bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption to soils and biochemical characterization of commercial phytases
Authors: Caffaro María Marta , Balestrasse Karina Beatriz , Rubio Gerardo
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Commercial phytases are widely used in poultry production, but
little is known about their potential use as biofertilizer for agricultural
crops as an alternative to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers. Four
purified phytases isolated from Aspergillus niger and Escherichia coli were characterized biochemically and
in terms of their adsorption to soils belonging to the Mollisol order. Three
different organic P substrates were used to measure enzyme activity under a
wide range of pH (2.3 to 9) and temperatures (−10 to
70 ∘C) conditions: phytic acid, p-nitrophenyl-phosphate (pNP) and
glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3Phosphate). Phytases had a low affinity for the
solid phase: 23 %–34 % of the added amount was adsorbed after 1 h of
incubation. Phytases from A. niger showed a higher capacity to release P (13 % on
average) than phytases from E. coli. All phytases were active throughout the pH and temperature ranges related to optimum crop production. At pH  values commonly
found in agricultural soils (5.5–7), A. niger phytases released P with the following substrate ranking with respect to effectiveness: pNP > phytic acid > G3Phosphate. E. coli phytases, in comparison, released P following with the following substrate ranking with respect to effectiveness: pNP ∕ phytic
acid > G3Phosphate. The results obtained are promising in terms of
the use of phytases as a complement to P fertilization in agricultural
settings and encourage further studies under field conditions.
Reflexões éticas sobre as Tecnologias Reprodutivas
Authors: Gomes Carla Henrique , Chatelard Daniela Scheinkman
Published: April 2020

As Tecnologias Reprodutivas levantaram uma série de questões concernentes ao lugar social da mulher e da instituição familiar. Em uma cultura marcada por dinâmicas narcísicas e atravessada pelo que Lacan chamou de discurso capitalista – que apresenta o consumo como alternativa na busca da completude – as tecnologias reprodutivas apresenta tanto um potencial subversivo de emancipação feminina e de reestruturação da família em bases mais alteritária, como um poderoso instrumento de conformação dos corpos femininos às expectativas sociais impostas às mulheres. Nesse sentido, observa-se uma invasão da ciência não só na normalização e normatização da família, mas em sua própria formação. O presente estudo busca chamar a atenção para a complexidade do assunto, que envolve também aspectos éticos, culturais e questões de gênero. Conclui-se que as Novas Técnicas de Reprodução Humana podem vir a servir ao discurso capitalista e à cultura narcísica, mas abre espaço também para a possibilidade de um giro no sentido que se atribui culturalmente à infertilidade e à família. Nesse ponto, a ciência introduz, através de suas tecnologias, a fagulha de uma revolução no sentido que Lacan trata em seu seminário “Mais, Ainda”.
Violência conjugal e suas implicações para o binômio mãe-filho: o discurso feminino
Authors: Campos Luana Moura , Gomes Nadirlene Pereira , Oliveira Patricia Santos de , Couto Telmara Menezes , Virgens Ionara da Rocha , Mota Rosana Santos
Published: April 2020

Desvelar os sinais e sintomas indicativos de implicações para o binômio mãe–filho em mulheres em situação de violência conjugal. Pesquisa qualitativa em que a organização dos dados se deu a partir do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Realizou-se entrevistas com 11 mulheres em processo judicial junto às 1ª e 2ª Varas de Justiça pela Paz em Casa de Salvador, BA, Brasil. Emergiram do discurso feminino duas Ideias Centrais Síntese referentes aos sinais e sintomas psíquicos e físicos relacionados à vivência de violência, que indicam implicações para o binômio mãe–filho. Os distúrbios do sono, tensão emocional, comportamento depressivo, marcas da agressão física, cefaleia foram apontados como sintomatologias associadas à violência conjugal que podem predispor gestantes e puérperas a complicações. Diante de tais sinais e sintomas, torna-se necessário um preparo profissional para identificação precoce da violência conjugal, sobretudo nos espaços de acompanhamento pré-natal e puerperal.
Sucessão de lideranças: uma reflexão necessária para o futuro da enfermagem
Authors: Munari Denize Bouttelet , Nogueira Alyne Leite Gomes , Sousa Elyana Teixeira , Ribeiro Luana Cássia Miranda , Sherman Rose
Published: April 2020

Artigo teo?rico cujo objetivo foi apresentar uma reflexa?o sobre planejamento de sucessa?o de lideranc?as em enfermagem, destacando bases conceituais e desafios para a formac?a?o de novas lideranc?as no contexto acade?mico e nas instituic?o?es de sau?de. Para tal, foram organizados dois eixos de discussa?o “A sucessa?o de lideranc?as em enfermagem: fundamentos, estrate?gias e evide?ncias de seus benefi?cios” e os “Elementos essenciais no planejamento para formac?a?o de novas lideranc?as em enfermagem”. O planejamento de sucessa?o de lideranc?as em enfermagem pode auxiliar instituic?o?es formadoras e organizac?o?es de sau?de no desenvolvimento de compete?ncias dos enfermeiros para assumirem cargos de gesta?o. Para isso, valoriza a histo?ria e a perspectiva dos jovens e dos mais experientes em busca de melhor qualidade da assiste?ncia prestada. Esse estudo instiga lideranc?as de enfermagem, enfermeiros, docentes e estudantes de enfermagem a conhecerem o planejamento de sucessa?o como uma estrate?gia para garantir conquistas da profissa?o e construir o seu futuro.
Intervención en el lenguaje con niños bilingües y sus familias: Una revisión
Authors: Nieva Silvia , Rodríguez Lidia , Roussel Solenn Roussel
Published: April 2020

