bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managerial interpersonal competencies and the performance of family- and non-family-owned small and medium-sized enterprises in Zimbabwe and South Africa
Authors: Mashavira Nhamo , Chipunza Crispen , Dzansi Dennis Y.
Published: September 2019

Orientation: Regardless of the contribution done by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in modern economies, and the critical role managerial interpersonal competencies play in sustaining these enterprises, no known comparative study has been conducted in SMEs in developing economies.Research purpose: This study purposed to establish the impact of managerial interpersonal competencies on SME performance as measured by innovation and return on investment (ROI) in both family-owned SMEs (FOSMEs) and non-family-owned SMEs (NFOSMEs) in Zimbabwe and South Africa.Motivations for the study: Efforts at understanding managerial competencies and firm performance among SMEs have taken a holistic approach, using all known managerial competencies; yet, recently, there is acknowledgement that interpersonal competencies are more effective in business sustainability than other competencies. With this observation, the need to extent this finding in other contexts among FOSMEs and NFOSMEs in developing countries becomes apparent.Research approach/design and method: The study whose design was a descriptive comparative case study adopted a quantitative approach.Main findings: The study found a positive and significant relationship between managerial interpersonal competencies and firm performance as measured by innovation and ROI in FOSMEs in both countries.Practical/managerial implications: NFOSMEs may need to focus their training on interpersonal competencies for managers in order to be sustainable. For FOSMEs, continuous enhancement of managerial interpersonal competencies is important as it promotes innovation and business sustainability.Contribution/value-add: The study helps fill the lacuna between research and practice with respect to managerial interpersonal competencies in FOSMEs and NFOSMEs in the two countries.
Pregnant women admitted with urinary tract infections to a public sector hospital in South Africa: Are there lessons to learn?
Authors: Kamgang Francois , Maise Hopolang , Moodley Jagidesa
Published: September 2019

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is associated with poor maternal and foetal outcomes. There is little information on UTI in pregnancy in South Africa. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of UTI admissions of pregnant women admitted to a public health facility; and, to describe the outcomes of pregnancies complicated by UTI in our study population. Methods: A retrospective chart review of pregnant women admitted with the diagnosis of UTI during the period of 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012 was conducted. A midstream urine sample of women admitted with symptoms suggestive of UTI was collected for culture. The diagnosis was confirmed if the culture was positive. The data was analysed using SPSS version 21 and descriptive statistics, viz. percentages, frequency and means were estimated. Results: Of 9,881 admissions, 494 (5%) had a diagnosis of UTI based on clinical features. Sixty had positive cultures and were confirmed as having UTI. Women with UTI had high rates of preterm ruptured membranes (n = 5, 8.3%), preterm deliveries (n = 19, 31.6%), anaemia (n = 26, 43.3%) and renal impairment (n = 4, 6.6%). Two cases of pyelonephritis required admission to an ICU because they developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. The most common pathogen isolated using cultures was Escherichia coli (n = 24, 40%). Only 10% had repeat urine cultures. Conclusion: UTI represents 5% of admissions at the study site. This study highlights the need to improve the quality of care of pregnant women with UTI.
Incidence and pattern of tuberculosis treatment success rates in different levels of the human development index: a global perspective
Authors: Khazaei Salman , Rezaeian Shahab , Baigi Vali , Saatchi Mohammad , Molaeipoor Leila , Khazaei Zaher
Published: September 2019

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate remains a public health challenge in many developed and developing countries. The correlation between the incidence and pattern of TB and the Human Development Index (HDI) has not been globally determined. This study aimed to determine the correlation between incidence and pattern of TB treatment success rates and HDI around the world.Methods: In this global perspective, we used data on incidence and treatment success rates of TB and HDI from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Bank, respectively.Results: The highest estimated incidence and lower treatment success rates of TB were restricted to countries with low HDIs. Life expectancy, education level, gross national income, HDI, and urbanisation were significantly associated with both TB incidence and treatment success rates.Conclusion: Patterns in TB incidence and treatment success rates are correlated with Human Development Indices. In addition to following WHO strategies, policy makers need to focus on the social and environmental determinants in order to reduce the TB burden, particularly in low income countries.
Uptake and cost of influenza vaccines in a private health insured South African population
Authors: Solanki Geetesh , Cornell Morna , Lalloo Ratilal
Published: September 2019

Background: Influenza vaccination is regarded as the most effective form of prevention and is particularly recommended for individuals at increased risk of developing severe influenza. Data on uptake (coverage) and costs in South Africa are limited.Methods: This study examined influenza vaccination uptake amongst South African private health insurance scheme members. All claims received for services rendered in 2015 were collated at an individual level and the claims related to the provision of influenza vaccines were analysed.Results: Of the almost 520 000 members, overall 5.0% (95% CI 4.9%; 5.1%) received the influenza vaccine in 2015. Priority risk groups such as pregnant women, older adults and those with a medical condition were significantly more likely to be vaccinated, as were members belonging to insurance schemes that offered a specific influenza vaccine benefit. The average cost of providing the vaccination was R350.Conclusions: Influenza vaccination coverage was low in this privately insured population. There were more members vaccinated in the priority risk groups. There is an urgent need to implement strategies to increase this coverage in privately insured South Africans.
Colistin-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii as a cause of Neonatal Ventriculitis
Authors: Mahabeer Prasha , Mzimela Bongani W. , Lawler Melissa A. , Singh-Moodley Ashika , Singh Radhika , Mlisana Koleka P.
Published: September 2019

