bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Malaria Case Management and Reporting at Public Health Facilities in Six Health Districts in Guinea, 2018
Authors: Davlantes Elizabeth , Camara Alioune , Guilavogui Timothée , Fofana Aissata , Balde Mamadou , Diallo Thierno , Bah Ibrahima , Florey Lia , Sarr Abdoulaye , Butts Jessica , Plucinski Mateusz M.
Published: May 2019

Data on fever and malaria cases reported by health facilities are used for tracking incidence and quantification of malaria commodity needs in Guinea. Periodic assessments of the quality of malaria case management and routine data are a critical activity for the malaria program. In May–June 2018, survey teams visited 126 health facilities in six health districts purposefully selected to represent a spectrum (Stratum 1—high, Stratum 2—intermediate, and Stratum 3—low) of perceived quality of case management and reporting, as assessed from an a priori analysis of routine data. Surveyors performed exit interviews with 939 outpatients and compared results with registry data for interviewed patients. Availability of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) was 100% in Strata 1 and 2, compared with 82% (95% CI: 63–92%) for RDTs and 86% (68–95%) for any formulation of ACT in Stratum 3. Correct case management for suspect malaria cases was 85% in both Stratum 1 (95% CI: 78–90%) and Stratum 2 (79–89%), but only 52% (37–67%) in Stratum 3. Concordance between exit interviews and registry entries for key malaria indicators was significantly higher in Strata 1 and 2 than in Stratum 3. Both adherence to national guidelines for testing and treatment and data quality were high in Strata 1 and 2, but substandard in Stratum 3. The survey results reflected the trends seen in the routine data, suggesting that analysis of routine data can identify areas requiring more attention to improve malaria case management and reporting.
Dinâmica produtiva da pecuária na mesorregião oeste catarinense: especialização e diversificação da produção no período de 2000 a 2017
Authors: Von Dentz Eduardo , Espíndola Carlos José
Published: May 2019

O processo de colonização da região Oeste catarinense, iniciado nas primeiras décadas do século XX, por meio da instalação de pequenos produtores mercantis, artesões, comerciantes, entre outros, promoveu, a partir da década de 1960, a emersão de diferentes agronegócios (carnes, leite, madeira, extrativismo, grãos). Esses agronegócios sofreram um intenso processo de reestruturação técnico-econômica, pós-anos de 1990, o que resultou em alterações geoeconômicas a jusante e a montante das atividades produtivas. Somente no que se refere à produção pecuária, em 2017, a mesorregião Oeste catarinense foi responsável por 51% da produção estadual de bovinos, 78% da produção catarinense de frangos, 79% da produção estadual de suínos e 75% da produção estadual de leite.  Assim sendo, o objetivo do artigo é expor o desempenho produtivo dos agronegócios ligados à pecuária do Oeste catarinense entre os anos 2000-2017. Percebe-se ter havido um crescimento da produção dos principais agronegócios da pecuária, alinhado à concentração da produção e à diversificação dos produtos derivados, impulsionados pelo crescimento das exportações e do consumo interno.
Pampa: Terroir do gado bovino?
Authors: Fontoura Luiz Fernando Mazzini
Published: May 2019

Este trabalho visa avaliar as transformações nos sistemas de produção da atividade pecuária bovina de corte de sua origem até o momento, com ênfase na pecuária bovina do Pampa uruguaio e argentino, e da região da Campanha gaúcha, porção do Pampa brasileiro. Centro das modernizações, bem como formador de uma identidade regional e territorial, o Pampa se coloca como uma marca identitária da produção bovina única no mundo. As recentes inovações na atividade pecuária bovina territorializam a vanguarda da modernização técnica. Associada à lavoura, verticaliza o processo produtivo consolidando laços dentro e fora do país com diferentes formas de capital internacional, tanto na produção como nas novas formas de consumo, redefinindo a inserção da atividade pecuária de corte no agronegócio, bem como a dinâmica no mercado interno e externo e a exclusividade do lugar.
Desnacionalização e internacionalização na agricultura brasileira: impactos estratégicos no caso do setor de sementes
Authors: Bandeira João Luciano , Medeiros Marlon Clóvis
Published: May 2019

O trabalho faz uma discussão acerca da desnacionalização e internacionalização da agricultura brasileira, dando destaque para os fatores que levaram ao atual cenário de dependência para as corporações transnacionais. É dada ênfase no setor de sementes pelo caráter estratégico que passou a ter após o aprofundamento da financeirização na agricultura após inovações tecnológicas das últimas décadas.
Territorialização da soja no contexto da agricultura familiar na fronteira Brasil/Uruguai
Authors: Netto Tatiane Almeida , Vargas Daiane Loreto de
Published: May 2019

Este trabalho objetiva compreender as transformações que vem ocorrendo no Pampa, em função da territorialização da soja, analisando os impactos dessas mudanças no território, especialmente referente a inserção dos agricultores e pecuaristas familiares nesse sistema de produção. O espaço de análise se concentra na zona de fronteira dos municípios de Santana do Livramento/BR e Rivera/UY. Metodologicamente, foi realizada uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, tomando como base dados secundários, pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, e ainda, a pesquisa de campo com agricultores familiares e técnicos. Os resultados identificam uma reconfiguração territorial do espaço rural, notabilizando-se pela implantação da sojicultora, minimizando a histórica participação da pecuária na referida região.
Concentração fundiária e dinâmica imobiliária em uma cidade que já surgiu como negócio: um estudo a partir de Primavera do Leste, MT
Authors: Fioravanti Lívia Maschio
Published: May 2019

