bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for current recommendations concerning the management of foot health for people with chronic long‐term conditions: a systematic review
Authors: Edwards Katherine , Borthwick Alan , McCulloch Louise , Redmond Anthony , Pinedo‐Villanueva Rafael , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel , Judge Andrew , Arden Nigel , Bowen Catherine
Published: November 2017

Background

Research focusing on management of foot health has become more evident over the past decade, especially related to chronic conditions such as diabetes. The level of methodological rigour across this body of work however is varied and outputs do not appear to have been developed or translated into clinical practice. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the latest guidelines, standards of care and current recommendations relative to people with chronic conditions to ascertain the level of supporting evidence concerning the management of foot health.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, SCOPUS and The Cochrane Library) for literature on recommendations for foot health management for people with chronic conditions was performed between 2000 and 2016 using predefined criteria. Data from the included publications was synthesised via template analysis, employing a thematic organisation and structure. The methodological quality of all included publications was appraised using the Appraisal for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. A more in‐depth analysis was carried out that specifically considered the levels of evidence that underpinned the strength of their recommendations concerning management of foot health.

Results

The data collected revealed 166 publications in which the majority (102) were guidelines, standards of care or recommendations related to the treatment and management of diabetes. We noted a trend towards a systematic year on year increase in guidelines standards of care or recommendations related to the treatment and management of long term conditions other than diabetes over the past decade. The most common recommendation is for preventive care or assessments (e.g. vascular tests), followed by clinical interventions such as foot orthoses, foot ulcer care and foot health education. Methodological quality was spread across the range of AGREE II scores with 62 publications falling into the category of high quality (scores 6–7). The number of publications providing a recommendation in the context of a narrative but without an indication of the strength or quality of the underlying evidence was high (79 out of 166).

Conclusions

It is clear that evidence needs to be accelerated and in place to support the future of the Podiatry workforce. Whilst high level evidence for podiatry is currently low in quantity, the methodological quality is growing. Where levels of evidence have been given in in high quality guidelines, standards of care or recommendations, they also tend to be strong‐moderate quality such that further strategically prioritised research, if performed, is likely to have an important impact in the field.
Recent advances in managing septal defects: atrial septal defects
Authors: Rao P Syamasundar , Harris Andrea D
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this review is to discuss the management of atrial septal defects (ASD), paying particular attention to the most recent developments. There are four types of ASDs: ostium secundum, ostium primum, sinus venosus, and coronary sinus defects. The fifth type, patent foramen ovale—which is present in 25 to 30% of normal individuals and considered a normal variant, although it may be the seat of paradoxical embolism, particularly in adults—is not addressed in this review. The indication for closure of the ASDs, by and large, is the presence of right ventricular volume overload. In asymptomatic patients, the closure is usually performed at four to five years of age. While there was some earlier controversy regarding ASD closure in adult patients, currently it is recommended that the ASD be closed at the time of presentation. Each of the four defects is briefly described followed by presentation of management, whether by surgical or percutaneous approach, as the case may be. Of the four types of ASDs, only the ostium secundum defect is amenable to percutaneous occlusion. For ostium secundum defects, transcatheter closure has been shown to be as effective as surgical closure but with the added benefits of decreased hospital stay, avoidance of a sternotomy, lower cost, and more rapid recovery. There are several FDA-approved devices in use today for percutaneous closure, including the Amplatzer® Septal Occluder (ASO), Amplatzer® Cribriform device, and Gore HELEX® device. The ASO is most commonly used for ostium secundum ASDs, the Gore HELEX® is useful for small to medium-sized defects, and the cribriform device is utilized for fenestrated ASDs. The remaining types of ASDs usually require surgical correction. All of the available treatment modes are safe and effective and prevent the development of further cardiac complications.
Patients with uninjured lungs may also benefit from lung-protective ventilator settings
Authors: Alencar Roger , D'Angelo Vittorio , Carmona Rachel , Schultz Marcus J , Serpa Neto Ary
Published: November 2017

Although mechanical ventilation is a life-saving strategy in critically ill patients and an indispensable tool in patients under general anesthesia for surgery, it also acts as a double-edged sword. Indeed, ventilation is increasingly recognized as a potentially dangerous intrusion that has the potential to harm lungs, in a condition known as ‘ventilator-induced lung injury’ (VILI). So-called ‘lung-protective’ ventilator settings aiming at prevention of VILI have been shown to improve outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and, over the last few years, there has been increasing interest in possible benefit of lung-protective ventilation in patients under ventilation for reasons other than ARDS. Patients without ARDS could benefit from tidal volume reduction during mechanical ventilation. However, it is uncertain whether higher levels of positive end-expiratory pressure could benefit these patients as well. Finally, recent evidence suggests that patients without ARDS should receive low driving pressures during ventilation.
Agnus Dei cum labaro, czyli znak i herb Ormian polskich – dzieło Katarzyny Agopsowicz
Authors: Zięba Andrzej A.
Published: November 2017