Acinetobacter baumannii causes invasive paediatric infections, including bacteraemia and meningitis, but neonatal meningitis and ventriculitis is uncommon. The treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter infections often relies on colistin, a polymyxin antibiotic, as a last resort. Increased use of this drug has led to the emergence of colistin resistance. An unusual case of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ventriculitis in a premature neonate managed with intraventricular colistin is described.
Modified product estimator under two–phase sampling
Authors: Kamba Adamu Isah , Adewara Amos Adedayo , Ahmed Audu
Published: September 2019

In this paper, modification of product estimator under two-phase sampling was suggested. The modified product estimator was obtained through transformation in two cases using sample mean of auxiliary variables. Case one was when the second sample was drawn from the first sample while case two was when the second sample was drawn from the population. The bias and mean square error (MSE) of the modified product estimator was obtained. The theoretical and numerical validity of the modified product estimator under the two cases were determined to show it superiority to some considered existing product estimators. Numerical results shows that the modified product estimator under the two cases were more efficient than the considered existing estimators.Keywords: Product estimator, Two-Phase Sampling, Bias, Mean Square Error
Assessment of irrigation water qualities of Abak River, Abak, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Udom E.A. , Ekpo A.E. , Oluka S.I.
Published: September 2019

Irrigated agriculture is dependent on an adequate water supply of usable quality. Since water quality is very important for any intended use, the Abak River water which is used for irrigation by the Cross River Basin Development Authority and the rural communities around the river bank was assessed for irrigation purposes. The River water samples were assessed for four months (from November, 2016 to February, 2017 for its irrigation water qualities. The water samples were analyzed for major cations: Na+, Ca2+,K+,Mg2+ and anions: Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-, CO32- and NO3.The important constituents that influence the water quality for irrigation such as Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), Permeability Index (PI), Kelly’s Ratio (KR), Residual Sodium Bicarbonate (RSBC), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), (RSC) Residual Sodium Carbonate and Potential Salinity (PS) were assessed and compared with standard limits. The values of Sodium Adsorption Ratio (0.4 to 0.64), Soluble Sodium Percentage (28.16 to 34.68%), Residual Sodium Bicarbonate (2.82 to 3.15 meq/L), Permeability Index (3.20 to 3.98%), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (77.78 to 87.59%), Kelly’s Ratio (0.13 to 0.161 meq/L), Electrical Conductivity (20.5 to 22.5 μs/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (10.20 to 12.60 Mg/l) Residual Sodium Carbonate (0.298 to 0.8 meq/L) and Potential Salinity (1.09 – 1.358 meq/L) were found to be within the safe limits and thus suitable for irrigation purposes, except MAR which is above 50% the safe limit. The river water will thus cause neither salinity hazard nor has an adverse effect on the soil properties of the study area or on crops.Keywords: Abak River, Water Quality Irrigation, Parameters, Assessment
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among dyspepsia patients in Calabar
Authors: Mbang Kooffreh-Ada , Uchenna Okonkwo , Emmanuel Ugbong , Aniekan Essien , Evaristus Chukwudike , Donald Edogiawerie , Ogbu Ngim
Published: September 2019

Helicobacter pylori is an ubiquitous organism. It is estimated that more than 50% of the world’s population is infected with the bacteria. The infection is typically acquired in infancy and has been associated with poor living conditions and low socio-economic status. Once helicobacter pylori is acquired, it commonly persists lifelong unless treated. This pathogen has been implicated as a major aetiologic agent in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease and is an established carcinogen. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection among our dyspeptic patients. This was a retrospective study conducted from April 2014 to December 2018. A total of one hundred and fifteen (115) patients who had symptoms of dyspepsia were recruited within this period of time. The presence of helicobacter pylori was determined using urea breath test. The results showed that 42.6% of the patients were positive for helicobacter pylori, while 51.3% of patients had a negative result. A borderline result was seen in 6.1% of patients. The mean age of the studied population was 45.10 years (SD= 12.55), with most patients aged between 41-60 years. This study showed no sex predilection, with an equal sex distribution of the study participants. Reports from other parts of the country also found the prevalence of helicobacter pylori to be highest in individuals between the 4th and 5th decade of life. This study concluded that the prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection is relatively high among patients with dyspepsia in South South Nigeria.Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, dyspepsia, urea breath test, South South Nigeria
Clinical Assessment, Risk Factors, and Classification of Diabetic Foot: An Overview
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Mathur SK , Tanwar Milind , Singh Bikramjeet
Published: September 2019

Diabetes mellitus is one of the commonest medical conditions prevalent all over the globe. This is associated with many complications due to its progressive involvement of various organ systems. The basic mechanism includes gradual onset of neuropathies, vasculopathies, retinopathies, reduced immune systems, and thus increased incidence of infections. Foot involvement is quite common in diabetics. This should be prevented and treated early with a team approach. Every effort should be made to prevent ulcer formation and further complications like deep-seated infection and gangrene. For proper understanding, the basic concepts regarding the risk factors, pathogenesis, classification, and proper assessment/examination are of paramount importance. This study outlines these aspects, which will help in prevention of dreadful complications and early treatment of the diabetic foot.

