bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are breast milk adipokines affected by maternal dietary factors?
Authors: Kocaadam Betül , Köksal Eda , Türkyılmaz Canan
Published: August 2018

Background

Maternal diet and gestational age of infant may affect the composition of breast milk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between breast milk adiponectin and leptin levels of mothers delivering preterm and term infants and maternal diet.

Methods

Sixty-five mothers (31 preterm, 34 term) were included in the study. General information about parents and infants and food consumption of mothers were determined through a questionnaire. Milk samples were taken from mothers during the period between the 15th and 30th day after birth (mature milk). For the evaluation of maternal diet, the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) were used.

Results

According to MAR, 71.0% of preterm mothers’ and 79.4% of term mothers’ dietary adequacy was categorized as “good”, and none of the mothers fell into the “insufficient” category (p>0.05). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) level of adipokines was found to be higher in preterm than in term mothers (24.6 [14.3] ng/mL; 22.9 [9.7] ng/mL for adiponectin and 2.0 [2.5] ng/mL; 0.0 [2.3] ng/mL for leptin, respectively) (p>0.05). A negative correlation was found between the leptin level and intake of unsaturated fatty acids, protein NAR and meat, poultry and fish consumption in preterm mothers (p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between leptin concentration and MAR, protein, calcium, potassium NAR and consumption of dairy products in term mothers (p<0.05). In the regression model, gestational age and MAR are important predictors of leptin.

Conclusions

These results show that maternal diet is related to the leptin content in breast milk.
Treatment outcomes in pediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Bhavani Nisha , Bhadran Kingini , Nair Vasantha , Menon Usha V. , Pavithran Praveen V. , Menon Arun S. , Abraham Nithya , Pankaj Aswin , Kumar Harish
Published: August 2018

Background

Until the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines on management of pediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) became available in 2015, all children with DTC were treated like adults. This study aims to investigate the outcome of pediatric DTC and factors predicting the response to therapy in pediatric DTC managed according to adult guidelines.

Methods

Clinical records of 41 children less than 18 years of age diagnosed with DTC followed from 2007 in a single center were reviewed. According to the new ATA classification for pediatric DTC, five had low-risk, 28 had intermediate-risk and eight had high-risk disease at presentation.

Results

There was no mortality or recurrence in this cohort of pediatric DTC patients and the cure rate was 46% during a mean follow-up of 44 months when they were managed according to adult guidelines. Neither the new ATA risk classification nor any clinicopathological character was identified which could predict the response to therapy. The new ATA guidelines would have avoided 27% of the radioiodine therapies given.

Conclusions

This study showed that DTC in children managed according to adult guidelines had a good cure rate. The new ATA guidelines on pediatric DTC might have drastically reduced the number of radioiodine therapies in the affected children. Long term prospective studies are needed to validate the benefits and risks of both these approaches.
Quantitative and qualitative assessment of maternal sexuality during pregnancy
Authors: Kračun Iris , Tul Nataša , Blickstein Isaac , Velikonja Vislava Globevnik
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the quantitative and qualitative measures of the complex relationship between sexuality and the pregnant state.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire [comprising the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire, the Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication and Happiness (ENRICH) Marital Satisfaction Scale, scale of attitudes toward sexuality, the World Health Organization (WHO) Well-Being Index and the scale of body image] was given to 243 women during antenatal classes.

Results

We evaluated 200 primiparous women, with an average age of 30.5 years (range 21–44), at an average gestational age of 31.6 weeks (range 19–38). We found that sexual intercourse during pregnancy is less frequent and less satisfying compared to the pre-pregnancy period. Sexuality or certain aspects of sexuality (arousal and satisfaction with sexuality) are associated with the fear of hurting the fetus, satisfaction with intimate partner relationship, general attitude toward sexuality, physical self-image and general well-being. Women who are more satisfied with their intimate partner relationship are also more satisfied with their sexuality.

Conclusion

Sexuality and sexual well-being during pregnancy are associated with the fear of hurting the fetus, satisfaction with intimate partner relationship, attitude toward sexuality, physical self-image and general well-being.
Recording of relict ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and South American coati (Nasua nasua) populations in the biodiversity hotspot Pernambuco Endemism Center, Northern Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Beltrão Mayara G. , Feijó Anderson , Albuquerque Anna Carolina F. , Freitas Getúlio L. , Rocha Fabiana Lopes
Published: August 2018

The northern portion of the Atlantic Forest, namely Pernambuco Endemism Center (PEC), faces an extreme level of forest loss, with only 2% of its original forest remaining. In the PEC, mesocarnivores are the only remaining carnivores and, among them, the ocelot and South American coati present a poorly known or even ignored distribution. Our goal is to provide an overview of the current distribution and conservation status of both species in the PEC through camera trap survey, review of published scientific literature and a search for voucher specimens in mammal collections. Our data confirm the presence of the ocelot and the South America coati in the PEC. The ocelots were mainly recorded in fragments smaller than 12 km2, suggesting they might access the monoculture matrix and anthropogenic areas. The few recent records of coatis suggest a worse scenario, predicting an imminent local extinction. The PEC has witnessed a historical continued deforestation, which has reduced the remaining fragments and contributed to the accentuated decline of both species populations. Nevertheless, these Atlantic Forest remnants are paramount to supporting relict populations of mesocarnivores in the PEC, and their maintenance and connectivity should be a conservation priority.
Early and efficient detection of an endangered flying squirrel by arboreal camera trapping
Authors: Suzuki Kei K. , Ando Motokazu
Published: August 2018

