bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Combined Syndromic Approach to Examine Viral, Bacterial, and Parasitic Agents among Febrile Patients: A Pilot Study in Kilombero, Tanzania
Authors: Hercik Christine , Cosmas Leonard , Mogeni Ondari D. , Wamola Newton , Kohi Wanze , Houpt Eric , Liu Jie , Ochieng Caroline , Onyango Clayton , Fields Barry , Mfinanga Sayoki , Montgomery Joel M.
Published: December 2017

The use of fever syndromic surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa is an effective approach to determine the prevalence of both malarial and nonmalarial infectious agents. We collected both blood and naso/oro-pharyngeal (NP/OP) swabs from consecutive consenting patients ≥ 1 year of age, with an axillary temperature ≥ 37.5°C, and symptom onset of ≤ 5 days. Specimens were analyzed using both acute febrile illness (AFI) and respiratory TaqMan array cards (Resp TAC) for multiagent detection of 56 different bloodstream and respiratory agents. In addition, we collected epidemiologic data to further characterize our patient population. We enrolled 205 febrile patients, including 70 children (1 < 15 years of age; 34%) and 135 adults (≥ 15 years of age; 66%). AFI TAC and Resp TAC were performed on 191 whole blood specimens and 115 NP/OP specimens, respectively. We detected nucleic acid for Plasmodium (57%), Leptospira (2%), and dengue virus (1%) among blood specimens. In addition, we detected 17 different respiratory agents, most notably, Haemophilus influenzae (64%), Streptococcus pneumonia (56%), Moraxella catarrhalis (39%), and respiratory syncytial virus (11%) among NP/OP specimens. Overall median cycle threshold was measured at 26.5. This study provides a proof-of-concept for the use of a multiagent diagnostic approach for exploratory research on febrile illness and underscores the utility of quantitative molecular diagnostics in complex epidemiologic settings of sub-Saharan Africa.
Funduscopy in Cerebral Malaria Diagnosis: An International Survey of Practice Patterns
Authors: Swamy Lakshmi , Beare Nicholas A. V. , Okonkwo Ogugua , Mahmoud Tamer H.
Published: December 2017

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among young children. Malarial retinopathy is the most specific clinical finding in CM, and fundus examination could help clinicians distinguish CM from other causes of encephalopathy in resource-poor areas. To assess clinician knowledge, practice patterns, and barriers to the use of funduscopy in the diagnosis of CM, we designed a descriptive multinational survey of clinicians in malaria endemic areas. Results of this survey showed that 19% of respondents were not aware of the utility of eye examinations for malarial retinopathy, and almost half (49%) never or almost never examine the eyes in cases of suspected CM. Educating clinicians about malarial retinopathy could be important in improving diagnostic specificity for CM.
Molecular Identification of Onchocerca spp. Larvae in Simulium damnosum sensu lato Collected in Northern Uganda
Authors: Verocai Guilherme G. , Hassan Hassan K. , Lakwo Thomson , Habomugisha Peace , Katabarwa Moses N. , Begumisa Stephen , Clouds Philbert , Katamanywa James , Nahabwe Christine , Unnasch Thomas R.
Published: December 2017

Previous studies have demonstrated that the presence of larvae of other filarial species in Simulium damnosum sensu lato can distort estimates of transmission potential for Onchocerca volvulus in West Africa. However, studies conducted in foci of onchocerciasis in West Central Uganda indicated that larvae other than O. volvulus were not common in vectors collected there. Recent data collected in Northern Uganda revealed a striking discordance between estimates of the prevalence of flies carrying O. volvulus infective larvae obtained from molecular pool screening and dissection methods. To resolve this discrepancy, sequences from three mitochondrially encoded genes were analyzed from the larvae collected by dissection. All larvae analyzed were Onchocerca ochengi v. Siisa, a parasite of cattle, or Onchocerca ramachandrini, a parasite of warthogs. These results suggest that nonhuman parasite larvae are common in vectors in Northern Uganda, underscoring the necessity for molecular identification methods to accurately estimate O. volvulus transmission.
Case Report: Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in an Asylum Seeker with Multidrug–Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Ravensbergen Sofanne J. , Louka Christina , Lokate Mariëtte , Bathoorn Erik , Pournaras Spyros , van der Werf Tjip S. , de Lange Wiel C. M. , Stienstra Ymkje , Akkerman Onno W.
Published: December 2017

A Syrian asylum seeker with multidrug–resistant tuberculosis (TB) developed a bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy. Although screening tests were negative on admission, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were cultured after a few months of TB treatment. Prevalence of multidrug–resistant organisms is reported to be increased in asylum seekers compared with the general Dutch population. Arduous conditions during transit and interrupted health care delivery in our patient led to multiple-resistant microorganisms that complicated treatment.
Treatment-Seeking Behavior after the Implementation of a Unified Policy of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria in Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Devine Angela , Kenangalem Enny , Burdam Faustina Helena , Anstey Nicholas M. , Poespoprodjo Jeanne Rini , Price Ric N. , Yeung Shunmay
Published: December 2017

