bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol for a pivotal randomised study assessing vagus nerve stimulation during rehabilitation for improved upper limb motor function after stroke
Authors: Kimberley Teresa J , Prudente Cecília N , Engineer Navzer D , Pierce David , Tarver Brent , Cramer Steven C , Dickie David Alexander , Dawson Jesse
Published: June 2019

Background

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with a motor task improves motor outcome in rat stroke models. It is hypothesised that VNS delivered during rehabilitation will improve upper limb function compared to control rehabilitation therapy. Two pilot clinical studies demonstrated acceptable safety and feasibility of VNS paired with rehabilitation for improved upper limb function after stroke. Participants who received rehabilitation paired with VNS demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in motor function that exceed gains seen among controls who received similar rehabilitation without VNS. These preliminary data support a larger pivotal trial.

Methods

VNS-REHAB (VNS-Rehabilitation) is a pivotal, multi-site, double-blinded, randomised trial designed to evaluate safety and efficacy of VNS paired with upper limb rehabilitation after ischaemic stroke. The study will include up to 120 participants with upper limb weakness due to stroke nine months to 10 years prior. All participants will be implanted with a VNS device and randomised to receive either Active (0.8 mA) or Control VNS (0.0 mA) paired with upper limb rehabilitation. All participants receive 18 sessions of in-clinic therapy for six weeks, followed by a home-based therapy for three months. The rehabilitation therapy involves progressive, functionally based and intensive practice of hand and arm tasks. VNS is delivered during each movement repetition. After blinded follow-up is completed, the Active vagus nerve stimulation group continues with home-based Active VNS and the Control group receive six weeks of in-clinic therapy with Active VNS followed by home-based Active VNS. The primary efficacy endpoint will be the difference in Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity scores between the Active VNS and Control VNS groups at the end of six weeks of in-clinic therapy. Additional secondary endpoints will also be measured. Safety will be assessed with analysis of adverse events and device complications during study participation.

Discussion

This pivotal trial will determine whether VNS paired with rehabilitation is a safe and effective treatment for improving arm function after stroke. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03131960. Registered on 27 April 2017.
Giant tumefactive perivascular spaces mimicking a brain mass lesion: Report of three cases
Authors: Ventura Elisa , Rinaldi Fabio , Prodi Elena , Cianfoni Alessandro
Published: June 2019

Virchow–Robin spaces or perivascular spaces are pial-lined fluid-filled interstitial spaces recognized throughout brain parenchyma along the path of penetrating vessels. Occasionally, they may become enlarged, cause mass effect, and be mistaken for cystic neoplasms or infections. We report three cases of giant tumefactive perivascular spaces (GTPVS) incidentally found at brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lesions were multilocular cystic-appearing, isointense to cerebrospinal fluid on all pulse sequences, and did not enhance. They were located both in typical and atypical locations and in one case associated with hydrocephalus. We describe the key features of GTPVS on MRI and illustrate the need to acknowledge and promptly recognize these entities in daily practice in order to avoid unnecessary treatment.
Efficacy and safety of external trigeminal neurostimulation in the prevention of chronic migraine: An open-label trial
Authors: Birlea Marius , Penning Sophie , Callahan Kyle , Schoenen Jean
Published: June 2019

Objective:

This trial explored the therapeutic utility and safety of external trigeminal neurostimulation (eTNS) as a preventive treatment in patients suffering from chronic migraine (CM).

Methods:

It was a monocenter, prospective, open-label, pilot trial conducted at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora, CO, USA). Participants were adult patients with a history of CM meeting International Classification of Headache Disorder-3 beta (2013) diagnostic criteria with or without medication overuse. After a 1-month baseline period, the patients still fulfilling the inclusion criteria applied at least one daily 20-min session of eTNS for 3 months. Primary outcomes were mean monthly changes in frequency of headache days and in overall acute headache medication intake.

Results:

Eighty patients were assessed for eligibility, 73 were included in the baseline period after which 58 entered the treatment period and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Compared to baseline, frequency of headache days decreased by −3.12 days (−16.21%, p < 0.001) and acute medication intake decreased from 26.33 to 18.22 (−30.81%, p < 0.001) during the third month of treatment. Twenty-six patients reported 47 minor adverse events, of which only 2 were related to the use of the device (skin irritation under the electrode and headache worsening with vertigo).

Conclusions:

This trial suggests that eTNS is safe and effective as prophylactic treatment for CM and indicates that a randomized sham-controlled trial is worthwhile.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02342743).
Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein, Albumin, and Blood Cultures as Early Markers of Sepsis Diagnosis or Predictors of Outcome: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Schmidt de Oliveira-Netto Ana Cristina , Morello Luis G , Dalla-Costa Libera M , Petterle Ricardo R , Fontana Rafael M , Conte Danieli , Pereira Luciane A , Raboni Sonia M
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

Sepsis is a condition with high mortality rates and its diagnosis remains a challenge. We assessed epidemiological, clinical data, multiple biomarker profiles, and blood culture with respect to sepsis diagnosis and predictors of outcome.

Methods:

In total, 183 patients who were suspected of having sepsis and underwent blood culture collection were followed up for 7 days. Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were calculated daily; biomarkers and blood culture test results were evaluated.