Agnus Dei cum labaro – the Sign and Coat of Arms of Polish Armenians, the Work of Katarzyna Agopsowicz Armenian communities, which existing in Polish cities from the 14th to the 18th centuries, had the status of self-governments and as such used coats of arms. Most often it was a sign of a lamb with labarum (Agnus cum labaro). The same sign also repeated in the heraldry of noble gentry of Armenian origin, and was present in many artistic images and literary statements of Polish Armenians. Today the sign returned as the symbol of the group. On the occasion of the 650th anniversary of granting the Armenians the first privilege by King Casimir the Great (1367), Katarzyna Agopsowicz, graphic designer and the author of animated films of Armenian origin, developed a new versions of this sign and coat of arms, which constitutes her original reconstruction of historical symbols.
The Advising Palaver Hut: Case Study in West African Higher Education
Authors: Sy Jobila Williams
Published: November 2017

Although international research regarding advising is burgeoning, most of the research on the role of and advantages related to academic advising has been limited to U.S. colleges and universities. This ethnographic case study conducted at a Liberian university examined the organizational culture of advising from student, faculty, and staff perspectives after the establishment of the Student Academic Advisement and Career Counseling Center. The findings suggest two primary elements that shape the role of advising and college student experience: postwar challenges in Liberian higher education and the shifting perspective on student centeredness. As a result, these elements have redefined the preliminary role of the advising center into a concept referred to as the advising palaver hut.
Managing pupil behaviour
Authors: Solly Ben
Published: November 2017

SecEd's supply teaching series continues. This week, we offer advice on accessing high-quality professional development as a supply teacher, as well as some behaviour management guidance for those constantly working with new classes from school to school
Pathogens, vermin and strigoi: Contagion science and vampire myth in Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain
Authors: Echeverría Julia
Published: November 2017

The first season of Guillermo del Toro’s television series, The Strain (2014–present) ingeniously merges the classical Bram Stoker vampire legend with the virus outbreak narrative by means of familiar contagion imagery and clichés that include the premise of an infected airplane and the running-against-the-clock efforts of the CDC protagonist, Dr Goodweather. The series offers three complementary perspectives that broaden the scope of vampirism: the medical vision of the protagonist, who insists on treating the outbreak as if it were an infectious disease; the pest exterminator Vasily who refers to these beings as vermin and rat-people; and the mythical vampire approach of a Jewish Holocaust survivor who brands them strigoi. I argue that the epidemiological perspective introduced by del Toro provides verisimilitude to the vampire myth while at the same time introducing contemporary discourses of virality and adding dichotomies of purity and corruption. By exploring the use of the genre’s conventions in del Toro’s imaginative universe, I intend to prove how a television series can be the ideal medium for unfolding epidemic narratives.
Eficiencia del autotransporte de carga mexicano en el marco del comercio internacional: el caso del comercio de México con Canadá y Estados Unidos
Authors: Zamora-Torres América Ivonne , Mora-Zimbron Diana Areli
Published: November 2017

El autotransporte de carga en México, es un sector que maneja el 55% del comercio internacional mexicano y a pesar de su gran operativa comercial nacional e internacional no se cuentan con estrategias empresariales enfocadas a la generación de un sector eficiente. En la presente investigación se identificaron a partir de la revisión de literatura algunas variables que ayudarían a incrementar la eficiencia económica del autotransporte de carga mexicano con Canadá y Estados Unidos. La presente investigación descansa sobre la hipótesis de que la eficiencia del autotransporte mexicano de carga internacional, se encuentra determinada por las variables: Costos de Transporte, Calidad, Infraestructura Logística, Tecnologías de Información y Seguridad de la Cadena Logística. A fin de comprobar lo anterior se realizó un análisis de causalidad de Granger para el período 2004–2013 y un modelo de regresión (MCO) para el período 1995–2014. De acuerdo con las dos pruebas realizadas los costos y la infraestructura logística destacaron en los resultados obtenidos, como las variables más influyentes en el sector así como la existencia de un comportamiento positivo de las operaciones comerciales por medio del autotransporte de carga mexicano con Canadá y EE.UU., sobre todo con este último, a partir de la firma del TLCAN.
Compras y corrupción en el sector privado. Aplicación de las herramientas de la calidad a la gestión de adquisiciones de una organización educativa y propuestas de mejora
Authors: Ayala Flores Maria del Sol , Rezzoagli Bruno Ariel
Published: November 2017

El presente artículo aborda la problemática de la corrupción en el ámbito privado, con especial atención al proceso llevado a cabo por los diferentes tipos de organizaciones para la adquisición de recursos materiales (bienes, insumos, productos, etc.) en el marco de su giro o actividad habitual. Se parte de la hipótesis según la cual la falta de normas internas y de procedimientos en materia de compras a los que deban sujetarse los integrantes de una organización genera un potencial riesgo de prácticas desleales o de corrupción; por lo que se resalta la importancia de normar, unificar y organizar el comportamiento de toda organización, tomando como caso de estudio la Universidad de Durango Campus Morelia (UDCM). Atendiendo al caso de aplicación planteado, se propone un procedimiento general de adquisiciones para la Universidad, cuyo esquema nace del conocimiento y análisis de la información facilitada por los mismos directivos y empleados de dicha institución, de la observación directa y revisión de documentación pertinente y de la aplicación de las correspondientes herramientas de calidad: diagrama de afinidad, diagrama de relaciones y diagrama de árbol. Estas herramientas además de complementar el panorama que se visualiza de la organización en cuestión, permiten identificar las distintas estrategias para cumplir con el objetivo de mejorar la gestión de compras y reducir los riesgos de corrupción.
Necessity and problems of formation of alternative paradigm of the development of accounting science
Authors: Semanyuk Vita
Published: November 2017

