bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEURONET LOGISTIC DYNAMIC MODEL TO DIAGNOSE AND FORECAST THE STAGES OF DEVELOPING BANKRUPTCY OF CORPORATIONS
Authors: Gorbatkov S.A. , Rastegaeva F.S. , Farkhieva S.A. , Nakonechnaya T.V. , Shashkova T.N.
Published: May 2019

Purpose of Study: The object of the study is the problem of financial management, in particular, the problem of forecasting the stage of developing bankruptcy of corporations-loaners and decision-making on the restructuring of credit debt. The subject of the research is the development of a dynamic model of bankruptcies with continuous time in conditions of high uncertainty and noise data, which allows diagnosing the stages of bankruptcy of the simulated object at any time (between the “time slices” in the data), as well as to predict the probability of bankruptcy in time ahead for a given horizon. Uncertainty is understood as a specific characteristic of the simulated class of dynamic bankruptcy problems –incompleteness and uncertainty in the data: in the training sample in the “time slices” only the boundary values of the probability of bankruptcy are specified (P=0 or P=1), i.e. there is no information about the intermediate values of P in the interval [0;1]. The uncertainty is determined by legal reasons: until the corporation is declared bankrupt by the arbitration court or the tax authorities, for it P=0, although objective accounting data may show proximity to bankruptcy. Methodology: The purpose of the study is to create an effective mathematical tool for predicting corporate bankruptcy to support decision-making on the financial management of corporations, which is focused on complex real-world modeling conditions. Results: On the basis of the system-wide law of inertia of the simulated dynamic system (or object), the original neuronet iterative logistic dynamic method (NLDM) is proposed, which allows eliminating the above incompleteness and uncertainty in the training sample and operate with continuous time in the procedures of diagnosis and prediction of bankruptcy stages of corporations-loaners. The adequacy of the dynamic model of bankruptcies is comprehensively investigated. The probability of correct identification of bankruptcies on the test set is not worse than 90%. The convergence of iterative procedures in the NLDM algorithm is investigated.
Constraint Equations of Physical and Geometrical Parameters of an Arbitrary Branched Hydraulic System of the General Form
Authors: Demidov A.I. , Bobarika I.O. , Gusev I.N.
Published: May 2019

The development trends of aviation technology impose stringent requirements for the quality of aircraft design in general and its onboard power systems in particular. The article considers an arbitrary branched hydraulic system of the aircraft. With known output characteristics of the hydraulic system, i.e. the function that it must perform, the internal parameters of the system that provide efficient flow distribution required for the calculated operation of the mechanisms are determined. The problem of obtaining a system of equations of the general form linking the physical parameters of the hydraulic system, such as supply power, pressure in consumers and flow rate in all functional subsystems, with the geometric parameters of the pipelines and consumers of the system is solved by an analytical method. The equations in the resulting system are considered in the space of physical parameters. As the geometric parameters of the elements are not specified in an explicit form, it allows the authors to obtain the only unique solution for an arbitrary number of pipelines and consumers, excluding an iterative process. Besides, the final equations clearly determine the most effective mode of operation of the power supply.
Learning to Reflect: Teachers' Mastery and Development of Mediational Means and Psychological Tools of Reflective Practice
Authors: Lampert-Shepel Elina , Murphy Colette
Published: May 2019

Authors conceptualize the notion of reflection as a higher psychological function from the perspective of cultural–historical psychology of Lev Vygotsky and discuss the development of teachers' reflective practice in the process of mastering and creating mediational means of reflective practice. In the current research literature the terms mediational means and psychological tools are often used interchangeably. On the grounds of the findings from the studies of teachers' reflection, conducted in Ireland, United States, and Russia, the authors distinguish mediational means from psychological tools, discuss their heterogeneity, and explore how the choice of mediational means transforms the process of reflective practice. Authors argue that teachers need to be educated to master meditational means of reflection to build their reflective practice and develop reflection as a higher psychological function.
ENSINO COM PESQUISA NA EDUCAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL E TECNOLÓGICA: NOÇÕES, PERSPECTIVAS E DESAFIOS
Authors: Vieira Josimar de Aparecido , Vieira Marilandi Maria Mascarello , Pasqualli Roberta , Castaman Ana Sara
Published: May 2019

Neste ensaio analisou-se o princípio ensino com pesquisa com a finalidade de alargar o debate deste princípio, aproximando-o da modalidade Educação Profissional e Tecnológica (EPT). Buscou-se elucidar as indagações: que fundamentos sustentam o princípio ensino com pesquisa? quais as perspectivas para a organização de atividades diante deste princípio? e quais os desafios para formar profissionais por meio da pesquisa na EPT? Constituído numa abordagem qualitativa, foi produzido por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica envolvendo os autores: Chizzotti (2001), Demo (1997), Freire (1997), Moraes; Ramos; Galiazzi (2002), Cunha (2002), Masetto (2001), Machado (2010), Moura (2008), Paoli (1988) entre outros. As repercussões indicam que na EPT, este princípio pressupõe dilemas e dificuldades aos professores e estudantes que correrão riscos, enfrentarão situações, quebrarão rotinas e tomarão decisões, de forma a ultrapassarem os obstáculos com que se depararão. Constituirão uma dinâmica que permite (re)descobrir a realidade como totalidade e aprender o conhecimento em movimento marcado por conflitos e contradições.
MST, AGROECOLOGIA E EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO NA AMAZÔNIA: UM ESTUDO SOB O ENFOQUE DAS EPISTEMOLOGIAS DO SUL
Authors: Corrêa Sérgio Roberto Moraes , Nascimento Maycom Douglas Ferreira do
Published: May 2019

