bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme Heat Considerations in International Football Venues: The Utility of Climatologic Data in Decision Making
Authors: Hosokawa Yuri , Grundstein Andrew J. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: September 2018

Context: 

Exposure to severe heat can have detrimental effects on athletic performance and increase the risk of exertional heat injuries. Therefore, proactive assessment of the environmental characteristics of international football match venues becomes critical in ensuring the safety and optimal performance of the athletes.

Objective: 

To propose the use of climatologic data (modeled wet-bulb globe temperature [WBGT]) in making athletic-event management decisions for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and the 2022 Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup.

Design: 

Descriptive study.

Setting: 

Hourly meteorologic input data for a WBGT model were obtained from the second Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications for Japan (Yokohama and Saitama) and Qatar (Doha and Al-Daayen).

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

The pattern of hourly WBGT and percentage of hours between 30°C and 32°C and exceeding 32°C WBGT during the expected competition periods for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Japan and the scheduled (November, December) and traditional (June, July) periods of the World Cup games in Qatar.

Results: 

The WBGT during the 2020 Olympic football tournament in Japan may exceed 30°C in 40% to 50% of the late mornings and early afternoons. The shift in tournament timing for the 2022 Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup in Qatar from the summer to late fall will reduce the exposure to ≥30°C WBGT to null.

Conclusions: 

Directors of mass sporting events should consider using climatologic data in their organizational decision making to assess the potential heat illness risk and to implement risk-mitigation plans.
The terrestrial mammals of Mozambique: Integrating dispersed biodiversity data
Authors: Neves Isabel Q. , Da Luz Mathias Maria , Bastos-Silveira Cristiane
Published: September 2018

Background: The most comprehensive synopsis of the mammal fauna of Mozambique was published in 1976, listing 190 species of terrestrial mammals. Up-to-date knowledge of the country’s biodiversity is crucial to establish the baseline information needed for conservation and management actions.Objectives: The aim of this article was to present a list of terrestrial mammal species reported from Mozambique, based on primary occurrence data.Method: We integrated existing knowledge, from dispersed sources of biodiversity data: the Global Biodiversity Information Facility portal, natural history collections, survey reports and literature. Data were updated and manually curated. However, none of the specimens upon which occurrences are based was directly observed. To partly overcome this impediment, we developed a species selection process for specimen data. This process produced the country’s species checklist and an additional list of species with questionable occurrence in the country.Results: From the digital and non-digital sources, we compiled more than 17 000 records. The data integrated resulted in a total of 217 mammal species (representing 14 orders, 39 families and 133 genera) with supported occurrence in Mozambique and 23 species with questionable reported occurrence in the country.Conclusion: The diversity of species accounted for is considerable as more than 70% of species present in the southern African subregion are found in Mozambique. We consider that the current number of mammal species in Mozambique is still underestimated. The methodological approach for species selection for specimen data can be adapted to update species checklists of crucial importance to countries facing similar lack of knowledge regarding their biodiversity.
Harnessing local traditional authorities as a potential strategy to combat the vagaries of climate change in Zimbabwe
Authors: Musarandega Happwell , Chingombe Wisemen , Pillay Rajendran
Published: September 2018

While the devastating vagaries of climate change are ravaging communities the world over, especially in Africa, and Zimbabwe in particular, the role of traditional authorities is being overlooked. This paper argues for a relentless push towards the unimpeded involvement of local traditional authorities (LTAs) in the mobilisation of rural communities to adopt appropriate climate change adaptation practices in Zimbabwe. Given its complexity and uniqueness, external intervention through government and non-governmental agents alone can hardly foster climate change adaptation particularly at local levels within communities. Traditional leaders, who have for a long time been useful in the governance of people in various rural communities, can play a supportive role in climate change adaptation. Traditional leaders do not only serve as governance authorities but also know the traditional strategies of combating the negative effects of climate change. Despite the pressure from political interference and the advent of western technological advancement, a lot could still be done to buttress the authority and respect vested in chiefs, headsmen and village heads in the country. LTAs have the power to manage grassroots communities; hence they can be utilised as drivers in the use of traditional climate change adaptation strategies. The paper concludes that political interference is one challenge faced by abusing traditional leadership as a means to gain political mileage. The paper recommends for extended capacity building on the part of traditional leaders to improve their knowledge base. This will enable them to appreciate the integration of indigenous and modern climate change adaptation strategies. It further recommends the revitalisation of the traditional council (Dare raMambo) to deal with environmental offenses with the scope of assisting government efforts to ensure sound ecological practices within communities.
Food-borne disease prevalence in rural villages in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Bisholo Khanya Z. , Ghuman Shanaz , Haffejee Firoza
Published: September 2018

Background: The highest burden of food-borne diseases is in Africa. Despite this, food safety does not seem to be a major concern in many African countries. There is also a lack of concern within rural areas of South Africa.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of food-borne diseases in rural areas in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, by comparing data obtained from a cross-sectional survey and clinic records.Setting: The study was conducted in Ncera, Mpongo and Needscamp villages in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.Methods: In the first phase of the study, a random sample of household heads (n = 87) were interviewed to determine the prevalence of food-borne diseases between 2012 and 2014. In the second phase, registers from clinics serving the villages were screened for food-borne disease cases during the same time period.Results: A total of 109 (27.3%) household members fell ill because of food-borne diseases. Half (n = 56; 51.3%) of the respondents who fell ill because of food-borne diseases did not seek medical treatment for their illness. Of those who sought treatment, 19 (46%) attended primary health care clinics. However, examination of the clinic registers showed only four recorded cases of food-borne diseases.Conclusion: The prevalence of food-borne diseases in rural villages in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, was reported as high but the records in clinic registers are low, indicating a gap in the health care system. Monitoring of these diseases needs to improve.
Affordances for learning linear functions: A comparative study of two textbooks from South Africa and Germany
Authors: Mellor Kathryn , Clark Robyn , Essien Anthony A.
Published: September 2018

