bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II in predicting ICU mortality among critically ill
Authors: J. Theresa Sariga , Latheef Fathima
Published: November 2017

Background: Clinical assessment of the severity of illness among critically ill patients is an essential component to predict the mortality and morbidity in intensive care units. Scoring systems estimate the prognosis and help in clinical decision making thus enhance the quality of care in Intensive care units.Methods: A descriptive study including 122 patients admitted to medical intensive care unit was performed from January 2017-March 2017 in Southern Kerala. APACHE II score for the first 24 hours of admission to the intensive care unit was calculated. SPSS 20 was applied for statistical analysis, and clinical parameters were investigated with descriptive statistics.Results: The actual ICU mortality rate (9%) was less than the predicted mortality rate (43.6%) obtained using the APACHE II. Majority of patients 98(80%) had APACHE score >15. There was a statistically significant correlation observed between age and predicted mortality score of critically ill (r=.434 p=0.01).Conclusions: APACHE II scoring system has been successful in predicting the mortality of critically ill. Healthcare professionals should therefore incorporate the disease severity measuring tools in their clinical practice to prioritize and optimize the care rendered in critical care units.
The total leucocyte count: its utility in dengue
Authors: A. Joshi Anagha , B. R. Gayathri , Gowda R. Yashica
Published: November 2017

Background: Dengue infections are public health concerns in India, where they occur in epidemics and have a high mortality in the advanced stages. Clinical features are nonspecific, and diagnosis is supported by lab features. One of these lab tests include total leucocyte count-easily available, simple and cost effective which is useful in small rural set ups for early diagnosis and prognosis of dengue. The aim of this study is to analyse the total leucocyte count patterns in dengue and assess its utility as early marker of dengue and prognosticator of severe dengue.Methods: A total of 132 serologically proven cases of dengue with total white cell counts (blood counts obtained by Automated hematology analyser) during November 2016 were analysed.Results: In our study, most cases were noted in the younger age group with a male predominance. The range of total leucocyte count was 1.1x109 /l to 14.3x109/l. Most (55%) had normal counts, leucopenia was noted in 36%, had an equal distribution in all ages and both sexes. 82% had mild leucopenia,52% of leucopenia cases were associated with severe thrombocytopenia. Almost half (47%) of leucopenia cases were NS1 positive while only 15% were antibody positive.59% of NS1 positive had leucopenia in contrast to 13% of antibody positive cases. While leucopenia was mostly (55%) associated with neutrophilia, lymphocytosis was seen in 74% of cases with a normal leucocyte count.Conclusions: Total leucocyte count is one of the simple, easily available, cost effective tests useful in small rural set ups for early diagnosis and prognosis in dengue and helps reduce the morbidity and mortality of dengue.
Spindle cell lesions of breast: a retrospective analysis with emphasis on diagnostic challenges
Authors: Devi P. Lekshmi , P. J. Cicy , E. U. Sansho , S. Deepa , Raji N. Laila
Published: November 2017

Background: Spindle cell lesions of breast comprise a rare group of complex entities which may be reactive, benign or malignant. Though definitive diagnosis is difficult especially in small biopsies, it is of utmost importance since the management differs. Precise knowledge of the lesions in this group, thorough sampling, clinic radiological correlation and ancillary techniques will aid in making the correct diagnosis. Review of literature showed only a few extensive studies on spindle cell lesions in breast, especially from South India.Methods: Our research is a descriptive histopathological analysis of 55 cases of spindle cell lesions of breast, done over a 2-year period from Jan 2015 to Dec 2016 in the Pathology department, of our institution.Results: A total of 55 cases were received. The reactive spindle cell proliferations were Diabetic mastopathy, Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia, and sclerosing adenosis. Benign phyllodes tumour, spindle cell lipoma and neurofibroma comprised the benign category. The malignant lesions included metaplastic carcinoma, malignant phyllodes tumour and sarcoma.Conclusions: Benign lesions constituted the majority (60%) in our study. Of these, benign phyllodes tumour constituted the majority, 41.8% of the total cases. The remaining 40% were malignant spindle cell neoplasms, of which metaplastic carcinoma was the single largest group accounting for 29.1%. Since reactive and benign spindle cell lesions may show atypia, definitive diagnosis should be made only after considering atypical mitotic figures, presence of necrosis and imaging findings. A wide excision with adequate margins is necessary in incision biopsies with suspicious findings.
Comparison of dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine during spinal anaesthesia for tibial interlocking nailing surgeries
Authors: S. Amitha , R. Pradeep
Published: November 2017

Background: Buprenorphine is being used as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic for spinal anaesthesia since long. Dexmedetomidine is a new drug which has got alpha 2 agonistic property, and is being tried for spinal anesthesia along with bupivacaine in recent times. Settings and Design: This study was conducted in a prospective, randomized, controlled and double-blind manner. The study included ninety American Society of Anaesthesiologists class I and II patients undergoing tibial interlocking nailing surgeries under spinal anaesthesia.Methods: The patients were randomly divided into three groups (n=30 each) by closed envelope technique. Patients in group 1 received 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, group 2 received 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 30μg of buprenorphine, and group 3 received 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 5μg dexmedetomidine for spinal anesthesia. The duration of motor and sensory blockade and any adverse events were recorded. Data were analysed using Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical data and analysis of variance for continuous data. A value of P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: In our study the subjects in group 3 (dexmedetomidine) group had significantly longer period of motor blockade (240±20min) and sensory blockade (180±22.2min) compared to other groups, which is statistically significant (P=0.0001 and P= 0.006 respectively). The time to first request of analgesic in the post-operative period was also longer (240±30.2min) in dexmedetomidine group when compared with other groups (P=0.0001). There were no untoward complications (hypotension, sedation) in any groups.Conclusions: We concluded that dexmedetomidine (5μg) with bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia gives significantly longer duration of sensory and motor blockade, than buprenorphine (30μg) with bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia.
Acute pancytopenia secondary to hemophagocytic syndrome due to plasmodium vivax malaria with chloroquine treatment failure: case report
Authors: Kumar Rajnish , Sharma Avantika
Published: November 2017

