bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No central adrenal insufficiency found in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome with an overnight metyrapone test
Authors: Obrynba Kathryn S. , Hoffman Robert P. , Repaske David R. , Anglin Kathryn , Kamboj Manmohan K.
Published: June 2018

Background

Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have hypothalamic dysfunction and may have central adrenal insufficiency (CAI). The prevalence of CAI in PWS remains unknown.

Methods

Twenty-one subjects with PWS aged 4–53 years underwent a low dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test (LDAST) (1 μg/m2, maximum 1 μg) followed by an overnight metyrapone test (OMT). Metyrapone (30 mg/kg, maximum 3 g) was administered at 2400 h. Cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol (11-DOC) and ACTH levels were collected the following morning at 0800 h. OMT was the standard test for comparison. Peak cortisol ≥15.5 μg/dL (427.6 nmol/L) on LDAST and 0800 h 11-DOC ≥7 μg/dL (200 nmol/L) on OMT were classified as adrenal sufficiency.

Results

Twenty subjects had 0800 h 11-DOC values ≥7 μg/dL on OMT indicating adrenal sufficiency. One subject had an inconclusive OMT result. Six of the 21 (29%) subjects had peak cortisol <15.5 μg/dL on LDAST.

Conclusions

We found no evidence of CAI based on OMT, yet 29% of our PWS population failed the LDAST. This suggests that the LDAST may have a high false positive rate in diagnosing CAI in individuals with PWS. OMT may be the preferred method of assessment for CAI in patients with PWS.
OHADA and the Making of Transnational Commercial Law in Africa
Authors: Bashi Rudahindwa Jonathan
Published: June 2018

The Organisation for Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) was established in October 1993 with the ambitious aim of inciting economic development in its Member States. Through the adoption of Uniform Commercial Laws, the organisation is expected to create an enabling environment for business development, thereby providing for a path to economic growth and subsequent development. In light of this professed aim, both the transnational methodological approach and comparative law theories are used in this paper to critically analyse the various processes conducted under the OHADA banner and to engage in discussions on the highly debated role of law as a vehicle for development in sub-Saharan Africa. This exercise, which proves crucial in order to trace its origin within the global governance and law and development theories, allows us to present OHADA as a transnational legal system, while also highlighting both its strengths and limitations.
A New Finance Chaotic System, its Electronic Circuit Realization, Passivity based Synchronization and an Application to Voice Encryption
Authors: Vaidyanathan Sundarapandian , Sambas Aceng , Kacar Sezgin , Cavusoglu Unal
Published: June 2018

Modelling and control applications of dynamical systems in chaos theory arising in several areas are investigated and new control techniques are designed in the chaos literature. We propose a new complex finance chaotic model with states as the interest rate, investment demand, and price index. In this work, after studying the dynamical properties of the new finance model, an electronic chaotic circuit of the model is realized in Multisim. Based on passive control theory, we derive a new controller for globally synchronizing state trajectories of the new finance models. Using the new finance chaotic model developed in this work, a new voice encryption algorithm design is presented. With the proposed algorithm, voice encryption application is performed, and results are described.
Pain in the hand caused by a previously undescribed mechanism with possible relevance for understanding regional pain
Authors: Thompson Ellen N. , Usichenko Taras
Published: June 2018

Background and aims

A previously undescribed mechanism of pain in the ulnar side of the hand was observed in a series of four patients. All were found to have a sensitive point in the first interspace of the hand and possible entrapment of a terminal branch of ulnar nerve piercing the fascia in the first interphalangeal webspace was suggested.

Methods

Pressure on the sensitive point reproduced the ulnar sided hand pain. Diagnostic and therapeutic injection of the mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroid were performed. The degree and duration of relief of pain was noted.

Results

In individuals with recent onset hand pain of this type the injections abolished pain for 2 or more years. In individuals with long-standing pain (longer than 3–6 months) the pain was abolished for periods of time lasting several hours to several weeks. The correspondence of the point, where injections were done with acupuncture point LI4 was noted.

Conclusions

The location of possible nerve entrapment corresponds with an acupuncture point LI4 and may additionally represent a previously undescribed myofascial trigger point.

Implications

The suggested mechanism of ulnar sided hand pain represents a miniature chronic constriction injury similar to the animal model of neuropathic pain and may have relevance for regional pain elsewhere in the body.
The Roles of Solute-Solute and Solute-Solvent Interactions on the Nonlinearity of Aqueous Solutions of Ionic Dyes
Authors: Sadigh Mahsa Khadem , Zakerhamidi Mohammad Sadegh
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the roles of intermolecular interactions and probability of aggregates formation on the nonlinear optical properties of thiazine dyes are investigated. Our results show that saturable and reverse saturable absorption properties of these dyes depend strongly on the molecular surrounding media characteristics and their collective properties that tend to form aggregated species at high concentrations. Depending on molecular surrounding media characteristics, by increasing the concentration of dye solutions and formation of aggregates, the strong solute-solute interactions can modify the nonlinear responses of dye solutions. The experimental results indicate that by increasing the contribution of J aggregates, the third-order nonlinear responses of binary mixtures of water and ethanol are increased at room temperature. Therefore, the intermolecular interactions and the presence of J aggregates can be considered as simple techniques for improving the nonlinear responses of selected ionic dyes.
Longiflorol, a bergenin α-d-apioside from the stem bark of Diospyros longiflora, and its antioxidant activity
Authors: de dieu Dongmo Jean , Mvot Akak Carine , Feussi Tala Michel , Belle Ebanda Kedi Philippe , Azebaze Anatole Guy Blaise , Vardamides Juliette Catherine , Laatsch Hartmut
Published: June 2018

Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Diospyros longiflora yielded longiflorol (1), a new bergenin α-d-apioside, together with bergenin (2) and five known compounds: lupeol (S1), betulin (S2), betulinic acid (S3), stigmasterol (S4) and stigmasterol glucoside (S5). Their structures were determined by one-dimensional (1D) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance experiments along with electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry and extended density-functional theory calculations of chiroptical properties. Longiflorol (1) and bergenin (2) were evaluated for their DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity, with the crude extract for comparison and ascorbic acid as standard. The results showed that the extract and 2 had good antioxidant activity, whereas 1 showed only moderate activity at high concentration (>2 mg mL−1).
Marchetti Flat Dilatometer Tests in a Virtual Calibration Chamber
Authors: Butlanska Joanna , Arroyo Marcos , Amoroso Sara , Gens Antonio
Published: June 2018

Calibration chambers are frequently used to verify, adapt, or both verify and adapt empirical relations between different state variables and in situ test results. Virtual calibration chambers (VCC) built with 3D discrete element models may be used to extend and partially substitute costly physical testing series. VCC are used here to explore the mechanics of flat dilatometer penetration and expansion. Results obtained for a simulation of physical tests in Ticino sand are presented. Blade tip resistance during penetration is in good agreement with the experiments. A piston-like design is used for the blade so that larger displacements may be applied than it is possible with a membrane. Initial piston pressures in the expansion curves are very low, strongly affected by the scaled-up grain sizes. Despite that difficulty, expansion curves may be easily interpreted to recover dilatometer moduli ED close to those observed in the physical experiments. Particle-scale examination of the results allows a firmer understanding of the current limitations and future potential of the technique.
Optimization of the Cool-Down Process for a System of Sintering Furnaces
Authors: Rogers Austin P. , Rasmussen Bryan P.
Published: June 2018

Sustainability in manufacturing systems involves the balance of energy, waste, and profit. This article presents a case study in which an industrial sintering process is optimized with respect to production, energy use, and material waste. The analysis proceeds by developing a physics-based furnace model, developing a cost function for optimization, and then considering the implementation costs associated with the solution. The furnace cycle time is reduced by optimally flowing the atmosphere gas through the furnace. A system of furnaces operating continuously is then considered, and the optimal control is modified in order to balance the profits with the implementation costs across a parallel set of furnaces. The implementation costs considered here include (1) the amount of gas storage required and (2) the size of the gas compressor required in order to implement the optimal control solution. The specific modeling and optimization methods used herein have broad application for thermal processes, and the general engineering approach should be used across the manufacturing sector to promote sustainability.
Influence of Stiffeners and Buckling Arrestors on the Behaviour of Offshore Pipelines under Bending
Authors: Federico Guarracino
Published: July 2018

On the basis of past experimental results and of a simple analytical formulation it is shown that the presence of stiffeners and buckling arrestors can substantially alter the strain and stress distribution in offshore pipelines under bending. A simple formula is provided to estimate such effects.
Evaluation of Ardabil City Carrying Capacity Using DPSIR Method and ELECTRE Model
Authors: Ata Ghafari Gilandeh  , Farshad Keivan Behjou  , Kolsum Yarmohammadi
Published: July 2018

In the modern view, argument about urban carrying capacity and spaces utilized due to urban development throughout the world has been considered. The increase in size and number of the cities, human activities such as land use change, high consumption of resources and emission of pollutants have left negative impacts on the function and structure of the urban ecosystems and have caused many problems for the circulation of materials and energy. The present study, by applied method and with the aim of studying carrying capacity of Ardebil City using the components of driving force, pressure, state, impact and response with multi-criteria decision model ELECTRE to prioritize the four- Regions districts of the Ardabil City by effective indicators in the form of 5 components discussed in the DPSIR method has been done. Collected information first, classified and categorized by DPSIR method, then by the means of utilizing Expert Choice weighted and ultimately by the implementation of ELECTRE model, the four- Regions districts of Ardabil City in terms of the presented indicators were prioritized. The results obtained from DPSIR method showed that, among the four- Regions districts of Ardabil City, driving force coefficient and then responding with 0/40 and 0/35 ratio have the greatest impact on the carrying capacity of the region. Also, the results of the prioritization of the ELECTRE model exhibit that regions 2 and 3 use the maximum capacity of the area according to the components used in DPSIR, and regions 1 and 4 are in the next priority.
Suggestions for Developing Integrated Risk Assessment Method for High-Rise Buildings in Korea: Based on Analysis of FEMA’s IRVS
Authors: Tae Young Kim  , Kyung Hoon Lee
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to develop the integrated risk assessment system for high-rise buildings reflecting the Korean Building Code and guidelines of Preliminary Disaster Inspection and Consultation Systems based on the analysis of FEMA’s IRVS in US. Through reviewing various hazards’ assessment factors, a classification system and methodology for evaluating risk scores in IRVS, applicable factors, limitation of systems to apply to a Korean future system and improvement to verify the assessment methodology are determined. The results of this study will be used to provide the framework and establish the practical goals for developing a Korean risk assessment system for high-rise buildings.
Caregiver and Health Care Provider Perspectives on Cloud-Based Shared Care Plans for Children With Medical Complexity
Authors: Desai Arti D. , Jacob-Files Elizabeth A. , Wignall Julia , Wang Grace , Pratt Wanda , Mangione-Smith Rita , Britto Maria T.
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVES:

