bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Índice de dispersión poblacional distrital (IDP) para la estimación de necesidades de recursos humanos en salud del primer nivel de atención
Authors: Álvarez Carmela , Cuzco Ruiz María Z. , Peralta Quispe Felipe
Published: May 2015

Introducción: El Ministerio de Salud de Perú (MINSA) viene implementando políticas y estrategias orientadas a garantizar el acceso a atención con equidad, oportunidad y calidad; para lo cual se requiere contar con recursos humanos (RHUS) suficientes y adecuadamente distribuidos en los diferentes niveles de atención. Así, es fundamental estimar la brecha de RHUS especialmente en el primer nivel de atención, incorporando en particular como criterio, la dispersión poblacional presente en el país. Objetivos: Diseñar, validar y aplicar un índice de dispersión poblacional distrital (IDP) que caracterice la dispersión distrital y aporte en la estimación de brecha de RHUS en el primer nivel de atención. Diseño: Estudio observacional y analítico, análisis multivariado. Lugar: Dirección General de Gestión del Desarrollo de Recursos Humanos MINSA, Perú. Participantes: Se consideró como unidad de análisis la totalidad de los distritos del Perú. Intervenciones: Análisis factorial exploratorio que considera variables demográficas, sociales, económicas y de acceso a los servicios de salud, obtenidas de los Censos de Población y Vivienda (2005 y 2007) y la Encuesta Nacional Continua (2006). Principales medidas de resultado: Índice de dispersión poblacional distrital. Resultados: El IDP fue estructurado y validado con la relación oficial de municipios rurales y la percepción de los operadores sanitarios de los Gobiernos Regionales del país. De las 1 831 municipalidades evaluadas, se clasificó los 1 277 distritos considerados rurales de acuerdo a la clasificación de Presidencia de Consejo de Ministros (PCM) como dispersos por la metodología; se identificó un 82% de concordancia. Conclusiones: El IDP diseñado y validado aporta en la estimación de brechas de RHUS para los servicios asistenciales del primer nivel de atención en el Perú.
Deserción estudiantil en las carreras de ciencias de la salud en el Perú
Authors: Heredia Alarcón Manuel , Andía Ticona Marcelino , Ocampo Guabloche Helder , Ramos Castillo José , Rodríguez Caldas Amado , Tenorio Catalina , Pardo Ruiz Karim
Published: May 2015

Introducción: La deserción estudiantil en ciencias de la salud es un tema poco investigado en nuestro país. La deserción universitaria en general tiene un origen multifactorial e implicancias individuales, familiares, institucionales y sociales. Asimismo, origina pérdidas económicas ingentes en nuestro país y en los de la región. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de deserción durante la formación profesional en medicina, enfermería, obstetricia y odontología, en nueve universidades del Perú. Diseño: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de corte transversal. Institución: Dirección General de Gestión del Desarrollo de los Recursos Humanos MINSA, Perú. Lugar: 4 universidades en Lima y 5 universidades de provincias. Métodos: Registro del número de estudiantes con deserción universitaria según carrera de ciencias de la salud, así como entrevista estructurada para determinar los factores condicionantes. Medidas de resultados: Número de desertores y factores condicionantes. Resultados: La deserción estudiantil para las carreras de ciencias de la salud de las nueve universidades peruanas fue de 10,20% en la carrera de medicina humana, 11,11% en la carrera de obstetricia, 9,91% en la carrera de enfermería y 5,64% en la carrera de odontología. Los factores más relevantes que incidieron en la deserción universitaria fueron de índole vocacional y económico. Conclusiones: La deserción estudiantil en carreras de ciencias de la salud alcanzó en promedio 10%, cuyo origen predominante fue vocacional y económico. El énfasis en las universidades es en el seguimiento de rendimiento académico, mas no en quienes adolecen de él. Las universidades formadoras de profesionales en el campo de la salud no tienen planes para potenciales desertores.
Recordando a Sir William Osler a 100 años de su fallecimiento: ¿qué podemos aprender de su legado?
Authors: Becker Robert E.
Published: May 2015

William Osler es un médico por antonomasia en la historia de la medicina. Como padre de la medicina hipocrática moderna trasladó las bases de la educación médica del siglo XIX de los salones de clase a la cabecera de los pacientes (figura), introdujo el uso rutinario del laboratorio y la autopsia como parte de la educación y la práctica médica, y trajo consigo la escolaridad, humildad y la humanidad en la relación médico–paciente. Fue muy querido por quienes lo conocían y respetado por su generación y por las que la siguieron. Brindó atención al paciente preocupándose antes que todo por la persona misma. Osler aún recibe elogios -con justicia merecidos- por avanzar el sitial de la ciencia, de las humanidades y del profesionalismo en la medicina (véase la sección referencias). Osler es menos reconocido por el control de errores, la biología variacional, el método científico y el humanismo—asuntos problemáticos para la medicina moderna
Repositorio Nacional Digital de Acceso Libre (ALICIA): oportunidad para el acceso a la información científica en el Perú
Authors: Atamari Anahui Noé , Díaz Vélez Cristian
Published: May 2015

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Brindar malas noticias en la sala de emergencias
Authors: Ascencio Romero María Consuelo , Cervera Montenegro Nicole , Vigo Rabanal Jerson André , León Jiménez Franco Ernesto
Published: May 2015