Pancytopenia as a manifested complication of plasmodium vivax malaria is extremely rare and mainly reported with plasmodium falciparum. We report a 29-year old Indian pregnant female who lives in rural area of Haryana (northern India) and presented with a two-week long history of intermittent fever, chills and rigor. She was found to have spleenomegaly, pancytopenia, hyperferrtinemia with positive peripheral blood smear for plasmodium vivax. not responding to oral chloroquine. The patient had a full recovery from pancytopenia with artesunate therapy.
Sagittal sinus thrombosis secondary to varicella infection-a case report
Authors: Mohan Gurinder , Kaur Harharpreet , Kaur Navjot
Published: November 2017

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is known to produce a benign self-limiting exanthematous illness in the pediatric population. The neurological complications which are seen in less than 1% cases include cerebellitis and encephalitis. Stroke due to arterial vasculitis is well known but cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following varicella infection is rarely reported. We present a case of sagittal sinus thrombosis subsequent to varicella infection. The mechanisms underlying cerebral vascular events after VZV infection could be vasculitis, thrombosis due to direct endothelial damage and acquired protein S deficiency.
Sleep pattern, sleep problems and comorbidities among resident doctors at a tertiary care institution in India: a cross sectional study
Authors: H.S. Siddalingaiah , D. Chandrakala , Singh Amarjeet
Published: November 2017

Background: Sleep problems are a major concern in population working under stress such as resident doctors. Sleep has many health benefits; sleep problems are linked with short and long term adverse health outcomes. Aim was to study sleep pattern, problems and comorbidities among resident doctors. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with a pre-validated sleep assessment proforma was used to collect information on socio-demographics, sleep pattern, sleep problems and comorbidities from 428 resident doctors found eligible for the study. Results: 350 subjects returned the filled proforma (82% response rate). Mean daily sleep hours were 6.21 (SD, 1.39) and work hours 12.77 (SD, 3.63). Sleep time was night in 64.6%, day in 12%, and both in 23.4%. Monthly average of 5.8 night shifts and 2.03 duty offs were found. Visual analogue scale (0-10) mean scores for sleepiness and tiredness were 4.41 (SD, 2.55; 95% CI, 4.14-4.68; P<0.01) and 4.73 (SD, 2.62; 95% CI, 4.45-5.00; P<0.01) respectively. Presence of different symptoms related to sleep problems ranged from 7 to 26% and various problems interfering with sleep ranged from 10 to 25%. Comorbidities such as allergy (29.4%), jerky legs (24.3%), sinus infections (22.8%), restless leg syndrome (16.3%), snoring (8.3%), asthma/lung diseases (5.8%), chronic diseases (3.4%), severe snoring disturbing others (1.8%), and obstructive sleep apnoea (0.9%) were present. Conclusions: Sleep problems were highly prevalent among resident doctors. The resident doctors were sleep-deprived, overworked, tired, excessively sleepy, and had significant presence of factors affecting circadian rhythm and sleep fragmentation. Various comorbidities were also present with varying prevalence.
A study on non-compliance in tuberculosis cases towards the directly observed treatment short course under RNTCP in Kanpur Nagar
Authors: Srivastava Kuldeep , Gupta Abhishek , Saxena Ruchi , Sharma R. P. , Midha Tanu
Published: November 2017

Background: The goal of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) is to achieve cure rate of at least 85% and to detect at least 70% of the new smear positive cases of tuberculosis (TB). A very high rate of compliance to treatment is required to achieve the target and to prevent the drug resistance. The objective of the study was to study the magnitude and reasons of non-compliance in TB patients towards directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) in Kanpur Nagar.Methods: Multistage random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects from the two designated microscopy centres (DMC). Information regarding treatment compliance and patient satisfaction was elicited and recorded in the predesigned and pretested questionnaire, analysis was done using SPSS and  percentages was used to draw the results.Results: Out of total 300 study subjects, 41(13.67%) were non-compliant during treatment. Majority of non-compliant study subjects were aged more than 50 years (30.23%), skilled workers (29%), belonged to socioeconomic class III (22.9%), Muslims (19.36%) and educated upto high school (16.33%). The most common cause of non-compliance in the present study was symptomatic relief during treatment (73.20%) followed by intolerance to medications (24.40%).Conclusions: Compliance to the drug regimen under RNTCP plays a vital role in the cure of the TB cases. Non-Compliance rate being high in the present study, health education of the community at large and regular follow up of all defaulters, to find out the reasons for default and measures to reduce them, requires more emphasis to achieve the goal of RNTCP.
Proceso de duelo: meta análisis del enfrentamiento a la muerte suicida desde una perspectiva familiar
Authors: Gómez Ramírez Rocío del Pilar
Published: November 2017