O artigo apresenta alguns resultados de pesquisa, a qual tem tomado como pano de fundo a experiência de “transição agroecológica” do MST e suas implicações para o debate do desenvolvimento rural e da educação do campo. Para fins desse artigo e com objetivo de delimitar o campo de análise, esse texto objetiva analisar o papel e impacto que a experiência de transição agroecológica do MST vem produzindo em sua proposta de educação do campo no âmbito dos assentamentos rurais na Amazônia. Para tanto, a pesquisa tomou como referência teórica os estudos das Epistemologias do Sul de Boaventura de Sousa Santos e se orientou por uma abordagem qualitativa. Como resultado, foi possível identificar que a experiência de transição agroecológica do MST ocorre de forma contraditória e conflitiva, apresentando avanços e problemas de ordem interna e externa ao Movimento para sua concretização em seu modo de produzir e de se reproduzir socialmente em assentamentos da Amazônia paraense.
Geographically weighted regression modelling of the spatial association between malaria cases and environmental factors in Cameroon
Authors: Tewara Marlvin Anemey , Yunxia Liu , Mbah-Fongkimeh Prisca Ngetemalah , Zhaolei Zheng , Binang Helen Barong , Xinhui Liu , Miao Zhou , Liu Xiaojuan , Xue Fuzhong
Published: May 2019

Background

Cameroon has witnessed a 131,000 increase in malaria cases, according to a recent report addressing the malaria burden and control strategies in endemic regions. Studies have illustrated the association between malaria cases and environmental factors in Cameroon but limited in addressing how these factors vary in space for timely interventions. Thus, we want to find the spatial variability between malaria hotspot cases and environmental predictors using Geographically weighted regression (GWR) spatial modelling technique.

Methods

The global Ordinary least squares(OLS) tool in the modelling spatial relationships tool in ArcGIS 10.3. was used to select candidate explanatory environmental variables for a properly specified GWR model. The local GWR model used the OLS candidate variables to examine, predict and explore the spatial variability between environmental factors and malaria hotspot cases generated from Getis-Ord Gi* statistical analysis. Spatial maps of mosquito bed net ownership and GWR outputs were also created for public health surveillance.

Results

The OLS candidate environmental variable coefficients were statistically significant for a properly specified GWR model (adjusted R2 = 22.3% and p < 0.01). The GWR model identified a strong association between malaria cases and rainfall, vegetation index, population density, and drought episodes in most hotspot areas and a weak correlation with aridity and proximity to water (adjusted R2= 24.3%). The mosquito bed nets analysis maps demonstrated an overall low coverage(<50%) of household ownership.

Conclusion

The generated GWR maps suggest that for policymakers to eliminate malaria in Cameroon by 2030, there should be the creation of outreach programs that will target malaria hotspots locations, intensify free insecticidal net distribution, allocate specific funding, establish vaccination campaigns and carry out further investigations in areas where the environmental variables showed strong spatial associations with malaria hotspot cases.
Cholera epidemic in Kinshasa 2017-2018: targeted community-grid WaSH strategy rapidly interrupts cholera transmission throughout the city
Authors: Bompangue Didier , Moore Sandra , Taty Nadège , Impouma Benido , Sudre Bertrand , Manda Richard , Balde Thierno , Mboussou Franck , Vandevelde Thierry
Published: May 2019

Background

Rapid control of cholera outbreaks is a significant challenge in overpopulated urban settings, and documented results on field interventions are scarce. During the 2017-2018 period, Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo, experienced two cholera epidemics of increasing intensity. By January 2018, cholera cases were reported throughout the city. We describe the spatiotemporal evolution of the cholera outbreaks in Kinshasa from 2017 to 2018 and assess the impact of the targeted community-grid WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) strategy to quickly interrupt cholera transmission.

Methods

We carried out a descriptive study of the cholera outbreaks in Kinshasa from 2017 to 2018. Cholera surveillance databases from the Ministry of Health were analyzed to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of the cholera epidemic using epidemic curves and cartography. Weekly precipitation levels in Kinshasa were also assessed. Additionally, we described the targeted community-grid WaSH strategy and examined the impact of this approach to interrupt cholera transmission in the city.

Results

From January 2017 to November 2018, a total of 1,712 suspected cholera cases were reported in Kinshasa. During this period, the health zones most affected included Binza Météo, Limeté, Kokolo, Kintambo and Kingabwa. The community-grid WaSH strategy was implemented to rapidly contain the outbreak by targeting interventions in five heavily-affected heath zones. With this strategy, cholera awareness and WaSH activities were carried out in cholera clusters. In Binza Météo, Kintambo and Limeté, the weekly cholera case numbers were reduced by an average of 57% in two weeks and 86% in four weeks. The total weekly case numbers throughout Kinshasa Province dropped by 71% at four weeks after the epidemic peak.