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Presencia de Listeria monocytogenes en Canales Porcinas en Lima, Perú
Authors: Barrientos H. Edy Waldo , Lucas L. Juan Raúl , Ramos D. Daphne , Rebatta T. Mónica , Arbaiza F. Teresa
Published: May 2015

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la presencia de Listeria monocytogenes en muestras de canales porcinas en Lima, Perú. Se muestrearon 88 superficies de canales procedentes de un centro de beneficio. Las muestras se sometieron a un pre-enriquecimiento en medio BLEB y enriquecimiento microbiológico en caldo PALCAM, y el patógeno se identificó con la técnica molecular de detección rápida de hibridación in situ. El 13.9 ± 6.1% de las canales resultaron positivas a L. monocytogenes, posiblemente debido a deficiencias en la aplicación y control de las buenas prácticas de manufactura y operaciones sanitarias estándares en el centro de beneficio.
Parásitos Gastrointestinales en Reptiles en Cautiverio en Lima Metropolitana
Authors: Chávez C. Laura , Serrano-Martínez Enrique , Tantaleán V. Manuel , Quispe H. Marco , Casas V Gina C.
Published: May 2015

El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo identificar parásitos gastrointestinales en reptiles mantenidos en cautiverio en Lima Metropolitana. Se trabajó con reptiles de los parques zonales Huáscar (Villa El Salvador) y Sinchi Roca (Comas), del zoológico del Colegio El Buen Pastor y del serpentario del Instituto Nacional de Salud. Se recolectaron 133 muestras de heces de Chelonoidis denticulata (89), Boa constrictor (11), Iguana iguana (6), Trachemys scripta (3), Bothrops atrox (5), Bothrops barnetti (3), Epicrates cenchria (3), Crotalus durissus terrificus (2) y de otras nueve especies. Las muestras fueron procesadas mediante los métodos de diagnóstico parasitológico directo, de Ritchie, de Faust y frotis fecal con tinción Ziehl Neelsen. Se encontró Nyctotherus sp (72/89), Balantidium sp (56/89) y Sauricola sp (21/89) en C. denticulata; Alaeuris sp (4/6) y Ozolaimus sp (3/6) en I. iguana; ooquistes de Cryptosporidium sp (35/89) en C. denticulata; larvas de Rhabdias sp (2/5) en B. atrox y huevos del pentastómido Porocephalus sp (1/3) en E. cenchria. Los resultados demuestran que los reptiles son portadores de varias especies de parásitos, incluyendo especies con potencial zoonótico.
Percepción de los Beneficios de la Tenencia de Animales de Compañía en Personas con Orientación Sexual Homoerótica y Transexuales
Authors: Hugues H Beatriz , Álvarez A. Aimee , Castelo E.C. Lizet , Ledón L. Loraine , Mendoza T. Madelín , Domínguez A. Emma
Published: May 2015

El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la percepción de personas de ambos sexos con orientación sexual homoerótica (OSH) (n= 40) y de transexuales (n=20) con respecto a la tenencia de animales de compañía y su relación con la satisfacción personal y los beneficios sobre la salud psicoemocional. Se realizó una encuesta con base a un cuestionario autoadministrado. Se constató que el 83% de las personas con OSH y el 85% de los transexuales estaban muy satisfechos por convivir con animales de compañía. Para las personas con OSH, el 98% cuidaba más de su salud y al 93% le proporcionaba compañía, mientras que para los transexuales, al 95% le proporcionaba bienestar y el 90% cuidaba más de su salud. En relación a los beneficios sobre la salud psicoemocional, el 83% de las personas con OSH y el 90% de los transexuales aludieron que les resultaba muy beneficioso. Se concluye que los grupos estudiados percibían que la tenencia de animales de compañía les ejerció efectos beneficiosos para su satisfacción personal y salud emocional.
Evaluación de la Calidad Espermática del Semen Ovino Posdescongelación al Emplear Dos Fuentes Energéticas y Dos Crioprotectores
Authors: Ruiz G. Luis , Sandoval M. Rocío , Santiani A. Alexei
Published: May 2015

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar el efecto de dos fuentes energéticas (frucotsa y glucosa) y dos crioprotectores (glicerol y etilenglicol) sobre la calidad seminal luego del proceso de criopreservación en un arreglo factorial de 2 x 2. Se evaluó la motilidad progresiva, la viabilidad y la integridad acrosomal. La motilidad fue superior con el uso de glicerol (65.5%) en comparación con el uso de etilenglicol (49.0%) (p<0.05); asimismo, la motilidad fue superior con el uso de fructosa (59.3%) que con glucosa (55.1%) (p<0.05). La integridad acrosomal fue superior con el uso de glicerol (58.2%) en comparación con el etilenglicol (42.0%); asimismo, la integridad acrosomal fue superior con el uso de fructosa (53.8%) que con glucosa (46.4%) (p<0.05). La interacción fuente energética x crioprotector no fue significativa. Los resultados demuestran que la utilización de glicerol como agente crioprotector y de fructosa como fuente energética previenen en forma más efectiva la pérdida de calidad seminal durante el proceso de criopreservación en comparación que el etilenglicol y la glucosa, respectivamente.
Dimensionality of the 9‐item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale revisited: A Bayesian structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Fong Ted C. T. , Ho Rainbow T. H.
Published: May 2015

Dimensionality of the 9‐item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale revisited: A Bayesian structural equation modeling approach: Ted C. T. Fong, et al. Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Objective

The aim of this study was to reexamine the dimensionality of the widely used 9‐item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale using the maximum likelihood (ML) approach and Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM) approach.

