bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Government Policies on Guiding Corporate Social Responsibility in China
Authors: Tang Yanhong , Ma Yanling , Wong Christina , Miao Xin
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to unearth the ways in which the Chinese government uses policies to guide corporate social responsibility (CSR) development in China. Co-word analysis, cluster analysis, and network analysis were conducted on the relevant policy documents from 2005 to 2013 from the Chinese government. This paper illustrates the evolution of industry involvement in metagovernance of CSR, the evolution of intergovernmental relations in CSR policy formulation, and the evolution of policy relations on guiding CSR. The quantitative text analysis on policy documents reveals policy intentions and maps policy process, advancing understanding of policy orientation and evolution. The CSR reports of the same period of the State Grid in China are used as empirical evidence to validate the policy evolution. This work presents the overall evolution of the ways in which the Chinese government deployed its guiding strategy on CSR, and empirically demonstrates the organization of metagovernance maneuvered by China’s government to promote CSR development in China. It provides perspective and methods to analyze China’s networked government policies, and empirically answers the central question of metagovernance about the ways in which the organization of metagovernance is carried out.
Strategies and Actions to Recover the Landscape after Flooding: The Case of Vernazza in the Cinque Terre National Park (Italy)
Authors: D’Onofrio Rosalba , Trusiani Elio
Published: March 2018

European territories are fragile places in which landslides and flooding have occurred with a high frequency in recent decades, risking the safety of settlements and people and the integrity of the landscape. In many cases, recourse has been made to geotechnical and hydraulic interventions that have been rather non-uniform and partial and which, in prestigious areas, have made intervention after the fact problematic in recovering/mitigating what was done with extreme urgency. This paper reports on theoretical/applied research that implements methodological, multi-system experimentation and interdisciplinary skills for a project to recover the landscape within the Cinque Terre National Park (World Heritage Site, Italy). This recovery is capable of responding to the demand for protection, conservation, transformation and management of this cultural landscape par excellence. The methodological approach, the results of the research and the planning solutions span two scales—territorial and local—thereby highlighting the need for an approach to both micro- and macro-scale knowledge of the cultural landscape system to understand its structure and elements and to intervene with the proper planning sensitivity. Guidelines, masterplans and profiles of the types of intervention constitute the large- and small-scale results of the research, translating the strategies of the guidelines into planning actions.
Assessment of Emission of Selected Gaseous Components from Coal Processing Waste Storage Site
Authors: Howaniec Natalia , Kuna-Gwoździewicz Patrycja , Smoliński Adam
Published: March 2018

Coal mine waste dumps are often thermally active objects with exhalation zones emitting exhaust gases, both inorganic and organic, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols and BTEX hydrocarbons. The genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons make the monitoring of their emissions of particular importance. In this paper, the emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from exhalation zones of selected mine waste dumps located in Poland are presented. The experimental data set was analyzed with the application of the Hierarchical Clustering Analysis. The compounds of two- and three-cyclic hydrocarbons, such as naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene and anthracene, were quantified in the gaseous samples tested. The compounds with a greater number of aromatic rings, such as fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene and chrysene were characteristic only for some of the mine waste dumps tested.
Toward Sustainable Management: 2D Modelling of a Self-Cleaning System to Improve Geometry in Front of the Flushing Gate
Authors: Ruiloba Luis , Gómez Manuel , Russo Beniamino , Choi Gyewoon , Jang Dongwoo
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to show how numerical modelling based on 2D SWE can be used to analyze the cleaning effectiveness of flushing waves in storm tanks. The case study under consideration is an existing storm tank located in Badalona, a municipality of Barcelona, Spain. Storm tank cleaning systems are critical features that must be carefully addressed. If not appropriately addressed, operation and maintenance work costs can drastically increase. There are numerous currently available technologies for cleaning storage tanks. However, no specific guide on this field has been identified. References are provided by the manufacturers through their commercial catalogues. Generally, this information is not based on experimental or numerical experiences or results have not been published in the literature of scientific papers. In this study, a public domain software (IBER) was used to develop 2D hydraulic analysis of the selected tank. The results obtained show how the phenomenon of recirculation is acting in some areas of the lane. This implies a dissipation of energy, thus causing difficulties in terms of cleaning procedures. Furthermore, two new scenarios have been tested to determine how a different lane width might affect hydrodynamic behavior. A newly suggested geometry for the existing lane of the tank is proposed by using the numerical modeling software. The proposed geometry in the current pilot tank achieves higher velocities and avoids recirculation areas. The results demonstrate that numerical modelling of these types of processes is possible with the computer models available (commercial codes) and can be used to optimize cleaning system design.
Analyzing Dynamic Change in Customer Requirements: An Approach Using Review-Based Kano Analysis
Authors: Min Hyejong , Yun Junghwan , Geum Youngjung
Published: March 2018