Shared care plans play an essential role in coordinating care across health care providers and settings for children with medical complexity (CMC). However, existing care plans often lack shared ownership, are out-of-date, and lack universal accessibility. In this study, we aimed to establish requirements for shared care plans to meet the information needs of caregivers and providers and to mitigate current information barriers when caring for CMC.

METHODS:

We followed a user-centered design methodology and conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with caregivers and providers of CMC who receive care at a tertiary care children’s hospital. We applied inductive, thematic analysis to identify salient themes. Analysis occurred concurrently with data collection; therefore, the interview guide was iteratively revised as new questions and themes emerged.

RESULTS:

Interviews were conducted with 17 caregivers and 22 providers. On the basis of participant perspectives, we identified 4 requirements for shared care plans that would help meet information needs and mitigate current information barriers when caring for CMC. These requirements included the following: (1) supporting the accessibility of care plans from multiple locations (eg, cloud-based) and from multiple devices, with alert and search features; (2) ensuring the organization is tailored to the specific user; (3) including collaborative functionality such as real-time, multiuser content management and secure messaging; and (4) storing care plans on a secure platform with caregiver-controlled permission settings.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although further studies are needed to understand the optimal design and implementation strategies, shared care plans that meet these specified requirements could mitigate perceived information barriers and improve care for CMC.
Molecular epidemiology of Brucella melitensis strains causing outbreaks in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Duvnjak Sanja , Račić Ivana , Špičić Silvio , Zdelar-Tuk Maja , Reil Irena , Cvetnić Željko
Published: June 2018

The most recent data on the incidence of brucellosis in Southeast Europe prove the persistence of this zoonosis in the area, regardless of constant efforts at controlling it as one of the most dangerous zoonoses. Forty-three Brucella melitensis strains were collected from cattle, sheep, goats and humans from Croatia as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina between 2009 and 2015. The strains were identified and genotyped in order to determine their epidemiological background. Standard biotyping methods and Bruce-ladder were used to identify the strains. Genotyping was done using multilocus variable number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) on 16 and multilocus sequence typing analysis (MLST) on nine loci. Results were compared to each other and to internationally available data. Twenty- five novel genotypes and two sequence types were identified. All tested strains, apart from vaccine and reference strains, showed very close phylogenetic and geographic relationships. The genotyping results indicate the endemicity of brucellosis in this region. MLST showed no variation, confirming the stability of housekeeping genes. The results confirm already established routes of disease spread in this area, showing that a more detailed and vigorous control of this zoonosis is necessary.
Electroretinographic findings in day-blind dogs
Authors: Drążek-Kubiak Magdalena , Lew Marcin , Lew Sylwia
Published: June 2018

Cone degeneration (cd; day blindness) is one of the inherited retinal diseases of dogs. Its diagnosis is based on vision testing, fundoscopy, electroretinography (ERG) and, for some breeds, on genetic tests. Typical signs of the disease are day blindness and cone dysfunction during ERG while fundoscopy does not show any abnormalities. The aim of this study was to compare behavioural findings, fundoscopic lesions and electroretinographic alterations in 12 cd-affected dogs (Alaskan Malamute, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Siberian Husky and crossbreeds) examined at our clinic. None of the examined dogs had any fundoscopic lesions, and all of them had normal scotopic vision with strongly impaired or absent photopic vision. Light-adapted transient, cone-mediated and steady-state, 31-Hz cone flicker ERGs were much below the 5th percentile limits of normality or even unrecordable, while the rod-driven ERGs were within normal values. Vision test and ERG results corresponded to each other and, combined with the results of fundoscopy, were typical of cd. To date, our research is one of the few studies in the world presenting ERG alterations compared with vision test findings and fundoscopic results in the course of cd.
Glomerulosclerosis in transgenic rabbits with ubiquitous Venus protein expression
Authors: Lipták Nándor , Hoffmann Orsolya Ivett , Skoda Gabriella , Gócza Elen , Kerekes Andrea , Bősze Zsuzsanna , Hiripi László
Published: June 2018