Artemisinin combination therapy is recommended for the treatment of multidrug resistant Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. In March 2006, antimalarial policy in Indonesia was changed to a unified treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for all species of malaria because of the low efficacy of previous drug treatments. In 2013, a randomized cross-sectional household survey in Papua was used to collect data on demographics, parasite positivity, treatment-seeking behavior, diagnosis and treatment of malaria, and household costs. Results were compared with a similar survey undertaken in 2005. A total of 800 households with 4,010 individuals were included in the 2013 survey. The prevalence of malaria parasitemia was 12% (348/2,795). Of the individuals who sought treatment of fever, 67% (66/98) reported attending a public provider at least once compared with 46% (349/764) before policy change (P < 0.001). During the 100 visits to healthcare providers, 95% (95) included a blood test for malaria and 74% (64/86) resulted in the recommended antimalarial for the diagnosed species, the corresponding figures before policy change were 48% (433/894) and 23% (78/336). The proportion of individuals seeking treatment more than once fell from 14% (107/764) before policy change to 2% (2/98) after policy change (P = 0.005). The mean indirect cost per fever episode requiring treatment seeking decreased from US$44.2 in 2005 to US$33.8 in 2013 (P = 0.006). The implementation of a highly effective antimalarial treatment was associated with better adherence of healthcare providers in both the public and private sectors and a reduction in clinical malaria and household costs.
Correlation between Intercanthal, Interpupillary, Interalar, and Intercommissural Distance with the Mesiodistal Width of the Maxillary Anteriors: An in vivo Study
Authors: Bangar Bhushan , Nakade Prashant L , Jankar Ajit , Kamble Suresh
Published: December 2017

Aim

This study was conducted for the selection of artificial teeth for edentulous patients with the help of extraoral facial measurement.

Materials and methods

The intercanthal distance, interpupillary distance, interalar distance, intercommissural distance, and width of maxillary six anteriors from a total of 250 subjects were measured clinically. The measurements were made with the help of a digital caliper. Student's t-test was used to find the significance of parameters between male and female. Pearson correlation has been used to find the relation of the parameters.

Results

The total mean of 125 male subjects for intercanthal distance, interpupillary distance, interalar distance, intercommissural distance, and intercanine width was 31.58, 62.27, 34.77, 48.87, and 50.22 mm respectively. However, the total mean of 125 female subjects for intercanthal distance, interpupillary distance, interalar distance, intercommissural distance, intercanine width was 30.58, 61.48, 34.58, 48.20, and 49.34 mm respectively. The paired t-test showed highly significant results in relation to intercanthal distance and width of maxillary six anteriors. However, interalar distance was found to be nonsignificant and interpupillary and intercommissural distance was significant.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that although various methods for the selection of teeth are used, the applicability can vary due to the ethnic differences between populations. The multiplication factor for intercanthal distance, interpupillary distance, interalar distance, intercommissural distance was 1.6, 0.8, 1.4, and 1 in order to obtain the mesiodistal width of maxillary six anteriors respectively, in males and females. The values were greater for men than for women. No significant differences were found between sexes with respect to intercanthal distance.

Clinical significance

Although there are ethnic differences between populations, the proportions/relationships of anatomical landmarks to the teeth remain the same, which helps in the selection of artificial teeth for edentulous patients.

How to cite this article

Bangar B, Nakade PL, Jankar A, Kamble S. Correlation between Intercanthal, Interpupillary, Interalar, and Intercommissural Distance with the Mesiodistal Width of the Maxillary Anteriors: An in vivo Study. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2017;7(4):109-113.
Interoperator Variability in Shade Selection using Two Shade Guides
Authors: Dahane Trupti M , Gupta Ritika , Godbole Surekha Raghunath , Pakhan Ashok J , Sathe Seema , Shukla Anamika , Jibhkate Rasika
Published: December 2017

Statement of problem

Research shows that correct shade matching for porcelain restoration cannot be achieved accurately even after using visual shade guides because there is always a noted difference in the visual perception of operators.

Purpose

This study was conducted to compare the interoperator variability in shade selection by visual techniques using VITA Toothguide 3D-Master and Vitapan classical shade guide and then to calculate the amount of percentage in variability in shade selection.

Materials and methods

Three prosthodontists selected the shade of upper right central incisor of 100 patients (age 20—30 years) in a standardized environment. Two shade guides were used—Vitapan classical shade guide and the VITA Toothguide 3D-Master (Vita Zahnfabrik) for shade selection. Each examiner was tested to eliminate color blindness.

All teeth were polished before each shade selection, and the selection process was standardized for controlled lighting and procedures. The results were analyzed for repeatability using agreement analysis test, t-test (p = 0.05).

Results

According to the agreement analysis, there was about 14% of interperson variability seen in Vitapan classical shade guide and about 23% in VITA Toothguide 3D-Master.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, the following result was drawn: VITA Toothguide 3D-Master showed higher interperson variability than Vitapan classical shade guide.