Endangered species management is typically informed by an ecological knowledge of a species. Currently, little is known about the distribution and ecology of the Japanese flying squirrel (Pteromys momonga). To provide an effective rapid survey technique for flying squirrels, we used camera trap surveys and determined what methodology (i.e. camera placement, survey length) was most efficient. We placed 154 cameras in trees for 30 days. We detected flying squirrels at 12% of the camera points. The average suitable distance between camera and targeted tree (DCT) was 130 cm (SE: 15.4, range: 90–220). Moreover, flying squirrels were frequently detected on the trunks of taller trees. We found camera trap surveys were an efficient technique for detecting flying squirrels. Approximately 11% of camera points detected flying squirrels within one survey night. Initial detection of flying squirrels at a site occurred within 10 days at 58% of the points. To efficiently detect flying squirrels, we suggest that it is better to aim the camera towards taller trees at a suitable DCT and to conduct surveys for a minimum of 10 days at each site.
Recent advances on optical vortex generation
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Nie Zhongquan , Liang Yao , Wang Jian , Li Tao , Jia Baohua
Published: August 2018

This article reviews recent progress leading to the generation of optical vortex beams. After introducing the basics of optical vortex beams and their promising applications, we summarized different approaches for optical vortex generation by discrete components and laser cavities. We place particular emphasis on the recent development of vortex generation by the planar phase plates, which are able to engineer a spiral phasefront via dynamic or geometric phase in nanoscale, and highlight the independent operation of these two different phases which leads to a multifunctional optical vortex beam generation and independent spin-orbit interaction. We also introduced the recent progress on vortex lasing, including vortex beam generation from the output of bulk lasers by modification of conventional laser cavities with phase elements and from integrated on-chip microlasers. Similar approaches are also applied to generate fractional vortex beams carrying fractional topological charge. The advanced technology and approaches on design and nanofabrications enable multiple vortex beams generation from a single device via multiplexing, multicasting, and vortex array, open up opportunities for applications on data processing, information encoding/decoding, communication and parallel data processing, and micromanipulations.
Synthesis of new high molecular weight phosphorylated chitosans for improving corrosion protection
Authors: Coquery Clément , Negrell Claire , Caussé Nicolas , Pébère Nadine , David Ghislain
Published: August 2018

Two grades of chitosan [chitosan 30000 g mol−1 (N-chitosan 30) and 250000 g mol−1 (N-chitosan 250)] were functionalized by the Kabachnik–Fields reaction. To obtain the highest phosphonic ester grafting rate (55% and 40% for the N-chitosan 30 and N-chitosan 250, respectively), the pH must be kept constant during the reaction (pH=5). Then, a partial hydrolysis of the ester functions was carried out in HCl medium to generate phosphonic acid functions up to 25% and 20% for the N-chitosan 30 and N-chitosan 250, respectively. It was shown that the grafting of phosphonic acids on chitosan significantly reduced the dynamic viscosity. Afterwards, electrochemical impedance measurements were performed in an aqueous solution (pH=5) in the presence of either N-chitosans or P-chitosans (3 wt.%). The two native N-chitosans were little adsorbed onto the carbon steel surface and the corrosion protection was low. In contrast, the impedance results in the presence of the 30000 g mol−1 phosphorylated chitosan (P-chitosan 30) evidenced the beneficial effect of grafted phosphonic acid on its adsorption on the steel surface. The lower efficiency of the 250000 g mol−1 (P-chitosan 250) was attributed to its high molecular weight which made difficult the interactions between the phosphonic groups and the metallic surface.
Precision at the nanoscale: on the structure and property evolution of gold nanoclusters
Authors: Zeng Chenjie
Published: August 2018

Chemists are often regarded as “architects”, who are capable of building up complex molecular structures in the ultrasmall-dimensional world. However, compared with organic chemistry, nanochemistry – which deals with nanoparticles in the size range from 1 to 100 nm – is less precise in terms of synthesis, composition, and structure. Such an imprecise nature of nanochemistry has impeded an in-depth understanding as well as rational control of structures and properties of nanomaterials. Motivated by this, thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters (denoted as Au
n
(SR)
m
) have recently emerged as a paradigm of atomically precise nanomaterials, in which all the nanoparticles are identical to each other with the same number of core atoms (n) and surface ligands (m) as well as the atomic arrangement. In this review, we provide a demonstration of how the precise nature of Au
n
(SR)
m
nanoclusters allows one to understand, decipher and discover some important, enigmatic and intriguing issues and phenomena in nanoscience, including (i) a precise nanoscale transformation reaction induced by surface ligand exchange, (ii) the total structures of crystalline metal phases and the self-assembled surface monolayers, (iii) the periodicities and quantum confinement in nanoclusters and (iv) the emergence of hierarchical complexity in the entire nanoparticle system. We expect that such an in-depth understanding will eventually lead to the rational design and precise engineering of complex architectures at the nanoscale.
Structures of the diiodine adducts of bis(diisopropylphosphano)methane disulfide and bis(diisopropylphosphano)ethane disulfide
Authors: Strey Mark , Jones Peter G.
Published: August 2018

