bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of urban consumers’ participation in informal vegetable markets: Evidence from Mahikeng, North West province, South Africa, and implications for policy
Authors: Marumo Olebogeng , Mabuza Majola L.
Published: April 2018

Background: This article seeks to examine the perceptions of urban dwellers towards participating in informal vegetable markets and determine the underlying factors shaping their decisions to participate in such markets. Aim and setting: The objectives were achieved by using cross-sectional data obtained from a random sample of 230 households from Mahikeng in the North West province of South Africa. Households’ perceptions were measured using numeric responses to several questions, which covered various issues related to vegetable marketing and consumption. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to draw dominant perceptions from the set of responses. Method: The probit model was used to determine factors influencing households’ decisions of whether or not to participate in informal vegetable markets. Explanatory variables included demographic and socio-economic factors as well as perception-related factors, which were proxied by the dominant principal components (PCs) obtained from the PCA results. Results: Two PCs were found dominant, representing safety and quality perceptions as well as the convenience and bargaining opportunities provided by informal traders. The probit regression results indicated that households’ preference for the informal vegetable market were positively influenced by age of household head, low level of education of adult household members, and convenience provided by informal markets. However, households’ wealth status and the perceptions on safety and quality of vegetables were found to have a significant negative influence on participation in the informal market. Conclusion: Given that informal vegetable trade forms an integral part of the urban economy by offering easy access to food in public spaces and connecting with the formal economy where informal traders source their supplies, the study concludes by highlighting policy interventions aimed at improving the quality of food traded in the informal sector.
Bakry–Émery Curvature Functions on Graphs
Authors: Cushing David , Liu Shiping , Peyerimhoff Norbert
Published: April 2018

We study local properties of the Bakry–Émery curvature function ${\mathcal{K}}_{G,x}:(0,\infty ]\rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ at a vertex $x$ of a graph $G$ systematically. Here ${\mathcal{K}}_{G,x}({\mathcal{N}})$ is defined as the optimal curvature lower bound ${\mathcal{K}}$ in the Bakry–Émery curvature-dimension inequality $CD({\mathcal{K}},{\mathcal{N}})$ that $x$ satisfies. We provide upper and lower bounds for the curvature functions, introduce fundamental concepts like curvature sharpness and $S^{1}$-out regularity, and relate the curvature functions of $G$ with various spectral properties of (weighted) graphs constructed from local structures of $G$. We prove that the curvature functions of the Cartesian product of two graphs $G_{1},G_{2}$ are equal to an abstract product of curvature functions of $G_{1},G_{2}$. We explore the curvature functions of Cayley graphs and many particular (families of) examples. We present various conjectures and construct an infinite increasing family of 6-regular graphs which satisfy $CD(0,\infty )$ but are not Cayley graphs.
Blocked noses
Authors: Fokkens W.J.
Published: April 2018

This issue of our Journal contains interesting papers about blocked noses. Nasal obstruction is one of the most common reasons that patients visit their doctors, general practitioners and otorhinolaryngologists alike and has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Blockage is an important outcome of disease not only in nasal disease, but also in rhinosinusitis.
The risk of osteoporosis in oral steroid treatment for nasal polyposis: a systematic review
Authors: Winblad L. , Larsen C.G. , Håkansson K. , Abrahamsen B. , von Buchwald C.
Published: April 2018

Background: Systemic glucocorticoids are often used in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and osteoporosis is a well-known complication to steroid treatment, associated with significant morbidity. Nevertheless, the burden of steroid induced osteoporosis is unknown in patients with CRSwNP. We aimed to assess the risk of acquiring osteoporosis caused by oral steroids in patients with CRSwNP, and provide recommendations on future research and guidelines. Methodology: Cochrane Review Database, EMBASE, Ovid Medline, and PubMed were searched for studies including adult patients with CRSwNP treated with oral steroids. Outcomes were Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and prevalence of fractures in relation to dose and duration of oral steroids. In addition, we reviewed general guidelines for treatment with oral steroids. Results: We identified two studies (n=243) that met the inclusion criteria. Doses and durations of oral steroids were over 5 mg/day for more than 3 months and 1 mg/kg body weight/day for 6 to 10 days for 4 or more courses/year. The prevalence of low bone mass was 39% and 61%, respectively. It was not possible to quantify the overall risk of osteoporosis induced by oral steroids from the studies. No studies evaluated prevalence of fracture. Conclusions: Registry studies and randomized controlled trials would be needed to assess the risk of osteoporosis in CRSwNP patients and future guidelines should include recommendations regarding preventive treatment and recommendations on doses and durations of oral steroids.
Periostin as a marker of mucosal remodelling in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ebenezer J.A. , Christensen J.M. , Oliver B.G. , Oliver R.A. , Tjin G. , Ho J. , Habib A.R. , Rimmer J. , Sacks R. , Harvey R.J.
Published: April 2018

