bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sutherlandia frutescens (Fabaceae) extracts used for treating tuberculosis do not have high activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Mabusa Itumeleng H. , Howard Rachmond , Masoko Peter
Published: December 2017

Sutherlandia frutescens (L) R. Br. contains several essential, bioactive compounds with clinically proven pharmacological activities. Sutherlandia is prescribed for people with tuberculosis but it is still not known what compounds in this plant act against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its mode of action. This study is aimed at determining if S. frutescens extracts contain antimycobacterial compounds. Aerial parts of S. frutescens were dried, ground and extracted with ethanol, dichloromethane: methanol 1:1 (v/v) and water. The chemical profiling was done using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). TLC plates were developed in butanol:acetic acid:water (BAW) to the ratio of 21:6:3; chloroform:methanol:water:formic acid (CMWF1) [60:15:2:1] and (CMWF2) [21:9:1:0.3]. Qualitative antioxidant activity was done, using 2.2-diphenylpacryl-1-hydrazyl (DPPH). Antimycobacterial activity of the plant extracts was evaluated, using micro-dilution and bioautographic methods against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Low antimycobacterial activity against M. smegmatis was observed on the bioautograms. The ethanol extracts contained more compounds compared to water extracts on HPLC-MS chromatographic profiles. The average Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the extracts were 0.61 mg/mL units and the DCM:MeOH (1:1) extract had the lowest MIC value of 0.28 mg/mL. The results showed that the plant could be further explored for possible antimycobacterial agents. Low activity was observed, possibly due to low replication of bacilli and non-replicating organisms. The study provides preliminary scientific validation of the traditional medicinal use of this plant. Further studies are required to identify the bioactive compounds in the DCM:MeOH 1:1 extract which showed significant antimycobacterial activities. Research correlation: This article is the original version, of which an Afrikaans translation was made available to provide access to a larger readership, available here: https://doi.org/10.4102/satnt.v36i1.1494
Tecoma stans (Bignoniaceae), leaf extracts, fractions and isolated compound have promising activity against fungal phytopathogens
Authors: Meelah Moraba M. , Mdee Ladislaus K. , Eloff Jacobus N.
Published: December 2017

Plant pathogenic fungi are a major cause of reduced plant production and post-harvest losses of plant produce. The control of these fungi by some synthetic fungicides is complicated by human and environmental toxicity, the development of resistance by some fungi and high costs, thus prompting the investigation of other means of fungal control. Plant secondary metabolites have a good potential as antifungal agents. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential use of Tecoma stans as a plant-derived fungicide by determining the antifungal activity of extracts, isolating the bioactive compound and testing the toxicity of both the extract and the isolated compound. In bioassay-guided fractionation of the leaves of the Tecoma stans dichloromethane (DCM) extract contained one major compound that was isolated and characterised as oleanolic acid. The DCM extract and oleanolic acid were active against 10 tested plant fungal pathogens (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, Collectotrichum gloeosporoides, Fusarium oxysporium, Penicillum expansum, Penicillum janthinellum, Pythium ultimum, Phytophthora nicotiana, Trichoderma harzianum and Rhizoctonia solani) with an average minimal inhibitory concentration of 130 μg/mL. The DCM extract and oleanolic acid were toxic to Vero cells with an LC50 of 0.413 mg/mL and 0.129 mg/mL respectively, when compared with berberine, a toxic compound with LC50 of 15.48 µg/mL. Oleanolic acid was more toxic than the crude extract, supporting the potential use of plant extracts for controlling plant fungal pathogens. The selectivity indices of 20 with several fungi indicated that extracts could possibly be used under controlled conditions against infections of certain fungal pathogens, even on edible plants. The large quantities available of this invasive plant species could lead to a commercially useful product in controlling plant fungal pathogens. Research correlation: This article is the translated version, made available to provide access to a larger readership, of which the original English article is available here: https://doi. org/10.4102/satnt.v36i1.1496
Fraksies en geïsoleerde verbinding uit Tecoma stans (Bignoniaceae), ’n indringerplant, het belowende aktiwiteit teen fungus fitopatogene
Authors: Meelah Moraba M. , Mdee Ladislaus K. , Eloff Jacobus N.
Published: December 2017