Este artigo evidencia as contradições da produção do espaço urbano da cidade de Primavera do Leste, Mato Grosso, com ênfase aos negócios fundiários e às implicações espaciais de uma cidade que já surgiu como um grande negócio. Considera uma perspectiva que propõe uma abordagem caracterizada pela primazia do urbano, relativizando o papel da agricultura capitalista nos processos de urbanização desta e de outras cidades implantadas principalmente a partir da década de 1970 no contexto da expansão territorial da acumulação capitalista rumo ao Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Tendo como base levantamento bibliográfico e realização de trabalhos de campo, aprofunda os conteúdos de uma urbanização até hoje controlada por um pequeno grupo de detentores do poder econômico e político.
As marcas do agronegócio sobre o território das águas da Bacia do Prata
Authors: Zeni Vera Lucia Fortes , Scheibe Luiz Fernando , Zeni Elton , Vignatti Marcilei Andrea Pezenatto
Published: May 2019

Brasil, Paraguai, Uruguai, Bolívia e Argentina compartilham os rios Paraguai, Uruguai e Paraná e as águas subterrâneas do Sistema Aquífero Integrado Guarani/Serra Geral, que compõem a bacia do Prata. Os usos dessas águas envolvem diferentes escalas de poder especialmente pelo agronegócio, o qual estabeleceu fronteiras agrárias configurando novos territórios. Tomando os conceitos de território e escala como ferramentas intelectuais metodológicas, este artigo faz uso de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, explicitando os resultados territoriais das disputas ao longo dos processos de apropriação da água como recurso, evidenciando que a lógica mercantilista produz alterações na paisagem local, forjando conflitos na organização social do território.
Reorganização dos sistemas agroalimentares cultiváveis no município de Porto da Folha/SE
Authors: Gonçalves da Silva José Natan , De Souza Mendonça Menezes Sônia
Published: May 2019

As tecnologias agrícolas, regidas pelo agronegócio, também avançam sobre as unidades de produção familiar, provocando a padronização das cadeias produtivas e a dissolução da autossuficiência agroalimentar das famílias rurais. Nesse sentido, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as modificações nos sistemas agrícolas e alimentares dos agricultores familiares do município de Porto da Folha/SE. A metodologia efetivada baseia-se na leitura de referenciais teóricos, na análise de dados secundários e em pesquisas de campo. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam para a fragmentação da diversidade produtiva da agricultura familiar, conjuntura refletida no comprometimento da preservação dos recursos genéticos cultiváveis e na manutenção dos hábitos alimentares dos agricultores familiares.
Impact of Service Dogs on Family Members’ Psychosocial Functioning
Authors: Bibbo Jessica , Rodriguez Kerri E. , O’Haire Marguerite E.
Published: May 2019

Importance: A growing body of evidence supports service dogs’ positive psychosocial impact on people with a chronic condition, but very little is known about the effect of service dogs on the family members with whom they live.

Objective: To measure the impact that a service dog may have on family member functioning.

Design: Cross-sectional with a single time-point assessment.

Setting: Data were collected via a self-report survey completed online, over the phone, or by mail.

Participants: Potential participants were recruited from national service dog provider Canine Assistants. Participants were caregivers or spouses of a person with a disability or illness who either currently had a service dog (n = 51) or was on the waitlist to receive one (n = 77). Participants were 50 family members (46 parents–caregivers and 4 spouses–partners) living with a service dog and 76 family members (68 parents–caregivers and 8 spouses–partners) whose family member was on the waitlist to receive one.

Outcomes and Measures: Participants completed standardized measures to quantify psychosocial health and functioning, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and family functioning.

Results: Living with a service dog was most closely associated with less health-related worry and better overall psychosocial health and emotional functioning, less total family impact from the chronic condition, and better emotional HRQOL.

Conclusions and Relevance: These findings provide preliminary evidence that, in addition to having an impact on recipients, service dogs can affect several aspects of family members’ psychosocial health and functioning.

What This Article Adds: This research demonstrates that the impact of a service dog may extend beyond the recipient and have positive impacts on family members’ psychosocial functioning as well. Occupational therapy practitioners should include family members in discussions regarding the integration of a service dog into the home and recognize the potential for family-wide effects from the service dog’s assistance.
Airborne measurements of particulate organic matter by PTR-MS: a pilot study
Authors: Piel Felix , Müller Markus , Mikoviny Tomas , Pusede Sally E. , Wisthaler Armin
Published: May 2019