Background: Although extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are associated with irreversible lower airway changes, the relationship with upper airway remodelling which occurs during chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is poorly understood. This study assessed the expression of ECM proteins periostin, fibulin-1, fibronectin and collagenIV in nasal mucosa of patients with and without histologic features of remodelling. Methods: A cross-sectional study of sinonasal mucosal biopsies taken from patients, undergoing surgery for CRS was performed, where patients were grouped according to remodelling, defined by basement membrane thickening (BMT over 7.5 micrometer) and subepithelial fibrosis. An overall view and three random fields of immunostained tissue sections that included epithelium, basement membrane and submucosa, were imaged using Zeiss Zen software. The area and intensity of positive staining were scored by two blinded observers, using a 12-point ordinal scale of weak to strong. Results: 65 patients (47.6 +/- 13.4years, 44.6% female) were assessed. Patients were grouped as controls 26.2%, BMT/no fibrosis 38.5% or BMT and fibrosis 33.8%. Stronger grade of periostin expression was associated with remodelling changes and tissue eosinophilia over 10/HPF. Fibulin-1, fibronectin and collagenIV did not differ. Conclusion: Periostin expression was associated with the presence of BMT, fibrosis and tissue eosinophilia and may identify patients undergoing remodelling changes.
Allergy rhinitis: similarities and differences between children and adults
Authors: Izquierdo-Dominguez A. , Jauregui I. , del Cuvillo A. , Montoro J. , Davila I. , Sastre J. , Bartra J. , Ferrer M. , Alobid I. , Mullol J. , Valero A.L.
Published: April 2018

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a highly prevalent disease worldwide. Although a number of studies have described AR, no studies compared children and adult AR populations. The objective was to compare the AR characteristics between two AR cohorts of children and adults. Methods: Two AR cohorts (children and adults) from Spain were studied through observational cross-sectional multicentre studies. AR was classified based on classical (allergen exposure), original (o-ARIA), and modified (m-ARIA) ARIA criteria. AR was evaluated by Total 4-Symptoms Score (T4SS), and disease severity by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-100 mm). AR comorbidities were also evaluated. Results: A total of 5,405 patients (1,275 children, 4,130 adults) were studied. According to symptoms duration, intermittent AR was more frequent in children than in adults. Using o-ARIA severity, more children than adults had moderate/severe AR while, using m-ARIA, more children than adults had severe AR. T4SS was higher in adults than in children. Moreover, VAS was also higher in adults than in children. In addition, asthma atopic dermatitis and conjunctivitis were more associated to children than adults with AR, the frequency of this comorbidities increasing according to higher severity. Conclusions: AR in children was more intermittent, severe, with less symptoms but with more comorbidities than in adults. These results suggest AR has similarities but also significant differences between children and adults.
Fiscal decentralisation frameworks for Agenda 2030: understanding key issues and crafting strategic reforms
Authors: Smoke Paul
Published: April 2018

Local and regional governments (LGS) will be important actors in ensuring that the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are translated into action that is tailored to the most pressing needs of their communities. Despite broad recognition of the subnational dimension of the SDGs, the specific roles that LRGs can and should play and the capacities and resources they require have received insufficient official consideration to date. If LRGs are to maximise their developmental impact, countries require robust intergovernmental frameworks and policies that empower, finance, motivate and support local and regional governments and citizens. The paper examines the requirements and options for subnational government finance and provides suggestions for strategic implementation, concluding by linking fiscal decentralisation reforms to the SDGs.
Modelling black carbon absorption of solar radiation: combining
external and internal mixing assumptions
Authors: Curci Gabriele , Alyuz Ummugulsum , Barò Rocio , Bianconi Roberto , Bieser Johannes , Christensen Jesper H. , Colette Augustin , Farrow Aidan , Francis Xavier , Jiménez-Guerrero Pedro , Im Ulas , Liu Peng , Manders Astrid , Palacios-Peña Laura , Prank Marje , Pozzoli Luca , Sokhi Ranjeet , Solazzo Efisio , Tuccella Paolo , Unal Alper , Vivanco Marta G. , Hogrefe Christian , Galmarini Stefano
Published: April 2018

