bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
São Francisco river Integration Project, Eastern Axis: losses analysis and performance indicators
Authors: Farias Emmanuel Eduardo Vitorino de , Curi Wilson Fadlo , Diniz Laudízio da Silva
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT Water scarcity is an old problem in the brazilian Northeast semiarid region and limits the economic and social development of the region. To mitigate negative impacts of this situation, the National Integration Ministry elaborated the São Francisco River Integration Project (PISF). The State of Paraíba will benefit from this project through the East Axis and West Axis water transposition systems’ from the São Francisco river. The Paraíba riverbasin will receive the waters of the São Francisco river through the Eastern Axis, since the project foresees that, from the city of Monteiro-PB, the water will be transported through the bed of the Paraíba river. This type of transport will cause high water losses. The present work analyzes water distribution scenarios in terms of water losses, which were simulated with the Acquanet model. The first scenario simulates the current situation, without water transposition of PISF, and the other ones evaluate different ways of distributing the waters of the East Axis among the Paraíba river bed and different pipelines construction scenarios. The results have shown that the construction of pipelines will reduce water losses and increase social gain, through the increase of the benefited population.
Nonstationarity in maximum annual daily streamflow series from Southern Brazil
Authors: Bartiko Daniel , Chaffe Pedro Luiz Borges , Bonumá Nadia Bernardi
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT Extreme streamflow values estimates are important for flood risk assessment and also for the design and operation of hydraulic structures. The behavior of this hydrological variable is under climate and land use changes effects and river’s course modifications caused by construction and operation of large reservoirs. The assumption of stationarity commonly adopted in flood frequency and magnitude analysis studies is questionable under such circumstances. In this work we identified nonstationary annual maximum streamflow series corresponding to fluviometric gauges located in Southern Brazil. A nonstationary frequency model was applied to those series and the results were compared with those of a stationary model. We also evaluated the presence of abrupt changes in the series. The results indicate that 75 of 157 series of Southern Brazil may be considered nonstationary, most of which are in the Iguazu, the Paranapanema and the Uruguay basins. For a planning horizon equal to 10 years, the return period of the present 100 years flood changes to 48-75 years when considering the nonstationary model, respectively. Abrupt changes were identified mainly as occurring in the 70’s.
ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE IN GASTROENTEROLOGY OUTPATIENT ON A PUBLIC HOSPITAL
Authors: PRANKE Mariana de Andrade , CORAL Gabriela Perdomo
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Alcoholism and alcoholic liver disease are both considered worldwide health problems. OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of alcohol dependence, the associated risk factors and the concordance between the prevalence found and the data collected during the medical visit were evaluated. METHODS: A prospective study evaluating gastroenterology outpatients at a public tertiary hospital was conducted. Two specific questionnaires to assess alcohol dependence were applied: Cut down, Annoyed by criticism, Guilty, Eye-opener (CAGE) and The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Data on comorbidities, clinical diagnosis and assessment of alcohol consumption by the attending physician were collected through medical records. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy eight patients were interviewed, of which 119 (66.9%) were women and 59 (33.1%) were men, with mean age of 57 years. Thirty-three (18.5%) of the 178 patients were considered alcohol-dependent by the CAGE questionnaire. Thirteen (7.3%) patients scored 8 points or more on the AUDIT questionnaire. The agreement (kappa) between these questionnaires was 0.37 (P<0.001). The most consumed drink was beer. The median daily consumption of dependent patients was 64 g. None of the patients were undergoing treatment in a specific treatment center, and 14/33 (42.4%) patients considered themselves alcoholics. Only in 17/33 (51.5%) there was information about alcoholism in their respective medical records. In the bivariate analysis, male gender (P<0.001), onset of alcohol consumption before the age of 15 (P=0.003), daily alcohol consumption in the last 12 months (P<0.001) and smoking (P<0.001) were identified as risk factors. After multivariate analysis, only male gender (P=0.009) and smoking (P=0.001) were associated with alcoholism. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a high prevalence of alcohol dependence in the gastroenterology outpatient clinic, being predominantly associated with male gender and smoking. It is worth noting that approximately half of the dependents were not identified as such in the medical appointment, evidencing the importance of the diagnostic approach in the alcoholic outpatient.
Immunohistochemical, lectin histochemical and ultrastructural studies of canine transmissible venereal tumor in Brazil
Authors: Mascarenhas Mariana B. , Peixoto Paulo V. , Ramadinha Regina R. , Armien Anibal G. , Costa Samay Z. , Miranda Ileana C. , Nogueira Vivian A. , França Ticiana N.
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT: Canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a naturally occurring contagious round-cell neoplasia, with poorly understood origin and transmission. This study aims to further investigate the tumor nature through immunohistochemistry, lectin histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, and to provide support for diagnostic and differential diagnoses of CTVT. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 10 genital and six exclusively extragenital tumors, which were previously diagnosed by citology and histopathology. CTVT samples were incubated with biotinylated antibodies to specific membrane and cytoplasmic antigens (anti-lysozyme, anti-macrophage, anti-vimentin, anti-CD18, monoclonal anti-CD117, monoclonal anti-CD3, polyclonal anti-CD117, polyclonal CD3 and anti-CD79a), followed by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique. The lectins Con A, DBA, SBA, PNA, UEA-1, WGA, sWGA, GSL, JSA, PSA, PHA-L, PHA-E and RCA were additionally tested in four genital CTVTs and TEM was performed in eight genital tumors. The anti-vimentin antibody revealed strong immunoreactivity to neoplastic cells in all the assessed samples (16/16). The polyclonal anti-CD3 antibodies showed moderate to strong immunoreactivity in fourteen (14/16) and the polyclonal anti-CD117 in fifteen cases (15/16). There was no immunoreactivity to anti-lysozyme, anti-macrophage, anti-CD18, monoclonal anti-CD117, monoclonal anti-CD3 and anti-CD79a antibodies. At lectin histochemistry, it was observed strong staining of tumor cells to Con-A, PHA-L and RCA. There was no histopathological and immunoreactivity differences between genital and extragenital CTVTs. These findings do not support the hypothesis of histiocytic origin of CTVT. In contrast, the lectin histochemical results were similar to cells from lymphoid/myeloid origin.
Isolation, culture and characterization of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells from goat umbilical cord blood
Authors: Martins Gabrielle R. , Marinho Rebeca C. , Q. Bezerra-Junior Rosivaldo , Câmara Lilia M.C. , Albuquerque-Pinto Luiz C. , Teixeira Maria F.S.
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) reside in small numbers in many adult tissues and organs, and play an active role in the homeostasis of these sites. Goat derived multipotent MSC have been established from bone marrow, adipose tissues and amniotic fluid. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is considered an important source of these cells. However, the MSC isolation from the goat UCB has not been demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to isolate, culture and characterize goat umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells. MSC were isolated from UCB by Ficoll-Paque density centrifugation and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% or 20% FBS. FACS analysis was performed and induction lineage differentiation was made to characterize these cells. They exhibited two different populations in flow cytometry, and revealed the positive expression of CD90, CD44 and CD105, but negative staining for CD34 in larger cells, and positive stained for CD90 and CD105, but negative for CD44 and CD34 in the smaller cells. MSC from goat UCB showed capability to differentiate into chondrocytes and osteoblasts when incubated with specific differentiation medium. Present study established that goat mesenchymal stem cells can be derived successfully from umbilical cord blood.
Can the six-minute walk distance predict the occurrence of acute exacerbations of COPD in patients in Brazil?
Authors: Morakami Fernanda Kazmierski , Morita Andrea Akemi , Bisca Gianna Waldrich , Felcar Josiane Marques , Ribeiro Marcos , Furlanetto Karina Couto , Hernandes Nidia Aparecida , Pitta Fabio
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate whether a six-minute walk distance (6MWD) of < 80% of the predicted value can predict the occurrence of acute exacerbations of COPD in patients in Brazil over a 2-year period. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving 50 COPD patients in Brazil. At enrollment, anthropometric data were collected and patients were assessed for pulmonary function (by spirometry) and functional exercise capacity (by the 6MWD). The patients were subsequently divided into two groups: 6MWD ≤ 80% of predicted and 6MWD > 80% of predicted. The occurrence of acute exacerbations of COPD over 2 years was identified by analyzing medical records and contacting patients by telephone. Results: In the sample as a whole, there was moderate-to-severe airflow obstruction (mean FEV1 = 41 ± 12% of predicted) and the mean 6MWD was 469 ± 60 m (86 ± 10% of predicted). Over the 2-year follow-up period, 25 patients (50%) experienced acute exacerbations of COPD. The Kaplan-Meier method showed that the patients in whom the 6MWD was ≤ 80% of predicted were more likely to have exacerbations than were those in whom the 6MWD was > 80% of predicted (p = 0.01), whereas the Cox regression model showed that the former were 2.6 times as likely to have an exacerbation over a 2-year period as were the latter (p = 0.02). Conclusions: In Brazil, the 6MWD can predict acute exacerbations of COPD over a 2-year period. The risk of experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD within 2 years is more than twice as high in patients in whom the 6MWD is ≤ 80% of predicted.
High-resolution computed tomography findings of pulmonary tuberculosis in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Giacomelli Irai Luis , Schuhmacher Neto Roberto , Nin Carlos Schuller , Cassano Priscilla de Souza , Pereira Marisa , Moreira José da Silva , Nascimento Douglas Zaione , Hochhegger Bruno
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: Respiratory infections constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. The incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis is high among such patients. On imaging, tuberculosis has various presentations. Greater understanding of those presentations could reduce the impact of the disease by facilitating early diagnosis. Therefore, we attempted to describe the HRCT patterns of pulmonary tuberculosis in lung transplant recipients. Methods: From two hospitals in southern Brazil, we collected the following data on lung transplant recipients who developed pulmonary tuberculosis: gender; age; symptoms; the lung disease that led to transplantation; HRCT pattern; distribution of findings; time from transplantation to pulmonary tuberculosis; and mortality rate. The HRCT findings were classified as miliary nodules; cavitation and centrilobular nodules with a tree-in-bud pattern; ground-glass attenuation with consolidation; mediastinal lymph node enlargement; or pleural effusion. Results: We evaluated 402 lung transplant recipients, 19 of whom developed pulmonary tuberculosis after transplantation. Among those 19 patients, the most common HRCT patterns were ground-glass attenuation with consolidation (in 42%); cavitation and centrilobular nodules with a tree-in-bud pattern (in 31.5%); and mediastinal lymph node enlargement (in 15.7%). Among the patients with cavitation and centrilobular nodules with a tree-in-bud pattern, the distribution was within the upper lobes in 66.6%. No pleural effusion was observed. Despite treatment, one-year mortality was 47.3%. Conclusions: The predominant HRCT pattern was ground-glass attenuation with consolidation, followed by cavitation and centrilobular nodules with a tree-in-bud pattern. These findings are similar to those reported for immunocompetent patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and considerably different from those reported for AIDS patients with the same disease.
Effect of Argumentation Instruction on Medical Student Experiences with Problem‐Based Learning
Authors: Ju Hyunjung
Published: September 2017

