bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextual factors in maternal and newborn health evaluation: a protocol applied in Nigeria, India and Ethiopia
Authors: Sabot Kate , Marchant Tanya , Spicer Neil , Berhanu Della , Gautham Meenakshi , Umar Nasir , Schellenberg Joanna
Published: February 2018

Background

Understanding the context of a health programme is important in interpreting evaluation findings and in considering the external validity for other settings. Public health researchers can be imprecise and inconsistent in their usage of the word “context” and its application to their work. This paper presents an approach to defining context, to capturing relevant contextual information and to using such information to help interpret findings from the perspective of a research group evaluating the effect of diverse innovations on coverage of evidence-based, life-saving interventions for maternal and newborn health in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and India.

Methods

We define “context” as the background environment or setting of any program, and “contextual factors” as those elements of context that could affect implementation of a programme. Through a structured, consultative process, contextual factors were identified while trying to strike a balance between comprehensiveness and feasibility. Thematic areas included demographics and socio-economics, epidemiological profile, health systems and service uptake, infrastructure, education, environment, politics, policy and governance. We outline an approach for capturing and using contextual factors while maximizing use of existing data. Methods include desk reviews, secondary data extraction and key informant interviews. Outputs include databases of contextual factors and summaries of existing maternal and newborn health policies and their implementation. Use of contextual data will be qualitative in nature and may assist in interpreting findings in both quantitative and qualitative aspects of programme evaluation.

Discussion

Applying this approach was more resource intensive than expected, in part because routinely available information was not consistently available across settings and more primary data collection was required than anticipated. Data was used only minimally, partly due to a lack of evaluation results that needed further explanation, but also because contextual data was not available for the precise units of analysis or time periods of interest. We would advise others to consider integrating contextual factors within other data collection activities, and to conduct regular reviews of maternal and newborn health policies. This approach and the learnings from its application could help inform the development of guidelines for the collection and use of contextual factors in public health evaluation.
Book Review:ANDREAS K. DEMETRIADES (ed.), Iatrosophikón. Folklore Remedies from a Cyprus Monastery: Original text and parallel translation of Codex Machairas A.18, Foundation Anastasios G. Leventis, Nicosia 2015, lx+654 pp. ISBN 978-9963-732-15-9
Authors: BOURAS-VALLIANATOS Petros
Published: February 2018

Book Review:Andreas K. Demetriades (ed.), Iatrosophikón. Folklore Remedies from a Cyprus Monastery: Original text and parallel translation of Codex Machairas A.18, Foundation Anastasios G. Leventis, Nicosia 2015, lx+654 pp. ISBN 978-9963-732-15-9
Αλλάζοντας του Κανόνες: Η Πολιτική Οικονομία της Πρωτογενούς Ανισότητας
Authors: Κικίλιας Ηλίας
Published: February 2018

Οι μετασχηματισμοί που έλαβαν χώρα τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες έχουν ως συνέπεια μια αντίστροφη από τη συνήθη «αναδιανομή» του εισοδήματος προς την κορυφή της εισοδηματικής κλίμακας, αν και δεν πρόκειται για μια αναδιανομή με την συνηθισμένη έννοια του όρου. Η διαδικασία αυτή δεν επήλθε μέσω της φορολόγησης της μεσαίας τάξης και των φτωχών και την μεταβίβαση των εισοδημάτων τους στους πλουσιότερους, δηλ. μέσω ενός ιδιόμορφα παρεμβατικού κράτους.  Δεν επήλθε επίσης, είτε μέσω της μείωσης της φορολόγησης των κερδών – που αποτελεί ένα μικρό μόνο μέρος της συνολικής εικόνας – είτε μέσω της «διαφθοράς» με τη συνήθη έννοια.  Η αναδιανομή αυτή του εισοδήματος προς την κορυφή της εισοδηματικής κλίμακας επήλθε με πιο έμμεσο, «αόρατο» αλλά δραστικό τρόπο:  μέσω της αλλαγής των κανόνων λειτουργίας της ελεύθερης αγοράς.
Awareness Reduces Racial Bias
Authors: Pope Devin G. , Price Joseph , Wolfers Justin
Published: February 2018

Can raising awareness of racial bias subsequently reduce that bias? We address this question by exploiting the widespread media attention highlighting racial bias among professional basketball referees that occurred in May 2007 following the release of an academic study. Using new data, we confirm that racial bias persisted in the years after the study’s original sample but prior to the media coverage. Subsequent to the media coverage, though, the bias disappeared. Several potential mechanisms may have produced this result, including voluntary behavior changes by individual referees, adjustments by players to new information, and changes in referee behavior due to institutional pressure. These results suggest a new kind of Hawthorne effect in which greater scrutiny of even subtle forms of bias can bring about meaningful change.

This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
Search for new biomarkers of pediatric multiple sclerosis: application of immunoglobulin free light chain analysis
Authors: Ganelin-Cohen Esther , Golderman Sizilia , Yeskaraev Regina , Rozenberg Ayal , Livneh Avi , Kaplan Batia
Published: February 2018

Background:

Identifying new biomarkers is needed to overcome the diagnostic difficulties of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS). Recently, we developed a new technique including CSF analysis of free light chain (FLC) monomers and dimers, which can improve diagnosis of adult MS. The present study has been designed to evaluate the utility of our technique for MS diagnosis in children.

Methods:

Patients with MS (n=21) and non-MS demyelinating or inflammatory neurological disorders (n=35) participated in the study. MS diagnosis was based on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Western blot analysis was applied to examine FLC in the patients’ CSF and serum. FLC indices for FLC monomer and dimer levels and κ/λ ratios were estimated. The samples were also analyzed by oligoclonality test.

