bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Let’s call it “aphasia”: Rationales for eliminating the term “dysphasia”
Authors: Worrall Linda , Simmons-Mackie Nina , Wallace Sarah J , Rose Tanya , Brady Marian C , Kong Anthony Pak Hin , Murray Laura , Hallowell Brooke
Published: July 2016

Health professionals, researchers, and policy makers often consider the two terms aphasia and dysphasia to be synonymous. The aim of this article is to argue the merits of the exclusive use of the term aphasia and present a strategy for creating change through institutions such as the WHO-ICD. Our contention is that one term avoids confusion, speech-language pathologists prefer aphasia, scholarly publications indicate a preference for the term aphasia, stroke clinical guidelines indicate a preference for the term aphasia, consumer organizations use the title aphasia in their name and on their websites, and languages other than English use a term similar to aphasia. The use of the term dysphasia in the broader medical community may stem from the two terms being used interchangeably in the ICD10. Aphasia United http://www.shrs.uq.edu.au/aphasiaunited , an international movement for uniting the voice of all stakeholders in aphasia within an international context, will seek to eliminate the use of the term dysphasia.
Integrating conversation analysis and issue framing to illuminate collaborative decision-making activities
Authors: Wasson Christina
Published: July 2016

A shift from top-down, hierarchical decision-making toward collaborative, consensus-oriented decision-making is taking place across many settings, leading to meetings in which diverse participants seek to reach agreement on issues of significance. This article proposes a new approach to analyzing such meetings that integrates conversation analysis (CA) and issue framing (IF). While CA and IF have both been applied to collaborative decision-making, each approach, on its own, suffers from significant limitations. Combined, they allow negotiation talk in meetings to be examined holistically, integrating a consideration of both process and content. New relationships among interactional sequences and framing processes are revealed, leading to the discovery of patterns across the decision-making activity as a whole. These patterns, in turn, can be situated in the context of the institutions within which the negotiations take place. This novel integrative approach is illuminated through application to a 162-turn decision-making activity.
Density measurements with computed tomography in patients with extra-axial hematoma can quantitatively estimate a degree of brain compression
Authors: Nguyen Ha Son , Li Luyuan , Patel Mohit , Mueller Wade
Published: July 2016

Background

Extra-axial hematoma can cause significant brain compression. Guidelines for surgical evacuation include imaging findings (midline shift and hematoma thickness/volume) in conjunction with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and/or intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. Physiologically, overall brain density should also change with compression. In our observational study, we explored whether overall brain density, defined using computed tomography Hounsfield Units (CT HU), changes after surgical evacuation of extra-axial hematoma.

Methods and materials

Only patients with a surgical acute epidural hematoma or subacute/chronic subdural hematoma were considered. Other exclusion criteria were concurrent intraparenchymal pathology, bilateral pathology, or incomplete follow-up imaging. Between fall 2012 and spring 2015, 22 patients were included in the study. CT head imaging (preoperative, postoperative, and at ∼1- to 2-month clinic visit) were loaded into OsiriX (Pixmeo, Switzerland). All the intracranial regions were selected and all extra-axial features were removed; subsequently, software was used to calculate a global CT HU value.

Results

A repeated-measures ANOVA found significant time effect, p < 0.01, with significance between preoperative versus postoperative CT ( p = 0.03) and preoperative versus clinic visit CT ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results from this study suggest that extra-axial hematomas, which deform the brain, can cause an elevation in global CT HU value; moreover, surgical decompression is associated with lower global CT HU values. The use of global CT HU values in selected populations may serve as an adjunct for the evaluation of surgical lesions.
Value of Information Analysis Informing Adoption and Research Decisions in a Portfolio of Health Care Interventions
Authors: Tuffaha Haitham W. , Gordon Louisa G. , Scuffham Paul A.
Published: July 2016

Background: Value of information (VOI) analysis quantifies the value of additional research in reducing decision uncertainty. It addresses adoption and research decisions simultaneously by comparing the expected benefits and costs of research studies. Nevertheless, the application of this approach in practice remains limited. Objectives: To apply VOI analysis in health care interventions to guide adoption decisions, optimize trial design, and prioritize research. Methods: The analysis was from the perspective of Queensland Health, Australia. It included four interventions: clinically indicated catheter replacement, tissue adhesive for securing catheters, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in caesarean sections, and nutritional support for preventing pressure ulcers. For each intervention, cost-effectiveness analysis was performed, decision uncertainty characterized, and VOI calculated using Monte Carlo simulations. The benefits and costs of additional research were considered together with the costs and consequences of acting now versus waiting for more information. All values are reported in 2014 Australian dollars (AU$). Results: All interventions were cost-effective, but with various levels of decision uncertainty. The current evidence is sufficient to support the adoption of clinically indicated catheter replacement. For the tissue adhesive, an additional study before adoption is worthwhile with a four-arm trial of 220 patients per arm. Additional research on NPWT before adoption is worthwhile with a two-arm trial of 200 patients per arm. Nutritional support should be adopted with a two-arm trial of 1200 patients per arm. Based on the expected net monetary benefits, the studies were ranked as follows: 1) NPWT (AU$1.2 million), 2) tissue adhesive (AU$0.3 milliion), and 3) nutritional support (AU$0.1 million). Conclusions: VOI analysis is a useful and practical approach to inform adoption and research decisions. Efforts should be focused on facilitating its integration into decision making frameworks.
Tavagnascoite, Bi4O4(SO4)(OH)2, a new oxyhydroxy bismuth sulfate related to klebelsbergite
Authors: Bindi Luca , Biagioni Cristian , Martini Bruno , Salvetti Adrio , Fontana Giovanni Dalla , Taronna Massimo , Ciriotti Marco E.
Published: July 2016