Conclusion

During the 2017-2018 period, Kinshasa reported two cholera epidemics of increasing intensity. To contain the main epidemic, response interventions targeted case households and nearby neighbors using a community-grid approach, focusing on emergency WaSH activities and awareness campaigns. The community-grid strategy was effective in bringing outbreaks throughout Kinshasa quickly under control. A similar approach may be useful in other urban settings to quickly interrupt cholera transmission.
Variations on External Quality Assessment Performance of Public Medical Laboratories: Experience from SLMTA Program in Morogoro and Iringa, Tanzania
Authors: KASEHA Wilson Mengi , Manyilizu Wilbert Bunini
Published: May 2019

Background

The International Organization for Standardization has recommended monitoring and evaluation of quality laboratory services to ensure accuracy and reliability of diagnoses. The extent of accuracy and reliability of medical laboratory diagnoses in Tanzania has been scarcely documented. Through strengthening laboratory management towards accreditation (SLMTA) program, the researcher evaluated changes in quality indicator.

Objective

The evaluation aimed at determining the effect of SLMTA program on external quality assessment participation and performance of public laboratories in Iringa and Morogoro in Tanzania.

Methodology

A comparative laboratory-based cross-sectional design was conducted in Kilosa and Turiani districts in Morogoro region and Iringa Municipal and Mufindi district in Iringa region. External quality assessment (EQA) level of participation was assessed by observing how frequent the laboratory performs PTs, and the number of laboratory tests that are involved in EQA. A total of 178 EQA proficiency malaria, HIV and Haemoglobin (Hb) test results from the public laboratories were gathered by using a checklist. Eighty test results were from SLMTA laboratories (59 from Turiani and 21 from Mafinga lab) while 98 were from non-SLMTA laboratories (63 from Kilosa and 35 from Ngome laboratory). Data were analyzed using software to prepare contingency tables for test sensitivities, specificities, and predictive values. Statistics such as percentage distributions and cross-tabulations were used to analyze data.

Findings

SLMTA and non- SLMTA labs are participating regularly in EQA for HIV rapid tests (RTs), however, their participation is not regular for malaria and Hb tests. Proficiency test (PT) performance for HIV RTs in SLMTA laboratory category was 64%, while in non-SLMTA was 85%. PT performance for malaria test in non SLMTA was 44%, while it was zero percent in SLMTA lab category. Test performance for Hb was zero percent in SLMTA labs and no datum for Hb PTs available in non SLMTA laboratories. The sensitivity and specificity for HIV RTs was 100% in both laboratory categories (SLMTA and non-SLMTA).
Non-inflammation cerebrospinal fluid and normal brain magnetic resonance images of Autoimmune encephalits
Authors: Zheng Yake , Zhao Peng , lian yajun , Li Lihao , Chen Yuan , Wang Chengze , Zhang Qiaoman
Published: May 2019

Background

We set out to investigate the characteristics and factors related to non-inflammation cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and normal brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) in patients.

Methods

The distribution and characteristics of brain MRI and CSF in 124 patients who were living with anti-NMDAR(71), LGI1(26),CASPR2(4),GABAR(23) encephalitis and who had been admitted between October 2016 and May 2018 were analyzed prospectively.

Results

12 of the 124 patients(1%) had a normal MRI and non-inflammation CSF.Ten of them were LGI1(83%),while the remaining 1 patient was NMDAR(8.3%),1 patient was CASPR2(8.3%).The clinical symptoms including epilepsy, psychosis, cognitive disorders, conscious disorders, headache, faciobrachial dystonic seizure (FBDS), speech disorders and hypoventilation. AE with non-inflammation CSF and normal MRI with good clinical prognosis. The median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was low, and recurrence rate was also low.

Conclusion

The clinical manifestations of on-inflammation CSF and brain MRI-negative patients with AE are not specific, but suggest a better prognosis and a lower recurrence rates.
Effect of Stature on Refraction and Ocular Biometry in Chinese Young Adults: The Anyang University Students Eye Study
Authors: Wang Ningli , Wei Shi-Fei , Sun Yun-Yun , Li Shi-Ming , Hu Jian-Ping , Cao Kai , Guo Ji-Yuan , Li He
Published: May 2019

Background

There are few studies reporting the association between stature and ocular biometry as well as cycloplegic refraction in young adults. Our study determined the relationship between stature and ocular biometry as well as cycloplegic refraction in Chinese young adults.

Methods

This was a school-based study including university students in Anyang, Henan Province, China. Cycloplegic refraction and corneal curvature (CR) were measured using an autorefractor. Ocular biometric parameters, including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and lens thickness (LT), were measured using a Lenstar LS900. Height and weight were acquired from an annual standardized physical examination, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated from these measurements.

Results

A total of 5657 (71.0%) subjects were available for analysis. After adjusting for age, gender, parental myopia, time outdoors, near work and weight, a 1 cm taller person could be expected to have more negative refraction as -0.023D, a 0.032 mm increase in AL, a 0.003 mm increase in ACD, a 0.008 mm increase in CR, and a 0.001 increase in axial length-corneal radius (AL/CR) ratio. With regard to weight, a 1 kg heavier person was more likely to have less negative refraction as 0.011 D, deeper ACD by 0.001mm and flatter cornea by 0.002mm. A similar pattern of significant associations was also found in BMI.

