bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise addiction in adolescents and emerging adults – Validation of a youth version of the Exercise Addiction Inventory
Authors: Lichtenstein Mia Beck , Griffiths Mark D. , Hemmingsen Simone Daugaard , Støving René Klinkby
Published: February 2018

Background

Behavioral addictions often onset in adolescence and increase the risk of psychological and social problems later in life. The core symptoms of addiction are tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, lack of control, and compulsive occupation with the behavior. Psychometrically validated tools are required for detection and early intervention. Adolescent screening instruments exist for several behavioral addictions including gambling and video gaming addiction but not for exercise addiction. Given recent empirical and clinical evidence that a minority of teenagers appear to be experiencing exercise addiction, a psychometrically robust screening instrument is required.

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of a youth version of the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) – a robust screening instrument that has been used across different countries and cultures – and to assess the prevalence of exercise addiction and associated disturbed eating.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered to three high-risk samples (n = 471) aged 11–20 years (mean age: 16.3 years): sport school students, fitness center attendees, and patients with eating disorder diagnoses. A youth version of the EAI (EAI-Y) was developed and distributed. Participants were also screened for disordered eating with the SCOFF Questionnaire.

Results

Overall, the EAI-Y demonstrated good reliability and construct validity. The prevalence rate of exercise addiction was 4.0% in school athletes, 8.7% in fitness attendees, and 21% in patients with eating disorders. Exercise addiction was associated with feelings of guilt when not exercising, ignoring pain and injury, and higher levels of body dissatisfaction.
FDA Approval Summary: Lenalidomide as Maintenance Therapy After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Pulte Elizabeth Dianne , Dmytrijuk Andrew , Nie Lei , Goldberg Kirsten B. , McKee Amy E. , Farrell Ann T. , Pazdur Richard
Published: February 2018

On February 22, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the use of lenalidomide as maintenance therapy after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) for patients with multiple myeloma. The approval was based on evidence from two randomized, blinded trials of maintenance lenalidomide versus placebo in patients with myeloma who had undergone auto-HSCT along with a third trial of lenalidomide versus no therapy. Each of the trials demonstrated superior progression-free survival for the patients treated with lenalidomide. The effect on overall survival was mixed, with one trial showing longer overall survival and another showing no effect. Subgroup analysis suggested better results for patients with International Staging System stage I or II disease compared with stage III disease. Safety evaluation did not reveal any new safety concerns. More second primary malignancies were observed in the lenalidomide arm compared with the placebo arm. The FDA concluded that lenalidomide maintenance showed a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio when used as maintenance therapy after auto-HSCT.

Implications for Practice

Prior to this approval, there were no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved maintenance therapies for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have undergone autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). Maintenance therapy with lenalidomide after auto-HSCT in patients with MM demonstrated an approximately 15- to 18-month advantage in progression-free survival compared with placebo at the time of the primary analysis. Patients treated with lenalidomide also appeared to have a survival advantage compared with patients treated with placebo. Because of the high rate of relapse of MM in patients following auto-HSCT and because MM is a serious and often fatal disease, these results appear to be clinically meaningful.
Fertility Preservation in Leukemia
Authors: Blumenfeld Zeev
Published: February 2018

This article comments on the study by Gazdaru et al., who report a case of chronic myeloid leukemia resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Treatment by TKI was replaced by interferon-α (INF-α), and the patient underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, resulting in successful ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation.
Annual blood pressure dynamics and weather sensitivity in women
Authors: Varlamova N G , Zenchenko T A , Boyko E R
Published: February 2018

Aim. To study the annual cycle of blood pressure (BP) and weather sensitivity in normotensive women aged 20-59 years. Subjects and methods. The same group of 25 non-smoking women who had been living in the European North of Russia (62° N, 51° E) almost since their birth and were engaged in moderate-intensity mental labor was daily examined. During a year, there were 11823 blood pressure measurements using the Korotkoff technique; heart rate was calculated by palpation. These meteorological parameters were taken at the websites: http://meteo.infospace.ru and ftp://ftp.ngdc.noaa.gov/stp/geomagnetic_data/indices/kp_ap. The statistical significance of differences in the indicators was determined using the Fisher’s test and the Newman-Keuls test. The study used a correlation analysis with the calculation of the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results. The maximum systolic and diastolic BP values were revealed in February and January, respectively. The minimum values of systolic BP were detected in July; those of diastolic BP were in August. An individual-based analysis of sensitivity to environmental variations showed that about 88% of the women responded to atmospheric temperature; nearly 44% did to geomagnetic activity; almost 24% were sensitive to relative air humidity, and about 16% of the women were to atmospheric pressure. Conclusion. The dynamics of systolic and diastolic BP in the annual cycle of women depends on meteorological factors and suggests that there is a change in the priorities of its control in different periods of a year.
Experimental investigation of biogas production from feedlot cattle manure
Authors: Rosenberg Logan , Kornelius Gerrit
Published: February 2018