The reaction of bis(diisopropylphosphano)methane disulfide with elemental iodine leads to a 1:1 adduct 1 in which only one sulfur atom of the disulfide coordinates to a diiodine molecule. The corresponding reaction of bis(diisopropylphosphano)ethane disulfide with iodine leads to the “standard” 1:2 adduct, in which both sulfur atoms coordinate to diiodine molecules.
Optimization of Processing Parameters for Hydrothermal Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis Using Aloe vera Leaf Extract and Estimation of their Physico-Chemical and Antifungal Properties
Authors: Ahmadi Omid , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda , Jodeiri Naeimeh
Published: August 2018

Aloe vera leaf extract has been obtained and utilized for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis by autoclave at 121 °C and 1.5 bar (pressure) for 15 min. The results of GC-MS analysis of A. vera life extract indicated that there were several natural reducing agents such as acetic acid, hexanol and ethyl amine in the A. vera peel. Central composition design and response surface methodology have been used to design the experiment and to evaluate the effect of independent variables on dependent variables, respectively. After extraction of A. vera leaf extract with different concentrations (0.5–5.5% w/v), 0.1 mL of the prepared extract has been added into different amounts of 1 mM AgNO3 solution (9.5–20.5 mL) and placed into the autoclave. The obtained results indicated that the minimum particle size (53.9 nm) and maximum concentration (46.25 ppm) and color (0.851 IU) values for synthesized AgNPs were obtained using 4.69% w/v of A. vera leaf extract and 11.1 mL of AgNO3 solution (1 mM). The zeta potential value of the synthesized AgNPs at obtained optimum conditions was +15.5 mV which indicated the high stability of the synthesized AgNPs. The high antifungal activity of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated against to Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus strains.
Ironworking technology and social complexity in rural communities in the early medieval Basque Country
Authors: Larreina-Garcia David , Quirós Castillo Juan Antonio
Published: August 2018

The Basquesmith project aims to illuminate the cycle of iron production and consumption by early medieval rural farming communities in the Álava province, Basque Country, northern Spain.
The opium poppy in Europe: exploring its origin and dispersal during the Neolithic
Authors: Salavert Aurélie , Martin Lucie , Antolín Ferran , Zazzo Antoine
Published: August 2018

A new project aims to define the origins and dispersal patterns of the opium poppy in Neolithic Western Europe through a comprehensive programme of radiocarbon dating.
Exploring non-urban society in the Mediterranean: hill-forts, villages and sanctuary sites in ancient Samnium, Italy
Authors: Stek Tesse D.
Published: August 2018

The Tappino Area Archaeological Project combines remote sensing, intensive survey methods and excavation to illuminate the development and working of ancient society in the Apennine Mountains, southern Italy.
Moisture Effects on the Undrained Dynamic Behavior of Calcareous Sand at High Strain Rates
Authors: Lv Yaru , Liu Jiagui , Zuo Dianjun
Published: August 2018

The dynamic behavior of calcareous sand at high strain rates (HSRs), which is relevant to mining industry, aircraft wheel loading, and pile driving, is still not fully understood. To investigate the effects of the moisture content, 34 HSR tests and 26 low strain rate (LSR) tests were conducted on calcareous and silica sands using the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique with a rate ranging between 100 s−1 and 104 s−1 and using a mechanical testing and simulation (MTS) apparatus with a rate ranging between 10−5 s−1 and 10−1 s−1, respectively. It is found that the compression of unsaturated sand is almost larger than that of dry sand because the compressibility of particles and effective confining pressure change with moisture content. The dynamic stress–strain curve of unsaturated silica sand moves upward with moisture content at HSRs, but that of unsaturated calcareous sand is insensitive to moisture content. Compared with silica sand, calcareous sand reached its optimum capacity for energy absorption at lower stresses and energies. The energy absorption of unsaturated sand decreases with an increasing moisture content, while its transmitted load increases. To improve the cushioning properties of sand, a moderate water content is proposed.
A Multi-Sample and Multi-Channel Technique for Electrochemical Testing and Corrosion Evaluation
Authors: Ashida Yugo , Nishizawa Shinichi
Published: August 2018