Abstract. An accurate simulation of the absorption properties is key for assessing the radiative effects of aerosol on meteorology and climate. The representation of how chemical species are mixed inside the particles (the mixing state) is one of the major uncertainty factors in the assessment of these effects. Here we compare aerosol optical properties simulations over Europe and North America, coordinated in the framework of the third phase of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII), to one year of AERONET sunphotometer retrievals, in an attempt to identify a mixing state representation that better reproduces the observed single scattering albedo and its spectral variation. We use a single post-processing tool (FlexAOD) to derive aerosol optical properties from simulated aerosol speciation profiles, and focus on the absorption enhancement of black carbon when it is internally mixed with more scattering material, discarding from the analysis scenes dominated by dust. We found that the single scattering albedo at 440 nm (ω0,440) is on average overestimated (underestimated) by 3–5 % when external (core-shell internal) mixing of particles is assumed, a bias comparable in magnitude with the typical variability of the quantity. The (unphysical) homogeneous internal mixing assumption underestimates ω0,440 by ~ 14 %. The combination of external and core-shell configurations (partial internal mixing), parameterized using a simplified function of air mass aging, reduces the ω0,440 bias to −1/−3 %. The black carbon absorption enhancement (Eabs) in core-shell with respect to the externally mixed state is in the range 1.8–2.5, which is above the currently most accepted upper limit of ~ 1.5. The partial internal mixing reduces Eabs to values more consistent with this limit. However, the spectral dependence of the absorption is not well reproduced, and the absorption Angostrom exponent AAE440675 is overestimated by 70–120 %. Further testing against more comprehensive campaign data, including a full characterization of the aerosol profile in terms of chemical speciation, mixing state, and related optical properties, would help in putting a better constraint on these calculations.
Production of particulate brown carbon during atmospheric aging of wood-burning emissions
Authors: Kumar Nivedita K. , Corbin Joel C. , Bruns Emily A. , Massabó Dario , Slowik Jay G. , Drinovec Luka , Močnik Griša , Prati Paolo , Vlachou Athanasia , Baltensperger Urs , Gysel Martin , El-Haddad Imad , Prévôt André S. H.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. We investigate the optical properties of light-absorbing organic carbon (brown carbon) from domestic wood combustion as a function of simulated atmospheric aging. At shorter wavelengths, light absorption by brown carbon from primary organic aerosol (POA) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed during aging was around 10 % and 20 %, respectively, of the total aerosol absorption (brown carbon plus black carbon). The mass absorption cross-section (MAC) determined for black carbon (BC, 13.7 m2 g−1 (geometric standard deviation GSD = 1.1) at 370 nm) was consistent with that recommended by Bond et al. (2006). The corresponding MAC of POA (5.5 m2 g−1 (GSD = 1.2)) was higher than that of SOA (2.4 m2 g−1 (GSD = 1.3)) at 370 nm. However, SOA presents a substantial mass fraction, with a measured average SOA / POA mass ratio after aging of ~ 5 and therefore contributes significantly to the overall light absorption, highlighting the importance of wood-combustion SOA as a source of atmospheric brown carbon. The wavelength dependence of POA and SOA light absorption between 370 nm and 660 nm is well described with absorption Ångström exponents of 4.6 and 5.6, respectively. UV-visible absorbance measurements of water and methanol-extracted OA were also performed showing that the majority of the light-absorbing OA is water insoluble even after aging.
Estimating ocean tide model uncertainties for electromagnetic inversion studies
Authors: Saynisch Jan , Irrgang Christopher , Thomas Maik
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Over a decade ago the semidiurnal lunar M2 ocean tide was identified in CHAMP satellite magnetometer data. Since then and especially since the launch of the satellite magnetometer mission Swarm, electromagnetic tidal observations from satellites are used increasingly to infer electric properties of the upper lithosphere. In most of these inversions, numerical ocean tidal models are used to generate oceanic tidal electromagnetic signals via electromagnetic induction. The modelled signals are subsequently compared to the satellite observations. During the inversion, since the tidal models are considered error free, discrepancies between forward models and observations are projected only onto the induction part of the modelling, e.g., Earth's resistivity distribution. Our study analyses uncertainties in oceanic tidal models from an electromagnetic point of view. Velocities from hydrodynamic and assimilative tidal models are converted into tidal electromagnetic signals and compared. Respective uncertainties are estimated. The studies main goal is to provide errors for electromagnetic inversion studies. At satellite height, the differences between the hydrodynamic tidal models are found to reach up to 2 nT, i.e., over 100 % of the M2 signal. Assimilative tidal models show smaller differences of up to 0.1 nT, i.e., over 30 % of the M2 signal.
The extant shore platform stromatolite (SPS) facies association: a glimpse into the Archean?
Authors: Smith Alan , Cooper Andrew , Misra Saumitra , Bharuth Vishal , Guastella Lisa , Botes Riaan
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Shore platform stromatolites (SPS) were first noted at Cape Morgan on the south-east African seaboard. Since then they have been found growing discontinuously in rocky peritidal zones along the entire southern African seaboard. They have also been found on the southwest Australian coast, at Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, and more recently at Harris on the Scottish Hebridean Atlantic coast. In this paper SPS occurrence and SPS potential as analogues for Precambrian fossil stromatolites, as well as potential stromatolite occurrences in shore platform regions on Mars, are assessed. Sub-horizontal surfaces promote stromatolite development, while tufa develops on cliffs and steep rocky surfaces. Tufa and stromatolites are end members of a spectrum dictated by coastal topography. Extant SPS occur on well indurated shore platforms in high wave energy settings, often around or near headlands. They can be associated with boulder beaches, boulder ridges, storm swash terraces, coastal dunes, and peat bogs. In contrast to other extant stromatolites, SPS are produced primarily by mineral precipitation, although minor trapping and binding stromatolites do occur. From a geological perspective, SPS develop in mildly transgressive siliciclastic settings in various climatic and tidal regimes. We suggest that SPS could be preserved in the geological record as micritic lenses on palaeo-shore platform surfaces. SPS share many features with Precambrian stromatolites and are a valid modern analogue despite the widely different atmospheric and oceanic conditions of the Archean. We suggest that terraces associated with former oceanic or lacustrine flooding surfaces on Mars are potential targets in the search for palaeo-SPS on Mars.
OpenDrift v1.0: a generic framework for trajectory modelling
Authors: Dagestad Knut-Frode , Röhrs Johannes , Breivik Øyvind , Ådlandsvik Bjørn
Published: April 2018

