bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testicular tumours in children: an approach to diagnosis and management with pathologic correlation
Authors: Sangüesa Cinta , Veiga Diana , Llavador Margarita , Serrano Agustín
Published: May 2020

Testicular tumours are rare in children. Painless scrotal mass is the most frequent clinical presentation. Tumoural markers (alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human gonadotropin chorionic) and hormone levels (testosterone) contribute to the diagnosis and management of a testicular mass in boys. Ultrasonography is the best imaging modality to study testicular tumours. A benign tumour is suggested when ultrasonography shows a mainly cystic component, well-defined borders, echogenic rim or normal to increased echogenicity lesion when compared to the healthy testicular parenchyma. Malignant tumour is suspected when ultrasonography shows inhomogeneous, hypoechoic, not well-circumscribed or diffuse infiltration lesion. However, these ultrasonographic findings may overlap. Colour Doppler, power Doppler, elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography are useful complementary methods to characterise the focal testicular lesions. Chest computerised tomography and abdominopelvic magnetic resonance are necessary to establish the extension in case of malignant proved tumours.

Benign tumours are more frequent in prepuberal boys and malignant tumours in pubertal boys. Mature teratoma prepubertal-type is the most common histologic type. Testicular sparing surgery is the choice in benign tumours. Radical inguinal orchiectomy is indicated in malignant tumours. Prognostic is excellent.

The purpose of our study is to show an approach to the diagnosis and management of the most frequent testicular tumours in children according to clinical manifestations, imaging findings and tumour markers levels based on histologically confirmed tumours in our hospital.
Urinary balantidiasis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis: a case report
Authors: Martviset Pongsakorn , Sirisabhabhorn Kridsada , Pumpa Supaporn , Rhongbutsri Pochong , Taylor Aree , Taylor Walter R. J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Balantidium coli, a parasitic unicellular ciliate, often causes asymptomatic balantidiasis of the colon, but extraintestinal disease may occur rarely in immunosuppressed individuals. Renal balantidiasis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus has not been reported before.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 48-year-old Thai woman who presented with nephrotic syndrome due to systemic lupus erythematosus–related nephritis. Initially, few B. coli cysts were found in urine sediment, but these increased substantially following treatment with prednisolone. She made an uneventful recovery with 10 days of oral tetracycline therapy. No B. coli cysts were found in her stool.

Conclusion

The route of infection in our patient was unclear but is likely to have been orofecal. Neither her infection nor its treatment caused a deterioration in her renal function.
Assessing validity evidence for a serious game dedicated to patient clinical deterioration and communication
Authors: Blanié Antonia , Amorim Michel-Ange , Meffert Arnaud , Perrot Corinne , Dondelli Lydie , Benhamou Dan
Published: May 2020

Background

A serious game (SG) is a useful tool for nurse training. The objectives of this study were to assess validity evidence of a new SG designed to improve nurses’ ability to detect patient clinical deterioration.

Methods

The SG (LabForGames Warning) was developed through interaction between clinical and pedagogical experts and one developer. For the game study, consenting nurses were divided into three groups: nursing students (pre-graduate) (group S), recently graduated nurses (graduated < 2 years before the study) (group R) and expert nurses (graduated > 4 years before the study and working in an ICU) (group E). Each volunteer played three cases of the game (haemorrhage, brain trauma and obstructed intestinal tract). The validity evidence was assessed following Messick’s framework: content, response process (questionnaire, observational analysis), internal structure, relations to other variables (by scoring each case and measuring playing time) and consequences (a posteriori analysis).

Results

The content validity was supported by the game design produced by clinical, pedagogical and interprofessional experts in accordance with the French nurse training curriculum, literature review and pilot testing. Seventy-one nurses participated in the study: S (n = 25), R (n = 25) and E (n = 21). The content validity in all three cases was highly valued by group E. The response process evidence was supported by good security control. There was no significant difference in the three groups’ high rating of the game’s realism, satisfaction and educational value. All participants stated that their knowledge of the different steps of the clinical reasoning process had improved. Regarding the internal structure, the factor analysis showed a common source of variance between the steps of the clinical reasoning process and communication or the situational awareness errors made predominantly by students. No statistical difference was observed between groups regarding scores and playing time. A posteriori analysis of the results of final examinations assessing study-related topics found no significant difference between group S participants and students who did not participate in the study.

Conclusion

While it appears that this SG cannot be used for summative assessment (score validity undemonstrated), it is positively valued as an educational tool.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03092440
Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on different severities of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Rashad Usama Mohammad , Kishk Nirmeen A. , Mansour Waleed Talat , Nawito Amani M. , Khalil Alshaimaa Sobhi , Helmy Hanan , Zayed Tarek Kamal
Published: May 2020

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome worldwide.

Objective

The current work aimed at determining the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on different severities of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Subjects and methods

Sixty patients with unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were participated in this study. They were divided into three equal groups according to severity (mild, moderate, and severe). All patients received shock wave therapy one session per week, for 6 weeks. Nerve conduction studies (NCs) were done for the median nerve. Pinch dynamometer was used to measure the degree of lateral pinch power, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess degree of pain and Ultrasonography analysis measured cross-sectional area (CSA) of median nerve for all patients at the beginning and at the end of the study.

