bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the relationship between serum adropin levels and blood pressure in obese children
Authors: Altincik Ayça , Sayin Oya
Published: June 2015

Background: The prevalence of obesity and related cardiovascular comorbodities is increasing rapidly. Adipokines play a major role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related inflammation and hypertension.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum adropin levels in obese children and to determine the relationship between adropin levels and blood pressure (BP) in the pediatric age group.

Methods: Forty obese children (mean age: 12.5±2.5 years; male/female ratio: 18/22) and 15 healthy controls (mean age: 15±3.14 years; male/female ratio: 5/15) were included in the study. Serum adropin levels, and a number of laboratory and clinical variables were compared. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed on obese subjects. Relationship between adropin levels and BP variables was examined.

Results: Serum adropin levels were significantly lower in obese subjects than in healthy controls (193.56±94 vs. 289±187 pg/mL, p=0.03). Adropin levels were correlated negatively with body mass index z-score (r=−0.56; p=0.034). There was no correlation between serum adropin levels and laboratory variables in obese subjects. Five of the patients (12.5%) were nondipper, and nine of the patients (22.5%) had hypertension. There was no significant correlation between serum adropin levels and BP variables.

Conclusion: Serum adropin levels were significantly lower in obese children; however, there was no correlation between serum adropin levels and BP variables. Further studies are needed to determine the role of adipokines on BP.
Properties of k-beta function
with several variables
Authors: Rehman Abdur , Mubeen Shahid , Safdar Rabia , Sadiq Naeem
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we discuss some properties of beta function of several variables which are the extension
of beta function of two variables. We define k-beta function of several variables and derive some properties of this
function which are the extension of k-beta function of two variables, recently defined by Diaz and Pariguan [4].
Also, we extend the formula Γk(2z) proved by Kokologiannaki [5] via properties of k-beta function.
Kinetics of reductive stripping of Np(VI) by acetohydroxamic acid from 30%TBP/kerosene to nitrate medium using a high-speed
stirred cell
Authors: Li Chuanbo , Yan Taihong , Zuo Chen , Zheng Weifang
Published: June 2015

The kinetics of reductive stripping of Np(VI) by Acetohydroxamic Acid from 30%TBP/kerosene was investigated using
a high-speed stirred cell designed by ourselves. The phase separator for sampling was simple and powerful. The interfacial areas of
different stirring speeds were determined by microphotograph method at 21 ℃ before the experiments. The effects of
the different parameters as well as temperature were investigated systemically. The results showed that, at 21 ℃ the
rate equation is − d[Np(VI)]/dt = k(S/V)[Np(VI)]0.78[AHA]0.46[HNO3]−0.20 − k′(S/V)[Np(V)]2.87, where k = (8.7 ± 0.7) × 10−7 (mol/L)
–0.04m s
–1,
k′ = 1.1 ± 0.2 (mol/L)
–2.87 m s
–1, as c[HNO3] <= 1.0 mol/L,
− d[Np(VI)]/dt = k(S/V)[Np(VI)]0.78[AHA]0.46[HNO3]−1.42 − k′(S/V)[Np(V)]2.87, where k = (3.2 ± 0.3) × 10−7 (mol/L)1.18 m s
–1, k′ = 1.1 ± 0.2(mol/L)
–2.87 m s
–1 as c[HNO3] >= 1.0 mol/L, and S is the interfacial area, V the organic
phase volume. The reductive stripping process is controlled by chemical reactions (kinetics regime) taking place at the interface. The
apparent activation energy is 13.5 ± 0.2 kJ/mol.
CSI: a nonparametric Bayesian approach to network inference from multiple perturbed time series gene expression data
Authors: Penfold Christopher A. , Shifaz Ahmed , Brown Paul E. , Nicholson Ann , Wild David L.
Published: June 2015

Here we introduce the causal structure identification (CSI) package, a Gaussian process based approach to inferring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from multiple time series data. The standard CSI approach infers a single GRN via joint learning from multiple time series datasets; the hierarchical approach (HCSI) infers a separate GRN for each dataset, albeit with the networks constrained to favor similar structures, allowing for the identification of context specific networks. The software is implemented in MATLAB and includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for user friendly inference. Finally the GUI can be connected to high performance computer clusters to facilitate analysis of large genomic datasets.
La atenuación de los actos asertivos: diferencias entre hombres y mujeres Mitigating devices of assertive acts: differences between men and women
Authors: Flores Salgado Elizabeth , Ramírez Cabrera Gaspar
Published: June 2015

El objetivo principal del presente trabajo es analizar la atenuación en los actos asertivos en entrevistas sociolingüísticas a fin de entender cómo se construye la imagen de afiliación en la cultura mexicana. En este trabajo la imagen de afiliación se define como el deseo de ser aceptado por un grupo. Nos interesa determinar si la realización de estos actos asertivos son amenazas eventuales a la imagen social de los informantes y si tienen una función atenuadora. El corpus que se analizó consistió en segmentos seleccionados de 12 entrevistas, 6 de hombres y 6 de mujeres, del corpus oral “El habla de Monterrey–PRESEEA” (Rodríguez Alfano, 2012) correspondientes a informantes entre 35 y 54 años que concluyeron sus estudios de licenciatura. El análisis de este corpus oral muestra aspectos importantes, a saber, nos presenta que existen similitudes y diferencias entre los dos grupos pues tanto hombres como mujeres utilizaron la justificación para atenuar su punto de vista. En cuanto a diferencias, las mujeres emplearon más estrategias de atenuación que los hombres. Por otra parte, el análisis de los datos sugiere que la atenuación, como categoría pragmática, contribuye a caracterizar la imagen de afiliación de nuestros informantes.
Ironía verbal y actividad de imagen en el discurso de políticos y ciudadanos españoles en Twitter
Authors: Pano Alamán Ana
Published: June 2015