When participating in problem-based learning (PBL), it is important for medical students to generate claims and provide justifications for their claims in small group discussions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of argumentation instruction on medical student learning experiences with PBL. A total of one hundred first-year preclinical students from Inje University College of Medicine, who had attended argumentation instruction, participated in this study. All of the participants completed a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire regarding their learning experiences with PBL, before and after the argumentation instruction. The questionnaire comprised 22 items with eight subcategories: argumentation activity, reflection, integration of basic and clinical science, identification of lack of knowledge, logical thinking, self-directed study, communication, and attitude toward discussion. The collected data were analyzed through a paired-sample t-test. The results of this study found that the argumentation instruction promoted the preclinical students’ experiences with argumentation activities, reflection, an integration of basic and clinical science, the identification of their lack of knowledge, logical thinking, and self-directed study, and it increased positive attitudes toward group discussion. The findings suggest argumentation instruction can enhance medical student group discussions and help students achieve the objectives of PBL, including acquisition of basic and clinical science knowledge and development of clinical reasoning and self-directed learning abilities, which can highlight the meaningful learning experiences students have with PBL.
Evaluation of Process and Satisfaction for Selective Courses in a Medical School
Authors: Kim Do-Hwan , Choi Young-Hyu , Han Sang Yun , Shin Jwa-Seop , Lee Seunghee
Published: September 2017