Results

There was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in sensory conduction parameters, CSA, lateral pinch power, and VAS after shock wave therapy in all groups. Also, there was significant improvement in motor latency, motor, and sensory amplitudes after shock wave therapy in mild and moderate groups only (P < 0.05). In all group samples, results revealed a highly significant correlations (p < 0.001) between peak sensory latency (PSL) with VAS, CSA with motor latency (ML), CSA with PSL, CSA with VAS, CSA with lateral pinch, and ML with lateral pinch.

Conclusion

It is recommended to use ESWT as a conservative treatment in patients with different severities of CTS, except patients with severe motor affection.

Trial registration

PACTR201804003293116. Registered on 26 April 2018 as retrospective registration in the pan African clinical trial registry (www.pactr.org).
Urban youth preserving the environmental commons: student learning in place-based stewardship education as citizen scientists
Authors: Gallay Erin , Pykett Alisa , Smallwood Morgan , Flanagan Constance
Published: May 2020

Background

The urban ecology and especially youth of color living in urban spaces have received relatively little attention in environmental education. The purpose of this work was to assess what urban youth learn about theEnvironmental Commonsby participating in place-based stewardship education (PBSE) projects. By theEnvironmental Commonswe refer to: 1) the natural resources and systems on which all life depends, and 2) the public spaces and processes in which people work together to determine how they will care for those resources and for the communities they inhabit. Core principles in all projects include: experiential education about the natural environment in the local urban ecology; students’ scientific and civic agency; and collective learning/action in teams of students, teachers, and adult community partners committed to sustaining the local ecosystem. After engaging in the projects, students were asked to reflect in their own words on what they had learned.

Results

The reflective essays of 205 children (14% in 4th–5th grade) and adolescents (86% in 6th–12th grade) from predominantly (79%) racial/ethnic minority backgrounds and residing in urban communities were analyzed. Coding was informed by Environmental Commons theory and by Elinor Ostrom’s work on the practices of groups that are effective in stewarding common pool resources, with the highest number of coding categories assigned to any individual response being 8. Analyses revealed that students: became aware of human impact on nature and were resolved to redress negative impact; identified as stakeholders of the environmental commons and their local community; felt a sense of pride and collective efficacy in their team efforts that benefitted both the human and more than human communities with whom they identified. Verbatim excerpts from students’ reflective essays are included to illustrate the range of ways that youth interpret in their own words the interdependence of human life with other living systems and the responsibility of humans to work together to sustain those living systems.

Conclusions

Since younger generations will bear the burdens of the climate crisis, it is imperative that they reimagine what gives their lives meaning. The PBSE model documented here offers hope for nurturing an identification and commitment to the Environmental Commons in urban youth.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology position statement on the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
Authors: Balbi Gustavo Guimarães Moreira , Pacheco Marcelo de Souza , Monticielo Odirlei Andre , Funke Andreas , Danowski Adriana , Santiago Mittermayer Barreto , Staub Henrique Luiz , Rêgo Jozelia , de Andrade Danieli Castro Oliveira
Published: May 2020

Background

The term Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) refers to a group of drugs that inhibit factor Xa or thrombin. Even though their use for treating different thrombotic or prothrombotic conditions is increasing recently, there is no compelling evidence indicating that those medications are safe in all antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients.

Methodology

To address this issue, specialists from the Antiphospholipid Syndrome Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology performed a comprehensive review of the literature regarding DOACs use in APS to answer the three following questions: (1) potential mechanisms of action of these drugs that could be relevant to APS pathogenesis, (2) DOACs interference on lupus anticoagulant testing, and (3) the efficacy of DOACs in APS.

Position statement

After critically reviewing the relevant evidence, the authors formulated 8 Position Statements about DOACs use in APS.

Conclusion

DOACs should not be routinely used in APS patients, especially in those with a high-risk profile (triple positivity to aPL, arterial thrombosis, and recurrent thrombotic events). In addition, DOACs interferes with LA testing, leading to false-positive results in patients investigating APS.
Are we repeating mistakes of the past? A review of the evidence for esketamine
Authors: Horowitz Mark A. , Moncrieff Joanna
Published: May 2020

Esketamine has been licensed for ‘treatment-resistant depression’ in the USA, UK and Europe. Licensing trials did not establish efficacy: two trials were negative, one showed a statistically significant but clinically uncertain effect, and a flawed discontinuation trial was included, against Food and Drug Administration precedent. Safety signals – deaths, including suicides, and bladder damage – were minimised.
Clinical Practice Guideline for Systemic Antifungal Prophylaxis in Pediatric Patients With Cancer and Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Lehrnbecher Thomas , Fisher Brian T. , Phillips Bob , Beauchemin Melissa , Carlesse Fabianne , Castagnola Elio , Duong Nathan , Dupuis L. Lee , Fioravantti Vicky , Groll Andreas H. , Haeusler Gabrielle M. , Roilides Emmanuel , Science Michelle , Steinbach William J. , Tissing Wim , Warris Adilia , Patel Priya , Robinson Paula D. , Sung Lillian
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

To develop a clinical practice guideline for systemic antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric patients with cancer and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients.