Textbook content has the ability to influence mathematical learning. This study compares how linear functions are presented in two textbooks, one of South African and the other of German origin. These two textbooks are used in different language-based streams in a school in Gauteng, South Africa. A qualitative content analysis on how the topic of linear functions is presented in these two textbooks was done. The interplay between procedural and conceptual knowledge, the integration of the multiple representations of functions, and the links created to other mathematical content areas and the real world were considered. It was found that the German textbook included a higher percentage of content that promoted the development of conceptual knowledge. This was especially due to the level of cognitive demand of tasks included in the analysed textbook chapters. Also, while the South African textbook presented a wider range of opportunities to interact with the different representations of functions, the German textbook, on the other hand, included more links to the real world. Both textbooks linked ‘functions’ to other mathematical content areas, although the German textbook included a wider range of linked topics. It was concluded that learners from the two streams are thus exposed to different affordances to learn mathematics by their textbooks.
Feedback from vendors on gutka ban in two States of India
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Pednekar M.S. , Narake Sameer , Dhumal Gauri , Gupta P.C.
Published: September 2018

Background & objectives:

Beginning in 2012, all States in India eventually banned the sale of gutka. This study was conducted to investigate gutka vendors’ knowledge on gutka ban, products covered under ban, penalties for non-compliance and action for enforcement by government agencies.

Methods:

Twenty vendors were interviewed, 10 each in Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Indore (Madhya Pradesh) during May - June, 2013, one year after ban was imposed. Interviewers used a standardized questionnaire to assess vendors’ knowledge of gutka ban, their attitude towards it and compliance to it in practice.

Results:

All 20 vendors were aware that gutka sale was banned. However, despite ban, eight of the 10 vendors in Mumbai perceived sale of pan masala as legal. In Indore, all 10 vendors perceived sale of Indori Tambakoo, a local gutka variant, as legal. No vendor was sure about the quantum of fine applicable on being caught selling the banned product. Two vendors in Mumbai and nine in Indore admitted selling gutka. Five vendors in Mumbai and four in Indore supported an existing ban on gutka.

Interpretation & conclusions:

All vendors were aware of the ban on gutka and reason for it. Many vendors supported the ban. However, awareness of other products covered under ban and on fines in case of non-compliance was low. Law enforcement system needs to be intensified to implement ban. Notification of ban needs to be further strengthened and made unambiguous to explicitly include all smokeless tobacco products.
Determinants of smokeless tobacco use in India
Authors: Thakur J.S. , Paika Ronika
Published: September 2018

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributes to more than 50 per cent disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in India; and tobacco contributes to 7·4 per cent of DALYs which is next to diet and high blood pressure. According to Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2015, tobacco use contributed to 5.9 per cent out of total DALYs in India. Smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption is a multifactorial process influenced by varied range of contextual factors i.e., social, environmental, psychological and the genetic factors which are linked to the tobacco use. The determinants associated with the SLT use are gender, educational level, wealth index (inverse association), urban-rural residence, socio-economic status and low tax. Taking the view from tobacco control programmes, there is a need to address determinants of SLT use with State level monitoring and socio-economic inequalities, progress and review of the taxation of the SLT use in India.
О хроматическом числе пространства $(\mathbb R^n, l_1)$
Authors: Gorskaya Elena Sergeevna , Mitricheva Irina Mikhailovna
Published: September 2018

Изучается хроматическое число пространства $(\mathbb R^n)$ с введенной в нем метрикой $l_1$: $\| x\|=\sum_{i=1}^n{|x_i|}$ при запрете $k$ расстояний. Рассматривается минимальное количество цветов, в которые можно окрасить все точки пространства таким образом, чтобы никакие две точки, находящиеся в метрике $l_1$ на одном из запрещенных расстояний друг от друга, не оказались окрашенными в один цвет. Получены оценки на показатели асимптотического роста хроматических чисел при $n\to\infty$. Был использован линейно-алгебраический метод, сводящий оценку хроматических чисел к некоторой выпуклой экстремальной задаче. Численное решение данной задачи позволило получить точные оценки на константы, стоящие в основании асимптотических нижних оценок хроматических чисел многомерных вещественных пространств с несколькими запрещенными расстояниями. Данные оценки оптимальны в рамках предлагаемого метода.
Библиография: 27 названий.
Miltefosine Combined with Intralesional Pentamidine for Leishmania braziliensis Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Bolivia
Authors: Soto Jaime , Soto Paula , Ajata Andrea , Rivero Daniela , Luque Carmelo , Tintaya Carlos , Berman Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Bolivian cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania braziliensis was treated with the combination of miltefosine (150 mg/day for 28 days) plus intralesional pentamidine (120 μg/mm2 lesion area on days 1, 3, and 5). Ninety-two per cent of 50 patients cured. Comparison to historic controls at our site suggests that the efficacy of the two drugs was additive. Adverse effects and cost were also additive. This combination may be attractive when a prime consideration is efficacy (e.g., in rescue therapy), avoidance of parenteral therapy, or the desire to treat locally and also provide systemic protection against parasite dissemination.
Case Report: Visceral Leishmaniasis with Salmonella Paratyphi and Brucella melitensis Coinfection as a Cause of Persistent Fever in a Patient from Sudan
Authors: El Safi Sayda , Elshikh Hussam , El Sanousi Enaam , El Amin Nagwa , Mohammed Alfarazdag , Verdonck Kristien , Jacobs Jan , Boelaert Marleen , Chappuis François
Published: September 2018