Methods

Three measurement models (1‐factor, 3‐factor, and bi‐factor models) were evaluated in two split samples of 1,112 health‐care workers using confirmatory factor analysis and BSEM, which specified small‐variance informative priors for cross‐loadings and residual covariances. Model fit and comparisons were evaluated by posterior predictive p‐value (PPP), deviance information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion (BIC).

Results

None of the three ML‐based models showed an adequate fit to the data. The use of informative priors for cross‐loadings did not improve the PPP for the models. The 1‐factor BSEM model with approximately zero residual covariances displayed a good fit (PPP>0.10) to both samples and a substantially lower BIC than its 3‐factor and bi‐factor counterparts.

Conclusions

The BSEM results demonstrate empirical support for the 1‐factor model as a parsimonious and reasonable representation of work engagement.
Characterization of Electron-Induced Defects in Cu (In, Ga) Se2 Thin Films by Photoluminescence
Authors: Kawakita Shirou , Imaizumi Mitsuru , Ishizuka Shogo , Shibata Hajime , Niki Shigeru , Okuda Shuichi , Kusawake Hiroaki
Published: May 2015

CIGS thin films were irradiated with 100 or 250 keV electrons to reveal the radiation defect by analyzing PL measurement. The PL intensity decreased due to non-radiative recombination defects induced by electron irradiation. Furthermore, the intensity 0.8 eV peak of the PL spectrum was observed from CIGS films irradiated with 250 eV electrons and is said to correspond to In-antisite defects in CIGS materials. The defects can usually change into InCu-VCu complex defects combined with VCu, since the formation energy of the complex defect is lower than that of each defect. Cu interstitial defects induced by 250 keV electron irradiation would diffuse to VCu of the complex defect, whereupon the complex defect might become an In-antisite defect due to 250 keV electron irradiation.
Observations on Three Endpoint Properties and Their Relationship to Regulatory Outcomes of European Oncology Marketing Applications
Authors: Liberti Lawrence , Stolk Pieter , McAuslane James Neil , Schellens Jan , Breckenridge Alasdair M. , Leufkens Hubert
Published: May 2015

Background.

Guidance and exploratory evidence indicate that the type of endpoints and the magnitude of their outcome can define a therapy's clinical activity; however, little empirical evidence relates specific endpoint properties with regulatory outcomes.

Materials and Methods.

We explored the relationship of 3 endpoint properties to regulatory outcomes by assessing 50 oncology marketing authorization applications (MAAs; reviewed from 2009 to 2013).

Results.

Overall, 16 (32%) had a negative outcome. The most commonly used hard endpoints were overall survival (OS) and the duration of response or stable disease. OS was a component of 91% approved and 63% failed MAAs. The most commonly used surrogate endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), response rate, and health-related quality of life assessments. There was no difference (p = .3801) between the approved and failed MAA cohorts in the proportion of hard endpoints used. A mean of slightly more than four surrogate endpoints were used per approved MAA compared with slightly more than two for failed MAAs. Longer OS and PFS duration outcomes were generally associated with approvals, often when not statistically significant. The approved cohort was associated with a preponderance of statistically significant (p < .05) improvements in primary endpoints (p < .0001 difference between the approved and failed groups).

Conclusion.

Three key endpoint properties (type of endpoint [hard/surrogate], magnitude of an endpoint outcome, and its statistical significance) are consistent with the European Medicines Agency guidance and, notwithstanding the contribution of unique disease-specific circumstances, are associated with a predictable positive outcome for oncology MAAs.

Implications for Practice:

Regulatory decisions made by the European Medicines Agency determine which new medicines will be available to European prescribers and for which therapeutic indications. Regulatory success or failure can be influenced by many factors. This study assessed three key properties of endpoints used in preauthorization trials (type of endpoint [hard/surrogate], magnitude of endpoint outcome, and its statistical significance) and whether they are associated with a positive regulatory outcome. Clinicians can use these properties, which are described in the publicly available European public assessment reports, to help guide their understanding of the clinical effect of new oncologic therapies.
Os granitos ediacaranos no contexto dos terrenos Jaguaribeano e Rio Piranhas-Seridó no oeste do RN, Província Borborema.
Authors: Sá1 Jaziel Martins , Galindo Antonio Carlos , Legrand Jean Michel , Souza Laécio Cunha de , Maia Heitor Neves
Published: May 2015

