bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
There is more to education than the demands of the Industrial Revolution 4.0: A focus on literacy expectations
Authors: Fehring Heather
Published: April 2020

2020 will bring changing times in education in Australia especially in relation to literacy curriculum policy and procedures. On-going teacher reviews both pre-service and graduate teachers; curriculum reviews especially in relation to the false binary of Synthetic and Analytical phonics and the reconsideration of  NAPLAN and PISA following the release of the results of 2018 will be influential in educational policy makers considerations in 2020.  In the current education climate, there is an obsession with the so-called Industrial Revolution 4.0. The driving force for change is dominated by market force perspectives of the future needs for industry workforce skills. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 documented in the current literature commenced in the 18th century with the first Industrial Revolution identified as the invention of the steam engine. In relation to educational change, it is important to reflect on two significant issues. First, there is more to education that the provision of workers skilled to meet industry needs. Only examining industrial workforce needs does not cover the total workplace of society. Secondly, education constantly evolves and adapts to factors affecting student learning. This paper explores some of the key issues related to the place of education within the context labelled as the Industrial Revolution 4.0 in 2020.
Sindh Education Sector Plans’ Conundrums toward Enhancing Equity Access to Education for All in the Region
Authors: Sohoo Muhammed Nawaz , Tagar Hamzo khan , Ali Sheraz , Tagar Abdul Karim , Bijarni Ghulam Ali
Published: April 2020

The basic aim of the paper is to critically evaluate the Sindh school education sector plans (i.e. First plan 2014-18, and second sector plan, 2019-24) as a case study. It also attempts to find missing links of enhancing education access to girls as a policy tool in greater human interest. Paper also provides recommendations for improvement in the proposed plan in public interest. The Study concludes that investment in the education of girls may well be the highest-return investment available in the developing world so plans, policies, and programs must be focused on access educational incentives to girls for sustainable economic growth and development.
Nexus of Social Media Marketing and Small Scale Businesses’ Performance in Buea, Cameroon
Authors: Wantchami Nengieh Lizzie , Ngange Kingsley Lyonga , Efosi Babatunde Daphne-Carol
Published: April 2020

This study examines the connection between social media marketing and small scale businesses’ performance in Buea, Cameroon, by assessing the use of social media for brand and product awareness, sales as well as relationship building. 15 small scale business owners were interviewed through semi structured interview. The results identify a common increase in customers due to social media marketing. They equally reveal that, social media marketing has served as a tool in building brand awareness, customer relationships and reinforcing sales. Findings further indicate that for Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) operators who engage in social media marketing, the benefits far outweigh the cost as they have incorporated promotional strategies and even taken supplies to customers’ door steps. In order to facilitate delivery to customers’ door steps, this study recommends that government should facilitate the creation of a house numbering system to ease door to door supplies of goods purchased online. This study provides some indications for using social media platforms as an ideal method of marketing.
The THE CHANGE OF CUSTOMER VALUE AS THE IMPACT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARKET ORIENTATION AND RESOURCES CAPABILITY IN SMALL AGRO BUSINESS: EMPIRICAL STUDY IN EAST JAVA
Authors: Bagus Nurcahyo  , Ditiya Himawati  , Lince Afriyenny
Published: April 2020

Small agro business is one type of creative business that can be used as a processed product and is currently being developed by the local municipal government. In general, the national agro commodity has increased but the small agro business are still limited and not widely known by the wider community so that the right strategy is needed in marketing thier product. This research is motivated by the decline in customer trust which can later influence customer value in small agro businesses.

            The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of market orientation and resource capabilities both partially and simultaneously on customer value and to find out the variables that most influence on customer value in small agro businesses in East Java, represented by two cities, namely Blitar and Bojonegoro.

            This research is descriptive and verificative using explanatory survey, which explains the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. The type of data used is primary data and secondary data. The census method is used for the selection of respondent data. Data collection was carried out by means of observation, interviews, and the distribution of questionnaires to 115 respondents of small agro business operators in East Java, represented by Blitar and Bojonegoro.

            Technical analysis of the data is done by normality test, t test, F test, and determination test. The results of the study indicate that market orientation partially influence customer value and resource capability does not affect customer value in  small agro businesses in East Java. While simultaneously market orientation and resource capabilities affect customer value in small agro businesses in East Java. Market orientation is the most influential variable on customer value because it has a significance value of 0,000 while resource capability does not affect customer value because it has a significant value of 0.092 exceeding the ideal criteria of 0.05. The better market orientation can create good customer value because it is focused on the customer, be careful in facing competition and establish good coordination between functions.
Exploring female Students’ perceptions of the influence of gender stereotypes on the choice of Mathematics at a Secondary School in Zimbabwe.
Authors: Musingarabwi Starlin
Published: April 2020

