bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvising Singular Value Decomposition by KNN for Use in Movie Recommender Systems
Authors: Patra Sukanya , Ganguly Boudhayan
Published: June 2019

Online recommender systems are an integral part of e-commerce. There are a plethora of algorithms following different approaches. However, most of the approaches except the singular value decomposition (SVD), do not provide any insight into the underlying patterns/concepts used in item rating. SVD used underlying features of movies but are computationally resource-heavy and performs poorly when there is data sparsity. In this article, we perform a comparative study among several pre-processing algorithms on SVD. In the experiments, we have used the MovieLens 1M dataset to compare the performance of these algorithms. KNN-based approach was used to find out K-nearest neighbors of users and their ratings were then used to impute the missing values. Experiments were conducted using different distance measures, such as Jaccard and Euclidian. We found that when the missing values were imputed using the mean of similar users and the distance measure was Euclidean, the KNN-based (K-Nearest Neighbour) approach of pre-processing the SVD was performing the best. Based on our comparative study, data managers can choose to employ the algorithm best suited for their business.
The Correlation Between Pediatric Intussusceptions and Celiac Disease
Authors: Paul Cassidy , Anderson Sharlette
Published: June 2019

The most common acute abdominal disorder in the pediatric population appears as a telescoping of the bowel, resulting in either intermittent or complete obstruction. Intussusceptions transpire as the bowel prolapses into a more distal bowel segment and is propelled forward. A case is presented of multiple small bowel intussusceptions, pneumatosis, intraperitoneal fluid, and pericardial effusion. Sonography initially visualized the obstructions, along with multiple other indicators of an abdominal disorder. The use of computed tomography followed to provide a more comprehensive view of the child’s abdomen. Each imaging technique revealed new aspects of the abdominal disorder and concluded in the diagnosis of celiac disease. This case supports the idea that small bowel intussusceptions should not be disregarded as insignificant incidental findings but rather should alert sonographers to further investigate for evidence of celiac disease.
Contractual and Relational Governance as Positioned-Practices in Ongoing Public–Private Partnership Projects
Authors: Benítez-Ávila Camilo , Hartmann Andreas , Dewulf Geert
Published: June 2019

This article introduces a process framework based on the realist social theory for studying governing in ongoing public–private partnerships (PPPs). Contractual and relational practices are defined as activities enacted and re-created by virtue of actors’ dual positions: at both the partnership and the parent organizational levels. In PPPs, complementarities and contradictions between public, rule-bureaucratic logic and private, market-oriented logic define structural demands on actors. Nonpredictive and innovative governing activities emerge from the actors’ reflexive capacity to balance different demands. The framework allows the examination of the complex interplay of relational and contractual practices, illustrated in a PPP Dutch case.
Contingency Release During Project Execution: The Contractor’s Decision-Making Dilemma
Authors: Ayub Bilal , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin , Ullah Fahim
Published: June 2019

Risk is inherent in construction projects and managed through contingency. Dynamic management of contingency escrow accounts during project execution poses decision-making challenges. Project managers use key performance indicators (KPIs) for contingency release decisions. However, their subjective mental models influence risk perception, exacerbating the decision-making dilemma. This research integrates project KPIs with future risk perception to develop a mathematical model for facilitating such decision making. Results suggest timely completion, project cost, stakeholder satisfaction, quality and safety as top KPIs, and the influence of managerial pressure as a significant decision contributor. The proposed model helps project managers in dynamic decision making for cost contingency.
Ambient air pollution and pulmonary vascular volume on computed tomography: the MESA Air Pollution and Lung cohort studies
Authors: Aaron Carrie P. , Hoffman Eric A. , Kawut Steven M. , Austin John H.M. , Budoff Matthew , Michos Erin D. , Hinckley Stukovsky Karen , Sack Coralynn , Szpiro Adam A. , Watson Karol D. , Kaufman Joel D. , Barr R. Graham
Published: June 2019

Background

Air pollution alters small pulmonary vessels in animal models. We hypothesised that long-term ambient air pollution exposure would be associated with differences in pulmonary vascular volumes in a population-based study.

Methods

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis recruited adults in six US cities. Personalised long-term exposures to ambient black carbon, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone were estimated using spatiotemporal models. In 2010–2012, total pulmonary vascular volume was measured as the volume of detectable pulmonary arteries and veins, including vessel walls and luminal blood volume, on noncontrast chest computed tomography (TPVVCT). Peripheral TPVVCTwas limited to the peripheral 2 cm to isolate smaller vessels. Linear regression adjusted for demographics, anthropometrics, smoking, second-hand smoke, renal function and scanner manufacturer.

Results

The mean±sdage of the 3023 participants was 69.3±9.3 years; 46% were never-smokers. Mean exposures were 0.80 μg·m−3black carbon, 14.6 ppb NO2and 11.0 μg·m−3ambient PM2.5. Mean±sdperipheral TPVVCTwas 79.2±18.2 cm3and TPVVCTwas 129.3±35.1 cm3. Greater black carbon exposure was associated with a larger peripheral TPVVCT, including after adjustment for city (mean difference 0.41 (95% CI 0.03–0.79) cm3per interquartile range; p=0.036). Associations for peripheral TPVVCTwith NO2were similar but nonsignificant after city adjustment, while those for PM2.5were of similar magnitude but nonsignificant after full adjustment. There were no associations for NOxor ozone, or between any pollutant and TPVVCT.

