bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CULINARY TOURISM IN REGIONAL AND MUNICIPAL STRATEGIES OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Królikowska Karolina , Pijet-Migoń Edyta
Published: April 2019

Purpose. The aim of this paper is to check to what extent culinary tourism and its various forms are included in tourism development strategies developed for individual voivodships as well as cities with the status of regional capitals. The second goal is to find out what types of culinary tourism products (culinary routes, festivals, etc.) are promoted by regional tourist organisations. The authors also tried to verify whether the culinary tourism offer is specific for individual regions and whether it may contribute to the regional branding strategy. Method. The analysis of regional tourism related strategic documents valid in January 2018 was performed in terms of culinary tourism. Additionally, analysis of websites regarding all regional tourist organisations was carried out and the validity of the offer was checked via telephone calls. Findings. In the analysed documents, culinary heritage usually appears within the context of cultural tourism and agritourism. Only in the Lubuskie voivodeship were wine and culinary tourism considered as the leading forms of tourism in the region. It is precisely the Lubuskie voivodship that plans to build its tourist brand on the basis of culinary heritage. In other cases, local cuisine usually appears at the level of operational goals or as an element of other tourist products. In the Pomeranian voivodeship, brand specialties that go beyond the culinary traditions of the region were proposed in a creative way. Research and conclusions limitations. Not all voivodships have current tourism related strategic documents. Some regions still base on strategies that were developed for earlier periods. Practical implications. Analysis shows that not all projects related to culinary tourism are long-term in nature, especially regarding culinary trails. Some even interesting initiatives have not been continued, thus tourists were not even aware they existed. Originality. According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first analysis of strategic documents in Poland within the context of culinary tourism. Type of paper. The article presents the results of empirical research.
MARKETING COMMUNICATION OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON THE EXAMPLE OF POSTINDUSTRIAL SITES IN POLISH – CZECH BORDERLAND
Authors: Drozdowska Marta , Duda-Seifert Magdalena , Gruszka Izabela
Published: April 2019

Purpose. Defining tools of tourist attraction communication with a client with the use of using modern technologies and comparative analysis of their use on the example of fifty postindustrial attractions from the Polish-Czech Borderland.

Method. Based on literature, a model of marketing communication between attraction and tourist has been elaborated. Research on tools of modern communication based on analysis of websites, social media presence and mobile application offers of fifty cases.

Findings. Research results proved the differentiated approach to communication with the use of modern technologies in case of postindustrial attractions. They allow to define the popularity of certain tools and made mistakes, indicating the needs in the future. The found gaps mostly consider lack of www sites or very low visual and substantive quality or lack of C2B communication channels.

Research and conclusions limitations. Research regards only postindustrial sites in selected provinces of Poland and Czech Republic. Analysis is limited to the form of communication with the use of modern technologies.

Practical implications. Research allows to define the degree of advancement in adapting technological innovations in communication with a client. They indicate novel solutions and the course of action to be followed in the future compared to modern trends of growing demand and engagement of a consumer in the process of product creation.

Originality. The use of modern technologies in marketing communication is a relatively new research field, especially when it regards tourism.

Type of paper. The article presents the results of empirical research.
THE USE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES AS AN ELEMENT OF CREATING THE IMAGE OF A TOURISM COMPANY ON THE INTERNET
Authors: Borodako Krzysztof , Rudnicki Michał
Published: April 2019

Purpose. Analysis of opinions of Polish tourists staying in Krakow regarding the websites of tourist companies offering particular types of services. Method. To collect empirical material, surveys were conducted among Polish tourists staying in Krakow. The analytical part uses methods of analysis of structures and cross-tabulation showing the dependencies of the offer assessment of individual tourism companies on selected characteristics of respondents. Findings. The main conclusions obtained on the basis of the research were confirmation of the dominating role of accommodation and catering facilities in obtaining tourists’ opinions and a high tendency of tourists to share their opinions and memories via social media. Research and conclusions limitations. Among the main limitations that do not allow for the generalisation of results for all tourists in our country we may find the extent of data collection - of local nature. Moreover, the presented results show the online image of Kraków tourism companies perceived only by domestic tourists, which may be important for the objectivity of the obtained results. Practical implications. Among the practical implications, a clear signal should be given to selected tourism providers regarding the need to improve their image (e.g. by improving the visibility and availability of the offer). The obtained research results clearly confirm the necessity to use new technologies in the tourism industry, particularly, social media and mobile technologies, which have become the leading channels of communication and creating the image of companies on the Internet. Originality. Research in the field of evaluation concerning touristy company websites, with such a detailed breakdown into particular types of services, are not encountered in the literature. However, the issue of the image of companies on the Internet is a problem known and developed since the beginning of the 90s of the twentieth century. Type of paper. Research paper.
WOMEN 40+ AS A SEGMENT OF RECIPIENTS OF TOURIST SERVICES
Authors: Balińska Agata
Published: April 2019

Purpose. The aim of the study was to learn about the tourism activity of women aged 40+, including preferred offers, ways of spending time and organisation of trips.

Method. The desk research method was used in the study. A review of available secondary data illustrating the tourism activity of women and vacation offers dedicated to women was conducted. The method of diagnostic survey was used as well as the survey technique. The survey was conducted among an unrepresentative sample of 155 women aged at least 40 years.