Abstract. We herein report on the first successful airborne deployment of the “CHemical Analysis of AeRosol ONline” (CHARON) particle inlet which allowed us to measure the chemical composition of atmospheric submicrometer particles in real time using a state-of-the-art proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) analyzer. The data were collected aboard the NASA DC-8 Airborne Science Laboratory on 26 June 2018 over California in the frame of NASA’s Student Airborne Research Program (SARP). We show exemplary data collected when the airplane i) shortly encountered a particle plume emanating from a wildfire (Lions Fire) in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, ii) intercepted a particle plume emitted from a petroleum refinery close to Bakersfield, iii) carried out a spatial survey in the boundary layer over the San Joaquin Valley, and iv) performed a vertical profile measurement over the greater Bakersfield area. The most important finding from this pilot study is that the CHARON PTR-ToF-MS system measures fast enough for being deployed on a jet research aircraft. The data collected during 3 to 15 second long plume encounters demonstrate the feasibility of airborne point or small area emission measurements. The fast time response of the analyzer allowed us to generate highly spatially resolved maps (1–2 km in the horizontal, 100 m in the vertical) of atmospheric particle chemical constituents. The chemical information that was extracted from the recorded particle mass spectra includes i) mass concentrations of ammonium, nitrate and total organics, ii) mass concentrations of different classes of organic compounds (CH vs. CHO vs. CHN vs. CHNO compounds; aliphatic vs. monoaromatic vs. polyaromatic compounds), iii) aerosol bulk average (O:C) and (H:C) ratios, iv) mass concentrations of selected marker molecules (e.g., levoglucosan in particles emitted from a wildfire, an alkanolamine in particles emitted from a petroleum refinery), v) wildfire emission ratios (∆total organics/∆CO = 0.054; ∆levoglucosan/∆CO = 7.9 x 10−3, ∆vanillic acid/∆CO = 4.4 x 10−4, ∆retene/∆CO = 1.9 x 10−4; all calculated as peak area ratios, in g g−1). The capability of the CHARON PTR-ToF-MS instrument to chemically characterize submicrometer atmospheric particles in a quantitative manner, at the near-molecular level, and in real time brings a new and unprecedented measurement capability to the airborne atmospheric science community.
A crash-testing framework for predictive uncertainty assessment when forecasting high flows in an extrapolation context
Authors: Berthet Lionel , Bourgin François , Perrin Charles , Viatgé Julie , Marty Renaud , Piotte Olivier
Published: May 2019

Abstract. An increasing number of flood forecasting services assess and communicate the uncertainty associated with their forecasts. While obtaining reliable forecasts is a key issue, it is a challenging task, especially when forecasting high flows in an extrapolation context, i.e. when the event magnitude is larger than what was observed before. In this study, we present a crash-testing framework that evaluates the quality of hydrological forecasts in an extrapolation context. The experiment setup is based on (i) a large set of catchments in France, (ii) the GRP rainfall-runoff model designed for flood forecasting and used by the French operational services and (iii) an empirical hydrologic uncertainty processor designed to estimate conditional predictive uncertainty from the hydrological model residuals. The variants of the uncertainty processor used in this study differ in the data transformation they used (log, Box–Cox and log–sinh) to account for heteroscedasticity. Different data subsets were selected based on a preliminary event selection. Various aspects of the probabilistic performance of the variants of the hydrologic uncertainty processor, reliability, sharpness and overall quality, were evaluated. Overall, the results highlight the challenge of uncertainty quantification when forecasting high flows. They show a significant drop in reliability when forecasting high flows in an extrapolation context and considerable variability among catchments and across lead times. The increase in statistical treatment complexity did not result in significant improvement, which suggests that a parsimonious and easily understandable data transformation such as the log transformation or the Box–Cox transformation with a parameter between 0.1 and 0.3 can be a reasonable choice for flood forecasting.
Pingo development in Grøndalen, West Spitsbergen
Authors: Demidov Nikita , Wetterich Sebastian , Verkulich Sergey , Ekaykin Aleksey , Meyer Hanno , Anisimov Mikhail , Schirmeister Lutz , Demidov Vasily , Hodson Andrew J.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Pingos are common features in permafrost regions that form by subsurface massive-ice aggradation and create hill-like landforms. Pingos on Spitsbergen have been previously studied to explore their structure, formation timing, connection to springs as well as their role in post-glacial landform evolution. However, detailed hydrochemical and stable-isotope studies of massive ice samples recovered by drilling has yet to be used to study the origin and freezing conditions in pingos. Our core record of 20.7 m thick massive pingo ice from Grøndalen differentiates into four units: two characterised by decreasing δ18O and δD and increasing d (units I and III), and two others show the opposite trend (units II and IV). These delineate changes between episodes of closed-system freezing with only slight recharge inversions of the water reservoir, and more complicated episodes of groundwater freezing under semi-closed conditions when the reservoir got recharged. The water source for pingo formation shows similarity to spring water data from the valley with prevalent Na+ and HCO3- ions. The sub-permafrost groundwater originates from subglacial meltwater that most probably followed the fault structures of Grøndalen and Bøhmdalen. Today the pingo of Grøndalen is relict and degrading due to warming surface temperatures. The state of pingos on Spitsbergen depends on complex interaction of climate, permafrost and groundwater hydrology conditions, and is thus highly sensitive to climate warming.
Exploring mechanisms responsible for tidal modulation in flow of the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf
Authors: Rosier Sebastian H. R. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar
Published: May 2019

