bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The health of the residents of Ireland: Population norms for Ireland based on the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system – a cross sectional study
Authors: Hobbins Anna , Barry Luke , Kelleher Dan , O'Neill Ciaran
Published: September 2018

Background: The EQ-5D descriptive system has become a widely used generic instrument to measure population health. In this study we use the EQ-5D-5L system to describe the health of residents in Ireland in 2015/16 and examine relationships between health and a range of socio-demographic characteristics.    

Methods: A representative sample of residents in Ireland was established in a two-stage random sampling exercise in 2015/16. Self-reported health, together with a range of socio-demographic characteristics, were collected using a computer-assisted-personal-interview survey. Self-reported health was captured using the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system including a visual analogue scale. Data were presented as descriptive statistics and analysed using a general linear regression model and ordered logistic regression models in the case of specific health domains. Socio-economic gradients in health were also examined using concentration curves and indices.

Results: A usable sample of 1,131 individuals provided responses to all questions in the survey. The population in general reported good health across the five domains with roughly 78%, 94%, 81%, 60% and 78% reporting no problems with mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression respectively. Differences in health with respect to age, and socio-economic status were evident; those who were older, less well-educated of lower income and without private health insurance reported poorer health. Differences in health between groups differentiated by socio-economic status varied across domains of health, and were dependent on the measure of socio-economic status used.  

Conclusion: Residents of Ireland appear to rate their health as relatively good across the various domains captured by the EQ-5D-5L system. A pro-affluent gradient in self-reported health is evident though the sharpness of that gradient varies between domains of health and the measures of socio-economic status used. The study provides baseline data against which the health of the population can be measured in the future as demography and economic conditions change.
A birthday checkup for the NHS at 70
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: September 2018

Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at De Montfort University, Leicester, discusses a new comparative report on the NHS's performance
Paediatric robotic surgery
Authors: Cave Joshua , Clarke Simon
Published: September 2018

A review of the current status of robotic surgery use in paediatrics
Hepatoprotective activity of Tamarindus indica Linn stem bark ethanolic extract against hepatic damage induced by co-administration of antitubercular drugs isoniazid and rifampicin in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Meena Shaikh Zohra , Rahman Md. Azizur , Bagga Paramdeep , Mujahid Md.
Published: September 2018

Background

Development of drug-induced hepatic damage (DIHD) during chemotherapy is the most common reason for interruption in chemotherapy. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica stem bark (EETI) against the induced DIHD in Sprague Dawley rats.

Methods

The rats were divided into five groups (n=5). Group I, group III, group IV, and group V rats received 1 mL 1% carboxymethyl cellulose, EETI 100 mg/kg body weight (b.wt), EETI 200 mg/kg b.wt, and silymarin 100 mg/kg b.wt, respectively, orally once every day for 28 days. After 1 h–group II, group III, group IV, and group V rats were administered with isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) 50 mg/kg b.wt each orally once every day for 28 days. Then, 24 h after the last dosing, blood was withdrawn from the rats and analyzed for liver specific enzymes and biochemical markers. They were examined for histopathology.

Results

Co-administration of INH and RIF in group II significantly increased alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum bilirubin, and cholesterol levels while reduced the total protein and albumin levels compared to that of group I. EETI in group III and group IV rats significantly restored the liver specific enzymes and biochemical markers altered due to co-administration of INH and RIF to normal in a dose-dependent manner. EETI 200 mg/kg b.wt showed better protection to liver than EETI 100 mg/kg b.wt and was comparable to silymarin 100 mg/kg b.wt. It was well supported with histopathology of liver tissues.

Conclusions

EETI possesses hepatoprotective activity against DIHD in rats. It may have a substantial impact on developing clinical strategies to treat patients with hepatic damage.
Emergency peripartal hysterectomy – a single-center analysis of the last 13 years at a tertiary perinatal care unit
Authors: de Gregorio Amelie , Friedl Thomas W.P. , Scholz Christoph , Janni Wolfgang , Ebner Florian , de Gregorio Nikolaus
Published: September 2018

Background

Peripartal hysterectomy (PH) is a challenging surgical procedure with elevated maternal morbidity.

Methods

From 2004 to 2016, 41 emergency PHs were performed at the tertiary care center of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at University Hospital Ulm. In our retrospective analysis, the incidence of PH in our hospital was 12.8 per 10,000 deliveries with a maternal mortality of 2.4%. PH followed in 80.5% after cesarean section (c-section). Underlying causes/indications for PH were abnormal placentation (53.7%; n=22), uterine atony (26.8%; n=11), uterine lacerations (14.6%; n=6) and in rare cases uterine infection (4.9%; n=2). The median number of transfused products was 11 packed red blood cells (range 0–55 products), 10 fresh frozen plasma units (range 1–43) and two platelet concentrates (0–16).

