bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring health workforce regulation practices and gaps in Ethiopia: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Dejene Daniel , Yigzaw Tegbar , Mengistu Samuel , Ayalew Firew , Kahsaye Manuel , Woldemariam Damtew
Published: December 2019

Background

Health workforce regulation plays key roles in ensuring the availability of competent health workers and improving performance of the health system. In 2010, Ethiopia established a national authority aiming to ensure competence and ethics of health professionals. Subsequently, subnational regulators were established and regulatory frameworks were developed. Although there were anecdotal reports of implementation gaps, there was lack of empirical evidence to corroborate the reports. We conducted a national study to explore health professional regulation practices and gaps focusing on registration, licensing, ethics, scope of practice, and continuing professional development.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods cross-sectional survey using structured interview with a national representative sample of health professionals and key informant interviews with health regulators and managers. We used two stage stratified cluster sampling to select health professionals. The quantitative data were subjected to descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analysis. We conducted thematic analysis of the qualitative data.

Results

We interviewed 554 health professionals in the quantitative survey. And 31 key informants participated in the qualitative part. Nearly one third of the respondents (32.5%) were not registered. Many of them (72.8%) did not renew their licenses. About one fifth of them (19.7%) did nothing against ethical breaches encountered during their clinical practices. Significant of them ever practiced beyond their scope limits (22.0%); and didn’t engage in CPD in the past 1 year (40.8%). Majority of them (97.8%) never identified their own CPD needs. Health regulators and managers stressed that regulatory bodies had shortage of skilled staff, budget and infrastructure to enforce regulation. Regulatory frameworks were not fully implemented.

Conclusions

Health professionals were not regulated well due to limited capacity of regulators. This might have affected quality of patient care. To ensure effective implementation of health professional regulation, legislations should be translated into actions. Draft guidelines, directives and tools should be finalized and endorsed. Capacity of the regulators and health facilities needs to be built. Reinstituting health professionals’ council and regulation enforcement strategies require attention. Future studies are recommended for assessing effects and costs of weak regulation.
Detection of heroin metabolites at different developmental stages of Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) reared in heroin-treated meat: a preliminary analysis
Authors: Ishak Nooratiny , Ahmad Abu Hassan , Mohamad Noor Siti Azizah , Ahmad Azwandi
Published: December 2019

Background

Blowfly larvae and pupae collected during post-mortem forensic investigation can be analysed to detect drugs or toxins in a dead body. Drug or toxin-contaminated tissues of human remains consumed by blowfly larvae are stored in the crop even after a body has decomposed to the point where no fluid or tissues are retrievable. Therefore, blowfly larva and pupa are favourable specimens under conditions in which host tissues or blood samples are not available.

Methodology

We carried out a study to detect heroin metabolites inLucilia cuprina(Weidemann, 1830) immatures fed on different concentrations of heroin-treated meat: 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, and 10,000 ng/μl. Heroin metabolites detection was performed by a gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GCMS) analysis.

Results

This study indicates thatL. cuprinacan be utilized in a toxicological analysis to detect heroin in a host. However, the expected complete metabolites of heroin were not detected in the first instar larvae and pupa, while the second and third instar larvae contributed to a complete heroin metabolite which was morphine. This was subject to the heroin concentration given. Morphine was detected in the third instar larvae treated with 5000 and 10,000 ng/μl heroin, while in the second instar, it was detected only at 10,000 ng/μl. Heroin metabolites detected in the second and third instar larvae proves that biochemical conversions occur in the fly larvae.

Conclusion

The absence of heroin metabolites in the first instar larvae and pupa does not necessarily mean that the drug was not present in the host. Therefore, the limitations of heroin detection capability during these stages should be always kept in mind, as this could contribute to a false-negative result in a forensic analysis. If all stages are available during sample collection, it is crucial to prioritize the third instar larvae in a toxicological analysis.
A variety of Helicobacter pylori strains colonize the stomach of non-bleeding Egyptian patients with upper gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Tag Eldeen Loaa A. , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Awad Mohamed M. , Sheir Mohamed I. , Shams Tahany M. , Ragheb Mustafa M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori is associated with protean manifestations, which vary from no symptoms to multiple gastric diseases. Other H. pylori infections could provide protection against reflux esophagitis, and lower esophageal cancer. The current study aims to scan H. pylori strains that colonize the stomach of Egyptian patients with upper gastrointestinal disorders and its association with the endoscopic outcomes. Identification of H. pylori strains was done by PCR amplification of the 16s rRNA gene from gastric biopsies, proved to be positive for H. pylori by both Giemsa stain and histopathology. PCR products were purified, sequenced, and aligned to GenBank.