Results:

The study revealed abnormally elevated levels of κ-FLC monomers and dimers in the CSF of 10 MS patients (“κ-type MS”). Increased amounts of λ dimers were found in six MS cases (“λ-type MS”), while high levels of both κ and λ FLC (“mixed type MS”) were documented in three MS cases. MRI and clinical assessment showed a more aggressive disease form for the “mixed” and “λ-type” cases. Our method demonstrated higher sensitivity (90.5%) and specificity (91.4%) for discrimination between MS and non-MS patients, as compared to oligoclonality test (81% and 65.7%, respectively).

Conclusions:

The proposed method may significantly contribute to diagnosis and prognosis of pediatric MS.
Numerical Validation of Chemical Compositional Model for Wettability Alteration Processes
Authors: Bekbauov Bakhbergen , Berdyshev Abdumauvlen , Baishemirov Zharasbek , Bau Domenico
Published: February 2018

Chemical compositional simulation of enhanced oil recovery and surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation processes is a complex task that involves solving dozens of equations for all grid blocks representing a reservoir. In the present work, we perform a numerical validation of the newly developed mathematical formulation which satisfies the conservation laws of mass and energy and allows applying a sequential solution approach to solve the governing equations separately and implicitly. Through its application to the numerical experiment using a wettability alteration model and comparisons with existing chemical compositional model’s numerical results, the new model has proven to be practical, reliable and stable.
Kontinuitäten und Umbrüche – Fünf Beobachtungen zum deutschen Stiftungswesen
Authors: Oldenburg Felix
Published: February 2018

Der Beitrag erläutert anhand von fünf prägnanten Beispielen, wie sich zur Zeit das Feld verändert, in dem Stiftungen operieren können. Die Vielfalt der Stifterkonzepte, der seit etwa 10 Jahren dramatisch veränderte Kapitalmarkt, die Rückbesinnung auf alte Traditionen deutscher Stiftungen in Verbindung mit gemeinnützigem Unternehmertum, die gerade für Stiftungen relevante Diskussion um Legitimität und Aufgaben von Eliten und nicht zuletzt die Internationalisierung der Lebenswelten haben erheblichen Einfluss auf die Überlegungen von Stifterinnen und Stiftern ebenso wie von Stiftungsverwaltern, die sich den Veränderungen aktiv stellen müssen.
Rapid expansion of the American mink poses a serious threat to the European mink in Spain
Authors: Põdra Madis , Gómez Asunción
Published: February 2018

The American mink (Neovison vison) was introduced in Europe for fur farming in the 1920s and feral populations were formed due to escapes or intentional releases to the wild thereafter. Nowadays, the species is widely distributed across much of the continent, and is considered the main cause of extinction of the European mink (Mustela lutreola). In Spain, the first populations of the American mink were formed in the 1980s and since then a continuous expansion in their range has been observed. We describe the expansion process of the American mink based on reports of its distribution in the literature, focusing particularly on its increasing overlap with the distribution of the native, endangered European mink. Over the 27 years (1985–2012), the distribution area of non-native mink in Spain increased by 17 times, with an average annual increment of 16.5% and no significant variation among populations. By 2012, a quarter of continental Spain was occupied by the American mink and its presence was confirmed in one-third of the distribution area of the European mink. The status of native mink has worsened drastically in Spain over the last years and urgent conservation measures are required to stop further spread of the American mink.
Helmholtz on Perceptual Properties
Authors: Tracz R. Brian
Published: February 2018

Hermann von Helmholtz’s work on perceptual science had a fundamental impact on Neo-Kantian movements in the late nineteenth century, and his influence continues to be felt in psychology and analytic philosophy of perception. As is widely acknowledged, Helmholtz denied that we can perceive mind-independent properties of external objects, a view I label Ignorance. Given his commitment to Ignorance, Helmholtz might seem to be committed to a subjectivism according to which we only perceive properties of our own representations. Against this, I argue that for Helmholtz, the properties we perceive are not monadic properties of either the subject or the object. Rather, Helmholtz endorsed a relationalism about the properties we perceive: the properties of objects we perceive are all relational properties. I then suggest that once we take into account oft-neglected terminological distinctions in Helmholtz’s corpus, we are better able to make sense of his commitment to relationalism.
Perception and Coincidence in Helmholtz’s Theory of Measurement
Authors: Neuber Matthias
Published: February 2018

The present paper is concerned with Helmholtz’s theory of measurement. It will be argued that an adequate understanding of this theory depends on how Helmholtz’s application of the concepts of perception and coincidence is interpreted. In contrast both to conventionalist and (neo-)Kantian readings of Helmholtz’s theory, a more realistic interpretation will be suggested.
Articulating Space in Terms of Transformation Groups: Helmholtz and Cassirer
Authors: Biagioli Francesca
Published: February 2018

