bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social inequalities in body weight and dental caries experience among adolescents in Northern Norway: a cross-sectional study from the Tromsø Study Fit Futures cohort.
Authors: Stangvaltaite-Mouhat Lina , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Trovik Tordis A.
Published: December 2019

Background Non-communicable general and oral health conditions share common social determinants. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare social inequalities in body weight (as a general health condition) and dental caries experience (as an oral health condition) based on several social determinants in a sample of adolescents from Northern Norway. Methods The present analysis included data from 477 girls and 508 boys from the population-based Tromsø study Fit Futures, which included first-year students attending upper secondary school in 2010-2011 from two municipalities in Norway (1038 participants in total, 93% participation rate). Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis stratified by sex was used to investigate the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) indicators (mother’s education, parents’ employment, and adolescent’s study program) and body weight (as a general health outcome), and dental caries experience (as an oral health outcome). Comparative models were adjusted for age, birth country, household composition (with or without adults), and a “composite health/health behavior” variable. Results Girls enrolled in the sports and physical education program (versus the vocational program) had lower odds of being overweight/obese (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04-0.96) and of having high dental caries experience (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.10-0.67). For boys, demographic characteristic, i.e. living in a household without adults was strongly associated with being overweight/obese (OR=2.78, 95% CI 1.23-6.29) and having high dental caries experience (OR=2.29, 95% CI 1.08-4.84). Conclusions Social inequalities in body weight and dental caries experience might be expected only in adulthood, but our findings show that they were present as early as adolescence in Northern Norway, and that they were based on different social determinants for girls and boys. Similar magnitudes of social inequalities in body weight and dental caries experience among girls were observed based on the SEP indicator study program, and, among boys, on the demographic characteristic household composition. This suggests that the relationship between body weight and dental caries experience is based on socioeconomic and demographic factors rather than directly on general-oral health. Our findings support the broader concept of social context as a common risk factor for general and oral health.
Developing an interpersonal communication skill scale targeting female nursing students
Authors: Kondo Junko , Tomizawa Rie , Jibu Tetsuya , Kamide Kei
Published: December 2019

Objectives: The purposes of this study are to evaluate the interpersonal communication capabilities in basic nursing education and to develop an interpersonal communication skill scale with reference to microcounseling theory.Results: A quantitative analytical design was employed that involved administering a 28- item self-efficacy survey with reference to microcounseling techniques to 208 second-year female nursing students. Measurement data include the nursing student version of the communication skill preliminary scale draft, the generalized self-efficacy scale, and age. Criterion-related validity was verified through descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and correlation analysis. Factor analysis resulted in a 4-factor structure based on eigenvalues and scree plot. The reliability coefficient shows a correlation between the total score of each factor and the total score of the generalized self-efficacy scale at the 1% level. On the nursing student communication skill scale, the factor structure comprises four factors and 21 items; adjusting the items by confirming the contents of the question sentences realized the structure of the four factors, which show satisfactory reliability, and 20 scale items. Of these, 18 are classified according to microcounseling techniques. This study demonstrates the content and criterion-related validity of the scale.
Physiological mechanism of enhancing salinity tolerance of Gleditsia sinensis Lam. by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Wang Jinping , Zhang Bo , Zhang Jinchi , Wang G. Geoff , Lin Jie , Liu Xin , Liu Cuiyu , Ma Shilin
Published: December 2019

Background and AimsThe protective effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on salt-stressed crop plants had been well studied. However, the physiological mechanism of AMF in mitigating adverse impact caused by salinity stress in different tissues of woody plants is not clear. Gleditsia sinensis Lam. is a valuable tree species with various phamaceutical uses; however, high soil NaCl concentration limits its growth in saline soil including coastal areas. This study aimed to investigate the effects of AMF on G. sinensis salinity tolerance and reveal its underlying physiological mechanism.MethodsA greenhouse experiment was performed. G. sinensis seedlings with and without AMF inoculation were subjected to four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl). After 2 months, the seedlings were harvested and analyzed for growth and biochemical parameters.ResultsHigh AMF colonization rates (over 95%) and high mycorrhizal dependency (over 75%) were observed across all NaCl levels, and AMF-inoculated plants presented significantly higher aboveground and below ground growth than non-inoculated plants. AMF effectively enhanced the salinity tolerance of G. sinensis seedlings by enhancing leaf gas exchanges inducing higher leaf net photosynthetic rates; improving peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities resulting in higher membrane stability indexes and lower malondialdehyde contents in leaves and roots; increasing P uptake and P/N ratio to mitigate P-limited biomass products; selectively absorbing less Na + and more Ca 2+ in their tissues to alleviate ion toxicity and maintain more favorable ion balances (e.g., K + /Na + ) in their tissues.ConclusionsThe results suggested the feasibility of using AMF to improve salinity tolerance as well as afforestation and rehabilitation of G. sinensis in coastal areas.
Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model of Consistent Condom Use among Transgender Women in Shenyang, China
Authors: Wang Huwen , Chang Ruijie , Shen Qiuming , Tsamlag Lhakpa , Zhang Shuxian , Shi Yue , Ma Tiecheng , Wang Zixin , She Rui , Wang Ying , Lau Joseph TF , Cai Yong
Published: December 2019

