bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probability of Heat Intolerance: Standardized Interpretation of Heat-Tolerance Testing Results Versus Specialist Judgment
Authors: Schermann Haggai , Craig Erin , Yanovich Einat , Ketko Itay , Kalmanovich Gary , Yanovich Ran
Published: May 2018

Context: 

The heat-tolerance test (HTT) is a screening tool for secondary prevention of exertional heat illness by the Israel Defense Forces. To discern participant tolerance, recruits are exposed to intermediate environmental and exercise stresses, and their physiological responses, core temperature, and heart rate are monitored. When their physiological measures rise at a higher rate or exceed the upper levels of absolute values compared with other participants, heat intolerance (HI) is diagnosed.

Objective: 

To develop a mathematical model to interpret HTT results and provide a quantitative estimate of the probability of heat tolerance (PHT).

Design: 

Cross-sectional study.

Setting: 

Warrior Health Research Institute.

Patients or Other Participants: 

The HTT results of 175 random individuals tested after an episode of exertional heat illness were classified qualitatively and then divided into training (n = 112) and testing (n = 63) datasets. All individuals were male soldiers (age range = 18–22 years) who had sustained an episode of definitive or suspected exertional heat stroke.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Based on the decision algorithm used by the Israel Defense Forces for manual interpretation of the HTT, we designed a logistic regression model to predict the heat-tolerance state. The model used a time series of physiological measures (core temperature and heart rate) of individuals to predict the manually assigned diagnosis of HT or HI. It was initially fitted and then tested on 2 separate, random datasets. The model produced a single value, the PHT, and its predictive ability was demonstrated by prediction-density plots, receiver operating characteristic curve, contingency tables, and conventional screening test evaluation measures.

Results: 

According to prediction-density plots of the testing set, all HT patients had a PHT of 0.7 to 1. The receiver operating characteristic curve plot showed that PHT was an excellent predictor of the manual HT interpretations (area under the curve = 0.973). Using a cutoff probability of 0.5 for the diagnosis of HI, we found that PHT had sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%, 90%, and 92.06%, respectively.

Conclusions: 

The PHT has the potential to be substituted for manual interpretation of the HTT and to serve in a variety of clinical and research applications.
Plant communities of the uMlalazi Nature Reserve and their contribution to conservation in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Zungu Nqobile S. , Mostert Theo H.C. , Mostert Rachel E.
Published: May 2018

Vegetation research is an important tool for the simplified and effective identification, management and conservation of the very complex ecosystems underlying them. Plant community descriptions offer scientists a summary and surrogate of all the biotic and abiotic factors shaping and driving ecosystems. The aim of this study was to identify, describe and map the plant communities within the uMlalazi Nature Reserve. A total of 149 vegetation plots were sampled using the Braun-Blanquet technique. Thirteen plant communities were identified using a combination of numeric classification (modified Two-way-Indicator Species Analysis) and ordination (non-metric multidimensional scaling). These communities were described in terms of their structure, floristic composition and distribution. An indirect gradient analysis of the ordination results was conducted to investigate the relationship between plant communities and their potentially important underlying environmental drivers. Based on the results, the floristic conservation importance of each plant community was discussed to provide some means to evaluate the relative contribution of the reserve to regional ecosystem conservation targets.Conservation implications: The uMlalazi Nature Reserve represents numerous ecosystems that are disappearing from a rapidly transforming landscape outside of formally protected areas in Zululand. The descriptions of the plant communities of these relatively pristine ecosystems provide conservation authorities with inventories and benchmarks with which the ecological health of similar ecosystems in the region can be measured.
Effect of a semiconstrained elastic integrated cervical artificial disc on the cervical motion
Authors: Yao Qingqiang , Zhou Zhi , Li Jiayi , Shamie Arya Nick , Alshuaib Yousif W. , Chen James , Burser Zorica , Wang Jeffrey C. , Wang Liming
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives:

Cervical total disc replacement (TDR) is a novel dynamically stabilizing technique for the symptomatic cervical intervertebral segment. While the long-term effect of mainstream cervical nonconstrained artificial disc group (CNAD) does not match the theoretical effects of mobility preserving and neural decompression. The cervical semiconstrained elastic integrated artificial disc (CSID) may be a more reasonable design. However, beneficial or adverse effects of this design have not been measured and data for biomechanical effect are unavailable. The aim of this study is to assess the biomechanical effect of CSID on the segmental motion at implanted and adjacent levels.

Methods:

This study was supported by medical science developmental funding of Nanjing (20,000 dollars). Eight cadaveric C3-T1 specimens were loaded in flexion/extension (F/E), axial rotation (AR), and lateral bending (LB) with CSID, CNAD, and anterior fusion (AF) implanted at C5-C6 level alternatively. The range of motion (ROM), neutral zone (NZ), and elastic zone (EZ) at implanted and adjacent levels were measured. The mean values of parameters in the intact specimen group (INT), CSID group, CNAD group, and AF group were compared statistically (n = 8).

