bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Blockchain Integration with Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Lopes Vasco , Alexandre Luís A
Published: April 2019

Blockchain technology is growing everyday at a fast-passed rhythm and it is possible to integrate it with many systems, namely Robotics with AI services. However, this is still a recent field and there is not yet a clear understanding of what it could potentially become. In this paper, we conduct an overview of many different methods and platforms that try to leverage the power of blockchains into robotic systems, to improve AI services, or to solve problems that are present in the major blockchains, which can lead to the ability of creating robotic systems with increased capabilities and security. We present an overview, discuss the methods, and conclude the paper with our view on the future of the integration of these technologies.
Robotchain: Using Tezos Technology for Robot Event Management
Authors: Fernandes Miguel , Alexandre Luís A
Published: April 2019

Robots are important equipment in the modern day factory environment. To maintain and improve factory productivity, ledgers containing robotic actions may be used to identify possible bottleneck points in an assembly line or to serve as a record of in unintentional behaviours, be it of a malicious nature or not. In this paper we present Robotchain, a possible solution using blockchain technology, that prevents unwanted changes in a robotic action ledger and provides a way to use the said ledger in order to aid in production efficiency or other management requirements. This paper also presents an initial experimental study of the Tezos blockchain in order to understand the challenges related to using its advanced blockchain technology for the Robotchain implementation.
Robotic Services for New Paradigm Smart Cities Based on Decentralized Technologies
Authors: Kapitonov Aleksandr , Lonshakov Sergey , Berman Ivan , Castelló Ferrer Eduardo , Bonsignorio Fabio P , Bulatov Vitaly , Svistov Aleksandr
Published: April 2019

This article describes different methods of organizing robotic services for smart cities using secure encrypted decentralized technologies and market mechanisms—as opposed to models based on centralized solutions based (or not) on using cloud services and stripping citizens of the control of their own data. The basis of the proposed methods is the Ethereum decentralized computer with the mechanism of smart contracts. In this work, special attention is paid to the integration of technical and economic information into one network of transactions, which allows creating a unified way of interaction between robots—the robot economy. Three possible scenarios of robotic services for smart cities based on the economy of robots are presented: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), environmental monitoring, and smart factories. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scenarios, three experiments are presented and discussed. Our work shows that the Ethereum network can provide, through smart contracts and their ability to activate programs to interact with the physical world, an effective and practical way to manage robot services for smart cities.
A dança e a expressão corporal como mediadoras no processo de ensino aprendizagem de crianças com deficiência intelectual e transtornos de aprendizagem
Authors: Lopes Keyla Ferrari , Carvalho Camila Lopes de , Araújo Paulo Ferreira de , Moysés Maria Aparecida Affonso
Published: April 2019

Esse estudo objetivou verificar contribuições das atividades de dança e expressão corporal ao processo de ensino aprendizagem de alunos com deficiência intelectual e transtornos de aprendizagem. Para isso, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com as mães e a professora de dança de duas crianças de sexo masculino, com onze anos, uma com deficiência intelectual e outra com transtornos de aprendizagem, que participaram regularmente de atividades de dança e expressão corporal, antes e após seis meses de prática. Como resultados, foi identificado que as atividades possibilitaram desenvolvimento do processo de ensino aprendizado das crianças e a exploração de potenciais comumente não identificados em outros contextos de ensino.
Malaysian Millennials’ Clothing Apparel Choice: A Study on Brand Factors and the Implications on Consumer Preferences
Authors: Viapulam Sunitha Mary a/p , Farooq Muhammad
Published: April 2019

The objective of this research is to examine the effects of brand factors and country of origin factors on self-concept and its implications on consumer preference. Furthermore, the research also studied the moderating effect of fashion consciousness on consumer preference. The research is centred on the Malaysian Millennials in the clothing industry. The data for this research is obtained through primary data survey that was conducted through physical questionnaire distribution and online questionnaires sent via Google Forms. A total number of 230 responses were collected and analysed using factor analysis and partial least squares - structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) techniques. The findings indicated that brands factors had greater impact on self-concept in comparison to country of origin. The brand association and brand personality dimensions were found to have significant roles in brand factors. Self-concept is found to have a positive influence on consumer preference. However, fashion consciousness did not moderate the relationship between self-concept and consumer preference. The findings of this study will be useful to marketers to devise a more strategic marketing mix and develop a suitable market entry strategy based on the contributing factor that would yield a better return on investment (ROI).
Secretários executivos remotos ou in company: como se apresenta o mercado remoto para os profissionais de Secretariado?
Authors: Da Costa Taís Paula , Camargo Chizzoni Caroline , Matiello Vaz Caroline De Fátima
Published: April 2019