We describe the case of a 12-year-old boy from Sudan who presented with fever of 1-week duration, headache, cough, and vomiting. A set of diagnostic tests led to the diagnosis of three infectious diseases: visceral leishmaniasis (probable diagnosis based on positive direct agglutination test), enteric fever (blood culture grown with Salmonella Paratyphi), and brucellosis (blood culture grown with Brucella melitensis). The patient received specific treatment of the three infections and recovered. This case illustrates the occurrence and possible implications of coinfections in patients with persistent fever, including conditions that are hard to diagnose in field settings, such as brucellosis and enteric fever.
Leadership Observation and Feedback Tool: A Novel Instrument for Assessment of Clinical Leadership Skills
Authors: Oza Sandra K. , van Schaik Sandrijn , Boscardin Christy K. , Pierce Read , Miao Edna , Lockspeiser Tai , Tad-y Darlene , Aagaard Eva , Kuo Anda K.
Published: September 2018

Background 

While leadership training is increasingly incorporated into residency education, existing assessment tools to provide feedback on leadership skills are only applicable in limited contexts.

Objective 

We developed an instrument, the Leadership Observation and Feedback Tool (LOFT), for assessing clinical leadership.

Methods 

We used an iterative process to develop the tool, beginning with adapting the Leadership Practices Inventory to create an open-ended survey for identification of clinical leadership behaviors. We presented these to leadership experts who defined essential behaviors through a modified Delphi approach. In May 2014 we tested the resulting 29-item tool among residents in the internal medicine and pediatrics departments at 2 academic medical centers. We analyzed instrument performance using Cronbach's alpha, interrater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and item performance using linear-by-linear test comparisons of responses by postgraduate year, site, and specialty.

Results 

A total of 377 (of 526, 72%) team members completed the LOFT for 95 (of 519, 18%) residents. Overall ratings were high—only 14% scored at the novice level. Cronbach's alpha was 0.79, and the ICC ranged from 0.20 to 0.79. Linear-by-linear test comparisons revealed significant differences between postgraduate year groups for some items, but no significant differences by site or specialty. Acceptability and usefulness ratings by respondents were high.

Conclusions 

Despite a rigorous approach to instrument design, we were unable to collect convincing validity evidence for our instrument. The tool may still have some usefulness for providing formative feedback to residents on their clinical leadership skills.
La imagen caleidoscópica como primera forma de abstracción en los inicios del arte moderno
Authors: Vergara Vázquez Mari Nieves
Published: September 2018

Este artículo propone un discurso distinto del hegemónico, posibilitando la creación de un nuevo paradigma asociado a metodologías caleidoscópicas de creación artística que culminaron en la posmodernidad. Este hecho se evidencia mediante la investigación de la presencia que la imagen caleidoscópica ha tenido en los inicios del arte moderno, recogiendo el posicionamiento crítico de Baudelaire, Proust, Marx, Engels y Benjamin respecto al caleidoscopio. Tras esta breve contextualización y también a través del análisis de la posición que abarcaba el infinito en “la forma de ver” de la sociedad en el s. XIX, se categoriza cuál es el lugar que tiene la imagen caleidoscópica en el contexto de las constelaciones estéticas propuestas por Eugenio Trías. Dicho estudio se plantea, precisamente, debido a la simultánea correlación dada entre la belleza aparente y lo siniestro que se oculta en la imagen caleidoscópica –dualidad de realidad/ficción y original/copia–. La influencia del caleidoscopio durante los inicios de la modernidad en diferentes ámbitos de creación –artes visuales (pintura, fotografía, cine), arquitectura o literatura– es destacable. Por ello, se analizan y presentan diferentes propuestas artísticas de carácter caleidoscópico, las cuales se constituyen como las primeras formas de abstracción del arte moderno –realizadas entre el s. XIX y principios del s. XX–. Salvo en algunos casos, estas abstracciones se generaron a raíz de la invención del caleidoscopio en 1815 y su posterior repercusión en el trabajo de diferentes artistas, o bien mediante el propio “uso” del sujeto artístico como medio de creación de imágenes caleidoscópicas. En ambos casos, se demuestra una autoría diferente de la asumida tradicionalmente, así como la producción de nuevas propuestas artísticas que guardaron resonancia con lo caleidoscópico.
Cuatro estrategias didácticas basadas en arte contemporáneo: El proceso educativo como obra de arte a través de Metodologías Artísticas de Enseñanza-Aprendizaje
Authors: Rubio Fernández Andrea
Published: September 2018