La atención clínica y educativa que se ofrece a niños bilingües es actualmente un reto para los profesionales. Es necesario investigar sobre la conceptualización

del bilingüismo, su naturaleza y su relación con los diferentes entornos de aprendizaje. El objetivo del presente trabajo es revisar la literatura científica con el fin de explorar el papel del entorno familiar y las competencias del fonoaudiólogo/logopeda para garantizar una intervención fonoaudiológica/logopédica funcional en población bilingüe. Para ello, se ha estudiado la información más representativa disponible sobre el enfoque naturalista de intervención en multilingüismo. Así, se pretende reflexionar sobre los modelos de intervención que mejor se adecúan a las necesidades específicas de los niños bilingües y el papel que puede adoptar la familia para contribuir al desarrollo comunicativo de los niños en contacto con varias lenguas.

En primer lugar, se ofrece una aclaración terminológica, así como una visión del marco naturalista de intervención. A continuación, se presentan la metodología y los resultados de la revisión efectuada para niños bilingües con diversidad funcional y alteraciones del lenguaje oral. Se incluyen también recomendaciones en relación a las competencias del fonoaudiólogo que trabaje con población bilingüe. Finalmente, se concluye con una propuesta de futuras líneas de

investigación aplicada en este campo considerando los modelos naturalistas centrados en la familia para proponer su adaptación a las intervenciones

realizadas con niños bilingües.
Terapia miofuncional en quemaduras orofaciales de segundo y tercer grado
Authors: Pavez Axel
Published: April 2020

Las quemaduras constituyen lesiones traumáticas que comprometen la piel. Aquellas que involucran la región facial son las más complejas, dada la relevancia estética y funcional de esta zona, afectando la expresión de emociones, así como procesos fundamentales como la visión, habla, alimentación, entre otros. Pese a la escasa evidencia, se ha demostrado que la terapia fonoaudiológica miofuncional disminuye las secuelas en pacientes con quemaduras orofaciales. En este contexto, la presente investigación tiene como objetivo describir y evidenciar los efectos de la terapia fonoaudiológica miofuncional en quemaduras orofaciales de 2° y 3er grado. Para ello, se incluyeron 10 sujetos con quemaduras orofaciales de 2° y 3er grado ingresados al Centro de Referencia Nacional de Quemados en Santiago de Chile, quienes recibieron evaluación y terapia miofuncional por un fonoaudiólogo durante su hospitalización. El 80% de los sujetos presentaban quemaduras de 2° grado y 20% de 3° grado, el 30% requirió injerto facial. En la evaluación inicial se observó disminución de la apertura bucal vertical y horizontal, además de disminución en los movimientos de la mímica facial en la totalidad de los casos. Luego de la intervención se evidenciaron mejorías en todos los parámetros, incluido además el nivel de autopercepción de retracción pre y post terapia fonoaudiológica; todos con diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p
Decodificación y comprensión lectora en escolares con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje
Authors: Coloma Carmen Julia , Caroca Valentina , Kurte Andrea , Melipil Bernardita , Ortiz Geraldine , Quezada Camilo
Published: April 2020

El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir el desempeño en decodificación y en comprensión lectora de escolares con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL). Para ello, se trabajó con 58 niños de 2do básico, distribuidos en dos grupos: uno de 29 escolares con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) y otro de 29 escolares con desarrollo típico (DT). Las habilidades evaluadas fueron decodificación y comprensión lectora. Los resultados generales mostraron que el grupo con TEL presentó un menor desempeño que los niños con DT en ambas habilidades lectoras. Los menores con TEL tendieron a mostrar un mejor rendimiento en decodificación que en comprensión lectora. Respecto a la decodificación, los resultados mostraron que los niños con TEL lograban decodificar palabras comunes y trisilábicas. En cuanto a comprensión lectora, comprendían frases, oraciones y textos. Sin embargo, en el nivel del texto evidenciaron dificultades para responder las preguntas inferenciales y en el reconocimiento de la idea central.
La enseñanza práctica en Fonoaudiología a través de modelos tridimensionales: una alternativa prometedora
Authors: Esquível-Oliveira David , Palmero Calia , Gonçalves Bruna , Correa-Gillieron Elenice
Published: April 2020