O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar como o mercado remoto se apresenta para os secretários executivos, identificando as principais diferenças entre o secretário remoto e o secretário in company. Como questão norteadora, tem-se: quais as principais diferenças entre o secretário remoto e o secretário in company e o que a atuação remota exige dos secretários executivos? Justifica-se a proposta pelo intuito de compreender, de forma mais efetiva, a atuação e a inserção do secretário executivo no mercado remoto, além de oportunizar, aos profissionais da área, a visualização de outras possibilidades de atuação. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva, realizada por meio da aplicação de um questionário a um secretário executivo que atua há 15 anos na área remota. A análise de conteúdo foi a técnica adotada para a interpretação dos dados. As principais conclusões apontam que a atuação remota é uma nova oportunidade de atuação para os secretários executivos, a qual não exclui o assessoramento presencial. As principais diferenças entre o secretário remoto e o in company residem na forma de atuação e na disciplina. Contudo, o assessoramento remoto proporciona maior flexibilidade de atuação aos secretários executivos, proporcionando maior autonomia.
Tradução/versão de documentos: atividade do secretário executivo no eixo da assessorística
Authors: Miranda Rosimeri Dos Santos , Junior Raimundo Nonato
Published: April 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo geral mostrar a relação da atividade de tradução/versão de documentos com um dos quatro eixos da ciência da assessoria, a qual se encaixa na assessorística (assessoria intelectual). Como objetivos específicos tem-se: analisar de que forma a tradução está inserida na rotina secretarial e verificar quais técnicas são utilizadas e quais deveriam ser mais focadas na formação do profissional. A metodologia aplicada neste estudo foi a pesquisa qualitativa com a aplicação de questionários a profissionais de Secretariado Executivo da região norte do Rio Grande do Sul. Esta pesquisa justifica-se pelo fato deste tema ser pouco abordado em pesquisas realizadas no âmbito secretarial. A partir dos resultados, percebe-se a existência da relação da atividade do Secretário Executivo com um dos eixos da ciência da assessoria, como também há a demanda desta atividade nas organizações e como esse trabalho pode ser aprimorado desde a formação destes profissionais.
Social activities and subjective well-being among older persons in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Hirotaka , Murata Chiyoe , Yamazaki Yoshihiko
Published: April 2019

Objectives: In today’s aging societies, subjective well-being is an important determinant of quality of life among older persons. The association between better health and better subjective well-being is well known. However, the kinds of social activities associated with subjective well-being are largely unknown. This study aimed to assess such relationships, taking into account the type of social activities involved among community living older persons aged 65 and over.Method: We used self-administered questionnaire data (N = 2,652) from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Project (JAGES) 2016. We conducted a poisson regression analyses stratified by age group to elucidate the association between social activities and better subjective well-being.Results: After adjusting for sex, family composition, household income, number of illnesses and depression, we found that activities to teach skills or passing on experiences to others were significantly related to higher subjective well-being both among the young-old (65-74) and the old-old (75 and over) population.Conclusion: Altruistic activities such as teaching skills or conveying knowledge to others appear to be related to higher subjective well-being. Promoting social activities has the potential to enhance subjective well-being among the elderly population.
Management of Recalcitrant Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Lauder Alexander , Mithani Suhail , Leversedge Fraser J.
Published: April 2019

Recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome presents a clinical challenge. Potential etiologies of persistent or recurrent symptoms after primary carpal tunnel release include incomplete nerve decompression, secondary sites of nerve compression, unrecognized anatomic variations, irreversible nerve pathology associated with chronic compression neuropathy, perineural adhesions, conditions associated with secondary nerve compression, iatrogenic nerve injury, or inaccurate preoperative diagnosis. Understanding the pertinent surgical anatomy and pathophysiology is essential toward developing an effective diagnostic and treatment strategy. A thorough clinical history and examination guide a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that includes serial examinations, neurophysiologic testing, and imaging studies. Conservative treatment may provide symptomatic relief; however, surgical management involving revision neuroplasty, neurolysis, nerve reconstruction, and/or local soft-tissue flap augmentation may be indicated in refractory cases.
Impact of Media Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign on the Health Behaviour of Women in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Wogu Joseph Oluchukwu , Chukwu Christiana Ogeri , Ugwuoke Joel Chinedum , Ugwulor-Onyinyechi Chinyere Christiana , Nwankiti Chukwuemeka Ononuju
Published: April 2019

Objectives: The goals of the paper are to find out if there is any relationship between breast cancer preventive/curative measures and the contents of media campaign against it; ascertain if the media campaign established a high level of awareness among women; and examine the relationship between breast cancer awareness and the practice of preventive/curative behaviours.

