bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate of Nitrate and Bromide in an Unsaturated Zone of a Sandy Soil under Citrus Production
Authors: Paramasivam S. , Alva A. K. , Fares A. , Sajwan K. S.
Published: October 2017

Understanding water and nutrient transport through the soil profile is important for efficient irrigation and nutrient management to minimize excess nutrient leaching below the rootzone. We applied four rates of N (28, 56, 84, and 112 kg N ha−1; equivalent to one‐fourth of annual N rates being evaluated in this study for bearing citrus trees), and 80 kg Br− ha−1 to a sandy Entisol with >25‐yr‐old citrus trees to (i) determine the temporal changes in NO3–N and Br− distribution down the soil profile (2.4 m), and (ii) evaluate the measured concentrations of NO3–N and Br− at various depths with those predicted by the Leaching Estimation and Chemistry Model (LEACHM). Nitrate N and Br− concentrations approached the background levels by 42 and 214 d, respectively. Model‐predicted volumetric water content and concentrations of NO3–N and Br− at various depths within the entire soil profile were very close to measured values. The LEACHM data showed that 21 to 36% of applied fertilizer N leached below the root zone, while tree uptake accounted for 40 to 53%. Results of this study enhance our understanding of N dynamics in these sandy soils, and provide better evaluation of N and irrigation management to improve uptake efficiency, reduce N losses, and minimize the risk of ground water nitrate contamination from soils highly vulnerable to nutrient leaching.
Microcosm Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment with Different Hydraulic Loading Rates and Macrophytes
Authors: Jing Shuh‐Ren , Lin Ying‐Feng , Wang Tze‐Wen , Lee Der‐Yuan
Published: October 2017

Constructed wetlands (CW) usually require large land areas for treating wastewater. This study evaluated the feasibility of applying CW with less land requirement by operating a group of microcosm wetlands at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of less than 4 d in southern Taiwan. An artificial wastewater, simulating municipal wastewater containing 200 mg L−1 of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 20 mg L−1 of NH+4–N (AN), and 20 mg L−1 of PO3−4–P (OP), was the inflow source. Three emergent plants [reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.; water primrose, Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven; and dayflower, Commelina communis L.] and two floating plants [water spinach, Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.; and water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes L.] plants were tested. The planted systems showed more nutrient removal than unplanted systems; however, the type of macrophytes in CW did not make a major difference in treatment. At the HRTs of 2 to 4 d, the planted system maintained greater than 72, 80, and 46% removal for COD, AN, and OP, respectively. For AN and OP removal, the highest efficiencies occurred at the HRT of 3 d, whereas maximum removal rates for AN and OP occurred at the HRT of 2 d. Both removal rates and efficiencies were reduced drastically at the HRT of 1 d. Removals of COD, OP, and AN followed first‐order reactions within the HRTs of 1 to 4 d. The efficient removals of these constituents obtained with HRT between 2 and 4 d indicated the possibility of using a CW system for waste‐water treatment with less land requirement.
A Time‐Saving Method for Higher Plant Tests in Hydroculture
Authors: Andersohn Cornelia , Fuchs Maike , Seyed‐Mansouri Regina , Fleischmann Susanne , Wilke Berndt‐Michael
Published: October 2017

For higher plant tests in hydroculture we developed a method to unify the usually separately performed germination and growth testing. This method renders unnecessary the time‐consuming and laborious installation of the germinated plants into the growth system.
Development of the integrated quality management model for increasing the strategic performance of enterprises in the automotive industry
Authors: Štofova Lenka , Szaryszova Petra , Vilamova Šarka
Published: October 2017

Objective pressures to create increasingly complex grouping of supply chain partners have next to their base priority of maintaining competitiveness and possible pitfalls. They are shown by the need to cope with a number of external risks that by participation in the chain inevitably penetrate to the enterprise and at the same time there is a duty to protect the partners from the negative effects of its own risks, as well as the enterprise itself, which threaten the common activities of the supply chain. In a review of the knowledge of the current state of the art we present models and progressive methodological approaches to integrated management and assessment of business performance. The results of our own research are presented, including verification of scientific hypotheses being explored importance of the automotive industry in Slovakia, both for production in the national economy, creation of employment and value added, as well as the effects on import or innovation. It is also defined in terms of international standards. Presented are the results of the empirical effects of the automotive industry in the total production, employment and value added in the national economy. We also deal prospects of development of the automotive industry in Slovakia, both in relation to the competitiveness of the industry itself, as well as in relation to the new industrial policy of Slovakia – Industry 4.0. Supporting part of the paper presents an application of multi-criteria methods for assessing the effectiveness of the research sample based on the DEA modelling, leading to the draft of assessment model of integrated quality management system on the principle of assessing the performance of the enterprise (BSC) and the draft of recommendations for business practice.
A comparative model analysis of managerial competence of business school educated managers
Authors: Shaikh Ahmed , Bisschoff Christo , Botha Christoff
Published: October 2017