How to cite this article

Kundu ZS, Tanwar M, Singh K, Singh B. Clinical Assessment, Risk Factors, and Classification of Diabetic Foot: An Overview. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia-Pacific) 2017;4(1):35-39.
The ice-nucleating ability of quartz immersed in water and its atmospheric importance compared to K-feldspar
Authors: Harrison Alexander D. , Lever Katherine , Sanchez-Marroquin Alberto , Holden Mark A. , Whale Thomas F. , Tarn Mark D. , McQuaid James B. , Murray Benjamin J.
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Mineral dust particles are thought to be an important type of
ice-nucleating particle (INP) in the mixed-phase cloud regime around the
globe. While K-rich feldspar (K-feldspar) has been identified as being a particularly
important component of mineral dust for ice nucleation, it has been shown
that quartz is also relatively ice-nucleation active. Given quartz typically
makes up a substantial proportion of atmospheric desert dust, it could
potentially be important for cloud glaciation. Here, we survey the
ice-nucleating ability of 10 α-quartz samples (the most common
quartz polymorph) when immersed in microlitre supercooled water droplets.
Despite all samples being α-quartz, the temperature at which they
induce freezing varies by around 12 ∘C for a constant active site
density. We find that some quartz samples are very sensitive to ageing in
both aqueous suspension and air, resulting in a loss of ice-nucleating
activity, while other samples are insensitive to exposure to air and water
over many months. For example, the ice-nucleation temperatures for one
quartz sample shift down by ∼2 ∘C in 1 h and
12 ∘C after 16 months in water. The sensitivity to water and air
is perhaps surprising, as quartz is thought of as a chemically resistant
mineral, but this observation suggests that the active sites responsible for
nucleation are less stable than the bulk of the mineral. We find that the
quartz group of minerals is generally less active than K-feldspars by
roughly 7 ∘C, although the most active quartz samples are of a
similar activity to some K-feldspars with an active site density,
ns(T), of 1 cm−2 at −9 ∘C. We also find that the freshly
milled quartz samples are generally more active by roughly 5 ∘C
than the plagioclase feldspar group of minerals and the albite end member
has an intermediate activity. Using both the new and literature data, active
site density parameterizations have been proposed for freshly milled quartz,
K-feldspar, plagioclase and albite. Combining these parameterizations with
the typical atmospheric abundance of each mineral supports previous work
that suggests that K-feldspar is the most important ice-nucleating mineral
in airborne mineral dust.
Multistatic meteor radar observations of gravity-wave–tidal interaction over southern Australia
Authors: Spargo Andrew John , Reid Iain Murray , MacKinnon Andrew David
Published: September 2019