Abstract. OpenDrift is an open-source Python-based framework for Lagrangian particle modelling under development at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute with contributions from the wider scientific community. The framework is highly generic and modular, and is designed to be used for any type of drift calculations in the ocean or atmosphere. A specific module within the OpenDrift framework corresponds to a Lagrangian particle model in the traditional sense. A number of modules have already been developed, including an oil drift module, a stochastic search-and-rescue module, a pelagic egg module, and a basic module for atmospheric drift. The framework allows for the ingestion of an unspecified number of forcing fields (scalar and vectorial) from various sources, including Eulerian ocean, atmosphere and wave models, but also measurements or a priori values for the same variables. A basic backtracking mechanism is inherent, using sign reversal of the total displacement vector and negative time stepping. OpenDrift is fast and simple to set up and use on Linux, Mac and Windows environments, and can be used with minimal or no Python experience. It is designed for flexibility, and researchers may easily adapt or write modules for their specific purpose. OpenDrift is also designed for performance, and simulations with millions of particles may be performed on a laptop. Further, OpenDrift is designed for robustness and is in daily operational use for emergency preparedness modelling (oil drift, search and rescue, and drifting ships) at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.
Using lagged dependence to identify (de)coupled surface and subsurface soil moisture values
Authors: Carranza Coleen D. U. , van der Ploeg Martine J. , Torfs Paul J. J. F.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Recent advances in radar remote sensing popularized the mapping of surface
soil moisture at different spatial scales. Surface soil moisture measurements
are used in combination with hydrological models to determine subsurface soil
moisture values. However, variability of soil moisture across the soil column
is important for estimating depth-integrated values, as decoupling between
surface and subsurface can occur. In this study, we employ new methods to
investigate the occurrence of (de)coupling between surface and subsurface
soil moisture. Using time series datasets, lagged dependence was incorporated
in assessing (de)coupling with the idea that surface soil moisture conditions
will be reflected at the subsurface after a certain delay. The main approach
involves the application of a distributed-lag nonlinear model (DLNM) to
simultaneously represent both the functional relation and the lag structure
in the time series. The results of an exploratory analysis using residuals
from a fitted loess function serve as a posteriori information to determine
(de)coupled values. Both methods allow for a range of (de)coupled soil
moisture values to be quantified. Results provide new insights into the
decoupled range as its occurrence among the sites investigated is not limited
to dry conditions.
The dynamics of İzmir Bay under the effects of wind and thermohaline forces
Authors: Sayın Erdem , Eronat Canan
Published: April 2018

Abstract. The dominant circulation pattern of İzmir Bay on the
Aegean Sea coast of Turkey is studied taking into consideration the influence
of wind and thermohaline forces. İzmir Bay is discussed by
subdividing the bay into outer, middle and inner areas. Wind is the most
important driving force in the İzmir coastal area. There are also
thermohaline forces due to the existence of water types of different physical
properties in the bay. In contrast to the two-layer stratification during
summer, a homogeneous water column exists in winter. The free surface version
of the Princeton model (Killworth's 3-D general circulation model) is
applied, with the input data obtained through the measurements made by the
research vessel K. Piri Reis. As a result of the simulations with
artificial wind, the strong consistent wind generates circulation patterns
independent of the seasonal stratification in the bay. Wind-driven
circulation causes cyclonic or anticyclonic movements in the middle bay where
the distinct İzmir Bay Water (IBW) forms. Cyclonic movement takes
place under the influence of southerly and westerly winds. On the other hand,
northerly and easterly winds cause an anticyclonic movement in the middle
bay. The outer and inner bay also have the wind-driven recirculation patterns
expected.
The color of melt ponds on Arctic sea ice
Authors: Lu Peng , Leppäranta Matti , Cheng Bin , Li Zhijun , Istomina Larysa , Heygster Georg
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Pond color, which creates the visual appearance of melt ponds on Arctic sea ice in summer, is quantitatively investigated using a two-stream radiative transfer model for ponded sea ice. The upwelling irradiance from the pond surface is determined and then its spectrum is transformed into RGB (red, green, blue) color space using a colorimetric method. The dependence of pond color on various factors such as water and ice properties and incident solar radiation is investigated. The results reveal that increasing underlying ice thickness Hi enhances both the green and blue intensities of pond color, whereas the red intensity is mostly sensitive to Hi for thin ice (Hi  <  1.5 m) and to pond depth Hp for thick ice (Hi  >  1.5 m), similar to the behavior of melt-pond albedo. The distribution of the incident solar spectrum F0 with wavelength affects the pond color rather than its intensity. The pond color changes from dark blue to brighter blue with increasing scattering in ice, and the influence of absorption in ice on pond color is limited. The pond color reproduced by the model agrees with field observations for Arctic sea ice in summer, which supports the validity of this study. More importantly, the pond color has been confirmed to contain information about meltwater and underlying ice, and therefore it can be used as an index to retrieve Hi and Hp. Retrievals of Hi for thin ice (Hi  <  1 m) agree better with field measurements than retrievals for thick ice, but those of Hp are not good. The analysis of pond color is a new potential method to obtain thin ice thickness in summer, although more validation data and improvements to the radiative transfer model will be needed in future.
Towards Developing a Green Manufacturing Environment: What is Ghana doing?
Authors: Gyasi-Mensah William , Hu Xuhua
Published: April 2018