How to cite this article

Dahane TM, Gupta R, Godbole SR, Pakhan AJ, Sathe S, Shukla A, Jibhkate R. Interoperator Variability in Shade Selection using Two Shade Guides. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2017;7(4):124-128.
Building health knowledge online: Parents’ online information searching on congenital heart defects
Authors: Bellander Theres , Nikolaidou Zoe
Published: December 2017

The study examines online searching as a digital health literacy practice and focuses on parents of children with congenital heart defects. Over the period of four years, we have conducted interviews with couples at different stages of pregnancy or parenthood and have encouraged them to reflect on their literacy practices when receiving a heart defect diagnosis, during the remaining time of their pregnancy and when living with a child with a heart defect. We have also read and analysed health blogs written by parents and focused on extracts where literacy events are described. Searching for information and support online is one of the most frequent practices amongst the participants in the study. The aim of this paper is therefore to highlight the complexity of looking for information online in order to take health decisions and provide care to a child with congenital illness. Based on what parents say they do when searching online, we focus on three main paths to knowledge: looking for medical facts, looking for other parents’ experiences and looking for practical information. We discuss digital health literacy practices as complex activities that often involve parents in the diagnosis and in the child’s medical care to such an extent that parents build up knowledge and become experts, not only in finding information and support but in talking and writing about their child’s illness. We also problematise the notion of trustworthy health information and show how facts and opinions often go hand in hand in platforms where health issues are discussed. Finally, we show some of the affordances and restrictions inherent in using the internet as a source for meaning making and learning about children’s health. The results reinforce our understanding of the socially framed nature of health literacy and make us focus on the digital as an additional important aspect in the practice of health literacy.
Editorial
Authors: Yasukawa Keiko
Published: December 2017

In this issue of Literacy and Numeracy Studies, Theres Bellander and Zoe Nikolaidou examine the online health literacy practices of parents whose child or unborn foetus has been diagnosed with a heart defect, and Julie Choi and Ulrike Najar report on their study of the authors’ English language teaching of immigrant and refugee women in Australia.
Projection and probability of land use change in Zoquiapan, Mexico: considerations for forest management
Authors: Paredes-Gonzalez Adriana , Monterroso-Rivas Alejandro I. , Rodríguez-Esparza Luz J. , Zamudio-Sánchez Francisco J.
Published: December 2017

Introducción: La dinámica del uso de suelo y cambios de la cubierta vegetal es crucial para la gestión de los recursos naturales. Objetivo: Analizar el cambio de uso de suelo en la microcuenca Zoquiapan, entre 1989 y 2009, y estimar la tendencia de cambio para el año 2020.  Materiales y métodos: Se obtuvieron dos imágenes de satélite (21 de marzo del 2009 y 7 de marzo de 1989), correspondientes al sensor Landsat, y se procesaron en el software IDRISI©. Las clases estudiadas fueron bosque, pastizal y uso agrícola. Se aplicó el comando Markov-Markovian transition estimator, para estimar el vector estacionario de la cadena entre los años de estudio y conocer las tendencias futuras de cobertura vegetal. Resultados y discusión: Entre 1989 y 2009, la superficie agrícola y de pastizales se redujo 1.86 y 88.63 ha, respectivamente; la superficie forestal incrementó 90.5 ha. Para el año 2020, la microcuenca Zoquiapan tiene baja probabilidad de cambio. Las probabilidades de permanencia son de 94 % para uso forestal, 88 % para el pastizal y 91 % para la actividad agrícola.  Conclusión: La microcuenca Zoquiapan no ha tenido algún cambio significativo de uso de suelo. Las zonas cubiertas por bosques presentan baja probabilidad de cambio, siempre y cuando continúen los esfuerzos de conservación hasta ahora realizados.
Which Terminology for Multilingual Communication in Language Pedagogy?
Authors: Peppoloni Diana
Published: December 2017

The actual multilingual society, deriving from an augmented personal and professional mobility, and from the migratory growing phenomena of the last decades, requires to its citizens a solid linguistic communicative expertise. Plurilingualism has become an unavoidable need, more than an additional skill. Experts in Language Pedagogy from different linguistic backgrounds are called to develop the theoretical principles for an effective multilingual didactics and teachers, from their side, are called to train themselves on these principles and to apply them in the language classroom. An effective multilingual didactics requires high qualitative standards in Language Pedagogy. Being this latter a relatively recent science (Cambiaghi, 2008), and an interdisciplinary one, it has not yet developed a standard shared terminology. This has led to confusion and disagreement among scholars about the meaning to be attributed to meta-didactic terms, and among practioners that have to apply these concepts.This study aims at filling this requirement of terminological clarity and transparency, developing an original multilingual glossary (Italian, French and German) of Language Pedagogy terminology, thus favouring inter-comprehension and interaction among experts through terminological standardization. Terminology is an essential component of each discipline, since it shapes its contents and outilines its evolution. Then an effort has to be done to develop a common metalanguage of Language Pedagogy. Even if it exists some resources, they are generally monolingual and still too related to their cultural area of origins. The glossary described in the present study constitutes a shared digital platform for experts and students, easily accessible and constantly updated. The 130 terms and expressions included at the moment, are alphabetically disposed and provided with translations, definitions, hyperlinks and examples. Lemmas derive from the comparison of three relevant European documents for Language Pedagogy and have been selected only when appearing in at least two out of three of them.
Detection of Proteolysis in Milk by Pseudomonas fluorescens Using Urea PAGE Method
Authors: Mlipano Chove Lucy , Alistair Grandison , Michael Lewis
Published: December 2017