Results:

In total, 78 (43%) had sepsis, 50 (27%) had septic shock, and 55 (30%) had no sepsis. Blood culture was positive in 28% and 42% of the sepsis and septic shock groups, respectively ( P < .001). Regarding clinical profiles and biomarker values, there were no differences between the sepsis and non-sepsis groups, but significant differences were observed in the septic shock group. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that age, serum albumin level, APACHE II, and SOFA 1st day scores were the independent variables for death.

Conclusions:

The challenge in the diagnosis of sepsis continues as clinical and laboratory differences found between the groups were due to septic shock. Older aged patients with lower albumin levels and higher APACHE II and SOFA 1st day scores have a greater probability of mortality.
Morning (Fasting) vs Afternoon Resistance Exercise in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Toghi-Eshghi Saeed Reza , Yardley Jane E
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine the effect of morning exercise in the fasting condition vs afternoon exercise on blood glucose responses to resistance exercise (RE).

Research Design and Methods

For this randomized crossover design, 12 participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus [nine females; aged 31 ± 8.9 years; diabetes duration, 19.1 ± 8.3 years; HbA1c, 7.4% ± 0.8% (57.4 ± 8.5 mmol/mol)] performed ∼40 minutes of RE (three sets of eight repetitions, seven exercises, at the individual’s predetermined eight repetition maximum) at either 7 am (fasting) or 5 pm. Sessions were performed at least 48 hours apart. Venous blood samples were collected immediately preexercise, immediately postexercise, and 60 minutes postexercise. Interstitial glucose was monitored overnight postexercise by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Results

Data are presented as mean ± SD. Blood glucose rose during fasting morning exercise (9.5 ± 3.0 to 10.4 ± 3.0 mmol/L), whereas it declined with afternoon exercise (8.2 ± 2.5 to 7.4 ± 2.6 mmol/L; P = 0.031 for time-by-treatment interaction). Sixty minutes postexercise, blood glucose concentration was significantly higher after fasting morning exercise than after afternoon exercise (10.9 ± 3.2 vs 7.9 ± 2.9 mmol/L; P = 0.019). CGM data indicated more glucose variability (2.7 ± 1.1 vs 2.0 ± 0.7 mmol/L; P = 0.019) and more frequent hyperglycemia (12 events vs five events; P = 0.025) after morning RE than after afternoon RE.

Conclusions

Compared with afternoon RE, morning (fasting) RE was associated with distinctly different blood glucose responses and postexercise profiles.
Variability and Costs of Low-Value Preoperative Testing for Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Authors: Harris Alex H. S. , Meerwijk Esther L. , Kamal Robin N. , Sears Erika D. , Hawn Mary , Eisenberg Dan , Finlay Andrea K. , Hagedorn Hildi , Mudumbai Seshadri
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND:

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Choosing Wisely Top-5 list of activities to avoid includes “Don’t obtain baseline laboratory studies in patients without significant systemic disease (ASA I or II) undergoing low-risk surgery - specifically complete blood count, basic or comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation studies when blood loss (or fluid shifts) is/are expected to be minimal.” Accordingly, we define low-value preoperative tests (LVTs) as those performed before minor surgery in patients without significant systemic disease. The objective of the current study was to examine the extent, variability, drivers, and costs of LVTs before carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgeries in the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

METHODS:

Using fiscal year (FY) 2015–2017 data derived from the VHA Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW), we determined the overall national and facility-level rates and associated costs of receiving any of 8 common LVTs in the 30 days before CTR in ASA physical status (PS) I-II patients. We also examined the patient, procedure, and facility factors associated with receiving ≥1 LVT with mixed-effects logistic regression and the number of tests received with mixed-effects negative binomial regression.

RESULTS:

From FY15–17, 10,000 ASA class I-II patients received a CTR by 699 surgeons in 125 VHA facilities. Overall, 47.0% of patients had a CTR that was preceded by ≥1 LVT, with substantial variability between facilities (range = 0%–100%; interquartile range = 36.3%), representing $339,717 in costs. Older age and female sex were associated with higher odds of receiving ≥1 LVT. Local versus other modes of anesthesia were associated with lower odds of receiving ≥1 LVT. Several facilities experienced large (>25%) increases or decreases from FY15 to FY17 in the proportion of patients receiving ≥1 LVT.

CONCLUSIONS:

Counter to guidance from the ASA, we found that almost half of CTRs performed on ASA class I-II VHA patients were preceded by ≥1 LVT. Although the total cost of these tests is relatively modest, CTR is just one of many low-risk procedures (eg, trigger finger release, cataract surgery) that may involve similar preoperative testing practices. These results will inform site selection for qualitative investigation of the drivers of low-value testing and the development of interventions to improve preoperative testing practice, especially in locations where rates of LVT are high.
A step-by-step guide to analyzing CAGE data using R/Bioconductor
Authors: Thodberg Malte , Sandelin Albin
Published: June 2019

Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE) is one of the most popular 5'-end sequencing methods. In a single experiment, CAGE can be used to locate and quantify the expression of both Transcription Start Sites (TSSs) and enhancers. This is workflow is a case study on how to use the CAGEfightR package to orchestrate analysis of CAGE data within the Bioconductor project. This workflow starts from BigWig-files and covers both basic CAGE analyses such as identifying, quantifying and annotating TSSs and enhancers, advanced analysis such as finding interacting TSS-enhancer pairs and enhancer clusters, to differential expression analysis and alternative TSS usage. R-code, discussion and references are intertwined to help provide guidelines for future CAGE studies of the same kind.
Food choices, physical activity and metabolic health in obese patients
Authors: Alajõe Hanna , Suija Kadri , Rätsep Anneli , Kalda Ruth , Lember Margus
Published: June 2019

The aim of the current study was to analyse the food choices and physical activity of obese adult Estonian persons, and associations with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The study was carried out on 76 patients aged over 35 years whose body mass index was ≥30 kg/m2. The subjects were recruited through family physicians. The subjects’ consumption of three food groups (fruit, vegetables, whole-grain products) and physical activity based on the IPAQ questionnaire was compared with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome based on five indicators (waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL- cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 50%. The results of the study did not show statistically significant correlations between prevalence of metabolic syndrome and age or gender. Neither were there any significant age or gender differences in the subjects’ nutritional and activity behaviour. Comparison of the nutritional behaviour of persons with and without the metabolic syndrome showed that daily consumers of fruit had a 4.48 times lower risk of metabolic syndrome than those who ate fruit more seldom. No statistically significant correlation was found between physical activity and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Based on the current study, the daily consumption of fruit can be an essential protective factor against metabolic syndrome in obese patients and provides a simple recommendation physicians can give their patients to follow.
Prevalence of Egfr, Ki-67, Nf-Κb, Ma-1 marker in cleft affected tissue of soft palate
Authors: Tellermann Jonas , Reiser Sophie Charlotte , Pilmane Mara
Published: June 2019

Introduction. Midline orofacial defects bear a high degree of morbidity for the affected individual, often associated with retardation in neonatal development and the need for surgical intervention. The etiology of the deformities, despite their high prevalence, remains, however, largely unknown. We report on the evaluation and quantification of proliferative and inflammatory markers in the cleft affected soft palate.

Material and methods. This study included soft palate samples of eight cleft lip and palate affected individuals and a control group of six soft tissue specimens obtained during correctional surgery of hyperdentia. All samples were processed via immunohistochemistry for marker EGFR, NF-κB, Ki-67, Ma-1. The results were evaluated semi-quantitatively and statistically analysed by IBM SPSS 25.0.

Results. Histopathological signs of inflammatory changes were continuous in cleft affected specimen. The quantitative distribution of the markers in the cleft affected group displayed a significant correlation between EGFR, Ki-67 and NF-κB (p< 0.05), along with a correlation among Ki-67 and NF-κB (p< 0.05). Immunoreactive structures in control group showed lower numbers in all evaluated specimen. A statistical significance between cleft affected and non-cleft tissue was observed in EGFR and Ma-1 (p< 0.05).

Conclusion. Results are suggestive of a tissue phenotype modification in cleft affected palate. Observation of distribution and statistical correlation hint towards the involvement of epithelial growth inducer EGFR and inflammatory/ proliferative marker in epithelial changes.
The Influence of Vermiwash Sprayed Mulberry on Some Growth and Silk Parameters of Silkworm Bombyx Mori L.
Authors: Maddi Priyadarshini P. , Rawgol Yatheesh K.
Published: June 2019

The influence of vermiwash on growth in terms of weights and sizes of larvae, feeding response in terms of ingestibility and digestibility, silk parameters including cocoon weights, silk yarn lengths and weights, NBFL and denier of silk yarn of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori L. belonging to two races - hybrid multivoltine KG race, and pure bivoltine CSR-2 have been studied. Though total ingestion and ingestibility percentage of the larvae was found to be the least in the single-feed group of KG race , denier, length and weight of silk yarn, NBFL, of the group showed higher values than the two-feed and control groups. Shortening of the larval period in KG race and influence on the cocoon shapes, sizes and consistency of cocoons of CSR 2 have also been observed.
Chromatic Excellence in Graphs
Authors: Mudartha Kulrekha , Sundareswaran R. , Swaminathan V.
Published: June 2019

Excellence in graphs introduced by G.H. Fricke is extended to partitions of the vertex set with respect to a parameter. A graph G is said to be Chromatic excellent if {v} appears in a chromatic partition of G for every vϵV(G). This paper is devoted to the study of chromatic excellence in graphs.
Application of Ruscheweyh Derivative Operator on Meromorphic Functions in the Unit Disk
Authors: Padmanabhan K. S. , Rajagopal Rajalakshmi
Published: June 2019

In this paper we introduced a certain convolution operator Dα+p-1 on meromorphic functions of the form f (z)=1/zp+Σanzn in 0<|z|<1 and deal with the application of the above operator to certain differential inequalities involving D α+p-1f.
Synthesis, Spectral and Magnetic Properties of Ternary Nickel (II) Complexes with Acid Hydrazones and Heterocyclic Bases
Authors: Sreeja P B , R Sunaja Devi K , Vinayakumar Karthika , Prathapachandrakurup M R
Published: June 2019

