bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of an Online Self-Help Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Insomnia on Negative Affect and Paranoia: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Scott Alexander J. , Rowse Georgina , Webb Thomas L.
Published: October 2020

Background: Sleep and mental health go hand-in-hand, with problems sleeping being associated with a variety of mental health difficulties. Recently, insomnia has been linked with the experience of paranoia, a relationship that is likely to be mediated by negative affect. Given these links, the present research aimed to test whether a self-help intervention designed to improve sleep can also improve negative affect and paranoia.Method: Participants were recruited from a mailing list of University staff and were randomly allocated to one of three conditions; a wait-list control group, an active control group who completed a sleep diary each day for 6 weeks, and an experimental group who received an online self-help intervention targeting sleep problems alongside the same sleep diary. Levels of insomnia, negative affect, and paranoia were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 4- and 18-weeks post-intervention.Results: There were no significant differences between the groups on levels of insomnia, negative affect, and/or paranoid thinking at post-intervention, 4-weeks, or the 18-week follow-up. However, a relatively large number of participants dropped out of the study, particularly in the intervention group, which meant that the primary analysis was underpowered.Conclusion: Due to a high level of participant dropout, the findings from the present research are inconclusive, and suggest that retaining participants in trials of online interventions is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed in future research.
ESTIMATIVAS DAS MODELAGENS POR REDES NEURAIS TIPO GMDH E BOX-JENKINS PARA AS SÉRIES DE TEMPERATURAS MÁXIMAS E MÍNIMAS DO MUNICÍPIO DE ARIQUEMES (RO)
Authors: Carvalho Roberto Luís da Silva , Delgado Angel Ramon Sanchez
Published: October 2020

A busca por metodologias que possam aprimorar o processo de predição de variáveis climáticas, para uma determinada região, contribui para o desenvolvimento em diversas áreas do conhecimento, seja na identificação de eventos extremos climáticos ou na previsão diária para processos agrícolas de irrigação. Neste sentido, este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar uma abordagem computacional para estimar as séries temporais associadas às temperaturas máximas e mínimas do ar, no município de Ariquemes (Rondônia). Especificamente, buscou-se modelar o comportamento das séries temporais utilizando redes neurais artificiais do tipo GMDH (Método de Grupo de Manipulação de Dados) e compará-los com a modelagem Box-Jenkins. Foram utilizados os dados climatológicos disponíveis no Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia - INMET, obtidos na estação Meteorológica Automática de Ariquemes/RO, no período de janeiro de 2011 até janeiro de 2014. Em geral, a modelagem por Redes Neurais do tipo GMDH para estas séries apresentou resultados similares aos modelos Box-Jenkins, constituindo-se, assim, numa opção para previsão de séries temporais climáticas. Modelos do tipo GMDH com quatro entradas e três camadas se mostraram mais eficientes, ou seja, com menor erro quadrático médio. A função de transferência de base radial foi mais eficiente.
COEFICIENTES DE ANGSTROM-PRESCOTT E A EVAPOTRANSPIRAÇÃO DE REFERÊNCIA NA TRANSIÇÃO CERRADO-AMAZÔNIA DO MATO GROSSO
Authors: Martim Charles Campoe , Zamadei Tamara , Souza Adilson Pacheco de , Almeida Frederico Terra de , Zolin Cornélio Alberto
Published: October 2020

A radiação global (Hg) e a duração do brilho solar (n) são elementos meteorológicos que contribuem expressivamente para estudos agronômicos, ecológicos e hidrológicos. Na obtenção de Hg podem ser aplicados diferentes modelos de estimativas baseados em variáveis meteorológicas, todavia, a maneira mais simplificada baseia-se na correlação linear entre a transmissividade atmosférica e a razão de insolação. Objetivou-se obter os coeficientes lineares (a) e angulares (b) da equação de Angström-Prescott e avaliar a sua aplicação nas estimativas de Hg e da evapotranspiração de referência (ETo), na região de Sinop, MT (transição Cerrado-Amazônia; -11,86°; -55,48° e 371m de altitude), entre 2011 e 2016. Os dados diários foram agrupados em bases mensais, sazonais (estação do ano) e anuais.  O coeficiente “a” para estimativas mensais de Hg variou de 0,21 a 0,32, enquanto que o coeficiente “b” variou de 0,41 a 0,49. A transmissividade atmosférica de Hg variou de 22,24% (novembro) a 76% (junho - estação seca). Os valores médios de Hg e ETo medidos e estimados nos agrupamentos foram de, 15,72 e 16,46 MJ m-2 dia-1 e 2,90 e 3,05 mm dia-1, respectivamente. Recomenda-se a utilização de a = 0,2471 e b = 0,3774 para estimativas de Hg pelos coeficientes da equação de Angstöm-Prescott, independentemente da época do ano.
PERCEPÇÃO CLIMÁTICA E ATIVIDADES DE CAMPO: APRENDENDO COM GUARDA-PARQUES EM ANTONINA E GUARAQUEÇABA, PARANÁ, BRASIL
Authors: Pamplona Caio , Roseghini Wilson Flavio Feltrim
Published: October 2020

