 2001; Sfriso & Curiel 2007; Taşkýn et al. 2013) most probably belong to one of these two species and have to be re-examined for a correct identification and to understand the spatial distribution of the different taxa (Tsiamis et al. 2010). For this reason, in the last years in Greece (Tsiamis et al. 2010), Spain (Gallardo et al. 2016) and Morocco (Hassoun et al. 2018) accurate sampling and morphological analyses of specimens previously identified as C. clavulatum were conducted to determine their correct taxonomic identities. In all cases the recognized species was C. gasparrinii, which can be distinguished morphologically from the other ones previously known as C. clavulatum by the presence of ovoid gland cells and ovoid terminal acropetal cortical cells (Won et al. 2009). As reported by Tsiamis et al. (2010), Greek samples differed from those described by Won et al. (2009), in the smaller number of periaxial cells (10–12 against 13–19).
Taxonomic revision of Allium cyathophorum (Amaryllidaceae)

Authors: LI MIN JIE , LIU JIAN QUAN , GUO XIAN LIN , XIAO QUN YING , HE XING JIN
Published: September 2019

Our integrated evidence indicates morphological and genetic polymorphisms in Allium cyathophorum and thus the need for a taxonomic revision. First, A. cyathophorum var. farreri is reinstated as A. farreri. Second, a cryptic allotetraploid population geographically confined to the intermediate zone between A. cyathophorum and A. farreri is described here as a new species named A. tetraploideum. Morphological characters that differentiate these three species from each other, as well as information on their distribution range and habitat, are provided.
Hexactinellida from the Perth Canyon, Eastern Indian Ocean, with descriptions of five new species
Authors: TABACHNICK KONSTANTIN , FROMONT JANE , EHRLICH HERMANN , MENSHENINA LARISA
Published: September 2019

Glass sponges (Class Hexactinellida) are described from the Perth Canyon in the eastern Indian Ocean, resulting in 10 genera being recorded, including 11 species, five of which are new to science. In addition, the study resulted in two new records for Australia, Pheronema raphanus and Monorhaphis chuni, and one new record for the Indian Ocean, Walteria flemmingi. A second species of Calyptorete is described over 90 years after the genus was first established with a single species. A significant difference was noted between the condition of sponges collected on the RV Falkor, which used an ROV, and the earlier RV Southern Surveyor expedition, which used sleds and trawls. The ROV collected specimens were in excellent condition, while those from the sleds and trawls tended to be damaged or fragmented.
Review of the genus Pagastia Oliver (Diptera: Chironomidae: Diamesinae) from North America, with description of P. (P.) subletteorum sp. nov.
Authors: MAKARCHENKO EUGENYI A.
Published: September 2019

Illustrated description of the adult male of Pagastia (P.) subletteorum sp. nov., redescription of the pupa and adult male of P. (P.) orthogonia Oliver and P. (P.) partica (Roback), with redescription of the adult male of P. (Hesperodiamesa) sequax (Garrett) from North America are provided. An emended generic diagnosis and a key to determination of adult males of all known species of Pagastia Oliver are also provided.
Micromechanics-based analyses of short fiber-reinforced composites with functionally graded interphases
Authors: Yang Yang , He Qi , Dai Hong-Liang , Pang Jian , Yang Liang , Li Xing-Quan , Rao Yan-Ni , Dai Ting
Published: September 2019

A micromechanical model for short fiber-reinforced composites (SFRCs) with functionally graded interphases and a systematic prediction scheme to determine the effective properties are presented. The matrix and the fibers are regarded to be linear elastic, isotropic, and homogeneous. Fibers are assumed to be ellipsoids coated perfectly by functionally graded interphases, which is supposed to be formed chemically or physically by the constituents near the interface. First, to analyze the grading interphase effect, layer-wise concept is followed to divide the functionally graded interphases into multi-homogeneous sub-layers. Next, to take the effect of functionally graded interphases into account, a combination of multi-inclusion method and Mori–Tanaka method is applied to predict effective elastic properties of this unidirectional SFRCs with respect to the content and aspect ratio of the inclusions. By employing coordinate transformation, spatially elastic moduli are obtained. Finally, Voigt homogenization scheme is used to obtain the overall, averaged, symmetrical elastic properties of the SFRCs. Numerical examples and analyses demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method and indicate the influences of graded interphase, orientation, and aspect ratio of inclusions as well as properties and contents of the constituents on the overall properties of SFRCs.
Prediction of the damage and fracture of cast steel containing pores
Authors: Yan Huadong , Jin Hui , Yao Ruigen
Published: September 2019

For spatial design freedom, steel castings are widely used in bridges, airport terminals, and offshore platforms. However, different from hot-rolling technology, casting process variables, such as the casting temperature and those related to graphite spheroidization and post-heat treatment, may cause casting defects. To improve the safety and effectiveness of steel castings, a study consisting of experiments and numerical calculations is performed to investigate the effect of pores on the damage and fracture of cast steel. The chemical composition, metallography, and tomographic imaging of cast and hot-rolled steels were compared, providing a clear understanding of cast steel at the microstructure level. In addition, a complete Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman damage model is used to predict the ductile fracture of cast steel containing pores. Good agreement is obtained between the measured and predicted tensile curves as well as between the measured and predicted void volume fraction evolution.
Data analytics dilemma at Alpen Hotel
Authors: Wee Tammy , Perdana Arif , Remy Detlev
Published: September 2019