Conclusions

Compared to those of less height, young adults of greater height tended to have longer eyes, deeper anterior chambers, flatter corneas, higher AL/CR ratio, and more negative refraction after controlling for potential confounders. In contrast, heavier and higher BMI persons were more hyperopic. The differences in stature may partially explain the variation in refraction and ocular biometric parameters.
Measurement of Gas Diffusion Coefficient in Highly Permeable Porous Media
Authors: Levintal Elad , Dragila Maria I. , Kamai Tamir , Weisbrod Noam
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

A modified method was used to quantify gas diffusion within coarse media.

All data were highly correlated to an inverse solution of the diffusion equation.

DP/D0 results were in the range of common DP/D0 predictive models.

Observed increase in gas transport with permeability was named enhanced diffusion.

Gas diffusion is a fundamental transport process in porous media. However, to date, there is no method for experimentally estimating the gas diffusion coefficient of coarse porous media. A modified method is proposed here and was validated against sand media. The method was tested using particle sizes ranging between 1 and 4 cm: ∼10−3 cm2 < intrinsic permeability < ∼10−2 cm2. Laboratory experiments were conducted in large horizontal columns filled with different homogeneous spherical particles inside a climate‐controlled laboratory under isothermal (± <0.2°C) and windless conditions. Diffusion coefficients were similar for particles sizes of 1 and 2 cm, which indicates that pure diffusion governs gas transport. Above 2 cm, diffusion coefficients were higher, suggesting an enhanced gas transport, most likely initiated by small, local advective components. Because the enhanced transport can be modeled by the diffusion equation using a larger diffusion coefficient, it is associated with the enhanced diffusion concept.
Human resources staffing process and its impact on job involvement: Irbid District Electricity Company as a case study
Authors: Al-Bdareen Rokaya , Khasawneh Hend
Published: May 2019

The study aimed to identify the level of practicing the human resources staffing process and the level of the employees’ job involvement in the Irbid District Electricity Company in Jordan; it also aimed to examine the impact of human resources staffing process on the employees’ job involvement. The study adopted the descriptive, analytical method, since it determines the characteristics of the phenomenon, describes its nature accurately and then determines the quality of the relationship between its variables. The study population included all the individuals in the senior and middle administrative levels by 100 individuals. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researchers prepared a questionnaire to examine the study variables. One hundred questionnaires were distributed to each manager, deputy manager, and department head in the Irbid District Electricity Company out of which the researchers retrieved 97 questionnaires valid for analysis. In order to analyze the data collected, the study relies on the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) where the descriptive statistics for all the fields of the study were estimated. The correlation matrix was also used to determine the relationship between variables. Furthermore, multiple regressions were used to determine the impact of the independent variable on the dependent variable. The findings showed that the level of practicing the human resources staffing process and the employees’ job involvement at Irbid District Electricity Company (IDECO) was moderate. The findings of the study showed that the process of human resources staffing was positively associated with the job involvement where the Pearson coefficient was r= .851 and at level of significance of 0.00. The research data have also indicated that the human resources staffing process had a positive impact on the employees’ job involvement. The study recommended that the procedures of staffing in all organizations should focus on achieving the fit between the employee and his job through focusing on choosing employees whose knowledge, skills and abilities correspond to the requirements of vacant jobs and also through implementing different tests and selection interviews, which help choose the person whose traits fit the job requirements. The study has also indicated that the recommended organizations should also pay attention to the job design process where the focus is on designing jobs in a way that creates a challenge, and enables employees feel independence and joy during the job; in this method, the employee can be more involved and can work in an effective way.
Does having knowledge of green human resource management practices influence its implementation within organizations?
Authors: Mtembu Vuyokazi
Published: May 2019

Sustainability and green practices are in the frontline of issues organizations globally are concerned about because of the consequences of climate change and its challenges. The objective and key question of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between knowledge of green human resource management (HRM) practices and its implementation within the organizations. The study followed a methodology of triangulated empirical research approach with a combined method of qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Human resource practitioners from human resource divisions in higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, formed the population surveyed. Interview schedule and questionnaires were instruments used in data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data collected from interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyze quantitative data collected. About half of HR practitioners indicated minimal awareness of the concept ‘green HRM’, but reflected moderate knowledge and understanding of green HRM activities. Overall, the findings revealed a moderate application of green HRM principles in HRM activities in the institutions. There was no policy framework in the form of green HRM policies to drive green activities within the HR divisions and institutionally. Findings also revealed that there is a relationship between knowledge of green HRM activities and its implementation within the organization. Also, a strong correlation was found to exist between green HRM policies and implementation of green HRM activities in the organization. This then led the researcher to recommend that organizations who aspire to go green, be resource efficient and sustainable will need to have green HRM policies in place, they will also need to ensure that training and awareness workshops on green HRM are conducted to skill and equip all stakeholders involved.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE TESTES UNITÁRIOS PARA UM SOFTWARE DA BIOMECÂNICA CARDÍACA BASEADO EM ELEMENTOS FINITOS
Authors: Rocha Bernardo Martins , Filho Gilmar Ferreira da Silva , Campos Joventino Oliveira
Published: May 2019