El análisis de cuestionarios respondidos por alumnos de la disciplina Sistemas Sensoriales del curso de Fonoaudiología mostró que había dificultades para entender la histología de las regiones anatómicas del oído. Se estableció que la compresión de la histología demandaba una actividad didáctica complementaria. Por ello, se decidió crear una clase teórico-práctica diferenciada (CTP) usando un modelo tridimensional (3D) del oído humano y preparaciones histológicas de sus regiones. El modelo es una réplica anatómica muy aumentada del oído humano que permite la manipulación exploratoria de modo más eficaz que con piezas anatómicas clásicas. La CTP fue implementada en los dos semestres de 2014. La evaluación de la CTP incluyó un cuestionario de opiniones, más un cuaderno de actividades. Los resultados mostraron medias finales de mejores desempeños en ese año respecto al 2013, donde no fue dada este tipo de clase teórico-práctica. Se concluye que la CTP, asociada al modelo tridimensional y las explicaciones teóricas-prácticas de las preparaciones histológicas, permitió una mejor comprensión del contenido enseñado e introdujo una metodología más eficiente para el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de un tema tan complejo así como importante para la formación académica de los estudiantes de Fonoaudiología. Adicionalmente, a partir de esta experiencia teórico-práctica se ha demostrado, una vez más, la importancia de la relación personal y profesional entre el profesor, preparador estudiantil y los alumnos para la calidad del trabajo académico.
Estrategias metodológicas para la enseñanza de la coherencia textual: calidad de la información, desde una nueva perspectiva
Authors: Fonseca Sevilla Nayiri , Muñoz Tinoco Thema Susana , Aguirre Bermudez Rosa María , López Talavera María Engracia , Quintanilla Membreño Candida Rosa , Orozco López Felipe Heriberto
Published: April 2020

El objetivo central de esta investigación es contribuir a mejorar el proceso enseñanza- aprendizaje de la expresiónescrita, y ofrecer al profesorado una visión más clara del empleo de métodos con enfoque comunicativo que permitan clases activas y participativas, en las cuales se pongan en práctica las macrohabilidades del lenguaje, necesarias para una efectiva comunicación. En ella se analizan los principales problemas de coherencia textual: calidad de  la información, que presentan los escritos diagnósticos de los estudiantes de primer año de la carrera de  Lengua y Literatura Hispánicas, del curso regular y de profesionalización del Departamento de Español. Las dificultades detectadas sirvieron como punto de referencia para la elaboración y ejecución de un proyecto didáctico que incidiera positivamente en la superación de las mismas y de esta manera potenciar los recursos comunicativos y expresivos que garanticen a los estudiantes un eficiente desenvolvimiento académico, profesional y social. Los resultados obtenidos fueron positivos y a partir de los mismos se puede afirmar que es posible mejorar los textos elaborados a través de la realización de escritos consensuados e interesantes, mediante un proceso recursivo que involucre los subprocesos de planificación, textualización, revisión y corrección, en los que participen activamente maestros/as y estudiantes y además se posibilite el acceso a materiales teóricos, pautas de orientación, guías de evaluación y autoevalución que faciliten el éxito de la tarea a realizar.
El sexismo en el lenguaje escrito
Authors: Zamora Úbeda Zobeyda
Published: April 2020

Es un domingo por la mañana, me levanto y me siento en el sillón para tomarme el café, tomo un periódico de circulación nacional, empiezo a ojearlo para ver si hay algo que me llame la atención, en primera plana leo los titulares con noticias de temas cotidianos; política, salud, economía, etc. En el margen inferior izquierdo lo primero que se nota es a una jovencita en traje de baño que ganó un concurso de belleza. Sigo pasando las hojas del periódico y me detengo en una noticia titulada Compromiso de apresurar amparo a niños desvalidos.
Realizaciones del fonema fricativo, alveolar, sordo /s/ en hablantes de San Juan del Sur, Rivas, Nicaragua: perspectiva sociolingüística
Authors: Vílchez Cruz Vielka Elena
Published: April 2020