A través de estas cuatro estrategias didácticas realizamos, en primer lugar, una  propuesta de investigación educativa basada en las artes visuales utilizando la estrategia didáctica como método de investigación, como medio expresivo y como lenguaje. En segundo lugar aportamos una propuesta de enseñanza a través de metodologías artísticas desde las estrategias de las formas discursivas del arte, como forma de aprendizaje y enseñanza. Las Metodologías Artísticas de Enseñanza, son la base de esta investigación y con ella realizamos propuestas concretas dentro de sus desarrollos didácticos. Proponemos una reflexión sobre cuestiones educativas y artísticas a partir de estructuras conceptuales pedagógicas que se plantean con la intención de dar lugar al desarrollo y a la creación de nuevas estrategias educativas, nuevas reflexiones y formas metodológicas de enseñanza del arte y basadas en arte. Así, en éste artículo proponemos una serie de estrategias didácticas en torno a la educación artística, que proponen una revisión de nuestra experiencia educativa y dan cuenta de ella. Estas estrategias han sido llevadas a cabo dentro del proyecto de Educación Artística "Lainopia" que se desarrolla en distintos espacios de Asturias.
Reconstructing the Salgar 2015 Flash Flood Using Radar Retrievals and a Conceptual Modeling Framework: A Basis for a Better Flood Generating Mechanisms Discrimination
Authors: Velásquez Nicolás , Hoyos Carlos D. , Vélez Jaime I. , Zapata Esneider
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Flash floods associated with severe precipitation events are highly destructive, often resulting in significant human and economic losses. Due to their nature, flash floods tend to occur in medium to small basins located within complex high mountainous regions. In the Colombian Andean region these basins are common, with the aggravating factor that the vulnerability is considerably high due to the presence of important human settlements frequently occupying floodplains and other flash-flood prone areas. During May 18 of 2015, severe rainfall generated a flash flood in the municipality of Salgar, in La Liboriana basin located in the northwestern Colombian Andes, resulting in more than 100 human casualties and significant economic losses. This work aims to reconstruct the 2015 La Liboriana flash flood to understand better the hydrological processes that took place during the event and to serve as a proof of concept for the development of a flash flood guidance low-cost tool when information is scarce. Radar QPE, satellite data, and post-event field visits are used to reconstruct the Salgar flash flood addressing the relationship between rainfall spatio-temporal structure, soil moisture, and runoff generation during successive rainfall events, using conceptual modeling framework including land-slide and hydraulic sub-models. The hydrological model includes the addition of virtual tracers to explore the role of runoff and subsurface flow, as well as the relative importance of convective and stratiform precipitation in flash flood generation. The assessment of the interactions between runoff, subsurface flow, and convective-stratiform rainfall allows a better understanding of the short-term hydrological mechanisms leading to the flash flood event. The overall methodology reproduces considerably well the magnitude and timing of La Liboriana flash flood discharge peak, as well as the areas of regional land-slide occurrence and flood spots location, with some limitations due to the available spatial scale of the digital elevation model. Simulation results indicate that the flash-flood and the regional land-slide features were strongly influenced by the antecedent rainfall associated with a northeasterly stratiform event that recharged the gravitational and capillary storages. The hydrologic simulation shows that the antecedent event set wet conditions in the entire basin before the occurrence of the flash flood event, governing the streamflow during the flash flood event. Evidence suggests that the spatial structure of the rainfall is at least as important as the geomorphological features of the basin regulating the generation of flash flood events. Results also suggest that the described model-based tool is useful for policy-makers not only for short-term decisions in the context of an early warning system but also as a planning resource for long-term risk management.
Factors affecting consistency and accuracy in identifying modern macroperforate planktonic foraminifera
Authors: Fenton Isabel S. , Baranowski Ulrike , Boscolo-Galazzo Flavia , Cheales Hannah , Fox Lyndsey , King David J. , Larkin Christina , Latas Marcin , Liebrand Diederik , Miller C. Giles , Nilsson-Kerr Katrina , Piga Emanuela , Pugh Hazel , Remmelzwaal Serginio , Roseby Zoe A. , Smith Yvonne M. , Stukins Stephen , Taylor Ben , Woodhouse Adam , Worne Savannah , Pearson Paul N. , Poole Christopher R. , Wade Bridget S. , Purvis Andy
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Planktonic foraminifera are widely used in biostratigraphic,
palaeoceanographic and evolutionary studies, but the strength of many
study conclusions could be weakened if taxonomic identifications are not
reproducible by different workers. In this study, to assess the relative
importance of a range of possible reasons for among-worker disagreement in
identification, 100 specimens of 26 species of macroperforate planktonic
foraminifera were selected from a core-top site in the subtropical Pacific
Ocean. Twenty-three scientists at different career stages – including some
with only a few days experience of planktonic foraminifera – were asked to
identify each specimen to species level, and to indicate their confidence in each
identification. The participants were provided with a species list and had
access to additional reference materials. We use generalised linear
mixed-effects models to test the relevance of three sets of factors in
identification accuracy: participant-level characteristics (including
experience), species-level characteristics (including a participant's
knowledge of the species) and specimen-level characteristics (size,
confidence in identification). The 19 less experienced scientists achieve a
median accuracy of 57 %, which rises to 75 % for specimens they are
confident in. For the 4 most experienced participants, overall accuracy is
79 %, rising to 93 % when they are confident. To obtain maximum
comparability and ease of analysis, everyone used a standard microscope with
only 35× magnification, and each specimen was studied in isolation.
Consequently, these data provide a lower limit for an estimate of
consistency. Importantly, participants could largely predict whether their
identifications were correct or incorrect: their own assessments of
specimen-level confidence and of their previous knowledge of species concepts
were the strongest predictors of accuracy.
“La magia que tenemos entre nosotros… niñas y niños”. Visibilidad, fuerza y afecto de la palabra infantil
Authors: Rodríguez Pinto Grecia J , Albuquerque Leonardo
Published: September 2018