METHODS

Recommendations were developed by an international multidisciplinary panel that included a patient advocate. We conducted a systematic review of systemic antifungal prophylaxis in children and adults with cancer and HSCT recipients. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to make strong or weak recommendations and to classify level of evidence as high, moderate, low, or very low. The panel considered directness of the data to pediatric patients.

RESULTS

There were 68 randomized trials included in the systematic review, of which 6 (9%) were conducted in a solely pediatric population. Strong recommendations were made to administer systemic antifungal prophylaxis to children and adolescents receiving treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, to those undergoing allogeneic HSCT pre-engraftment, and to those receiving systemic immunosuppression for graft-versus-host disease treatment. A strong recommendation was made to administer a mold-active agent with an echinocandin or a mold-active azole when systemic antifungal prophylaxis is warranted. For children younger than 13 years of age, an echinocandin, voriconazole, or itraconazole is suggested. Posaconazole may also be used in those age 13 years or older. A strong recommendation against routine administration of amphotericin as systemic antifungal prophylaxis was made.

CONCLUSION

We developed a clinical practice guideline for systemic antifungal prophylaxis administration in pediatric patients with cancer and HSCT recipients. Implementation and assessment of guideline-concordant rates and impacts are important future steps.
Building bridges, not walls: spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish
Authors: Cigliola Valentina , Becker Clayton J. , Poss Kenneth D.
Published: May 2020

Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition in which massive cell death and disruption of neural circuitry lead to long-term chronic functional impairment and paralysis. In mammals, spinal cord tissue has minimal capacity to regenerate after injury. In stark contrast, the regeneration of a completely transected spinal cord and accompanying reversal of paralysis in adult zebrafish is arguably one of the most spectacular biological phenomena in nature. Here, we review reports from the last decade that dissect the mechanisms of spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. We highlight recent progress as well as areas requiring emphasis in a line of study that has great potential to uncover strategies for human spinal cord repair.
Methodological rigor of prognostic models for predicting in-hospital paediatric mortality in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ogero Morris , Sarguta Rachel , Malla Lucas , Aluvaala Jalemba , Agweyu Ambrose , Akech Samuel
Published: May 2020

Introduction: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where healthcare resources are often limited, making decisions on appropriate treatment choices is critical in ensuring reduction of paediatric deaths as well as instilling proper utilisation of the already constrained healthcare resources. Well-developed and validated prognostic models can aid in early recognition of potential risks thus contributing to the reduction of mortality rates. The aim of the planned systematic review is to identify and appraise the methodological rigor of multivariable prognostic models predicting in-hospital paediatric mortality in LMIC in order to identify statistical and methodological shortcomings deserving special attention and to identify models for external validation.

Methods and analysis: This protocol has followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols. A search of articles will be conducted in MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and CINAHL (via EbscoHost) from inception to 2019 without any language restriction. We will also perform a search in Web of Science to identify additional reports that cite the identified studies. Data will be extracted from relevant articles in accordance with the Cochrane Prognosis Methods’ guidance; the CHecklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling Studies. Methodological quality assessment will be performed based on prespecified domains of the Prediction study Risk of Bias Assessment Tool.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethical permission will not be required as this study will use published data. Findings from this review will be shared through publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and, presented at conferences. It is our hope that this study will contribute to the development of robust multivariable prognostic models predicting in-hospital paediatric mortality in low- and middle-income countries.

Registration: PROSPERO ID CRD42018088599; registered on 13 February 2018.
The use of buprenorphine in the treatment of drug-resistant depression – an overview of the studies
Authors: Stefanowski Bogdan , Antosik-Wójcińska Anna , Święcicki Łukasz
Published: May 2020

Istnieją dowody potwierdzające, że endogenny układ opioidowy w mózgu odgrywa ważną rolę w regulacji nastroju, a zaburzenia jego funkcjonowania mogą prowadzić do występowania zaburzeń depresyjnych. Jednym z leków oddziałujących na endogenny układ opioidowy w OUN jest buprenorfina. Artykuł jest przeglądem piśmiennictwa dotyczącego skuteczności buprenorfiny jako augmentacji leczenia przeciwdepresyjnego. Doboru artykułów dokonano wyszukując w bazach danych Medline oraz Pubmed publikacji korzystając ze słów kluczowych (buprenorfina, leczenie depresji lekoopornej). Do analizy włączono 31 badań. Wyniki badań wskazują, że podanie buprenorfiny może w depresji lekoopornej wykazywać skuteczność podobną do innych strategii augmentacji leczenia przeciwdepresyjnego. Wspólne podanie buprenorfiny wraz z samidorfanem może zmniejszać ryzyko uzależnienia, bez utraty działania przeciwdepresyjnego buprenofiny. Konieczne są dalsze poprawne metodologicznie badania dotyczące tego zagadnienia. Buprenorfina oprócz tego, że jest częściowym agonistą receptora µ, jest również silnie działającym antagonistą receptorów opioidowych typu kappa. Sam antagonizm wobec receptorów µ nie powoduje działania przeciwdepresyjnego. Antagonizm wobec receptorów typu kappa, może wywoływać działanie przeciwdepresyjne, wpływa też na redukcję nasilenia anhedonii. Być może u chorych na depresję, którzy nie reagują na standardowe leczenie lekami przeciwdepresyjnymi, występują podobne dysfunkcje receptora kappa jak u osób uzależnionych od opioidów.
Ayahuasca – potential therapeutic properties in psychiatry. Research review
Authors: Barabasz-Gembczyk Aleksandra , Kucia Krzysztof
Published: May 2020