El propósito de este trabajo de carácter exploratorio, basado en los planteamientos de la pragmática sociocultural, es investigar las relaciones que se establecen entre la ironía verbal y las actividades de imagen en los intercambios entre políticos y ciudadanos en Twitter. A través del análisis de dos corpus de mensajes publicados en esta red, tratamos de ahondar en el estudio de la ironía y en la modalidad y direccionalidad de los efectos sociales que esta puede tener sobre la imagen y el rol social de los interactuantes. Asimismo, analizamos los efectos del comportamiento irónico en relación con las categorías de afiliación y autonomía, y de afiliación exacerbada y refractariedad. Los resultados muestran que, en este contexto político-ideológico, la ironía es multidireccional y tiene dos tipos de efectos: negativo o positivo, en función de la afiliación del hablante hacia un determinado grupo ideológico, así como de su rol social en el microblog.
Lost in translation in the middle of nowhere
Authors: Marjanoviš Tatjana
Published: June 2015

Essentially a personal account of how translation is taught and assessed in the English department at the University of Banja Luka, this paper has been written in a very down-to-earth tone aiming to explain a broader social and educational context which determines the way translation is perceived in and outside the classroom. Going beyond a critical overview of how the department‘s translation class is managed, the paper ends with practical suggestions as to how translation teaching and assessment could be improved despite a number of institutional limitations surrounding it.
La relation enseignant/apprenti traducteur dans le processus de formation à la traduction. Étude de cas: les mémoires de fin d‟études
Authors: Eiben Ileana Neli
Published: June 2015

Dans cet article, nous nous proposons de présenter les difficultés que les étudiants en langues étrangères appliquées, plus particulièrement ceux de l‘Université de l‘Ouest de Timişoara, sont tenus à résoudre pendant la rédaction de leurs mémoires de fin d‘études. Nous nous interrogeons sur la façon dont l‘enseignant peut répondre aux attentes des apprentis traducteurs lors d‘un moment-clé de leur vie: fin de leur formation universitaire et début de l‘activité professionnelle. L‘enseignant joue un róle important: il les guide de près dans leurs activités tout en leur enseignant à devenir autonomes. Il les stimule à prendre confiance dans leur capacité d‘apprentissage qui leur servira dans l‘activité professionnelle et dans la vie. En collaborant avec les étudiants, il les aide à faire face aux défis de la nouvelle société caractérisée par l‘instabilité de l‘emploi.
The translation of Italian opera librettos in the nineteenth century: historical and cultural milestones
Authors: Cosma Iulia
Published: June 2015

Nella storia moderna della traduzione in romeno, il periodo 1840-1900, come sottolinea la studiosa Georgiana Lungu Badea in Un capitol de traductologie românească. Studii de istorie a traducerii (III) [Un capitolo di traduttologia romena. Studi di storia della traduzione (III)], è contrassegnato dalle ricerche identitarie della lingua di arrivo. In quest'ottica, la traduzione integrale o parziale di un numero significativo di libretti d'opera dall'italiano al romeno si rivela un fenomeno la cui analisi possa offrire dei validi temi di riflessione sia dal punto di vista della storia della traduzione, sia di quello della storia della lingua e della storia culturale.
Correlating the Vibration Modal Analysis Parameters to the Material Impact Toughness for Austempered Ductile Iron
Authors: Nassef Mohamed GA , Elkhatib Ahmed , Hamed Mahmoud
Published: June 2015

Modal analysis is used in identifying the dynamic parameters of the mechanical components in different industrial applications. A growing research interest focuses on the use of modal testing as an alternative to the destructive testing methods used to predict the mechanical properties of components. This paper investigates the ability of modal analysis technique to predict the impact toughness of metallic parts. The sensitivity of the modal parameters to the change of the material impact toughness is investigated for austempered ductile cast iron (ADI), heat treated at different holding times. Modal testing is applied on four groups of specimens before and after heat treatment, after which the Charpy v-notched impact test is conducted on the same specimens to obtain the toughness value at each austempering holding time. The analysis of results from both tests reveals the potential of modal analysis in predicting the impact toughness values for the tested material.
An Odyssey
Authors: Congelio Brad J.
Published: June 2015

The 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles marked the Golden Age of the Games. Detailed here are the city's 52 years of efforts to host them again in the face of internal rivalry, geopolitical confrontations, and fragmented international, national, and local power structures. The 1984 Games in Los Angeles rescued the Olympic Movement. Soaring costs had made most cities reluctant to step forward, but Los Angeles proved that a Spartan approach, adroit commercialization, and an existing infrastructure could result in a profit.
Use of statins is associated with lower serum total and non-sex hormone-binding globulin-bound testosterone levels in male participants of the Rotterdam Study
Authors: de Keyser Catherine E , de Lima Filipe Valerio , de Jong Frank H , Hofman Albert , de Rijke Yolanda B , Uitterlinden André G , Visser Loes E , Stricker Bruno H
Published: June 2015

Objective

Statins, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, decrease cholesterol production. Because cholesterol is a precursor of the testosterone biosynthesis pathway, there is some concern that statins might lower serum testosterone levels. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between the use of statins and serum testosterone levels in men.