Developed nations embarked on massive industrialization through manufacturing in order to reap the benefits that accompany this developmental strategy. Nations of the developing world are also adopting similar strategies to make the most of their natural resources. Realizing the negative effects of manufacturing on the environment and human lives, nations have began upgrading their manufacturing methods through the adoption of eco-friendly processes. This article intends to throw light on what the developing nation of Ghana has been doing to mitigate the effects of conventional methods of manufacturing on the environment and on human lives. The article presents the relationship between manufacturing and the environment within which manufacturing take place. It also presents some environmental challenges encountered in manufacturing sector in Ghana, as well as steps that are taken to minimize and/or prevent them. The article again presents efforts that have been taken towards integrating green practices in the manufacturing industry in Ghana, through the collaboration between the country and other international stakeholders. The literature on what Ghana is doing to create green manufacturing environment lacks empirical approach to come to a verified conclusion, hence the need to carry out future studies which is empirically based. Other gaps are also presented in the article, and what can be done to fill these gaps is also presented.
Evaluating Foundational Data Quality in the National Patient-Centered Clinical
Research Network (PCORnet®)
Authors: Qualls Laura Goettinger , Phillips Thomas A. , Hammill Bradley G. , Topping James , Louzao Darcy M. , Brown Jeffrey S. , Curtis Lesley H. , Marsolo Keith
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Distributed research networks (DRNs) are critical components of the
strategic roadmaps for the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug
Administration as they work to move toward large-scale systems of evidence generation.
The National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet®) is one of the first
DRNs to incorporate electronic health record data from multiple domains on a national
scale. Before conducting analyses in a DRN, it is important to assess the quality and
characteristics of the data.Methods: PCORnet’s Coordinating Center is responsible for
evaluating foundational data quality, or assessing fitness-for-use across a broad
research portfolio, through a process called data curation. Data curation involves a set
of analytic and querying activities to assess data quality coupled with maintenance of
detailed documentation and ongoing communication with network partners. The first cycle
of PCORnet data curation focused on six domains in the PCORnet common data model:
demographics, diagnoses, encounters, enrollment, procedures, and vitals.Results: The
data curation process led to improvements in foundational data quality. Notable
improvements included the elimination of data model conformance errors; a decrease in
implausible height, weight, and blood pressure values; an increase in the volume of
diagnoses and procedures; and more complete data for key analytic variables. Based on
the findings of the first cycle, we made modifications to the curation process to
increase efficiencies and further reduce variation among data partners.Discussion: The
iterative nature of the data curation process allows PCORnet to gradually increase the
foundational level of data quality and reduce variability across the network. These
activities help increase the transparency and reproducibility of analyses within PCORnet
and can serve as a model for other DRNs.
Surveillance guidelines based on recurrence patterns for upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Locke Jennifer A. , Hamidizadeh Reza , Kassouf Wassim , Rendon Ricardo A. , Bell David , Izawa Jonathan , Chin Joseph , Kapoor Anil , Shayegan Bobby , Lattouf Jean-Baptiste , Saad Fred , Lacombe Louis , Fradet Yves , Fairey Adrien S. , Jacobson Niels-Eric , Drachenberg Darrel E. , Cagiannos Ilias , So Alan I. , Black Peter C.
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5% of all urothelial tumours. Due to its rarity, evidence regarding postoperative surveillance is lacking. The objective of this study was to develop a post-radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) surveillance protocol based on recurrence patterns in a large, multi-institutional cohort of patients.Methods: Retrospective clinical and pathological data were collected from 1029 patients undergoing RNU over a 15-year period (1994–2009) at 10 Canadian academic institutions. A multivariable model was used to identify prognostic clinicopathological factors, which were then used to define risk categories. Risk-based surveillance guidelines were proposed based on actual recurrence patterns.Results: Overall, 555 (49.9%) patients developed recurrence, including 289 (25.9%) in the urothelium and 266 (23.9%) with loco-regional and distant recurrences. Based on multivariable analysis, three risk groups were identified: 1) low-risk patients with pTa-T1, pN0 disease, and no adverse histological features (high tumour grade, lymphovascular invasion [LVI], tumour multifocality); 2) intermediate-risk patients with pTa-T1, pN0 disease with one or more of the adverse histological features; and 3) high-risk patients with a ≥pT2 tumour and/or nodal involvement. Low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients were free of urothelial recurrence at three years in 72%, 66%, and 63%, respectively, and free of regional/distant recurrence in 93%, 87%, and 62%, respectively. The risks of loco-regional and distant recurrences (p<0.0001) and time to death (p<0.0001) were significantly different between the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients.Conclusions: Based on recurrence patterns in a large, multicentre patient cohort, we have proposed an evidence-based, risk-adapted post-RNU surveillance protocol.
Micellar-mediated extraction of green tea containing Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers
Authors: Suliga Justyna , Śliwa Paweł
Published: April 2018

Micellar mediated extraction (MME) is a new and alternative method of obtaining biologically active substances, such as flavones, flavanones, anthocyanins, triterpene from plant material. In this study a series of polyethoxylated sorbitan esters of fatty acids (Tween 20, 40, 60 and 80) have been applied for the extraction of green tea containing Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers. Results showed that all tested surfactants were effective in the solubilisation of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Probably, because of too high hydrophilicity, Tween 20 was not sufficient to obtain antioxidants, in contrast to another Tween. It has been shown that method is economical, attractive and ecological.
The EMA Study on the Inter-individual Variability and Differences in Articulation between Polish Oral and Nasalised Vowels
Authors: Wielgat Robert , Lorenc Anita
Published: April 2018

