bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring aggregate production in a virtual economy using log data
Authors: Lehtiniemi Tuukka
Published: August 2018

Virtual worlds typically contain systems of resource allocation, production, and consumption, which are often called virtual economies. The operator of a virtual world clearly has an incentive to monitor the virtual economy, and users and outside observers would benefit from e.g. temporal or cross-economy comparisons. Standard methodology of computing macroeconomic aggregates for virtual economies would allow this kind of analysis, but such method is currently unavailable. This study fills this gap by employing the concepts of national accounting and unique log data from a virtual world.

In particular, the focus is on virtual economies where the production of new virtual goods takes place as the users expend inputs to produce predetermined outputs along predetermined production paths. The major MMOGs fall into this category. Previous attempts on measuring the aggregate production of a virtual economy have been based on non-standard method and externally collected data. In virtual economies the operator can collect extensive data automatically, a characteristic feature that should be reflected in any standard accounting scheme.

Macroeconomic aggregates for a national economy are computed using the UN System of National Accounts (SNA). It is a standard accounting system, and its probably most quoted outcome is the gross domestic product. The most relevant borderline in SNA lies between the national economy and the rest of the world: domestic production is included, whereas foreign production is not.

SNA cannot be directly used in a virtual economy, as the concepts of “domestic” and “foreign” are not applicable. In this study, the concepts and methods of SNA are transferred to a virtual economy context. The relevant distinction in a virtual economy is made between production by the users and the creation of goods by the virtual world code. Application of the concepts of SNA and flow chart analysis result in an aggregate measure called the Gross User Product (GUP), which measures the value of the aggregate output of production activities – of both goods and services – by the users of a virtual economy.

In the empirical part of this study, the potential of GUP is demonstrated by measuring it for the virtual economy of EVE Online based on extensive log data collected by the operator. Temporal comparisons are performed after purging the GUP values from the effect of significant deflation using a chained Fischer index. A 50% real growth per user is observed for the first half of the year 2007. The composition of GUP has remained rather stable during this period of significant growth.

The concept of GUP is general, and it can be used for quantifying virtual economies other than that in EVE Online on the macro level.
The role of interoperability in virtual worlds, analysis of the specific cases of avatars
Authors: Jovanova Blagica , Preda Marius , Preteux Françoise
Published: August 2018

this version is the abstract
"We Will Always Be One Step Ahead of Them" A Case Study on the Economy of Cheating in MMORPGs
Authors: De Paoli Stefano , Kerr Aphra
Published: August 2018

Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are a sub-sector of virtual worlds that share with other worlds the characteristics of both complex technological systems and complex societies. The success of several MMORPGs makes them a vibrant area for research from different points of view, including their economic aspects (Castronova, 2005). Our research is mainly concerned with thepractice of cheating in MMORPGs and its consequences. In this paper we explore the economic dimensions of cheating in MMORPGs as they relate to the business activities of companies that offer cheating software, inparticular programs called 'bots'. Specifically, we address the following question: "How do cheating practices shape economic interactions around MMORPGs?" We characterize the economy of cheating (as it is carried out by cheating companies) as an answer to breakdowns in the relationship between cheaters and cheating companies (Winograd and Flores, 1987; Akrich, 1992), which involves both learning and innovation processes. In order to answer our question we present a case study of the Tibia (http://www.tibia.com) and an ongoing anti-cheating campaign. In the conclusion of the paper we provide some general reflections on the relevance of the economy of cheating to Virtual Worlds research.
Virtual Commerce (V-Commerce) in Second Life: The Roles of Physical Presence and Brand-Self Connection
Authors: Annie Jin Seung-A , Bolebruch Justin
Published: August 2018

Second Life, in a form of advergaming (a portmanteau of “advertising” and “gaming”), can be an innovative venue for marketing communication and brand management in virtual commerce (v-commerce). Virtual shopping malls in threedimensional (3D) environments provide interactive and immersive settings that complement strong offerings of electronic commerce. The ability to offer vivid and engrossing social interactions with spokes-avatars within 3D environments is the keyadvantage of interactive marketing in Second Life. This study particularly focused on the “physical presence” (i.e., the degree to which consumers feel as if virtual products and retail settings were real) dimension of interactive brand marketing in 3D virtual environments and its impact on brand-self connection and consumers’ evaluation of a spokes-avatar’s credibility. Data analyses show that an increased level of physical presence positively influences consumers’ brand-self connection and evaluation of spokes-avatar credibility (expertise and trustworthiness) in 3D virtual environment-based brand marketing.
Currencies and Capitalisms on the Internet
Authors: Ruckenstein Minna
Published: August 2018