Hermann von Helmholtz’s geometrical papers (1868–1878) have been typically deemed to provide an implicitly group-theoretical analysis of space, as articulated later by Felix Klein, Sophus Lie, and Henri Poincaré. However, there is less agreement as to what properties exactly in such a view would pertain to space, as opposed to abstract mathematical structures, on the one hand, and empirical contents, on the other. According to Moritz Schlick, the puzzle can be resolved only by clearly distinguishing the empirical qualities of spatial perception from those describable in terms of axiomatic geometry. This paper offers a partial defense of the group-theoretical reading of Helmholtz along the lines of Ernst Cassirer in the fourth volume of The Problem of Knowledge of 1940. In order to avoid the problem raised by Schlick, Cassirer relied on a Kantian view of space not so much as an object of geometry, but as a precondition for the possibility of measurement. Although the concept of group does not provide a description of space, the modern way to articulate the concept of space in terms of transformation groups reveals something about the structure and the transformation of spatial concepts in mathematical and natural sciences.
Identifying the Role of Complement in Triggering Neuroinflammation after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Alawieh Ali , Langley E. Farris , Weber Shannon , Adkins DeAnna , Tomlinson Stephen
Published: February 2018

The complement system is implicated in promoting acute secondary injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but its role in chronic post-traumatic neuropathology remains unclear. Using various injury-site targeted complement inhibitors that block different complement pathways and activation products, we investigated how complement is involved in neurodegeneration and chronic neuroinflammation after TBI in a clinically relevant setting of complement inhibition. The current paradigm is that complement propagates post-TBI neuropathology predominantly through the terminal membrane attack complex (MAC), but the focus has been on acute outcomes. Following controlled cortical impact in adult male mice, we demonstrate that although inhibition of the MAC (with CR2-CD59) reduces acute deficits, inhibition of C3 activation is required to prevent chronic inflammation and ongoing neuronal loss. Activation of C3 triggered a sustained degenerative mechanism of microglial and astrocyte activation, reduced dendritic and synaptic density, and inhibited neuroblast migration several weeks after TBI. Moreover, inhibiting all complement pathways (with CR2-Crry), or only the alternative complement pathway (with CR2-fH), provided similar and significant improvements in chronic histological, cognitive, and functional recovery, indicating a key role for the alternative pathway in propagating chronic post-TBI pathology. Although we confirm a role for the MAC in acute neuronal loss after TBI, this study shows that upstream products of complement activation generated predominantly via the alternative pathway propagate chronic neuroinflammation, thus challenging the current concept that the MAC represents a therapeutic target for treating TBI. A humanized version of CR2fH has been shown to be safe and non-immunogenic in clinical trials.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTComplement, and specifically the terminal membrane attack complex, has been implicated in secondary injury and neuronal loss after TBI. However, we demonstrate here that upstream complement activation products, generated predominantly via the alternative pathway, are responsible for propagating chronic inflammation and injury following CCI. Chronic inflammatory microgliosis is triggered by sustained complement activation after CCI, and is associated with chronic loss of neurons, dendrites and synapses, a process that continues to occur even 30 d after initial impact. Acute and injury-site targeted inhibition of the alternative pathway significantly improves chronic outcomes, and together these findings modify the conceptual paradigm for targeting the complement system to treat TBI.
Receptividad de los ganaderos aledaños a los ecosistemas de humedal en el establecimiento y manejo de fincas pecuarias integradas
Authors: Vargas Sibaja María Marcela , Gómez Solís William
Published: February 2018

El objetivo de la investigación fue abordar la receptividad, aplicación y utilidad de los pequeños ganaderos en el proyecto Establecimiento y Manejo de Fincas Pecuarias Integradas, el cual inició en el 2014 y finalizó en diciembre de 2016, en las fincas aledañas al ecosistema de humedal de Mata Redonda, en Rosario de Nicoya. El proyecto nació gracias a la necesidad de extensión en cuanto a la relación de la producción agropecuaria sostenible y la conservación de humedales, la cual se identificó en la ejecución de un Plan General de Manejo Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mata Redonda, ejecutado por el Centro Mesoamericano de Desarrollo Sostenible del Trópico Seco (CEMEDE) de la UNA, en el 2013. En el presente documento se analiza el interés mostrado por la comunidad a lo largo del proyecto y su experiencia al implementar el uso de tecnologías alternativas agropecuarias sostenibles como medidas de adaptación al cambio climático en sus fincas, las dificultades y logros que enfrentaron como productores. El proyecto consistió en un trabajo participativo entre la academia, la comunidad y la administración del Área de Conservación Tempisque (ACT), donde se promovió la utilización de tecnologías sostenibles para la conservación de los ecosistemas de humedal.
Política agropecuaria y pobreza rural: reflexiones a partir de dos casos en la Región Chorotega, Costa Rica
Authors: Lezcano Calderón Sandra , Zúñiga Guerrero Silvia , Dobles Villegas María Teresa
Published: February 2018

El artículo es una revisión de las políticas del sector agropecuario, a partir de los resultados de un proyecto de extensión con pequeños productores, y uno de investigación, referido a articulaciones interinstitucionales, desarrolladas en la Región Chorotega, en Costa Rica.Este trabajo tiene como objetivo evidenciar los vacíos existentes en las políticas del sector agropecuario costarricense, relacionadas con la reducción de la pobreza y generación de empleo, dirigido a los pequeños productores agropecuarios.
Indice de la calidad de aire en el distrito de Morales debido a la presencia de material particulado 2.5 microgramos
Authors: Guevara Reátegui Julio Rafael , Pérez Carpio Jackson Edgardo
Published: February 2018

