bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunity or Crisis? Volatility and Leverage Effect in the World’s Largest Economies
Authors: Bhunia Amalendu , Yaman Devrim
Published: October 2019

This paper examines the relationship between asset volatility and leverage for the three largest economies (based on purchasing power parity) in the world; US, China, and India. Collectively, these economies represent Int$56,269 billion of economic power, making it important to understand the relationship among these economies that provide valuable investment opportunities for investors. We focus on a volatile period in economic history starting in 1997 when the Asian financial crisis began. Using autoregressive models, we find that Chinese stock markets have the highest volatility among the three stock markets while the US stock market has the highest average returns. The Chinese market is less efficient than the US and Indian stock markets since the impact of new information takes longer to be reflected in stock prices. Our results show that the unconditional correlation among these stock markets is significant and positive although the correlation values are low in magnitude. We also find that past market volatility is a good indicator of future market volatility in our sample. The results show that positive stock market returns result in lower volatility compared to negative stock market returns. These results demonstrate that the largest economies of the world are highly integrated and investors should consider volatility and leverage besides returns when investing in these countries.
A Contrastive Study of Interpersonal Meaning in Chinese and Western Outpatient Clinic Interaction
Authors: Lian Zhangjun , He Qingshun
Published: October 2019

Outpatient clinic interactions have direct impacts on the medical consultation of doctors, the health of patients and the doctor-patient relationship. In an outpatient clinic interaction, the doctor constructs and the patient reconstructs the meaning. Based on the interpersonal metafuncion of systemic functional linguistics, this research investigated the characteristics of mood and modality in Chinese and western outpatient clinic interactions and identified the interpersonal functions of these interactions. It is found that the Chinese outpatient clinic interactions have positive semantic meanings and construe a harmonious interaction, while the western outpatient clinic interactions have negative semantic meanings and construe a contradictory interaction.
Interculturalidad desde la perspectiva de la Red de Universidades Indígenas Interculturales y Comunitarias de ABYA YALA, RUIICAY
Authors: Hooker Blandford Alta
Published: October 2019

Una invitación a reflexionar sobre las matrices culturales que inciden con preeminencia en la Red de Universidades Indígenas, Interculturales de Abya Yala (RUIICAY), en una praxis donde se conjuga la internacionalización con la interculturalidad, experiencias educativas en la reafirmación de los derechos individuales y colectivos de los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes.
Cuentos y Leyendas
Authors: García Jiménez Daniel , Masís Obregón Heber , Ramírez Kevin
Published: October 2019

En cuentos y leyendas compartimos una compilación de tres jóvenes talentos.
The influence of time management skills on stress and academic performance level among nursing students
Authors: Alshutwi Sitah , Alkhanfari Haya , Sweedan Norah
Published: October 2019

College students need to possess many skills to successfully pass each year of study. Effective time management skills are an essential characteristic for college students to have in order to maintain good academic performance. The students’ ability to manage their time properly is linked to many positive consequences, such as higher academic performance and lower stress levels. Despite the importance of time management skills for students, a limited number of studies were conducted to examine this issue among students in Saudi Arabia, especially nursing students. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the influence of time management skills on stress and academic performance levels of nursing students in Saudi Arabia. In this quantitative research, a cross-sectional design was used to explore the relationship between the level of time management skills and stress level of nursing students. A total of 150 students completed a survey (a response rate of 65%). The two scales included in this survey were the Student Nurse Stress Index and Time Management Questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between the time management skills and academic performance of the students. That is, the increasing level of time management skills was associated with increasing academic performance (r = .240, p < .003), there was a positive and significant correlation between the time management skills and year of study (r = .262, p < .001), and there was a positive and significant correlation between the stress level and year of study (r = .249, p < .002). Therefore, time management and stress management training programs should be provided for nursing students during the orientation period.
Experiences of Female Commercial Sex Workers in Marabastad, Pretoria
Authors: Letlape O. W. , Dube M.
Published: October 2019

This paper discusses critically the experiences of the female commercial sex workers in Marabastad, Pretoria in South Africa. Even though commercial sex work is illegal in South Africa, evidence suggests that some women practice it owing to various factors and an investigative analysis of engaging in such an illegal activity in South Africa needs thorough investigation. This paper aims at providing synthesis on the bio-psychosocial benefits and risks of commercial sex work for women involved in it. A qualitative research approach was adopted which purposely interviewed nine women who practised commercial sex work in Marabastad. Due to secrecy in commercial sex work, snowball sampling was also employed to ensure that only women involved in the practice would be accessed to reach data saturation point for the study. Data were analysed thematically to capture the experiences of women. The findings showed that even though women practise commercial sex work in Marabastad, risks are more experienced than the benefits. Unpleasant life circumstances were revealed as the most compelling reasons women practised commercial sex work despite the inevitable bio-psychosocial consequences.  This paper recommends various multi-sectorial approaches to ameliorate the consequences experienced by women practicing commercial sex work in Marabastad in South Africa.
Can the soil geology and chemistry analysis of a site predict the geographic origin of wild edible mushrooms (Porcini group)?
Authors: Ambrosio Elia , Marescotti Pietro , Benucci Gian Maria Niccolò , Cecchi Grazia , Brancucci Michele , Zotti Mirca , Mariotti Mauro Giorgio
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to assess the element content of Porcini mushrooms collected from broadleaf Mediterranean forests (NW Italy) and underlying soil layers, and to elucidate the chemical connection between the mushrooms and their geographic site of origin. Comparing the elements in mushrooms with those in soil samples, we observed that the concentration of some microelements detected in mushrooms had similar distribution as that measured in both the soil layers assessed, especially with surface soil. Statistical analyses showed that the microelement pattern in mushrooms reflects the soil site of origin. Moreover, by comparing our results with other studies, we observed that the soil where Porcini grow is characterized by a high concentration of zinc. Some toxic elements were also detected in mushroom samples. Analysis of elements in mushrooms and soil layers can be used for quality assurance of natural products and help distinguish them from uncertified and unknown-origin products.
Enterprises and (un)necessary strategies
Authors: Mączyńska Elżbieta
Published: October 2019