To seek sustainable product development, understanding customer requirements is critically important where the life cycle of products or services is so fast, and continuous updates should be provided. In particular, how a customer feels for the specific function of the product/service and how their needs have changed is a critical question. According to Kano model dynamics, customer requirements for certain functions change over time, because customers firstly feel attracted to the new service characteristics but come to take them for granted over time. However, previous research on proving this theory has relied on customer surveys and interviews, which are highly time-consuming and expensive. In response, this study suggests customer review-based analysis to investigate Kano model dynamics, because customer reviews can be considered to be excellent sources for reflecting customer needs. This study firstly categorizes customer reviews into two types—positive reviews and supplementation-required reviews—and suggests a five-section framework according to the frequency of each review type. We define characteristics of each section from the perspective of the Kano model. Based on this framework, we analyze the dynamics of customer requirements in the online businesses, for which customer reviews are the main indicator of service quality.
A Probabilistic Alternative Approach to Optimal Project Profitability Based on the Value-at-Risk
Authors: Kim Yonggu , Lee Eul-Bum
Published: March 2018

This paper focuses on an investment decision-making process for sustainable development based on the profitability impact factors for overseas projects. Investors prefer to use the discounted cash-flow method. Although this method is simple and straightforward, its critical weakness is its inability to reflect the factor volatility associated with the project evaluation. To overcome this weakness, the Value-at-Risk method is used to apply the volatility of the profitability impact factors, thereby reflecting the risks and establishing decision-making criteria for risk-averse investors. Risk-averse investors can lose relatively acceptable investment opportunities to risk-neutral or risk-amenable investors due to strict investment decision-making criteria. To overcome this problem, critical factors are selected through a Monte Carlo simulation and a sensitivity analysis, and solutions to the critical-factor problems are then found by using the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving and a business version of the Project Definition Rating Index. This study examines the process of recovering investment opportunities with projects that are investment feasible and that have been rejected when applying the criterion of the Value-at-Risk method. To do this, a probabilistic alternative approach is taken. To validate this methodology, the proposed framework for an improved decision-making process is demonstrated using two actual overseas projects of a Korean steel-making company.
Proviruses with Long-Term Stable Expression Accumulate in Transcriptionally Active Chromatin Close to the Gene Regulatory Elements: Comparison of ASLV-, HIV- and MLV-Derived Vectors
Authors: Miklík Dalibor , Šenigl Filip , Hejnar Jiří
Published: March 2018

Individual groups of retroviruses and retroviral vectors differ in their integration site preference and interaction with the host genome. Hence, immediately after infection genome-wide distribution of integrated proviruses is non-random. During long-term in vitro or persistent in vivo infection, the genomic position and chromatin environment of the provirus affects its transcriptional activity. Thus, a selection of long-term stably expressed proviruses and elimination of proviruses, which have been gradually silenced by epigenetic mechanisms, helps in the identification of genomic compartments permissive for proviral transcription. We compare here the extent and time course of provirus silencing in single cell clones of the K562 human myeloid lymphoblastoma cell line that have been infected with retroviral reporter vectors derived from avian sarcoma/leukosis virus (ASLV), human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) and murine leukaemia virus (MLV). While MLV proviruses remain transcriptionally active, ASLV proviruses are prone to rapid silencing. The HIV provirus displays gradual silencing only after an extended time period in culture. The analysis of integration sites of long-term stably expressed proviruses shows a strong bias for some genomic features—especially integration close to the transcription start sites of active transcription units. Furthermore, complex analysis of histone modifications enriched at the site of integration points to the accumulation of proviruses of all three groups in gene regulatory segments, particularly close to the enhancer loci. We conclude that the proximity to active regulatory chromatin segments correlates with stable provirus expression in various retroviral species.
Immunogenicity and Safety of the New Inactivated Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Vaxigrip Tetra: Preliminary Results in Children ≥6 Months and Older Adults
Authors: Montomoli Emanuele , Torelli Alessandro , Manini Ilaria , Gianchecchi Elena
Published: March 2018

Since the mid-1980s, two lineages of influenza B viruses have been distinguished. These can co-circulate, limiting the protection provided by inactivated trivalent influenza vaccines (TIVs). This has prompted efforts to formulate quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs), to enhance protection against circulating influenza B viruses. This review describes the results obtained from seven phase III clinical trials evaluating the immunogenicity, safety, and lot-to-lot consistency of a new quadrivalent split-virion influenza vaccine (Vaxigrip Tetra®) formulated by adding a second B strain to the already licensed TIV. Since Vaxigrip Tetra was developed by means of a manufacturing process strictly related to that used for TIV, the data on the safety profile of TIV are considered supportive of that of Vaxigrip Tetra. The safety and immunogenicity of Vaxigrip Tetra were similar to those of the corresponding licensed TIV. Moreover, the new vaccine elicits a superior immune response towards the additional strain, without affecting immunogenicity towards the other three strains. Vaxigrip Tetra is well tolerated, has aroused no safety concerns, and is recommended for the active immunization of individuals aged ≥6 months. In addition, preliminary data confirm its immunogenicity and safety even in children aged 6–35 months and its immunogenicity in older subjects (aged 66–80 years).
Turbulence Measurement of Vertical Dense Jets in Crossflow
Authors: Ben Meftah Mouldi , Mossa Michele
Published: March 2018