Results

Loss of blood as estimated by surgeons was significantly correlated with actual transfused blood volume (P<0.001). Clinically relevant intra- and/or postoperative complications occurred in 53.7% of patients (n=22). Abnormal placentation was the leading cause for PH with an increased incidence during the last 10 years presumptively representing the elevated rate of c-sections.

Conclusion

PH goes along with increased rates of blood product transfusions independently of indication for surgery and has a high morbidity with a major complication rate of more than 50%. Prepartal assessment of risk factors like abnormal invasive placenta are crucial for reducing maternal morbidity.
Assessing crop performance in maize field trials using a vegetation index
Authors: Federolf Carl-Philipp , Westerschulte Matthias , Olfs Hans-Werner , Broll Gabriele , Trautz Dieter
Published: September 2018

New agronomic systems need scientific proof before being adapted by farmers. To increase the informative value of field trials, expensive samplings throughout the cropping season are required. In a series of trials where different application techniques and rates of liquid manure in maize were tested, a handheld sensor metering the red edge inflection point (REIP) was compared to conventional biomass sampling at different growth stages and in different environments. In a repeatedly measured trial during the 2014, 2015, and 2016 growing seasons, the coefficients of determination between REIP and biomass / nitrogen uptake (Nupt) ascended from 4 leaves stage to 8 leaves stage, followed by a decent towards tasseling. In a series of trials in 2014, and 2015, the mean coefficients of determination at 8 leaves stage were 0.65, and 0.67 for biomass and Nupt, respectively. The predictability of biomass or Nupt by REIP however, is limited to similar conditions (e.g. variety). In this study, REIP values of e.g. ~721, represent Nupt values from ~8 kg ha-1 to ~38 kg ha-1. Consequently, the handheld sensor derived REIP used in this series of experiments can show growth differences between treatments, but referential samples are necessary to assess growth parameters.
Badiou and Frege: A Continental Critique of Logical Form
Authors: Spencer Joseph M.
Published: September 2018

Various critiques of important (early) analytic thinkers made by Alain Badiou in the late 1960s have been largely overlooked by continental philosophers and entirely overlooked by analytic philosophers. This paper looks in detail at Badiou’s 1969 essay ‟Mark and Lack,” providing an exposition and clarification of his direct and sustained critique of Gottlob Frege’s supposed ideological (rather than scientific) philosophical commitments. Badiou’s intellectual context is analyzed in some detail, not only explaining his theoretical debt to his then-master Louis Althusser, but also clarifying his understandings of the notions of ‟the scientific” and ‟the ideological” in light of the projects of Gaston Bachelard and Georges Canguilhem. A philosophical exposition of Badiou’s point-by-point critique of Frege’s conception of logic follows. Finally, the paper concludes with an analysis of the more general relevance of Badiou’s half-century-old critiques in light of developments in contemporary analytic metaphysics, especially those indebted to W. V. O. Quine and Donald Davidson. In essence, Davidson’s Fregean reconfiguration of Tarski’s work on truth (more explicit than, but not unrelated to, Quine’s work) places contemporary analytic metaphysics within the scope of what Badiou directly criticizes. It is suggested that Badiou’s critique find a place in discussions of analytic metaphysics.
What Counts as a ‘Religious Experience?’: Phenomenology, Spirituality, and the Question of Religion
Authors: DeRoo Neal
Published: September 2018

This paper: a) offers a phenomenology of the religious that challenges the assumption that “religious experience” is primarily to be understood as a type of experience, called ‘religious’ experience, which is distinct from other (i.e., ‘non-religious’) experiences; and b) traces out some implications of this for phenomenological and other scholarly approaches to religion. To achieve these aims, the paper begins by explaining the phenomenological claim-found most explicitly in Husserl and Merleau- Ponty-that all experiences are expressive of a certain kind of spirit. This account of spirit, when applied to the phenomenological understanding of the ‘religious,’ allows us to distinguish between religiosity (as a transcendental structure), religions (as dynamic forces that express that structure), and religious phenomena (as concrete phenomena that express religions). In turn, this tri-partite distinction allows us to explain how religiosity leads to the development of religion in a way that suggests that ‘the religious’ is best conceived as a particular dimension of all experience. In that light, two major implications for the study of religion emerge from the phenomenology of the religious provided in this paper: 1) the realm of possible subjects of study is greatly expanded; while 2) the proper object of study is narrowed and clarified
Study of the rheology and foaming processes of poly(vinyl chloride) plastisols with different foaming agents
Authors: Ji Yubi , Luo Heng , Shi Min , Yang Zhao , Gong Wei , Tan Hong
Published: September 2018