Conclusions

Long-term black carbon exposure was associated with a larger peripheral TPVVCT, suggesting diesel exhaust may contribute to remodelling of small pulmonary vessels in the general population.
A homogenized approach to classify advanced gastric cancer patients with limited and adequate number of pathologically examined lymph nodes
Authors: Seeruttun Sharvesh Raj , Xu Lipu , Wang Fangwei , Yi Xiaodong , Fang Cheng , Liu Zhimin , Wang Wei , Zhou Zhiwei
Published: June 2019

Background

The prognosis of gastric cancer patients with a limited number of pathologically examined lymph nodes (eLN, < 16) is dismal compared to those with adequately eLN (≥ 16), yet they are still classified within the same subgroups using the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. We aimed at formulating an easy‐to‐adopt and clinically reliable stratification approach to homogenize the classification for these two categories of patients.

Methods

Patients staged according to the 8th AJCC pathological nodal (N) and tumor‐node‐metastasis (TNM) classification were stratified into a Limited and Adequate eLN cohort based on their number of pathologically examined LNs. The statistical differences between the 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates of both cohorts were determined and based on which, patients from the Limited eLN cohort were re‐classified to a proposed modified nodal (N′) and TNM (TN′M) classification, by matching their survival rates with those of the Adequate eLN cohort. The prognostic performance of the N′ and TN′M classification was then compared to a formulated lymph‐node‐ratio‐based nodal classification, in addition to the 8th AJCC N and TNM classification.

Results

Significant heterogeneous differences in 5‐year OS between patients from the Limited and Adequate eLN cohort of the same nodal subgroups were identified (all P < 0.001). However, no significant differences in 5‐year OS were observed between the subgroups N0, N1, N2, and N3a of the Limited eLN cohort when compared with N1, N2, N3a, and N3b from the Adequate eLN cohort, respectively (P = 0.853, 0.476, 0.114, and 0.230, respectively). A novel approach was formulated in which only patients from the Limited eLN cohort were re‐classified to one higher nodal subgroup, denoted as the N′ classification. This re‐classification demonstrated superior stratifying and prognostic ability as compared to the 8th AJCC N and lymph‐node‐ratio classification (Akaike information criterion values [AIC]: 12,276 vs. 12,358 vs. 12,283, respectively). The TN′M classification also demonstrated superior prognostic ability as compared to the 8th AJCC TNM classification (AIC value: 12,252 vs. 12,312).

Conclusion

The proposed lymph node classification approach provides a clinically practical and reliable technique to homogeneously classify cohorts of gastric cancer patients with limited and adequate number of pathologically examined lymph nodes.
Maternal High-Fat Diet Consumption and Chronic Hyperandrogenemia Are Associated With Placental Dysfunction in Female Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Kuo Kelly , Roberts Victoria H J , Gaffney Jessica , Takahashi Diana L , Morgan Terry , Lo Jamie O , Stouffer Richard L , Frias Antonio E
Published: June 2019

The risk of adverse perinatal outcomes with maternal polycystic ovary syndrome may differ among hyperandrogenic and nonhyperandrogenic phenotypes and is likely modulated by maternal obesity and diet. The relative contribution of maternal hyperandrogenism and nutritional status to placental dysfunction is unknown. Female rhesus macaques (N = 39) were assigned at puberty to one of four treatment groups: subcutaneous cholesterol implants and a standard chow diet (controls); testosterone (T) implants and a normal diet; cholesterol implants and a high-fat, Western-style diet (WSD); and testosterone implants in combination with a high-fat diet. After 3.5 years of treatment, contrast-enhanced and Doppler ultrasound analyses of placental blood flow were performed for a representative subset of animals from each treatment group during pregnancy, and placental architecture assessed with stereological analysis. Placental growth factors, cellular nutrient sensors, and angiogenic markers were measured with ELISA and Western blotting. WSD consumption was associated with a 30% increase in placental flux rate relative to that in animals receiving a normal diet. T and WSD treatments were each independently associated with increased villous volume, and T also was associated with an ∼ 40% decrease fetal capillary volume on stereological analysis. T treatment was associated with significantly increased mTOR and SOCS3 expression. WSD consumption was associated with decreased GLUT1 expression and microvillous membrane localization. Hyperandrogenemic and nonhyperandrogenemic phenotypes are associated with altered placental angiogenesis, nutrient sensing, and glucose transport. WSD and T appear to have distinct effects on vascular impedance and capillary angiogenesis.
Testosterone Supplementation and Cognitive Functioning in Men—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Buskbjerg Cecilie R , Gravholt Claus H , Dalby Helene R , Amidi Ali , Zachariae Robert
Published: June 2019

