bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Chalkiness Character of Giant Embryo Rice and Observation on Its Microstructure in Grains
Authors: Peng Bo , He Kun , Xu Kun , Tang Dong-Ying , Peng Juan , Song Xiao-Hua , Tian Xia-Yu , Sun Yan-Fang , Pang Rui-Hua , Zheng Meng-Yang , Li Hui-Long , Guo Gui-Ying , Huang Xin-Hua , Wang Quan-Xiu , Zhou Wei , Yuan Hong-Yu
Published: July 2020

Grain chalkiness greatly affects the grain appearance and milling, eating, cooking, and nutritional qualities, thus it is one of the most important traits of grain qualities. Based on the study of chalkiness characters in endosperm of different giant embryo rice, the relationship between the differences of chalkiness characters in endosperm of different giant embryo rice and the morphological structure, arrangement and development of starch granules in endosperm was clarified, which will lay a solid foundation for further revealing the formation mechanism of chalkiness characters in giant embryo rice and cultivating excellent new varieties of giant embryo rice. In this study, the chalkiness of endosperm (including chalkiness rate, chalkiness degree and chalkiness area) of 16 different rice varieties were investigated and analyzed. The results showed that the chalkiness of endosperm was closely related to the morphological structure and arrangement of starch granules in endosperm cells of different kinds of giant embryo rice, and there were significant differences between the chalkiness of different parts of the same giant embryo rice and the morphological structure and arrangement of starch granules in endosperm cells. Therefore, the results of this study will provide important information for the improvement of quality characters and the breeding of new rice varieties.
Modeling the Effects of Water Temperature on Growth Rates, Gastric Evacuation and the Return of Appetite in Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L.
Authors: Azaza Mohamed S. , Dhraief Mohamed N.
Published: July 2020

Optimized aquafeeds have long been a major concern of the sustainable aquaculture development. Not only should the feed composition meet the nutritional requirements of the fish, it should also be reasonably managed (feed ration and feeding frequency) to enhance the feed utilisation efficiency, growth performance and decrease the amount of wastes. At present there is no detailed information on how rearing temperature impacts gastric evacuation rate, return of appetite (RA) and daily feed ration among tilapias, considered as one of the leading fish species for worldwide aquaculture production. The objective of this study was to develope mathematical models to estimate maximum daily feed intake for Nile tilapia in relation to feeding frequency and water temperature. Growth was measured in 480 fish (initial body mass 4.30±0.02 g) fed in slight excess, following their exposure to four thermal treatment (22, 26, 30 and 34 °C) (four replications per treatment, 21-days rearing period, growth monitoring at 5-days intervals). Gastric evacuation and return of appetite measurement were made by radiographic technique.

A growth model was developed using a stepwise multiple-regression analysis against fish body mass and water temperature (r2 = 0.939, df = 15) as follow: SGR (%M/day) = -70.606 + 98.433 Log T° – 33.762 (Log T°)2 - 0.153 Log M (Log T°)2. The gastric emptying was described by an exponential function, which was found to be inversely related to the RA. The instantaneous evacuation rates (Re) determined by linearizing the data were strongly affected by rearing temperature (Q10 = 0.047) in Nile tilapia. The RA following a satiation meal was also significantly dependent on rearing temperature. Based on these data, the maximum daily feed consumption was estimated in relation to feeding schedule for juvenile tilapia reared at different temperatures.

Considering that unsuitable use of feed adversely impacts on the farm revenue and profit, these results contribute to improve feed management strategies.
Do Socioeconomic Factors Matter in Acreage Owned and Acreage Farmed by Small Livestock Producers in Georgia?
Authors: Tackie David Nii O. , Bartlett Jannette R. , Adu-Gyamfi Akua , Nunoo Nicole I. , Perry Bridget J.
Published: July 2020

Although socioeconomic factors may influence acreage owned and acreage farmed by small producers, limited studies have been conducted on this topic in the Southeastern U.S., such as in Georgia. Therefore, the study ascertained the effect of socioeconomic factors on acreage owned and acreage farmed by small livestock producers in Georgia. The data were obtained from a sample of producers, and assessed by using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that a majority had farming experience and livestock farming experience of 30 years or less, respectively, 82 and 77%. Corresponding proportions for 20 years or less were 74 and 71%. Additionally, a little less than half (48%) owned over 60 acres of land, and a majority (55%) farmed over 60 acres. The ordinal logistic regression analyses revealed that, of the socioeconomic factors, farming status, education, and household income had statistically significant effects on acreage owned and acreage farmed. The findings suggest that socioeconomic factors matter in farm size in the study area, and they should be taken into consideration when designing programs for small producers.
Adoption of Improved Soybean Varieties and Differences in Technical Efficiency Between Improved and Local Soybean Varieties in Southern Shan State, Myanmar
Authors: Soe Ei Thazin , Takahashi Yoshifumi , Yabe Mitsuyasu
Published: July 2020