Fungi wat plante aanval, lei tot groot verliese in plantproduksie en ook tot verliese in opbrengs nadat die produkte geoes is. Die beheer van hierdie fungi deur chemiese fungisiede lewer komplikasies vanweë menslike en omgewingstoksisiteit. Die koste en die ontwikkeling van weerstand deur plantpatogeniese fungi teen fungisiede lewer ook probleme. Sekondêre plantmetaboliete het ‘n goeie potensiaal as antifungusverbindings. Die doel van die studie was om die aktiwiteit van Tecoma stans-ekstrakte en - fraksies te bepaal en om die aktiewe verbinding te isoleer deur die bioaktiwiteit van fraksies gedurende die fraksionering te bepaal. Die dichlorometaanfraksie het die hoogste aktiwiteit gehad en die geïsoleerde verbinding se struktuur is bepaal as oleanolsuur. Die antifungusaktiwiteit is teen tien belangrike plantfunguspatogene bepaal (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, Collectotrichum gloeosporoides, Fusarium oxysporium, Penicillum expansum, Penicillum janthinellum, Pythium ultimum, Phytophthora nicotiana, Trichoderma harzianum en Rhizoctonia solani). Die gemiddelde minimum inhiberende konsentrasie was 130 μg/mL. Die DCM-ekstrak en oleanolsuur was minder toksies as die positiewe kontrole berberien teen Vero-selle met LC50 waardes van 0.413 mg/mL, 0.129 mg/mL en 15.48 µg/mL onderskeidelik. Die selektiwiteitindeks van 20 met verskeie fungi dui op moontlike relatiewe veiligheid om onder gekontroleerde toestande selfs vir eetbare produkte te gebruik. Die groot massa plantmateriaal wat van hierdie indringerplant beskikbaar is, mag tot ‘n kommersieel bruikbare produk lei in die bekamping van fitopatogeniese fungi.Navorsing korrelasie: Hierdie artikel is die vertaalde weergawe en is beskikbaar gestel om ‘n breër lesersgroep te bereik. Die oorspronklike Engelse artikel is beskikbaar hier: https://doi. org/10.4102/satnt.v36i1.1489
VB-Courant Algebroids, E-Courant Algebroids and Generalized Geometry
Authors: Lang Honglei , Sheng Yunhe , Wade Aïssa
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we first discuss the relation between VB-Courant algebroids and E-Courant algebroids, and we construct some examples of E-Courant algebroids. Then we introduce the notion of a generalized complex structure on an E-Courant algebroid, unifying the usual generalized complex structures on even-dimensional manifolds and generalized contact structures on odd-dimensional manifolds. Moreover, we study generalized complex structures on an omni-Lie algebroid in detail. In particular, we show that generalized complex structures on an omni-Lie algebra gl(V) ⊕ V correspond to complex Lie algebra structures on V.
Endpoint Estimates of Riesz Transforms Associated with Generalized Schrödinger Operators
Authors: Liu Yu , Qi Shuai
Published: December 2017

In this paper we establish the endpoint estimates and Hardy type estimates for the Riesz transform associated with the generalized Schrödinger operator.
Crossed products by compact group actions with the Rokhlin property
Authors: Gardella Eusebio
Published: December 2017

We present a systematic study of the structure of crossed products and fixed point algebras by compact group actions with the Rokhlin property on not necessarily unital

C^*

-algebras. Our main technical result is the existence of an approximate homomorphism from the algebra to its subalgebra of fixed points, which is a left inverse for the canonical inclusion. Upon combining this with results regarding local approximations, we show that a number of classes characterized by inductive limit decompositions with weakly semiprojective building blocks, are closed under formation of crossed products by such actions. Similarly, in the presence of the Rokhlin property, if the algebra has any of the following properties, then so do the crossed product and the fixed point algebra: being a Kirchberg algebra, being simple and having tracial rank zero or one, having real rank zero, having stable rank one, absorbing a strongly self-absorbing

C^*

-algebra, satisfying the Universal Coefficient Theorem (in the simple, nuclear case), and being weakly semiprojective. The ideal structure of crossed products and fixed point algebras by Rokhlin actions is also studied.

The methods of this paper unify, under a single conceptual approach, the work of a number of authors, who used rather different techniques. Our methods yield new results even in the well-studied case of finite group actions with the Rokhlin property.
$\mathbb A^1$-homotopy invariants of corner skew Laurent polynomial algebras
Authors: Tabuada Gonçalo
Published: December 2017

In this note we prove some structural properties of all the

\mathbb A^1

-homotopy invariants of corner skew Laurent polynomial algebras. As an application, we compute the mod-

l

algebraic

K

-theory of Leavitt path algebras using solely the kernel/cokernel of the incidence matrix. This leads naturally to some vanishing and divisibility properties of the

K

-theory of these algebras.
Decorated Feynman categories
Authors: Kaufmann Ralph M. , Lucas Jason
Published: December 2017

In [12], the new concept of Feynman categories was introduced to simplify the discussion of operad–like objects. In this present paper, we demonstrate the usefulness of this approach, by introducing the concept of decorated Feynman categories. The procedure takes a Feynman category

\mathfrak F

and a functor

\mathcal O

to a monoidal category to produce a new Feynman category

\mathfrak F_{\mathrm {dec}\mathcal O}

. This in one swat explains the existence of non–sigma operads, non–sigma cyclic operads, and the non–sigma–modular operads of Markl as well as all the usual candidates simply from the category

\mathfrak G

, which is a full subcategory of the category of graphs of [2]. Moreover, we explain the appearance of terminal objects noted in [16]. We can then easily extend this for instance to the dihedral case. Furthermore, we obtain graph complexes and all other known operadic type notions from decorating and restricting the basic Feynman category