Testosterone supplementation (TS) is assumed important for cognitive functioning in men, but conflicting results have prevented firm conclusions. The current study systematically reviewed available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on effects of TS on cognitive functioning in men, subjected the findings to meta-analysis, and explored between-study differences as possible moderators of the effects. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, two authors independently searched for eligible records in the electronic databases of PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, and Embase and determined eligibility using the following (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) criteria: population, male adults (>18 years); intervention, TS; comparison, placebo; and outcome, results of standardized neuropsychological tests. Following duplicate removal, 3873 records were screened with 92 remaining for full-text screening. Twenty-one papers reporting results of 23 independent RCTs were included, of which none treated samples of clinically hypogonadal men. The small improvement found in overall cognitive functioning (Hedges g = 0.09; CI 95%: −0.02 to 0.19) failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.108) and approached zero when adjusting for possible publication bias (g = 0.04). The effects for the 11 individual cognitive domains did not reach statistical significance (g: −0.04 to 0.19, P: 0.061 to 0.989). Small statistically significant (P < 0.05) effects were found for five study subsets but failed to meet the fail-safe criterion. The available evidence indicates that effects of TS on cognitive functioning in men with testosterone levels within normal ranges are less robust and of insufficient magnitude to be of clinical relevance. The effects in clinically hypogonadal men remain to be investigated.
Overexpression of long noncoding RNA GAS5 suppresses tumorigenesis and development of gastric cancer by sponging miR-106a-5p through the Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Dong Shuaijun , Zhang Xiefu , Liu Dechun
Published: June 2019

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of human cancers. LncRNA GAS5 (GAS5) is identified tumor suppressor involved in several cancers. However, the roles of GAS5 and the mechanisms responsible for its functions in gastric cancer (GC) have not been well undocumented. Herein, the decreased GAS5 and increased miRNA-106a-5p levels were observed in GC and cell lines. GAS5 level was significantly inversely correlated with miRNA-106a-5p level in GC tissues. Moreover, luciferase reporter and qRT-PCR assays showed that GAS5 bound to miRNA-106a-5p and negatively regulated its expression in GC cells. Functional experiments showed that GAS5 overexpression suppressed GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities and promoted apoptosis, while miRNA-106a-5p overexpression inversed the functional effects induced by GAS5 overexpression. In vivo, GAS5 overexpression inhibited tumor growth by negatively regulating miRNA-106a-5p expression. Mechanistic investigations revealed that GAS5 overexpression inactivated the Akt/mTOR pathway by suppressing miRNA-106a-5p expression in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings conclude the GAS5 overexpression suppresses tumorigenesis and development of gastric cancer by sponging miR-106a-5p through the Akt/mTOR pathway.
Ambient temperature effects on stress-induced hyperthermia in Svalbard ptarmigan
Authors: Nord Andreas , Folkow Lars P.
Published: June 2019

Stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) is commonly observed during handling in homeotherms. However, in birds, handling in cold environments typically elicits hypothermia. It is unclear whether this indicates that SIH is differently regulated in this taxon or if it is due to size, because body temperatures changes during handling in low temperature have only been measured in small birds ≤0.03 kg (that are more likely to suffer high heat loss when handled). We have, therefore, studied thermal responses to handling stress in the intermediate-sized (0.5-1.0 kg) Svalbard ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea) in 0°C and −20°C, in winter and spring. Handling caused elevated core body temperature, and peripheral vasoconstriction that reduced back skin temperature. Core temperature increased less and back skin temperature decreased more in −20°C than in 0°C, probably because of higher heat loss rate at the lower temperature. Responses were qualitatively consistent between seasons, despite higher body condition/insulation in winter and dramatic seasonal changes in photoperiod, possibly affecting stress responsiveness. Our study supports the notion that SIH is a general thermoregulatory reaction to acute stressors in endotherms, but also suggests that body size and thermal environment should be taken into account when evaluating this response in birds.
Establishment and phenotyping of neurosphere cultures from primary neuroblastoma samples
Authors: Barton Jack , Pacey Katherine , Jain Neha , Kasia Tessa , Edwards Darren , Thevanesan Christine , Straathof Karin , Barone Giuseppe , Anderson John
Published: June 2019

Background: Primary cell culture using serum free media supplemented with growth factors has been used in a number of cancers to propagate primary cells with stem like properties, which form as spherical cellular aggregates.

Methods: We systematically evaluated the capacity of freshly disaggregated neuroblastoma tumors to become established as neurospheres in stem cell media using a uniform protocol. 67 primary neuroblastoma samples from patients treated at a single institution were prospectively evaluated for their ability to become established in culture. Samples, either solid tissue or cells from surgical transit fluid both post chemotherapy and chemotherapy naïve, were evaluated from diagnostic needle biopsies or surgical resections.

Results: Overall 37 neurosphere cultures were successfully established from 67 samples. In 11 out of 14 cases investigated by flow cytometry, uniform staining for neuroblastoma markers CD56 and GD2 was demonstrated in CD45 negative non-hemopoietic cells, confirming neuroblastoma origin.

Conclusion: We present a simple and reproducible approach for producing primary neurospheres from neuroblastoma samples, which provides a reliable resource for future work including genetic analysis, stem cell research and models for therapeutics.
Prevalence of impaired renal function among rural and urban populations: findings of a cross-sectional study in Malawi
Authors: Nakanga Wisdom P , Prynn Josephine E , Banda Louis , Kalyesubula Robert , Tomlinson Laurie A , Nyirenda Moffat , Crampin Amelia C
Published: June 2019

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa faces region-specific risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as nephrotoxic herbal medicines, antiretroviral therapy and infections, in addition to hypertension and diabetes. However, large epidemiological studies from this area are scarce.