This study determined the factors influencing the adoption of improved soybean varieties and examined the technical efficiencies of improved and local soybean varieties production in Southern Shan State, Myanmar. For this study, data from a sample of 337 respondents were collected by employing a multi-stage random sampling method. Logit model was adopted to determine the factors influencing the adoption of improved soybean varieties. Additionally, a stochastic production frontier was used to examine technical efficiencies of improved and local soybean varieties. Results show that factors that positively and significantly influence the adoption of improved soybean varieties are education, market access, extension access and training access. Examination of technical efficiency reveals that labor, fertilizer, machinery, and use of pesticide and harvester are inputs that significantly contribute to improving production efficiency among the improved variety farmers while seeds, labor, and fertilizer are significant inputs of local soybean production. On average, the estimated yield of the improved soybean varieties is 1.51 t/ha, which is higher than the yield of local soybean varieties grown at 0.88 t/ha. It was also revealed that improved soybean varieties had a relatively higher level of mean technical efficiency (85.04%) than local varieties (70.13%) and significantly different at 1% level. The results show that improved soybean production is more efficient than local soybean production. Therefore, government and non-government organizations should improve and provide market access, efficient and effective extension services and training to encourage farmers to adopt improved soybean varieties.
Value Stream Mapping as Lean Healthcare's tool to see wastes and improvement points: the case of the Emergency Care of a University Hospital
Authors: Cardoso Wagner
Published: July 2020

A manufatura enxuta surgiu como uma evolução aos sistemas tradicionais de gestão da produção, em meio à crise que assolava o Japão e então exigia das empresas daquele país que enxugassem seus gastos e otimizassem seus custos. Uma ferramenta inicial para a implantação da manufatura enxuta em qualquer empresa é o mapeamento do fluxo do valor. Com base na grande importância e aplicabilidade da manufatura enxuta com auxílio do mapeamento do fluxo de valor em ambientes industriais é que surgiu a questão de pesquisa: a aplicação do mapeamento do fluxo de valor em hospitais pode trazer resultados positivos como trouxe para as indústrias? Por isto, o objetivo principal desta pesquisa é analisar o ambiente produtivo de um hospital universitário, como estudo de caso, identificar gargalos e desperdícios através do mapeamento do fluxo de valor atual, e propor melhorias com o auxílio do mapeamento do fluxo de valor futuro. Os resultados esperados após a implantação das melhorias propostas é redução do lead time total (tempo em que o paciente passa dentro das dependências do hospital), redução de desperdícios, melhor gestão à vista, e maior comprometimento de todos os envolvidos direta e indiretamente no processo. Essa pesquisa, em sua metodologia, é classificada como exploratória, qualitativa, e utilizou de revisão bibliográfica e estudo de caso para validação do teor pesquisado e potencialidade de aplicação em ambientes hospitalares.
Custos da qualidade: um estudo no serviço de nutrição e dietética de um hospital em processo de acreditação
Authors: De Oliveira Rosângela , Abbas Katia , Da Silva Beatriz Negrelli , Costa Maria Angélica Silva
Published: July 2020

O estudo tem como objetivo identificar os custos da qualidade existentes no Serviço de Nutrição e Dietética (SND), visto que os hospitais são organizações complexas que estão inseridas em um contexto de custos elevados e recursos escassos, demandando, assim, qualidade em seus serviços e processos. Neste aspecto, fica evidente a necessidade da gestão de custos, buscando a eficiência, sem comprometer a qualidade dos serviços prestados, tendo em vista que a qualidade é um elemento fundamental para a sobrevivência e competitividade das organizações. Para tanto, os custos da qualidade objetivam auxiliar na estratégia e gerenciamento organizacional, podendo ser classificados em custos de prevenção, avaliação, falhas internas e falhas externas. O estudo se configura como uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, de caráter descritivo, com recorte transversal, e cuja estratégia utilizada foi o estudo de caso. Quanto à coleta de dados, utilizou-se a observação in loco, bem como entrevistas com as nutricionistas, copeiras e gerente financeiro, com o intuito de identificar os custos da qualidade existentes na instituição. Os principais resultados evidenciaram que o SND apresenta custos de prevenção (treinamentos aos funcionários e padronização); custos de avaliação (questionários acerca da qualidade das refeições) e custos de falhas internas (desperdícios e manutenção corretiva), contudo, não há, até o momento da realização desta pesquisa, um tratamento específico com relação aos custos da qualidade no hospital, tampouco os mesmos são evidenciados separadamente nas demonstrações contábeis e relatórios gerenciais da organização.
Os serviços de saúde e a autogestão da saúde dos usuários de plano público e de plano privado
Authors: Satur Roberto Vilmar , Bastos Adriana De Fátima Valente , Abreu Nelsio Rodrigues de
Published: July 2020

Apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa que buscou compreender o nível de consciência das pessoas sobre questões de saúde em geral, especialmente no que trata da sua própria autogestão em prol de sua saúde, bem como sua satisfação com os serviços profissionais recebidos. A amostra extraída inclui estudantes universitários de instituições públicas e privadas da grande João Pessoa/PR, usuários do sistema de saúde público e privado. A pesquisa foi qualiquantitativa, com pesquisa de campo e a amostra passou de 400 respondentes. Como principais resultados se pode observar que os respondentes têm consciência da importância tanto de fazer sua autogestão em saúde como de ter acesso a serviços de saúde de qualidade. Todavia, percebeu-se que existe um grande gap de comprometimento prático das pessoas como cocriadoras de seu cuidado em saúde, bem como um grande gap apontando deficiência nos serviços de saúde prestados. Não se percebeu grande diferença de consciência e comportamento entre usuários do SUS comparado a usuários de planos de saúde privado. Igualmente ambos apontaram insatisfação (gap) nos serviços de saúde recebidos. Conclui-se que é urgente que os profissionais de saúde e as instituições que trabalham com serviços de saúde percebam que o usuário não pode ser mais considerado um ser passivo e pacífico, e sim um ator ativo e que pode, em muito, ajudar na sua autogestão em saúde, como corresponsável pelo sua melhoria. Mas para isso ele precisa confiar e ter o respaldo dos prestadores de serviços de saúde que lhe deem mais autonomia, segurança e acompanhamento.
The impact of comprehensive Physiotherapy with Biofeedback on the functional state of patients with Lumbar Spine pain
Authors: Mańko Grzegorz , Tim Sabina , Sosulska Angelika , Dobranowski Łukasz , Stach Beata , Dusza Marta
Published: July 2020

Introduction:
 Chronic pain in the lumbosacral spine are becoming a problem for younger and younger people and affect the deterioration of the condition functional patients.
Material and methods:
 Two groups were studied twice, 20 patients (in each group) with lower back pain, attending physiotherapy. In the research group applied comprehensive physiotherapy, and only physical treatments were applied in the control group. To measure effects of therapy were used: the VAS scale, the BPFS Stratford Functional Pain Scale Rating Scale, two weight test, Pressure Bio-Feedback Stabilizer device for muscle activation testing transverse abdomen muscle. Results: In the research group compared to the control group, (p<0.05) a significantly lower level of pain was obtained, assessed on the VAS scale (p=0.003) and in terms of improving functioning significantly (p=0.017) higher level of functional possibilities (by 17.4%). In the research group significantly (p=0.011) more people achieved the correct value of the symmetry of lower limbs, which is in the range of 1- 1.15. All (100%) treated with comprehensive physiotherapy improved transverse abdominal muscle activation TrA.
Conclusions:
 Using the comprehensive physiotherapy reduces pain and improve functional possibilities. Contributes to an even load on the lower limbs in anteroposterior surface and improve the symmetry index of lower limbs. Comprehensive therapy is more effective form treating patients rather than using physical therapy alone. Training transverse abdomen muscle reduces the severity of pain and increases daily activities.
The impact of the action of the diaphragm on the selected organs of human body
Authors: BIENIEK Marcin , ZALESKI Andrzej
Published: July 2020

The latest reports suggest that the work
of the diaphragm affects the function of
not only the musculoskeletal and
respiratory systems but many more
organs as well. Limited research
indicates a likelihood of the diaphragm's
influence on the liver, gallbladder and
heart. Pain radiating to the abdominal
region, neck, shoulder or arm may be
linked to the diaphragm through a vast
fascia system that is abounding with
sensory receptors. The phrenic nerve,
with diaphragmatic sensory and motor
fibers, begins in the same place as the
sensory nerves of the neck and shoulder.
Repetitive work of the diaphragm is
reflected in the lymph flow. Malfunction
of this muscle becomes commonplace
not only in people with health issues. A
sedentary lifestyle activates thoracic
breathing, limiting the work of the
diaphragm. Manual therapy can be an
effective method of restoring the proper
functioning of this muscle.
Assessment of pain and joint instability after ankle sprain in volleyball players
Authors: SZCZERBA Anna , MAGOŃ Grzegorz
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Ankle sprain is a very
common injury in competitive sports,
recreation and also in everyday life. The
main cause of torsion is inversion
trauma, which most often occurs when
tripping over an uneven surface, or as in
the case of retina when landing after a
jump / block attack or quick change of
direction.
Goal. Assessment of pain, joint
instability and fear of returning to play
after ankle sprain in volleyball players.
Material and method. The study
included a group of 51 women aged 16
to 35, consisting of volleyball players
and a comparative group of healthy
women who did not exercise. The study
was carried out using the author's
questionnaire, ankle joint mobility was
measured, joint pain was assessed using
the VAS scale and functional tests were
performed.
Results. More than half of volleyball
players feel problems with a twisted
joint during warm-up. Some of the
respondents are also afraid to play 100%
during block / capture for fear of
another twist. The study showed that
ankle sprain partially affected the
players' involvement in training and
warm-up. Rehabilitation usually lasted
up to 2 weeks and in almost half of the
volleyball players it was not completed
before returning to training, thus not
allowing you to return to full fitness
after injury.
ANDREW TAYLOR STILL - TWÓRCA OSTEOPATII
Authors: MARSZAŁEK Anna , KASPERCZYK Tadeusz , Walaszek Robert
Published: July 2020