This article compares an existing model to measure competence of managers educated within the business school environment to a similar model at another business school setting. The existing management model initially developed by Thekiso’s is evaluated to determine if the model can be operationalised, hence can be regarded as valid, to apply to another business school’s educated manager sample to measure their managerial competence. Resultantly, Thekiso’s original model was applied to another similar sample at another business school educated manager population in KwaZulu-Natal. These respondents also studied towards a Master of Business Administration degree but their specific cultural, language and business school variables differed. The objective was then to validate the Thekiso model in different application settings. The results showed that the data were suitable to use to determine if the existing model can be used as it is to measure managerial competence. Also, the results indicated that Thekiso’s existing model is not generic and cannot be operationalised as it is school-specific. The anbalysis showed that the measuring criteria developed by Thekiso are relevant but the specific factors identified differ in nature and number, hence altering the core of the measuring model itself. As a result, the article formulates an alternative model for use in KwaZulu-Natal to measure skills for managerial competence in the province. This research is of value to management, academia and researchers because it renders an alternative model to measure managerial competence whilst also warning against operationalization of any of the two models without further validation.
INTERVENÇÃO DO ESTADO E EDUCAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL NA “DEUSA DOS CEREIAIS”: DA COLÔNIA AGRÍCOLA AO INSTITUTO FEDERAL GOIANO CAMPUS CERES
Authors: Carvalho Marco Antonio , Gonçales Claudecir , Da Silva Santiago Léia Adriana , Costa Haslley Jesus da
Published: October 2017

Pretende-se refletir sobre o papel do Estado nas questões inerentes às políticas públicas de formação profissional na região denominada Vale de São Patrício, Goiás, no contexto das diversas fases do processo de incorporação, expulsão e reincorporação de trabalhadores rurais, permeado por questões agrárias na mesorregião do Centro Goiano. Busca-se reconstruir fragmentos da história da educação profissional na área de abrangência do Instituto Federal Goiano Campus Ceres, que desde o processo de colonização e de reforma agrária, com a criação da Colônia Agrícola Nacional de Goiás – CANG, na década de 1940, evidenciava a vocação agrícola da “Deusa dos Cereais” - Ceres. Discute-se o papel do Estado na implantação de políticas de desenvolvimento regional, colonização agrícola e reforma agrária e correlacionam-se tais questões com o processo de criação do Instituto Federal em foco, possibilitando uma interface com as questões da educação profissional na região, inferência feita, igualmente, de forma histórica. Nessa perspectiva, por meio de uma investigação documental e bibliográfica em busca de fragmentos históricos que dessem sustentação à correlação pretendida, foi possível observar que em diversos momentos da comunidade sampatriciense, particularmente a ceresina, as preocupações com a educação e profissionalização de jovens estiveram presentes. As políticas públicas de Estado na região do Vale de São Patrício, historicamente estiveram correlacionadas. Na questão agrária, historicamente os discursos da inclusão e equidade estiveram presentes, mas têm apresentado resultados inversos aos preconizados, particularmente quanto à concentração de renda e riquezas e à consequente exclusão. No que se refere ao ensino técnico profissional, ele igualmente acompanha o movimento de expansão do capital sob a égide das políticas de Estado, mudando seu foco e prioridades em conformidade com as diretrizes de desenvolvimento econômico.
Fitossociologia comparada da comunidade herbáceo-subarbustiva de restinga em duas geoformações de dunas na planície costeira de Santa Catarina
Authors: De Melo Júnior João Carlos Ferreira , Ferrari Alessa , Gern Alessandra Fehrmann , Daniel Aline , Da Maia Ana Carolina , Hartelt Bruna Tays , Possamai Bruna Tereza , Vanzuita Cristina Aparecida , Dumke Danielle , Da Silva Danielle , Garcia Ramos Tussolini Emanoelle , Hafemann Fernando , Rodrigues da Silva Geovani , De Oliveira Gustavo Borba , Jantsch Gustavo , Batista Jenifer Macalossi , Ferreira Jessica , Cruzzeta Karin Maiara , Rodrigues Vaz Teixeira Luísa Regis , Burmester Luis Paulo , Dos Santos Michele Cristina , Sabino Pamela Cristiane , Valdez Rafael Eduardo , Jasper Regina Beltrame , Pinto Rogério Ferreira , De Oliveira Samara , Seifert-Neto Victor Rolf
Published: October 2017

Dunas são geoformações arenosas produzidas exclusivamente pela ação eólica que se dispõem a partir da região pós-praia. Sobre as dunas desenvolvem-se comunidades vegetais de restinga tipicamente herbáceo-subarbustivas condicionadas pelos fatores ambientais limitantes que influenciam sua organização sociológica. O presente estudo objetivou identificar, por meio do levantamento fitossociológico, possíveis diferenças estruturais entre comunidades instaladas em dois tipos de dunas (frontais e parabólicas). Foi alocado um total de 250 unidades amostrais para caracterização dos parâmetros de cobertura e frequência, absolutas e relativas, e valor de importância das espécies amostradas, além de índices de diversidade e similaridade. Foram levantadas 39 espécies, distribuídas em 37 gêneros e 23 famílias, sendo a maior diversidade observada nas dunas parabólicas e a maior dominância nas dunas frontais, além de certa coocorrência de espécies. As famílias mais ricas em espécies foram Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae e Cyperaceae. Os resultados obtidos sinalizam que a organização sociológica das comunidades herbáceo-subarbustivas de restinga sobre dunas frontais e parabólicas difere entre si em diversidade, composição e dominância de espécies, as quais devem ser fortemente influenciadas pelas condições ambientais, principalmente pelo vento, que atuam em diferentes níveis sobre essas comunidades. Tais informações podem contribuir com ações de conservação ambiental e da biodiversidade da restinga ante a elevada pressão antrópica na costa catarinense.
Desempenho de agricultores familiares na comercialização de produtos orgânicos e agroecológicos no estado do Pará
Authors: Santos Daniel Silva do Carmo , Santos Raissa Rafaella Silva dos , Botelho Maria Izabel Vieira , Lopes Alessandra Lomelino Campos , Santos Marco Aurélio Oliveira , Braga Gustavo Bastos
Published: October 2017