Results:

There was no significant difference of ROM, NZ, and EZ at implanted and adjacent levels between CSID and INT in F/E, AR, and LB (P > 0.05). CNAD caused a significant change of EZ in F/E and LB and ROM in LB at implanted level. Meantime, CNAD caused ROM increasing at adjacent levels (P < 0.05). AF caused the most significant changes of ROM, NZ, and EZ in F/E, AR and LB, compared to CSID and CNAD (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The semiconstrained elastic integrated design of cervical artificial disc may mimic of physiological disc's biomechanical effects on segmental kinematics at implanted and adjacent levels more closely, compared to nonconstrained discs and AF. CSID disc may reduce the acceleration of postTDR degeneration at the implanted and adjacent levels due to this promoted biomechanical performance. CSID disc could be a potential candidate for future cervical artificial intervertebral prosthesis studies.
The role of three-dimensional printing in magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery
Authors: Damianou Christakis , Giannakou Marinos , Yiallouras Christos , Menikou Georgios
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

This article describes novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible focused ultrasound robotic systems and agar-based MRI-compatible ultrasonic phantoms mimicking bone.

Materials and Methods:

All the robotic systems and phantoms were developed using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology using plastic material. The tissue surrounding the bone in the phantoms was mimicked using agar-based solutions.

Results:

The article presents MRI-guided focused ultrasound robotic systems for brain, prostate, and gynecological targets. It also reports on MRI-compatible ultrasonic phantoms for brain, breast, bone, and motion.

Conclusions:

The popular 3D printing technology serves a major role in MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery because MRI-guided focused ultrasound robotic systems can be developed. In addition, 3D printing can be used to develop MR-compatible phantoms that include bone structures for testing the safety and efficacy of focused ultrasound applications. All the developed structures have been evaluated in MRI environment using either mimicking materials or animals.
Daytime HONO, NO2 and aerosol distributions from MAX-DOAS observations in Melbourne
Authors: Ryan Robert G. , Rhodes Steve , Tully Matthew , Wilson Stephen , Jones Nicholas , Frieß Udo , Schofield Robyn
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Nitrogen oxides produced by high temperature combustion are prevalent in urban environments and toxic, contributing to a significant health burden. The chemistry of nitrogen oxides such as NO2 and HONO in pollution are important for hydroxyl radical production and overall oxidative capacity in urban environments, however current mechanisms cannot explain high daytime levels of HONO observed in many urban and rural locations around the world. Here we present HONO, NO2 and aerosol extinction vertical distributions retrieved from MAX-DOAS measurements in suburban Melbourne, which are the first MAX-DOAS results from Australia. Using the optimal estimation algorithm HEIPRO we show that vertical profiles for NO2 and HONO can be calculated with low dependence on the retrieval forward model and a priori parameters, despite a lack of independent co-located aerosol or trace gas measurements. Between December 2016 and April 2017 average peak NO2 values of 8 ± 2 ppb indicated moderate traffic pollution levels, and high daytime peak values of HONO were frequently detected, averaging 220 ± 30 ppt in the middle of the day. HONO levels measured in Melbourne were typically lower than those recorded in the morning in other places around the world, indicating minimal overnight accumulation, but peaked in the middle of the day to be commensurate with midday concentrations in locations with much higher NO2 pollution. Regular midday peaks in the diurnal cycle of HONO surface concentrations have only previously been reported in rural locations. The HONO measured represents an OH radical source in the middle of the day in Melbourne up to ten times stronger than from ozone photolysis. The dependence of the high HONO levels on time since rainfall, combined with the observed diurnal and vertical profiles, provide evidence for a strong photo-activated and ground-based daytime HONO source.
Comparison of dust-layer heights from active and passive satellite sensors
Authors: Kylling Arve , Vandenbussche Sophie , Capelle Virginie , Cuesta Juan , Klüser Lars , Lelli Luca , Popp Thomas , Stebel Kerstin , Veefkind Pepijn
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Aerosol-layer height is essential for understanding the
impact of aerosols on the climate system. As part of the European Space
Agency Aerosol_cci project, aerosol-layer height as derived from passive
thermal and solar satellite sensors measurements have been compared with
aerosol-layer heights estimated from CALIOP measurements. The Aerosol_cci
project targeted dust-type aerosol for this study. This ensures relatively
unambiguous aerosol identification by the CALIOP processing chain. Dust-layer
height was estimated from thermal IASI measurements using four different
algorithms (from BIRA-IASB, DLR, LMD, LISA) and from solar GOME-2 (KNMI) and
SCIAMACHY (IUP) measurements. Due to differences in overpass time of the
various satellites, a trajectory model was used to move the CALIOP-derived
dust heights in space and time to the IASI, GOME-2 and SCIAMACHY dust height
pixels. It is not possible to construct a unique dust-layer height from the
CALIOP data. Thus two CALIOP-derived layer heights were used: the cumulative
extinction height defined as the height where the CALIOP extinction column is
half of the total extinction column, and the geometric mean height, which is
defined as the geometrical mean of the top and bottom heights of the dust
layer. In statistical average over all IASI data there is a general tendency
to a positive bias of 0.5–0.8 km against CALIOP extinction-weighted
height for three of the four algorithms assessed, while the fourth algorithm
has almost no bias. When comparing geometric mean height there is a shift of
−0.5 km for all algorithms (getting close to zero for the three
algorithms and turning negative for the fourth). The standard deviation of
all algorithms is quite similar and ranges between 1.0 and 1.3 km.
When looking at different conditions (day, night, land, ocean), there is more
detail in variabilities (e.g. all algorithms overestimate more at night than
during the day). For the solar sensors it is found that on average SCIAMACHY
data are lower by −1.097 km (−0.961 km) compared to the
CALIOP geometric mean (cumulative extinction) height, and GOME-2 data are
lower by −1.393 km (−0.818 km).
The impact of uncertainty on optimal emission policies
Authors: Botta Nicola , Jansson Patrik , Ionescu Cezar
Published: May 2018