Ayahuaska, zwana również „lianą duszy”, „pnączem duszy” to rytualny psychodelik podawany tradycyjnie w formie wywaru roślinnego, od stuleci stosowany przez rdzenną ludność Ameryki Południowej, a w ostatnich 25 latach również w krajach Europy, Azji, Afryki, Australii, w Kanadzie i Stanach Zjednoczonych Ameryki Północnej. Jej aktywność biologiczna wynika z zawartości N,N- dimetrylotryptaminy (DMT), działającej głównie jako nieselektywny agonista receptorów serotoninowych oraz alkaloidów betakarbolinowych, będących silnymi i krótkodziałającymi inhibitorami monoaminooksydazy typu A (MAOI-A). Od wielu lat pojawiają się doniesienia zarówno o działaniu przeciwlękowym i przeciwdepresyjnym ayahuaski, jak również wskazujące na możliwość jej wykorzystania w leczeniu uzależnień. Obiecujące wydają się być zwłaszcza wyniki badań jej skuteczności w depresji lekoopornej, porównywalnej zdaniem niektórych autorów z efektem terapeutycznego działania ketaminy. W artykule staramy się przybliżyć złożony profil działania i wynikające z niego potencjalne korzyści, ale również ryzyko interakcji i działań niepożądanych związanych z przyjmowaniem ayahuaski, co jest istotne biorąc pod uwagę dużą zmienność gatunków roślin stosowanych do wytworzenia wywaru.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to Dorsal Intercalated Segmental Instability of the Wrist
Authors: Jang Min-Gu , Heo Youn Moo , Kim Tae Gyun , Song Jae Hwang , Kim Tae Hyeong
Published: May 2020

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb. Although most cases are idiopathic, it can occur due to various causes including an alteration of anatomical dimension of the carpal tunnel. CTS can be diagnosed mostly by clinical findings and electrodiagnostic test. As a result, the confirmation of structural change of carpal tunnel may be delayed as basic radiologic examinations such as simple radiography of the wrist are not performed. We confirmed carpal malalignment due to dorsal intercalated segmental instability on simple radiography of a patient with CTS whose symptoms did not improved by conservative managements. He had symptoms for more than 2 years, but had never undergone simple radiography of the wrist. Because structural changes of the carpal tunnel could be the main reason for CTS and affect the whole treatment process, the physician should always check standard radiography of the wrist before determining how to treat the patient.
Regulating Deceptive Advertising: False Claims and Skeptical Consumers
Authors: Wu Yue , Geylani Tansev
Published: May 2020

This paper studies interactions between dishonest firms, skeptical consumers, and regulations, and it finds that higher penalty for false statements can reduce consumer surplus, firm profits, and welfare.
El procedimiento legislativo en América Latina
Authors: García Montero Mercedes
Published: May 2020

El presente trabajo aborda de forma comparada las etapas del procedimiento legislativo ordinario de dieciocho países latinoamericanos. A través del estudio de las Constituciones nacionales y reglamentos internos se busca trazar, de forma sistemática, las rutas utilizadas en los distintos casos para la presentación, tratamiento y aprobación de leyes.
Cámaras diferentes, partidos iguales: los partidos políticos en los bicameralismos de iberoamérica
Authors: Sánchez López Francisco
Published: May 2020

El artículo plantea que la presencia de los partidos políticos, como estructura privilegiada de representación en los regímenes poliárquicos y de control de la organización interna del Legislativo, puede conllevar cierta limitación del efecto de control mutuo y división del poder que implica el bicameralismo. Se trata de un trabajo exploratorio que busca responder a una cuestión básica, es decir, establecer los grados de correspondencia partidista que tienen las Cámaras de los países latinoamericanos a través del análisis de sus composiciones.
La compleja red de cumbres presidenciales. Reflexiones sobre la diplomacia presidencial multilateral y multiespacial en América del Sur
Authors: Peña Félix
Published: May 2020

RESUMEN: La diplomacia presidencial multilateral y multiespacial constituye el fenómeno más novedoso de las relaciones exteriores contemporáneas de los países sudamericanos. Este artículo reflexiona sobre el sentido y eficacia de las Cumbres Presidenciales, con especial énfasis en su dimensión económica. Para ello, se analizan en detalle los cuatro espacios regionales en que las Cumbres tienen lugar: el hemisférico, el iberoamericano, el birregional (con la Unión Europea) y el sudamericano, que empieza a coincidir con el del MERCOSUR ampliado.ABSTRACT: Multilateral and multi-spatial presidential diplomacy is a novel phenomenon characterizing the foreign policy of South American countries. This article deals with the meaning and efficacy of Presidential Summits, especially emphasizing their economic dimension. To do so, it analyzes the four regional spaces in which Presidential Summits take place: the hemispheric, Ibero-American, bi-regional (with the European Union), and South American, the latter of which increasingly coincides with enlarged MERCOSUR.
Dilemas políticos y éticos en torno a las violaciones a los Derechos Humanos en el cono sur
Authors: Dutrénit Silvia , Varela Petito Gonzalo
Published: May 2020