Background: The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model has received consistent empirical support in the context of HIV prevention among various key populations, but not yet among transgender women (TGW). None effective interventions has been carried out among TGW so far to control their high prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse. The intent of the current study is to examine the application of the IMB model to clarifying the association between condom use correlates and condom use frequency among TGW in China.Methods: Using snowball sampling, we recruited 198 self-identified TGW in Shenyang, China from April 2017 to July 2017. Participants were required to complete a questionnaire assessing their background characteristics and IMB model constructs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to demonstrate the utility of the IMB model.Results: The consistent condom use (CCU) rate was 47.0%. Results of SEM indicated that HIV-preventive motivation (comprising condom use attitude and subjective norms; β = 0.823, P < 0.001) and behavioral skills (including condom use skills and self-efficacy; β = 0.979, P = 0.004) were related to more frequent condom use, whereas HIV knowledge was unrelated to condom use (β = 0.052, P = 0.540). Conclusions: The low CCU rate suggested that TGW in China were at high risk of HIV infection and transmission and a key intervention population. HIV-preventive interventions for this population should focus on enhancing motivation and strengthening behavioral skills to increase condom use frequency and reduce HIV infection.
Health-enhancing physical activity in Germany: findings from a national sample of 24,016 adults
Authors: Bennie Jason , Cocker Katrien De , Tittlbach Susanne
Published: December 2019

Background The German ‘ National Recommendations for Physical Activity and Physical Activity Promotion ’ state that adults (≥18 years) should engage in: [i] ≥150 minutes of aerobic moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity/week (MVPA); and [ii] ≥2 days/week of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE). However, there is limited research on the adherence to these guidelines among German adults. The present purpose was to describe the prevalence and correlates of physical activity guideline adherence among a nationally representative sample of German adults. Methods Data were drawn from the 2014 German Health Update survey, collected via a combination of web-based and mail surveys. Self-reported physical activity levels were assessed using the previously validated European Health Interview Survey Physical Activity Questionnaire. Weighted prevalence levels of the sample meeting the aerobic MVPA (≥150 minutes/week), MSE (≥2 times/week) and combined MVPA-MSE guidelines were calculated. Poisson regressions were used to assess prevalence ratios for physical activity guideline adherence categories across sociodemographic (age, sex, socioeconomic status) and lifestyle-related (self-rated health, BMI) variables. Results Out of 24,016 participants (response rate = 27.6%), aged ≥18 years, 45.3% (95% CI: 44.5-46.0%), 29.4% (95% CI: 28.7-30.1%) and 22.6% (95% CI: 21.9-23.2%) met the aerobic MVPA, MSE and combined guidelines, respectively. Population sub-groups independently less likely to meet the combined guidelines included those with poor self-rated health, low socioeconomic status and those being overweight or obese. Conclusions As almost 80% of German adults do not meet the nationally recommended aerobic combined MVPA-MSE physical activity guidelines, there is a necessity for large-scale public health interventions promoting both aerobic MVPA and MSE.
The impact of incorrect registration on survival rate of children with very rare tumors
Authors: Salasevicius Lukas , Rutkauskiene Giedre , Vincerzevskiene Ieva , Rascon Jelena
Published: December 2019

Background: Pediatric very rare tumors (VRTs) represent a heterogeneous subset of childhood malignancies, with reliable survival rate estimations depending dramatically on each (un)registered case. The current study aimed to evaluate the number of VRTs among Lithuanian children and the change in treatment outcome over the 16 year study period as well as to assess the impact of the registration status on survival estimation. Methods . We performed a population-based retrospective analysis across children below 18 years old diagnosed with VRTs in Lithuania between the years 2000 to 2015. The identified cases were then crosschecked with the Lithuanian Cancer Registry (a population-based epidemiology cancer registry) for the registration and survival status. A five year overall survival (OS 5y ) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimation method. Results . Forty-four children affected by VRTs were identified within the defined time frame. Nine of them (20.5%) were not reported to the Lithuanian Cancer Registry at the time of diagnosis. The OS 5y of the entire cohort was 55.8%. The cure rate did not improve over the analyzed time periods – 54.2% in 2000-2007 vs 49.4% in 2008-2015. The OS 5y differed significantly between registered (n=35) and unregistered (n=9) cohorts: 45.1% vs 100%, respectively (p=0.016). The tumor progression was responsible for treatment failure in 95% of cases. Conclusions. The OS 5y of all analyzed children affected by VRT was lower as compared to the other childhood cancers. The survival rate of the unregistered patients was significantly superior that mislead interpretation of treatment outcome. Meticulous registration of VRTs is crucial for correct evaluation of treatment outcome, especially across small countries with fewer numbers of cases.
Krotov: A Python implementation of Krotov's method for quantum optimal control
Authors: Goerz Michael , Basilewitsch Daniel , Gago-Encinas Fernando , Krauss Matthias G. , Horn Karl P. , Reich Daniel M. , Koch Christiane
Published: December 2019

We present a new open-source Python package, krotov, implementing
the quantum optimal control method of that name.
It allows to determine time-dependent external fields for a wide range of
quantum control problems, including state-to-state transfer, quantum gate
implementation and optimization towards an arbitrary perfect entangler.
Krotov's method compares to other gradient-based optimization methods
such as gradient-ascent and guarantees monotonic convergence for
approximately time-continuous control fields.
The user-friendly interface allows for combination with other Python packages,
and thus high-level customization.
MÜFTÜLERİN EVLENDİRME MEMURLARI ARASINA KATILMASI HAKKINDA GÜNCEL HUKUKÎ GELİŞMELER VE ÖNERİLER
Authors: TÜZÜNER Özlem
Published: December 2019