This study sought to explore the perceptions of female students of a secondary school regarding the infuence of gender stereotypes on their choice of mathematics and on prospects of pursuing it at tertiary level after they have successfully completed it at Advanced level. Involving a purposive sample of twenty students (11 Lower Sixth  and 9 Upper Sixth) this qualitative case study employed slight quantitave data analysis. Questionnares, focus group discussions and Interviews were used to collect data. The study established that the majority of students were aware of common stereotypical conceptions that society ascribed to the learning of mathematics by girls. Gender had little impact on the decision to learn mathematics at Advanced and tertiary levels. Although some participants perceived mathematics as being more appropriate for boys than girls most participants indicated that the choice of mathematics at Advanced level and prospects of studying it at tertiary level were not so much about gender as they were about several factors.  Recommendations for disabusing  students’ stereotypical conceptions of the choice of mathematics choice are made from the findings of the study.
A construction Industry Case Factors of commercial banks’ loan eligibility of small businesses in South Africa: a construction industry case
Authors: Yolande Mtsweni Lindy Mtsweni
Published: April 2020

This study determines the factors that affect commercial banks’ loan eligibility of small businesses in the construction industry in South Africa. A multiple case study design and six randomly selected small businesses (i.e., three unsuccessful-declined and three successful-approved loan applicants) were used in this study. The qualitative methodology was applied to interview three senior managers from a commercial bank and six senior officials of the businesses, which had undergone the assessment process. The small enterprise assets finance applications of interviewed clients’ outcomes and the credit scoring outcomes either formal complaint letters or minutes were also evaluated after the credit scoring decision had been made to obtain more in-depth data.

The main finding of the study was that client’s relationship, background, character, collateral, capital, capacity and affordability are major factors of loan eligibility of small businesses in South Africa. Of particular importance was that, typical relationship-based term loans were based on a business relationship built over years of lending, allowing for substantial flexibility in loan terms.
Isolated bilateral optic neuritis revealing a Lyme Disease : case report
Authors: LOUIS DE GONZAGUE MIRAY
Published: April 2020

Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammation of the optic nerve and one of the most common manifestations of central nervous system involvement caused by various etiologies. Lyme optic neuritis  is a rare ocular manifestation of Lyme Disease. We report a case of a 13-year-old male patient, previously healthy, with decreased central visual acuity on his both eyes . On examination, best-corrected visual acuity on both eyes was 0,3 LogMar. Anterior segment biomicroscopy showed no inflammatory signs and the intraocular pressure was normal. A fundus examination performed under mydriasis revealed a swollen optic disk on both eyes confirmed by fluorescein angiography. The cerebrospinal fluid examination and Lyme Disease blood findings were positive. The diagnosis of Lyme disease-related optic neuritis was made. Treated with Ceftriaxone and Doxicycline, there was a vision recovery. We can state that isolated bilateral optic neuritis is uncommon and exceptional especially in children during Lyme disease.
Application of juvenile imprisonment
Authors: Zejneli Rina
Published: April 2020

Not Available
Students’ perception of science teachers’ instructional strategies in Senior Secondary Schools.
Authors: Ajayi P. O. , Otoide Titilayo Folayemi
Published: April 2020

The study focused on the perception of students on the instructional strategies used by science teachers in senior secondary schools, using descriptive research of the survey type. The participants were 540 out of 5,318 science students in Ekiti State public Senior Secondary Schools who were selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. An instrument tagged “Science Teachers’ Instructional Strategies Scale (STISS)” was used to collect data from science students across the three senatorial districts of Ekiti State. The data collected were collated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics involving mean, standard deviation, Analysis of Variance and t-test. The results of the study revealed that teacher-centred and discipline-centred are the most frequently used instructional strategies by science teachers in senior secondary schools. The results further revealed that the students-centred which is the least frequently used instructional strategies by science teachers is the most alluring to science students. It was therefore recommended among others that government should organize appropriate training through workshops; conferences and seminars for science teachers to enhance professional competencies in their jobs which could as well exposed them to various strategies of teaching which are students-centred. This will help to demystify science in its entirety and simplify the perceived abstract nature of science-concepts which will in turn improve students' enrolment and attitude towards science as well as their academic performance in science to enhance national technological growth with the view of "VISION 2030" and "Sustainable Development Goal" (SDG) in mind.
Somali Refugee Solutions in Kenya: Challenges of Repatriation and Prospects of Local Integration.
Authors: Peter Kirui , Wanyonyi Hellen S. , Kutto Naomi
Published: April 2020

This paper assesses the challenges of voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees in Kenya and the prospects of local integration, if considered. It aims to demonstrate that no one refugee solution is adequate and that all available options ought to be pursued concurrently for optimum results. Based on review of existing literature, the paper traces the trajectory of Somali refugees in Kenya amidst a continually restrictive space for refugees among host states like Kenya.While the tripartite agreement on voluntary repatriation has seen many Somali refugees voluntarilly repatriate, many challenges abound and a majority yet to repatriate.This therefore calls for an assessment of other refugee solution options, like local integration.It concludes that repatriation, resettlement and local integration, all provide options for a comprehensive Somali refugee solution in Kenya.
Denshawai and Cromer in the poetry of Ahmad Shawqi
Authors: Al-Rifai Nada Yousuf
Published: April 2020

