bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health perception of nurses and affecting factors
Authors: Atmaca Palazoglu Cansu , Yekeler Kahraman Beliz , Elkoca Ayse , Danaci Esra
Published: October 2018

This study was carried out to determine the health perception of the nurses and the affecting factors. The study was carried out with the participation of 80 nurses working in the state hospital in Gumushane city centre. The data were collected using the nursing introductory information form and the ‘The Perception of Health Scale’. In the analysis of the data, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U test with frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used and in the examination of the relations between variables, Pearson correlation test from nonparametric methods was used. Of the nurses participating in the study, 92.5% were women, 7.5% were men, 46.3% were graduates, 68.8% loved their work, 62.5% were satisfied with the service and 60% worked in shifts. In literature research, sufficient numbers of studies were found to examine the health perception of nurses. It is recommended to increase the work in this area.Keywords: Health, health perception, nurse.
Happiness levels of the nurses working at a University Hospital
Authors: Genc Kose Burcu , Balik Tugba , Kurt Sule , Ozturk Havva
Published: October 2018

This study was planned to determine the happiness level of nurses. The population of this descriptive study was done with 121 nurses who accepted to participate in the study out of 323 nurses who worked at a research and training hospital. The average happiness score of the nurses is 108.63 ± 19.48. However, the mean scores of happiness scale of nurses who had an average working time of 120–180 hours per month and who were satisfied with nursing and working in the institution were higher (p < 0.005) and these findings were statistically significant. In conclusion, nurses’ happiness level was found to be higher than the average level (moderate level). But, it was identified that nurses who did not exceed weekly working hours were happier and nursing not being satisfied with working in the institutional negatively affects the level of happiness.Keywords: Hospital, nurse, happiness.
Diseases affecting wheat: tan spot
Authors:   Curtin University, Australia, Moffat C. S. , Santana F. M. ,   Embrapa Trigo, Brazil
Published: October 2018

Tan spot is a major fungal disease of wheat worldwide and a significant economic challenge facing growers. Here, we summarise common disease management strategies, including cultural practices, fungicide control and varietal resistance. We review the host–pathogen interaction and genetics of disease resistance, and discuss current tan spot research as well as future research trends towards a long-term solution. We include an example of tan spot management in Brazil and present a case study of the successful adoption of effector-assisted breeding in Australia.
Diseases affecting wheat: wheat blast
Authors:   Embrapa Wheat, Brazil, Maciel J. L. N.
Published: October 2018

This chapter describes the characteristics, origin and spread of the causative agents of wheat blast, based on the experience of managing this disease in Brazil (where the first wheat blast epidemic was reported, in 1985, which still causes great losses). Although many aspects of the disease’s occurrence and control remain unknown, some advances have been made. It has been proposed that the origin of wheat blast was through the clonal propagation of an epidemic lineage of Pyricularia oryzae, derived from populations of the fungus growing on an unknown species within the family Poaceae. Recently, it was reported that wheat blast is caused two fungal species, Pyricularia oryzae, patothype Triticum, and a new species that has been described as Pyricularia graminis-tritici. Assays conducted under controlled conditions showed that Pyricularia graminis-tritici isolates were more virulent to Brachiaria (Urochloa sp., ex Brachiaria sp.; a pasture species common to Brazil) than many isolates of Pyricularia oryzae, pathotype Triticum. In addition, it has been determined that insensitivity to strobilurin fungicides is completely distributed in the Brazilian population of the causative agents of wheat blast.
Occurrence and avoidance of fungicide resistance in cereal diseases
Authors:   Aarhus University, Denmark, Nistrup Jørgensen Lise , Oliver Richard Peter ,   Curtin University, Australia, Heick Thies Marten ,   Aarhus University, Denmark
Published: October 2018

The targeted use of fungicides can help minimise the yield losses caused to grain cereals by plant pathogenic fungi. However, the long-term use of fungicide classes based on a single mode of action has imposed consistent selection pressures on certain pathogens. Over time, this has resulted in many cases of fungicide resistance, leading to a reduction or the total loss of field performance of a range of active ingredients. There is a pressing need to develop anti-resistance management strategies. This chapter briefly reviews the development of resistance in cereal pathogens, before presenting and evaluating a variety of anti-resistance strategies. We include case studies of how data from field trials have helped to illustrate the impact of different control strategies.
Developments in diagnostic techniques for cereal pathogens
Authors:   Western Australian State Agricultural  Biotechnology Centre - Murdoch University, Australia, Iqbal Sadia , Jones Michael G. K. ,   Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre - Murdoch University, Australia
Published: October 2018