A series of nickel(II) complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of nickel(II) acetate with some hydrazones in presences of heterocyclic bases like 2 2’-bipyridine and 1, 10- phenanthroline and characterized by analytical and other spectral techniques, like IR, far IR, and UV-Vis spectral studies and magnetic susceptibility studies.
Enhancement of Biodegradation of Palm Oil Mill Effluents by local Isolated Fungi
Authors: Jabeen F T Z , Shreevathsa J V
Published: June 2019

This study was designed to investigate the fungi associated with palm oil mill effluent (POME) in Gulur village of Tumkur. Biodegradation of palm oil mill effluents was conducted to measure the discarded POME based on physicochemical quality. The fungi that were isolated are Aspergillusniger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. ochraceus, Rhizopussp, Peniciliumsp and Trichodermavirde. The autoclaved and unautoclaved raw POME samples were incubated for 7 days and the activities of the fungi were observed each for 12 hours. The supernatants of the digested POME were investigated for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), color (ADMI), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at the end of each digestion cycle. The results showed that the unautoclaved raw POME sample degraded better than the inoculated POME sample and this suggests that the microorganisms that are indigenous in the POME are more effective than the introduced micro-organisms. This result, however, indicates the prospect of isolating indigenous microorganisms in the POME for effective biodegradation of POME. Moreover, the effective treatment of POME yields useful products such as reduction of BOD, COD, and color.
Biodegradation Studies on Polyethylene Developed through Phase Transfer Catalysed Graft Copolymerisation and Related Polymers
Authors: Kaur Inderjeet , Kaur Simrat , Dogra Ramesh
Published: June 2019

In an attempt to attempt to modify polyethylene(PE) with a view to impart biodegradability, graft copolymerisation of vinyl monomers (AAm & AAc0 onto PE through phase transfer catalysis has been studied. The % of grafting of AAm & AAc onto PE was found to be dependent of BOP cone, monoer cone, time, temperature & concentration of phase transfer caatalyst. Biodegradation of samples of PE-g-poly(AAm) & PE-g-poly (AAc) prepared by different methods of grafting such as chemical, UV, gamma-radiation induced & by PTC methods showed beeter results of biodegradation as compared to other.
In Vitro Cell Culture Drug Resistance Testing
Authors: Mugala Prabhavathy
Published: June 2019

Drug development and screening programme for the identification Of a novel concer chemotherapeutic agent involves extensive preclin iCal evaluation of vast n umber Of chemicals for detection 0' their antineoplastic activity. The safety Of drugs the screening strategies (Freshney, 1992). The development Of drug resistance is a rnaior obstacle to effectiveness Of chemoåterapeutic treatment 0/ human tumors with cytotoxic agents. Drug resistance is described as a multifactor phenomenon, involving the expression Of defense ' factors
From Instruction to Construction: A Pedagogy for Effective Learning of Science
Authors: S. J. Francis Peter
Published: June 2019

Imagine three professionals namely, a computer engineer, c lab technician and a college teacher have been recoded to icin duty 20 years Offer they had quit their jobs. You would agree with me that the first two - the engineer and the technician, would reluctant to accept invitation citing the tremendous changes in their respective fields. Their professions would have progressed significantly, instruments would all be sophisticated and new; and many Of the procedures now in practice would be unfamiliar to the incumbents. I am equally sure that the poor teacher alone would not hesitate to accept the invi*otion. She be almost Sure to find the same classroom, nearly the same curriculum. the' same texts aræ the sa me methodology! Even if there were marginal changes they would offer her little problem
Educational Philosophies of Thomas Aquinas and Alfred North Whitehead: Beacons for the Modern Educator
Authors: Murik Joseph
Published: June 2019

"NO ABSTRACT"
A New Exact Algorithm to Optimize a Linear Function over the Set of Efficient Solutions for Biobjective Mixed Integer Linear Programs
Authors: Sierra Altamiranda Alvaro , Charkhgard Hadi
Published: June 2019