Abstract

 

In the summer of 1906, a group of British Army officers went on a pigeon hunt near the Nile Delta town of Dinshaway. It came as no surprise then, that during the pigeon hunt, an errant gunshot set fire to the village’s wheat supply. Enraged as they watched their precious grain go up in smoke, villagers tried to seize the offending gun and a riot broke out during which several people were hurt and two of the British officers were wounded. As they tried to escape, one officer died from heatstroke. The British response was brutal. Returning in force to the village, a military tribunal convicted 52 of the villagers of pre-meditated murder; though most were just beaten, four were hanged. On April 1, 1907, less than a year after the Denshawai issue, Lord Cromer resigned as governor of Egypt since 1883, and left Egypt. His departure allowed the anger among the patriots, who were critical of him, to be set free, primarily because of his offense to Islam, and because he did not make any sincere effort to try to understand the aspirations of Egyptians. Ahmad Shawqi's "Farewell to Lord Cromer," was composed on the occasion of the latter's departure from Egypt. After his resignation, Lord Cromer gave a farewell speech at the Khedival Opera House in Cairo on May 4, 1907. Cromer's speech provoked a chorus of protest by the nationalists as well as by forces allied with the Khedive whom Shawqi was one of.
The Efficacy of School Inspection and the Quality Teaching-Learning of Students in Lower Secondary Schools in Uganda
Authors: Busingye John
Published: April 2020

The study evaluated the efficacy of school Inspection upon quality teaching/learning in lower secondary Schools. The study targeted a population of 280 participants selected from twenty (20) schools with a sample size of 203 participants that was investigated. Questionnaires were the main data collection tool used.  The study findings show that the geographical location of some schools, lack of enough finances to carry out inspection, bad weather conditions, heavy work load of duties by district inspector of schools and education officers. The study concluded that district education officers and inspector of schools were vital in the teaching learning processes. The study commends that there is need for excellent working relationship between the inspection team and classroom teachers through formal meetings to high light on the progress and challenges related to teaching/learning outcomes. The study further commends government to increase the budget allocated to  lower secondary school inspection so as to inspire the inspection activities to be carried out as planned in the education sector.
A Content Analysis of the WH-Questions in the EFL Textbook of That's Right
Authors: Igbaria Abdul Kareem , Ghanayem Asmaa
Published: April 2020

In the current study, the researchers analyzed the units of the textbook “That’s Right” for 10th grade students for English teaching in Israel. The study examined the WH- questions found in the textbook according to the various cognitive levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.  By using Bloom's taxonomy, the researchers attempted to understand whether WH-questions used in the textbook emphasize high-level thinking and cognitive skills development. The question of this study is: To what extent do the WH-questions in the textbook “That’s Right” emphasize higher order thinking skills?

Content analysis was performed for the questions for five study units in the textbook. The question served as the unit of analysis for this research. A WH-question is defined as a question beginning with a WH-word and ending with a question mark. The questions were collected, listed, and analyzed according to Bloom's taxonomy, according to which thinking skills are divided into low and high orders. Low order thinking skills are knowledge, comprehension, and application. High order thinking skills are: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Percentages and frequencies of each cognition level were calculated for each book unit separately and for all the units combined. Validation and reliability checks were performed to validate this study.

The results showed that 245 out of the 324 questions emphasized cognition levels that develop lower order thinking skills, while only 79 questions emphasized the three levels that use high order thinking skills. The textbook "That’s Right" questions place most emphasis on comprehension and knowledge, which are both connected to lower order thinking skills. This may result in lower cognitive abilities among students and should be further investigated to create better language skills in future generations. Additional studies of English textbooks at various age levels using content analysis are recommended.  These studies will show which cognitive skills are developed in English materials and will improve future English education in Israel.
The Latin-American Union and the LAT
Authors: Copertari Luis F.
Published: April 2020

Objective. To support the creation of a Latin-American Union with the creation of the Latin-American peso (LAT) as the common currency. Methodology. Analysis and synthesis using induction and deduction proposing theory and reviewing its validity. Results. The LAT can be used as a robust enough currency. Limitations. The study was carried out only for the three main Latin-American Union candidates: Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Originality. The ideas proposed here are original in the way the LAT is meant to function. Conclusions. The LAT promises to be a good option for stabilizing Latin-America and promote its regional development.
The 21st century skills of the female students of practical education in the Department of Kindergartens in Faculty of Education - King Faisal University
Authors: Mohammad Aidah Deep , Hussien Asma Margeni
Published: April 2020