Subjects & Methods: The paper adopts a cross-sectional survey method that involves primary and secondary methods of data collection. Structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from women in relation to questions raised while published materials such as relevant books, journal articles, conference and workshop papers, and internet materials were reviewed to ascertain the current level and dimensions of research findings in the field across the world. Review of literature lasted for 8 weeks while distribution and collection of questionnaire lasted for 5 weeks. The study area is Southeast Nigeria, which comprises the five Igbo speaking states of Nigeria. A sample of 1000 women was randomly selected from markets, churches, schools, and civil service in the capitals of these states, i.e. Abakiliki, Awka, Enugu, Owerri, and Umuahia for the distribution of the structured questionnaire.200 questionnaires were distributed in each of the five study areas using multi stage random sampling technique with the aid of three research assistants. Their responses were tabulated and analysed using descriptive statistics in the SPSS version 20.0 tools.

Results: Results reveal a high level of breast cancer awareness although only 31.2% learnt of it through media campaign; the awareness did not orchestrate health behaviour modification among the respondents; while lack of appropriate knowledge of breast cancer disease, lack of fund and high cost of cancer treatment, and absence of accessible treatment facilities are the cause.

Conclusion: Media campaign against breast cancer in the Southeast Nigeria is deficient in terms of scope, reach, and contents. Secondly, poor standard of living and lack of appropriate corporate response to campaign and treatment of the disease are major problems. Therefore, modification of media contents and campaign programmes, together with government assisted breast cancer treatment mechanisms are recommended.
Open Innovation in Brazil: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Bogers Marcel , Burcharth Ana , Chesbrough Henry
Published: April 2019

While open innovation has been increasingly adopted in developed countries, firms from emerging markets such as Brazil markedly fall behind this trend. Our understanding of the reasons behind this phenomenon remains nevertheless limited, since most research focuses on the industrialized world. In this paper, we aim to inspire the academic community to investigate the issue of why companies from emerging economies such as Brazil have limited open innovation strategies, when they need to draw on external partners as to overcome the institutional, resource and capability constraints they are subject to. We build on the argument that latecomer firms in emerging economies need to actively use open innovation more than ever, as to overcome internal rigidities and spur the innovative resources and capabilities required for the digital transformation and for addressing grand societal challenges. In reviewing current research on openness and especially in the Brazilian setting, we contend that it is a relevant empirical context to study, giving the potential to uncover unique mechanisms and theoretical relations by asking (and possibly answering) novel research questions. Building on a conceptual framework that links various implementation levels of open innovation, we identify themes that are either less well researched or contested and thereby suggest challenges and opportunities for future research.
Seaweed extracts’ multifactorial action: influence on physiological and biochemical status of Solanaceae plants
Authors: Pohl Alicja , Kalisz Andrzej , Sękara Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

Seaweeds are one of the important marine bioresources which are nowadays termed as eco-friendly stimulators of crop growth, stress tolerance, and yielding. In this review, we give an update of the current state of our understanding of the seaweed extracts (SWE) effects on the physiological alterations they induce in Solanaceae vegetables. SWE may provide a powerful and environmentally friendly approach to nutrient management. A pool of common bioactive molecules of SWE provides enhancement of the antioxidant machinery of treated plants providing balanced development, earlier flowering, and enhanced fruiting. The basic mechanisms of SWE action seem to be unspecific for tomato, pepper, and eggplant. They include accelerating growth, nutrient uptake, and photosynthesis performance, which can induce plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, improve flowering, fruit setting, and yield, and enhance nutritional quality of the crops. The mechanism of SWE action is complex because of multielement composition and cross-action between constituents.
Interventional pain treatment – overview of available procedures
Authors: But Michał , Król Andrzej , Goroszeniuk Teodor , Góraj Elwira , Starczewski Kamil , Hura Grzegorz , Ługin Romana Dorota , Kotfis Katarzyna , Rykowski Jacek
Published: April 2019

Chronic pain has become dominant problem in recent years affecting not only patient quality of life but having economic impact and heavy burden on the health systems. The first line in pain management would be patient education, physical rehabilitation and pharmacotherapy. Unfortunately aforementioned treatment often appears incomplete and specialised, targeted pain interventions are warranted. With significant progress in pain medicine, the number of available and effective interventional procedures and techniques have increased. In this manuscript authors have carried out an up to date review of modern interventional techniques with emphasize of anatomy, level of advancement and complexity. Authors classified procedures according to anatomical location: head and neck, spine, upper and lower limb, trunk as well as pathophysiology: interventions in neuropathic pain, cancer pain including neuromodulation techniques. Whenever possible authors relied on evidence based medicine (EBM) but with emphasize of its limitation, especially in assessment of pain relief which remains patient subjective experience. In summary, reimbursement of up to date pain procedures, in the outpatient and hospital setting has been shown. It hopefully guide pain specialists to choose the right intervention and facilitate renumeration within NFZ fee schedule.
Associations among dimensions of political ideology and Dark Tetrad personality features
Authors: Bardeen Joseph R. , Michel Jesse S.
Published: April 2019