Kadının evlilik hukuku kaynaklı yasal haklarına kavuşması, ancak nişanlanma veya evlenme sözleşmelerinden geçer. Türkiye’de, İslâm Aile Hukuku’nun sosyal yaşamda tezahürü doğaldır. Bu tezahürde, bilinçsiz tatbik, kadının mağduriyetine sebep olmuştur. Sırf dinî nikâh huzurunda eşiyle birlikte yaşamış kadın, evlenme kaynaklı haklarından mahrum kalmıştır. İşte müftülerin evlendirme memurları arasına katılması bu mahrumiyeti azaltabilir. Müftülerin evlendirme memurları arasına katılması hedefiyle, Nüfus Hizmetleri Kanunu ile Evlendirme Yönetmeliği’nde değişiklikler gerçekleşmiştir. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Resmî Nikâh Yetkisi Hakkında Genelge yayımlamıştır. Türk Medenî Kanunu’nun 143’üncü maddesinin 2’inci fıkrası, evlenmenin dinî töreninin ancak resmî nikâhtan sonra yapılabileceğini düzenler. Bu madde Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Anayasası’nın hiyerarşik koruması altındadır. Müftülerce yönetilen nikâh merasiminin dinî değer taşımadığı söylenemez. Anılan genelge merkezinde müftü huzur ve yönetiminde gerçekleşen nikâh, hiç şüphesiz evlenmenin dinî ve resmî törenlerinin eş zamanlı birleşmesi anlamına gelir. Bu birleşme, normlar hiyerarşisini, özellikle Anayasa’nın 174’üncü maddesinin 4’üncü bendini ve Türk Medenî Kanunu’nun 143’üncü maddesinin 2’inci fıkrasını ihlâl eder. İlgili genelgeye göre nikâh merasimi, doğal olarak, İslâm’ın gerektirdiği hadis ve dualar marifetiyle başlayıp sonlanır. Genelge’nin bazı ekleri, önce Arapça, sonra Türkçe dilindedir. Anayasa Mahkemesi, müftülerin evlendirme memurları arasına katılması hakkındaki iptal istemini oybirliğiyle reddetmiştir. Oysa iki ihtimalden biri seçilebilirdi: Anayasa’nın 174’üncü maddesinin 4’üncü bendi korumasındaki Türk Medenî Kanunu’nun 143’üncü maddesinin 2’inci fıkrasına müdahale edilebilirdi veya ilgili genelgede evlenmenin dinî ve resmî törenlerinin kronolojik ayrışması ile öncelik sonralık sıralamasına özen gösterilebilirdi. İngiliz Aile Hukuku’nda, mabetlerin yöneticileri, uygun mekânları, resmî sayılan dinî nikâh kıyılması için, bina olarak kayıt ettirebilir. İngiltere’de, dinî nikâhın resmileşmesinde, Hristiyanlık, Yahudilik ve İslâmiyet ayırımı gözetilmeksizin, kayıtlı evlilik, kayıtlı bina ve evlendirmeye yetkili kişi terimleri ön plandadır. Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nde, müftülerin evlendirme memurları arasına katılmasıyla İslâm’ın Sünnî boyutu layıkıyla tatmin edilmiştir. Eşitlik ve inanç özgürlüğü izdüşümünde, Türk Aile Hukuku, resmî kabul edilen dinî nikâh merasimi çemberini genişletirken, uygun şartlar oluştukça, diğer dinler yanı sıra, İslâm’ın Alevî ve Şia boyutlarını da dikkate alabilir.
TÜRK HUKUKUNDA TAHKİME ELVERİŞLİLİK KAVRAMI VE TAŞINMAZ AYNINA İLİŞKİN UYUŞMAZLIKLARIN TAHKİMDE GÖRÜLMESİ
Authors: YILMAZ Süleyman , ÇAVUŞOĞLU Gökçe Filiz
Published: December 2019

İnsanlık tarihinin bilinen en eski yargılama yollarından birisi tahkimdir. Eskiden beri olan bu yargılama sistemi modern hukukta da önemini korumaktadır. Tahkim taraflar arasında doğmuş veya doğabilecek uyuşmazlıkların devlet yargısı dışında hakem kurulu adında taraflarca seçilen özel kişi veya kişilerce çözülmesidir. Tahkim sonucunda alınan karar kesin hükümdür. Bu sebeple tahkime gidilebilmesi için geçerli bir tahkim sözleşmesi gereklidir.  Geçerli bir tahkim sözleşmesi olabilmesi için belli başlı unsurların sözleşmede bulunması gerekmektedir. Tahkim sözleşmesinin geçerliliği için gerekli unsurlardan birisi de tahkime elverişli bir konunun bulunmasıdır. Her hukuk sistemi tahkime elverişlilik kavramını farklı değerlendirmiştir. Türk hukuku ise taraf iradesine dayanmayan ve taşınmaz aynına ilişkin uyuşmazlıkların tahkime elverişli olmadığını kabul etmiştir. Bu çalışmamızda öncelikle tahkimin ne anlama geldiği ve tahkim sözleşmesinin unsurları ele alınmaktadır. Ardından Türk Hukukundaki tahkime elverişlilik kavramı açıklanmaktadır. Bu açıklamalardan sonra gelişmiş ülkelerdeki tahkime elverişlilik kavramı incelenmektedir. Son olarak, taşınmaz aynına ilişkin uyuşmazlıkların tahkimde görülmesinin Türk Hukuku açısından sonuçları ve taşınmaz aynına ilişkin uyuşmazlıkların tahkimde görülebilmesi gerektiğinin nedenleri üzerinde durulmaktadır.
The effect of Al-Bai’ and wadiah contracts on sharia compliance and the sharia banking system performance through the Maqashid Index in sharia banks in Indonesia
Authors: Hamid Wahyuniati , Salim Ubud , Djumahir  , Aisjah Siti
Published: December 2019