This study aims at realizing the degree of acquiring the 21st century skills by the female students of practical education in the department of kindergartens at the Faculty of Education in the University ofKing Faisal ,  and ranking the acquisition of the skills by the female students .  To achieve the objectives of the study ,  the researcher adoptedthe descriptiveanalyticalapproach ,  andthe application of the study’stool ,  namely thequestionnaire that consists of  ( 40 )  items divided into five skills : 1 .  Communication and participation . 2 .  Informationculture . 3 .  Lifeskills 4 . Learningand creativity . 5 . Emotional intelligence  . Afterconfirming its validity and reliability ,  it was applied to the study’s sample ,  which consisted of  ( 245 )  female students .  The results showed that the degreeof acquiring the 21st century skills

by the sample members was very high with an arithmetic mean ( 4 . 38 )  ,   and with a standard deviation ( 0 . 438 )  . The third field  “ life skills “  was in the first place with an arithmetic mean  ( 4 .  53 ) and a standard deviation ( 0 . 442 ) with a very high degree .  The fourth field  “ learning and creativity “  which was in the second place with an arithmetic mean  ( 4 . 48 )  and a standard deviation  ( 0 . 496 )  with a very high degree .  The first field  “ communication and participation “  was in the third place with an arithmetic mean  ( 4 . 41 )  and a standard deviation  ( 0 . 457 )  with a very high degree .  The fifth field  “ emotional intelligence “  was in the fourth place with an arithmetic average  ( 4 . 26 )  and a standard deviation  ( 0 . 632 )  with a very high degree . The second field  “ information culture “ was in the last place with an arithmetic mean  ( 4 . 23 )  and a standard deviation  ( 0 . 561 )  with a very high degree .  The study recommended the importance of incorporating the 21st century skills into the program for preparing kindergarten teachers ,  and working on developing professional development programs for the teacher in a way that suits the changesand developments of the current era .
Research Methods and Methodology
Authors: Sakyi Kwesi Atta , Musona David , Mweshi Geoffrey
Published: April 2020

Research is an interesting field of study which every student or scholar has to encounter in the course of time. The objective of this paper is to explore the various approaches to research so that students can gain insight and understanding. This paper attempts a review of the various approaches to research so that the reader can make an informed choice. The paper is based on secondary sources plus the author’s own experience borne from decades of teaching. This paper does not claim to have exhausted the list of approaches to research as there are far many approaches than can be dealt with in a short review communication. However, it is hoped it will lay a foundation for further research into the field by readers
Genome-Wide Changes in Genetic Diversity in a Population of Myotis lucifugus Affected by White-Nose Syndrome
Authors: Lilley Thomas M , Wilson Ian W , Field Kenneth A , Reeder DeeAnn M , Vodzak Megan E , Turner Gregory G , Kurta Allen , Blomberg Anna S , Hoff Samantha , Herzog Carl J , Sewall Brent J , Paterson Steve
Published: April 2020

Novel pathogens can cause massive declines in populations, and even extirpation of hosts. But disease can also act as a selective pressure on survivors, driving the evolution of resistance or tolerance. Bat white-nose syndrome (WNS) is a rapidly spreading wildlife disease in North America. The fungus causing the disease invades skin tissues of hibernating bats, resulting in disruption of hibernation behavior, premature energy depletion, and subsequent death. We used whole-genome sequencing to investigate changes in allele frequencies within a population of Myotis lucifugus in eastern North America to search for genetic resistance to WNS. Our results show low FST values within the population across time, i.e., prior to WNS (Pre-WNS) compared to the population that has survived WNS (Post-WNS). However, when dividing the population with a geographical cut-off between the states of Pennsylvania and New York, a sharp increase in values on scaffold GL429776 is evident in the Post-WNS samples. Genes present in the diverged area are associated with thermoregulation and promotion of brown fat production. Thus, although WNS may not have subjected the entire M. lucifugus population to selective pressure, it may have selected for specific alleles in Pennsylvania through decreased gene flow within the population. However, the persistence of remnant sub-populations in the aftermath of WNS is likely due to multiple factors in bat life history.
EFISIENSI FAKTOR PRODUKSI PERIKANAN PUKAT CINCIN DI PELABUHAN PERIKANAN TEGALSARI, KOTA TEGAL, JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Wijayanti Astrid , Wiyono Eko Sri , Solihin Akhmad
Published: April 2020