Results. The data of official statistics, from which the women were distinguished, showed that they are active participants in the tourism market. They take domestic and foreign trips for different purposes and in diverse company. There are also more and more travel offers dedicated only to women and they go beyond relaxation at sSpa & Wellness facilities. The results of empirical research have shown that the respondents were quite active in tourism. Most often, they travelled with family or only with a partner, but very rarely alone. Among the most important goals, apart from resting, were cognitive objectives and entertainment, and among the most important factors of trip organisation: the place of tourist reception, company and weather. The most attractive, in addition to trips to the sea, in the opinion of the respondents are active trips to the mountains and the city break.

Research and conclusions limitations. A relatively small sample does not give grounds to make generalisations.

Practical implications. The research results can be used by tourism organisers to improve the leisure offer for the segment under study. They can also be used as inspiration for further research in this area.

Originality. The adopted research problem is not popular among tourism researchers. The research also used its own research tool (questionnaire).

Type of work. The article presents the results of empirical research.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL ADVERTISING IN TOURISM
Authors: Jeznach Maria , Sawicka Beata , Szymańczyk Marta , Duczmańska Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

Purpose. The main objective of the study was to determine the role of social advertising in tourism on the example of “Bloody souvenir” advertising.

Method. The research method used for the purpose of this work was focused group interview (FGI).

Findings. As a result of the discussion, the respondents considered this ad unsuccessful. Although it promotes patterns of behaviour while counteracting negative behaviours and phenomena in tourism, it is too brutal. While discussing the issue, it was recognised that the role of this social advertising in tourism is related to its educational and informational function, which is a well-fulfilled social role.

Research and conclusions limitations. Empirical research concerns only the views of the studied group. They should not be generalised to the population in Poland.

Practical implications. The study can be used for broader qualitative research and is a tool for formulating detailed research areas.

Originality. Focused group interview was carried out based on the prepared original scenario.

Type of paper. An article presenting the results of empirical research.
Die Bindung der Arbeitsvertragsparteien an arbeitsrechtliche Inhalte in Verbandsordnungen
Authors: Rausch Johanna
Published: April 2019

In employment law, the shaping of employment relationships by third parties may be considered normal practice. In addition to trade unions, employers’ associations, and representatives of company statutes, other associations exist that also play a role in this respect. Sports associations and associations for other professions especially endeavour to influence the rights and obligations of employment with their own extensive regulations. In contrast to collective bargaining law and industrial constitution law, there are, however, no legal rules regarding the commitment of employers and employees to such regulations. With this in mind, the author examines under what conditions and with what implications the contractual parties can be bound to such association regulations. In this context, the author also considers the issue of sanctions as well as arbitration.
Histologic Diagnosis of Renal Mass Biopsy
Authors: Shen Steven S. , Ro Jae Y.
Published: April 2019

Context.—

Core biopsy has been increasingly used for clinical decision-making in the management of patients with renal masses. The sensitivity and specificity of histologic diagnoses of renal mass biopsies depend on many factors such as adequate sampling and tissue processing, diagnostic skill and experience, and appropriate use of ancillary techniques.

Objective.—

To review the indications, emphasize the importance of obtaining adequate diagnostic material, and introduce a general diagnostic approach, in conjunction with immunohistochemistry, in diagnosis of renal mass biopsies.

Data Sources.—

Literature review and personal experiences in daily practice and consultation diagnosis of renal masses in a large tertiary medical center.

Conclusions.—

For renal mass biopsies, it is critical to obtain adequate diagnostic material and establish a standard laboratory procedure in working with small biopsy specimens. The key for the diagnosis is to be familiar with different tumor entities with characteristic morphology and to understand the wide spectrum of tumor heterogeneity. By developing a systematic approach, one can categorize the tumor and create a sensible differential diagnosis based on the growth pattern and cellular morphology. Immunohistochemistry is particularly helpful for renal mass biopsy diagnosis in selected situations.
Cytoplasmic Fibrillar Aggregates in Gallbladder Epithelium Are a Frequent Mimic of Cystoisospora in Pediatric Cholecystectomy Specimens
Authors: Rose Gary S. , Arnold Christina A. , Badizadegan Kamran , Carter Christopher M. , Conces Miriam R. , Kahwash Samir B. , Nicol Kathleen K. , Arnold Michael A.
Published: April 2019

Context.—

Cystoisospora belli is an intracellular parasite associated with gastrointestinal disease in immunocompromised hosts. Although infection has been classically associated with intestinal disease, studies have identified Cystoisospora in the gallbladder of immunocompetent patients based on hematoxylin-eosin morphology. Recently, the identity of this histologic finding as Cystoisospora has been questioned based on negative results of nucleic acid studies.

Objective.—

To determine the prevalence of this histologic feature in pediatric patients, we retrospectively reviewed all cholecystectomy specimens from a pediatric hospital during a 24-month period.

Design.—

In 180 cholecystectomy specimens, we identified 11 cases (6.1%) with classical histologic features previously described to represent Cystoisospora organisms. To further investigate these structures, we retrieved tissue from paraffin-embedded blocks and performed electron microscopy.

Results.—

Ultrastructural examination identified ovoid perinuclear cytoplasmic structures composed of dense fibrillar aggregates rather than organisms. Patients with positive cases were similar in age to controls (positive cases: mean patient age 13.4 years [range, 2–23 years]; negative cases: mean patient age 14.7 years [range, 12 weeks–31 years]; P = .35). There was no significant association of this finding with cholelithiasis (54.5% versus 65.1%, P = .52), cholesterolosis (0% versus 22.5%, P = .12), acute cholecystitis (9.1% versus 10.1%, P > .99), or chronic cholecystitis (45.5% versus 66.3%, P = .20).