Abstract. An extensive network of GPS sites on the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf and adjoining ice streams show strong tidal modulation of horizontal ice flow at a range of frequencies. A particularly strong (horizontal) response is found at the fortnightly (Msf) frequency. Since this tidal constituent is absent in the (vertical) tidal forcing, this observation implies the action of some nonlinear mechanism. Another striking aspect is the strong amplitude of the flow perturbation, causing a periodic reversal in the direction of ice shelf flow in some areas, and a 10–20 % change in speed at grounding lines. No model has yet been able to reproduce the quantitative aspects of the observed tidal modulation on the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf. The cause of the tidal response has therefore remained an enigma, indicating a serious limitation in our current understanding of the mechanics of large-scale ice flow. A further limitation of previous studies is that they have all focused on isolated regions and interactions between different areas have, therefore, not been fully accounted for. Here, we conduct the first large-scale ice-flow modelling study to explore these processes using a viscoelastic rheology and realistic geometry of the entire Filchner-Ronne ice shelf, where the best observations of tidal response are available. We evaluate all the relevant mechanisms that have hitherto been put forward to explain how tides might affect ice-shelf flow and compare our results with observational data. We conclude that, while some are able to generate the correct general qualitative aspects of the tidally-induced perturbations in ice flow, most of these mechanisms must be ruled out as being the primary cause of the large observed nonlinear response. We find that only tidally-induced lateral migration of grounding lines can generate a sufficiently strong long-periodic Msf response on the ice shelf to match observations. Furthermore, we show that the observed short-periodic diurnal tidal motion, causing twice-daily flow reversals at the ice front, can be generated through a purely elastic response to basin-wide tidal perturbations in the ice shelf slope. This model also allows us to quantify the effect of tides on mean ice flow and we find that the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf flows on average ~ 21 % faster than it would in the absence of large ocean tides.
Pemphigus foliaceus in a sheep
Authors: Cavalcanti Aline Antas Cordeiro , Campos Ana Claudia , Moraes Aline Guedes Mamede , Pessoa Clarice Ricardo de Macêdo , Riet-Correa Franklin , Melo Marcia Almeida , Azevedo Edisio Oliveira
Published: May 2019

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune disease of the skin and is the most common form of pemphigus in domestic animals. This work reports a case of pemphigus foliaceus in a Santa Inês hair sheep. The ewe presented with multifocal bilateral crusted alopecic dermatitis affecting the chest, abdomen, and pelvic and thoracic limbs. Parakeratotic hyperkeratosis and acanthosis, in addition to subcorneal pustules, were observed histologically, and acantholytic cells and neutrophils were observed within the pustules. In the superficial and deep dermal tissues, there was intense eosinophilic infiltration and the presence of rare macrophages. These microscopic findings were characteristic of PF, and treatment with dexamethasone was ineffective. This disease is rare in sheep, and this is the first case report to be published in Brazil.
Acute mastoiditis in children population
Authors: Zonenberg Mateusz , Hassmann-Poznańska Elżbieta , Skotnicka Bożena , Trzpis Krzysztof
Published: May 2019

Aim: Aim of the study was retrospective analysis of the patients documentation treated for acute mastoiditis (AM) in Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology in Bialystok and available literature on this subject to determine the optimal rules of treatment in AM.
Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of 40 patients treated for AM in 2001-2017. We have adopted Anthonsen et al. [15] AM diagnosis criteria to include patients to this study.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 46 months, 37% of children were less than 2 years old. 2/3 of the cases were not preceded by previous acute otitis media(AOM) episodes. 69% of patients received antibiotics before admission to the hospital. In laboratory studies, 95% of patients had elevated indices of inflammation (CRP, leukocytosis), and their value was higher among patients qualified for surgery. The indications for computed tomography (CT) were the lack of improvement after conservative treatment for 48 hours or symptoms of the presence of subperiosteal abscess. CT was performed in 35% of patients. 24 patients (60%) were treated only conservatively: myringotomy without / with the insertion of a ventilation tubes and intravenous antibiotic therapy. The most commonly used antibiotic was ceftriaxone - 75% of patients. 16 patients required mastoidectomy. The most common indication (30%) for mastoidectomy was the presence of subperiosteal abscess.
Conclusion: In uncomplicated AM cases CT does not have to be routinely performed, a myringotomy should be performed with or without drains insertion and an empiric intravenous antibiotic therapy should be started. In presence of a subperiosteal abscess, it is recommended to perform CT with contrast and mastoidectomy. Deterioration of the patient's condition or lack of improvement after 48 hours of conservative treatment obliges us to make a CT and on the basis of the decision on mastoidectomy.
Second branchial cleft fistula in a child with genetically confirmed branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome
Authors: Remjasz Agnieszka , Clarós Pedro , Clarós Andrea
Published: May 2019

Branchial cleft anomalies constitute 32% to 45% of all neck pathologies in the pediatric population. These disorders may be a part of a branchio-oto-renal syndrome (Melnick-Fraser syndrome), characterized by branchial arch abnormalities, preauricular pits, hearing impairment, and various types of renal anomalies. Usually, the treatment of a branchial fistula does not necessarily require extensive diagnostics. However, in patients with a congenital branchial cleft fistula associated with ear anomalies recognized during a physical examination, and history of hearing loss or similar findings in other relatives, the additional analysis should be carried out to eliminate the possibility of BOR syndrome. The aim of this study is to present a rare case of a male patient presenting complete second branchial cleft fistula, diagnosed as having BOR syndrome.
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses
Authors: Woś Jan , Remjasz Agnieszka
Published: May 2019