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a potential cause of nephrotic syndrome both in humans and pet mammals. Glomerulopathy was reported earlier in green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic (TG) mice, but glomerulosclerosis has not been examined in GFP TG rabbits so far. In the present study, the potential manifestation of FSGS was investigated in both Venus TG rabbits generated by Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposition and age-matched control New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Venus protein fluorescence was detected by confocal microscopy and quantified by microplate reader. Urinalysis, haematology, serum biochemistry and renal histology were performed to assess the signs of FSGS. Higher levels of Venus fluorescence were determined in renal cortex samples than in the myocardium by both methods. Urinalysis revealed proteinuria in Venus heterozygote TG bucks, while Venus homozygote TG bucks developed microscopic haematuria. Supporting the urinalysis data, the histological findings of FSGS (glomerulomegaly and sclerotic glomeruli) were observed in renal cortex sections of Venus TG rabbits. Taken together, Venus TG bucks were diagnosed with FSGS; thus, this type of glomerulopathy could be a common disease in TG animals overexpressing GFP.
Evaluation of Pgp (MDR1) immunohistochemistry in canine lymphoma – prognostic and clinical aspects
Authors: Vajdovich Péter , Koltai Zsófia , Dékay Valéria , Kungl Krisztina , Harnos Andrea
Published: June 2018

Permeability glycoprotein (P-glycoprotein, Pgp) immunohistochemistry (IHC) was evaluated in dogs with multicentric lymphoma treated with cyclophosphamide– doxorubicin–vincristine–prednisolone with or without L-Asparaginase. Lymph nodes of 33 untreated dogs were immunophenotyped: Ki67% and Pgp analyses (with anti-Pgp, monoclonal mouse C494 clone) were performed. Pgp positivity rate and intensity were determined microscopically (by manual counting done by two blinded authors in two parallel specimens). The median overall survival time (OST) was 333 days and the relapse-free period (RFP) 134 days. Pgp expressions were positive in 18 out of 33 (54.5%) of tumour cells. T-cell types stained more intensively. Lower OST and RFP were found with Pgp positivity ≥ 35% (OST: 240 days, RFP: 95 days) compared to Pgp positivity < 35% (OST: 428 days, RFP: 232 days). Intensive staining was associated with a lower OST and RFP (240 and 103 days, respectively) than weak staining (428 and 221 days, respectively). Death due to adverse drug reactions was best predicted at Pgp positivity ≤ 6.5% (sensitivity/specificity: 0.55/0.81) and ≤ 123 days (sensitivity/ specificity: 0.55/0.86). Pgp evaluation by IHC can have prognostic value with a properly established Pgp% positivity cut-off value in dogs treated with Pgp substrate drugs.
Kualitas Karaginan dari Rumput Laut Kappaphycus alvarezii pada Lokasi Berbeda di Perairan Maluku Tenggara
Authors: Kumayanjati Bayu - , Dwimayasanti Rany
Published: June 2018

Rumput laut jenis Kappaphycus alvarezii merupakan jenis rumput laut yang dibudidayakan di Maluku Tenggara. Rumput laut jenis ini merupakan rumput laut penghasil karaginan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kualitas karaginan dari rumput laut K. alvarezii yang dibudidayakan di tiga lokasi di Maluku Tenggara, yaitu Letman, Letvuan dan Revav. Kualitas karaginan yang diamati antara lain rendemen, kadar air, kadar abu, viskositas, gel strength, dan derajat putih. Rumput laut diekstrak dengan metode perlakuan alkali dengan larutan NaOH 9%. Data yang diperoleh kemudian dianalisis dengan program statistik IBM SPSS Statistics 24 untuk mengetahui perbedaan kualitas karaginan dari tiga lokasi tersebut. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas karaginan dari tiga lokasi berbeda nyata (<0,05) untuk semua parameter. Karaginan dari rumput laut Letvuan memiliki nilai rendemen dan gel strength terbaik dibandingkan rumput laut Letman dan Revav, yaitu 43,25% untuk rendemen dan 207,50 g/cm2 untuk gel strength. Karaginan dari rumput laut Revav memiliki nilai viskositas terbaik yaitu sebesar 54,39 cP. Karaginan dari rumput laut Letman memiliki kenampakan terbaik dibandingkan dengan Letvuan dan Revav dengan nilai derajat putih sebesar 68,22%. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian, maka hanya karaginan dari lokasi Revav yang memenuhi standar kualitas FAO.
Promoting fruit seedling growth by encapsulated microorganisms
Authors: Santos Carlos Henrique Barbosa , Martins Antonio Baldo Geraldo , Rigobelo Everlon Cid , Teixeira Gustavo Henrique de Almeida
Published: June 2018