\mathfrak G

of aggregates of corollas. We additionally show that the construction is functorial. There are further geometric and number theoretic applications, which will follow in a separate preprint.
La Tecnosocialidad: El papel de las TIC en las relaciones sociales
Authors: Sabater Fernández Carmen , Martínez Lorea Ion , Santiago Campión Raúl
Published: December 2017

Wellman, en su modelo de individualismo en red, describe cómo, desde la revolución industrial, el aumento del transporte público y los sistemas de telecomunicaciones han permitido un cambio en la naturaleza de las relaciones sociales. En este contexto, las redes sociales se presentan como tres modelos diferenciados: con la misma naturaleza de las relaciones personales, como complemento de la comunicación directa o con características diferenciales. Metodología: El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar en qué medida la comunicación realizada mediante TIC (Internet y telefonía móvil) influye en el tipo e intensidad de relaciones personales directas que tienen hoy en día los jóvenes. Para este fin, utilizado el cuestionario como instrumento de recogida de información con una muestra de 430 alumnos/as universitarios de primer curso.  Resultados y conclusiones: Los resultados muestran que los jóvenes mantienen redes estables en sus relaciones sociales y utilizan las TIC para ampliar la frecuencia e intensidad de sus interacciones con su círculo más íntimo (amigos/as, familia y compañeros/as de clase) por lo que las redes sociales representan un complemento de las relaciones personales directas.
Convergence theorems for finding the split common null point in Banach spaces
Authors: Suantai Suthep , Srisap Kittipong , Naprang Natthapong , Mamat Manatsawin , Yundon Vithoon , Cholamjiak Prasit
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we introduce a new iterative scheme for solving the split common null point problem. We then prove the strong convergence theorem under suitable conditions. Finally, we give some numerical examples for our results.
Analysis of European ozone trends in the period 1995–2014
Authors: Yan Yingying , Pozzer Andrea , Ojha Narendra , Lin Jintai , Lelieveld Jos
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Surface-based measurements from the EMEP network are used to estimate the changes in surface ozone levels during the 1995–2014 period over Europe. It is shown that a significantly decreasing trend in the 95th percentile ozone concentrations has occurred, especially during noontime (0.9 µg/m3/y), while the 5th percentile ozone concentrations continued to increase with a trend of 0.3 µg/m3/y during the study period. With the help of numerical simulations performed with the global chemistry-climate model EMAC, the importance of anthropogenic emissions changes in determining these changes are investigated. The EMAC model is found to successfully capture the observed temporal variability in mean ozone concentrations, as well as the contrast in the trends of 95th and 5th percentile ozone over Europe. Sensitivity simulations and statistical analysis show that a decrease in European anthropogenic emissions had contrasting effects on surface ozone trends between the 95th and 5th percentile levels, and that background ozone levels have been influenced by hemispheric transport, while climate variability generally regulated the inter-annual variations of surface ozone in Europe.
Application of unsupervised pattern recognition approaches for exploration of rare earth elements in Se-Chahun iron ore, central Iran
Authors: Sarparandeh Mohammadali , Hezarkhani Ardeshir
Published: December 2017

Abstract. The use of efficient methods for data processing has always been of interest to researchers in the field of earth sciences. Pattern recognition techniques are appropriate methods for high-dimensional data such as geochemical data. Evaluation of the geochemical distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) requires the use of such methods. In particular, the multivariate nature of REE data makes them a good target for numerical analysis. The main subject of this paper is application of unsupervised pattern recognition approaches in evaluating geochemical distribution of REEs in the Kiruna type magnetite–apatite deposit of Se-Chahun. For this purpose, 42 bulk lithology samples were collected from the Se-Chahun iron ore deposit. In this study, 14 rare earth elements were measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pattern recognition makes it possible to evaluate the relations between the samples based on all these 14 features, simultaneously. In addition to providing easy solutions, discovery of the hidden information and relations of data samples is the advantage of these methods. Therefore, four clustering methods (unsupervised pattern recognition) – including a modified basic sequential algorithmic scheme (MBSAS), hierarchical (agglomerative) clustering, k-means clustering and self-organizing map (SOM) – were applied and results were evaluated using the silhouette criterion. Samples were clustered in four types. Finally, the results of this study were validated with geological facts and analysis results from, for example, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ICP-MS and optical mineralogy. The results of the k-means clustering and SOM methods have the best matches with reality, with experimental studies of samples and with field surveys. Since only the rare earth elements are used in this division, a good agreement of the results with lithology is considerable. It is concluded that the combination of the proposed methods and geological studies leads to finding some hidden information, and this approach has the best results compared to using only one of them.
Performance evaluation of ROMS v3.6 on a commercial cloud system
Authors: Jung Kwangwoog , Cho Yang-Ki , Tak Yong-Jin
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Many commercial cloud computing companies provide technologies such as high-performance instances, enhanced networking and remote direct memory access to aid in High Performance Computing (HPC). These new features enable us to explore the feasibility of ocean modelling in commercial cloud computing. Many scientists and engineers expect that cloud computing will become mainstream in the near future. Thus, evaluation of the exact performance and features of commercial cloud services for numerical modelling is appropriate. In this study, the performance of the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) and the High Performance Linpack (HPL) benchmarking software package was evaluated on Amazon Web Services (AWS) for various configurations. Through comparison of actual performance data and configuration settings obtained from AWS and laboratory HPC, we conclude that cloud computing is a powerful Information Technology (IT) infrastructure for running and operating numerical ocean modelling with minimal effort. Thus, cloud computing can be a useful tool for ocean scientists that have no available computing resource.
Use of Capital Investment Appraisal Practices and Effectiveness of Investment Decisions: A Study on Listed Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kengatharan Lingesiya , Clamenthu Pirashanth Diluxan
Published: December 2017