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is a common condition that affects the upper respiratory tract. The pathomechanism and course of sinusitis are multifaceted, depending on the etiological factors, duration of the disease, anatomical abnormalities, and additional conditions exacerbating the inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. The gold standard of diagnostic imaging is computed tomography (CT), performed in particular cases. An auxiliary examination is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for soft tissue imaging when there is a suspicion of a neoplastic process. The treatment of patients with rhinosinusitis is very complex and long-lasting, associated with the use of nasal or systemic corticosteroids, irrigation with physiological saline, as well as antibiotic therapy, antihistamines or herbal supplements. The treatment is selected individually for the patient's condition or the sinus phenotype, and in exceptional cases, surgical intervention is undertaken. Work is continuing on genetic, molecular and immunological research to search for new and effective methods of treatment of rhinosinusitis.
DIÁLOGOS INTERJUDICIAIS: A OBRIGATORIEDADE DE SEU DESENVOLVIMENTO NO SISTEMA INTERAMERICANO DE PROTEÇÃO DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Carvalho Luciani Coimbra de , Calixto Angela Jank
Published: May 2019

A proteção de direitos humanos no atual cenário global de fragmentariedade jurídica depende da interação entre distintas ordens, que ocorre pelo estabelecimento de diálogos interjudiciais. Diante da relevância do estudo do diálogo interjudicial para a efetiva proteção do indivíduo no Sistema Interamericano de Proteção dos Direitos Humanos (SIDH), procura-se, por meio do método dedutivo e de uma pesquisa de caráter exploratória, bibliográfica, documental e qualitativa, identificar os fatores que exigem sua promoção entre as cortes judiciais que compõem o sistema. A partir da constatação da existência de um aparato judicial que estabelece um vínculo jurídico de caráter obrigatório entre os Estados que compõem o SIDH e da admissão de que as interpretações conferidas pela Corte Interamericana às normas regionais formam “coisa interpretada” com eficácia “erga omnes”, elementos esses que revelam a existência de tais fatores, conclui-se que há a obrigatoriedade do estabelecimento de tal relação dialógica, como decorrência lógica da assunção, pelos Estados, da obrigação de compatibilizar a ordem interna às normas e jurisprudência firmadas no cenário interamericano.
Comparison of preoxygenation efficiency with Intersurgical Economy and Intersurgical QuadraLite anaesthetic face masks
Authors: Sakalauskaitė Greta , Kauzonas Evaldas , Bukelytė Greta , Janulevičienė Rūta , Kontrimavičiūtė Eglė
Published: May 2019

Background. Sufficient preoxygenation prevents arterial oxygen desaturation prior to intubation. An optimally sealed facemask is necessary for fast preoxygenation. The study was aimed at comparing the efficiency of preoxygenation using two different face masks. Materials and methods. In 2018, a prospective study was conducted. Patients were classified into two groups: group A – Intersurgical Economy face masks, group B – Intersurgical QuadraLite masks. The circuit was flushed with 100% O2 for 30s, preoxygenation started with flow of 8l/min, FiO2100. The patients were asked to breathe deeply. Fentanyl (1–2 mcg/kg) was administered to increase mask toleration. End-tidal oxygen concentration (EtO2) ≥90% was the goal. EtO2 was monitored after 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 210, 240, 270 and 300 seconds. Data was analyzed using the Independent-Samples T-test and the Mann-Whitney-U test. Results. Twelve patients were enrolled in group A and 19 in group B. Differences in sex, age, BMI and Mallampati class in the groups were statistically insignificant (p = 0.13, 0.39, 0.65, 0.43 respectively). Patients assigned to ASA I – 25.8% (n = 8–>2/6), ASA II – 71.0% (n = 22–>10/12), ASA III – 3.2% (n = 1–>0/1), p = 0.64. The success rate of preoxygenation to EtO290 within 5 min was statistically significantly different in the groups, with 33.3% in group A and 94.7% in group B (p < 0.01). Mean time to EtO290 was 228.3 ± 104.0/164.4 ± 84.3. Mean EtO2 after: 30s – 56.0 ± 13.5/69.3 ± 11.2 (p < 0.01); 60s – 63.8 ± 15.3/76.1 ± 11.7 (p = 0.02), 90s – 67.8 ± 17.7/80.7 ± 10.1 (p = 0.03); 120s– 69.6 ± 18.2/83.4 ± 10.0 (p = 0.03), 150s–71.1 ± 19.0/87.1 ± 6.5 (p = 0.01); 180s – 72.9 ± 16.8/88.5 ± 5.3 (p = 0.01), 210s – 72.6 ± 18.0/89.2 ± 5.1 (p < 0.01); 240s – 74.17 ± 15.4/90.0 ± 4.3 (p < 0.01), 270s-76.3 ± 16.3/90.2 ± 3.6; 300s – 77.8 ± 14.6/90.2 ± 1.5 (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Preoxygenation was significantly more efficient and faster with Intersurgical QuadraLite face masks.
Effects of sevoflurane and desflurane on early cognitive changes after thyroid surgery: interim results
Authors: Kuzminskaitė Vilma , Slauzgalvytė Ieva , Bukelytė Greta , Bruzytė Greta , Kontrimavičiūtė Eglė
Published: May 2019