We present the first (criterion space search) algorithm for optimizing a linear function over the set of efficient solutions of biobjective mixed integer linear programs. The proposed algorithm is developed based on the triangle splitting method [Boland N, Charkhgard H, Savelsbergh M (2015) A criterion space search algorithm for biobjective mixed integer programming: The triangle splitting method. INFORMS J. Comput. 27(4):597–618.], which can find a full representation of the nondominated frontier of any biobjective mixed integer linear program. The proposed algorithm is easy to implement and converges quickly to an optimal solution. An extensive computational study shows the efficacy of the algorithm. We numerically show that the proposed algorithm can be used to quickly generate a provably high-quality approximate solution because it maintains a lower and an upper bound on the optimal value of the linear function at any point in time.
EL SENTIDO DE LA VIDA EN CLAVE EDUCATIVA. PROPUESTAS PEDAGÓGICAS
Authors: Bermejo Fernández-Nieto Javier
Published: June 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN. El concepto de sentido de la vida dispone de ciertas connotaciones subjetivas que hacen de él un aspecto complejo. Recientemente han sido varios los autores que se han acercado a las posibilidades que la educación puede ofrecer en su consideración pedagógica. La aportación más significativa del artículo es el análisis pedagógico de la cuestión, tomando como punto de reflexión los conceptos de acontecimiento y sentimiento. MÉTODO Y RESULTADOS. Utilizando la práctica filosófica defendida por autores como Lipman, Bunge o Sharp, se presentan las distintas concepciones que existen en torno al concepto de sentido de la vida, así como las posturas relacionadas con el mismo, detallando diferentes propuestas que reflejan la pertinencia y potencialidad de su abordaje en clave educativa. DISCUSIÓN. Se observa que el concepto de sentido de la vida, abordado a partir de los acontecimientos tanto personales como externos, posibilita un escenario educativo mediante el cual explorar diferentes vías de desarrollo íntimo, así como de construcción de sentido personal, trayendo a la reflexión pedagógica actual la importancia del desarrollo de aspectos relacionados con la interioridad, como son los sentimientos y las emociones.
EFICACIA PERCIBIDA EN EL DESARROLLO DE LAS TUTORÍAS EN EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA
Authors: León Carrascosa Victor , Fernández Díaz María José
Published: June 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN. El desarrollo de las tutorías es importante en el ámbito formativo y académico del alumnado. La tutoría debe atender las características y necesidades individuales de los estudiantes en los aspectos cognitivos, académicos, personales, familiares y profesionales que mejoren los procesos de formación. Para ello, el estudio pretende valorar la eficacia del desarrollo de las tutorías en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Postobligatoria y realizar un estudio diferencial en función de las distintas variables sociodemográficas seleccionadas (sexo, curso y tipo de centro). MÉTODO. Se ha aplicado un cuestionario a 4.254 estudiantes de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid. Dentro de las tutorías se analizan las funciones del tutor con el alumnado, las funciones del tutor con la familia, el desarrollo y la evaluación de las tutorías. RESULTADOS. Se evidencia una valoración de nivel medio sobre la eficacia del desarrollo de las tutorías, siendo los ítems centrados en las funciones del tutor con el alumnado (3,39) mejor valorados y los ítems que hacen referencia al desarrollo de las tutorías (2,92) los que obtienen medias más bajas. Asimismo, los estudiantes de los primeros cursos de la educación secundaria valoran con un nivel más alto la eficacia de las tutorías. DISCUSIÓN. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que los aspectos que mayor grado de atención requieren en el desarrollo de las tutorías en los centros educativos son: la participación de la comunidad educativa (profesorado, alumnado y familias), el desarrollo de actividades académicas y profesionales, así como aquellas centradas en su desarrollo social y personal. Igualmente, la necesidad de plantear procesos de evaluación que mejoren la planificación y desarrollo de las tutorías y las programaciones de aula en los centros educativos.
GIS and touristic itineraries. The case of São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
Authors: Santos Cristiane Alcântara De Jesus , Campos Antonio Carlos , Rodrigues Larissa Prado
Published: June 2019

The Information Systems (IS) and the Internet have transformed the relations between individuals and social groups. They associated new dimensions to the tourist practices. In this study, the possibilities of use of the GIS/WebGIS by planners and managers of tourist activity, and by the end users of tourist products: tourists were highlighted. This study aims to present a methodological proposal for implementation of Geographic Information System (GIS) for the development of tourist itineraries in accordance with the tourist demand. The tourists can obtain and use specific geographic information before and during their stay at the destination. To develop the itineraries, it was drawn up the inventory of local tourist attractions, as well as the goods and services classification in the surroundings of each attraction. Subsequently, photos and textual information were added to define linear circuits used as a reference for visitor’s tours. With the itineraries publication and their use anchored in explorers (Google Maps, Open Street Maps or Waze), one hopes the procedures and techniques of support based on GIS are executed by tourist destinations, in interactive websites format and/or applications format updated by local managers. And GIS can be consolidated as a basic tool for decision-making, providing a better control of spatial concepts, expanding and intensifying the tourist experiences.
A cosmografia geográfica como objeto de estudo para a compreensão das dinâmicas terrestres
Authors: Rodrigues Tuane Telles
Published: June 2019

Este artigo discute o papel da Cosmografia Geográfica na compreensão das dinâmicas físicas da Terra por meio da cosmovisão de alunos do sexto ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola do Rio Grande do Sul, tendo como objetivo evidenciar a relação íntima entre os fenômenos extraterrestres e as dinâmicas físicas do planeta, como o clima, a forma da Terra, entre outras relações expressas por intermédio da Cartografia. A metodologia utilizada envolve a análise de livros didáticos do sexto ano que abordam a Cosmografia Geográfica através de outra ciência, a Astronomia, e também estabelece uma discussão sobre o tema com os alunos do sexto ano do ensino fundamental. Os resultados obtidos tiveram como base a realização de grupos para discussão sobre a relação entre as áreas da Geografia Física e fenômenos de origem cosmográfica, o que implicou uma análise bem relacionada entre algumas áreas da Geografia e a relevância de um conhecimento cosmográfico para a compreensão de um contexto total sobre os agentes que caracterizam as dinâmicas com a natureza vividas pela humanidade.
Geobotanical heritage, environmental education, valorisation and new civic culture of the territory
Authors: Carvalho Paulo , Alves Luiz
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this paper is to present a summary of the state of the art/literature review on the relevance of geobotanical heritage and environmental education in strategies to exploit the territory and promote a new territorial culture. It also explains their practical application through an example (Mata do Sobral) in the Coimbra Region (Central Portugal). In the case of a preliminary approach, this note reflects the authors’ participation in the planning and/or implementation of actions to control and eradicate invasive flora in the area, raising and environmental education, involving the school community and the community in general, with the support of Operational Programme Sustainability and Efficiency in the Use of Resources (POSEUR).
El estigma al servicio del poder dominación y resistencias desde la interseccionalidad
Authors: Del Hoyo Moreno Idoia
Published: June 2019