Volumoso magmatismo plutônico neoproterozoico está bem registrado a leste e a oeste da Zona de Cisalhamento (tipo e cinemática) Portalegre, predominantemente transcorrente e destral, que ocorre no oeste do Rio Grande do Norte. Foram identificados vários tipos litológicos com assinaturas geoquímicas distintas, desde cálcio-alcalinas de alto potássio a alcalinas tipo-A. As relações temporais/estratigráficas entre estas unidades bem como suas relações com o funcionamento das zonas de cisalhamento transcorrentes da região foram estabelecidas, gerando uma cronologia para estes plutons. Estruturalmente estes corpos apresentam desde uma foliação bem desenvolvida, em geral associada às zonas de cisalhamento, até texturas isotrópicas. Estruturas primárias tais como zoneamento magmático de feldspatos, estruturas de fluxo e entelhamento de cristais foram identificadas. Análises U-Pb em zircões e Sm-Nd em rochas total foram realizadas em rochas básicas e ácidas dos batólitos Quixaba, Pereiro (tipo Itaporanga) e Umarizal, e em um dique de diorito (vaugnerito) contendo biotitas centimétricas e ortopiroxênio + clinopiroxênio, intrusivo nos granitos Pereiro e em rochas da Suíte São João do Sabugi. Foram obtidas idades de 618 ± 9 Ma a 570 ± 5 Ma, identificando um plutonismo ativo desde condições sintectônicas a pós-tectônicas à Zona de Cisalhamento Portalegre. Análises isotópicas Sm-Nd apontam protólitos neoarqueanos (2,5-2,6 Ga) para o granito Pereiro, a estaterianas (1,8 Ga) para o granito Quixaba, todas com assinaturas de fonte crustal ou forte contaminação crustal devido aos valores de eNd negativos.
Caracterização de geossítios do município Itapororoca/PB Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Silva Ivanildo Costa da , Nascimento Marcos Antonio Leite do
Published: May 2015

A geodiversidade do município de Itapororoca-PB pode ser utilizada como ferramenta para impulsionar o desenvolvimento das comunidades locais por meio de atividades voltadas a uma maior interação com seu patrimônio geológico na ótica da Geoconservação. Neste sentido, este município, além de outros fatores naturais, é favorecido pela existência de rochas como brecha tectônica, silexitos e brecha clástica incomuns para o Litoral e Agreste paraibano. O objetivo geral deste trabalho é analisar as características geológicas do município de Itapororoca-PB, identificar seus potenciais para implantação de Geossítios e as possibilidades de conservação ambiental no viés da Geoconservação. Os procedimentos metodológicos consistiram na busca por referenciais teóricos adequados, visitas a campo para coleta de amostras e observação das feições/estruturas geológicas. Posteriormente, foram realizados estudos das amostras através de lâminas em laboratório, e por fim, foram realizadas a sistematização e análises dos dados. É importante salientar que não foram encontrados indícios de rochas vulcânicas nas amostras de rochas coletadas em superfície na área conhecida na literatura como Vulcânicas Félsicas Itapororoca. Os estudos mostraram que a litologia superficial da referida área é composta predominantemente por afloramentos de brecha tectônica, silexitos e brecha clástica. Foram identificados 5 (cinco) locais que apresentam potenciais compatíveis com a possibilidade de implantação de Geossítios, de caráter científico-educativo-turístico. Os mesmo foram denominados de Conglomerado Timbó, Piçarreira, Pedreira, Piscina da Nascença e Dique da Barragem.
Uso de trilhas como recurso didático: abordagem interdisciplinar no ensino das geociências
Authors: Guimarães Thaís de Oliveira , Mariano Gorki
Published: May 2015

A abordagem interdisciplinar representa importante ferramenta para o aprendizado. Através dela é possível suprimir a visão reducionista e fragmentada das disciplinas, investindo em recursos didáticos que ampliem a percepção e agreguem valor, ao invés de meros conceitos. A associação de valores históricos e culturais às Geociências, intimamente relacionados aos elementos do meio abiótico, pode promover o despertar de uma consciência conservacionista e humanitária. Com base nestes princípios, objetivando maior absorção dos conteúdos abordaos em sala de aula, bem como uma visão ampliada das Geociências, foi mapeada e descrita uma trilha de caráter didático e interdisciplinar, localizada no município do Cabo de Santo Agostinho, estado de Pernambuco. O percurso contempla elementos da geodiversidade, biodiversidade, testemunhos históricos, arqueológicos e aspectos sociais da comunidade local. A beleza cênica excepcional da região está relacionada aos processos da dinâmica terrestre, tendo como marco principal a quebra do continente Gondwana (ca 102 ma). Partindo do princípio que os fenômenos geológicos não ocorrem de forma isolada, resultando de um conjunto de fatores provenientes da dinâmica terrestre, acredita-se na relevante contribuição deste trabalho ao ensino das Geociências. Participaram da pesquisa alunos de graduação e pós-graduação, dos cursos de Arqueologia, Geografia e Geologia. A avaliação de desempenho dos alunos foi feita através da participação nas excursões didáticas e relatórios, aplicados ao término das disciplinas. Com este tipo de abordagem foi verificado maior interesse dos estudantes em reunir informações de forma mais complexa, extraindo do trabalho de campo o complemento fundamental aos conceitos teóricos abordados em sala de aula.
Density-Based Production-Data Analysis of Gas Wells With Significant Rock-Compressibility Effects
Authors: Zhang Miao , Ayala Luis F.
Published: May 2015