A review article of the book by Krzysztof Obłoj – Practice of the company’s strategy. How to manage the past, deal with the present and create the future. The book was awarded in 2018 by the SGH Collegium of Business Administration – For the best work in the field of corporate studies in 2015-2017. According to the author, the basic value of the book is that it demonstrates the dangers of neglecting a strategic approach with a longer time horizon while managing the company, taking into account three dimensions: past, present and future.
Metrics of internal audit effectiveness in banking sector
Authors: Iwanowicz Bartłomiej , Borowy Tomasz
Published: October 2019

This article attempts to analyze the metrics of internal audit function effectiveness. The authors review
and discuss the metrics perceived as most relevant and appropriate to the banking sector. The literature
review is supported by an attempt to introduce an additional metric of the internal audit function effectiveness.
The methodology adopted in this paper bases strongly on the qualitative approach. The article
involves an analysis of available literature and own studies, as well as authors’ professional experience
in auditing. The metrics of internal audit function effectiveness presented in modern studies strongly
favor qualitative approach, focused on assessing the input, process and output of internal auditors,
and most notably recommendations issued and their implementation by organizations’ management.
The authors suggest supplementing the list of available metrics with an additional method, strongly
connected to financial performance of the banks employing the internal audit function. This article
introduces an additional possible way of measuring the effectiveness of the internal audit function. This
metric can be considered by the banks and can be further empirically verified for appropriateness by
entities from other industries, from both private and public sector.
Coordination in the age of Industry 4.0: The case of blockchain
Authors: Pietrewicz Lesław
Published: October 2019

The topic of coordination arises whenever various tasks or resources must be employed together to produce desirable outcomes. Whereas the complexity of tasks and interactions needed to produce results increase coordination needs, advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) dramatically improve its possibilities. Vertically and horizontally integrated Industry 4.0 manufacturing systems, using ICT to interact with and expand the capabilities of the physical systems, both demand enhanced coordination within and between organizations, and are themselves designed to foster coordination, making coordination in the age of Industry 4.0 a particularly timely and challenging research topic. The paper contributes to the emerging stream of literature on coordination in the age of Industry 4.0 by analyzing the characteristics of blockchain as a coordination mechanism and its application to the hybrid cyber-physical production systems.
Desenvolvimento social na Amazônia Ocidental: uma análise a partir dos municípios do estado Acre
Authors: Fernandes Catharine Neves , Bezerra Francisco Dietima da Silva
Published: October 2019

O objetivo do presente trabalho consiste em aferir o nível de desenvolvimento social dos municípios do Estado do Acre no período entre 2000 e 2010. Para tanto, foi criado o Índice de Desenvolvimento Social do Acre (IDSA), composto pelas dimensões habitação, renda, trabalho, saúde e segurança, e educação. Por meio da análise de componentes principais ficou constatado que somente cinco municípios apresentaram breve melhoria no IDSA, sendo fortemente influenciada pela dimensão saúde, reflexo da queda na taxa de mortalidade infantil. Já a dimensão habitação apresentou o pior desempenho, demonstrando a necessidade de políticas mais efetivas no Estado no sentido de melhorar as condições habitacionais dos domicílios.
Crescimento econômico e instituições sob uma perspectiva evolucionária
Authors: Garcia Alexandre Schwinden , Giovanini Adilson , Bittencourt Pablo Felipe
Published: October 2019

O objetivo deste estudo é promover a ampliação da compreensão sobre a relação entre o crescimento econômico e a atuação do Estado sob uma perspectiva evolucionária. Para isso, foi feita uma revisão de literatura buscando aspectos essenciais da teoria evolucionária capazes de explicar o crescimento econômico. Essa literatura mostra que as firmas, ao produzirem, são influenciadas por diferentes instituições e tecnologias sociais, de modo que a atividade produtiva demanda a coordenação de diferentes agentes. A mudança tecnológica não ocorre de forma contínua, estando sujeita a mudanças abruptas que demandam a adaptação das instituições e das tecnologias sociais. A capacidade de adaptação dos países às mudanças tecnológicas explica as maiores taxas de crescimento econômico apresentado por alguns países em detrimento dos demais. A presença de problemas de coordenação implica o surgimento de espaço para a atuação do Estado, o qual fica responsável por promover as mudanças institucionais e por dotar o sistema econômico de maior capacidade de adaptação, conseguindo assim promover o maior crescimento econômico.
JÁ NÃO TE AMO: O QUE FAZEMOS À CRIANÇA?
Authors: Silva Hugo Daniel Da Cunha Lança
Published: October 2019