Turbulence measurement of a dense jet perpendicularly issued into a crossflow is investigated experimentally. The flow-velocity components were extensively measured with a high frequency Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) system, whereas, a Micro Scale Conductivity Temperature instrument was used to measure the jet salinity. Special attention is given to understand the jet flow-structures in the flow symmetry plane. The flow velocity-fields, the jet trajectory, the turbulence intensities, the turbulent kinetic energy, the turbulent length scales, and the dispersion coefficients have been analyzed. The flow velocity-fields show that the dense jet is characterized by two distinct regions: an ascending region, of jet-like mixing, and a descending region of plume-like mixing. In this study, a new scaling approach of the jet trajectories, based on the jet characteristic length scales, is proposed, leading to an empirical closed-form expression to predict the jet trajectory. The turbulence analysis shows that the jet is accompanied by high levels of flow-turbulence intensities and large kinetic energy production. The results of the turbulent length scales indicate that the ambient flow-field, without jet effect, is an isotropic process. However, in the jet flow-field, a significant spatial-variation of the turbulent length scales was observed, indicating an anisotropic process. The trends of the dispersion coefficients follow those of the turbulent length scales. In comparison with the ambient flow, the jet flow-field shows a decrease of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient and an increase of the vertical one, leading to the increase of the jet width.
Watershed Hydrology: Scientific Advances and Environmental Assessments
Authors: Yu Xuan , Duffy Christopher
Published: March 2018

The watershed is a fundamental concept in hydrology and is the basis for understanding hydrologic processes and for the planning and management of water resources. Storage and movement of water at a watershed scale is complicated due to the coupled processes which act over multiple spatial and temporal scales. In addition, climate change and human activities increase the complexity of these processes driving hydrologic change. Scientific advances in the field of watershed hydrology is now making use of the latest methods and technologies to achieve responsible management of water resources to meet the needs of rising populations and the protection of important ecosystems. The selected papers cover a wide range of issues that are relevant to watershed hydrology and have motivated model development, application, parameterization, uncertainty estimation, environment assessment, and management. Continued technological advances grounded in modern environmental science are necessary to meet these challenges. This will require a greater emphasis on disciplinary collaboration and integrated approaches to problem solving founded on science-driven innovations in technology, socio-economics, and public policy.
Improving the Reliability of Numerical Groundwater Modeling in a Data-Sparse Region
Authors: Du Xinqiang , Lu Xiangqin , Hou Jiawei , Ye Xueyan
Published: March 2018

In data-sparse areas, due to the lack of hydrogeological data, numerical groundwater models have some uncertainties. In this paper, a nested model and a multi-index calibration method are used to improve the reliability of a numerical groundwater model in a data-sparse region, the Nalinggele River catchment in the Qaidam Basin. Referencing this key study area, a regional three-dimensional groundwater flow model is developed in a relatively complete hydrogeological unit. A complex set of calibration indices, including groundwater fitting errors, dynamic groundwater trends, spring discharges, overflow zone location, and groundwater budget status, are proposed to calibrate the regional numerical groundwater model in the Nalinggele alluvial–proluvial fan. Constrained by regional groundwater modeling results, a local-scale groundwater model is developed, and the hydrogeological parameters are investigated to improve modeling accuracy and reliability in this data-sparse region.
Evaluating Consistency between the Remotely Sensed Soil Moisture and the Hydrological Model-Simulated Soil Moisture in the Qujiang Catchment of China
Authors: Xiong Lihua , Yang Han , Zeng Ling , Xu Chong-Yu
Published: March 2018

Accurate soil moisture estimation plays a crucial role in agricultural management and hydrological studies. Considering the scarcity of direct in-situ measurements, it is important to evaluate the consistency of soil moisture data acquired in indirect ways, including both satellite products and simulation values obtained via hydrological models. In this study, two types of high spatial-resolution remotely sensed values, namely the surface soil moisture (SSM) and the profile soil water index (SWI), are estimated from each of the ASCAT-A, ASCAT-B, SMAP and SMOS microwave satellites. They are compared with two groups of model-simulated daily soil moisture values, which are obtained by implementing the lumped Xinanjiang (XAJ) model and the DEM-based distributed hydrological model (DDRM) across the Qujiang catchment, located in southwest China. The results indicate that for each satellite product, SWI values always show closer agreement with model-simulated soil moisture values than SSM values, and SWI values estimated from ASCAT products perform best in terms of correlation coefficient with the model-simulated soil moisture, at around 0.8 on average, followed by the SMAP product, which shows a correlation coefficient of 0.48 on average, but the SMOS product shows poor performance. This evaluation of consistency provides useful information on their systematic differences and suggests subsequent studies to ensure their reconciliation in long-term records.
Women in the Ethiopian Orthodox Täwaḥədo Church: Gender and Irregularities at Holy Water Sites / Les femmes dans l’église orthodoxe Täwaḥədo éthiopienne : genres et irrégularités sur les sites d’eau bénite
Authors: Berhane-Selassie Tsehai , M. Müller Angela
Published: March 2018