Biogas can be generated from biomass in an anaerobic digestion process and used to generate electricity and heat as an alternative energy source to fossil fuel-generated electricity. This study investigated biogas generation from cattle manure dried for periods up to 40 days. Manure samples were analysed for gas yield using the biochemical methane production test. The biogas volume produced by manure samples aged for periods up to 40 days after seeding with cattle rumen fluid was measured as a function of time until there was no further measurable gas production. The biogas was analysed for methane and carbon dioxide content using a gas chromatograph. The corresponding cumulative net biogas yield ranged from 154 to 369 Nml/g.VS respectively. The test results showed that an average of 240 Nml/g.VS of biogas can be produced from cattle manure that is less than 40 days old, with an average methane and carbon dioxide percentage of 63% and 31% respectively. Within 3 to 4 days the manure samples generated 80% of the final biogas volume. The drying process was found to occur at a constant rate per unit area, regardless of the manure thickness up to thickness of 200 mm. Biogas formation closely followed the Gompertz equation. There was no significant difference in the biogas production nor biogas production rate for cattle feedlot manure that was fresh up until aging to 40 days.
Transient stability control by means of under-frequency load shedding and a hybrid control scheme
Authors: Le Roux P. F. , Bansal R.C.
Published: February 2018

An electrical network constantly faces unforeseen events such as faults on lines, loss of load and loss of generation. Under-frequency load shedding and generator tripping are traditional methods used to stabilise a network when a transient fault occurs. These methods will prevent any network instability by shedding load or tripping the most critical generator at a calculated time when required. By executing these methods, the network can be stabilised in terms of balancing the generation and the load of a power system. A hybrid control scheme is proposed where the traditional methods are combined to reduce the stress levels exerted on the network and to minimise the load to be shed.
An assessment of crop residues as potential renewable energy source for cement industry in Malawi
Authors: Gondwe Kenneth J. , Chiotha Sosten S. , Mkandawire Theresa , Zhu Xianli , Painuly Jyoti , Taulo John L.
Published: February 2018

Crop residues have been undervalued as a source of renewable energy to displace coal in the national energy mix for greenhouse emission reduction in Malawi. Switching to crop residues as an alternative energy source for energy-intensive industries such as cement manufacturing is hampered by uncertainties in crop residue availability, cost and quality. In this study, future demand for energy and availability of crop residues was assessed, based on data at the sub-national level. Detailed energy potentials from crop residues were computed for eight agricultural divisions. The results showed that the projected total energy demands in 2020, 2025 and 2030 were approximately 177 810 TJ, 184 210 TJ and 194 096 TJ respectively. The highest supply potentials were found to be in the central and southern regions of Malawi, coinciding with the locations of the two clinker plants. Crop residues could meet 45–57% of the national total energy demand. The demand from the cement industry is only 0.8% of the estimated biomass energy potential. At an annual production of 600 000 t of clinker and 20% biomass co-firing with coal, 18 562 t of coal consumption would be avoided and 46 128 t of carbon dioxide emission reduction achieved per year. For sustainability, holistic planning and implementation would be necessary to ensure the needs of various users of crop residues are met. Furthermore, there would be a need to address social, economic and environmental barriers of the crop residue-based biomass energy supply chain. Future research should focus on local residue-to-product ratios and their calorific values.
Autoconcepto y autocontrol en estudiantes del nivel secundario de instituciones privadas de Lima Sur
Authors: León Pacheco Yulian , Peralta Vela Raquel , Jaimes Soncco Jania
Published: February 2018

Objetivos: determinar si existe relación significativa entre autocontrol y autoconcepto en estudiantes del nivel secundario de instituciones privadas de Lima sur. Materiales y Métodos: Se utilizó el diseño no experimental, de corte transversal y de tipo correlacional. Asimismo, se empleó un muestreo no probabilístico intencional, incluyendo alumnos de ambos sexos con edades entre 11 y 18 años. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el 46.3% de los participantes presentan niveles bajos de autoconcepto, y el 71.1%, presenta autocontrol en nivel promedio y alto. Además, existe una relación moderada positiva y altamente significativa entre nivel de autoconcepto global y autocontrol (r =,270,p< 0.01). Conclusiones: De acuerdo a ello, se concluye que el autoconcepto se relaciona moderada y significativamente con el autocontrol.
Eficacia del programa educativo “por un útero feliz” para mejorar conocimientos y actitudes hacia la vacuna del virus del papiloma humano en estudiantes del quinto grado de primaria de la institución Educativa Las Mercedes, Juliaca
Authors: Huanca Yanapa Yessica , Huisa Machaca Julia , Chura Muñuico Ruth Yenny
Published: February 2018

Objetivos: Determinar la eficacia del programa educativo “Por un útero feliz” para mejorar conocimientos,actitudes hacia la Vacuna del virus del Papiloma Humano en estudiantes del quinto grado de primaria de la Institución Educativa “las Mercedes” en comparación a un grupo control. Materiales y Métodos: fue de tipo cualitativo con diseño de investigación cuasi experimental; en una muestra de 60 escolares mujeres, para recolectar los datos se utilizó la técnica de la encuesta en los que se aplicaron un pre test y post test, tanto al grupo control y experimental. Resultados: en el pre test son: un 90.6% presentó un nivel bajo, seguido de un 9.4% presentó un nivel medio y un 0% con un nivel alto y en actitud presentaron: un 59.4 % rechazo, seguido de un 34.4 % presentó indiferencia y un 6.3% presentó aceptación; luego de la intervención en la etapa post prueba se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: un 96.9% presentó un nivel alto, seguido de un 3.1% presentando un nivel medio y un 0 % de los escolares presentó un nivel bajo y en actitud un 93.8% evidenció aceptación, seguido de un 6.3% mostraron indiferencia y un 0% muestra rechazo. Aplicando la prueba T para muestras relacionadas se acepta la hipótesis alterna. Conclusiones: el programa educativo “por un útero feliz” es eficaz para mejorar los conocimientos y actitudes frente a la vacuna del VPH en escolares.
Estudio preliminar de las propiedades psicométricas de la escala para la identificación de la violencia y el ámbito donde se presenta para niños de 8 a 12 años (EVIN)
Authors: Parraguez Burga Nisi , Bendezú Olivares Janeth , Jaimes Soncco Jania
Published: February 2018