Abstract. This paper assesses the ability of a recently installed 55 MHz multistatic
meteor radar to measure gravity-wave-driven momentum fluxes around the
mesopause and applies it in a case study of measuring gravity wave forcing on the diurnal tide during a period following the autumnal equinox of 2018. The radar considered is in the vicinity of Adelaide, South Australia
(34.9∘ S, 138.6∘ E), and consists of a monostatic radar and bistatic receiver separated by approximately 55 km. The assessment shows that the inclusion of the bistatic receiver reduces the relative uncertainty of the momentum flux estimate from about 75 % to 65 % (for a flux magnitude of ∼20 m2 s−2, 1 d's worth of integration, and for a gravity wave field synthesized from a realistic spectral model). This increase in precision appears to be entirely attributable to the increased number of meteor detections associated with the combined monostatic and bistatic receivers rather than changes in the meteors' spatial distribution. The case study reveals large modulations in the diurnal tidal amplitudes, with a maximum tidal amplitude of ∼50 m s−1 and an associated maximum zonal wind velocity of around 140 m s−1. While the observed gravity wave forcing exhibits a complex relationship with the tidal winds during this period, the components of the forcing are seen to be approximately out of phase with the tidal winds above 88 km. No clear phase relationship has been observed below 88 km.
Ocean phosphorus inventory: large uncertainties in future projections on millennial timescales and their consequences for ocean deoxygenation
Authors: Kemena Tronje P. , Landolfi Angela , Oschlies Andreas , Wallmann Klaus , Dale Andrew W.
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Previous studies have suggested that enhanced weathering and benthic
phosphorus (P) fluxes, triggered by climate warming, can increase the
oceanic P inventory on millennial timescales, promoting ocean productivity
and deoxygenation. In this study, we assessed the major uncertainties in
projected P inventories and their imprint on ocean deoxygenation using an
Earth system model of intermediate complexity for the same business-as-usual
carbon dioxide (CO2) emission scenario until the year 2300 and
subsequent linear decline to zero emissions until the year 3000. Our set of
model experiments under the same climate scenarios but differing in their
biogeochemical P parameterizations suggest a large spread in the simulated
oceanic P inventory due to uncertainties in (1) assumptions for weathering
parameters, (2) the representation of bathymetry on slopes and shelves in
the model bathymetry, (3) the parametrization of benthic P fluxes and (4) the representation of sediment P inventories. Considering the weathering
parameters closest to the present day, a limited P reservoir and prescribed
anthropogenic P fluxes, we find a +30 % increase in the total global
ocean P inventory by the year 5000 relative to pre-industrial levels, caused
by global warming. Weathering, benthic and anthropogenic fluxes of P
contributed +25 %, +3 % and +2 %, respectively. The total range
of oceanic P inventory changes across all model simulations varied between
+2 % and +60 %. Suboxic volumes were up to 5 times larger than in a
model simulation with a constant oceanic P inventory. Considerably large
amounts of the additional P left the ocean surface unused by phytoplankton
via physical transport processes as preformed P. In the model, nitrogen
fixation was not able to adjust the oceanic nitrogen inventory to the
increasing P levels or to compensate for the nitrogen loss due to increased
denitrification. This is because low temperatures and iron limitation
inhibited the uptake of the extra P and growth by nitrogen fixers in polar
and lower-latitude regions. We suggest that uncertainties in P weathering,
nitrogen fixation and benthic P feedbacks need to be reduced to achieve more
reliable projections of oceanic deoxygenation on millennial timescales.
Novel index to comprehensively evaluate air cleanness: the Clean
aIr Index
Authors: Sato Tomohiro O. , Kuroda Takeshi , Kasai Yasuko
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Air quality on our planet has been changing in particular since the industrial revolution (1750s) because of anthropogenic emissions. It is becoming increasingly important to visualize air cleanness, since clean air deserves a valuable resource as clean water. We defined a novel concept, namely Clean aIr Index, CII, to quantify the level of air cleanness in terms of a global standard. The CII is a simple index defined by the normalization of the amount of individual air pollutants. A CII value of 1 indicates completely clean air (no air pollutants), and 0 indicates the presence of air pollutants up to numerical environmental criteria for the normalization. In this time, the air pollutants used in the CII were taken from the Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) set by the World Health Organization (WHO), namely O3, particulate matters, NO2 and SO2. We chose Japan as a study area to evaluate CII because of the following reasons: i) accurate validation data, as the in situ observation sites of the Atmospheric Environmental Regional Observation System (AEROS) provide highly accurate values of air pollutant amounts, ii) obvious numerical criteria, namely the Japanese Environmental Quality Standards given by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). We quantified air cleanness in terms of the CII for the all 1896 municipalities in Japan, and used Seoul and Beijing to evaluate Japanese air cleanness. The amount of each air pollutant was calculated using a model that combined the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) models for 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2017. The CII values were validated by comparing the WRF-CMAQ model and AEROS measurements for selected six cities, and an average correlation coefficient of >0.61 was obtained. The CII value of Tokyo averaged for the study period was 0.75, which was 1.2 and 1.9 times higher than that of Seoul (0.64) and Beijing (0.39), respectively. The extremely clean air, CII > 0.93, occurred around west of the Pacific coast, i.e., Kochi, Mie and Wakayama Prefectures, and southern remote islands of Tokyo during summer with transport of clean air from the ocean. The average CII value for the all Japanese municipalities was 0.78 over the study period. We presented Top 100 clean air cities in Japan using the CII. We confirmed that the CII enabled the quantitative evaluation of air cleanness. The CII can be useful value, for example, for encouraging sightseeing and migration, as tasty air, insurance company business, and city planning. The CII is a simple and fair index that can be applied to all nations.
Efficient multi-objective calibration and uncertainty analysis of distributed snow simulations in rugged alpine terrain
Authors: Thornton James M. , Mariethoz Gregoire , Brauchli Tristan J. , Brunner Philip
Published: September 2019

Abstract. In steep and complex mountainous terrain, robust simulations of snow accumulation and ablation are crucial to a wide range of applications, especially those related to hydrology and ecology. Whilst new opportunities exist to integrate high-resolution spatio-temporal observations in the estimation of uncertain parameters in (a.k.a. “calibration” of) sophisticated, process-rich snow models, they have not yet been fully exploited. Here, with a view towards improving representations of snow and ultimately meltwater dynamics in rugged topography, a novel approach to the calibration of a high-resolution energy balance-based snow model that additionally accounts for gravitational snow redistribution is presented. Several important but uncertain parameters are estimated using an efficient, gradient-based method with respect to two complementary types of snow observations – snow extent maps derived from Landsat 8 images, and snow water equivalent (SWE) time-series reconstructed at two contrasting locations. When assessed on a per-pixel basis over 17 days that together encompass practically the full range of possible snow cover conditions, snow patterns were reproduced with a mean accuracy of 85 %. The spatial performance metrics obtained compare favourably with those previously reported, whilst the temporal evolution of SWE at the stations was also satisfactorily simulated. Uncertainty and data worth analyses revealed that: i) the propensity for model predictions to be erroneous was substantially reduced by the calibration process, ii) pre-calibration uncertainty was largely associated with two parameters that were introduced to modify the longwave component of the energy balance, but this uncertainty was greatly diminished by calibration, and iii) the lower elevation SWE time-series was particularly valuable despite the comparatively small number of observations at this site. Alongside a gridded snowmelt dataset, commensurate estimates of firn melt, ice melt, liquid precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration were also produced. Our study demonstrates the growing potential of combining observation technologies and state-of-the-art inverse approaches to both constrain and quantify the uncertainty associated with simulations of alpine snow dynamics.
Heteropagus Twins with Hepatobiliary and Gastrointestinal Connectedness and Complex Cardiac Malformation in Autosite
Authors: Teel Aaron , Kwan Benjamin , Bhaduri Mousumi
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Heteropagus twins are a set of conjoined twins with one being grossly abnormal, the ‘parasite’, and the other being relatively normal, the ‘autosite’.