El objetivo de este artículo es el de contribuir a la comprensión y a la progresiva desactivación de las diversas estructuras de opresión que sujetan, constituyen e influyen en las experiencias vividas de los agentes subalternos. Concretamente, posa la mirada sobre un fenómeno que ha sido, hasta ahora, poco estudiado en Ciencia Política: el estigma. Así, a partir de una breve revisión teórica de la literatura sobre la estigmatización, trata de ofrecer algunas claves que contribuyan a su reconceptualización y posterior análisis, explorando, especialmente, el potencial analítico de los marcos interseccionales propuestos por Patricia Hill Collins. De este modo, el artículo explica de qué forma la matriz de dominación y el marco de los dominios de poder propuestos por la autora nos permiten comprender, por un lado, el papel que juega el estigma en la dinámica interseccional del poder y, por otro, ahondar en las resistencias que movilizan los agentes estigmatizados para enfrentarlo.
Movilidades urbanas y desigualdad espacial: una contribución para su estudio en San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina)
Authors: Medina Víctor Damián
Published: June 2019

Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar una de las manifestaciones de la desigualdad espacial en San Carlos de Bariloche. Partiendo de dos áreas geográficas social y económicamente heterogéneas, una vinculada al centro turístico local y otra a los sectores populares “del alto”, se analizan las movilidades urbanas de los vecinos de dos barrios localizados en ellas: el barrio Belgrano y El Frutillar. Para ello se utiliza el concepto de motilidad a fin de evaluar sus capacidades de movilidad, esto es, sus movilidades potenciales, indagando en sus trayectos cotidianos. El corpus se compone, fundamentalmente, de entrevistas en profundidad realizadas en ocho hogares de estos barrios. Se concluye que la capacidad de moverse es menor entre los habitantes de El Frutillar, lo que en términos concretos reduce sus posibilidades de traslado y de apropiación de los espacios de la ciudad.
Multi-Agent Word Guessing Game
Authors: Luis Gabino , Suárez David , Mateos Alfonso J.
Published: June 2019

The task of creating algorithms to solve a problem is surely a hard thing as it can be the fact of evaluating them. A well designed algorithm can be very powerful but, it may lack of efficiency at some aspects. This paper proposes a multi-agent system based game with three types of agents: CBot, ABot and QBot, which stands for Coordinator, Answer and Question. They will play a game based on questions and answers, where each of the QBots uses a different algorithm to guess a word. The CBot has the responsibility of the efficiency measurements, receiving and manipulating the ABot reports. The game will finish once all QBots give the correct answer and after that, the efficiency of the algorithms thanks to the CBot. Using this method, it is easier to determine which algorithm is the best with a given performance measurement.
Simulating Evacuation Crowd with Emo-tion and Personality
Authors: Juárez Carlos , Maizanche Cristian , Matilla Raul , Mellídez Sergio
Published: June 2019

Crowd evacuation has attracted great attention, the number of emergencies continues to increase. Thanks to the technology, it is possible to deduce the behavior of the crowd in emergencies, improving security. The multitude enters into a state of panic, so it is necessary to have action protocols for these situations. This work tries to establish a multi-agent model of emotional contagion that simulates the behavior of the crowd in an evacuation. The method is proposed for closed areas such as supermarkets, stadiums, soccer, stadiums, etc. The emotional contagion will accelerate the evacuation, but the congestion will occur if the panic emotion is spread too fast.
Alcohol Abstinence Does Not Fully Reverse Abnormalities of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in the Blood of Patients With Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Li Wei , Lin Edward L. , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Lan Jie , Chalasani Sai , Rane Sushmita , Puri Puneet , Kamath Patrick S. , Sanyal Arun J. , Shah Vijay H. , Radaeva Svetlana , Crabb David W. , Chalasani Naga , Yu Qigui
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) develops in approximately 30% of chronic heavy drinkers. The immune system of patients with AH is hyperactivated, yet ineffective against infectious diseases. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that are highly enriched in liver, mucosa, and peripheral blood and contribute to antimicrobial immunity. We aimed to determine whether MAIT cells were dysregulated in heavy drinkers with and without AH and the effects of alcohol abstinence on MAIT cell recovery.

METHODS:

MR1 tetramers loaded with a potent MAIT cell ligand 5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-6-d-ribitylaminouracil were used in multiparameter flow cytometry to analyze peripheral blood MAIT cells in 59 healthy controls (HC), 56 patients with AH, and 45 heavy drinkers without overt liver disease (HDC) at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Multiplex immunoassays were used to quantify plasma levels of cytokines related to MAIT cell activation. Kinetic Turbidimetric Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Assay and ELISA were performed to measure circulating levels of 2 surrogate markers for bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide and CD14), respectively.