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue construir un instrumento en base a las propiedades psicométricas, con el fin de identificar la violencia de tipo físico, psicológico y sexual en los ámbitos de casa, calle y colegio. Materiales y Métodos: El diseño de la investigación es de enfoque cuantitativo,de diseño no experimental, corte transversal y de tipo psicométrico debido a que se buscó establecer la validez y confiabilidad del cuestionario diseñado para este estudio. Resultados: En la primera etapa se realizó la delimitación conceptual del constructo y se elaboró el instrumento preliminar (63 ítems) basado en la revisión de la bibliografía referente a la violencia en la niñez. Se valoró la calidad de los ítems a través de 6 expertos en el área utilizando el coeficiente de validez V de Aiken. En la segunda etapa se consideró una muestra piloto de 401 escolares en dos instituciones educativas, donde se realizó la selección de ítems en base a tres criterios estadísticos. Luego se procedió con el análisis factorial exploratorio a fin de someter a un análisis riguroso de la naturaleza teórica y dimensional del constructo. Además, se obtuvo el coeficiente alpha de Cronbach para las sub dimensiones y escala global. Conclusiones: La escala final fue constituida por 38 ítems que forman 3 dimensiones y 3 sub dimensiones que cuentan con adecuados niveles de fiabilidad y validez.
Factores predisponentes relacionados con la hipertensión arterial en indígenas Zenú, Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Ocampo Rivero Mónica Mabel , Herrera Guerra Eugenia
Published: February 2018

Objetivo: Determinar los factores predisponentes relacionados con la hipertensión arterial en indígenas Zenúes Córdoba, Colombia. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, correlacional, de diseño no experimental en la recolección de datos se utilizó el cuestionario de la OMS denominado método progresivo de vigilancia de los factores de riesgo de ENT (STEPS), el cual fue adaptado por las investigadoras. La población conformada por 2300 indígenas Zenúes, en edades de 20 a 70 años; la muestra fue de 260, debido a prejuicios propios de la cultura Zenú. Resultados: factores predisponentes comportamentales, como el consumo de tabaco y alcohol, y la dieta, se asocian significativamente con la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (p < α (,05)). Por otro lado, factores biofísicos (índice de masa corporal, perímetro cintura-cadera), no se relaciona asociativamente de manera significativa (p > α (,05)). Conclusiones: factores sociodemográficos, como la edad, sexo, y estudios básicos inconclusos, y algunos factores comportamentales, como el consumo de tabaco y alcohol, y la dieta, pueden estar contribuyendo al porcentaje de personas hipertensas en esta comunidad; sin embargo, otros factores estudiados no reflejan una implicación positiva, en la predisposición del 40% de hipertensos de esta población.
Nivel de dependencia física e incidencia de ulceras por presión en pacientes adultos mayores que pertenecen a PADOMI del Hospital III Essalud, Juliaca, Perú
Authors: Pari Parillo Nasia Meliza , Gamarra Bernal Francis
Published: February 2018

Objetivos: determinar la relación entre nivel de dependencia física y la incidencia de úlceras por presión en pacientes adultos mayores que pertenecen a PADOMI del Hospital III EsSalud, Juliaca. Materiales y Métodos: de diseño transversal, descriptivo y correlacional, la población estuvo constituida por 201 pacientes pertenecientes al Programa de Atención Domiciliaria, el muestreo fue no probabilístico por conveniencia con una muestra de 51 pacientes adultos mayores. Los instrumentos que se utilizaron fueron el índice de Barthel y la escala de Norton. Resultados: indican el 29,4% de los pacientes adultos mayores presentan un nivel de dependencia moderada, en la incidencia de úlceras por presión, el 56,9% de los pacientes adultos mayores presentan bajo riesgo encontrando una correlación estadística (r= ,971) y significativa (p<0.00) entre las variables de estudio. Conclusiones:a mayor desarrollo de independencia física menor incidencia de úlceras por presión.
REINFORCEMENT OF STEEL TRUSS BY WELDING
Authors: Rodionov Igor K.
Published: February 2018