The new mineral tavagnascoite, Bi4O4 (SO4)(OH)2, was discovered in the Pb-Bi-Zn-As-Fe-Cu ore district of Tavagnasco, Turin, Piedmont, Italy. It occurs as blocky, colourless crystals, up to 40 μm in size, with a silky lustre. In the specimen studied, tavagnascoite is associated with other uncharacterized secondary Bi-minerals originating from the alteration of a bismuthinite ± Bi-sulfosalt assemblage. Electron microprobe analyses gave (average of three spot analyses, wt.%) Bi2O3 85.32, Sb2O3 0.58, PbO 2.18, SO3 8.46, H2Ocalc 1.77, sum 98.31. On the basis of 10 O apfu, the chemical formula is (Bi3.74Pb0.10Sb0.04)∑ = 3.88O3.68 (SO4)1.08(OH)2, with rounding errors. Main calculated diffraction lines are [d in Å (relative intensity) hkl] 6.39 (29) 012, 4.95 (19) 111,4.019(32)121,3.604(28)014 and 3.213(100)123. Unit-cell parameters are a = 5.831(1), b = 11.925(2), c = 15.123(1) Å, V = 1051.6(3) Å3, Z = 4, space group Pca21. The crystal structure was solved and refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to R1 = 0.037 on the basis of 1269 observed reflections. It consists of Bi–O polyhedra and SO4 tetrahedra. Bismuth polyhedra are connected each to other to form Bi–O sheets parallel to (001). Successive sheets are linked together by SO4 groups and hydrogen bonds. Tavagnascoite is the Bi-analogue of klebelsbergite, Sb4O4(SO4)(OH)2, and it is the fifth natural known bismuth sulfate without additional cations. The mineral and its name have been approved by the IMA CNMNC (2014-099).
Cooperation of germ line JAK2 mutations E846D and R1063H in hereditary erythrocytosis with megakaryocytic atypia
Authors: Kapralova Katarina , Horvathova Monika , Pecquet Christian , Fialova Kucerova Jana , Pospisilova Dagmar , Leroy Emilie , Kralova Barbora , Milosevic Feenstra Jelena D. , Schischlik Fiorella , Kralovics Robert , Constantinescu Stefan N. , Divoky Vladimir
Published: July 2016

Key Points

Cells expressing JAK2 E846D or R1063H exhibit pathologic STAT5 activation in the specific context of EPOR. Cooperation of germ line JAK2 mutations E846D and R1063H defines a JAK2-signaling threshold for induction of erythrocytosis.
Impact of ICT-mediated collective awareness on urban mobility
Authors: Zia Kashif , Ferscha Alois , Din Ahmad , Shahzad Khurram , Majeed Awais
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper studies the influence of information and communication technologies on human reasoning and decision making. It investigates the potential impact of ambient intelligence on change in pedestrian mobility behavior, using a large city-scale scenario.

Methods

This work establishes an interplay between social and technological aspects of awareness by augmenting a model-driven framework of a realistic information eco-system. A distributed multi-agent system is developed to model a real-life urban mobility environment. The model is then simulated using a large scale parallel computing platform.

Results

Evaluation results revealed that the quality of information in ambient-assisted environments increases when compared with those without ambient intelligence.

Conclusion

We conclude that there is a positive correlation between the extent of information being shared in a socially-inspired information eco-systems and the level of collective awareness in an urban mobility scenario.
The influence of resolution on scale-dependent clustering in fracture spacing data
Authors: Roy Ankur , Aydin Atilla , Mukerji Tapan
Published: July 2016

It is a common practice to analyze fracture spacing data collected from scanlines and wells at various resolutions for the purposes of aquifer and reservoir characterization. However, the influence of resolution on such analyses is not well-studied. Lacunarity is a parameter that is used for multiscale analysis of spatial data. In quantitative terms, at any given scale, it is a function of the mean and variance of the distribution of masses captured by a gliding a window of that scale (size) across any pattern of interest. We have described the application of lacunarity for delineating differences between scale-dependent clustering attributes of data collected at different resolutions along a scanline. Specifically, we considered data collected at different resolutions from two outcrop exposures, a pavement and a cliff section, of the Cretaceous turbititic sandstones of the Chatsworth Formation widely exposed in southern California. For each scanline, we analyzed data from low-resolution aerial or ground photographs and high-resolution ground measurements for scale-dependent clustering attributes. High-resolution data show larger values of scale-dependent lacunarity than their respective low-resolution counterparts. We further performed a bootstrap analysis for each data set to test for the significance of such clustering differences. We started with generating 300 realizations for each data set and then ran lacunarity analysis on them. It was seen that lacunarity for higher resolution data set lay significantly outside the upper 90th percentile values, thus proving that higher resolution data are distinctly different from random and fractures are clustered. We have therefore postulated that lower resolution data capture fracture zones that had relatively uniform spacing, whereas higher resolution data capture thin and short splay joints and sheared joints that contribute to fracture clustering. Such findings have important implications in terms of understanding organization of fractures in fracture corridors, which in turn is critical for modeling and upscaling exercises.
Assessing the workflow for regional-scale 3D geologic modeling: An example from the Sullivan time horizon, Purcell Anticlinorium East Kootenay region, southeastern British Columbia
Authors: de Kemp Eric A. , Schetselaar Ernst M. , Hillier Michael J. , Lydon John W. , Ransom Paul W.
Published: July 2016