W ostatnich latach XX wieku wykorzystanie terapii manualnej w rehabilitacji stało się wyjątkowo popularne wśród fizjoterapeutów zarówno w Polsce jak i na świecie. Pojawiło się w tym czasie wiele nowych „szkół”, czyli koncepcji terapii manualnej zorientowanych orto- pedycznie, tworzonych przez takich autorów jak: Lewit, Ackermann, Cyriax, Maitland, Kaltenborn i Evjenth, McKenzie, Mulligan, Rakowski i wiele innych. Jednakże dwa główne nurty terapii manualnej, tj. osteopatia i jej „młodsza siostra” – chiropraktyka, związana z nazwiskiem Daniela D. Palmera, ciągle są przedmiotem studiów, sporów i polemik specjalistów pomimo, że od ich powstania minęło ponad 100 lat. Wokół twórcy osteopatii A.T. Still'a w literaturze narosło przez lata wiele fałszywych opinii i przekłamanych faktów. Te przesłanki skłoniły autorów pracy do przedstawienia historii życia i działalności twórcy osteopatii – Andrew T. Still'a, a także jego filozofii odnoszącej się do profilaktyki i terapii chorób. Praca ma charakter przeglądu narracyjnego, została napisana na podstawie przeglądu polskiej i światowej literatury znalezionej w ważniejszych naukowych bazach danych bibliograficznych.
Avaliação da implantação do acesso avançado nos indicadores de qualidade de uma unidade de saúde
Authors: Bonilla Pedro Pablo de Gusmão , Wollmann Lucas
Published: July 2020

Objetivos: O objetivo principal foi analisar os indicadores de acesso da unidade de saúde (US) Sesc, antes e após a implantação do acesso avançado (AA). Como objetivo secundário, foram analisados os indicadores de desempenho da US Sesc, antes e após o AA. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo com análise dos dados obtidos mensalmente do sistema de informação em saúde do Grupo Hospitalar Conceição, comparando o período de novembro/16 -outubro/17 com novembro/17 - outubro/18. Resultados: Após o AA, o número de atendimentos médicos aumentou 8%, o absenteísmo nas consultas diminuiu de 6,9% para 3% e o número de pacientes diferentes atendidos teve um acréscimo de quase 5%. Em relação ao controle de doenças crônicas, o número de hipertensos atendidos cresceu e também houve um aumento na porcentagem de hipertensos controlados, passando de 74% para 77%. O número de diabéticos atendidos aumentou, assim como a porcentagem de diabéticos controlados subiu de 73% para 81%. Houve uma diminuição de quase 10% de atendimentos a pacientes vinculados à US nos serviços de atenção secundária de referência. Discussão: É possível considerar que a implantação do AA na US Sesc foi associada a uma melhoria dos indicadores de acesso, bem como da maior parte dos indicadores de desempenho analisados.
Signalizing the Sign
Authors: Atzmon Ariella ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2020

An analysis of the concept of identity may be seen as a possible key to the understanding of the mechanisms for the maintenance of social order in liberal democracies. The maintenance of a social-cultural balance necessitates forms of identification which are institutionalized within categorization built upon a sharp inclination towards scientism. In the oscillation between images of Identity and Identification, the subject is captured by the complexities of signification. This paper will display a series of argumentative claims regarding the fundamental role of education governed by scientism as a rhetorical game which diverts signs into signals.
A Dialogue between Nin and de Beauvoir
Authors: van Aller Johanna E. ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2020

In my thesis A Dialogue between Nin and de Beauvoir I use two different hterary forms; the interview and the dispute. In this paper I want to give an impression of how I use one of these literary forms - the interview - and discuss why I have chosen for a combination of different literary forms in my thesis.
Entering the World
Authors: Smith K. Lauriston ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2020

There is a significant lack of clarity among critical realists in the language they use to discuss perception. In this paper I illustrate this lack of clarity and then argue that a critical realist view of perception is best understood as conceiving of perception as an active process in direct contact with the world. I connect this view with the thought of Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s views of perception and embodiment and argue that seeing this point has implications for our understanding of perception by offering a path through the direct/indirect debate. It suggests challenges both to the definition of knowledge as justified true belief and to the reduction of knowledge to effectiveness. It bears on the question of truth insofar as it challenges the view that truth can be reduced to propositions.
Reflexivity in Teaching Responsible Management Outside of the Classroom
Authors: Bisignano Angelo P. ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses how the design of service-learning projects can foster students’ reflexivity in learning responsible management. The paper builds on the existing debate on the nature of reflexivity. It proposes to focus on the relationship between students and the structure of responsible management teaching as defined by the curriculum, the learning outcomes, and the expectations of Business Schools. The paper adopts Archer’s morphogenetic conceptual approach to explore analytically this agency-structure relationship in service-learning projects. Drawing on parallels with ancient Greek theatre, the paper investigates how this relationship can morph via praxis and dialogue and affect reflexivity. The paper reflects on the empirical evidence from two service-learning projects. Each was run twice: once using a traditional class-based method and once using the Aristotelian approach to Greek Theatre. The two versions considered different configurations of the dimensions of time, space and action as well as of the role of the teacher in the student’s reflexive process. Empirical evidence highlights how students are more likely to take control of their own learning by enacting praxis in service-learning projects that are compressed in time, space, and course of action. Moreover, the reflexive journey changes when the teacher acts as a dialogical interlocutor as opposed to be a mere instructor in the project. The paper introduces implications for Business Schools in terms of teachers’ training in preparation for responsible management teaching. It also discusses the design for effective service-learning projects and collaboration with external agencies.
Final Ends at the Forefront
Authors: Ezvan Cécile , Langohr Patricia , Renouard Cécile , Colson Aurélien ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: July 2020