Proteolysis of milk during storage by two strains of Pseudomonas NCIMB 702085 (414) and NCIMB 701274 (416) was investigated using the Urea PAGE method. Pseudomonas fluorescens enzymes were also extracted and purified by dialysis before inoculation into UHT skim milk in an attempt to partially purify the enzyme. Results showed that dialysis removed some peptides and amino acids which would interfere with the assay procedure. The method also confirmed that Pseudomonas fluorescens NCIMB 701274 (416) was more proteolytic than Pseudomonas NCIMB 702085 (414). Thus, Urea PAGE is a useful method for monitoring proteolysis in milk by Pseudomonas fluorescens.
Identification of emphysema patterns in high resolution computed tomography images
Authors: Ibrahim Musibau A. , Ojo Oladotun A. , Oluwafisoye Peter A.
Published: December 2017

Fractal dimension (FD) is a very useful metric for the analysis of image structures with statistically self-similar properties. It has applications in areas such as texture segmentation, shape classification and analysis of medical images. Several approaches can be used for calculating the fractal dimension of digital images; the most popular method is the box-counting method. It is also very challenging and difficult to classify patterns in high resolution computed tomography images (HRCT) using this important descriptor. This paper applied the Holder exponent computation of the local intensity values for detecting the emphysema patterns in HRCT images. The absolute differences between the normal and the abnormal regions in the images are the key for a successful classification of emphysema patterns using the statistical analysis. The results obtained in this paper demonstrated the effectiveness of the predictive power of the features extracted from the Holder exponent in the analysis and classification of HRCT images. The overall classification accuracy achieved in lung tissue layers is greater than 90%, which is an evidence to prove the effectiveness of the methods investigated in this paper.
The Present and Future of Kuwaiti-Iranian Relations and Their Influence on the Security of the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Alsalloum Khaled Abdulaziz , Tayie Mohamed Salman
Published: December 2017

Objective: The objective is to study the present and future of Kuwaiti-Iranian relations through the determinants of the geographical, social, economic and political relationship and the reflection of that relation on the security of the Gulf. The study also examines the future of Gulf security in light of the Kuwaiti-Iranian relations.Method: The study used the approach of the national interest because it is linked to the theory of power, according to Hans Morgenthau, since power is the goal of the foreign policy maker, a major objective of the state in its external relations. Where the political interactions of Kuwait with the Gulf States and Iran is considered in accordance with its national interest.Results: The study concluded that the Kuwaiti-Iranian relations were positive at most stages and that security is one of the most important problems for small countries, but it is capable of playing a role in regional security. The future of Gulf security is linked to the relations of Gulf countries and Iran with major countries and for Kuwait specifically in its relationship with the United States of America and Western Countries through the security and military agreements.Conclusion: The study shows that the State of Kuwait as a small country played a major role through its political and geographical determinants in resolving regional disputes and conflicts.
Public Participation and the Development of Transportation Infrastructure towards Sustainable Transportation and Regional Development in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Estetiono Andi , Badaruddin Badaruddin , Asmirza Moh. Sofian , Rujiman Rujiman
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study is to analyze and explain the influence of public participation and the development of transportation infrastructure towards sustainable transportation and regional development in the city of Medan in North Sumatra Indonesia. This research was conducted by an explanatory approach using primary data with purposive sampling technique method based on criteria of 300 respondents. Data analysis techniques used was SEM (Structural Equation Modeling). The results of this study indicate that public participation has positive influence on sustainable transportation in the city of Medan, the development of transportation infrastructure has positive effect on sustainable transportation at the city of Medan, public participation has positive effect on the regional development in the city of Medan, the development of transportation infrastructure has positive effect on the regional development in the city of Medan, sustainable transportation has positive effect on the regional development in the city of Medan, public participation has indirect influence to the regional development through sustainable transportation in the city of Medan, and the development of transportation infrastructure has indirect influence to the regional development through sustainable transportation in the city of Medan, North Sumatra Indonesia.
Product Design Enhancing Environmental Perception and Encouraging Behavioural Change: Eco-Information – the Relationship of Design Styles and User’s Emotions
Authors: Tunprawat Chanon , Rugwongwan Yanin , Singhirunnusorn Wichitra
Published: December 2017