Conclusions.—

To our knowledge, this is the first positive identification of these structures as cytoplasmic fibrillar aggregates rather than parasitic inclusions by ultrastructural examination, and the first study of this histologic finding in pediatric cholecystectomies.
Relação da vegetação natural do estado do Rio Grande do Sul com as disponibilidades climáticas
Authors: Buriol Galileo Adeli , Estefanel Valduino , Chagas Álvaro Chagas de , Kuinchtner Angélica
Published: April 2019

O clima do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) é temperado úmido, condições de vegetação natural do tipo floresta temperada ou decidual, entretanto, em aproximadamente 46,3% de sua área, a vegetação é campestre. Assim, neste estudo, procurou-se colaborar no sentido de melhor entender as relações entre as condições climáticas e a vegetação natural do estado do RS. Para isso, relacionou-se a vegetação natural do estado do RS com as disponibilidades climáticas. Foram utilizados doze modelos fitoclimáticos e três classificações climáticas. Para o cálculo dos modelos e o enquadramento nas classificações climáticas, foram utilizadas as médias dos totais mensais e anuais da precipitação pluviométrica e evapotranspiração potencial, as médias, médias das máximas e médias das mínimas mensais e anuais das temperaturas do ar e as médias mensais e anuais das deficiências e excessos hídricos do solo de 41 estações meteorológicas, período 1931-1960 e, ainda, as médias mensais da radiação solar global de 25 estações meteorológicas, período 1957-1984. Pelos resultados obtidos para todas as estações meteorológicas utilizadas, as disponibilidades climáticas do estado são características de formação vegetal natural do tipo floresta. Dessa forma, tendo em vista que em torno de 46,3% da vegetação natural do estado é do tipo campestre, conclui-se que outros fatores, além do clima, interferem e/ou interferiram na formação da vegetação do Rio Grande do Sul.
Capacidade de retenção de água do dossel vegetativo: comparação entre Mata Atlântica e plantação florestal de eucalipto
Authors: Groppo Juliano Daniel , Salemi Luiz Felippe , Moraes Jorge Marcos , Trevisan Rodrigo , Seghesi Gustavo Bicci , Martinelli Luiz Antônio
Published: April 2019

A Mata Atlântica, um dos ecossistemas mais ameaçados do planeta, reduzida atualmente a menos de 8% de sua cobertura original, necessita de atenção especial para sua melhor conservação. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a capacidade de retenção de água do dossel vegetativo em uma microbacia coberta por Floresta Ombrófila Densa (Mata Atlântica), situada no Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar e outra com cobertura de Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis em área próxima ao Parque. O monitoramento foi realizado nos anos de 2008 e 2009 através de pluviômetros e a retenção de água do dossel florestal foi avaliada a partir de regressões lineares entre a precipitação (PR) e a precipitação interna (TR). Os resultados mostraram que com exceção da interceptação na época “seca” que apresentou os menores coeficientes de determinação (R2), sendo de 77% no eucalipto e 82% na Mata Atlântica, as variáveis apresentaram bom ajuste com a precipitação incidente com coeficientes maiores de 90%. A microbacia de Mata Atlântica obteve maior capacidade de retenção de água das copas em relação ao eucalipto, em todo o período de estudo foi observado que precipitações inferiores a 5 mm na Mata Atlântica e 0,78 mm no Eucalipto são totalmente interceptadas pelo dossel florestal e o período úmido apresentou a maior capacidade de retenção de água, provavelmente pela maior regeneração vegetal nesta época, já que no período seco a queda das folhas pode diminuir a retenção.
Efeito do sistema de plantio e da exposição solar sobre a alocação da biomassa no desenvolvimento inicial do eucalipto
Authors: Tonini Helio , Morales Marina Moura , Silva Vanderley Porfirio da , Lulu Jorge , Farias Neto Austeclinio Lopes de
Published: April 2019

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de comparar a alocação da biomassa arbórea, a conicidade do tronco e a relação altura e diâmetro ao longo do fuste de árvores de eucalipto implantadas em sistema silvipastoril, em diferente exposição solar, e em monocultivo. Os dados foram coletados em 13 árvores amostras aos 27 meses de idade, selecionadas em função do intervalo de confiança da média dos diâmetros a altura do peito (DAP) e da posição das árvores na faixa de plantio, com face de exposição sul, norte e central. Concluiu-se que na comparação com o monocultivo, as árvores plantadas em sistema silvipastoril apresentaram menor altura total, maior conicidade e maior biomassa na copa. No sistema silvipastoril, não houve efeito da posição da árvore na faixa de plantio sobre a produção total de biomassa na parte aérea, porém, árvores com face de exposição norte foram mais baixas, cônicas e produziram maior biomassa de galhos e folhas nas partes inferiores da copa.
Propriedades de adesivo aplicado em painéis a partir da substituição por lignossulfonato do processo sulfito
Authors: Silva Gilmar Correia , Lelis Roberto Carlos Costa , Oliveira Gisely de Lima , Silva Bruno Couto da , Lossano Wagner César da Silva , Abreu Heber dos Santos
Published: April 2019