Abstract. We apply a computational framework for specifying and solving sequential decision problems to study the impact of three kinds of uncertainties on optimal emission policies in a stylized sequential emission problem.We find that uncertainties about the implementability of decisions on emission reductions (or increases) have a greater impact on optimal policies than uncertainties about the availability of effective emission reduction technologies and uncertainties about the implications of trespassing critical cumulated emission thresholds. The results show that uncertainties about the implementability of decisions on emission reductions (or increases) call for more precautionary policies. In other words, delaying emission reductions to the point in time when effective technologies will become available is suboptimal when these uncertainties are accounted for rigorously. By contrast, uncertainties about the implications of exceeding critical cumulated emission thresholds tend to make early emission reductions less rewarding.
Using a Virtual Machine environment for developing, testing, and training for the UM-UKCA Composition-Climate Model, using Unified Model version 10.9 and above
Authors: Abraham Nathan Luke , Archibald Alexander T. , Cresswell Paul , Cusworth Sam , Dalvi Mohit , Matthews David , Wardle Steven , Whitehouse Stuart
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The Met Office Unified Model (UM) is a state-of-the-art weather and climate model that is used operationally worldwide. UKCA is the chemistry and aerosol sub model of the UM that enables interactive composition and physical atmosphere interactions, but which adds an additional 120,000 lines of code to the model. Ensuring that the UM code and UM-UKCA (the UM running with interactive chemistry and aerosols) is well tested is therefore essential. While a comprehensive test harness is in place at the Met Office and partner sites to aid in development, this is not available to many UM users. Recently the Met Office have made available a Virtual Machine environment that can be used to run the UM on a desktop or laptop PC. Here we describe the development of a UM-UKCA configuration that is able to run within this Virtual Machine while only needing 6 GB of memory, before discussing the applications of this system for model development, testing, and training.
Review on Main Issues Causing Deterioration of Water Quality and Water Scarcity: Case Study of South Africa
Authors: Bwapwa Joseph Kapuku
Published: May 2018

Water shortage in South Africa is a mixture of many factors: limited and highly polluted watercourses, low rainfall, fast growing population and high evaporation rates. Many studies on watercourses have shown a decline on quality due to the ongoing pollution caused by urbanization, mining, industry, power generation, afforestation and agriculture. Given the current forecasts based on population growth versus the country’s limited water resources, it is unlikely to keep existing patterns regarding the use of water and the discharge of wastes. Predictions are also indicating that pollutants will continue to accumulate in freshwater resources independently of the population growth in South Africa. Issues associated with water quality can turn out to be worsened with environmental devastating consequences. For instance, in the agricultural sector it may lead to a drop in yields and quality for fruits and crops followed by soil contamination. It can harmfully affect the population and aquatic health. Furthermore, water quality deterioration can affect the costs related to purification processes resulting in an increased price of clean water. Human induced activities causing salinization, eutrophication, acidification, presence of pathogens in watercourses, inappropriate waste discharge practices and sewage spills are major causes influencing or deteriorating water quality in South Africa.
Individuals and non-individuals in cognition and semantics: The mass/count distinction and quantity representation
Authors: Odic Darko , Pietroski Paul , Hunter Tim , Halberda Justin , Lidz Jeffrey
Published: May 2018

Language is a sub-component of human cognition. One important, though often unattained goal for both cognitive scientists and linguists is to explicate how the meanings of words and sentences relate to the more general, non-linguistic, cognitive systems that are used to evaluate whether sentences are true or false. In the present paper, we explore one such relationship: an interface between the linguistic structures referring to individuals and non-individuals (specifically, count-nouns like ‘cows’ and mass-nouns like ‘beef’) and the non-linguistic cognitive systems that quantify and compare number and area. While humans may be flexible in how they use language across contexts, in two experiments using standard psychophysical testing we find that participants evaluate a count-noun sentence via numerical representations and evaluate a corresponding mass-noun sentence via non-numerical representations; consistent with a principled interface between language and cognition for evaluating these terms. This was the case even when the visual display was held constant across conditions and only the noun type was varied, further suggesting an important difference in how area and number, as well as count and mass nouns, are represented. These findings speak to issues concerning the semantics-cognition interface, the mass-count distinction, and the psychophysics of quantity representation.
Quantity judgment and the mass-count distinction across languages: Advances, problems, and future directions for research
Authors: Bale Alan , Barner David
Published: May 2018