Objetivou-se analisar o desempenho e as estratégias de comercialização de agricultores orgânicos e/ou agroecológicos do estado do Pará. Foram feitas visitas às feiras de produtos orgânicos e/ou agroecológicos da região metropolitana de Belém, com aplicação de questionário a 28 agricultores familiares. Utilizaram-se estatística descritiva, testes t de Student e não paramétrico de Friedman, por meio do software Public Social Private Partnership (PSPP). Constatou-se que 68% dos agricultores se sentem satisfeitos e 32% muito satisfeitos com a atividade e comercialização; a logística do campo até as feiras é a principal dificuldade encontrada. Para a expansão de cadeias curtas de agricultura de base ecológica são necessários mais apoios institucionais e intervenções governamentais, a fim de estimular essas diversas tendências.
Biodegradable Black Phosphorus-based Nanomaterials in Biomedicine: Theranostic Applications
Authors: Wang Zhen , Liu Zhiming , Su Chengkang , Yang Biwen , Fei Xixi , Li Yi , Hou Yuqing , Zhao Henan , Guo Yanxian , Zhuang Zhengfei , Zhong Huiqing , Guo Zhouyi
Published: October 2017

Ascribe to the unique two-dimensional planar nanostructure with exceptional
physical and chemical properties, black phosphorous (BP) as the emerging inorganic twodimensional
nanomaterial with high biocompatibility and degradability has been becoming
one of the most promising materials of great potentials in biomedicine. The exfoliated
BP sheets possess ultra-high surface area available for valid bio-conjugation and molecular
loading for chemotherapy. Utilizing the intrinsic near-infrared optical absorbance, BPbased
photothermal therapy in vivo, photodynamic therapy and biomedical imaging has
been realized, achieving unprecedented anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy in animal experiments.
Additionally, the BP nanosheets can strongly react with oxygen and water, and finally
degrade to non-toxic phosphate and phosphonate in the aqueous solution. This
manuscript aimed to summarize the preliminary progresses on theranostic application of
BP and its derivatives black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs), and discussed the prospects
and the state-of-art unsolved critical issues of using BP-based material for theranostic
applications.
Biodegradable Polyurethanes Cross-Linked by Multifunctional Compounds
Authors: Brzeska Joanna
Published: October 2017

Background: Cross-linking structure of polyurethanes determines no degradability of these materials.
However, introducing the hydrolysable substrates (of natural or synthetic origin) into the cross-linked
polyurethanes structure makes them biodegradable. Moreover compounds (such as polycaprolactone triol,
glycerin, lysine triisocyanate, etc.) that are used for polyurethane cross-linking are degraded in non-toxic products.
All these kinds of compounds can be introduced into soft or hard segments via urethane bonds.

Objective: The review focuses on kind of multifunctional polyols and isocyanates, and low molecular crosslinkers
used for cross-linked polyurethanes obtaining. These compounds are natural substrates (in the native
state or after modification) or are synthetic compounds with degradable linkages. They belong to polyesters,
plant oils, proteins, saccharides, and others (e.g. lignocellulosic materials), and they are synthesized chemically
or via biosynthesis by algae, plants, microorganisms, and by animals.

Conclusion: Incorporation of degradable groups (such as ester moieties) into the polymer structure, and using
of substrates with the structure known and metabolized by microorganisms for soft or hard segments building,
facilitate degradation of cross-linked polyurethanes.
Ascomicetes (Fungi: Ascomycota) del Parque Estatal Agua Blanca, Macuspana, Tabasco, México
Authors: Ávalos Lázaro Abisag Antonieta , Rosique Gil José Edmundo , Cappello García Silvia , Villarruel Ordaz José Luis
Published: October 2017