El objetivo de la investigación es determinar la concentración de partículas menores de 2.5 microgramos para luego ser comparados con el índice y el estándar de calidad de aire (D.S. N° 003-2008-MINAM) de los sectores Jr. Alfonso Ugarte y Jr. Victoria Vásquez del Distrito de Morales Departamento de San Martin, los monitoreo se ha realizado teniendo en cuenta los procedimientos que nos indica el “Protocolo de monitoreo de calidad de aire y gestión de datos” elaborado por la DIGESA (2005). El equipo que se utilizó es un equipo Hivol PM2.5 de alto volumen el tipo de investigación es no experimental descriptivo comparativo de corte trassectorial porque determina el grado de relación de variables de estudio. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos la concentración de partículas PM2.5 registradas en los punto de monitoreo Jr. Alfonso Ugarte y Jr. Victoria Vásquez realizados del 03 al 14 de octubre del 2016  registraron concentraciones (12.8 μg/m3, 20.8 μg/m3, 14.2 μg/m3, 10.7 μg/m3 y 22.5 μg/m3, 18.4 μg/m3, 19.2 μg/m3, 12.7 μg/m3) estos valores no excedieron  al nivel de referencia 25 μg/m3 establecido por la normativa nacional de estándares de calidad de aire D.S N.° 003-2008 MINAM, también se han comparados con el índice de calidad de aire, teniendo como resultado el nivel de riesgo de color amarillo y color verde obteniendo una calificación moderada y buena, se puede interpretar que la calidad del aire es aceptable y cumple con el ECA, se puede realizar actividades al aire libre y con restricciones para los pobladores sensibles.
Evaluación de contaminación sonora vehicular en el centro de la ciudad de Tarapoto, San Martín, 2015
Authors: Delgadillo Mendoza Mary Cruz , Pérez Carpio Jackson Edgardo
Published: February 2018

El objetivo de este artículo es realizar una evaluación de la contaminación sonora vehicular en el centro de la Ciudad de Tarapoto, cuyas zonas consideradas fueron zona comercial y zona de protección especial. Se identificó siete puntos de monitoreo, en el horario diurno (7:00 am - 8:00 am, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm y 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm), durante siete semanas. Los resultados obtenidos superan los Estándares de Calidad Ambiental para Ruido (D.S. N°085-2003-PCM), encontrándose que el punto 5 (P-5) ubicado en la intersección de Jr. Jiménez Pimentel con Jr. Shapaja perteneciente a la Zona Comercial, presenta los niveles de presión sonora  más altos en los tres períodos (80.4, 81.6, y 87.8 dB), en el análisis de varianza, en el periodo 1, el ANOVA indica que hay diferencia significativa y la prueba Tukey, donde confirma que el P-5, presenta nivel de presión sonora más alto. El flujo vehicular estuvo compuesto por moto lineal, motocarro y otros vehículos (autos, combis, camioneta, etc.), en la que el vehículo con mayor circulación durante la evaluación fue el motocarro.
La importancia de la formación para minimizar las brechas digitales en Andalucía
Authors: Santiago Segura María Jesús , Fernández Castaño Felix
Published: February 2018

La desigualdad es un concepto que siempre nos ha preocupado a los sociólogos. La sociología ha estudiado la desigualdad desde distintos ámbitos: culturales, educativos, económicos etc. En esta investigación que presentamos, queremos dar un paso innovador y actual, analizando la desigualdad digital a través de la llamada “Brecha Digital”. Para ello, hemos optado por utilizar una metodología cuantitativa acotándola en un periodo concreto, 2010-2014. Concretamente, la pretensión última de este estudio es mostrar la relación existente entre la formación académica y el uso de Tecnologías. Nos adentramos en diferenciar el uso a nivel usuario de las TICs y, el uso de las TICs con repercusión  en la mejora de la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos y, por ende, en igualar a la ciudadanía evitando de este modo un “cleavage” social  insalvable entre ciudadanos digitalizados y ciudadanos no-digitalizados. Por último, señalar que el espacio territorial que hemos escogido para nuestro análisis es el de la Comunidad Autonómica Andaluza, donde estas nuevas realidades de desigualdades digitales establecen unos nuevos desequilibrios, la llamada segunda Brecha Digital y  Brecha Digital de Género.
Gamificación y destinos turísticos. Clasificación de los juegos desde el punto de vista de las organizaciones de destinos turísticos.
Authors: Díaz Luque Pablo , Correa Cynthia H. W.
Published: February 2018

La reciente evolución de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones ha dado lugar a un nuevo movimiento fruto del desarrollo de los dispositivos móviles y las aplicaciones. La gamificación, entendida como el uso de juegos en entornos y aplicacio- nes no lúdicas con el fin de potenciar la motivación, el esfuerzo, la fidelización y otros valores positivos, se apoya enormemente en la tecnología para crecer en posibilidades y participantes. Es entonces cuando el sector turístico comienza a incorporar esta he- rramienta en su gestión y promoción. Empresas tecnológicas con actividad en turismo, del sector turístico en sí, y los agentes públicos desarrollan juegos online para reforzar sus procesos y actuaciones. Los destinos turísticos, a través de sus organismos de gestión y promoción, también comienzan a incorporar esta tendencia en sus actividades. Se hace necesario entonces conocer las características de los mismos y realizar clasifica- ciones conceptuales que ayuden posteriormente a su estudio. Este artículo ofrece una clasificación en torno a la gamificación, la cual ayuda a conocer los diferentes tipos de juegos desde el punto de vista de las organizaciones de destinos turísticos.
Promoción en línea de los valores del desarrollo sostenible en los parques nacionales
Authors: Guedes Lopes Grislayne , Correa Cynthia H. W.
Published: February 2018