This paper provides a conception and qualitative analysis of a recent innovative pedagogical experience, a two-week program called “Understand and Change the World”, which is designed to help business schools generate an impetus towards change within students, faculty, and administrators and more generally to the institution’s systemic sustainable capability. We argue that harnessing the ends rather than the means is the key to meeting sustainability challenges within business schools. The conceptual basis of our program provides broad avenues for business school pedagogy. The pedagogy relies on students’ sense of meaning and practical wisdom to raise empathy, awareness of the common good, and the fundamental relevance of such empathy and awareness for the business world. This implies taking a step back from the traditional instrumental approach to business education and, more broadly, to careers and business.
Notas en torno a las nacionalidades y su trascendencia política
Authors: Blas Andrés de
Published: July 2020

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Marxismo y nacionalismo
Authors: Sánchez González Santiago
Published: July 2020

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La reforma agraria portuguesa y la Constitución de 1976 : legislación complementaria : normas anteriores a la Ley 74/77
Authors: González Hernández Juan Carlos
Published: July 2020

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Ley de partidos políticos de 4 de diciembre de 1978
Authors: Núñez Rivero José María Cayetano , González Hernández Juan Carlos
Published: July 2020

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¿Derecha, izquierda o centro? sobre la legitimación de los partidos y coaliciones en el sur de Europa
Authors: Di Palma Guiseppe
Published: July 2020

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Elecciones en Suecia
Authors: Castillo Vera Pila del
Published: July 2020

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RESEÑA de : Paterson, William E y Schmitz, Kurt Th. Sozialdemokratische Parteienin Europa. Bonn: Neue Gesellschaft, 1979
Authors: García Cotarelo Ramón
Published: July 2020

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Sentencias y autos del Tribunal Supremo y resoluciones de la Dirección General de los Registros en que se citan, estudian o aplican preceptos constitucionales (año 1979)
Authors: Linde Paniagua Enrique
Published: July 2020

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La predicción del fracaso empresarial en el sector hotelero
Authors: Álvarez-Ferrer Antonio , Campa-Planas Fernando
Published: July 2020

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las empresas concursadas del sector hotelero en España,desde el año 2007 hasta el 2017, empleando fórmulas de predicción del fracaso empresarial que sean aplicables a este tipo de actividad económica. La elaboración de modelos de predicción de la insolvencia se inició en Estados Unidos con los trabajos pioneros de Beaver y Altman en la década de los años sesenta. Después de años de mejoras metodológicas y de estudios aplicados a diferentes sectores, no se ha conseguido unificar un método por la comunidad científica, por lo que para la realización de este estudio se utilizarán las fórmulas Z de Altman de los años 1968 y 1983 y se compararán con la fórmula de Amat et al. de 2017. Los dos métodos de Z-Score aplicados a las empresas del sector hotelero en concurso de acreedores en España nos muestran un alto porcentaje de coincidencias en los ejercicios previos a la declaración oficial del concurso, siendo el de Altman el que obtiene una mejor aproximación al número total de empresas concursadas.

The main goal of this study is to carry out an analysis about the bankrupt of companies in the hospitality sector in Spain from 2007 to 2017, applying prediction formulas of business failure. The development of models for insolvency prediction began in the United States with the pioneering works of Beaver and Altman in the 1960s. After years of methodological improvements and studies applied to different sectors, it has not been possible to unify amethod applicable bythe Academia. Therefore, the realization of this study has been using the formula Z of Altmanof 1968 and1983and compare them with the formula Z of Amat et al. of 2017. The two methods of Z-Score applied to the companies of the hospitality sector in Spain in bankruptcy process show us a highly percentage of matches in the exercises before the official bankruptcy process, being Altman the one that obtains a better approach to the total number of bankruptcy companies.
Percepción de congestión y dimensión social de la capacidad de carga en cenotes de Yucatán
Authors: Enseñat-Soberanis Fernando , Blanco-Gregory Rocío , Mondragón-Mejía Johnathan Alexander
Published: July 2020

La visita masiva de turistas a los cenotes de Yucatán tiene impactos negativos sobre dos elementos: el recurso natural y la experiencia misma del visitante. Este estudio mide y compara, a través del indicador percepción de congestión, los impactos de la masificación en la experiencia del visitante en dos cenotes de Yucatán y entre tres tipos de visitantes: locales, nacionales y extranjeros. Los resultados muestran que la aceptabilidad de los visitantes a la congestión disminuye conforme aumenta el número de personas en ambos cenotes. Los visitantes extranjeros en los dos cenotes toleran menos la congestión mientras que los locales son el grupo que presentan niveles de tolerancia más altos.