RESUMEN: Pese al considerable tiempo transcurrido desde que se abriera la transición a la democracia en los países del Cono Sur, las cuestiones irresueltas en torno a las graves violaciones de derechos humanos ocurridas durante los gobiernos militares de las décadas de 1970 y 1980 han seguido pesando en las agendas políticas en una medida mayor a la esperada, si se toman en cuenta los fuertes mecanismos legales e ilegales de impunidad establecidos que, en gran parte, siguen vigentes. En este artículo se expone un panorama comparativo de las principales medidas adoptadas por los gobiernos de Argentina, Chile y Uruguay como respuesta a determinadas demandas sociales, en un debate que continúa hasta el presente, tanto en los ámbitos nacional como internacional.ABSTRACT: In spite of the considerable time lapse since the beginning of the democratic transitions in the Southern Cone countries, the unresolved questions surrounding the grave human rights violations during the military regimes of the 1970s and 1980s continue dominating the political agenda more than expected. This becomes even more apparent when one considers the vitality of the legal and illegal impunity mecanisms established during these regimes. This article explores a comparative panorama of the principal methods adopted by the Argentine, Chilean and Uruguayan governments in response to certain social demands, in a debate that continues to the present, both in a national and an international context.
Los "Piqueteros": trabajo, subjetividad y acción colectiva en el movimiento de desocupados en Argentina
Authors: Retamozo Martín
Published: May 2020

RESUMEN: Este artículo constituye un análisis de las condiciones de posibilidad y los procesos que influyeron en la emergencia del Movimiento de Desocupados en Argentina. En particular se indaga, a través de una reconstrucción teórica y empírica, en la configuración de la subjetividad colectiva constituida por los desocupados para dar sentido a los contextos de sociabilidad afectados por profundas reformas. La atención en el aspecto de la subjetividad colectiva permite indagar en ámbitos claves como la apropiación de repertorios de acción, la resignificación de la memoria histórica en nuevas organizaciones y, en definitiva, una experiencia para un sector de la clase trabajadora en Argentina.ABSTRACT: This paper constitutes an analysis of the conditions of possibility and the processes that influenced in the emergence of the movement of unemployed in Argentina. In particular one investigates, through a theoretical and empiric reconstruction, in the configuration of the collective subjectivity that has been constituted by the unemployed to give sense to the contexts of sociability affected by deep reformations. The attention in the aspect of the collective subjectivity allows to investigate key environments in the appropriation of repertoires of collective action, the re-meaning of the historical memory in new organizations and, in definitive, an experience for a sector of the working class in Argentina.
La izquierda uruguaya (1971-2004): ideología, estrategia y programa
Authors: Garcé Adolfo , Yaffé Jaime
Published: May 2020

RESUMEN: Desde el punto de vista ideológico pueden distinguirse tres etapas en la evolución de la izquierda uruguaya desde la creación del Frente Amplio (1971) hasta su reciente e inédito triunfo electoral. Durante la primera etapa (1971-1984), exhibía un programa democrático y reformista mientras que la ideología de la mayoría de los partidos que la integraban subestimaba el papel de la democracia liberal y aspiraba a instaurar lo más pronto posible el socialismo. La segunda etapa (1985-1994) es un tiempo de transición ideológica, impulsada por factores domésticos y exógenos. Este proceso desemboca en la creación del Encuentro Progresista (1994), constituido sobre la base de la alianza entre el Frente Amplio y nuevos aliados provenientes de los partidos tradicionales. A partir de esa fecha, y durante la década siguiente, la izquierda uruguaya siguió mutando, abandonando la mayor parte de sus propuestas programáticas de comienzos de la década de 1970 y convirtiéndose en un partido catch-all y socialdemócrata.ABSTRACT: Focusing on the ideology of the Uruguayan left, we recognize three stages in its evolution since the creation of the Frente Amplio in 1971 until its recent electoral triumph (2004). During the first stage (1971-1984), the FA promoted a democratic and reformist program. Whereas the ideology of the majority of its different fractions underestimated the idea of liberal democracy, and aspired to reach socialism as soon as possible. The second stage (1985-1994) was a time of ideological transition, influenced by domestic changes and international contexts, culminating on the creation of the Encuentro Progresista (1994), an alliance between FA and new partners coming from traditional parties. During the next last decade (1995-2004), the Uruguayan left continued its transformation, leaving behind most of its programmatic proposals of the early seventies and becoming a social-democratic catch-all party.
Resistencia política y ciudadanía: plebiscitos y referéndums en el Uruguay de los ‘90
Authors: Moreira Constanza , Moreira Constanza
Published: May 2020