The necessity of embracing selective courses in medical curriculum is increasing due to the expansion of medical knowledge and changes in the health care environment. In contrast to the abundant evidence regarding elective or selective courses during the clinical phase, articles focusing on the preclinical period are relatively scarce. This study aims to explore the development, implementation, and evaluation of newly-adopted selective courses in the first-year medical curriculum in a medical school which recently underwent a major curricular revision. First of all, the Curriculum Committee established goals and operating principles of the courses, and then the committee encouraged all participating professors to attend a related faculty development workshop after finalizing the list of courses. A survey was conducted at the end of each course for evaluation. Of the 36 courses opened in 2016, the overall satisfaction of students was 4.98±1.06 (out of 6) and showed a strong correlation with students’ previous expectations, reasoningand participation-oriented teaching, and outcome of the courses including increased motivation. In the open-ended responses, students and professors described not only intended outcomes such as acquisition of medical knowledge and increased interest in new topics, but also unintended outcomes including positive impression for selective courses and even high satisfaction and rewarding experiences, especially from the teachers’ perspective. Although long-term outcomes remain to be seen, the results of this study show the feasibility and impact of selective courses and will contribute to effective implementation in other medical schools.
Polscy uczestnicy hiszpańskiej wojny domowej
Authors: Pietrzak Jacek
Published: September 2017

Polscy ochotnicy odegrali stosunkowo znaczącą rolę w hiszpańskiej wojnie domowej. Przytłaczająca większość z nich walczyła po stronie republikańskiej. Przyjmuje się, że było ich ok. 4,5–5 tys. (wśród ok. 35 tys. żołnierzy Brygad Międzynarodowych). Ok. 75% stanowili emigranci, głównie mieszkający we Francji, w znacznym stopniu działacze lub sympatycy Francuskiej Partii Komunistycznej. Prawdopodobnie tylko ok. 600–800 osób (według niektórych danych 1200) przybyło bezpośrednio z Polski, wśród nich zdecydowanie przeważali komuniści (80% lub więcej). Najwięcej polskich ochotników walczyło w szeregach XIII Brygady „Jarosław Dąbrowski”, która brała udział w większości kluczowych operacji wojny i poniosła ogromne straty (prawdopodobnie 30–40%). Prawdopodobnie kilkudziesięciu Polaków uczestniczyło w wojnie po stronie narodowej (frankistowskiej). Większość z nich stanowili jednak zawodowi żołnierze hiszpańskiej Legii Cudzoziemskiej, którzy wstąpili do niej przed wybuchem wojny, zatem ich udział w wojnie nie miał charakteru ideowego. W artykule w syntetyczny sposób ukazano portret polskich uczestników wojny walczących po obu stronach konfliktu, wskazując także na przyczyny skromnego zaangażowania po stronie narodowej. Przeanalizowano oblicze i szlak bojowy Brygady „Jarosław Dąbrowski” i innych „polskich” oddziałów armii republikańskiej, przedstawiono biogramy ważniejszych dowódców. Wiele miejsca poświęcono losom „dąbrowszczaków” w okresie II wojny światowej i w powojennej Polsce, starając się ukazać ich specyficzne i zmieniające się miejsce w systemie politycznym PRL.
„Półksiężyce i różańce”. Marokańczycy w szeregach Ejército Nacional
Authors: Kaczorowski Bartosz
Published: September 2017