The massive visit of tourists to the cenotes of Yucatán has negative impacts on two elements: the natural resource and the visitor's own experience. This study measures and compares, through the congestion perception indicator, the impacts of massification on the visitor's experience in two cenotes of Yucatán and among three types of visitors: local, national and foreign. The results show that the acceptability of visitors to congestion decreases as the number of people in both cenotes increases. Foreign visitors in the two cenotes tolerate less congestion while locals are the group with the highest tolerance levels.
Surface Remelting of Mold Inserts Made of NC11 Steel
Authors: Trytek Andrzej Stanisław , Tupaj Mirosław , Majerník Ján , Gašpár Štefan , Zbyrad-Kołodziej Wiktoria , Łysiak Karol
Published: July 2020

In the study presented in this paper, the effect of a concentrated heat stream on geometry, microstructure, and hardness of superficial remeltings on NC11 steel is examined. The material is used for disposable mold inserts exposed to intensive abrasive wear in the course of the press-molding of hard aggregate stampings for refractory bricks. As a result of local remelting, the hardness of the steel surface increased and its microstructure was altered. Macro- and microstructure of the remelted areas was examined with the use of optical microscopy and measurements of remelting area geometry were carried out for different parameters of the remelting process. Hardness measurements were taken in the remelting area and in the heat-affected zone. The state of stress in the material before remelting and in the remelted area was also evaluated.
Microstructural Analysis of Concrete Using Cow Bone Ash for Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) Suppression
Authors: Ariyo Adanikin , Falade Funsho , Olutaiwo Adewale
Published: July 2020

Concrete pavements are prone to microstructural changes and deterioration when exposed to Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR). ASR results in strength reduction, cracking, spalling and other defects in the concrete if left unchecked. Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) such as Cow Bone Ash (CBA) however can be used to improve concrete performance, hence its use in this study. Concrete samples were prepared at replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% of cement with Cow Bone Ash. The concrete samples were then subjected to petrographic and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. Petrographic examination shows that the minimal and least amount of ASR gels and micro cracking were observed at 15% CBA replacement of cement in the concrete samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that changes in the elemental composition of the concrete samples is related to the effect of CBA which enhances adhesion in the concrete. SEM analysis show that, in general, the change in microstructure in the concrete was mainly due to the change in the arrangement of the C-H-S compounds. The microstructure analysis indicates that CBA in concrete influences the densification of the concrete at the transition zone, resulting in a much lower porosity. This results in the concrete having a tightly bound layer that repels ingress of water and thereby inhibiting cracks and gel formation as water is a contributing factor to the ASR in concrete.
Variation of soil nutrients and bacterial community diversity of different land utilization types in Yangtze River Basin, Chongqing Municipality
Authors: Li Yanlin , Zeng Chunmei , Long Meijun
Published: July 2020

The diversity and community distribution of soil bacteria in different land use types in Yangtze River Basin, Chongqing Municipality were studied by using Illumina MiSeq analysis methods. Soil physical and chemical properties were determined, and correlation analyses were performed to identify the key factors affecting bacterial numbers and α-diversity in these soils. The results showed that the soil physical and chemical properties of different land use types decrease in the order: mixed forest (M2) > pure forest (P1) > grassland (G3) > bare land (B4). There were significant differences in bacterial diversity and communities of different land use types. The diversity of different land use types showed the same sequence with the soil physical and chemical properties. The abundance and diversity of bacterial in M2 and P1 soils was significantly higher than that in G3 and B4 soils. At phylum level, G3 and B4 soils were rich in only Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, whereas M2 and P1 soils were rich in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. At genus level,FaecalibacteriumandAgathobacterwere the most abundant populations in M2 soil and were not found in other soils. Pearson correlation analysis showed that soil moisture content, pH, AN, AP, AK and soil enzyme activity were significantly related to bacterial numbers, diversity and community distribution.
Effects of Seasonal Flooding on the Quality of Irrigation Water in the Floodplains of Wukari, Taraba State of Nigeria
Authors: Gani A. T. , Ali A. , Agber P. I. , Christopher A.
Published: July 2020

This research was done in order to assess the effects of seasonal flooding on irrigation water quality of the floodplains of Wukari Area of Taraba state. Water samples were collected from five different flood plain locations (Nwuko, Tsokundi, Rafin-Kada, Gidan-Idi and Gindin-Dorowa) in 2016 and 2017. Completely randomized design (CRD) was employed replicated three times. The results obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using F-LSD test at P ≤ 0.05. The results of the water quality analysis showed that all the determined parameters were significantly different at the different sample locations, except water pH of the year 2016 which was not significantly different at the different sample locations. The results show that the flooded water could be used for irrigation since they were found to be relatively safe and hence required little or no treatment for soluble salts. Water from flooding within the Wukari Floodplains is recommended for supplementary irrigation.
Trigonella foenum-graecum Derived Phytochemicals against Tuberculosis
Authors: Tripathy Bidyashree , Sahoo Elina , Ray Sidhartha , Jal Soumya , Bhattacharyay Dipankar
Published: July 2020