Antecedentes y Objetivos: La diversidad de los ascomicetos macroscópicos que se conoce actualmente en el Parque Estatal Agua Blanca, Tabasco, es el resultado de varias investigaciones previas sobre todos los macromicetos a nivel estatal. Como no existe un estudio específico sobre los ascomicetos del parque antes mencionado, en este trabajo se reunieron los registros anteriores con los resultados de nuevas exploraciones de este proyecto.Métodos: El Parque Estatal Agua Blanca se ubica en la región Oeste y Noreste del estado de Tabasco, México. Se realizaron 28 recorridos entre diciembre del 2011 y julio del 2015. El material recolectado se depositó en el herbario UJAT para su preservación e identificación. La identificación de las muestras se realizó siguiendo las técnicas convencionales de micología.Resultados clave: Se revisaron 129 especímenes, los cuales permitieron la determinación de 22 especies pertenecientes a dos clases, tres órdenes, cinco familias y ocho géneros. Los géneros Scutellinia y Rosellinia se reportan por primera vez para el estado. El género Xylaria es el más diverso con 10 especies, mientras que los géneros Ophiocordyceps, Scutellinia, Hypoxylon y Rosellinia son los menos diversos con una especie cada uno.Conclusiones: De las 22 especies determinadas, 12(55%) fueron nuevas citas para Tabasco y 18(82%) lo son para la zona de estudio, mientras que 10(45%) ya se habían encontrado previamente en Tabasco y 4(18%) en el parque. Finalmente, este estudio muestra un mayor número de especies evaluadas en comparación con lo reportado en trabajos previos.
THE CONSTRUCT and CONCEPT OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION; TEACHER’S LENS
Authors: Patro Sushmita
Published: October 2017

Although there is widespread support for inclusion at a philosophical level, there are some concerns that the policy of inclusion is difficult to implement because teachers are not sufficiently well prepared and supported to work in inclusive ways. Inclusion requires teachers to accept the responsibility for creating schools in which all children can learn and feel they belong. In this task, teachers are crucial because of the central role they play in promoting participation and reducing underachievement, particularly with children who might be perceived as having difficulties in learning. The paper throws light on the definition of inclusion, rationale and rights, need for a systematic approach for identifying excluded groups, Key elements in the shift towards inclusion – Resource and Recourse as well as the lens for inclusion.
A Novel Intelligent Two-Way Communication System for Remote Heart Failure Medication Uptitration (the CardioCoach Study): Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Smeets Christophe JP , Storms Valerie , Vandervoort Pieter M , Dreesen Pauline , Vranken Julie , Houbrechts Marita , Goris Hanne , Grieten Lars , Dendale Paul
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the treatment of heart failure (HF) prescribe uptitration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and β-blockers to the maximum-tolerated, evidence-based dose. Although HF prognosis can drastically improve when correctly implementing these guidelines, studies have shown that they are insufficiently implemented in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to verify whether supplementing the usual care with the CardioCoach follow-up tool is feasible and safe, and whether the tool is more efficient in implementing the guideline recommendations for β-blocker and ACE-I.

METHODS

A total of 25 HF patients were randomly assigned to either the usual care control group (n=10) or CardioCoach intervention group (n=15), and observed for 6 months. The CardioCoach follow-up tool is a two-way communication platform with decision support algorithms for semiautomatic remote medication uptitration. Remote monitoring sensors automatically transmit patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and weight on a daily basis.

RESULTS

Patients’ satisfaction and adherence for medication intake (10,018/10,825, 92.55%) and vital sign measurements (4504/4758, 94.66%) were excellent. However, the number of technical issues that arose was large, with 831 phone contacts (median 41, IQR 32-65) in total. The semiautomatic remote uptitration was safe, as there were no adverse events and no false positive uptitration proposals. Although no significant differences were found between both groups, a higher number of patients were on guideline-recommended medication dose in both groups compared with previous reports.

CONCLUSIONS

The CardioCoach follow-up tool for remote uptitration is feasible and safe and was found to be efficient in facilitating information exchange between care providers, with high patient satisfaction and adherence.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03294811; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03294811 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xLiWVsgM)
The Impact of a Small Private Online Course as a New Approach to Teaching Oncology: Development and Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Vaysse Charlotte , Chantalat Elodie , Beyne-Rauzy Odile , Morineau Louise , Despas Fabien , Bachaud Jean-Marc , Caunes Nathalie , Poublanc Muriel , Serrano Elie , Bugat Roland , Rougé Bugat Marie-Eve , Fize Anne-Laure
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Oncology involves complex care and multidisciplinary management of patients; however, misinformation and ineffective communication remain problematic.

OBJECTIVE

The educational objective of our study was to develop a new teaching method to improve cancer treatment and management by emphasizing the link between hospitals (inpatients) and their surrounding communities (outpatients).

METHODS

A team of 22 professionals from public and private institutions developed a small private online course (SPOC). Each offering of the course lasted 6 weeks and covered 6 topics: individual health care plans, cancer surgery, ionizing radiation, cancer medicines, clinical research, and oncological supportive care. For participants in the course, we targeted people working in the cancer field. The SPOC used an active teaching method with collaborative and multidisciplinary learning. A final examination was offered in each session. We evaluated participants’ satisfaction rate through a questionnaire and the success of the SPOC by participants’ completion, success, and commitment rates.

RESULTS

Of the total participants (N=1574), 446 completed the evaluation form. Most participants were aged 31 to 45 years. Participants included 56 nurses, 131 pharmacists, 80 from the medical field (including 26 physicians), 53 from patients’ associations, 28 health teachers, and 13 students (medical and paramedical). Among the participants, 24.7% (90/446) had an independent medical practice, 38.5% (140/446) worked in a public institution, and 36.8% (134/446) worked in a private institution. After completing the SPOC sessions, 85.9% (384/446) thought they had learned new information, 90.8% (405/446) felt their expectations were met, and 90.4% (403/446) considered that the information had a positive impact on their professional practice. The completion rate was 35.51% (559/1574), the success rate was 71.47% (1025/1574), and the commitment rate was 64.67% (1018/1574). Concerning the cost effectiveness of SPOC compared with a traditional classroom of 25 students, online education became more effective when there were more than 950 participants.