Cada vez mais o amor não é para o resto da vida. Porque as pessoas mudam e o amor não é eterno. Mas os filhos são e, nos despojos do casamento (ou de outra relação significativa), importa determinar o futuro das crianças. Tendo por premissa a melhor doutrina e a jurisprudência mais atual, num constante apelo à multidisciplinariedade, procuram-se diretrizes que permitam ao juiz uma decisão mais sábia, porque justa. Sem imposição de modelos, porque cada criança é um mundo.
Educação Ambiental e consumismo: considerações sobre ações desenvolvidas pelo Terra Limpa
Authors: Rockett Ananda Nocchi , Luna José Marcelo Freitas , Guerra Antonio Fernando Silveira
Published: October 2019

O presente artigo tem como foco discutir as ações de Educação Ambiental sobre consumismo, desenvolvidas pelo Programa Terra Limpa – Educação Ambiental, criado em 1998, em Balneário Camboriú. Da revisão de literatura feita sobre o Programa, emerge como lacuna a seguinte: estudos sobre consumismo. Para isto realizou-se a análise de conteúdo dos Planos de Ação do referido Programa, no período de 2012 a 2016. A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo geral enunciar as práticas pedagógicas que vêm sendo desenvolvidas pelo Programa, em torno do consumismo. Especificamente este artigo tem como objetivos os seguintes: apontar as ações previstas nesses documentos; e compreender de que forma são desenvolvidas. Com orientação metodológica de cunho qualitativo, a técnica utilizada foi a pesquisa documental, tendo como caminho para a interpretação dos dados coletados a análise de conteúdo. Os resultados, até o momento, demonstram que estão incluídas no Programa ações voltadas ao consumo consciente, aos resíduos sólidos e à reciclagem. As formas pelas quais o Programa desenvolve suas ações são por meio de palestras, oficinas, promoção de gestão ambiental nas escolas, consultoria para estudantes, desenvolvimento de campanhas e atividades de sensibilização. A partir do que demostra este estudo, a reflexão sobre as práticas pedagógicas que vêm sendo desenvolvidas pelo Programa Terra Limpa, em relação ao consumo consciente e consumismo, pode apontar novas possibilidades.
On geometry of Kenmotsu manifolds with N-connection
Authors: Bukusheva A.
Published: October 2019

A Kenmotsu manifold with a given N-connection is considered. From the integrability of the distribution of a Kenmotsu manifold it follows that the N-connection belongs to the class of the quarter-symmetric connections. Among the N-connections, the class of connections adapted to the structure of the Kenmotsu manifold is specified. In particular, it is proved that an N-connection preserves the structure endomorphism φ of the Kenmotsu manifold if and only if the endomorphisms N and φ commute. A formula expressing the N-connection in terms of the Levi-Civita connection is obtained. The Chrystoffel symbols of the Levi-Civita connection and of the N-connection of the Kenmotsu manifold with respect to the adapted coordinates are computed. The properties of the invariants of the interior geometry of the Kenmotsu manifolds are investigated. The invariants of the interior geometry are the following: the Schouten curvature tensor; the 1-form  defining the distribution D; the Lie derivative 0   L g of the metric tensor g along the vector field ;  the tensor field P with the components given with respect to the adapted coordinate system by the formula Pacd  ncad . The field P is called in the work the Schouten — Wagner tensor. It is proved that the Schouten — Wagner tensor of the interior connection of the Kenmotsu manifold is zero. The conditions that satisfies the endomorphism N defining the metric N-connection are found. At the end of the work, an example of a Kenmotsu manifold with a metric N-connection preserving the structure endomorphism φ is given.
Los expedientes-oposición como fuente histórico-educativa: modelos de archivos de vida
Authors: Menguiano Rodriguez Carlos
Published: October 2019

Nuestra propuesta tiene como fin la presentación y evaluación de una fuente original para la historia de la educación: los expedientes-oposición presentados por los docentes que participaron en las oposiciones a direcciones de escuelas graduadas de 1932, puestos de gran relevancia para la renovación de la escuela primaria republicana. A ellas acudieron maestros y maestras en activo de todas las provincias. Para formar el expediente, las bases reguladoras requerían de los opositores la presentación de una memoria de su vida profesional no pautada, acompañada de cuantos documentos se considerasen oportunos para avalarla. Este procedimiento reservaba un margen de creatividad para la elaboración de dichos expedientes que nos permite entenderlos como una práctica de archivo de vida en la que cada candidato realiza una selección significativa de documentos y fragmentos textuales mediante los cuales construye y representa su identidad profesional. Este planteamiento nos permite observar una pluralidad de estrategias de composición de estos archivos de vida: desde la variedad de estilos de redacción y contenido de las memorias, hasta la diversidad de documentos que las acompañan (certificados, cuadernos, trabajos escolares, fotografías, artículos de prensa, etc.). Propondremos una tipología provisional de modelos de construcción del archivo con tres tendencias: a) Curricular-burocrática; b) Metodológico-profesional; c) Biográfico-narrativa. La interpretación de estas tendencias servirá de preámbulo para un posterior análisis de la fuente en su conjunto, que nos permitiría abordar la reconstrucción de las identidades profesionales de estos docentes, sus imaginarios pedagógicos y sus reflexiones sobre la práctica educativa que desarrollaban.Palabras clave: Expedientes de oposición. Archivos de vida. Directores de escuela graduada. Renovación pedagógica. Educación republicana.
Imagen y práctica escolar en las memorias de oposición del franquismo: el caso de Baleares
Authors: Barceló-Bauzà Gabriel , Moll-Bagur Sergi , Sureda-Garcia Bernat
Published: October 2019