Primary objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between use of capital investment appraisal practices and effectiveness of investment decision of listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Capital investment appraisal practices were measured by capital investment appraisal techniques and risk analysis techniques of investment projects. Effectiveness of investment was measured by perceptions of CFOs on the performance from investment. Firm size was used as the control variable to examine the relationship between investment appraisal practices and effectiveness of investment decision. The study employed a field survey from January to March 2017 and primary data was collected through self-administered questionnaires from randomly selected 20 listed manufacturing companies. Results of the study revealed that use of NPV, IRR had significantly positively related to effectiveness of investment decision while DPB had significantly negatively related to effectiveness of investment decision of listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Risk analysis techniques were not significantly related to effectiveness of investment decision. Findings of the study may useful to the investment decision makers in order to achieve the shareholders wealth.
A Framework for Aligning Data from Multiple Institutions to Conduct Meaningful
Analytics
Authors: Knowlton Jay , Belnap Tom , Patelesio Bonnie , Priest Elisa L. , Von Recklinghausen Friedrich , Taenzer Andreas H.
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Health systems can be supported by collaborative networks focused on
data sharing and comparative analytics to identify and rapidly disseminate promising
care practices. Standardized data collection, quality assessment, and cleansing is a
necessary process to facilitate meaningful analytics for operations, quality
improvement, and research. We developed a framework for aligning data from health care
delivery systems using the High Value Healthcare Collaborative central
registry.Framework: The centralized data registry model allows for multiple layers of
data quality assessment. Our framework uses an iterative approach, starting with clear
specifications, maintaining ongoing dialogue with diverse stakeholders, and regular
checkpoints to assess data conformance, completeness, and plausibility. Lessons Learned:
We found that an iterative communication process is critical for a central registry to
ensure: 1) clarity of data specifications, 2) appropriate data quality, and 3) thorough
understanding of data source, purpose, and context. Engaging teams from all
participating institutions and incorporating diverse stakeholders of clinicians,
information technologists, data analysts, operations managers, and health services
researchers in all decision making processes supports development of high quality
datasets for comparative analytics across multiple institutions.Conclusion: A standard
data specification and submission process alone does not guarantee aligned data for a
collaborative registry. Implementing an iterative data quality improvement framework
with extensive communication proved to be effective for aligning data from multiple
institutions to support meaningful analytics.
Leveraging Diverse Data Sources to Identify and Describe U.S. Health Care Delivery
Systems
Authors: Cohen Genna R. , Jones David J. , Heeringa Jessica , Barrett Kirsten , Furukawa Michael F. , Miller Dan , Mutti Anne , Reschovsky James D. , Machta Rachel , Shortell Stephen M. , Fraze Taressa , Rich Eugene
Published: December 2017

Health care delivery systems are a growing presence in the U.S., yet research is
hindered by the lack of universally agreed-upon criteria to denote formal systems. A
clearer understanding of how to leverage real-world data sources to empirically identify
systems is a necessary first step to such policy-relevant research. We draw from our
experience in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Comparative Health System
Performance (CHSP) initiative to assess available data sources to identify and describe
systems, including system members (for example, hospitals and physicians) and
relationships among the members (for example, hospital ownership of physician groups).
We highlight five national data sources that either explicitly track system membership
or detail system relationships: (1) American Hospital Association annual survey of
hospitals; (2) Healthcare Relational Services Databases; (3) SK&A Healthcare
Databases; (4) Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System; and (5) Internal
Revenue Service 990 forms. Each data source has strengths and limitations for
identifying and describing systems due to their varied content, linkages across data
sources, and data collection methods. In addition, although no single national data
source provides a complete picture of U.S. systems and their members, the CHSP
initiative will create an early model of how such data can be combined to compensate for
their individual limitations. Identifying systems in a way that can be repeated over
time and linked to a host of other data sources will support analysis of how different
types of organizations deliver health care and, ultimately, comparison of their
performance.
From Concepts and Codes to Healthcare Quality Measurement: Understanding Variations
in Value Set Vocabularies for a Statin Therapy Clinical Quality Measure
Authors: Cholan Raja A. , Weiskopf Nicole G. , Rhoton Doug L. , Sachdeva Bhavaya , Colin Nicholas V. , Martin Shelby J. , Dorr David A.
Published: December 2017