Si alguien argumenta que las niñas y los niños son seres humanos, nadie estará en desacuerdo. Sin embargo, algunos dudan de las capacidades y competencias infantiles porque supuestamente son incompletas. Ellos son personas útiles y capaces, dotados de cualidades. Tienen derechos, pero están lejos de tener todos los derechos de los adultos. Las niñas y niños no son sólo receptores de información a quienes se les dirige y exige obligaciones y tareas en agendas intensas. Por el contrario, son fuente de ideas y propuestas. Así lo demuestran cuando participan en oportunidades donde experimentan el pensamiento, la palabra y la escucha desde un abordaje sobre su ciudadanía y derechos. Tomando en cuenta conceptos fundamentales de una pedagogía experiencial, el Proyecto Educativo “Educomunicación, Ambiente y Ciudadanía infantil” ha colocado como base de su fortaleza la creación de espacios de encuentro con el fin de promover la proximidad, el bienestar y la implicación en el aprendizaje, con asombro y pasión. Para este fin, se incorpora la integración de la Educomunicación, como campo de acción emergente en la que convergen la Educación y la Comunicación, así como la Sociología de la Infancia en el marco de una metodología participativa que destaca a las niñas y a los niños, como sujetos creadores y protagonistas, de palabra y acción, capaces de participar y compartir sus saberes naturales, con su “voz en abundancia”.
Nuevos estudios de infancia, política de infancia y derechos de los niños y niñas
Authors: Sünker Heinz , Moran-Ellis Jo
Published: September 2018

En un momento en que el futuro de la democracia está en juego, es necesario reconocer la importancia de la contribución que los "nuevos" estudios de la infancia pueden hacer para asegurar ese futuro, particularmente con respecto a establecer la importancia de la agencia y la competencia social de los niños (en diferentes ámbitos de la vida cotidiana) como actores sociales políticos. La combinación de estos reconocimientos con la tarea de conceptualizar las políticas de infancia (en forma de políticas con niños) y un desarrollo emancipador en el campo de los derechos del niño es vital para unos  debates socio-teóricos y socio-políticos más completos sobre las soluciones al problema de un futuro humano positivo para todas las generaciones.  En este artículo mostramos cómo las conceptualizaciones y el trabajo empírico de los estudios de infancia realzan el papel que los derechos de los niños pueden desempeñar en la mejora de los procesos democráticos en el nivel de la sociedad, es decir, en  la participación real. Esto va más allá de la tendencia a tratar los derechos de los niños como una cuestión de interés individual, en su lugar se aboga por una consideración de los derechos y de la agencia de los niños como una condición social para la democracia.
Clusters of exporting priority countries
Authors:   Departamento de Administración de Empresas, Facultad de Derecho y Economía, C/ Jaume II, 73, 25001-Lleida (España). cspilar@aegern.udl.es, Cos Sánchez Pilar , Escardíbul Ferrá Blanca ,   Departamento de Administración de Empresas, Facultad de Derecho y Economía, C/ Jaume II, 73, 25001-Lleida (España). efblanca@aegern.udl.es
Published: September 2018

The importance of the foreign markets selection in company decision-making is undeniable, meantime the literature on the subject remains fragmentary. Based on previous research, the view of this work differs from existing models by offering a generalizable methodology from secondary sources (World Bank, OECD, World Economic Forum, Hofstede Centre, Centre for the Practice of International Trade and Geobytes Database). With analysis of a specific export economy is found out whether the choice of markets by companies could be associated with the most commonly used factors in the literature, and whether this may result in a grouping of countries. The results point out to the choice of markets not only for its psychic distance but by other criteria involving, regardless of their suitability in the preliminary screening stage. Thus, this study suggests that companies additionally using other factors and/or processes, with a trend to move towards ad hoc procedures in choosing new markets. This methodology allows companies in the economy studied to know the differentiating features of the priority markets and to place within this worldwide map as comparative to the rest of companies.
Electrochemical Anodizing Treatment to Enhance Localized Corrosion Resistance of Pure Titanium
Authors: Prando Davide , Brenna Andrea , Bolzoni Fabio M. , Diamanti Maria V. , Pedeferri Mariapia , Ormellese Marco
Published: September 2018

Background

Titanium has outstanding corrosion resistance due to the thin protective oxide layer that is formed on its surface. Nevertheless, in harsh and severe environments, pure titanium may suffer localized corrosion. In those conditions, costly titanium alloys containing palladium, nickel and molybdenum are used. This purpose investigated how it is possible to control corrosion, at lower cost, by electrochemical surface treatment on pure titanium, increasing the thickness of the natural oxide layer.

Methods

Anodic oxidation was performed on titanium by immersion in H2SO4 solution and applying voltages ranging from 10 to 80 V. Different anodic current densities were considered. Potentiodynamic tests in chloride- and fluoride-containing solutions were carried out on anodized titanium to determine the pitting potential.