Case Report: A pair of heteropagus twins were initially identified on prenatal ultrasound and subsequently confirmed using prenatal MRI at 25 weeks gestational age. Prenatal imaging identified supernumerary limbs, accessory small bowel loops in the parasitic twin, a hypoplastic left heart in the right hemithorax of the autosite, and a shared liver and bowel between the two. Delivery occurred at 38 + 5 weeks gestation via C-section with an APGAR score of 9/9 for the autosite at both 1 and 5 minutes. MRI confirmed an interconnected autosite-parasite liver that was herniating into the left hemithorax as well as continuous autosite-parasite bowel loops. The patient underwent surgical management including resection of the parasitic twin and repair of the congenital heart defect and is now thriving.

Discussion: Heteropagus twins include a spectrum of clinical entities from nonconjoined twins to intact conjoined twins. The predominant theory regarding etiology is an incomplete cleavage of a monozygotic embryo at approximately 2 weeks gestation. Following differentiation, ischemia-induced atrophy leads to the embryonic death of the parasite and hemodynamic changes in the autosite to support parasite tissues. The use of antenatal and postnatal imaging is crucial in establishing the diagnosis, management plan, and longterm prognosis secondary to the congenital cardiac malformations and degree of interconnectedness.

Conclusion: This is the first reported case of heteropagus twins with co-existing hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal continuity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: a debilitating battle with the human immune system
Authors: Surmanski Anette
Published: September 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks different regions of the body, notably joints in the hands, knees, elbows, and feet. As a result, these regions become inflamed and lead to pain, swelling, and subsequent joint damage. This can affect daily activities, mental well-being, quality of life, and may decrease expected life span. As of today, there is no cure for RA and its etiology remains elusive. RA is classified using the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) Criteria and treated according to the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) Guidelines, which mainly focus on pharmacological interventions. Three classes of pharmaceutical agents havebeen effective in treating RA symptoms - disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including conventional synthetic and advanced therapeutics (eg biologics, JAK inhibitors), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids. DMARDs, specifically methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine, are usually used early to treat the underlying course of the disease. However, potential adverse drug reactions may cause some patients to discontinue or experience lack of benefit over time. Non-traditional therapy, such as diet modification, physical activity, and mindfulness-based stress reduction activities, may be adjunctive treatment for pain, fatigue, and overall mental health. Nevertheless, finding optimal treatments remains largely empirical and patient-specific. A better understanding of RA progression is needed to accurately treat the underlying disease, while improving symptoms and minimizing adverse effects. An integrated approach that incorporates both pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies may provide more comprehensive management of RA.
Measuring Mood in Rodents
Authors: Zmavc Katrina , Kramar Cecilia P
Published: September 2019

Mood disorders - depression in particular - affect a large percentage of the population and account for a large part of worldwide burden both on a health and economic basis. Animal models are essential for expanding scientific knowledge of these disorders as they allow for specific and precise manipulations of the brain that are not possible in humans. However, because of the complexity and individual variability of depression, developing and assessing appropriate animal models is a major challenge. To further understand the causes of this variability, there has been an increased interest in the neurological underpinnings of the illness. This review will discuss the techniques used to assess and measure depression-like phenotypes in animals as well as models of the illness and tasks used to measure behavioural phenotypes. There has been increasing precision and sophistication in the development of animal models, from lesion to transgenic models, and advances in tasks from basic aversive tasks to more advanced touchscreen tasks. This review explores the use of animal models for depression and argues that touchscreen tasks may be better suited for assessing and measuring depression-like behaviour in rodent models as these tasks are less aversive, more translatable, and potentially more powerful in detecting subtle differences across treatment groups.
Post-Foundation Students’ Perceived Difficulties of an In-House Entry Test in the Context of Technological Education in Oman
Authors: Samaranayake Sarath W. , Gabayno Joaquin Jr.
Published: September 2019

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated why a large number of test takers show a low performance in four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) offered in an entry test used by a College of Technology in Oman to place students in advanced diploma and bachelor’s degree programs. The main research question was meant to find out what difficulties the test takers face in the three tests (Listening, reading and writing) in two semesters. The study analyzed the entry test results for two semesters including a survey results obtained from the test takers regarding the difficulties experienced by them in the three tests and an analysis of writing answer scripts. The findings indicate that most test takers were not qualified enough to pursue their studies in the advanced diploma or bachelor’s degree programs due to their low performance in the entry test. The findings, moreover, suggest that the current placement test poses difficulties for most test takers. Therefore, based on the findings, the possible reasons for the low performance of the test takers and the fairness of the entry test are explicitly discussed and finally, suggestions and recommendations for addressing the issue of the current entry test are offered.
Educação Ambiental e Justiça Social: reflexões em tempos de solidão democrática
Authors: Pereira Vilmar Alves , Freire Simone Grohs
Published: September 2019