The paper presents experimentally obtained information about the features of the steel truss, reinforced under load by increasing the cross-section of compressed rods by welding. The tests were conducted on the bench using existing tooling. Two crossbeams and two panels of 24 m span corner truss upper chord with parallel chords were exposed to reinforcement. Increase of rods in thickness was obtained by welding of amplifier rod elements. The welding operation was conducted in a manual way to control its voltage and speed. After reinforcement the structure was loaded up to strength loss. During tests truss work was carefully controlled. Truss rods, amplifier elements and corner plates stresses were registered with tensiometers. Maximov deflection indicators werw used to control reinforced rods and truss curves
ANALYTICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INCLINED CRACK TRAJECTORY BY THE METHOD OF NONLINEAR DEFORMATION MODEL
Authors: SUVOROV Alexandr A. , FILATOV Valery B.
Published: February 2018

The article proposes an analytical solution to determine the trajectory of inclined crack with the use of nonlinear deformation model in the area of the transverse bending of a reinforced concrete beam. The use of nonlinear deformation model for the analysis of stress-strain state of the beam in the zone of the transverse bending allows to determine the coordinates of the inclined crack trajectory, the position of its vertex, and the angle of inclination to the longitudinal axis of the beam. It is then possible to move from the empirical dependences for calculating the strength of the inclined sections to precise analytical techniques. The proposed algorithms calculate and analyze the stress-strain state of reinforced concrete beams create preconditions for the implementation of the physical model of a power resistance of reinforced concrete elements under transverse bending.
Webometric Analysis of Websites of Indian Universities’ with status of Potential for Excellence (UPE)
Authors: Kumar Verma Manoj , Brahma Krishna
Published: February 2018

Websites are the gateway of information for institutions and play an important role in dissemination of information. The present study is an attempt to examine and analyze the websites of Indian universities with status of potential for excellence on the basis of established webometric criteria i.e. number of web pages, link pages, domain authority, equity passing links, individual domain authority and web impact factor.
Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty: Study of Users’ Perceptions in the University of Hyderabad
Authors: Suseela V.J. , Uma V.
Published: February 2018

Plagiarism is an ethical issue and has been universally disapproved, especially in the academic/ research/art and literary circles. The anti-plagiarism drive in the universities after the implementation of UGC regulations brought about changes in the academic community. This study examines users’ perceptions regarding plagiarism, plagiarism detection tools, similarity verification process and seeks to obtain their feedback on implementing the new practice in the University of Hyderabad and the role of the library in executing the program. This was done through an online questionnaire posted to all the students/research scholars who had got their work screened by the Library for plagiarism. The survey results indicate that around 80% of respondents were aware of the concept, functionality features of plagiarism detection tools, but mentioned their constraints in handling repeated terms, own publications etc. Further 80-90% agreed with implementing plagiarism detection process through tools and were satisfied with the information and screening services provided by the Library. Based on users expectations and results, it is suggested that institutions be proactive in promoting ethical values/ code among] students and in inculcating the best practices in writing.
Characterisation of adjacent pits with combined application of MFL and laser scanning techniques
Authors: Azizzadeh T , Safizadeh M S
Published: February 2018

The most common corrosion defect found in pipelines is adjacent pits. Adjacent pits are a group of individual pits interacting with each other. Due to their geometry, discriminating between these defects and accurately sizing them is not possible using the traditional magnetic flux
leakage (MFL) technique. Significant improvements in depth sizing accuracy can be obtained if sizing models can be optimised on high-resolution data that allows the shapes and actual dimensions of the adjacent pits to be more clearly discerned. This paper presents a new combination method
of MFL and high-resolution laser scanning techniques for improving the accuracy of depth sizing of adjacent pits. MFL and laser scanning experiments have been conducted in a laboratory set-up on pits with different edge-to-edge distances. The results of the new combination method reveal how
the additional laser scanning data, which allows increased distinction of individual pits, can help the MFL sizing model and improve the depth sizing accuracy.
Effect of sample size on the residual magnetic field of ferromagnetic steel subjected to tensile stress
Authors: Fu M L , Bao S , Zhao Z Y , Gu Y B
Published: February 2018

This research investigates the effect of sample size on the variation of the residual magnetic field (RMF) induced by tensile stress under the earth's magnetic field. Four sets of Q345 steel samples with different widths and thicknesses were tested in the laboratory. The correlation
between the applied stress and the normal component of the residual magnetic signals, Hp(y), and its slope coefficient, K, were studied. The results show that there obviously exists a single-valued relationship between the applied tensile stress and the slope coefficient. The magnitude of
K decreases with an increase in sample width or thickness under the same stress. The sample size affects the magnitude of the RMF instead of changing the magnetic curve's profile. The experimental results are explained by the theory of the interaction between dislocation and domain wall, as
well as the theory of the demagnetising field. In addition, the sample size is proposed as one of the influencing variables in the classical Jiles-Atherton-Sablik (J-A-S) model theory of the magnetomechanical effect.
Study on the adaptive wavelet threshold denoising method for coal mine hoisting wire rope signals based on novel thresholding function
Authors: Hong-Yao Wang , Jie Tian , Guo-Ying Meng
Published: February 2018