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastisols are widely used in the production of flexible PVC foams. In this study, we investigated the evolution of the complex viscosity of PVC plastisol by dynamic oscillatory tests, the storage modulus of the PVC compound by dynamic mechanical analysis, and the thermal behavior including the decomposition of three chemical blowing agents (CBAs), namely, azodicarbonamide, 4,4′-oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide), and sodium bicarbonate, by differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, the morphology and quality of the foams obtained from the corresponding plastisols were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the onset decomposition temperature T2(5%) of a CBA in plastisol is the most critical indicator of the foam quality. The temperature difference corresponding to [T2(5%) – Tηmax] was also proved to be another important parameter. When T2(5%) is within the optimum temperature range of a PVC plastisol, the bigger the [T2(5%) – Tηmax] difference, the better the quality of the foams.
Understanding the role of dopamine in conditioned and unconditioned fear
Authors: Brandão Marcus L. , Coimbra Norberto C.
Published: September 2018

Pharmacological and molecular imaging studies in anxiety disorders have primarily focused on the serotonin system. In the meantime, dopamine has been known as the neurotransmitter of reward for 60 years, particularly for its action in the nervous terminals of the mesocorticolimbic system. Interest in the mediation by dopamine of the well-known brain aversion system has grown recently, particularly given recent evidence obtained on the role of D2 dopamine receptors in unconditioned fear. However, it has been established that excitation of the mesocorticolimbic pathway, originating from dopaminergic (DA) neurons from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), is relevant for the development of anxiety. Among the forebrain regions innervated by this pathway, the amygdala is an essential component of the neural circuitry of conditioned fear. Current findings indicate that the dopamine D2 receptor-signaling pathway connecting the VTA to the basolateral amygdala modulates fear and anxiety, whereas neural circuits in the midbrain tectum underlie the expression of innate fear. The A13 nucleus of the zona incerta is proposed as the origin of these DA neurons projecting to caudal structures of the brain aversion system. In this article we review data obtained in studies showing that DA receptor-mediated mechanisms on ascending or descending DA pathways play opposing roles in fear/anxiety processes. Dopamine appears to mediate conditioned fear by acting at rostral levels of the brain and regulate unconditioned fear at the midbrain level.
On avoiding negative electron density in Gram-Charlier refinements of anharmonic motion: the example of glutathione
Authors: Hübschle Christian B. , Ruhmlieb Charlotte , Burkhardt Anja , van Smaalen Sander , Dittrich Birger
Published: September 2018

The structure of glutathione, γ-l-Glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine (C10H17N3O6S), was studied by multi-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Residual density maps from conventional independent atom model refinement gave indication of anharmonic motion in the molecule. This was further investigated by invariom refinement with anisotropic displacement parameters for all atoms, which described asphericity due to chemical bonding and lone pairs; afterwards only the residual-density signal of anharmonic motion remained. Treating anharmonicity with third-order Gram-Charlier displacement parameters led to regions with unphysical negative electron density. In contrast, a maximum entropy method (MEM) determination of the electron density successfully takes the features into account. Respective difference electron density plots (MEM minus prior and [Invariom+GC] minus invariom) agree well with each other. Challenges in treating and understanding the phenomenon are discussed. A procedure is proposed how unphysical negative electron density can be avoided. It is closely related to the free lunch algorithm.
Reconciling stakeholder interests in the era of open data
Authors: De Nadai Alessandro S.
Published: September 2018

While there is great enthusiasm about new data sharing initiatives in mental health research, some concerns have recently been expressed that reflect tension between those who generate data and those who engage in secondary data analysis. While many aspects of data sharing have been considered, some of this tension has not been fully addressed. If this tension continues to go unresolved, enthusiasm for data sharing initiatives may be hindered. The author suggests solutions to these issues after carefully considering respective stakeholder interests (including those of patients, researchers, and funding agencies).
Self-Stigma and Etiological Attributions About Symptoms Among Individuals Diagnosed With an Anxiety Disorder: Relations With Symptom Severity and Symptom Improvement Following CBT
Authors: Lorona Rosemond T. , Fergus Thomas A. , Valentiner David P. , Miller Lindsay M. , McGrath Patrick B.
Published: September 2018

Nearly one-third of individuals in the U.S. will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder during their lifetime. Receiving that label can evoke self-stigma, with self-stigma relating to greater symptom severity and negatively impacting treatment outcomes. A lesser-studied variable related to self-stigma is etiological attributions about symptoms, including biological and psychological attributions. The current study examined interrelations among self-stigma, etiological attributions, and symptom severity among 213 individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder who completed a cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) program. How self-stigma and etiological attributions related to symptom improvement following the program was examined in a subset of participants. Etiological attributions and self-stigma shared positive associations with symptom severity. Regression analyses indicated that, when controlling for overlap among self-stigma and etiological attributions, psychological attributions emerged as particularly relevant for understanding symptom severity. Changes in self-stigma and attributions were positively associated with changes in symptom severity following the CBT program. Study implications are discussed.
Characterizing Couple Dysfunction in Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Miano Annemarie , Dziobek Isabel , Roepke Stefan
Published: September 2018