The main research objective is to develop the theory of accounting for the conditions of forming post-industrial society solving research tasks, which concern the concept of accounting system of post-industrial type and the development of its main attributes. What will support the development of general theory and reveal accounting as a system of creating information resources at macro- and micro-levels. It will reflect the main principles and tasks of accounting in the light of modern development of economy, investigate the structure, elements and connections of the system, and define tasks, instruments and methods of each of subsystems of accounting.
Cardiovascular effects of small peptides of the renin angiotensin system
Authors: Moraes Patrícia L. , Kangussu Lucas M. , da Silva Luiz Gonzaga , Castro Carlos H. , Santos Robson A.S. , Ferreira Anderson J.
Published: November 2017

The renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is a unique hormonal cascade which is composed by multiple enzymes and effector peptides. Recently, new peptides presenting biological activity have been discovered, increasing the complexity of the RAS. Here, we evaluated the effects of small peptides of the RAS in coronary bed of rats. Firstly, we examined the direct effect of small angiotensinergic peptides [Angiotensin (Ang) ‐(1–5), Ang‐(1–4) Ang‐(1–3), and Ang‐(1–2)] in coronary vessels. Noteworthy, it was observed that Ang‐(1–4), Ang‐(1–3), and Ang‐(1–2) caused a significant reduction in pressure perfusion. Because Ang‐(1–2) was the smallest peptide tested and presented the major effect, we decided to investigate its mechanisms of action. The effect of Ang‐(1–2) was partially dependent on the Mas receptor, nitric oxide release and angiotensin‐converting enzyme. Importantly, Ang‐(1–2) reduced the blood pressure of Wistar rats and SHR. Interestingly, SHR presented a more pronounced decrease in blood pressure levels than Wistar rats. Altogether, these data showed that angiotensinergic small peptides hold biological activities in coronary bed of rats.
Language tests and neoliberalism in “global human resource” development: A case of Japanese Universities
Authors: Okuda Tomoyo
Published: November 2017

This study looks into the increasing emphasis on the use of language tests for global workplace preparation in Japan. It presents particular usages of English language tests in higher education curricula designed to foster “Global Human Resources” (GHRs), a special global workforce with high levels of English proficiency deemed necessary by the Japanese government. Focusing on a government-initiated five-year funding program, “The Project for Promotion of Global Human Resources”, government documents and the project planning sheets of 11 universities are analyzed to trace how language tests act as a form of governmentality (Foucault. 2007 [1977]. Security, territory, population: Lectures at the Collège de France, 1977–1978 (Trans. by Graham Burchell). New York: Palgrave Macmillan) to maximize the number of GHRs. I describe how language tests are used to portray a reality about the lack of English proficiency among Japanese youth, how they work as a powerful accountability measure for universities, and how these tests are incorporated into language education curricula with the goal of increasing students’ language capital. Three functions of language tests are then identified in the universities’ proposed curricula: motivating, categorizing, and prioritizing through testing. These governing techniques represent how language tests can work to promote neoliberal forms of international education that instrumentalize language learning, stimulate inequitable competition, and (un)reward certain global subjectivities.
Not all that vesicles is herpes
Authors: Gruhl Robert R. , Wu Andrew , Niermann Micah , Olson Andrew
Published: November 2017

Background:

Eczema coxsackium (EC) can manifest in patients with underlying atopic dermatitis (AD) as a diffuse vesicular rash in a febrile child. The presentation overlaps clinically with the feared diagnosis of eczema herpeticum (EH), which makes differentiating between the conditions very important.

Case presentation:

A 6-month-old girl with known AD presented with fever and rapidly spreading vesicular rash. The patient had multiple exposures including a new antibiotic prescription, introduction of new foods, 6-month vaccinations and a sick contact. She was treated empirically with acyclovir for EH until herpes simplex virus (HSV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) returned negative and enterovirus PCR returned positive. Once the diagnosis of EC was confirmed, antiviral therapy was discontinued and she was treated successfully with supportive measures without sequelae.

Conclusions:

Differentiating EC from EH is important clinically as EC is self-limiting and resolves spontaneously whereas EH may cause severe complications if not treated early. While morphology alone cannot reliably distinguish between the conditions, clinical suspicion based on history can prompt proper testing and improve patient outcomes.
Szenarien der Grenzerfahrung: Chamissos Weltreise und die Fiktionalisierung der Pole
Authors: Müller Dorit
Published: November 2017

This article analyzes Adelbert von Chamisso’s journey round the world (1815–1818) against the background of failed polar expeditions and polar fictions around 1800. The author argues that in his tales
Fremderwartung und Fremderfahrung
Authors: Simo David
Published: November 2017