A potentiostat/galvanostat system is used for conducting electrochemical experiments in aqueous environments. The conventional method is to use one sample for investigation in each experiment. To maximize the usage of a single unit electrochemical testing system, a multi-sample and multi-channel technique was developed to concurrently test multiple metal samples. This article provides detailed information on (a) preparation of a multi-sample testing piece as the working electrode of the electrochemical system, (b) configuration of a multi-channel data acquisition system for recording data when running a test, and (c) separation of data channels by posttest data processing. This technique allows the electrochemical system to study the corrosion behavior of multiple samples in the same testing solution under the same conditions, so that the accuracy of material comparison can also be significantly improved.
Automatic Recognition of Weld Defects in TOFD D-Scan Images Based on Faster R-CNN
Authors: Chen Zhenhua , Huang Guoliang , Lu Chao , Chen Guo
Published: August 2018

The type recognition of a weld defect in an ultrasonic Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) image is lack of efficiency, stability, and reliability that is due to the limitation of experience and professional knowledge of the inspector. In this study, characteristics of a weld defect of TOFD D-scan images were analyzed, and the Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks (Faster R-CNN) was adopted for autorecognition of the defect’s type. In the course of the training process, the proposed box configuration was optimized to improve training and recognition efficiency, and the imaging samples were expanded for training, adjusting, and verifying the Faster R-CNN. Eventually, the recognition effect and influence factors of misrecognition were analyzed. Research results show that a D-scan image of the weld defect is closely related to the defect’s shape, which can be used to decide the type a weld defect’s type. Automatic recognition of the defect’s type based on the Faster R-CNN possesses the advantages of high recognition rate, robustness, and antijamming ability, which can achieve a recognition accuracy of 80–97 % for the weld defect’s type. In addition, the analysis of misrecognition shows that it is necessary to denoise the D-scan images before autorecognition because, in the light of the noise, stripes are liable to be misrecognized as porosity and cracks in the recognition experiments.
Train Internal Noise Due to Wheel-Rail Interaction
Authors: Luo Wenjun , Jiang Junnan , Yu Wennian , Mechefske Chris K.
Published: August 2018

In order to investigate different potentially effective methods to decrease the noise inside passenger trains, this article employs the acoustic-solid coupling theory and the finite element (FE)-statistical energy analysis (SEA) hybrid method to study the vibration response of the train body under wheel-rail excitation and the internal noise response caused by the vibration of the train body. The contribution of plates to the noise inside the train is also analyzed. The results show that the vibration of the floor has the greatest influence on the noise inside the train. Furthermore, compared with the FE method alone, the FE-SEA hybrid method shortens the computation time and improves the efficiency of the calculation.
Determination of Magnetic Nanoparticles Injection Characteristics for Optimal Hyperthermia Treatment of an Arbitrary Cancerous Cells Distribution
Authors: Roohi Reza , Emdad Homayoun , Jafarpur Khosrow , Mahmoudi Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2018

One of the most promising methods for cancer treatment that is developed substantially in theoretical and clinical fields is hyperthermia. Magnetic hyperthermia using nanoparticles has significant advantages in comparison with other hyperthermia treatments. Providing the proper dosage of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the proper location(s) is one the most challenging steps of this procedure. In the present article, an efficient and robust analytical algorithm to determine the proper injection location(s) and dosage(s) in addition to the number of infusions for an arbitrary cancerous cells distribution in the tissue is presented. The method is based on temperature elevation of tumor spots to a specified amount and prevention of overheating in the nearby healthy tissues. The algorithm is based on tissue imaging, hyperthermia level decision, and implementation of inverse Fourier’s transformation, Green’s function, as well as genetic algorithm. Based on the obtained results, the algorithm can achieve 17 % and 12 % relative deviation error with respect to the desired temperature for uniform and concentrated cancerous cells distribution pattern, respectively, while for the more complex pattern examined, the error increased to 25 %, which is quite promising for the complex test case.
Excess mortality in Finnish diabetic subjects due to alcohol, accidents and suicide: a nationwide study
Authors: Niskanen Leo , Partonen Timo , Auvinen Anssi , Haukka Jari
Published: August 2018

Aims

To characterize the burden of external causes of death attributable to alcohol-related causes, accidents and suicide among diabetic patients in a large national cohort.

Methods

The population included diabetic individuals who had purchased and received reimbursement for at least one insulin prescription and/or one oral antidiabetic drug prescription between January 1997 and December 2010, and a non-diabetic reference population matched by sex, age and area. All new insulin users in this period were included, as well as 50% of new oral drug (OAD) users as a random sample. The data were collected by means of linkage from national registries. We analyzed the cohort data using Poisson regression models separately for each end-point and by gender (mortality rate ratio (MRR)). We subjected the case-cohort data to conditional logistic regression analysis based on exposure information within 1 year of the end-point event. The follow-up started on the date of the first diabetes medication prescription and ended on 31 December 2012 or on the date of death.