CONCLUSIONS

SPOCs improved the management of oncology patients. This new digital learning technique is an attractive concept to integrate into teaching practice. It offered optimal propagation of information and met the students’ expectations.
Digital Inequalities in the Use of Self-Tracking Diet and Fitness Apps: Interview Study on the Influence of Social, Economic, and Cultural Factors (Preprint)
Authors: Régnier Faustine , Chauvel Louis
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Digital devices are driving economic and social transformations, but assessing the uses, perceptions, and impact of these new technologies on diet and physical activity remains a major societal challenge.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine under which social, economic, and cultural conditions individuals in France were more likely to be actively invested in the use of self-tracking diet and fitness apps for better health behaviors.

METHODS

Existing users of 3 diet and fitness self-tracking apps (Weight Watchers, MyFitnessPal, and sport apps) were recruited from 3 regions of France. We interviewed 79 individuals (Weight Watchers, n=37; MyFitnessPal, n=20; sport apps, n=22). In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with each participant, using open-ended questions about their use of diet and fitness apps. A triangulation of methods (content, textual, and quantitative analyses) was performed.

RESULTS

We found 3 clusters of interviewees who differed by social background and curative goal linked to use under constraint versus preventive goal linked to chosen use, and intensity of their self-quantification efforts and participation in social networks. Interviewees used the apps for a diversity of uses, including measurement, tracking, quantification, and participation in digital communities. A digital divide was highlighted, comprising a major social gap. Social conditions for appropriation of self-tracking devices included sociodemographic factors, life course stages, and cross-cutting factors of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals from affluent or intermediate social milieus were most likely to use the apps and to participate in the associated online social networks. These interviewees also demonstrated a preventive approach to a healthy lifestyle. Individuals from lower milieus were more reluctant to use digital devices relating to diet and physical activity or to participate in self-quantification. The results of the study have major implications for public health: the digital self-quantification device is intrinsically less important than the way the individual uses it, in terms of adoption of successful health behaviors.
Disparity between Nephrologists’ Opinions and Contemporary Practices for Community Follow-Up after AKI Hospitalization
Authors: Karsanji Divya J. , Pannu Neesh , Manns Braden J. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Tan Zhi , Jindal Kailash , Scott-Douglas Nairne , James Matthew T.
Published: October 2017

Background and objectives

Recent guidelines suggest that patients should be evaluated after AKI for resolution versus progression of CKD. There is uncertainty as to the role of nephrologists in this process. The objective of this study was to compare the follow-up recommendations from nephrologists with contemporary processes of care for varying scenarios of patients hospitalized with AKI.

Design, setting participants, & measurements

We surveyed Canadian nephrologists using a series of clinical vignettes of patients hospitalized with severe AKI and asked them to rank their likelihood of recommending follow-up for each patient after hospital discharge. We compared these responses with administrative health data on rates of community follow-up with nephrologists for patients hospitalized with AKI in Alberta, Canada between 2005 and 2014.

Results

One hundred forty-five nephrologists participated in the survey (46% of the physician membership of the Canadian Society of Nephrology). Nephrologists surveyed indicated that they would definitely or probably re-evaluate patients in 87% of the scenarios provided, with a higher likelihood of follow-up for patients with a history of preexisting CKD (89%), heart failure (92%), receipt of acute dialysis (91%), and less complete recovery of kidney function (98%). In contrast, only 24% of patients with similar characteristics were seen by a nephrologist in Alberta within 1 year after a hospitalization with AKI, with a trend toward lower rates of follow-up over more recent years of the study. Follow-up with a nephrologist was significantly less common among patients over the age of 80 years old (20%) and more common among patients with preexisting CKD (43%) or a nephrology consultation before or during AKI hospitalization (78% and 41%, respectively).

Conclusions

There is a substantial disparity between the opinions of nephrologists and actual processes of care for nephrology evaluation of patients after hospitalization with severe AKI.
DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF ORODISPERSIBLE TABLETS OF CARVEDILOL BY COMBINATION OF SUPER-DISINTEGRANTS ADDITION AND SUBLIMATION TECHNIQUES
Authors: P. Vijayanand , P. Sridevi , M. Bhagavan Raju
Published: October 2017

Objective: Objective of the present research work was to prepare orodispersible tablets of carvedilol (CDL) for dysphagic patients.Methods: Carvedilol, an anti-hypertensive drug, was chosen as a model drug in this study. Orodispersible tablets of carvedilol were prepared using different super-disintegrating agents such as crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium and sodium starch glycolate at different concentrations. The best formulation was selected based on disintegration and dissolution profile that was further taken for sublimation studies using camphor, menthol and thymol. Drug-excipients interaction studies were carried out by fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrophotometer with pure drug sample and optimized formulation.Results: The orodispersible tablet formulation having 4% croscarmellose sodium disintegrated in 92 sec. Hence this formulation was considered best formulation and taken further for sublimation studies. A formulation containing 10% w/w of menthol showed disintegration time of 16 sec with more than 96.64% drug release within 15 min. Menthol leaves the porous structure as it sublimates from the tablet. This might have contributed to the decrease in disintegration time. Hence, this formulation was considered optimized.Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that orodispersible tablets of carvedilol may prove to be more efficacious in the treatment of hypertension particularly in dysphagic patients.
Applicability of zeolites in potassium and nitrate retention in different soil types
Authors: Pavlovic Jelena , Krogstad Tore , Rajic Nevenka
Published: October 2017