Pukat cincin adalah salah satu alat penangkapan ikan yang dominan digunakan di Pelabuhan Perikanan Pantai (PPP) Tegalsari, Kota Tegal, Jawa Tengah dan belum optimal dalam pengoperasiannya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menentukan faktor -faktor produksi, menghitung produktivitas, efisiensi, dan elastisitas faktor produksi kegiatan penangkapan purse seine. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode survey dengan analisis deskriptif (grafik dan gambar) dan kuantitatif (Cobb-Dougla). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan faktor-faktor produksi yang berpengaruh simultan terhadap produksi hasil tangkapan purse seine adalah ukuran kapal, jumlah BBM, kegiatan penangkapan, dan lama operasi. Rata-rata produktivitas unit penangkapan purse seine tertinggi terjadi pada tahun 2014 sebesar 370.877,22 kg/trip, sedangkan produktivitas unit penangkapan purse seine tahun 2013 dan 2015 berturut-turut sebesar 340.784,86 kg/trip dan 351.956,60 kg/trip. Penggunaan faktor produksi ukuran kapal dan lama operasi sudah tidak efisien yang dapat menurunkan hasil produksi, sedangkan penggunaan jumlah BBM dan kegiatan penangkapan belum efisien yang penambahannya akan menaikkan hasil produksi.Purse seine is one of the dominant fishing gear used in the Beach Fishery Harbor (PPP) Tegalsari, Tegal, Central Java and it has been not optimal in operation. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors of production, calculate productivity, efficiency, and elasticity of production factors of purse seine fishing activities. The method used in this research is survey method with descriptive (graphs and pictures) and quantitative analysis (Cobb-Douglas) . The results showed production factors that influence simultaneously towards the production of purse seine catches are the size of the vessel, the amount of fuel, fishing activities, and long operation. The average productivity of purse seine fishing unit was highest in 2014 amounted to 370,877.22 kg/trip, while the productivity of purse seine fishing unit in 2013 and 2015 respectively amounted to 340,784.86 kg/trip and 351,956.60 kg/trip. The use of production factors and the old ship size are already inefficient that can reduce yield, while the use of the amount of fuel and fishing activities are not efficient yet that the addition will increase production output.
KARAKTERISTIK PERIKANAN PUKAT CINCIN PELAGIS BESAR DI PERAIRAN SAMUDRA HINDIA (WPPNRI 572 DAN 573)
Authors: Jatmiko Irwan , Nugroho Suciadi Catur , Fahmi Zulkarnaen
Published: April 2020

Pukat cincin merupakan salah satu jenis alat penangkapan ikan yang digunakan oleh nelayan di Indonesia untuk menangkap ikan pelagis termasuk tuna dan cakalang. Cakalang dan madidihang/tuna sirip kuning merupakan komoditas perikanan penting di Indonesia untuk kebutuhan pasar domistik dan ekspor. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik alat tangkap pukat cincin pelagis besar terutama yang menangkap cakalang dan madidihang di perairan WPPNRI 572 dan 573 (Samudra Hindia). Pengumpulan data dilakukan selama tiga tahun dari 2016-2018 di 18 pelabuhan perikanan yang armadanya melakukan aktivitas penangkapan di perairan WPPNRI 572 dan 573. Indikasi proporsi ikan yang sudah dan belum matang gonad dihitung dengan membandingkan ukuran ikan dengan ukuran pertama kali matang gonad (Lm). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa alat tangkap pukat cincin sangat dominan dalam mengeksploitasi sumber daya cakalang dan madidihang dengan proporsi mencapai 95% di WPPNRI 572 dan 66% di WPPNRI 573. Kebanyakan ikan yang tertangkap didominasi oleh ikan yang belum matang gonad dengan proporsi sebesar 67% untuk cakalang dan 94% untuk madidihang. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa pukat cincin tidak termasuk alat yang selektif untuk menangkap ikan madidihang. Selanjutnya untuk target ikan cakalang, ukuran mata jaring harus diperbesar untuk mencegah tertangkapnya ikan yang belum matang gonad.Purse seine is one of dominant fishing gear used to catch pelagic species include skipjack and yellowfin tuna, two commercial species in Indonesia’s marine waters. This research aimed to analyze characteristic of purse seine fishery focusing on skipjack and yellowfin tuna within FMA 572 and 573. All the catch-effort data was collected from 18 fishing ports during the period of 2016-2018. All the vessels (purse seiners) were known to be actively fished within FMA 572 and 573. Proportion of mature and immature fish were calculated by comparing the fish length with its length at first maturity (Lm). The results showed that purse seine was a significantly gear to catch skipjack tuna and yellowfin tuna with proportion of 95% in FMA 572, and 66% in FMA 573, respectively. Most of the catch were dominated by immature fish with proportion of 67% for skipjack tuna and 94% for yellowfin tuna. The study concluded that purse seine is not recommended to exploit yellowfin tuna. Futhermore for targeting skipjack tuna, mesh-size of the net need to be in creased, allowing immature fish to escape from the gear that maintain sustainability.
A Contextual Investigation of Chinese Translations of Detective Stories – Mismatched Holmes
Authors: Wang Yan
Published: April 2020

This study is carried out within the scope of the academic discipline of Translation Studies interfacing with Systemic Functional Linguistics. Different from comparative studies among different translations synchronically, this article adopts a diachronic perspective to compare two Chinese translations in the late nineteenth century and late twentieth century of Conan Doyle’s nine detective stories, with a view to identifying mismatches of verbal clauses in terms of three contextual parameters, i.e., field, tenor and mode. Drawing upon House’s scheme for translation quality assessment (1977; 1997) and the concept of instantiation in systemic functional linguistics, this article forms a model to investigate mismatches of verbal clauses in nine parallel texts and expand to the cline of subsystem based on the findings of the present corpus.
Dopaminergic drugs alter beta coherence during motor imagery and motor execution in healthy adults
Authors: APRIGIO Danielle , TANAKA Guaraci Ken , BITTENCOURT Juliana , GONGORA Mariana , TEIXEIRA Silmar , CAGY Mauricio , BUDDE Henning , ORSINI Marco , RIBEIRO Pedro , VELASQUES Bruna
Published: April 2020