We review advances in the experimental study of the mass-count distinction and highlight problems that have emerged. First, we lay out what we see to be the scientific enterprise of studying the syntax and semantics of the mass-count distinction, and the assumptions we believe must be made if additional progress is to occur, especially as the empirical facts continue to grow in number and complexity. Second, we discuss the new landscape of cross-linguistic results that has been created by widespread use of the quantity judgment task, and what these results tell us about the nature of the mass-count distinction. Finally, we discuss the relationship between the mass-count distinction and non-linguistic cognition, and in particular the object-substance distinction.
La ciencia política de fin de siglo
Authors: Cansino César
Published: May 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 49, 1996: 105-117
Staging of Bone and Soft-tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Steffner Robert J. , Jang Eugene S.
Published: May 2018

The purpose of staging in orthopaedic oncology is to provide a framework for classifying tumors based on their risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis to guide treatment decisions. Two separate systems are commonly used to categorize bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society system for bone sarcomas and the Enneking system for soft-tissue sarcomas are the original staging systems developed by orthopaedic surgeons. The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging systems for bone and soft-tissue sarcomas are periodically updated based on new data, and they are currently on their eighth edition.
TMT Cognition, First Mover Advantages and Firm Entreprenuerial Performance: A Review of Literature
Authors: Ngugi Rahab W , Kilika James M.
Published: May 2018

Top Management Teams (TMT) cognition play a strategic role in the decision making process in any firm. It is critical for firms to integrate managerial strategic thinking, which is rooted in managerial cognition, into the strategic process. Hence TMT cognition can be seen to be a key intangible resource of the firm. The speed and efficiency of the firm’s response to the rapidly changing environment is vital to firm performance. Firm’s can integrate corporate entrepreneurship as a corporate strategy to achieve competitiveness in the market. This paper presents a review of extant theoretical and empirical literature on two constructs, TMT cognition and first mover advantages and their link to firm entrepreneurial performance. Relevant theories have been reviewed, constructs and operational indicators have also been identified, comparison against empirical studies and the emergent knowledge gap is identified. This paper proposes a theoretical model for guiding future scholarship in strategic management.
Sources of Consumers Awareness toward Green Products and Its Impact on Purchasing Decision in Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique Md. Zillur Rahman , Hossain Afzal
Published: May 2018

Consumers’ green products awareness is significant in indicating the way of the green products buying decision. This study aims to investigate the sources of consumers’ awareness toward green products and its impact on purchasing decision. The data is collected from 300 respondents by survey method through a structured questionnaire with five-point Likert scales & multiple items. Convenience and judgmental sampling method are used. Data are analysed using frequency analysis, mean, standard deviation and regression analysis. The study has found that promotional activities on eco-friendly products and reference groups significantly influence consumers green products awareness. Majority of the respondents are aware of green products. This study also reveals that green products awareness as the critical factor, which significantly affects consumers green purchasing decision. This paper can contribute to this green awareness issues. The company can be benefited knowing sources of green products awareness. Those it can aid green awareness development along with green products offer to consumers.
Novel Design of a Vertical Axis Hydrokinetic Turbine âStraight-Blade Cascaded (VAHTâSBC): Experimental and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Hantoro Ridho , Septyaningrum Erna
Published: May 2018

A promising technology to reduce dependency on fossil fuels is hydrokinetic energy conversion using either turbine and non-turbine technology. Hydrokinetic turbine technology is penalized by low efficiency and lack of self-starting. This study involved experimental testing and numerical simulation of a novel hydrokinetic turbine design, called a Vertical Axis Hydrokinetic Turbine â Straight-Blade Cascaded (VAHTâSBC). Three configurations of the design were tested. Model 1 had 3 passive-pitch blades, while Model 2 and Model 3 had 6 and 9 blades respectively, where the outer blades were passive-pitch and the others fixed-blade. Both in the experimental test and in the numerical simulation Model 3 outperformed the other two models. The Cp of Model 3 was 0.42, which is very close to the theoretical Cp for VAHTs (0.45). It worked properly at low TSR. A CFD simulation based on the RANS solver was performed to gain supplementary information for performance investigation. This simulation confirmed that the torque changes because of the change in angle of attack as the turbine rotates. Because they have different numbers of blades, each model has different periodical torque fluctuation patterns. This study verified that utilization of cascaded blades and a passive-pitch mechanism is able to improve turbine performance.
Synthesis of Structured Triglycerides Based on Canarium Oil for Food Application
Authors: Sitompul Johnner , Gusdinar Tutus , Anggadiredja Kusnandar , Rahman Hamidah , Tursino Tursino
Published: May 2018

This paper concerns the synthesis of structured triglycerides containing different proportions and positions from medium- (M) and long-chain (L) fatty acids on a glycerol backbone. Structured triglycerides of MLM type were synthesized by utilizing canarium oil and incorporating caprylic acid (C8:0) as a source for the medium chain (M) fatty acids. Synthesis was performed through a two-step enzymatic reaction, with ethanolysis as the first step and esterification as the second step. Both reactions use the sn-1,3 specific lipase as a catalyst, which has specific activity at positions sn-1 and sn-3 of the triglyceride structure. The results from high-performance liquid chromatography showed that the stereospecific distribution of fatty acids in the structured triglyceride was 29.52±0.59 and 44.28±0.88 mol% of caprylic acid in the positions of sn-1,2,3 and sn-1,3, respectively. Furthermore, analysis of the physicochemical properties of both the native canarium oil and the structured triglycerides using an independent-sample t-test at p < 0.05 indicated that the two samples were significantly different for saponification number, iodium number, and average molecular weight. The results of this study showed that canarium oil can be exploited as a starting material for functional food application.
A Note on the Use of the Second Vertical Derivative (SVD) of Gravity Data with Reference to Indonesian Cases
Authors: Sumintadireja Prihadi , Dahrin Darharta , Grandis Hendra
Published: May 2018