Data analytics is currently the buzzword for the hospitality industry to stay ahead of their competitors. Service providers use data analytics to ensure their brand remains relevant for customers. Using data analytics in customer relationship management is a relatively novel initiative for the hospitality industry to enhance the efforts of customer relationship management. Obtaining customers’ data (i.e. customers’ hotel stay and preferences) provides both opportunity and challenges for the hospitality industry. Data analytics helps the hospitality industry to quickly, effectively, and efficiently pursue data-driven decision-making. At the same time, acquiring relevant customers’ data is a challenge, for example, data privacy and confidentiality. This case study is based on Alpen Hotel (pseudonym), a luxury hotel in Singapore with a good standing in the hospitality industry. This case is focused on the issues they experienced in implementing data analytics as part of the hotel’s customer relationship management efforts. This case study aims to highlight data analytics dilemma at the hotel and may create an opportunity for hospitality educators to work interdisciplinary with faculties from an information systems or technology discipline. Finally, the case study may enhance knowledge and minimise the practice gap between industry and academia.
Association of lowering apolipoprotein B with cardiovascular outcomes across various lipid-lowering therapies: Systematic review and meta-analysis of trials
Authors: Khan Safi U , Khan Muhammad U , Valavoor Shahul , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Okunrintemi Victor , Mamas Mamas A , Leucker Thorsten M , Blaha Michael J , Michos Erin D
Published: September 2019

Aims

The effect of therapeutic lowering of apolipoprotein B (apoB) on mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events is uncertain. It is also unclear whether these potential effects vary by different lipid-lowering strategies.

Methods

A total of 29 randomized controlled trials were selected using PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE through 2018. We selected trials of therapies which ultimately clear apolipoprotein B particles by upregulating low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) expression (statins, ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants) or therapies which reduce apolipoprotein B independent of LDL-R (cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor, fibrates, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids) with sample size of ≥1000 patients and follow-up of ≥1 year. The meta-regression and meta-analyses were constructed using a random effects model.

Results

In 332,912 patients, meta-regression analyses showed relative risks of 0.95 for all-cause mortality (95% confidence interval 0.92–0.99) and 0.93 (0.88–0.98) for cardiovascular mortality for every 10 mg/dL decrease in apolipoprotein B by all interventions combined. Reduction in all-cause mortality was limited to statins (0.92 (0.86–0.98)). For MACE, the relative risk per 10 mg/dL reduction in apolipoprotein B was 0.93 (0.90–0.97) for all therapies combined, with both statin (0.88 (0.83–0.93)) and non-statin therapies (0.96 (0.94–0.99)). which clear apolipoprotein B by upregulating LDL-R showing significant reductions; whereas interventions which lower apolipoprotein B independent of LDL-R did not demonstrate this effect (1.02 (0.81–1.30)).

Conclusion

While both statin and established non-statin therapies (PCSK9 inhibitor and ezetimibe) reduced cardiovascular risk per decrease in apolipoprotein B, interventions which reduce apolipoprotein B independently of LDL-R were not associated with cardiovascular benefit.
The effect of halloysite nanotubes dispersions on vegetable-tanned leather thermal stability
Authors: Badea Elena , Carşote Cristina , Hadîmbu Emanuel , Șendrea Claudiu , Lupaș Maria-Cristina
Published: September 2019

Leather artefacts in historical collections and old leather bookbindings in archives and libraries frequently show a variety of visible changes which alter their appearance and ability to be used, such as powdery surface, weakened structure, complete or partial loss of the grain layer. However, historical leather stabilization and consolidation yet represent a challenging problem for conservators due to the sensitivity of collagen to the action of most of the conservation and restoration formulations currently used. In this paper we report our recent research concerning the development of halloysite nanoparticles dispersions for enhancing the hydrothermal stability of weakened historical vegetable tanned leather. The effects of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) dispersed in various aqueous and non-aqueous mediums on the thermal stability of collagen in historical leather were tested using thermal microscopy, thermogravimetry and micro differential scanning calorimetry. Unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance was used to evaluate the changes in water dynamics due to collagen matrix interaction with dispersion media. The treated samples were also characterized using infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The analytical assessment confirmed the leather thermal stability increase and a partial recovery of fibres cohesion, thus validating the use of HNT dispersions as a basic tool for the preservation of collagen-based materials. Further functionalisation and encapsulation using antimicrobials, fungicides and pH adjustment nanoparticles will deliver novel and more durable HNTs-based conservation treatments.
The effect of surgical approach on early complications of total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Tay Kenny , Tang Andrew , Fary Camdon , Patten Sam , Steele Robert , de Steiger Richard
Published: September 2019

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is traditionally associated with a low complication rate, with complications such as infection, fracture and dislocation requiring readmission or reoperation. We seek to identify the complication rate among the anterior, direct lateral and posterior surgical approaches.

Methods

We reviewed all THAs performed at the Epworth Healthcare from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016. There were 2437 THAs performed by a variety of approaches. No hips were excluded from this study.

We surveyed the hospital database and the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) to identify those patients who had been readmitted and/or reoperated on. Details collected included age, gender, laterality of the surgery (left/right/bilateral), surgical approach utilised, complications which occurred.

Results

There were 29 peri-prosthetic fractures detected (13 anterior, 9 lateral, 7 posterior) and 10 underwent revision of implant, 19 were fixed. The increased rate of revision in the anterior group was statistically significant.

There were 14 dislocations (5 anterior, 1 lateral, 8 posterior) of which 8 prostheses were revised.

Three cases operated via the anterior approach and 1 by the lateral had early subsidence without fracture, necessitating revision of the femoral prostheses.

Operative site infection occurred in 12 cases (2 anterior, 4 lateral, 6 posterior) with 6 requiring revision of implants.

Conclusion

The complication rates between the 3 main approaches are similar, but individual surgeons should be vigilant for complications unique to their surgical approaches, such as femoral fractures in the anterior approach and dislocations in the posterior approach.