bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow resistance of partially flexible vegetation: A full-scale study with natural plants
Authors: Chiaradia Enrico Antonio , Gandolfi Claudio , Bischetti Gian Battista
Published: June 2019

Riparian vegetation plays a crucial role in riverine ecosystems, providing many types of benefits to nature and humanity. However, a high vegetation density can reduce the conveyance capacity of a watercourse, particularly in the case of shrubs, which are very common within riverbeds and widely used in river and channel restoration works. In this paper, we study the influence of three species of shrubs (white and goat willows and black alder) on the hydraulic resistance factor of a real-scale channel under controlled flow conditions. A system for the anchorage of shrubs to the channel bed allowed us to carry out repeated experiments with the three plant species and with varying plant densities and flow rates. The experimental results provided a range of values for the additional contribution of the vegetation to the hydraulic resistance factor from 0.004 to 0.071 m–1/3s, in terms of Manning’s coefficient. This variability is related to the vegetation setup (plant species and density) but also to the increasingly hydrodynamic configuration assumed by plants at higher flow velocities and submergence ratios. We found that these factors can be summarised quite effectively by the product of elasticity (E), plant density (M), and plant area index (PAI). At small (E∙M∙PAI) values (<108) the resistance coefficient is less than 0.01, while it increases of up to one order of magnitude when (E∙M∙PAI) exceeds 1010. Furthermore, our results show a distinct two-stage trend of the value of the additional contribution to the n coefficient of a given vegetation setup at varying velocities and submergence levels, with values decreasing when a threshold of velocity and submergence ratio is exceeded. The position of this threshold point appears to be related to the geometrical and mechanical characteristics of the plants. Although our experiments do not provide enough data to identify a functional relationship between n and specific characteristics of the plants and of the flow, they show that the effect of shrubs on hydraulic resistance is highly variable with the flow conditions and that the conveyance capacity may be significantly larger than expected.
Report on earthquake-induced failures of rural buildings aimed at future preservation strategies
Authors: Bovo Marco , Barbaresi Alberto , Torreggiani Daniele , Tassinari Patrizia
Published: June 2019

The rural landscape is undergoing rapid changes, and catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, can speed up this mutation, bringing to a loss of its traditional signs. In May 2012, two strong seismic events hit the Emilia Romagna region, in northern Italy. Those earthquakes caused several damages and collapses to historical rural buildings, highlighting their high seismic vulnerability. In this paper, damages and collapses collected in the aftermath surveys on 22 rural historical buildings, are presented and commented. It was observed that in the area hit by the earthquake few recurrent typologies are present, and buildings of the same typology showed similar damage mechanisms. Therefore, in order to define the most typical damages affecting rural constructions, the building stock has been classified in different categories, based on plan distribution and intended use of each building. The first criterion suggests considering isolated and composed buildings. The second separates the structures in dwellings for residential use, stable-haylofts and buildings used for other minor services. The outcomes presented in this paper allowed to identify the rural building typologies most vulnerable to earthquakes and to define recurring deficiencies for the various categories. In general, the main reasons of the collapses can be ascribed to lack of effective connections between orthogonal walls, poor connections between floor elements and walls, and excessive flexibility of floor diaphragms.
Molecular characterisation of infectious bursal disease virus in Namibia, 2017
Authors: Molini Umberto , Aikukutu Gottlieb , Kabajani Juliet , Khaiseb Siegfried , Cattoli Giovanni , Dundon William
Published: June 2019

Between July and September 2017, samples collected from six unvaccinated chickens in Namibia were shown to be positive for infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) by RT-PCR. Partial sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 and VP2 genes from six viruses revealed that they all belong to the very virulent pathotype (Genogroup 3) and are genetically very similar to IBDVs identified in neighbouring Zambia. This is the first molecular characterisation of IBDV in Namibia and has implications on the control and management of the disease in the country.
Altered Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2, and Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies
Authors: Ali Zaima , Khaliq Saba , Zaki Saima , Ahmad Hafiz Usman , Lone Khalid Pervaiz
Published: June 2019

Preeclampsia (PE) is the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It complicates around 2%–10% pregnancies worldwide due to imbalance between proangiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, leading to incomplete placentation, ischemia, and endothelial dysfunction. The study was aimed to analyze the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, i.e., VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) from maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PE patients. This was a cross-sectional comparative study comprising 18 normotensive and 18 PE patients; the patients were further divided as early-onset preeclampsia (EOP) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOP). The expression level of VEGF, its receptors (VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2), and sFlt-1 was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. There was a significant change in the mRNA expression with a decrease in VEGF, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 and an increase in sFlt-1 in PBMCs of PE and normal pregnancies (P < 0.001). sFlt-1 mRNA expression was increased by 2.95-fold in the PE group with an inverse correlation with expression of VEGFR-2 (Spearman's rho = 0.68). Based on these findings, we conclude that PE is associated with decrease in the mRNA expression of VEGF, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 as compared to an increase in sFlt-1 in PBMCs.
О свойствах спектра эллиптической краевой задачи с параметром и разрывной нелинейностью
Authors: Pavlenko Vyacheslav Nikolaevich , Potapov Dmitriy Konstantinovich
Published: June 2019