Design

Cross-sectional study within the prospective population-based Rotterdam Study.

Subjects and methods

We included 4166 men with available data on total testosterone, non-sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)-bound testosterone, and medication use. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to compare the differences in serum testosterone levels (nmol/l) between current, past, and never statin users. We considered dose and duration of use. Analyses were adjusted for age, BMI, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and estradiol levels.

Results

We identified 577 current (mean age 64.1 years), 148 past (mean age 64.6 years), and 3441 never (mean age 64.6 years) statin users. Adjusted for all covariables, current statin use of 1–≤6 months or >6 months was significantly associated with lower total testosterone levels as compared to non-users (β −1.24, 95% CI −2.17, −0.31, and β −1.14, 95% CI −2.07, −0.20 respectively). Current use of 1–≤6 months was also associated with significantly lower non-SHBG-bound testosterone levels (β −0.42, 95% CI −0.82, −0.02). There was a trend toward lower testosterone levels at higher statin doses both for total (Ptrend 2.9×10−5) and non-SHBG-bound (Ptrend 2.0×10−4) testosterone. No association between past statin use and testosterone levels was found.

Conclusion

We showed that current use of statins was associated with significantly lower serum total and non-SHBG-bound testosterone levels. The clinical relevance of this association should be further investigated.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Metabolic syndrome through the female life cycle
Authors: Vryonidou Andromachi , Paschou Stavroula A , Muscogiuri Giovanna , Orio Francesco , Goulis Dimitrios G
Published: June 2015

The normal function of the female reproductive system is closely linked to energy homeostasis with the ultimate scope of fertility and human race perpetuation through the centuries. During a woman's lifetime there are normal events such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause which are related to alterations in energy homeostasis and gonadal steroids levels followed by increase of body fat and insulin resistance, important components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Pathological conditions such as premature adrenarche, polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diabetes also present with shifts in gonadal steroid levels and reduced insulin sensitivity. The aim of this review is to discuss these conditions, both normal and pathological, analyzing the changes or abnormalities in ovarian function that coexist with metabolic abnormalities which resemble MetS in relationship with environmental, genetic and epigenetic factors.
Hippocampal spine changes across the sleep–wake cycle: corticosterone and kinases
Authors: Ikeda Muneki , Hojo Yasushi , Komatsuzaki Yoshimasa , Okamoto Masahiro , Kato Asami , Takeda Taishi , Kawato Suguru
Published: June 2015

The corticosterone (CORT) level changes along the circadian rhythm. Hippocampus is sensitive to CORT, since glucocorticoid receptors are highly expressed. In rat hippocampus fixed in a living state every 3 h, we found that the dendritic spine density of CA1 pyramidal neurons increased upon waking (within 3 h), as compared with the spine density in the sleep state. Particularly, the large-head spines increased. The observed change in the spine density may be due to the change in the hippocampal CORT level, since the CORT level at awake state (∼30 nM) in cerebrospinal fluid was higher than that at sleep state (∼3 nM), as observed from our earlier study. In adrenalectomized (ADX) rats, such a wake-induced increase of the spine density disappeared. S.c. administration of CORT into ADX rats rescued the decreased spine density. By using isolated hippocampal slices, we found that the application of 30 nM CORT increased the spine density within 1 h and that the spine increase was mediated via PKA, PKC, ERK MAPK, and LIMK signaling pathways. These findings suggest that the moderately rapid increase of the spine density on waking might mainly be caused by the CORT-driven kinase networks.
Maternal Sensitivity in Parenting Preterm Children: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Bilgin Ayten , Wolke Dieter
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Preterm birth is a significant stressor for parents and may adversely impact maternal parenting behavior. However, findings have been inconsistent. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether mothers of preterm children behave differently (eg, less responsive or sensitive) in their interactions with their children after they are discharged from the hospital than mothers of term children.

METHODS:

Medline, PsychInfo, ERIC, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from January 1980 through May 2014 with the following keywords: “premature”, “preterm”, “low birth weight” in conjunction with “maternal behavio*r”, “mother-infant interaction”, “maternal sensitivity”, and “parenting”. Both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies that used an observational measure of maternal parenting behavior were eligible. Study results relating to parenting behaviors defined as sensitivity, facilitation, and responsivity were extracted, and mean estimates were combined with random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS:

Thirty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Mothers of preterm and full-term children did not differ significantly from each other in terms of their behavior toward their children (Hedges’ g = −0.07; 95% confidence interval: −0.22 to 0.08; z = −0.94; P = .35). The heterogeneity between studies was significant and high (Q = 156.42; I2 = 78.9, P = .001) and not explained by degree of prematurity, publication date, geographical area, infant age, or type of maternal behavior.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mothers of preterm children were not found to be less sensitive or responsive toward their children than mothers of full-term children.
Recovery From Central Nervous System Acute Demyelination in Children
Authors: O’Mahony Julia , Marrie Ruth Ann , Laporte Audrey , Yeh E. Ann , Bar-Or Amit , Phan Cathy , Buckley David , Callen David , Connolly Mary B. , Pohl Daniela , Dilenge Marie-Emmanuelle , Bernard Geneviève , Lortie Anne , Lowry Noel , MacDonald E. Athen , Meek David , Sébire Guillaume , Venkateswaran Sunita , Wood Ellen , Yager Jerome , Banwell Brenda
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND:

Few prospective studies have systematically evaluated the extent of recovery from incident acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) of the central nervous system in children.