The internet is a particularly vibrant arena of economical development and transformation, because it brings together producers, distributors and consumers in a highly efficient manner. By doing so, it enables the exploration of innovative concepts without having to build costly new facilities. Thus the internet has become a living lab, which is used by people all over the world for creating and developing new economical forms. Anthropology offers a rich tradition for studying processes of production, distribution and consumption. In addition, anthropological studies on money offer interesting insights for thinking about uses of currencies on the internet. New forms of economical interaction create new kinds of currencies and money is multiplying on the internet. The aim of this paper is to outline some questions that can be raised by anthropological studies on economical forms and uses of currency. In order to understand virtual economies we need to think of what “the economy” actually means. Well-known economical forms are being replicated on the internet, but other kinds of economies are also being created that raise the question of how useful the mainstream idea of the economy is for studying them. Virtual economies often promote self-realization and creativity that have less to do with money than withbeing part of a vibrant community of people.
Licensing Considerations for OpenSim-Based Virtual Worlds
Authors: Winkler Shenlei E.
Published: August 2018

Content creators and owners of OpenSim-based virtual worlds alike struggle with issues surrounding licensing and usage of content in these immersive spaces. The Fashion Research Institute (FRI) is specifically addressing these issues and more as part of the process of licensing its Shengri La regions to enterprise. This use case is the basis of ongoing legal research by FRI’s sister organization, Fashion Research Foundation, which has created a legal steering committee formed of attorneys volunteering from the American Bar Association’s Virtual Worlds and Online Gaming committee. A practitioner’s view of our strategic perspective is presented in the context of licensing of content in OpenSim-based virtual worlds.
The Ontological Aspects of Puzzles into Metaverses
Authors: Tonéis Cristiano Natal , Petry Luís Carlos
Published: August 2018

The present text talks about the substantiation and usage of logic-mathematical puzzles inside the metaverses and its incidences as cognitive objects. Starting from the evolving path of hypermedia to the metaverses, it is introduced some formal criteria to reflect on the interactive context of the metaverses exemplified in the presentation and solution of logic-mathematical puzzles, taking as a paradigm example the metaverse experience of Myst online. It is concluded by the importance of the collaboration between the digital narrative and interactive problematical formulation for the research, production, knowledge and teaching-learning processes.
Evaluating Participation in an International Bilingual Virtual World Educational Intervention for Youth
Authors: Beals Laura , Bers Marina Umaschi
Published: August 2018

This paper reports on an evaluation of participation in a complex, international, bilingual project called ClubZora. ClubZora was an eleven-month educational intervention in which the Zora virtual world was introduced to an international after-school community of youth spanning 11 countries and two languages, English and Spanish. Zora is a multi-user virtual environment that provides a safe space for youth. In Zora, users can create and populate a virtual city by making their own places and interactive creations, using 3D objects such as picture frames, movie screens, houses, interior decorations, message boards, and signs. Zora provides both a real-time chat system and a message-board system for communication. Each action performed by the participants in Zora is logged into a database and analyzed with a customized online log-parser. The log parser allows for easy exploration of population demographics and data related to software usage (i.e., logging on/off, conversations, object creation, etc.). In addition, a master registry of the objects created in Zora is contained within a file called a “prop dump,” which contains the date of creation, coordinates, owner, etc. of each object.             This paper presents a case study of an evaluation of participation in this virtual world educational intervention. Through this case study, methods for determining participation will be explored. Using the data collected during the ClubZora project, this case study explores who used Zora and how, including statistical analysis of usage patterns in order to examine potential participation differences among demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, age, language, Clubhouse region, etc.). A discussion of the implications of the results as they pertain to development of the software and of the educational program supported by Zora is also presented.
What are users thinking in a virtual world lesson? Using stimulated recall interviews to report student cognition, and its triggers
Authors: Henderson Lyn , Henderson Michael , Grant Scott , Huang Hui
Published: August 2018

Stimulated recall is an empirically rigorous introspection data collection tool that allows the interviewer to elicit, identify and explore participants’ thinking. In this study it was used to identify the types of thinking skills and strategies employed by first year university students engaged in a Chinese language and culture lesson in Second Life. A valuable affordance of this technique is the ability to account for stimuli from both the virtual and physical environments, thus strengthening the researchers’ claims about the relationship between thinking and instructional design. This was accomplished through the use of screen capture software to record both the avatar’s on-screen activity in Second Life as well as the face of the participant (via the web camera). This data was then used during the interview, within strict methodological protocols, to stimulate participants’ recall of their thinking at the time of doing the activity. The value of stimulated recall over other introspection tools, within the context of this study, is discussed. In addition, methodological concerns, especially those relating to reliability and validity of data, are outlined in this article and data from the study is used to explicate strategies to minimize those concerns.
Assistive Technology Interoperability between Virtual and Real Worlds
Authors: Krueger Alice , Stineman Margaret Grace
Published: August 2018

Accessibility is an important area of interoperability between real and virtual worlds that must be considered during standards-setting. The number of persons with disabilities is large and increasing, as is their use of virtual worlds. All elements of virtual worlds must be accessible. Four types of real world disability impact functioning in virtual worlds: keyboard/mouse; print; hearing/speech; and cognitive. Some virtual worlds include accessibility features, such as resizable UI elements and fonts. Alternative keyboards and mice usually work adequately in virtual worlds. However, common text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and screen reader software doesn't interface well with virtual worlds.Existing accessibility guidelines and legislation (Universal Design, Internet accessibility standards and guidelines, and online game accessibility guidelines) might be applicable to virtual worlds. Practical limitations to implementation of these solutions include their complexity and cost. As government agencies, universities, and employers increase their use of virtual worlds, specific standards for virtual world accessibility, including interfacing with common assistive technology, need to be created and enforced.
Tearing of clothes: A study of an ancient practice in the Old Testament
Authors: Jerome Obiorah M. , Uroko Favour C.
Published: August 2018