Results

All tested anodizing treatments increased corrosion resistance of pure titanium, but never reached the performance of titanium alloys. The best corrosion behavior was obtained on titanium anodized at voltages lower than 40 V at 20 mA/cm2.

Conclusions

Titanium samples anodized at low cell voltage were seen to give high corrosion resistance in chloride- and fluoride-containing solutions. Electrolyte bath and anodic current density have little effect on the corrosion behavior.
Suplementação na dieta de cães adultos com ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA) proveniente da microalga Schizochytrium sp. e avaliação de seus efeitos na retina.
Authors: Risolia Danielle Wünsche
Published: September 2018

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da suplementação de DHA proveniente da microalga Schizochytrium sp., na retina de cães adultos, mensurados a partir do exame de eletrorretinografia. O tratamento, fornecido a 3 cães adultos, constituiu em uma dieta contendo 0,4% de microalga Schizochytrium sp. (560 mg de DHA). Os animais foram submetidos a exames de eletrorretinografia antes (dia 0) e ao final de 30 dias do fornecimento da dieta. A partir do traçado obtido no eletrorretinograma foram avaliadas as médias das amplitudes das ondas a e b, nos períodos do dia 0 e dia 30. Na onda a observou-se média de amplitude de 15,557 mV no dia 0 e 18,263 mV no dia 30. As médias da amplitude da onda b foram de 213,451 mV e 258,977 mV antes e após a suplementação, respectivamente. A partir dos resultados obtidos, é perceptível um aumento no traçado do exame de eletrorretinografia com a suplementação de DHA, demonstrando que pode haver uma relação entre a presença de DHA na dieta e melhor desempenho da retina.
Palatabilidade de dieta super premium fresca e ao longo do tempo de fabricação
Authors: Souza Camilla Mariane Menezes , Kaelle Gislaine Cristina Bill , De Souza Juliana Rodrigues , Campos Gabriel Maissack , Maiorka Alex , Félix Ananda Portella
Published: September 2018

O objetivou-se avaliar a palatabilidade de uma dieta comercial super premium para cães após a fabricação e ao longo de 6 meses de fabricação. A palatabilidade foi mensurada comparando-se as dietas em pares, resultando nos seguintes testes: dieta super premium A após a fabricação (fresca) vs. dieta super premium B com 1 mês (M) de fabricação; fresca vs. 2M; fresca vs. 3M; fresca vs. 4M; fresca vs. 5M e fresca vs. 6M. O teste da palatabilidade foi determinado por meio da mensuração da razão de ingestão e da primeira escolha entre as rações ofertadas aos cães. Observou-se que a razão de ingestão e a primeira escolha foram superiores (P<0,05) para a dieta B com 2 a 6 meses de fabricação, quando comparada com a dieta A fresca. A palatabilidade da dieta se manteve ao longo de seis meses de fabricação.
Avaliação da digestibilidade do extrato de levedura em cães
Authors: Kaelle Gislaine Cristina Bill , Dos Santos Carolina Dallagassa , Machado Melisa Frucutoso , De Barros Emily Matsunaga , Zattoni Dorie Fernanda De Moraes , Félix Ananda Portella
Published: September 2018

Objetivou-se determinar, isoladamente, por meio do método de regressão, os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) e energia metabolizável (EM) do extrato de levedura em cães. Foram avaliadas quatro dietas: Controle (0%), 4%, 8% e 12% de levedura em substituição à dieta controle. Foram utilizados 12 cães adultos da raça Beagle, distribuídos em blocos ao acaso, totalizando 6 repetições por tratamento. Não houve diferença para os CDA dos nutrientes e EM das dietas (P>0,05). Com exceção do CDA da proteína bruta, que reduziu linearmente (P<0,05) com a inclusão do extrato de leveduras.  O extrato de levedura apresentou CDA da matéria seca de 77,4%, da matéria orgânica de 81,7%, da proteína bruta de 55,7% e EM de 4947,3 kcal/kg.
Predição do pH urinário de gatos por meio do excesso de bases com enxofre na dieta
Authors: Risolia Larissa Wünsche , Trifoni Leticia Fioco , Zafalon Rafael V. A. , Campos Ana Luiza , Félix Ananda Portella , Oliveira Simone Gisele
Published: September 2018

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se a equação excesso de bases empregando enxofre (EBS), para predição do pH urinário de gatos é eficaz para um alimento completo. Para tal, alimentou-se seis gatos sem raça definida com um alimento extrusado comercial. Por meio do EBS da dieta foi feita a predição do pH urinário. O pH urinário predito pela equação foi de 6,52 e o obtido in vivo foi de 6,25±0,02. Portanto, a equação não foi eficaz para predizer o pH urinário, porém o EBS mostrou-se eficaz para estimar se o pH urinário está na faixa aceitável (6,2 e 6,8).
Análise de rótulos de rações secas denominadas light para cães
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriel Dutra , Buhr Gabriele , Castilho Ana Cláudia , Hauptli Lucélia , Moraes Priscila Oliveira
Published: September 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição nutricional declarada e os alimentos que constam no rótulo de rações denominadas light para cães. Foram analisados 17 rótulos de rações secas lights para cães, quanto ao nível de proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), fibra bruta (FB), matéria mineral (MM) e calculou-se a energia metabolizável (EM). Para porte pequeno observou-se em média 26,43% PB, 7,83% EE, 6,07% FB, 7,57 % MM e 3452 Kcal/kg EM e, respectivamente, para todos os portes: 24,44 %, 8,00%, 7,30%, 8,25 %, 3292 Kcal/kg. Os alimentos frequentemente encontrados foram ovo desidratado (47,06%), levedura de cerveja (64,71%), milho (70,59%), polpa de beterraba (82,35%), farinha de vísceras (88,24%) e arroz e subprodutos (100%).Apenas 47,06% das rações apresentaram L-carnitina em sua composição variando de 0,035% a 0,30% seu nível de inclusão. Há uma grande variação na composição nutricional declarada nas rações lightspara cães.
PRÁTICA EDUCATIVA COM ENFERMEIROS DA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA: NÃO À LESÃO POR PRESSÃO
Authors: Soares Cilene Fernandes , Heidemann Ivonete Teresinha Shulter Buss , Durand Michelle Kuntz , Costa Maria Fernanda Baeta Neves Alonso da , Marçal Claudia Cossentino Bruck , Ferreira Juliana Martins
Published: September 2018