Изучается эллиптическая краевая задача Дирихле с неотрицательным параметром $\lambda$, входящим в разрывную нелинейность мультипликативно (нелинейность находится в правой части уравнения). Нелинейность обращается в нуль при значениях фазовой переменной, не превосходящих по модулю некоторого положительного числа, и имеет подлинейный рост на бесконечности. В случае однородных граничных условий устанавливается замкнутость спектра $\sigma$ рассматриваемой нелинейной задачи ($\sigma$ состоит из тех значений параметра, при которых краевая задача имеет ненулевое решение). Получены положительная оценка снизу и оценка сверху для наименьшего значения спектра $\lambda^*$. Также рассматривается ситуация, когда граничная функция положительная, а нелинейность равна нулю при неотрицательных значениях фазовой переменной и неположительная при отрицательных. Данная задача преобразуется к задаче с однородными граничными условиями. При дополнительном предположении, что нелинейность равна разности неубывающих по фазовой переменной функций, доказывается, что $\sigma=[\lambda^*,+\infty)$ и для каждого $\lambda\in\sigma$ задача имеет нетривиальное полуправильное решение. Если существует положительная постоянная $M$ такая, что сумма нелинейности и функции $Mu$ - неубывающая по фазовой переменной $u$ функция, то для любого $\lambda\in\sigma$ краевая задача имеет минимальное нетривиальное решение $u_\lambda(x)$. Искомое решение полуправильное и отображение $u_\lambda(x)$ убывающее по $\lambda$ на $[\lambda^*,+\infty)$. Рассмотрены приложения полученных результатов к математической модели Гольдштика отрывных течений несжимаемой жидкости.
Библиография: 37 названий.
Pessoas, processos e tecnologia na gestão do conhecimento: uma revisão da literatura
Authors: Neves Maria Lúcia Corrêa , Varvakis Gregório Jean , Fialho Francisco Antonio Pereira
Published: June 2019

Esta pesquisa qualitativa foi realizada com o objetivo de analisar a abordagem dos elementos “pessoas, processos e tecnologia” nos estudos acadêmicos de Gestão do conhecimento (GC). A partir de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, foram analisados estudos relacionados na base de dados Scopus, identificados por abordarem, concomitantemente, GC e os três elementos. Partiu-se do pressuposto que a presença dos elementos “pessoas, processos e tecnologia”, identificada em publicações oriundas de GC e, também, em distintas áreas de pesquisas, sinaliza a sinergia interdisciplinar necessária para a abordagem das complexas questões organizacionais. A pesquisa identificou um conjunto de 70 publicações contendo, concomitantemente, GC e os três elementos. Utilizando diversos filtros, foi identificado um subconjunto de nove publicações para leitura integral e síntese. A análise das publicações permitiu identificar três diferentes categorias de estudos abordando a relação entre os construtos. A pesquisa permitiu as seguintes considerações: (1) os três elementos são, recorrentemente, mencionados nos estudos de GC, sem o aprofundamento que contribuiria para a sinergia entres os distintos saberes que caracterizam os processos de gestão organizacional; e (2) o amadurecimento e consolidação de GC como disciplina, permanecem dependentes da superação da abordagem fragmentada das questões organizacionais.
Inefabilidade e socialização na transferência de conhecimento tácito em países menos desenvolvidos: o caso do Cine Group em Moçambique
Authors: Duarte Roberto Gonzalez , De Castro José Márcio , Borges Renata Simões Guimarães
Published: June 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os múltiplos papéis da socialização na transferência de conhecimento tácito entre uma empresa multinacional (EMN) brasileira e a sua subsidiária localizada em um país menos desenvolvido. A despeito dos avanços da literatura sobre transferência de conhecimento em EMNs e sobre o papel da socialização nesse processo, dois aspectos – um conceitual e outro empírico – têm sido negligenciados: (i) a inefabilidade do conhecimento tácito e (ii) a transferência de conhecimento para países menos desenvolvidos caracterizados por baixa capacidade absortiva. Realizou-se o estudo de caso do Cine Group, empresa brasileira do setor de audiovisual que, em 2009, instalou uma subsidiária em Maputo (Moçambique). Os resultados evidenciam que, em razão da inefabilidade do conhecimento tácito e do contexto de baixa capacidade absortiva da subsidiária, a socialização pode ter papéis distintos, que vão da transferência de conhecimento à mudança comportamental, passando pela aprendizagem conjunta.
Pan-Antarctic map of near-surface permafrost temperatures at 1 km2 scale
Authors: Obu Jaroslav , Westermann Sebastian , Vieira Gonçalo , Abramov Andrey , Balks Megan , Bartsch Annett , Hrbáček Filip , Kääb Andreas , Ramos Miguel
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Permafrost is present under almost all of the Antarctic’s ice-free areas but little is known about spatial variations of permafrost temperatures outside a few areas with established ground temperature measurements. We modelled a temperature at the top of the permafrost (TTOP) for all the ice-free areas of Antarctic mainland and Antarctic Islands at 1 km2 resolution during 2000–2017. The model was driven by remotely-sensed land surface temperatures and down-scaled ERA-Interim climate reanalysis data and subgrid permafrost variability was simulated by variable snow cover. The results were validated against in-situ measured ground temperatures from 40 permafrost boreholes and the resulting root mean square error was 1.9 °C. The lowest near-surface permafrost temperature of −33 °C was modelled at Mount Markham in Queen Elizabeth Range in the Transantarctic Mountains. This is the lowest permafrost temperature on Earth according to the modelling results on global scale. The temperatures were most commonly modelled between −23 and −18 °C for mountainous areas rising above the Antarctic Ice Sheet and between −14 and −8 °C for coastal areas. The model performance was good where snow conditions were modelled realistically but errors of up to 4 °C can occur at sites with strong wind-driven redistribution of snow.
Mística y filosofía en Avicena
Authors: Figueroa Lackington Benjamín Antonio
Published: June 2019