This contribution examines Chamisso’s travel itineraries during his Rurik expedition from 1815–1818 with respect to moments of alterity, showing especially how Chamisso takes up the reciprocal relationships between expectation and experience, fiction and reality, and nature and culture in a foreign place. By decentering his own world of experience, Chamisso experiences the contingency of Eurocentric certainties and the potential for happiness of non-European worlds of experience. Experiences of foreignness are not simply repeated in the process of writing or in reading original travel documents. Instead, they are also updated aesthetically and linked to the ideal of cultural contact free of domination.
The Lagrange multiplier and the stationary Stokes equations
Authors: Ożański Wojciech S.
Published: November 2017

We briefly discuss the notion of the Lagrange multiplier for a linear constraint in the Hilbert space setting, and we prove that the pressure p appearing in the stationary Stokes equations is the Lagrange multiplier of the constraint

div
⁡
u

=
0

{\operatorname{div}u=0}

.
Application of the Cooperative Learning Methods within the Representation of Contents of Museum Exhibits as a Suitable Way to Promote Pro-social Behavior of Pupils
Authors: Tomešková Kateřina
Published: November 2017

The presented contribution pertains to the museology educational matters. Aiming to a wider understanding of the formative part, this topic corresponds to the final outcomes of the research of educational potential of the Comenius Museum in Přerov. Detailed studies of the museology educational process and its qualities are the objectives of the work as explored within the real example with the special attention paid to the cooperative learning methods in use. The practice of the innovative methods delivering knowledge about the museum exhibits by the interesting interpretation of their historical consequences enriches the perceived content of various educational areas. Also, this practice brings opportunity for the educational programs scholars i.a. to draw the real potential of the exhibits with regard to their pro-social possibilities. The author of the work wishes to represent widely the didactic analyses of specific learning situations from the recent out-of-school practice, reflecting contribution of the initiation.
Museum and Educational Exhibitions in Castle-château Environment on the Example of the Phenomenon of the Reliquary of St. Maurus and the Authentically Preserved Bečov Castle
Authors: Wizovský Tomáš
Published: November 2017

Usually state castles and châteaux in the Czech Republic take advantage of traditional guiding services for their public presentation, together with interior monument installations and allusive exhibitions. Exceptions are those monuments the current exhibitions in which follow- up on the pre-war family museums or on the presentations of family collections. Lately, however, the museum and gallery educational presentations of historical interiors are promoted in the form of free tours even in this area1. One example of the application of this concept is represented by the large premises of the National Heritage State Castle and Château in Bečov nad Teplou. To understand the specifics of the chosen solution, however, a more comprehensive excursion is required both into the history of this monument and to the approaches applied there previously.
The Relevance of Museums
Authors: Machková Naďa
Published: November 2017

The article explores the relevance of today’s museums for modern people. It seeks the re-evaluation or the confirmation of the role of museums in today’s world and it defines the museum as a public service. This logical re-thinking of the existing perception of museums is applied in practice during the preparation of new and innovative projects. New projects are perceived as providing a new chance to ask questions about general topics, and the significance of the institution is demonstrated by its specific undertakings. The preparation of the natural science exhibition is used for demonstrating how partners are involved, while with project preparation the emphasis is mainly placed on sustainability, professional management, partnership and participation.
The Life and Work of Miners: Didactic Approaches of Three Mining Places of Memory in Education
Authors: Kudelová Monika
Published: November 2017

The aim of this paper is to present the diversity of teaching approaches and presentations of the gripping educational history of mining using the example of three geographically and institutionally distinct memory locations: i.e. the national monument Michal Mine in Ostrava Michálkovice, the Mine and Museum in Nowa Ruda and the Penzberg Museum in Bavaria, which connects cultural and historical concepts and which is focused on the person, i.e. the miner and his daily work. The individual medallions include summaries of the historical development of the former coal mines, i.e. Michal, Ruben (Nowa Ruda) and Penzberg, a description of industrial monuments for the public or building amining museum and analytical description of educational programmes for school children, with emphasis on the method and didactic media utilised. The conclusion is formulated in the form of a summative comparison of the various components of teaching, based on generally-educational or museum-pedagogical categorisation.
In the Shinkansen Country: Life from Open-air Museums in Japan
Authors: Bryol Radek
Published: November 2017

Historical wooden buildings can be seen not only in Japanese open-air museums and in the Japanese countryside, but also in the largest metropolises. On the individual Japanese islands we can find almost ten open-air museums, all of a different character. They include local, regional and national museums - thereby presenting several areas at the same time. Most of them are rural buildings that are primarily related to agricultural subsistence, while some of them also exhibit urban life. In addition to exhibitions of real life and thematic exhibitions, the museums also prepare such programmes as traditional festivities and handicraft courses. Numerous information boards in the museums that are visited, however, are already obsolete in terms of their technical workmanship and their graphics while at the same time they display a lot of information, which also makes the exhibitions chaotic. An interesting concept for using historic buildings is The Art House Project, where endangered buildings were offered to leading Japanese artists and architects for their up-to-date adjustment. A brief encounter with Japanese architecture at the same time confirms that the practical implementation of basic needs to ensure living is similar across the world.
Plasma profile of cimicoxib in sheep after oral administration at two different rates
Authors: Di Salvo A. , Giorgi M. , Lee H.K. , Vercelli C. , Rueca F. , Marinucci M. Trabalza , Rocca G. della
Published: November 2017