Tearing of clothes occurs in sorrowful occasions but there is a class of person that the law excludes from this custom. This article attempts a synopsis and a synchronised presentation of all the occurrences of this phenomenon in the Old Testament. Particular attention is paid to the verbal roots and mood employed for the action of rending clothes, words used for clothes, persons performing the action, reasons for the action and contexts. The specific objective of the study is to elucidate this ancient practice, especially the contexts in which it is found in the Old Testament.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The research on ancient Israel’s practice of tearing clothes is a biblical analysis of this phenomenon in the Old Testament. It is discovered that this practice was used as an external manifestation of personal or communal dolorous experience, still practised among Jews today. Disciplines implicated are sociology and psychology.
Occupational Therapists’ Role in Perinatal Care: A Health Promotion Approach
Authors: Fernandes Julie Grobbelaar
Published: August 2018

This article establishes and examines occupational therapists’ role in perinatal care and proposes a health promotion approach for new and expectant mothers. The author demonstrates the importance of maintaining meaningful occupational engagement during this critical life stage by incorporating evidence from orthopedic, rehabilitation, and hand therapy research. New and expectant mothers are at high risk for upper extremity (UE) conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and tendinosis of the UE. Occupational therapists with basic knowledge of hand therapy are well prepared to manage these conditions conservatively. An occupation-based model and framework are presented to ensure a holistic view of the target population. Topics pertinent to this population include postural techniques, repetitive tasks, patient education, and strengthening related to the perinatal period.
Assessment of gaseous criteria pollutants in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand
Authors: Uttamang Pornpan , Aneja Viney P. , Hanna Adel F.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The analysis of gaseous criteria pollutants in the Bangkok
Metropolitan Region (BMR), Thailand, from 2010 to 2014 reveals that while the
hourly concentrations of CO, SO2 and NO2 were mostly
within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQs) of Thailand, the
hourly concentrations of O3 frequently exceeded the standard. The
results reveal that the problem of high O3 concentration
continuously persisted in this area. The O3 photolytic rate
constant (j1) for BMR calculated based on assuming a photostationary
state ranged from 0.008 to 0.013 s−1, which is similar to the
calculated j1 using the NCAR TUV model (0.021±0.0024 s−1).
Interconversion between O3, NO and NO2 indicates that
crossover points between the species occur when the concentration of
NOx (= NO + NO2) is ∼60 ppb. Under a
low-NOx regime ([NOx] < 60 ppb),
O3 is the dominant species, while, under a
high-NOx regime ([NOx]
> 60 ppb), NO dominates. Linear regression analysis between the
concentrations of Ox (= O3 + NO2)
and NOx provides the role of local and regional
contributions to Ox. During O3 episodes
([O3]hourly > 100 ppb), the values of the
local and regional contributions were nearly double of those during
non-episodes. Ratio analysis suggests that the major contributors of primary
pollutants over BMR are mobile sources. The air quality index (AQI) for BMR
was predominantly good to moderate; however, unhealthy O3
categories were observed during episode conditions in the region.
Aluminium in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Labrador Sea (GEOTRACES GA01 section): roles of continental inputs and biogenic particle removal
Authors: Menzel Barraqueta Jan-Lukas , Schlosser Christian , Planquette Hélène , Gourain Arthur , Cheize Marie , Boutorh Julia , Shelley Rachel , Contreira Pereira Leonardo , Gledhill Martha , Hopwood Mark J. , Lacan François , Lherminier Pascale , Sarthou Geraldine , Achterberg Eric P.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The distribution of dissolved aluminium (dAl) in the water
column of the North Atlantic and Labrador Sea was studied along GEOTRACES
section GA01 to unravel the sources and sinks of this element. Surface water
dAl concentrations were low (median of 2.5 nM) due to low aerosol deposition
and removal by biogenic particles (i.e. phytoplankton cells). However,
surface water dAl concentrations were enhanced on the Iberian and Greenland
shelves (up to 30.9 nM) due to continental inputs (rivers, glacial flour,
and ice melt). Dissolved Al in surface waters scaled negatively with
chlorophyll a and biogenic silica (opal) concentrations. The abundance of
diatoms exerted a significant (p<0.01) control on the surface particulate
Al (pAl) to dAl ratios by decreasing dAl levels and increasing pAl levels.
Dissolved Al concentrations generally increased with depth and correlated
strongly with silicic acid (R2>0.76) west of the Iberian Basin,
suggesting net release of dAl at depth during remineralization of sinking
opal-containing particles. Enrichment of dAl at near-bottom depths was
observed due to the resuspension of sediments. The highest dAl concentrations
(up to 38.7 nM) were observed in Mediterranean Outflow Waters, which act as
a major source of dAl to mid-depth waters of the eastern North Atlantic. This
study clearly shows that the vertical and lateral distributions of dAl in the
North Atlantic differ when compared to other regions of the Atlantic and
global oceans. Responsible for these large inter- and intra-basin differences
are the large spatial variabilities in the main Al source, atmospheric
deposition, and the main Al sink, particle scavenging by biogenic particles.
Posicionamento cirúrgico: prevalência de risco de lesões em pacientes cirúrgicos
Authors: Trevilato Denilse Damasceno , Melo Thaís Camargo , Fagundes Maria Anobes Bonet Grespan , Caregnato Rita Catalina Aquino
Published: August 2018