Las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) y tecnologías geoespaciales (TG) ofrecen soporte para gestionar áreas protegidas, como los parques nacionales, además de optimizar la experiencia de los visitantes. Este estudio identifica algunas herramientas cruciales empleadas para promover el desarrollo sostenible de las actividades turísticas en parques nacionales pioneros. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura y un análisis del sitio web de cinco parques (Yellowstone National Park, Royal National Park, Banff National Park, Tongariro National Park y Kruger National Park), reconocidos como destinos turísticos a nivel mundial. Los sitios web de esos parques fueron mapeados, a fin de hacer una comparación final con el sitio web del Parque Nacional de Itatiaia, en Brasil. Como resultados, los cinco parques presentan un contenido calificado, como mapas en alta resolución, mensajes de advertencia en tiempo real basados en TG y recorridos virtuales. A su vez, el sitio web del Parque Nacional de Itatiaia es sólo un portal de consulta, y necesita ser mejorado para subsidiar la experiencia turística.
Trabajo y ocio en las vidas de los profesionales creativos
Authors: Bergua José Ángel
Published: February 2018

El artículo expone los resultados de parte de una investigación sobre las clases creativas en España utilizando la técnica de Historias de vida. En concreto presta atención al trabajo y al ocio, tanto por separado como las relaciones que tienen pues en los trabajos realizados por Richard Florida este asunto es fundamental. Por lo que respecta a la relación de ambas actividades, los informantes se ubican en todas las combinaciones (separación, hibridación y dominación de una u otra actividad). En relación al ocio observamos que es variado pero permite distinguir un perfil humanista de otro pro- fesional. Y en cuanto al trabajo, las actitudes colaborativas tienen más peso que las individualistas
Modelo de innovación socio-institucional en la administración pública
Authors: Sanagustín Maria Victoria , Brunet Icart Ignasi
Published: February 2018

En este artículo se realiza una reflexión sobre cómo las administraciones públicas, consideradas como los instrumentos de aplicación de las políticas públicas, están aumentando su comportamiento transparente según ciertos indicadores y se propone un modelo de innovación socio-institucional para la implantación de un gobierno participativo, abierto y eficaz con control de los problemas de agencia en las organizaciones públicas, orientado al empoderamiento individual y social aprovechando la generalización de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, las redes sociales y las organizaciones incidentales.
Gene-environment interactions as the basis of health formation
Authors: Kucher Aksana N.
Published: February 2018

The review discusses issues related to the importance of interaction between genetic and environmental factors for the implementation of the genetic program of individuals and determining the level of health. Data on the importance of some nutrients (vitamins, bio-elements) for formation of health, about a role of genetic factors in maintenance of a homeostasis of biologically active substances, about associations of the genes involved in a metabolism of nutrients with various pathologies, and examples of modification of effects of genetic polymorphic variants on risk of development of common diseases by various factors (bio-elements and other components of a diet, adverse factors of environment, drugs, etc.) are presented.
Sacubitril/Valsartan for Heart Failure: Exciting Times but Are Doctors Informed and Ready?
Authors: Banerjee Prithwish
Published: February 2018

Sacubitril/Valsartan in now being prescribed by heart failure/cardiology teams across the United Kingdom following the publication of the NICE technology appraisal guidance but is everyone ready for it? This article discusses the practical aspects of what to do and not to do in relation to the drug  based on real world experience from our centre.
Ecología de polinización de Axinaea merianiae en una región de los altos Andes de Ecuador: Características de su néctar y aves polinizadoras.
Authors: Aguilar Juan M. , Tinoco Boris
Published: February 2018

Las plantas del género Axinaea (familia Melastomataceae) presentan un novedoso sistema de polinización recientemente descubierto, que involucra aves que tradicionalmente no son consideradas polinizadoras (específicamente de las familias Thraupidae, Passerellidae y Fringillidae). Contribuimos con información sobre la ecología de este mecanismo de polinización analizando Axinaea merianiae, una especie endémica de los páramos arbustivos de los altos Andes de Ecuador. Observamos a cinco especies de aves (Anisognathus igniventris, Atlapetes latinuchus, Coeligena iris, Diglossa cyanea, Tangara vassorii) interactuando con las flores de A. merianiae. El néctar de A. merianiae tiene un volumen 26,4 µl en cada flor y una concentración de azucares de 11,6% w/w; estas son las características usuales del néctar ofertado para las aves por otras especies de plantas de la región. Esta información incrementa el conocimiento en torno a cómo las aves andinas posiblemente han asumido algunas funciones ecosistémicas realizadas por insectos a menores elevaciones.
O uso dos blocos lógicos em atividades pré-escolares: contribuições para o ensino na Educação Infantil
Authors: Marsiglia Ana Carolina Galvão , Magalhães Giselle Modé
Published: February 2018

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de apresentar atividades pedagógicas que podem ser desenvolvidas na Educação Infantil utilizando os blocos lógicos como recurso, quais sejam: saco surpresa, jogo das diferenças, separação das peças, sequência lógica, criação de desenhos e desenhando formas geométricas. Para tal, busca-se subsídio teórico na Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica e na Psicologia Histórico-Cultural, uma vez que é por meio de sua atividade que o indivíduo desenvolve a si mesmo e à humanidade em geral. Neste sentido, afirma-se a dependência do desenvolvimento das funções psicológicas complexas para com as atividades pedagógicas, ressaltando o desenvolvimento das primeiras como um sistema interfuncional já que uma única atividade pedagógica desenvolve diversas funções psíquicas simultaneamente. Ao longo do texto coloca-se a necessidade do planejamento das atividades dentro da escola, pois cabe ao professor direcioná-las para desenvolver o psiquismo do educando em suas máximas possibilidades. Por fim, vislumbra-se que as propostas de atividades apresentadas com o uso dos blocos lógicos possam ser utilizadas como modelo para o planejamento de outras atividades semelhantes com outros recursos pedagógicos que estejam disponíveis nas unidades escolares, contribuindo, então, com o planejamento pedagógico dos professores.
Desafios da Arqueologia Preventiva: como gerir e socializar o imenso volume de materiais e documentos por ela produzidos?
Authors: Caldarelli Solange Bezerra , Cândido Manuelina Maria Duarte
Published: February 2018