Abstract The use of microorganisms capable of promoting plant growth has been accepted as an alternative to reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inoculation of plant growth promoting microorganisms in seedlings of fruit species, verifying the interaction of the inoculums with encapsulating agents such as clay and alginate. Microbial inoculums contained the following species: Azospirillum brasilense, Burkolderia cepacia, Bacillus thuringienses, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus,Bacillus subtilis, Tricoderma spp. and isolate 411. The fruit species evaluated were: Myrciaria cauliflora (DC.) O. Berg; Myrciaria glazioviana (Kiaersk.) G. Barros &Sobral; Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc Vaugh; Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.; Diospyroskaki L.; Garcinia brasiliensis Mart.; Annona muricata L.; Duguetia lanceolata A. St.-Hil.; Chrysophyllum cainito L.; Anacardium occidentale L.; Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. and Litchi chinensis Sonn. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme 3 (control, sodium alginate and clay) x 2 (presence and absence of microbial inoculum) with five replicates (one seedling per replicate). Seedlings were maintained in 50% of illumination at an average temperature of 22.5 °C for ninety days, and plant height, diameter, root and shoot dry mass were evaluated. Plant growth promoting microorganisms, regardless of encapsulation used, promote higher development of C. cainito and L. chinensis seedlings.
Diretrizes para detecção precoce do câncer de mama no Brasil. III - Desafios à implementação
Authors: Migowski Arn , Dias Maria Beatriz Kneipp , Nadanovsky Paulo , Silva Gulnar Azevedo e , Sant’Ana Denise Rangel , Stein Airton Tetelbom
Published: June 2018

O objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar os principais desafios à implementação das novas recomendações para a detecção precoce do câncer de mama no Brasil, bem como refletir sobre as barreiras e estratégias para a sua superação. A implementação de diretrizes baseadas em evidências é um desafio em todo o mundo, e estratégias tradicionais baseadas apenas na disseminação de seu texto são comprovadamente insuficientes para gerar mudanças na prática clínica vigente. Um grande desafio à adesão às novas diretrizes para a detecção precoce do câncer de mama no Brasil é o atual padrão de uso do rastreamento mamográfico no país, que acaba incluindo muito frequentemente mulheres jovens e intervalo curto entre os exames. Essa prática danosa à saúde da população é reforçada pela lógica da medicina defensiva e pela difusão de informações equivocadas, que superestimam os benefícios do rastreamento e subestimam ou mesmo omitem seus riscos. Além disso, há carência de políticas e ações voltadas para o diagnóstico precoce de casos sintomáticos. Para superar essas barreiras, mudanças relacionadas à regulação da assistência, financiamento e a implantação do processo de decisão compartilhada na atenção primária são essenciais. Auditoria-feedback, detalhamento acadêmico e incorporação de ferramentas de suporte à decisão são algumas das estratégias que podem facilitar o processo de implementação das novas recomendações.
Delays in access to care for abortion-related complications: the experience of women in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Araújo Thália Velho Barreto de , Aquino Estela M. L. , Menezes Greice M. S. , Alves Maria Teresa Seabra Soares de Britto e , Almeida Maria-da-Conceição C. , Alves Sandra Valongueiro , Coimbra Liberata , Campbell Oona M. R.
Published: June 2018

Abstract: Around 18 million unsafe abortions occur in low and middle-income countries and are associated with numerous adverse consequences to women’s health. The time taken by women with complications to reach facilities where they can receive appropriate post-abortion care can influence the risk of death and the extent of further complications. All women aged 18+ admitted for abortion complications to public-sector hospitals in three capital cities in the Northeastern Brazil between August-December 2010 were interviewed; medical records were extracted (N = 2,804). Nearly all women (94%) went straight to a health facility, mainly to a hospital (76.6%); the rest had various care-seeking paths, with a quarter visiting 3+ hospitals. Women waited 10 hours on average before deciding to seek care. 29% reported difficulties in starting to seek care, including facing challenges in organizing childcare, a companion or transport (17%) and fear/stigma (11%); a few did not initially recognize they needed care (0.4%). The median time taken to arrive at the ultimate facility was 36 hours. Over a quarter of women reported experiencing difficulties being admitted to a hospital, including long waits (15%), only being attended after pregnant women (8.9%) and waiting for a bed (7.4%). Almost all women (90%) arrived in good condition, but those with longer delays were more likely to have (mild or severe) complications. In Brazil, where access to induced abortion is restricted, women face numerous difficulties receiving post-abortion care, which contribute to delay and influence the severity of post-abortion complications.
Entre protocolos e sujeitos: qualidade do cuidado hospitalar em um serviço de hematologia
Authors: Azevedo Creuza da Silva , Miranda Lilian , Sá Marilene de Castilho , Grabois Victor , Matta Gustavo , Cunha Marcela
Published: June 2018