Relationship dysfunction is a key criterion of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Nevertheless, little is known about the characteristics of romantic relationship functioning in BPD. In this study, couples in which the women were diagnosed with BPD (BPD couples) and healthy control couples (HC) were compared in their perceived relationship characteristics (e.g., relationship quality) and interpersonal experience variables (e.g., attachment). The hypothesis was tested that insecure attachment styles account for group differences in relationship characteristics. Variables were measured by self-report. Romantic relationships were appraised as more negative and conflictual by both members of BPD couples compared to HC. The perception of women with BPD was often more negative than that of their male partners, indicating potential biases in BPD patients' relationship evaluation. Insecure attachment styles only partially explained group differences in relationship characteristics, showing that attachment style is one, but not the only predictor of decreased relationship functioning in BPD couples.
Neural Correlate of Visual Familiarity in Macaque Area V2
Authors: Huang Ge , Ramachandran Suchitra , Lee Tai Sing , Olson Carl R.
Published: September 2018

Neurons in macaque inferotemporal cortex (ITC) respond less strongly to familiar than to novel images. It is commonly assumed that this effect arises within ITC because its neurons respond selectively to complex images and thus encode in an explicit form information sufficient for identifying a particular image as familiar. However, no prior study has examined whether neurons in low-order visual areas selective for local features also exhibit familiarity suppression. To address this issue, we recorded from neurons in macaque area V2 with semichronic microelectrode arrays while monkeys repeatedly viewed a set of large complex natural images. We report here that V2 neurons exhibit familiarity suppression. The effect develops over several days with a trajectory well fitted by an exponential function with a rate constant of ∼100 exposures. Suppression occurs in V2 at a latency following image onset shorter than its reported latency in ITC.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTFamiliarity suppression, the tendency for neurons to respond less strongly to familiar than novel images, is well known in monkey inferotemporal cortex. Suppression has been thought to arise in inferotemporal cortex because its neurons respond selectively to large complex images and thus explicitly to encode information sufficient for identifying a particular image as familiar. No previous study has explored the possibility that familiarity suppression occurs even in early-stage visual areas where neurons are selective for simple features in confined receptive fields. We now report that neurons in area V2 exhibit familiarity suppression. This finding challenges our current understanding of information processing in V2 as well as our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie familiarity suppression.
Ceprotan Performing Art: A Traditional Folkart Based on Urband Legend
Authors: Setyawan Bagus Wahyu , Saddhono Kundharu
Published: September 2018

Traditional arts of born and develops from urban society by keeping a manifestation of its and forms are different in the regions. Ceprotan as a traditional arts from Sekar Village, Donorojo Sub-district, Pacitan Regency. Form of this research is qualitative descriptive with focused to describe and explain about Ceprotan performing art in Sekar Village, that source from the local history, that is the story of Ki Godeg and Dewi Sekar. Research object are Ceprotan performing art which held once a year, in Senin Kliwon days, in Dulqokdah month. Data collected technique using observation, noted, and content analysis. Result of research find that Ceprotan is a traditional art performed same time with Bersih Desa ceremony in Sekar Village society. Ceprotan perforiming art held once a year, only in day of Senin Kliwon, month of Dulqokdah in Lunar calendar. Ceprotan performing art performed the sendratari (dramatic dancing art) telling the story of Ki Godeg and Dewi Sekar journies with develop the Sekar Village. In the end of performing, done attraction throwing the young coconuts from some of young people from Sekar Village.
Diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy of focal liver lesions
Authors: Ichim Vlad Andrei , Chira Romeo Ioan , Mircea Petru Adrian
Published: September 2018

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has become an indispensable method for diagnosis and therapeutic procedures in gastroenterology. As experience with this technique grows, new indications continue to emerge. Due to the vicinity of the transducer to the liver, endoscopic ultrasonography provides detailed images of the liver segments and its vascular and biliary structures. Endosonographers have made an effort to define a clinical role for endoscopic ultrasound in liver diseases; however, not much is known about endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in hepatic focal lesions.

This review summarizes the available evidence regarding the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in patients with focal liver lesions.
Sterilization Protocol for Porous dental implants made by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Manea Avram , Bran Simion , Baciut Mihaela , Armencea Gabriel , Pop Dumitru , Berce Petru , Vodnar Dan-Cristian , Hedesiu Mihaela , Dinu Cristian , Petrutiu Adrian , Tomina Darius , Baciut Grigore
Published: September 2018