Considerando a indústria de painéis aglomerados, a maior parte utiliza adesivos sintéticos, especialmente, à base de ureia-formaldeído, e nesse sentido, estudos que englobam as características de materiais alternativas para a indústria de painéis tornam-se importantes, especialmente quando se considera o custo final dos produtos gerados. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo geral avaliar as alterações na estrutura química do adesivo que pudessem provocar possíveis modificações nas suas propriedades ligantes em função da substituição do adesivo ureia-formaldeído pelo lignossulfonato. Para tanto, foi determinada a composição química elementar do lignossulfonato e suas ligações químicas por meio da espectroscopia de infravermelho (IV) e ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN), puro e em composição com diferentes catalisadores; as propriedades da ureia formaldeído e suas modificações como pH, viscosidade, tempo de formação de gel e viscosidade. A análise de RMN mostrou, para o lignossulfonato, o mesmo padrão geralmente obtido para derivados de lignina em suas ligações químicas. A análise química elementar mostrou altos teores de Mg, Ca e Na. A adição de lignossulfonato sobre a ureia-formaldeído causou acidificação no adesivo e redução dos valores de viscosidade. O efeito sobre o tempo de formação de gel também foi afetado, entretanto, verificou-se que a metodologia para esse tipo de polímero, deve ser readequada em relação ao método tradicional, submetendo o mesmo à temperatura superior a 90°C. Os resultados permitiram concluir que é possível a utilização do lignossulfonato em substituição ao adesivo ureia-formaldeído considerando o painel de madeira aglomerada.
Dispersão e impacto de Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii em área ripária na Floresta Nacional de Capão Bonito - SP
Authors: Ramos Marli , Magro Teresa Cristina , Couto Hilton Thadeu Zarate do , Castro Tito Nunes de
Published: April 2019

Conduzido em uma área ripária da unidade de conservação denominada Floresta Nacional de Capão Bonito - SP, este estudo avaliou, em diferentes classes de distância da plantação de Pinus elliottii var. elliottii (pinus): 1) a densidade de vegetação nativa, pinus com cone e pinus sem cone; 2) a área basal de vegetação nativa e pinus com cone; e 3) a umidade por frequência de ocorrência de solo seco, solo saturado superficialmente e solo inundado. O objetivo foi verificar a situação de invasão e desenvolvimento de pinus, sua relação com a vegetação nativa e com o solo. Pela Correlação de Spearman, verificou-se que não houve diferença significativa no estabelecimento de pinus nas diferentes classes de distância (média = 335), confirmando seu potencial invasor. Ao observar o incremento na densidade de vegetação nativa, verifica-se a diminuição na abundância de pinus com cone, porém, ocorreu seu estabelecimento. Houve, inclusive, o recrutamento de plântulas e juvenis (pinus sem cone) que possuem capacidade de autoperpetuação por substituição aos indivíduos senis e perecidos. Ao considerar a mesma densidade de pinus com cone e de vegetação nativa, obteve-se área basal de pinus com cone oito vezes a de vegetação nativa. Esta elevada área basal indica competição por atributos ambientais, o que pode comprometer a manutenção e sobrevivência de espécies nativas a médio e longo prazo. Ocorreu maior prevalência de ocupação por pinus com cone em solo seco em detrimento das espécies nativas. Os impactos ambientais comprovados pela presença, desenvolvimento e invasão de Pinus elliottii indicam a necessidade de sua erradicação e manejo contra reinfestação.
Estructura, composición florística y almacenamiento de carbono en bosques nativos del páramo de Anaime, Tolima, Colombia
Authors: Segura Madrigal Milena Andrea , Andrade Castañeda Hernán Jair , Mojica Sánchez Carlos Arturo
Published: April 2019

Los páramos tienen alta importancia ambiental por su alto endemismo, su regulación hídrica y su almacenamiento de carbono. En este trabajo se caracterizó la estructura y composición poblacional de la vegetación arbórea, se estimó el almacenamiento de carbono en biomasa aérea y el potencial de reducción de emisiones por deforestación, y se priorizó los tipos de bosques nativos en los esfuerzos de conservación en la Reserva Natural Semillas de Agua (RNSA) en el páramo de Anaime, Tolima, Colombia. En cada tipo de bosque (achaparrado, maduro y subpáramo), se establecieron nueve parcelas de muestreo de 10 x 15 m, en donde se midieron todos los individuos con un diámetro del tronco a la altura del pecho (dap) ≥ 10 cm. La biomasa aérea se estimó a través de un modelo alométrico multi-especie generado localmente. Las especies importantes, en términos de índice de valor de importancia y de almacenamiento de carbono, fueron Weinmannia auriculata y Miconia sp. El mayor almacenamiento de carbono se alcanzó en los bosques del subpáramo, seguido de los maduros y achaparrados (242 vs 147 vs 25 Mg/ha, respectivamente). Los bosques en la RNSA almacenan 3,2 Tg CO2e en biomasa aérea, de los cuales se podrían perder 0,2-0,5 Tg CO2e en 20 años con una deforestación anual de 0,78 y 0,28%, respectivamente. Estas reducciones de gases de efecto invernadero podrían ser comercializadas en un potencial proyecto REDD+, que ayuden a conservar estas áreas de bosque. Los bosques achaparrados y del subpáramo deberían ser priorizados en los esfuerzos de conservación debido a su diversidad, endemismo y a su gran cantidad de carbono en el caso de los bosques maduros.
Incremento de área em sementes de moringa durante a embebição por meio da análise de imagens
Authors: Noronha Bruno Gomes , Pereira Márcio Dias , Medeiros André Dantas de
Published: April 2019