La resistencia política al gobierno por parte del soberano, puede expresarse de varias formas. Éstas varían según el grado en que erosionan la legitimidad del sistema, aplican soluciones previstas constitucionalmente y se articulan con las instituciones políticas. Al mismo tiempo, pueden tener motivaciones u objetivos diferentes, que van desde el desacato a alguna medida de gobierno, hasta su remoción total. Este artículo analiza una de las formas más institucionalizadas de la resistencia a un gobierno por parte del soberano: el uso de medidas de democracia directa para alterar un curso de acción del mismo, que va contra las preferencias ciudadanas. En particular, el artículo analiza el uso del recurso de referéndum en Uruguay, desde la transición democrática al presente (1985-2003).
Las bases del PT: ideología versus personalismo en su apoyo electoral
Authors: Samuels David
Published: May 2020

Este artículo explora datos del Estudo Eleitoral Brasileiro para investigar las bases de apoyo al Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT), que llegó por primera vez a la Presidencia de la República en Brasil en las elecciones de 2002. Los resultados muestran que los electores del PT están más identificados con el liderazgo de Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, actual presidente y líder histórico del partido, que con la ideología del PT. Sin embargo, los vínculos ideológicos entre el PT y sus electores aún son más importantes que los vínculos ideológicos entre los demás partidos brasileños y sus respectivos electores.
Production of Used Engine Oils with Defined Degree of Degradation in a Large-scale Device
Authors: Agocs Adam , Budnyk Serhiy , Besser Charlotte , Ristic Andjelka , Frauscher Marcella , Ronai Bettina , Dörr Nicole
Published: May 2020

Lubricant degradation by additive depletion, contamination and build-up of degradation products deteriorates lubrication performance. It can be expected that engine oil degradation also has an impact on performance parameters. Engine development tends to higher power density, lower engine oil viscosity to optimize fuel efficiency, which heavily stress engine oils and thus demand increased oil performance. Correlations between engine oil degradation, friction and wear during an engine oil’s lifetime are a valuable asset in engine development towards performance, longevity and cost reduction. Here, physical-chemical and tribological properties of engine oils collected from passenger cars were determined. The results revealed the deterioration of friction (loss of fuel efficiency) and wear (increasing loss of material) depending on mileage. Defined used engine oils were produced by artificial alteration in a large-scale device and showed a very good correlation with the field samples.
Matematyka kultury, czyli jak policzyć charakter kulturowy miasta?
Authors: Klekotko Marta
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the article is to critically discuss the methodology for measuring „urban scenes” which has been proposed by contemporary Chicago School. The author presents the assumptions and conceptual-analytical framework of scene theory, and then discusses the consecutive steps of the research strategy developed by this theory. The author refers to her research experience in using the scene approach and points to challenges and problems in the application of the scene theory, as well as proposes some strategies of overcoming them.

Marta Klekotko, Marta Klekotko, Matematyka kultury, czyli jak policzyć charakter kulturowy miasta? [Marta Klekotko, Matematyka kultury, czyli jak policzyć charakter kulturowy miasta? [Mathematics of culture: how to measure cultural character of a city?] edited by M. Nowak, „Człowiek i Społeczeństwo” vol. XLVIII: Kuchnia badań miejskich. Studia na temat praktyki empirycznej badaczy miasta [A backstage of urban research. Studies on the empirical practices of city research scientists], Poznań 2019, pp. 13–34, Adam Mickiewicz University. ISSN 0239-3271.

Marta Klekotko, Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Instytut Socjologii UJ, ul. Grodzka 52, 31-044 Kraków, e-mail: marta.klekotko@uj.edu.pl
Szare bloki z wielkiej płyty przytłaczają? Blokowiska w pozanaukowym dyskursie publicznym
Authors: Tomczyk Edyta
Published: May 2020

The article presents the results of a study on the latest non-scientific public discourse on Warsaw large housing estates, with particular emphasis on architectural and urban issues, based on the analysis of press articles from a popular daily regional paper, „Gazeta Stołeczna”, blogs devoted to the city and hip-hop pieces written by Warsaw rappers. Discourse analysis included the identification of the discourse participants, i.e. who is talking to whom?; discourse content analysis, i.e. what is said?; and, finally, determination of the type of discourse and the role of language i.e. how it is said? The article consists of two parts. In the first methodological section a general view over discourse analysis as a tool for conducting interdisciplinary research and a short review of Polish works on discourse in the context of urban research are discussed. The second part of the paper is devoted to the results and conclusions of the study.
Graphene plasmonic devices for terahertz optoelectronics
Authors: Li Yuyu , Tantiwanichapan Khwanchai , Swan Anna K. , Paiella Roberto
Published: May 2020