Sheep are often subjected to painful procedures and thus they need to be treated with analgesics. Nevertheless, knowledges about pharmacokinetic features of these drugs in this species are poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma behaviour of cimicoxib in sheep after a single oral administration at two different dose rates (4 and 6 mg/kg). Maximum plasma concentrations of cimicoxib were equal to 273.78 (median value; range 189.00-567.32) and 565.01 (range 308.27-822.59) ng/mL after treatment with 4 and 6 mg/kg, respectively. The time of maximum concentration (Tmax) was achieved between 4 and 10 hours following treatment at the lower dose, and between 6 and 10 hours after the administration of the higher dose, with one sheep achieving the concentration peak at 0.75 hours. The slow absorption and the great individual variability in plasma concentration, probably due to ruminal effects, suggest that cimicoxib is not suitable for oral treatment in sheep.
Pulmonary adiaspiromycosis in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) inhabiting Poland
Authors: Dolka I. , Giżejewska A. , Giżejewski Z. , Kołodziejska-Lesisz J. , Kluciński W.
Published: November 2017

Adiaspiromycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by saprophytic fungi Emmonsia spp. (type Ascomycota) occurring especially in small free-living mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of histopathological lesions asscociated with adiaspiromycosis in the Eurasian beaver inhabiting Poland. In order to evaluate the presence of natural adiaspiromycosis we systematically investigated beaver populations from north-eastern Poland for adiaspores in the lungs. This study reveals for the first time the presence of pulmonary adiaspiromycosis of Eurasian beaver in Poland. As far as we know, there is no published data regarding pulmonary adiaspiromycosis in human patients in Poland.
Ni6B22O39·H2O – extending the field of nickel borates
Authors: Schmitt Martin K. , Huppertz Hubert
Published: November 2017

Ni6B22O39·H2O was synthesized in a high-pressure/high-temperature reaction at 5 GPa/900°C. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmn21 (no. 31) with the lattice parameters a=7.664(2), b=8.121(2) and c=17.402(2) Å. The crystal structure is discussed with regard to the isotypic compounds M
6B22O39·H2O (M=Fe, Co) and the structurally related phase Cd6B22O39·H2O. Furthermore, the characterization of Ni6B22O39·H2O via X-ray powder diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy is reported.
The Jewish Holocaust Centre, Melbourne: Public Pedagogies of Compassion and Connection
Authors: Fox John G.
Published: November 2017

There has been a long-sustained effort to understand the causes of the Holocaust (the attempted genocide of Jewish peoples in Europe in the middle of the twentieth century) and to prevent its repetition. The Jewish Holocaust Museum and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia is a part of that endeavour through its museum, education program and support for research, and functions as a site of Public Pedagogy.
Rice TSV3 Encoding Obg-Like GTPase Protein Is Essential for Chloroplast Development During the Early Leaf Stage Under Cold Stress
Authors: Lin Dongzhi , Jiang Quan , Ma Xiaojing , Zheng Kailun , Gong Xiaodi , Teng Sheng , Xu Jianlong , Dong Yanjun
Published: November 2017

The Spo0B-associated GTP-binding (Obg) proteins are essential for the viability of nearly all bacteria. However, the detailed roles of Obg proteins in higher plants have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we identified a novel rice (Oryza sativa L.) thermo-sensitive virescent mutant (tsv3) that displayed an albino phenotype at 20° before the three-leaf stage while being a normal green at 32° or even at 20° after the four-leaf stage. The mutant phenotype was consistent with altered chlorophyll content and chloroplast structure in leaves. Map-based cloning and complementation experiments showed that TSV3 encoded a small GTP-binding protein. Subcellular localization studies revealed that TSV3 was localized to the chloroplasts. Expression of TSV3 was high in leaves and weak or undetectable in other tissues, suggesting a tissue-specific expression of TSV3. In the tsv3 mutant, expression levels of genes associated with the biogenesis of the chloroplast ribosome 50S subunit were severely decreased at the three-leaf stage under cold stress (20°), but could be recovered to normal levels at a higher temperature (32°). These observations suggest that the rice nuclear-encoded TSV3 plays important roles in chloroplast development at the early leaf stage under cold stress.
Rapid Gene Family Evolution of a Nematode Sperm Protein Despite Sequence Hyper-conservation
Authors: Kasimatis Katja R , Phillips Patrick C
Published: November 2017

Reproductive proteins are often observed to be the most rapidly evolving elements within eukaryotic genomes. The major sperm protein (MSP) is unique to the phylum Nematoda and is required for proper sperm locomotion and fertilization. Here, we annotate the MSP gene family and analyze their molecular evolution in 10 representative species across Nematoda. We show that MSPs are hyper-conserved across the phylum, having maintained an amino acid sequence identity of 83.5–97.7% for over 500 million years. This extremely slow rate of evolution makes MSPs some of the most highly conserved genes yet identified. However, at the gene family level, we show hyper-variability in both gene copy number and genomic position within species, suggesting rapid, lineage-specific gene family evolution. Additionally, we find evidence that extensive gene conversion contributes to the maintenance of sequence identity within chromosome-level clusters of MSP genes. Thus, while not conforming to the standard expectation for the evolution of reproductive proteins, our analysis of the molecular evolution of the MSP gene family is nonetheless consistent with the widely repeatable observation that reproductive proteins evolve rapidly, in this case in terms of the genomic properties of gene structure, copy number, and genomic organization. This unusual evolutionary pattern is likely generated by strong pleiotropic constraints acting on these genes at the sequence level, balanced against expansion at the level of the whole gene family.
Assessing the Relationship of Ancient and Modern Populations
Authors: Schraiber Joshua G
Published: November 2017

Sequencing DNA from deceased individuals can inform whether the individuals that currently live in a location are descended from individuals that.....