A morfologia das sementes e as modificações físicas sofridas por elas durante a germinação podem estar associadas ao vigor. Por isso, objetivou-se com este trabalho monitorar o incremento de área em sementes de moringa durante a embebição, por meio da análise de imagens, com o intuito de se determinar a sua qualidade fisiológica a partir deste incremento. Utilizaram-se sementes de quatro lotes de moringa com e sem tegumento, fotografadas antes e durante a embebição, nos períodos de 8, 16 e 24 horas, nas temperaturas de 15 e 20 °C. Calculou-se o incremento de área (%) através da análise das imagens, utilizando-se o programa ImageJ. Os resultados de cada período avaliado foram comparados com os testes usualmente utilizados na avaliação do vigor de sementes. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 50 sementes por tratamento. Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA e comparados pelo teste de Tukey. Os lotes 1, 2 e 4 foram considerados de melhor qualidade, enquanto que, o lote 3 apresentou qualidade inferior, quando comparado aos demais lotes testados.  As sementes de moringa seguiram o padrão trifásico de embebição, com a protrusão da raiz primária ocorrendo em 72 horas. Foi possível avaliar o percentual de incremento de área por meio do programa ImageJ, sendo o período de 8 horas de embebição a 15 °C o que demonstrou maior eficiência para classificação dos lotes quanto a sua qualidade fisiológica.
Aspectos ecológicos das espécies regenerantes de uma floresta urbana com 150 anos de sucessão florestal: o risco das espécies exóticas
Authors: Santana Lucas Deziderio , Fonseca Cassiano Ribeiro , Carvalho Fabrício Alvim
Published: April 2019

A presença de florestas dentro de centros urbanos tem grande importância, principalmente devido aos serviços ecossistêmicos proporcionados por elas. Fragmentos urbanos são pouco estudados e trabalhos quantitativos focados na flora arbórea na área do presente estudo nunca foram realizados. O objetivo foi avaliar a composição, estrutura e diversidade de espécies regenerantes de uma floresta urbana, oriunda de um projeto paisagístico. Buscou-se responder a seguinte questão: a floresta está conseguindo avançar no processo sucessional após 150 anos de regeneração natural? O estudo foi realizado em uma área com tamanho total de aproximadamente 7,8 ha e de predomínio da Floresta Atlântica. A amostragem foi realizada em 25 parcelas de 5 x 5 m, nas quais todos os indivíduos com diâmetro a altura do peito (DAP) < 5 cm e altura > 1 m foram amostrados. Encontram-se 1297 indivíduos, distribuídos em 84 espécies. Três espécies exóticas com conhecido potencial invasor foram encontradas: Coffea arabica, Artocarpus heterophyllus e Persea americana. A espécie Coffea arabica apresentou o maior Valor de Importância na comunidade. O índice de diversidade de Shannon foi de H’ = 3,10 nats.ind-1, e equabilidade de Pielou de J’ = 0,70. A análise de Cluster (coeficiente de Morisita-Horn) evidenciou uma comunidade com baixa heterogeneidade interna. A análise dos grupos ecológicos revelou uma comunidade com dificuldades em avançar para estágios sucessionais superiores. Este estudo é importante para reforçar o risco das espécies exóticas invasoras em projetos paisagísticos.
Dendroclimatologia na Amazônia: aplicações e potencialidades
Authors: Roquette José Guilherme , Lobo Francisco de Almeida , Curado Leone Francisco Amorim
Published: April 2019

Os efeitos de mudanças climáticas na Amazônia podem ser estudados a partir de análises das relações entre variáveis climáticas e meteorológicas com o crescimento do xilema de espécies arbóreas, por meio da dendroclimatologia. O objetivo deste trablho foi abordar aspectos inerentes ao estado da arte sobre a formação de anéis de crescimento em plantas lenhosas, aos métodos dendroclimatológicos e as aplicações feitas nas florestas tropicais da Amazônia. A revisão sobre o tema foi feita a partir da busca por referências tanto clássicas como mais recentes, em diversas bases bibliográficas. Embora seja uma ciência antiga, ainda são poucos os estudos dendroclimatológicos conduzidos na Amazônia, existindo uma lacuna sobre esse conhecimento em diferentes sítios da região. Suas florestas são ecossistemas sensíveis e estudos relacionados aos efeitos que podem sofrer em virtude de mudanças climáticas são relevantes para o planejamento socioeconômico e o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas. Portanto, o arquivo natural sobre o clima registrado na madeira é de grande utilidade para a compreensão dos impactos potenciais que as atividades antrópicas podem exercer sobre o clima e a sustentabilidade da vida na Amazônia.
Alocação de nutrientes ao longo do tronco em Pinus taeda L. aos 17 anos de idade
Authors: Witschoreck Rudi , Schumacher Mauro Valdir
Published: April 2019