Gravity data analysis and interpretation are based, among others, on their spatial variation represented by horizontal and vertical gradients. The gradient or derivative of a gravity field can be calculated either in the spatial domain or the wave-number domain. Historically, the second vertical derivative (SVD) of gravity data can be used to delineate the boundaries of anomalous sources. This paper addresses inappropriate use of the SVD of gravity data, with reference to current practices in Indonesia. The SVD's relative magnitude along a profile is widely used to define whether a density contrast and its dipping orientation correspond to a normal or reverse fault, which may be geologically incorrect. Furthermore, the SVD is calculated by approximation using the horizontal derivative, which may be erroneous especially with poorly distributed data and anomalous 3D sources. We exemplify our analysis with synthetic data and propose a more appropriate spectral-based analysis using field data.
Long-term Outcomes of Surgical Management of Insulinoma: Single Center Experience
Authors: ULKU Abdullah , YALAV Orcun , SARİTAS A. Gokhan , RENCUZOGULLARİ Ahmet , DALCİ Kubilay , ERAY İsmail Cem , YAGMUR Ozgur , AKCAM Atılgan Tolga
Published: May 2018

Objective:
Limited data are available in regards to the surgical management and outcomes
of insulinoma. This study aimed to assess the outcomes associated with surgical
treatment of insulinoma, as the most common pancreatic endocrine tumor.

Methods:
Medical records of patients who diagnosed as insulinoma from 2000 to 2010 at
General Surgery Department of Cukurova University Hospital were retrospectively
reviewed. Surgical treatment (resection vs. enucleation) was based on
preoperative radiological investigations (abdominal spiral contrast tomography,
ultrasound, selective angiography for selected cases) and intra-operative
ultrasound imaging once indicated.

Results:
Surgically treated thirteen patients (F/M:9/4) who diagnosed with insulinoma
were assessed with a mean follow-up of 5.3 (0.5-10) years. Enucleation and
distal pancreatectomy were performed for 11 and 2 (one of those is
spleen-preserving) patients, respectively. No mortality was recorded. All
patients became normoglycemic after surgery without re-operation and with
acceptable complication rates (n=3 pancreatic fistula, n=1 pancreatitis).

Conclusion:
Surgical treatment of insulinoma is associated with favorable outcomes. Intra-operative
ultrasound with manual palpation is still the gold standard for localizing
insulinoma. Location, size and relationship with main pancreatic duct of the
lesions are key components for the selection of optimal surgical procedure.
Quality of leadership in basic training
Authors: Martínez-Moreno A. , Morales Baños V. , Ibáñez Pérez R.
Published: May 2018

El objetivo del artículo es identificar el estilo de liderazgo de los alumnos de primer curso de Grado en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y Deporte, futuros líderes de grupos-equipos humanos. La muestra está formada por 112 alumnos, de los que 76 (67,9%) son hombres y 36 (32,1%) mujeres. Se administró la versión española del Cuestionario de Liderazgo Multifactorial. Los resultados muestran una mayor influencia idealizada (atribución) con una media de 2,86, mientras que la conducta Laissez Faire obtuvo unos valores casi testimoniales de 1,29 puntos.  Determinar que los alumnos de la muestra utilizan preferentemente el modelo transformacional, seguido muy de cerca por el transaccional. Este hecho repercutirá positivamente en los grupos-equipos humanos que puedan dirigir, respondiendo así, a los emergentes contextos organizativos que demandan principalmente acciones-cualidades-atributos presentes en dicho modelo.
User satisfaction as a quality indicator in the municipal sports service. Perception, analysis and evolution
Authors: Armada E. , Martínez -Gallego F. , Segarra E. , Díaz A.
Published: May 2018

Abordamos un estudio longitudinal para determinar el grado de satisfacción del usuario con los servicios deportivos municipales del Ayuntamiento de Cartagena, analizar la evolución de la satisfacción a lo largo del tiempo, entre 1991 y 2015, para actualizar los niveles de calidad que ofrecen estos servicios y aportar un caso práctico de gestión orientado a la calidad, que pueda servir al benchmarking de los futuros gestores deportivos públicos.