Phytochemicals from Trigonella foenum-graecum plant extract are traditionally used to cure Tuberculosis. Molecular docking method applied using “Biovia Discovery Studio”. “High positive values of -CDOCKER energy and -CDOCKER interaction energy” suggested that this plant extract can effectively deactivate the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme thereby interrupting the life cycle of the organism.
Researcher Proposes New Framework for Language Equity in Health Technology
Authors: Hswen Yulin , Collins Nora
Published: February 2025

This Medical News article is an interview with Pilar Ortega, MD, MGM, about the need for interventions to improve health care quality and access for patients with non-English language preference, and why equitable design is essential for new AI-driven health technologies and digital advancements.
Structural Discrimination in Nonprofit Hospital Community Benefit Spending
Authors: Hedquist Aaron , Blumenthal David , Dai Dannie , Phelan Jessica , Orav E. John , Figueroa Jose F.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Nonprofit hospitals receive substantial tax exemptions to provide a community benefit. However, little is known about the distribution of community benefit spending (CBS) across US communities with varying degrees of social vulnerability beyond the hospital’s immediate geographic area.

Objective

To assess associations of CBS per capita with community-level characteristics and social determinants of health.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used Internal Revenue Service Series 990 Tax Forms from 2018 to 2023, to create a dataset of CBS for nonprofit hospitals in the US. Facility-level CBS allocation to counties was based on inpatient utilization to more accurately reflect a hospital’s community. Data were analyzed from January to December 2024.

Exposures

County-level race and ethnicity characteristics and socioeconomic factors, including educational attainment, proportion living below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), and the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) score.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was total CBS per capita. Generalized linear regression models with a γ log-link function were used to assess the association of CBS per capita with community-level social determinants of health characteristics.

Results

A total of 2465 nonprofit hospitals across 3140 US counties were included. Allocation of CBS varied significantly across communities, with the counties in the highest quintile receiving a mean (SD) of $540 ($250) per capita compared with counties in the lowest quintile with $22 ($16) per capita. Communities in the highest quintile of CBS had a higher proportion of White residents, while communities in the lowest quintile had a higher proportion of residents who were non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic, had lower educational attainment, and were living with incomes below 138% of the FPL. For every 1% proportional increase in non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic residents in a community, there was 1.61% (95% CI, 1.38%-1.84%) and 0.88% (95% CI, 0.63%-1.14%) less CBS per capita, respectively. In addition, there was less allocation of CBS per capita among counties with a greater proportion of people with low educational attainment, greater levels of poverty, or higher SVI scores. These results were consistent before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study found that nonprofit hospitals’ CBS was regressively allocated across US communities, with more socially vulnerable or racially and ethnically minoritized communities receiving less benefit than more affluent, non-Hispanic White communities, suggesting that the nonprofit tax system may be structurally discriminatory and contributing to health disparities.
Using Trademarks to Ensure Completion of Postapproval Trials
Authors: Hwang Catherine S. , Tu S. Sean
Published: February 2025

This Viewpoint evaluates how using trademarks can support the US Food and Drug Administration’s mission to approve safe and effective medications.
Medical Toxicology Consultations and Mortality Among Patients With Poisonings in the PICU
Authors: Wax Paul M. , Culbreth Rachel E. , Brent Jeffrey , Hantsch Christina , Mikhailov Theresa , Brundage Nancy , Aldy Kim
Published: February 2025

Importance

Poisonings are a leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity among children. Pediatric poisonings are commonly managed in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and may require complex treatment and specialized evaluation. Physicians specializing in medical toxicology are trained to treat poisoned patients of all ages; however, they are not universally part of the medical staff across hospital systems.

Objective

To determine if there is a difference in mortality and length of stay for patients with toxicological exposures who receive a medical toxicology consultation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a secondary analysis of an ongoing, cross-sectional registry of patients admitted to PICUs from January 2019 to June 2023 as part of the Virtual Pediatric System (VPS), a database of PICU admissions across 135 medical sites in the US. Patients with toxicological exposure who were admitted to PICUs that participate in the VPS database were included. Data analysis occurred from May to August 2024.

Exposures

Medical toxicology consultations.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was mortality in the PICU and in the hospital overall. Secondary outcomes were length of stay in the PICU and in the hospital. Multilevel models were used to assess associations of toxicology consultations with the primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