Results

The study population comprised 434 629 individuals (226 372 men; diabetes population: 208 148 subjects, of whom 76% were treated only with OAD). The mean follow-up time was 7.1 years, during which there were 2832 deaths attributable to alcohol, 3187 to accidents and 853 to suicide. The diabetic subjects had higher mortality at almost all end-points, especially those treated with insulin: the adjusted MRRs for alcohol-related deaths were 1.71 for diabetic men treated with OAD and 6.92 for those on insulin; the respective MRRs for diabetic women were 2.10 and 10.60. There were more accident-related deaths among those treated with insulin (MRRs: 2.06 and 1.53 for men and women, respectively), and more suicides (MRR: 2.10 for men treated with insulin and 1.62 among women treated only with OAD). The results from the cohort study and the case-cohort study were rather similar. A time-dependent effect of diabetes was observed in alcohol-related mortality among men.

Conclusions

The findings from this large nationwide cohort indicate higher mortality attributable to suicide, alcohol-related causes and accidents among diabetic patients than among the non-diabetic population. The results emphasize the importance of effective psychosocial interventions among high-risk diabetic patients.
Pediatric Antibacterial and Antifungal Trials From 2007 to 2017
Authors: Thaden Joshua T. , Chiswell Karen , Jaffe Ian , Bergin Stephen P. , Yang William E. , Romaine Andrew , Roberts Jamie , Nambiar Sumathi , Farley John , Benjamin Daniel K. , Smith P. Brian , Tsalik Ephraim L.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The impact of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) and the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) on pediatric antibacterial or antifungal drug trials is unknown. Our objective was to identify and characterize trials conducted under the BPCA and/or the PREA.

METHODS:

Pediatric antibacterial and antifungal drug trials with industry or US federal funding registered in clinicaltrials.gov from 2007 to 2017 were identified. Those conducted under BPCA and/or PREA were identified through US Food and Drug Administration and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development databases.

RESULTS:

Of 17 495 pediatric trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov between October 2007 and September 2017, 122 systemic antibacterial or antifungal drug trials with industry or US federal funding were identified. Of these 122 trials, 98 (80%) involved antibacterials only, 23 (19%) antifungals only, and 1 (1%) both antibacterials and antifungals. These represented <1% (122 of 17 495) of pediatric trials. Neither pediatric antibacterial nor antifungal drug trials commonly enrolled neonates 0 to 30 days old (30% [30 of 99] vs 42% [10 of 24], respectively). Pediatric antibacterial and antifungal trials were commonly industry funded (79% [78 of 99] and 83% [20 of 24], respectively). In total, 65% (79 of 122) of pediatric antibacterial and/or antifungal drug trials were conducted under BPCA and/or PREA. Researchers in trials conducted under BPCA and/or PREA, relative to non–BPCA and/or PREA trials, more often collected pharmacokinetic data (70% [55 of 79] vs 26% [11 of 43]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the majority of pediatric antibacterial and/or antifungal drug trials were conducted under BPCA and/or PREA, the overall number was low. Greater effort is needed to stimulate such trials.
New generation of social entrepreneurs: Exploratory research and cross case study analysis of new generation of social enterprises
Authors: Tkacz Monika
Published: August 2018

The extensive development of social entrepreneurship transnationally is being increasingly shaped by youth entrepreneurs from the so-called millennial generation. The newest reports unveil that social entrepreneurship has become a youthful movement engaged in developing social initiatives worldwide. The article is an exploratory and pilot research with an objective to verify the profile of the new generation of social entrepreneurs. The author applies qualitative, narrative and cross case study analysis of the young social entrepreneurs (under the age 30) giving insights into 71 social ventures from 14 European countries and 5 overseas. The study focuses on e.g. innovation types, fields of operation, capacity of social impact, market orientation and revenue capacity models, founders’ biographical traits and their opportunity recognition patterns. The findings discover a few leading features within the members of the new generation of social entrepreneurs such as, inter alia, increasing market orientation, high utilization of technological solutions (especially in the area of social exclusion) or approximate level of pull and push factors that engage young entrepreneurs to create social enterprises.
Characteristics of economic sphere: An example of Cracow University of Economics students and graduates
Authors: Mirzyńska Anna
Published: August 2018

The aim of the paper is to highlight the importance of social values for the way in which Polish economy functions. As a peculiar “living experiment”, the author cites a survey conducted on a group of representatives of young generation, just entering the labour market. Gathered declarations on 1) life attitudes, aims and values for which the youth stands for and 2) the needs they would like to see fulfilled by the goods and services market and the labour market, create an image of different, much more socially charged capitalism. The research was performed using CAWI method. Research group equaled 210 students and graduates from Economic University in Kraków. The research shows, that social values are important for researched group and have impact on their choices in the goods and services market and in the labour market. The described generation may be creating the economy of values, deriving from both neoclassical economics as well as social economics, and thus constituting the new characteristics of the economy.
Organizational efficiency of social economy entities: An attempt of operationalization
Authors: Goleński Wojciech
Published: August 2018