Environmental protection and sustainable agricultural production require the use of inexpensive and environmentally acceptable soil supplements. Objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of the addition of the natural zeolite ? clinoptilolite (NZ) and its iron(III)-modified form (FeZ) on the potassium and nitrate leaching from sandy, silty loam and silty clay soils. The zeolites were added in two amounts: 0.5 (FeZ) and 1.0 wt. % (NZ and FeZ). The experiments were carried out in columns organized in eight experimental systems containing unamended (control specimens) and amended soils. The concentration of K+ and NO3?N in the leachates was monitored during 7 days. The obtained results indicate that the K+ and NO3?N leaching mainly depends on the soil type and pH of the soil. The NZ and FeZ addition has the highest impact on the K+ retention in the acidic sandy soil. The highest NO3?N retention is obtained with FeZ in acidic silty loam soil. The K+ leaching kinetics for all the studied soils follow the Avrami kinetics model with the parameter n < 1. This study demonstrates that NZ and FeZ can be a good soil supplement for the K+ retention for all studied soils and in the NO3?N retention for silty loam and silty clay soils.
Official regulations and perceptual aspects of bell ringing
Authors: Kovacic Mojca
Published: October 2017

Through the analytical approach of studying official and perception-related
discourse on bell ringing I accentuate the complexity of aspects that the
sound of church bell presents in contemporary society. I point out the
misleading officially defined level of noise nuisance and reveal how, when
and why bell ringing is perceived as a positive or negative part of the
acoustic environment. The study argues for a holistic approach to the noise
nuisance issues, still much underestimated in the official discourse, that
co-create our everyday soundscape.
Acoustic vessels as an expression of medieval music tradition in Serbian sacred architecture
Authors: Djordjevic Zorana , Penezic Kristina , Dimitrijevic Stefan
Published: October 2017

Archaeoacoustics is a multidisciplinary field of research focused on the
history of the relatedness of the field of sound and architecture. The
architectural history of Europe, from Antiquity to the modern period, is
abundant in the findings of vessels, which are considered to have an acoustic
purpose. This paper addresses these acoustic vessels embedded in the massive
walls of sacred architecture in medieval Serbia (15 churches). We considered
the wide context of current archaeoacoustic research, in order to argue that
this practice can be regarded as an expression of a certain medieval musical
tradition.
Shear bond strength to sound and caries-affected dentin of sim-plified “etch-and-rinse” and “self-etch” adhesives and the hybrid layer micromorphology
Authors: Drobac Milan , Stojanac Igor , Ramic Bojana , Premovic Milica , Petrovic Ljubomir
Published: October 2017

Background/Aim. After removal of caries-infected dentin, a considerable area of the cavity floor comprising caries- affected dentin. Bonding to caries-affected dentin is characterized by lower bound strength and inferior hybrid layer guality compared to bonding to sound dentin. The purpose of study was to compare shear bond strength (SBS) of currently available adhesive systems to sound dentin (SD) and caries-affected dentin (CAD) and elucidate the hybrid layer micromorphology. Methods. Sixty extracted human molars with coronal carious lesions formed the experimental sample while additional sixty extracted intact human molars (impacted third molars) served as controls. Identification of a carious-affected dentin was carried out using visual identification (North Carolina Dentin Sclerosis Scale). Teeth from both the experimental and the control sample were allocated to one of the following three groups: Adper Single Bond Plus/Filtek Supreme XT (ASB/FS) (3M ESPE), AdheSE One/Tetric EvoCeram (AO/TEC) (IvoclarVivadent), and Prime&Bond NT/CeramX Mono (PB/CXM) (Dentsply). Bonding procedures utilized in this work were in line with the manufacturers? instructions. The SBS was measured using a universal testing apparatus. Hybrid layer micromorphology was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mean SBS values (MPa), and hybrid layer thickness (in ?m) were statistically analyzed using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, ANOVA, and Holm?s test. Results. Mean SBS ? standard deviation were: ASB/FS to SD = 10.56 ? 3.49; ASB/FS to CAD = 10.06 ? 2.55; AO/TEC to SD = 7.01 ? 2.05; AO/TEC to CAD = 6.73 ? 1.66; PB/CXM to SD = 9.01 ? 2.47; PB/CXM to CAD = 7.83 ? 1.42. A statistically significant difference was found between the bonding strength of ASB/FS and AO/TEC to both SD and CAD, and between ASB/FS and PB/CXM to CAD. Hybrid layer thickness was statistically significantly greater for ASB/FS than for PB/CXM. For the ASB/FS system, a statistically significantly thicker hybrid layer was formed on CAD than on SD. No hybrid layer could be observed for AO/TEC. Conclusion. All tested compsite systems bond equally well on sound and caries-affected dentin. The etch-and-rinse adhesives achieved stronger bond strengths. The Adper single Bond Plus-Filtek Supreme XT system formed a statistically significantly thicker hybrid layer on both type 1 of dentin than the Primu 8 Bond NT-CeramX Mono system.
Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics to patients with acute bronchitis
Authors: Petrovic Marijana , Antonic Roland , Bagi Bojan , Ilic Irena , Kocovic Aleksandar , Milosavljevic Milos , Nedovic Nikola , Pejcic Ana , Vapljanin Minela , Sabanovic Admir , Jankovic Slobodan
Published: October 2017