The preprocessing of wire rope online testing signals is important for quantifying any wire rope defects. As existing signal denoising methods are inadequate, the present study proposes an adaptive wavelet threshold denoising method based on a novel thresholding function. First, the
adaptive denoising method for a coal mine hoisting wire rope magnetic flux leakage testing signal is analysed. Then, the adaptive denoising method for the wire rope magnetic flux leakage testing signal is studied based on Stein's unbiased risk estimate (SURE). On this basis, a new threshold
function adapted to the testing signal features of the wire rope magnetic flux leakage is designed. The new function not only has a high-order continuous derivative but also no constant bias, so that it can be run in adaptive iterative form to dynamically find the best threshold. Finally,
this work experimentally verifies the new method and the results show that it can effectively identify seven defects that totally conform to the real situation with a signal-to-noise ratio that is 25% higher than that of the traditional method, which also missed two defects. The new method
can be more effectively used for denoising.
Prevalence of refractive errors among school children of 6-12-years of age group and reason for not using spectacles even after correction
Authors: Pradhan Nitesh , Sachdeva Abhishek , Goel Tushar , Bhola Bhumika , Jha Dolly
Published: February 2018

Background: As your eyes are one of the most important organ in the human body and vision is one of the most wonderful gift. But often many people neglect the importance of eye care and do not pay proper attention towards eye care. An estimated 180 million people world- wide are visibly disabled, of whom nearly 45 million are blind, four out of five of them live in developing countries. Blindness is one of the most significant social problems in India with uncorrected refractive errors as the second major cause accounting for 19.7% of blindness and low vision. Refractive error is an optical defect, intrinsic to the eye which prevents light from being brought to a single point focus on the retina, thus reducing normal vision. Diagnosis and treatment of refractive errors is relatively simple and is one of the easiest ways to reduce impaired vision. Three main types are considered as refractive errors: hypermetropia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.Methods: This study was conducted in various schools of Haryana. It included 1000 school going children of age group of 6 to 12 years enrolled in 6 rural schools (619 students) and 4 urban schools (381 students). Cases were defined is visual acuity <6/6 without spectacles. Details regarding socio-demographic factors and visual examination were noted in detail, follow up with children and their parents were conducted to know the reasons for not using spectacles even after correction.Results: The study which included 620 students from rural schools and 380 students from urban schools revealed that prevalence of refractive errors was 7.0% in which Myopia is the most common refractive error 44(61.9%) followed by the astigmatism 16(24.1%) and Hypermetropia (14%) among the children with Refractive Errors.Conclusions: Now a day, refractive error is increasing due to edu-comp smart classes in school or use of laptops, TV viewing and computers or mobiles and if not diagnosed earlier and not managed timely can lead to complication like amblyopic and strabismus and some other ocular pathologies etc.
Resenha: MUNDURUKU, Daniel. O caráter educativo do movimento indígena brasileiro (1970-1990). São Paulo, Paulinas, 2012.
Authors: Silva Maurício
Published: February 2018

Resenha do livro:MUNDURUKU, Daniel. O caráter educativo do movimento indígena brasileiro (1970-1990). São Paulo, Paulinas, 2012.
Problem analysis of the Hungarian tobacco sector
Authors: Bittner Beáta
Published: February 2018

The Hungarian tobacco sector went through significant changes in the last decades. The reason of the changes were our accession to the EU, then the changes in subsidiary system, the effect of the world and within the EU’s strict tobacco policy. The number of tobacco farms declined and the future became uncertain for the farmers. Size of the farms increased and there were a concentration in the sector, so the smaller scale farmers’ activity ceased. It causes several problems in rural areas, because one of the main strengths of the sector was its significant role in rural development, as the tobacco in small scales was able to produce an acceptable income in such areas where due to the poor soil quality economically successfully growing for other plants are not suitable. The main goal of this paper is to present the Hungarian tobacco sector and its main strengths, weaknesses, possibilities and threats compared to the European Union’s situation.
Assessing the financial viability of the floricultural industry in Ghana
Authors: Donkor Emmanuel , Owusu-Sekyere Enoch , Owusu Victor , Saadu Samira , Baidoo Jacqueline , Yaw Hennor Avame , Kwesi Djamson Eric , Serbeh Felix Owusu
Published: February 2018

This study determines the financial viability of the floricultural industry in Ghana using both discounting and non-discounting investment appraisal methods. The feasibility analysis suggests that large-scale floricultural firms are more profitable particularly with the production of cut flowers. However, investors with limited capital can venture into small-scale production specifically cut flowers. The conclusion is that the floriculture industry is financially viable therefore investors are encouraged to expend their resources in the industry. We recommend that the government and stakeholders need to create institutional support to enable the already established firms to further develop and attract new investors in the sector.

JEL. Code: Q13
Materias primas críticas y complejidad económica en América Latina
Authors: Lara Rodríguez Juan Sebastián , Tosi Furtado André , Altimiras-Martin Aleix
Published: February 2018

Existen minerales dinamizadores de crecimiento económico, fundamentales para el desarrollo de tecnologías sostenibles. Estas materias primas críticas (MPC) son determinadas por modelos creados para economías complejas. El objetivo de este artículo es examinar las políticas minerales de materias primas críticas en las principales economías de América Latina, y el papel de sus respectivos sistemas nacionales de innovación (SNI), en búsqueda de mayor complejidad económica, mediante un método de evaluación comparativo aplicado a la política mineral de las principales naciones de esta zona —Brasil, México, Argentina, Colombia y Chile—. Descubrimos que debido a la simplicidad de estas economías y de políticas minerales que desestiman sus respectivos sistemas nacionales de innovación, se compromete el aumento de la complejidad económica de los Estados en cuestión, la cual se caracteriza por la precaria adición de valor mediante la interacción de conocimiento y capacidades en relación con sus recursos minerales e industria.
Las exportaciones y el crecimiento económico en Boyacá Colombia 1980-2015
Authors: Rodríguez Willyam Cáceres , Agudelo-Cely Omaira Inés , Tejedor-Estupiñán Ricardo Alonso
Published: February 2018