Este trabalho, realizado em um povoamento de Pinus taeda de 17 anos de idade no município de Cambará do Sul - RS, em Cambissolo Húmico alumínico típico, teve por objetivo estudar o padrão de alocação dos nutrientes ao longo do tronco e suas implicações para a amostragem na estimativa do estoque de nutrientes. Foram amostradas 18 árvores, distribuídas em 6 classes diamétricas, com coleta de amostras, de casca e madeira, nas seguintes alturas relativas (por cento da altura total): h0,1 (10%), h0,3 (30%), h0,5 (50%), h0,7 (70%) e h0,9 (90%). O padrão de alocação dos nutrientes ao longo do tronco foi estudado mediante comparação de médias e ajuste de equações de regressão, correlacionando concentração de nutrientes e a altura de coleta das amostras. Testaram-se diferentes estimadores da concentração de nutrientes: teor médio aritmético (TM), teor médio ponderado pelo diâmetro da secção (TMPD) e teor médio ponderado pela biomassa da secção (TMPB); tendo este como tratamento padrão. Com exceção de Mn e Ca na madeira, todos os nutrientes apresentaram maior teor na porção superior do tronco (h0,9), podendo ser para P 2,7 vezes superior na madeira e 5 vezes superior na casca, em relação a base do tronco (h0,1). O elemento Ca na madeira apresentou comportamento inverso, ou seja, maior teor na base do tronco (h0,1); enquanto Mn não diferiu estatisticamente entre os pontos de coleta. Entre os estimadores da concentração de nutrientes testados, o TM apresentou os maiores valores, exceto para Ca na madeira, o que acarreta superestimação do estoque de nutrientes. Para as condições do estudo, considerando o TMPB como melhor estimador da concentração de nutrientes, o intervalo de confiança para altura relativa de coleta de amostras foi estimado em 35 – 53% para madeira e 38 – 46% para casca.
IL-21/type I interferon interplay regulates neutrophil-dependent innate immune responses to Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Spolski Rosanne , West Erin E , Li Peng , Veenbergen Sharon , Yung Sunny , Kazemian Majid , Oh Jangsuk , Yu Zu-Xi , Freeman Alexandra F , Holland Stephen M , Murphy Philip M , Leonard Warren J
Published: April 2019

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major hospital- and community-acquired pathogen, but the mechanisms underlying host-defense to MRSA remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of IL-21 in this process. When administered intra-tracheally into wild-type mice, IL-21 induced granzymes and augmented clearance of pulmonary MRSA but not when neutrophils were depleted or a granzyme B inhibitor was added. Correspondingly, IL-21 induced MRSA killing by human peripheral blood neutrophils. Unexpectedly, however, basal MRSA clearance was also enhanced when IL-21 signaling was blocked, both in Il21r KO mice and in wild-type mice injected with IL-21R-Fc fusion-protein. This correlated with increased type I interferon and an IFN-related gene signature, and indeed anti-IFNAR1 treatment diminished MRSA clearance in these animals. Moreover, we found that IFNβ induced granzyme B and promoted MRSA clearance in a granzyme B-dependent fashion. These results reveal an interplay between IL-21 and type I IFN in the innate immune response to MRSA.
Costs of acute otitis media in children in a city of the Colombian Caribbean coast
Authors: Coronell-Rodríguez Wilfrido , Arteta-Acosta Cindy , Alvis-Zakzuk Nelson , Alvis-Guzmán Nelson
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Acute otitis media is the main cause of consultation, antibiotic use, and ambulatory surgery in developed countries; besides, it is associated with an important economic burden. However, non-medical indirect costs of acute otitis media, which are relevant in this pathology, have been underestimated.Objective: To estimate the costs of acute otitis media in pediatric patients in Cartagena, Colombia.Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective study of micro-costing between 2014 and 2015. The direct and indirect costs of acute otitis media were determined through forms applied to parents or caregivers. Loss of productivity was estimated based on the monthly legal minimum wage of 2014 (COP $616.000) (USD $308).Results: A total of 62 episodes of acute otitis media occurred. The total economic costs attributed per episode was COP $358,954 (standard deviation: SD ± COP $254,903, i.e., USD $179). The total economic burden was COP $22,503,141 (USD $11,250), the indirect costs per episode were COP $101,402 (USD $51), and the average care time spent by parents was 3.7 days.Conclusion: The estimated costs of acute otitis media in this study were lower than the costs estimated in a review of high-income countries and similar to those of low-income countries such as Nigeria. Information on total costs (direct and indirect) of acute otitis media is necessary for public health decision-making and for full cost-effectiveness assessments.
Desarrollo de algoritmos clínicos para el diagnóstico del dengue en Colombia
Authors: Caicedo Diana María , Méndez Andrés Camilo , Tovar José Rafael , Osorio Lyda
Published: April 2019