Genetic material sequenced from ancient samples is revolutionizing our understanding of the recent evolutionary past. However, ancient DNA is often degraded, resulting in low coverage, error-prone sequencing. Several solutions exist to this problem, ranging from simple approach, such as selecting a read at random for each site, to more complicated approaches involving genotype likelihoods. In this work, we present a novel method for assessing the relationship of an ancient sample with a modern population, while accounting for sequencing error and postmortem damage by analyzing raw reads from multiple ancient individuals simultaneously. We show that, when analyzing SNP data, it is better to sequence more ancient samples to low coverage: two samples sequenced to 0.5× coverage provide better resolution than a single sample sequenced to 2× coverage. We also examined the power to detect whether an ancient sample is directly ancestral to a modern population, finding that, with even a few high coverage individuals, even ancient samples that are very slightly diverged from the modern population can be detected with ease. When we applied our approach to European samples, we found that no ancient samples represent direct ancestors of modern Europeans. We also found that, as shown previously, the most ancient Europeans appear to have had the smallest effective population sizes, indicating a role for agriculture in modern population growth.
A personagem de ficção e a reportagem
Authors: Soares Mei Hua
Published: November 2017

Parte de uma pesquisa que investiga os entrecruzamentos entre Literatura e Comunicação e seus desdobramentos, o artigo aborda questões referentes à presença de elementos literários, em especial características próprias de personagens de ficção, em gêneros jornalísticos como a reportagem investigativa. Para tanto, o presente estudo analisará a reportagem “Os trabalhos e os dias”, da jornalista Natália Viana, publicada na Revista Caros Amigos (2005). A fundamentação teórica se estruturará a partir de concepções do filósofo francês Jean-Paul Sartre (relacionadas à subjetividade, totalização, densidade obscura e singularização do universal) e se apoiará em categorizações sobre o mecanismo de criação propostas pelo sociólogo e teórico literário Antonio Candido.
O quixotismo como forma de existência
Authors: De Souza Eunice Prudenciano
Published: November 2017

O comportamento inaugurado pela narrativa arquetípica de Miguel de Cervantes, Dom Quixote de la Mancha (1605/1615), ecoa em inúmeras narrativas modernas ocidentais. Dentre estas, podemos apontar as performances de dois protagonistas brasileiros: Vitorino, de Fogo Morto (1943), de José Lins do Rego, e Ponciano de Azeredo Furtado, de O coronele o lobisomem (1964), de José Cândido de Carvalho. O presente estudo parte da narrativa de Cervantes e, por meio dela, estabelece pontos de contato com os romances brasileiros, a fim de verificar em que medida os protagonistas brasileiros retomam o modo de agir – imortalizado sob a concepção de quixotismo – do herói cervantino.
Personagem, a essência da narrativa
Authors: Brasil Luiz Antonio De Assis , Reis Carlos
Published: November 2017

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Prospect of wind energy application in China’s oilfields for heating
Authors: Zheng M. , Tian Y. , Teng H. , Hu J. , Wang F. , Zhao Y. , Yu L.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the wind energy resource in China’s oilfields is analyzed, the difference between China’s energy consumption structure and that of the world in average is analyzed as well, and the application prospect of wind heating technology in China’s oilfields is discussed as an example to reform China’s energy consumption structure. It shows that it is possible to use wind energy as an appropriate heat resource or supplementary heat source in some oilfields to supply heat energy for oil heating and living, more room to improve the energy resource utilization in various fields in China remain. It is a benefit to both oilfield and society to improve energy saving and environments.
Investigation of subjective and objective thermal comfort in the case of ceiling and wall cooling systems
Authors: Szabó G. L. , Kalmár F.
Published: November 2017

Energy saving in buildings is one of the most important research directions in the building sector. Energy saving solutions should not lead to decreased indoor environment quality. Because of the increased number of summer heat waves, cooling systems are widely used to assure thermal comfort in buildings. In this paper, ceiling cooling and wall cooling systems were tested and compared from the thermal comfort point of view using 24 subjects (12 women and 12 men). The cooling ceiling and wall surface and the supply/return temperatures were similar. Analysing the obtained subjective answers, no significant differences were obtained on average or by gender. However, significant differences were obtained between the subjective answers and the calculated PMV values. Furthermore, the occupant’s reaction was different after switching off the ventilation and cooling systems.
Behaviour of small-diameter self-compacting concrete-filled steel tubes
Authors: Alhussainy Faez , Neaz Sheikh M. , Hadi Muhammad N. S.
Published: November 2017