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de pacientes em risco de desenvolvimento de lesões decorrentes do posicionamento cirúrgico. Método: Estudo transversal,realizado em hospital privado localizado na região sul do Brasil. Amostra aleatória com 378 pacientes adultos submetidos a cirurgias eletivas entrejaneiro e setembro de 2017. Foi aplicada a Escala de Avaliação de Risco para o Desenvolvimento de Lesões Decorrentes do Posicionamento Cirúrgico(ELPO) após indução anestésica e realizada análise descritiva. Resultados: A prevalência de pacientes com alto risco de desenvolvimento de lesões foide 19,05% (n=72). O posicionamento identificado como de maior risco foi a litotomia (59,72%; n=43). O escore médio da ELPO na amostra estudadafoi 16,317 (desvio padrão=3,6176) e a mediana foi de 16, o que significa baixo risco de desenvolvimento de lesões. Conclusão: A ELPO permitiu determinara prevalência de risco para lesões em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos eletivos, identificando que o risco está mais relacionado com a posiçãocirúrgica do que com o porte da cirurgia.
De las excepciones en la Sustracción Internacional de persona menor de 16 años. Visión doctrinal y jurisprudencial, con énfasis en el proceso nicaragüense
Authors: Aráuz Enríquez María José
Published: August 2018

La sustracción internacional de menores es una institución que se halla contenida en el Convenio de la Haya de 1980, del cual Nicaragua es país suscriptor. El contenido del Convenio estructura los mecanismos generales que sobre dicha materia cada uno de los Estados suscriptores ha de adoptar e incorporar en su ordenamiento jurídico. No obstante, la finalidad de dicho instrumento internacional consiste en la tutela del derecho de custodia y visitas propio de uno de los progenitores cuando el otro ha sustraído de su domicilio al niño, niña o adolescente. Respecto a esta materia, dentro de nuestro ordenamiento nacional, el Código de Familia sienta algunas reglas de carácter general, remitiendo en consecuencia, a lo dispuesto en los instrumentos internacionales con vigencia en nuestro Derecho, no obstante, en este trabajo se destaca la existencia de normas distintas a las que remite el Código de Familia, las cuales deben ser tenidas en cuenta para la solución de conflictos. Otro elemento en el que se centra la atención en esta investigación es la necesidad de coordinación entre las autoridades competentes, lo cual se realiza por medio del análisis de casos y de doctrina jurisprudencial de algunos países de nuestro entorno cultural; seguidamente, se describe el procedimiento tanto administrativo como judicial que pone en práctica las disposiciones del Convenio, a propósito de lo cual se evidencia que los aplicadores realizan interpretaciones inadecuadas de las normas cuando se las analiza en concurrencia con otras normas concomitantes, en especial, cuando se trata de causas con ocasión de la sustracción internacional del país de residencia habitual y de las excepciones especiales que las partes pueden oponer a la solicitud de restitución inmediata del niño, niña o adolescente. En fin, este trabajo pretende presentar una suerte de guía para una correcta implementación a los supuestos de sustracción internacional y a la vez, evidenciar la necesidad de crear una ley especial sobre la materia.
Rice Imports and Electoral Proximity: The Philippines and Indonesia Compared
Authors: Davidson Jamie S.
Published: August 2018

Abstract This article attempts to explain why the pattern of rice imports in Indonesia and the Philippines, two countries that share many similarities, differ as their respective presidential elections approach: rice imports tend to increase in the Philippines yet fall in
Indonesia. The mainstream agricultural political economy literature can only help provide partial answers because it overly stresses the influence of material factors within institutional frameworks. To more fully come to grips with this contrasting pattern, we also need to understand how
ideas impact politics and where these influential ideas originate. I find that Indonesia’s more pro-peasant, economic nationalist history, as compared to its Philippine counterpart, acts as a constraint on that country’s politicians. It compels them to reduce rice imports as elections
approach in order to appear more populist.
A Clinician's Guide to Oral Extended-Release Drug Delivery Systems in Epilepsy
Authors: Wheless James W. , Phelps Stephanie J.
Published: August 2018