The state-of-the-art analysis of the production performance of gas wells relies on material-balance concepts combined with pseudopressure and pseudotime for rate-time decline analysis and reserves estimations. In many cases, rock compressibility and reservoir pore-volume (PV) change are either neglected or accounted for by replacing gas compressibility with total compressibility values. In this work, we extend the applicability of a rescaled exponential and density-based decline-analysis approach (Ayala and Ye 2013a, b; Zhang and Ayala 2014a, b) for the decline analysis of gas systems experiencing significant rock-compressibility effects. We formally derive the density-based analytical techniques that rigorously capture formation-compressibility effects during the analysis of gas-well-production data during boundary-dominated flow, which proves crucially important for high-pressure and/or large-formation-compressibility gas-reservoir systems. The proposed formulation enables the calculation and correct prediction of well performance and original gas in place (OGIP) by incorporating formation compressibility and the change of reservoir PV effects, which may prove crucially important in high-pressure and/or relatively large-formation-compressibility gas reservoirs. We also present the associated straight-line analysis technique used for OGIP determination on the basis of the density approach applicable to constant-bottomhole-pressure production and variable-flow-rate/pressure-drop systems.
A comparison of two infiltration models applied to simulation of overland flow over a two-dimensional flume
Authors: Mallari K. J. B. , Kim H. , Pak G. , Aksoy H. , Yoon J.
Published: May 2015

At the hillslope scale, where the rill-interrill configuration plays a significant role, infiltration is one of the major hydrologic processes affecting the generation of overland flow. As such, it is important to achieve a good understanding and accurate modelling of this process. Horton's infiltration has been widely used in many hydrologic models, though it has been occasionally found limited in handling adequately the antecedent moisture conditions (AMC) of soil. Holtan's model, conversely, is thought to be able to provide better estimation of infiltration rates as it can directly account for initial soil water content in its formulation. In this study, the Holtan model is coupled to an existing overland flow model, originally using Horton's model to account for infiltration, in an attempt to improve the prediction of runoff. For calibration and validation, experimental data from a two-dimensional flume which is incorporated with hillslope configuration have been used. Calibration and validation results showed that Holtan's model was able to improve the modelling results with better performance statistics than the Horton-coupled model. Holtan's infiltration equation, which allows accounting for AMC, provided an advantage and resulted in better runoff prediction of the model.
Economic assessment of sludge handling and environmental impact of sludge treatment in a reed bed system
Authors: Nielsen Steen
Published: May 2015

The effect on the environment of the establishment and operation of a sludge treatment reed bed system (STRB) is quite limited compared to mechanical sludge dewatering, with its accompanying use of energy and chemicals. The assessment presented here of the investment, operation and maintenance costs of a typical STRB, and of the related environmental impact, is based on the experiences gained from the operation of a large number of STRB in Denmark. There are differences in the environmental perspectives and costs involved in mechanical sludge dewatering and disposal on agricultural land compared to STRB. The two treatment methods were considered for comparison based on a treatment capacity of 550 tons of dry solids per year and with land application of the biosolids in Denmark. The initial capital cost for STRB is higher than a conventional mechanical system; however, an STRB would provide significant power and operating-cost savings, with a significant saving in the overall cost of the plant over 20–30 years. The assessment focuses on the use of chemicals, energy and greenhouse gas emissions and includes emptying, sludge residue quality and recycling. STRB with direct land application is the most cost-effective scenario and has the lowest environmental impact. A sludge strategy consisting of an STRB will be approximately DKK 536,894–647,636 cheaper per year than the option consisting of a new screw press or decanter.
Application of novel consortium TSR for treatment of industrial dye manufacturing effluent with concurrent removal of ADMI, COD, heavy metals and toxicity
Authors: Patel Tallika L. , Patel Bhargav C. , Kadam Avinash A. , Tipre Devayani R. , Dave Shailesh R.
Published: May 2015

The present study was aimed towards the effective bio-treatment of actual industrial effluent containing as high as 42,000 mg/L COD (chemical oxygen demand), >28,000 ADMI (American Dye Manufacturers Institute) color value and four heavy metals using indigenous developed bacterial consortium TSR. Mineral salt medium supplemented with as low as 0.02% (w/v) yeast extract and glucose was found to remove 70% ADMI, 69% COD and >99% sorption of heavy metals in 24 h from the effluent by consortium TSR. The biodegradation of effluent was monitored by UV–vis light, HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography), HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromotography) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and showed significant differences in spectra of untreated and treated effluent, confirming degradation of the effluent. Induction of intracellular azoreductase (107%) and NADH–DCIP reductase (128%) in addition to extracellular laccase (489%) indicates the vital role of the consortium TSR in the degradation process. Toxicity study of the effluent using Allium cepa by single cell gel electrophoresis showed detoxification of the effluent. Ninety per cent germination of plant seeds, Triticum aestivum and Phaseolus mungo, was achieved after treatment by consortium TSR in contrast to only 20% and 30% germination of the respective plants in case of untreated effluent.
Activated charcoal–magnetic nanocomposite for remediation of simulated dye polluted wastewater
Authors: Ahmed Md. Juned K. , Ahmaruzzaman M.
Published: May 2015