This study sought to test and find empirical evidence on the effect of Al-Bai’ and wadiah contracts on sharia compliance and the performance of sharia banking system through the Maqashid sharia index. The study employed the explanatory research design, aimed at explaining a causal relationship among variables using a quantitative approach. The Partial Least Square (PLS) model was used as the analysis method to answer the hypotheses of this study. The authors found out that increases and decreases in wadiah contracts did not influence the financial performance of sharia banks. Another finding also showed that Al-Bai’ and wadiah contracts and sharia compliance had a significant effect on the performance of public sharia banks. This result evidenced that the concept of an Islamic bank should be a mediator, which should neither allow profiting from the fund, nor should be used to invest in the real sector of various funding systems.
The assessment of lacrimal film condition in patients with dry eye syndrome during therapy
Authors: Bakhritdinova F. A. , Bilalov E. N. , Oralov B. A. , Mirrakhimova S. Sh. , Safarov J. O. , Oripov O. I. , Nabiyeva I. F.
Published: December 2019

To evaluate the efficiency of modern imaging methods of meibomian gland ducts and determine the tear film break-up time (TFBUT) during therapy in patients with the secondary dry eye syndrome (SDES) of allergic etiology.

Material and methods. 66 patients aged 38.0 ± 1.5 with SDES after allergic conjunctivitis were examined. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the therapy administered. The main group (n = 33) received Oftalron as tear replacement therapy for 20 days, 2 drops, 2 times a day. The patients of the comparison group (n = 33) used Super Optic HydroBalance for 20 days, 2 drops 2 times a day. The control group consisted of 25 healthy subjects without eye pathology. All subjects underwent Schirmer’s tests I and II, as well as TFBUT and meibography on an automatic refractokeratometer HRK-9000A (Huvitz, Korea).

Results. In both SDES groups, a significant decrease of the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) in the treatment process was observed (p ≤ 0.05), which corresponded to low intensity of SDES symptoms. In both groups morphofunctional changes of meibomian glands of 1 and 2 stages prevailed. The most significant dynamics was observed in TFBUT results, they were significantly lower in comparison with the similar indexes in the patients of the control group.

Conclusion. Specific modes of autorefractokeratometer HRK-9000A allow receiving objective information about the condition of the tear film and high-quality imaging of meibomian glands, which allow expanding possibilities of complex diagnostics of various forms of DES.
Analysis of the circadian rhythm of intraocular pressure in stable and progressive forms of primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Malishevskaya T. N. , Gubin D. G. , Nemcova I. V. , Vlasova A. S. , Filippova Ju. E. , Farikova E. E. , Bogdanova D. S.
Published: December 2019

Purpose. To analyze the daily dynamics and the parameters of intraocular pressure circadian rhythm (IOP CR) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) (stable and progressive forms) and determine chronobiological regularities of glaucoma progression depending on the patterns of restructuring the daily dynamics of IOP CR and body temperature.

Material and methods. The study included 75 POAG patients, of which 35 had a stable form (S-POAG) and 40 had a rapidly progressing form (P-POAG). The control group was composed of 80 subjects without POAG. The index of retinal ganglion cell loss measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used as a criterion of POAG progression. IOP was measured by the patients themselves for 72 hours at 7 time points (3 am, 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, 8 pm, and 11 pm, who used an Icare ONE portable intraocular pressure tonometer for individual use.

Results. IOP daily dynamics was distributed differently in the different groups. In S-POAG, the peak values were mainly reached in the morning hours, while the minimum values were observed at night. In P-POAG, the peak values of IOP were contrariwise recorded at night. In both POAG groups, an increase of irregular fluctuation share was noted, which indicated a decrease of the CR contribution to the IOP CR. Moreover, in POAG, a change in the phase ratio between the IOP CR and CR of body temperature was observed. For IOP CR phase violation manifestations, the threshold value of GCS global loss index was determined at 10–15 % according to OCT data.

Conclusion. IOP daily dynamics were shown to differ in S-POAG and P-POAG patients. In both groups. Signs of desynchronization were detected. The ganglion retinal cell global loss index can be used to determine phase disturbances of IOP CR.
The efficiency of radiowave technology in out-patient eye surgery
Authors: Filatova I. A. , Kondratyeva Yu. P.
Published: December 2019

Purpose: to analyze the technique of outpatient operations using radiowave surgery.

Material and methods. The clinical group of 691 patients (691 eyes; 315 men and 376 women aged 39.7 ± 4.2 years), with various pathologies of the eye and adnexa, in particular papilloma, eyelid cyst, abscess, chalazion, contagious mollusk, pterygium, pinguecula, conjunctival cyst, trichiasis, xanthelasma were observed for 2 years. Surgical treatment of adnexa neoplasms was performed using a Surgitron radiowave apparatus (USA) in three modes.

Results. Multiple techniques of radiowave surgery targeting specific eye and adnexa pathologies are presented. Using electrodes of varied configurations enables the application of radio knives practically in all ophthalmoplastic surgeries belonging to “minor surgery”. The presence of flexible microwires on electrodes with changeable shapes contributes to improved surgery results.