El presente artículo propone una nueva interpretación de la filosofía de Avicena y su problemática relación con la mística. En dos de sus enciclopedias filosóficas, Avicena introduce algunos problemas referidos a la verificabilidad de las afirmaciones empíricas y al conocimiento del Primer Principio (es decir, el Existente Necesario). Teniendo en cuenta los límites del conocimiento especulativo tanto para el plano empírico como el metafísico, Avicena menciona diferentes modos de vida práctica para relacionarse con dicho Primer Principio: la profecía o legislación (nubūwa), la observancia religiosa de la ley (ʿibāda), el ascetismo (riyāḍa) y la filosofía. Veremos que una práctica filosófica superior (exclusiva para los ʿārifūn, conocedores o gnósticos, y caracterizada por el desprendimiento del mundo físico) diverge radicalmente de aquellos otros caminos prácticos y políticos para relacionarse con el Existente Necesario.
Síntesis social y abstracción idealista. Tentativas materialistas sobre la filosofía del idealismo
Authors: Escuela Cruz Chaxiraxi
Published: June 2019

Este artículo presenta una lectura de los momentos de afinidad y diferencia que existen entre las propuestas de interpretación materialista de la filosofía kantiana en A. Sohn-Rethel y Th. W. Adorno. Con sus propios matices, ambos autores utilizan las nociones de fetichismo de la mercancía y síntesis social para mostrar que el concepto de sujeto trascendental no sólo representa el índice de la máxima abstracción que se persigue en la teoría idealista de conocimiento, sino también la forma de la sociedad como sistema funcional de dominio.
Dynamic of Brassicogethes aeneus (F.) (Coleoptera, Nitidulidae) populations in Serbia’s downriver Danube section and their susceptibility to insecticides
Authors: Milovanović Predrag , Kljajić Petar , Popović Tatjana , Andrić Goran , Pražić-Golić Marijana
Published: June 2019

This paper presents data on the dynamic of B. aeneus populations in winter oilseed rape in the downriver section of the Danube in Serbia, which were acquired by yellow water traps and a beating method. Their susceptibility to several insecticides of different classes (organophosphates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids) (adult vial test and dipping test) was tested over two seasons (2009 and 2010). B. aeneus populations developing under the agroecological conditions that exist in Serbia were monitored to detect the moment of OSR infestation during its sensitive growth stages. Adults were counted, and the data revealed that they infest winter OSR crops during the stem elongation growth stage (BBCH 30-31), reaching a population peak at the green-yellow bud stage (BBCH 57-59), and exceeding the economic threshold, while the populations decreased substantially during the subsequent stage (BBCH 61-69). Laboratory test results did not confirm any changes in B. aeneus susceptibility/resistance to pyrethroid, organophosphate and neonicotinoid insecticides. Migration of B. aeneus populations was monitored as a way of developing predictive models for estimation of infestation severity and the timing of pest outbreaks under agroecological conditions existing in Serbia. As resistance to pyrethroids has been confirmed in B. aeneus populations in many European countries, their susceptibility will be further monitored.
A case of marantic endocarditis with systemic emboli in a patient with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Reikher Daniel Alexander , Feldman Mark
Published: June 2019

Clinical manifestations of cancer can be categorized as resulting from direct tissue injury from the primary tumor, distant metastatic spread, or aberrant biological activity, also known as a paraneoplastic syndrome. Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare group of malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin which typically present with direct tissue injury, exerting their harmful potential by compression and mass effect. We describe a rare case of an occult retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma presenting with marantic endocarditis. To date, there is a paucity of available medical literature relating sarcoma to marantic endocarditis.
The Role of Universities' Electronic Management in Achieving Organizational Excellence: Example of Al Hussein Bin Talal University
Authors: Waswas Dima , Jwaifell Mustafa
Published: June 2019

The study aimed at identifying the level of applying electronic management and the organizational excellence atAl-Hussein Bin Talal University (AHU). It also attempted to predict the organizational excellence level through thedegree of applying electronic management. The study sample consisted of (249) administration members (academicmanagers, managers) at AHU. The study tool considered two sections: the first concerned measuring the level ofapplying electronic management with regard to three dimensions (administrative, materialistic, and technical); thesecond concerned identifying the organizational excellence level with regard to three dimensions (leadershipexcellence of university management, human staff excellence, and services excellence). A descriptive methodologywas used to accomplish the study objectives.The study results showed that the level of applying electronic management at AHU is average with regard toadministrative and technical dimensions, while it is poor regarding the materialistic dimension. It also revealed that thelevel of organizational excellence is average on the leadership excellence dimension but poor on human staffexcellence and services excellence dimensions. The study includes detailed analysis of the classified variables (workposition, experience years, work place). Linear regression analysis also showed that the level of organizationalexcellence achievement's degree can be predicted through identifying the degree level of applying electronicmanagement at AHU.
Evaluation of Effects of Increasing Molar Substitution of Hydroxypropylene on Physicochemical, Functional and Morphological Properties of Starch from Water Yam (Dioscorea Alata)
Authors: Arueya Gibson Lucky , Ojesanmi Adenike Abiola
Published: June 2019

Amidst rising demand for modified starch, hydroxypropylated derivatives from water yam, an underutilized tropical botanical source remains unexplored. The objective of this work therefore is to extract starch from water yam, modify same by hydroxypropylation and determine their physicochemical, functional and morphological characteristics.