O artigo discute o grande desafio que se coloca no presente para os responsáveis pelas pesquisas arqueológicas preventivas, associadas à Avaliação Ambiental: como gerir e socializar o imenso acervo material e documental produzido por estas pesquisas, em parceria com os órgãos de proteção ao patrimônio cultural e do campo museal.
Protocolo de ingresso de acervos arqueológicos em instituições de guarda e pesquisa: uma proposta do LÂMINA/UFPel e do Museu de Porto Alegre Joaquim Felizardo, RS
Authors: Tocchetto Fernanda Bordin , Sallés Jaime Mujica Sallés Mujica , Alves Clarice da Silva , Dode Susana dos Santos , Souza Taciane Silveira , Silva Fabio Barreto da , Dutra Márcia Regina Ribeiro , Medeiros Eneri James Borges , Domingues Bibiana Santos
Published: February 2018

A situação do acervo arqueológico brasileiro sob responsabilidade de instituições de guarda encontra-se, em grande parte, distante de ser satisfatória. Esta premissa se justifica não somente pela existência de reservas técnicas inapropriadas e/ou saturadas, mas também pela falta de recursos materiais e humanos especializados, e pela carência de normas internas de regulação da entrada de novas coleções nas instituições. Muitas apresentam um estado de conservação desfavorável, com escassas informações associadas que atentam contra a interpretação e a extroversão deste patrimônio. Neste sentido, é apresentada, como instrumento de gestão, uma proposta de Protocolo de ingresso de acervos arqueológicos construída pelas equipes do Museu de Porto Alegre Joaquim Felizardo e do Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Investigação Arqueológica da UFPel (RS),com o intuito de contribuir para a preservação, interpretação e comunicação das coleções.
Gestão de acervo arqueológico herdado: Rio do Meio, um estudo de caso
Authors: Gondim Letícia da Silva , Scherer Luciane Zanenga , Gilson Simon-Pierre Nöel Robert
Published: February 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma reflexão sobre gestão de acervo herdado, relacionado ao sítio arqueológico Rio do Meio, escavado entre os anos de 1996 e 1998 e que desde então encontra-se armazenado nas reservas técnicas e em outros espaços pertencentes ao Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia Professor Oswaldo Rodrigues Cabral, da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (MArquE/UFSC).
Produção e consumo local de alimentos: novas abordagens e perspectivas para as políticas públicas
Authors: Fornazier Armando , Belik Walter
Published: February 2018

Nos últimos tempos cresceu a discussão sobre os sistemas agroalimentares locais, colocando em evidência diferentes conceitos que carregam em si considerações sobre a estrutura social, econômica e sobre os aspectos ambientais. Esse trabalho busca abordar conceitos de produção local de alimentos, principalmente no contexto internacional e o seu correspondente no Brasil com a recente introdução de políticas públicas atuando tanto na melhoria dos alimentos fornecidos aos consumidores, como nas estratégias de desenvolvimento rural para regiões mais necessitadas. Verifica-se que nas conhecidas abordagens de Foodsheds, Embeddedness, Foodmiles e “cadeias agroalimentares curtas” os objetivos do uso dos conceitos variam desde o aprofundamento das relações sociais e melhoria da qualidade do alimento, redução da emissão de gases que provocam o efeito estufa até propostas mais ambiciosas como alcançar o desenvolvimento econômico de determinadas regiões.
Tilosina: um importante antibiótico não monitorado em leite no Brasil
Authors: Costa Rafaela Pinto da , Spisso Bernardete Ferraz , Pereira Mararlene Ulberg , Monteiro Mychelle Alves , Ferreira Rosana Gomes , Carlos Betânia de Souza , Oliveira Angélica Castanheira de
Published: February 2018

A introdução de agentes antimicrobianos na alimentação animal revolucionou a produção de alimentos no mundo, porém o uso indiscriminado desses agentes podem provocar agravos à saúde da população. Os macrolídeos constituem a segunda classe de antimicrobianos mais usados nos animais em geral, sendo a tilosina presente em um maior número de formulações disponíveis para bovinos. A contaminação do leite por resíduos de tilosina acima dos valores considerados seguros pode constituir um risco potencial à saúde do consumidor. Com o objetivo de obter uma visão geral da atual situação da segurança de alimentos em relação a este problema, este estudo foi realizado mediante levantamento bibliográfico na base de dados SciFinder Scholar e periódicos CAPES. Foi constatado que no Brasil existem dois programas em andamento para avaliar a presença de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em alimentos: PNCRC e PAMVet. Entretanto, a tilosina não consta no escopo analítico destes programas. Dos artigos que tratam da contaminação do leite por resíduos de tilosina publicados entre 2007 e 2013, oito abordam o monitoramento desta droga e vinte e dois o desenvolvimento/teste de performance de novas técnicas. Estes resultados alertam para que maior número de estudos de monitoramento da tilosina no leite seja realizado a fim de se estabelecer políticas de segurança alimentar e controle dessa substância, além de investigar se há uso indiscriminado desta droga.
EFFECTS OF RED DRAGON FRUIT (Hylocereus polyrhizus) SKIN EXTRACT ON LEAD ACETATE TOXICITY IN THE MORPHOLOGY OF Balb/c MICE (Mus musculus) SPERMATOZOA
Authors: Raharjo Rahmawati , Sudjarwo Sri Agus , I'tishom Reny
Published: February 2018