Methods: In a cross-sectional survey of non-communicable diseases, we conducted a prevalence sub-study of CKD in two Malawian populations. Study participants (N=5264) of 18 years of age and above were recruited and data on demographics and CKD risk factors were collected. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) using the CKD-EPI equation.

Results: The prevalence of eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m2 was 1.4% (95% CI 1.1 – 1.7%) and eGFR<90ml/min/1.73m2 was 20.6% (95% CI 19.5 – 21.7%). The rural area had higher age-standardized prevalence of both eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m2, at 1.8% (95% CI 1.4 – 2.3) and eGFR <90 ml/min/1.73m², at 21.1% (95% CI 19.9 – 22.3), than urban location, which had a prevalence of 1.5%, (95% CI 1.0 – 2.2) and 19.4% (95% CI 18.0 – 20.8), respectively, with overlapping confidence intervals. The prevalence of CKD was lower in females than in males in both rural and urban areas. Older age (p < 0.001), a higher level of education (p = 0.03) and hypertension (p < 0.001) were associated with a higher adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of low eGFR. Diabetes was associated with a reduced aOR of eGFR<90ml/min/1.73m2 of 0.69 (95% CI 0.49–0.96; p=0.03). Of participants with eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m2, 14 (19.4%) had no history of hypertension, diabetes or HIV, while 36 (50%) had a single risk factor of being hypertensive.

Conclusions: Impaired renal function is prevalent, but lower than expected, in rural and urban Malawi. Further research is needed to increase understanding of CKD incidence, survival and validation of eGFR calculations in this population.
Preditores sociodemográficos, laborais e psicossociais da Síndrome de Burnout em docentes de educação a distância
Authors: Kruel Goebel Daniele , Carlotto Mary Sandra
Published: June 2019

O presente estudo teve o objetivo de identificar o poder preditivo das variáveis sociodemográficas, laborais e psicossociais (estressores ocupacionais, estressores contextuais e dimensões do tecnoestresse) para as dimensões da Síndrome de Burnout (sb) em docentes de educação a distância (EaD). A amostra do tipo não probabilística constituiu-se de 310 participantes. Os dados foram coletados por meio de plataforma on-line, tendo como instrumentos de pesquisa um questionário de dados sociodemográficos e laborais, o Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo, a escala Avaliação de Estressores Psicossociais no Contexto Laboral, o Questionário de Estressores Ocupacionais EaD e a Escala de Tecnoestresse. Os resultados obtidos, mediante a análise de regressão linear múltipla, identificaram modelos preditores para as dimensões da sb. Na dimensão Ilusão pelo Trabalho, a variável de maior poder explicativo foi o tecnoestresse/ descrença; na dimensão Desgaste Psíquico, foi o conflito trabalho-família; na Indolência, foi o estressor forma como o trabalho é organizado; e, para a dimensão Culpa, a variável foi a sobrecarga de papéis. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de ações interventivas, principalmente na organização do trabalho docente e quanto aos estressores ocupacionais. Adicionalmente, também sugere ações preventivas voltadas para a capacitação técnica, relacional e importância do equilíbrio entre trabalho e vida familiar. Sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados em relação à sb e a seus preditores mediante delineamentos longitudinais com o intuito de avaliar o comportamento e a estabilidade do modelo preditivo. Palavras-chave: burnout, docentes de EaD, psicologia da saúde ocupacional.
Do Institutional Reforms Perpetuate or Mitigate the Matthew Effect? Intellectual Property Rights and Access to International Alliances
Authors: Balachandran Sarath , Hernandez Exequiel
Published: June 2019

Institutional reforms can profoundly alter the competitive positions of firms. Yet, there has been limited research on which firms benefit most from these reforms: are the opportunities that they create seized primarily by the most prominent firms, thus perpetuating a “rich get richer” dynamic, or by previously peripheral firms, thus leveling the playing field? We address this question by exploring how intellectual property rights (IPR) reforms affect access to international alliances, a valuable channel of resources for firms in emerging markets. We find a significant increase in the number of international alliances formed by firms from the reforming countries corresponding precisely with the timing of IPR law improvements. This increase is strongest for firms that were “peripheral” prereform: those that were of low status in the global alliance network and those located outside major cities in the reforming countries. Peripheral firms also benefitted the most from IPR improvements in terms of the quality of their alliance networks, gaining partners of higher status, from technologically stronger countries, and from a wider diversity of countries. Our study suggests that institutions play a role in mitigating the Matthew Effect in global alliance networks.
The importance of a dental treatment plan
Authors: Sharma Priya
Published: June 2019

Priya Sharma considers this all-essential clinical process
Paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures
Authors: Kropelnicki Anna , Ali Adam M , Popat Ravi , Sarraf Khaled M
Published: June 2019

This article gives a practical guide to the management of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in paediatric patients, from initial presentation to definitive treatment. It reviews the optimal management of this common and serious injury based on current evidence including the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) 11 standard.
Inter-operator variability in pPOSSUM scores: a note of caution
Authors: van Boxel Gijsbert I , McLure Stewart , Jones Keaton , Jones Gregory ,   On behalf of The OxSCAR Collaborative
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

Predicting perioperative morbidity and mortality can be achieved by several risk predicting algorithms. In the UK, the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit, mandated for all patients undergoing emergency laparotomy, uses pPOSSUM as its risk prediction tool. However, there is no literature reporting the inter-operator variability in calculating the score. Inter-rater variability was assessed based on 10 real general surgical cases that went on to have an emergency laparotomy.