This research is to develop the products that can communicate environmental information to the user. The study investigated design styles of eco-information and impact on user’s emotions which can be used as data for product design enhancing environmental perception and encouraging behavioural change. The research aimed to 1) study design styles of eco-information and impact on user’s emotions 2) analyse the relationship of design styles and impact on user’s emotions effective in promoting environmental behaviour change. Ten-second video clips of seven design styles were presented through a computer and a projector and perception evaluation forms were employed. The sample included 60 students from the Faculty of Architecture and Design, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand. The results showed that the most effective design style could encourage emotions in the aspects of interest, excitement and preference. This study found that using living creatures to encourage emotions was the most effective attribute. Additionally, giving detailed information through the use of texts and graphs could encourage effectiveness in promoting behavioural change towards energy and resource consumption.
International Administration of Territories and the Dilemma of Accountability
Authors: Yacoub Mohammad , Shawki Mohamed , Kasem Mohe eldin , Elhamid Abdeen Abd
Published: December 2017

Two decades post the Cold-War; the World has witnessed a systematic revival of a practice long thought to be extinct- territory administration via an international body to act as a government for running the state/territory. The most prominent examples were the United Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).Various criticisms were directed to the International Administrations of Territories; the most prominent was mandating this Administration Authority complete power in running the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary authorities where its decisions are not being subject to monitoring or accountability. Yet, such decisions were mostly in violation of the International law which undermined the core principles of democratic governments, the rule of law and human rights as being the corner stones of International peace and security.This study aims at analyzing the legitimacy of forming international administrations as well as scrutinizing the legal restrictions and commitments thereof. The ramifications of any violations of such restrictions and commitments (The International Human Right Law and The International Humanitarian Law) should be holding these administrations and its members accountable internationally.
A Study of a Venture Company’s Control Rights Allocation Model
Authors: Sakakibara Hiromi , Ishida Shuichi , Natori Takashi , Minato Nobuaki
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes an allocation model of control rights between entrepreneurs and investors to properly manage venture companies. The basic concept of this model involves reflecting the company’s future market value in its control rights to entrepreneurs as an incentive, while securing investors’ minimum monetary requirements. Previous studies reveal that entrepreneurs’ control rights gradually dilute as the monetary requirement increases in multi-staged financing; therefore, it is necessary to establish a fundamental rule for control rights allocations in initial contracts. This model also has the capability to allocate cash flow rights, and the potential capability to justify its premium.
Palestine’s Joining the World Trade Organization
Authors: Hamdan Mohammed I. M. , El-Aal Mohamed Shawky Abd , Kandil Abidin Abdul Hamid
Published: December 2017

The current study attempts to highlight the stages of Palestine’s joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) and steps that should be followed by Palestine to join the World Trade Organization from the observer to the member. It also clarifies how Palestine joins the World Trade Organization as a state and then as a customs territory. The problem of this study lies in determining the legal effects of Palestine's joining the World Trade Organization as a state on the one hand and as a customs territory on the other. The study aims at clarifying the stages that Palestine will go through in case of joining the World Trade Organization, the steps that Palestine should take to join the World Trade Organization, and the mechanism that should be followed when Palestine joins the World Trade Organization as a state, and then as a customs territory. The study concluded that Palestine must join the World Trade Organization as a customs territory as soon as possible in order to avoid any discussion about the final legal status of its territories according to the Oslo Accords.
DESAFIOS DO FEDERALISMO FISCAL NO BRASIL À LUZ DE UM MODELO DEMOCRÁTICO: COMPARAÇÃO COM O MODELO AMERICANO
Authors: Marón Manuel Fondevila , Tavares Regina Lúcia Gonçalves
Published: December 2017

Este trabalho busca examinar os desafios do federalismo fiscal no Brasil sob uma ótica de comparação com a realidade dos Estados Unidos, fazendo-o a partir do delineamento desta arquitetura política em ambos os países, levando-se em conta o formato de distribuição de competências tributárias em cada um, com o propósito de responder se a repartição de recursos no Brasil traduz os anseios democráticos que motivaram e escolha do modelo federativo cooperativo.
NÃO FOI ESQUECIMENTO, O LEGISLADOR ESTÁ CERTO! INAPLICABILIDADE DE MULTA PROCESSUAL EM CASO DE AUSÊNCIA INJUSTIFICADA NA AUDIÊNCIA DE MEDIAÇÃO
Authors: Rezende Renato Horta , Freitas Sérgio Zandona
Published: December 2017

O Código de Processo Civil reconheceu o sistema multiportas de resolução de conflitos, incentivando a resolução consensual de litígios e impondo a realização obrigatória, em regra, de audiências de conciliação ou mediação. A ausência, injustificada, de qualquer das partes à audiência de conciliação será considerada ato atentatório à dignidade da justiça apenada com multa de 2% sobre a vantagem econômica ou valor da causa, contudo no presente artigo indaga-se se a ausência injustificada à audiência de mediação conduziria a mesma sanção. Foram investigadas duas hipóteses, a primeira, relacionada à impossibilidade legal da aplicação de multa por ausência de previsão legislativa e, a segunda, impossibilidade da mesma sanção, em virtude da natureza, características e objetivos da mediação. Utilizando de método hipotético-dedutivo as hipóteses foram desenvolvidas por meio de revisão bibliográfica e analises legislativa, possuindo como marco teórico o atual CPC, e culminaram com a confirmação de ambas as hipóteses.
Current knowledge in the diagnostics and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Bień Stanisław
Published: December 2017