Results

BLAST results of H. pylori 16s rRNA gene sequences showed identity between Egyptian H. pylori isolates and four H. pylori strain subpopulations: hspSAfrica, hspEAsia, hpEurope, hspWAfrica. The frequency of H. pylori isolates that showed identity to hspEAsia subpopulation was significantly higher in Ulcerative lesions. H. pylori isolates from ulcerative and neoplasm specimens illustrate base substitutions in 16s rRNA gene variable 9 region compared to the consensus sequence of H. pylori 43504 16s rRNA.

Conclusion

Different H. pylori strains may be associated with differences in the clinical manifestations and could be used as a prognostic marker to predict the outcome of the H. pylori-associated diseases.
Post-harvest assessment of fruit quality and shelf life of two elite tomato varieties cultivated in Bangladesh
Authors: Sinha Shata Rupa , Singha Ashutus , Faruquee Muhiuddin , Jiku Md. Abu Sayem , Rahaman Md. Arifur , Alam Md. Ashraful , Kader Mohammad Abdul
Published: December 2019

Background

Tomatoes are now one of the most popular nutrient-dense vegetables in terms of acreage, production, yield, commercial use, and consumption that add to the Bangladesh economy and ultimately reduce poverty. With this view, a lab investigation was carried out to analyze the effects of tomato (Sofol and Roma VF) verities on different post-harvest managements to extend shelf life as well as reduce post-harvest losses.

Results

This study confirmed that the fruit quality attributes (color, firmness, weight loss, chilling injury, total soluble solids, pH, disease incidence, disease severity, and dry matter content) were increased whereas moisture content, vitamin C, and titratable acidity decreased with the increases in storage duration. The high quality attributes such as color, firmness, weight loss, chilling injury, total soluble solids, pH, disease incidence, disease severity, and dry matter content increased, whereas moisture content, vitamin C and titratable acidity decrease of tomato were observed in Roma VF while Sofol variety had high weight loss, moisture content, titratable acidity, and vitamin C. Moreover, the highest shelf life (17 days) was recorded in Sofol than Roma VF (15 days). On the 16th day of storage, maximum disease severity (41%) and disease incidence (71%) were observed at an earthen cooling pot, whereas a significant reduction in disease severity (1%) and disease incidence (8%) were recorded in tomatoes stored at 10oC temperature. Weight loss was the lowest (4%) in Sofol when kept at unperforated low-density polyethylene (LDPL) plastic bag as compared to Roma VF treatment (11%). Considering the physiological process, held at the low temperature (10°C and 15°C) and increased shelf life as well as reduced the diseases of tomatoes.

Conclusions

The investigator concluded that the findings of this study will be helpful with specific regard to long and medium-term storage, quality control, transportation, and advertising, and will also be beneficial to tomato growers of Bangladesh.
Relation between magnesium and calcium and parameters of pain, quality of life and depression in women with fibromyalgia
Authors: Andretta Aline , Dias Batista Emmanuelle , Madalozzo Schieferdecker Maria Eliana , Rasmussen Petterle Ricardo , Boguszewski César Luiz , dos Santos Paiva Eduardo
Published: December 2019

Objective

Determine food intake and levels of serum magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) and correlate these minerals with pain, quality of life and depression risk in women with and without fibromyalgia (FM).

Patients and methods

Fifty-three women diagnosed with FM and 50 healthy women participated in the study, where all of them had equivalent age and body mass index (BMI). All women underwent anthropometric assessment, physical exams of pain perception threshold and tender point (TP) count, blood sample collection, and filling out of FM impact questionnaire (FIQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and 3-day dietary record (DR).

Results

Dietary intake of Mg and Ca was substantially lower by women with FM. There were no differences in levels of serum Mg and Ca in the groups under analysis. For the FM group, dietary intake of Mg and Ca had inverse correlation with TP and direct relation with the pain threshold.

Conclusions

Although women with FM had lower dietary intake of Mg and Ca, serum levels for these nutrients were not different between the groups. Low dietary intake of minerals correlated with worsened pain threshold parameters.
Correction to: Osteogenic potential of heterogeneous and CD271-enriched mesenchymal stromal cells cultured on apatite-wollastonite 3D scaffolds
Authors: Müller Sylvia , Nicholson Lyndsey , Al Harbi Naif , Mancuso Elena , Jones Elena , Dickinson Anne , Wang Xiao Nong , Dalgarno Kenneth
Published: December 2019

In the original publication of this article [1] the figures and captions were linked incorrectly. In this correction article the figures & captions are correctly published.
Review of assisted reproduction techniques, laws, and regulations in Muslim countries
Authors: Kooli Chokri
Published: December 2019

Background

Fourteen Muslim countries were explored for available national laws, regulations, and guidelines concerning assisted reproduction techniques (ART). These documents were studied with total consideration of the ethical and religious principles followed by Islamic religion. This study found different types of legal documents issued by legislatives authorities, ethical committees, or professional bodies. Documents reviewed are directly related to assisted reproduction techniques medical use, access, or research in the field of ART.