Objective: To understand the impact of distinct concept to value set mapping on
the measurement of quality of care.Background: Clinical quality measures (CQMs) intend
to measure the quality of healthcare services provided, and to help promote
evidence-based therapies. Most CQMs consist of grouped codes from vocabularies - or
‘value sets’ - that represent the unique identifiers (i.e., object identifiers),
concepts (i.e., value set names), and concept definitions (i.e., code groups) that
define a measure’s specifications. In the development of a statin therapy CQM, two
unique value sets were created by independent measure developers for the same global
concepts.Methods: We first identified differences between the two value set
specifications of the same CQM. We then implemented the various versions in a quality
measure calculation registry to understand how the differences affected calculated
prevalence of risk and measure performance.Results: Global performance rates only
differed by 0.8%, but there were up to 2.3 times as many patients included with key
conditions, and differing performance rates of 7.5% for patients with ‘myocardial
infarction’ and 3.5% for those with ‘ischemic vascular disease’.Conclusion: The
decisions CQM developers make about which concepts and code groups to include or exclude
in value set vocabularies can lead to inaccuracies in the measurement of quality of
care. One solution is that developers could provide rationale for these decisions.
Endorsements are needed to encourage system vendors, payers, informaticians, and
clinicians to collaborate in the creation of more integrated terminology sets.
Challenges to Conducting Health Information Exchange Research and Evaluation:
Reflections and Recommendations for Examining the Value of HIE
Authors: Yeager Valerie A. , Vest Joshua R. , Walker Daniel M. , Diana Mark L. , Menachemi Nir
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Health information exchange (HIE) promises cost and utilization
reductions. To date, only a small number of HIE studies have demonstrated benefits to
patients, providers, public health, or payers. This may be because evaluations of HIE
are methodologically challenging. Indeed, the quality of HIE evaluations is often
limited and authors frequently note unmet evaluation objectives. We provide a systematic
identification of HIE research challenges that can be used to inform strategies for
higher quality scientific evidence.Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 23
HIE researchers and leaders of HIE efforts representing experiences with more than 20
HIE efforts. We also conducted a six-person focus group to expand on and confirm
individual interview findings. Qualitative analysis followed a grounded theory approach
using multiple coders.Results: Participants experienced similar challenges across seven
themes (i.e., HIE maturity, data quality, data availability, goal alignment,
cooperation, methodology, and policy).Conclusion: Several options may exist to improve
HIE research, including developing better conceptual models and methodological
approaches to HIE research; formal partnerships between researchers and HIE entities;
and establishing a nationwide database of HIE information. Our proposed approaches of
promoting data availability, resource sharing, and new partnerships can help to overcome
existing barriers and facilitate HIE research.
Mapping Multi-Site Clinic Workflows to Design Systems-Enabled Interventions
Authors: Coronado Gloria D. , Retecki Sally , Petrik Amanda F. , Coury Jennifer , Aguirre Josue , Taplin Stephen H. , Burdick Tim , Green Beverly B.
Published: December 2017

Objective: Variations in processes for different clinics and health systems can
dramatically change the way preventive interventions are implemented. We present a
method for documenting these variations using workflow diagrams and demonstrate how
understanding workflow aided an electronic health record (EHR) embedded colorectal
cancer screening intervention.Materials: and Methods: We mapped variation in processes
for ordering and documenting fecal testing, current colonoscopy, prior colonoscopies,
and pathology results. This work was part of a multi-site cluster-randomized pragmatic
trial to test a mailed approach to offering fecal testing at 26 safety net clinics (in
eight organizations) in Oregon and Northern California. We created clinic-specific
workflow diagrams and then distilled them into consolidated diagrams that captured the
variations.Results: Clinics had varied practices for storing and using information about
colorectal cancer screening. Developing workflow diagrams of key processes enabled
clinics to find optimal ways to send fecal test kits to patients due for screening. The
workflows informed the rollout of new EHR tools and identified best practices for data
capture.Discussion: Diagramming workflows can have great utility when implementing and
refining EHR tools for clinical practice, especially when doing so across multiple
clinical sites. The process of developing the workflows uncovered successful practice
recommendations and revealed limitations and potential effects of a research
intervention.Conclusion: Our method of documenting clinical process variation might
inform other EHR-powered, multi-site research and can improve data feedback from EHR
systems to clinical caregivers.
Case Studies from the Clinic: Initiating and Implementing Patient-Reported Outcome
Measures
Authors: Locklear Tracie , DeBar Lynn L. , Willig James , Rundell Sean , Blackhall Leslie , Zatzick Douglas , Staman Karen , Bhavsar Nrupen , Weinfurt Kevin , Abernethy Amy P.
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Self-reporting by patients though the use of electronic
patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures has been shown to use increase patient
satisfaction with care, and improve patient-provider communication, symptom management,
and health quality. Additionally, PROs are increasingly used in research to expand
understanding regarding the relative risks, benefits, and burdens of interventions.
While experience embedding patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into registries and clinical
workflow is growing, there is little in the literature to guide those interested in
incorporating PROs into routine clinical care and for use in research.Case Descriptions:
The NIH Health Care Systems Research Collaboratory PRO Core interviewed investigators
from seven programs to get their first-hand experiences on the incorporation of PROs for
both care and research, and the investigators have contributed to this manuscript as
authors.Findings: We use these case studies to present practical approaches to
initiating and implementing PROS, including instrument selection, tips for integrating
PRO collection systems into clinical workflow, considerations for user experience and
data collection, and the methods to assess and monitor quality.Conclusion: Because the
decision to initiate and implement PRO collection impacts many different stakeholders,
the solution requires collaboration among the involved parties, careful planning, and
integration into clinical workflow.
The Degree of Practicing Democracy in the EFL Classroom According to Perceptions of Instructors
Authors: Al-Zubi Mohammad Akram
Published: December 2017