Extraction of starch was carried out by blending peeled water yam previously soaked in 0.2%(w/v) NaHSO3 solution and filtering the resulting slurry. The filterate was next suspended in 0.2% NaOH solution, allowed to sediment and the supernatant oven-dried (400C) for 24 hrs. The dried product was subjected to hydroxypropylation (HP) (propylene oxide 4-12%/100g starch) and extent of molar substitution (MS) determined. The native and Hydroxypropylated starch (HPS) were evaluated for physicochemical, functional and morphological characteristics following standard methods. Pasting properties were analysed using Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) and elucidation of inherent functional groups was carried out by analyzing the FTIR Spectrum.

Starch yield of 84.2% (dry wt. basis) and molar substitution (0.0024-0.05) of HPS were established. Bulk density increased (0.4988-0.6005g/cm3) with MS. There was significant (p=0.05) increase in the degree of Whiteness (W) (42.4-63.6%). Although granule size reduction was evident (33.88-33.43µm), hydroxypropylation did not affect their morphology. There was decline in concentrations of crude protein (0.18-0.01%), ash (1.35-0.34%) and amylose (44.19-37.48%) as MS rose. In contrast, there was significant (p=0.05) increase in water (1.76-2.66g/g) and oil absorption capacities (0.72-1.42g/g), swelling power (1.54-4.19g/g) and solubility (3.17-5.84g/g) at 500C. Freeze thaw cycles showed marked reduction in syneresis (10.3-1.09%) as MS increased. Peak Viscosity, pasting temperature and peak time of the HPS ranges were 297.83-583.6, 81.9-86.40C, and 4.5-7.0 mins respectively. FTIR band spectra indicated the presence of hydroxypropyl substituent groups in the modified starch.

Hydroxypropylated starch (from water yam) at different molar substitution has been characterised and its properties established with strong potentials for wider applications in food systems.
Gerenciamento ágil de projetos em uma empresa Júnior
Authors: Neto Wagner De Barros , Resende André Alves de
Published: June 2019

A formação acadêmica nas Universidades pode ser fortemente alavancada pela atuação das empresas Juniors. Estas empresas desempenham um papel muito importante, pela oportunidade que oferece aos estudantes de aproximar a teoria de sala de aula com a prática nas empresas. Para tanto esta pesquisa visou estudar e propor a aplicação da metodologia de gerenciamento ágil Scrum nos projetos executados por uma empresa Junior. A realização do estudo consistiu em adotar a metodologia Scrum por meio de uma pesquisaação e verificar as vantagens nos projetos executados. Como principais resultados podem ser destacados: um maior alinhamento das equipes envolvidas; maior alinhamento dos resultados dos projetos com os requisitos dos clientes; entregas dentro dos prazos previstos. Como conclusão, foi observada que a implementação da metodologia Scrum na empresa Junior avaliada provocou uma mudança de cultura e o fortalecimento do espirito de equipe, com os membros assumindo maiores responsabilidades.
An Improved Biometric Multi-Server Authentication Scheme for Chang et al.'s Protocol
Authors: Irshad Azeem , Ashraf Ch Shehzad , Shafiq Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Asif Muhammad , Kumari Saru
Published: June 2019

The remote authentication has been advancing with the growth of online services being offered on remotely basis. This calls for an optimal authentication framework other than single-server authentication. In this connection, the multi-server authentication architecture has been introduced in the literature that enables the users to avail variety of services of various servers, using a single pair of identity and password. Lately, we have witnessed a few multi-server authentication schemes in the literature, although security with loopholes. One of those multi-server authentication schemes has been presented by Chang et al. recently. Our analysis shows that the Chang et al. is vulnerable to impersonation attack, stolen smart card attack. In this study, we have reviewed the protocol thoroughly, and proposed an improved model, that is resistant to all known and identified attacks. The formal and informal security analysis for proposed model is also presented in this study, besides performance and its evaluation analysis.
A Comparison of the Control Schemes of Human Response to a Dynamic Virtual 3D Face
Authors: Kaminskas Vytautas , Ščiglinskas Edgaras
Published: June 2019

This paper introduces the application of predictor-based control principles for the control of human response to a virtual 3D face. A dynamic woman 3D face is observed in virtual reality. We use changing distance-between-eyes in a 3D face as a stimulus – control signal. Human responses to the stimulus are observed using EEG-based excitement signals – output signal. The technique of dynamic systems identification which ensure stability and possible higher gain of the model for building a predictive input-output model of control plant is applied. Three predictor-based control schemes with a minimum variance or a generalized minimum variance control quality and constrained control signal magnitude and change rate are developed. High prediction accuracies and control quality are demonstrated by modelling results.
Zwischen Kumulus und Curriculum. Bestandsaufnahme der Rahmenbedingungen für kommunikationswissenschaftliche Promotionen im deutschsprachigen Raum
Authors: Bock Annekatrin , Borucki Isabelle , Sommer Denise , Strippel Christian
Published: June 2019