METHODS:

In a national cohort study of pediatric ADS, severity of the incident attack and extent of recovery by 12 months were evaluated. Annual evaluations were used to determine current diagnoses (monophasic ADS or multiple sclerosis [MS]) and new deficits.

RESULTS:

Of 283 children, 244 (86%) required hospitalization for a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 6 (3–10) days, and 184 had moderate or severe deficits; 41 children were profoundly encephalopathic, 129 were unable to ambulate independently, and 59 with optic neuritis (ON) had moderately or severely impaired vision. Those with transverse myelitis (TM) and patients with monophasic disease were more likely to have moderate or severe deficits at onset. Twenty-seven children (10%) did not experience full neurologic recovery from their incident attack; 12 have severe residual deficits. Monophasic illness, TM, and moderate or severe deficits at onset were associated with poor recovery. After a median (IQR) follow-up of 5.06 (3.41–6.97) years, 59 children (21%) were diagnosed with MS; all recovered fully from their incident ADS attacks, although 6 subsequently acquired irreversible deficits after a median (IQR) observation period of 5.93 (4.01–7.02) years.

CONCLUSIONS:

ADS is a serious illness, with 86% of affected Canadian children requiring hospitalization. More than 90% of children recovered physically from their ADS event, including those children experiencing onset of MS. However, permanent visual or spinal cord impairment occurred in some children with ON or TM.
Automated Assessment of Children’s Postoperative Pain Using Computer Vision
Authors: Sikka Karan , Ahmed Alex A. , Diaz Damaris , Goodwin Matthew S. , Craig Kenneth D. , Bartlett Marian S. , Huang Jeannie S.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND:

Current pain assessment methods in youth are suboptimal and vulnerable to bias and underrecognition of clinical pain. Facial expressions are a sensitive, specific biomarker of the presence and severity of pain, and computer vision (CV) and machine-learning (ML) techniques enable reliable, valid measurement of pain-related facial expressions from video. We developed and evaluated a CVML approach to measure pain-related facial expressions for automated pain assessment in youth.

METHODS:

A CVML-based model for assessment of pediatric postoperative pain was developed from videos of 50 neurotypical youth 5 to 18 years old in both endogenous/ongoing and exogenous/transient pain conditions after laparoscopic appendectomy. Model accuracy was assessed for self-reported pain ratings in children and time since surgery, and compared with by-proxy parent and nurse estimates of observed pain in youth.

RESULTS:

Model detection of pain versus no-pain demonstrated good-to-excellent accuracy (Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.84–0.94) in both ongoing and transient pain conditions. Model detection of pain severity demonstrated moderate-to-strong correlations (r = 0.65–0.86 within; r = 0.47–0.61 across subjects) for both pain conditions. The model performed equivalently to nurses but not as well as parents in detecting pain versus no-pain conditions, but performed equivalently to parents in estimating pain severity. Nurses were more likely than the model to underestimate youth self-reported pain ratings. Demographic factors did not affect model performance.

CONCLUSIONS:

CVML pain assessment models derived from automatic facial expression measurements demonstrated good-to-excellent accuracy in binary pain classifications, strong correlations with patient self-reported pain ratings, and parent-equivalent estimation of children’s pain levels over typical pain trajectories in youth after appendectomy.
Global and Regional Burden of Isoniazid-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Yuen Courtney M. , Jenkins Helen E. , Rodriguez Carly A. , Keshavjee Salmaan , Becerra Mercedes C.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND:

Isoniazid has been the backbone of tuberculosis chemotherapy for 6 decades. Resistance to isoniazid threatens the efficacy of treatment of tuberculosis disease and infection. To inform policies around treatment of tuberculosis disease and infection in children, we sought to estimate both the proportion of child tuberculosis cases with isoniazid resistance and the number of incident isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis cases in children, by region.

METHODS:

We determined the relationship between rates of isoniazid resistance among child cases and among treatment-naive adult cases through a systematic literature review. We applied this relationship to regional isoniazid resistance estimates to estimate proportions of childhood tuberculosis cases with isoniazid resistance. We applied these proportions to childhood tuberculosis incidence estimates to estimate numbers of children with isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis.

RESULTS:

We estimated 12.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.8% to 14.8%) of all children with tuberculosis had isoniazid-resistant disease, representing 120 872 (95% CI 96 628 to 149 059) incident cases of isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis in children in 2010. The majority of these occurred in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia regions; the European region had the highest proportion of child tuberculosis cases with isoniazid resistance, 26.1% (95% CI: 20.0% to 33.6%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The burden of isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis in children is substantial, and risk varies considerably by setting. The large number of child cases signals extensive ongoing transmission from adults with isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis. The risk of isoniazid resistance must be considered when evaluating treatment options for children with disease or latent infection to avoid inadequate treatment and consequent poor outcomes.
Gobiernos Geisel y Dilma: el poder de las finanzas.
Authors: Matos Souza Angelita
Published: June 2015