We have developed a regional-scale 3D geologic model, highlighting the Mesoproterozoic Sullivan time horizon (approximately 1470 Ma) throughout the Purcell Anticlinorium in the East Kootenay region. This 3D geospatial model of the region is constrained with an extensive surface and subsurface database of stratigraphic, structural, and geophysical observations distributed throughout the study area. This modeling exercise was conducted over a four-year period from 2011 to 2015 in which several iterations of the model were produced. The final model includes what is locally referred to as the Lower-Middle Aldridge stratigraphic contact (LMC), a map unit at the very top of the lower Aldridge Formation where the Sullivan world-class Pb-Zn-Ag deposit is located. Local mineral exploration initiatives focus on this key exploration target horizon, which is now modeled in 3D. The regional LMC model provides a much needed geospatial reference used to characterize and understand sedimentary exhalative, a type of ore deposit (SEDEX) ore systems as well as a key 3D exploration target. Developing regional 3D geologic models for orogenic interiors such as the Purcell region, and older shield regions is a challenge. This is largely due to data sparsity at depth, lack of standards for 3D data collection, storage, integration, and interpretation practice. Current algorithms use only a partial set of available observational or knowledge constraints and exist in workflows that do not allow for complicated geologic event histories. We have mitigated some of these challenges with a new implicit algorithm (SURFE), applied in this Purcell case study, to estimate major regional faults and horizons through variably distributed and clustered data. These modeled geologic elements are then fed into the SKUA structural and stratigraphic workflow to produce the volumetric model. Reflection on the general 3D modeling workflow for these regional situations highlights the need for embedding more knowledge constraints into the process.
Surgery for CNS Tumors in the Brazilian National Health Care System
Authors: Pontes Luciola , Shafaee Maryam Nemati , Haaland Benjamin , Lopes Gilberto
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Resource limitations in low- and middle-income countries make the management of CNS tumors challenging, particularly in Brazil, a country with major disparities in socioeconomic status and access to health care. We aimed to evaluate cancer-related neurosurgical procedures in the public health care system.

Methods

On the basis of Brazil’s public health system database, we collected data for neurosurgical procedures related to CNS tumors performed between January 2008 and November 2013. Information about the number of procedures, costs, length of stay, and number of inpatient deaths were analyzed for each state and then correlated to the state-specific population, gross domestic product per capita, and number of procedures.

Results

In all, 57,361 procedures were performed, the majority of them in the Southeast region. The mean length of hospital stay was 14.4 days, but longer hospital stay was reported for patients treated in the North. The inpatient mortality rate was 7.11%. Mortality rates decreased as the number of procedures ( P < .001), gross domestic product per capita ( P < .001), or state population increased ( P < .001). On multivariate analysis, only the number of procedures (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.91 to 0.96; P < .001) and state population (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.38; P < .001) had an independent association with mortality.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate disparities in CNS tumor surgery in a middle-income country, confirming that regional disparities exist and that clinical and economic outcomes correlate with income level, number of procedures, and state population.
Liganded Thyroid Hormone Receptors Transactivate the DNA Methyltransferase 3a Gene in Mouse Neuronal Cells
Authors: Kyono Yasuhiro , Subramani Arasakumar , Ramadoss Preeti , Hollenberg Anthony N. , Bonett Ronald M. , Denver Robert J.
Published: July 2016

Thyroid hormone (T3) is essential for proper neurological development. The hormone, bound to its receptors, regulates gene transcription in part by modulating posttranslational modifications of histones. Methylation of DNA, which is established by the de novo DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)3a and DNMT3b, and maintained by DNMT1 is another epigenetic modification influencing gene transcription. The expression of Dnmt3a, but not other Dnmt genes, increases in mouse brain in parallel with the postnatal rise in plasma [T3]. We found that treatment of the mouse neuroblastoma cell line Neuro2a[TRβ1] with T3 caused rapid induction of Dnmt3a mRNA, which was resistant to protein synthesis inhibition, supporting that it is a direct T3-response gene. Injection of T3 into postnatal day 6 mice increased Dnmt3a mRNA in the brain by 1 hour. Analysis of two chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing datasets, and targeted analyses using chromatin immunoprecipitation, transfection-reporter assays, and in vitro DNA binding identified 2 functional T3-response elements (TREs) at the mouse Dnmt3a locus located +30.3 and +49.3 kb from the transcription start site. Thyroid hormone receptors associated with both of these regions in mouse brain chromatin, but with only 1 (+30.3 kb) in Neuro2a[TRβ1] cells. Deletion of the +30.3-kb TRE using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing eliminated or strongly reduced the Dnmt3a mRNA response to T3. Bioinformatics analysis showed that both TREs are highly conserved among eutherian mammals. Thyroid regulation of Dnmt3a may be an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for modulating global changes in DNA methylation during postnatal neurological development.
The Validity of Discharge Billing Codes Reflecting Severe Maternal Morbidity
Authors: Sigakis Matthew J. G. , Leffert Lisa R. , Mirzakhani Hooman , Sharawi Nadir , Rajala Baskar , Callaghan William M. , Kuklina Elena V. , Creanga Andreea A. , Mhyre Jill M. , Bateman Brian T.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Discharge diagnoses are used to track national trends and patterns of maternal morbidity. There are few data regarding the validity of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes used for this purpose. The goal of our study was to try to better understand the validity of administrative data being used to monitor and assess trends in morbidity.