En los últimos tiempos los historiadores de la educación han fijado su atención en toda una serie de fuentes que nos acercan a las prácticas desarrolladas en la cotidianidad del aula. Entre este tipo de testimonios se encuentran las memorias pedagógicas que presentaban los maestros que optaban a ocupar plazas vacantes en el escalafón del magisterio –dirección de escuelas graduadas, secciones de escuelas ubicadas en poblaciones de más de 10.000 habitantes, secciones y regencias de Escuelas anejas, etcétera–. Estos trabajos, conservados dentro de los expedientes de cada candidato, eran un requisito indispensable para participar en los concursos-oposición que celebró la administración pública. En esta ocasión hemos analizado aquellas memorias elaboradas por maestros que ejercieron en escuelas públicas de las Islas Baleares durante el franquismo (1939-1975). Se han localizado un total de 54 memorias que nos aportan datos sobre la práctica escolar. En ellas, además del discurso textual que presenta el maestro sobre su praxis, se encuentran otros vestigios que ayudan a reforzarlo –fotografías, cuadernos, libros, artículos publicados en la prensa pedagógica, etcétera–. En este artículo se analiza el papel de la imagen como elemento ilustrativo de aquellas prácticas que los maestros consideran más representativas de su actividad profesional.Palabras clave: Memorias de oposición. Fotografía. Franquismo. Islas Baleares.
A pesquisa sobre o patrimônio histórico e educacional na Itália
Authors: Sani Roberto
Published: October 2019

Esta contribuição tem como objetivo investigar e reconstruir as razões que são a base do desenvolvimento, dentro das universidades da península italiana, de uma linha específica de pesquisa científica e didática universitária voltada para a coleta, preservação e valorização do patrimônio histórico-educacional. Seguindo o modelo do que já aconteceu em outras realidades acadêmicas europeias, o autor também presta especial atenção ao nascimento na Itália da SIPSE, a Sociedade Italiana para o Estudo do Patrimônio Histórico-Educacional.Palavras-chave: História da educação. Cultura material da escola. Patrimônio cultural. Itália. Século XX.
Aspectos epidemiológicos da meningite no município de Porto Nacional (TO) no período de 2014 a 2018
Authors: Colman Vinicius Pereira , Reda Nasser
Published: October 2019

A meningite é uma doença caracterizada por uma inflamação das meninges, que podem acometer o tanto o segmento medular, quanto o cranial. É classificada como meningite asséptica e bacteriana. Dentre a classificação asséptica, a meningite causada por fungos, vírus, e outras causas menos comuns. Já a bacteriana pode ser causada por várias etiologias, entre elas a meningocócica, pneumocócica, tuberculosa, entre outros. O tipo mais grave de meningite é a bacteriana, devido à alta morbidade e mortalidade. Entretanto, é uma doença com imunização. A partir disso, buscou-se a investigação dos aspectos epidemiológicos da meningite em todas as suas formas na cidade de Porto Nacional (TO), onde se identificou que os aspectos do município são semelhantes aos aspectos estaduais e nacionais, com maior prevalência em homens, na raça parda e na idade pediátrica, com exceção para os dados nacionais em que foi mais prevalente nos adultos. Um aspecto preocupante identificado no município que se difere dos dados nacionais e estaduais é a maior incidência de meningite bacteriana, mais grave que as outras formas, e, apesar de não haver uma alta incidência, tanto da bacteriana quanto das outras etiologias, deve haver uma maior atenção da saúde pública para a prevenção da meningite.
Sætningskløvninger koder fokus og non-fokus i dansk
Authors: Herget Christensen Marie
Published: October 2019

It is a central claim in most Danish grammars that the Danish cleft construction encodes the clefted constituent with the function focus and that other sentence types do not have any grammatical focus encoding. This article will argue that not only does clefts encode focus, the construction also encodes the other part of the cleft – the cleft clause – with the anti-function of focus, non-focus. Further it will argue that while non-clefted sentence do not encode focus, they do encode both potential focus in one part and anti-focus in another part of the sentence. Thus, the article will show that focus structure in Danish consists of four different encodings making focus structure coding relevant for all sentence types in Danish.
Does It Pay to Disclose CSR Information? Evidence from French Companies
Authors: Dardour Ali , Husser Jocelyn
Published: October 2019