No artigo, apresentamos parte dos resultados do estudo desenvolvido no Hospital Edgar Santos, da Universidade Federal da Bahia (HUPES), que analisou a experiência de melhoria da qualidade da assistência em um contexto de acreditação hospitalar. O artigo volta-se para o serviço de hematologia e tem seu foco na qualidade do cuidado e processos intersubjetivos. A investigação foi pautada na perspectiva qualitativa, empregando-se entrevistas e observação. Do ponto de vista teórico, os trabalhos de Campos, Cecílio e Merhy reconhecem a natureza complexa do cuidado em saúde, sua dimensão micropolítica e intersubjetiva, e a capacidade dos profissionais de produção de sentidos e de criatividade. Para compreender os processos de articulação psicossocial e de mobilização subjetiva dos profissionais empregamos conceitos da psicossociologia francesa de Enriquez e da psicodinâmica do trabalho de Dejours. A análise foi organizada em três eixos: articulação psicossocial e o imaginário de autogestão; vínculo e afeto: singularização do cuidado e clínica do sujeito; trabalho real e equipe de saúde. Destacamos como uma das principais conclusões a constituição de um imaginário de autogestão, expresso no compartilhamento de projetos, expectativas e algumas formas de interpretar e operar a realidade, que têm por base representações, afetivamente investidas, de autonomia e unidade. Ao lado de elementos técnicos, como protocolos, é realçado o julgamento profissional, próprio à dimensão intersubjetiva, permitindo a singularização do cuidado. Compreendemos que na cena assistencial o trabalho real é atravessado por ajustes que demonstram a cooperação entre os profissionais.
Elites intelectuales e imaginarios sociales contrapuestos en la era del “milagro mexicano” y su expresión en la revista Cuadernos Americanos
Authors: Girola Lidia
Published: June 2018

Resumen En este artículo propongo la noción de imaginarios socioculturales como ideas y supuestos de trasfondo que conforman el horizonte cultural de una época en una sociedad determinada. La hipótesis que guía el trabajo es que esas ideas y supuestos son múltiples, y que frente a una “misma” situación, distintos grupos pueden sostener imaginarios contrapuestos. El período objeto de estudio es el que comprende las décadas de los años cuarenta y principios de los cincuenta del siglo veinte en México, que es conocido como la era del “milagro mexicano”, cuando la Revolución se institucionaliza y el objetivo primordial de los gobiernos es la modernización del país. Los grupos estudiados son algunos de los que formaban parte de las elites intelectuales del momento.
As novas leituras de Marx e um velho problema da economia política
Authors: Vieira Zaira
Published: June 2018

Resumo As novas leituras de Marx, aqui representadas pelos pensamentos de Backhaus e de Postone, têm o mérito de propor uma leitura da obra madura de Marx que não se fixa apenas sobre o aspecto de classe e de exploração, sublinhando o caráter amplo da teoria marxiana do valor no que diz respeito à sua caracterização da sociedade moderna. Como mostraremos, contudo, ambas as leituras terminam por se concentrar, de forma unilateral e com prejuízos para a teoria do valor, sobre a esfera da circulação simples de mercadorias; razão pela qual retomam as análises dos Grundrisse que foram superadas posteriormente por Marx.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS ACTIVISM? RESISTING GENTRIFICATION IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
Authors: ALKON ALISON HOPE
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT This article investigates the cultural politics of entrepreneurship as a form of opposition to gentrification in Oakland, California. Building on Watkins and Caldwell’s (2004) foundational work, I examine the relationship between political projects - resisting gentrification, racial and economic disparities - and the cultural work of signifying a community’s continued presence amidst displacement and glorification of newcomers. Based on 30 interviews with employees of food justice non-profit organizations, social enterprises, and government agencies, I argue that activists promote food-based entrepreneurship to create employment and business opportunities for long-term residents that enables them to stay in their hometown. In doing so, the contributions of long-standing communities to Oakland’s diverse food cultures are highlighted. However, property values are rising rapidly that even these opportunities cannot ensure that long-term communities remain. For this reason, I conclude by offering examples of direct action and policy advocacy that can supplement these entrepreneurial approaches.
HAWKERPRENEURS: HAWKERS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND REINVENTING STREET FOOD IN SINGAPORE
Authors: TARULEVICZ NICOLE
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT The hawker center is an icon of contemporary Singapore and an essential element of national identity, but one that has undergone multiple reinventions. Most recently hawking has repeatedly been presented as approaching crisis, prompted by an aging hawker population. The response of the Singapore government has been to begin another historic transformation of the hawker, focusing on the hawker entrepreneur - the hawkerpreneur. Ahead of reinvention, codification of knowledge about hawking was required and provided by museum exhibitions and cultural celebrations in media. The hawker became romanticized, a figure of history, distanced from an emergent next generation. These new hawkers are imagined by public and private interests as being successful entrepreneurs and glamorous, suit-wearing people. A change in status for hawking, achieved by a new image and structural changes, such as rankings by Michelin, are being used to signal this new phase of Singaporean street food.
As redes de suporte social informal como fontes de provisão social em Portugal: o caso da população idosa
Authors: Guadalupe Sónia , Cardoso Júlia
Published: June 2018