Methods:

Forty clinicians, 10 each of registrars and consultants in anaesthetics and general surgery, were asked to calculate the pPOSSUM based on the clinical information typically available at the time of making the decision to proceed to emergency laparotomy for the same 10 National Emergency Laparotomy Audit cases. All participants were surveyed to assess their understanding and use of the pPOSSUM score.

Results:

More than 80% of respondents stated that they use pPOSSUM in daily clinical practice. There was variability in the calculated scores between the groups analysed. Two subgroups were evident: one in which the calculated mean pPOSSUM was similar between participants but did not reflect the true value, and the other which was accurate, but demonstrated high inter-rater variability.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to investigate inter-operator variability in pPOSSUM scores. Previous reports on the validity of the tool fail to account for subjective variation. At a time where pPOSSUM has become a routine part of clinical practice, this variability needs to be accounted for and taken into consideration in the decision-making process.
When does the exquisite become excessive in lip augmentation?
Authors: MILLER AMY , DETTERMAN MEAGHAN
Published: June 2019

As part of our #EthicsinAesthetics campaign, we are considering the enhancements we see in this sector and promoting the natural enhancement of patients' features, rather than drastically changing their appearance. In this article, Amy Miller and Meaghan Detterman consider the enhancement of the lips, and ask: when does the exquisite become excessive?

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it is certainly true that there is no single definition of what ‘beauty’ is. Lip enhancement treatments continue to rise in popularity, and much of the time this procedure is able to naturally enhance the patient's own beauty and bring balance to the face. However, in the aesthetics sector, we sometimes see trends towards a ‘false’ appearance emerging, and many practitioners will receive requests from patients who are actively seeking an unnatural or ‘false’ look. This article explores the issue of dealing with a patient who is requesting unnatural augmentation of the lips, and provides some advice on how to deal with this difficult situation.
JCCP: a personal and professional journey
Authors: Senior Amy
Published: June 2019

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has faced opposition from some aesthetic practitioners since its inception. However, the council has changed greatly since that time. In this article, Amy Senior describes her own experience of the council, and how her ideas of it have changed since the beginning
Preventing complications and managing symptoms of CKD
Authors: Rainey Helen
Published: June 2019

A common long-term condition, chronic kidney disease can appear with many different symptoms and may require different management strategies. Helen Rainey outlines what these can be and what practice nurses need to know to help their patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common long-term condition frequently seen in people with diabetes, hypertension and in the elderly population. It rarely causes symptoms in its early stages and practice nurses have a key role in monitoring patients for signs of complications and supporting their treatment. It is important to discuss potential symptoms with patients and encourage lifestyle measures, as well as considering medication to treat them. Close working between primary care and renal services is essential to allow patients with worsening CKD to make timely decisions about their treatment and receive coordinated care closer to home.
Electronic cigarettes: weighing up the evidence
Authors: Cope Graham
Published: June 2019

Electronic cigarettes have been evaluated and assessed as a smoking cessation tool; however, as Graham Cope explains, a more cautious approach may be needed and users should be made aware of the potential harm of these devices

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been evaluated to assess their safety and value as a smoking cessation tool. They were deemed to be a safer alternative to tobacco smoking. The vapour emitted was regarded as harmless and that society's attitudes should change to encourage these devices into everyday use, and therefore the regulations should be relaxed to assist the decline of tobacco smoking. However, a more cautious approach argues that nicotine replacement therapy should be used first, and only after that fails should smoking e-cigarettes, known as vaping, be done at low strength and for a limited period. Users should be made aware that nicotine from e-cigarettes could be harmful and the increasing use of attractive forms of vaping by young people is a worrying trend.
General practice student nurses: let's stop the poaching model
Authors: Heath Shaun
Published: June 2019

As nursing continues to experience shortages across the profession, Shaun Heath explores how the primary care setting can use student nurses on placement to remedy this issue and the added value they can bring to your practice
Divided we stand: reasons for and against strike participation in Amazon's German distribution centres
Authors: Apicella Sabrina , Hildebrandt Helmut
Published: June 2019

Little attention has been devoted to the individual motivations behind strike participation - particularly in minority strikes, such as the labour struggle affecting Amazon's German distribution centres. This study surveyed 223 Amazon employees asking questions relating to strike participation, income, reliance on trade unions, work dissatisfaction, employment status, professional background and demographic background. Our results, based on logistic regression analysis, evidenced that work dissatisfaction, reliance on trade unions, and having temporary or permanent positions predicted decisions vis-à-vis strike participation with 92% accuracy. The union's main goal, improving workers’ income, did not play a major role.
A INFLUÊNCIA DOS MEIOS DE COMUNICAÇÃO EM MASSA NA TEORIA DA DECISÃO: UMA ANÁLISE DO DISCURSO LINGUÍSTICO NO NÍVEL PERLOCUCIONÁRIO
Authors: De Souza Artur Cesar , Santiago Mariana Ribeiro
Published: June 2019