Red dragon fruit skin extract is used as an antioxidant to lead acetate toxicity. This study aimed to prove the difference in morphology of mice testicular spermatozoa exposed to lead acetate. Twenty-five mice were divided into 5 groups (5 mice per group). K- group was the control group without lead acetate and dragon fruit skin extract administration, K + group was treated with 8 mg/KgBW lead acetate administration for 14 days, P1 group was treated with the administration of 8 mg/KgBW lead acetate for 14 days + 250 mg/kgBW red dragon fruit skin extract for 21 days, P2 group was treated with the administration of 8 mg/KgBW lead acetate for 14 days + 500 mg/kgBW red dragon fruit skin extract for 21 days, and group P3 was a treatment group with the administration of 8 mg/KgBW lead acetate for 14 days + 1000 mg/kgBW red dragon fruit extract for 21 days. The results showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) in normal sperm morphology among K-, K +, P1, P2, and P3. In conclusion, the administration of red dragon skin extract at a dose of 500 mg/kgBW (P2) is the optimal one which can be used as therapy to increase motility, morphology, and concentration of mice spermatozoa exposed to lead acetate.
EFFECTS OF LYCOPENE ON SPERMATOZOA MORPHOLOGY IN Balb/C MICE EXPOSED TO 2-METHOXYETHANOL (2-ME)
Authors: Sitaresmi Sandra Dewi , I'tishom Reny , Mustika Arifa
Published: February 2018

The compound of 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) is one of toxic materials that potentially damage male reproductive organs. This compound can enter the body by various means of direct contact through the skin, respiratory and digestive tract. This compound can cause oxidative stress in spermatozoa which is the main cause of spermatozoa dysfunction. Lycopene, also known as red pigment, is an antioxidant class of carotene. Lycopene has antioxidant activity  twice stronger than beta carotene and ten times stronger than vitamin E. Thus, the lycopene reaction as an antioxidant in the body is better than vitamin A, C, E, and other minerals. This study was conducted to determine the effects of lycopene on spermatozoa morphology in mice exposed to 2-ME. The study was conducted on 30 mice, divided into 5 groups. The K-group was the control group without 2-methoxyethanol and lycopene, the K + group was the group with 200 mg/kg BW 2-methoxyethanol on days 1-5, and the P1, P2 and P3 groups were the ones with 200 mg/kg BW 2-methoxyethanol on days 1-5 and lycopene doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg BW on days 6-35. 2-ME was given intraperito-neally and lycopene was given per sonde. On day 36, the mice were sacrificed and the epididymis and vas deferens were removed for morphological examination of spermatozoa. The observations were performed using a microscope with 1000x magnification. The results showed that there was significant difference. In the morphology of spermatozoa, the administration of lycopene increases normal morphological percentage of spermatozoa in mice exposed to 2-ME.
KARAKTERISTIK MEKANIK, TERMAL DAN MORFOLOGI FILM POLIVINIL ALKOHOL DENGAN PENAMBAHAN NANOPARTIKEL ZnO DAN ASAM STEARAT uNTUK KEMASAN MULTILAYER
Authors: Pamela Vega Yoesepa , Syarief Rizal , Iriani Evi Savitri , Suyatma Nugraha Edhi
Published: February 2018

PVA (polivinil alkohol) merupakan polimer biodegradable hidrofilik yang memiliki sifat dapat membentuk film dengan baik, larut dalam air, mudah dalam proses, tidak beracun, dan biocompatible. Sifat tersebut berguna dalam banyak aplikasi industri seperti agen pelapis, perekat dan sebagai komponen dari film kemasan yang fleksibel. Secara umum penggabungan nanopartikel ZnO dalam matriks polivinil alkohol dapat meningkatkan sifat mekanik dan termal sehingga memudahkan aplikasinya dalam proses yang melibatkan panas. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan formulasi optimum menghasilkan biofilm nanokomposit berbasis polivinil alkohol dengan penambahan nanopartikel ZnO dan asam stearat. Percobaan dilakukan dengan mencampurkan larutan PVA dengan berbagai konsentrasi nanopartikel ZnO dan asam stearat. Karakterisasi meliputi kuat tarik, elongasi, termal, morfologi dan kristalinitas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penambahan 3.4% nanopartikel ZnO dan 6.6% asam stearat dapat meningkatkan kuat tarik, menurunkan elongasi, kristalinitas dan sifat termal dari film bionanokomposit yang dihasilkan.
Composición y diversidad del banco de semillas en áreas urbanas fragmentadas de piedemonte, Villavicencio, Colombia
Authors: Velosa Caicedo Rodrigo Isaac , Domínguez Guarín Kelli Johana , Romero Perdomo Yeraldin
Published: February 2018