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common disorder of the peripheral part of the balance system. BPPV is caused by fragments of damaged utricular otolithic membrane which, when displaced into the membranous semicircular canals, or stuck to the cupula, are responsible for incorrect cupula movements due to gravity forces when the position of the head is being changed. The principles of diagnosis and treatment are focused on BPPV with canal pathology localized within the posterior semicircular canal; however, BPPV may also be due to a lateral and, less commonly, an anterior canal pathology which requires different diagnostic methods and treatment. The clinical presentation of BPPV may also be distorted due to its coexistence with other diseases of the balance system; this, however, does not exclude the treatment being targeted at BPPV.
The treatment of BPPV is based on reposition maneuvers, selected and correctly applied in accordance to the canal location, so as to relocate otolithic debris back to the utriculus. As a complementary treatment of BPPV, vestibular rehabilitation, psychology support and rarely surgery are taken into consideration. Although the immediate efficacy of BPPV treatment is high, recurrences may occur quite often. BPPV may also be a self-limiting disease, making it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of treatment.
The key issues in clinical practice include the correct criteria of BPPV definition, the extent of diagnostic methods required, and appropriate selection of treatment methods. The paper presents a review of current recommendations in this matter.
Effectiveness of two methods of rehabilitation in patients after vestibular neuronitis and vestibular neurectomy
Authors: Makowska Iwona
Published: December 2017

Acute vestibular syndrome is a syndrome of clinical symptoms associated with sudden damage to the periphery of the vestibular organ. The most important element in the treatment of patients with vestibular syndrome is motor rehabilitation, which is beneficial for central compensatory processes. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of two methods of rehabilitation (training habituation versus sensory conflicts) in patients after vestibular neuronitis and vestibular neurectomy. The material includes the results of the overall balance of the Sensory Organization Test and subjective assessment of the severity of dizziness before and after rehabilitation performed by various methods. Twenty subjects after vestibular neuritis (Group I) and 20 patients after vestibular neurectomy (Group II) were included in the study. In group I, the patients were admitted to the Otolaryngology Clinic Medical University of Warsaw Emergency Room with the diagnosis of vestibular neuritis. In group II, patients had vestibular neurectomy due to Meniere disease with strong untreated vertigo. Both types of rehabilitation lead to a significant improvement in the overall balance of the Sensory Organization Test and subjective assessment of the severity of vertigo irrespective of the extent of injury in the vestibular organ. Better results were obtained in the group after vestibular neuritis treated with sensory conflicts.
On Chilean Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae): first description of the males of L. surca and L. coquimbo, new records of L. laeta and three remarkable new species from coastal deserts
Authors: Brescovit Antonio D. , Taucare-Ríos Andrés , Magalhaes Ivan L. F. , Santos Adalberto J.
Published: December 2017

Loxosceles Heineken & Lowe, 1832 spiders are infamous for their medical importance, but a taxonomic picture of the genus is still far from complete. In this study, the Chilean species of Loxosceles are described and mapped. The males of Loxosceles surca Gertsch, 1967 and L. coquimbo Gertsch, 1967 are described for the first time. Three new species with narrow distributions are described from central and northern Chile: Loxosceles diaguita sp. nov. from the Antofagasta Region, L. pallalla sp. nov. from Coquimbo and L. vallenar sp. nov. from Atacama. The first two species are remarkable in their morphology and do not fit into any of Gertsch’s species groups, suggesting that Chile still harbours an undiscovered phylogenetic diversity of the genus. New distribution records for Loxosceles laeta (Nicolet, 1849) are provided throughout Chile.
Natural Uranium Radioactivity Solution Standard: SRM 4321d
Authors: Collé Ronald , Laureano-Perez Lizbeth , Nour Svetlana , La Rosa Jerome J. , Zimmerman Brian E. , Pibida Leticia , Bergeron Denis E.
Published: December 2017

A new natural uranium solution standard has been produced and will be disseminated
by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as Standard Reference
Material 4321d. The standard is certified for the massic activities of 234U, 235U, and
238U in solution, and it is based on isotopic mass data for the metallic Certified
Reference Material (CRM) 112-A (originally issued as SRM 960) that was obtained from THE
U.S. Department of Energy, New Brunswick Laboratory. The metallic CRM was chemically
cleaned, dissolved, and gravimetrically diluted to prepare a master solution, which was
quantitatively dispensed into 5 mL aliquots that were contained within flame-sealed
glass ampoules for each SRM unit. Homogeneity among SRM units, verifying solution
homogeneity, was substantiated by photonic-emission integral counting with a NaI(Tl)
well counter. Confirmatory measurements were performed by liquid scintillation counting
for the total massic activity, and by isotope dilution α spectrometry for the 234U and
238U massic activities.
En torno a la igualdad en la fundamentación de los derechos sociales | On the Subject of Equality as a Foundation of Social Rights
Authors: Dalli María
Published: December 2017