En el escrito se expone una revisión teórica sobre el proceso de duelo familiar por muerte suicida, referenciando la reciprocidad entre el proceso individual y el grupal. Se describen los aspectos relevantes del duelo y del acto suicida, diferenciando el suicidio de otros tipos de pérdida. Como conclusión se destaca el papel alterado del duelo, caracterizado por el incremento de reacciones, especialmente la culpa, vinculada a la incertidumbre y lo inesperado de la muerte.
Dream Teens – a “voz” dos jovens na discussão de problemas da sua geração
Authors: Branquinho Cátia Sofia , Cruz Jaqueline , De Matos Margarida Gaspar
Published: November 2017

Estudos recentes têm vindo a identificar a necessidade de promover a “voz” dos jovens, bem como a importância da sua integração enquanto participantes ativos no processo de investigação. Contudo, em Portugal, são diariamente tomadas diversas decisões relacionadas com os jovens, nas quais estes não possuem qualquer poder de opinião ou decisão. O Dream Teens surgiu como resposta a essa necessidade. Iniciada em março de dois mil e catorze, essa rede de jovens portugueses, com idades compreendidas entre os onze e os dezoito anos, forneceu uma estrutura de apoio para que as suas ideias fossem ouvidas, promovendo a participação social e o espírito empreendedor em contextos e cenários políticos, nas áreas da educação e saúde. Neste estudo de identificação das necessidades dos jovens e de estratégias de abordagem dos problemas da sua geração, recolhidos com base na discussão ativa de temas relacionados com a saúde, bem-estar e sociedade, é apresentada uma categorização da “voz” dos jovens. Assim, com base numa análise exploratória e criteriosa, de teasers/desafios lançados no grupo Facebook do projeto, são apresentados exemplos da “voz” dos jovens às categorias e subcategorias com um maior número de respostas, as quais se destacam: os amigos no nível relacional, e o pensamento crítico relacionado com a sociedade no nível cognitivo. O pensamento crítico relacionado com a escola, pertencente ao nível cognitivo, foi o assunto menos comentado nestes discursos. São ainda apresentadas implicações desse projeto na participação social/ cidadania ativa.
Ventaja competitiva significativa: una propuesta para determinar la significatividad de la ventaja
Authors: Camargo Díaz Emma J.
Published: November 2017

Actualmente, los procesos que versan sobre el artículo 18 de la Ley 256 de 1996 no tienen un análisis juicioso sobre la significatividad de la ventaja ilegítima tomada por el infractor de una norma, ya que se han desarrollado argumentos que no se sustentan con una base científica y permiten cuestionar los resultados condenatorios. Así, este trabajo se permite postular una solución por medio de la teoría de juegos, lo cual hace caso a un análisis económico que se sustenta en la participación de competidores dentro del mercado.
Descentralizar, contractualizar: el nuevo marco de la gobernanza multiniveles
Authors: De la Torre Sendoya Luis Arturo
Published: November 2017

Este artículo propone un análisis de la trayectoria inicial de la descentralización en Colombia marcada por la afirmación del ámbito local a través de la noción de autonomía, y una reflexión prospectiva en la nueva etapa que se abre con el posconflicto, en la que se impone una gobernanza territorial multiniveles más inclusiva para el buen manejo del desarrollo regional utilizando el nuevo instrumento de acción pública, Contrato Plan.
When Adolescents Feel Ugly: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Youth
Authors: Turner Cynthia , Cadman Jacinda
Published: November 2017

Adolescence is a critical time for physical development and maturation, and with these important physiological changes comes greater awareness of body image and appearance, which, for a proportion of young people can become excessive, signaling the onset of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD in adolescence is associated with significant impairment and suicidality, is poorly understood, and currently there is limited evidence for the effectiveness of psychological therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is currently the most promising and best available psychological therapy for BDD in youth. The aim of this article is to provide clinicians with information on CBT treatment for BDD in young people and to provide guidance based on clinical experience of working with this complex population group. The article will include discussion of strategies including maximizing psychoeducation with parental involvement, the use of cognitive therapy techniques, exposure with response prevention, and perceptual visual training techniques, including attention training and mirror retraining.
Using SketchUp to Simulate Tree Row Azimuth Effects on Alley Shading
Authors: Burner David M. , Ashworth Amanda J. , Laughlin Kent F. , Boyer Mark E.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Effect of row azimuth on alley crop illumination is difficult to determine empirically.

We assessed if Google SketchUp could be used to simulate effects of azimuth orientation.

SketchUp can assist design and placement of pine plantations in landscapes.

Effect of row azimuth on alley crop illumination is difficult to determine empirically. Our objective was to determine if SketchUp (Trimble Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) could be used to simulate effect of azimuth orientation on illumination of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) alleys. Simulations were conducted for trees in East–West, North–South, Northeast–Southwest, and Northwest–Southeast azimuth orientations assuming tree size parameters and row spacing of a 14‐yr‐old plantation near Booneville, AR. SketchUp predicted that the East–West azimuth allowed significantly more illumination at the alley surface during April to August compared to other azimuths, and significantly less illumination than other azimuths during October to February. SketchUp could assist the design and placement of pine plantations in the landscape for agroforestry practices, reducing the time and costs associated with in‐field testing at plantation scale.
Effect of Dairy Manure Storage Conditions on the Survival of E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria
Authors: Biswas S. , Niu M. , Pandey P. , Appuhamy J. A. D. R. N. , Leytem A. B. , Kebreab E. , Dungan R. S.
Published: November 2017

Dairy manure is regularly applied to crop fields as a solid or liquid to improve the soil nutrient status. However, pathogens may survive during manure storage and enter the environment during application. In this study, three storage practices were evaluated to understand the survival patterns of Eschericia coli O157:H7 and Listeria spp. in dairy manure using a culture‐based approach. To replicate common farm manure storage techniques, solid manure was stacked as piles with periodic turning or as static piles without turning, whereas liquid manure (feces, urine, and water) was stored as a slurry in small tanks to simulate lagoon conditions. The E. coli and Listeria levels in the manure samples were determined for 29 wk. Results showed that there was an initial reduction in bacteria levels in the first month; however, both E. coli and Listeria managed to survive in the solid manure piles for the full study period. In slurry samples, E. coli was not detected after 14 wk, but Listeria survived until the end of the experiment at relatively lower levels than in the solid manure piles. Ambient weather and pile size were identified as the main reasons for bacteria survival during the course of the experiment. The outcome of this study is important in terms of understanding pathogen survival in manure piles and slurries prior to their application to crop fields.