Within the social economy there are many different organizations that are usually referred to as social enterprises. Social economy as a specific mechanism for delivery of goods and services within the existing socio-economic system may not disregard efficiency concerns. Literature studies indicate, that currently efficiency is often associated with effectiveness.The relationships between effectiveness and efficiency are very complex but, nevertheless, are one of the main issues dealt with by economic sciences. Currently, we can observe equating of the two terms, or rather treating them as complementary dimensions of the assessment of an organization activity. Combining both components we can talk about organizational performance, i.e. the ability of a company to current and strategic adaptation to changes in the environment, as well as to productive use of resources in order to implement the adopted structure of objectives. This article is an attempt to define organizational efficiency and its dimensions in relation to social economy. The starting point here is literature studies, hence, the analysis shall be based on the theory. This may provide a useful starting point for future empirical research. The result of the deliberations is to propose an operational definition of organizational efficiency of social economy entities.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian Version of the Patient Activation Measure-22 items
Authors: Cunha Cristiane Martins , Nepomuceno Eliane , Manzato Rafaela de Oliveira , Cunha Débora Cristine Prévide Teixeira da , Silva Dirceu da , Dantas Rosana Aparecida Spadoti
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT Objective: To adapt and validate the Patient Activation Measure (PAM22) in a sample of Brazilians with chronic diseases under outpatient monitoring. Method: Adaptation process comprises translation, back translation, analysis by a committee of judges, semantic analysis, and pre-test. Psychometric validation was performed with 513 individuals. Construct validity was analyzed through Pearson's correlation, Student's t-test and Structural Equation Modeling; reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's Alpha. Results: The internal consistency was adequate and test-retest reliability was low to moderate (p < 0.05). Validity evidence was found on the convergent construct, with statistically significant correlations between measures of activation, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and health status. The one-dimensionality of the theoretical model was not confirmed in the adapted version. Conclusion: Results have shown that the adapted version is reliable and valid, although the theoretical model cannot be explained in a single dimension.
Nursing training and professional practice: an integrative review of literature
Authors: Mattia Bianca Joana , Kleba Maria Elisabeth , Prado Marta Lenise do
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify themes addressed in studies on the repercussions of nursing training in professional practice in Brazil. Method: this is a qualitative research, following the assumptions of Ganong's Integrative Literature Review (1987). The keywords or terms "Health Care" were used; "Nursing"; "Higher Education"; "Teaching in Higher Education"; "Health Service"; "Human Resources" and "Nursing Undergraduates" in consultation with the Virtual Health Library and the CAPES Portal of Journals. Sixty-four studies were found, of which 41 met the inclusion criteria. Results: in the analysis, three themes were highlighted: pedagogical processes and the role of professors and students; curricular structure in nursing education; management of health training. Final considerations: we observed the need to incorporate the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) principles and directives in nursing education in the country so that the training is consistent with the needs of professional practice. The study points out to the challenges that emerge with this incorporation.
Cultural adaptation of the Pieper-Zulkowski Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test for use in Brazil
Authors: Rabeh Soraia Assad Nasbine , Palfreyman Simon , Souza Camilla Borges Lopes , Bernardes Rodrigo Magri , Caliri Maria Helena Larcher
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT Objective: To carry out the cultural adaptation of the Pieper-Zulkowski Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test (PZ-PUKT) for use in Brazil and analyze the internal consistency of the adapted version. Method: This was a methodological study. The PZ-PUKT is a knowledge test consisting of 72 items, divided into: prevention, staging, and wound description. The present study was developed in two phases: (1) translation of the questionnaire from English to Brazilian Portuguese, back-translation, and assessment of equivalence between the original and back-translated version by an expert panel; (2) pre-testing with nurses. Results: The questionnaire showed face and content validity according to the opinions of the experts. Cronbach's alpha for the total test score was higher than 0.70. The adapted version presented satisfactory internal consistency for the studied sample. Conclusion: The adapted version of the instrument for Portuguese can be used in intervention studies as a tool to measure “nursing knowledge about pressure injury/ulcers” as a dependent variable.
Incidents related to the Hickman® catheter: identification of damages
Authors: Pontes Letícia , Silva Sandra Regina da , Lima Ana Paula , Sandri Lara Cassia Silva , Batistela Ana Paula , Danski Mitzy Tannia Reichembach
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify damages resulting from incidents with the Hickman® catheter. Method: descriptive, retrospective, qualitative approach. The source of data were the notifications of incidents that occurred between January 2012 and May 2015, as well as the information available on the medical records of patients involved in incidents with the Hickman® catheter. Results: the incidents related to the Hickman® catheter with the greatest impact on patient care were obstruction, fracture and traction. All incidents caused damage to patients, in a greater or lesser degree, in the dimensions of physical damage and subjective damage. Final considerations: damage or potential risk of damage was present in all incidents analyzed. The need to revise cleaning and obstruction protocols for the maintenance of the permeability of Hickman® catheters was demonstrated.