El análisis global de las dimensiones de la encuesta indica que todos los recursos del servicio condicionan la calidad, aunque unos tienen mayor peso que otros en la satisfacción percibida, siendo en ambos periodos, las personas que prestan el servicio lo mejor valorado. Estos datos facilitan la toma de decisiones de mejora sobre los aspectos peor valorados y la aplicación de sistemas para afianzar la calidad, la satisfacción y la fidelización de los ciudadanos al servicio municipal de deportes. 
Cinquante ans de victimologie. Quelle place pour les victimes d’actes criminels dans la revue Criminologie de 1968 à aujourd’hui ?
Authors: Rossi1 Catherine , Gaudreault Arlène
Published: May 2018

Dès son premier numéro, la revue Criminologie a fait une place à la victimologie, confirmant ainsi que la criminologie est bien la discipline mère de ce champ d’étude, à tout le moins dans le monde francophone. À l’aube du 50e anniversaire de la revue, un bilan s’impose : la victimologie sera-t-elle parvenue à se créer une place digne de ce nom au sein du monde de la recherche ? À partir de la lecture et de l’analyse des productions scientifiques de ces 50 dernières années, 89 textes scientifiques ayant pour objet les victimes ou la victimisation ont été extraits de la revue, et un bilan en a été dressé. Au final, il appert que certains grands thèmes victimologiques semblent avoir pris une place importante dans la revue depuis sa création et représentent le reflet d’une bonne partie de l’histoire de la victimologie, au Canada et au Québec, mais aussi sur le plan international. Pour autant, la ligne directrice de ces recherches reste disparate et éclatée et certaines orientations victimologiques se trouveront de leur côté presque absentes ou sous-représentées au sein de la revue. À partir de ce constat, il sera permis de faire des liens entre la présence de la victimologie dans la revue et la place occupée par la victimologie dans le monde de la recherche criminologique en général.
Ecological determinants of intertidal recruitment and metacommunity structure on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia
Authors: Scrosati Ricardo A. , Ellrich Julius A.
Published: May 2018

Rocky-intertidal species are often distributed as metacommunities along marine shores, as rocky habitats are patchy. Nearshore pelagic conditions often explain variation among the local communities, but most studies have been done on eastern ocean boundary coasts. We investigated potential drivers of intertidal metacommunity structure on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. We studied the high intertidal zone of nine wave-exposed bedrock locations spanning 425 km of coastline. At each location in the spring, we measured the recruitment of barnacles and mussels, the two predominant sessile invertebrates. Satellite data on coastal phytoplankton abundance and particulate organic carbon (food supply for intertidal filter-feeders) and in-situ data on coastal seawater temperature explained to varying degrees the geographic structure of recruitment. In turn, the summer abundance of both filter-feeders was positively related to their spring recruitment. Ultimately, predator (dogwhelk) abundance increased with the recruitment and abundance of barnacles and mussels (the main prey of dogwhelks), suggesting that bottom-up forcing influences metacommunity structure on this coast. Sea ice constituted an overlapping source of variation. Drift ice leaving the Gulf of St. Lawrence in late winter disturbed intertidal communities in the northern locations, limiting local biodiversity compared with central and southern locations.
Effects of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) removal on shallow-water sediments in Fiji
Authors: Lee Steven , Ford Amanda K. , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Wild Christian , Ferse Sebastian C.A.
Published: May 2018

Sea cucumbers play an important role in the recycling and remineralization of organic matter (OM) in reef sands through feeding, excretion, and bioturbation processes. Growing demand from Asian markets has driven the overexploitation of these animals globally. The implications of sea cucumber fisheries for shallow coastal ecosystems and their management remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, the current study manipulated densities of Holothuria scabra within enclosures on a reef flat in Fiji, between August 2015 and February 2016, to study the effects of sea cucumber removal on sedimentary function as a biocatalytic filter system. Three treatments were investigated: (i) high density (350 g m−2 wet weight; ca. 15 individuals); (ii) natural density (60 g m−2; ca. 3 individuals); and (iii) exclusion (0 g m−2). Quantity of sediment reworked through ingestion by H. scabra, grain size distribution, O2 penetration depth, and sedimentary oxygen consumption (SOC) were quantified within each treatment. Findings revealed that the natural population of H. scabra at the study site can rework ca. 10,590 kg dry sediment 1,000 m−2 year−1; more than twice the turnover rate recorded for H. atra and Stichopus chloronotus. There was a shift towards finer fraction grains in the high treatment. In the exclusion treatment, the O2 penetration depth decreased by 63% following a 6 °C increase in water temperature over the course of two months, while in the high treatment no such change was observed. SOC rates increased ca. two-fold in the exclusion treatment within the first month, and were consistently higher than in the high treatment. These results suggest that the removal of sea cucumbers can reduce the capacity of sediments to buffer OM pulses, impeding the function and productivity of shallow coastal ecosystems.
I understand you feel that way, but I feel this way: the benefits of I-language and communicating perspective during conflict
Authors: Rogers Shane L. , Howieson Jill , Neame Casey
Published: May 2018

Using hypothetical scenarios, we provided participants with potential opening statements to a conflict discussion that varied on I/you language and communicated perspective. Participants rated the likelihood that the recipient of the statement would react in a defensive manner. Using I-language and communicating perspective were both found to reduce perceptions of hostility. Statements that communicated both self- and other-perspective using I-language (e.g. ‘I understand why you might feel that way, but I feel this way, so I think the situation is unfair’) were rated as the best strategy to open a conflict discussion. Simple acts of initial language use can reduce the chances that conflict discussion will descend into a downward spiral of hostility.
VHC e HTLV-I: aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos da co-infecção
Authors: Rêgo Allan , Feitosa Flávio , Cavalcante Daniel , Paraná Raymundo
Published: May 2018