Objetivos: Analisar, a partir da visão dos enfermeiros da Atenção Primária, as contribuições da prática educativa naprevenção da Lesão por Pressão e promoção da saúde. Método: Estudo Convergente Assistencial com 20 enfermeiros,realizado entre julho e agosto de 2014, no Estado de Santa Catarina, desenvolvido em duas etapas e quatro encontros,sendo a primeira entrevista com a utilização de questionário e, posteriormente, três oficinas. Resultados: Os dadosforam analisados e resultaram em duas categorias: Diga não à Lesão por Pressão e A prática do enfermeiro na prevençãoda LP e promoção da saúde na APS, que expressaram aquisição e aprimoramento de conhecimentos, construção donovo saber, contribuindo para ações de saúde. Conclusão: A prática educativa alcançou seu propósito, inovando erenovando o conhecimento dos enfermeiros no cuidado preventivo e promoção da saúde. São essenciais capacitaçõescontínuas, refletindo em ganhos na prática assistencial e científica da Enfermagem.
ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE HÁBITOS DE VIDA E RISCO CARDIOVASCULAR EM PESSOAS VIVENDO COM HIV/AIDS
Authors: Antonini Marcela , Melo Elizabete Santos , Costa Christefany Régia Braz , De Jesus Giselle Juliana , Gir Elucir , Reis Renata Karina
Published: September 2018

Objetivo: analisar os hábitos de vida e o risco cardiovascular de pessoas vivendo com o vírus da imunodeficiênciahumana, por meio de fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e comportamentais. Método: trata-se de estudo transversal,quantitativo, realizado em serviços especializados no atendimento de pessoas vivendo com o vírus da imunodeficiênciahumana, no período de 2014 a 2016, num município no interior do estado de São Paulo – Brasil. Utilizou-se Escorede Risco de Framingham para estratificação do risco cardiovascular. Resultados: participaram 340 pessoas. Houveassociação entre o risco cardiovascular e as variáveis sexo (p=0,003), idade (p<0,001), escolaridade (p=0,006), antecedentesfamiliares para Hipertensão (p=0,026), Diabetes (p=0,003), Infarto do Miocárdio (p=0,004) e Acidente VascularEncefálico (p=0,003), o tempo de diagnóstico pelo HIV (p<0,001) e uso de antirretrovirais (p=0,003). Conclusão: osresultados apontaram associações entre o risco cardiovascular e os fatores de risco modificáveis e não modificáveis paraocorrência de doenças cardiovasculares em pessoas vivendo com HIV.
GESTÃO DE ALTA PARA A CONTINUIDADE DO CUIDADO: EXPERIÊNCIA DAS ENFERMEIRAS DE LIGAÇÃO DE PORTUGAL
Authors: Martins Maria Manuela , Aued Gisele Knop , Ribeiro Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes , Santos Maria José , Lacerda Maria Ribeiro , Bernardino Elizabeth
Published: September 2018

Objetivo: descrever as atividades de continuidade do cuidado desenvolvidas pelas enfermeiras de ligação nos serviçoshospitalar. Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório, realizado de setembro/2016 a março/2017, em 15 hospitais dePortugal, com 107 enfermeiras. Os dados foram coletados com um questionário semiestruturado e analisados pormeio das frequências absolutas. Resultados:51 (47,7%) dos pacientes que necessitam de cuidados continuados sãoidentificados por médicos e enfermeiras assistenciais, 69 (64,5%) utilizam critérios para a identificação dos riscospara a alta do paciente. Os elementos considerados no planejamento de alta são: reabilitação motora e funcional,54 (30,86%); e preparo do cuidador, 41 (23,43%). As transferências das informações para continuidade do cuidadoocorrem majoritariamente por correio eletrônico, 58 (25,55%). Conclusão: as atividades para a continuidade do cuidadonão são homogêneas entre os profissionais que realizam atividades de ligação, mas contribuem para estratégias maisconsolidadas para o enfrentamento da descontinuidade do cuidado.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF A PARAFFIN BASED HYBRID ROCKET
Authors: Santos L. M. C. , Almeida L. A. R. , Fraga A. M. , Veras C. A. G.
Published: September 2018