El objetivo principal es identificar el origen del poder de las finanzas en los dos
últimos gobiernos de la dictadura militar, especialmente el gobierno Geisel (1974-
1978), entendido como decisivo para la comprensión de la historia política y económica
del Brasil en las últimas décadas. Al final se sugieren similitudes entre el
Gobierno Geisel y los gobiernos del Partido de los Trabajadores (PT), posibles ya
que los últimos también adoptaran políticas favorables al sector productivo, sin
enfrentamiento de los intereses financieros, aparte del breve tiempo en el que el
Gobierno de Dilma intenta bajar los intereses bancarios.
Entrepreneurship and its analysis in Colombia: A contextualized literature review.
Authors: Rodríguez Omar
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a literature review contextualized through the different stages
of Colombian industrial history up to the first decade of the XXI century, when
an attempt is made to organize the growing interest in the topic of entrepreneurship.
We find a tight connection between public policy agenda setting and the definition
of the research agenda of the topic. We also find a dualistic approach in the
research of the topic, with universities and think-tanks leading the investigation on accumulative / innovative entrepreneurship, and a consultancy-bias group dedicated to the study of subsistence entrepreneurship.
El comportamiento de los precios en una economía preindustrial: Popayán, virreinato de Nueva Granada, 1706-1819
Authors: Torres James Vladimir
Published: June 2015

En este artículo se construyen y analizan series de precios para 38 productos en Popayán, entre 1706 y 1819. El estudio presenta tres constataciones importantes. La primera, que los precios en esta economía eran bastante dinámicos y que, por tanto, el mercado estaba lejos de ser estático, como sustentaron en su momento algunos especialistas. La segunda, que existió un cambio en los precios  relativos que favoreció algunos sectores en detrimento de otros. Finalmente, el análisis del índice general de precios muestra la existencia de ciclos de inflación-deflación que presentaron una importante relación con la minería. Para explicar esta correspondencia, se construyó un modelo que permite observar la relación entre variables reales y nominales
O processo de inovação em uma empresa mineira fornecedora de insumos para o mercado siderúrgico-metalúrgico mundial: um estudo de caso na ALFA S/A
Authors: Botta Gleiciane Ferreira , Alvarenga Neto Rivadávia C. Drummond
Published: June 2015

Esta pesquisa investiga e analisa o processo de inovação de uma empresa mineira fornecedora de insumos para o mercado siderúrgico metalúrgico mundial. O modelo de análise foi estruturado em quatro categorias oriundas do processo de inovação conforme premissas de Davila et al. (2007), a saber: (i) estratégia e modelo de inovação, (ii) fatores que influenciam a execução do processo de inovação (iii) sistemas de gestão e/ou ferramentas e (iv) indicadores, métricas e resultados. A estratégia de pesquisa qualitativa baseou-se em um estudo de um único caso e três critérios foram observados para o julgamento da qualidade da pesquisa: a validade do construto, a validade externa e a confiabilidade. Fontes múltiplas de evidência foram utilizadas: entrevistas, documentos e observação e a análise de dados observou três fluxos concomitantes de atividades: redução de dados, “display” ou exibição de dados e verificação/conclusões com base em inferências a partir de evidências ou premissas. Os resultados indicam a existência de um processo desestruturado e informal de inovação descrito meticulosamente a partir de quatro elementos do modelo de análise supracitado. As conclusões apontam para uma estratégia e modelo de inovação em estágio inicial de maturidade, além de execução influenciada por questões estruturais e sócio-comportamentais.Palavras-chave: Tecnologia. Modelo de Negócios. Inovação. Processo de Inovação. Setor Siderúrgico/Metalúrgico.
A Time-Trend Economic Analysis of Cancer Drug Trials
Authors: Cressman Sonya , Browman George P. , Hoch Jeffrey S. , Kovacic Laurel , Peacock Stuart J.
Published: June 2015

Background.

Scientific advances have led to the discovery of novel treatments with high prices. The cost to publicly fund high-cost drugs may threaten the sustainability of drug budgets in different health care systems. In oncology, there are concerns that health-benefit gains are diminishing over time and that the economic evidence to support funding decisions is too limited.

Methods.

To assess the additional costs and benefits gained from oncology drugs over time, we used treatment protocols and efficacy results from U.S. Food and Drug Administration records to calculate cost-effectiveness ratios for drugs approved to treat first- and second-line metastatic or advanced breast, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancer during the years 1994–2013. We assessed reimbursement recommendations reached by health technology assessment agencies in the U.K., Australia, and Canada.

Results.

Cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated for 50 drugs approved by the U.S. regulator. The more recent approvals were often based on surrogate efficacy outcomes and had extremely high costs, often triple the costs of drugs approved in previous years. Over time, the effectiveness gains have increased for some cancer indications; however, for other indications (non-small cell lung and second-line colorectal cancer), the magnitude of gains in effectiveness decreased. Reimbursement recommendations for drugs with the highest cost-effectiveness ratios were the most inconsistent.

Conclusion.

Evaluation of the clinical benefits that oncology drugs offer as a function of their cost has become highly complex, and for some clinical indications, health benefits are diminishing over time. There is an urgent need for better economic evidence from oncology drug trials and systematic processes to inform funding decisions.