Plasmonic excitations, consisting of collective oscillations of the electron gas in a conductive film or nanostructure coupled to electromagnetic fields, play a prominent role in photonics and optoelectronics. While traditional plasmonic systems are based on noble metals, recent work has established graphene as a uniquely suited materials platform for plasmonic science and applications due to several distinctive properties. Graphene plasmonic oscillations exhibit particularly strong sub-wavelength confinement, can be tuned dynamically through the application of a gate voltage, and span a portion of the infrared spectrum (including mid-infrared and terahertz (THz) wavelengths) that is not directly accessible with noble metals. These properties have been studied in extensive theoretical and experimental work over the past decade, and more recently various device applications are also beginning to be explored. This review article is focused on graphene plasmonic nanostructures designed to address a key outstanding challenge of modern-day optoelectronics – the limited availability of practical, high-performance THz devices. Graphene plasmons can be used as a means to enhance light–matter interactions at THz wavelengths in a highly tunable fashion, particularly through the integration of graphene resonant structures with additional nanophotonic elements. This capability is ideally suited to the development of THz optical modulators (where absorption is switched on and off by tuning the plasmonic resonance) and photodetectors (relying on plasmon-enhanced intraband absorption or rectification of charge-density waves), and promising devices based on these principles have already been reported. Novel radiation mechanisms, including light emission from electrically excited graphene plasmons, are also being explored for the development of compact narrowband THz sources.
Advances in Powder-based Technologies for Production of High-Performance Sputtering Targets
Authors: Mwema F. M. , Akinlabi E. T. , Oladijo O. P. , Baruwa A. D.
Published: May 2020

The sputtering method has been extensively adopted for the production of high-performance thin films and coatings. This can be attributed to its versatility and flexibility, which allows easier tailoring of the properties and characteristics of the sputtered films and coatings for the desired application and performance. Contrary to thermal spray and chemical techniques, sputtering can be performed at room temperature for a wide range of targets, thus overcoming the challenges, such as residual stresses and degradation of the substrates, associated with high-temperature processes. The most important aspect of the sputtering is the target from which the thin film material is derived. The quality of the target determines the properties and performance of the resulting film and coating. Published data reveal that the quality of the targets depends mainly on the method of production. Although different manufacturing techniques have been used to produce these targets, consolidation of powders has been shown to provide outstanding results. The production of these targets through powder metallurgy depends on the compaction or sintering methods and associated processing parameters. With the increasing demand for high-performance thin films and coatings, such as high-entropy alloy films, the quality of the targets used for sputtering is crucial for application in various fields that include medical, electronics, and energy. In this article, progress on the powder metallurgy on the manufacturing of sputtering targets is detailed. Advances in various powder technologies, process parameters, and conditions, and their interrelationships with properties and performance of targets and sputtered thin films will be discussed, synthesized, and general/specific trends will be derived. This article will serve as a resource for metallurgists in the optimization and development of advanced targets for industry 4.0.
LA LEYENDA GUANACASTECA “LA MONA”: ESTRATEGIA DIDÁCTICA PARA EL DESARROLLO DEL PENSAMIENTO CRÍTICO Y LA COMPETENCIA CULTURAL DESDE EL AULA UNIVERSITARIA
Authors: Cubero Vásquez Karol , Villanueva Monge Lucía
Published: May 2020

Los tiempos dinámicos en que vivimos nos obligan, constantemente, a adoptar nuevas maneras de emprender acciones. Nuestra tarea formativa no es la excepción. Esta dinámica social nos presenta un reto permanente como docentes en la búsqueda de nuevas formas de aprender en el aula universitaria. Los estudiantes demandan cambios continuos en mediación pedagógica que les permita ser partícipes de un aprendizaje duradero y disfrutable. Con la utilización de las leyendas costarricenses y más específicamente, con la leyenda guanacasteca de “La Mona” en el aula universitaria, se promueve un aprendizaje entretenido y cautivante por el relato mismo que caracteriza al género literario de las leyendas. Este hecho introduce y motiva a los educandos a experimentar un proceso que estimula su capacidad crítica, su creatividad, su expresión oral y escrita, al mismo tiempo que incentiva su acervo cultural, valorando e identificándose con sus propias raíces. Con el desarrollo de actividades didácticas basadas en leyendas costarricenses como la leyenda guanacasteca de “La Mona” aquí propuestas, se logra concretar una premisa primordial: la necesidad latente de formar ciudadanos críticos, competitivos, solidarios, tolerantes, empáticos, amantes de su cultura, resultando un individuo integral y responsable de preservar su propia cultura.
APLICACIÓN DE LA METODOLOGÍA IFA EN LOS DISTRITOS TARBACA, SAN GABRIEL Y VUELTA DE JORCO DEL CANTÓN DE ASERRÍ, COSTA RICA
Authors: Lizano-Araya Melvin A , Astúa-Garro Adina
Published: May 2020