The electromagnetic articulography (EMA) is a relatively exact and efficient method used in study on speech production physiology. It allows to precisely estimate movement trajectories of speech articulators like tongue, lips, jaw etc. by tracking position of sensors fixed to the articulators. This paper presents results of EMA research on Polish oral and nasalised vowels in orthography represented by the graphemes , , <ę>, <ą>. Inter-individual variability of tongue and lips position in X-axis direction during realization of the same phoneme has been estimated. Differences between oral and nasalised vowels in terms of movement of articulators in X-axis direction have been assessed too.
Markov inequality on the graph of holomorphic function
Authors: Beberok Tomasz
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this paper is to show that the Markov inequality does not hold on the graph of holomorphic function.
Endomorphin analogs as potential analgesic drug
Authors: Perlikowska Renata , Janecka Anna
Published: April 2018

The search for novel, safe and efficient analgesics is an important but still elusive goal for medicinal chemists. Morphine and other plant-derived alkaloids have been used for centuries to alleviate strong, acute or chronic pain. However, administration of morphine is accompanied by serious side-effects, such as physical dependence, respiratory depression, constipation, decrease of blood pressure. Although in recent times a number of effective opiate derived analogs has been developed for clinical use, the ideal opiate analgesic lacking side-effects attributed to the use of morphine still remains out of reach.Opiates exert their antinociceptive activity by activation of the μ-opioid receptors. Therefore, the search for natural and synthetic ligands of this receptor has become an attractive goal. The discovery in 1997 of two endogenous ligands of the µ-opioid receptor, endomorphin-1 (Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2) and endomorphin-2 (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2), gave hope that they could be used as analgesics devoid of at least some of undesired side-effects of morphine. However, the exogenous administration of EMs as analgesics is of little therapeutic value because these peptides are quickly degraded by proteolytic enzymes and have a very limited ability to effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) due to their small size and hydrophilic nature. The aim of the project was the search for novel peptide analogs based on EM structure which would be stable against proteolytic enzymes and could produce strong antinociception after intravenous or oral administration.
The influence of danazol on angiogenesis in endometriosis woman
Authors: Szubert Maria , Suzin Jacek , Duechler Markus , Szuławska Agata , Czyż Małgorzata , Kowalczyk-Amico Katarzyna
Published: April 2018

Background: Angiogenesis and inflammation are pivotal processes in developing endometriosis in the peritoneal cavity. The aim of the study was to evaluate these two processes in women with endometriosis and treated with danazol. The second object of the study was to determine the sensitivity of a non-invasive test combined of studied biomarkers in diagnosing endometriosis. Methods>/b>: The case control study was conducted in a group of 103 women diagnosed laparoscopically for endometriosis. 35 patients were qualified to the treatment with danazol. Pain assessment was in Visual Analogue Scale. Endometriosis was assessed with rASRM scale. In serum Ca-125, CRP, VEGF and IL-1β were determined before and after danazol treatment. IL-8 expression in the endometrium was determined before treatment. Results: Endometriosis group (68.9% of patients) demonstrated a higher concentration of Ca-125 in serum and higher levels of both Ca125 and VEGF in the peritoneal fluid. The expression of mRNA for IL-8 in the endometrium was significantly higher in the study group. After treatment with danazol a lower VAS score and a lower level of Ca-125 (p<0.001) was observed. The concentration of VEGF in plasma increased (p=0.009). For the diagnosis of endometriosis, no combination of the given markers reached a sensitivity higher than 60%. Conclusions: Treatment with danazol is highly effective in relieving pain and decreasing the concentration of Ca-125. A higher level of VEGF in plasma after treatment might imply stimulation of angiogenesis.
Boundary conditions analysis of the possible use of bushings made from copper composite materials for a towing vehicle’s chassis
Authors: Roik Tetiana , Gavrish Oleg , Vitsiuk Iuliia , Khmiliarchuk Olga
Published: April 2018

The paper analyzes the possible boundary conditions for the application of new type of bushings in the vehicle’s chassis. The bushings have been manufactured from the copper-based antifriction composite material alloyed by nickel and molybdenum, with the addition of CaF2 as a solid lubricant (DN5M3KF9). The structure and tribotechnical properties at heavy loaded reversing friction (the temperature of 400-6000С and pressure up to 6.0 MPa in air) have been examined.
The study focuses on the distribution of CaF2 in the composite with a Cu–Ni–Mo matrix, its role in self-lubrication of the material, and the behavior of CaF2 in the friction area under extreme operating conditions.
It was shown that the solid lubricant is evenly distributed over the contact surfaces as it piles up over the entire friction area during heavy loaded reversing friction. It is established that the tribofilms formed in the presence of the CaF2 solid lubricant provide high wear resistance. Tribological properties allow for extending the application boundaries of the new bushings based on copper in the vehicle chassis for towing artillery guns.
Uplatňovanie zásady primeranosti a zdržanlivosti pri využívaní informačno-technických prostriedkov v trestnom konaní v Slovenskej republike
Authors: Záhora Jozef
Published: April 2018