Artykuł przedstawia udział marokańskich żołnierzy w szeregach Armii Narodowej (Ejército Nacional) w okresie wojny domowej w Hiszpanii. Poparcie Marokańczyków dla sprawy narodowej okazało się nie tylko kluczowe dla błyskawicznego opanowania terytorium marokańskiego protektoratu, lecz także umożliwiło zdobycie pierwszych przyczółków na kontynencie. W artykule zostały przeanalizowane motywy opowiedzenia się żołnierzy z Afryki Północnej po stronie generała Franco, ich najważniejsze działania na frontach i wreszcie znaczenie ich udziału w wojnie.
Writing Instruction That Makes a Difference to English Learners
Authors: Araujo Juan J. , Wickstrom Carol D.
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the actions of two high school English language arts teachers as they engage in writing instruction with adolescent English learners. Using a naturalistic, qualitative methodology we investigate the actions two high school English language arts teachers engage in to meet the needs of their students. Findings suggest that embracing the students’ resources, building on linguistic knowledge, taking time to choose the right books and activities, being explicit about writer’s workshop and accepting its frenetic pace because it meets the students’ needs, and using the act of writing as a thinking activity, were the actions that made a difference to promote student success.
Zagospodarowanie użytków rolnych na zabudowanych terenach mieszkaniowych aglomeracji poznańskiej
Authors: Lendínez Juan José Ruiz , Maćkiewicz Barbara , Szczepańska Magdalena
Published: September 2017

Artykuł porusza kwestię sposobu zagospodarowania użytków rolnych pozostałych na zabudowanych terenach mieszkaniowych aglomeracji poznańskiej. Poprzez identyfikację zabudowanych działek budowlanych, na których zgodnie z zapisami ewidencji gruntów i budynków, nadal znajdują się fragmenty użytków rolnych oraz inwentaryzację faktycznego sposobu ich użytkowania wykazano, że grunty te w zdecydowanej większości nie są użytkowane rolniczo, a wykorzystywane przede wszystkim jako tzw. tereny zielone, tj. głównie trawniki i tereny rekreacyjne, którym towarzyszą obce gatunkowo nasadzenia. Potwierdzono tym samym powszechnie obserwowany zanik występowania tradycyjnego ogrodu wiejskiego.
Relación entre cómic y enunciado matemático. Estudio y caso práctico
Authors: González F José Luis , Fernández de Simón Romero Francisco
Published: September 2017

 El creciente fracaso escolar y la imagen antigua de las matemáticas entre los alumnos menos destacados obliga al sistema educativo a reformular el diseño de recursos didácticos. Entendemos que los alumnos de hoy reclaman material visual y desechan los enunciados de texto. Nuestra propuesta pretende unir imagen, texto y método didáctico a través del cómic. El resultado de nuestro trabajo son dos páginas con dos historias que adaptan dos capítulos de la novela El hombre que calculaba, escrita por Malba Tahan, con las que exponemos algunas pautas de lo que, pensamos, debería mostrar un cómic realizado para que lo utilicemos en el aula.
Accuracy of partially edentulous arch impressions obtained from different alginates and storage times
Authors: Bertolo Marcus Vinicius Loureiro , Tomaselli Lucas de Oliveira , Vitti Rafael Pino , Abuna Gabriel , Brandt William Cunha , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre Coelho
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to assess the dimensional accuracy of five commercial alginates verified in stone casts. Methods: Each alginate impression (Cavex ColorChange, Cavex Holland BV; Jeltrate Plus, Dentsply; Hydrogum, Zhermack; Kromopan 100, Lascod; Ezact Kromm, Vigodent) was performed on partially edentulous standard stainless steel mandibular arch cast with reference points on teeth 33, 43, 37 and 47. On the stainless steel cast, the anteroposterior (33-37 and 43-47) and transverse (33-43 and 37-47) distances were measured in a stereomicroscope at 30x magnification and 0.5 μm accuracy. The distances between these points were measured three times, obtaining an average, which was analyzed statistically and compared with the distances obtained from the stone casts. For each alginate the casts were poured gypsum (n = 5) immediately and after a period of 1, 2, 3 and 5 days of the impression procedure. Results: The dimensional accuracy values of stone and stainless steel casts were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The results showed significant differences between the alginates; however, no differences in dimensional accuracy were found among the different storage times of alginate impression. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the alginate impressions can be stored for up to 5 days.
Family structure and oral habits among children age 1 to 12 years resident in ile-ife, Nigeria
Authors: Oyedele Titus Ayodeji , Kikelomo Kolawole , Folayan Morenike , Agbaje Hakeem , Oziegbe Elizabeth , Onyejaka Nneka , Chukumah Nneka
Published: September 2017