Resumen: Este trabajo aborda algunas cuestiones de fundamentación de los derechos sociales, entendiendo los mismos desde una perspectiva igualitaria. Como derechos humanos universales, se asignan a todas las personas. Ahora bien, de ello no cabe inferir que los derechos sociales sean, por definición, derechos de igualdad. Asimismo, en cuanto a las variantes del igualitarismo, se concluye que la relevancia de las necesidades y de las capacidades remiten a una concepción del igualitarismo suficientista.

Abstract: This paper addresses some questions on the foundation of social rights from an egalitarian perspective. As universal human rights, social rights are assigned to all people. However, it cannot be inferred that social rights are, by definition, equality rights. Regarding the different kinds of egalitarianism, it is concluded that the relevance of needs and capabilities refers to the sufficientist variant.
Defendiendo la igualdad de la objeción de nivelar a la baja | Defending the Equality from the Levelling Down Objection
Authors: Ribotta Silvina
Published: December 2017

Resumen: La objeción de nivelar a la baja es una de las principales objeciones que se le realizan a la igualdad, especialmente al igualitarismo como principio distributivo. Y cómo se responde a esta objeción, depende de qué tipo de igualitarismo se defienda y cuál sea, por lo tanto, la igualdad que se pretende. En el presente artículo, parto de una explicación general del concepto de igualdad y de los distintos tipos de igualitarismos y sus características centrales, para luego analizar los argumentos y justificaciones que dan los autores que discuten la objeción de nivelar a la baja. Todo ello con el objetivo de construir analíticamente una propuesta de igualdad más resistente.

Abstract: The Levelling Down Objection is one of the main complaints against equality, specially against egalitarianism as a distributive principle. How this objection is responded depends on what version of egalitarianism is assumed, and therefore on which kind of equality is pursued. This article examines the concept of equality and the different egalitarian approaches as well as its main features. Then, the arguments and justifications given by the egalitarian authors to confront the levelling down objections are analyzed. The main goal is to analytically build a stronger more consistent idea of equality.
Negar la política, negar sus sujetos y derechos (Las políticas migratorias y de asilo como emblemas de la necropolitica) | Deny the Politics, their Subjects and Rights (Migration and Asylum Policies as Emblems of Necropolitics)
Authors: De Lucas Martín Javier
Published: December 2017

Resumen: Las políticas europeas de inmigración y refugio han sido criticadas por quienes las consideran emblemas de una concepción que pone en grave riesgo elementos básicos del Estado de Derecho y aun de la democracia. El epítome es la aparición de mercados de esclavos en Libia, a las puertas de la UE, un Estado fallido que la UE y sus Estados miembros se empeñan en elevar a la condición de partner privilegiado de sus políticas de externalización. Tomando como base los análisis de Lochak, Agambem y Bauman y la concepción de la propuesta por el filósofo camerunés Mbembé, desarrollando tesis de Foucault (biopolítica), se proponen algunas alternativas que vienen presididas por la exigencia de reconocimiento y garantía de derechos básicos de inmigrantes y refugiados.

Abstract: European immigration and refuge policies have been criticized by those who see them as emblems of a conception that puts in serious risk basic elements of the Rule of Law and even of democracy. The epitome is the emergence of slave markets in Libya (at the gates of the EU), a failed state that, nevertheless, the EU and its Member States are determined to raise to the status of privileged partner of their outsourcing policies. Based on the analysis of Lochak, Agambem and Bauman and the conception of the proposed by the Cameroonian philosopher Mbembé who develops Foucault's thesis about biopolitics, this text will propose some alternatives that are leaded by the requirement of recognition and guarantee of rights of immigrants and refugees.
Contra la normalización de la ilegalidad: la protección judicial de los extranjeros frente a las expulsiones colectivas y las devoluciones “en caliente” | Against the Normalization of Illegality: the Judicial Protection of Foreigners Facing Collective Expulsions and Police “Push-Backs”
Authors: Solanes Corella Ángeles
Published: December 2017

Resumen: Las expulsiones colectivas de extranjeros, aun estando prohibidas por el derecho internacional, son una práctica que sistemáticamente se ha aplicado en el ámbito del control de los flujos migratorios. En el caso de España, en su frontera sur terrestre, se han generalizado las denominadas “devoluciones en caliente”. Las vulneraciones de derechos que conllevan estas medidas son incompatibles con el Convenio Europeo para la Protección de los Derechos Humanos y de las Libertades Fundamentales, del que derivan obligaciones concretas para los Estados parte. Este trabajo, propone un análisis crítico de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos para delimitar cuándo se produce una expulsión colectiva. Con ello se pretende evitar la aparente normalización de una medida que es ilegal e insistir en los mecanismos garantistas de los derechos de los extranjeros.