Background and aims. Although dental implants are widely and successfully used, failure rates because of bacterial colonization are still high. Adequate fabrication and sterilization techniques as well as proper management of infectious complications represent a constant field of interest and research. In this study, we focused our attention on implants with controlled porosity produced by Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The difficulty to sterilize porous implantable devices is well known and finding an adequate sterilization protocol represents a challenge worldwide. Before testing the biological and mechanical properties of porous implants, a preliminary study in order to determine a correct sterilization protocol must be conducted.Our aim was to establish a valid sterilization protocol for porous titanium alloy dental implants, as such protocols are not officially available yet.Methods. Twenty dental implants were fabricated from a titanium alloy by SLM. Ten of them were made using a 150W laser beam (porosity of 1% - group A) and the rest using a 75W laser beam (porosity of 23% - Group B), all of them with a non-defined internal structure. The implants were initially sterilized (5 from group A and 5 from group B, using dry heat - 180°C for 2 hours; the rest using steam sterilization - 121 °C for15 min) and then spent 18 hours in culture media with developing bacteria (Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 49444), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114), three Gram negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). The first ten implants (5 from group A and 5 from group B) were then sterilized with dry heat and the others with steam. After sterilization, they were all placed in sterile culture media in order to observe if any bacterial growth were present.Results. The culture media was observed 18 hours after the sterilized implants were placed inside. No bacterial growth was observed.Conclusions. Our tests reached their aims of defining a protocol to sterilize porous implants. Future tests regarding biological and mechanical aspects of these implants may now follow.
Effects of land-use change on Nitisols properties in a tropical climate
Authors: Olivera Viciedo Dilier , Hernández Jiménez Alberto , Rodríguez González Manuel , Lizcano Toledo Rodolfo , Calero Alexander , Peña Calzada Kolima
Published: September 2018

El cambio en el uso de la tierra, especialmente la conversión de bosques nativos en tierras cultivadas ejerce un impacto sobre las propiedades físicas, químicas e hidrofísicas de los suelos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de diferentes sistemas de manejo de un suelo tropical reflejado en algunas de sus propiedades físicas, químicas e hidrofísicas. Se evaluaron nueve perfiles de un suelo Nitisol agrupado en tres categorías: (I) bosque nativo (Referencia > 30 años); (II) suelos anteriormente cultivados y luego convertidos en pastizales (Conservados > 10 años); y (III) suelos bajo cultivo continuado (Agrogénicos > 50 años). Las variables analizadas fueron materia orgánica, densidad aparente, densidad real, porosidad, capacidad de campo, textura e índice estructural. Los resultados determinaron que la acción de las técnicas agrícolas tradicionales en ambientes tropicales produce una excesiva degradación de las propiedades del suelo. El contenido de materia orgánica e índice estructural muestran una relación lineal con un alto grado de dependencia (R2=0,99). La densidad aparente promedio para los perfiles (I) y (II) fue menor (P<0,05) que los valores de densidad aparente del perfil (III). En los análisis de regresión a medida que aumenta la densidad aparente disminuye la capacidad de campo y la tendencia observada para (I) y (II) es lineal, mientras que para (III) es polinómica con (R2=0,83), pudiendo estar influenciado por los valores más altos de la densidad aparente, mayor compactación, menor índice estructural, materia orgánica y porosidad en correspondencia con los otros perfiles.
Determination of predominant soluble salts in soils of the irrigation district Alto Chicamocha of Boyacá
Authors: Walteros Torres Ingrid , Cely Reyes German Eduardo , Moreno Perez Diego
Published: September 2018

El distrito de riego y drenaje del Alto Chicamocha (DRACH por sus siglas en español), es la principal unidad de producción agropecuaria del departamento de Boyacá, Colombia, abarca un área de 8016,78 hectáreas y debido a las condiciones naturales y al manejo que se le ha venido dando a la cuenca alta del Río Chicamocha, la salinización ha sido reconocida como limitante. Por lo anterior se buscó determinar las sales solubles predominantes en los suelos que comprenden el DRACH. Con base en la información de análisis químicos de suelos de 301 muestras, obtenidas de estudios realizados por el GISSAT-UPTC y Corpoica, se determinó C.E, pH, aniones y cationes presentes en el suelo. Para el análisis espacial de las variables estudiadas se usó el sofware ArcGis 10.3. Se colectaron 31 muestras de agua en pozos de la red freatimétrica para realizar la caracterización química del agua. Se encontró que el 48,01% de los suelos del distrito eran no salinos, el 22,93% ligeramente salino, el 14,74% moderadamente salino y salinos el 14,33%. Las principales sales solubles en el suelo fueron el Na2SO4, Ca2SO4, NaCl2 y CaCl2, las cuales están relacionadas con el origen lacustre y la presencia de termales en la región. Las zonas con mayor riesgo de salinización se presentan en los municipios de Tibasosa, veredas Patrocinio, Ucaca, las Vueltas; en Santa Rosa de Viterbo en la vereda Salitre; en Duitama en las veredas Cebadero e Higueras con C.E. mayores a 2,00 dS m-1.
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield response to chemical and biological fertilization in different localities of Colombia
Authors: Tamayo Vélez Alvaro , Bernal E. Jorge Alonso
Published: September 2018