Účelom trestného konania je náležite zistiť trestné činy a ich páchateľov podľa zákona spravodlivo potrestať, pričom treba rešpektovať základné práva a slobody dotknutých osôb. V trestnom konaní, pri vykonávaní niektorých dôkazných prostriedkov, predovšetkým informačno-technických prostriedkov, dochádza k zásahom do súkromia jednotlivca. Súkromie sa chápe predovšetkým ako sféra života človeka, do ktorej nemožno zasahovať bez jeho súhlasu, informácie ktoré môže jednotlivec zatajovať bez strachu, že bude štátom potrestaný alebo znevýhodnený oproti iným. Do tejto sféry patria zároveň všetky záležitosti jednotlivcov, ktoré nemôže štát alebo iná súkromná osoba bezdôvodne získavať a o ktorých nemožno informovať verejnosť. V rámci rekodifikácie trestného práva procesného bola do Trestného poriadku doplnená zásada zdržanlivosti a primeranosti. Do základných práv a slobôd osôb v prípadoch dovolených zákonom možno zasahovať len v miere nevyhnutnej na dosiahnutie účelu trestného konania, pričom treba rešpektovať dôstojnosť osôb a ich súkromie. Na rozhodnutiach Európskeho súdu pre ľudské práva a Ústavného súdu autor poukazuje na základné východiská pri posudzovaní oprávnenosti zásahov do práva na súkromie pri využívaní informačno-technických prostriedkov v trestnom konaní. V rámci diskusie poukazuje na niektoré úskalia slovenskej trestno-procesnej úpravy.
Educação permanente em saúde em movimento: narrativas de uma experiência
Authors: Mello Amanda De Lemos , Arnemann Cristiane Trivisiol
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: compartilhar a experiência de duas enfermeiras durante a Especialização e Aperfeiçoamento em Formação Integrada Multiprofissional em Educação Permanente em Saúde. Método: relato de experiência do processo de ensino e aprendizagem da referida especialização a qual ocorreu no decorrer dos anos de 2014 e 2015. Resultados: a partir dessa experiência, pode-se trabalhar com estratégias inovadoras no campo da saúde tais como:  o diário cartográfico e a caixa de afecções; além de vivenciar a Educação Permanente em Movimento como um processo de construção de conhecimento afetado por singularidades, experiências, afetos e trocas entre os participantes da formação. Considerações Finais: a Educação Permanente em movimento pode ser vislumbrada como um eixo orientador para a construção de espaços em saúde com diferentes atores para a realização das atividades participativas para a valorização do trabalho, apontando coletivamente estratégias de intervenção na prática.
Kristallklara e-tjänster - arbetet bakom kulisserna
Authors: Sandström Gabriella
Published: April 2018

Språkrådet i Sverige delar varje år ut Klarspråkskristallen till en myndighet eller annan offentlig verksamhet som arbetat framgångsrikt med klarspråk. År 2016 var temat för priset klarspråk i e-tjänster. Jag har undersökt arbetsprocessen bakom tre av de nominerade bidragen. Trots att de skiljer sig åt när det gäller typ av tjänst, målgrupp och syfte har de mycket gemensamt. Exempelvis har alla e-tjänsterna utvecklats utifrån tidigare erfarenheter av och kunskaper om vad användarna tycker är svårt. Här följer några av de gemensamma framgångsfaktorerna:• noggrann analys av användarnas behov utifrån exempelvis användartester och intervjuer• tydliga effektmål• nära samarbete mellan olika kompetenser• enhetlig terminologi• kontinuerliga utvärderingar och revideringar under projektets gång.Summary Each year the Language Council of Sweden awards a prize, the Plain Swedish Crystal, to a public authority or a local municipality for its plain language efforts. Each year’s Crystal has a different theme. In 2016, the theme was “plain language in e-services”. Of course, an eservice must be well functioning technically, but it is also important that the instructions are comprehensible to the user and that the tone is friendly. Looking through processes behind three services nominated for last year’s Crystal, I found several key factors that were common to them all, for example:• Focus on the users – analyse their needs carefully• Knowledge from earlier experiences about what users find difficult• Close cooperation between developers, experts, lawyers, and language advisers• Consistent and plain terminology• Continuous evaluation and improvements.
Bilan et variabilité temporelle des matières en suspension dans le bassin de la Macta : cas du sous bassin versant de Bou-Hanifia (Algérie du nord)
Authors: Benstaali Imène , Benayada Lahouari
Published: April 2018

L’intérêt principal des mesures de concentrations des matières en suspension (MES) sur un bassin versant est qu’elles permettent d’établir un bilan moyen des exportations de MES et de déduire un taux d'érosion mécanique à l’échelle du bassin. Cependant, la quantification des flux solides d’un cours d'eau est une tâche délicate, en particulier en zone semi-aride où les crues violentes et de courte durée rendent les prélèvements difficiles. Dans la présente étude, les mesures de débits et de concentrations ont été menées par l'Agence Nationale des Ressources Hydriques sur le bassin versant de Bou-Hanifia, un sous bassin important de la Macta caractérisé par un climat semi-aride et une forte érosion hydrique. Les résultats du bilan témoignent d’une très importante variabilité temporelle du transport solide, tant à l’échelle saisonnière qu’à l’échelle interannuelle. Ceci est lié en grande partie à l’agressivité des précipitations pouvant assurer une très forte et irrégulière mobilisation des MES. À l’échelle du bassin au cours de la période 1993-2006, le flux annuel moyen de MES est estimé à 1,8 x 106 tonnes (t) soit un débit solide spécifique moyen de 343 t∙a-1∙km-2. En effet, les années humides sont les plus exportatrices de sédiments en suspension. Ainsi, la saison d'automne, la plus érosive de l’année, représente 75 % du bilan annuel. L’essentiel des MES est exporté lors des crues de fin d’été - début d’automne, et sont à l’origine de 36 à 94 % des flux de MES transportés annuellement pendant 1 % du temps, soit trois jours par an.
L’évolution spatiotemporelle de la qualité des eaux courantes de l’Oued Melloulou (Maroc)
Authors: Mabrouki Youness , Taybi Abdelkhaleq Fouzi , Berrahou Ali
Published: April 2018