Implications for Practice:

High-cost oncology drugs may threaten the ability of health care systems to provide access to promising new drugs for patients. In order to make better drug-funding decisions and enable equitable access to breakthrough treatments, discussions in the oncology community should include economic evidence. This study summarizes the extra benefits and costs of newly approved drugs from pivotal trials during the postgenomic era of drug discovery. The reader will gain an appreciation of the need for economic evidence to make better drug-reimbursement decisions and the dynamics at play in today's oncology drug market.
Delays in Breast Cancer Presentation and Diagnosis at Two Rural Cancer Referral Centers in Rwanda
Authors: Pace Lydia E. , Mpunga Tharcisse , Hategekimana Vedaste , Dusengimana Jean-Marie Vianney , Habineza Hamissy , Bigirimana Jean Bosco , Mutumbira Cadet , Mpanumusingo Egide , Ngiruwera Jean Paul , Tapela Neo , Amoroso Cheryl , Shulman Lawrence N. , Keating Nancy L.
Published: June 2015

Background.

Breast cancer incidence is increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Mortality/incidence ratios in LMICs are higher than in high-income countries, likely at least in part because of delayed diagnoses leading to advanced-stage presentations. In the present study, we investigated the magnitude, impact of, and risk factors for, patient and system delays in breast cancer diagnosis in Rwanda.

Materials and Methods.

We interviewed patients with breast complaints at two rural Rwandan hospitals providing cancer care and reviewed their medical records to determine the diagnosis, diagnosis date, and breast cancer stage.

Results.

A total of 144 patients were included in our analysis. Median total delay was 15 months, and median patient and system delays were both 5 months. In multivariate analyses, patient and system delays of ≥6 months were significantly associated with more advanced-stage disease. Adjusting for other social, demographic, and clinical characteristics, a low level of education and seeing a traditional healer first were significantly associated with a longer patient delay. Having made ≥5 health facility visits before the diagnosis was significantly associated with a longer system delay. However, being from the same district as one of the two hospitals was associated with a decreased likelihood of system delay.

Conclusion.

Patients with breast cancer in Rwanda experience long patient and system delays before diagnosis; these delays increase the likelihood of more advanced-stage presentations. Educating communities and healthcare providers about breast cancer and facilitating expedited referrals could potentially reduce delays and hence mortality from breast cancer in Rwanda and similar settings.

Implications for Practice:

Breast cancer rates are increasing in low- and middle-income countries, and case fatality rates are high, in part because of delayed diagnosis and treatment. This study examined the delays experienced by patients with breast cancer at two rural Rwandan cancer facilities. Both patient delays (the interval between symptom development and the patient's first presentation to a healthcare provider) and system delays (the interval between the first presentation and diagnosis) were long. The total delays were the longest reported in published studies. Longer delays were associated with more advanced-stage disease. These findings suggest that an opportunity exists to reduce breast cancer mortality in Rwanda by addressing barriers in the community and healthcare system to promote earlier detection.
Book review
Authors: Tyrer Mark
Published: June 2015

Transport Properties of Concrete: Measurement and Applications
The Living Planet Centre, Woking, UK: delivering sustainable design
Authors: Gerrard John , Clarke Steven , Duncan-Bosu Rudolph , Sturgis Simon , Bartlett Richard
Published: June 2015

The Living Planet Centre for WWF-UK in Woking, UK, is a new stimulating, multi-purpose building that combines the charity’s offices with a public education and exhibition space that has been built in the air rights of a public car park. As a champion for ‘one planet living’ the client’s requirements for a sustainable development were ambitious, with their reputation closely tied with the building’s success. Given this, it was essential that the project’s objectives were defined early on in the design process. These included building strong links to the community; creation of an accessible and open building; establishing an educational outreach to support WWF-UK’s goals; enhancing local biodiversity; incorporating long-term flexibility and adaptability; ensuring low operational costs; responsible use of resources in both the building’s construction and operation; and going beyond industry-accepted sustainability standards. The Living Planet Centre is testament to the success of the collaborative effort of all those who were involved in delivering an outstanding building. This paper describes the holistic approach taken to sustainable development, from concept design through the tender process and on to the construction and post-construction phases. This process has been extended to include the ongoing monitoring and auditing of the building’s real performance.
Session report: shallow and deep foundations
Authors: Reul Oliver
Published: June 2015

The session ‘Shallow and Deep Foundations’ of the 8th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics 2014 featured a large variety of foundations for onshore and offshore structures with an emphasis on single piles. With a total number of 37 papers, the session was the largest of the conference. In the scope of the session report, the papers are classified into different categories, namely ‘Foundation types and structures’, ‘Modelling techniques’ and ‘Load level and load type’.
Reflexões Acerca das Comunidades Terapêuticas na Rede Comunitária de Saúde Mental do Brasil
Authors: Heloisa França Badagnan  , Emanuele Seicenti de Brito  , Carla Aparecida Arena Ventura
Published: June 2015

Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, descritivo, analítico e documental, que teve como objetivo refletir sobre as comunidades terapêuticas no contexto da Reforma Psiquiátrica no Brasil. A reflexão permitiu a abordagem de vários aspectos quanto o funcionamento e o caráter terapêutico das Comunidades Terapêuticas que hoje representam uma possibilidade de tratamento e reabilitação à rede de saúde mental no Brasil, porém seu papel enquanto serviço constituinte da rede não está claramente definido, bem como seus objetivos não estão de acordo com as leis que consolidam os direitos dos portadores de transtornos mentais no Brasil. Concluiu-se que é importante pensar na construção de uma rede eficaz de tratamento e acompanhamento que garanta a articulação e integração dos serviços nas redes de saúde no território, qualificando o cuidado por meio do acolhimento, tratamento e acompanhamento contínuo.
Zhivaia Starina
Authors: Akhmetova M. V. , Nikolaev (transl.) D. S.
Published: June 2015