O presente trabalho é exigência para conclusão do curso de Especialização em Análise Ambiental ofertada pelo Departamento de Geografia/UFPR. Trata-se de pesquisa relativa à percepção ambiental de guarda-parques da região de Guaraqueçaba e Antonina, no Paraná, acerca do clima e tempo e de diferentes elementos por eles associados ao tema, especialmente no que se refere às suas atividades de campo. Os guarda-parques são figuras conhecidas da região, inserida na Área de Proteção Ambiental de Guaraqueçaba e composta por importante mosaico de unidades de conservação que protege os maiores remanescentes da Mata Atlântica do planeta. A região do estudo possui altos índices pluviométricos e elevadas temperaturas médias e máximas, o que torna difícil trabalhos em campo de qualquer natureza. Por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas este trabalho buscou conhecer e compreender melhor a relação dos guarda-parques com fenômenos climáticos, os indicadores utilizados em suas previsões do tempo e como sua preparação para o campo é influenciada por estes elementos. Foram feitos 235 registros de diferentes ideias trazidas pelos entrevistados, sendo que 59 de referência a saberes relacionados à predição do tempo. Entre os elementos da percepção ambiental voltada à predição do tempo destacaram-se elementos bióticos como primatas, aves e insetos e elementos não-bióticos como tradições populares e observações dos próprios fenômenos meteorológicos.
ANÁLISE DA VARIABILIDADE DA PRECIPITAÇÃO PLUVIOMÉTRICA NA MICRORREGIÃO DE UMBUZEIRO, PARAÍBA
Authors: Nascimento Maxsuel Bezerra do , Almeida Nadjacleia Vilar , De Araujo Lincoln Eloi
Published: October 2020

O Nordeste brasileiro apresenta grande variabilidade de precipitação, motivo pelo qual se faz necessário o monitoramento de períodos úmidos e secos, tendo em vista garantir o melhor gerenciamento desse recurso para as propriedades locais. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é verificar e avaliar a variabilidade climática da precipitação pluviométrica na Microrregião de Umbuzeiro, no Estado da Paraíba através da climatologia espaço-temporal da precipitação. Nesse sentido foi utilizado o Índice de Anomalia de Chuva (IAC), para monitorar os períodos secos e chuvosos e suas intensidades. Foram utilizados dados de 7 pontos distribuídos ao longo da microrregião de Umbuzeiro com uma série histórica de 24 anos (de 1994 a 2017). Nesses anos, foram observados dois períodos distintos, um período chuvoso, que vai de março a julho tendo junho como o mês mais significativo, e um período seco, que vai de agosto a fevereiro, sendo outubro o mês mais seco diante esses fatos esse trabalho traz resultados de relevância para área da ecologia, que por meio desses deste contribuem para que gestores municipais, pequenos proprietários e agricultores tenham informação das épocas chuvosas, mais propícias as atividades agrícolas e entendimento também dos períodos de escassez.
TENDÊNCIAS METEOROLÓGICAS E ANOMALIAS DE EVAPOTRANSPIRAÇÃO DE REFERÊNCIA NO PERÍODO DE 2011-2017 PARA O ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS
Authors: De Almeida Lucas Rosa , Rosse Vinicius Possato , Viola Marcelo Ribeiro , Vieira-Filho Marcelo
Published: October 2020

Dentre as componentes necessárias à realização do balanço hídrico climatológico, encontra-se a evapotranspiração de referência. Esta, refere-se às saídas de água do solo e tradicionalmente é calculada por diferentes métodos indiretos, a partir de observações realizadas nas estações meteorológicas. Neste trabalho, informações de 27 estações meteorológicas convencionais localizadas no estado de Minas Gerais foram avaliadas, objetivando-se à identificação de tendências climatológicas e ao estudo das anomalias de evapotranspiração no período de 2011-2017, levando-se em consideração o período de 1981-2010 (Normal climatológica). Foi utilizado o método de Penman-Monteith para o cálculo da evapotranspiração de referência pelo software REF-ET. Além disso, também foi utilizada a programação em ambiente R, por meio da qual os dados meteorológicos foram manipulados e os testes estatísticos foram realizados. Para a verificação das tendências não sazonais, o método de Mann-Kendall foi o utilizado. A análise da tendência para temperatura (máxima, mínima e média compensada), insolação e velocidade do vento mostrou tendências de aumento significativas (valor de p < 0,05), enquanto que, para a umidade relativa foi obtida tendência de redução.  Para as estações localizadas na região Norte do Estado de Minas Gerais foram observadas anomalias positivas de evapotranspiração de maneira consistente ao longo de todo o ano. A estação de Pedra Azul, localizado na região do Jequitinhonha, apresentou anomalia positiva de evapotranspiração em todos os meses com valores acima de 20 mm.mês-1. Além disso, anomalias positivas persistentes de evapotranspiração foram observadas no trimestre DJF (dezembro, janeiro e fevereiro) acumulando valores acima de 40 mm.mês-1 para as estações de Juiz de Fora, Janaúba, Lavras, Araxá e Montes Claros. Tais anomalias mostram que o período de 2011 a 2017 apresentou clima mais quente e seco que a normal climatológica (1981-2010).
VARIAÇÃO DA TEMPERATURA DA SUPERFÍCIE ATRAVÉS DE IMAGENS ASTER EM ZONAS CLIMÁTICAS LOCAIS DA CIDADE DE CUIABÁ, BRASIL
Authors: Ferreira Hugo Vilela Lemos , Ugeda Júnior José Carlos
Published: October 2020