Les femmes dans l’église orthodoxe Täwahədo éthiopienne : genres et irrégularités sur les sites d’eau bénite – Cet article s’intéresse aux difficultés couramment rencontrées sur les sites d’eau bénite et, en particulier, au comportement abusif de certains guérisseurs à l’encontre des jeunes femmes. Il s’agira de donner un aperçu général de plusieurs enjeux pertinents pour expliquer de quelle façon ces guérisseurs peuvent agir sous l’égide de l’Église orthodoxe Täwahədo éthiopienne, quand bien même leurs activités ne sont pas autorisées par le patriarcat et violent les lois de l’Église de diverses façons. Après avoir examiné les développements historiques de l’Église orthodoxe, on s’intéressera à son attitude à l’égard des relations de genre avant de résumer les préceptes des rituels et enseignements prescrits dans le cadre des services de soin. En dépit d’un début d’émancipation féminine au sein de l’Église orthodoxe, de nombreux mécanismes d’oppression sont encore actifs aujourd’hui. Dans le cadre des pratiques curatives traditionnelles qui font appel à diverses forces ésotériques, les difficultés que rencontrent les femmes en recourant aux services de santé sont particulièrement évidentes. Des méthodes d’enseignement inappropriées et le manque de dispositifs administratifs n’ont pas permis à l’Église d’échapper à l’influence subtile du profit et des pratiques culturelles de guérison. En outre, les différentes catégories de personnel ecclésiastique sont souvent difficiles à distinguer aux yeux des laïcs et des femmes, créant ainsi la confusion entre les vrais spécialistes rituels et les charlatans. Alors que les points de vue de l’Église et de la société au sujet de la subordination féminine rendent les femmes particulièrement vulnérables, la désapprobation du patriarcat et l’interdiction d’exercice émise à l’encontre de certains guérisseurs n’ont pas permis de décourager cette attitude. À titre d’exemples, l’article fournit plusieurs études de cas consacrées à l’expérience de jeunes femmes sur un site d’eau bénite. Celles-ci montrent de quelle façon la procédure rituelle reconnue par l’Église de guérison à l’aide du Saint-Esprit, en particulier l’exorcisme, est violée.
Whose Authority? The Religious Conditioning of Decision-Making in the Context of Right to Reproductive Choice in North-Western Tigray, Ethiopia / Sous l’autorité de qui ? Le conditionnement religieux de la prise de décision dans le contexte du droit au choix en matière de reproduction dans le Nord-Ouest du Tigré
Authors: Mjaaland Thera
Published: March 2018

Sous l’autorité de qui ? Le conditionnement religieux de la prise de décision dans le contexte du droit au choix en matière de reproduction dans le nord-ouest du Tigré – L’analyse développée dans cet article procède de l’hypothèse couramment admise selon laquelle une fervente religiosité entraverait le recours aux pratiques contraceptives et à l’avortement car la personne serait tenue de respecter la volonté divine et d’engendrer le nombre d’enfants décidé par Dieu. Cependant, parmi les femmes (âgées entre 18 et 75 ans) sur lesquelles a porté cette étude ethnographique menée dans une zone rurale et semi -urbaine du woreda de Asgede Tsimbla, situé dans le nord-ouest du Tigré en Éthiopie, une grande confusion et des opinions contraires existent quant à la position officielle de l’Église orthodoxe éthiopienne sur la contraception. Les prêtres eux-mêmes étaient en désaccord sur cette question lors des entretiens menés individuellement. En outre, l’indétermination perceptible dans la compréhension populaire de la transition entre le pouvoir divin et le contrôle personnel, telle qu’elle apparaît dans le concept de 'ïddïl (sort/destinée), met l’accent sur la difficulté à appréhender de quelle façon la religion conditionne le processus de décision. La légitimation de la contraception dans les récits de certaines femmes invite à étudier l’agentivité en jeu lors du déplacement de l’autorité – au sens discursif du terme – de l’église et du champ religieux vers celle de la science, sous laquelle le gouvernement se place lorsqu’il soutient le droit des femmes en matière de reproduction. Dans le contexte actuel où le système de santé public propose un éventail étendu de moyens de contraception gratuits, ce déplacement discursif offre aux femmes la possibilité de faire des choix en matière de reproduction qui ne sont pas surdéterminés par la religion.
High-yielding continuous-flow synthesis of antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Yu Eric , Mangunuru Hari P R , Telang Nakul S , Kong Caleb J , Verghese Jenson , Gilliland III Stanley E , Ahmad Saeed , Dominey Raymond N , Gupton B Frank
Published: March 2018