Introducción. Dado el aumento de la incidencia y la mortalidad por dengue, su diagnóstico es relevante para los países endémicos. Las clasificaciones clínicas y las pruebas de laboratorio existentes tienen un desempeño variable en la práctica clínica, pues su sensibilidad fluctúa entre 45 y 98 %, y su especificidad, entre 4 y 98 %, lo cual se debe, en parte, a la diversidad de contextos en los que se utilizan.Objetivo. Desarrollar algoritmos clínicos para el diagnóstico del dengue en el contexto colombiano.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal a partir de fuentes secundarias. Se construyeron algoritmos clínicos de diagnóstico del dengue con base en métodos bayesianos que combinaron síntomas, signos y parámetros del hemograma, y se comparó su exactitud diagnóstica con la de las pruebas de referencia. Se hizo una validación externa del algoritmo de mayor exactitud y sensibilidad, comparándolo con la clasificación clínica de la Organización Mundial de la Salud de 1997 y la del 2009, con la guía colombiana del 2010 y con la escala diagnóstica propuesta por el Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia en el 2013.Resultados. Se generaron cuatro algoritmos, dos de signos y síntomas y dos que incluyeron el conteo de leucocitos (≤4.500/mm3) o de plaquetas (≤60.000/mm3). El algoritmo de mayor exactitud incluyó los parámetros del hemograma, con una sensibilidad de 76,5 % (IC95% 71,9-80,5) y una especificidad de 46,0 % (IC95% 37,6-54,7). En la validación externa, la sensibilidad fue de 11,1 % (IC95% 4,9-20,7) y la especificidad fue de 91,9 % (IC95% 87,5-93,9). La escala del Ministerio tuvo una sensibilidad de 76,4 % (IC95% 64,9-85,6) y una especificidad de 38,0 % (IC95% 32,8-43,4).Conclusión. La inclusión de los parámetros del hemograma mejoró la sensibilidad de los algoritmos de diagnóstico basados en los signos y los síntomas. Sin embargo, el diagnóstico clínico del dengue sigue siendo un reto para la investigación en salud.
Evaluation of variants in IL6R, TLR3, and DC-SIGN genes associated with dengue in sampled Colombian population
Authors: Avendaño-Tamayo Efren , Rúa Alex , Parra-Marín María Victoria , Rojas Winston , Campo Omer , Chacón-Duque Juan , Agudelo-Flórez Piedad , Narváez Carlos F. , Salgado Doris M. , Restrepo Bertha Nelly , Bedoya Gabriel
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Host genetics is recognized as an influential factor for the development of dengue disease.Objective: This study evaluated the association of dengue with the polymorphisms rs8192284 for gene IL6R, rs3775290 for TLR3, and rs7248637 for DC-SIGN.Materials and methods: Of the 292 surveyed subjects, 191 were confirmed for dengue fever and the remaining 101 were included as controls. The genotypes were resolved using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP). In an attempt to determine the risk (Odds Ratio) of suffering dengue fever, data were analyzed using chi-square for alleles and logistic regression for both genotypes and allelic combinations. Confidence intervals were set to 95% for all tests regardless of the adjustment by either self-identification or ancestry.Results: For Afro-Colombians, the allele rs8192284 C offered protection against dengue [OR=0.425,(0.204-0.887), p=0.020]. The alleles rs7248637 A and rs3775290 A posed, respectively, an increased risk of dengue for Afro-Colombians [OR=2.389, (1.170-4.879), p=0.015] and Mestizos [OR=2.329, (1.283-4.226), p=0.005]. The reproducibility for rs8192284 C/C [OR=2.45, (1.05-5.76), p=0.013] remained after adjustment by Amerindian ancestry [OR=2.52, (1.04-6.09), p=0.013]. The reproducibility for rs3775290 A/A [OR=2.48, (1.09-5.65), p=0.033] remained after adjustment by European [OR=2.34, (1.02-5.35), p=0.048], Amerindian [OR=2.49, (1.09-5.66), p=0.035], and African ancestry [OR=2.37, (1.04-5.41), p=0.046]. Finally, the association of dengue fever with the allelic combination CAG [OR=2.07, (1.06-4.05), p=0.033] remained after adjustment by Amerindian ancestry [OR=2.16, (1.09-4.28), p=0.028].Conclusions: Polymorphisms rs8192284 for IL6R, rs3775290 for TLR3, and rs7248637 for DC-SIGN were associated with the susceptibility to suffer dengue fever in the sampled Colombian population.
Un caso de síndrome de embolia grasa: tratamiento y rehabilitación neurológica y cognitiva
Authors: Villegas José Daniel , Zapata María Camila , Jaramillo María Camila , Orozco Estefanía , Suárez Juan Camilo
Published: April 2019

Se reporta el proceso de recuperación y rehabilitación neurológica y cognitiva de una mujer joven que desarrolló un síndrome de embolia grasa con repercusiones neurológicas, después de sufrir un politraumatismo.La paciente era una mujer de 21 años de edad con fractura cerrada de húmero y fémur izquierdos, que presentó un síndrome de embolia grasa, neumotórax izquierdo e hipertensión pulmonar, en las primeras 24 horas después de un accidente. Estuvo hospitalizada un mes y quedó con varios déficits neurológicos centrales, como infartos ‘lacunares’ y necrosis cortical laminar occipital, así como limitaciones en la bipedestación, la marcha, la visión y las funciones cognitivas.A partir del primer mes después del alta hospitalaria, se comenzó un proceso integral de rehabilitación neurológica y cognitiva en casa, y posteriormente, en una unidad médica de rehabilitación. Durante los primeros dos años después del accidente, la paciente recibió estimulación sensorial, sensoperceptiva y motora, así como rehabilitación motora y visual intensiva. Una vez se recuperó físicamente, se inició un proceso de rehabilitación neuropsicológica. Seis años después del accidente, la paciente terminó sus estudios universitarios y hoy está laboralmente activa.El proceso de rehabilitación neurológica es complejo, individual y difícil, aunque no imposible, y no se puede estandarizar un patrón de recuperación para todos los pacientes. Si bien existe la recuperación espontánea, la cual se da en los primeros seis meses, el caso aquí reportado demuestra que, en la fase crónica, la recuperación se puede lograr, pero requiere de evaluaciones y técnicas coordinadas de rehabilitación neurológica.
Robust and accurate quantification of biomarkers of immune cells in lung cancer micro-environment using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Aprupe Lilija , Litjens Geert , Brinker Titus J. , van der Laak Jeroen , Grabe Niels
Published: April 2019