La expansión urbana ha contribuido a la generación de paisajes fragmentados conformados por una matriz de bosques secundarios y pastizales en el piedemonte llanero. En este estudio se evaluó el efecto de dos tipos de vegetación sobre la composición, densidad y diversidad del banco de semillas en un área de la Universidad Santo Tomás, Villavicencio. Dos fragmentos de vegetación secundaria y los pastizales adyacentes fueron muestreados. Se colectaron 120 muestras (30 por tratamiento) de suelo y se realizó el monitoreo en vivero de las plántulas emergentes provenientes del banco de semillas por un periodo de 4 meses. La composición florística, la densidad de plántulas emergentes, la riqueza y la diversidad alfa y beta de la comunidad fue comparada entre los tratamientos utilizando el test no paramétrico de Kruskal – Wallis, los índices de riqueza, dominancia, diversidad, similitud, y el análisis multidimensional no-métrico NMDS. La densidad de plántulas y la diversidad fueron mayores en las áreas de pastizal, aunque la riqueza fue ligeramente mayor en el bosque secundario. La composición de especies de la comunidad cambió entre los tratamientos, pero el grado de recambio de especies fue bajo. El banco de semillas es reducido y está dominado por especies herbáceas indicadoras de ambientes degradados. Los resultados sugieren que las reducciones de la cobertura vegetal afectan la composición y diversidad del banco de semillas y pueden influenciar la capacidad de regeneración natural de las áreas de piedemonte.
Innovate to Mitigate: Learning as Activity in a Team of High School Students Addressing a Climate Mitigation Challenge
Authors: Drayton Brian , Puttick Gillian
Published: February 2018

The Innovate to Mitigate project designed and conducted a competition for students aged 13-18 to propose and test strategies for mitigating rising levels of greenhouse gases. This paper explores the scientific inquiry and interdisciplinary learning of a 12th grade high school team over 6 months of participation. We used an activity-theoretic approach as a framework for capturing and analyzing the structure of the learning system in the team, situated within a science competition. This approach provided a lens both for finding and analyzing team learning at several levels—conceptual, procedural, metacognitive—and for revealing the processes by which learning was mediated by the activity system.
A REVIEW ON ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL OF SUBSTITUTED PYRAZOLINE DERIVATIVES SYNTHESISED FROM CHALCONES
Authors: V. Muralidharan , C. Asha Deepti , S. Raja
Published: February 2018

The pyrazoline ring is a ubiquitous structural feature of many natural and synthetic compounds with potent anti-inflammatory activity. The creation of novel pyrazoline derivatives and examination of their chemical and biological behaviour have gained additional focus in the current decade. Pyrazolines and its fused heterocyclic derivatives tested with anti-inflammatory activity constitute a significant class of compounds for novel drug evolution. Pyrazoline nucleus when linked with different substituents like alkyl, aromatic, heterocyclic rings and many other groups at different positions on the ring shows considerable to more effective anti-inflammatory activity. This article presents a comprehensive review of the anti-inflammatory activity of some novel derivatives of pyrazoline ring.
The Implementation of ICT-Based Materials and Metacognition Learning Strategy to Improve Students’ Vocabulary
Authors: Amraj Akbar Kurtubi
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this research is to find out the teachers’ and students’ perceptions on the implementation of ICT-based learning and metacognition to improve students' vocabulary mastery at SMP (Junior Secondary School) Harapan Jaya II. This qualitative study applied a case study approach involving thirty eight students and one teacher as the participants. The data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and vocabulary test. The study revealed that the teacher had good perceptions about the implemented ICT-based materials, and the students showed motivation to learn English both in and outside the class. However, the teacher had the problem while in the classroom activity because the foundation of that school did not support the ICT-based learning. Therefore, he seldom used the projector in the class. Second,  based on the finding, the students had good perceptions to learn English using the ICT-based materials. 81.8% of students considered this strategy enjoyable. Third, the findings also indicated that there were some improvements of the students’ achievement on the vocabulary test. This is indicated by the improvement of the post test. Since the ICT-based learning and metacognition can improve the students' vocabulary mastery, this research could be an alternative approach for English teacher to improve the students’ vocabulary.

Keywords: ICT-based materials, metacognition learning strategy, and vocabulary mastery.
Bribery: Am I a Criminal? Implications of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act in the Outsourced FM Environment
Authors: Bown Michael
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses the de facto international anti-bribery/anti-corruption (ABAC) standard and how facility managers can unwittingly fall afoul of it. Its conclusions will help FM practitioners in the outsourced multinational environment set up robust ethics trainings and control mechanisms for their teams in emerging markets. While bribery is found in all countries, it is especially problematic in emerging markets, which are increasingly included in FM outsourcing contracts. Three real-world situations are analyzed where misunderstandings of policy intent or implementation, lack of diligence in following standards, or other overriding considerations led to ABAC infractions. The analysis shows that the international FM outsourcing environment is susceptible to ethical difficulties caused by cutting corners during the account transition process. This is due to financial pressures during transition and a tendency to assume that the client knows best. This conclusion is not likely to be intuitive to practicing FM account managers. The paper will not touch on country standards of ethics or ABAC laws in the developing world. Such laws and standards are not always sufficiently enforced, which contributes to the persistence of bribery and corruption. This weakness in local enforcement is one factor that has led to the development of the international standard, which is framed by US and UK law.
Older people and city public transport : problems and barriers
Authors: Raczyńska-Buława Ewa
Published: February 2018

An aging society requires a fresh look on the problem of older people mobility. It is not easy as they are not forming a heterogeneous group - differing in preferences, life styles or health status. It is also so far a most neglected and affected by discrimination social group. This should change as it is forecasted that in 20 years older people are likely to represent even 50% of all public transport passengers. The biggest challenge so far is related to the fact that older people against expectations are in majority car users.
Solaris sums up the jubilee year 2016
Authors: Rusak Zbigniew
Published: February 2018

Every year in mid-February the leader of the Polish bus market organizes a press conference in Warsaw summarizing the past year of operation. This article presents the company's market results and product novelties of Solaris, which for 14 years has been the leader in bus sales in Poland.