Cereal pests and diseases can significantly reduce potential crop yields. Correct and timely identification in-field is key to their control. This chapter summarizes and evaluates some of the many available methods for detection of pests and diseases, ranging from classical methods of plant pathology, such as visual or microscopic recognition, to new DNA sequencing technologies. We discuss how protein-based-diagnostics that rely on specificity of antibodies, such as variations on ELISA detection and dipstick or lateral flow devices, have been extended to protein profiling by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. However, nucleic-acid-based amplification techniques using various forms of polymerase chain reaction are now widely implemented, including isothermal amplification and in-field pathogen detection. The chapter shows how the molecular diagnostic techniques are being rapidly supplemented with image-based diagnostics, which rely on hyperspectral imaging, applied via satellites or drones for regional- or field-scale monitoring of disease incidence and progression.
Natural antifungal compounds for the control of diseases in wheat and other cereals
Authors:   Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Schouten A.
Published: October 2018

Secondary metabolites are essential when considering the ecological context in which an organism operates. They have an array of functions, related to signalling and dealing with biotic and abiotic stress situations. For defence against pathogenic fungi, plants can synthesize various metabolites. Wheat, like several other cereals, produces various benzoxazinoids, which are also associated with herbicide detoxification and the defence against herbivores and microorganisms. Apart from these benzoxazinoids, wheat seems to produce only a limited number of other metabolites with known antifungal activity when compared to other cereals. Nevertheless, wheat is still capable of successfully defending itself against pathogenic fungi by outsourcing its defences, that is, through the mobilization of the microbial community. This chapter provides an overview of the way in which these natural antimicrobial compounds contribute to the defence of wheat against fungal pathogens, as well as considering the counter defensive actions undertaken by some of those fungal pathogens.
Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Yaratıcılığı Destekleyici Davranışlarının İncelenmesi
Authors: Batdal Karaduman Gülşah , Çiftçi Cavide
Published: October 2018

Araştırmanın amacı, sınıf öğretmenlerinin yaratıcılığı destekleyici
davranışlarının farklı değişkenler açısından incelenmesidir. Tarama modelinde
olan araştırmanın örneklemini Kahramanmaraş ilinde görev yapmakta olan 80 sınıf
öğretmeni oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın verileri araştırmacılar tarafından
geliştirilen "Öğretmen Bilgi Formu" ve Soh (2000) tarafından
geliştirilen ve Dikici (2013) tarafından Türkçeye uyarlanan "Yaratıcılığı
Destekleyen Öğretmen İndeksi Ölçeği" kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Verilerin
analizinde aritmetik ortalama ve standart sapmanın yanı sıra bağımsız
örneklemler t testi, Mann Whitney U testi ve Kruskal Wallis H testi istatistik
yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda araştırmaya katılan sınıf
öğretmenlerinin sınıf-içi eğitim öğretim sürecinde yüksek düzeyde yaratıcılığı
destekleyici davranışlar gösterdiği bulunmuştur. Öğretmenlerin yaratıcılığı
destekleyici davranış gösterme düzeyleri ile medeni durumları, cinsiyetleri,
eğitim durumları, okuttukları sınıf düzeyi ve eğitim teknolojisi kullanım
sıklıkları arasında anlamlı bir farklılık bulunmazken; öğretmenlerin mezun
oldukları okul ile yaratıcılığı destekleyici davranış gösterme düzeyleri
arasında anlamlı bir farklılık olduğu bulunmuştur.
Contingent work is not contingent. Which models of regulation for the new forms of work?
Authors: Bini Stefano
Published: October 2018

Abstract: Contingent work represents a sort of paradigmatic epiphenomenon of a new expression of the Labour Law need to reconsider itself, its identity and its same scope in a future perspective. The employment contract looses its capacity to select the situations that need protection. By the way, workers’ professionalism always requires to be safeguarded, also through innovative legal instrument. In this sense, soft law and corporate social responsibility in particular, seem to represent privileged regulative tools, to be considered and explored in order to achieve the essential protective objectives of the subject, called to be protagonist in a deeply changed world.Keywords: Contingent work. Technological revolution. Corporate Social Responsibility
Device-to-Device Communication and NOMA
Authors: Singh Indrasen
Published: October 2018

Device-to-Device (D2D) Communication and Non Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) have become topics of interest for researchers. They are widely recognized as techniques of the next generation cellular wireless networks. D2D technique offers uninterrupted communication among proximate mobile users without transferring data to the base station. This can provide high data rates and power control mechanisms. If D2D direct link distance is more, or the quality of channel is poor then the direct D2D communication gives larger propagation losses. This type of scenarios use relay assisted D2D communication, for improving the transmission capacity and coverage. Where as NOMA ) is one of the many technologies that promise greater capacity gain and spectral efficiency than the present state of the art, and is a candidate technology for 5G cellular networks
In this book, fundamentals, state of the art, applications and research challenges of D2D and NOMA have been discussed in simple language
Proposed Steering Mechanism Reduces Tortuosity in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Wilson Adam
Published: October 2018