Examinations of personality and political ideology have assessed political ideology as a unidimensional construct and primarily focused on the Big Five personality factors. The purpose of the present two-part study was to examine associations among political ideology (assessed using two dimensions [social and economic]) and Dark Tetrad traits in two samples of adults from the United States (N = 579 and 597). The combination of high economic conservatism and high social liberalism was associated with the highest levels of Machiavellianism and the combination of high social conservatism and high economic liberalism was associated with the highest levels of Narcissism. These effects were significant even after accounting for Big Five personality factors and when using a measure of political ideology that was comprised of multiple items for each dimension of political ideology. Implications include the potential application of our findings to altering political interpersonal dynamics. Additionally, study findings highlight the importance of examining political ideology via multiple dimensions to account for heterogeneity of political attitudes.
The association between T wave inversion and apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chae Cheol Byoung , Ha Ju Hee , Kim Jun Ho , Lee Jae Joon , Choi Han Il , Park Ki Beom , Kim Jin Hee , Choi Jung Hyun
Published: April 2019

Objectives Electrocardiograhy (ECG) is the first step in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCMP) diagnosis. For various reasons, the T wave inversion (TWI) and ECG change with time and HCMP is not easy to diagnosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the association between TWI on ECG and apical HCMP. Methods A total of 4,730 ECGs presenting TWI from January 2011 to March 2013 in Pusan National University Hospital were enrolled. 133 patients who were examined by both echocardiography and coronary angiogram were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (TWI ≥ 10 mm) and Group B (5 mm ≤ TWI < 10 mm). HCMP is defined by a wall thickness ≥ 15mm in one or more LV myocardial segments. Apical HCMP is defined to be hypertrophy that is confined to LV apex. The patients who had ECGs with at least one month interval were divided 3 groups: Normal T wave, Abnormal T wave, and Persistent TWI. The prevalence of Apical HCMP and coronary artery disease (CAD) was reviewed among the three groups. Results In this study there were a total 133 patients, with patients divided into Group A which had 15 patients and Group B which had 118 patients. Among the 23 patients with apical HCMP, three patients were Group A and twenty patients were Group B ( P = 0.769). Regarding constancy of TWI, persistent TWI group was higher in apical HCMP than in other groups ( P = 0.038). CAD had no difference between groups ( P = 0.889). Conclusions T wave negativity was not associated with incidence of apical HCMP. However, apical HCMP was diagnosed more frequently in patients with persistent TWI. Further follow up echocardiographic study is needed to evaluate the progression of apical HCMP in patients with TWI.
Correlation between nasal mucosal thickness around the lacrimal sac fossa and surgical outcomes in endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Yoo Jae Ho , Kim Chang Zoo , Nam Ki Yup , Lee Seung Uk , Lee Jae Ho , Lee Sang Joon
Published: April 2019

Objectives To identify the relationship between surgical success rate and preoperative nasal mucosal thickness around the lacrimal sac fossa, as measured using computed tomography. Methods We reviewed 33 eyes from 27 patients who underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy after diagnosis of primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction and who were followed-up with for at least six months between 2011 and 2014. We measured preoperative nasal mucosal thickness around the bony lacrimal sac fossa using computed tomography and analyzed patient measurements after classifying them into three groups: the successfully operated group, the failed operation group, and the non-operated group. Results Surgery failed in six of the 33 eyes because of a granuloma at the osteotomy site and synechial formation of the nasal mucosa. The failed-surgery group showed a clinically significantly greater decrease in nasal mucosal thickness at the rearward lacrimal sac fossa compared with the successful-surgery group. However, nasal mucosal thickness of fellow eyes (i.e., non-operated eyes) was not significantly different between the two groups, and the location of the uncinate process did not appear to influence mucosal thickness. In the failed group, posteriorly located mucosal thickness of operated eye fossa was thinner than that of the non-operated eyes, but not significantly so. Conclusions Our results from this quantitative anatomical study suggest that nasal mucosal thickness is a predictor of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy results.
Relation of Various Parameters Used to Estimate Cardiac Vagal Activity and Validity of pNN50 in Anesthetized Humans
Authors: Lee Jae Ho , Huh In Young , Lee Jae Min , Lee Hyung Kwan , Han Il Sang , Kang Ho Jun
Published: April 2019