O presente texto busca refletir, criticamente, a partir da Educação Ambiental Crítica, acerca da concepção de Justiça Social. Para tanto, propõe-se trazer ao debate uma perspectiva histórico-política da democracia e da cidadania no cenário brasileiro, como possibilidades não apenas de compreensão do atual cenário posto, como também de uma releitura das relações socioambientais, que definem a realidade contemporânea. Este diálogo tem como base a concepção hermenêutica de Gadamer, enquanto um processo universal do compreender que problematiza o ‘não-dito’, oferecendo uma perspectiva de abertura, para que possamos pensar sobre nós mesmos e sobre qual é o nosso lugar no mundo. Espera-se, ao final, ter promovido um repensar crítico e dialógico acerca da realidade, para que se possa agir em busca de uma justiça social ainda tão negada.
La gramática movimentista durante el giro a la izquierda: El caso de Argentina
Authors: Natalucci Ana
Published: September 2019

Durante el giro a la izquierda uno de los cambios producidos tuvo relación con la capacidad articulatoria de los gobiernos. En Argentina, estos cambios se expresaron en la recreación de la gramática movimentista de acción que implicó la conformación de un movimiento político entre la elite, organizaciones sociales y sindicales. El objetivo de este ensayo es analizar esa capacidad de articulación política, atendiendo a la formación y consolidación del vínculo entre el kirchnerismo y las organizaciones. El argumento central es que esa gramática se constituyó en 2003, se consolidó entre 2007 y 2010 y fue desarticulándose desde 2010. Las organizaciones y la elite tenían consensos estratégicos y programáticos, pero esta mantuvo una lógica de concentración del poder, por lo que la gramática movimentista tuvo una baja institucionalización. Este ensayo reúne las conclusiones de un proyecto internacional cuyo objetivo fue analizar el fin del giro a la izquierda en América Latina.
Ni pobre diabla, ni candy: Violencia de género del reggaetón
Authors: Arévalo Karina , Chellew Emilia , Figueroa-Cofré Isabel , Arancibia-Villablanca Adonai , Schmied Simone
Published: September 2019

El presente estudio analiza la evolución de cinco tipos de violencia de género (i.e., física, sexual, económica, simbólica, y psicológica) en las letras de las canciones de reggaetón más populares en América Latina entre los años 2004 y 2017. Así, esta investigación muestra los resultados de un estudio de carácter longitudinal basado en un análisis cuantitativo sobre la violencia de género. Los resultados muestran que, pese a las transformaciones de las sociedades latinoamericanas, la magnitud global de la violencia de género en el reggaetón no parece ir disminuyendo a lo largo del tiempo pues, aunque la violencia sexual y física disminuyen, la violencia simbólica y psicológica han ido en aumento.
El papel de las emociones en la defensa del medioambiente: Un enfoque sociológico
Authors: Poma Alice
Published: September 2019

El objetivo del presente artículo es proporcionar conocimiento sobre el papel de las emociones en la defensa del medioambiente a través del análisis de dos conflictos socioambientales en dos de las áreas urbanas más grandes de México: la Ciudad de México y la Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara. La comparación de dos casos de estudio permite destacar algunos patrones comunes que emergieron del análisis de los datos cualitativos recopilados a través de observación participante, entrevistas en profundidad y grupos focales entre 2015 y 2018. Con base en la literatura sobre movimientos sociales y emociones, se mostrará cómo los apegos al lugar, vinculados con valores biosféricos, al interactuar con los compromisos afectivos y las emociones morales, permiten comprender lo que mueve lo sujetos a defender el medio ambiente.
Sitios prioritarios para la recuperación de bosque nativo intervenido en la Región de Los Ríos, Chile
Authors: Lizana Carolina A. , Gutiérrez Álvaro G.
Published: September 2019

El bosque templado lluvioso valdiviano es considerado una de las ecorregiones más relevantes a nivel mundial debido a su importancia biológica. Sin embargo, sus bosques han sido constantemente sometidos a intervenciones antropogénicas, afectando su funcionalidad, composición y estructura, llevándolo a ser altamente prioritario de recuperar. Debido a lo anterior, se determinaron zonas prioritarias para la recuperación de bosque nativo intervenido del bosque templado lluvioso valdiviano en la Región de Los Ríos. En primera instancia, se realizó una revisión de criterios ecológicos discutidos en la literatura, los cuales fueron seleccionados según su aplicabilidad al área de
estudio y a la disponibilidad de coberturas para su espacialización. Posteriormente, tales criterios se valoraron y jerarquizaron mediante la aplicación de cuestionarios a diferentes expertos en ecología y conservación de bosques nativos. Luego, esta información fue integrada a un modelo de evaluación multicriterio a partir de sistemas de información geográfica, permitiendo generar un mapa de sitios prioritarios. De acuerdo con los juicios de expertos, los principales criterios son: riqueza de especies en categoría de conservación y el tamaño de la unidad de análisis. Se identificaron 31 sitios prioritarios, abarcando una superficie total de 6.582 hectáreas, concentrados en la comuna de Panguipulli. Finalmente, los sitios identificados proporcionan una primera aproximación para dirigir y evaluar acciones de recuperación. Sin embargo, para que estas acciones sean efectivas, se recomienda incorporar otras dimensiones, buscando soluciones locales, considerando una estrategia de financiamiento y la dinámica natural del bosque.
Errores frecuentes en el uso de la metodología de la investigación jurídica
Authors: Marín Vichis Rodrigo
Published: September 2019