La investigación se realizó en 2015 en cinco localidades productoras de frijol en Colombia. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de diferentes tratamientos de fertilización química y biológica sobre el rendimiento de frijoles volubles y arbustivos. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, en Antioquia, es posible reemplazar la fertilización química por fertilización biológica en el frijol voluble Corpoica LAS-106 y el arbustivo Citará. En Cundinamarca, similar situación se presentó con el frijol “Cargamanto Rojo”. En Santander, se encontró que la combinación de micorrizas (AMF) y Rhizobium mejora el rendimiento de los fríjoles arbustivos ICA-Rovirense (2839,5 t ha-1) e ICA- Radical-J1J1 (1955,7 t ha-1), con respecto al rendimiento promedio nacional (1,2 t ha-1). El uso de biofertilizantes (hongos formadores de micorriza y Rhizobium) mejoró los rendimientos en el cultivo del frijol, con los materiales utilizados (volubles y arbustivos) y en las localidades estudiadas. Existe un efecto aditivo en las aplicaciones de los biofertilizantes evaluados, ya que se observó un mayor rendimiento en el cultivo de frijol cuando estos se aplicaron combinados que individualmente.
Early marriage as a risk factor for undernutrition among children aged under three years old in Gangga Subdistrict, North Lombok District
Authors: Suhartiningsih Suhartiningsih , Suariyani Ni Luh Putu , Karmaya Mangku
Published: September 2018

Background and purpose: The prevalence of severe and mild undernutrition among children aged under five years in North Lombok District is ranked second in West Nusa Tenggara Province after Bima City. The number of reported cases of early marriages in West Nusa Tenggara is higher than the national average. This study aims to examine the association between early marriages and undernutrition among children aged under three years in Gangga Subdistrict, North Lombok District.Methods: A case-control study was conducted with a total of 49 cases (severe undernourished children) and 98 controls (normal-weight children). A systematic random sampling was used to select all cases and controls from the health post register based on the weight/age indicator in Gangga Public Health Centre. Variables of sex and residency were matched between cases and controls. Data were collected from October to November 2016 through interviews with the mother at their house. Logistic regression using a software STATA SE 12.1 was employed to identify the association between early marriages and nutritional status of the children.Results: Cases and controls were comparable based on children’s gender, mother’s age, area of residency, employment status of mother, and family income. There were significant differences on children’s age and mother’s education. Multivariate analysis showed an association between the nutritional status and early marriages with adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=5.21 (95%CI: 1.36-19.95), the frequency of sickness over the last three months (AOR=1.93; 95%CI: 1.26-2.97) and low birth weight (AOR=14.12; 95%CI: 3.37-59.05).Conclusions: Early marriages, frequency of sickness over the last three months, and low birth weight are associated with undernutrition among children aged under three years. Preventative measures to prevent early marriages, child infections and low birth weight need to be enhanced.
A Theoretical Study of Deflection of AFM Bimaterial Cantilevers Versus Irradiated Position
Authors: Dat Le Tri , Huy Ho Thanh , Vy Nguyen Duy
Published: September 2018

The bimaterial cantilevers of atomic force microscopes have been widely used in chemical and bio-sensing. Due to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of the two layers, the cantilever is deflected and its deflections is dependent on the heat absorption from the ambient environment or the objects adsorbed on the cantilever surface. In this study, we theoretically examine the deflection of this cantilever considering different irradiated configurations of a laser beam and thicknesses of the coating layer. We show that the temperature difference between the end and the clamped position is maximized for an irradiation at the cantilever end and this difference reduces with increasing coating thickness. Especially, the maximal deflection is seen for an irradiation in the middle of the cantilever, around 0.6 of the cantilever length from the clamped position. The obtained results could help determining an irradiated configuration of laser and the coating thickness to optimize the sensitivity of the cantilevers in thermally sensing devices.
Seeking out the “Good Physician”: A National Survey of U.S. Medical Students and Their Identification of Role Models During Medical Training
Authors: Hanson Collin R. , Tak Hyo Jung , Acab Joel C. , Dy Marc Wrich G. , Lu George , Lee Samuel , Christou Theodore , Yoon John
Published: September 2018