Este artículo analiza la relación entre el crecimiento del producto interno bruto y las exportaciones del departamento de Boyacá durante el período 1980-2015. Se encuentra evidencia para validar la hipótesis que afirma que el crecimiento económico está fuertemente influenciado por las exportaciones. Se utiliza un modelo econométrico de series de tiempo (VAR). Los resultados obtenidos a través de la aplicación de las pruebas de cointegración de Johansen y causalidad de Granger indican que las exportaciones industriales principalmente y, en menor medida, las exportaciones primarias causan impactos positivos en el producto neto de exportaciones. Las pruebas de  impulso respuesta también corroboran dicha relación. Lo anterior confirma la importancia que tiene el comercio exterior como medio para potenciar las ventajas comparativas que ofrece la oferta exportadora del departamento de Boyacá.
EFECTO DEL TIPO DE CATION INTERLAMINAR SOBRE LA CAPACIDAD DE PILARIZACIÓN DE LA MICA SINTÉTICA Na-2-Mica Y LA FORMACIÓN in – situ DE NANOCLUSTERS DE MnS
Authors: Ruiz Bravo Lisette , Galeano Luis Alejandro , Pazos Zarama Mery Carolina
Published: February 2018

En este trabajo se sintetizó la Na-2-mica por el método sol – gel y se estudió el efecto del intercambio catiónico con litio y hexadecilamonio, previo al proceso de pilarización con el policatión de Keggin de Al,  el estudio se realizó variando la densidad de pilares (10,20 y 30 meq. Al3+/g. de mica). El intercambio previo con cationes de hexadecilamonio garantizó la expansión de la interlámina; sin embargo el estudio reveló que después del tratamiento térmico en el proceso de pilarización, la interlámina no se mantiene expandida como lo hacen típicamente los minerales de arcilla pilareados, debido a la elevada carga laminar y a los sitios fuertemente ácidos de la mica. La mayoría de los materiales obtenidos formaron partículas de alúmina (Al2O3) en la interlámina. Adicionalmente se estudió la formación de nanoclusters de MnS incorporados en los materiales resultantes de la pilarización, cuya incorporación se vio restringida respecto al contenido de Al, posiblemente porque la fase alúmina interlaminar impidió el crecimiento de los nanoclusters, por lo que se depositaron sobre la superficie del sólido. Todos los materiales se caracterizaron principalmente por DRX, análisis elemental, estimación de la capacidad de intercambio catiónico CIC y porcentaje de carga compensada - % CC.
O conceito de gênero em três tradições de estudos: uma introdução
Authors: Nunes Valfrido da Silva
Published: February 2018

Este artigo tem como finalidade principal discutir o conceito de gênero (textual e/ou discursivo) à luz de três perspectivas teóricas bastante difundidas no Ocidente e que têm influenciado significativamente a pesquisa e o ensino de línguas com base em gêneros, especialmente no contexto brasileiro, quais sejam: a visão dialógica do chamado Círculo de Bakhtin, a abordagem britânica do Inglês para Fins Específicos e a concepção norte-americana dos Estudos Retóricos de Gêneros. O trabalho configura-se como uma pesquisa de natureza bibliográfica, finalizando com uma discussão que enceta um diálogo entre as três teorias, na busca por aspectos comuns.
Resíduos de antimicrobianos em leite – uma revisão
Authors: Martin José Guilherme Prado
Published: February 2018

Uma das maiores preocupações nos dias atuais quanto à segurança alimentar consiste na produção de alimentos livres de contaminantes. Desse ponto de vista, é imprescindível que seja garantida a produção de alimentos que não representem riscos à saúde dos consumidores. O leite é um produto de origem animal bastante susceptível à contaminação por resíduos de antimicrobianos em decorrência da utilização indiscriminada de drogas veterinárias para tratamento do rebanho leiteiro. O respeito às recomendações dos organismos internacionais e à legislação brasileira deve ocorrer em toda a cadeia de produção. A presente revisão aborda a problemática da ocorrência de antimicrobianos em leite, com enfoque na segurança alimentar, relacionando o tema à legislação vigente no país e discutindo alternativas para seu controle.
Ácidos Graxos Poli-insaturados Ômega-3: saúde cardiovascular e sustentabilidade ambiental
Authors: Oliveira Julicristie Machado de , Luzia Liania Alves , Rondó Patrícia Helen de Carvalho
Published: February 2018