Herein, we report a straightforward way to fabricate activated charcoal–magnetic nanocomposite (AC–MNC) by chemical precipitation for the sequestration of methylene blue (MB) from a simulated solution. The synthesised nanocomposite was characterised by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. A good uniformity in the spherical AC–MNC particles is observed from a TEM image with an average particle size diameter of around 25 nm. AC–MNC possesses a specific surface area of 387.28 m2 g−1 with easy dispersibility and magnetic separation. The nanocomposite demonstrates an MB sequestration capacity of 147.71 mg g−1. The high efficiency of the nanocomposite is rationalised on the basis of H-bonding and electrostatic interaction between the electropositive N-atom of MB and electronegative oxygen-containing functional groups on the composite surface. Moreover, the exhausted AC–MNC can be efficiently regenerated by microwave irradiation followed by elution with methanol. The renewed nanocomposite showed good reusability. Thus, the synthesised AC–MNC proved to be an interesting and potential material for the remediation of MB-contaminated aqueous solution.
Particle removal in a novel sequential mechanical filter system loaded with blackwater
Authors: Todt Daniel , Jenssen Petter D.
Published: May 2015

A novel sequential mechanical filter system was developed as an alternative primary treatment method for onsite wastewater treatment. The filter combines traditional screening with a novel type of counter-flow filter using wood-shavings as a biodegradable filter matrix. This study tested the system in a batch loading regime simulating high frequency toilet flushing using blackwater from a student dormitory. The filter removed 78–85% of suspended solids, 60–80% of chemical oxygen demand, and 42–57% of total-P in blackwater, giving a retentate with a dry matter content of 13–20%. Data analysis clearly indicated a tendency towards higher removal performance with high inlet concentrations, hence, the system seems to be most applicable to blackwater or other types of wastewater with a high content of suspended solids.
A study on the effects of ozone dosage on dissolved-ozone flotation (DOF) process performance
Authors: Jin Xin , Jin Pengkang , Wang Xiaochang
Published: May 2015

Dissolved-ozone flotation (DOF) is a tertiary wastewater treatment process, which combines ozonation and flotation. In this paper, a pilot-scale DOF system fed by secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in China was used to study the effect of ozone dosage on the DOF process performance. The results show that an ozone dosage could affect the DOF performance to a large extent in terms of color and organic matter removal as well as disinfection performance. The optimal color and organic matter removal was achieved at an ozone dosage of 0.8 mg/l. For disinfection, significant improvement in performance could be achieved only when the organic matter removal was optimal. The optimal ozone dosage of at least 1.6 mg/l was put forward, in this case, in order to achieve the optimal color, turbidity, organic matter and disinfection performance.
Twitter: A Novel Tool for Studying the Health and Social Needs of Transgender Communities
Authors: Krueger Evan A , Young Sean D
Published: May 2015

Background

Limited research has examined the health and social needs of transgender and gender nonconforming populations. Due to high levels of stigma, transgender individuals may avoid disclosing their identities to researchers, hindering this type of work. Further, researchers have traditionally relied on clinic-based sampling methods, which may mask the true heterogeneity of transgender and gender nonconforming communities. Online social networking websites present a novel platform for studying this diverse, difficult-to-reach population.

Objective

The objective of this study was to attempt to examine the perceived health and social needs of transgender and gender nonconforming communities by examining messages posted to the popular microblogging platform, Twitter.

Methods

Tweets were collected from 13 transgender-related hashtags on July 11, 2014. They were read and coded according to general themes addressed, and a content analysis was performed. Qualitative and descriptive statistics are presented.

Results

There were 1135 tweets that were collected in total. Both “positive” and “negative” events were discussed, in both personal and social contexts. Violence, discrimination, suicide, and sexual risk behavior were discussed. There were 34.36% (390/1135) of tweets that addressed transgender-relevant current events, and 60.79% (690/1135) provided a link to a relevant news article or resource.

Conclusions

This study found that transgender individuals and allies use Twitter to discuss health and social needs relevant to the population. Real-time social media sites like Twitter can be used to study issues relevant to transgender communities.
Work Values and Career Adaptability of Chinese University Students
Authors: Ye Lihui
Published: May 2015

I conducted a survey to examine the relationship between work values and career adaptability in a sample of 407 Chinese university students. I validated an extrinsic–intrinsic work values structure through principal components analysis, based on self-determination theory. The
results showed that extrinsic work values, such as the importance of high income and good working conditions, and intrinsic work values, such as emphasis on creativity and challenge, and a friendly workplace atmosphere, positively predicted the career adaptability of the participants. Thus,
the driving force of both extrinsic and intrinsic work values meant that the students were likely to put effort into developing adaptive capabilities for their career development. The implications of these findings for career education and career counseling practice are discussed.
Knowledge Heterogeneity and Team Knowledge Sharing as Moderated by Internal Social Capital
Authors: Wu Daoyou , Liao Zhongju , Dai Juanlan
Published: May 2015

We examined the moderating effect of team internal social capital in the relationships among professional heterogeneity, experience heterogeneity, and thinking heterogeneity (3 dimensions of knowledge heterogeneity) and team knowledge sharing. The study sample comprised 149 teams of
employees of companies in China. Results of a multiple regression analysis showed that professional heterogeneity, experience heterogeneity, and thinking heterogeneity all had a significantly positive effect on knowledge sharing. Further analysis demonstrated that internal social capital moderated
the effect of experience heterogeneity on knowledge sharing, as well as that of thinking heterogeneity on knowledge sharing. Implications of our findings and future research directions are discussed.
Impact of Gratitude on Resource Development and Emotional Well-Being
Authors: Lin Chih-Che
Published: May 2015