Oral habits are repetitive actions that are done automatically. These behaviours are started and stopped spontaneously with or without deleterious effect on the developing occlusion. Aim: To explore the family related factors associated with oral habits in children resident in sub-urban Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional study utilizing a household survey to recruit 992 1year to 12-year-olds. Information collected using a structured questionnaire included gender, family structure (parenting structure, birth rank, number of siblings, socioeconomic status) and types of non-nutritive habits. The association between family structures related variables and presence of non-nutritive oral habits was determined using Chi square. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of presence of oral habits. Results: There was no significant association between the prevalence of oral habits and parenting structure (p=0.52), birth rank (p=0.50) and socioeconomic status (p=0.14). However, the association between oral habits prevalence and number of siblings the child had was significant (p=0.03). The odds of having a non-nutritive oral habit reduced insignificantly for those from middle (AOR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.42-1.08) and low (AOR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.59-1.55) socioeconomic class when compared with those with high socioeconomic status; and for last born and only children (AOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.56-1.60) and children with 2-4 siblings (AOR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.36-1.09) when compared with those that have more than 4 siblings. The odds were higher for children who were living with single parents or guardians (AOR: 1.41; 95% CI: 0.76-2.59; p=0.27) and for males (AOR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.82-1.78). Conclusion: The study was unable to identify a significant family related predictor of presence of non-nutritive oral habits in the study population though a number of these factors increased the odds of having the habits. There is need to explore if specific family factors are associated with the presence of specific non-nutritive habits in this group of children.
Analysis of MMP-3 polymorphism in osseointegrated implant failure
Authors: Munhoz Francielle Boçon de Araujo , Nogara Paula Regina Bach , Junior Francisco Rafael da Costa , Branco Filipe Polese , Santos Maria Cristina Leme Godoy dos
Published: September 2017

Polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) genes have been associated with several pathologies, including dental implant loss. MMP-3 is crucial to the connective tissue remodeling process. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between -1612 MMP-3 polymorphism and the early implant failure. A sample of 240 non-smokers was divided: test group 120 patients with one or more early failed implants and control group 120 patients with one or more healthy implants. Genomic DNA from oral mucosa was analyzed by PCR-RFLP. No association of early implant loss with genotypes and alleles of the -1612 polymorphism in MMP-3 were found by the Chi-squared test. Only the presence of the -1612 polymorphism of MMP-3 is not a genetic risk factor for early loss of implants.
Systematic review of the measurement properties of instruments utilized to diagnose Temporomandibular Disorders according to the COSMIN checklist
Authors: Garcia Marília Barbosa Santos , Amaral Ana Paula , Gomes Cid Andre Fidelis de Paula , Politti Fabiano , Biasotto-Gonzalez Daniela Aparecida
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Most of the instruments used in Brazil to diagnose Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) were developed in another Language. To effectively use instruments that were created in another language, it must be translated into the relevant target language before cross-cultural adaptation. Clinimetric tests should also be performed. Measurement properties consist of quality criteria related to evaluation instruments. These criteria are necessary to determine the quality of the instruments used in Brazil. Objectives: The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the quality of the measurement properties of instruments utilized to diagnose TMD. Methods: Systematic searches were performed of the PUBMED, SCIELO, LILACS and SCIENCE DIRECT databases. Studies addressing questionnaires translated and cross-culturally adapted for use in Brazil were retrieved and the quality of the measurement properties was analyzed using the COSMIN checklist. Results: In the 11 eligible articles, 10 instruments were identified. The studies were evaluated based on their analysis of structural validity, internal consistency, reproducibility (concordance and reliability), responsiveness, ceiling effect and floor effect. None the assessment tools had all its measurement properties tested. Conclusion: The measurement properties of the instruments were not completely tested. Thus, care must be taken when interpreting the scores of these questionnaires.
Improved Parker-Sochacki Approach for Closed Form Solution of Enzyme Catalyzed Reaction Model
Authors: Ogundare Babatunde Sunday , Akindeinde Saheed O , Adewumi Adebayo O , Aderogba Adebayo A
Published: September 2017

In this article, a new analytical technique called Improved Parker-Sochacki Method (IPSM) for solving nonlinear Michaelis-Menten enzyme catalyzed reaction model is proposed. The global form of the solution for the concentrations of the substrate, enzyme and the enyzme-free product are obtained. Employing the Laplace-Pade resummation as a post processing technique on the computed series solution, the domain of convergence of the solution is greatly extended. The solution is therefore devoid of limited convergence interval that is typical of series solution of nonlinear differential equations.  The proposed method showed a significant improvement  over the conventional Parker-Sochacki Method (PSM). Furthermore, comparison of the results with numerically computed solutions elucidated the simplicity and accuracy of the proposed method.
Structural Model of Robot-Manipulator for Capture of No-Cooperation Client Spacecraft
Authors: Humennyi Dmytro , Parkhomey Igor , Bondar Yelyzaveta
Published: September 2017

In this work is represented conceptual model of robot-manipulator for capture and holding no-cooperation client spacecraft, which has Payload Adapter interface PAS 1666 S, PAS 1194 C, PAS 1666 MVS, PAS 1184 VS, when there are dynamic errors of linear and angular position of client spacecraft in the interval +/-5 deg. per minute and +/-0.1 meters per minute respectively.
Impact of Living Alone on Depressive Symptoms in Older Korean Widows
Authors: Jeon Gyeong-Suk , Kyungwon Choi , Sung-Il Cho
Published: September 2017