Core Ideas

Solid and liquid dairy manure storage conditions on pathogen decay were investigated.

E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria spp. survived in solid manure up to 6 months.

Pile size and temperature are factors that likely influenced pathogen survival.
Temporal and Spatial Variation in Peatland Carbon Cycling and Implications for Interpreting Responses of an Ecosystem‐Scale Warming Experiment
Authors: Griffiths Natalie A. , Hanson Paul J. , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Iversen Colleen M. , Jensen Anna M. , Malhotra Avni , McFarlane Karis J. , Norby Richard J. , Sargsyan Khachik , Sebestyen Stephen D. , Shi Xiaoying , Walker Anthony P. , Ward Eric J. , Warren Jeffrey M. , Weston David J.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

We compared spatial vs. temporal variation in C cycle processes and drivers in a bog.

The bog was indistinguishable as a C source or sink because of high spatial variation.

Sensitive C cycle parameters in the model differed under ambient vs. warming scenarios.

Characterizing pretreatment variability is necessary when interpreting warming effects.

We are conducting a large‐scale, long‐term climate change response experiment in an ombrotrophic peat bog in Minnesota to evaluate the effects of warming and elevated CO2on ecosystem processes using empirical and modeling approaches. To better frame future assessments of peatland responses to climate change, we characterized and compared spatial vs. temporal variation in measured C cycle processes and their environmental drivers. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis of a peatland C model to identify how variation in ecosystem parameters contributes to model prediction uncertainty. High spatial variability in C cycle processes resulted in the inability to determine if the bog was a C source or sink, as the 95% confidence interval ranged from a source of 50 g C m–2yr–1to a sink of 67 g C m–2yr–1. Model sensitivity analysis also identified that spatial variation in tree and shrub photosynthesis, allocation characteristics, and maintenance respiration all contributed to large variations in the pretreatment estimates of net C balance. Variation in ecosystem processes can be more thoroughly characterized if more measurements are collected for parameters that are highly variable over space and time, and especially if those measurements encompass environmental gradients that may be driving the spatial and temporal variation (e.g., hummock vs. hollow microtopographies, and wet vs. dry years). Together, the coupled modeling and empirical approaches indicate that variability in C cycle processes and their drivers must be taken into account when interpreting the significance of experimental warming and elevated CO2treatments.
Soil Health Indicators during Transition from Row Crops to Grass–Legume Sod
Authors: Pena-Yewtukhiw Eugenia M. , Romano Emily Leslie , Waterland Nicole Lynn , Grove John H.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Transition from organic row crop to 3‐yr sod led to significant changes in surface soil health.

Changes in soil chemistry were generally subject to a manure × transition time interaction.

Manure plus sod are required to increase organic matter in deficient soils.

Soil quality and/or health changes with grass sod insertion in a rotation.

Grass–Legume sod inclusion in row crop rotations changes soil health. The transition to a 3‐yr orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) sod was examined in an existing 7‐yr organic rotation with four row crop years: corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and kale with cowpea (Brassica oleracea and Vigna unguiculata). The study objectives were to determine changes in soil physical health indicators, nutrient stratification, and grass and/or legume biomass during the 3‐yr sod growth period, at two composted beef manure rates applied twice in the rotation, prior to corn or wheat establishment. Soil properties were determined in 2013 and 2014 on a four (annual rotation components: TY0, kale and cowpea going to grass–legume sod; TY1, first sod year; TY2, second sod year; TY3, third sod year) by two (non‐manured and manured) factorial treatment subset. Sod biomass was determined in 2013 and 2014 on the three (TY1, TY2, and TY3) by two (non‐manured and manured) factorial treatment subset. Surface (0–5 cm) soil health parameters increased between TY0 and TY3, including bulk density (non‐manured 1.21 ± 0.08 to 1.29 ± 0.06; manured 1.10 ± 0.07 to 1.18 ± 0.09 kg m–3); wet aggregate geometric mean diameter (non‐manured 3.68 ± 2.28 to 4.32 ± 2.83; manured 3.99 ± 1.39 to 5.27 ± 0.45 mm); organic matter (non‐manured 36.1 ± 6.0 to 39.4 ± 5.1; manured 49.3 ± 9.1 to 60.7 ± 9.9 g kg–1). Nutrient (P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn) stratification was observed. There was a transition year × manure interaction where manure increased the rate of soil parameter change. Both manure addition and sod insertion improved aggregate stability, organic matter, total N and bioavailable nutrients.
Sanitation and water supply in schools and girls' educational progression in Zambia
Authors: Agol Dorice , Harvey Peter , Maíllo Javier
Published: November 2017