The study is being conducted at the 1st Department of Anaesthesiology, the Centre of Abdominal Surgery, the Centre of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Management of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. Background. These are primary results of a randomized double-blinded study comparing postoperative changes in cognitive functions and the effect of desflurane and sevoflurane on these changes. Materials and methods. The study includes patients of ≥40 years of age undergoing elective thyroid surgery under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to either sevoflurane or desflurane group. Cognitive testing (memory, attention, and reasoning tasks) was performed a day before surgery and repeated 24 hours postoperatively. A decrease of 20% in the postoperative score was considered as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Results. At present 38 patients are included in the study. Median decrease in the postoperative score was 2.7% (IQR 16.7). The incidence of POCD was 2.6%. Significantly decreased memory scores were observed in 15.8% of patients. Both study groups were comparable based on demography, duration of anaesthesia, intraoperative opioids, postoperative pain, and satisfaction. No difference was found in the cognitive score comparing sevoflurane and desflurane groups, except for memory tasks where the sevoflurane group performed worse (p = 0.01). The age or the duration of anaesthesia did not affect postoperative scores. Postoperative satisfaction negatively correlated with the memory score (r = –0.35, p = 0.03). Postoperative satisfaction correlated with the reasoning score (r = –0.55; p < 0.01) and the total score (r = –0.42; p = 0.03) in the sevoflurane group. Likewise, temperature in the sevoflurane group correlated with the memory score (r = –0.58; p = 0.02). Conclusions. The desflurane group performs better in memory tasks, but no such advantage is found in the total cognitive score. In contrast to the age or anaesthesia duration, intraoperative temperature and postoperative satisfaction may affect postoperative cognitive performance.
Prospective paediatric intensive care registry in Latvia: one year outcomes
Authors: Veģeris Ivars , Daukšte Iveta , Bārzdiņa Arta , Parslow Roger C. , Balmaks Reinis
Published: May 2019

Background. In Latvia, there is a single eight-bed paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) where all critically ill children are admitted. A recent retrospective audit of the outcomes of paediatric critical care in this unit revealed a high number of unplanned extubations and excess crude mortality. In 2017, our centre joined the UK and Ireland based Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network (PICANet) as a pilot project to investigate the feasibility of developing a paediatric critical care registry in Latvia and in the Baltic states. Methods. Riga Stradins University Ethics Committee approved the study. Anonymized data on all patients admitted to our unit from 1 June, 2017 to 31 May 2018 were prospectively entered onto the PICANet database. Results. A total of 774 PICU admissions were analysed; 45% of admissions were elective. The median age was 59 months (IQR: 14–149). The highest admission rate was on Wednesdays representing the flow of elective surgical patients. The median length of stay was 0.95 days (IQR: 0.79–1.98). Twenty-five percent required respiratory support. The expected number of deaths estimated using the Paediatric Index of Mortality 3 (PIM 3) 15.16; 15 patients (1.94%) died resulting in Standartized Mortality Ratio (SMR) of 0.99 (95% CI 0.57–1.60). The emergency readmission rate within 48 hours after PICU discharge was 0.9%. There were 1.8 unplanned extubations per 100 invasive ventilation days. Other paediatric intensive care audit networks reported similar adjusted mortality rates but lower rates of unplanned extubations. Thirty days after PICU discharge, 653 (84.36%) patients were alive and outside hospital, 98 (12.66%) were inpatients, six (0.78%) had died, two (0.26%) were lost to the follow-up. We observed a marked peak of infant emergency respiratory admissions in February. Conclusions. This project explored the possibility of prospective paediatric critical care audit in Latvia by joining an established international network. This allowed direct comparison of outcomes between the countries. Excess mortality was not observed during one-year data collection period, however a high rate of unplanned extubations was revealed. The results allowed a better planning of elective patient flow by spreading elective cases over the week to avoid “rush hours”
Incidence and features of preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Kuzminskaitė Vilma , Kaklauskaitė Justina , Petkevičiūtė Justė
Published: May 2019

The study was conducted at the Centre of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Management of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. Background. Due to its implications on postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction, anxiety evaluation should be incorporated in the preoperative assessment of the patients. Materials and methods. A series of consecutive patients undergoing elective surgery were included in the study. Preoperative anxiety was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), and the Visual Analogue (Face) Scale (VAFS). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to describe features of anxiety. Results. 149 patients were included in the study, of whom 40.9% were scheduled for low, 47.7% for intermediate, and 11.4% for highrisk procedures. Based on HADS, 19 patients (12.6%) were positive for anxiety. VAFS revealed that 10.3% of patients experience medium/high intensity of anxiety. Patients were mostly concerned about the success (29.3%) and complications (11.4%) of the surgery APAIS score analysis revealed significantly higher anxiety (p < 0.01) and a need of information (p < 0.01) about surgery compared to anaesthesia. In contrast to age, education, or previous surgery, anxiety was associated with female sex (p < 0.01), surgical risk (p = 0.02), and subjective health evaluation (p < 0.01). Patients tended to choose a conversation with the doctor (45.6%) or a relative (44.8%) as a measure to relieve anxiety, and 18.4% would choose medication. Praying, music therapy, massage, or even sexual intercourse were among the measures suggested by patients. Conclusions. A significant part of patients experience anxiety before surgery, predominantly about the success of the surgery. According to the patients, conversation is the best option to reduce anxiety.
Los experimentos mentales como género literario en el debate sobre identidad personal
Authors: Muñoz Corcuera Alfonso
Published: May 2019