Abstract Background: Motor Imagery (MI) represents the cognitive component of the movement and recruits dopaminergic systems. Objective: To investigate the role of dopaminergic system through the action of methylphenidate and risperidone over beta coherence during execution, action observation and motor imagery. Methods: Electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded before and after the substance intake. For statistical analysis, a three-way ANOVA was used to identify changes in beta coherence induced by the group, task and the moment variables. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.007. Results: We found a main effect for group for C3/CZ, and a main effect for task for CZ/C4 pairs of electrodes. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the post-drug administration between groups for C3/CZ pair of electrodes, and between task for C4/CZ pair of electrodes. Conclusion: The administration of methylphenidate and risperidone was able to produce electrocortical changes of the cortical central regions, even when featuring antagonistic effects on the dopaminergic pathways. Moreover, the execution task allowed beta-band modulation increase.
Medical management after subthalamic stimulation in Parkinson’s disease: a phenotype perspective
Authors: BERTHOLO Ana Paula , FRANÇA Carina , FIORINI Wilma Silva , Barbosa Egberto Reis , CURY Rubens Gisbert
Published: April 2020

Abstract Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) is an established treatment that improves motor fluctuations, dyskinesia, and tremor in Parkinson’s disease (PD). After the surgery, a careful electrode programming strategy and medical management are crucial, because an imbalance between them can compromise the quality of life over time. Clinical management is not straightforward and depends on several perioperative motor and non-motor symptoms. In this study, we review the literature data on acute medical management after STN DBS in PD and propose a clinical algorithm on medical management focused on the patient’s phenotypic profile at the perioperative period. Overall, across the trials, the levodopa equivalent daily dose is reduced by 30 to 50% one year after surgery. In patients taking high doses of dopaminergic drugs or with high risk of impulse control disorders, an initial reduction in dopamine agonists after STN DBS is recommended to avoid the hyperdopaminergic syndrome, particularly hypomania. On the other hand, a rapid reduction of dopaminergic agonists of more than 70% during the first months can lead to dopaminergic agonist withdrawal syndrome, characterized by apathy, pain, and autonomic features. In a subset of patients with severe dyskinesia before surgery, an initial reduction in levodopa seems to be a more reasonable approach. Finally, when the patient’s phenotype before the surgery is the severe parkinsonism (wearing-off) with or without tremor, reduction of the medication after surgery can be more conservative. Individualized medical management following DBS contributes to the ultimate therapy success.
Evaluation of upper endoscopic findings in patients with restless legs syndrome and gastric complaints
Authors: ÇAM Mustafa , KUTLUANA Ufuk
Published: April 2020

Abstract Background: The effect of gastrointestinal system disorders on Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED) has been previously demonstrated by using serological tests. However, this association has not been supported by histopathological studies so far. Objective: To investigate the relationship between RLS/WED, upper endoscopic imaging and histopathological results in patients diagnosed with RLS who underwent endoscopy because of gastrointestinal system (GIS) complaints. Methods: Case-control study, including 100 patients diagnosed with RLS who presented dyspeptic complaints and underwent upper GIS endoscopy and 106 age- and sex-matched controls. RLS diagnosis was evaluated according to the four main diagnostic criteria determined by the International RLS Study Group. All patients underwent upper GIS endoscopic intervention and at least one gastric and/or antral biopsy. Results: There was no significant difference between patients and controls in relation to endoscopically seen gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) findings and Helicobacter pylori (HP) positivity (p>0.05). Intestinal metaplasia and mucosal atrophy were more common in RLS/WED patients compared to controls (p=0.026 and p=0.017, respectively). Additionally, ferritin levels were found to be lower than the reference value. Conclusions: The detection of increased severity of intestinal metaplasia, mucosal atrophy, and gastric inflammation in RLS/WED patients with dyspeptic complaints may entail the close gastrointestinal system evaluation of these patients. However, larger randomized and controlled trials are required on this subject where patients are evaluated by upper GIS endoscopic biopsy.
Electrophysiological evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome female patients after vitamin D replacement
Authors: SAÇMACI Hikmet , TANIK Nermin , BALBALOĞLU Özlem , AKTÜRK Tülin , İNAN Levent Ertuğrul
Published: April 2020