Objectives Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) has been used as a measure of cardiac autonomic function. According to the pNN50 statistic, the percentage of differences between successive normal RR intervals (RRI) that exceed 50 ms, has been known to reflect cardiac vagal modulation. Relatively little is known about the validity of pNN50 during general anesthesia (GA). Therefore, we evaluated the correlation of pNN50 with other variables such as HF, RMSSD, SD1 of HRV reflecting the vagal tone, and examined the validity of pNN50 in anesthetized patients. Methods: We assessed changes in RRI, pNN50, root mean square of successive differences of RRI (RMSSD), high frequency (HF) and standard deviation 1 (SD1) of Poincaré plots after GA using sevoflurane anesthesia. We also calculated the probability distributions for the family of pNNx statistics (x: 2-50 ms). Results All HRV variables were significantly decreased during GA. HF power was not correlated with pNN50 during GA (r = 0.096, P = 0.392). Less than pNN47 was shown to have a correlation with other variables. Conclusions These data suggest that pNN50 can not reflect the level of vagal tone during GA.
Successful Removal of 15-year-old Pacemaker Leads by Weight and pulley method
Authors: Kim Hyun-Woo , Shin Ho-Cheol , Jin Han-Young , Seo Jeong-Sook , Jang Jae-Sik , Yang Tae-Hyun , Kim Dae-Kyeong , Kim Dong-Soo
Published: April 2019

Extraction of old pacemaker leads remains a complex procedure owing to fibrotic encapsulation and lead adhesions. We report a case of extraction of 15-year-old pacemaker leads by weight and pulley method. A 81-year-old man presented with exposed pacemaker leads out of body with purulent discharge from a pacemaker insertion site. He inserted DDD (dual chamber pacing, dual chamber sensing dual function) pacemaker implantation 15 years ago for SSS. Previously pacemaker battery was removed 3 years ago due to recurrent infection of pacemaker scar site. We extracted the pacemaker leads by weight and pulley method successfully without any complications.
Complete resolution of the giant pulmonary bulla: a case of inflammatory autobullectomy
Authors: Park Sungrock , Shi Hyejin , Wang Sungho , Lee Sangki , Ko Yousang , Park Yong Bum
Published: April 2019

Giant pulmonary bulla (GPB) is a rare manifestation of emphysema and usually enlarges gradually over time, occasionally resulting in complications. Hence, more often than not, the surgical intervention of a Bullectomy is the standard method of treatment for GPB. However, there are case reports that show the complete resolution of GPB after its inflammation process even without surgical intervention. A 51-year-old man was admitted to our clinic due to pleuritic pain. After a chest X-ray and CT scan, a new air-fluid level within the GPB was revealed in the right upper lobe of his lung. His clinical status had improved promptly with intravenous antibiotics. A one-year follow-up study showed the GPB was completely resolved.
Fasciotomy and Surgical Tenotomy for Chronic Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy
Authors: Freed Lewis , Ellis Mark B. , Johnson Kate , Haddon Todd B.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Achilles insertional tendon pathology is a common condition affecting a broad range of patients. When conservative treatments are unsuccessful, the traditional open resection, debridement, and reattachment of the Achilles tendon is a variably reliable procedure with significant risk of morbidity. Fasciotomy and surgical tenotomy using ultrasound-guided percutaneous microresection is used on various tendons in the body, but the efficacy has not been examined specifically for the Achilles tendon.

Methods:

A retrospective review evaluated 26 procedures in 25 patients who underwent Achilles fasciotomy and surgical tenotomy. The Foot Function Index was used to quantify pain, disability, activity limitation, and overall scores.

Results:

Mean Foot Function Index scores were as follows: pain, 8.53%; disability, 7.91%; activity limitation, 2.50%; and overall, 6.97%. Twenty index procedures were successful, and two patients repeated the procedure successfully for an overall 84.6% success rate in patients with chronic insertional pathology with mean surveillance of 16 months. There were no infections or systemic complications.

Conclusions:

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microresection is a safe and minimally invasive percutaneous alternative that can be used before proceeding to a more invasive open procedure.
Anthropometric and Psychomotor Development Factors Linked to Foot Valgus in Children Aged 6 to 9 Years
Authors: Asencio Jose Miguel Morales , Medina-Alcántara Miguel F. , Ortega-Avila Ana Belen , Jimenez-Cebrian Ana María , Moguer Joaquin Paez , Cervera-Marin Jose Antonio , Gijon-Nogueron Gabriel
Published: April 2019

Background:

Planovalgus foot prevalence estimates vary widely (0.6%–77.9%). Among the many factors that may influence planovalgus foot development, much attention has been given to body mass index, especially that of children's feet; factors related to psychomotor development have been less studied. We sought to determine the presence of planovalgus foot in children and its association with anthropometric parameters and psychomotor development.

Methods:

A case-control study was conducted in Málaga, Spain, 2012–2013, of 104 schoolchildren (mean ± SD age, 7.55 ± 0.89 years; 45.2% were boys). Age, sex, body mass index, presence of valgus (valgus index, by pedigraphy), and personal history related to psychomotor development of the lower limbs (presence/absence of crawling, age at onset of crawling, age at onset of walking, use of mobility aids) were evaluated.