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper OTC 28497, “Effect of the Rotary-Steerable-System Steering Mechanism on Wellbore Tortuosity in Horizontal Wells,” by Albaraa Alrushud, SPE, and Muntasar Mohammad, SPE, Baker Hughes, a GE Company, and Victor Oliveira, SPE, and Bader Zahrani, Saudi Aramco, prepared for the 2018 Offshore Technology Conference Asia, Kuala Lumpur, 20–23 March. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2018 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

This paper describes a new approach to evaluating the effectiveness of the rotary-steerable-system (RSS) steering mechanism on wellbore tortuosity in horizontal wells. Discussing the relative merits of a push-the-bit steering mechanism vs. a point-the-bit steering mechanism is an oversimplification; neither mechanism can deliver the wellbore quality the industry demands from RSS. The present study introduces the continuous proportional steering method (CPSM) and demonstrates how this mechanism can provide superior wellbore quality by reducing wellbore tortuosity.

Introduction

For this study, 18 wells were chosen on the basis of geology, trajectory, and bottomhole assembly (BHA). The study focused on the horizontal 6⅛- and 5⅞-in. production sections, where the wellbore quality is more critical. These sections typically require minimum changes in inclination for reservoir navigation, and any tortuosity resulting from the steering mechanism can be identified easily.

The goal of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of RSS steering mechanisms available in the industry. The study was performed on wells drilled by different steering mechanisms yet logged by the same wireline service provider. Analysis of the wireline data shows that drilling with CPSM significantly reduces average tortuosity by 4 to 5 times, average dogleg severity (DLS) by 3 to 4 times, and average angle change (AAC) by 5 to 6 times. Results show that intervals drilled with CPSM are more continuous and smooth compared with push-the-bit and point-the-bit mechanisms.

RSS Mechanisms

Currently, three different steering mechanisms are considered, push-the-bit, point-the-bit, and CPSM systems.

In a typical push-the-bit steering mechanism, a force is formed against the wellbore side wall, causing the bit to push on the opposite side wall and leading to a direction change. The multiple pads mounted on the body of the RSS are activated one at a time by diverting some of the mud flow through a controller valve. The controller will orient the valve in the desired direction. Therefore, each pad that crosses against the valve will be activated, whereas the other pads will be deactivated. Consequently, the pads will go into a continuous cycle of opening and closing to meet the directional plan.

Alternatively, a typical point-the-bit steering mechanism causes the bit direction to change relative to the rest of the tool by tilting the bit with an internal deflection running through the RSS.
Root-zone Cooling Evaluation Using Heat Pump for Greenhouse Strawberry Production
Authors: Moritani Shigeoki , Nanjo Hirotada , Itou Atsushi , Imai Teruki
Published: October 2018

Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) have been used to chill water to facilitate cooling of ‘Natsuakari’ strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) grown within containers during the summer. Two types of soil containers and cooling systems have been considered. In one system, cold-water tubes were placed under as well as over the top of the soil, whereas the other cooling system used cold water passing through tubes placed under the soil and within the irrigation channel to facilitate bottom irrigation. The cooling efficiency of each system was evaluated by observing temperature relationships between greenhouse air and soil. The relationship was represented by means of an elliptic curve, the geometric center and tilt angle of which indicated representative daily soil temperatures and degree of temperature stability, respectively. Both values were observed to be lower for the bottom irrigation system during the two plant growth periods considered in this study, thereby indicating that colder and relatively constant soil temperatures can be maintained via greater heat convection. This greater cooling method was facilitated by rapid transfer of cold water through the bottom irrigation channel into the root zone, resulting from reduction in soil moisture content induced by plant transpiration in addition to heat conduction from the soil to the cooling tube. Measured soil temperatures for the buried-tube system were observed to be coldest when the tube was chilled considerably (9.4 °C). Although the setup of the considered bottom watering system was rather sensitive in that the system required maintenance of a constant water level throughout the container, both systems effectively produced cooler soil temperatures compared with the case in which no GSHP was used.
Effect of Environment on Survival of Eggplant, Pepper, and Tomato in a Small-scale Healing Chamber
Authors: Buajaila Fairuz A. , Devi Pinki , Miles Carol A.
Published: October 2018