METHODS:

Hospital stay billing records were queried to identify all delivery admissions at the Massachusetts General Hospital for the time period 2001 to 2011 and the University of Michigan Health System for the time period 2005 to 2011. From this, we identified patients with ICD-9-Clinical Modification (CM) diagnosis and procedure codes indicative of severe maternal morbidity. Each patient was classified with 1 of 18 different medical/obstetric categories (conditions or procedures) based on the ICD-9-CM code that was recorded. Within each category, 20 patients from each institution were selected at random, and the corresponding medical charts were reviewed to determine whether the ICD-9-CM code was assigned correctly. The percentage of correct codes for each of 18 preselected clinical categories was calculated yielding a positive predictive value (PPV) and 99% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS:

The overall number of correctly assigned ICD-9-CM codes, or PPV, was 218 of 255 (86%; CI, 79%–90%) and 154 of 188 (82%; CI, 74%–88%) at Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Michigan Health System, respectively (combined PPV, 372/443 [84%; CI, 79–88%]). Codes within 4 categories (Hysterectomy, Pulmonary edema, Disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid–base balance, and Sepsis) had a 99% lower confidence limit ≥75%. Codes within 8 additional categories demonstrated a 99% lower confidence limit between 74% and 50% (Acute respiratory distress, Ventilation, Other complications of obstetric surgery, Disorders of coagulation, Cardiomonitoring, Acute renal failure, Thromboembolism, and Shock). Codes within 6 clinical categories demonstrated a 99% lower confidence limit <50% (Puerperal cerebrovascular disorders, Conversion of cardiac rhythm, Acute heart failure [includes arrest and fibrillation], Eclampsia, Neurotrauma, and Severe anesthesia complications).

CONCLUSIONS:

ICD-9-CM codes capturing severe maternal morbidity during delivery hospitalization demonstrate a range of PPVs. The PPV was high when objective supportive evidence, such as laboratory values or procedure documentation supported the ICD-9-CM code. The PPV was low when greater judgment, interpretation, and synthesis of the clinical data (signs and symptoms) was required to support a code, such as with the category Severe anesthesia complications. As a result, these codes should be used for administrative research with more caution compared with codes primarily defined by objective data.
Quadruple zebrafish mutant reveals different roles of Mesp genes in somite segmentation between mouse and zebrafish
Authors: Yabe Taijiro , Hoshijima Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Takashi , Takada Shinji
Published: July 2016

The segmental pattern of somites is generated by sequential conversion of the temporal periodicity provided by the molecular clock. Whereas the basic structure of this clock is conserved among different species, diversity also exists, especially in terms of the molecular network. The temporal periodicity is subsequently converted into the spatial pattern of somites, and Mesp2 plays crucial roles in this conversion in the mouse. However, it remains unclear whether Mesp genes play similar roles in other vertebrates. In this study, we generated zebrafish mutants lacking all four zebrafish Mesp genes by using TALEN-mediated genome editing. Contrary to the situation in the mouse Mesp2 mutant, in the zebrafish Mesp quadruple mutant embryos the positions of somite boundaries were clearly determined and morphological boundaries were formed, although their formation was not completely normal. However, each somite was caudalized in a similar manner to the mouse Mesp2 mutant, and the superficial horizontal myoseptum and lateral line primordia were not properly formed in the quadruple mutants. These results clarify the conserved and species-specific roles of Mesp in the link between the molecular clock and somite morphogenesis.
The RNA-binding protein PfPuf1 functions in the maintenance of gametocytes in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Shrestha Sony , Li Xiaolian , Ning Gang , Miao Jun , Cui Liwang
Published: July 2016

Translation control plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, especially in transition stages between the vertebrate host and mosquito vector. Here we determined the function of the Puf family member PfPuf1 during P. falciparum sexual development. We showed that PfPuf1 was expressed in all gametocyte stages and at a higher level in female gametocytes. PfPuf1 disruption did not interfere with the asexual erythrocyte cycle of the parasite, but resulted in an ∼10-fold decrease of mature gametocytes. In the PfPuf1 disrupted lines, gametocytes appeared normal prior to stage III but subsequently exhibited a sharp decline in gametocytemia. This was accompanied by concomitant accumulation of dead/dying late-stage gametocytes, which retained normal gross morphology. In addition, significantly more female gametocytes were lost in the PfPuf1 disrupted lines during development, resulting in a reversed male/female sex ratio. These results indicate that PfPuf1 is important for the differentiation and maintenance of gametocytes, especially female gametocytes.
A balanced pyrimidine pool is required for optimal Chk1 activation to prevent ultrafine anaphase bridge formation
Authors: Gemble Simon , Buhagiar-Labarchède Géraldine , Onclercq-Delic Rosine , Biard Denis , Lambert Sarah , Amor-Guéret Mounira
Published: July 2016