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurologic disorders that affects individuals of all ages. It is primarily managed with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), with the goal of maintaining complete seizure control combined with minimal or no adverse effects. Oral administration is the mainstay of AED delivery for patients with chronic epilepsy and consists essentially of immediate-release (IR) and modified-release (delayed-release and extended-release [ER]) dosage formulations. Extended-release formulations (hydrophilic or hydrophobic matrix systems, reservoir systems, and osmotic-release systems) release a drug in a controlled manner during an extended period of time following administration. Extended-release formulations have many advantages compared with IR formulations, including simplification of dosing regimens, reduction in pill burden, and reduction in the peak-to-trough fluctuations in serum drug concentration that may be associated with a decreased risk of adverse effects and of seizures. These advantages have the potential to increase adherence to antiepileptic therapy, improve the quality of life of patients, and reduce health care costs. This article, which is intended as a practical guide for clinicians, reviews the properties of the different ER AED formulations currently available and discusses the advantages of ER over IR formulations. Subsequently, an explanation of the technologic basis of the different oral ER formulations, the critical attributes that differentiate ER products, and their individual strengths and weaknesses is provided. Specific recommendations to practitioners on treating patients with ER formulations are included.
Development of an Interprofessional Pharmacist-Nurse Navigation Pediatric Discharge Program
Authors: Nguyen Vy , Sarik Danielle Altares , Dejos Michael C. , Hilmas Elora
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVES Numerous challenges face clinically complex patients as they transition from hospital to home. The purpose of this project was to add pharmacy discharge services to an existing nurse-led discharge service (patient navigation program) to facilitate the transition of care process for clinically complex pediatric patients.

METHODS For select patients referred to the service, a pharmacist resolved medication discrepancies, provided discharge counseling, and conducted follow-up telephone encounters on days 1, 7, and 14 post discharge. Patient demographics, admitting diagnosis, and number of discharge medications were recorded. The impact on patient outcomes was measured by the number and type of pharmacist interventions identified. Program utilization was measured by the number of referrals received, percentage of patients seen by a pharmacist, follow-up phone call completion rate, and pharmacist time required. Financial benefit gained from the program was estimated by translating each pharmaceutical intervention into potential cost savings.

RESULTS There were 321 patient navigation referrals during the 5 months of pharmacist service. A pharmacist was able to provide discharge counseling for 56 discharges (17%). Patients who were provided pharmacy services had a median of 8 comorbidities, 10-day length of stay, and 4 discharge medications. Pharmacists identified 168 interventions, of which 93.5% were accepted or informational in nature. The most frequently identified interventions included clarification of drug order, assistance obtaining medication, and dose rounding. This program resulted in an estimated cost savings of $22,308 in the first 5 months.

CONCLUSIONS A unique partnership between nurses and pharmacists facilitated the discharge process for clinically complex children.
ULTRALIBERALISMO, EVANGELICALISMO POLÍTICO E MISOGINIA: A FORÇA TRIUNFANTE DO PATRIARCALISMO NA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA PÓS-IMPEACHMENT
Authors: Wermuth Maiquel Ângelo Dezordi , Nielsson Joice Graciele
Published: August 2018

O artigo perspectiva o cenário político-social brasileiro pós-impeachment de 2016, buscando compreender as causas condicionantes do referido processo e os seus reflexos na política e na sociedade brasileiras. Visa a responder ao seguinte problema de pesquisa: em que medida o processo de impeachment ocorrido no Brasil em 2016, mais do que um simples processo jurídico-político, representou um marco na (re)articulação e no avanço do patriarcalismo, ancorado especialmente em uma aliança entre ultraliberais e fundamentalistas que, com base em uma retórica misógina e conservadora, abriu caminho para o avanço das políticas de desmonte do Estado Social minimamente estruturado no Brasil, evidenciando a ocorrência de um processo denominado, a partir da teoria social-democrática de Nancy Fraser, de “evangelicalismo político”? Para responder à pergunta, o texto encontra-se estruturado em três partes: em um primeiro momento, realiza uma análise do patriarcalismo, considerando ser este o modelo (ainda) predominante na sociedade brasileira; em um segundo momento, aborda os acontecimentos jurídico-políticos do impeachment sofrido por Dilma Rousseff, demonstrando que este processo configurou-se a partir de uma (re)articulação do avanço das forças patriarcalistas; por fim, apresenta o “evangelicalismo político”, tal qual cunhado por Nancy Fraser, como o movimento que dá sustentação ao patriarcalismo, na medida em que viabiliza a aliança do fundamentalismo religioso com o movimento de avanço ultraliberal. Utiliza-se, na investigação, o método fenomenológico, notadamente a partir das contribuições de Martin Heidegger e Hans-Georg Gadamer.
A RESTRIÇÃO DO USO MEDICINAL DA CANNABIS SATIVA FACE AO PRINCÍPIO DA AUTONOMIA DA VONTADE
Authors: Zaganelli Margareth Vetis , Gomes Correia João Victor
Published: August 2018