Results:

Of the children with obesity, 53.7% had valgus deformity in the left hindfoot (odds ratio [OR], 6.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.72–17.70; P < .0001). In the right foot, the corresponding values were 54.5% (OR, 9.08; 95% CI, 3.38–24.36; P < .0001). Multivariate logistic regression showed an increased risk of left planovalgus foot in boys, in children with overweight or obesity, and in those who began walking later. For the right foot, the same risk factors applied except age at onset of walking.

Conclusions:

These results corroborate data from previous studies, which report an association between overweight and obesity and the onset of planovalgus foot in children. In addition, we identify a new risk factor: age at onset of walking.
Narrative Reasoning in Practice
Authors: Bishop Emily T.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Clinical reasoning and decision making within health care are as important as ever in a world where evidence-based health care and patient outcomes are highly valued. It is increasingly recognized that decisions are not made in isolation, and are influenced by many factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic. Expert and novice practitioners share reasoning techniques, and there are many interpretations of reasoning paradigms within the field of health care.

Methods:

A reflective diary was kept for 3 months linking personal reflections on a particular clinical decision with theoretical learning on clinical reasoning. Several decision-making paradigms were looked at in relation to the decision, with a deeper focus on narrative reasoning. Narrative reasoning resonated particularly with the author's previous experience studying literature.

Results:

The clinical decision was usefully analyzed using a narrative reasoning strategy. The decision made by the author was perhaps contrary to the evidence, and yet had a positive outcome. The positive outcome of the decision was looked at within the context of evidence-based practice and ethical practice.

Conclusions:

Narrative reasoning comes from within the interpretive research model and puts the patient's experience at the heart of decision making. Narrative reasoning can be a valuable way of combining diagnostic, management, and ethical aspects of care. Further research—particularly in podiatry, where research is lacking—could identify helpful reasoning strategies for care of patients with long-term chronic conditions or complex conditions.
Aridity thresholds of soil microbial metabolic indices along a 3,200 km transect across arid and semi-arid regions in Northern China
Authors: Hou Jianfeng , Dijkstra Feike A. , Zhang Xiuwei , Wang Chao , Lü Xiaotao , Wang Peng , Han Xingguo , Cheng Weixin
Published: April 2019

Soil microbial processes are crucial for understanding the ecological functions of arid and semi-arid lands which occupy approximately 40% of the global terrestrial ecosystems. However, how soil microbial metabolic activities may change across a wide aridity gradient in drylands remains unclear. Here, we investigated three soil microbial metabolic indices (soil organic carbon (SOC)-based microbial respiration, metabolic quotient, and microbial biomass as a proportion of total SOC) and the degree of carbon limitation for microbial respiration along a 3,200 km transect with a wide aridity gradient. The aridity gradient was customarily expressed using the aridity index (AI) which was calculated as the ratio of mean annual precipitation to mean annual evaporation, therefore, a lower AI value indicated a higher degree of aridity. Our results showed non-linear relationships between AI values and the metabolic indices with a clear aridity threshold for each of the three metabolic indices along the aridity gradient, respectively (AI = 0.13 for basal respiration, AI = 0.17 for metabolic quotient, and AI = 0.17 for MBC:SOC ratio). These metabolic indices linearly declined when AI was above the thresholds, but did not show any clear patterns when AI was below the thresholds. We also found that soil microbial respiration was highly limited by available carbon substrates at locations with higher primary production and relatively lower level of water limitation when AI was above the threshold, a counter-intuitive pattern that microbes were more starved in ecosystems with more substrate input. However, the increasing level of carbon limitation did correspond to the declining trend of the three metabolic indices along the AI gradient, which indicates that the carbon limitation influences microbial metabolism. We also found that the ratio of microbial biomass carbon to SOC in arid regions (AI < 0.2) with extremely low precipitation and primary production were not quantitatively related to SOC content. Overall, our results imply that microbial metabolism is distinctively different in arid lands than in non-arid lands.
Distribution patterns of dinoflagellate communities along the Songhua River
Authors: Gao Yangchun , Chen Yiyong , Xiong Wei , Li Shiguo , Zhan Aibin
Published: April 2019

Background

Dinoflagellates have the potential to pose severe ecological and economic damages to aquatic ecosystems. It is therefore largely needed to understand the causes and consequences of distribution patterns of dinoflagellate communities in order to manage potential environmental problems. However, a majority of studies have focused on marine ecosystems, while the geographical distribution patterns of dinoflagellate communities and associated determinants in freshwater ecosystems remain unexplored, particularly in running water ecosystems such as rivers and streams.

Methods

Here we utilized multiple linear regression analysis and combined information on species composition recovered by high-throughput sequencing and spatial and environmental variables to analyze the distribution patterns of dinoflagellate communities along the Songhua River.