This study explores the effect of length to diameter (L/D) ratio on the axial load capacity of small-diameter self-compacting concrete-filled steel tube (SCFT) specimens. The SCFT specimens with L/D ratio of 2 to 14 were tested. Two different cold-formed steel tubes with diameters of 26·9 and 33·7 mm were used in the construction of the SCFT specimens. The behaviour of the SCFT specimens was compared with the unfilled steel tube (UT) specimens. The axial load capacity of SCFT specimens was found to be higher than the axial load capacity of UT specimens. The compressive failure of SCFT and UT specimens with a ratio of 2 and 4 occurred due to local buckling, and with L/D ratio ≥ 6 failure occurred due to global buckling. However, the self-compacting concrete inside the steel tubes improved the ductility and the post-peak axial load–axial deformation response of SCFT specimens compared to the UT specimens.
AVALIAÇÃO DA IMAGEM POSTURAL NA DOENÇA DE PARKINSON: UM ESTUDO DE DESENVOLVIMENTO
Authors: Deitos Milena Velame , Trippo Karen Valadares
Published: November 2017

Introdução: Indivíduos com Doença de Parkinson (DP) geralmente apresentam alterações posturais decorrentes do componente de balanço (perda de reflexos posturais) e do componente postural de orientação, como postura flexora, camptocormia, síndrome de Pisa e antecollis. Objetivo: Desenvolver um instrumento para avaliar a percepção da imagem postural (IP) de pessoas com DP. Metodologia: Estudo de desenvolvimento, com natureza aplicada. Resultados: A escala desenvolvida denominou-se EAIP-DP (Escala de Avaliação da Imagem Postural- Doença de Parkinson). Foram consideradas 3 vistas: sagital, com doze desenhos da postura ereta até camptocormia; frontal, com doze desenhos da postura alinhada até a síndrome de Pisa; e sagital da cabeça, com seis desenhos da postura alinhada para retificação até antecollis. Os desenhos foram numerados de 1 a 6, onde 1 representou maior deformidade e 6, ausência de deformidade. A média dos valores das imagens variou de 1 a 6, considerando-se a percepção de deformidade como ausente, leve, média e grave. Conclusão: O instrumento desenvolvido nessa pesquisa, EAIP-DP, incluiu desenhos criados para representar progressivamente as alterações posturais específicas da DP, de modo a detectar o nível de percepção da IP relacionado às deformidades. Alteração da IP pode apresentar impacto sobre o equilíbrio, qualidade da marcha e do movimento corporal. Futuras pesquisas são necessárias para avaliar a validade e a confiabilidade da escala proposta.
RISCO DE QUEDA E USO DE MEDICAMENTO EM IDOSOS
Authors: Dutra Andressa Porto , Porto Sabrina Almeida , Dos Reis Luciana Araújo , Morais Karla Cavalcante Silva , Lima Leonardo da Silva , Santos Kleyton Trindade
Published: November 2017

Introdução: com o aumento progressivo do número de idosos na população mundial, cresce a preocupação com fatores que condicionam ao envelhecimento deteriorizado, e dentre esses fatores observa-se que a queda e o uso de medicamentos apresenta-se como um evento totalmente desfavorável, trazendo consigo repercussões negativas. Objetivo: verificar a prevalência de quedas e uso de medicamentos em idosos residentes em comunidade. Materiais e Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal e descritivo, de caráter quantitativo, realizado com 66 idosos cadastrados na Unidade Básica de Saúde CAE II, no município de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. Foi aplicado um questionário composto por dados sociodemográficos, acrescidos do mini-exame do estado mental e escala Fall risk score de Downton. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados no programa estatístico SPSS 21.0, sendo verificado as frequências absolutas e relativas de todas as variáveis.  Resultados: identificou-se que a maioria dos idosos eram do sexo feminino (65,2%), sofreram episódios de quedas anteriores (60,8%) e faziam o uso de pelo menos um medicamento (72,7%). Conclusão: conclui-se que é alta a prevalência de queda e uso de medicamentos na população idosa, sendo necessário buscar alternativas para diminuir essa prevalência através de medidas preventivas e melhoria na atenção da saúde do idoso.
Popular justice on bullies: Attributions of responsibility, anger, and ineffective social control as fuel for non-normative collective action
Authors: Campos Miguel , Marques André G. , Aguiar Tiago , Cardoso Sónia G. , Pinto Isabel R. , Marques José M.
Published: November 2017

O bullying escolar raramente tem sido analisado através do ponto de vista da sociedade em geral. No entanto, nas situações em que o agressor atrai a atenção mediática, verificam-se reações coletivas muito severas. Neste trabalho, analisámos os processos subjacentes à ação coletiva não-normativa que muitas vezes emerge perante situações de bullying. Após um vídeo amador que mostrava uma destas situações se ter tornado viral em Portugal, pedimos a 350 participantes que preenchessem um questionário sobre o tema. Os resultados mostraram que a atribuição de responsabilidade ao agressor predizia a concordância com medidas de justiça popular, e que isto era mediado por emoções de raiva, e moderado pela perceção de ineficácia dos mecanismos de controlo social. Mais especificamente, quanto maior a responsabilidade atribuída ao agressor, maior a raiva sentida, o que levava a um maior grau de concordância com medidas de justiça popular. Para além disso, este efeito era maior para os participantes que acreditavam que os mecanismos formais de controlo social eram ineficazes. Os resultados foram discutidos à luz da sua contribuição para o combate ao bullying, e da literatura sobre desvio, controlo social, e ação coletiva.
Comportamentos e motivos dos/as observadores/as de bullying: Contributos para a sua avaliação
Authors: Melo Madalena , Pereira Sónia
Published: November 2017