Sobre la base de la experiencia de veinte años en la cátedra del Derecho y cuatro como sinodal de exámenes orales, este trabajo reflexiona sobre los principales errores metodológicos en la presentación de diversas investigaciones jurídicas. Las confusiones son variadas y elegidas al azar con fines ilustrativos a modo de ejemplificar situaciones cotidianas en el mundo del aprendizaje y la educación jurídica contemporánea, y se proponen algunas de las posibles soluciones a fallos comunes, como lo es obviar la metodología de la investigación jurídica con la deducción, confundir la técnica procesal con la metodología de la investigación jurídica, considerarla como un accesorio para el estudio, citar de modo erróneo las fuentes, apropiarse indebidamente de creaciones ideológicas ajenas, igualar la información falsa, desestimar las fuentes indirectas de información, reducir la investigación al conocimiento al disponible en línea y utilizar de modo parcial los navegadores en la búsqueda exclusiva de la jurisprudencia o los reglamentos de las dependencias de gobierno. Precisar estos errores pueden propiciar la mejora de la calidad de los estudios.
Una experiencia para el desarrollo de actitudes del «trabajo en equipos de abogados» para la litigación oral y escrita a través del aprendizaje cooperativo en la asignatura de Derecho Internacional Privado
Authors: Martínez Pérez Odette , Alzate Peralta Luis Alberto
Published: September 2019

El aprendizaje cooperativo es considerado por diversos autores como un método que permite desarrollar potencialidades para trabajar en equipo a través de una forma de organización social del grupo, la cual facilita que cada miembro del equipo despliegue habilidades, destrezas y valores basados en sus propias potencialidades, las mismas que han sido identificadas y maximizadas por el docente intencionadamente para

garantizar una correcta cohesión de equipo. Se realizó una experiencia en la asignatura de Derecho Internacional Privado, en la cual se evidencia, según las valoraciones del equipo metodológico, que los estudiantes desarrollaron habilidades en el discurso oral y escrito, mejorando a su vez las relaciones de interdependencia con sus pares con habilidades desarrolladas. Ellos se mostraron más responsables por el proceso de la tarea, por lo que se formaron aspectos personológicos fundamentales en el ejercicio del derecho.
Experiencia de evaluación continua en cursos del ciclo inicial en la carrera de Derecho de la Universidad Católica de Temuco
Authors: Cid Droppelmann Alejandra , Moya Figueroa Beatriz , Toledo Zúñiga Patricia , Quintano Méndez Felipe
Published: September 2019

El contexto actual en Educación Superior presenta diferencias que han incentivado a las instituciones a modificar sus formas de enseñanza, centrándolas en el estudiante. Si bien la formación de abogados no se encuentra ajena a estas transformaciones, sus modos de enseñanza aún están vinculadas prioritariamente hacia un enfoque tradicional, lo que se evidencia en sus mecanismos de evaluación. Ya que este es un elemento crítico, se realizó un pilotaje de evaluación continua en dos cursos de primer año de la carrera de Derecho de la Universidad Católica de Temuco y el presente estudio tiene por objeto evaluar su implementación. Para lograrlo, se analizaron las evaluaciones de los cursos con y sin la innovación por medio de una estadística descriptiva y otra correlacional. Además, se aplicaron dos cuestionarios con preguntas abiertas, uno al inicio y otro al final del semestre, enfocados en identificar la percepción de los estudiantes hacia la innovación. Los resultados denotan un mayor nivel de aprobación de los cursos con evaluación continua, con presencia de correlaciones entre evaluaciones que apuntan a habilidades de alto orden y al promedio final del curso. Finalmente, se identifica una percepción positiva de los estudiantes hacia la innovación
Gráfica caminante: el tatuaje como relato y el cuerpo como libro
Authors: Méndez Llopis Carles
Published: September 2019

El presente texto sigue la tradición de pensadores que ubican al cuerpo como problemática en el campo estético y nos obligan a concentrarnos en sus diferentes dimensiones y manifestaciones, donde la corporeidad implique vivencia tanto del hacer como del sentir y el pensar. Bajo esta perspectiva nos proponemos abordar las potencialidades del tatuaje como relato con el que representamos nuestra interioridad gráficamente sobre nuestra misma superficie, con la finalidad de establecer analogías con el concepto de edición. Esta suerte de gráfica viva será analizada a través de un acercamiento fenomenológico de los cuerpos diseñados, que se encamine a establecer relaciones entre la carne dibujada y la edición de un libro, a fin de posibilitar poéticamente la idea de cuerpo como libro, donde significado y significante formen parte del mismo tejido, donde el relato de la experiencia vivida ofrezca una suerte de presencia en la piel.
Relaciones Económicas entre Corea y los países miembros de la SIECA
Authors: Hong Seok-Hwa
Published: September 2019