Background/Aim. Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics to the patients with acute bronchitis is frequent event in clinical practice with potentially serious consequences, although majority of treatment guidelines do not recommend it. The aim of this study was to reveal risk factors associated with inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics to the patients with acute bronchitis in primary healthcare. Methods. This case/control study included the adult patients with acute bronchitis during the initial encounter with a general practitioner. Prescription of an antibiotic was an event that defined the case, and patients without prescribed antibiotic served as controls. Results. Antibiotics (mostly macrolides and beta-lactams) were prescribed to the majority of patients with diagnosis of acute bronchitis (78.5%). A significant association was found between antibiotic prescription rates and patient age, whether an attending physician is a specialist or not and the average number of patients a physician sees per day [ORadjustedwas 1.029 (1.007?1.052), 0.347 (0.147?0.818) and 0.957 (0.923?0.992), respectively]. Conclusion. When there is primary care encounter with patients suffering from acute bronchitis, older patients are more likely to receive inappropriate antibiotic prescription, especially if their physician is without specialist training and has less patient encounters in his/her office daily.
Foucault e Rancière: perspectivas e crítica ao conceito de biopoder [Foucault and Ran-cière: perspectives and criticism of the concept of biopower]
Authors: Galdino Pedro Danilo
Published: October 2017

A questão da biopolítica perpassou boa parte das discussões nos últimos 30 a 50 anos. Michel Foucault, notadamente, foi o principal pensador a apresentar como o corpo é objeto de uma adestração que o torna dócil e economicamente rentável dentro das sociedades disciplinares. O presente trabalho tem o intuito de apresentar a crítica feita por Jacques Rancière ao conceito de biopoder e biopolítica, confrontando principalmente a posição foucaultiana, a partir de seu par conceitual polícia/política que [re]configuram a partilha do sensível, ora de maneira consensual, ora de maneira dissensual.
Liberdade e o liberalismo como razão governamental: um percurso do nascimento da biopolítica em Michel Foucault [Freedom and liberalism as the governmental reason: a route of the birth of biopolitics in Michel Foucault]
Authors: Passos Fábio Abreu dos
Published: October 2017

Ao nos debruçarmos sobre as aulas ministradas por Michel Foucault no Collège de France entre os dias 10 e 24 de janeiro do ano de 1979, as quais compõem, juntamente com outras aulas, o curso intitulado Nascimento da Biopolítica, nos deparamos com exposições sistemáticas acerca do liberalismo, o qual é definido como uma nova arte de governar no século XVIII. É a partir da descrição foucaultiana do liberalismo enquanto uma “razão governamental”, que produz e consome liberdades, que o autor pode posicioná-lo na nascente da biopolítica, pois é através da frugalidade do governo, da liberdade econômica, do poder pastoral e das técnicas normatizadoras, que o liberalismo racionalizará os problemas propostos à prática governamental, tais como saúde, higiene, natalidade, no intuito de subjetivar os indivíduos, de majorar as forças vitais. Diante do exposto, algumas questões podem ser fomentadas: seria a liberdade um dos primeiros alvos de fomento e adestramento da biopolítica? Estariam no cerne da biopolítica mecanismos deturpadores de um verdadeiro sentido da liberdade? Esvaziar as características agonísticas da liberdade é uma prerrogativa do liberalismo? Assim, o objetivo central do presente artigo é analisar o liberalismo enquanto lócus do nascedouro da biopolítica na perspectiva foucaultiana, uma vez que este se configura como fabricante, consumidor e direcionador de liberdades.
Eu (não) sou ninguém: a subjetividade sem nome [I am (no)body: the subjectivity no name]
Authors: Cocco Giuseppe , Tascheto Marcio
Published: October 2017