O desenvolvimento de softwares científicos, como por exemplo para simulações computacionais de biomecânica baseadas no método dos elementos finitos, se dá habitualmente com o objetivo de atingir metas específicas de uma pesquisa de interesse. Com isso, práticaspertinentes de engenharia de software, como o teste unitário, são desconsideradas e o produto final é uma aplicação que provê a resposta esperada, porém é suscetível a falhas, erros e sobretudode pobre manutenibilidade. Este trabalho tem como objetivo aplicar e avaliar técnicas de teste unitário no desenvolvimento de um software que simula a atividade mecânica cardíaca baseado no método dos elementos finitos, de forma a garantir um software mais flexível, de fácil manutenção,reuso e depuração, e que assegure resultados mais confiáveis. A biblioteca para testes unitários automatizados CppTest foi utilizada em um software de elementos finitos desenvolvido em C++ para solução de problemas de mecânica computacional. Problemas com solução analítica e comsoluções de referência do tipo benchmark foram utilizados como base para o desenvolvimento de rotinas de teste. Além disso, outras rotinas de teste unitário dos módulos fundamentais do software (módulos de álgebra linear, entrada e saída de dados, entre outros) foram desenvolvidas. A aplicaçãode técnicas de teste unitário mostrou-se importante para esse tipo de software permitindo gerar relatórios e identificar erros na etapa de desenvolvimento e extensão do software. Verificou-se queesta abordagem de testes para o software científico apresenta desafios que não são encontrados em outras aplicações, dada a natureza dos softwares científicos. Ainda assim, tais técnicas se mostraram pertinentes e justificáveis, visto que o seu emprego possibilitou a obtenção de um software defácil extensibilidade e depuração, tornando possível, por exemplo, a inclusão de algoritmos mais eficientes ou novos modelos matemáticos sem danificar o funcionamento do software.
METODOLOGIA NUMÉRICA PARA SOLUÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS DE BIOTRANSFERÊNCIA DE CALOR POR MEIO DE FUNÇÕES DE BASE RADIAL
Authors: Barbosa Luiz Otávio , Amantéa Rafael Pinheiro , De Carvalho Robspierre
Published: May 2019

Um grande número de problemas de biotransferência de calor pode envolver condições de contorno específicas para simular situações de aquecimento, queimaduras e termoterapias. Apesar das soluções analíticas disponíveis, muitas formas clássicas e modificadas da famosa equação de  Pennes requerem soluções numéricas rápidas e precisas. Este trabalho introduz o método da função de base radial (FBR) aplicado à solução da equação de biotransferência de calor com condições de contorno  relacionadas à função de aquecimento constante e degrau. Além disso, um esquema adaptativo temporal foi utilizado com o método FBR. Os resultados numéricos obtidos apresentaram erros menores que 0,1%, quando comparados com soluções analíticas e permitem afirmar que a metodologia proposta é precisa. Especificamente, para o caso de aquecimento por função degrau, dois parâmetros de forma FBR foram aplicados para manter os excelentes resultados. Os perfis espaciais mostraram que os nós localizados nos limites foram a fonte primária de erros numéricos e sugeriram um esquema adaptativo de refinamento de nós no espaço.
Diversidad endomicorrícica en plantas de café (Coffea arabica L.) infestadas con roya (Hemileia vastatrix)
Authors: Herrera Monroy Sonia , Castro Brindis Rogelio , Pérez Moreno Jesús , Valdés Velarde Eduardo
Published: May 2019

El café (Coffea arabica L.) es uno de los productos agrícolas más importantes en el mundo, ya que más de 56 países se dedican a su cultivo y es el principal commodity agrícola desde el periodo 1962-1989; y la roya anaranjada del cafeto (Hemileia vastatrix Berkeley & Broome) es la enfermedad más devastadora de este cultivo. En Centroamérica, las pérdidas causadas por este patógeno fueron de hasta el 50 % en el ciclo productivo 2011-2012. La producción de café en el estado de Veracruz decreció 8 % desde el 2011 debido a infestaciones por roya, en consecuencia se han realizado investigaciones sobre microorganismos benéficos que brinden tolerancia hacia el patógeno, cuya obtención y aplicación no represente riesgo de deterioro del recurso suelo. En este sentido, las endomicorrizas cumplen con dichos requisitos, sin embargo es necesario conocer la diversidad y condiciones de asociación con la especie agrícola de interés para que el manejo sea efectivo. Por ello el objetivo fue caracterizar poblaciones endomicorrícicas presentes en plantas de café (Coffea arabica L.) variedad Typica con y sin signos de infección por roya en Ixhuatlán del café, Veracruz. Se identificaron 37 especies que corresponden a 14 géneros de endomicorrizas, siendo los más comunes Acaulospora y Rhizophagus, este último es el más frecuente en plantas sin signos de infección por roya. También se encontró mayor porcentaje de colonización en raíz y densidad de esporas en plantas sin signos de infección (7.70 % y 661.68 esporas/100 g de suelo, respectivamente) pero el índice de diversidad de Shannon (H) y el de Simpson (D) no señalan que las poblaciones endomicorrícicas encontradas sean diversas. Estos resultados muestran que las plantas que interaccionan en simbiosis con micorrizas son capaces de tolerar mejor el estrés biótico y abiótico, además la prevalencia de ciertos géneros endomicorrícicos en plantas de café con características fisiológicas particulares da pauta para profundizar en el estudio de la simbiosis diferencial establecida entre plantas y microorganismos.
Disponibilidad de nitrógeno usando dos tipos de estiércol de bovino lechero en cultivos de maíz forrajero y triticale
Authors: García Galindo Olivia , Figueroa Viramontes Uriel , Cueto Wong José Antonio , Núñez Hernández Gregorio , Gallegos Robles Miguel Ángel , López Martínez José Dimas
Published: May 2019