Os Ácidos Graxos Poli-insaturados Ômega-3 (n-3 PUFA) se referem a um conjunto de lipídios, incluindo os Ácidos Alfa-linolênico (ALA), Eicosapentaenóico (EPA) e Docoxahexaenóico (DHA). Estudos que tratam do papel do n-3 PUFA são abundantes e seu papel cardioprotetor está bem discutido na literatura, porém seus efeitos são mais evidentes na prevenção secundária, isto é, em populações com alguma alteração cardiovascular prévia. Apesar da ausência de fortes evidências em relação à prevenção primária, recomenda-se o consumo de peixe duas vezes por semana, além de outros alimentos fontes do ácido graxo, para pessoas sem doença cardiovascular diagnosticada. Equacionar as recomendações para a saúde e a possibilidade ambiental de atendê-las constitui-se em um grande desafio. As reservas de peixe têm sofrido rápido declínio nos últimos anos devido a seu caráter essencialmente extrativista, pois até mesmo a aquicultura envolve a utilização de pequenos peixes selvagens para a produção de ração. A utilização do óleo de microalgas, como fonte de n-3 PUFA para a aquicultura e para o consumo humano, pode ser uma alternativa, mas deve-se avaliar seu uso com responsabilidade para que haja preservação ambiental e garantia da segurança alimentar e nutricional.
Panorama da ocorrência de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em leite no Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Rosana Gomes , Spisso Bernardete Ferraz , Hora Iracema Maria de Carvalho da , Monteiro Mychelle Alves , Pereira Mararlene Ulberg , Costa Rafaela Pinto da , Carlos Betânia de Souza
Published: February 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar um panorama sobre a ocorrência de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em leite no Brasil, compilando tanto os publicados por autoridades governamentais quanto por instituições acadêmicas. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica. Esta pesquisa identificou 35 publicações sobre monitoramentos de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em leite no país, das quais 34 apresentaram dados sobre o monitoramento de resíduos de antimicrobianos e 10 sobre a ocorrência de resíduos de antiparasitários. Quanto ao número de ocorrências de resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite, os beta-lactâmicos e as tetraciclinas foram os responsáveis pela maior incidência de amostras com resultados acima dos limites de detecção dos métodos empregados. 4 das 9 referências encontradas sobre monitoramentos de anfenicóis apresentaram a ocorrência de cloranfenicol e florfenicol. Apenas três referências apresentaram a ocorrência de amostras com teores acima do Limite Máximo de Resíduos (LMR), cujos analitos foram a benzilpenicilina, da classe dos beta-lactâmicos e o aminoglicosídeo estreptomicina/diidroestreptomicina. Apenas 7 (20,0%) das referências avaliadas apresentaram resultados insatisfatórios para antimicrobianos com relação à legislação brasileira. Com relação aos antiparasitários, 5 de 10 referências (50,0%) apresentaram resultados acima do LMR.
Salmonella em ovos: relação entre produção e consumo seguro
Authors: Barancelli Giovana Verginia , Martin José Guilherme Prado , Porto Ernani
Published: February 2018

Salmonella é um dos principais patógenos envolvidos em casos e surtos de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos (DTAs). Entre os principais veículos do patógeno estão os ovos e alimentos à base de ovos crus ou mal cozidos. A complexa epidemiologia de Salmonella dificulta seu controle no ambiente de produção avícola e representa uma constante preocupação em termos de segurança alimentar, tanto na produção quanto no processamento e consumo de ovos. Além de programas de Boas Práticas de Fabricação e Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle – APPCC na indústria, é fundamental o papel de manipuladores e consumidores na diminuição dos riscos de salmoneloses, principalmente em relação a contaminações cruzadas. Por maiores que sejam os esforços, não é possível garantir a inocuidade de um produto in natura como o ovo; é imprescindível, portanto, a execução de ações educativas sobre práticas seguras de compra, armazenamento e manipulação de ovos. Tendo em vista a importância epidemiológica de Salmonella para as DTAs e a problemática de sua ocorrência na cadeia de produção avícola e em ovos, a presente revisão tem por objetivo discutir, no âmbito da Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional, a relação entre produção e consumo seguro de ovos, identificando as principais medidas para se garantir sua segurança biológica e sanitária.
Fornecimento de alimentos da agricultura familiar para a alimentação escolar: o exemplo do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos
Authors: Soares Panmela , Martinelli Suellen Secchi , Melgarejo Leonardo , Cavalli Suzi Barletto
Published: February 2018

A alimentação escolar vem se transformando em importante mecanismo de escoamento da produção da agricultura familiar. Destaca-se, nesse processo, sua articulação com o Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA), criado em 2003. Neste artigo, com base em dados coletados em um Município do Estado de Santa Catarina, descreve-se o fornecimento de alimentos pelo PAA para a alimentação escolar, desde o planejamento do projeto de venda até a distribuição dos produtos. Foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, de caráter exploratório, delineada como estudo de caso. Foram realizadas observação direta, análise documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas como técnicas de coleta de dados. Evidenciou-se que a articulação entre os agentes locais foi fundamental para o planejamento e execução dos programas, especialmente pela atuação limitada e insipiente da gestão pública municipal e do controle social. O PAA se revelou instrumentalizador de processos de organização e participação social, ampliando a transparência e o controle social de ações públicas. Para o sucesso da articulação entre os diversos setores governamentais e não governamentais envolvidos é necessário, além de apoio eficaz da prefeitura municipal, que todos os agentes disponham de amplo conhecimento sobre as estruturas e da operacionalização dos programas.
Tecnologia social, agroecologia e agricultura familiar: análises sobre um processo sociotécnico
Authors: Serafim Milena Pavan , Jesus Vanessa Maria Brito de , Faria Janaína
Published: February 2018