O trabalho na metrópole contemporânea, ao mesmo tempo, criou novos mecanismos operacionais e produziu novas subjetividades antagônicas.  No Brasil, junho de 2013, foi configurado como a brecha nacional de uma onda global de rebeliões multidões dentro da grande fábrica pós-moderna: a cidade. É dentro das cidades e da subjetividade que os levantes têm vindo a desenvolver-se no capitalismo pós-fordista, o que nos permite dizer que tanto junho como o marco político imposto pelo estelionato eleitoral em 2014 (bem como o impeachment de 2016), precisam serem analisados na perspectiva desse deslocamento de paradigma. A revolta de Junho  incomoda porque não se enquadra em nenhum esquema teórico ou político predefinido e porque é irrepresentável. A frase da manifestante entrevistada no calor dos eventos é sintomática: “escreve lá, eu sou ninguém”. Ela parece resgatar a astúcia de Ulysses, menos pela sua dimensão homérica, como uma certa interpretação agambeniana poderia levar a acreditar, e mais por ser capaz de organizar a disputa dentro da subjetividade. Por isso, mobilizamos Simone Weil e Hannah Arendt e suas críticas ao humanismo e a incapacidade dos países dos direitos humanos de ganhar essa batalha. As sombras de junho são insuportáveis porque afirmaram a potência biopolítica do trabalho metropolitano. As máscaras de junho eram possíveis porque se baseavam na “emergência selvagem da classe sem nome”. O que buscamos neste artigo é esse poder vivo que pode inventar as instituições do comum metropolitano.
“Highly processed, highly packaged, very unhealthy. But they are low risk”: exploring intersections between community food security and food safety
Authors: Speed Kelsey A. , Meyer Samantha B. , Hanning Rhona M. , Majowicz Shannon E.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Food insecurity and foodborne disease are important issues in Canada,
and the public health actions taken to address them can be conceptualized as factors
shaping the food environment. Given emerging evidence that these two areas may interrelate,
the objective of this study was to explore ways in which community food security
efforts and food safety practices (and the population health issues they aim to
address) may intersect in British Columbia, Canada, and interpret what this might mean
for conceptualizing and attaining healthier food environments.

Methods

We conducted 14 key informant interviews with practitioners working in
community food security and food safety in British Columbia, and used qualitative
descriptive analysis to identify examples of intersections between the sectors.

Results

Participants identified four key ways that the two sectors intersect. They identified
(1) how their daily practices to promote safe or healthy food could be helped or
hindered by the activities of the other sector; (2) that historically disjointed policies that
do not consider multiple health outcomes related to food may complicate the interrelationship;
(3) that the relationship of these sectors is also affected by the fact that specific
types of food products, such as fresh produce, can be considered both risky and
beneficial; and (4) that both sectors are working towards the same goal of improved
population health, albeit viewing it through slightly different lenses.

Conclusion

Food security and food safety connect in several ways, with implications
for characterizing and improving Canadian food environments. Collaboration across
separated public health areas related to food is needed when designing new programs
or policies aimed at changing the way Canadians eat.
Exploring sales data during a healthy corner store intervention in Toronto: the Food Retail Environments Shaping Health (FRESH) project
Authors: Minaker Leia M. , Lynch Meghan , Cook Brian E. , Mah Catherine L.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Population health interventions in the retail food environment, such as
corner store interventions, aim to influence the kind of cues consumers receive so that
they are more often directed toward healthier options. Research that addresses financial
aspects of retail interventions, particularly using outcome measures such as store sales
that are central to retail decision making, is limited. This study explored store sales over
time and across product categories during a healthy corner store intervention in a lowincome
neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario.

Methods

Sales data (from August 2014 to April 2015) were aggregated by product category
and by day. We used Microsoft Excel pivot tables to summarize and visually present
sales data. We conducted t-tests to examine differences in product category sales by
“peak” versus “nonpeak” sales days.

Results

Overall store sales peaked on the days at the end of each month, aligned with
the issuing of social assistance payments. Revenue spikes on peak sales days were
driven predominantly by transit pass sales. On peak sales days, mean sales of nonnutritious
snacks and cigarettes were marginally higher than on other days of the month.
Finally, creative strategies to increase sales of fresh vegetables and fruits seemed to
substantially increase revenue from these product categories.

Conclusion

Store sales data is an important store-level metric of food environment
intervention success. Furthermore, data-driven decision making by retailers can be
important for tailoring interventions. Future interventions and research should consider
partnerships and additional success metrics for retail food environment interventions in
diverse Canadian contexts.
Food deserts in Winnipeg, Canada: a novel method for measuring a complex and contested construct
Authors: Slater Joyce , Epp-Koop Stefan , Jakilazek Megan , Green Chris
Published: October 2017

Introduction

“Food deserts” have emerged over the past 20 years as spaces of concern
for communities, public health authorities and researchers because of their potential
negative impact on dietary quality and subsequent health outcomes. Food deserts are
residential geographic spaces, typically in urban settings, where low-income residents
have limited or no access to retail food establishments with sufficient variety at affordable
cost. Research on food deserts presents methodological challenges including retail
food store identification and classification, identification of low-income populations,
and transportation and proximity metrics. Furthermore, the complex methods often
used in food desert research can be difficult to reproduce and communicate to key
stakeholders. To address these challenges, this study sought to demonstrate the feasibility
of implementing a simple and reproducible method of identifying food deserts using
data easily available in the Canadian context.

Methods

This study was conducted in Winnipeg, Canada in 2014. Food retail establishments
were identified from Yellow Pages and verified by public health dietitians. We
calculated two scenarios of food deserts based on location of the lowest-income quintile
population: (a) living ≥ 500 m from a national chain grocery store, or (b) living ≥ 500 m
from a national chain grocery store or a full-service grocery store.

Results

The number of low-income residents living in a food desert ranged from 64 574
to 104 335, depending on the scenario used.

Conclusion

This study shows that food deserts affect a significant proportion of the
Winnipeg population, and while concentrated in the urban core, exist in suburban
neighbourhoods also. The methods utilized represent an accessible and transparent,
reproducible process for identifying food deserts. These methods can be used for costeffective,
periodic surveillance and meaningful engagement with communities, retailers
and policy makers.