Abordagens recentes sobre o bullying escolar têm criticado o foco exclusivo sobre a díade agressor/a-vítima e indicado a necessidade de se analisar também os papéis que observadores/as podem desempenhar neste fenómeno — assistentes, reforçadores/as, defensores/as e outsiders (Salmivalli, Voeten, & Poskiparta, 2011). Neste sentido, o presente estudo procurou, com base no quadro conceptual da motivação para intervir em situações de bullying de Thornberg et al. (2012), compreender fatores que levam os/as observadores/as a ajudar ou não as vítimas de bullying. Um total de 481 estudantes, do 5º ao 9º ano, de quatro escolas da região de Évora, participou no estudo. Para a recolha dos dados foi utilizado um questionário composto de caracterização sociodemográfica e escolar, e por duas escalas relacionadas com a observação de fenómenos de bullying: Escala de Comportamento de Observadores de Bullying (ECOB; Thornberg & Jungert, 2013) e Escala de Avaliação e Sensibilidade Moral face ao Bullying (EASMB; Pereira & Melo, 2014). Os principais resultados sugerem a existência de quatro fatores que influenciam o/a observador/a a intervir ou não nas situações de bullying – Falta de Sensibilidade Moral Básica, Afastamento da Situação de Bullying, Empatia e Desengajamento Moral.
Mecanismos de proteção perante a vitimização por pares e a discriminação
Authors: Freitas Daniela Fonseca , Coimbra Susana , Fontaine Anne Marie , Marturano Edna Maria
Published: November 2017

A vitimização por pares e a discriminação, nomeadamente de minorias étnicas e sexuais, têm um efeito negativo no funcionamento psicossocial, mas diversos estudos começam a abordar a resiliência perante estas adversidades. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar mecanismos protetores da saúde mental e do desajustamento externo na presença destas formas de violência social. O estudo foi conduzido numa amostra de 2975 de estudantes do ensino secundário português, dos quais 245 identificaram-se como negros e 84 como gay, lésbicas ou bissexuais. Os mecanismos de proteção avaliados incluem baixos níveis de personalidade ansiosa, competências de empatia, as estratégias de coping usadas, o otimismo familiar e as relações com as figuras parentais. O resultado das regressões revela que a identificação racial e a orientação sexual moderam a influência das diferentes formas de violência e dos diferentes mecanismos de proteção, sugerindo suporte à abordagem socioecológica da resiliência.
Locus de controlo e adesão terapêutica em adultos emergentes e adultos com condições crónicas de saúde: O papel moderador do grupo etário
Authors: Reis Jéssica , Pires Raquel , Silva Neuza
Published: November 2017

Este estudo pretendeu analisar as associações entre locus de controlo (LC) e adesão terapêutica em indivíduos com condições crónicas de saúde, assim como o papel moderador do grupo etário nestas relações. A amostra incluiu 61 adultos emergentes (18-25 anos) e 60 adultos (26-64 anos) com doença crónica e a receberem tratamentos. Os participantes preencheram um questionário de dados clínicos/sociodemográficos e instrumentos de avaliação do LC e da adesão terapêutica. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas no LC nem na adesão terapêutica entre grupos etários. Uma maior tendência para um LC externo-acaso associou-se a menores níveis de adesão terapêutica, independentemente do grupo etário, enquanto a associação negativa entre LC interno e adesão e a associação positiva entre LC externo-outros poderosos e adesão foram significativas apenas para os adultos emergentes. Estes resultados sugerem que o LC pode influenciar a adesão aos tratamentos, pelo que deve ser considerado como alvo terapêutico nas intervenções psicossociais.
Using parallel random forest classifier in predicting land suitability for crop production
Authors: Senagi Kennedy , Jouandeau Nicolas , Kamoni Peter
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we present an optimized Machine Learning (ML) algorithm for predicting land suitability for crop (sorghum) production, given soil properties information. We set-up experiments using Parallel Random Forest (PRF), Linear Regression (LR), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), KNN, Gaussian Naïve Bayesian (GNB) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Experiments were evaluated using 10 cross fold validation. We observed that, parallel random forest had a better accuracy of 0.96 and time of execution of 1.7 sec. Agriculture is the main stream of food security. Kenya relies on agriculture to feed its population. Land evaluation gives potential of land use, in this case for crop production. In the Department of Soil Survey in Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and other soil research organizations, land evaluation is done manually, is stressful, takes a long time and is prone to human errors. This research outcomes can save time and improve accuracy in land evaluation process. We can also be able to predict land suitability for crop production from soil properties information without intervention of a soil scientist expert. Therefore, agricultural stakeholders will be able to efficiently make informed decisions for optimal crop production and soil management.