RESULTS:

At baseline, patients with AH had a significantly lower frequency of MAIT cells than HDC and HC. HDC also had less MAIT cells than HC (median 0.16% in AH, 0.56% in HDC, and 1.25% in HC). Further, the residual MAIT cells in patients with AH expressed higher levels of activation markers (CD69, CD38, and human leukocyte antigen [HLA]-DR), the effector molecule granzyme B, and the immune exhaustion molecule PD-1. Plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide and CD14 and several cytokines related to MAIT cell activation were elevated in patients with AH (interferon [IFN]-α, interleukin [IL]-7, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-23, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor α). Decreased MAIT cell frequency and upregulated CD38, CD69, and HLA-DR correlated negatively and positively, respectively, with aspartate aminotransferase level. MAIT cell frequency negatively correlated with IL-18. HLA-DR and CD38 levels correlated with several cytokines. At follow-ups, abstinent patients with AH had increased MAIT cell frequency and decreased MAIT cell activation. However, MAIT cell frequency was not fully normalized in patients with AH (median 0.31%).

DISCUSSION:

We showed that HDC had a reduction of blood MAIT cells despite showing little evidence of immune activation, whereas patients with AH had a severe depletion of blood MAIT cells and the residual cells were highly activated. Alcohol abstinence partially reversed those abnormalities.
Kiss and Sell: Is There a Market for Erotica in 18- to 25-year-olds?
Authors: Warren Annie
Published: June 2019

This paper proposes that there is an underserved market for published erotica in 18- to 25-year-olds. The study begins with a discussion of the definition of erotica and traces its history as a genre in conjunction with romance. It also discusses the perceived and real impact of E. L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey on conversations around erotica and the acceptability of women consuming sexually explicit material. The study builds on the findings of recent surveys that indicate that the average age of romance readers is in decline and that younger readers are inclined towards erotica. The research finds that 18- to 25-year-olds generally hold a negative view of erotica, which in turn has a negative effect on active readership. It also finds that while most 18- to 25-year-olds have at least some exposure to erotica, its consumption is more prevalent in women. The study concludes that there is a market for published erotica in 18- to 25-year-olds, though it faces challenges such as overcoming stigma and competing with other sexually explicit media including pornography. To appeal to this age group, erotica must be representative of a diverse range of genders, races, sexualities and sexual practices.
How Are Book Covers and Their Components Represented in the Digital Market?
Authors: Darling Sophie
Published: June 2019

This article discusses the way in which the book cover and its elements are represented in and translated into the digital market. It opens up the space for discussion about which components of the print cover design translate successfully and are most applicable to the digital market. In particular, it considers how metadata is used alongside the cover image within the digital selling space. This is achieved through two in-depth interviews conducted with currently active cover designers who experienced the digitisation of the book industry first-hand. It is also achieved through a detailed case study of the unique company Blind Date with a Book, and their use of metadata clues instead of a book cover. The article concludes that the book “cover” in the digital market is a deconstructed version of its physical counterpart. It is formed of a cover image and various elements of metadata, released from the boundaries and limits of the physical print book. Instead, the digital cover exists in the online selling space – the webpage.
Aguirre, Carlos and Paulo Drinot. The Peculiar Revolution: Rethinking the Peruvian Experiment Under Military Rule. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2017
Authors: Willis Daniel
Published: June 2019

Review of ‘The Peculiar Revolution: Rethinking the Peruvian Experiment under Military Rule’ by Aguirre, Carlos and Paulo Drinot.
EVENTOS PLUVIOMÉTRICOS CONCENTRADOS NO ESPAÇO URBANO
Authors: Queiroz Arlei Teodoro de , Assunção Washington Luiz
Published: June 2019

O intenso processo de urbanização pelo qual passou o Brasil nas últimas décadas, culminou num crescimento desordenado da maioria das cidades brasileiras. Tal processo resultou em vários problemas associados ao planejamento inadequado da ocupação do espaço urbano, intensificando a ocorrência de enchentes provocadas por eventos pluviométricos intensos devido, principalmente, ao alto grau de impermeabilização dos solos no espaço urbano, à drenagem urbana deficitária e à ocupação antrópica de áreas de preservação permanente. Desse modo, este estudo tem o objetivo de analisar a ocorrência de dois eventos pluviométricos concentrados na Bacia do Córrego das Tabocas, em Uberlândia - MG, ocorridos nos dias 12 e 26 de novembro de 2007, relacionando a urbanização com a ocorrência e a gênese de precipitações concentradas e seus impactos na infraestrutura urbana. Os dados obtidos demonstraram que o grau de impermeabilização do solo na área da bacia é alto e a drenagem é ineficiente. Além disso, notou-se nos eventos analisados a atuação de sistemas produtores de instabilidade na ocorrência de eventos pluviométricos concentrados no período.
The development of metacognitive awareness of reading strategies through WebQuest based teaching
Authors: Ulu Hacer , Ulusoy Mustafa
Published: June 2019