There is much anecdotal evidence related to the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in schools for girls' educational progression, yet a lack of comprehensive quantitative studies on linkages between WASH and educational indicators disaggregated by gender and grade. This paper aims to fill that gap by testing the hypothesis that the presence of water and sanitation facilities in schools can increase female-to-male enrolment ratios and reduce repetition and drop-out-ratios for girls, especially at ages when they menstruate. Quantitative analyses were undertaken of Education Management Information System (EMIS) data collected from over 10,000 schools in Zambia, to explore relationships between WASH facility provision in schools and enrolment, repetition and drop-out ratios disaggregated by gender and grade. Results indicated that improved sanitation provision in schools was correlated with high female-to-male enrolment ratios, and reduced repetition and drop-out ratios, especially for girls. A t-test revealed significant gender differences in grades 5–8 when many girls start to experience their menstrual cycle. Improved water supply in schools, however, did not reveal the same relationship. The findings confirm possible linkages between adequate toilets in schools and educational progression of girls.
Variations of odorous VOCs detected by different assessors via gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and olfactory detection port (ODP) system
Authors: Barczak Radosław J. , Fisher Ruth M. , Wang Xinguang , Stuetz Richard M.
Published: November 2017

Odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analysed via a thermal desorption gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer and olfactory detection port (TD-GC-MS/ODP) to characterize odour emissions from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Three trained ODP assessors, screened according to the European dynamic olfactometry standard (EN: 13725), were used for the olfactory analysis. Their sensitivity to n-butanol varied within the acceptable limits. VOC samples from the WWTP were collected onto Tenax TA sorbent tubes in triplicate and each assessor analysed one tube in the same sample desorbing and analysing conditions. Intensities of odours detected from ODP were scaled from 1 to 4. The ODP assessors used their own odour descriptors based on their own experience as well as referenced descriptors on published compost and wastewater odour wheels. The ODP assessors detected a total of 32 different odorous VOCs; however, the intensities assigned by each assessor to particular VOCs varied. Moreover, some odorous VOCs were not detected by all assessors. For example, geosmin was detected by only two assessors. The use of a TD-GC-MS/ODP system for the analysis of odorous VOCs is valuable when analysed by different assessors, allowing a range of responses to specific odorants in a populations to be investigated.
Electrochemical Nucleic Acid-Based Biosensing of Drugs of Abuse and Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Campuzano Susana , Pedrero María , Pingarrón José M.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Studies on the interactions of DNA with small molecular drugs
are currently performed both to explore their mechanism of action and to develop new
drugs. Electrochemical biosensors offer a very promising alternative to more complex
conventional techniques for drug determination due to rapidness, low cost, simplicity,
high sensitivity and compatibility with use in different settings. In this review, selected
electrochemical nucleic acid-based biosensing methods described so far for the determination
of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs are briefly overviewed, discussing their basics
and main features. A section pointing out general conclusions and future directions in this
field is also provided.

Results:

The 42 selected contributions described electrochemical platforms to determine
drugs of interest by monitoring their specific interactions with nucleic acids (DNA and
aptamers), DNA damage and specific DNA-protein interactions. The highlighted approaches
reported the use of electrodes unmodified or modified with nanomaterials and/or
polymers in which DNA-drug interaction was followed by electrochemical detection of
DNA puric bases, active drug or diffusion-free markers, and monitoring changes in the
surface layer morphology/permeability and charge transfer resistance using different electrochemical
techniques.

Conclusion:

Although electrochemical nucleic acid biosensing approaches constitute an
interesting option for drugs determination in terms of cost, simplicity and miniaturized instrumentation,
validating exhaustively their performance in real samples against conventional
methodologies and implementing them into portable and automatic high throughput devices,
together with exploring novel electrode modifications with nanomaterials and polymers and
studying in more detail their multiplexing ability for analysis of a large number of analytes, is
still needed.
A New Approach of Outlier-robust Missing Value Imputation for Metabolomics Data Analysis
Authors: Kumar Nishith , Hoque Md. Aminul , Shahjaman Md. , Islam S.M. Shahinul , Mollah Md. Nurul Haque
Published: November 2017

Background:

Metabolomics data generation and quantification are different from other types of molecular “omics” data in bioinformatics. Mass spectrometry (MS) based (gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), etc.) metabolomics data frequently contain missing values that make some quantitative analysis complex. Typically metabolomics datasets contain 10% to 20% missing values that originate from several reasons, like analytical, computational as well as biological hazard. Imputation of missing values is a very important and interesting issue for further metabolomics data analysis.  Objective: This paper introduces a new algorithm for missing value imputation in the presence of outliers for metabolomics data analysis.  Method: Currently, the most well known missing value imputation techniques in metabolomics data are knearest neighbours (kNN), random forest (RF) and zero imputation. However, these techniques are sensitive to outliers. In this paper, we have proposed an outlier robust missing imputation technique by minimizing twoway empirical mean absolute error (MAE) loss function for imputing missing values in metabolomics data.

Results:

We have investigated the performance of the proposed missing value imputation technique in a comparison of the other traditional imputation techniques using both simulated and real data analysis in the absence and presence of outliers.

Conclusion:

Results of both simulated and real data analyses show that the proposed outlier robust missing imputation technique is better performer than the traditional missing imputation methods in both absence and presence of outliers.
Therapies for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Sivaramakrishnan Gowri
Published: November 2017

Introduction:

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a common, often overlooked, chronic condition affecting eyes for which various therapies are being evaluated. Considering the absence of a systematic review and meta-analysis, the present review was carried out.