O presente trabalho aborda a restrição do uso medicinal da Cannabis sativa no Brasil, contrapondo aos aspectos teóricos e legais do princípio da autonomia da vontade na perspectiva da Bioética. Por meio de metodologia exploratória de natureza qualitativa, mediante utilização de investigação bibliográfica, faz-se uma revisão das literaturas acadêmicas e dos dados fornecidos pelos órgãos estatais e meios de comunicação, pesquisando como a legislação brasileira tem tratado o assunto e quais seriam os possíveis benefícios terapêuticos que os medicamentos derivados da planta podem trazer para determinadas enfermidades. A seguir, aborda-se as perspectivas nacionais e internacionais sobre o uso medicinal da Cannabis para se inferir, à luz do princípio da autonomia da vontade, os impactos gerados pelo impedimento dos tratamentos à base das propriedades terapêuticas da maconha.
PRONAF: possibilidades e limites de acesso entre os agricultores familiares do município de Cachoeira do Sul, RS
Authors: Vargas Daiane Loreto de , Bonher Tanny Oliveira Lima
Published: August 2018

A agricultura familiar abarca produtores em condições sociais, econômicas e produtivas diversificadas, foi construída para dar sustentação ao Programa Nacional da Agricultura Familiar (PRONAF), criado em 1995. O presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar os fatores econômicos, sociais e produtivos dos agricultores familiares que têm acesso ao programa (pronafianos) e daqueles que não têm acesso ao mesmo (não-pronafianos).  A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no município de Cachoeira do Sul/RS, com uma abordagem quali-quantitativa, através da aplicação de questionários e entrevistas com 35 agricultores familiares. Os resultados evidenciam diferenças entre os sistemas de produção e os níveis socioeconômicos dos agricultores pronafianos e não-pronafianos.
O conforto e o desconforto térmico em bairros com diferentes padrões de construções em Presidente Prudente/SP.
Authors: Ikefuti Priscilla Venâncio , Amorim Margarete Cristiane De Costa Trindade
Published: August 2018

Os estudos sobre o conforto térmico podem contribuir com o planejamento, na medida em que, nos ambientes tropicais, não só os eventos extremos de temperatura e umidade do ar podem provocar desconforto, mas também os episódios habituais. O objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi estudar o conforto térmico em ambientes abertos e fechados, de acordo com o padrão das edificações, resultantes das condições sociais da população, na cidade de Presidente Prudente. Podemos constatar com essa pesquisa que existe uma influência dos materiais construtivos e das áreas verdes no conforto térmico das residências.
VIRTUAL COMMISSIONING OF AUTOMATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL PLANT
Authors: REYES MORALES GUILLERMO , SANCHEZ ALONSO ROGER ERNESTO , MUDIKI SAHIRANMITRA , SALINAS HERNANDEZ ANDRES , ORTEGA MOODY JORGE ALBERTO , SAMUDIO CANO ADOLFO ENRIQUE
Published: August 2018

The operation stage of an industrial automation project begins with the commissioning process, where all the necessary adjustments are made to ensure the proper performance of the software developed and the devices involved in the automation sequences. This process can be somewhat delicate, since any aspect not foreseen in the software could delay the beginning of the project. In fact, any aspect of software, communication or assembly that is not considered can result in serious losses, given that many times fragile and expensive devices are used. Virtual commissioning has been in recent years a favorable solution to these problems, saving a lot of financial resources for companies wishing to implement automated processes. This paper presents a case study for the automation industry, in which a virtual scenario representing a bottling plant is able to communicate with any kind of PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) through a communication protocol and a physical interface that work with real digital and analog signals. Both, the communication protocol and the physical interface, are original proposals developed in this work.

Key Words: Virtual Commissioning, Industrial, Automation
Estudos sobre sentidos e significados do trabalho na psicologia: uma revisão das suas bases teóricoepistemológicas
Authors: Pereira Eliane França , Tolfo Suzana Tolfo Rosa
Published: August 2018

Este artigo tem por objetivos identificar as principais bases teórico-epistemológicas dos estudos sobre sentidos e significados do trabalho na Psicologia e estabelecer possíveis aproximações com os paradigmas sociológicos de Burrel e Morgan (1979). Com base na literatura se verifica o predomínio do paradigma funcionalista, representado por autores como Hackman e Oldhan, MOW, Borges e Morin. Existem tam-bém vertentes teóricas que, em parte, estão relacionadas ao paradigma interpretativista (Morin, 2001; Dejours, 1987). A maioria das perspectivas baseia-se em pressupostos da Sociologia da Regulação. Entre-tanto, há abordagens mais críticas que enfatizam o papel da sociedade, condizentes com a Sociologia da Mudança Radical (Spink & Medrado, 2004; Vygotski, 2001). É possível perceber modificações no modo de compreender os sentidos e os significados do trabalho em cada momento histórico, expressas através da evolução das abordagens teórico-epistemológicas e nas mudanças dos paradigmas que orientam a soci-edade, o ethos predominante do trabalho e a constituição da subjetividade.
Micobacteriosis identificadas en el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Colombia entre 2012 y 2016
Authors: Llerena Claudia , Valbuena Angélica , Zabaleta Angie Paola
Published: August 2018