Many small-scale vegetable growers in the United States who graft their own vegetable transplants use healing chambers inside a greenhouse to heal their grafted plants. Under these conditions, light and relative humidity (RH) can fluctuate during the healing process, and growers need more research-based information regarding the impact of these factors on the survival of grafted transplants. To address this need, this study investigated the effect of different targeted levels of light (0%, 25%, and 50%) and RH (50% and 100%) (six combinations) in a small-scale healing chamber within a greenhouse, where the healing chamber was opened for increasing periods of time for 8 days, at which time plants were fully exposed to greenhouse conditions. The survival and growth of self-grafted eggplant (Solanum melongena), pepper (Capsicum annuum), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were measured up to 25 days post grafting. Percent light in the closed healing chambers was similar for the 50% and 100% RH levels of each light treatment. When the healing chambers were closed, compared with the greenhouse, there was 0.1% light in the 0% light treatments, 25% light on average in the 25% light treatments, and 43% light on average in the 50% light treatments. On days 2 to 5 after grafting, when chambers were opened up to 1 hour, average RH in the healing chambers was 96% to 98% for the 100% RH treatments, and was 42% to 49% for the 50% RH treatments. On days 6 and 7, when chambers were opened for 3 to 8 hours, RH was 79% to 82% for the 100% RH treatments, and was 39% to 46% for the 50% RH treatments. Survival of grafted plants following healing was greatest when the healing chamber treatment was 100% RH and 50% or 25% light (95% and 90% survival, respectively), and plant survival with these two treatments did not significantly decline from 11 to 21 days after grafting, indicating plants were fully healed and acclimated when they were removed from the healing chambers on day 8. At 22 to 25 days following grafting, plants healed with 100% RH and 50% or 25% light had greater plant height, number of leaves per plant, and stem diameter than plants healed in the other light and RH combinations. SPAD reading and nitrate-nitrogen of fresh petiole sap were unaffected by any of the healing treatments tested in this experiment, or by crop type. Tomato and pepper had 14% greater survival rates on average than eggplant at all measurement dates, while tomato tended to have greater plant growth, followed by eggplant and pepper. Additional research is needed to improve survival of grafted eggplant.
Economic Impact of a Potential Expansion of Pest Infestation: Apple Maggot in Washington State
Authors: Galinato Suzette P. , Gallardo R. Karina , Granatstein David M. , Willett Mike
Published: October 2018

Apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella) is an insect pest of apple (Malus domestica) that is currently limited in extent in the commercial production areas of Washington State thanks to a quarantine program. We estimate the costs to the Washington economy if this pest were to spread more widely. Apple maggot control costs are related to the pressure of codling moth (Cydia pomonella), the most prevalent insect pest in commercial apple production in Washington State. It was found that the losses for the Washington apple industry’s range from $510 million to $557 million, depending on the codling moth pressure. Our findings underscore the importance of an efficient quarantine program that minimized the risk of spreading the pest along with additional costs associated with quarantined areas.
Styles of Vital Activity Regulation in accordance with the Temporal Perspective Balance
Authors: Popova O. N.
Published: October 2018

The paper deals with the relationship between the characteristics of individual time perspective and the processes of self-regulation that affect the quality of life. The research features personal characteristics of people engaged in entrepreneurial activities. The author has conducted a comparative analysis of time perspective balance in relation to the styles of self-regulation in three groups: successful entrepreneurs, individuals who refuse to engage in entrepreneurial activities for various reasons, and individuals who keep failing to organize their own business. The obtained results have revealed that a balanced time perspective in combination with regulatory modeling and evaluation processes is necessary for successful business activity. If time perspective is unbalanced, it does not allow the individual to use their positive potential to the full, even if life regulation processes are well-developed.
Artifact Metaphors as Verbal Means of Objectivization of the Concept "Language" in the Philosophical Discourse of W. von Humboldt
Authors: Zhujkova O. V.
Published: October 2018

The research features the metaphorical representations of the language in the individual author's worldview expressed by W. von Humboldt via artifact metaphors. The linguistic personality of the great scientist remains surprisingly understudied, so it seems important to study the language means of verbalizing the basic concepts in his philosophical discourse. The research concentrates on the verbalization of the phenomenon "Language" by means of artifact metaphors in W. von Humboldt’s "On the Difference of the Structure of Human Languages and its Influence on the Spiritual Development of Mankind" (Über die Verschiedenheit des menschlichen Sprachbaues und ihren Einfluss auf die geistige Entwicklung des Menschengeschlechts, 1836) [1]. The analysis of empirical material included the method of linguocognitive analysis, the method of component analysis based on dictionary definitions, the method of interpretative analysis of contexts, conceptual and semantic-cognitive analysis of artifact metaphors, etc. The article reveals some features of the cognitive structure of the phenomenon "Language" on the basis of artifact metaphors "language as tool" and "language as fabric". As a result of the research, the frame structure of the artifact metaphorical models of the language concept has been revealed, as well as the ontological components of the language structuring various types of slots. The basic frames "language as tool" and "language as fabric" objectify the concept "Language", represented by the metaphorical model "Artifact" in the philosophical discourse of W. van Humboldt. The "language as tool" metaphor explicates the correlation of Language with such phenomena such as Spirit, Thought, andMan.The metaphorical identification of language and instrument explores the mediatory power of language in relation to Nation and Spirit. The "language as fabric" metaphor objectifies language as a complex entity, whose relevant features are anthropological qualities dominated by intellectual and sensualistic components in the diversity of their manifestations. Individuality is one of the dominant epistemological features of the concept "Language", represented by the artifact metaphorical model in W. von Humboldt’s philosophical discourse. The study proves a high degree of metaphoricity of W.vonHumboldt's linguistic worldview as a whole. One of the important concepts in his philosophical discourse is the "character of language". The scientist metaphorically "humanizes" the language, giving it individual features inherent only to human. The character of the language emphasizes the inseparable interdependence of Spirit and Nation, in its turn, being influenced by the external (verbal) form of the language.
The Image of the Russian Revolution as the Embodiment of the Author's Understanding of History in "The Nomadism to Death" by Vladimir Maksimov
Authors: Starikova L. S.
Published: October 2018