Abstract Objective: The effects of vitamin D on the central and peripheral nervous system continue to be investigated today. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate pain and electrophysiologic response in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who have undergone replacement therapy due to vitamin D deficiency. Methods: Fifty female patients diagnosed with mild and moderate CTS and accompanied by vitamin D deficiency were included in this study. Nerve conduction study (NCS) was performed before and after vitamin D replacement, and the patient’s pain was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: When NCS were compared before and after treatment, there was a statistically significant improvement in the median distal sensory onset latency (DSOL) and sensory conduction velocity (CV) and motor distal latencies (DML) values (p=0.001; p<0.001; p=0.001, respectively). At the same time, there was a decrease in the VAS values in patients (p<0.001). When the two groups were compared there was an improvement in DSOL and sensory CV in both groups, but in DML only in moderate CTS group. Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that mild and moderate CTS patients had an improvement in pain and electrophysiological parameters after vitamin D replacement. Replacing vitamin D in early stages of CTS may be beneficial.
Post-dural puncture headache incidence after cerebrospinal fluid aspiration. A prospective observational study
Authors: MARTINS Rodrigo Tomazini , TOSON Barbara , SOUZA Ricardo Krause Martinez de , KOWACS Pedro Andre
Published: April 2020

Abstract Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is an iatrogenic condition following lumbar puncture (LP). Incidence is variable and often associated with young females. Technical features of the procedure (i.e. needle gauge) have been investigated; however there is no investigation on the method of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection. Objective: To investigate whether mild CSF aspiration is associated with increased PDPH in selected patients. Methods: 336 subjects were eligible to the study. Data on 237 patients from a tertiary neurology hospital who underwent diagnostic LP from February 2010 to December 2012 were analysed. Patient demographics, lumbar puncture method, CSF biochemical characteristics, opening pressures, and a follow-up inquire on PDPH occurrence were collected. CSF was collected either by allowing free flow or by mild aspiration. Results: The aspiration arm (n=163) was comprised of 55.8% females with mean age of 52(35‒69) years. Sex distribution was not different between the two arms (p=0.191). A significant larger amount of CSF was obtained in the aspiration arm (p=0.011). The incidence of PDPH in the aspiration arm was 16.5% versus 20.2% in the free flow arm, not statistically significant (p=0.489). No relevant associations emerged from the analyses in the subgroup aged <65 years. Conclusions: Aspiration of the CSF during LP was not associated with increased rates of PDPH compared to the standard method, particularly when larger amounts of CSF are required and ideal conditions are met. This is the first study looking into this matter, aiming to add safety to the procedure. Further randomized trials are required.
High-risk areas of leprosy in Brazil between 2001-2015
Authors: Rodrigues Rayssa Nogueira , Leano Heloisy Alves de Medeiros , Bueno Isabela de Caux , Araújo Kleane Maria da Fonseca Azevedo , Lana Francisco Carlos Félix
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify high-risk areas of leprosy in Brazil from 2001 to 2015. Methods: this is an ecological study of spatial analysis based on Brazilian municipalities. Spatial scan statistics were used to identify spatial clustering and measure the relative risk from the annual detection rate of new cases of leprosy. By criterion based on the Gini index, only secondary clusters were considered. Results: spatial scan statistics detected 26 clusters, in which the detection rate was 59.19 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, while in the remainder of the country it was 11.76. Large part of the cluster area is located in the Legal Amazon. These groups included only 21.34% of the total population, but 60.40% of the new cases of the disease. Conclusions: Leprosy remains concentrated in some areas, showing the need for control programs to intensify actions in these municipalities.
Permission for departing: spiritual nursing care in human finitude
Authors: Zenevicz Leoni Terezinha , Bitencourt Júlia Valéria de Oliveira Vargas , Léo Marcela Martins Furlan de , Madureira Valéria Silvana Faganello , Thofehrn Maira Buss , Conceição Vander Monteiro da
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT Objectives: To reflect on teaching experience in the application of the spiritual nursing care called permission for departing. Methods: It is a methodological reflection and description of a subtle technology for spiritual nursing care called permission for departing. Results: the permission for departing is a spiritual care that allows for an intentional therapeutic relationship of trust and safety among the professional, patients, and the family, enabling the expression of feelings, beliefs, and religious or spiritual rites that help in death and dying situations. Final Considerations: a concept structured by words and attitudes reinforcing what is positive was coined, aiming at a consciousness state of peace and the promotion of dignity in the death and dying process, as well as for time for the patients, their families and the team to experience contemplation and parting.
Private health insurance coverage-related lawsuits
Authors: Afonso Ana Beatriz Perez , Menegueti Mayra Gonçalves , Araújo Thamiris Ricci de , Chaves Lucieli Dias Pedreschi , Laus Ana Maria
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze lawsuits brought by beneficiaries of health insurance operators. Methods: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in a large-capacity private health insurance operator using data collected by the company from 2012 to 2015. Results: ninety-six lawsuits were brought by 86 beneficiaries regarding medical procedures (38.5%), treatments (26.1%), examinations (14.6%), medications (9.4%), home care (6.2%), and other types of hospitalization (5.2%). The procedures with the highest number of lawsuits were percutaneous rhizotomy; chemotherapy; treatment-related positron-emission tomography scans; and for medications relative to antineoplastic and Hepatitis C treatment. Conclusions: the lawsuits were filed because of the operators’ refusal to comply with items not established in contracts or not regulated and authorized by the Brazilian National Regulatory Agency for Private Health Insurance and Plans, refusals considered unfounded.