Introducción. En los últimos años se ha observado un aumento en la prevalencia de micobacteriosis ocasionadas por micobacterias no tuberculosas, las cuales hoy se consideran como agentes patógenos emergentes. Su presencia depende de varios factores, como los antecedentes clínicos, el estado de salud de la persona afectada y la presencia de estos microorganismos en el agua, el suelo y los animales, entre otros.Objetivo. Describir las micobacteriosis identificadas en el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Micobacterias del Instituto Nacional de Salud, entre 2012 y 2016.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un análisis retrospectivo que incluyó 273 pacientes con micobacteriosis. Las variables analizadas fueron el tipo de micobacteriosis, el agente etiológico y los factores de riesgo asociados.Resultados. El 57,1 % de los casos presentó micobacteriosis pulmonar, el 26 %, cutánea, el 10,6 %, diseminada, y el 2,6 %, linfática. La comparación entre la forma pulmonar y la extrapulmonar evidenció que el complejo Mycobacterium avium se presenta con mayor frecuencia en las micobacteriosis pulmonares, en tanto que M. abscessus fue más frecuente en las extrapulmonares. Los pacientes con micobacteriosis pulmonar presentaban antecedentes de tuberculosis con mayor frecuencia que aquellos con las formas extrapulmonares.Conclusión. Estos hallazgos resaltan la importancia del diagnóstico diferencial entre las especies del complejo M. tuberculosis y las micobacterias no tuberculosas, ya que estas últimas son resistentes genéticamente a los fármacos convencionales contra la tuberculosis.
Variabilidad genética en regiones codificantes del antígeno de superficie y el dominio de la transcriptasa inversa de la polimerasa del virus de la hepatitis B, Colombia, 2002-2014
Authors: Peláez-Carvajal Dioselina , Forero Nidia Janeth , Escalante-Mora Martha , Laiton-Donato Katherine , Usme-Ciro José Aldemar
Published: August 2018

Introducción. Se estima que 240 millones de personas en el mundo tienen infección crónica con el virus de la hepatitis B (HBV). En Colombia, la endemia es variable y circulan diferentes genotipos virales. Las mutaciones a lo largo del genoma se han asociado con resistencia antiviral, el escape ante la reacción de anticuerpos neutralizadores tras la vacunación o a la infección natural, la infección oculta y la progresión a carcinoma hepatocelular.Objetivo. Identificar los genotipos y las mutaciones presentes en la región codificante del antígeno de superficie (S) y del dominio de la transcriptasa inversa (reverse transcriptase, RT) de la polimerasa del HBV en muestras de suero remitidas al Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia para el diagnóstico de hepatitis B, entre el 2002 y el 2014.Materiales y métodos. En 495 muestras de suero positivas para el antígeno de superficie de la hepatitis B (HBsAg) se buscó el ADN viral, se amplificó y secuenció un fragmento de 1.591 nucleótidos y, posteriormente, se hizo el análisis filogenético correspondiente.Resultados. En 66 de las muestras se logró detectar el genoma viral y 28 de ellas se secuenciaron exitosamente. El análisis filogenético permitió identificar los genotipos y subgenotipos F3 y A2. Una muestra presentó simultáneamente las sustituciones de resistencia L180M y M204V, otra presentó la sustitución I169L y en una se identificó la mutación P120Q, previamente asociada con variantes de escape. Dos muestras presentaron una deleción de 105 nucleótidos en la región preS1-preS2.Conclusiones. Se corroboró la circulación en Colombia de los genotipos y subgenotipos F3 y A2, así como la presencia de mutaciones de resistencia y escape. El presente estudio constituye un aporte a la epidemiologia molecular del HBV en Colombia.
Detección molecular de leptospiras patógenas en roedores sinantrópicos y silvestres capturados en Yucatán, México
Authors: Torres-Castro Marco , Cruz-Camargo Bayron , Medina-Pinto Rodrigo , Reyes-Hernández Bibiana , Moguel-Lehmer Carlos , Medina Rolando , Ortiz-Esquivel José , Arcila-Fuentes William , López-Ávila Armando , No-Pech Henry , Panti-May Alonso , Rodríguez-Vivas Iván , Puerto Fernando I.
Published: August 2018

Introducción. La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica endémica en México, ocasionada por la bacteria del género Leptospira, la cual constituye un problema de salud pública y veterinaria. Los roedores son los reservorios más relevantes de Leptospira spp., debido a que la bacteria se establece y se reproduce en su tejido renal y es excretada por la orina.Objetivo. Identificar la presencia de Leptospira spp. en tejido renal de roedores capturados en Yucatán, México.Materiales y métodos. Se capturaron roedores sinantrópicos y silvestres en el municipio rural de Cenotillo, Yucatán, México. Se tomó un riñón de cada roedor y se extrajo el ADN total. La identificación de Leptospira spp. se hizo mediante la detección de dos fragmentos del gen 16S rRNA con una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) de punto final. Los productos positivos se secuenciaron y se analizaron con herramientas de alineamiento.Resultados. Se capturaron 92 roedores pertenecientes a siete especies distintas. La PCR arrojó 5,4 % (5/92) de positividad global. El análisis del alineamiento de los aislamientos de los roedores infectados demostró 100 % de cobertura e identidad con la especie Leptospira interrogans. Esta es la primera evidencia molecular de la circulación de Leptospira spp. en Heteromys gaumeri capturados en Yucatán, México.Conclusión. Se evidenció que los roedores de Yucatán, México, son reservorios de Leptospira spp. y participan en el ciclo de infección de la leptospirosis en la región.
Fungal Cultivation by Insects
Authors: Dentinger Bryn TM , Bills Christy
Published: August 2018