Numerous synthetic methods for the continuous preparation of fine chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) have been reported in recent years resulting in a dramatic improvement in process efficiencies. Herein we report a highly efficient continuous synthesis of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Key improvements in the new process include the elimination of protecting groups with an overall yield improvement of 52% over the current commercial process. The continuous process employs a combination of packed bed reactors with continuous stirred tank reactors for the direct conversion of the starting materials to the product. This high-yielding, multigram-scale continuous synthesis provides an opportunity to achieve increase global access to hydroxychloroquine for treatment of malaria.
Triggering the Activation of Main-belt Comets: The Effect of Porosity
Authors: Haghighipour N. , Maindl T. I. , Schäfer C. M. , Wandel O. J.
Published: March 2018

It has been suggested that the comet-like activity of Main-belt comets (MBCs) is due to the sublimation of sub-surface water-ice that is exposed when these objects are impacted by meter-sized bodies. We recently examined this scenario and showed that such impacts can, in fact, excavate ice and present a plausible mechanism for triggering the activation of MBCs. However, because the purpose of that study was to prove the concept and identify the most viable ice-longevity model, the porosity of the object and the loss of ice due to the heat of impact were ignored. In this paper, we extend our impact simulations to porous materials and account for the loss of ice due to an impact. We show that for a porous MBC, impact craters are deeper, reaching to ∼15 m, implying that if the activation of MBCs is due to the sublimation of sub-surface ice, this ice has to be within the top 15 m of the object. Results also indicate that the loss of ice due to the heat of impact is negligible, and the re-accretion of ejected ice is small. The latter suggests that the activities of current MBCs are most probably from multiple impact sites. Our study also indicates that for sublimation from multiple sites to account for the observed activity of the currently known MBCs, the water content of MBCs (and their parent asteroids) needs to be larger than the values traditionally considered in models of terrestrial planet formation.
Enrichment of Zinc in Galactic Chemodynamical Evolution Models
Authors: Hirai Yutaka , Saitoh Takayuki R. , Ishimaru Yuhri , Wanajo Shinya
Published: March 2018

The heaviest iron-peak element Zinc (Zn) has been used as an important tracer of cosmic chemical evolution. Spectroscopic observations of the metal-poor stars in Local Group galaxies show an increasing trend of [Zn/Fe] ratios toward lower metallicity. However, the enrichment of Zn in galaxies is not well understood due to poor knowledge of astrophysical sites of Zn, as well as metal mixing in galaxies. Here we show possible explanations for the observed trend by taking into account electron-capture supernovae (ECSNe) as one of the sources of Zn in our chemodynamical simulations of dwarf galaxies. We find that the ejecta from ECSNe contribute to stars with [Zn/Fe] ≳ 0.5. We also find that scatters of [Zn/Fe] in higher metallicities originate from the ejecta of type Ia supernovae. On the other hand, it appears difficult to explain the observed trends if we do not consider ECSNe as a source of Zn. These results come from an inhomogeneous spatial metallicity distribution due to the inefficiency of the metal mixing. We find that the optimal value of the scaling factor for the metal diffusion coefficient is ∼0.01 in the shear-based metal mixing model in smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations. These results suggest that ECSNe could be one of the contributors of the enrichment of Zn in galaxies.
Gravitational Theories near the Galactic Center
Authors: Kalita Sanjeev
Published: March 2018

Upcoming Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) are promising probes of gravity in or near the galactic center (GC). Effects of alternative theories of gravity, namely the Brans–Dicke theory (BDT) and f(R) gravity, are studied near the GC black hole by calculating departure from general relativity (GR) in periastron advance of the S stars and light deflection. For these estimations, black hole spin and quadrupole moments are taken in the ranges χ = 0.1–2.0 and

, respectively. Periastron advance (

) has been calculated for hypothetical S stars with orbital period one-fifth of S0-2 and eccentricity e = 0.8. The difference between BDT and GR (

) lies in the range 10−3–2.3 μas yr−1, even for a large departure from GR. The difference between quadrupoles

and J
2 = 2.0 lies in the range

. These ranges are not only outside the astrometric capability of the ELTs, but are also contaminated by stellar perturbations. Parameter degeneracy among χ, J
2, and

is discussed. For black hole–S-star distances, D
LS = 100 and 50 au, the difference in light deflection between BDT and GR lies in the range

, making it difficult to distinguish them. From the relation between scalaron mass,

in f(R) gravity, and calculated

, it is found that

can form a stable “dark cloud” near the black hole. Scalarons with

are found to bring

close to the astrometric range of the ELTs. Prospects for these scalarons in the tests of gravity are discussed.
Three new species of Fomitiporella (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) based on the evidence from morphology and DNA sequence data
Authors: Ji Xiao-Hong , Vlasák Josef , Tian Xue-Mei , Dai Yu-Cheng
Published: March 2018