Mit der Internationalisierung der Wissenschaft und den sich wandelnden Anforderungen an die akademische Ausbildung stehen auch die wissenschaftlichen Qualifikationswege auf dem Prüfstand. Um den strukturellen Anpassungen in der Promotionspraxis an diese Veränderungen nachzuspüren, untersucht der Beitrag die Rahmenbedingungen kommunikationswissenschaftlicher Promotionen an Hochschule in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz im Rahmen einer Inhaltsanalyse der Ordnungen von 65 Promotionsverfahren. Erhoben werden die Ziele und Leistungsanforderungen für Promotionen sowie die Regelungen von Betreuung, Begutachtung und Bewertung. Dabei lassen sich zwar ähnliche Kriterien für die wissenschaftliche Qualifikation finden, die Regelungen und Verfahrensweisen sind jedoch wenig transparent, was zulasten der Vergleichbarkeit und Orientierung der Adressatinnen und Adressaten geht. Der Beitrag schließt mit der Empfehlung, über künftige Ausrichtungen der kommunikationswissenschaftlichen Promotion zu diskutieren und sich mit den Vor- und Nachteilen der zur Verfügung stehenden Qualifikationswege auseinanderzusetzen.
Perfil de risco e otimismo em decisões de investimento: uma análise das finanças comportamentais
Authors: Faria Flávia Helena , Cardoso Virgínia Arlinda da Silva
Published: June 2019

Esta investigação tem o objetivo de avaliar as possíveis relações entre o nível de otimismo e o perfil do investidor. Na busca de interpretar o problema proposto o tema foi escolhido por ser uma nova vertente nos estudos dos mercados financeiros, enaltecendo áreas científicas importantes como a Sociologia e a Psicologia. Neste sentido, para a condução do estudo, preocupou-se em traçar os aspectos manifestados no comportamento do investidor, desvendando questionamentos através dos pilares fixados nas perspectivas das Finanças Comportamentais. Diante da importância de analisar o comportamento do investidor, mais especificamente a relação de risco e o nível de otimismo destes agentes, também houve a pretensão de medir esta relação através de análises e testes de comparação entre grupos.
CRM e a web 2.0 no setor da saúde: um estudo de caso em uma clínica de medicina dentária de Lisboa (Portugal)
Authors: Liberato Mônica Maria
Published: June 2019

Este estudo teve como objetivo apresentar os benefícios do Custumer Relationship Management (CRM) e da Web 2.0 na relação de uma Clínica de Medicina Dentária com seus clientes e na gestão do negócio. Desta forma, foi realizado uma pesquisa qualitativa através de estudo de caso em uma Clínica de Medicina Dentária de Lisboa(Portugal), que logo no primeiro ano de implementação obteve resultados significativos com a utilização desta metodologia de gestão. Os resultados do estudo demostram que a adoção do CRM e a utilização da Web 2.0 contribuíram para: o Aumento do faturamento; Conhecer o perfil do cliente, Aumento da carteira de clientes; Facilitar o trabalho dos profissionais e, Ter acesso às informações em qualquer lugar. Com o resultado do estudo é possível concluir que o diferencial competitivo no setor da saúde pode estar na gestão do relacionamento com o cliente e no uso de novas tecnologias que dão suporte a essa gestão do negócio. Foi possível também com o estudo criar um perfil dos clientes da clínica que são: homens e mulheres, entre 20 anos e 40 anos da classe B, C, que se preocupa com a saúde dentária e sua aparência.
Sur les traces de la mémoire seigneuriale au Québec : identité et transmission au sein des familles d’ascendance seigneuriale1
Authors: Grenier Benoît
Published: June 2019

Aboli en 1854, le régime seigneurial a laissé une empreinte considérable dans la province de Québec en perpétuant rentes et propriétés seigneuriales. La relation seigneur/censitaire et le mode de vie seigneurial ont persisté jusque tard au XXe siècle dans bon nombre de communautés. Le présent article s’inscrit dans une recherche sur les persistances seigneuriales dans le Québec contemporain et a pour objectif d’analyser la mémoire seigneuriale. Il émane d’une enquête d’histoire orale menée auprès de familles seigneuriales provenant des quatre coins de la vallée du Saint-Laurent. Il postule l’existence d’une culture familiale distinctive se caractérisant notamment par le maintien de pratiques et d’usages seigneuriaux, d’un rapport d’altérité dans les campagnes québécoises, mais aussi par une mémoire familiale révélant des valeurs seigneuriales portées et transmises par les descendants de ces familles, nobles ou roturières, francophones ou anglophones.
Mettre en scène l’exclusion de l’histoire. Les femmes à l’université et le concours Miss Quartier latin (1950-1963)
Authors: Poitras Daniel
Published: June 2019