This article looks at how company disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) information affects executive compensation through an empirical study of a sample of French companies listed on the SBF 120 index from 2007 to 2011. The focus is on short-term incentive compensation and total incentive compensation. These two components are not correlated with the total CSR disclosure score (comprising environmental, social, and governance factors). The study reveals that only the environmental disclosure score is correlated with (short term and total) executive incentive compensation. Social and governance disclosure do not have any effect on executive incentive compensation.
Ontologías envueltas: conceptos y prácticas sobre los envoltorios de tejido entre los mayas
Authors: Grecco Pacheco Daniel
Published: October 2019

Objective/context: In this article I propose to analyze the sacred wrappings and the concept of wrapping among the Maya, based on the use of the ontological theoretical framework present in anthropology and archaeology. Two examples of a possibility of such an approach are presented for the study of the textile wrappings present in the Mayan and Mesoamerican territories, from the concept of relational ontologies and by means of native conceptions and theories. With this, we seek to conceptually define the ceremonial bundles based on notions of Mayan thought itself. Methodology: Based on an analysis of ethnographic data, I reflect on the notions of pixan (souls) and pix (wrapping something) in order to approach the concept of wrapping that defines ceremonial bundles. Thus, the two cases that exemplify such reflections are the Martín Bundle, patron and protector of a Tz’utujil community of Lake Santiago Atitlán in Guatemala, and the image of a ceremonial bundle in a scene of enthronement in the Tablero del Palacio de Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico. Conclusions: With the examples presented, I propose to think of the bundles as elements that protect and give a materiality to the pixanes of the other world when they are present in the ordinary world. As such, the wrapping would function as a body for another form of existence in the first example, and as an element of protection for powerful objects, which ends up breeding a relational field between such artifacts as a whole, as presented in the second case. Originality: I hope with this initial reflection to contribute to a discussion about the use of the ontological theoretical framework in the study of archaeological and ethnographic materials in the Mayan area, based on reflections on concepts proper to these peoples.
The dopamine receptor D5gene shows signs of independent erosion in toothed and baleen whales
Authors: Alves Luís Q. , Alves Juliana , Ribeiro Rodrigo , Ruivo Raquel , Castro Filipe
Published: October 2019

To compare gene loci considering a phylogenetic framework is a promising approach to uncover the genetic basis of human diseases. Imbalance of dopaminergic systems is suspected to underlie some emerging neurological disorders. The physiological functions of dopamine are transduced via G-protein-coupled receptors, including DRD5which displays a relatively higher affinity toward dopamine. Importantly, DRD5knockout mice are hypertense, a condition emerging from an increase in sympathetic tone. We investigated the evolution of DRD5, a high affinity receptor for dopamine, in mammals. Surprisingly, among 124 investigated mammalian genomes, we found that Cetacea lineages (Mysticeti and Odontoceti) have independently lost this gene, as well as the burrowingChrysochloris asiatica(Cape golden mole). We suggest that DRD5inactivation parallels hypoxia-induced adaptations, such as peripheral vasoconstriction required for deep-diving in Cetacea, in accordance with the convergent evolution of vasoconstrictor genes in hypoxia-exposed animals. Our findings indicate that Cetacea are natural knockouts for DRD5and might offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of some forms of vasoconstriction responses and hypertension in humans.
Morphological and molecular barcode analysis of the medicinal tree Mimusops coriacea (A.DC.) Miq. collected in Ecuador
Authors: Bustamante Katherine , Santos-Ordóñez Efrén , Miranda Migdalia , Pacheco Ricardo , Gutiérrez Yamilet , Scull Ramón
Published: October 2019

Background

Mimusops coriacea (A.DC.) Miq., (Sapotaceae), originated from Africa, were introduced to coastal areas in Ecuador where it is not extensively used as a traditional medicine to treat various human diseases. Different therapeutically uses of the species include: analgesic, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, inflammation and pain relieve associated with bone and articulation-related diseases. Furthermore, Mimusops coriacea could be used as anti-oxidant agent. However, botanical, chemical or molecular barcode information related to this much used species is not available from Ecuador. In this study, morphological characterization was performed from leaves, stem and seeds. Furthermore, genetic characterization was performed using molecular barcodes for rbcL, matk, ITS1 and ITS2 using DNA extracted from leaves.

Methods

Macro-morphological description was performed on fresh leaves, stem and seeds. For anatomical evaluation, tissues were embedded in paraffin and transversal dissections were done following incubation with sodium hypochlorite and safranin for coloration and fixated later in glycerinated gelatin. DNA extraction was performed using a modified CTAB protocol from leaf tissues, while amplification by PCR was accomplished for the molecular barcodes rbcL, matK, ITS1 and ITS2. Sequence analysis was performed using blast in the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with accessions queried in the GenBank belonging to the subfamily Sapotoideae.