Health promotion in schools: speeches, representations, and approaches
Authors: Pinto Maria Benegelania , Silva Kênia Lara
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze speeches, representations, and approaches on health and health promotion in schools, materialized in the speech of teachers. Methods: a qualitative study, of the case study type, carried out with 17 teachers from the municipal and state educational network. The data were obtained from interviews and analyzed by the Content-Oriented Discourse Analysis. Results: medical-sanitary and clinical-biological discourses predominated. Health is represented as the absence of disease, reflecting approaches that prioritize healthy habits and changes in behavior. Problematization of social determinants occurs in projects, in an intersectorial partnership. Final Considerations: carrying out projects of health promotion in schools ignores the solidification of partnerships and the construction of new speeches that represent it as quality of life conditioned by social, economic, and cultural factors as well as strategies for the ideological repositioning of those actors who act in this setting.
Nursing work and competence in hemotherapy services: an ergological approach
Authors: Frantz Sonia Rejane de Senna , Vargas Mara Ambrosina de Oliveira , Pires Denise Elvira Pires de , Brito Maria José Menezes , Bitencourt Júlia Valéria de Oliveira Vargas , Ribeiro Gerusa
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT Objetives: to analyze the ingredients of the competence that the nurses use in the performance of their work in hemotherapy. Methods: qualitative study with 22 nurses, accomplished through documentary study, observation and semi-structured interview, with resources of Atlas.ti software based on the foundations of Historical Materialism Dialectic and Ergology. Performed Content Analysis. Results: the domain of specific knowledge of hemotherapy and the time of experience in the area, allied to the motivation of the worker and the ability to work in a team favor the competent action in the work activities. On the other hand, the lack of adequate work conditions, especially in relation to adequate materials, equipment and structure, impairs the work of the nurse in hemotherapy. Final Considerations: experience gained is critical to successful decision making. In addition, adequate working conditions, updating of knowledge and ability in teamwork favor a scenario of safe practices.
Lime and phosphate effects on atrazine sorption, leaching and runoff in soil
Authors: Lima José Maria de , Aquino Regimeire Freitas , Magalhães Ciro Augusto de Souza , Gonçalves Raissa Homem , Nóbrega Júlio Cesar Azevedo , Mello Carlos Rogério
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT Atrazine still is a widely used herbicide in tropical soils to control annual broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses mainly in maize and sorghum plantations. Sorption and desorption in such soils are important processes that affect transport, ending with soil and water contamination, not only in these soils, but in other soils around the world. Lime and phosphate are important amendments in tropical soils to mitigate low fertility. These treatments can affect interaction among soil particles and between soil and atrazine. The objectives here were to evaluate the effect of lime, phosphate, and lime + phosphate treatments on sorption and transport of atrazine in a Typic Hapludult, using soil-erosion-plots at field conditions in a 3%-slope landscape 20 m away from the floodplain. Water- and sediment-sampler devices were used to measure runoff during an entire rainy season. Soil, water and sediments were sampled and analyzed for atrazine. By increasing pH and changing soil organic matter interaction with mineral particles, lime and lime + phosphate decreased sorption in the upper 20-cm layer. This affected leaching and runoff of atrazine, showing that when lime and lime + phosphate were applied to soil, this herbicide had more potential to go deeper in the soil profile, towards the groundwater, or to runoff towards the lower part of the landscape. However, even with increasing leaching, the amount of rainfall, and water infiltration, were enough to dilute atrazine into levels below the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of atrazine in drinking water.
Thermodynamic properties of moisture desorption isotherms of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) seeds
Authors: Zeymer Juliana Soares , Corrêa Paulo Cesar , Oliveira Gabriel Henrique Horta de , Araujo Marcos Eduardo Viana de , Magalhães Diana Soares
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT Studies about the thermodynamic properties of ryegrass seeds are necessary to improve post-harvest processes, relating the factors that affect product quality with the interaction between water and its chemical components. Given the importance of recognizing and understanding the intrinsic behavior of water in ryegrass seeds and providing data for the improvement of industrial drying equipment, this work aimed to calculate and evaluate the thermodynamic properties of moisture desorption of ryegrass seeds as a function of the equilibrium moisture content. Ryegrass seeds with initial moisture content of 10.4 (% d.b.) was used. The equilibrium moisture content of seeds was determined by static-gravimetric method at different temperatures (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 °C) and water activity values (between 0.10 and 0.90), in three repetitions. The Chung Pfost model presented the best fit to the experimental data. It was observed that the integral isosteric desorption heat increased as the equilibrium moisture content decreased, ranged from 2499.95 to 4241.96 kJ kg-1 in the moisture content range 2.80 to 22.10 (% d.b.). Differential entropy also increased with decreasing equilibrium moisture content, as did Gibbs free energy, being positive for all temperature studied, indicating that ryegrass seeds desorption is a non-spontaneous process. The enthalpy-entropy compensation theory was satisfactorily applied to the sorption phenomenon, being controlled by enthalpy.