O presente artigo analisa, pelo prisma do discurso linguístico, no nívelperlocucionário, a influência exercida pelos meios de comunicação de massa na teoria da decisão. A escolha do tema se justifica tendo em vista que os meios de comunicação de massa, por meio do seu próprio sistema linguístico, participam ativamente de uma rede de comunicação e de informação, visando não somente comunicar e informar, mas igualmente influir diretamente para a construção de umanova ordem de ideias e de resultados de decisões. O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a influência do nível perlocucionário do discurso linguístico produzido pelos meios de comunicação em massa em relação à teoria da decisão judicial. Para tanto, num primeiro momento, visa-se demonstrar como os meios de comunicação de massa se apropriam do discurso linguístico para fins de manipulação da realidade social, e, na sequência, demonstra-se o efeito do discurso perlocucionário nadelimitação do conteúdo hermenêutico da decisão judicial. O método de abordagem utilizado é o dialético jurídico, acompanhado do método de pesquisa bibliográfico. Em conclusão, entende-se que é preciso neutralizar a ingerência psicológica do discurso midiático, uma vez que a ilegitimidade dessa influência põe em risco o conteúdo hermenêutico da decisão judicial.
DANOS MORAIS ÀS MULHERES NAS RELAÇÕES DE TRABALHO
Authors: Kersten Giselle Meira , Ferreira Marcelo Gitirana Gomes , Alves Paulo Roberto Ramos
Published: June 2019

O ambiente de trabalho é um meio social em que pessoas, cultural, intelectual e socialmente diferentes reúnem-se com objetivo que lhes é comum, o do exercício de atividade laboral. O empregador exerce poder de direção sobre o empregado, assim como fazem seus prepostos e por esta razão muitas vezes ultrapassam limites éticos e morais socialmente aceitos. São várias as formas de assédio moral cometidos no ambiente de trabalho além dos demais danos que podem ocorrer em virtude de acidentes de trabalho e outras práticas cometidas pelos empregadores contra seus empregados. Desde a Constituição Federal de 1988, os danos morais causados podem ser reparados através de indenizações que tem tanto o condão de punir e educar aquele que praticou o dano quanto compensar aquele que sofreu. O método utilizado para a pesquisa foi o indutivo, e como técnicas de pesquisa foi utilizada a revisão bibliográfica e jurisprudencial, através de análise de decisões proferidas pelo TRT da 12ª Região entre janeiro de 2017 e outubro de 2018. As abordagens do estudo foram qualitativas. Verificou-se as razões do ingresso judicial requerendo a reparação dos danos morais sofridos e o entendimento dos tribunais, comparando-se as situações vividas entre homens e mulheres no meio ambiente de trabalho
Assessment and Comparison of Machine Operators’ Working Posture in Forest Thinning
Authors: Landekić Matija , Katuša Stipe , Mijoč David , Šporčić Mario
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose: Due to technological progress and improvement of working processes, significant changes in the field of health protection and safety at work have occurred in the forestry sector. Accordingly, this paper presents the assessment and comparison of the working posture for operators of three different types of forest machines: chainsaw, forwarder and harvester.
Materials and Methods: The analysis was carried out from an ergonomic point of view using ErgoFellow 3.0 software, i.e. two ergonomic methods: Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Field measurements and data collection were carried out during the summer of 2017, when different wood harvesting technologies were applied within the same forest stand. The operators’ body posture was recorded during effective work by a video camera and was taken as a relevant comparison factor of different types of forest machines and three observed operators. From the video recordings, the working body postures were defined in accordance with the snapshot method with the aim of obtaining an equal number of observations for all three operators of forest machines.
Results and Conclusions: The results of the analysis of the working posture for operators of all three types of forest machines show that, in terms of the level and type of their impact on the worker, the work of the chainsaw operator is more demanding and much more risky than that of the harvester or forwarder operators. The comparison of the two risk categorization methods, from the aspect of the working posture, shows that the REBA method has higher risk ratings than the OWAS method for all three types of forest machines. The need to implement preventive measures established in Scandinavian countries and to define the guidelines for future research of the working postures of forest machine operators is presented in the discussion of this paper.
The diurnal variation of bone formation is attenuated in adult patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hygum Katrine , Starup-Linde Jakob , Harsløf Torben , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens Juul , Langdahl Bente L
Published: June 2019

Objective

Bone turnover has a diurnal variation influenced by food intake, incretin hormones, the sympathetic nervous system and osteocyte function. The aim of the study was to compare diurnal variation in bone turnover in patients with diabetes and controls.

Design

A clinical 24-h study with patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 5), patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 5) and controls (n = 5).