The study features the image of the revolution in the novel by  V. Maksimov "The Nomadism to Death". The research employed the cultural-historical and mythopoetic methods, as well as the method of motivational analysis. Since the novel has a complex multistage structure, the image of the revolution is considered according to the levels of the text: 1. The real layer of time, featuring the generation of fathers, who participated in the revolution and civil war. For them, revolution is significant: this is what they lived, killed and died for. The image of revolution evokes respect and worship, as well as regret about its incomplete. On this level, the revolution is closely connected with the time of the Civil War, which became its continuation. 2. The metatext level (the level of the explicit author-narrator Mikhail Barmin) unites the metatextual construction of the novel (which includes the present, Barmin’s past and "a novel inside the novel" about the time of the revolution and the civil war) and fits into the artistic conception of the writer's time: Maksimov depicts the time as a deadly chaotic circle, guiding the destinies of his characters and the land that repeats its history again and again, and in the whole of humanity as a whole. 3. Author's point of view (implicit author) – the revolution appears in the form of chthonic creatures, monsters devouring their children, demanding blood sacrifices and human lives.
Comparison of the impacts of thermal pretreatment on waste activated sludge using aerobic and anaerobic digestion
Authors: Jo Hyungjun (Brian) , Parker Wayne , Kianmehr Peiman
Published: October 2018

A range of thermal pretreatment conditions were used to evaluate the impact of high pressure thermal hydrolysis on the biodegradability of waste activated sludge (WAS) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It was found that pretreatment did not increase the overall extent to which WAS could be aerobically biodegraded. Thermal pretreatment transformed the biodegradable fraction of WAS (XH) to readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (COD) (SB) (16.5–34.6%) and slowly biodegradable COD (XB) (45.8–63.6%). The impact of pretreatment temperature and duration on WAS COD fractionation did not follow a consistent pattern as changes in COD solubilization did not correspond to the observed generation of SB through pretreatment. The pretreated WAS (PWAS) COD fractionations determined from aerobic respirometry were employed in anaerobic modeling and it was concluded that the aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of PWAS differed. It was found that thermal pretreatment resulted in as much as 50% of the endogenous decay products becoming biodegradable in anaerobic digestion. Overall, it was concluded that the COD fractionation that was developed based upon the aerobic respirometry was valid. However, it was necessary to implement a first-order decay process that reflected changes in the anaerobic biodegradability of the endogenous products through pretreatment.
Amoebophagous Fungi as Predators and Parasites of Potentially Pathogenic Free-living Amoebae
Authors: Scheid Patrick L.
Published: October 2018

There are numerous case reports indicating that naked Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) can relatively easily get to humans or animals. The presence of pathogenic amoebae in habitats related to human activities supports the public health relevance of FLA. Acanthamoebae, Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris and several other FLA have proved to be facultative human pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, a wide range of FLA is known as vectors of pathogenic microorganisms (endocytobionts). Within their biocoenosis, FLA and fungi (and other microorganisms) live sympatrically. It is known that fungi serve as food sources for the phagocytotic active (mycophagous) trophozoite stages of FLA. In contrast, amoebophagous fungi may use FLA as prey organisms. Endoparasitic and predaceous fungi prove that there are numerous different interactions between FLA and fungi. The man-made introduction of suitable fungi into a habitat (soil or water) with human pathogenic FLA may overcome any ecological effects or limits. While nematophagous fungi have already been brought into action against harmful nematodes, the usage of amoebophagous fungi against FLA has not been widely considered. Nevertheless, the results from in vitro studies are promising concerning the targeted use of amoebophagous fungi as biological control measures against FLA in limited natural areas, in soil and in aquatic habitats.
Factors Affecting Helminth Abundances in Synanthropic Rodents of an Urban Environment
Authors: Hancke Diego , Suárez Olga Virginia
Published: October 2018

Background:

Current levels of urbanization cause changes in the ecology of hosts, the pathogens, or both, promoting the proliferation of zoonotic diseases. Rodents are a good biological model for the development of pathogen transmission models because it presence is often related to a none-adequate environmental management.