Fomitiporella austroasiana, F. mangrovei and F. vietnamensis are described and illustrated as new species based on morphological characters and molecular evidence. They have annual to perennial, mostly resupinate basidiomata with grayish fresh pores, an indistinct subiculum, lack any kind of setae, have brownish, thick-walled basidiospores, and cause a white rot. The distinctive morphological characters of the new species and their related species are discussed. Phylogenies based on the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (28S) and the nuclear ribosomal ITS region show that these three new species form three distinct lineages in the Fomitiporella clade. A key to known species of Fomitiporella is given.
Home at last III: Transferring Uechtritzia and Asian Gerbera species into Oreoseris (Compositae, Mutisieae)
Authors: Xu Xiaodan , Zheng Wei , Funk Vicki A. , Li Kexin , Zhang Jie , Wen Jun
Published: March 2018

Recently the Asian Gerbera species were shown to form a clade that was not the sister group of the African Gerbera. In this study, the position of the Asian Gerbera species was further assessed based on morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses that included six Asian Gerbera and 26 other species from the Gerbera-complex. Morphological results showed that the six Asian Gerbera species, which were sampled, bear leaves with the adaxial epidermal surface lacking stomates, possess bracteate scapes and lack inner ray florets. These characters suggest that the Asian Gerbera species are most closely related to the species of Uechtritzia, which also share similar pollen grain size and shape with the Asian Gerbera, rather than to the African Gerbera. Furthermore, the phylogenetic results based on two nuclear (ITS and ETS) and three chloroplast (trnL–trnF, trnL–rpl32 and trnC–petN) sequences strongly support the Asian Gerbera and Uechtritzia forming a clade, with the latter nested within the Asian Gerbera species. Both morphological and molecular phylogenetic data thus confirmed the taxonomic identity of the Asian Gerbera and Uechtritzia. The authors herein formally treat the nine species of the Asian Gerbera and the three species of Uechtritzia as members of the genus Oreoseris, which is the earliest generic name of this lineage and has the nomenclatural priority.
Ontogeny of Hemidactylus (Gekkota, Squamata) with emphasis on the limbs
Authors: van der Vos Wessel , Stein Koen , Di-Poï Nicolas , Bickelmann Constanze
Published: March 2018

Squamate reptiles constitute a major component of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate diversity, encompassing many morphotypes related to ecological specialization. Specifically, Gekkota, the sister clade to most other squamates, have highly specialized autopodia, which have been linked to their ecological plasticity. In this study, a developmental staging table of the gecko Hemidactylus, housed at the Museum für Naturkunde, is established. Twelve post-ovipositional stages are erected, monitoring morphological embryological transitions in eye, ear, nose, heart, limbs, pharyngeal arches, and skin structures. Ecomorphological specializations in the limbs include multiple paraphalanges, hypothesized to aid in supporting the strong muscles, that are situated adjacent to metacarpal and phalangeal heads. Furthermore, some phalanges are highly reduced in manual digits III and IV and pedal digits III, IV, and V. Development, composition, and growth of limb elements is characterized in detail via µCT, histochemistry, and bone histological analysis. Using known life history data from two individuals, we found an average lamellar bone accretion rate in the humeral diaphysis comparable to that of varanids. Various adult individuals also showed moderate to extensive remodeling features in their long bone cortices, indicating that these animals experience a highly dynamic bone homeostasis during their growth, similar to some other medium-sized to large squamates. This study of in-ovo development of the gecko Hemidactylus and its ecomorphological specializations in the adult autopodia, enlarges our knowledge of morphological trait evolution and of limb diversity within the vertebrate phylum.
Profile of the Population with Disabilities in the Metropolitan Area of Maringá
Authors: Acorsi Rayanne , Acorsi Clédina Regina Lonardan , Lendzion Regiane Sanvesso
Published: March 2018

An individual is considered disabled when he or she has permanent structural or functional abnormalities that prevent him or her from performing daily activities. There are around 1 billion people worldwide (about 15% of the population) with some type of disability or incapacity. About 80% of these people live in developing nations. This study aimed to identify and describe the profile of the disabled population in the Metropolitan Area of Maringá (MAM), Paraná, considering its socio-spatial structure, which was defined by the Metropolis Observatory, Maringá Center. The elaboration of the profile counted with data collected from the 2010 Census sample, provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, and processed through the SAS software (2016). The study of the MAM in its general configuration reveals that its indicators are lower than national ones. The same indicators, when calculated considering its socio-spatial divisions, suggest a major imbalance in the prevalence of visual, hearing, motor or mental/intellectual disabilities. The research found the highest percentage of people with disabilities among the working class, working poor and farm workers. In contrast, the upper middle class showed the lowest indicators.
Factors associated to social control practice by physical education professionals in primary health care: a national survey
Authors: Santos Sueyla Ferreira da Silva dos , Benedetti Tânia Rosane Bertoldo , Borges Rossana Arruda , Minatto Giseli , Sousa Thiago Ferreira de
Published: March 2018