Recent years have seen a growing awareness of the role the immune system plays in successful cancer treatment, especially in novel therapies like immunotherapy. The characterization of the immunological composition of tumors and their micro-environment is thus becoming a necessity. In this paper we introduce a deep learning-based immune cell detection and quantification method, which is based on supervised learning, i.e., the input data for training comprises labeled images. Our approach objectively deals with staining variation and staining artifacts in immunohistochemically stained lung cancer tissue and is as precise as humans. This is evidenced by the low cell count difference to humans of 0.033 cells on average. This method, which is based on convolutional neural networks, has the potential to provide a new quantitative basis for research on immunotherapy.
Genetic data of museum specimens allow for inferring evolutionary history of the cosmopolitan genusSirthenea(Heteroptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Chłond Dominik , Sawka-Gądek Natalia , Żyła Dagmara
Published: April 2019

Among the 30 known genera within subfamily Peiratinae, only the genusSirtheneahas a cosmopolitan distribution. The results of our studies are the first comprehensive analysis concerning one of the representatives of mentioned subfamily based on joint phylogenetic analyses of molecular and morphological data as well as molecular dating. A total of 32 species were included into the dataset with all known species of the genusSirthenea. Material of over 400 dry specimens was examined for the morphological part of this study. The cosmopolitan distribution ofSirtheneaand the inaccessibility of specimens preserved in alcohol required the extraction of DNA from the dried skeletal muscles of specimens deposited in 24 entomological collections. The oldest specimens used for the successful extraction and sequencing were collected more than 120 years ago in India. We performed Bayesian Inference analyses of molecular and morphological data separately, as well as combined analysis. The molecular and morphological data obtained during our research verify the correlation of the divergence dates of all knownSirtheneaspecies. Results of the relaxed molecular clock analysis of the molecular data show that, the genusSirtheneastarted diverging in the Late Cretaceous into two clades, which subsequently began to branch off in the Paleocene. Our results of phylogenetic analyses suggest that thefossula spongiosaand its development could be one of the most important morphological characters in the evolution of the genus, most likely associated with the ecological niche inhabited bySirthenearepresentatives. Confirmation of the results obtained in our studies is the reconciliation of the evolutionary history ofSirtheneawith the biogeographical processes that have shaped current global distribution of the genus.
Automated analysis of small RNA datasets with RAPID
Authors: Karunanithi Sivarajan , Simon Martin , Schulz Marcel H.
Published: April 2019

Understanding the role of short-interfering RNA (siRNA) in diverse biological processes is of current interest and often approached through small RNA sequencing. However, analysis of these datasets is difficult due to the complexity of biological RNA processing pathways, which differ between species. Several properties like strand specificity, length distribution, and distribution of soft-clipped bases are few parameters known to guide researchers in understanding the role of siRNAs. We present RAPID, a generic eukaryotic siRNA analysis pipeline, which captures information inherent in the datasets and automatically produces numerous visualizations as user-friendly HTML reports, covering multiple categories required for siRNA analysis. RAPID also facilitates an automated comparison of multiple datasets, with one of the normalization techniques dedicated for siRNA knockdown analysis, and integrates differential expression analysis using DESeq2.

Availability and Implementation

RAPID is available under MIT license at https://github.com/SchulzLab/RAPID. We recommend using it as a conda environment available from https://anaconda.org/bioconda/rapid
Potassium Fertilization for Higher Flowering and Fruit Yield in ‘Magallanes’ Pummelo (Citrus maxima)
Authors: Magbalot-Fernandez Alminda , C. Deguzman Constancio
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to determine the influence of Potassium (K) fertilization on the flowering and fruit yield of 13-year old ‘Magallanes' pummelo [Citrus maxima (Burm. ex Rumph.) Merr.] trees.  The experiment was conducted at South Davao Corporation (SODACO) farm, Davao City, Philippines for 12-month duration. Five treatments with increasing K levels were applied per tree: control, no K, 150 g K basal, 225 g K basal, and 225 g K basal + foliar application. Flowering, fruit set and yield of pummelo were enhanced by higher K rates. Flowering was increased by 4 times while fruit set by 86-100%. Fruit number was increased by 7 times, weight per fruit by 22-26%, and yields up to 9 times with 100% (return of investment) ROI on trees applied with 225 g K rates. The results of the study indicated the important role of K in improving the flowering, fruit yield and income of ‘Magallanes' pummelo.
Economic Analyses of Non-timber Forest Products Utilised by Communities around Kwabaktina Forest Reserve
Authors: Abubakar E. M. , Dau J. H.
Published: April 2019

This study was carried out among communities surrounding the Kwabaktina forest reserve in Adamawa state, Nigeria with the aim of assessing the utilisation of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the study area. Data were collected through Stratified and purposive sampling designs using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify NTFPs utilised in the study area. The result showed age, educational status and household size had a significance effect on the extent of NTFPs utilisation in the study area. Income had no significant in determining the level of the utilisation of NTFPs; while gender had a significant implication on the utilisation of NTFPs. This may be attributed to the relative scarcity of most of the NTFPs as a result of deforestation and the present awareness of their (NTFPs) importance to the communities. NTFPs play an important role in the livelihood of people in the communities. These products occupy a significant place in the livelihood of the people. To ensure speedy growth and yielding (development) of NTFPs in the study area; it is recommended that NGOs (commonwealth forest association and Forest association of Nigeria) who are concerned with trees planting and sustainable forest management; and an individual should participate in funding of trees planting campaign in marginal land. Also, the people of the communities should be encouraged to embark on economic trees planting for the provision of raw materials for carving/crafting; these can help to reduce rural-urban population drift and the prevailing unemployment especially among youths.