Objective:

The main goal of this paper was to study the changes in the abundance of helminth populations in synanthropic rodents of an urban landscape.

Methods:

A total of 92 R. norvegicus and 65 M. musculus were captured in the City of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and were screened for parasites. The variations in helminth abundances were studied at host population scale to determine the factors, such as the type of environment, meteorological conditions and demographic parameters of the hosts, which have an effect on helminth infection rates.

Results:

Parasites with intermediate hosts or free living larval stages in their life cycle were the most affected. It was found how rodents’ use of the habitats in the different urban environments has an effect on the helminth infection levels. Besides, the importance of season on helminth abundance was determined, suggesting that climatic conditions are crucial for parasite survival and transmission.

Conclusion:

This information is relevant because it not only allows us to deepen the ecological dynamics of parasites in urban rodents, but also shows that environmental conditions are determinants for the persistence of helminth populations in a city.
Developing a Dashboard Software for the ICUs and Studying its Impact on Reducing the Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Fathi Mohammad , Moghaddasi Hamid , Hosseini Azamossadat , Aghdam Monir Ebrahimi
Published: October 2018

Objective:

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP), a lung infection developing in patients on a ventilator in Intensive Care Units (ICU), is the second most common nosocomial infection and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in ICUs. To reduce the incidence rate of VAP complication, many healthcare organizations have already developed certain strategies and guidelines. However, there are still high rates of VAP infections mainly due to: conflicting guidelines from different sources, implementing the guidelines at different times and conditions, different ICU caregivers at different shifts, and of course the human mistakes.

Methods:

The present study aimed to develop a dashboard to help reducing VAP incidences in ICUs. To achieve the objective of the research, first, the VAP prevention guidelines were compiled. The object-oriented analysis approach was adopted for designing of the dashboard software. To assess the impact of the developed dashboard on the reduction of VAP events, a pilot hospital was selected and a pilot project was prepared. For the dashboard usability assessment based on user satisfaction, a questionnaire was developed as the survey tool.

Conclusion:

The dashboard was developed and put into operation in a pilot ICU. The results from the t-test (with a probable error of 0.05 percent) indicated a meaningful difference between the number of VAP patients before and after the dashboard implementation with p-value ˂ 0.02. Also, the developed software was evaluated from a usability point of view based on user satisfaction, with health professionals and caregivers of the pilot ICU as the users of the software. The total score was equivalent to 95 percent, falling within the acceptable range of 75-100 percent.
Improved Diabetes Care Management Through a Text-Message Intervention for Low-Income Patients: Mixed-Methods Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Watterson Jessica L , Rodriguez Hector P , Shortell Stephen M , Aguilera Adrian
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a major contributor to global death and disability. Text-messaging interventions hold promise for improving diabetes outcomes through better knowledge and self-management.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the implementation and impact of a diabetes text-messaging program targeted primarily for low-income Latino patients receiving care at 2 federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).

METHODS

A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental research design was employed for this pilot study. A total of 50 Spanish or English-speaking adult patients with diabetes attending 2 FQHC sites in Los Angeles from September 2015 to February 2016 were enrolled in a 12-week, bidirectional text-messaging program. A comparison group (n=160) was constructed from unexposed, eligible patients. Demographic data and pre/post clinical indicators were compared for both the groups. Propensity score weighting was used to reduce selection bias, and over-time differences in clinical outcomes between groups were estimated using individual fixed-effects regression models. Population-averaged linear models were estimated to assess differential effects of patient engagement on each clinical indicator among the intervention participants. A sample of intervention patients (n=11) and all implementing staff (n=8) were interviewed about their experiences with the program. Qualitative data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed to identify common themes.

RESULTS

The intervention group had a mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction of 0.4 points at follow-up, relative to the comparison group (P=.06). Patients who were more highly engaged with the program (response rate ≥median of 64.5%) experienced a 2.2 point reduction in HbA1c, relative to patients who were less engaged, controlling for demographic characteristics (P<.001). Qualitative analyses revealed that many participants felt supported, as though “someone was worrying about [their] health.” Participants also cited learning new information, setting new goals, and receiving helpful reminders. Staff and patients highlighted strategies to improve the program, including incorporating patient responses into in-person clinical care and tailoring the messages to patient knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

A diabetes text-messaging program provided instrumental and emotional support for participants and may have contributed to clinically meaningful improvements in HbA1c. Patients who were more engaged demonstrated greater improvement. Program improvements, such as linkages to clinical care, hold potential for improving patient engagement and ultimately, improving clinical outcomes.
Not For Profit Board of Directors and Governance
Authors: Banerjee Suvro K. , Seyam Achraf
Published: October 2018