There were a total of 52 836 patients with toxicological exposures (29 867 aged 12 to <21 years [56.5%]; 29 401 female [55.6%]), including 2857 (5.4%) patients with medical toxicology consultations and 49 979 (94.6%) without a consultation. Patients who received medical toxicology consultations had similar risk of mortality at baseline, as measured by the Pediatric Risk of Mortality, compared with those without consultations. After adjusting for severity of illness, poisoning type, and other covariates, medical toxicology consultations were associated with 64% lower odds of death in the PICU (adjusted odds ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.63) and 61% lower odds of mortality at any time during the hospitalization (aOR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.64). Additionally, medical toxicology consultations were associated with a 15% reduced PICU length of stay (log estimate, −0.16; 95% CI, −0.21 to −0.11) and 10% reduced hospital length of stay (log estimate, −0.10; 95% CI, −0.14 to −0.06) after adjusting for all covariates and differences across hospital sites.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of patients with toxicological exposures requiring PICU care, having a medical toxicology consultation was associated with lower mortality and shorter LOS compared with not having a consultation, which suggests that medical toxicology consultations may provide life-saving treatment, particularly for the most severe poisonings in the PICU.
Changes in Food Insecurity Among US Adults With Low Income During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wu Yingfei , Cheng Jessica , Thorndike Anne N.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Racial and ethnic minority groups disproportionately experience food insecurity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US enacted temporary food assistance policies, including emergency allotments for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The effects of the pandemic and these policies on food insecurity by race and ethnicity are unclear.

Objective

To examine prevalence trends in food insecurity by racial and ethnic groups and SNAP use before and during the pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional survey study analyzed National Health Interview Survey data before (January 2019 to March 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 to December 2022). Participants were noninstitutionalized US adults (≥18 years) with low income (<200% federal poverty level). Statistical analysis was performed from September 25, 2023, to February 27, 2024.

Exposure

COVID-19 pandemic time period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Food insecurity was measured using the 10-item US Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey module, categorizing participants as food secure (high or marginal food security) or insecure (low or very low food security). Survey-weighted Poisson regressions were modeled to examine changes in food insecurity prevalence over time by race and ethnicity (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White) and by race and ethnicity and SNAP use (yes or no) including a 3-way interaction term (time × race and ethnicity × SNAP).

Results

Among 30 396 adults with low income, approximately one-half were female (56.0% [95% CI, 54.7%-57.2%] during the pre–COVID-19 time period; 57.4% [95% CI, 56.4%-58.4%] during the COVID-19 time period). Food insecurity prevalence decreased from 20.9% (95% CI, 19.9%-22.0%) before the COVID-19 pandemic to 18.8% (95% CI, 17.9%-19.7%) during the pandemic (P < .001). SNAP use prevalence increased overall (from 31.5% [95% CI, 30.1%-32.9%] to 36.0% [95% CI, 34.8%-37.3%]; P < .001) and for each racial and ethnic group. There were no significant differences in food insecurity changes over time by racial and ethnic group (Wald test F = 1.29; P = .28 for 2-way interaction). Among SNAP participants, food insecurity decreased for Asian, Hispanic, and White adults but did not change for Black adults; among non-SNAP participants, food insecurity did not change for Black, Hispanic, and White adults but increased for Asian adults (Wald test F = 4.43; P = .02 for 3-way interaction).

Conclusions and Relevance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity decreased among SNAP participants in most racial and ethnic groups but did not decrease among non-SNAP participants in any group. These results suggest that during the pandemic, increased SNAP benefit amounts were associated with ameliorating food insecurity for many US adults who were able to access SNAP but did not reduce racial and ethnic disparities in food insecurity.
Physical Health Decline After Chemotherapy or Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Bodelon Clara , Masters Matthew , Bloodworth Den E , Briggs Peter J. , Rees-Punia Erika , McCullough Lauren E. , Patel Alpa V. , Teras Lauren R.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Women with a history of breast cancer (BC) experience greater physical health decline compared with age-matched women without cancer. However, whether this decline differs in patients who received chemotherapy and endocrine therapy is not well understood.

Objective

To investigate physical health decline in BC survivors who received chemotherapy or endocrine therapy compared with age-matched women without cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study was conducted as part of the Cancer Prevention Study-3, a prospective US cohort study that enrolled participants in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico between 2006 and 2013. Follow-up for this analysis was through April 1, 2020. Statistical analyses were conducted between May 2023 and December 2024. Female participants diagnosed with nonmetastatic BC who returned a survey at least 90 days after their diagnosis were matched on age and year of survey return with up to 5 women without cancer.

Exposure

Cancer status and treatment information.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes of interest were measures of physical health, assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health Scale instrument. Linear regression was used to estimate associations (β) and 95% CIs of treatment with physical health.

Results

This analysis included 2566 individuals diagnosed with BC and 12 826 age-matched women without cancer. Median (IQR) age at diagnosis was 56.3 (49.9-61.9) years. Of women with BC, 1223 (47.7%) received endocrine therapy, 276 (10.8%) received chemotherapy, and 634 (24.7%) received both. Compared with women without cancer, there was a greater physical health decline within 2 years of diagnosis for BC survivors receiving endocrine therapy (β = −1.12; 95% CI, −1.64 to −0.60), chemotherapy (β = −3.13; 95% CI, −4.19 to −2.07), or both (β = −3.26; 95% CI, −3.97 to −2.55). The decline among endocrine therapy users was restricted to women receiving aromatase inhibitors. More than 2 years after diagnosis, the decline was only observed in women who received chemotherapy.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of 15 392 BC survivors and age-matched women without cancer, BC survivors who received chemotherapy had a long-lasting physical health decline, unlike survivors who received endocrine therapy without chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to better understand the health consequences of these treatments.