El análisis de esta investigación se obtuvo con la cooperación de 20 informantes de San Juan del Sur, Rivas, Nicaragua. Se decidió realizarlo en este lugar con el objetivo de aportar a la caracterización de la fonética nicaragüense, considerando el escaso estudio que al respecto se ha realizado en esta localidad. Las variables sociales de sexo, edad y nivel de instrucción fueron de gran importancia para el desarrollo de este trabajo, en especial al momento de analizar las variantes del fonema /s/. Esta indagación es resultado de la monografía (2014), dirigida por la Maestra Francis Mendoza Morán, y se puede considerar un aporte más hacia la caracterización de la fonética nicaragüense.
MANEJO DE MULHERES COM ATIPIAS NO EXAME CITOPATOLÓGICO DE COLO UTERINO NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE
Authors: Paterra Tatiana da Silva Vaz , Teles Priscila Alvarenga , Magalhães Paola Alexandria Pinto de , Reis-Mairink Ana Paula Alonso , Gozzo Thais De Oliveira , Quintana Silvana Maria , Panobianco Marislei Sanches
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: identificar a conduta dos profissionais de saúde no manejo de mulheres com atipias noexame citopatológico, atendidas em Unidades de Atenção Primária à Saúde.Método: estudo documental, retrospectivo, com 175 mulheres que apresentaram examescitopatológicos com atipias, entre 2006 e 2014, num município do estado de São Paulo, comanálise descritiva dos dados.Resultados: 157 (90%) mulheres retornaram à unidade para verificar o resultado do exame. Entreas com atipias, 103 (86%) receberam manejo adequado, porém 85 (83%) repetiram o exame emtempo menor que o preconizado. Entre as que precisaram de colposcopia, 30 (79%) receberammanejo adequado.Conclusão: o manejo de mulheres com atipias foi adequado, porém o índice de positividade baixo,escassez de registros em prontuários e temporalidade inadequada para repetição do examecitopatológico demonstram um programa de rastreamento oportunístico, podendo ocasionarbaixa cobertura da população alvo, alto índice de detecção tardia, e super-rastreamento.
Motivation and Socio-Cultural Milieu of Second Language Learners: Considerations Involved in English Teaching
Authors: Halimi Florentina , Daniel Cathy E. , AlShammari Iqbal A.
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the social, psychological, and cultural dimensions of motivation involved in learning English as a second language in Kuwait. It focuses on students’ experience of motivation, emotions, and their cultural background in search of differences and similarities presented by gender, type of high school, and year in university. The effects of motivation and learning experiences are discussed through using the perpectives of Gardner’s socio-educational model, whereas the influence of learners’ cultural context in second language learning is discussed through using Hofstede’s cultural model. Data were gathered by surveying undergraduate students from a private university in Kuwait, which yielded 233 completed questionnaires. The study employed quantitative methods using SPSS application for descriptive data analysis, correlation analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA. The descriptive statistics were calculated based on the data submitted by the students’ responses. The results revealed significant levels of integrative and instrumental motivation, emphasized by female students, which could be attributed to Hofstede's cultural dimensions of certainty, femininity, and collectivist society. Significant levels were also reported for English classes and English use anxiety, which may be attributed to Hofstede’s power distance, which accounts for the high respect accorded to teachers and teaching. Collectively, the results gained from this study provide guidance to disentangle the multitude of factors that affect English language learners. The findings reported in this study may help instructors who need to understand how learners’ cultural values influence the nature of instruction and point toward future research in analyzing multiple factors that assist language learning.
Awareness of Awkward Posture and Repetitive Motion as Ergonomic Factors Associated With Musculoskeletal Disorders by Health Promotion Professionals
Authors: Ezugwu Uchechukwu A. , Egba Elom N. , Igweagu Paulinus C. , Eneje Lazarus E. , Orji Scholastica , Ugwu Uchenna C.
Published: April 2020

Musculoskeletal disorders –MSD, particularly on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and cartilage decline the general physiological efficiency of the human body systems. The study aimed to ascertain the status of awareness of awkward posture and repetitive motion as ergonomic factors associated with MSD by health promotion professionals -HPP. The study adopted descriptive survey approach and was carried out in Enugu State of Nigeria, from August 2019 to February 2020. The participants were experts in health promotion through physical exercises. A well-structured questionnaire with reliability index of 0.86 was the only instrument used for data collection. The data analysis was completed using SPSS version 21. All the participants were Nigerians totaling 323 and responded to the questionnaire items completely and correctly. Majority of them were: females 196(60.7%) and rural dwellers 183(56.7%). The study revealed that the health promotion professionals were aware of awkward posture (M=3.22; SD=0.80) and repetitive motion (M=3.18; SD=0.79) as ergonomic factors associated with MSD. The status of awareness of the study phenomenon varied within variables of gender and location. A statistically significant difference was observed with regards to location (P-value <0.05) while none existed on gender (P-value >0.05). Although, the awareness status varied within variables, there is clear demonstration that the status of awareness regarding awkward posture and repetitive motion as ergonomic factors associated with MSD was encouraging. This translates the actual application of the rehabilitative and remedial measures in health promoting exercises involved in improving the quality of life and wellness. Indeed, there is need for routine workshops, seminars and conferences organized for these professionals on addressing ergonomic factors associated with MSD.
The Effect of Service Quality and Medical Environment Towards Patients’ Satisfaction in the Medical Industry in China
Authors: Man Mandy Mok Kim , Chen Yace
Published: April 2020

In recent years, the medical and health system face the stern competition of medical market and patients have more choices to choose the medical services that they want. Improving patients’ satisfaction has become the overall development of hospitals and it is one of the important contents to increase the competitiveness of the markets. This paper provides a further understanding about patient satisfaction by examining the determinants of patients’ satisfaction in the medical industry in China. Service quality and quality of medical environment were tested towards patients’ satisfaction. The results show that quality of service and medical environment have significant positive impacts on patient satisfaction.
Factors Affecting Customers Loyalty to Mobile Services Companies’ Brands
Authors: Ali Mohamed Ali Barakat
Published: April 2020

The main aim of this study is building and testing a model that includes most factors that may affect and interpret customers’ loyalty to mobile services companies’ brands. Designed questionnaire was distributed to Egyptian mobile services companies’ customers sample in stores of these companies. Data were obtained from 373 respondents and were analyzed using Amos.18 and Spss.16 to test hypotheses established in a research model. The results indicated that there is a positive significant relationship between brand awareness and brand associations. The results revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between brand associations and perceived brand quality. It is found that there is a positive significant relationship between brand associations, perceived brand quality and brand loyalty. It is found also that older customers are more loyal to the brand than younger customers. It is concluded that higher income customers are more loyal to the brand than lower income customers.
De strafrechtelijke aanpak van fraude op online handelsplatforms
Authors: Buisman S.S.
Published: April 2020