This research was conducted to determine the effect of WebQuest-based teaching on reading strategies metacognitive awareness and was planned as an action research. The research’s study group consisted of 24 fourth grade students in a primary school situated in a district of Afyonkarahisar during the second term of 2015-2016 school year. In the research, the students attended three exercises in WebQuest-based teaching as a group, pairs and individually during the 55 course hours period. As data collection tools, reading strategies metacognitive awareness inventory, observation, interview and diary were used. Descriptive statistics and t test were used for the analysis of relevant samples. According to findings acquired from research’s quantitive data, it was confirmed that there was a significant rise in student’s posttest grades in regard to pretest grades of their reading strategies metacognitive awareness problem solving strategy and supporting levels of reading strategies. Besides, it was reached that there was no significant difference but there was a rise between pretest and posttest grades of the level of global reading strategy. It was observed that students using reading comprehension strategies were more successful in practice and use time more efficiently.
Pengaruh waktu pemangkasan pucuk dan sisa buah setelah penjarangan terhadap hasil produksi tanaman semangka (Citrullus vulgaris schard)
Authors: Yuriani Anita Dwi , Fuskhah Eny , Yafizham Yafizham
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT  The objective of this research was to know growth and the production of watermelon plants through the treatment of pruning time on shoots and the amount of residual fruit after thinning. The research was carried out on Klaten Watermelon Clay, located in Genukan Village, Wedi Sub-district, Klaten District, and at the Laboratory Chemistry and Food Nutrition Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University from February to May 2017. The research was arranged using completely randomized factorial design with the first factor being shoot pruning time (P1 = no trimming, P2 = 3rd week, P3 = 6th week, P4 = 3rd and 6th week) and the second factor was the rest of the fruit after thinning (Q1 = without thinning, Q2 = thinning leaves 1 piece, Q3 = thinning leaves 2 pieces). The results showed the treatment of pruning of shoots and the remaining fruit after spacing did not affect the growth plant height and number of leaves watermelon until 8th week. However pruning of shoots 3rd week and 6th week can affect fruit diameter, fresh fruit weight, and fruit sugar levels. Treatment of the remaining fruit after the spacing is pruned 2 pieces affect the diameter of fruit and fresh weight of fruit while the rest of the fruit after spacing is purned 1 pieces fruit affect the fruit sugar levels. Keywords: watermelon, pruning, thinning, production ABSTRAK  Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pertumbuhan dan hasil produksi tanaman buah semangka melalui perlakuan waktupemangkasan pada pucuk dan jumlah sisa buah setelah penjarangan. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada di lahan Sahabat Semangka Klaten, yang terletak di Desa Genukan, Kecamatan Wedi, Kabupaten Klaten, dan di Laboratorium Kimia dan Gizi Pangan Fakultas Peternakan dan Pertanian Universitas Diponegorodari bulan Juli - September2017. Penelitian disusun menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap factorial dengan faktor pertama adalah waktu pemangkasan pucuk (P1 = tanpa pemangkasan, P2 = minggu ke 3, P3 = minggu ke 6, P4 = minggu ke 3 dan 6) danfaktor kedua adalah sisa buah setelah penjarangan (Q1 = tanpa penjarangan, Q2 = penjarangan disisakan 1 buah, Q3 = penjarangan disisakan 2 buah). Hasil penelitian menunjukan perlakuan pemangkasan pucuk dan sisa buah setelah penjarangan tidak mempengaruhi pertumbuhan tinggi tanaman dan jumlah daun semangka sampai minggu ke 8. Namun pemangkasan pemangkasan pucuk minggu ke 3 dan 6 mempengaruhi diameter buah, bobot segar buah, dan kadar gula buah. Perlakuan sisa buah setelah penjarangan yang dijarangkan 2 buah mempengaruhi diameter buah dan bobot segar buah sedangkan sisa buah setelah penjarangan yang dijarangkan 1 buah mempengaruhi kadar gula buah.Kata Kunci: semangka, pemangkasan, penjarangan, produksi
Hereditary hyperferritinaemia-cataract syndrome (HHCS) – an underestimated condition: ferritin light chain variant spectrum in German families
Authors: Volkmann Martin , Richter Rudolf , Herrmann Thomas , Hentze Sabine , Hör Michaela , Hasche Hendrik , Selle Barbara , Stremmel Wolfgang , Gehrke Sven G.
Published: June 2019

Background

In hereditary hyperferritinaemia-cataract syndrome (HHCS), single nucleic acid alterations in the ferritin light chain (L-ferritin) iron response element (IRE) constitutively derepress ferritin synthesis, resulting in hyperferritinaemia, L-ferritin deposits in the lens of the eye and early bilateral cataract onset.

Methods

In this study, six German families with putative HHCS were analysed. Clinical diagnosis of HHCS was based on medical history, evaluation of ferritin serum levels, transferrin saturation and clinical ophthalmological examination. Diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA sequencing of the L-ferritin IRE.

Results

Genetic analysis of the L-ferritin IRE revealed relevant single nucleic acid alterations in each of the affected families. Variants c.-168G > A, c.-168G > U and c.-167C > U were located in the C-bulge region; and variants c.-161C > U and c.-157G > A were located in the hexanucleotide loop of the L-ferritin IRE.

Conclusions

Family history of hyperferritinaemia and juvenile cataracts are strong indicators of HHCS. Genetic analysis of the L-ferritin IRE is a straightforward procedure to confirm the diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis of hyperferritinaemia can avoid unnecessary treatment by venesection, and focus attention on early cataract detection in offspring at risk.