El rápido crecimiento poblacional urbano, combinado con la lenta e incompleta aplicación de la normativa en el tema de la planificación urbana, han llevado a un desarrollo desordenado del cantón, manifestado en diversas áreas como la red vial, presión por construcción en zonas no aptas, contaminación de nacientes y ríos, deforestación en las zonas de recarga acuífera, inadecuado manejo de desechos sólidos, y malas prácticas agrícolas. La combinación de lo mencionado anteriormente, con los fenómenos hidrometeorológicos hacen que gran parte de la zona presente un alto riesgo a eventos como: inundaciones y deslizamientos principalmente, de ahí el gran riesgo que tiene la población que habita en el cantón. Justamente por lo anterior en el año 2006 se publicó el Decreto de Ley N° 32967-MINAE, donde se expone la metodología de los IFAS, la cual posee aspectos de gran relevancia para el ordenamiento territorial costarricense, el más importante es que por primera vez en el país, se obliga a incorporar la variable de impacto ambiental en la planificación del uso de tierra, es decir en los planes reguladores tanto cantonales como costeros; además de que se establecen los lineamientos técnicos que deberá seguir la SETENA para revisar y evaluar dicha introducción de la variable ambiental, a fin de otorgar, en definitiva, la Viabilidad (Licencia) ambiental.
SINERGIAS EN LOS PROCESOS DE DESARROLLO RURAL DE UN PROYECTO DE COOPERACIÓN ENTRE JAPÓN Y COSTA RICA
Authors: Monge-Hernández Carmen , Mena-García Priscilla , Gutiérrez-Miranda Marcela , Gamboa-Conejo Rita , Céspedes-Araya Miguel
Published: May 2020

A partir de las buenas prácticas entre universidades, instituciones públicas y organizaciones nacionales e internacionales en el ámbito del desarrollo rural en Costa Rica, emerge la necesidad de entender y visibilizar los retos y logros alcanzados desde la perspectiva de las personas participantes locales. Por ello, la presente investigación cualitativa de corte exploratorio propone analizar un proyecto de desarrollo rural realizado en el norte de Costa Rica, desde el enfoque de capacidades para el desarrollo humano. Tal experiencia llevada a cabo en, con y para la comunidad, destaca por su carácter transformador y por potenciar la ampliación de las capacidades individuales y colectivas de las comunidades, proponiendo desafíos atendibles para la sostenibilidad de las experiencias.
Análisis de la variación de los usuarios en entidades de medicina prepagada en Colombia – Caso de estudio
Authors: Rodríguez-Trujillo Viviana , Ceballos Yony Fernando
Published: May 2020

La oferta de salud en países como Colombia está sujeta a una gran cantidad de problemas relacionados al servicio. Al ser un sistema financiado con recursos públicos existen gran cantidad de demoras en movimientos financieros asociados a pago a entidades prestadoras de salud. La no atención de usuarios, los tiempos de asignación de citas y demás demoras en este servicio esencial hace que muchos de los pacientes opten por formas de atención eficientes, que les permita salud en casa y otras comodidades en términos de acceso al servicio. La medicina prepagada entra en este espacio y es fundamental para mejorar la cobertura del sistema de salud. No obstante, el desempeño de estos sistemas se ve comprometido con la alta rotación de usuarios, los cambios de entidades prestadoras y el inconformismo generado por reprogramación de eventos de atención. En este artículo se presenta un modelo de simulación, que permite evaluar alternativas de mejora en estas entidades y posteriormente se proponen un conjunto de políticas que generan una mejor percepción al cliente y estabilidad en la rotación de usuarios de la medicina prepagada. Se evidencia que existe una alta rotación de los auditores que atienden las solicitudes de los clientes, por lo tanto, se sugiere mejorar su estabilidad para que las solicitudes sean atendidas de forma oportuna por el mismo auditor, generando trazabilidad del proceso. En consecuencia, la percepción de calidad del servicio y la retención de clientes mejoran significativamente.
Niveles de metales (Al, Cr, V, As, Se) en partículas PM10 en la atmósfera de la localidad de Barrancas, Norte de Colombia.
Authors: Argumedo Carlos Doria
Published: May 2020

Teniendo en cuenta los distintos estudios sobre los niveles de contaminación generados por las partículas que hacen mención de los peligros para la salud humana asociados con el incremento en la inhalación de la masa de partículas PM10 y su composición metálica, se determinaron los niveles de: Al, Cr, V, As, Se; generados por la re-suspensión del suelo, como fuente natural; y las actividades mineras de carbón y la circulación vehicular, como las fuentes antropogénicas de mayor relevancia, en la localidad de Barrancas, La Guajira, Colombia. El programa de monitoreo contempló la definición de tres sitios ubicados estratégicamente, teniendo en cuenta las actividades mineras de extracción de carbón, así como agrícolas y pecuarias; durante las temporadas de sequía y de lluvia. Se utilizaron filtros de cuarzo para la recolección de las partículas PM10, por medio de muestreadores de alto volumen Hi-Vol, en un período de 10 meses para un total de 30 muestras. Los filtros fueron sometidos a un proceso de digestión ácida para la extracción de los metales, los cuales fueron analizados por Espectrometría de Masas con Plasma Acoplado Inductivamente (ICP-MS). La concentración de partículas PM10 superó el estándar anual de 20 μg/m3 establecido por la OMS. Las partículas PM10 están constituidas principalmente de Al (1,17 μg/m3 + 0,14) y Fe (0,53 μg/m3+ 0,30). El análisis estadístico permitió determinar que, entre los sitios de muestreo, no se presentan diferencias significativas. Los niveles de V no supera el estándar de calidad del aire señalado para Colombia; pero los niveles de As sobrepasan levemente el límite permisible de la OMS. Adicionalmente, el análisis estadístico permitió concluir que en la zona existe una sola fuente de origen, natural o antropogénica, como responsable de la presencia de los metales en el material particulado.