As Zonas Climáticas Locais (ZCLs) de uma cidade representam padrões espaciais de elementos da superfície capazes de provocar efeitos no clima urbano. Além da morfologia, os elementos do espaço podem ser analisados por sua temperatura da superfície (Ts), através de produtos de sensoriamento remoto termal satelital, como o AST08, do sensor ASTER. Esta Ts pode ser analisada espacialmente a partir de ZCLs, revelando suas variações espaciais e temporais. Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar a variabilidade espacial e temporal da Ts de imagens ASTER considerando como unidades espaciais ZCLs da cidade de Cuiabá, Brasil. Foram mapeadas as ZCLs de Cuiabá. Obteve-se imagens ASTER de diferentes datas e horários. Comparou-se as ZCLs com a Ts de diferentes condições temporais, sazonais e horárias. Verificou-se variações na Ts em diferentes horas do dia, de manhã e noite. Verificou-se uma variabilidade sazonal na Ts, relacionada a condição climática tropical com inverno seco. A Ts apresenta uma variabilidade espacial e temporal paralela com as ZCLs analisadas.
A NATUREZA DO CLIMA E O CLIMA DAS ALTERAÇÕES CLIMÁTICAS
Authors: Zangalli Jr. Paulo Cesar
Published: October 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma discussão crítica acerca dos conceitos de mudança e alteração climática. A princípio destaca-se o debate sobre a relação sociedade e natureza e os distintos conceitos de clima associados às correntes da climatologia na geografia. Em seguida faz-se uma associação à como o clima tem sido produzido e incorporado a uma agenda política, econômica e social. Aponta-se que no debate sobre as alterações climáticas e do papel que cabe à Geografia, em especial à Geografia Física Crítica, há uma ressignificação do conceito de mudança (climatic change) para alteração climática (climate change) que são explicadas pela escala. Dessa forma, as alterações climáticas recentes podem ser entendidas como fenômenos climáticos alterados por uma complexa cadeia de ações sociais e naturais iniciadas a partir da revolução industrial e intensificadas no bojo da sociedade capitalista fossilista
BALANÇO HÍDRICO CLIMATOLÓGICO PARA ITAJUBÁ-MG: CENÁRIO ATUAL E PROJEÇÕES CLIMÁTICAS
Authors: Alves Alexandre Magalhães de Morais Ramos , Martins Fabrina Bolzan , Reboita Michelle Simões
Published: October 2020

Projeções climáticas ao longo do século XXI têm indicado aumento da temperatura do ar, e irregularidades na precipitação no Estado de Minas Gerais (MG), os quais afetarão a evapotranspiração e, consequentemente, o balanço hídrico. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar o impacto das mudanças climáticas no balanço hídrico climatológico (BHC) no município de Itajubá no período de 2021 a 2099 considerando o cenário de emissão Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 do Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Neste estudo, foram utilizadas projeções do modelo climático regional RegCM4 dirigido pelas saídas do modelo global HadGEM2-ES. O BHC foi calculado para o clima presente (1979 – 2005), futuro próximo (2021 – 2049) e futuro distante (2071 – 2099), considerando o método de Thornthwaite e Mather simplificado, em que considera como dado de entrada a climatologia mensal da temperatura média do ar e da precipitação. Projeta-se, no final do século XXI, um aumento de aproximadamente 5ºC na temperatura média do ar para Itajubá, além de um padrão heterogêneo de precipitação, com projeções de aumento nos meses de primavera e verão e redução nos meses de outono e inverno. Para o BHC é projetado aumento gradual na evapotranspiração real, chegando a 86 mm mês-1 nos meses de verão, e alteração na deficiência (DEF) e excedente hídrico (EXC). De maneira geral, é projetado um aumento da DEF e EXC nos meses de outono, inverno e verão, respectivamente. Tais alterações podem acarretar prejuízos para os principais cultivos de Itajubá, como o milho, a batata, o feijão e o café.
RELAÇÃO ENTRE COMPONENTES NATURAIS E URBANOS E CARACTERÍSTICAS DO CAMPO TÉRMICO PARA DEFINIÇÃO DE TOPOCLIMAS NO MUNICÍPIO DE JUIZ DE FORA-MG
Authors: De Assis Débora Couto , Jardim Carlo Henrique
Published: October 2020

Pesquisas de climatologia em cidades médias em processo de desenvolvimento são importantes para que haja manutenção da qualidade ambiental de maneira preventiva. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo foi trazer dados e informações sobre a identificação e caracterização do campo térmico no município de Juiz de Fora, considerando as variações de temperatura do ar e relação com aspectos de uso do solo e morfologia do terreno, para elaboração de esboço de unidades climáticas. Os procedimentos metodológicos incluíram revisão teórica, análise das condições térmicas por sensores remotos, aquisição e tratamento de dados obtidos em campo, processamento de dados espaciais e síntese dos dados. Os resultados evidenciaram que a porção leste do município registrou os menos valores de temperatura do ar, relacionada a presença de fragmentos de vegetação e cursos d’agua, e o ponto com menor temperatura média foi identificado na zona rural, em fragmento de mata ciliar. A temperatura máxima foi localizada no Distrito Industrial. Dentre as 34 classes topoclimáticas identificadas, resultado de combinações existentes entre temperatura, uso do solo e morfologia do terreno, a classe de uso do solo associada à áreas de pastagens possui grande relevância na constituição das zonas térmicas do município.
HOURLY PRECIPITATION PATTERNS IN A BRAZILIAN TROPICAL CITY
Authors: Dos Santos Luiz Octavio Fabricio , Machado Nadja Gomes , Querino Carlos Alexandre Santos , Pedreira Junior Altemar Lopes , Ivo Israel Oliveira , Lotufo Neto Névio , Biudes Marcelo Sacardi
Published: October 2020