Results

After high-throughput sequencing, a total of 490 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were assigned to dinoflagellates, covering seven orders, 13 families and 22 genera. Although the sample sites were grouped into three distinctive clusters with significant difference (p < 0.05) in environmental variables, OTUs-based dinoflagellate communities among the three clusters showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Among all 24 environmental factors, two environmental variables, including NO3-N and total dissolved solids (TDS), were selected as the significantly influential factors (p < 0.05) on the distribution patterns of dinoflagellate communities based on forward selection. The redundancy analysis (RDA) model showed that only a small proportion of community variation (6.1%) could be explained by both environmental (NO3-N and TDS) and dispersal predictors (watercourse distance) along the River. Variance partitioning revealed a larger contribution of local environmental factors (5.85%) than dispersal (0.50%) to the total variation of dinoflagellate communities.

Discussion

Our findings indicated that in addition to the two quantifiable processes in this study (species sorting and dispersal), more unquantifiable stochastic processes such as temporal extinction and colonization events due to rainfall may be responsible for the observed geographical distribution of the dinoflagellate community along the Songhua River. Results obtained in this study suggested that deeper investigations covering different seasons are needed to understand the causes and consequences of geographical distribution patterns of dinoflagellate biodiversity in river ecosystems.
Disparity in Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of Lactic Acid Microorganisms Isolated from Spontaneous Fermentation of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata)
Authors: Ayoade Femi, , Fayemi Scott , Ogunbiyi Tosin , Olukanni Olumide , Oluniyi Paul
Published: April 2019

Aim: In order to ensure the accurate taxonomic identification of the lactic acid organisms that were previously isolated from spontaneously fermented yam for safety assessment and quality assurance purposes, phenotypic and genetic identification data were compared.

Study Design: Using the purposive sampling method, four microorganisms were characterized using molecular methods.

Place and Duration of Study:  Isolates of lactic acid microorganisms (2 bacterial and 2 fungal organisms) from spontaneously fermented yam in a previous study carried out in May 2016 were genetically identified using molecular methods. 

Methodology: Genomic DNA extracted from the test lactic acid microorganisms were used as templates in a PCR reaction, then, 16s rRNA and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genes were amplified for the bacterial and fungal isolates respectively. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were electrophoresed on 2% agarose gel prepared with Tris Borate Ethylenediamintetraacetate (TBE) buffers stained with ethidium bromide. Subsequently, the ladder was used in order to determine the sizes of the corresponding amplicons captured on gel images in comparisons. Moreover, sequences of the PCR products were analyzed and the chromatograms subjected to BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) analyses to identify the lactic acid organisms.

Results: The 2 bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis (MK448227) and Bacillus pumilus (MK446418), on the other hand, the fungal isolates were identified as Aspergillus flavus (MK433604) and Aspergillus niger (MK430926). Discrepancies were observed when phenotypic identification data in an earlier report were compared with the molecular data from the present study. 

Conclusion: The present results underscore the limitations of phenotypic (biochemical) methods in characterizing organisms, particularly, organisms that may end up being used in food processing. Moreover, this is the first report of the novel organisms reported in the present study and makes further work into the development of starter organisms for the production of amala possible in the near future. In addition, proper identification helps in benchmarking the quality assurance and safety assessment of foods prepared using these organisms.
Employability Analysis of Management External Degree Holders of Sri Lanka: Longitudinal Study Based on University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Authors: Sachitra K. M. V. , Kumara U. A.
Published: April 2019

Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of employability of the graduates receiving external management degrees in the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Study Design:  The study used past three years’ data gathered at the Convocation days held in year 2015, 2016 and 2017. It included graduates’ demographic characteristics, employability and the nature of jobs engaged.

Results: The study provided quantitative results about the employability of external degree holders and the results showed that the employability rate of external degree holders was relatively high compared with the employability rate of the management graduate in Sri Lanka at the date of convocation. On the basis of findings, the study proves that business graduates possess average levels of employability skills in terms of technology and communication skills.

Conclusion: Although the results exemplify the initial step towards a description of employability of external degree holders, they shed light in terms of future development of the management external degree programmes. Presently, Sri Lanka meets the management employment expected, but in the future, management graduates need to realize that education is not all about to attain good marks but to explore and develop personal capabilities.
Predictive Modeling of Breast Anticancer Activity of a Series of Coumarin Derivatives using Quantum Descriptors
Authors: Ouattara Lamoussa , Bamba Kafoumba , Koné Mamadou Guy-Richard , N’dri Jean Stéphane , N’Guessan Kouakou Nobel , Massapihanhoro Ouattara Pierrre , Fatogoman Diarrassouba
Published: April 2019