Anon-profit (NFP entity’s Board of Directors) bears ultimate responsibility for its governance. It ensures the non-profit functions in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and the entity’s internal guidelines and mission statement. We examine these Boards’ role in overseeing the functioning of non-profit entities and their management. We begin by reviewing the purpose of a Board of Directors and a commonly adopted structure for them including who may serve on such Boards; and how these Boards differ from those in the for-profit world. We then review the formal responsibilities that NFP Boards have for the entities they govern as well as some unspoken requirements for Board members. We examine specific activities in which these Boards typically engage and some activities which violate good governance practices. We provide examples of both well-functioning boards and some which serve as cautionary tales for entities. We discuss how a Board can deal with Board members who violate an entity’s rules and/or laws and how such members might be removed from their respective office as well as other regulatory and legal issues related to the conduct of Board members. We discuss the government entities both state and federal which regulate the function of non-profit Boards.
History of the Creation of Hungary’s Unified Public Employment Program and Its Main Characteristics
Authors: Novoszath Peter
Published: October 2018

A previous system of community service in the public interest was replaced in 2011 in Hungary with a “public employment” system, in which the government temporarily employs disadvantaged, unemployed people who are healthy and able to work and who are within the age limits for working, but who, for whatever reason, have not had a stable workplace and have therefore relied on government subsidies, such as welfare without employment. Under the new program, these citizens have been gainfully employed by the government for a set period of time. The goal of public employment is to give a path for those workers who have been unemployed for a long time, and are disadvantaged in some way, to re-enter (or enter) the private job market. Workers are employed under favorable, “sheltered” conditions, however ones that begin to approach the conditions they can expect in the private market. All this helps the employed workers to improve their employability, as well as to maintain and improve their work skills. Today, the public employment system is not targeted primarily at those with severe disabilities. However, the regulations which establish this program do name members of this group as a target for the program, if they are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Diagnóstico situacional para el ejercicio de medicina basada en evidencias en residentes de pediatría de un hospital escuela
Authors: Lucrecia Medina Myriam , Medina Marcelo Gabriel
Published: October 2018

Introducción: La Medicina Basada en Evidencias (MBE) es clave en la formación y adquisición de competencias en residentes de especialidades.

Objetivo: Describir diagnóstico situacional para el ejercicio de MBE en residentes de pediatría de un hospital escuela.

Método: Estudio descriptivo, observacional. Participaron: médicos residentes y enfermeros residentes de Pediatría. Se aplicó cuestionario sobre MBE, al inicio del curso.

Resultados: Participaron 26 residentes, de los cuales 22 fueron médicos residentes y 4 enfermeros residentes. Fortalezas tecnológicas: El 88.4% indicó tener computadoras con internet y el 84.6% señaló tener internet. Barreras tecnológicas: El 46.1% refirió limitado acceso a bibliotecas digitales. Fortalezas Culturales/Personales: El 57.6% indicó que responsabilidades laborales le permiten 2 horas semanales para leer artículos. El 53.8% señaló consultar evidencia científica de casos relevantes. Barreras Culturales/Personales: El 65.3% señaló muy pocas veces o nunca tener horario exclusivo para búsqueda. El 61.5% indicó no saber identificar mejor evidencia científica. El 57.6% prefirió aplicar conocimientos adquiridos en práctica clínica que referidos por artículos científicos. El 46.1% no consultó literatura científica por desconocer estrategia de búsqueda. Fortalezas inherentes a la institución: El 50% señaló contar con sesión académica para analizar literatura científica. El 57.6 indicó que la institución le permite asistir a seminarios científicos. Barreras inherentes a la institución: El 42.3% señaló que la mayoría de artículos recomiendan medicamentos que no hay en la institución.

Conclusiones: El diagnóstico situacional para ejercer MBE en residentes de nuestro hospital señaló condiciones favorables para su realización. Teniendo que corregir barreras halladas, mediante acceso ilimitado a bibliotecas digitales, disponibilidad de horario exclusivo a búsqueda electrónica, incremento de talleres de MBE, enseñanza de inglés. Todas herramientas que permitirán acceder, capacitar y fortalecer al recurso humano en formación, otorgándoles seguridad a la hora de valorar la evidencia científica.
Terminología anatómica: acetábulo o cavidad cotiloidea
Authors: Bautista Marisol , Villacresis Xiosmy
Published: October 2018

Sr. Editor:En los últimos años, la anatomía humana ha avanzado notablemente, al punto de comprender el cuerpo humano en su complejidad y poder identificar variaciones que se presentan en su estructura anatómica.Realizamos la revisión de 9 textos y atlas referidos a anatomía descriptiva, topográfica y funcional, donde observamos el uso de terminología anatómica con respecto a la región pélvica, el hueso coxal; como ejemplo, tenemos el uso de dos términos anatómicos "acetábulo" o "cavidad cotiloidea" referidos a una sola estructura, dicha revisión se realizó con el interés de identificar el uso adecuado de la terminología anatómica internacional.
Consentimiento informado en investigación: una perspectiva médica estudiantil de Latinoamérica
Authors: Nati-Castillo Humberto Alejandro , Da Silva Lucel , Izquierdo-Condoy Juan S.
Published: October 2018