Conclusion. Radiowave technique of cutting and coagulation with the help of a radio knife not only reduces the time required for surgery but increases the convenience for the surgeon performing individual stages of the operation, or the whole operation. The disinfecting properties of the tips emerging due to the action of radiowaves help prevent the relapses of diseases and reduce the time of wound rehabilitation, thereby improving the cosmetic effect of the intervention.
Antecedent financial performance of Baitul Mal wat Tamwil (BMT): Study in BMT Binama Semarang
Authors: Zahra Milla Himmatuz , Wijayanti Provita
Published: December 2019

Purpose - BMT is established as an Islamic micro-finance which gives the loans to the middle-low society. A good financial performance describes a good BMT condition to distribute their own loans. This research is a case study of BMT Binama Semarang City during 2009-2013.

Method - The kind of data used are secondary data, monthly financial reports for balance statement, profit and loss, and collectability. The instrument of financial performance was measured based on stable, stable–enough, less-stable, and unstable quality using the variables of capitalizing structure, productive asset quality, liquidity, cost efficiency, capitalizing efficiency, economic rentability, and self-capital rentability. The data were analyzed by using multiple linear regression analyses.

Result - The research found that financial performance of BMT in 5 years was stable-enough, caused by losing condition on 2010. The result of multiple linear regression showed that there were only two independent variables which had significant affect, they are: cost efficiency and economic rentability. Economic rentability gives more significant role in financial performance of BMT.

Implication - The results showed that the financial performance of BMT Binama Semarang City was quite healthy. This quite healthy condition can be raised to be healthy through efforts to focus improvements on variables that show low scoring, namely cost efficiency and economic profitability.

Originality - This study focuses on the financial performance of BMT Binama Semarang City.
Simulating the effects of low impact development approaches on urban flooding: a case study from Tehran, Iran
Authors: Movahedinia Maryam , Samani Jamal Mohammad Vali , Barakhasi Fakhreddin , Taghvaeian Saleh , Stepanian Raffi
Published: December 2019

Low impact development (LID) methods have been shown to be efficient in reducing the peak flow and total volume of urban stormwater, which is a top priority for effective urban stormwater management in many municipalities. However, decision-makers need information on the effects of LIDs and their associated costs before allocating limited resources. In this study, the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was used to investigate the effects of five different LID scenarios on urban flooding in a district in Tehran, Iran. The LID scenarios included rain barrel (RB) at two sizes, bio-retention cell (BRC), and combinations of the two structures. The results showed that significant node flooding and overflow volume would occur in the study area under the existing conditions, especially for rainfall events with longer return periods. BRC and combinations of BRC and RBs were the most effective options in reducing flooding, while the smaller-size RB was the cheapest alternative. However, normalized cost, obtained through dividing the total cost by the percent reduction in node flooding and/or overflow volume, was smallest for BRC. The results of this study demonstrate how hydraulic modeling can be combined with economic analysis to identify the most efficient and affordable LID practices for urban areas.
Construção de Órteses em fibra de carbono de baixo custo
Authors: Giracca César , Amorin Brenda , Díaz Merino Eugênio Andrés
Published: December 2019

Este artigo teve como objetivo definir os procedimentos de construção de um dispositivo de tecnologia assistiva (órtese) em compósito de fibra de carbono, um material de reforço fibroso e matriz polimérica epoxílica. Teve-se como foco a redução de custos, buscando um produto de qualidade, resistência mecânica, inovador e resistente às ações intempéries. Para alcançar esse objetivo, num primeiro momento foram realizados o escaneamento tridimensional do usuário, a modelagem matemática (SolidWorks ou CAD), a simulação mecânica (Abaqus) e finalmente a materialização do dispositivo. Como resultado, obteve-se uma órtese em fibra de carbono retratando fielmente a morfologia do usuário. A simulação mecânica permitiu determinar a quantidade mínima de material para construção da órtese, garantindo a sua resistência e qualidade no menor custo possível, atendendo de forma satisfatória a um dos resultados esperados. Quanto à materialização final do dispositivo, este foi testado com o usuário, para os ajustes e refinamentos. Concluiu-se que é possível desenvolver uma órtese em fibra de carbono com baixo custo, seguindo as orientações definidas neste artigo. Trata-se de uma oportunidade de atender a usuários com dispositivos de tecnologia assistiva de baixo custo, porém de elevada qualidade e durabilidade.
Study of Hepatitis E Virus in Blood Donors
Authors: Al-Kasaby Nashwa M. , Zaki Maysaa El Sayed
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Hepatitis E (HEV) is a major health problem affecting around one third of the world population. The prevalence of antibodies to HEV among blood donors have been documented in several countries in Europe and Asia.

Objectives:

The aims of the study are to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis E antibodies among healthy blood donors and to explore the factors associated with positive HEV antibodies among healthy blood donors. Moreover, to detect HEV viremia by real time polymerase chain reaction among seropositive blood donors for HEV.

Methods:

The study included 200 apparent healthy blood donors from Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Blood samples were collected from the blood donors for serological determination for specific hepatitis E virus immunoglobulin G (anti-HEV IgG) and specific hepatitis E virus immunoglobulin M (anti- HEV IgM). Positive samples for anti-HEV IgM were further subjected for determination of HEV-RNA by real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Anti-HEV-IgG was positive in 50 donor (25%) anti-HEV-IgM was positive in 10 donors (5%) and HEV-RNA was positive in 6 donors (3%).