Methods:

An appropriate search strategy eligibility criteria were framed and electronic databases were scrutinized for appropriate literature. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) enrolling patients diagnosed with MGD were included. Outcome measures were Tear Break Up Time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, Meibomian Gland (MG) secretion score, MG plugging score, OSDI and SPEED. Cochrane’s tool was used to assess the risk of bias and Forest plot were generated either with fixed or random effects model, with Standardized Mean Difference (SMD).

Results:

TBUTs, Schirmer’s test and OSDI scores for systemic antimicrobials with placebo were 1.58 [1.33, 1.83], 2.93 [0.78, 5.09] and -3.58 [-4.28, -2.89] respectively. No quantitative synthesis was attempted for either mebiomian plugging or meibomian secretion scores and no significant changes were observed with any other outcome parameter.

Conclusion:

Only the systemic antimicrobials were found to improve the clinical features of meibomian gland dysfunction. Varying effects of different therapeutic agents (heat therapies, omega-3-fatty acids and castor oil) were identified for MGD but the risk of bias pertaining to randomization and allocation concealment was found to be associated with most of the current RCTs. More high quality evidence is required to confirm the findings of the present review.
Arte como experiência: ensino/aprendizagem em Artes Visuais
Authors: Wosniak Fábio , Lampert Jociele
Published: November 2017

Este artigo apresenta reflexões acerca dos conceitos de arte como experiência e os processos de ensino/aprendizagem em artes visuais, tangenciando os campos da Arte, Arte-Educação e o ensino da pintura. Seu principal eixo consiste na abordagem metodológica que vem sendo pesquisada no Grupo de Estudos Estúdio de Pintura Apotheke e nas aulas de Graduação e Pós-Graduação em Artes Visuais da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC).
Ensino da Arte: um exercício de reflexão e escrita de si
Authors: Silva Ursula Rosa da
Published: November 2017

O presente texto trata de uma reflexão a respeito do ensino da arte na universidade, considerando a perspectiva de autoformação docente e de uma escrita de si. O estudo tem como fonte de análise documentos e dados decorrentes do projeto de pesquisa Revisitando o Instituto de Letras e Artes (ILA-1969-2010), que objetiva contextualizar historicamente e valorizar as histórias de vida e de ensino dos docentes dos cursos de artes da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. A pesquisa utiliza como aporte teórico pensadores como Bourdieu e Josso, valorizando a abordagem da escrita de si e elementos que configuram o meio acadêmicos, que influenciam as metodologias de ensino. O texto apresenta uma análise do acervo pessoal de documentos da professora Myriam Anselmo, que atuou no Instituto de Letras e Artes até 1990.
O professor em foco na arte-educação contemporânea
Authors: Iavelberg Rosa
Published: November 2017

O artigo trata da formação inicial e continuada de professores de Arte atuando na Educação Básica, enfatizando as questões didáticas. Destacam-se experiências de criação em oficinas e de aulas com os pares, da formação inicial. Do mesmo modo, ressalta-se a performance do professor de Arte na sala de aula, em formação continuada. No texto valorizou-se a aprendizagem colaborativa ou compartilhada entre os pares, conhecimento sobre arte, arte-educação contemporânea e sua história, formas de registro e reflexão sobre as práticas como instrumento de formação, transformação e atualização dos paradigmas dos professores na área de Arte.
Apresentação
Authors: Pontes Gilvânia Maurício Dias de , Ledur Rejane Reckziegel , Evalte Tatiana Telch
Published: November 2017

Apresentação - Artes Visuais na Educação Básica
Anacronismo, corpo e memória nas imagens escatológicas de Francisco Toledo
Authors: Moraes Vanessa Daniele
Published: November 2017

A ideia de que os fluidos do nosso corpo devem provocar nojo e repugnância atravessa séculos e tem explicações históricas, das quais buscamos alguns pensadores (Georges Vigarello e Mikhail Bakhtin) para elucidar as razões que solidificaram um imaginário do corpo sujo. Nas artes visuais, o artista mexicano Francisco Toledo (1940) desconstrói a noção do excremento como um dejeto que deve causar repúdio nas pessoas. Sua obra pode ser lida num duplo contato com o corpo: quando ele usa a merda como tema (dejeto corporal) e quando pensamos em suas pinturas pelo viés antropológico, onde as imagens têm um significado simbólico e são, literalmente, formadas no corpo humano. A carga afetiva e emocional que envolvem a formação das imagens no homem contribui para que a imaginação seja única, intransponível e anacrônica.
Job insecurity, sense of coherence and the general health of employees at a higher education institution in South Africa
Authors: Setati Sam T , Stander Marius , Ukpere Wilfred Isioma
Published: November 2017

This study investigated the relationship between job insecurity, sense of coherence and general health of employees in a higher education institution in South Africa. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A random sample (n = 229) was taken from academic and non-academic staff members of the institution. The Job Insecurity Inventory, General Health Questionnaire and Orientation to Life Questionnaire were administered. The results showed that a negative relationship exists between job insecurity and general health, while a positive relationship exists between sense of coherence and general health. High job insecurity and a weak sense of coherence predicted ill health. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that higher education institutions should attend to job insecurity by communicating effectively with employees, in order to clarify expectations, and ensure support from supervisors. Developing the employees’ sense of coherence can positively impact on their wellness. Owing to the cross-sectional design of the study, no conclusions regarding causality was drawn.
Przemiany w wyposażeniu technicznym gospodarstw rolnych na Ukrainie w latach 2000-2015
Authors: Skudlarski Jacek , Chibowski Piotr , Izdebski Waldemar , Krygul Roman , Makarchuk Oksana , Zaika Svetlana , Zając Stanisław
Published: November 2017