We focused on a series of coumarin derivatives in this work. The method of Density Functional Theory (DFT) of quantum chemistry has been used at B3LYP / 6-31G (d, p) level in order to identify molecular descriptors which are useful for this study. The analysis of the statistical indicators allowed to obtain a QSAR model based on quantum descriptors and anti-cancer activity against breast cancer (MCF-7) that were accredited for good statistical performance. For the model, the statistical indicators were: correlation coefficient R2 = 0.904, standard deviation S = 0.102, Fischer test coefficient F = 18.779 and correlation coefficient of cross validation
A Systematic Review of Factors Associated with both Bilateral and Recurrent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Disruption
Authors: Kakalecik Jaquelyn , Reynolds John M. , Torg Joseph S.
Published: April 2019

Background: Numerous studies have reported factors associated with recurrent or subsequent contralateral anterior cruciate ligament disruption, but a comprehensive review of the literature has not been performed.

Purpose: This study attempts to systematically review the literature and provide an overview of the currently reported risk factors for recurrent and subsequent contralateral ACL reconstructions in order to allow for more efficient identification and intervention of high-risk patients.

Study Design: Systematic Review.

Methods: The Pubmed and Embase databases were searched using a combination of keywords such as “ACL reconstruction” and “bilateral or recurrent” and “risk factors” and medical subject headings. All studies were screened by two independent reviewers, and articles that met inclusion criteria (non-contact ACL injury, study analyzed risk factors for contralateral ACL injury or graft rupture) were downloaded and read.

Results: The initial search yielded 129 articles, of which 36 met inclusion criteria. After duplicates were removed, 23 articles remained. The reference lists of included articles were cross-referenced, and an additional 2 articles were included.

Conclusion: Graft harvest site, allograft usage, return to sport, younger age, a positive family history, increased posterior tibial slope, and the number of previous ACL reconstructions are well-reported risk factors for second ACL injury. Recent studies suggest a patients who have negative psychological states in the perioperative periods have worse long-term functional outcomes.
Factors Hindering Farmers’ Participation and Look for Agricultural Development and Food Security
Authors: Bayissa Debella Deressa
Published: April 2019

Agriculture is one of the key drivers of Ethiopia’s long-term development and food security. It supports 85% of the total population, constitutes 43% of GDP and 80% of export value. For the country to reach middle-income prestige by 2025 and make significant inroads against food insecurity, strategic choices and concerted and strategic investments in agricultural sector are vigorous. The government of Ethiopia has put maximum efforts to increase agricultural output. However, increments in agricultural production and productivity, the expected benefits, have not been achieved yet. Low agricultural production and productivity is the major cause of food insecurity in the country emanating from lack of suitable technologies for beneficiaries, low adoption of agricultural innovations, and lack of active participation of farmers in agricultural research. Therefore, this study examines critical factors that hinder farmers’ participation in agricultural research in Ethiopia. A total sample size of 39 respondents comprising 16 farmers, 14 researchers and 9 development agents were interviewed purposively based on snowball sampling technique. Qualitative research design was used in this research. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and observations and analysed descriptively. The empirical results reveal that lack of sufficient time, bad experiences in the past, perception of farmers’ for researchers, farmer’s attitude for research, the type of research, lack of stakeholder’s willingness to learn from one another, loose integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge and insignificant change of new technologies to material wealth critically hindered farmer’s participation in agricultural research to bring innovation in agriculture. Innovation in agriculture comes from the interaction of the different actors that are working in agriculture since each actor brings their own knowledge and results in social learning. Insignificant innovation in agricultural research results in food insecurity in the country.
Comparison of the Effect of Intraoperative 1 mg/kg/h and 2 mg/kg/h IV Lidocaine Infusion on Postoperative Pain and Nausea-Vomiting in Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Alimian Mahzad , Safaeian Reza , Zaman Behrooz , Entezari Saeedreza , Abedian Amir Ehsan
Published: April 2019

Objective: To relieve postoperative pain and nausea and vomiting, various drugs and methods, including intraoperative IV lidocaine infusion in different surgeries. However, the exact dose has not yet been determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of intraoperative 1 mg/kg/h and 2 mg/kg/h IV lidocaine infusion on postoperative pain and nausea-vomiting in laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery in Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital, Iran. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups (1 mg/kg/h lidocaine) and (2 mg/kg/h lidocaine). Postoperative pain and nausea and vomiting were evaluated at times 0, 30 min, 1 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after surgery. Data was analysed using statistical tests and SPSS 22.

Results: There was no significant difference in the effect of intraoperative 1 mg/kg/h and 2 mg/kg/h IV lidocaine infusion on static and dynamic pain and nausea-vomiting, agitation, systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse rate and postoperative administration of pethidine in laparoscopic gastric bypass (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Based on results of this study, administration of low dose lidocaine (1 mg/kg/h) can be considered as an appropriate dose of IV lidocaine infusion in order to control postoperative pain and nausea and vomiting in laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.