Knowledge about HIV/AIDS and implications of establishing partnerships among Hornet® users
Authors: Queiroz Artur Acelino Francisco Luz Nunes , Sousa Álvaro Francisco Lopes de , Matos Matheus Costa Brandão , Araújo Telma Maria Evangelista , Reis Renata Karina , Moura Maria Eliete Batista
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of men, who have sex with men who use geolocation-based dating software, about HIV/AIDS, and the implications of establishing partnerships. Method: Descriptive study with 30 Hornet® users. The statements generated had statistical treatment in the IRaMuTeQ software, analyzed through the Descending Hierarchical Classification. Results: The sexual frequency in the last 30 days was 2.9 partners, of which 2.1 were found by the application, of which 63.3% reported having sex without condoms. There were four classes: Knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention measures; PrEP/truvada as a measure of HIV/AIDS prevention; Risky behaviors in relation to HIV infection; Establishment of sexual partnerships through applications. Conclusion: Hornet users have insufficient knowledge about HIV prevention measures, especially when discarding the male condom. The relationships established through the application are permeated by high individual vulnerability and behaviors that have potential exposure to the risk of HIV infection.
Serum biochemical profile of Pêga breed donkeys in the state of Minas Gerais
Authors: Santos João B.F. , Franco Maurício M. , Antunes Robson C. , Guimarães Ednaldo C. , Mundim Antonio V.
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT: For the evaluation of serum biochemical parameters of Pêga breed donkeys (Equus asinus), for the different age groups and sex, blood samples of 123 animals were analyzed, of 29 males aged from 8 days to 10 years and of 94 females (15 lactating) aged from 2 days to 12 years, from two farms in the central-southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The donkeys were divided by age into 5 groups: Group 1 (≤6 months), Group 2 (7-12 months), Group 3 (13-48 months), Group 4 (49-72 months), and Group 5 (≥73 months). According to the sex, they were divided into two groups, males and females. Serum biochemical elements: total protein, albumin, globulin, the A:G ratio, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, creatinine, urea, phosphorus, calcium, Ca:P ratio, magnesium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatine kinase (CK), were evaluated in all animals. No significant differences were found for globulins, uric acid, urea and A:G ratio between age groups. Group 4 showed the highest values for total protein when compared with animals in Group 1 and 2. In Goup 2, the donkeys showed albumin levels lower than Group 3 and 4. Group 1 they had cholesterol levels higher than those in Group 2 and 4, and similar of the other groups. Higher phosphorus serum concentration was observed in Group 1. Calcium was significantly lower in Group 2. The Ca:P ratio was higher for Group 5. The magnesium values were significantly higher in donkeys older than 49 months (Group 4 and 5). The value of AST was lower for group 1. The ALP enzyme was significantly higher in younger animals up to 12 months, followed by gradual decrease with advancing age. The values of GGT were higher in donkeys up to 6 months, followed by decreasing values for subsequent groups. No differences were found between genders for albumin, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid, Ca:P ratio, magnesium, ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase. Females had higher values for total protein, globulin and triglycerides. Males showed higher values for A:G ratio, phosphorus, calcium and CK. The results showed that age and sex can influence serum biochemical values of Pêga breed donkeys.
Bacterial resistance in bats from the Phyllostomidae family and its relationship with unique health
Authors: Sens-Junior Helio , Trindade Wesley A. , Oliveira Aliny F. , Zaniolo Melissa M. , Serenini Grazielli F. , Araujo-Ceranto Jacqueline B. , Gonçalves Daniela D. , Germano Ricardo M.
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT: The Phyllostomidae family is important among the bats found in Brazil, with several species and diverse eating habits, and is the only one to have frugivorous representatives. These bats can be found in urban and in wild life environments in search for the best reproductive and feeding conditions. The versatility of environments can be associated with the incidence and/or distribution of some diseases through pathogenic agents. The present paper has the purpose to identify the oral and perianal microbiota and to detect the bacterial resistance of frugivorous bats captured near communities inhabited by humans in the northwestern region of the state of Paraná. A total of 68 bats were captured, belonging to four species of the Phyllostomidae family, namely Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus planirostris, Carollia perspicillata and Sturnira lillium, originated from forest fragments in the micro region of Umuarama, state of Paraná. A total of 64 isolates from oral bacteria and 39 from perianal region were submitted to identification. They were later submitted to a susceptibility test to 22 human and veterinary antimicrobials. The most prevalent bacteria were Escherichia coli 33.3% in the oral region, and 35.90% in the perianal region, Enterobacter aerogenes 12.7% and 5.13%, Enterobacter agglomerans 7.9% and 10.25%, and Serratia liquefaciens 9.5% and 5.13% in the oral and perianal region respectively. All bat species studied had resistant strains, with a few of them presenting multi-resistance to antimicrobials. The species with the highest multi-resistance index to antimicrobials was Carollia perspicillata, with three strains of the oral region resistant to 15 antimicrobials; it also presented two strains in the perianal region, which were resistant to 13 and 10 antimicrobials respectively. Based on the results found, it is possible to conclude that the oral and perianal microbiota of bats is composed of several enterobacterial species resistant to one or several antimicrobials used in human and veterinarian medicine. This is an issue and a future warning for unique health, since high percentages of resistance were found against antimicrobials broadly used, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin and amoxicillin+clavulonate.
Determination of flavonoid content v1
Authors: Carlos Ruiz Ruiz Jorge
Published: August 2018