The aimed of the study was to analyze the factors associated to Social Control practice by Physical Education professionals enrolled in Family Health Support Units (NASF) in Brazil.This is a nationwide, exploratory, descriptive and quantitative study carried out in 2011 with 296 Physical Education professionals of Support Center for Family Healthteams. The study outcome was the Social Control. Odds ratio was estimated to check associated factors. One third of Physical Education professionals enrolled in NASF performed actions to implement the Local Health Council. The greatest national chances were for professionals graduated in public institutions (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2 - 4.0), who reported being trained by the management (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1 - 3.9); who carried out a health project in the country (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.0 - 7.2); and those in the southern region of Brazil that had adequate physical structure for the practice of the profession (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.0 - 0.9).
Prevalence of major cardiometabolic diseases in the riverine populations from the interior of the State of Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Azevedo Paulo Lima de , Freitas Silvia Regina Sampaio
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of major cardiometabolic diseases according to the sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle in the riverine communities of the municipalities of Tefé and Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, State of Amazonas, Brazil. Descriptive tests and logistic regression models were used to estimate the effect of age, gender, marital status, education, smoking, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyle on the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases in 552 adults aged from 18 to 78 years. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity in Tefé and Santa Isabel do Rio Negro were respectively 28 / 30.7%; 28.2/ 8.9%; and 22.3 / 42%. In Tefé, married men, aged over 35 years, were more susceptible to the cardiometabolic diseases. In Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, smoking men aged over 35 with low education level were more prone to diabetes and hypertension. Such data reinforce the need to monitor the risk indicators as a preventive measure and early detection of some cardiometabolic diseases.
Processo de elaboração de protocolo para assistência humanizada de enfermagem ao parto de risco habitual/ Development process of a protocol for nursing humanized care to the usual-risk childbirth
Authors: Nicolini Ana Beatriz , Corrêa Áurea Christina de Paula , Medeiros Renata Marien Knupp , Fraga Jeane Cristina Anschau Xavier de Oliveira , Silva Luanna Arruda e , Alvares Aline Spanevello
Published: March 2018

A utilização de protocolos elaborados a partir de evidências científicas atuais subsidia a promoção de uma assistência qualificada e promove maior eficácia terapêutica ao desencorajar intervenções nocivas e ineficazes. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo objetivou descrever analiticamente o processo metodológico de elaboração de um protocolo assistencial para atuação da enfermagem obstétrica junto ao parto de risco habitual em uma unidade de Pré-parto/Parto/Puerpério. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, que utilizou como referencial metodológico a Pesquisa Convergente Assistencial. Os dados foram produzidos entre agosto e dezembro de 2015, a partir da realização de oito Grupos de Convergência registrados com diário de campo e filmagens. A análise seguiu as etapas de apreensão, síntese, teorização e transferência e os resultados foram organizados em dois eixos: o Organizacional, que compreendeu a formalização e o planejamento do processo e o eixo Operacional, que incluiu a busca por evidências científicas, os consensos, a elaboração e a redação final do protocolo. Considera-se que a elaboração desta ferramenta permitiu o diálogo, a reflexão dos profissionais sobre as tomadas de decisões, a atualização destes para Práticas Baseadas em Evidências e o estabelecimento de consensos, a fim de propiciar o nivelamento das práticas assistenciais tornando a assistência mais segura e competente.
Alveolar soft part sarcoma of the forearm
Authors: Asokan B. , Ramanan P. , Sundararaj M. , Kovarthini E.
Published: March 2018

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare form of soft-tissue sarcoma arising from connective tissue. It is most often seen in adolescents and young adults and has high propensity for recurrence and metastasis. Clinically, it mimics haemangioma or arteriovenous malformations. In our case report, an 18-year-old female presented with markedly vascular tumour in the left forearm, for which excision biopsy was done. Histopathological report revealed ASPS. The patient was screened for metastasis. Ultrasound abdomen, computed tomography (CT) chest, CT brain and whole-body skeletal survey was done. The patient was found to have bilateral pulmonary metastasis. The patient was given 6 cycles of chemotherapy with adriamycin, cyclophosphamide and vincristine. There was no locoregional and pulmonary recurrence for 11 months after being treated by excision of the tumour followed by chemotherapy.
The conundrum of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in burns in India and review of literature
Authors: Shirol S. S. , Kodaganur Srinivas , Rao M. Raghavendra , Tiwari Vinaykumar
Published: March 2018