Results and Discussion:

The comparison between blood donors positive for anti-HEV-IgG and negative blood donors negative reveals significant association between anti-HEV-IgG and donors with older age (42.0 ± 9.7,P = 0.001),rural residence (76%, P = 0.001), workers in agricultural works (92%, P = 0.035) and elevated AST (31.28±14.28, P = 0.04). Regarding viral markers, there was significant prevalance between positive anti-HCV-IgG and positive anti-HEV-IgG (P = 0.003). Univariate analysis for risk factors associated with positive anti-HEV IgG reveals significant prevalence with older age (P = 0.001), rural residence (P < 0.001), positive anti-HCV- IgG (P = 0.004) and increase in AST (P = 0.045). However, on Multivariate analysis HEV infection was independently prevalent with older age (P < 0.001) and rural residence (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

The present study highlights that HEV seroprevalence in blood donors is common finding. Further finding is the statistically significant correlation between antibodies to HCV and serological markers for HEV and even HEV viremia. Longitudinal studies may be needed to explore the clinical significance and cost effectiveness of screening of the blood donors for hepatitis E virus by serological tests and/or detection of viremia by Molecular testing.
Estacionalidad y tendencias del bosque tropical caducifolio de la cuenca Piaxtla-Elota-Quelite y el área protegida Meseta de Cacaxtla, México
Authors: Berlanga-Robles César Alejandro , Cervantes-Escobar Aimée , Murúa Figueroa Eunice
Published: December 2019

Los bosques tropicales caducifolios son de los ecosistemas más vulnerables y desprotegidos de México. En la actualidad solo permanece 30% de la cobertura original y únicamente 0.2% de esta se encuentra bajo algún estatus de protección. Con el fin de aportar elementos que promuevan la conservación y manejo de estos ecosistemas, este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la estacionalidad y las tendencias de cambio del bosque tropical caducifolio de la cuenca Piaxtla-Elota-Quelite y del área de protección de flora y fauna Meseta de Cacaxtla en el estado de Sinaloa en el noroeste de México. Para esto, se descompuso una serie de tiempo mensual de 2001 a 2016 del índice de vegetación de diferencia normalizada del satélite Modis Terra con un análisis de componentes principales con dos orientaciones. En el periodo analizado, 99% de la variación del dosel del bosque se debió a un ciclo fenológico vegetativo en el que el máximo vigor de la vegetación ocurrió en septiembre, entre tres y cuatro meses después del inicio de la temporada de lluvias. Asimismo, no se identificaron procesos de deforestación o reforestación del bosque dentro de la cuenca. La Meseta de Cacaxtla, aunque quizás de manera circunstancial, ha cumplido la función de proteger sus bosques; el buen estado de conservación en toda la cuenca podría ser un aliciente para ampliar los límites del área natural protegida y aumentar el porcentaje de bosque tropical caducifolio bajo estatus de protección en Sinaloa, que actualmente es de 0.02%.
Changing the Health Behavior of Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Through an Electronic Health Intervention in Three Different Countries: Cost-Effectiveness Study in the Do Cardiac Health: Advanced New Generation Ecosystem (Do CHANGE) 2 Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Piera-Jiménez Jordi , Winters Marjolein , Broers Eva , Valero-Bover Damià , Habibovic Mirela , Widdershoven Jos W M G , Folkvord Frans , Lupiáñez-Villanueva Francisco
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

During the last few decades, preventing the development of cardiovascular disease has become a mainstay for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It has been suggested that interventions should focus more on committed approaches of self-care, such as electronic health techniques.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide evidence to understand the financial consequences of implementing the “Do Cardiac Health: Advanced New Generation Ecosystem” (Do CHANGE 2) intervention, which was evaluated in a multisite randomized controlled trial to change the health behavior of patients with cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

The cost-effectiveness analysis of the Do CHANGE 2 intervention was performed with the Monitoring and Assessment Framework for the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing tool, based on a Markov model of five health states. The following two types of costs were considered for both study groups: (1) health care costs (ie, costs associated with the time spent by health care professionals on service provision, including consultations, and associated unplanned hospitalizations, etc) and (2) societal costs (ie, costs attributed to the time spent by patients and informal caregivers on care activities).

RESULTS

The Do CHANGE 2 intervention was less costly in Spain (incremental cost was −€2514.90) and more costly in the Netherlands and Taiwan (incremental costs were €1373.59 and €1062.54, respectively). Compared with treatment as usual, the effectiveness of the Do CHANGE 2 program in terms of an increase in quality-adjusted life-year gains was slightly higher in the Netherlands and lower in Spain and Taiwan.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, we found that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio strongly varied depending on the country where the intervention was applied. The Do CHANGE 2 intervention showed a positive cost-effectiveness ratio only when implemented in Spain, indicating that it saved financial costs in relation to the effect of the intervention.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03178305; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03178305
Can the Cop21 Stop the Rise of CO2s
Authors: Lane Jan-Erik
Published: December 2019

The UN Climate Change Conference COP 25 is a huge international reunion to attempt to enact with unanimity policies that counteract global warming or its effects. Can such really overcome the difficult problematic of collective action inherent in providing global public good? The Global Environmental Process runs meeting after meeting-no results. The global thermometer keeps rising, as Co2s do not decrease. The first manifestations of Hawking’s irreversible change have appeared around the world. Only one major non-incremental policy would make a difference: close down coal power.
REWIEW OF THE II INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE «LAW AS A PHENOMENON OF CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE» Moscow, RUDN University, March 29 - 30, 2019
Authors: Mikheeva Tsybik Ts. , Trikoz Elena N. , Grafshonkina Anastasia A. , Andreeva Polina N.
Published: December 2019