El uso de experimentos mentales tradicionalmente ha sido uno de los principales recursos metodológicos en el debate sobre la identidad personal. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas han recibido un creciente número de críticas. Esto ha provocado que muchos filósofos interesados en el problema de la identidad personal los hayan abandonado. Es el caso de la mayoría de los teóricos de la identidad narrativa. En este artículo comparo las críticas de Wilkes a los experimentos mentales con las de Ricoeur. Al hacerlo, espero demostrar que sus críticas se cancelan mutuamente, al menos de manera parcial, y que los teóricos de la identidad narrativa están comprometidos a aceptar el uso de experimentos mentales.
De las alturas maníaco-depresivas a las superficies de la perversión: la imagen deleuziana del filósofo
Authors: Sonna Valeria
Published: May 2019

Deleuze opone una imagen cínico-estoica del filósofo de las superficies, que describe la filosofía como un movimiento de perversión, a la imagen platónica del filósofo de la alturas, que describe la filosofía como un movimiento maníaco-depresivo. Nuestro objetivo es mostrar que, si bien su lectura aborda la filosofía platónica desde una perspectiva actual, ello no va en desmedro de su precisión histórica que enfatiza aspectos novedosos de temas clásicos.
KANT, I. (2017): Crítica de la razón práctica. Ed. a cargo de M. Hernández Marcos. Trad. de E. Miñana / M. García Morente. Madrid: Tecnos.
Authors: García Gómez-Heras José María
Published: May 2019

Reseña de KANT, I. (2017): Crítica de la razón práctica. Ed. a cargo de M. Hernández Marcos. Trad. de E. Miñana / M. García Morente. Madrid: Tecnos.
‘Comunicació alternativa’, una app para las personas con problemas de comunicación
Authors: Plazas Borràs Joan
Published: May 2019

Como trabajo final del Grado en Multimedia, me decidí a realizar el diseño de una aplicación para dispositivo móvil, su manual de identidad gráfica, la creación de la marca “Comunicació Alternativa”, su manual de usuario y un vídeo de presentación de la aplicación.
KARAKTERISTIKE MODELA ISTRAGE SA AKCENTOM NA KRIVIČNE ISTRAGE U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI U PERIODU PRIJE REFORME PRAVOSUĐA IZ 2003. GODINE
Authors: Katić Miro , Marković Gorana
Published: May 2019

Sudijski model krivične istrage je važio sve do reforme krivičnog pravosuđa u Bosni iHercegovini koja se dogodila 2003. godine kada je prihvaćen tužilački model istrage koji jedonio značajne novine u krivičnom procesnom zakonodavstvu Bosne i Hercegovine. Autor uradu daje istorijski pregled pojma istrage na našim prostorima, te daje pojmovno određenje igovori o karakteristikama istrage u tužilačkom konceptu, a potom govori o reformi krivičnogpravosuđa u Bosni i Hercegovini, te o karakteristikama istrage u sudijskom modelu koji jeprije 2003. godine važio u Bosni i Hercegovini.
Eficiência e deposição de herbicidas na cebola em função do adjuvante e da taxa de aplicação
Authors: Oliveira Neto Antonio Mendes de , Cunha Gustavo , Olescowicz Dieison , Gutz Tainá , Goede Marlon , Emílio Ludtke Harthmann Oscar , Guerra Naiara
Published: May 2019

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o efeito da taxa de aplicação e do uso de adjuvante sobre o controle de plantas daninhas e deposição dos herbicidas ioxynil + clethodim em plantas de cebola. O experimento consistiu em seis tratamentos com cinco repetições, arranjados em esquema fatorial 2 x 3, ou seja, a combinação de dois níveis de adjuvante (com e sem) com três taxas de aplicação (100, 150 e 200 L ha-1). Os tratamentos foram aplicados em pós-emergência, após o enraizamento da cebola e quando as plantas daninhas se apresentavam no estádio de quatro a seis folhas. Os tratamentos não promoveram fitotoxicidade na cultura da cebola. Houve tendência de melhoria no controle de Cyclospermum leptophyllum e Polygonum persicaria com o uso do adjuvante, contudo não houve significância. A deposição de calda não foi afetada pela taxa de aplicação e pelo uso de adjuvante. Conclui-se que o uso de adjuvante e a redução da taxa de aplicação não comprometeram a eficiência e a deposição dos herbicidas ioxynil + clethodim.
Study of Outcome of High Volume Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery and Complications in Garhwal Himalayan Region
Authors: Pandey Achyut N. , Tyagi Manoj
Published: May 2019

Aim of the Study: To compare High Volume with Low Volume Cataract Surgery Outcomes in a tertiary eye care hospital in Garhwal Himalayan Region, over a 30-day period, in terms of Quality as gauged in terms of Intra-operative complications and their management and Post-operative complications and their management (on day 1 and day 30).

Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, observational study conducted on 300 eyes of 300 patients at a tertiary hospital, total duration of 4 months was taken for data collection. Patients were divided into 2 groups: A) those coming in the low volume season (summer months) and B) those coming in the high volume season (winter months). Normal standard protocols were followed pre/per/post operatively.

Results: Intra-operative complications between the two months (settings) by independent t-test the p value was 1.00 which was not statistically significant (mean of complication: August=0.86+1.83; December=0.86 + 1.29). 1 month post-operative complications between the two months (settings) by independent t-test the p value was 0.56 which was not statistically significant (mean of complication: August=0.09 + 0.30; December=0.18 + 0.4).