Abstract: The collective expulsion of foreigners, although prohibited by International Law, is a practice that has been systematically applied in the field of control of migration flows. In the case of Spain, on its southern land border, the so-called police "push-backs" have become widespread. The violations of rights entailed by these measures are incompatible with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, from which obligations derive for the States Parties. This paper proposes a critical analysis of the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights to delimit when a collective expulsion occurs. This is intended to avoid the apparent normalization of a measure that is illegal and to insist on mechanisms that guarantee the rights of foreigners.
Disentangling the mechanisms of mate choice in a captive koala population
Authors: Brandies Parice A , Grueber Catherine E , Ivy Jamie A , Hogg Carolyn J , Belov Professor K
Published: December 2017

Successful captive breeding programs are crucial to the long-term survival of threatened species. However, pair incompatibility limits sustainability of many captive populations. Understanding whether the drivers of this incompatibility are behavioural or genetic, or a combination of both, is crucial to improving breeding programs. We used twenty-eight years of pairing data from the San Diego Zoo koala colony, plus genetic analyses using both MHC-linked and non-MHC-linked microsatellite markers, to show that both behavioural and genetic determinants can influence mating success. Male age was reconfirmed to be a contributing factor to the likelihood of a pair copulating. Familiarity was also reconfirmed to increase the probability of a successful copulation. Our data provided evidence that females select mates based on MHC and genome-wide similarity. Male heterozygosity at class II MHC loci influenced both pre- and post-copulatory female choice. Genome-wide similarity and similarity at the MHCII DAB locus were also found to influence female choice at the post-copulatory level. Finally, certain MHC-linked alleles were associated with increased or decreased mating success. We predict that utilising a variety of behavioural and MHC-dependent mate choice mechanisms improves female fitness through increased reproductive success. This study highlights the complexity of mate choice mechanisms within a species and the importance of ascertaining mate choice mechanisms to improve the success of captive breeding programs.
Cause of gene tree discord? Distinguishing incomplete lineage sorting and lateral gene transfer in phylogenetics
Authors: Huang Huateng , Sukumaran Jeet , Smith Stephen A , Knowles L.Lacey
Published: December 2017

Despite recent efforts that have produced data sets with hundreds and thousands of gene regions to resolve regions of the tree of life, recalcitrant nodes persist and disagreement among genes as well as disagreement between individual gene trees and species trees are common. There are a number of evolutionary processes that contribute to these conflicts between gene trees and species trees, including deep coalescence (lineage sorting), horizontal gene transfer or hybridization, etc. While for some of these processes, we have very powerful and sophisticated models that uses the conflict in the gene trees as information that contributes materially to correctly inferring the species tree, such as the multispecies coalescent (MSC). However, usage of these models require a priori recognition of relevant processes, which is often unknown for empirical dataset. Here we propose a new perspective to not only identify the cause of discord among gene trees, but also use it to classify loci by the underlying cause of discord to identify subsets of loci for analysis with the goal of improving phylogenetic accuracy. This approach differs fundamentally from all other criteria used for making decisions about which loci to include in a phylogenetic analysis. In particular, the choice of loci in this framework is based on identifying those that reflect descent from a common ancestor (as opposed to other processes), and thereby can minimize problems with model misspecification. We present preliminary results that demonstrate the potential of this framework in distinguishing the lateral gene transfer (LGT) from incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) process, as implemented in a new software package CLASSIPHY, while also highlighting areas for further development and testing. We discussed why such methods (i) are critical to improving phylogenetic accuracy with the increased complexity of genomic/transcriptomic datasets, and that (ii) characterizing patterns of discordance and the contribution of different processes to this discordance is itself of interest for generating hypotheses about the role of lateral gene transfer, gene duplication, and incomplete lineage sorting during the divergence of different taxa.
Dams effects on potamodromous Prochilodus magdalenae: evidence from endocrine response
Authors: De Fex-Wolf Daniela , López-Casas Silvia , Jiménez-Segura Luz Fernanda , Pérez-Gallego Clara María
Published: December 2017

Background. Prochilodus magdalenae is a neotropical fish that synchronizes reproduction with flood river pulses.

Methods. We used an endocrine method to test the influence of hydropeaking on hormone production related with reproduction. We analyzed P. magdalenae reproduction in individuals from two sectors of a Neotropical river basin: one with natural flow and the other with a regulated hydrological regime.

Results. In the section of the basin with natural flow we found that the production of hormones related with fish reproduction (FSH and LH) was correlated with the gonadosomatic index, while in fish experiencing hydropeaking due to hydroelectric operation no such correlation was detected.

Discussion. We conclude that potamodromous fish reproductive hormone production is sensitive to changes in water level/discharge, consequently, fish exposed to hydropeaking receive ambiguous stimuli that affect hormone production, reproduction synchronization with environmental cues, and ripening, which are essential for reproductive success.