De strafrechtelijke aanpak van fraude op online handelsplatforms – Modernisering van klassieke strafbaarstellingen in het licht van de digitale wereld

Dit artikel bespreekt de mogelijkheden om strafrechtelijke aansprakelijkheid te vestigen voor fraude op online handelsplatforms, in het bijzonder de strafbaarstelling van verkoopfraude op handelsplatforms en het voorstel tot strafbaarstelling van fraude met nieuwe betaalmethoden. Het artikel maakt inzichtelijk hoe onze (analoge) wetgeving steeds verder wordt aangepast op gedragingen die zich afspelen in de digitale wereld, maar laat tevens zien dat deze ‘nieuwe’ gedragingen in de kern niet veel afwijken van de bestaande gedragingen in de offline wereld.
Antineoplastic agents and the use of personal protective equipment: nursing staff awareness
Authors: Szwamel Katarzyna , Dębicka Żaneta , Gawlik Marta
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Along with an increasing number of cancer patients, the need for cytostatic drugs is also increasing. Nursing staff are the largest professional group exposed to the potential dangers of these substances.
Aim of the study. Assess the awareness of nursing staff who have direct contact with cytostatic drugs in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Material and methods. The research group consisted of 101 nurses routinely exposed to cytostatic drugs. A diagnostic survey and questionnaire technique were used along with the author’s original questionnaire.
Results. Of the respondents, 58.42% (n=59) never used protective shoes while dealing with cytostatics, while 53.4% (n=54) never used long-sleeved, waterproof uniforms; 49.50% (n=50) did not apply half masks, and 34.65% (n=35) failed to protect their eyes with protective glasses. The most common cause of not using the protective equipment was identified as lack of time (72; 71.29%). Deficiency of training on protective measures while working with hazardous cytostatics was cited by 37.62% (n=38) as the reason for their behavior, while almost 22% of them claimed that their employer did not provide them with a sufficient amount of protective equipment for individual use. The older, more experienced and higher-educated the staff, the higher awareness among them about the need for using PPE.
Conclusions. Higher-educated and more experienced nursing staff should constitute the source of ‘good practices’ and educate younger undergraduate colleagues theoretically and practically. Employers and management staff should provide employees with more training on the correct application of protective measures and increase the intensity of control of the use of personal protective equipment.
Feasibility Analysis of Solar Power for the Safety of Fast Reactors during beyond Design Basis Events
Authors: Swamynathan Kudiyarasan , Sivakumar P. , Karthikeyan K.
Published: April 2020

This chapter presents a new design that unites the favorable technical and ecological characteristics of the solar and nuclear power plants. The current designs of nuclear reactors promise integral configuration of the primary coolant loop, secondary coolant loop, and a number of passive safety functions and overall simplification of the reactor. The present nuclear reactor design emphasizes on the safety of the reactor core at all times, i.e., controlling the reactor, cooling the reactor core, and maintaining containment. In case of non-availability of standby emergency DGs during beyond design basis event like Fukushima incident, etc., leading to extended station blackout conditions, the passive decay heat removal system will be affected. Hence, additional DGs have been made as a mandatory requirement in nuclear power plants. In case the ADG could not be mobilized during BDBE, an additional backup power source not affected by BDBE is appreciated. Hence in addition to the diesel power sources (EDG and ADG), a new design was developed for integration of diesel power with solar power. The hybrid system was designed to improve the reliability and availability of passive heat removal system, to ensure a reliable supply without interruption, and to improve the overall system reliability (by the integration with the battery bank). This hybrid power also gives the redundant power supply to the safety critical systems. This chapter also features a detailed reliability analysis carried out for power supplies to the safety critical loads. In addition a comparison was made between PV/diesel/battery with diesel/battery. These new hybrid systems conserves diesel fuel and reduce CO2 as well as particulate emissions that are harmful to environment health. Integration of solar power to the existing battery power will increase the reliability and extended availability of the system and thereby ensures safety of the plant during crisis/calamities.
Psychological Health Influences of Legal-Marriage and -Partnerships on Same-Sex Couples
Authors: N. Elwood William , L. Irvin Veronica , Liu Benmei , Lee Richard , Breen Nancy
Published: April 2020

This chapter explores whether Californians in same-sex legal marriages and partnerships reported lower levels of psychological distress than other adult Californians after the 2008 California Supreme Court Decision that legalized same-sex marriage. We pooled 10 years of California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data and employ a T1-T2 design to approximate a time series design. Dependent variables include overall self-related health, psychological distress, and household income. Independent variables include sexual identity and same-sex spouse. Bi-variate analyses compared self-reported mental and physical health between the two periods. We found decreased reports of poorer health and increased reports of very good health among gay men and lesbian women with legal spouses. Psychological distress decreased for legally coupled gay men and lesbians while increased slightly among unpartnered lesbian women and gay men. Household income increased among coupled lesbian women and gay men and decreased among others. Our project demonstrated positive health influences for Californians with legal same-sex spouses. We recommend future research projects that explore whether and how same- and opposite-sex marriage benefits health, well-being, and prosperity, and for marital status survey questions that are inclusive of sexual and gender identities and elicit the sex/gender of a respondent’s spouse.
Correlations between Inflammation and Thrombosis in the Pathogeny of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Bararu Bojan Iris , Badulescu Oana-Viola , Vladeanu Maria , Bojan Andrei , Ciocoiu Manuela
Published: April 2020