The research on precipitation is related to analysis of its spatiotemporal variability using daily, monthly and annual data. However, there is a scarcity in the availability of information on how this variable is distributed over the hours of the day. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the intensity and hourly patterns of precipitation in Cuiabá in the State of Mato Grosso. Precipitation data were collected at the Cuiabá weather station of the National Institute of Meteorology from 2003 to 2018. The relative frequency of hourly precipitation was analyzed by the Spiegel method. The relative frequency of precipitation in wet season was high in the afternoon from 16:00 h (6.2%) to 17:00 h (5.9%) and low in the morning from 10:00 (3.0%) to 11:00 (2.8%). The relative frequency of precipitation during the dry season was high at 05:00 h (5.0%) and 17:00 h (5.4%) and low from 12:00 h (2.6%) and 13:00 h (2.2%). In general, the intensity of precipitation in the region was predominantly weak, followed by moderate, strong and very strong. The precipitation events in Cuiabá generally occur in the late afternoon, resulting from convective activity in the region.
Changes in the Physicochemical Properties of Kashkaval of Pindos Cheese Produced with Different Salting Methods during Ripening
Authors: Pappa Eleni C. , Kondyli Efthymia , Bosnea Loulouda , Mataragas Marios
Published: October 2020

Kashkaval of Pindos cheeses were produced either with sheep (100%) or mixture of sheep (90%) - goat (10%) milk. Sheep milk cheeses were manufactured either by dry salting or by immersion in 18% w/w salt (NaCl) brine. Cheeses made with the mixture of sheep- goat milk were directly immersed in brine of 15% or 18% w/w NaCl concentration. These are common practices of cheese salting used by the traditional cheese-makers. The physicochemical characteristics of all cheeses were monitored during a ripening period of 3-months. The results have shown that the physicochemical characteristics of both cheeses were not affected by the different salting methods. Therefore, Kashkaval of Pindos cheese can be salted either with dry salt or with immersion in brine, without altering their main composition and organoleptic characteristics. Furthermore, some historical data about Kashkaval of Pindos cheese are included.
A disciplina eletiva: experimentação, interdisciplinaridade e aprofundamento dos conteúdos de história e matemática
Authors: Santos Célio Moacir dos , Malheiros Gisele Xavier
Published: October 2020

A finalidade desse trabalho é mostrar o que é uma Disciplina Eletiva dentro do conceito de Escola de Tempo Integral. Realizamos em um Centro Estadual de Ensino Médio em Tempo Integral - CEEMTI, localizado no município de Aracruz – Espírito Santo, atividades que proporcionam aos alunos a ampliação dos conhecimentos na disciplina de Matemática e de História, agregando saberes referentes à tecnologia no que tange a produção de vídeos. A eletiva “Produção de vídeos: historiando a Matemática”, busca não só fazer com que o estudante perceba que a Matemática não é uma disciplina isolada e que grandes teorias estão associadas com seu momento históricas. Assim, a junção dessas duas disciplinas se torna um valoroso instrumento para o ensino aprendizagem, na medida em que, contempla a interdisciplinaridade e manifestações culturais de diferentes povos.
Surface Gravity Wave Modeling in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Fan Yalin , Hwang Paul , Yu John
Published: October 2020

Tropical cyclones are among the deadliest geophysical phenomena on earth. Tropical cyclone-generated wave fields are of interest both scientifically for understanding wind–wave-ocean interaction physics and operationally for predicting potentially hazardous conditions for ship navigation and coastal regions. This chapter briefly reviews the development of third generation wave models, the improvements of their input/dissipation source functions, and their applications in tropical cyclone generated surface wave predictions. Discussion on the status of coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean modeling in tropical cyclone predictions are given at the end of the chapter prompted by the growing scientific evidence on the importance of sea state on air-sea fluxes under extreme wind conditions.
Construction of Forward-Looking Distributions Using Limited Historical Data and Scenario Assessments
Authors: de Jongh Riaan , Raubenheimer Helgard , Gericke Mentje
Published: October 2020

Financial institutions are concerned about various forms of risk that might impact them. The management of these institutions has to demonstrate to shareholders and regulators that they manage these risks in a pro-active way. Often the main risks are caused by excessive claims on insurance policies or losses that occur due to defaults on loan payments or by operations failing. In an attempt to quantify these risks, the estimation of extreme quantiles of loss distributions is of interest. Since financial companies have limited historical data available in order to estimate these extreme quantiles, they often use scenario assessments by experts to augment the historical data by providing a forward-looking view. In this chapter, we will provide an exposition of statistical methods that may be used to combine historical data and scenario assessments in order to estimate extreme quantiles. In particular, we will illustrate their use by means of practical examples. This method has been implemented by major international banks and based on what we have learnt in the process, we include some practical suggestions for implementing the recommended method.
Integral Backstepping Controller for UAVs Team Formation
Authors: M. Jasim Wesam , Gu Dongbing
Published: October 2020

In this chapter, two controllers are investigated for stabilisation, path tracking and leader-follower team formation. The first controller is a PD2 implemented for attitude stability. The second controller is an Integral Backstepping IBS control algorithm presented for the path tracking and leader-follower team formation problems of quadrotors. This nonlinear control technique divide the control into two loops, the inner loop is for the attitude stabilisation and the outer loop is for the position control. The dynamic model of a quadrotor is represented based on Euler angles representation and includes some modelled aerodynamical effects as a nonlinear part. The IBS controller is designed for the translational part to track the desired trajectory and to track the leader quadrotor by the followers. Stability analysis is achieved via a suitable Lyapunov function. The external disturbance and model parameters uncertainty are considered in the simulation tests. The proposed controllers yielded good results in terms of Root Mean Square Error RMSE values, time-consumption, disturbance rejection and model parameter uncertainties change coverage.
Definitive Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Doi Hiroshi , Kuribayashi Kozo
Published: October 2020

Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers, and the mortality rate is still high. Radiotherapy plays an important role in radical treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Treatment outcomes in lung cancer have improved over the last few decades. Several treatment regimens have been shown to be effective and safe. Further, modern technological approaches of radiotherapy have been developed along with advanced imaging and immunotherapy in order to improve outcomes and minimize radiation-induced toxicity. This chapter summarizes the historical results of the key clinical studies that were conducted in the past with the focus on various regimens of chemoradiotherapy used. In addition, we discuss future perspectives of definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Inflammatory Markers in Response to Different Intensity of Aerobic Exercise in Obese Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Hejazi Keyvan , Attarzadeh Hosseini Seyyed Reza , Fathi Mehrdad , Mosaferi Ziaaldini Mohammad , Nabavinik Mahdi
Published: October 2020

Background: The lack of physical activity and obesity causes mild chronic inflammation that is associated with increased plasma levels of inflammatory markers. Evidence suggests that physical activity can reduce inflammatory markers. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of eight weeks of aerobic training with two intensities on levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and insulin resistance in obese Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-four Wistar male rats (fourteen weeks old and weighing 250 - 300 g, body mass index > 30 g/cm2 ) were used. After two weeks of familiarity with the laboratory environment, the animals were randomly divided into three groups: (1) high-intensity aerobic exercise (n = 8); (2) moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (n = 8), and control (n = 8). The rats in moderate and high-intensity aerobic exercise groups were performed an increasing training for eight weeks and five days a week and one session per day for 60 minutes running at different speeds on a rodent motor-driven treadmill. Data were analyzed by paired sample t-test and repeated measures (ANOVA) for the inter-group and intra-group comparison of the variance changes. Results: Significant differences were found in serum TNF-α levels (P = 0.027 and F = 3.42), IL-6 levels (P = 0.043 and F = 2.99), and insulin resistance index (P = 0.008 and F = 4.69) between themoderate, high-intensity aerobic exercises, and control groups. The levels of TNF-α concentration was significantly different between moderate-intensity and control group (P = 0.01) and between the highintensity and control groups (P = 0.01). The insulin resistance index in MI (P = 0.01) and HI (P = 0.01) groups significantly decreased compared to the control group. Conclusions: The results of the present study show that both types of moderate-intensity and high-intensity aerobic exercise lead to the reduction of TNF-α, interleukin-6, and insulin resistance index compared to the control group. Further studies are needed to shed light on the effects of different types of exercise on such indices, especially the use of long-term training sessions.
Evaluation of Patient Flow and Waiting Time for the First Physician Visit in an Overcrowded Emergency Department
Authors: Yousefi Hadi , Asadi Noghabi Fariba , Farhani Nejad Samere , Yousefi Mohsen
Published: October 2020

Background: The velocity of providing services in health centers is crucial to reduce mortality and adverse outcomes. Objectives: The present study aimed at determining the waiting time from entering the emergency department (ED) up to physician visiting based on congestion in the triple shift at Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Methods: The current cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in 2019 on 1285 subjects selected from three shifts. The data collection tools included demographic data and standard triage forms, as well as a timetable with a stopwatch. The time between patient arrival and physician visit was recorded. SPSS software version 21 was employed to analyze the data. Results: The highest percentage of patients, 65.1% (n = 837), was non-traumatic, 38.98% (n = 501) referred during the evening shift, and 47.54% (n = 611) were related to the triage level 3. The maximum average waiting time from the beginning to the end of the triage was 4.46, and up to the physician, the visit was 12.8 minutes. Waiting time from entering ED up to physician first visit in terms of gender, refer to ED, and cause of referral statistically divulged a significant difference (P < 0.05). Estimation of the maximum congestion in the department was from 16:00 to 20:00, which showed a significant difference with other day times (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The average waiting time for patients was higher than the global standard. The interventions based on the maximum congestion in ED can be effective in reducing patient waiting time.
Oral Candidiasis in Hematological Malignancy Patients: Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns of Isolates
Authors: Mardani Masoud , Abolghasemi Sara , Darvishnia David , Lotfali Ensieh , Ghasemi Reza , Rabiei Mohammad Mahdi , Fattahi Azam
Published: October 2020

Background: Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a fungal infection in the mouth caused by Candida species. Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a major problem among hematologic malignancy patients. Objectives: The present study was designed to identify and evaluate antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida spp. isolated from hematological malignancy patients with oral candidiasis. Methods: Samples were collected from the oral cavity of 138 patients and confirmed for oropharyngeal candidiasis by microscopic examination and fungal culture. Isolated Candida strains were identified by ITS-PCR. Hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) was amplified to differentiate the Candida albicans complex. In vitro antifungal susceptibility tests against fluconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin were performed according to CLSI M27-A3/S4. Results: The study enrolled 120 patients, including 74 (61.66%) females and 46 (38.33%) males. The mean age of affliction by fungal infections was 42 ± 8 years. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (44%) comprised the majority of cases. The most commonly isolated species among patients were C. albicans (n = 110; 91.6%), C. glabrata (n = 8; 6.6%), and C. africana (n = 2; 2.8%). The overall resistance of C. albicans was 2.7% to fluconazole, and 1.8% to amphotericin B. Candida glabrata showed 12.5% resistance to amphotericin B. All Candida spp. isolates from patients were susceptible to caspofungin. Conclusions: Local information about the increasing resistance to fluconazole in both C. albicans and non albicans Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility is useful for deciding on antifungal prophylaxis and selecting the empirical therapy of cancer patients.
Qualification Problem in Administrative Law
Authors: Handrlica Jakub
Published: October 2020