Cytidine deaminase (CDA) deficiency induces an excess of cellular dCTP, which reduces basal PARP-1 activity, thereby compromising complete DNA replication, leading to ultrafine anaphase bridge (UFB) formation. CDA dysfunction has pathological implications, notably in cancer and in Bloom syndrome. It remains unknown how reduced levels of PARP-1 activity and pyrimidine pool imbalance lead to the accumulation of unreplicated DNA during mitosis. We report that a decrease in PARP-1 activity in CDA-deficient cells impairs DNA damage-induced Chk1 activation, and, thus, the downstream checkpoints. Chemical inhibition of the ATR-Chk1 pathway leads to UFB accumulation, and we found that this pathway was compromised in CDA-deficient cells. Our data demonstrate that ATR-Chk1 acts downstream from PARP-1, preventing the accumulation of unreplicated DNA in mitosis, and, thus, UFB formation. Finally, delaying entry into mitosis is sufficient to prevent UFB formation in both CDA-deficient and CDA-proficient cells, suggesting that both physiological and pathological UFBs are derived from unreplicated DNA. Our findings demonstrate an unsuspected requirement for a balanced nucleotide pool for optimal Chk1 activation both in unchallenged cells and in response to genotoxic stress.
Modelos Bayesianos Univariados Aplicados à Previsão de Séries Econômicas
Authors: Migon Hélio S. , Monteiro Ana Beatriz S. , Moreira Ajax R. B.
Published: July 2016

This article reports the results of an exercise in which dynamic models are "fitted" for some Brazilian macroeconomics time series, useful for the current economic analysis. Its forecasting performance is compared with classical structural and transfer function models using trading days as regressor. The Bayesian forecasting methodology is briefly presented including an alternative way to estimate the parameters of an autoregressive processo
Uma Introdução à Teoria de Leilões
Authors: Menezes Flávio M.
Published: July 2016

In this paper we provide an introduction to the theory of auctions of a single object. For the private-values independent-signals model we show that the four types of auctions - first and second-price scaled-bid auctions, English and Dutch auctions - generate the same revenue. We also show that the revenue equivalence thcorem holds when values are common. Further, we show that the winner's curse (a situation where the winner in a first-price sealed-bid auction can pay a price higher than the true value of the object) is not consistent with Nash behavior. That is, the winner's curse is a result of suboptimal strategies. Finally, we argue that when signals are statistically dependent, the revenue equivalence theorem breaks down.
Effect of the rise of a person's income on inequality
Authors: Hoffmann Rodolfo
Published: July 2016

If income distribution is unequal, the effect of a marginal increase in an income x on inequality is an increasing function of x. The present paper analyses this function for several inequality measures. The income for which the effect changes sign is the relative poverty line. The value of this limit between the relatively poor and the relatively rich is computed for Brazil and five regions, in 1999, considering two types of income distribution: the income of economically active persons and per capita family income. The paper also analyses the effect that a marginal increase in all incomes equal to or greater than x produces on inequality.
Explaining DEA Technical Efficiency Scores in an Outlier Corrected Environment: The Case of Public Services in Brazilian Municipalities
Authors: De Sousa Maria da Conceição Sampaio , Cribari-Neto Francisco , Stosic Borko D.
Published: July 2016

We estimate DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) technical efficiency scores for nearly five thousand Brazilian municipalities using a recently proposed method that combines bootstrap and jackknife resampling to eliminate the influence of outliers and possible measurement and recording errors in the data. We use both the constant and variable returns to scale variants of the DEA method. After computing the efficiency scores, we use econometric methods to investigate the determinants of those scores. The results reveal that: (a) the level of computer usage (a proxy for administrative capability) tends to have a positive and highly significant impact on efficiency; such gains seem to be greater for the most inefficient municipalities, thus indicating the existence of diminishing marginal benefits; (b) the urbanization rate is also shown to be positively correlated with the efficiency measures; (c) excess spending due to royalty revenues and economies of scale seem to explain why efficiency scores increase with the size of the municipality; (d) municipalities which take part in the Alvorada Program (a federal program for low income communities) tend to display higher efficiency scores than those they would have achieved had they not been included in the project. Additionally, the results show that the more power awarded to municipal councils, the better the effectiveness in resource utilization as measured by efficiency indices. This is because such councils tend to increase the transparency of the budgeting process, hence reducing corruption and the misuse of local funds.
Statin (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor)-based therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection-related diseases in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents
Authors: Kishta Sara Sobhy , El-Shenawy Reem , Kishta Sobhy Ahmed
Published: July 2016