Methods

Inclusion criterion: age >50 years. Exclusion criteria: diseases/medication that affect bone metabolism or recent use of incretin-based drugs. We drew blood samples hourly during the day and every 3 h during the night. We served an identical diet on all study days. We used repeated-measures one-way ANOVA to compare the levels of the investigated markers, and we quantified the effect of time by comparing group mean standard deviations.

Results

The bone formation marker procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide showed a significant interaction between time and group (P = 0.01), and the mean standard deviation was lower in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with controls (P = 0.04) and patients with type 1 diabetes (P = 0.02). Other markers of bone formation and resorption showed significant effect of time. Levels of glucagon-like peptide-2, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and sclerostin only showed significant effect of time (all P values 0.01), but levels of sclerostin tended to being highest in type 2 diabetes and lowest in controls.

Conclusions

The diurnal variation in bone formation is attenuated in patients with type 2 diabetes. This is not explained by changes in incretin hormone levels, but possibly mediated by sclerostin.
De Novo Genome Sequence Assembly of Dwarf Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. ‘Catigan Green Dwarf’) Provides Insights into Genomic Variation Between Coconut Types and Related Palm Species
Authors: Lantican Darlon V , Strickler Susan R , Canama Alma O , Gardoce Roanne R , Mueller Lukas A , Galvez Hayde F
Published: June 2019

We report the first whole genome sequence (WGS) assembly and annotation of a dwarf coconut variety, ‘Catigan Green Dwarf’ (CATD). The genome sequence was generated using the PacBio SMRT sequencing platform at 15X coverage of the expected genome size of 2.15 Gbp, which was corrected with assembled 50X Illumina paired-end MiSeq reads of the same genome. The draft genome was improved through Chicago sequencing to generate a scaffold assembly that results in a total genome size of 2.1 Gbp consisting of 7,998 scaffolds with N50 of 570,487 bp. The final assembly covers around 97.6% of the estimated genome size of coconut ‘CATD’ based on homozygous k-mer peak analysis. A total of 34,958 high-confidence gene models were predicted and functionally associated to various economically important traits, such as pest/disease resistance, drought tolerance, coconut oil biosynthesis, and putative transcription factors. The assembled genome was used to infer the evolutionary relationship within the palm family based on genomic variations and synteny of coding gene sequences. Data show that at least three (3) rounds of whole genome duplication occurred and are commonly shared by these members of the Arecaceae family. A total of 7,139 unique SSR markers were designed to be used as a resource in marker-based breeding. In addition, we discovered 58,503 variants in coconut by aligning the Hainan Tall (HAT) WGS reads to the non-repetitive regions of the assembled CATD genome. The gene markers and genome-wide SSR markers established here will facilitate the development of varieties with resilience to climate change, resistance to pests and diseases, and improved oil yield and quality.
Multiple Negative Regulators Restrict Recruitment of the SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeler to the HO Promoter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Parnell Emily J , Stillman David J
Published: June 2019

Activation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HO promoter is highly regulated, requiring the ordered recruitment of activators and coactivators and allowing production of only a few transcripts in mother cells within a short cell cycle window. We conducted genetic screens to identify the negative regulators of HO expression necessary to limit HO transcription. Known repressors of HO (Ash1 and Rpd3) were identified, as well as several additional chromatin-associated factors including the Hda1 histone deacetylase, the Isw2 chromatin remodeler, and the corepressor Tup1. We also identified clusters of HO promoter mutations that suggested roles for the Dot6/Tod6 (PAC site) and Ume6 repression pathways. We used ChIP assays with synchronized cells to validate the involvement of these factors and map the association of Ash1, Dot6, and Ume6 with the HO promoter to a brief window in the cell cycle between binding of the initial activating transcription factor and initiation of transcription. We found that Ash1 and Ume6 each recruit the Rpd3 histone deacetylase to HO, and their effects are additive. In contrast, Rpd3 was not recruited significantly to the PAC site, suggesting this site has a distinct mechanism for repression. Increases in HO expression and SWI/SNF recruitment were all additive upon loss of Ash1, Ume6, and PAC site factors, indicating the convergence of independent pathways for repression. Our results demonstrate that multiple protein complexes are important for limiting the spread of SWI/SNF-mediated nucleosome eviction across the HO promoter, suggesting that regulation requires a delicate balance of activities that promote and repress transcription.
Juego y gamificación: Innovación educativa en una sociedad en continuo cambio
Authors: Gil Quintana Javier , Prieto Jurado Elizabeth
Published: June 2019

En este ensayo hemos pretendido realizar una aproximación al concepto de juego y de gamificación, al ser una propuesta innovadora que se está potencializando en la actualidad en las prácticas educativas que están incorporando experiencias de gamificación en sus aulas. Basándonos en diferentes estudios que a lo largo de la historia han reflexionado acerca del papel de la educación y, partiendo de la corriente pedagógica de la escuela nueva, apoyamos su premisa sobre la importancia del juego en el aprendizaje; confirmamos, también, un gran abanico de ventajas que actualmente tiene gamificación y su integración en el aprendizaje digital, al posibilitar el aumento de la participación estudiantil en la construcción colectiva del conocimiento, la proyección de la interacción en el aula, una mayor motivación hacia el aprendizaje y un carácter más divertido en las experiencias de aula, con el fin de comprometerse en el alcance y el superación de las líneas curriculares marcadas para su edad y nivel correspondiente.
Consumo respetable: publicidades del alcohol en la Provincia de Santa Fe a inicios del siglo XX
Authors: Fernández Sandra , Sedrán Paula
Published: June 2019