Introducción: La Comarca Lagunera, ubicada en los estados de Coahuila y Durango, México, es la región con la mayor producción de leche en el país. En esta región son comunes las explotaciones lecheras con áreas agrícolas para la producción de cultivos forrajeros, donde se aplican dosis excesivas de estiércol y se han reportado problemas de contaminación del agua por nitratos; por lo tanto, es importante generar información sobre el nitrógeno disponible del estiércol (NDE) en un sistema de dos cosechas por año.  Método: Se realizó un estudio con dosis crecientes de nitrógeno (N), en función del requerimiento de N del cultivo (RNC), utilizando urea, estiércol de corral (EC) y estiércol del separador de sólidos (ESS) como fuentes de N, en cultivos de maíz forrajero en primavera-verano y triticale en otoño-invierno. Se evaluó el rendimiento de los cultivos y el NDE en ambos tipos de estiércol.Resultados: El rendimiento de materia seca de maíz fue similar en todos los tratamientos, de 13.9 a 15.5 t∙ha-1, excepto en la dosis de 133% RNC con ESS, que tuvo el rendimiento más bajo. En triticale, las diferencias en rendimiento fueron no significativas. En maíz, la dosis de 428.6 kg∙ha-1 de N total con EC y de 449.6 kg∙ha-1 de N total con ESS, tuvieron la misma extracción de N (Nex) de 141.2 kg∙ha-1, equivalente a la dosis de 185 kg∙ha-1 de N con urea, que corresponde al 100% del RNC. Lo anterior indica una disponibilidad de N de 43.2% en EC y 41.1% en ESS. En el ciclo de invierno, el N disponible fue de 19.5% y 11.1% en EC y ESS, respectivamente.Conclusión: El N disponible de ambos tipos de estiércol, EC y ESS, abasteció de manera suficiente a dos cultivos forrajeros.  Los valores de NDE fueron similares en ambos tipos de estiércol cuando se estimó en ciclo de primavera-verano, pero en otoño-invierno el NDE fue mayor en el estiércol de corral.
The effect of women’s identity and emancipative values in female labor force participation: a comparison between Latin American and OECD countries.
Authors: Carriles Álvarez Alonso , Beltrán Godoy Jaime Humberto , Mata Mata Leovardo
Published: May 2019

From the end of the 1990’s and the beginning of the 2000’s, Latin American region experienced the largest female labor force participation growth in the world.  Recent literature (Camou, 2015; Chioda, 2016; Gasparini & Marchionni, 2015; Klasen, 2018; Serrano, Gasparini, Marchionni, & Gluzmann, 2018) conclude that marriage and fertility trends, economic growth and education as important determinants, but agree to the need to analyze women preferences and social factors also as contributing elements.  This study contributes to the literature by studying these two factors in the region, from the viewpoint of Akerlof & Kranton’s (2000) Identity Economic Theory, and Welzel’s (2013b) Emancipative Values Theory.  Exploiting World Values Survey data and European Values Study, this investigation developed a probabilistic regression model where women’s preference towards egalitarian views as workingwoman is analyzed as Women’s Identity, and social constraints upon gender equality is analyzed integrating a Women’s Emancipative Values indicator. This work also compares Latin American countries results with OECD countries to note differences between the groups.  We conclude that Women’s Identity and Women’s Emancipative Value are strong positive statistically significant determinants of FLFP.  When compared with OECD countries, we also conclude that women in the two groups of countries share similar self views as workingwoman, but Latin America still has social constraints at play that are limiting FLFP in the region.
Influencia de variables climáticas en el contenido de N en Carya illinoensis Koch
Authors: Núñez Colima Juan Antonio , Moreno Reséndez Alejandro , Valenzuela Núñez Luis Manuel , Rodríguez Martínez Rafael , González Torres Anselmo , García De La Peña Cristina , Esparza Rivera Juan Ramón , Molina Ochoa Jaime
Published: May 2019