Using the broaden-and-build theory, I examined whether or not gratitude can build social, cognitive, physical, and psychological resources, and whether or not gratitude induces other positive emotions that trigger upward spirals toward emotional well-being. I recruited participants
(N = 375 undergraduates) to complete measures of the variables of interest. The results indicated that higher levels of gratitude significantly predicted increases in social support, adaptive coping abilities, and beneficial psychological outcomes (e.g., life satisfaction), as well
as decreases in avoidant coping style and detrimental physical outcomes (e.g., negative emotions). Further, I found that gratitude could induce other positive emotions which partially mediated the effects of gratitude on emotional well-being. These findings provide empirical support for the
idea that gratitude is, in essence, a positive emotion beneficial for positive functioning, as well as broadening and building other positive emotions, which, in turn, result in an increase in emotional well-being.
An Evaluation of Chinese Firms' Profitability: 2005–2013
Authors: Liu Jing , Ohlson James A. , Zhang Weining
Published: May 2015

SYNOPSIS

We empirically examine the profitability of leading Chinese firms, benchmarked against comparable U.S. firms, for the period 2005–2013. Return on invested capital (ROIC), which excludes leverage effects on performance, provides the primary metric. Averaged over firms and years, the two sets of firms have similar profitability, about 11 percent annually. Decomposing ROIC into free cash flow yield and invested capital growth, we show that the same ROIC has very different compositions: while the Chinese firms have high growth and negative free cash flows, the U.S. firms have low growth and positive free cash flows. Due to balance sheet conservatism, we infer that Chinese (U.S.) firms' free cash flow yields and the resulting ROICs have been biased downward (upward). After correcting for the bias, we show that Chinese firms have much higher profitability than their U.S. counterparts: 15.1 percent versus 8.1 percent. This result is driven by the abundance of growth opportunities in China in our sample period. When we control for the growth rates, we find U.S. firms have been more “efficient” in generating more free cash flows than Chinese firms.
Monetary Incentives, Feedback, and Recognition—Complements or Substitutes? Evidence from a Field Experiment in a Retail Services Company
Authors: Lourenço Sofia M
Published: May 2015

This study investigates the performance effects of the combined use of three reinforcers, or incentive motivators, commonly used by companies: monetary incentives, feedback, and recognition. Using a field experiment in a retail services company, I test whether these incentives, which appeal to diverse motivation mechanisms—tangible payoffs, self-regulation, and social esteem—and, hence, have different utilities, are complements or substitutes. The results of the hard performance data collected, in the form of a ratio of sales relative to goals, show that monetary incentives and recognition are substitutes, while feedback is independent of the other incentives. The negative interaction between monetary incentives and recognition is evidence of crowding out between tangible payoffs and social esteem motivations. Individually, these two incentives have a positive impact on performance of about 13 percentage points, which corresponds to a 32.5 percent performance increase. Feedback interactions and main effects are not statistically significant, which suggests that, in this setting, providing feedback in the form of knowledge of results has no impact.
Internal Control Opinion Shopping and Audit Market Competition
Authors: Newton Nathan J. , Persellin Julie S. , Wang Dechun , Wilkins Michael S.
Published: May 2015

This study examines the extent to which audit clients successfully engage in internal control opinion shopping activities and whether audit market competition appears to facilitate those activities. Regulators have long been concerned about the impact of both audit market competition and opinion shopping on audit quality. We adopt the framework developed in Lennox (2000) to construct a proxy to measure the tendency that clients engage in internal control opinion shopping activities. Our empirical results suggest that clients are successful in shopping for clean internal control opinions. In addition, we find evidence that internal control opinion shopping occurs primarily in competitive audit markets. Finally, our results indicate that among auditor dismissal clients, opinion shopping is more likely to occur when dismissals are made relatively late during a reporting period and when audit market competition is high. Our findings have implications for the current policy debate regarding audit quality and audit market competition.
Client Conservatism and Auditor-Client Contracting
Authors: DeFond Mark L. , Lim Chee Yeow , Zang Yoonseok
Published: May 2015

We find that auditors of more conservative clients charge lower fees, issue fewer going concern opinions, and resign less frequently, consistent with more conservative clients imposing less engagement risk on their auditors. Using path analysis, we find evidence that both inherent risk and auditor business risk explain these associations. Also consistent with conservatism reducing auditor business risk, we find that client conservatism is associated with fewer lawsuits against auditors and with fewer client restatements. Taken together, our results are consistent with auditors viewing client conservatism as an important determinant of engagement risk that, in turn, affects auditor-client contracting decisions. Our findings should be of interest to auditors who actively manage client risk and to standard-setters who recently dropped conservatism as a desired attribute of financial reporting quality.