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of myocardial infarction. This process involves a complex interplay between metabolic pathways governing lipid deposition, inflammatory and immune responses to oxidized lipids, and endothelial dysfunction. Myocardial infarction appears when these processes culminate with a thrombotic event. Markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and leukocyte levels are strong predictors of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This process involves a complex interplay between metabolic pathways governing lipid deposition, inflammatory and immune responses to oxidized lipids, and endothelial dysfunction. Myocardial infarction appears when these processes culminate with a thrombotic event. Markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and leukocyte levels are strong predictors of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This review will summarize the molecular and cellular links between inflammation and thrombosis in the context of myocardial infarction, which support the concept of a thrombo inflammatory state leading to the vessel obstruction and to the subsequent myocardial necrosis.
Immune Dysfunction during Enteric Protozoal Infection: The Current Trends
Authors: Kumari Yadav Renu , Malhotra Shalini , Duggal Nandini
Published: April 2020

Enteric protozoa usually cause severe morbidity and mortality in humans. Protozoal infections contribute to the high burden of infectious diseases. Despite recent advances in the epidemiology, diagnostic tool, molecular biology, and treatment of protozoan illnesses, gaps in knowledge still exist; hence, protozoal infections require further research. We are describing here some important enteric protozoal infections along with the immune dysfunction produced by them. Genus- 1. Entamoeba; 2. Giardia; 3. Cryptosporidium; 4. Cyclospora; 5. Cystoisospora; 6. Dientamoeba; 7. Blastocystis; 8. Balantidium.
Modeling and Simulation in Microwave-Photonics Applications
Authors: E. Belkin Mikhail , Bakhvalova Tatiana , Golovin Vladislav , Tyschuk Yuriy , S. Sigov Alexander
Published: April 2020

In this chapter, with the goal to recover an optimal mean for computer-aided modeling and simulating a newer class of microwave-photonics-based radio electronic apparatuses, a number of comparative simulation experiments for the basic microwave band electronic devices and systems using well-known software tools referred to photonic design automation or upgraded electronic design automation platforms are carried out. As a result, it is shown that exploiting the software of upgraded electronic design automation platform provides significantly better accuracy of calculations for the devices and systems of this class.
Internationalization of China’s E-Commerce Higher Education: A Review between 2001 and 2019
Authors: Huo Wenying , Wu Mingxuan , Soar Jeffrey
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this chapter is to review the development of China’s higher education in electronic commerce (e-commerce) and explore the requirements of the internationalization of China’s e-commerce higher education. The Benefit-Driving Model (BDM) was adopted to explain the reasons for the internationalization of China’s e-commerce higher education. The literature review spans 20 years from 2001 when the first 13 e-commerce programs were offered from China’s 597 universities. By 2019, 328 e-commerce programs were offered by 831 universities. There is a sustainable growth from 2001 (2.17%, 13 of 597) to 2019 (39.47%, 328 of 831). Currently, six universities offer two e-commerce programs with different majors. Eight universities established specialized e-commerce schools. There are also six jointly founded or cooperative e-commerce programs run in China with overseas universities. This research may be valuable for any international organization interested in collaboration with China’s e-commerce higher education. A limitation is that this research focuses only on bachelors of e-commerce programs. Further research will explore factors for success in jointly founded e-commerce programs with China’s e-commerce educators.
Fungal Endophytes: Australian Terrestrial Orchids
Authors: Mehra Shalika
Published: April 2020

Orchids are unique as they lack a functional rooting system and share an obligate relationship with their fungal symbionts. This relationship supports their host’s nutritional demands from seed germination to its later development. The orchid fungal endophytes explore large areas in the soil as, to which orchid roots have no access, and thus acquire both organic and inorganic nutrients beyond the depletion zone at low carbon cost. Both ‘autotrophic’ (green) and ‘mycoheterotrophic’ species occur in the Orchidaceae, but the term ‘mixotrophic’ is possibly a truer description of the carbon economy of many green orchids. Some of the major ecological threats of an Australian landscape are habitat destruction and fragmentation. There is little known about the nutritional sources and saprophytic ability of orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) and their role in providing nutrition to orchids. However, several integrated approaches have been developed for the conservation, management and restoration of these plants in wild but there is an urgent need to set appropriate conservation priorities to prevent the loss of habitats for these endangered species in terms of their fungal endophytes. This chapter focuses on the protection of these endangered Australian orchid species by understanding the nutritional behavior of their endophytes.
Transition Metal Chalcogenides for the Electrocatalysis of Water
Authors: Tseng Chi-Ang , Lee Chuan-Pei
Published: April 2020