De 1950 à 1963, un concours annuel particulier, le « Miss Quartier Latin », a eu lieu à l’Université de Montréal. L’objectif était d’élire l’étudiante idéale, celle qui allait représenter tout le campus et surtout, y répandre la bonne humeur. Je fais l’hypothèse que le concours, beaucoup plus qu’une activité frivole, mettait en fait en scène, à coup de représentations matérielles et de discours normatifs, l’exclusion des femmes de l’histoire. À l’Université, les étudiantes étaient maintenues dans un régime temporel différent, caractérisé par l’éternel féminin, ce qui autorisait leurs compagnons à les disqualifier comme agents historiques. Les étudiantes utilisèrent le concours pour répliquer, notamment en subvertissant les discours tenus sur elles. Elles ont ainsi réussi à créer des brèches dans les discours normatifs sur leur nature et à mettre en valeur les processus (ceux du développement personnel, ceux de l’histoire) qui ébranlaient le plafond de verre universitaire et ouvraient leur horizon d’attente. Mais ces efforts, s’ils ont éveillé des consciences, ébréché certains postulats sexistes et renversé momentanément les rôles, ont très peu retenus l’attention des historien.ne.s du mouvement étudiant, qui se sont pour la plupart concentré.e.s sur les leaders masculins et sur l’éthos volontariste et émancipateur qu’ils promouvaient. Ceci nous invite à réfléchir sur ces enchaînements qui ont fait des exclusions d’hier des angles morts aujourd’hui.
L’affaire Daigle contre Tremblay1 : le temps comme moteur du débat social au Québec à la fin des années 19802
Authors: Caouette Marilyne
Published: June 2019

Décriminalisé depuis 1988, l’avortement demeure pourtant une pratique controversée. À l’été 1989, l’affaire Daigle contre Tremblay déclenche un débat public qui soulève dans l’espace médiatique un vaste ensemble d’arguments et de considérations rattachés à l’avortement. Entre le 17 juillet et le 8 août, Chantal Daigle et Jean-Guy Tremblay s’affrontent en Cour afin de déterminer si la jeune femme peut recourir à un avortement après que Jean-Guy Tremblay, père du futur enfant, eut requis une injonction pour l’en empêcher. L’affaire ayant été amplement médiatisée, les journaux québécois sont principalement mis à profit pour dresser une étude de cas et rendre compte des discours d’une grande variété d’intervenants, à commencer par les groupes pro-vie et pro-choix. Cet article montre que la dynamique des multiples intervenants provoque un sentiment d’urgence qui teinte l’ensemble du débat et le transforme en affaire de société. À une époque où les relations entre les hommes et les femmes sont en pleine transformation, l’affaire permet d’assister au déploiement d’une pensée conservatrice au Québec, mais aussi d’une forte riposte contre ce backlash par plusieurs groupes.
Updated advances of linking psychosocial factors and sex hormones with systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility and development
Authors: Pan Qingjun , Chen Xiaoqun , Liao Shuzhen , Chen Xiaocui , Zhao Chunfei , Xu Yong-zhi , Liu Hua-feng
Published: June 2019

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects women, especially those of reproductive age. Genetics, environment, and gene-environment interactions play key roles in the development of SLE. Despite the numerous susceptibility genes of SLE identified to date, gene therapy is far from a clinical reality. Thus, more attention should be paid to the risk factors and underlying mechanisms of SLE. Currently, it is reported that psychosocial factors and sex hormones play vital roles in patients with SLE, which still need further investigated. The purpose of this review is to update the roles and mechanisms of psychosocial factors and sex hormones in the susceptibility and development of SLE. Based on review articles and reports in reputable peer-reviewed journals and government websites, this paper summarized psychosocial factors (e.g., alexithymia, depression, anxiety, negative emotions, and perceived stress) and sex hormones (e.g., estrogens, progesterone, androgens, and prolactin) involved in SLE. We further explore the mechanisms linking these factors with SLE susceptibility and development, which can guide the establishment of practical measures to benefit SLE patients and offer new ideas for therapeutic strategies.
Prevalence and Predictors of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Obi Patrick Chinedu , Anyanwu Anthony Chinedum , Nwatu Chidimma Brenda , Ekwueme Chinonso , Mbaike Adaure , Nwako Francis Okechukwu , Ebirim Dan Victor , Okafor Christian , Oputa Reginald Nnamdi
Published: June 2019

Background: Lower extremity peripheral artery disease [LEAD] is common among patients with Diabetes mellitus (DM) and is under-diagnosed and under-treated.  Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent associated cardiovascular events, minimize long term disability and improve quality of life. There is paucity of data on LEAD in Owerri and Southeastern Nigeria in general.

Study Objectives: To determine the prevalence and predictors of LEAD among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical.

Study Site: Endocrinology Clinic, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria.

Methodology: Two hundred and seventy (270) T2DM patients and 135 non-diabetic controls were recruited consecutively between January and June, 2016. Questionnaires  were  used  to  collect  relevant  information,  followed  by  focused  physical examination and anthropometry. A portable Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) kit was used for measurement of ABI and participants with values < 0.9 were diagnosed as having LEAD. For participants with ABI ≥ 1.3, a toe pressure kit was used to measure their toe systolic pressure and those with toe brachial index (TBI) ≤ 0.7 were diagnosed as having LEAD. Fasting blood samples were also collected for assessment of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipid profile. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 22 and p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The mean ages of the T2DM and control participants were 59.8 ± 10.7 and 59.6 ± 12.3 years respectively (P = 0.89) while their mean ABIs were 0.97 ± 0.18 and 0.99 ± 0.16 respectively    (P = 0.26). The  prevalence  of  LEAD  was  31.1%  and  27.4%  among T2DM  and  control  participants respectively (P = 0.44) while among the T2DM participants that had LEAD, 57 (67.8%), 26 (31.0%) and 1 (1.2%) had mild, moderate and severe LEAD respectively. The only predictor of LEAD among T2DM participants was absent/reduced dorsalis pedis artery pulsation (AOR = 3.57, CI = 1.13 – 11.29, P = 0.03).