On March 29-30, 2019, the II International Scientific Conference “Law as a Phenomenon of Civilization and Culture” was held at the Law Institute of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (hereinafter - RUDN). More than 150 researchers from the Russian Federation and foreign countries took part in it. This scientific forum in accordance with the overall RUDN’s general strategy as an internationally oriented university is dedicated to Russian jurisprudence integration into the worldwide scientific area, establishing the methodology of fundamental legal research related to the civilizational and cultural foundations of law. This review reflects the general concept of the conference, directions of its work, the contents of the plenary meeting and work of sessions.
Evaluation of the awareness regarding Type 2 Diabetes, its management and adverse effects of the treatment among the patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: TATAR Banu , KOCA Nizameddin , ERSOY Canan
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) management requires not only
continuous medical care but also risk reduction strategies to prevent
complications. Improving patients’ knowledge and awareness about DM and
diabetes-related complications (DRC) is crucial for the management of DM.
Increased awareness about DM and DRC, which leads to an eagerness to follow-up
diet plans, and lifestyle modifications would help us to establish
patient-specific goals. In this study, we would like to determine the awareness
levels of diabetic patients about DM, DM management and DRC.Methods: Total of 300 adult patients (179 female, 121 male) with type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus (T2DM) were included in this study. The data was collected through a
survey based on face-to-face interviews. Total Survey score (TSP) for each
participant was calculated by taking 1 point for each correct answer and TSP
interval was evaluated between 0-24 points.. Results: The score of women was higher than that of men (14.72±3.14
vs. 13.07±3.30, p <0.001). Patients who did not work were more aware
(14.53±3.22 vs. 13.64±3.31, p = 0.019). No significant difference in terms of
awareness was observed between low educated and high-educated participants.
Patients who had insulin in their treatment combination, anti-hypertensive, and
lipid-lowering drug user had significantly higher TSP scores. A significant
correlation was observed in BMI, HC, DBP, and age of Diabetes with awareness.

Conclusions: The mean awareness score of the patients who participated in our study was
14 points. Since the maximum score that can be obtained at the highest
awareness level is 24, the awareness level of our patients can be evaluated as
58%. Considering the morbidity, mortality and economic costs associated with
diabetes, it can be said that more attention should be paid to patient
education in order to achieve higher treatment success.
Lugares sagrados no oeste de Santa Catarina: marcas materiais da religiosidade popular nos municípios de Xanxerê, Bom Jesus, Ipuaçu e Entre Rios
Authors: Benetti Tiago João , Lino Jaisson Teixeira , Araujo Fabio
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo apresenta o resultado de trabalhos de campo de identificação de sítios históricos em Xanxerê, Bom Jesus, Ipuaçu e Entre Rios no Estado de Santa Catarina associados à passagem de “monges santos” entre meados do século XIX e início do século XX. Foram registrados sete lugares classificados como grutas, capelas ou fontes d’água, denotando na atualidade a contínua utilização desses espaços para a realização de visitas e rituais, a se julgar pelos objetos e outros vestígios observados nesses locais. Os lugares associados às passagens dos “monges santos”, em especial com São João Maria, são importantes marcadores físicos e simbólicos na paisagem regional, com grande potencial para estudos nas mais diversas áreas das ciências humanas.
Transcriação nostálgica: o surgimento de edificações em “estilo germânico” em Brusque/SC (1987-2008)
Authors: Castro Alisson Sousa
Published: December 2019

Este artigo investiga o aparecimento de edificações entre 1987 e 2008 em Brusque/SC que remetem ao processo de colonização alemã em Santa Catarina. Com base em diversas fontes como notícias de jornal, legislação, fotografias e depoimentos orais, discute-se a presença do fenômeno “estilo germânico” nas edificações de Brusque, apontando sua gênese, seu impacto e sua relação com outros municípios. Para tanto, são demarcadas tipologias que compõem o estilo germânico em arquitetura, investigando a emergência de tal fenômeno em algumas cidades de Santa Catarina. Por fim, a adoção deste fenômeno no município de Brusque/SC é explorado em suas especificidades.
A enunciação em lavoura arcaica: relações discursivas
Authors: Montanha Toledo Scoparo Tania Regina
Published: December 2019

Apoiada na Semiótica de linha francesa, a análise apresentada neste artigo, recortada de pesquisa de doutorado, destaca o romance (1975) e o filme (2001) Lavoura Arcaica, de Raduan Nassar e Luiz Fernando Carvalho, respectivamente, sob a perspectiva da enunciação, instância linguística logicamente pressuposta pelo enunciado. A tentativa é entender qual o objetivo dos textos, ou seja, os mecanismos de produção de sentidos que estão sendo mobilizados por um enunciador para convencer um enunciatário de alguma coisa. Nesses objetos de análise, estamos lidando com texto literário e fílmico, gêneros discursivos construídos por um enunciador que cria e recria a realidade elaborando complexos efeitos de sentido que concedem ao enunciatário a perspectiva de criação de novas ideias sobre o mundo, ampliando seu conhecimento. O objetivo do trabalho é mostrar que o leitor-espectador das obras, no processo para a compreensão de texto, recupera a unidade deste, delineando os elementos que o compõem, verificando sua trajetória e captando as inter-relações que se estabelecem entre eles.
Expressões Idiomáticas da Língua Inglesa: uma compreensão sob o olhar da Pragmática
Authors: Lopes Iveuta De Abreu , Araújo Neta Célia De Freitas , Arré Thalita Christina Cavalcante
Published: December 2019