Sustainable energy technology has received enormous attention in recent years. Specifically, electrochemical water splitting is considered to be the cleanest technique for the production of promising fuels, for example, hydrogen and oxygen, where transition metal (di)chalcogenides (TMCs) as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have been a growing interest. In this chapter, the typical preparation methods of TMCs such as chemical vapor phase deposition (CVD) and solvothermal synthesis are introduced. Then, several TMC materials for catalyzing HER and OER are reviewed. Most importantly, this chapter also introduced some in situ approaches to realize the mechanism of electrocatalytic behavior toward HER and OER. Finally, the conclusion and futuristic prospects of TMCs in HER and OER are discussed.
Beauty in Mathematics: Symmetry and Fractality
Authors: A. Testov Vladimir
Published: April 2020

The most important concepts underlying beauty are the concepts of symmetry and fractality, but the relationship of these concepts has not yet remained clear. For centuries, beauty was understood only as a stable order and symmetry. Synergetic worldview allows us to give a new assessment: beauty can be seen as an attractor, the result of self-organization of nature, or the flight of human thought. On the one hand, fractality can be considered one of the manifestations of symmetry in an expansive sense. On the other hand, symmetry can be considered a manifestation of fractality with a finite number of iterations. Thus, the concepts of symmetry and fractality are closely interrelated. Symmetry reveals in beauty a stable order, and fractality reflects in beauty the result of the self-organization of the chaos of nature or the freedom of human thought. Symmetry and fractality are two opposites, mutually complementing each other, aesthetically and mathematically mutually passing into each other. Thus, symmetry and fractals are the most important concepts for the disclosure of the beauty of the universe, which determine their importance for learning. The concept of self-similarity can serve as a basis for acquaintance with fractals.
Elderly and Polypharmacy: Physiological and Cognitive Changes
Authors: A. Rodrigues Daniela , Teresa Herdeiro Maria , Figueiras Adolfo , Coutinho Paula , Roque Fátima
Published: April 2020

Population ageing is one of the most significant social transformations of the twenty-first century. The increase in average life expectancy was a successful challenge achieved in the modern world. However, nowadays a new challenge arises for all society: achieving a better quality of life for increasing people’s life. The comorbidities associated with ageing make elderly prone to polypharmacy. On the other hand, physiological and cognitive changes interfere with drugs’ pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics contributing to drug-related problems which have been reported to account for a large percentage of emergency treatment and hospitalizations of older people, increasing the costs with health in the most aged regions. In order to reduce the use of potentially inappropriate medicines in this population, strategies and tools have been developed in recent years to assess the appropriateness medication use in the elderly.
A Dynamic Follow-Up of Pneumonia Caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on CT Scan
Authors: Zhao Li , Chen Bo , Huang Ya’nan , Yang Minxia , Yang Jianfeng , Zhao Zhenhua
Published: April 2020

: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) broke out in Wuhan, China. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease, the basic reproductive number (RO value) for COVID-19 has been reported as 2.68 with an epidemic doubling time of 6.4 days. In this case report, a 50-year-old man presented with a history of fever and chills. Chest radiographs failed to find any abnormality, and computed tomography (CT) showed ground glass shadow of the upper lobe of the left lung. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the patient’s pharyngeal swab was positive for COVID-19 nucleic acid. The course of the disease developed from mild to severe, then improved and recovered. The patient underwent antiviral drugs, low dose of glucocorticoids, symptomatic treatment, and immunoglobulin for human intravenous injection. We report this long time follow-up case of COVID-19.
The Development and Implementation of a Novel Electronic Consult System by a Laboratory Medicine Service: Experience From the First 2 Years of Use
Authors: Stendahl Kristin , Siddon Alexa J. , Peaper David R. , Hauser Ronald G. , Campbell Sheldon , Tormey Christopher A.
Published: April 2020

Context.—

A novel electronic consult (e-consult) system for a pathology and laboratory medicine service (PLMS) was implemented in 2015 at a high-complexity Veterans Administration health care facility. Consults were previously made through direct provider communication without documentation in the medical record.

Objective.—

To evaluate the utilization trends of the laboratory e-consult system at the Department of Veterans Affairs Connecticut facility during the first 2 years since inception.

Design.—

E-consultation involves pathology and laboratory medicine resident review followed by attending pathologist review and cosignature. E-consults to the pathology and laboratory medicine service from 2015 to 2017 were reviewed to record type of consult, requesting department, patient location, and turnaround time.

Results.—

The pathology and laboratory medicine service received 351 e-consults from 2015 to 2017. The volume varied by subsection: hematology and coagulation (215 of 351; 61%), chemistry (109 of 351; 31%), blood bank (19 of 351; 6%), and microbiology/virology (8 of 351; 2%). Hematology and coagulation consults were entirely for peripheral blood smear review (215 of 215; 100%). Chemistry consults were placed for toxicology/drugs of abuse (81 of 109; 74%), test utilization (17 of 109; 16%), or nontoxicology (11 of 109; 10%). Three services placed the majority of consults: primary care (279 of 351; 80%), hematology/oncology (39 of 351; 11%), and psychiatry (27 of 351; 8%). The median turnaround time for completion of e-consults was 1.2 days. Since e-consult implementation, the mean number of consults increased from 8.6/mo in 2015 to 18.1/mo in 2017, peaking in the last quarter of analysis in 2017 with a mean of 25.3 consults/mo.