O vírus da hepatite C (VHC), que infecta cerca de 3% da população mundial, o que equivale aproximadamente a 170 milhões de pessoas, e o human T-cell lymphotropic virus-I (HTLV-I), responsável por infecção endêmica em diversas regiões do mundo, são entidades que possuem uma alta prevalência em nosso meio. A co-infecção pelos dois vírus ainda é muito pouco entendida nos seus aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos. É de especial importância o seu conhecimento por médicos baianos, uma vez que o Estado da Bahia é um dos possíveis locais em que a co-infecção tem impacto epidemiológico importante. Existe um grande conhecimento acerca de cada vírus individualmente, porém as repercussões da co-infecção têm sido muito pouco estudadas. Por suas características de infectarem células do sistema imune e levarem a diferentes modulações na resposta imunológica do organismo, esperam-se alterações na evolução natural da infecção por estes dois vírus. Através da revisão sistemática de publicações, procurou-se levantar dados sobre a co-infecção VHC/HTLV-I e seus efeitos sobre o organismo. Devido à escassez de trabalhos publicados acerca deste tema, concluiu-se que há uma grande lacuna de conhecimento a ser explorada. Dessa forma, objetiva-se uma revisão bibliográfica útil ao médico clínico sobre o recente avanço do conhecimento da co-infecção, a fim de colaborar para o entendimento do impacto na vida de pacientes infectados por esses dois vírus.
Displasia cemento óssea florida
Authors: Araújo Danilo Barral , Queiroz Isaac Vieira , Romero Pedro , Falcão Antonio Fernando Pereira
Published: May 2018

A Displasia Cemento Óssea Florida (DCOF) é uma lesão controvertida em relação ao seu diagnostico, pelos seus aspectos clínicos e radiográficos muito semelhantes a outras lesões ósseas esclerosantes. Acomete principalmente a mandíbula de mulheres negras com idade acima de quarenta anos. Apresenta um aspecto radiográfico de massas densamente radiopacas, entremeadas por faixas radiolúcidas, sem limite definido. Pode desenvolver expansão óssea alveolar, supuração e fistulação, caso esteja associada à infecção secundaria (osteomielite), que ocorre devido à exposição da massa óssea avascular à cavidade bucal.
Ação moduladora da microbiota de portadores de síndrome de Down sobre bactérias cariogênicas
Authors: Almeida Marina Dórea de , Franca Mônica Pereira , Moura Lilia Ferreira de , Moura Bárbara Laisa Alves , Tunes Urbino Da Rocha , Almeida Paulo Fernando de
Published: May 2018

Os portadores da Síndrome de Down possuem baixa prevalência de cárie, apesar de apresentarem uma higiene oral deficiente. O estudo foi realizado para detectar cepas produtoras de bacteriocinas, com o intuito de avaliar a sua possível ação como moduladoras da microbiota cariogênica dos sindrômicos. Streptococcus mutans e Streptococcus sobrinus são os principais produtores de ácidos na cavidade oral. Em função disso, esses estreptococos foram testados antagonicamente com cepas isoladas dos indivíduos com Síndrome de Down, para que fosse avaliado se havia inibição das bactérias cariogênicas pelas cepas dos sindrômicos. Streptococcus mutans e Streptococcus sobrinus foram isolados utilizando o meio ágar sacarose bacitracina e identificados através de provas bioquímicas. Uma amostra de placa supragengival dos sindrômicos foi coletada e semeada por disseminação em Ágar Mitis-Salivarius, após o isolamento foram cultivados em caldo BHI. Dez culturas dos sindrômicos foram semeadas no Ágar Muller Hinton. Após o crescimento, as placas foram tratadas com clorofórmio. Sucessivamente, uma porção das culturas de bactérias cariogênicas foi transferida para meio semi-sólido BHI e vertidas nas placas com as culturas testes. Duas das dez cepas testadas apresentaram halo de inibição de crescimento contra cepas de Streptococcus mutans. A descoberta de cepas que produzem substâncias antimicrobianas pode ser responsável pela baixa prevalência de cárie em indivíduos com Síndrome de Down. Esse achado pode ajudar a entender a relação entre microbiota oral e patologia da cárie dentária.
Time Trends in the Burden of Environmental Heat and Cold Exposure Among Children and Adolescents
Authors: He Yi-Sheng , Cao Fan , Hu Xiao , Liu Yu-Chen , Tao Sha-Sha , Wang Peng , Hou Shengping , Pan Hai-Feng
Published: November 2024

Importance

Environmental heat and cold exposure (EHCE) remains the principal preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents globally.

Objective

To report EHCE-related burden and analyze its temporal trends among children and adolescents from 1990 to 2019.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This repeated cross-sectional study used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, which encompassed 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years were included in the study. Data analysis occurred from December 2023 to March 2024.