Resumo Os indicadores de envelhecimento na população portuguesa colocam Portugal como um dos países mais envelhecidos do mundo, sendo os idosos um grupo populacional socialmente vulnerável. A vulnerabilidade, resultante de trajetórias ao longo da vida com acúmulo progressivo de desvantagens, tem como determinantes os fortes níveis de perda de autonomia com o avançar da idade, o risco de isolamento social, o elevado risco de exclusão e de pobreza, colmatado pelo forte impacte das transferências sociais no rendimento, a par das transformações na sociedade portuguesa, particularmente na morfologia das famílias e na relação com o trabalho. Este quadro de vulnerabilidade tem encontrado resposta na expansão de políticas de bem-estar no contexto do desenvolvimento do Estado-providência, mas também na provisão informal, sobretudo das famílias. Em tempos recentes, assistimos a uma inversão na trajetória providencial por parte do Estado português, cada vez mais recuado, agudizando-se a responsabilidade familiar. O artigo apresenta uma reflexão sobre a relevância do suporte social informal na proteção social em Portugal no que concerne à população idosa, problematizando particularmente o papel providencial das famílias num contexto de austeridade, a partir de documentação e literatura produzida no e sobre o contexto social português.
Mini-thoracostomy with vacuum-assisted closure: a minimally invasive alternative to open-window thoracostomy
Authors: Mariani Alessandro Wasum , Lisboa João Bruno Ribeiro Machado , Rodrigues Guilherme de Abreu , Avila Ester Moraes , Terra Ricardo Mingarini , Pêgo-Fernandes Paulo Manuel
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT Thoracostomy is a common treatment option for patients with stage III pleural empyema who do not tolerate pulmonary decortication. However, thoracostomy is considered mutilating because it involves a thoracic stoma, the closure of which can take years or require further surgery. A new, minimally invasive technique that uses the vacuum-assisted closure has been proposed as an alternative to thoracostomy. This study aims to analyze the safety and effectiveness of mini-thoracostomy with vacuum-assisted closure in an initial sample of patients.
Machine Theorem Discovery
Authors: Lin Fangzhen
Published: July 2018

This article describes a framework for machine theorem discovery and illustrates its use in discovering state invariants in planning domains and properties about Nash equilibria in game theory. It also discusses its potential use in program verification in software engineering. The main message of the article is that many AI problems can and should be formulated as machine theorem discovery tasks.
The 13th AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment
Authors: Magerko Brian , Bahamón Julio César , Buro Michael , Damiano Rossana , Mazeika Jo , Ontañón Santiago , Robertson Justus , Ryan James , Siu Kristin
Published: July 2018

The 13th AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment (AIIDE 2017) was held at the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah. Along with the main conference presentations, the meeting included two tutorials, three workshops, and invited keynote talks. This report summarizes the main conference. It also includes contributions from the organizers of the three workshops.
Geometric Kinematic Approach to Rigid Objects with Point Contact Based on A Local-Surface Frame
Authors: Bulut Vahide
Published: July 2018

Controlling the relative motion between two contacting
rigid bodies is necessary when manipulation and locomotion tasks are
encountered in robotics. In this paper, we express the kinematics of
spin-rolling motion of rigid objects with point contact based on the
local-surface frame method. We give the relationship between the Darboux frame
and local-surface frame, and also between the Frenet-Serret frame and local-surface
frame. Additionally, we obtain velocity of the moving object according to the
local-surface frame curvatures of the respective contact curve and geometric
invariants. We can have proper information about trajectory planning if we take
the formulations of moving object into consideration according to the
local-surface frame.
The Direct Applicability of SADC Community Law in South Africa and Zimbabwe: A Call for Supranationality and the Uniform Application of SADC Community Law
Authors: Phooko Tshidi
Published: July 2018

The Southern African Development Community Tribunal (SADC Tribunal) became operational in 1992 and delivered several judgments against Zimbabwe. Some of those decisions are yet to be enforced. The attempt to enforce them contributed to the demise of the SADC Tribunal. The tension between community law and domestic law, international law and national law, and community law and international law is as old as the hills. The monist and dualist theories of international law assist in attempting to clarify the nature of the relationship between international law and municipal law. However, there is no guidance when it comes to community law and national law. This paper will explore on how SADC Community law can be applied uniformly by South Africa and Zimbabwe including all other SADC member states. This will be done through decided cases with specific reference to South Africa and Zimbabwe. In order to learn best practices from other jurisdictions, the paper will to the extent relevant, make reference to the East African Court of Justice, the European Union (EU) and the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The discourse will conclude by making a proposal for the adoption of a revised Protocol on the SADC Tribunal that will assist in clarifying the nature of the relationship between SADC Community law and national laws of SADC member states.
Bulgarian University Students’ Learning Style Preferences in ESL Classrooms
Authors: Komlosi Flora
Published: June 2018

Students’ attitudes towards learning and the perception and beliefs behind them may have a profound influence on learning behaviour and learning outcomes. Teachers’ awareness of such needs and preferences will result in more realistic and useful teaching strategies which, in turn, will have a facilitative effect on the learning process. Thus, learners should be given opportunities to express their own language learning preferences, especially in reference to the definition of objectives in general and awareness of strategies for learning. Moved with the conviction that learners and their preferences are of crucial importance in the development of learner autonomy, 74 students in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, were asked about their perceptions and preferences on ESL classroom activities. The results showed that learners were not always able to clearly define their preferences. This may be due to the fact that learning a foreign language is a culturally and psychologically different process than learning any other subject via the individual’s first language. Thus, educators have the additional responsibility to help learners to find their learning strengths, and by cognitive training help students to expand their learning style preferences. Also, implications from this study clearly display that teacher training programmes should seriously examine and implement innovative ways of teaching English considering students’ identity, character, and limitations.
Overcoming the Grammar Barrier in Foreign Language Learning: The Role of Television Series
Authors: Azaryad Shechter Deborah
Published: June 2018