Cette étude menée entre mars et août 2014 propose un suivi de neuf descripteurs abiotiques, dans 11 stations d’échantillonnage choisies le long de l’Oued Melloulou, principal affluent de la rive gauche de l’Oued Moulouya. L’utilisation de l’analyse triadique partielle facilite le suivi de la variabilité spatiotemporelle de ces descripteurs physicochimiques, et met en évidence l’évolution de leur structure spatiale. Les résultats obtenus montrent que l’Oued Melloulou bénéficie d’une eau de moyenne à très bonne qualité, et que ce cours d’eau est épargné, pour le moment, des grandes pollutions domestiques et industrielles.
Infância e experiência: fragmentos autonarrativos no estudo das culturas infantis
Authors: Werle Kelly , Bellochio Cláudia Ribeiro
Published: April 2018

O artigo apresenta como foco de discussão a relação entre infância e experiência por meio de uma aproximação teórica da sociologia da infância (SARMENTO, 2002; 2003; 2007; CORSARO, 2011; QVORTRUP, 2011), com o conceito de experiência e outras obras de Walter Benjamin, tais como “Infância em Berlim por volta de 1900” (1987). Como proposta para esse diálogo, problematizam-se fragmentos autonarrativos de infância vinculados à pesquisa de Werle (2015), através dos quais se evidencia a figura do Narrador e a possibilidade de intercambiar as experiências (BENJAMIN, 1994c), bem como, caracteriza-se a natureza da experiência na infância (BENJAMIN, 1987). Neste contexto, apontam-se para os fragmentos autonarrativos como possibilidade de interlocução de experiências e potência para o estudo e a realização de pesquisas sobre as culturas da infância.
Educação Aberta, Cibercultura e DocênciaS no Ensino Superior: percursos e experiências no Brasil e em Portugal
Authors: Bruno Adriana Rocha , Silva Judilma Aline , Franco Esteves Maria Manuela
Published: April 2018

Em meio ao cenário contemporâneo que exige que os processos formativos para/com as docências no Ensino Superior se dêem numa interface com a cultura digital, o presente artigo apresenta pesquisas que tensionam as formas com que as Instituições públicas de Ensino Superior, em Portugal e no Brasil, têm produzido ações convergentes com tais demandas. O texto apresenta ideias basilares para a discussão dos dados, como Educação Aberta, Cibercultura, docência no Ensino Superior, e traz recortes de pesquisas realizadas pelas autoras, respectivamente, em níveis de pós-doutorado (em Portugal) e de doutorado (no Brasil). Os dados produzidos nas pesquisas evidenciam avanços nos processos de formação continuada para a docência no Ensino Superior (ES), entretanto eles ainda são desenvolvidos de modo pouco conexo com a composição de uma cultura mediada por tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação (TDIC), e as ações formativas, com poucas exceções, se distanciam das potencialidades trazidas pela cibercultura como aquela que traz dispositivos, interfaces e relações fomentadoras de aprendizagens convergentes com os estudantes e os docentes do século XXI.
A educação on-line como dispositivo de pesquisa-formação na cibercultura
Authors: Dos Santos Edméa Oliveira , Ribeiro Mayra Rodrigues Fernandes , Dos Santos Rosemary
Published: April 2018

O presente artigo se insere no contexto dos estudos do Grupo de Pesquisa Docência e Cibercultura – GPDOC/UERJ, no qual optamos por fazer pesquisa inspiradas em epistemologias das práticas, atualizando o método da pesquisa-formação na cibercultura por meio de tessituras metodológicas que se atualizam em cada nova pesquisa. A bricolagem multirreferencial e com os cotidianos possibilita desenvolvermos pesquisas no encontro de narrativas do cotidiano com narrativas acadêmico-científicas que nos aproximam da inteligibilidade das práticas em um processo de autoformação e formação. Objetivamos neste artigo apresentar a criação de dispositivos autorais em ambientes on-line junto com professores formadores da Pós-graduação em Educação da UERJ. Nosso estudo teve como questão central: como pensar e fazer uma relação pedagógica docente/discente favorável à formação autoral na cibercultura? Como resultados percebemos que os dispositivos on-line possibilitaram maior imersão docente e discente nas práticas da cibercultura; ampliaram os processos de mediação, antes restrito às práticas de ensino presenciais, e ainda exercitaram possibilidades de enxergar uma proposta didática que se aproxime da formação do ciberautorcidadão, na qual docentes/discentes se autorizam nas interações sociais/comunicacionais tecidas nas redes da cidadeciberespaços.