En la Comarca Lagunera se estima que la superficie sembrada de nogal (Carya illinoensis) es de 9,208 ha-1, con un rendimiento aproximado de 1, 459 t de nuez ha-1. Las variedades que predominan en la Comarca Lagunera son Wichita y Western. Cuando la demanda de elementos nutritivos en las plantas no puede ser cubierta, estas dependen directamente de los compuestos almacenados. Uno de los elementos nutritivos más demandante por las plantas para su crecimiento y desarrollo es el nitrógeno (N); la falta de este elemento nutritivo puede provocar un bajo crecimiento. Se pretende tener conocimiento de la influencia de las variables ambientales (temperatura, irradiación y humedad relativa) sobre el porcentaje de nitrógeno almacenado en la biomasa de las dos variedades cultivadas en la zona de estudio (Western o Wichita) con la finalidad de contribuir al manejo agronómico. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue observar la variación del contenido de N en el tallo de nogal y desarrollar una función matemática que describa su comportamiento con respecto a variables ambientales (temperatura, humedad relativa, irradiación). El estudio se realizó en el campo experimental de la Universidad Agraria Antonio Narro Unidad Laguna. Se seleccionaron cuatro árboles de aproximadamente 30 años de edad de cada variedad. Se extrajeron virutas cada mes durante un año (julio de 2016 a junio de 2017). El porcentaje de N total se determinó mediante un analizador de gases, la biomasa se estimó mediante ecuaciones alométricas. Se realizó un análisis de varianza de dos factores (mes y variedad), para observar la diferencia entre el porcentaje de N en el tallo entre los meses. La relación de las variables ambientales con el porcentaje de N en el tallo se determinó mediante una regresión lineal múltiple. El porcentaje de N no fue afectado por los factores (mes y variedad). La temperatura fue la variable que más afectó el contenido de N total en el tallo del árbol en comparación con la humedad relativa e irradiación. No se encontró diferencia significativa entre los meses y las variedades (Western y Wichita). La predicción del contenido de N es menos precisa debido al tamaño del tallo del árbol. El nogal tiende a aumentar el contenido de N cuando se registran bajas temperaturas. Los compuestos almacenados pueden fluctuar en cualquier momento debido a su plasticidad.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in patients with Chronic Liver Disease; A ten years experience
Authors: Saleem Abuzar , Majid Haroon Javed , Tufail Muhammad
Published: May 2019

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with chronic liver disease. It was a retrospective analysis. The study was conducted at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore between 1993 and 2002. Out of 656 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during this period, 22(6 male, 16 female) were having chronic liver disease as well. Ultrasonography was mainstay of diagnosis of cholelithiasis while liver function tests, platelet count and prothrombin time were done to evaluate liver status.. Eighteen patients were having Child`s class A while rest were in Child`s class B. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successful in 20 patients of chronic liver disease. Liver biopsy and paraumbilical hernia repair were additional procedures performed in 8 patients. Two patients were converted to open cholecystectomy due to bleeding and adhesions. Acute cholecystitis was found in 3 patients while rest were having chronic cholecystitis. Mean operative time was 75.45+/-10.9 minutes and mean hospital stay was 2.81+/-1.1 days. Postoperative complications in the form of wound infection (2 pts), prolonged ileus (2 pts) and port hernia (1 pt) occurred in 5 patients. There was no mortality. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely performed in patients with mild to moderate chronic liver disease without any additional morbidity.
Alkaline disc battery ingestion in Children: A special hazard
Authors: Dar Sajid Hameed , Sheikh Muhammad Afzal
Published: May 2019

Foreign body ingestion by a child is not an uncommon occurrence. Alkaline disc battery presents special hazards because of its small size, rounded shape and chemical composition. A total of 154 cases of foreign body ingestion were documented in five year long study. Out of these 9(5.85%) children had ingested alkaline disc batteries. One (1.12%) could be removed endoscopically from oesophagous. Two (22.23%) boys underwent laparotomy as the battery cases were broken. Rest of the 6 (66.66%) could be treated conservatively. In two cases (22.23%) laxative use enhanced the process of recovery. Emphasis is made on the careful follow up approach for this benign but potentially dangerous condition in contrast to a more radical approach propagated by many.
Citizen science to enhance evaluation of local wastewater treatment – a case study from Oslo
Authors: Damman S. , Helness H. , Grindvoll I. L. Tyholt , Sun C.
Published: May 2019

The paper discusses how citizen science within an ecosystem services (ESS) framework may enhance evaluation of de-centralized water solutions. In a demonstration case in Oslo, citizens were engaged in long-term monitoring and evaluation of two solutions for treatment of combined sewer overflows. The citizens participated in the design of the study, systematic observations, and final evaluation, via interviews and workshops. A wealth of real-time information was collected, supplementing simulation data and water sampling results. The concept of ESS drew attention to benefits that tend to be ignored in standard evaluations. It is, however, most elaborate for ecological services, and less developed for social aspects. Involving the citizens complemented the framework in these areas, while providing new insights into the contextual interactions influencing ESS and benefits of local treatment. Both solutions, a cross-flow lamella settler and a high-rate filtration system, were quite efficient in removing suspended solids, with a strong impact on visual appearance. A range of wider benefits were identified. These were difficult to monetize, but the citizens' evaluation provided an alternative measure. The study highlights the benefits of citizen science in local water management and suggests the need for more research on beneficiaries in ESS evaluation.
Split Hand Foot Malformation Syndrome: A Novel Heterozygous FGFR1 Mutation Detected by Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Papasozomenou ​Panayiota , Papoulidis ​Ioannis , Mikos ​Themistoklis , Zafrakas ​Menelaos
Published: May 2019

Background:

Split-hand/foot malformation syndrome is a rare, clinically and genetically
heterogeneous group of limb malformations characterized by absence/hypoplasia and/or median cleft
of hands and/or feet. It may occur as an isolated abnormality or it may be associated with a genetic
syndrome.