We examined the relationship between living alone and the prevalence of depressive symptoms in older Korean widows and assessed the individual contributions of health, social ties, and socioeconomic factors to the development of depressive symptoms. The study was a secondary analysis using data from widows 65 years of age and older who participated in the Living Profiles of Older People Survey (LPOPS). A logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the contributions of health, social ties, and socioeconomic factors to the development of depressive symptoms. Working status and equivalent household income were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both those living with others and those living alone. Adjustment for health status and social ties did not change the impact of living alone on the prevalence of depressive symptoms. However, adjustment for equivalent household income eliminated the negative association between living alone and depressive symptoms. Our findings indicate that economic resources are more important than health and social ties for alleviating the negative impact of living alone on the development of depressive symptoms in older widows.
Calibrating the EGS Flow Stimulation Process for Basement Rock
Authors: Leary Peter , Malin Peter , Saarno Tero , Kukkonen Ilmo
Published: September 2017

We use Matlab 3D finite element fluid flow/transport modelling to simulate localized wellbore temperature events of order 0.05-0.1oC logged in Fennoscandia basement rock at ~ 1.5km depths. The temperature events are approximated as steady-state heat transport due to fluid draining from the crust into the wellbore via naturally occurring fracture-connectivity structures. Flow simulation is based on the empirics of spatially-correlated fracture-connectivity fluid flow widely attested by well-log, well-core, and well-production data. Matching model wellbore-centric radial temperature profiles to a 2D analytic expression for steady-state radial heat transport with Peclet number Pe ≡ r0φv0/D (r0 = wellbore radius, v0 = Darcy velocity at r0, φ = ambient porosity, D = rock-water thermal diffusivity), gives Pe ~ 10-15 for fracture-connectivity flow intersecting the well, and Pe ~ 0 for ambient crust. Darcy flow for model Pe ~ 10 at radius ~ 10 meters from the wellbore gives permeability estimate κ ~ 0.02Darcy for flow driven by differential fluid pressure between least principal crustal stress pore pressure and hydrostatic wellbore pressure. Model temperature event flow permeability κm ~ 0.02Darcy is related to well-core ambient permeability κ ~ 1µDarcy by empirical poroperm relation κm ~ κ exp(αmφ) for φ ~ 0.01 and αm ~ 1000. Our modelling of wellbore temperature events calibrates the concept of reactivating fossilized fracture-connectivity flow for EGS permeability stimulation of basement rock.
Exploiting the Capture Effect to Enhance RACH Performance in Cellular-Based M2M Communications
Authors: Kim Jonghun , Lee Jaiyong
Published: September 2017

Cellular-based machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is expected to facilitate services for the Internet of Things (IoT). However, because cellular networks are designed for human users, they have some limitations. Random access channel (RACH) congestion caused by massive access from M2M devices is one of the biggest factors hindering cellular-based M2M services because the RACH congestion causes random access (RA) throughput degradation and connection failures to the devices. In this paper, we show the possibility exploiting the capture effects, which have been known to have a positive impact on the wireless network system, on RA procedure for improving the RA performance of M2M devices. For this purpose, we analyze an RA procedure using a capture model. Through this analysis, we examine the effects of capture on RA performance and propose a Msg3 power-ramping (Msg3 PR) scheme to increase the capture probability (thereby increasing the RA success probability) even when severe RACH congestion problem occurs. The proposed analysis models are validated using simulations. The results show that the proposed scheme, with proper parameters, further improves the RA throughput and reduces the connection failure probability, by slightly increasing the energy consumption. Finally, we demonstrate the effects of coexistence with other RA-related scheme through simulation result.
The Hypercalcemic Effect of Vitamin D3 in Sarcoidosis Could Be a Side Effect of an Endogenous Program Organizing Cancer Apoptosis
Authors: von Helden Raimund , Grant William B. , Moukayed Meis , Becker Bernd
Published: September 2017

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, and vitamin D is contraindicated to treat the condition. We therefore ask what causes sarcoidosis and why vitamin D can be dangerous for those so afflicted. We propose a contrary hypothesis: sarcoidosis is a physiological process of defense against cancer that requires the substrate vitamin D. We tested this hypothesis, finding many case reports involving sarcoidosis and cancer—further cases of cancer mimicry by sarcoidosis. Several reports describe spontaneous healing of cancer in the presence of sarcoidosis. In the context of the granulomas of sarcoidosis, monocytes are the site of vitamin D release. Furthermore, active vitamin D can control cancer cells by using the vitamin D receptors of the nucleus. That granulomas consistently do not caseate is explained as a confrontation with human molecules and the cancer cells’ complete absorption. The striking fact that granulomas of sarcoidosis mostly lack cancerous cells is interpreted as a result of a well-functioning sarcoidosis process. We view the typical sarcoidosis monocytic synthesis of active vitamin D as a successful defense against cancer: a theory we call the “endogenous program organizing cancer apoptosis” (EPOCA).
Evaluation of the Cooling and Pavement Performance of Basic Oxygen Furnaces Slag Used in Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Huang Long-Sheng
Published: September 2017

The basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF) was wide used in road construction, but there was a lack of characteristics in different asphalt mixtures. This study investigates the properties of hot-mixed asphalt (HMA) containing stone mastic asphalt (SMA), porous asphalt (PA) and dense-graded BOF as a partial substitution for natural aggregates. The purpose of this study is to evaluate various BOF slag contents in the asphalt mixtures would affect the cooling behavior after compaction. Asphalt mixture specimens contained 0%, 20%, 40% and 60% BOF slag, respectively, as coarse aggregate. Test results showed that BOF slag has a lipophilic property, so it can be adsorbed by asphalt cement, thereby reducing the cost of asphalt. The stability value of all asphalt mixtures increases with the proportion of BOF slag replacement. In addition, the voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA) value variable exhibited significant differences among asphalt mixtures, and could determine the deviation of the cooling trend of asphalt mixtures. Furthermore; it was found that the cooling procedure of the BOF slag used in dense-graded asphalt mixture takes about 100 min, and that the temperature tends to be moderate; however, it took about 120 min of cooling the SMA and PA mixture with BOF slag. In addition, the voids distribution of dense asphalt mixture was not uniform. It would result in various locations of thermal energy temperature on asphalt mixtures that were inconsistent.
An Analysis of Rule Deletion Scheme in XCS on Reinforcement Learning Problem
Authors: Nakata Masaya ,   Yokohama National University 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama, Japan, Hamagami Tomoki
Published: September 2017

The XCS classifier system is an evolutionary rule-based learning technique powered by a Q-learning like learning mechanism. It employs a global deletion scheme to delete rules from all rules covering all state-action pairs. However, the optimality of this scheme remains unclear owing to the lack of intensive analysis. We here introduce two deletion schemes: 1) local deletion, which can be applied to a subset of rules covering each state (a match set), and 2) stronger local deletion, which can be applied to a more specific subset covering each state-action pair (an action set). The aim of this paper is to reveal how the above three deletion schemes affect the performance of XCS. Our analysis shows that the local deletion schemes promote the elimination of inaccurate rules compared with the global deletion scheme. However, the stronger local deletion scheme occasionally deletes a good rule. We further show that the two local deletion schemes greatly improve the performance of XCS on a set of noisy maze problems. Although the localization strength of the proposed deletion schemes may require consideration, they can be adequate for XCS rather than the original global deletion scheme.
Comparison Between Reinforcement Learning Methods with Different Goal Selections in Multi-Agent Cooperation
Authors: Uwano Fumito ,   The University of Electro-Communications 1-5-1 Chofugaoka, Chofu-shi, Tokyo, Japan, Takadama Keiki
Published: September 2017

This study discusses important factors for zero communication, multi-agent cooperation by comparing different modified reinforcement learning methods. The two learning methods used for comparison were assigned different goal selections for multi-agent cooperation tasks. The first method is called Profit Minimizing Reinforcement Learning (PMRL); it forces agents to learn how to reach the farthest goal, and then the agent closest to the goal is directed to the goal. The second method is called Yielding Action Reinforcement Learning (YARL); it forces agents to learn through a Q-learning process, and if the agents have a conflict, the agent that is closest to the goal learns to reach the next closest goal. To compare the two methods, we designed experiments by adjusting the following maze factors: (1) the location of the start point and goal; (2) the number of agents; and (3) the size of maze. The intensive simulations performed on the maze problem for the agent cooperation task revealed that the two methods successfully enabled the agents to exhibit cooperative behavior, even if the size of the maze and the number of agents change. The PMRL mechanism always enables the agents to learn cooperative behavior, whereas the YARL mechanism makes the agents learn cooperative behavior over a small number of learning iterations. In zero communication, multi-agent cooperation, it is important that only agents that have a conflict cooperate with each other.
Proposal of PSwithEFP and its Evaluation in Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Miyazaki Kazuteru , Furukawa Koudai , Kobayashi Hiroaki ,   National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education 1-29-1 Gakuennishimachi, Kodaira, Tokyo 185-8587, Japan,   IHI Transport Machinery Co., Ltd. 8-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan,   Meiji University 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
Published: September 2017

When multiple agents learn a task simultaneously in an environment, the learning results often become unstable. This problem is known as the concurrent learning problem and to date, several methods have been proposed to resolve it. In this paper, we propose a new method that incorporates expected failure probability (EFP) into the action selection strategy to give agents a kind of mutual adaptability. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed using Keepaway task.
Interaksi antara Ayah dan Anak pada Konsep Ibn dalam Alquran dan Implikasinya terhadap Pembelajaran PAI di Sekolah
Authors: Tisnawan Deni
Published: September 2017

In this research analyzed some verses pertaining to the word bunayya, which is defined as an addressing term for a child that is full of affection. In Islam, educating a child is very important; therefore, parents are obligated to educate and direct their children to the right path. The research adopted descriptive method with qualitative approach. The technique use for data collection was literature study. In this research, the researcher is the main instrument. Based on the findings, it can be inferred that affection is the primary foundation in education. As the education given is laid on the basis of affection, no matter how hard the commands, prohibitions, and even reprimands are, a child will more easily accept them because they are given by the father with full of affection. Subsequently, the implication of the findings for the teaching and learning of Islamic education in schools is that in the inculcation of the values of affection, an educator should educate and teach knowledge to his or her students with full of affection.
Globalización, interdependencia compleja y mundialización: la dialéctica entre lo global y lo local
Authors: Piana Ricardo Sebastián , Cruz Tisera Juan
Published: September 2017