Conclusions and Recommendations: There is a high prevalence of LEAD among adults with T2DM but this is not significantly higher than the prevalence among non-diabetic individuals. Regular screening of T2DM patients for LEAD should be encouraged. There is also need for regular palpation of dorsalis pedis artery among adults with T2DM to identify those with absent or reduced pulsation which may be an indication of the presence of LEAD.
Epidemiological Model for Pediatrics Patients with Leprosy Infection
Authors: Badeji–Ajisafe Bukola , Victor Ajibade Idowu , Omotola Ajibade Abimbola
Published: June 2019

Leprosy Infection (LI) is a long-term chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. This infectious disease has caused the public issue in many countries around the globe. The disease is prevalent among the adults, although there are now cases of the minor contacting this disease through household contact which is the primary source of infection such as (babysitters, neighbors). The emerging and reemerging diseases have led to a revived interest in infectious diseases in which mathematical models have become important tools in analyzing the spread and control of infectious diseases. Mathematical models are used in comparing, planning, implementing, evaluating and optimizing various detection, prevention therapy, and control programs, the model provides conceptual results such as threshold and basic reproduction number. In this paper, the Passive Immunity Pediatrics (M) - susceptible- Exposed-infected-recovered-susceptible (MSEIRS) model was adopted to depict the spread of infections in our environment.
Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus in the Development of Salicornia in Saline Water
Authors: Silva K. A. V. Da , Oliveira J. P. , Fernandes J. G. , Messias A. S.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the inoculation of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Claroideoglomus etunicatum on the development of Salicornia ramosissima subjected to five treatments: water, desalinator reject, reject plus one dose (7 g) of NaCl, reject plus two doses of NaCl and reject plus three doses of NaCl. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions at the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco - IPA, in a completely randomized design, with autoclaved and non-autoclaved soil, with three replications. A dose corresponding to 1.0 mL ̸ kg of Hoagland & Arnon complete nutrient solution soil was added to each well and watered daily with the corresponding treatments. In the conduction of the experiment, polyethylene vessels with 8 kg of saline soil were used. The results showed that the reject with the intermediate doses (Reject + 1NaCl and Reject + 2NaCl) was more significant for the growth (17.16 cm and 17.37 cm respectively) of Salicornia ramosissima.
Estimated Reduction in Health Care Spending Associated With Weight Loss in Adults
Authors: Thorpe Kenneth E. , Joski Peter J.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Recent data from federal surveys show that more than 70% of adults have either overweight or obesity. Overweight and obesity are associated with several expensive chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The prevalence of chronic disease is a key driver of rising health care spending among employers and the Medicare program.

Objective

To estimate health care spending among adults with overweight or obesity and have employer-sponsored insurance or Medicare and examine the association of higher and lower body mass index (BMI).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included privately insured adults and adult Medicare beneficiaries with a BMI of 25 and higher. Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey–Household Component were used to tabulate total annual health care spending. Data were analyzed from April 1 to June 20, 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary intended measures were total annual health care spending, controlling for patient demographics, income, education, and BMI. The baseline health care spending as a percentage reduction in BMI. An instrumental variable regression model with estimated total spending at various levels of BMI was used.

Results

This study included 3774 adults who were insured with Medicare (mean [SD] age, 63.1 [11.1] years; mean [SD] percentage female, 50.4% [49.7%]; mean [SD] percentage non-Hispanic Black adults, 17.4% [37.7%]; mean [SD] percentage non-Hispanic White adults, 61.3% [48.4%]). The study also included 13 435 adults who had employer-sponsored insurance (mean [SD] age, 46.3 [6.9] years; mean [SD] percentage female, 47.6% [48.9%]; mean [SD] percentage non-Hispanic Black adults, 11.1% [30.7%]; mean [SD] percentage non-Hispanic White adults, 73.1% [43.4%]). Overall, adults with employer-sponsored insurance with a weight loss of 5% were estimated to spend a mean of $670 (95% CI, $654-$686) less on health care (8% less), and those with a weight loss of 25% spent an estimated mean of $2849 (95% CI, $2783-$2916) less on health care (34% less). Among adults with Medicare who had 1 or more comorbid conditions, a 5% weight loss was estimated to reduce spending by $1262 (95% CI, $1217-$1306) (7% less) and a 25% weight loss was estimated to reduce health care spending by a mean of $5442 (95% CI, $5254-$5629) (31% less).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, projected annual savings from weight loss among US adults with obesity were substantial for both Medicare and employer-based insurance.
Construct a Quasi‐High‐Entropy Interphase for Advanced Low‐Temperature Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Li Feifan , Luo Wendi , Fu Hongwei , Zhou Wenjin , Gao Caitian , Liu Yanfang , Xia Hang , Shi Zude , Wang Hong , Zhou Jiang , Lu Bingan
Published: December 2024