En las primeras décadas del siglo xx el consumo de alcohol aumentó y se diversificó en Argentina. Esto se dio en el marco de la lectura condenatoria que hizo de él el Estado y del avance del discurso publicitario en la configuración de usos y consumos sociales. Los periódicos y revistas ilustradas en la provincia de Santa Fe fueron protagonistas de este proceso. En ellos se trataron tópicos como el alcoholismo y la violencia, a la vez que crecía la promoción de bebidas alcohólicas para uso familiar, recreativo y terapéutico. El presente trabajo analiza dichas publicidades, pues permiten acercarse a los hábitos de consumo de alcohol, así como a las representaciones de las formas aceptadas socialmente del mismo. Este material constituye una puerta de entrada para analizar la reconfiguración de los sentidos de los usos sociales de la ingesta de alcohol, en un periodo en que el consumo respetable fue visibilizado en la esfera pública y legitimado como práctica social.
Óscar Armando Perdomo Ceballos. Las Señoras de los Indios: El papel de la división social del trabajo a partir del parentesco en el desarrollo de la encomienda en Tierra Firme, 1510-1630.
Authors: Quiroga Marcela
Published: June 2019

Las Señoras de los Indios tiene como objetivo examinar el rol de las mujeres encomenderas y de las relaciones de parentesco españolas, en el desarrollo y funcionamiento de dicha institución dentro del espacio territorial denominado Tierra Firme, el cual para el periodo tratado cubre las Gobernaciones de Cartagena y Santa Marta y la Audiencia de Panamá. De ahí que el principal aportede este libro sea pensar la encomienda durante los siglos xvi y xvii desde una perspectiva novedosa y con pocos antecedentes historiográficos, por lo menos en el contexto colombiano. Para iniciar el comentario de este libro es necesario mencionar dos elementos que orientan su desarrollo.
Mario Aguilera, coord. Tomas y ataques guerrilleros (1965-2013).
Authors: Karl Robert A.
Published: June 2019

Esta es la publicación 85 del Centro Nacional de Memoria Histórica (cnmh), una de las primeras finalizadas después de la firma del acuerdo entre las farc y el gobierno a finales de 2016. El informe está categorizado en la línea de “modalidades de violencia” del cnmh. Las tres partes del informe abordan la historia y las memorias de los ataques insurgentes a diferentes centros poblados y el posible futuro de dichos ataques en el ámbito jurídico. Así mismo, el informe señala indirectamente algunas limitaciones conceptuales y preguntas metodológicas aplicables a la historiografía sobre la violencia y la paz en Colombia. Desde ambos ángulos es un libro estimulante.
Las esferas del gobierno abierto. Una aproximación desde la teoría de la democracia
Authors: González-Moreno Ángela Patricia
Published: June 2019

El modelo de gobierno abierto se ha adoptado en la mayoría de los países americanos, fortaleciéndose como una tendencia de la administración pública en la comunidad internacional. Al ser un tema que cobra importancia, porque implica un cambio en la relación del Estado y la sociedad, se ve la necesidad de comprenderlo a partir de una aproximación teórica de sus antecedentes, desde la teoría de la democracia; para así aportar a la apropiación del término y entender su implementación en los países que lo adoptan, ya que cada vez tiene más fuerza a través de tratados y convenios con entidades internacionales que lo incorporan y promueven para fortalecer la democracia y las capacidades del Estado.
Enseñanza de la salud pública en la formación del pregrado de enfermería en una universidad colombiana
Authors: Rodríguez-Gallo Erika Bibiana , Parra-Vargas Myriam
Published: June 2019

Introducción. Múltiples desafíos políticos y sociales han originado la necesidad de incorporar la salud pública en la formación del pregrado de enfermería.Objetivo. Identificar los contenidos y las estrategias didácticas utilizadas para la enseñanza de la salud pública en la formación del pregrado de enfermería en una universidad en Colombia.Materiales y métodos. Estudio cualitativo hermenéutico. Los sujetos de investigación fueron docentes de enfermería que enseñaron salud pública y estudiantes de enfermería que cursaron asignaturas de esta misma área. Para la recolección de la información se utilizaron dos guías de entrevista semiestructurada, una para docentes y otra para estudiantes.Resultados. Los contenidos de la enseñanza fueron: generalidades conceptuales, epidemiología y políticas, planes, programas y proyectos en salud pública; se enseñaron las teorías de enfermería de Florence Nightingale, Dorothea Orem y Madeleine Leininger. La principal estrategia didáctica utilizada fue la clase magistral, aunque existe diferencia entre la percepción de docentes y estudiantes.Conclusiones. Los contenidos enseñados en salud pública corresponden con los referenciados en los estudios de investigación previos; no obstante, existen diferentes percepciones entre los docentes y estudiantes frente a las estrategias didácticas utilizadas para la enseñanza de la salud pública.