Exposure

EHCE in children and adolescents from January 1990 to December 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were cases and rates of EHCE incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs). Global trends in these metrics were also analyzed by sex, age, and sociodemographic index (SDI), which is a comprehensive indicator of the socioeconomic status of a country or region. A linear regression model was used to calculate AAPCs and a joinpoint regression model was used to identify the years in which trends changed significantly.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, EHCE-related incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs showed a downward trend globally. However, an upward trend in EHCE incidence and prevalence was detected between 2010 and 2019 (incidence AAPC, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.05-1.87; prevalence AAPC, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.50). Regionally, although EHCE-related incidence showed a decreasing trend in most regions from 1990 to 2019, there were still some regions with an increasing trend (Southern sub-Saharan Africa AAPC, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.01-0.44). In 2019, the mortality and DALYs of EHCE were higher among children and adolescents in countries with low SDI levels. Additionally, the burden of EHCE among children and adolescents varied according to sex and age.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, a global increase was observed in EHCE incidence and prevalence since 2010. Furthermore, children and adolescents in low-SDI regions, which bear the brunt of the climate crisis, were disproportionately impacted. This suggests that future responses to climate change crises should emphasize health equity, which implies that vulnerable populations, such as children and adolescents, should be given priority in the allocation of resources to address climate change.
Screen Time Before 2 Years of Age and Risk of Autism at 12 Years of Age
Authors: Lin Ping-I. , Wu Weng Tong , Guo Yue-Liang Leon
Published: November 2024

This cohort study evaluates the association between screen time and autism spectrum disorder by considering socioeconomic factors as instrumental variables.
Nachkaltzeitliche reliktische und fossile Böden seit dem 15. Jahrtausend vor heute
Authors: Schirmer Wolfgang
Published: November 2024

Bodenbildung findet stets statt, auch unter eiszeitlichen Bedingungen. Man kann also nicht nach ihrem Beginn fragen. Der Beginn der Entstehung fortgeschrittener Bodentypen aber ist von Interesse. Das Erscheinen der Verbraunung und zusätzlich der Lessivierung ist vom Substrat und Klima abhängig. Verbraunung und Lessivierung können theoretisch direkt nach der Entstehung des Substrates beginnen oder erst viel später. Diese Verweilzeit zu bestimmen, braucht es geeignete Datierungen. Der Autor findet den Zeitpunkt für den Beginn von Verbraunung und Lessivierung im carbonatischen Löss um 7000 vor heute. In carbonatfreien Sandgebieten kann sie in schwacher Form früher beginnen. Kräftige Lessivierung endet bereits wieder mit dem Atlantikum. Vor 7000 Jahren vor heute gab es zwei Erwärmungsphasen: die eine mit Beginn des Spätglazials ab rund 14 450 a vor heute, die andere mit Beginn des Holozäns ab 11 700 a. In diesen beiden Erwärmungsphasen herrschten bis 7000 a vor heute in Carbonatsubstraten humose A‐C‐Böden. Kurz vor dem Verbraunungsbeginn um 7000 a setzt bereits die anthropogene Sesshaftigkeit und Rodung ein. Auf den dadurch entstehenden Kolluvien bilden sich Braunerden, bei kürzerer Rodungsfolge A‐C‐Böden. Auch die Natur liefert während der Nacheiszeit Neusubstrate, wie Flussablagerungen, Muren, Dünen, Marsch‐ und Wattsedimente. Sie erleben notwendigerweise eine kürzere Bodenbildungsdauer als die Ablagerungen, die seit der letzten Kaltzeit mit der Bodenbildung beginnen konnten. Ihr späterer Bodenbildungsbeginn verleiht interessante Daten für Varianten der Bodenbildung.
Analysis of sagittal plane cine magnetic resonance imaging for measurement of pancreatic tumor residual motion during breath hold and evaluation of gating margins used in radiotherapy treatment
Authors: Phipps Adam , Robinson Maxwell , George Ben , Whyntie Tom
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose

In pancreatic radiotherapy, residual tumor motion during treatment increases the risk of toxicity. Cine imaging acquired during magnetic resonance guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) enables real‐time treatment gating in response to anatomical motion, which can reduce this risk; however, treatment gating can negatively impact the efficiency of treatment. This study aimed to quantify the extent of residual tumor motion during breath hold and evaluate the appropriateness of the treatment gating margins used in current clinical practice.

Materials and methods

Cine imaging acquired during pancreatic MRgRT of 11 patients on the ViewRay MRIdian was analyzed. The total duration of treatment analyzed was 12 h 13 min. Improved methods for processing and analyzing cine imaging were developed: breath holds were systematically separated with frequency analysis, residual motion was measured with consideration of both the tracking structure contour and centroid, and residual motion measurements were supported by phantom measurements of image scaling, resolution, and noise. Residual motion was measured at angles 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° to the superior‐inferior (SI) direction. Total residual motion was measured by combining directional measurements.

Results

The minimum tracking structure displacement resolvable through cine imaging was found to be 1.5 mm; therefore, residual motion analysis was limited to 1.5 mm spatial resolution. Total residual motion was contained within margins ±1.5, ±3, and ±4.5mm with mean percentage frequencies of 97.0%, 91.1%, and 67.8%. Most residual motion was observed in the SI direction, and significantly more residual motion was measured for the tracking structure contour than the centroid.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that patients are largely able to maintain breath hold positions to within a 3 mm margin, thus provide evidence that supports the use of a 3mm gating margin in clinical practice. Residual motion frequently exceeded 1.5 mm so a reduction in gating margin would have an undesirable impact on treatment efficiency.