Results

Leaf size was 13.56 ± 1.46 × 7.49 ± 0.65 cm; where is a macro-morphological description of the stem (see Methods). The peel of the seeds is dark brown. Sequence analysis revealed that amplicons were generated using the four barcodes selected. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the barcodes rbcL and matK, were not discriminated between species within the same genus of the subfamily Sapotoideae. On the other hand, the ITS1 and ITS2 were discriminative at the level of genus and species of the Sapotoideae.
Role of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in Socio-economic Development in Hoshiarpur District of Punjab
Authors: Wasal Neha
Published: October 2019

National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) aimed at providing direct employment to the deserving rural people has been in operation for last many years. The present study had conducted to assess the role of NREGA programme with the following specific objectives: (i) To study socio-economic profile of the beneficiaries of NREGA (ii) To assess the contribution of NREGA in socio-economic development of its beneficiaries (iii) To identify the factors of success and failure (iv) To render suitable suggestions for further improvement in the NREGA programme. Research gap of this study was to analyze the profitability of social programmes being initiated by governments. Results showed Socio-economic profile of the respondents that most of the respondents were male, in the middle age group, hailing from Schedule Caste category and were having little education and low income level. The profile of beneficiaries of NREGA programme indicated that the benefits of this programme is going to the deserving people. Rural connectivity (repair of roads etc.), village cleanliness, plantation were the major areas in which the NREGA beneficiaries worked under the supervision of a Mate. The village Sarpanch proved to be the major person who made aware to the beneficiary and helped them to get employment under this programme. On an average beneficiary of NREGA got employment for 15 days in a month. All the beneficiaries of the NREGA programme got prescribed wage i.e. Rs.123 per day which was paid timely to the respondents. 1/5th of the respondents held that dependency on the farmers had reduced after joining NREGA programme and also wage rate had increased in other activities in villages due to the arrival of NREGA programme. 38 per cent of the respondents opined that NREGA activities helped them to remove idleness whereas 25 per cent of respondents felt more social recognized after joining NREGA. Overall the launching of NREGA programme had increased the demand for labour in rural areas. The non beneficiary of NREGA programme did not join the NREGA largely due to social inhibition (not ready to do labour in own village), low wage rate and irregularity of work. Irregular grants and work opportunities, less wage rate were the major constrains experienced by the beneficiaries of NREGA. Regularity in grants, generating adequate employment opportunity may prove more useful for NREGA beneficiary and society at large.
HPLC Evaluation of Phenolic Compounds in Physalis angulata Linn. and Physalis micrantha Linn. (Solanaceae)
Authors: Ekeke Chimezie , Obute Gordian C. , Ogazie Chinedum A.
Published: October 2019

Physalis angulata Linn. and Physalis micrantha Linn. (Solanaceae) used for different medicinal purposes in Nigeria and other parts of the world were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to determine their phytochemical profiles. Forty five (45) alkaloids, 36 flavonoids, 18 glycosides and 44 phenolic acids were observed in the plants. P. angulata had the highest concentrations of flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids while P. micarantha had the highest concentration of glycosides. The presence and concentration of these chemicals in these studied species confirm their medicinal and ethno-botanical uses and make them potential sources of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industries.
When Can a MRSA Nares Swab Guide Antibiotic Stewardship?
Authors: Saito Ashley K. , Goetz Matthew B. , Wu Simon
Published: December 2024

This Clinical Insights discusses how the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nares swab may be used alongside disease prevalence and clinical factors to determine when MRSA coverage is needed for common inpatient infections.
International Comparison of Underlying Disease Among Recipients of Medical Assistance in Dying
Authors: Heidinger Brandon , Webber Colleen , Chambaere Kenneth , Close Eliana , Deliens Luc , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje , Pope Thaddeus , van der Heide Agnes , White Ben , Downar James
Published: December 2024

This cohort study compares the rates of medical assistance in dying across diseases to understand the relative effects of disease and jurisdiction.
State Parental Consent Law and Treatment Use Among Adolescents With Depression
Authors: Schleider Jessica Lee , Smock Amanda , Ahuvia Isaac Lev , Walubita Tubanji , Rapoport Andy Seth , Hill Shannon , Purtle Jonathan
Published: December 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the association between mental health treatment uptake and the existence of state laws prohibiting youths to consent to their own care.
Mycobacterium
: Laboratory Characteristics of Slowly Growing Mycobacteria Other than
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Caulfield Adam J. , Richter Elvira , Brown‐Elliott Barbara A. , Wengenack Nancy L.
Published: December 2024

This chapter describes the clinically significant, slowly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (SGM). Pulsed‐Field Gel Electrophoresis has been a useful technique for strain typing of the SGM. It is important to recognize that an unidentified mycobacterial isolate should be treated as if it is
M. tuberculosis
and that appropriate safety measures, including biosafety level 3 practices and facilities, should be used until
M. tuberculosis
is ruled out. One of the first, easiest, and least expensive means of detecting the presence of mycobacteria in clinical samples is microscopic examination. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry has revolutionized the identification of microorganisms, including mycobacteria. Not all laboratories may have the necessary funds, facilities, or instrumentation to provide molecular testing in mycobacteriology. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of clinically relevant mycobacteria is important for the treatment of infections caused by many mycobacterial species.
Approaches to the Identification of Aerobic Gram‐Negative Bacteria
Authors: Nørskov‐Lauritsen Niels , Chuvochina Maria
Published: December 2024