Jakým způsobem kvalifikovat právní povahu cizích správních aktů, které podle předpisů našeho vnitrostátního práva vyvolávají právní účinky v rovině našeho práva? Tato otázka, označovaná v odborné literatuře jako „kvalifikační problém“, dlouhodobě budí zájem nejenom právní teorie, ale také právní praxe. Při kvalifikaci cizích správních aktů má tuzemský správní orgán v zásadě tři možnosti: kvalifikace na základě legis fori, legis causae, nebo kvalifikaci na základě autonomního pojetí. Tento článek předkládá argumenty pro kvalifikaci cizích správních aktů na základě legis fori.
Hodnoty v právnickém vzdělávání
Authors: Draslarová Hana
Published: October 2020

Diskuze o právnickém vzdělávání se často soustředí na znalosti a dovednosti, které by si studenti měli osvojovat. Hodnoty většinou zůstávají mimo pozornost, a pokud už se o nich hovoří, obvykle není zřejmé, co přesně se jimi myslí. Jedná se totiž o pojem neurčitý, se kterým různí autoři spojují různé obsahy, což debatu o posilování významu hodnot v procesu přípravy budoucích právníků značně ztěžuje. Aby bylo možné se hodnotami blíže zabývat, je klíčové porozumět tomu, co hodnoty v právnickém vzdělávání znamenají. Článek se proto v první části zabývá tím, jak se osvojování hodnot v právnickém vzdělávání v České republice promítá, a to za pomoci analýzy koncepčních dokumentů právnických fakult i jejich neoficiálních prezentací. Druhá část představuje vlastní kategorizaci významu pojmu hodnoty v právnickém vzdělávání. Je totiž důležité o hodnotách v právnickém vzdělávání přemýšlet a rozdělení užívání daného pojmu do pěti různých překrývajících se kategorií má sloužit k tomu, aby bylo možné o hodnotách v souvislosti s právnickým vzděláváním uvažovat konkrétněji.
O processo criativo na construção de uma fantasia carnavalesca: em busca de uma metodologia
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Almeida Cláudio , Oliveira Madson
Published: October 2020

O desfile das escolas de samba do Rio de Janeiro é um evento sazonal e temático que é realizado por diversos profissionais ligados à criação de serviços e produtos, em função da festa. Neste artigo analisamos questões no processo criativo do carnavalesco Severo Luzardo, ao projetar uma fantasia. Assim, pretendemos ressaltar as relações entre o fazer carnavalesco e as ações de design, inserindo a prática carnavalesca como uma “forma particular de design”. Para tal apresentamos um figurino carnavalesco de ala inspirado no milho e a consequente materialização deste projeto (do croqui à fantasia-protótipo pronta), tecendo paralelos com os processos metodológicos do design de moda e do design de produto. Pretendemos descortinar práticas que nos revelem processos de design e que nos levem a aproximação do carnaval à prática acadêmica do design.
NCCN Guidelines Insights: Colorectal Cancer Screening, Version 2.2020
Authors: Provenzale Dawn , Ness Reid M. , Llor Xavier , Weiss Jennifer M. , Abbadessa Benjamin , Cooper Gregory , Early Dayna S. , Friedman Mark , Giardiello Francis M. , Glaser Kathryn , Gurudu Suryakanth , Halverson Amy L. , Issaka Rachel , Jain Rishi , Kanth Priyanka , Kidambi Trilokesh , Lazenby Audrey J. , Maguire Lillias , Markowitz Arnold J. , May Folasade P. , Mayer Robert J. , Mehta Shivan , Patel Swati , Peter Shajan , P. Stanich Peter , Terdiman Jonathan , Keller Jennifer , Dwyer Mary A. , Ogba Ndiya
Published: October 2020

The NCCN Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening describe various colorectal screening modalities as well as recommended screening schedules for patients at average or increased risk of developing sporadic CRC. They are intended to aid physicians with clinical decision-making regarding CRC screening for patients without defined genetic syndromes. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on select recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines, including a section on primary and secondary CRC prevention, and provide context for the panel’s recommendations regarding the age to initiate screening in average risk individuals and follow-up for low-risk adenomas.
Association Between Clinical Value and Financial Cost of Cancer Treatments: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Mitchell Aaron P. , Tabatabai Sara M. , Dey Pranammya , Ohn Jennifer A. , Curry Michael A. , Bach Peter B.
Published: October 2020