One of the aims at Albalqa Applied University is to prepare the student to contribute positively in society so the main important goal of the comprehensive reform of the education system in Jordan is to contribute to the democratic development of the country. The study has been investigated to find out if the English instructors adopt the democracy techniques in their classes. This paper presents a classroom management model to be used in teaching English by having English teachers use the democratic process to create their English learning environments. The researcher prepared a “Democracy Scale” about the extent of applying democratization in EFL environment at universities as data collection tool. The sample was randomly chosen from Al-Balqa’ Applied University. The study suggested several implications like using technology inside EFL environment and conducting a similar study to know students perspectives about practicing democracy in the EFL environment.
Kontexty minoritnej kultúry
Authors: Čukan Jaroslav , Čukanová Linda , Michalík Boris , Žabenský Marian
Published: December 2017

Cieľom našej štúdie je predstaviť a interpretovať jedinečný, no vo všeobecnosti málo známy spôsob života beduínov ako kultúrnej a jazykovej minority v zložitých procesoch kultúrnych zmien od 70. rokov 20. storočia do roku 2010. Naznačujeme ekologické, sociálne, konfesionálne, ekonomické aj politické kontexty beduínskej identity. Spôsob života a kultúru beduínov porovnávame s majoritným prostredím. Problematika zasahuje do sociokultúrnej antropológie (etnológia, kultúrna ekológia) a kultúrnej geografie. Opakované krátkodobé terénne výskumy beduínskej kultúry v priestore Sýrskej púšte vykonal etnológ J. Čukan (Slovák), ktorý je aj autorom fotografií, s kolegom – historikom a žurnalistom Al-Absim (Arab zo Sýrie) v rokoch 2006–2010.
Archeologický výzkum slavkovské šibenice u Křenovic
Authors: Unger Josef
Published: December 2017

Slavkovská šibenice byla umístěna na dobře viditelném místě na rozhraní slavkovského a křenovického katastru. Na zkoumané ploše se podařilo vypreparovat půdorys zděné stavby mírně lichoběžníkového tvaru o vnější délce stran přibližně 6 m. Uvnitř stavby se nacházely vrstvy suti, místy proložené humusovitou mezivrstvou s četnými lidskými kostmi v neanatomické poloze. Podle různých typologických schémat se jednalo o šibenici studničního typu na čtyřbokém půdorysu, které se stavěly od 16. stol. Při odkryvu pozůstatků šibenice se našly nepříliš četné zlomky keramiky především datovatelné do 17. a 18. stol. Záponky sestávající z drátěného háčku a očka, nalezené v areálu slavkovské šibenice byly běžnou součástí oděvů. Hřebíky, podkova a železný kruh souvisely s provozem na místě. Dva zlomky skla pocházejí z lahví datovatelných do druhé poloviny 17. až první poloviny 18. stol. Stříbrná mince – grešle, nalezená v okolí, byla ražena roku 1696 ve slezském knížectví Württemberg – Olešnice knížetem Christianem Ulrichem (1664-1704). Po skončení výzkumu bylo místo upraveno na památník související s naučnou cestou, připomínající existenci šibenice.
Self-Medication with Cannabis in the Czech Republic from an Anthropological Perspective
Authors: Bláhová Barbora , Horák Miroslav , Verter Nahanga
Published: December 2017

Tento článek se zabývá samoléčbou konopím (Cannabis sativa L.) v České republice se zaměřením na subjektivní rovinu jejího prožívání nemocnými a širší společenský rámec této terapie. Nahlíží aktuální situaci, kdy stát selhává v efektivní regulaci konopí jako léku a nemocní často přistupují k ilegální samoléčbě. Od 1. 1. 2017 do 1. 5. 2017 byl realizován on-line dotazníkový průzkum mezi záměrněvybranými dobrovolníky, jež byli osloveni prostřednictvím organizací, které poskytují souhrnné informace o této problematice. Výzkumný vzorek tvoří 107 nemocných, kteří užívali konopí a jeho deriváty za účelem samoléčby. Získané výpovědi byly analyzovány metodou zakotvené teorie. Výsledky výzkumu ukázaly, že nemocní, kteří v České republice vyhledávají konopnou samoléčbu považují současnou legální regulaci konopí za nevyhovující. Rostlinu si pro vlastní potřebu nejčastěji opatřují pěstováním a informace o léčbě získávají primárně na internetu. Článek se podrobněji zabývá specifiky konopné samoléčby a jejími dopady na zdravotní stav participantů výzkumu. Obsahuje informace užitečné pro organizace, které se věnují práci s pacienty užívajícími konopí k léčbě.
«Modicæ fidei quare dubitasti?» Una lectura del pontificado de Calixto III (1455-†1458) a partir de las imágenes monetales
Authors: Aguilera Alberto
Published: December 2017