Objective: The aim is to assess the practice of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis among the plastic surgeons attending National Academy of Burns India Conference 2012 (NABICON 2012). Background: DVT prophylaxis in burns is a controversial issue as there is no consensus among the community of burn surgeons about the prevalence of DVT, the incidence of pulmonary embolism, the indications for DVT prophylaxis, dosage and duration of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) and the complications related to DVT and LMWH. Methodology: A survey was conducted among plastic surgeons attending the NABICON 2012 held at New Delhi, by circulating a questionnaire. The respondents were divided into two groups based on whether burns constituted more than or less than 50% of their practice. The data thus collected were tabulated and analysed. Results: Almost 70% of all the respondents practice some form of DVT prophylaxis. There was significantly higher incidence of complications related to the use of LMWH among the surgeons whose practice of burns was >50%. There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to the incidence and complication of DVT or recommendation of DVT prophylaxis. Conclusion: Majority of plastic surgeons practice DVT prophylaxis routinely and consider multiple criteria such as percentage of burns, age, lower limb involvement, the degree of burns and associated co-morbidities for starting the LMWH.
Acetic acid dressings: Finding the Holy Grail for infected wound management
Authors: Agrawal Kapil S. , Sarda Anup Vidyadhar , Shrotriya Raghav , Bachhav Manoj , Puri Vinita , Nataraj Gita
Published: March 2018

Background: Wounds have since long, contributed majorly to the health-care burden. Infected long-standing non-healing wounds place many demands on the treating surgeon and are devastating for the patients physically, nutritionally, vocationally, financially, psychologically and socially. Acetic acid has long been included among agents used in the treatment of infected wounds. In this study, we have evaluated the use of acetic acid for topical application in the treatment of infected wounds. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients with infected wounds were treated with topical application of 1% acetic acid as dressing material after appropriate cleaning. A specimen of wound swab was collected before first application and further on days 3, 7, 10 and 14. Daily dressings of wounds were done similarly. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of acetic acid against various organisms isolated was determined. Results: The patients treated ranged between 9 and 60 years, with the mean age 33 years. Nearly 70% of patients were male. Aetiologies of wounds: infective 35, diabetic 25, trauma 20, burns 10, venous ulcers 5 and infected graft donor site 5. Various microorganisms isolated include Pseudomonas aeruginosa (40%), Staphylococcus aureus (2%), Acinetobacter (12%), Escherichia Coli (5%), Proteus mirabilis (3%), Klebsiella (18%), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (10%), Streptococcus (2%) and Enterococcus (1%), Citrobacter (1%). Few wounds (6%) also isolated fungi. About 28%, 64% and 8% of patients isolated no growth on culture after 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively. MIC of all isolated organisms was ≤0.5%. Conclusion: pH of the wound environment plays a pivotal role in wound healing. Acetic acid with concentration of 1% has shown to be efficacious against wide range of bacteria as well as fungi, simultaneously accelerating wound healing. Acetic acid is non-toxic, inexpensive, easily available and efficient topical agent for effective elimination of wound infections caused due to multi-drug resistant, large variety of bacteria and fungus.
A learning module in hair restoration surgery: A simple and economic method to learn all steps of strip method of hair follicles harvesting and implantation
Authors: Garg Anil Kumar , Garg Seema
Published: March 2018

Background: There is a global increase in demand for hair transplant as well as increasing demand for trained assistants and surgeons. It is a fact that permanent donor hair follicles are limited and any loss during learning is permanent and irreversible, so there is no place to learn and/or practice on a patient. Objective: To develop a learning module in hair restoration surgery to learn all steps of strip method of hair follicles harvesting and methods of implantation. Materials and Methods: In this learning module, the materials used are paper, pencil, plant leaf, foam and thread. The last step is on goat skin. Module has been divided into multiple steps. The first step is training of microsurgery position, the second step is training of movement at wrist using paper and pencil, the third step is strip harvesting and slivering on foam model, the fourth step is learning of follicle dissection on leaf model, the fifth step is thread follicle implantation on leaf bed. After practising on non-living model finally, all steps are practised on goatskin, starting from slivering, follicle dissection and implantation of goat follicles on leaf. Conclusion: This is very economical and user-friendly system to learn all steps of strip method of hair follicle harvesting and methods of implantation as well. The materials used are available around us and anyone can learn as well as train his or her technicians in very short time.
Three component cartilage framework reconstruction for correction of post-traumatic nasal septal collapse
Authors: Bhat Uday , Gupta Tarush , Nair Mahesh , Mantri Mayur , Pawar Mangesh , Baliarsing Amresh
Published: March 2018

Background: Post-traumatic nasal septal collapse results in flat, broad, non-projecting nose due to mid-vault collapse. These patients may have airway obstruction due to poorly supported internal valve. Traditional techniques like ‘cantilever graft technique’ or conventional ‘L-graft technique’ produce a rigid lobule as the single unit framework extends to the tip. These grafts also lack in internal valve support. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients with post-traumatic nasal septal collapse were treated with three component cartilage framework technique in the past 3 years. The framework was reconstructed in three components-septal, columellar and dorsal onlay; using costal cartilage. If needed, upper lateral cartilage support grafts were also provided. Results: At 6 months’ follow-up, all 12 patients were satisfied with the outcome. The nasal projection and dorsal definition were aesthetically pleasing, and there was free natural movement of the lobular part of the nose. One graft was revised for further improvement in outcome. Airway obstruction, when present was also relieved. Conclusion: This technique has distinct advantages over the conventional techniques as the framework of separate components maintains pliability of the lobule, supports the internal valve and offers good control of aesthetic needs.