Background: The cost of cancer treatment has increased significantly in recent decades, but it is unclear whether these costs have been associated with commensurate improvement in clinical value. This study aimed to assess the association between the cost of cancer treatment and 4 of the 5 NCCN Evidence Blocks (EB) measures of clinical value: efficacy of regimen/agent, safety of regimen/agent, quality of evidence, and consistency of evidence. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study. We obtained NCCN EB ratings for all recommended, first-line, and/or maintenance treatments for the 30 most prevalent cancers in the United States and calculated direct pharmacologic treatment costs (drug acquisition, administration fees, guideline-concordant supportive care medications) using Medicare reimbursement rates in January 2019. We used generalized estimating equations to estimate the association between NCCN EB measures and treatment cost with clustering at the level of the treatment indication. Results: A total of 1,386 treatments were included. Among time-unlimited treatments (those administered on an ongoing basis without a predetermined stopping point), monthly cost was positively associated with efficacy ($3,036; 95% CI, $1,782 to $4,289) and quality of evidence ($1,509; 95% CI, $171 to $2,847) but negatively associated with safety (–$1,470; 95% CI, –$2,790 to –$151) and consistency of evidence (–$2,003; 95% CI, –$3,420 to –$586). Among time-limited treatments (those administered for a predetermined interval or number of cycles), no NCCN EB measure was significantly associated with treatment cost. Conclusions: An association between NCCN EB measures and treatment cost was inconsistent, and the magnitude of the association was small compared with the degree of cost variation among treatments with the same EB scores. The clinical value of cancer treatments does not seem to be a primary determinant of treatment cost.
Contemporary Population-Based Analysis of Bone Mineral Density Testing in Men Initiating Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hu Jason , Aprikian Armen G. , Vanhuyse Marie , Dragomir Alice
Published: October 2020

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a cornerstone of treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PCa); however, it accelerates the loss of bone mineral density (BMD), which increases fracture risk. Guidelines recommend BMD testing when initiating ADT to assess baseline fracture risk properly. The objective of this study was to examine the proportion of BMD testing in men initiating ADT in Quebec and to identify factors associated with receipt of this testing. Methods: The study cohort consisted of men extracted from Quebec public healthcare insurance administrative databases who initiated continuous ADT from 2000 to 2015 for >12 months. The primary study outcome was receipt of BMD testing in the period from 6 months before through 12 months after ADT initiation. Multivariable generalized linear mixed regression modeling with a logit link was performed to identify variables associated with BMD testing. Results: We identified 22,033 patients, of whom 3,910 (17.8%) underwent BMD testing. Rates of BMD testing increased from 4.1% in 2000 to 23.4% in 2015. After multivariable analyses, prior history of osteoporosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.84; 95% CI, 1.32–2.57; P<.001), rheumatoid arthritis (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.15–2.34; P=.006), use of bisphosphonates (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.25–1.73; P<.001), and long-term corticosteroid use (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.15–2.31; P=.006) were associated with higher odds of BMD testing. Patient age >80 years (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.59–0.76; P<.001), metastases (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70–0.89; P<.001), higher Charlson comorbidity score (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51–0.81; P<.001), and rural residence (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68–0.87; P<.001) were associated with lower odds of BMD testing. Conclusions: In our study population, BMD testing rates in men initiating ADT were low, although they increased over the years especially in the years after the publication of recommendations for BMD testing in these patients. Potential gaps identified include being older, more comorbid, and rural areas. Overall, additional efforts emphasizing the importance of BMD testing in PCa guidelines may be needed.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC – A REVIEW WITH A DENTAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: FAIZAL ASAN Mohamed , BABU G Subhas , CASTELİNO Renita , RAO Kumuda , PANDITA Vaıbhav
Published: October 2020

Novel betacoronavirus is a recent threat to the global health. It has been identified as the cause of the outbreak of respiratory illness that originated in the city of Wuhan, China and has spread rapidly to several other countries within a short span of time. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces from an infected person, saliva of infected persons has also shown shedding of live virus. Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and can even progress to ARDS and septic shock leading to death. All health care professionals including dental surgeons are at a high risk of acquiring the infection. Dental clinics and hospitals carry a high risk of cross-infection. Aggressive preventive and personal protective measures help in preventing exposure to the infection. Dental professionals should adopt various specific preventive methods and treatment strategies to prevent the spread of the infection in a dental setup.
A Dynamic Competition Control Strategy for Freeway Merging Region Balancing Individual Behaviour and Traffic Efficiency
Authors: Ma Minghui , Liang Shidong , Zhang Hu
Published: October 2020

An integrated control strategy is considered in this paper with the aim of solving congestion in freeway merging regions during peak hours. Merging regions discussed in this paper include the mainline and on-ramp. Traditional research mainly focuses on the efficiency of traffic, ignoring the experience of on-ramp drivers and passengers. Accordingly, a dynamic competition control strategy is proposed to balance individual behaviour and traffic efficiency. First, the concept of the congestion index is introduced, which is expressed by the queue length and the speed parameter of the merging region. The congestion index is used to balance the priorities of the vehicles from the mainline and on-ramp into the merging region in order to avoid poor individual behaviour of on-ramp drivers due to the long-time waiting. Additionally, a nonlinear optimal control approach integrating variable speed limits control and ramp metering is proposed to minimize the total time spent and the maximum traffic flow. The integrated control approach proposed in this paper is tested by simulation which is calibrated using field data. The results indicate that the integrated control approach can effectively shorten the total delay and enhance the traffic service level.
The Use of Intelligent Packaging in Supply Chain of Food Products
Authors: Grubor Aleksandar , Končar Jelena , Marić Radenko , Vukmirović Goran , Milićević Nikola
Published: October 2020