Case Report:

In the present case, isolated split-hand/split-foot malformation was diagnosed by prenatal
ultrasound at 24 weeks in a male singleton fetus, with deep median cleft of the right hand, syndactyly
and hypoplasia of phalanges in both hands, and oligodactyly of the right foot. During consultation,
the father of the fetus revealed that he also had an isolated right foot dysplasia. The parents chose
elective termination and autopsy confirmed prenatal ultrasound findings. Genetic testing of the
aborted fetus with QF-PCR analysis for common aneuploidies and array comparative genomic hybridization
(aCGH) showed a male genomic pattern, without aneuploidies or chromosomal imbalances.
Further investigation with next generation sequencing of 49 clinically relevant genes revealed a
novel heterozygous FGFR1 mutation c.787_789del (p.Ala263del) in the fetus; the father was heterozygous
to the same mutation.

Conclusion:

A novel heterozygous FGFR1 mutation causing split-hand/foot malformation syndrome
is reported. Accurate genetic diagnosis allowed detailed counseling to be provided to the couple, including
the underlying cause, recurrence risks, and detailed management plan with preimplantation
genetic diagnosis for future pregnancies.
Metabolic Imbalance and Vitamin D Deficiency in Type 1 Diabetes in the Algerian Population
Authors: Mihoubi Esma , Raache Rachida , Amroun Habiba , Azzouz Malha , Galleze Assia , Zaabat Nesrine , Aissou Abdelghani , Ferhat Amina , Guettaf-Sadi Hassiba , Boutemeur Amel , Aoudia Zoulikha , Boudiba Aissa , Touil-Boukoffa Chafia , Abbadi Mohamed C. , Attal Nabila
Published: May 2019

Background:

We aimed to assess Vitamin D levels in patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
and to investigate the correlation between vitamin D and metabolic imbalance.

Material and Methods:

For our study, we selected thirty-one patients with T1D without complications
and fifty-seven healthy controls. Diabetic patients were diagnosed using the criteria of the World
Health Organization/American Diabetes Association. Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), insulin
and C peptide assay were performed using chimilunescence. Glucose level, lipid profile, glycated
haemoglobin (HbA1c) and ionogram were also analysed.

Results:

Vitamin D, HbA1c and Gly levels were found to be significant in T1D patients than in controls
(P<0.5). However, for PTH, no significant difference was observed (P > 0. 05) and the results
show a non-significant difference of total cholesterol potassium, sodium, phosphor and calcium concentration
averages.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that the deficiency of VD is associated with an increased risk of
T1DM in Algerian population.
Transdermal Delivery of Ondansetron HCl from Thermoreversible Gel Containing Nanocomposite
Authors: Parhi Rabinarayan , Reddy Surya Santhosh , Swain Suryakanta
Published: May 2019

Background:

Application of thermoreversible gel can be a solution to the low residence
time of the topical dosage forms such as normal gel, ointment and cream on the skin surface. Addition
of another polymer and a nanocomposite can improve the poor mechanical strength and fast drug release
of poloxamer 407 (POL 407) gel. Therefore, it is essential to add xanthan gum (XG) and graphene
oxide (GO, thickness 1-2 nm, lateral dimension 1-5 µm) to POL 407 gel to enhance the mechanical
strength and to sustain the drug release from the gel.

Methods:

Thermal gel of ondansetron hydrochloride (OSH) containing nanocomposite was prepared
by adopting cold method. Interaction between drug and polymers was studied using FTIR method,
morphological investigation was carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy method, and
rheological study was performed employing rotational rheometer equipped with a cone/plate shear apparatus,
gelation temperature by glass bottle method and ex vivo permeation study was performed with
cylindrical glass diffusion cell. Skin irritation potential was measured using rat as a model animal.

Results:

The FTIR spectrum of the selected gel showed that there is shifting of O-H stretching vibration
of a hydroxyl group from 3408.72 to 3360.49 cm-1 and appearance of a new band at 1083.01 cm-1.
The spectrum of the selected gel also showed the absence of characteristic peaks of GO at 1625.49 cm-
1. This result indicated that there may be an interaction between OSH and GO and hydrogen bonding
between XG and POL 407. The gelation temperature was found to be decreased with the increase in
GO content from 14.1±1.21°C 13±0.97°C. SEM micrograph demonstrated the uniform dispersion and
intercalation of GO sheets in the gel. All the gel formulations showed a pseudo-plastic flow. Ex vivo
permeation study (for 24 hr) exhibited highest (6991.425 µg) and lowest (2133.262 µg) amount of
drug release, for OG1 and OG5, respectively. This is attributed to an increase in viscosity which led to
a decrease in drug permeation across the abdominal skin of rats. The OG1 formulation (without GO)
showed the highest flux of 76.66 µg/cm2/h, permeability coefficient (Kp) of 5.111× 10-3 cm/h and enhancement
ratio of 3.277 compared to OG5 containing highest amount (9% w/w) of GO. The selected
gel was found to be physically stable and there was minimum irritation score.

Conclusion:

All the above results indicated that thermal gel containing nanocomposite sustained the
drug release and can be considered as an alternative to the orally administered tablet of OSH.