The advancement of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) faces significant obstacles due to the typically loose and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which fosters dendrite formation and undermines cycling performance, especially in cold environments. Here, a quasi‐high‐entropy solid electrolyte interphase (QHE‐SEI) formulated is introduced with diverse and functional inorganic compounds, achieved through the incorporation of dual salts and a blend of solvents. Shielded by the QHE‐SEI, AZIBs exhibit uniform zinc deposition and attain remarkable cycling stability, enduring for 1300 h in Zn||Zn symmetric cells under conditions of 3 mA cm−2 and 3 mAh cm−2 at room temperature. Furthermore, the full cell maintains over 4300 cycles at −20 °C with nearly full capacity retention. Notably, the pouch cell maintains a high capacity of ≈25 mAh across 50 cycles, even at −20 °C. This study offers a novel approach to designing a stable SEI and elevates the performance of AZIBs.
Highly Strong and Tough Transparent Aramid Nanofiber Aerogel Films for Passive Heating Energy‐Efficient Windows
Authors: Wu Bing , Hu Peiying , Chen Yanan , Liu Ling , Hu Xueyan , Ge Sijia , Wang Jin
Published: December 2024

Aerogel energy‐efficient glass can effectively reduce building energy consumption, but the low light transmission and weak mechanical properties greatly limit the application of aerogel in energy‐efficient windows. Herein, a modified aramid nanofiber aerogel with outstanding mechanical strength (1.80 MPa, pull over 30000 times its weight), transparency (94.38% in the infrared region), and resistance to extreme environments (thermal insulation, frost resistance, flame retardancy, and self‐extinguishing) is designed and synthesized using nanowire domain space structure strategy. The aerogel used for energy‐efficient windows to reduce energy consumption in buildings is demonstrated. When the aerogel energy‐efficient windows are applied in winter, the average temperature of the energy‐efficient windows during the period from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is 4.01 and 7.01 °C higher than the ordinary glass house and the outdoor temperature, respectively. Carbon reduction calculations show that even in the coldest provinces of China, poly(terephthaloyl chloride‐co‐phenylenediamine‐co‐2‐(4‐Aminophenyl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐5‐amine) (PTPA) aerogel for passive heating can reduce CO2 emissions by 94.14 Kg m−2 per year. This study provides a new strategy for synthesizing transparent aramid aerogels and a new way to develop passive heating and warming energy‐efficient windows for the next generation of energy‐efficient and environmentally friendly buildings.
P‐WEV: PSO Based Weighted Ensemble Technique for Agricultural Food Price Volatility Modeling
Authors: Singh Ankit Kumar , Yeasin Md , Paul Ranjit Kumar , Sarkar Anita , Paul A. K.
Published: December 2024

Price volatility in agricultural commodities adds uncertainty for farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain. Sudden price changes can disrupt income predictions, making it difficult to plan and access financing. This affects not only the farming community but also rural economies and livelihood of people involved in agriculture. The present study focused on important aspect of agricultural economic stability, that is, modeling and prediction of food price volatility. Volatility models, namely, the Generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (GARCH) model, Glosten, Jagannatan, Runkle‐GARCH (GJR‐GARCH) model, exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) model and multiplicative error model (MEM), have been explored. In recent time, as the data becomes more complex and varied, it is difficult to fully understand price fluctuations with just one model. To tackle this, a novel approach called the Particle swarm optimization‐based weighted ensemble volatility model (P‐WEV) has been developed by combining predictions from four different models. To investigate the supremacy of the proposed model, data from 19 agricultural commodities, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and spices, from various markets of India have been used. Interestingly, it has been found that the proposed model outperformed the other benchmark models. Moreover, an R package “PWEV” has also been developed for the implementation of the proposed model.
Latent Solvent‐Induced Inorganic‐Rich Interfacial Chemistry to Achieve Stable Potassium‐Ion Batteries in Low‐Concentration Electrolyte
Authors: Yang Qian , Zhou Xunzhu , Huang Tingting , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Yu , Shi Shuo , Zhang Wen , Li Lin , Wang Jiazhao , Dou Shixue , Lei Kaixiang , Zheng Shijian
Published: December 2024

Low‐concentration electrolytes (LCEs) have attracted great attention due to their cost effectiveness and low viscosity, but suffer undesired organic‐rich interfacial chemistry and poor oxidative stability. Herein, a unique latent solvent, 1,2‐dibutoxyethane (DBE), is proposed to manipulate the anion‐reinforced solvation sheath and construct a robust inorganic‐rich interface in a 0.5 M electrolyte. This unique solvation structure reduces the desolvation energy, facilitating rapid interfacial kinetics and K+ intercalation in graphite. Additionally, enhanced anion‐cation interactions promote the formation of a thin and robust interfacial layer with excellent cycling performance of potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs). Graphite||perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride full cell exhibits a good capacity retention of 80.3 % after 300 cycles, and delivers a high discharge capacity of 131.3 mAh g−1 even at 500 mA g−1. This study demonstrates the feasibility of latent solvent‐optimized electrolyte engineering, providing a pathway of superior electrochemical energy storage in PIBs.