Celem opracowania jest analiza zmian stanu wyposażenia ukraińskiego rolnictwa w wybrane środki mechanizacji do produkcji roślinnej w latach 2000-2015. Analizy ograniczono do ciągników rolniczych, kombajnów zbożowych, maszyn do zbioru ziemniaków i buraków cukrowych. W przygotowaniu opracowania wykorzystano materiały statystyczne Państwowej Służby Statystyki Ukrainy (UKRSTAT) oraz dostępną literaturę przedmiotu. Przemiany jakie nastąpiły w rolnictwie Ukrainy spowodowały znaczne uszczuplenie bazy technicznej przedsiębiorstw rolnych. Jednocześnie znacznie wzrosła powierzchnia UR przypadająca na ciągniki rolnicze oraz powierzchnia upraw w przeliczeniu na jedną maszynę do zbioru. Istotnym problemem z którym boryka się ukraińskie rolnictwo jest znaczne zużycie techniczne, moralne i ekonomiczne parku ciągnikowo- maszynowego w gospodarstwach i przedsiębiorstwach rolnych.
Brexit a sytuacja ekonomiczna Wielkiej Brytanii
Authors: Czech Katarzyna , Wielechowski Michał
Published: November 2017

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie wpływu wyniku referendum z 23 czerwca 2016 r. dotyczącego wyjścia Wielkiej Brytanii z Unii Europejskiej na stan gospodarki i finansów tego kraju. Publikacja zawiera przegląd światowej literatury i prasy ekonomicznej odnoszących się do kwestii następstw decyzji Brytyjczyków o opuszczeniu struktur unijnych. W artykule przedstawiono, że wynik referendum przyczynił się do wystąpienia rekordowych poziomów indeksu niepewności polityki gospodarczej (EPU) w Wielkiej Brytanii. Wysoki poziom niepewności ekonomicznej i finansowej wywarł w konsekwencji negatywny wpływ na kondycję brytyjskiej gospodarki. W artykule pokazano wpływ wyniku referendum na wartość brytyjskiej waluty, poziom podstawowych wskaźników makroekonomicznych, poziom aktywności gospodarczej w sektorze wytwórczym oraz sferę finansów publicznych. Kurs funta szterlinga w odniesieniu do dolara amerykańskiego i euro uległ silnej deprecjacji i spadł poniżej poziomów osiąganych w trakcie ataku spekulacyjnego przeprowadzonego przez George’a Sorosa w 1992 r., inwazji na Irak w 2003 r., czy kryzysu finansowego w latach 2008–2009. Wynik referendum można łączyć ze wzrostem inflacji oraz spadkiem tempa wzrostu PKB. Wielka Brytania zdecydowała się na wprowadzenie bardziej
ekspansywnej polityki monetarnej poprzez obniżenie poziomu bazowej stopy oraz rozszerzenie programu luzowania ilościowego. Poziom aktywności gospodarczej w sektorze wytwórczym uległ krótkookresowemu obniżeniu w konsekwencji wyniku referendum. Perspektywa Brexitu miała również negatywny wpływ na stan brytyjskich finansów publicznych. Wysokość prognozowanego ujemnego salda finansów publicznych w 2017 r. wzrosła o ponad 30 proc., a minister finansów zmuszony był odstąpić od realizacji ambitnego celu eliminacji deficytu budżetowego do roku fiskalnego 2019–2020.
Wydajność pracy jako przesłanka restrukturyzacji zatrudnienia w rolnictwie
Authors: Czyżewski Andrzej , Staniszewski Jakub
Published: November 2017

Poprawę wydajności pracy w rolnictwie można osiągnąć m.in. poprzez zmianę struktury (restrukturyzację) zatrudnienia, polegającą na zwiększaniu udziału typów produkcyjnych, gdzie czynnik jest wydajniej wykorzystywany. Dla poparcia tej tezy dokonano dekompozycji wzrostu wydajności pracy w rolnictwie krajów UE, w latach 2005-2013, z zastosowaniem metody shift-share. Wyniki badań wskazują, że większą dynamiką struktury zatrudnienia cechowały się nowe kraje członkowskie. Zmiany polegały głównie na spadku znaczenia produkcji mieszanej na rzecz upraw polowych. W krajach takich jak Litwa, Bułgaria, Cypr i Łotwa na znaczeniu zyskiwały typy produkcji o ponadprzeciętnej wydajności pracy. Ponadto na Łotwie i w Danii większe znaczenie w wykorzystaniu czynnika pracy zyskiwały typy gospodarstw cechujące się ponadprzeciętnym przyrostem wydajności pracy. Częstsze były jednak zmiany zachodzące w kierunku odwrotnym.
Wpływ subsydiów wspólnej polityki rolnej na dochody gospodarstw mlecznych FADN w krajach Unii Europejskiej w latach 2004-2013
Authors: Guth Marta , Smędzik-Ambroży Katarzyna
Published: November 2017

Celem głównym artykułu była ocena wpływu subsydiów wspólnej polityki rolnej na dochody gospodarstw mlecznych FADN w latach 2004-2013. Zbadano udział subsydiów ogółem łącznie z dopłatami do inwestycji na poziom dochodu z gospodarstwa rolnego w przeliczeniu na jednostkę pracy rodziny (FWU) w gospodarstwach mlecznych FADN w krajach Unii Europejskiej z podziałem na kraje UE-10 i UE-15. Następnie zaprezentowano trendy kształtowania się dochodu z gospodarstwa rolnego/FWU z i bez dopłat w badanym okresie. W celu zaprezentowania, które z grup dopłat miały największy wpływ na kształtowanie się dochodu z gospodarstwa rolnego/FWU przeprowadzono regresję panelową. Na jej podstawie określono, że najbardziej istotne dla dochodów gospodarstw mlecznych FADN w latach 2005-2013 były dopłaty decoupled oraz dodatkowe wsparcie wraz z pozostałymi subsydiami.
Wybrane aspekty oddziaływania rolnictwa na środowisko w państwach Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Janiszewska Dorota , Ossowska Luiza
Published: November 2017