Recent improvements have been made in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). However, despite successful viral clearance, many patients continue to have HCV-related disease progression. Therefore, new treatments must be developed to achieve viral clearance and prevent the risk of HCV-related diseases. In particular, the use of pitavastatin together with DAAs may improve the antiviral efficacy as well as decrease the progression of liver fibrosis and the incidence of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. To investigate the management methods for HCV-related diseases using pitavastatin and DAAs, clinical trials should be undertaken. However, concerns have been raised about potential drug interactions between statins and DAAs. Therefore, pre-clinical trials using a replicon system, human hepatocyte-like cells, human neurons and human cardiomyocytes from human-induced pluripotent stem cells should be conducted. Based on these pre-clinical trials, an optimal direct-acting antiviral agent could be selected for combination with pitavastatin and DAAs. Following the pre-clinical trial, the combination of pitavastatin and the optimal direct-acting antiviral agent should be compared to other combinations of DAAs (e.g., sofosbuvir and velpatasvir) according to the antiviral effect on HCV infection, HCV-related diseases and cost-effectiveness.
Priority regions for research on dryland cereals and legumes
Authors: Hyman Glenn , Barona Elizabeth , Biradar Chandrashekhar , Guevara Edward , Dixon John , Beebe Steve , Castano Silvia Elena , Alabi Tunrayo , Gumma Murali Krishna , Sivasankar Shoba , Rivera Ovidio , Espinosa Herlin , Cardona Jorge
Published: July 2016

Dryland cereals and legumes  are important crops in farming systems across the world.  Yet they are frequently neglected among the priorities for international agricultural research and development, often due to lack of information on their magnitude and extent. Given what we know about the global distribution of dryland cereals and legumes, what regions should be high priority for research and development to improve livelihoods and food security? This research evaluated the geographic dimensions of these crops and the farming systems where they are found worldwide. The study employed geographic information science and data to assess the key farming systems and regions for these crops. Dryland cereal and legume crops should be given high priority in 18 farming systems worldwide, where their cultivated area comprises more than 160 million ha. These regions include the dryer areas of South Asia, West and East Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Central America and other parts of Asia. These regions are prone to drought and heat stress, have limiting soil constraints, make up half of the global population and account for 60 percent of the global poor and malnourished. The dryland cereal and legume crops and farming systems merit more research and development attention to improve productivity and address development problems. This project developed an open access dataset and information resource that provides the basis for future analysis of the geographic dimensions of dryland cereals and legumes.
Emotional intelligence
Authors: McDonald Avril
Published: July 2016

Avril McDonald offers advice and practical suggestions on how to weave emotional intelligence – the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and those of others – into every day provision.
School readiness: working towards a greater understanding of what it is, and how to develop practice to support settings
Authors: Gosling Abigail
Published: July 2016

Being ‘ready for school’ and ensuring children are fully prepared to take the next steps are high on the government's policy list at the moment, but is there agreement on what it means and how to achieve it?
Escaping the red tape tangle
Authors: Tanuku Purnima
Published: July 2016

The government is trying to be proactive in its attempt to cut red tape across all areas of business, including childcare, and there is much that can be done here to help deliver world class provision.
Female genital mutilation and reporting duties for all clinical personnel
Authors: Cropp Gabrielle , Armstrong Jane
Published: July 2016

Female genital mutilation is illegal. It is now mandatory for health-care professionals to report female genital mutilation to the police. Professionals caring for women and girls of all ages must understand how female genital mutilation presents, and what action to take.
Managing photodamage with topical skincare ingredients and chemical peels
Authors: Traill Frances Turner , Bowes Lorna
Published: July 2016

Skin ageing occurs due to intrinsic factors, such as genetics, and extrinsic factors, such as ultraviolet radiation. Both intrinsic and extrinsic causes of ageing affect the skin simultaneously and lifestyle choices, including smoking, alcohol consumption and diet, can accelerate the ageing process. Cosmeceutical skincare and chemical peeling are not new cosmetic interventions and there are many ingredients and brands for practitioners and patients to choose from. Skin rejuvenation peeling is a popular, affordable and relatively safe treatment both in clinic and at home. However, peeling and exfoliating ingredients and cosmeceutical brands vary enormously, and even the same ingredient can vary significantly when produced by different manufacturers. This article will review the most frequently used ingredients to manage photodamaged skin and explore the practicalities of product and peel selection for best patient outcomes.
Do aesthetic practitioners easily recognise the signs and symptoms of rosacea?
Authors: Nicol Shirley
Published: July 2016

Rosacea is a chronic and often very distressing skin condition. Although no one knows the cure for rosacea, aesthetic practitioners can control redness and inflammation with topical products, oral antibiotics, laser treatments and chemical peels. Shirley Nicol suggests that early recognition and the use of appropriate products is crucial to achieve successful outcomes when treating this condition
Boosting business skills: advice from two preferred partners in the industry
Authors: Senior Amy
Published: July 2016

To support practitioners who are running a clinic alongside providing cosmetic procedures, the Private Independent Aesthetic Practices Association has built relationships with services that are beneficial for those needing business support. In this month's article, Amy Senior shares insights on the aesthetics industry from two preferred partners—Aesthetic Response and the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing
Advertising standards for cosmetic procedures: how compliant are you?
Authors: Jackson Lorna
Published: July 2016

When it comes to compliance with advertising standards, many aesthetic clinics have been seen to brush it aside and ignore it. However, dismissing or ignoring regulations relating to the promotion of cosmetic interventions, such as botulinum toxin, could be something that you later come to regret—especially if you get caught. Lorna Jackson reviews the requirements for clinics when advertising their services
How can aesthetic clinics attract the attention of male clients?
Authors: Ashton Rebecca , Saynor Kelly , Lavers Isabel , Costa Naomi Silva
Published: July 2016