Tecnologia Social (TS), agroecologia e agricultura familiar são temas que possuem diversas convergências. A agroecologia constitui um campo de estudos e práticas que procura deter as formas de degradação e exploração da natureza e da sociedade através de ações sociais coletivas de caráter participativo na busca da implantação de sistemas de agriculturas alternativas. Já a proposta da TS vai ao encontro de tais pressupostos, contribuindo com o debate ao inserir o papel da tecnologia para diminuição de desigualdades socioeconômicas. E a agricultura familiar é reconhecida como o segmento desejado para materializar essas propostas, portadoras de um futuro mais justo e igualitário. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo aborda uma experiência que envolve tais campos tendo como objeto de estudo a TS Produção Agroecológica Integrada e Sustentável (PAIS). Ele tem como objetivo analisar a dinâmica sociotécnica da PAIS, explorando especialmente alguns de seus limites percebidos a partir dos resultados obtidos pela pesquisa de campo. Parte desses limites se refere aos entraves de funcionamento da tecnologia analisada.
Co-producing a Vision and Approach for the Transition towards a Circular Economy: Perspectives from Government Partners
Authors: Velenturf Anne P. M. , Purnell Phil , Tregent Mike , Ferguson John , Holmes Alan
Published: February 2018

The UK economy is overly reliant on unsustainable production and consumption practices, depleting finite resources at rates that will increase production costs, business risk and economic instability. This over-consumption produces emissions and waste that cause climate change and environmental degradation, impacting on the wellbeing of people in the UK and beyond. The Resource Recovery from Waste programme (RRfW) promotes a transition towards waste and resource management in a circular economy that restores the environment, creates societal benefits and promotes clean growth by engaging relevant actors in the transition process. RRfW collaborates with academia, government, and industry to co-produce a shared vision and approach to realise such a transition. Reflecting insights from RRfW’s government engagement, this article presents a positive outlook for changing the UK economy and society. It envisions a long-term future for waste and resource management that maximises the value of materials by circulating them in the economy for as long as possible. Four themes and an approach are proposed, including recommendations for regulatory instruments and a stable policy framework. It recommends further collaborative research to capitalise on opportunities for economic growth, innovation and resilient infrastructure whilst contributing to quality jobs and welfare in all four UK nations.
New Solvent for Polyamide 66 and its use for Preparing Single-Polymer Composite Coated-Fabric
Authors: Jabbari Mostafa , Rashidi Ranjbar Parviz , skrifvars mikael , Åkesson Dan , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: February 2018

Polyamides (PAs) are one of the most important engineering polymers; however, the difficulty in dissolving them hinders their applications. Formic acid (FA) is the most common solvent for PAs, but it has industrial limitations. In this contribution, we proposed a new solvent system for PAs by replacing a portion of the FA with urea and calcium chloride (FAUCa). Urea imparts the hydrogen bonding and calcium ion from the calcium chloride, as a Lewis acid was added to the system to compensate for the pH decrease due to the addition of urea. The results showed that the proposed solvent (FAUCa) could readily dissolve PAs, resulting in less decrease in the mechanical properties during the dissolution. The composite prepared using the FAUCa has almost the same properties like the one prepared using the FA solution. The solution was applied on a polyamide 66 fabric to make an all-polyamide composite coated-fabric, which then was characterized. The FAUCa solution had a higher viscosity than the one prepared using the neat FA solvent, which can be an advantage in the applications which needs higher viscosity like preparing the all-polyamide composite coated-fabric. A more viscouse solution makes a denser coating which will increase the water-/gas-tightness. In conclusion, using the FAUCa solvent has two merits: 1. replacement of 40 % of the FA with less harmful and environmentally-friendly chemicals and 2. enabling for the preparation of more viscouse solutions, which makes denser coating.
Aptamers Selected for Recognizing Amyloid β-protein—A Case for Cautious Optimism
Authors: Rahimi Farid
Published: February 2018

Aptamers are versatile oligonucleotide ligands used for molecular recognition of diverse targets. However, application of aptamers to the field of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) has been limited so far. Aβ is an intrinsically disordered protein that exists in a dynamic conformational equilibrium, presenting time-dependent ensembles of short-lived, metastable structures and assemblies that have been generally difficult to isolate and characterize. Moreover, despite understanding of potential physiological roles of Aβ, this peptide has been linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease, and its pathogenic roles remain controversial. Accumulated scientific evidence thus far highlights undesirable or nonspecific interactions between selected aptamers and different Aβ assemblies likely due to metastable nature of Aβ or inherent affinity of RNA oligonucleotides to β-sheet-rich fibrillar structures of amyloidogenic proteins. Accordingly, lessons drawn from Aβ–aptamer studies emphasize that purity and uniformity of the protein target and rigorous characterization of aptamers’ specificity are important for realizing and garnering the full potential of aptamers selected for recongizing Aβ or other intrinsically disordered proteins. This review summarizes studies of aptamers selected for recognizing different Aβ assemblies and highlights controversies, difficulties, and limitations of such studies.