Mastering the grammar of a foreign language requires learning the rules as well as the contexts within which the structures are used. Formal grammar instruction should therefore be augmented by exposing learners to authentic language. According to the literature, watching television series in the target language improves listening comprehension and enhances vocabulary acquisition. No study to date, however, has investigated the recursive use of one series, in the classroom and over an entire course, to explicitly teach grammar. Presenting apt pedagogical arguments substantiated by the literature on grammar instruction and evidence from the classroom, this article maintains that a television series can be an invaluable source of authentic language and an excellent means to teach grammar in context. It recommends using the dialogues in the scenes to teach and illustrate grammatical structures, especially those that are very different or do not exist in the learners’ mother tongue. The article also proposes giving students pertinent writing tasks and adequate corrective feedback to help them internalize these structures. Consistent with recent studies indicating a strong connection between emotion and cognition, this method raises the students’ motivation and enhances grammar learning; as such, it can supplant or complement conventional practices of grammar instruction and thereby warrants empirical studies. Finally, the article delineates directions for future research to elucidate how television series contribute to the teaching and learning of grammar.

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Androcentrism of English proverbs and Anti-Proverbs with Gender Components
Authors: Kirsanova Maria
Published: June 2018

Since the 20th century with the birth of feminism, gender studies have undergone analysis in many areas of knowledge. Special attention has been paid to the theory of androcentricity in the English language and the deficiency of female images in speech. In this article, the images of men and women presented by English proverbs and anti-proverbs are analyzed. The objective of this research is to find out if proverbs are androcentric and present male mindsets and world views. The other aim is to check whether anti-proverbs reflect the changing role of women in society. To fulfill these purposes, proverbs with gender components (man/woman, wife/husband, he/she etс.) were selected and underwent a semantic analysis. In order to reveal the evolution of the images of men and women we compared the images of men and women illustrated in proverbs with those shown in anti-proverbs with the same gender components. As a result, we came to the conclusion that both proverbs and anti-proverbs are androcentric; however, in anti-proverbs female opinions are more representative when compared to proverbs. To sum up, it is obvious that the role of women is changing and the changes are reflected in the language.

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Transcript Coverage Analysis from Long Reads v2
Authors: A Eccles David
Published: July 2018

This protocol is for comparing two different samples at the transcript level, using long reads that are mapped to transcripts. Input(s): stranded fastq files (see steps 1-8 of Stranded Mapping from Long Reads), transcript reference fasta file, annotation file Output(s): transcript table, sorted by differential coverage, annotated with gene name / description / location
Transcript Coverage Analysis from Long Reads v1
Authors: A Eccles David
Published: July 2018

This protocol is for comparing two different samples at the transcript level, using long reads that are mapped to transcripts. Input(s): stranded fastq files (see steps 1-8 of Stranded Mapping from Long Reads), transcript reference fasta file, annotation file Output(s): transcript table, sorted by differential coverage, annotated with gene name / description / location
O fim da Rede Própria do Programa Farmácia Popular do Brasil e o Princípio da Proibição do Retrocesso Social
Authors: Trindade Josélia Souza
Published: June 2018

Objective: This article analyzes the closure of the modality “Own Network” of the Popular Pharmacy Program in Brazil in the light of the principle of seal to social regression. Methodology: A descriptive and documentary analytical study as qualitative research was performed, with studies published in Brazil between 2010-2017, from the point of view of the government program and data analysis made available by room support and strategic management portal of the Health Ministry on Brazil's Popular Pharmacy Program. Results:  The number of pharmacies and adhesion of municipalities increased gradually from the beginning of the program in 2004 until 2012, in 2013 there was a stagnation and after that year began to decrease the number of pharmacies and consequently the number of municipalities served. Conclusion: The closure of the modality “Own Network” of Brazil's Popular Pharmacy Program by Federal Government means a financial increase in the budget of brazilian families, besides denoting a social regression.
Transparência no Sistema Único de Saúde – inciativas e desafios na divulgação eletrônica das listas de espera
Authors: Fraga Letícia de Oliveira , Lira Antonio Carlos Onofre
Published: June 2018

Objective: This work analyzed the process of implementation of transparency and dissemination of waiting lists for elective health care procedures in Brazil, understanding transparency as a potential strategy to promote greater equity in acess to health services. Methodology: It was verified on a careful review of the literature and a normative survey. Results: Initiatives and changes was identified as mandatory publication of these lists in Brazil and international experiences. Conclusion: The importance of transparency in health is evident throught the electronic dissemination of queues for elective procedures in the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), as a strategy to promote equity in acess and make possible the extensive supervision and monitoring by patients, in addition to the control exercised by the public administration and society.