Flavonoid content determination using the aluminum chloride method.
Free radical scavenging activity v1
Authors: Carlos Ruiz Ruiz Jorge
Published: August 2018

Free radical scavenging assay was measured using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical test. To each aqueous extract 3 mL of 0.1 mM solution of DPPH in methanol was added (Fermont, Monterrey). Tubes were shaken vigorously and allowed to stand for 30 min at room temperature in the dark. Absorbance was measured at 517 nm. Distilled water was the control and ascorbic acid served as the standard. Free radical scavenging activity was expressed as inhibition percentage and was calculated using the formula (A0 − A1)/A0 × 100, where A0 was the control absorbance and A1 was the sample absorbance. All tests were performed in triplicate and antioxidant activity was quantified by a regression analysis of percentage of free radical scavenging (%) versus phenolic compound concentration in the aqueous extract; this was defined as an IC50 value, which is the amount of antioxidant necessary to decrease the initial DPPH radical concentration by 50%. Ascorbic acid was used as control.
Literature Review of the Breadth and Depth of Vocabulary
Authors: Liu Dan
Published: August 2018

As the basic element of language, vocabulary is the cornerstone of language communication. However, the majority of English learners just remember vocabulary by rote-learning and could not put them into practical use. As a result, their efficiency in vocabulary learning is still not unsatisfactory. Many effective approaches have been proposed in the foreign language teaching field so as to enhance L2 learners’ English Proficiency. This paper aims at exploring the essence of the breadth and depth of vocabulary for the sake of promoting learners’ competence of vocabulary learning.
A Survey Study on Academic Vocabulary Learning Strategies by EFL University Students
Authors: Huong Le Pham Hoai
Published: August 2018

The development of the Academic Word List by Coxhead (2000) has drawn attention of the academia to teaching and learning academic vocabulary as well as the creation of more word lists for different majors. However, most of the research in the field of vocabulary has focused on the learning strategies for general vocabulary only (e.g. Gu & Johnson, 1996; Lawson, & Hogben, 1996; Nation, 2001; Schmitt & McCarthy, 1997). Little has been done to investigate strategies for academic vocabulary (Nushi & Jenabzadeh 2016). Given the importance of academic vocabulary in comprising some 8%-10% of running words in academic texts (Nation, 2001), the present study was set out to investigate EFL university students’ strategies for learning academic English words. The participants included 132 EFL university students. The study adopted the taxonomy of vocabulary learning strategies by Schmitt (2000) and strategies for learning academic words by Bramki and Williams (1984) and Chung and Nation (2003). The findings reveal that the respondents tended to use on-line dictionaries and other applications more than cognitive strategies in learning academic words. Based on the findings of the study, suggestions were put forward to a systematized list of academic vocabulary learning strategies as well as what teachers and learners should do when encountering new academic words.
Aplicação dos conhecimentos advindos das teorias de aprendizagem na atuação do tutor a distância
Authors: Figueiredo Fernanda Abreu de Moraes
Published: August 2018

Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar a teoria de aprendizagem mais influente relacionada à prática de tutoria dentre o behaviorismo, o cognitivismo, o humanismo, a teoria sociocultural e o conectivismo. Para este fim, utilizou-se o método bibliográfico. Notou-se que cada uma das teorias acaba sendo influente para a função do tutor. Portanto, o aprendizado tende a ser mais rico e efetivo na proporção que se aplicam diferentes teorias juntas. Contudo, as que corroboram melhor fundamentando o papel do tutor são o humanismo, a teoria sociocultural e o conectivismo. Percebeu-se que os problemas frequentemente vividos pelos alunos na EaD devem-se a falhas da interação e afeição do tutor, implicando para a resolução deles uma maior aproximação do tutor junto do aluno ao ter maior responsabilidade na troca de informações, cumprimento de prazos e clareza na divulgação de notas de avaliações. São conhecimentos provenientes principalmente do humanismo e da teoria sociocultural que acabam não só fundamentando a existência do tutor como servindo para a melhoria do desenvolvimento da qualidade da interação tutor-aluno.
A proposta curricular em ação: caminhos formativos para o (re) pensar da organização pedagógica e a deficiência no espaço escolar
Authors: Soares Márcia Torres Neri
Published: August 2018

O presente texto objetiva apresentar resultados preliminares de estudo acerca da elaboração da proposta curricular de um município brasileiro no tocante a organização pedagógica em atenção às necessidades de estudantes com deficiência, especialmente por meio da constituição de um grupo de formação continuada desenvolvido com professores de Salas de Recursos Multifuncionais. Com enfoque metodológico pautado numa pesquisa-ação, o estudo possibilitou a sistematização de um fórum de debates acerca do currículo e da inclusão escolar e, notadamente, assegurou uma rica possibilidade de problematização da deficiência na organização curricular, assim como as (im)possibilidades de propostas formativas acerca do currículo com audiência dos participantes da pesquisa. Com base no estudo, esperamos contribuir com o desafio de (re)pensar as condições de aprendizagem e participação de quaisquer estudantes e suas inserções no debate macro da educação.