Este trabajo de investigación tiene el propósito de abordar las relaciones económicas existentes entre la República de Corea y los países que conforman la Secretaría de Integración Económica Centroamericana (SIECA). En primer lugar, se aborda la situación que vivió la sociedad coreana después de su colonización y la Guerra de Corea, así como la estrategia que implementó el gobierno de ese momento para poder alcanzar su desarrollo y globalización de su economía, la cual puede servir como modelo para los países miembros de la SIECA. Posteriormente, la investigación se centra en las relaciones económicas que ha sostenido Corea con los países miembros de la Secretaría de Integración Económica y cómo éstas han contribuido al proceso de integración y al desarrollo de cada uno de los países miembros.
Reivindicación de lo afro en dos obras de Celeste Woss y Jaime Colson durante la construcción de la nacionalidad dominicana bajo la dictadura de Trujillo
Authors: García de Jesús Itzel
Published: September 2019

La construcción de la representación nacional atraviesa los distintos espacios sociales, entre ellos el cultural y el artístico. Si bien, la imagen de lo que representará a un país se desarrolla a través de un proyecto político específico, el cual solo incluye los aspectos que desea resaltar la élite política y donde intervienen intereses económicos, se presentan grupos que tratan de reivindicar a esa población negada e invisibilizada. En este sentido, el presente texto reflexiona sobre algunas obras del arte dominicano desarrollado durante y después del gobierno de Trujillo que, a pesar del contexto violento de la dictadura, plasman la cotidianidad y la sociedad que coexiste en el territorio dominicano, una sociedad heterogénea con diversas herencias culturales, como es el caso de “lo afro”.
A GEOGRAFIA FRANCESA NA OBRA OESTE: ENSAIO SOBRE A GRANDE PROPRIEDADE PASTORIL DE NELSON WERNECK SODRÉ
Authors: Martins Marco Túlio Túlio , Souza Rita de Cássia Martins
Published: September 2019

A partir das perspectivas dos estudos regionais, inspirados nas teorias de Vidal De La Blache, pode-se dizer que a obra “Oeste” de Nelson Werneck Sodré constitui-se em um estudo regional brasileiro. Esta obra teve respaldo na comunidade de geógrafos, sobretudo, geógrafos franceses que vieram para o Brasil fundar o curso de Geografia na Universidade de São Paulo na década de 1930. Uma destas figuras foi Pierre Monbeig, que trouxe para o Brasil a perspectiva dos estudos regionais, ou melhor, os estudos monográficos baseados na Geografia Regional lablachiana. Diante da proposta de Sodré no “Oeste” e suas intenções enquanto militar e intelectual na década de 1930, este trabalho demonstra como a obra analisada se enquadra no perfil da produção geográfica lablachiana e as intenções do autor, enquanto intelectual militar, de elaborar proposições para o projeto territorial brasileiro encaminhado pelas classes dominantes via Estado. A análise empreendida pelo autor sobre o território do “Oeste” por mais “ingênua” ou sem o devido aprofundamento, como o próprio Sodré já disse na sua memorialística, respaldou o discurso hegemônico de um período do processo histórico brasileiro, no qual, questões como integração territorial, centralização dos poderes, necessidade de desenvolver materialmente o país, necessidade de ocupar efetivamente o grande interior, questão fundiária, eram cruciais para colocar em ação, a integração territorial e a formação da identidade nacional brasileira.
A ATIVIDADE MINERÁRIA E SUA RELAÇÃO NO AUMENTO DA FRAGILIDADE AMBIENTAL NO MUNICÍPIO DE CORDEIRÓPOLIS/SP
Authors: Vieira Paulo Henrique , Alves da Silva Vieira Aline Cristina
Published: September 2019

Atualmente, a relação entre a sociedade e natureza vem sendo debatida amplamente em fóruns e congressos, principalmente, sobre os efeitos negativos que as atividades antrópicas causam ao meio ambiente. O homem explora os recursos naturais visando atender seus interesses e necessidades. Nesta conjuntura, encontra-se o objeto de estudo deste trabalho, o município de Cordeirópolis/SP, o qual se localiza na microrregião de Limeira e pertence ao polo cerâmico de Santa Gertrudes. Devido à presença deste complexo industrial, o objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a fragilidade ambiental do município em relação a mineração das indústrias cerâmicas. Visando atender tal objetivo adotou-se os seguintes procedimentos metodológicos: Revisão Bibliográfica; Aquisição dos dados cartográficos; Organização dos dados; Elaboração dos mapas temáticos (mapa de uso e ocupação das terras, mapa de declividade, mapa de geologia, mapa de pedologia e mapa de fragilidade ambiental); e por fim, trabalhos de campo na área de estudo. Dessa forma, o trabalho fez uma análise da fragilidade ambiental da mineração em Cordeirópolis/SP, propondo uma divisão do município em 5 classes de fragilidade (Muito Fraca, Fraca, Média, Forte e Muito Forte) e, assim, de acordo com os aspectos físicos e antrópicos, determinar a fragilidade dos locais às atividades minerárias. Desse modo, acredita-se que os resultados gerados no trabalho podem auxiliar na gestão e planejamento territorial de Cordeirópolis/SP.