Desde el ámbito de las Relaciones Internacionales, pero con un abordaje y una perspectiva compleja y multidisciplinar, el artículo busca identificar características del proceso de influencia de doble vinculación entre la sociedad internacional y los gobiernos subnacionales (provinciales y municipales), describiendo un fenómeno que ha sido identificado como glocal. El resultado señala la conformación de una nueva sociedad mundial y global, que requiere de una reconstrucción teórico-metodológica para comprender fenómenos distintos (y no descriptos) al momento de consolidar las Relaciones Internacionales como objeto autónomo de estudio. Se analizan los tres procesos señalados y sus relaciones, centrándose especialmente en la dialéctica global-local, desde una perspectiva que ha sido identificada como una nueva sociedad internacional, ahora, global. Procedemos a la adopción de un modelo de análisis determinado a través del concepto Política Internacional Subnacional que se ejerce en el ámbito local.
Impactos socioespaciales de la violencia en Colombia: análisis de la distribución, localización y evolución de los grupos paramilitares en Medellín y Montería del 2002 al 2008
Authors: Teran Serna Jose Enrique , Martínez Angely , Torres Riascos Ángel Celio
Published: September 2017

La violencia en Colombia ha estado marcada, durante más de medio siglo, por la lucha política de élites y grupos de poder para apropiarse y controlar la tierra. Es por esto que la evolución histórica del conflicto, desde sus inicios, con la lucha bipartidista de los años 40 —que inicia con la muerte de Gaitán— hasta la actualidad ha tenido un factor común: el territorio. Esta condición fundamental para el análisis de la génesis y evolución del conflicto hace necesaria la inclusión de la variable espacial. En relación con el tema del paramilitarismo, este trabajo propone un acercamiento al fenómeno a partir de tres conceptos fundamentales del análisis socioespacial: la localización, distribución y evolución de los grupos paramilitares, los ataques a la población y los desplazamientos forzados. A su vez, se incorpora como unidad de análisis la escala departamental, la cual corresponde para el caso de esta investigación, a Antioquia y Córdoba; el tiempo de estudio para este caso corresponde del 2002 al 2008.
Anatomía de la madera de especies de la selva baja caducifolia de Tamaulipas, México
Authors: Ramírez-Martínez Monserrat , Terrazas Teresa , Aguilar-Rodríguez Silvia , Martínez-Ávalos José Guadalupe
Published: September 2017

Se estudió la anatomía de la madera de 21 especies de la selva baja caducifolia de Tamaulipas, México, con el objetivo de contribuir al conocimiento anatómico y comparar sus atributos entre ellas y con las de otra selva baja caducifolia de México. Los resultados mostraron anillos de crecimiento; 52% de las especies tienen porosidad difusa; predominan las fibras libriformes con paredes gruesas en 43% de las especies y muy gruesas en Ebenopsis ebano, Drypetes lateriflora, Randia sp. y Vachellia farnesiana; el parénquima es comúnmente paratraqueal y los radios son heterocelulares, excepto en cinco especies de Fabaceae. Las tres especies cuya madera se describe por primera vez se distinguen porque en Harpalyce arborescens el parénquima axial y radial es estratificado, Ocotea tampicensis por sus vasos angostos y fibras cortas y Robinsonella discolor por sus fibrotraqueidas y cuerpos de sílice en los radios. Al comparar la anatomía de la madera a nivel de especie con sus respectivos grupos taxonómicos, se encontraron semejanzas propias de los grupos pero diferencias en el tamaño de los elementos celulares. Los caracteres cuantitativos de la madera se encuentran dentro de los valores registrados para la selva baja caducifolia de la reserva de Chamela; pero las longitudes de elementos de vaso y fibras son más cortas y el diámetro de los vasos es más angosto en las especies aquí estudiadas. La anatomía de ambas comunidades se relaciona con el tipo de clima que les permite sobrevivir durante las temporadas de sequía que se presentan anualmente.
Análisis de subsidio al sector silvícola de la región del Biobío, Chile
Authors: Mardones Poblete Cristian , Hernández Cid Andrea
Published: September 2017

El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar, desde una perspectiva económica y ambiental, los impactos de la aplicación de un subsidio a la plantación forestal sobre los sectores económicos de la región del Biobío, Chile. Para ello se utiliza el modelo de precios de Leontief que permite simular impactos sobre los precios sectoriales, consumo, gasto fiscal, índice de precios y emisiones. Los resultados muestran que si se renueva el subsidio que estuvo vigente hasta el año 2012 en Chile, los precios en el sector silvícola se reducirían en 11,74%, mientras que los precios de sectores relacionados como madera y muebles, agropecuario y celulosa y papel presentarían reducciones de 0,94%, 0,54% 0,42%, respectivamente. Lo anterior estimularía la producción del sector silvícola favoreciendo la captura de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Además, debido al encadenamiento productivo, la contribución del subsidio al total de la producción de todos los sectores equivaldría a 0,11% del PIB regional, a partir de un gasto fiscal de 0,03% del PIB regional.