The Russian journal Zhivaia Starina [Living Antiquity] continues the activity of the journal of the same name that had been published by the Russian  Geographical Society in 1890—1917. The renewal of its publication was  undertaken in 1994 by the State Center of the Republic for Russian  Folklore.
O feminino e o masculino na etologia, sociobiologia e psicologia evolutiva: Revisão de alguns conceitos
Authors: Ramos Conceição Maria , Lencastre Marina Prieto Afonso
Published: June 2015

O presente artigo pretende apresentar ao público leitor de psicologia alguns conceitos importantes sobre o masculino e o feminino defendidos em obras seminais da etologia humana, sociobiologia e psicologia evolutiva. As críticas clássicas das ciências sociais ao determinismo biológico não encontram eco nas actuais teorias biológicas sobre o comportamento, que enfatizam a interacção necessária entre factores genéticos, ecológicos e sócio­‑culturais, assim como o carácter estatístico das observações empíricas. No entanto, a conclusão do artigo aponta para o risco potencial destas disciplinas reduzirem demasiado a distância entre as causas últimas e os factores próximos de motivação, ignorando desta forma os efeitos inovadores dos processos actuais de socialização.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v27i2.421
Violência doméstica e stalking pós­‑rutura: Dinâmicas, coping e impacto psicossocial na vítima
Authors: Ferreira Célia , Matos Marlene
Published: June 2015

Este artigo reflete uma realidade pouco conhecida no plano nacional – o stalking após a rutura de uma relação abusiva. Nesse contexto, o objectivo era conhecer as dinâmicas associadas a esta modalidade de vitimação, as respostas das vítimas face à mesma e os preditores de desajustamento psicossocial na vítima. A amostra foi constituída por 104 mulheres que foram vítimas de abuso na relação e de stalking após o seu término. Os resultados ilustram a natureza prolongada do stalking e documentam um continuum de ações que engloba atos com uma gravidade bastante distinta. A maioria das inquiridas relatou medo face ao stalking e admitiu que este influiu negativamente na sua vida. Apesar de tudo, as vítimas revelaram­‑se ativas na gestão deste tipo de violência, empreendendo diferentes estratégias de coping. A frequência média dos comportamentos de stalking e o coping de não evitamento surgiram como preditores de desajustamento psicossocial. É, pois, necessário um maior investimento ao nível da investigação e das práticas para combater este problema.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v27i2.63
AdaptaÃ§Ã£o para uma populaÃ§Ã£o de estudantes universitÃ¡rios portugueses da escala de auto-estima de estado de Heatherton e Polivy
Authors: Ramos Miguel
Published: June 2015

A auto-estima Ã© um importante conceito usado em diversas Ã¡reas da psicologia. Os estudos em portuguÃªs tÃªm usado traduÃ§Ãµes de escalas de auto-estima geral (ex., a escala de auto-estima de Rosenberg, 1979), mas tÃªm negligenciado importantes aspectos deste constructo como a auto-estima de estado. A auto-estima de estado Ã© fundamental para estudos que apresentem manipulaÃ§Ãµes dado que mede alteraÃ§Ãµes momentÃ¢neas da auto-estima. Para colmatar esta lacuna, no presente trabalho procedeu-se a uma adaptaÃ§Ã£o para portuguÃªs da escala multidimensional de auto-estima de estado de Heatherton e Polivy (1991). Os resultados mostraram uma medida fidedigna e com a estrutura factorial consistente com a da escala original, distinguindo os componentes de auto-estima de performance, social, e aparÃªncia fÃ­sica. A discussÃ£o centra-se sobre as vantagens do uso de uma escala de auto-estima de estado.
EmoÃ§Ãµes e auto-regulaÃ§Ã£o em processos de mudanÃ§a pessoal deliberada: Um estudo de caso
Authors: Lopes Paulo Nuno , Coyle Adrian , Gallie Jack
Published: June 2015

InvestigÃ¡mos as experiÃªncias de mudanÃ§a pessoal deliberada de dois jovens adultos, no que respeita a hÃ¡bitos de estudo e de interacÃ§Ã£o social, atravÃ©s de um estudo de caso baseado em entrevistas. Ambos os participantes falaram de um comportamento que tinham alterado e de outro que gostariam de alterar. UsÃ¡mos a anÃ¡lise temÃ¡tica para interpretar as suas histÃ³rias e compreender as suas trajectÃ³rias de desenvolvimento pessoal de uma forma integrada e contextualizada. Nesta anÃ¡lise, exploramos a forma como os enviesamentos de raciocÃ­nio podem deter ou impulsionar a mudanÃ§a, bem como o papel das emoÃ§Ãµes na tomada de decisÃ£o face a perspectivas incertas. Estes temas realÃ§am o papel da auto-regulaÃ§Ã£o na mudanÃ§a deliberada, ajudando-nos a compreender a experiÃªncia de ambivalÃªncia em relaÃ§Ã£o Ã  mudanÃ§a e a dificuldade de prever trajectÃ³rias de desenvolvimento. Partindo da teoria e da investigaÃ§Ã£o sobre enviesamentos na previsÃ£o de estados emocionais, argumentamos que a dificuldade de antecipar e sentir o impacto emocional de uma decisÃ£o ajuda a explicar a ambivalÃªncia em relaÃ§Ã£o Ã  mudanÃ§a pessoal e o facto de as pessoas por vezes nÃ£o agirem em conformidade com as suas crenÃ§as racionais.
Las imágenes de las mujeres políticas en la era del Politeinment y la postelevisión
Authors: Panke Luciana , Amado Adriana
Published: June 2015