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. BackgroundDoctor role modeling is essential in the career development of medical students. We explored the various personal and professional contexts in which students are reporting exposure to physician role models, and the association of these contexts with their intentions to enter primary care or care for the underserved.MethodsWe surveyed 960 third-year U.S. medical students from 24 U.S. allopathic medical schools in January 2011. We asked respondents whether or not they had been exposed to role models during medical training and in what contexts students interacted with their role model. We also tested associations with career intentions, educational factors, physician relative status, and demographics.ResultsAdjusted response rate was 61% (564/919). Among the respondents, 548 students (97.3%) responded that they encountered a doctor during their medical training who displays the best characteristics of a good physician. When identifying in what contexts students were reporting interactions with their role model, the categories with highest frequencies were: physician who supervised on wards (69%), assigned preceptor/mentor (57%), preceptor/mentor whom the student sought out (26%), personal or family friend (15%), other (3%). Students who sought out their own role models were more likely than non-exposure students to report intentions for primary care (39.8% exposure vs. 31.9% non-exposure, p=0.05) and to report intentions to practice among the underserved (41.4% exposure vs. 26.9 non-exposure, p<0.01).ConclusionStudents who sought out their own physician role model were more likely to have intentions to work in primary care or among the underserved. By intentionally seeking out role models during their medical training, students interested in these fields may feel that they are not routinely encountering such role models over the course of their training, or already express such a high motivation for those fields such that they are intentionally seeking additional support.
Exposure of Baixadeiro horses to Rickettsia spp. and to ticks infected by Rickettsia amblyommatis in the Baixada Maranhense micro-region, Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Amorim Filho Edvaldo Franco , Costa Francisco Borges , Moraes-Filho Jonas , Santos Ana Clara Gomes dos , Vale Tássia Lopes do , Costa Andréa Pereira da , Silva Arannadia Barbosa , Labruna Marcelo Bahia , Nogueira Rita de Maria Seabra
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate exposure of Baixadeiro horses to Rickettsia spp. and to ticks infected by Rickettsia in the Baixada Maranhense (lowlands) micro-region, state of Maranhão. A total of 258 horses were tested for Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia amblyommatis and Rickettsia bellii using the immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Overall, 58.91% (152/258) of the horses were seroreactive for at least one Rickettsia species, and 85.27% of the horses were infested with one or more species of tick, which were identified as Dermacentor nitens (93.63%), Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto (4.55%) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (1.82%). These ticks were subjected to DNA extraction and were tested using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting two rickettsia genes: citrate synthase gene (gltA) and 190kDa outer membrane protein gene (ompA). Three specimens of A. cajennense s.s. were positive. BLAST analyses on the nucleotide sequences obtained from the PCR products showed that these were 99-100% identical to the corresponding sequences of R. amblyommatis. Thus, results indicate that R. amblyommatis and/or a strain very close to this is circulating in ticks in this micro-region.
Action of ear acupuncture in people with chronic pain in the spinal column: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Moura Caroline de Castro , Iunes Denise Hollanda , Ruginsk Silvia Graciela , Souza Valéria Helena Salgado , Assis Bianca Bacelar de , Chaves Erika de Cássia Lopes
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess the action of ear acupuncture on disability and tissue temperature in people with chronic pain in the spinal column. Method: a clinical trial with a sample of 110 people, randomized into three groups: Treatment, Placebo and Control. The assessment instruments were the Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and a thermographic camera, administered before the first treatment session, one week after and 15 days after (follow-up) the fifth session of ear acupuncture. In the analysis of the data, the Kruskal Wallis, Student-Newman Keuls and Wilcoxon tests were applied. Results: there was a significant reduction in disability in the Treatment and Placebo groups between the initial and final assessments (p<0.05) and between the initial assessments and follow-up (p<0.05). In the final assessment, the Treatment group presented improvement of disability when compared with the Placebo and Control groups (p<0.05). There was an increase in mean tissue temperature of the dorsal region between the initial and follow-up assessments in Treatment and Control groups (p<0.05), and between the final assessments and follow-up in the Treatment and Placebo groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: ear acupuncture was efficacious in reducing disability and increasing tissue temperature in people with chronic pain in the spinal column. Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials (RBR-5X69X2).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: THE PERSPECTIVE OF INDEPENDENTS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS? EVIDENCES IN BRAZIL
Authors: SANTOS RUAN C. DOS , ORSO LIDINEI É. , LIZOTE SUZETE A. , MARCON ROSILENE
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT Purpose: The study seeks to verify the influence of the board of directors’ independence on the performance of BM&FBOVESPA listed companies and to analyse which agency conflicts influence the performance of the board of directors. Originality/value: The factor of Brazil being an emerging country which lacks a strict legal system and control factors against corruption in these environments and the public sectors emphasizes the importance of applying the best corporate governance practice code in the main developed countries, reflecting the need for effective supervisory bodies that contribute to better financial performance of companies. Design/methodology/approach: The study involved a quantitative survey using a sample of 33 companies in the highway operating segment and 220 reports from 2010 to 2016. A fixed-effects regression model with panel data was used for analysis. Findings: The results were statistically significant for the board’s independence variables, which confirm the theory that the presence of independents as members of the board positively influences financial management and the company that holds the executive member and chairman of the board positions has a negative effect. The size of the board did not present statistical significance.
INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL IDENTITIES IN MERGER CONTEXTS: A BOUNDARY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: FELIX BRUNO , BENTO MÁRIO S.
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT Purpose: To understand the boundary dynamics between organizational and individual identities that are negotiated in mergers. Originality/value: This was the first study to explore the interface of the boundaries between individual and organizational identities in merger contexts. Design/methodology/approach: The results are presented as a grounded theory based on interviews with 64 individuals from 16 different companies that have undergone mergers. Findings: We analyzed conflict, intrusion, distance and balance as consequences of internal and external identity boundaries’ (in) congruence between organizations and discussed how companies can minimize individual and organizational (of the merged company) identity conflicts through boundary work. Furthermore, we discussed the relationships between organizational and individual identity boundaries. The grounded theory we developed held that the degree of permeability between the internal and external boundaries between the organizations involved in a merger determines the types of episodic events and permanent states of conflict between organizational identities. In general, our study contributes to a holistic and comprehensive vision of how the boundaries between identities at the organizational and individual levels contribute to identity formation and the retention of individuals in the new merged organization. Suggestions for practice and for future researches are provided.
OPEN INNOVATION AND BUSINESS MODEL: EMBRAPA FORESTRY CASE STUDY
Authors: VIEIRA FILIPE C. , VALE HAMILCAR V. DO , MAY MÁRCIA R.
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT Purpose: To understand how Embrapa Forestry Unit structure its business model to manage better the issues inherent to open innovation, oriented to the management of technology, science delimiting the elements of business models, and inbound and outbound open innovation and their aspects related to impact model. Originality/value: Embrapa Forestry is a research unit focused on technological research in the commercial and non-commercial forestry sector. The central objective of this work was to evaluate how a public company manages its business model in the practical exercise of open innovation. Design/methodology/approach: In order to understand the company’s business model, we adopted the perspective of triangulated single case study between semi-structured interviews and secondary data review based on reports and memos. This is all due to the technological relevance that used open innovation to design a model that today we understand as business models and impact business model, with the data collected and analyzed using the Atlas.ti software. Findings: The results indicate that the importance of Embrapa in the technological scenario in Brazilian agriculture has a significant socioeconomic impact. As a variant, we recognize that, for future research, other theoretical models could be used or adapted to the Brazilian empirical context to understand other organizational elements not addressed in the present study, which can explore cultural relations of the organization and the constitution of sense and meanings in the context of the innovation in public research companies.
VALUE PROPOSITION: APPLICATION OF VALUE CREATION ACTIVITIES MODEL IN THE SUPERMARKET (VCAM-S)
Authors: CONDI PAULO R. , LIMA-FILHO DARIO DE O. , FINOCCHIO CAROLINE P. S. , QUEVEDO-SILVA FILIPE
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this writing is to analyze the activities of the retail supermarket in order to propose value to its clients, describing and associating them in their respective sources of value identified by a Value Creation Activities Model-Supermarket (VCAM-S). Additionally, we seek to identify the words that best represent the meaning of “proposing value” and the product categories of the supermarket that most clients value. Originality/value: The development and implementation of VCAM-S works to identify new value activities in the supermarket. Based on this application, it is intended to suggest activities that enhance the delivery of value to the client. Design/methodology/approach: Bibliographical research and field research were carried out. Twelve retail supermarket specialists were interviewed, including managers, entrepreneurs and consultants with at least eight years of experience in the supermarket sector. Through the qualitative approach, a script of semi-structured interviews with open questions was used. Later, the statements were transcribed and analyzed through the technique of content analysis. Findings: The VCAM-S identified 8 value proposition activities, 71 subactivities and five value sources. It was found that the product categories “FFV”, “Butcher” and “Bakery” were the sections that most proposed value to customers. The words that best represent the meaning of “proposing value” are service, convenience, location, variety and price. The results of the research contribute to the current debate on value and adapt the traditional VCAM to the retail supermarket. The VCAM-S allows for the identification and prospection of value propositions from the perspective of companies, associating them with valuable sources and activities.
Gases de átomos Fermiônicos aprisionados por uma rede quase periódica e um potencial harmônico bidimensional
Authors: Paes Renan , Nascimento Valdir A. do , Melo Elaine Silva de Padua , Guimarães Rita de Cássia Avellaneda , Nascimento Valter
Published: September 2018

Resumo Neste trabalho, nós consideramos um modelo tridimensional dinâmico de um gás de férmions em um estado superfluido de Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer aprisionado por uma rede óptica quase periódica unidimensional e na presença de um potencial externo em forma de charuto. Através da aproximação variacional, estudamos a possibilidade de que o coeficiente de não linearidade atuando em uma combinação com o potencial da rede óptica quase periódica e potencial em forma de charuto permite o surgimento de sólitons tridimensionais iluminados. As famílias de gaps sólitons fundamentais tridimensionais são estáveis para pequenos valores de amplitude da rede óptica quase periódica. O manuscrito apresentado pode tornar-se um guia de ensino e aprendizagem em estudos envolvendo gases fermiônicos aprisionados por laser. Os alunos são incentivados a realizar cálculos variacionais para a equação hidrodinâmica em uma dimensão.