Sr. Editor:La ética en la investigación es fundamental para salvaguardar el bienestar de los participantes. El uso del consentimiento informado (CI) definido como: “autorización voluntaria, por un sujeto de investigación, con plena comprensión de los riesgos involucrados, para procedimientos de diagnóstico o de investigación, y para posterior tratamiento”, pretende entregar información comprensible para que el sujeto conozca el procedimiento, propósitos, beneficios, ventajas y desventajas que conlleva la intervención, siendo una participación autónoma y con pleno conocimiento.El investigador es primordial en este proceso; así, la formación en bioética permite reflexionar sobre acciones y consecuencias al momento de investigar, velando porque se cumplan estándares éticos. Por esto, desde el pregrado, la fundamentación en bioética es clave. Motivados por obtener una percepción sobre el conocimiento y elaboración del CI en un contexto investigativo en estudiantes latinoamericanos de medicina, se llevó a cabo un sondeo estadístico a través de 5 preguntas en un formulario en Google Docs, como preámbulo de la videoconferencia “Consentimiento informado en investigación científica”, que se transmitió por la plataforma YouTube, y fue realizada por el Comité Permanente de Evaluación y Desarrollo Científico (CPEDEC) de la Federación Latinoamericana de Sociedades Científicas de Estudiantes de Medicina (FELSOCEM).
Development of the Problematic Social Networking Services Use Scale with college students
Authors: Lou Ji , Liu Huiyan , Liu Xiangping
Published: October 2018

We developed a scale to assess college students' problematic use of social networking services (SNSs). We conducted qualitative research to identify the constructs of the scale, which comprised five dimensions: (a) attention state, (b) impaired social function, (c) withdrawal, (d) tolerance,
and (e) deviant behavior. Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of a pretest with 300 students, 25 items were retained in the final version of the scale. In the main study with 1,030 students, we confirmed that the Problematic Social Networking Services Use Scale (PSUS) had
good reliability and validity. Specifically, the 1-month test–retest reliability coefficient was .681. There was a moderate correlation between the PSUS and Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire of Internet Addiction and the value of the average variance extracted check was .54 (> .50).
The PSUS may, therefore, be valuable as an instrument for screening problematic student users of SNSs, and formulating intervention plans.
A three-dimensional model of the wise personality: A free classification approach
Authors: Li Haiqing , Wang Fengyan
Published: October 2018

We explored the psychological construction of the wise personality with 45 participants, who took part in a free classification task involving 80 common Chinese words related to wise personality. After we had applied hierarchical cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling, and social
network analysis, the results revealed 3 factors, namely, virtue, competence, and achievement, of the wise personality. In comparison with virtue, competence and achievement were more likely to be classified into 1 category. Our findings contribute to the establishment of the structure of
the wise personality, and will form the basis of future wisdom studies on a practical level.
Theory of Planned Behavior and Different Forms Of Organizational Change Behavior
Authors: Yang Yuha , Choi Jin Nam , Lee Kyungmook
Published: October 2018

Complementing prior research on the macro- and system-focused views of organizational change, we examined microprocesses of change by attending to 3 different forms of change behavior as predicted by the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Data were collected from 193 employee–coworker
dyads working in various organizations in South Korea. Results showed that the TPB-based predictors were related to distinct forms of change behavior. Specifically, the change efficacy of employees predicted their compliance with change, management support for change predicted employees' cooperation
with change, and change favorableness was related to proactive championing for change. Magnitude of change was a positive predictor of the 3 forms of change behavior (compliance, cooperation, and championing) and moderated the relationship between change efficacy and compliance with change.
We have contributed to the literature by elaborating on the microlevel dynamics of organizational change by introducing the TPB to explain behavioral reactions to change.
How Specific and General Self-Confidence Affect Assortment Decisions
Authors: Wang Yawei , Chang Yaping
Published: October 2018

By investigating the influences of 2 types of self-confidence, we tested the assumption that people always prefer a large assortment over a small one when offered a choice of 2 sizes of assortment. Participants were 194 students who were randomly assigned to a high or low specific self-esteem
condition, a high or low general self-esteem condition, and a public or private social influence condition group. The results of our experiment demonstrated that people with high specific self-confidence perceived options as distinctive, and preferred a large assortment. However, people with
low general self-confidence felt high social anxiety, and preferred a large assortment only when social influence was salient. Under this condition, low general self-confidence also strengthened the effect of specific self-confidence on assortment preference. Implications of our findings are
discussed.