Resumen: El presente artículo analiza el pontificado de Calixto III (1455-†1458) a partir de la función propagandística y la dimensión comunicacional de las imágenes y leyendas que figuran en la moneda pontificia, señalando tanto los puntos de continuidad con la amonedación de sus predecesores en el solio de San Pedro, como las novedades que se introdujeron en relación a la cruzada proyectada contra el Islam. Palabras clave: Calixto III, Numismática, Medallística, cecas pontificias, propaganda. Abstract: This article studies the pontificate of Calixtus III (1455-†1458) from the propaganda function and communicational dimension of the images and inscriptions appearing on papal coinage. Attention is paid to points of continuity with the monetary issues of his predecessors on the throne of St. Peter, as well as novelties introduced in relation to the planned crusade against Islam. Keywords: Calixtus III, Numismatics, Medals, pontifical mints, propaganda
Los Borja en la narrativa: Apuntes para su historia
Authors: Huertas Antonio
Published: December 2017

Resumen: Las presentes páginas pretenden constituirse como una guía útil para el estudio de la novela sobre los Borja de autor español, aunque no exclusivamente, publicada en los últimos veinticinco años. La ingente producción, nacional e internacional, centrada en la insigne familia valenciana imposibilita abarcar en un trabajo de estas características un panorama totalizador, que dejamos para un futuro, si bien podemos ofrecer unas claves interpretativas. Y es que, si bien el periplo de los Borja es absolutamente extraordinario, también lo es su continua re-escritura, que obliga casi a trazar cada cierto tiempo un statu quo de su presencia en las diferentes artes. Palabras clave: familia Borja, novela histórica, narrativa española, leyenda negra, novela contemporánea Abstract: I would like these pages to become a useful guide to study fiction focused on Borgian lineage and written especially, but not exclusively, by Spanish authors throughout the last 25 years. Due to the huge amount of works about the famous Valencian family, both from national and international origin, it is indeed impossible for me at this moment to offer an exhausting panorama. I settle for presenting some interpretative keys. Borgian periplus is as extraordinary as its continuous re-writing, that forces us to devise a periodical statu quo of its presence in different arts. Keywords: Borgia family, historical novel, Spanish narrative, black legend, contemporary novel
Ammonium natural attenuation in complex hydrogeological settings: insights from a multi-isotope approach
Authors: Caschetto Mariachiara
Published: December 2017

A full methodology including a multi-isotopic approach coupled with depth-dependent groundwater sampling is here reported to investigate the occurrence of ammonium natural attenuation. Examples from three hydrogeological settings, representative of different environmental issues in relation to nitrate and ammonium pollution are here reported: a septic system plume (SSP), where the discharging effluent composition into a shallow aquifer is dominantly ammonium-based; a Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem (GDE), where river waters are impacted by upwelling of anthropogenic and natural ammonium negatively affecting the ecosystem’s functionality, and an alluvial coastal aquifer (ACA) affected by abnormal natural ammonium concentrations along with a high content of other undesired compounds. Several sampling methodologies were applied for depth-dependent groundwater sampling such as multi-level nested wells, straddle packers system, and common long screen wells. Such detailed sampling techniques were coupled with a multi-isotopic approach. Environmental isotopes (δ18O and δD in H2O) were used to gain insights into the hydrogeological flow system while other stable isotopes δ15NNH4, δ15NNO3, δ18ONO3 were purposefully applied for the identification of N compounds’ source(s), fate and processes. In addition, δ34SSO4, δ18OSO4, and δ13CDIC were proposed as tools for understanding the potential attenuation processes in relation to the other biogeochemical cycles. Tritium data was also applied for recharge rate and groundwater residence time estimation. The adopted approach helped reaching site-specific insights into the hydrogeological and geochemical conceptual models. In SSP, the isotopic evidence of anammox occurrence, together with denitrification and nitrification processes, result to be responsible of the 60-80% of the total N removal at the distal portion of the plume; in GDE, ammonium and nitrate, coming mainly from agricultural practices, affect the deep and the shallow flow systems. Ammonium results to be locally attenuated by dilution and nitrification. In ACA, the major ammonium pool derives from the low-lying aquitard as a biogenic source while anthropogenic minor inputs (NH4+ and NO3 -) from the shallow circulation in the aquifer were also identified. NH4+ resulted attenuated by transport processes and partial nitrification processes. Moreover, by the use of a multiisotope approach sound evidence of the anaerobic oxidation of methane coupled with SO42- reduction has been arisen. The overview provided by the proposed case studies put emphasis on the importance of the identification of reliable conceptual models which cluster physical patterns (e.g. groundwater flow) together with chemical and isotopic data, representing a fundamental step in the integration of the groundwater and the nitrogen cycles, thereby of high concern for sustainable water management and best practices.
IAH “G.M. Zuppi” PhD Award 2017
Authors: Re Viviana
Published: December 2017