The description of aerobic Gram‐negative bacteria is long established, based on culture conditions and the failure to retain crystal violet‐iodine complex by Gram's staining method. This chapter shows dichotomous phenotypic and biochemical identification algorithms for Gram‐negative bacteria that are fastidious and grow poorly or not at all on sheep blood agar. The use of KIA/TSI slants as part of the workup of Gram‐negative organisms has largely been discontinued due to the introduction of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry, which provides more rapid and specific identification. The major limitation of analyzing the 16S‐23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) region for bacterial identification and community profiling is the current lack of a reference database containing combined 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA gene sequences.
Salmonella
Authors: Dekker John P. , Faron Matthew L. , Humphries Romney M. , Buchan Blake W. , Ledeboer Nathan A.
Published: December 2024

Salmonella typhi
has one of the largest sets of universal genetic markers common to
Salmonella enterica
serotypes but also contains among the fewest genetic markers defining a subspecies. This chapter discusses traditional classification schemes based on antigenic typing, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and covers newer molecular and next‐generation sequencing‐based approaches, including ribosomal MLST, whole‐genome and core‐genome MLST, and whole‐genome single‐nucleotide variant‐based strain tracking. Nontyphoidal
Salmonella
is a common inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract of wild and domestic poultry, which serves as an important reservoir for infection, but is also frequently isolated from warm‐blooded mammals and reptiles. Use of appropriate isolation media along with novel diagnostic techniques is improving understanding of the epidemiology of the genus
Salmonella
and will ultimately help meet the goal of improving patient care. Determination of antimicrobial susceptibility is valuable for surveillance purposes to monitor the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance among
Salmonella
isolates.
Escherichia
and
Shigella
Authors: Humphries Romney M. , Faron Matthew L. , Dekker John P. , Ledeboer Nathan A. , Buchan Blake W.
Published: December 2024

Members of the genera
Escherichia
and
Shigella
are most often associated with infections of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, but may also cause more severe systemic or invasive infections including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. This chapter provides an overview of each genus and discusses key aspects of taxonomy, epidemiology, and virulence, along with culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methodologies for the identification and classification of species within these genera. It discusses recent trends in antimicrobial resistance patterns and updates to recommended susceptibility testing modalities and interpretive criteria to understand the current best practice for treating active infections. The epidemiology and clinical impact of EIEC are difficult to ascertain because of its close relationship to
Shigella
and the difficulty in distinguishing EIEC from
Shigella
by using biochemical, phenotypic, and molecular methods. Appropriate transport of fecal specimens is essential for effective culture‐based recovery of bacterial pathogens associated with gastroenteritis.
Klebsiella
,
Enterobacter
,
Citrobacter
, and Selected Other
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Das Sanchita , Pierce Virginia M. , Frank Karen M.
Published: December 2024

The genera
Klebsiella
,
Enterobacter
,
Citrobacter
, and
Cronobacter
are commonly encountered in clinical laboratories and cause a range of infections in humans, including bacteremia, meningitis, wound infections, and infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts. This chapter contains information not only on the taxonomy, detection, and identification of these genera but also on the global issue of antimicrobial resistance, which is especially pertinent to this group of organisms.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a significant pathogen in both community and hospital settings.
Klebsiella granulomatis
is the agent of donovanosis or granuloma inguinale, a disease characterized by painless, slowly progressive, vascular genital ulcers.
Enterobacter
spp. are opportunistic pathogens that are found in the natural environment in habitats such as water, sewage, vegetables, and soil. They are also commensal bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract. The detection of antimicrobial‐resistant organisms by laboratories is a critical step required for appropriate management of patients and infection prevention and control efforts.
Pseudomonas
Authors: Høiby Niels , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Ciofu Oana
Published: December 2024

Pseudomonas
is a large and complex genus of Gram‐negative bacteria that is important because it includes species with both clinical and environmental implications.
Pseudomonas
spp. are conventionally described as aerobic species based on their growth in routine media used in the clinical microbiology laboratory, but several species are actually facultative aerobes. The identification of fluorescent and nonfluorescent pseudomonads has become less difficult with the availability of MALDI‐TOF MS technology, which has replaced conventional phenotypic identification systems in many clinical microbiology laboratories. However, phenotypic methods are still used in small laboratories, and it should be recognized that these methods also provide information about the physiological and biochemical capabilities of the bacteria, which may sometimes be important for the pathogenesis of infections. The frequent acquisition of antimicrobial resistance in
P. aeruginosa
limits the utility of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns as a tool in epidemiological typing.
Bartonella
Authors: Giladi Michael , Gutiérrez Ricardo , Harrus Shimon
Published: December 2024

Bartonella
species are fastidious, Gram‐negative, coccobacillary or bacillary, small, arthropod‐borne bacteria that evolved from free‐living organisms and insect gut symbionts. This chapter focuses on the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of the three most common
Bartonella spp
;
B. bacilliformis
,
B. quintana
and
B. henselae
. Incidence of cat scratch disease is highest among those who live in the southern United States and among children 5 to 9 years of age. Trench fever, also known as 5‐day fever or quintan fever, is caused by
B. quintana
. Bacillary angiomatosis is characterized by neovascular proliferative lesions involving various organs. Infections caused by Bartonella spp. are uncommon among solid‐organ transplant recipients but both clinicians and clinical microbiologists should be aware of their unique characteristics.
Anaerobic Non‐Spore‐Forming Gram‐Positive Rods
Authors: Butler‐Wu Susan M. , She Rosemary C.
Published: December 2024