Every sector caters to people with different needs, requiring business owners to know as much as possible about their target audience and make a concerted effort to not only meet, but also exceed their expectations. This month, four clinic managers from around the UK reflect on their experience of marketing treatments to a male audience using their websites and word of mouth
Beyond the school gates
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: July 2016

Karen Sullivan continues her advice on outdoor learning, offering some practical ideas for getting your pupils out and about
IDHM dos Estados da região Nordeste do Brasil: Histórico e Análise entre 1991 e 2010
Authors: Cunha Uirá Araújo Nery da , Ferreira Liliane Caraciolo
Published: July 2016

ResumoA região Nordeste do Brasil historicamente sofreu por diversas mudanças demográficas e étnicas ao longo do processo de colonização e formação da república. Tal formação conjuntural atrelada às condições climáticas peculiares da região repercutiu decisivamente na questão regional e seu desenvolvimento socioeconômico. A análise do IDH (Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano), calculado pelo IBGE a nível municipal e apresentado a nível estadual, foi realizada entre os anos de 1991 e 2010, tomando três anos como base de dados (1991,2000 e 2010). O acompanhamento específico de quatro variáveis (IDHM, IDHM Renda, IDHM Saúde e IDHM Educação ) dos estados da federação (incluindo o Distrito Federal) foi realizado com o foco principal da evolução das variáveis de desenvolvimento humano frente às disparidades regionais existentes e possíveis inferências quanto à problemática nos próximos anos.
A influência da cultura organizacional na primeira instância da Justiça Federal
Authors: Pinto Aparecida Gonçalves Bandeira , Quevedo Andressa Pacífico Franco
Published: July 2016

Exige-se do Poder Judiciário uma prestação jurisdicional eficaz e eficiente em um prazo cada vez mais curto.Infelizmente, apenas algumas unidades jurisdicionais da primeira instância apresentam uma resposta satisfatória à sociedade. Dentre os aspectos a serem considerados em qualquer interferência na área de gestão que se proponha a fazer, chama especial atenção a cultura organizacional. Deste modo, o objeto deste estudo consiste na análise da influência da cultura organizacional no desempenho do primeiro grau do Poder Judiciário, especificamente na Justiça Federal. Para tanto, fez-se necessário se identificar os elementos que interferem na cultura organizacional, reconhecer os elementos que interferem na cultura organizacional no âmbito do primeiro grau do Poder Judiciário e, ainda, apontar ações que o gestor de uma unidade judiciária pertencente à Justiça Federal pode realizar, no âmbito da cultura organizacional, para melhorar o desempenho dessa unidade. Constatou-se, em resposta a essas indagações, pela revisão da literatura feita, que a alteração da cultura organizacional é viável e que o êxito dos arranjos institucionais alternativos está atrelado à aderência de elementos gerenciais inovadores aos valores e crenças já sedimentados.
A Profissionalização do Serviço Público: um estudo na Escola de Gestão Pública
Authors: Silva Temisia Pereira da , Santos Yana Laura Mello dos , Barbosa Milka Alves Correia
Published: July 2016

A profissionalização para os servidores públicos apresenta-se de extrema importância na gestão pública atual, isso se desenvolve através da constante capacitação dos servidores por meio de instituições de ensino, dentre elas as escolas de governo, com isso, o presente estudo buscou analisar de que forma a implantação da Escola de Gestão Pública de Juazeiro (EGESP) contribui para a profissionalização dos servidores públicos municipais do município. O método adotado foi o misto, pois o estudo contemplou tanto dados qualitativos quanto quantitativos, além de ser classificada como descritivo-analítica pela natureza do problema proposto, e do tipo estudo bibliográfico e estudo de caso, a análise de dados foi desenvolvida pela análise textual. Como resultado encontrado podemos concluir que os servidores reconhecem os esforços desempenhados pela administração municipal com as ações da Escola de Gestão Pública de Juazeiro (EGESP) vêm contribuindo para a profissionalização dos seus servidores.
Mobilidade Urbana e a Redução de Acidentes de Trânsito
Authors: Da Cruz filho Valdionor Alves , Nascimento Deise Cristiane
Published: July 2016

Este artigo tem a finalidade de compreender como a mobilidade urbana impacta na redução de acidentes de transito. O estudo se deu a partir da análise de casos de mobilidade urbana exitosas em outros municípios do Brasil e de outros países. Aponta também a necessidade da gestão de políticas públicas a partir das especificidades do município de Juazeiro/BA, prevendo a redução do número de acidentes por meio de ferramentas de informação e colaboração através do poder público e sociedade civil, prevendo alternativas de planejamento, concepção e execução na gestão pública para a mobilidade urbana.
A Dupla linguagem nas Pesquisas Nacionais: Pesquisadores Brasileiros devem publicar em Inglês ou Português?
Authors: Oliveira Gislene Farias de , Farias Athena De Albuquerque
Published: July 2016

Ainda parece um tabu, publicar-se em inglês num periódico nacional. Aliás, são poucos os periódicos que aceitam a dupla linguagem em uma mesma edição, quando estes não tem uma versão específica em outra língua.É normal e evidente que brasileiros publiquem bem mais em português, embora a publicação em língua inglesa parece ser mais difundida. Isso porque as bases de dados em todo o mundo, estão cada vez mais, valorizando a publicação em inglês. Há uma necessidade de indexação, pois as suas revistas, a exemplo das bases SCOPUS, ISI-Thomson Reuter, Medline e, a base de dados SciELO no Brasil, insistem na  importância da publicação em inglês.
Repercussões Psicossomáticas na Epiderme Humana
Authors: Barroso Marianna Leite , Macêdo Maria Ayrlles
Published: July 2016