Not available.
Passive protection against anthrax in mice with plasma derived from horses hyper-immunized againstBacillus anthracisSterne strain
Authors: Caldwell Marc , Hathcock Terri , Brock Kenny V.
Published: December 2017

In this study, equine source polyclonal anti-Bacillus anthracisimmunoglobulins were generated and utilized to demonstrate passive protection of mice in a lethal challenge assay. Four horses were hyper-immunized withB. anthracisSterne strain for approximately one year. The geometric mean anti-PA titer in the horses at maximal response following immunization was 1:77,936 (Log2 mean titer 16.25, SEM ± 0.25 95% CI [15.5 –17.0]). The geometric mean neutralizing titer at maximal response was 1:128 (Log2 mean titer 7, SEM ± 0.0, 95% CI 7). Treatment with hyper-immune plasma or purified immunoglobulins was successful in passively protecting A/J mice from a lethalB. anthracisSterne strain challenge. The treatment of mice with hyper-immune plasma at time 0 h and 24 h post-infection had no effect on survival, but did significantly increase mean time to death (p < 0.0001). Mice treated with purified immunoglobulins at time 0 h and 24 h post-infection in showed significant increase in survival rate (p < 0.001). Bacterial loads in lung, liver and spleen tissue were also assessed and were not significantly different in mice treated with hyper-immune plasma from placebo treated control mice. Mice treated with purified antibodies demonstrated mean colony forming units/gram tissue fourfold less than mice receiving placebo treatment (p < 0.0001). Immunotherapeutics harvested from horses immunized againstB. anthracisSterne strain represent a rapidly induced, inexpensive and effective expansion to the arsenal of treatments against anthrax.
MÉXICO FRENTE AL DERECHO HUMANO A LA LIBERTAD DE CONCIENCIA Y DE RELIGIÓN*: ESTÁNDARES DE PROTECCIÓN EN SEDE NACIONAL E INTERAMERICANA
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de México, Morales Sánchez Julieta
Published: December 2017

En México, más del 95% de la población profesa alguna religión. El marco constitucional, desde la promulgación de las Normas Fundamentales de 1857, 1917 y sus reformas, han planteado la base para el desarrollo de la laicidad y la libertad religiosa. México se reconoció como una nación laica cuyo proceso de secularización buscaba, ante todo, la igualdad de las personas frente al Estado. El objetivo del presente texto es mostrar el contexto mexicano y el marco jurídico que pretende proteger el libre y pleno ejercicio de la libertad religiosa en una realidad que engloba una diversidad de religiones, cultos y conciencias. Aún falta tiempo para superar la intolerancia religiosa que prevalece y para lograr que aquella libertad sea plenamente garantizada a toda persona. El Estado mexicano cuenta con un bagaje jurisprudencial suficiente para prevenir cualquier intervención que afecte el desarrollo del Estado Democrático de Derecho, pero aún se requiere consolidar la garantía de este derecho y su progresividad
Synthesis of Two Lead Complexes of Propellant Stabilizer Compounds: In Pursuit of Novel Propellant Additives
Authors: Lundell Carl E. , O'Sullivan Owen T. , Gau Michael R. , Zdilla Michael J.
Published: December 2017

Two lead complexes, Tetrakis(μ3‐(4‐methyl‐3‐nitrophenyl imido lead (II))) 1, and Bis(2‐nitrodiphenyl amido lead(II)) 2, were prepared by protolysis of bis(bis(trimethylsilyl)amido)lead(II) with two compounds relevant to double‐base propellant stabilizers: 2‐nitrodiphenylamine (NDPA) and 4‐methyl‐3‐nitroaniline. Crystal structures were determined as tetrahydrofuran solvates, and exhibit a number of unusual geometric features, including low lead coordination number. Heats of combustion and formation were determined using bomb calorimetry and converted to energy density using crystallographic densities. Compound 1 has an energy density of 30 MJ/L, whereas 2 was 38.2 MJ/L.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2012
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2012: X reports on China - Certain Measures Affecting Electronic Payment Services (WT/DS413).
Dispute Settlement Reports 2007
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. Among others, DSR 2007: IV reports on Mexico – Anti-Dumping Duties on Steel Pipes and Tubes from Guatemala and Brazil – Measures Affecting Imports of Retreaded Tyres.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2007
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. Among others, DSR 2007: X reports on United States – Sunset Reviews of Anti-Dumping Measures on Oil Country Tubular Goods from Argentina, United States – Measures Relating to Zeroing and Sunset Reviews and United States – Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2005
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2005:IX reports on European Communities - Protection of Trademarks and Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs: Complaint by the United States.