Fungi and insects are two hyperdiverse groups of organisms that have interacted for millennia. Over time, some insects have come to rely on fungi for a variety of resources, including room and board. Ants, wasps, beetles and a variety of other insects have adapted to using fungi primarily for reinforcing structures or as sources of food, with the most extreme examples resulting in cultivation of fungal crops. Chief among these examples are the mushroom‐farming ants and termites, and the wood‐boring beetles and wasps. These systems offer compelling insights into a miniature world that parallels our own human agricultural systems, providing new perspectives on sustainable practices that have endured millions of years of parasites, pests and environmental change. Yet our basic documentation of the natural history of fungal cultivation by insects is still very incomplete, with new discoveries regularly appearing that expand our knowledge of the true diversity of these interactions.

Key Concepts

Fungiculture evolved independently at least six times in three orders of insects.

Fungus‐farming ants, termites, beetles and wasps are prime examples of obligate fungiculture.

Insects cultivate fungi for food or structure.

Diverse lineages of fungi belonging to Ascomycota and Basidiomycota are cultivated.

Fungal crops are typically transmitted vertically, but may or may not engage in reproduction outside of gardens.

Fungi are capable of transforming plant materials into consumable forms for the insects, expanding ecological opportunities for both partners.

Insect fungicultural systems have been stable symbioses for millions of years, yet fungal gardens are complex communities of interacting microorganisms.
Victimization of teachers by students in Israel and in Chile and its relations with teachers’ victimization of students
Authors: Benbenishty Rami , Astor Ron A. , López Verónica , Bilbao Marian , Ascorra Paula
Published: August 2018

Although in recent years there has been a growing interest in victimization of teachers by their students (student‐to‐teacher victimization), it is not discussed in relation to students’ victimization by their teachers (teacher‐to‐student victimization) across cultures. This study used a cross‐cultural comparative design to examine the prevalence of students’ reports of student‐to‐teacher and teacher‐to‐student victimization and the correlations between them, both at the student and the school levels. It compares the patterns of findings among Jewish and Arab students in Israel and a sample of Chilean students. A nationally representative student sample in Israel (N = 24,243 students from 474 schools) and a Chilean purposeful sample (N = 24,243 students from 37 schools) answered questions regarding being victimized by teachers, and victimizing their teachers. Four cultural groups were compared: Jewish secular, Jewish religious, Arab, and Chilean students. Findings indicate that students reported that they victimized their teachers more verbally than physically. They also reported being victimized by their teachers, more verbally and less physically and sexually. These patterns were quite similar across the cultural groups, although there were significant differences between them in the prevalence of student‐to‐teacher and teacher‐to‐student victimization. The two types of victimization were associated: students who reported being victimized by teachers also tended to report that they victimized teachers, and schools in which teacher‐to‐student victimization was more prevalent were also schools in which student‐to‐teacher victimization tended to be more frequent. We discuss these findings both theoretically and regarding their implications for policy and practice.
Additional Costs of Polymyalgia Rheumatica With Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Mounié Michael , Pugnet Grégory , Savy Nicolas , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Molinier Laurent , Costa Nadège
Published: August 2018

Objective

To assess and compare direct costs between patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) that is associated or not associated with polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR), and to identify the additional cost drivers due to PMR.

Methods

A population‐based, retrospective cohort study using the French National Health Insurance System Database was conducted. Cost analysis was performed from the French health insurance perspective and direct medical and nonmedical costs were taken into account (based on 2014 costs [€]). Costs were analyzed according to different components and divided into 6‐month periods to assess care consumption. Longitudinal multivariate analyses, using generalized estimating equations, were used to adjust the effect of PMR on the mean cost over time.

Results

Analyses were performed on 100 incident patients with GCA, 54 of whom had PMR. The cumulative additional cost due to PMR was €8,801 for 3 years, and €10,532 for 5 years. The significant additional costs occurred especially during the second and third years of follow‐up, amounting to €1,769 between 12 and 18 months (P = 0.02), €1,924 between 18 and 24 months (P = 0.17), €1,458 between 24 and 30 months (P = 0.08), and €1,307 between 30 and 36 months (P = 0.07). The most important cost drivers were inpatient stays, paramedic procedures, and medications. Multivariate analyses showed a significant effect of PMR on mean cost during the first 3 years of follow‐up (relative risk 1.76 [95% confidence interval 1.03–2.99], P = 0.038).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this study is the first to accurately assess the cost of PMR care in patients with GCA and to highlight that PMR is largely responsible for the high cost of GCA.