Na atualidade, parece haver um incremento quanto aos estudos que envolvem uma integração entre  aspectos biológicos e psicológicos, mais especificamente entre corpo e estado psíquico. O presente estudo pretende analisar, através de revisão teórica, achados teóricos da Psicologia associados a dermatologia, de maneira a permitir reflexão crítica a respeito do tema e, vislumbrar seus novos rumos. A  Psicologia quando associada a dermatologia, compõe um ramo das ciências  que estuda problemas dermatológicos, que são causados e/ou influenciados por fatores psicológicos. Sabe-se que há uma comunicação entre o sistema nervoso, que  torna  a pele altamente sensível às emoções, independente da nossa consciência. Dessa forma, a  pele é muitas vezes uma expressão dos nossos sentimentos, mesmo quando não estamos cientes de tal fato. Conclui-se que ao tratarmos sobre as doenças de pele, é preciso considerar também o ser humano como um ser integral, onde aspectos sociais, psicológicos e biológicos estão em constante interação.
Impactos que o Treinamento ocasiona no Setor de Produção: Estudo De Caso em uma Empresa de Calçados de Juazeiro do Norte – CE
Authors: Andrade Wellisson Maxsuel Araújo , Almeida Neto José Leandro De
Published: July 2016

O presente artigo é um estudo de como as ações do treinamento proporcionam melhorias no setor de produção, corrigindo falhas que possam contribuir significativamente para o aumento da qualidade dos produtos fabricados, o desempenho dos funcionários e a competitividade da empresa. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar as transformações que o treinamento proporciona para a empresa bem como a sua importância estratégica para melhorar os processos organizacionais, destacando a sua contribuição para o setor produtivo das empresas. O estudo foi realizado em uma empresa de calçados da cidade de Juazeiro do Norte - CE. Como metodologia, realizou-se pesquisa bibliográfica, entrevista estruturada com o Gestor de Recursos Humanos e aplicação de questionário fechado com os funcionários da organização. Foi observado que o treinamento, quando aplicado corretamente, consegue corrigir falhas, torna a produção mais eficaz, qualifica colaboradores, proporcionando resultados extremamente positivos para a organização.
Terceirização na Administração Pública :Análise da Motivação dos Colaboradores Terceirizados no Serviço Público
Authors: Santana Priscilla Barbosa de Oliveira , Andrade Diana Carneiro Ribeiro de , Jesus Jorge Alberto Santana de
Published: July 2016

O presente artigo teve como finalidade realizar uma análise da motivação dos colaboradores terceirizados que fazem parte do quadro de funcionários de um hospital da rede pública do município de Petrolina-PE. Para análise do tema o método de pesquisa utilizado foram as pesquisas bibliográfica, descritiva e de campo. O referencial teórico faz um passeio pelas teorias das necessidades de Abraham Maslow, a teoria dos dois fatores de Frederick Herzberg e procura, de forma simples, contextualizar a terceirização na administração Pública. Foi realizada pesquisa in loco com aplicação de questionários, sendo os fatores analisados: remuneração, relacionamento com chefia, reconhecimento profissional, ambiente de trabalho e tratamento igualitário entre terceirizados e servidores concursados. De acordo com a análise dos dados, observa-se que, embora a maioria dos terceirizados estejam satisfeitos com o salário e ambiente, ficou caracterizada uma percepção de tratamento diferenciado, e este pode ser um fator de grande desmotivação.
Um estudo sobre as competências gerenciais na administração pública: o caso dos gestores do Judiciário brasileiro
Authors: Souza Francisco Georgi de , Cassundé Fernanda Roda de Souza Araújo
Published: July 2016

Este trabalho teve como fundamento diagnosticar as competências de gestores das Unidades Judiciárias de três órgãos, quais sejam Tribunal de Justiça de Pernambuco, Tribunal de Justiça da Bahia e Tribunal Regional Federal, delimitados na área do sertão pernambucano e na cidade de Juazeiro-BA. Com esteio na  literatura sobre gestão baseada em competências e sobre competências gerenciais, especialmente voltada para a administração pública, buscou-se identificar quais as competências que, na visão de gestores das unidades judiciárias, são as mais importantes para a organização e qual o nível de domínio que esses gerentes apresentam sobre tais competências. Estabelecendo-se correlação entre importância e domínio, buscou-se a identificação das prioridades de desenvolvimento e a identificação das lacunas de competência. A pesquisa de teor quantitativo teve como amostra o total de 30 indivíduos extraída de 34 questionários enviados a 07 comarcas do Sertão de Pernambuco, à Comarca de Juazeiro, e ainda ao Tribunal Regional Federal da 5ª Região. A partir da análise dos dados, observou-se que as competências consideradas mais importantes e de maior domínio são aquelas que diz respeito à administração pública voltada para a satisfação do usuário da justiça, à observância dos princípios constitucionais, e as referentes à postura e à gestão pública baseada na ética.