Este artigo resulta da observação de uma atividade de leitura em Língua Inglesa. Com o objetivo de verificar a compreensão que estudantes de inglês demonstram sobre algumas expressões idiomáticas, foram selecionados cinco alunos de uma turma de segundo ano do Ensino Médio e foi proposto que eles realizassem duas atividades: uma com expressões idiomáticas descontextualizadas e outra utilizando essas mesmas expressões imersas em contextos de uso. As análises partiram de conceitos clássicos como contexto, sentido e significado, sentido literal e sentido implicado, discutidos sob o viés de teorias pragmáticas, com base em autores como Levinson (2007), Armengaud (2006), Fiorin (2013, 2014), e de pesquisadores da área do Ensino e Aprendizagem da Língua Inglesa, como Crystal (1997), Brown (2004), Souza (2005), entre outros. A partir das análises, observou-se emergir algumas dificuldades e equívocos na compreensão das expressões apresentadas isoladamente, o que não ocorreu quando inseridas em contextos específicos de uso.
Inglês como língua franca: explicações e implicações
Authors: Lopes Rodrigo Smaha , Baumgartner Carmen Teresinha
Published: December 2019

O Inglês como Língua Franca (ILF) tem como foco a comunicação em diferentes contextos e é um campo de pesquisa que nos ajuda a refletir sobre a posição que a língua inglesa ocupa no globo e como nós, do círculo em expansão (KACHRU, 1982, 1992), devemos nos posicionar em relação a ela. Nosso objetivo aqui refletir, com base em uma pesquisa bibliográfica e qualitativa, sobre a Língua Franca, o conceito, seu surgimento e as implicações no ensino e na aprendizagem da língua inglesa, com base em estudiosos da área. Concluímos, pois, que o ILF nos traz uma pedagogia que pressupõe uma prática preocupada em se reposicionar diante de visões monolíticas e monológicas e, assim sendo, a língua inglesa passa a ter identidades multiculturais e características locais, propondo um movimento de ruptura diante de um discurso de língua que perpetue desigualdades.
A verdade está lá fora: Adaptação e avaliação das propriedades psicométricas da Escala Genérica de Crenças Conspiratórias (EGCC-Br)
Authors: Matsunaga Lucas Heiki , Pereira Jonathan Jones dos Santos , Oliveira Angélica Nascimento de , Pedra Alexandre Correia
Published: December 2019

Teorias conspiratórias geralmente apresentam perguntas irrespondíveis e são, em última instância, irrefutáveis. Tais crenças possuem implicações em diversos contextos em que são necessárias tomadas de decisões. Para tanto, torna-se necessário desenvolver ou adaptar medidas que auxiliem a identificação de tais crenças. Assim, este estudo propôs a adaptação da Escala Genérica sobre Crenças Conspiratórias. No primeiro estudo foi realizada a tradução e retradução do instrumento por especialistas na língua inglesa. Logo, ambas as traduções foram submetidas à análise de dois juízes para verificar a qualidade e adequação à versão original. Após ajustes, a escala foi submetida à outra análise de juízes de forma a verificar a coerência semântica e a adequação categórica dos itens. A concordância das categorias para cada item entre os juízes foi satisfatória (índice kappa de 0,75). Para o segundo estudo, buscou-se averiguar as propriedades psicométricas do instrumento (N = 138). Os resultados da análise fatorial confirmatória atestaram uma nova estrutura fatorial para o modelo. Por fim, os autores sugerem tanto novos estudos para identificação de evidências de validade da adaptação quanto aplicações e intervenções, com uso da escala em futuras políticas públicas.
A motivação está associada à duração e frequência da prática de atividade física em idosos?
Authors: Ladeira Angela Patrícia , Giacomin Leonardo Lopes , Freire Gabriel Lucas Morais , Nascimento Júnior José Roberto Andrade do , Oliveira Daniel Vicentini de
Published: December 2019

Este estudo analisou as relações entre os fatores de motivação e a duração e frequência da prática de atividade física. Pesquisa transversal e observacional, realizada com 79 idosos de ambos os sexos, praticantes de atividade física nas academias da terceira idade. Foi utilizado um questionário sóciodemográfico, Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), versão curta, e o Inventário de Motivação para o Exercício-2 (EMI-2). Os dados foram analisados pelos testes Kolmogorov-Smirnov e pela correlação de Sperman (p<0.05). Verificou-se que os idosos praticam mais atividades leves (caminhada) e moderadas por semana. Verificou-se que a duração e frequência da prática de atividade física estão inversamente associadas a motivos como controle do estresse, prevenção de doenças, reabilitação da saúde, reconhecimento social e afiliação. Concluiu-se que os idosos praticam, em sua maioria, mais atividades físicas leves e moderadas e que os principais motivos para a prática de atividade física estão relacionados à Prevenção de doenças, Condição física, Controle do estresse, Diversão/Bem-estar e Afiliação. Ressalta-se que a duração e frequência da prática de atividade física estão inversamente associadas a motivos como controle do estresse, prevenção de doenças, reabilitação da saúde, reconhecimento social e afiliação.