Conclusions.—

This novel e-consult system improved accessibility to and documentation of answers to laboratory questions and increased the visibility of the pathology and laboratory medicine service. Future goals include development of outcomes-based measures to better assess the clinical impact of e-consults.
Pathologic Manifestations of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Injury in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Patil Pallavi A. , Zhang Xuchen
Published: April 2020

Context.—

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors and the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, are being increasingly used for treating many advanced malignancies. However, CPI therapy is also associated with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary adverse effects.

Objectives.—

To review the adverse effects of CPI therapy on the gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary system. To describe histopathologic patterns and discuss differential diagnostic considerations in the diagnosis of CPI injuries.

Data Sources.—

Published peer-reviewed literature in the English language and personal experience in the diagnosis of CPI injuries.

Conclusions.—

The pathologic manifestations of CPI therapy–induced gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary injury are broad. The patterns of esophageal CPI injury include lymphocytic inflammation and ulcerative esophagitis, while those of gastric injury include chronic active gastritis, lymphocytic gastritis, focal enhancing gastritis, and periglandular inflammation. The duodenal injury may present as duodenitis with villous blunting and granulomas. We also noticed active colitis, microscopic colitis, chronic active colitis, increased apoptosis, ischemic colitis, and nonspecific inflammatory reactive changes in colonic injuries. The reported histologic features of hepatobiliary injuries are panlobular hepatitis, centrilobular necrosis, portal inflammation with bile duct injury, steatosis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, and secondary sclerosing cholangitis. In summary, we discuss the pathologic features and differential diagnosis of CPI therapy–induced gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary injury. Recognition of CPI injury is important to determine the proper management that often includes cessation of CPI therapy, and administration of steroids or other immunosuppressive agents, based on severity of injury.
Levantamento de marsupiais e roedores da área de proteção ambiental municipal Tartarugas – Anchieta, ES
Authors: Paulo Fernanda Lourencine , Rabello Helimar , Fiorese Caio Henrique Ungarato , Silva Filho Gilson , Teixeira Cíntia Cristina Lima , Bindeli Gabrielli Machado
Published: April 2020

A Mata Atlântica é um bioma altamente fragmentado e possui uma elevada diversidade de espécies, sendo muitas destas endêmicas. Apesar disto, no Estado do Espírito Santo, o conhecimento sobre a fauna de pequenos mamíferos não voadores ainda é pouco conhecida, principalmente no ecossistema restinga. As ordens Didelphimorphia e Rodentia, considerados pequenos mamíferos não voadores, compõem o grupo ecológico mais diversificado das Florestas Neotropicais. Por serem bioindicadores, estes sinalizam alterações do ambiente em que habitam e influenciam a dinâmica florestal. O presente estudo teve como objetivo apresentar um levantamento de pequenos marsupiais e roedores na restinga da Área de Preservação Ambiental (APA) municipal Tartarugas, no município de Anchieta, Estado do Espírito Santo. Os mamíferos foram capturados por meio das armadilhas Tomahawk, Sherman e pitfall. Por meio destas, foram coletados 3 espécies de Didelphimorphias, sendo os indivíduos da espécie Marmosops incanus os mais abundantes, além de terem sido verificados 19 indivíduos da ordem Rodentia. A restinga da Área de Proteção Ambiental Municipal Tartarugas apresenta grande riqueza de pequenos marsupiais e roedores, tendo em vista possuir dimensões pequenas e sofrer ações antrópicas ao seu entorno. Estudos sobre a riqueza e abundância destes animais na vegetação de restinga são escassos quando comparados a demais ecossistemas. Assim, um conhecimento maior destes animais nesta área facilita a compreensão da dinâmica e o funcionamento da qualidade ambiental realizada por estas espécies.
Biodiversidade de Opiliones (Arachnida) em áreas de Cerrado e Mata Atlântica no Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Amanda da Silva , Pinheiro Isabella Luzia Cruvinel , Ãzara Ludson Neves de , Clemente Mateus Aparecido , Souza Marcos Magalhães de
Published: April 2020

Os opiliões desempenham diferentes serviços ambientais, no entanto há poucas informações quanto a riqueza e distribuição dessas populações em diferentes ecossistemas, mesmo em Unidades de Conservação (UC), como no estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil. A partir disso, o objetivo do presente estudo visa analisar a diversidade de opiliofauna de duas Unidades de Conservação inseridas em ecossistemas distintos no estado de Minas Gerais. O Trabalho foi conduzido na Área de Proteção Ambiental do Rio Machado (APA), domínio de Mata Atlântica, e no Parque Nacional das Sempre Vivas (PARNA), área de Cerrado. As coletas foram, realizadas no período de setembro de 2018 a abril de 2019, com esforço amostral de 20 horas para o PARNA e 32 horas para a APA. Foi registrada uma nova espécie de Liogonyleptoides para a Ciência na APA Rio Machado, que possui maior riqueza que o PARNA. Não houve espécies em comum entre as duas áreas estudadas, reflexo de diferentes fatores associados, incluindo alta taxa de endemismo, o que justifica a conservação de ambas as Unidades de Conservação, pois alterações nesses ecossistemas poderiam acarretar a perda de espécies de opiliões para o estado de Minas Gerais.