Hybrid rockets are known to be simpler, safer, environmentally friend, and, more importantly, cheaper than most of the technologies for propulsion devices used today. Hybrid rockets can be applied as the propulsion system in satellites launch vehicles, micro-satellites and tactical missiles. This paper deals with combustion of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and paraffin as the solid fuels burning with gaseous oxygen (GOX) as well as N O as the oxidizer in lab scale hybrid rocket motors. A test 2 stand was built to carry out the experiments. The main objectives were to investigate the ignition of the solid fuels, burning performance and regression rates for different operating conditions. With paraffin-based fuel the hybrid motor had the regression rate enhanced two to three folds compared to the UHMWPE, as reported in the literature. The overall performance of the motor, with paraffin as the fuel, is comparable to other technologies. Paraffin-based hybrid rockets can, then, be a safer and cheaper alternative to satellite launch vehicles for the Brazilian space program.
NUMERICAL STUDIES OF NATURAL CONVECTION IN A SQUARE CAVITY
Authors: Mariani Viviana Cocco , Belo Ivan Moura
Published: September 2018

In the present work a numeric study of thermal and fluid dynamics behavior of natural air convection in a bi-dimensional square cavity is presented, in a laminar flow. The square cavity has two walls heated with different temperatures and two isolated walls, the Boussinesq approximation is used and a constant Prandtl number. The Finite Volume Method is used for the discretization of flow equations. The staggered load of variables is adopted and Power-Law and SIMPLE models are used. The numeric simulation is made up of several Rayleigh numbers, 104 Ra 106, and the results of average Nusselt numbers are compared to values obtained in the literature. Flow and isotherm lines are presented and analyzed. The numerical results presented here in this work agree with the ones available in the literature and can be used by researchers who work in the convection problem numeric simulation area.
What are the maternal risks and pregnancy outcomes after kidney transplantation?
Authors: Rashed Amera Bekhatro Awad Allah , Sharaf Mohamed Magdy
Published: September 2018

Background: Pregnancy after kidney transplantation should be considered as a major concern. Women with transplanted kidney were able to conceive for more than 50 years. Little studies are available highlighting the effects of transplantation on fetal and neonatal health.Purpose: This study was conducted with the purpose of identifying the maternal risks and pregnancy outcomes after kidney transplantation.Methods: Research design: A descriptive (non-experimental) design was used in conducting this study. Tools: Three tools were used during the course of this study, the interviewing questionnaire sheet, maternal risks assessment sheet and pregnancy outcomes sheet.Results: Regarding the maternal risks, there was a significant increase in mean serum creatinine, decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate, increase in proteinuria, reported abortion rate was 16.3%, pregnancy induced hypertension rate was 20.9%; Among acquired infections, primary herpes simplex was very common with a rate of 18.6% while urinary tract infection rate was 39.5%. Among pregnancy outcomes, the mean gestational age was 35.4 ± 3, mean birth weight was 2,107.8 ± 567.7 and 74.4% of women delivered by C.s. 30.2% of delivered infants experienced incubator admission.Conclusions: The current findings succeeded in answering both study questions.Recommendation: Pregnant women with kidney transplantation should be followed-up more frequent than normal women for early detection of any risks and for obtaining favorable pregnancy outcomes. Women should be monitored frequently for kidney functions, early signs of pregnancy induced hypertension, acquired infections and other maternal risks reported by this study.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for World Journal of English Language, Vol. 8, No. 2
Authors: Nelson Joe
Published: September 2018

World Journal of English Language (WJEL) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether WJEL publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2Amelia Maria CavaJessica Aliaga LavrijsenKenan YerliMaría Luisa CarrióRoberto Martínez Mateo  Joe NelsonEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of World Journal of English LanguageSciedu Press-----------------------------------------1120 Finch Avenue West, Suite 701-309, Toronto, ON., M3J 3H7, CanadaTel: 1-416-479-0028 ext. 218Fax: 1-416-642-8548Email: wjel@sciedupress.comWeb: http://wjel.sciedupress.com
Determinants of Non-Performing Loans: Evidence from Europe
Authors: Salvi Antonio , Bussoli Candida , Conca Lavinia , Gigante Marisa
Published: September 2018

The issue of banks’ loan quality has assumed growing importance at the international level. This study aims to tackle the issue and to verify the impact of bank-specific determinants and macroeconomic indicators on banks’ loan quality.

The analysis is conducted on a sample of 2,816 European banks over the period 2011-2015 through a multivariate regression with panel data.

The main evidence shows that a higher return on average assets and a greater soundness of the bank can be associated with a better loan quality. Furthermore, the results also demonstrate that system conditions can contribute to determining banks’ asset quality. Adverse cyclical conditions, resulting from a lower GDP growth and a higher unemployment rate, can generate a lower loan quality.
Revealed Comparative Advantage of GCC Economies
Authors: Hassan Munir , Shriaan Anwar Al , Mirza Ibrahim
Published: September 2018

The main objective of the paper is to analyze the performance of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Economies in terms of their Revealed Comparative Advantage for selected products in recent years. Index of Openness (IO) was calculated for certain selected economies. For most of the study period (2005-2013), the IO was higher for UAE than the other economies. The RCA estimated reveal that UAE had more comparative advantage in Manufactures. The main conclusion form the study is that in spite of decline in growth rates in most of the GCC economies due to the fall in oil prices, liquidity problems, instability and impact of China is declining growth, all the countries have exhibited stability in recent years and are on the path of progress with economic, political, and structural reforms. Attempts are being made in all the countries to revitalize the economy by diversification, improvements in infrastructure and less dependence on oil exports.