Celem badań jest omówienie zróżnicowania państw Unii Europejskiej na podstawie wybranych wskaźników oddziaływania rolnictwa na środowisko. Dane liczbowe pochodzą z 2013 roku. Badanie przeprowadzono za pomocą analizy skupień. Do analizy przyjęto następujące cechy diagnostyczne: bilans azotu brutto, udział emisji gazów cieplarnianych pochodzących z rolnictwa danego państwa w całkowitej emisji gazów cieplarnianych pochodzących z rolnictwa państw UE, sprzedaż pestycydów na hektar użytków rolnych (UR), udział emisji amoniaku badanego państwa w ogólnej emisji amoniaku w UE, udział gruntów przystosowanych do nawadniania w ogólnej powierzchni UR oraz udział gruntów ekologicznych w powierzchni UR. W wyniku zastosowania analizy skupień podzielono badane państwa na sześć grup.
Potencjał energetyczny biomasy roślinnej i możliwości wykorzystania do celów energetycznych
Authors: Jarosz Zuzanna
Published: November 2017

Zapewnienie bezpieczeństwa energetycznego, uniezależnienie się od paliw kopalnych oraz ograniczenie emisji gazów cieplarnianych skłania do wykorzystywania odnawialnych źródeł energii. Celem badań jest ocena potencjału energetycznego biomasy roślinnej z produkcji rolnej i wskazanie możliwości jej wykorzystania do produkcji energii elektrycznej i ciepła. Do badań wykorzystano dane z Powszechnego Spisu Rolnego 2010. Na podstawie szczegółowej analizy zmian zachodzących w produkcji rolniczej w latach 2010-2015 dokonano aktualizacji danych. Przyjęto założenie, że zmiany w gminach zachodziły w taki sam sposób jak w województwach. Potencjał energetyczny biomasy roślinnej oszacowano uwzględniając: nadwyżki słomy, siana i plantacje roślin energetycznych. Z przeprowadzonych badań wynika, że Polska dysponuje energetycznym potencjałem biomasy roślinnej kształtującym się na poziomie 305,8 tys. TJ rocznie, który może być wykorzystany do celów energetycznych bez zagrożenia dla produkcji żywności.
Możliwości usprawniania procesów zarządzania w łańcuchu żywnościowym na przykładzie Produktu Lokalnego z Małopolski
Authors: Nowakowska-Grunt Joanna , Kiełbasa Barbara
Published: November 2017

Celem artykułu była analiza i ocena znaczenia krótkich łańcuchów dostaw w kontekście minimalizowania niekorzystnych zjawisk występujących w klasycznych łańcuchach dostaw. W pracy przedstawiono studium przypadku Produkt Lokalny z Małopolski, jako przykład dobrych praktyk. Analizując koncepcję skróconych łańcuchów dostaw można zauważyć istotne korzyści dla producentów rolnych, dla konsumentów, a także dla regionu. Ograniczenie ogniw łańcucha żywnościowego przynosi więcej korzyści rolnikowi, a dzięki skróceniu łańcucha do minimum można uniknąć reperkusji efektu Forrestera. Krótkie łańcuchy żywnościowe można zastosować do promocji regionu, produkcji ekologicznej, czy też produktów lokalnych i tradycyjnych. Mimo słabych stron jakim jest lokalny wymiar omawianej koncepcji, idea ta przyczynia się do realizacji założeń rozwoju zrównoważonego, która łączy cele ekonomiczne, z celami społecznymi i ochroną środowiska. Przedstawione rozważania nie wyczerpują tematu, a jedynie sygnalizują zagadnienie, które wymaga całościowego podejścia do tej tematyki.
Zmienność cen mięsa kurcząt brojlerów w krajach Unii Europejskiej w latach 2007-2016
Authors: Utnik-Banaś Katarzyna
Published: November 2017

Celem pracy była analiza zmienności cen mięsa kurcząt brojlerów w krajach UE w latach 2007-2016. Określono odpowiednie statystyki opisowe oraz przeprowadzono dekompozycję szeregu czasowego cen. Wielkość produkcji mięsa kurcząt brojlerów w UE w 2007 roku wynosiła 8,76 mln ton i w wzrosła do poziomu 10,98 mln ton w 2014r. Największymi producentami w UE w 2014 roku były: Polska (14,9% udziału w produkcji kurcząt brojlerów w UE), Wielka Brytania (13,1%), Hiszpania (11,2%), Francja (10,0%) oraz Niemcy (9,4%). Najwyższe ceny występowały w Niemczech, Finlandii i na Cyprze, a najniższe w Polsce, Wielkiej Brytanii i Bułgarii. Większe zróżnicowanie cen występowało w krajach, gdzie poziom cen był niższy, zaś w krajach o wysokim poziomie cen - ceny odznaczały się większą stabilnością. Ceny mięsa kurcząt brojlerów w UE cechuje sezonowość. Wyższe są latem, a niższe - późną jesienią i zimą. Kraje o największych amplitudach zmian sezonowych to: Polska (średnio 20%), Portugalia (15%), Belgia (11%) i Wielka Brytania (10%).