Anaerobic, Gram‐positive, non‐spore‐forming bacilli are widely distributed among the phyla
Actinomycetota
and
Bacillota
. The traditional genera
Actinomyces
,
Actinobaculum
,
Actinotignum
,
Mobiluncus
,and
Varibaculum
all belong to the family
Actinomycetaceae
. The large degree of taxonomic heterogeneity among members of the genus Actinomyces has been recognized for some time. Many Eubacterium species are closely related to clostridia.
Actinotignum schaalii
is the species most frequently implicated in human disease among the genera
Actinotignum
and
Actinobaculum
. The Gram‐variable, curved Gram‐positive rods of the genus
Mobiluncus
can be detected in samples from the female vaginal tract. The cutaneous group of propionibacteria, now reclassified as
Cutibacterium
species, are members of the skin microbiota.
Bacteroides
,
Porphyromonas
,
Prevotella
,
Fusobacterium
, and Other Anaerobic Gram‐Negative Rods
Authors: Conrads Georg , Nagy Elisabeth , Könönen Eija
Published: December 2024

With increasing use of sequencing techniques, obligate anaerobic Gram‐negative rods are increasingly detected in clinical infections, such as brain or liver abscesses with
Prevotella
and
Fusobacterium
species predominating. Production of pigment is visible characteristic valuable in presumptive identification; the pigmented Gram‐negative anaerobic rods are composed of saccharolytic and asaccharolytic species of the genera
Prevotella
and
Porphyromonas
and pigment‐producing
Alistipes
species.
Bacteroides
species can be involved in part in polymicrobial necrotizing soft tissue infections, and the
B. fragilis
group is, after Gram‐positive anaerobic cocci, one of the most common anaerobes found in infected moderate to severe diabetic foot wounds. Antimicrobial resistance among Gram‐negative anaerobes continues to rise. The chapter gives characteristics of anaerobic Gram‐negative genera that have grown from clinical specimens.
Algorithms for Identification of Curved and Spiral‐Shaped Gram‐Negative Rods
Authors: Nachamkin Irving
Published: December 2024

Curved and spiral‐shaped bacteria have a common microscopic morphology but represent diverse bacterial pathogens. These organisms are curved, helical, or spiral‐shaped Gram‐negative rods. Most bacteria in this group of organisms are isolated from patients with gastrointestinal tract‐related infections, but may be isolated from blood cultures, wound cultures, or other less common specimen types. Increased hydrogen levels in the microaerobic environment are important for isolation of some
Campylobacter
and
Helicobacter
species. Many clinical laboratories use rapid identification systems such as matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry for quick identification of bacterial agents isolated in primary culture, or use multiplex molecular amplification systems for direct detection of common enteric pathogens in fecal samples. The chapter describes few laboratories perform conventional biochemical identification of the organisms.
General Approaches to Identification of
Mycoplasma
,
Ureaplasma
, and Obligately Intracellular Bacteria
Authors: Bébéar Cécile , Dumler J. Stephen
Published: December 2024

This chapter focuses on
Mycoplasma
and
Ureaplasma
species, and provides characterization of
Coxiella burnetii
and
Tropheryma whipplei
, a requirement for intracellular growth. The most frequently used tests in clinical microbiology laboratories, Gram staining and culture on artificial media, are often unable to detect these organisms if they are present in clinical samples. Diagnosis of infections caused by these bacteria has traditionally been accomplished by Giemsa and Wright stains of clinical samples, by detection of antibody responses to infection using a variety of serologic tests, or by histopathologic analysis of biopsy samples. Molecular diagnostic tools and enhanced culture methods have significantly improved the ability to detect these agents and to diagnose the diseases they cause. The chapter summarizes the epidemiology of these infections and the diagnostic tests most often used for detection of the causative bacteria.
Rickettsia
and
Orientia
Authors: Blanton Lucas S. , Walker David H. , Bouyer Donald H.
Published: December 2024

The family
Rickettsiaceae
comprises two genera of small, obligately intracellular bacteria that reside free within the host cell's cytosol, namely,
Rickettsia
and
Orientia
. Pathogenic
Rickettsia
spp. reside in an arthropod host for at least a part of their life cycle, during which they are maintained by transovarian transmission and/or cycles involving horizontal transmission to vertebrate hosts. Nucleic acid amplification testing has been applied to the amplification of the DNA of spotted fever group and typhus group rickettsiae, usually from peripheral blood, buffy coat, or plasma and occasionally from fresh, frozen, or paraffin‐embedded tissue and from swabs of the ulcerated bases of eschars. The limited quantities of circulating rickettsial DNA during infection greatly hinder the clinical sensitivity of molecular detection from peripheral blood specimens. Species identification of rickettsial isolates was performed by microimmunofluorescence serotyping. Enzyme immunoassay has become an increasingly used method to detect antibodies reactive against
Orientia tsutsugamushi
.