The research aims to identify the limitations and expectations of producers, transport companies, distributors and retailers in introducing intelligent packaging into supply chains of food products on the market of the Western Balkans. The limitations and benefits from the use of intelligent packaging have been identified in transportation, storage, operations of physical handling and display of food products at the place of their final purchase. The results have shown that there are significant differences in terms of limitations affecting the implementation of intelligent packaging into business operations of supply chains, bearing in mind the business type, number of employees, available capital and integrated standards into business operations. In contrast to this, the results point that there are no significant differences in terms of benefits that the analysed entities expect from introducing intelligent packaging into their systems. A set of measures and incentives have been defined for the competent institutions and food supply chain management to take, in order to minimize the restrictions and advance the implementation of intelligent packaging. The proposals and suggestions for further research are stated in the paper.
Can Negative Travel Habits Hinder Positive Travel Behavioural Change under Beijing Vehicle Restrictions?
Authors: Dong Xiao , Wang Ruoya , Zhou Yaodong
Published: October 2020

Given the rapid development of large cities, the residents faced with pressure both at work and in their personal lives tend to solidify their choice of transport modes and form personal travel habits, which in turn leads to higher requirements for urban traffic management. Based on the modified Theory of Planned Behaviour, the structural equation method is employed to explore people’s travel behaviour. It is found that policy attitude, perceived behaviour control, and subjective norms comprehensively affect the residents’ travel intentions under the Vehicle Restrictions in place in Beijing. The residents without private cars display a stronger intention to change their travel choices under the policies. When considering the mediating effect of travel habits between travel intention and travel choice, the impact of the restrictive policies is weakened. Compared with lower-income people, those with higher incomes demonstrate more stable travel habits in response to the effects of the restrictions. The higher the income, the greater the dependence on private cars exhibited by the residents. To summarize, people’s travel habits weaken to some extent the effects of the restrictive policies. Such policies should be created with the explicit aim of gradually changing the people’s habits.
Onychogryphosis
Authors: Tosun Salih , Tosun Bilgehan
Published: October 2020

Background

Onychogryphosis is a nail disorder that can damage nail plates, usually caused by repeated minor trauma to the foot. Onychogryphosis of the toe is commonly seen in clinical practice; however, optimal treatment of the condition is still the subject of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with toe onychogryphosis treated by subcutaneous flap coverage after total matricectomy.

Methods

In this article, we describe 12 patients who had onychogryphosis on the great toe treated by subcutaneous flap coverage after total matricectomy. There were eight men and four women, with a mean age of 63.8 years (range, 56–74 years).

Results

The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 108 months, with an average of 25.2 months. All of the flap reconstructions ultimately survived.

Conclusions

The advantage of the described technique is the avoidance of tight closure of the skin and preservation of toe length. The possible limitation of the technique is poor blood circulation to the feet.
Optical control of ERK and AKT signaling promotes axon regeneration and functional recovery of PNS and CNS in Drosophila
Authors: Wang Qin , Fan Huaxun , Li Feng , Skeeters Savanna S , Krishnamurthy Vishnu V , Song Yuanquan , Zhang Kai
Published: October 2020

Neuroregeneration is a dynamic process synergizing the functional outcomes of multiple signaling circuits. Channelrhodopsin-based optogenetics shows the feasibility of stimulating neural repair but does not pin down specific signaling cascades. Here, we utilized optogenetic systems, optoRaf and optoAKT, to delineate the contribution of the ERK and AKT signaling pathways to neuroregeneration in liveDrosophilalarvae. We showed that optoRaf or optoAKT activation not only enhanced axon regeneration in both regeneration-competent and -incompetent sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system but also allowed temporal tuning and proper guidance of axon regrowth. Furthermore, optoRaf and optoAKT differ in their signaling kinetics during regeneration, showing a gated versus graded response, respectively. Importantly in the central nervous system, their activation promotes axon regrowth and functional recovery of the thermonociceptive behavior. We conclude that non-neuronal optogenetics targets damaged neurons and signaling subcircuits, providing a novel strategy in the intervention of neural damage with improved precision.
Metabolic profiling during malaria reveals the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in regulating kidney injury
Authors: Lissner Michelle M , Cumnock Katherine , Davis Nicole M , Vilches-Moure José G , Basak Priyanka , Navarrete Daniel J , Allen Jessica A , Schneider David
Published: October 2020

Systemic metabolic reprogramming induced by infection exerts profound, pathogen-specific effects on infection outcome. Here, we detail the host immune and metabolic response during sickness and recovery in a mouse model of malaria. We describe extensive alterations in metabolism during acute infection, and identify increases in host-derived metabolites that signal through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a transcription factor with immunomodulatory functions. We find that Ahr-/- mice are more susceptible to malaria and develop high plasma heme and acute kidney injury. This phenotype is dependent on AHR in Tek-expressing radioresistant cells. Our findings identify a role for AHR in limiting tissue damage during malaria. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the critical role of host metabolism in surviving infection.
Somatic Dysfunctions of Hip and Pelvis Overlooked in a Case of Vulvodynia
Authors: Giovanis Athina , Zeszutek Stephanie
Published: October 2020

Vulvodynia is chronic perineal pain in women. Repercussions of this disorder can have a negative effect on women's health and lifestyle. The origin is often multifactorial, including pelvic and lower extremity somatic dysfunctions. If left untreated, these somatic dysfunctions can directly alter ligamentous tension on the pelvic floor and surrounding regions, resulting in perineal pain. Management of vulvodynia must be individualized due to the multifactorial etiology and complicated structure and function of the pelvic floor muscles. The authors present a case of vulvodynia in which osteopathic manipulative treatment was an effective management technique.