La mínima presencia de las mujeres en la política no es solo una característica en Latinoamérica. En los últimos años fueron electas líderes para la Presidencia de Nación en Chile, Argentina y Brasil, así como otras candidatas mujeres tuvieron participación destacada en Perú y México. En ese contexto, la difusión o promoción de imágenes de las mujeres políticas sigue atada a estereotipos clásicos, y se las presentan desde sus características maternales, protectoras o de alguna manera relacionadas a la fragilidad. Aquí buscamos discutir esas cuestiones teniendo como fundamentación en las teorías mediáticas de la televisión y la conformación de nuevos géneros como el politeiment.
El modelo de belleza de la mujer en los blogs de moda. ¿Una alternativa a la prensa femenina tradicional?
Authors: Riera Silvia , Figueras Maz Mònica
Published: June 2015

Los distintos estudios sobre la imagen de la mujer en las revistas femeninas, tanto las de alta gama como las juveniles, coinciden en que se proyecta un único modelo de belleza ligado al éxito (joven, blanca y ultradelgada) relacionado directamente con el contenido publicitario. Este trabajo trata de averiguar si los blogs de moda reproducen este mismo modelo de belleza femenino y, en segundo lugar, analizar la dependencia del contenido editorial de las marcas anunciantes. Para ello se realiza un análisis de contenido de los tres blogs más visitados en las tres categorías definidas: blogs de actualidad, ego-blogs y blogs de corte práctico. Las conclusiones difieren especialmente en las dos últimas tipologías, donde la menor dependencia de la publicidad les confiere mayor libertad para presentar modelos de belleza alternativos.
La publicidad, fuente documental para explicar permanencias y cambios en las sociedades contemporáneas
Authors: Moreno Sardà Amparo , Molina Rodríguez-Navas Pedro
Published: June 2015

En este artículo planteamos que la publicidad comercial es un fenómeno fundamental en las sociedades contemporáneas y una fuente documental que puede arrojar luz para comprender las transformaciones históricas recientes. Y explicamos que el análisis de la publicidad comercial que aparece en diferentes medios de comunicación de masas y en distintos momentos históricos nos condujo a hacer una crítica del pensamiento académico androcéntrico que nos permitió clarificar los criterios metodológicos para analizar las aportaciones y limitaciones de los anuncios al conocimiento social. En la primera parte situamos la publicidad en este marco teórico; en la segunda, proponemos algunos criterios metodológicos para analizarla; y finalmente aplicamos estos planteamientos al análisis de anuncios extraidos de dos semanarios populares publicados en España en los años cincuenta y primeros sesenta del siglo XX.
Representaciones de género en la publicidad de alimentos: Un análisis de contenido
Authors: Espinar Ruiz Eva , González Díaz Cristina
Published: June 2015

El análisis de contenido del mensaje mediático desde una perspectiva de género cuenta ya con una abundante bibliografía. En el caso de la publicidad, gran parte de los estudios realizados se han centrado en muestras genéricas de contenidos publicitarios o en aquella publicidad tradicionalmente asociada a uno u otro género. Sin embargo, pocos autores han analizado los contenidos de género de la publicidad relativa a productos de alimentación, a pesar de la estrecha relación entre estructuras de género y los procesos sociales de compra y preparación de alimentos. En este ámbito se sitúa, precisamente, nuestra investigación. Los principales resultados obtenidos muestran claras diferencias de género en las piezas publicitarias: tanto en términos de presencia cuantitativa como en la asignación de determinadas características.
Diciocho años del Observatorio de la Imagen de las Mujeres
Authors: Ortiz Gómez María Jesús , Del Arco Bravo Miguel Ángel
Published: June 2015

La publicidad utiliza estereotipos para facilitar la comprensión y aceptación de sus mensajes. Pero el uso de estereotipos de género contribuye a perpetuar la discriminación hacia las mujeres, ya que proceden de un sistema patriarcal histórico que atribuye a cada sexo funciones específicas, que en el caso de las mujeres se reducen al ámbito de la reproducción. La multiplicación de impactos reiterando estos estereotipos influye en la mentalidad social que, a pesar de los cambios legales, sigue asumiendo como naturales esas diferencias. Las políticas públicas están dirigidas a suprimir las barreras que impiden la igualdad real. El Instituto de la Mujer, a través del Observatorio de la Imagen, persigue transformar esas pautas de comunicación hacia un modelo que respete la dignidad y los derechos de las mujeres.
Docencia universitaria y conocimientos en torno al género. Resistencias, creencias y prejuicios
Authors: Ballarín Domingo Pilar
Published: June 2015

El conocimiento producido desde el marco de los Estudios de las Mujeres, Feministas y de Género, en diversos ámbitos del saber, ha sido muy notable en España en las últimas décadas. Su impacto en los espacios de investigación es indiscutible e igualmente su alcance a la agenda política. Sin embargo, los conocimientos que se transmiten y difunden en las universidades españolas, por lo general, se mantienen impermeables a las aportaciones señaladas. En este artículo se presentan resultados de una reciente investigación, en la que se ha indagado sobre las creencias y prejuicios que perviven en el profesorado y que ayudan a comprender los tipos y niveles de resistencias que se producen ante las aportaciones del feminismo académico en los diversos campos de conocimiento.