Conclusion: Intra-operative, post-operative complications on 1st day and at one month follow up, High Volume Cataract Surgery (greaterthan 40 Manual Small Incision Cataract surgeries) does not affect the quality when compared with Low Volume Cataract Surgery over a 30-days period in a tertiary institute in Central India.
Quantifying Quasi‐Fermi Level Splitting and Mapping its Heterogeneity in Atomically Thin Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Tebyetekerwa Mike , Zhang Jian , Liang Kun , Duong The , Neupane Guru Prakash , Zhang Linglong , Liu Boqing , Truong Thien N. , Basnet Rabin , Qiao Xiaojing , Yin Zongyou , Lu Yuerui , Macdonald Daniel , Nguyen Hieu T.
Published: May 2019

One of the most fundamental parameters of any photovoltaic material is its quasi‐Fermi level splitting (∆µ) under illumination. This quantity represents the maximum open‐circuit voltage (Voc) that a solar cell fabricated from that material can achieve. Herein, a contactless, nondestructive method to quantify this parameter for atomically thin 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is reported. The technique is applied to quantify the upper limits of Voc that can possibly be achieved from monolayer WS2, MoS2, WSe2, and MoSe2‐based solar cells, and they are compared with state‐of‐the‐art perovskites. These results show that Voc values of ≈1.4, ≈1.12, ≈1.06, and ≈0.93 V can be potentially achieved from solar cells fabricated from WS2, MoS2, WSe2, and MoSe2 monolayers at 1 Sun illumination, respectively. It is also observed that ∆µ is inhomogeneous across different regions of these monolayers. Moreover, it is attempted to engineer the observed ∆µ heterogeneity by electrically gating the TMD monolayers in a metal‐oxide‐semiconductor structure that effectively changes the doping level of the monolayers electrostatically and improves their ∆µ heterogeneity. The values of ∆µ determined from this work reveal the potential of atomically thin TMDs for high‐voltage, ultralight, flexible, and eye‐transparent future solar cells.
Heavy‐Metal‐Free Colloidal Semiconductor Nanorods: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Jia Guohua , Pang Yingping , Ning Jiajia , Banin Uri , Ji Botao
Published: May 2019

Quasi‐1D colloidal semiconductor nanorods (NRs) are at the forefront of nanoparticle (NP) research owing to their intriguing size‐dependent and shape‐dependent optical and electronic properties. The past decade has witnessed significant advances in both fundamental understanding of the growth mechanisms and applications of these stimulating materials. Herein, the state‐of‐the‐art of colloidal semiconductor NRs is reviewed, with special emphasis on heavy‐metal‐free materials. The main growth mechanisms of heavy‐metal‐free colloidal semiconductor NRs are first elaborated, including anisotropic‐controlled growth, oriented attachment, solution–liquid–solid method, and cation exchange. Then, structural engineering and properties of semiconductor NRs are discussed, with a comprehensive overview of core/shell structures, alloying, and doping, as well as semiconductor–metal hybrid nanostructures, followed by highlighted practical applications in terms of photocatalysis, photodetectors, solar cells, and biomedicine. Finally, challenges and future opportunities in this fascinating research area are proposed.
Highly Reactive PTFE/Mg Nanolaminates and Its Combustion Performances
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Long , Shen Jinpeng , Li Zhaoqian
Published: May 2019

Development of reactive materials with high energetic performances is highly significant owing to the increasing demands for both military and civilian applications. In this work, nanolaminated structure is introduced to construct reactive materials with high reactive properties through periodically stacking fluorine oxidant and metal fuel at sub‐nanometer scale. The exothermic reaction performances and combustion characteristics can be significantly enhanced resulted from the ultra‐high interfacial area and reduced mass diffusion distance at sub‐nanometer scale between fluorine oxidant and metal fuel. The energy output of 2632.1 J g−1 and lower onset reaction temperature of 438 °C are observed for the nanolaminated poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE)/magnesium (Mg). Furthermore, a self‐propagation combustion reaction at the micrometer scale with tunable burn rate can be achieved through controlled thickness of layers. A burn rate model is proposed to illustrate the influence of structural feature on the burn rate of the nanolaminated PTFE/Mg. Based on the above results, a microenergetic device is prepared to demonstrate the practical application of the nanolaminated PTFE/Mg.
Mechanical property and structure of a butadiene rubber composite filled with syndiotactic polybutadiene resin
Authors: Takahashi Yuki , Liang Xiaobin , Nakajima Ken
Published: May 2019

To obtain a novel resin‐reinforced elastomer, a butadiene rubber composite filled with syndiotactic polybutadiene (SPB) resin [vinyl cis rubber (VCR)] is designed. The VCR is synthesized by two‐step polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene in one pot. The SPB fibril is highly dispersed in a 1,4‐cis polybutadiene rubber (BR) matrix. Increasing the SPB content improves the tensile strength of the VCR. The nanostructure of the VCR is investigated by using a nano‐palpation atomic force microscope. The interfacial region between BR and SPB is detected with an intermediate Young's modulus. In addition, the average Young's modulus of the region combined with the matrix and interfacial shows a good correlation with the Young's modulus obtained from a tensile test. The interfacial region should be one of the key structures to consider the reinforcement mechanism in VCR. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47934.