Data Availability: All data are publicly available from sources indicated in the text.
Accounting and Public Policy: The Importance of Credible Research
Authors: Denison Christine A. , Ravenscroft Sue P. , Williams Paul F.
Published: May 2015

Accounting as a professional practice plays a profound, unavoidable, and often unnoticed role in the lives of all citizens. As members of the Public Interest Section of the American Accounting Association, we explicitly explore the myriad social roles of accounting and promote its use to improve the general well-being. In this forum, to say accounting matters is to state the obvious and uncontested. Accounting's important social role imposes responsibilities on those defining and studying that role; as academics we are obligated to promote the highest standards in our research on accounting practice and its social implications. However, the dominant accounting research that explores and attempts to underlay accounting practice does not consistently adhere to the basic precepts of good scientific research practice. To serve the public interest, researchers in accounting can and must do more than award and distribute status via publication in journals whose prestige is high but whose requirements fail to meet scientific standards of reproducibility. We look first at the importance of accounting's role in society. Then we evaluate existing research practices in accounting and find them inadequate to the demands of scientific standards. We provide examples accounting academics could adopt from related disciplines in pursuit of more reliable research findings.
Using Genetic Variants to Assess the Relationship Between Circulating Lipids and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fall Tove , Xie Weijia , Poon Wenny , Yaghootkar Hanieh , Mägi Reedik ,   the GENESIS Consortium, Knowles Joshua W. , Lyssenko Valeriya , Weedon Michael , Frayling Timothy M. , Ingelsson Erik
Published: May 2015

The effects of dyslipidemia on the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related traits are not clear. We used regression models and 140 lipid-associated genetic variants to estimate associations between circulating HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides and T2D and related traits. Each genetic test was corrected for effects of variants on the other two lipid types and surrogates of adiposity. We used the largest data sets available: 34,840 T2D case and 114,981 control subjects from the DIAGRAM (DIAbetes Genetics Replication And Meta-analysis) consortium and up to 133,010 individuals without diabetes for insulin secretion and sensitivity from the MAGIC (Meta-Analyses of Glucose and Insulin-related traits Consortium) and GENESIS (GENEticS of Insulin Sensitivity) studies. Eight of 21 associations between groups of variants and diabetes traits were significant at the nominal level, including those between genetically determined lower HDL-C (β = −0.12, P = 0.03) and T2D and genetically determined lower LDL-C (β = −0.21, P = 5 × 10−6) and T2D. Although some of these may represent causal associations, we discuss why caution must be used when using Mendelian randomization in the context of circulating lipid levels and diabetes traits. In conclusion, we found evidence of links between genetic variants associated with lipids and T2D, but deeper knowledge of the underlying genetic mechanisms of specific lipid variants is needed before drawing definite conclusions about causality based on Mendelian randomization methodology.
Calcium Variously Mediates the Effect of Cytokinin on Chlorophyll and LHCPII Accumulation During Greening in Barley Leaves and Cucumber Cotyledons
Authors: Legocka Jolanta , Sobieszczuk-Nowicka Ewa
Published: May 2015

During greening, excised etiolated barley leaves and cucumber cotyledons that were depleted of exogenous Ca2+ by a chelating agent (ethylene glycol-bis (beta aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N`N`-tetraacetic acid, EGTA) showed ∼50% reduced chlorophyll (Chl) accumulation and ∼30% accumulation of apoprotein of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein complex of photosystem II (LHCPII). The Ca2+ channel blocker lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) applied to cucumber cotyledons reduced LHCPII accumulation more than EGTA did. In both plant mate-rials, cytokinins enhanced chlorophyll accumulation by 50-60% and this effect was completely canceled by EGTA application. Hormones significantly increased LHCPII accumulation but EGTA application reduced that effect in barley leaves by ∼30% and in cucumber cotyledons by ∼80%. A similar effect was observed in LaCl3-treated cotyledons. CaCl2 application boosted chlorophyll accumulation in both plant materials. CaCl2 applied together with cytokinin reduced the hormonal effect on chlorophyll accumulation by ∼38% in barley leaves and 23% in cucumber cotyledons, but almost totally inhibited cytokinin-stimulated LHCPII accumulation. Our results indicate that calcium variously mediates the effect of cytokinin on chlorophyll and LHCPII accumulation. Cytokinin-induced enhancement of chlorophyll accumulation seems totally dependent on the exogenous pool of Ca2+, while Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent pathways are involved in the hormonal effect on LHCPII accumulation. The effect of cytokinin on the increase of light-induced LHCPII accumulation appears to be sensitive to exogenously applied Ca2+, which almost totally blocked the hormonal effect. Our results give indirect evidence that the responses to cytokinin and light act on different events leading to Chl and LHCPII accumulation.
Quantitative Determination of Ellagic Acid and Gallic Acid in Geum Rivale L. and G. Urbanum L.
Authors: Owczarek Aleksandra , Olszewska Monika Anna , Gudej Jan
Published: May 2015

Hydrolyzable tannins and products of their hydrolysis, ellagic acid (EA) and gallic acid (GA), are important con-stituents of many medicinal plants and exhibit various biological activities. Geum rivale and G. urbanum are traditional herbal remedies rich in tannin compounds. The aim of the study was to quantitate free and total EA and GA in aerial and underground parts of G. rivale and G. urbanum. After optimization of extraction, both compounds were quantitated by reversed phase HPLC (RP-HPLC). EA was more abundant than GA in the inves-tigated material, and underground parts of G. rivale were the richest source of total EA and GA.