Main body of the abstract

Most of the studied documents showed various degrees of deficiencies concerning legal or ethical protections and considerations. Certain documents that were examined need to be updated or amended in order to follow the continuous medical progress. The research also showed certain difficulty of legislating in countries characterized by multiculturalism and different ethical and religious traits and beliefs. Recently, Muslim legislators have made many efforts. However, the spread of legal documents among the Muslim countries is partial in volume and nature.

Short conclusion

The comparison of the content with international documents shows us that most of assisted reproductions legal documents in use in the studied countries demonstrate numerous deficiencies in term of structure, nature, and the coverage of controversial subjects.
P450 Oxidoreductase Deficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Genotypes, Phenotypes, and Their Relationships
Authors: Dean Benjamin , Chrisp Georgina L , Quartararo Maria , Maguire Ann M , Hameed Shihab , King Bruce R , Munns Craig F , Torpy David J , Falhammar Henrik , Rushworth R Louise
Published: December 2019

Context

P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) is a rare genetic disorder that is associated with significant morbidity. However there has been limited analysis of reported PORD cases.

Objective

To determine, based on the cohort of reported PORD cases, genotype-phenotype relationships for skeletal malformations, maternal virilisation in pregnancy, adrenal insufficiency, and disorders of sexual development (DSD).

Data Sources

PubMed and Web of Science from January 2004 to February 2018.

Study Selection

Published case reports/series of patients with PORD. Eligible patients were unique, had biallelic mutations, and their clinical features were reported.

Data Extraction

Patient data were manually extracted from the text of case reports/series. A malformation score, representing the severity of skeletal malformations, was calculated for each patient.

Data Synthesis

Of the 211 patients published in the literature, 90 were eligible for inclusion. More than 60 unique mutations were identified in this cohort. Four groups of mutations were identified, through regression modeling, as having significantly different skeletal malformation scores. Maternal virilization in pregnancy, reported for 21% of patients, was most common for R457H mutations. Adrenal insufficiency occurred for the majority of patients (78%) and was typically mild, with homozygous R457H mutations being the least deficient. DSD affected most patients (72%), but were less common for males (46XY) with homozygous R457H mutations.

Conclusions

PORD is a complex disorder with many possible mutations affecting a large number of enzymes. By analyzing the cohort of reported PORD cases, this study identified clear relationships between genotype and several important phenotypic features.
Eccentric versus Concentric — Which Is the Most Stressful Cardiovascularly and Metabolically?
Authors: Paulus Julien , Croisier Jean-Louis , Kaux Jean-François , Bury Thierry
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the fatigability resistance profile and the physiological responses of strenuous concentric (CON) versus eccentric (ECC) isokinetic exercises. At two different sessions, 12 healthy sedentary male subjects (24.3 ± 2.5 years) performed strenuous CON and ECC isokinetic exercises. The protocol consisted of three sets of 12 maximal repetitions, separated by 30-s intervals, at a velocity of 60°·s−1for both flexor and extensor knee muscles of the dominant leg. Metabolic (ventilation, oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration) and cardiovascular (HR, mean arterial blood pressure) parameters were registered before, throughout, and after the isokinetic session. The isokinetic data analysis revealed a more pronounced fatigue in the hamstrings than in the quadriceps in the ECC mode (fatigue index, ratio between the third and the first sets, of 94.8% ± 11.8% vs 86.4% ± 10.8%;P< 0.05). All physiological responses studied increased gradually during the isokinetic evaluation, both in CON and ECC modes. For total work normalized by physiological responses, cardiovascular and metabolic variables were lower in the CON than in the ECC mode, a sign of a weaker efficiency in CON mode (ratio between performance and physiological cost). In conclusion, the study shows a specific fatigability resistance profile consisting of an early decrease of ECC hamstring performance compared with the quadriceps profile. In addition, we confirm that physiological consequences are important during strenuous isokinetic exercises but ECC exercise produces less stress on the cardiovascular and the metabolic systems than does CON exercise.
Determination of optimal virtual monochromatic energy level for target delineation of brain metastases in radiosurgery using dual-energy CT
Authors: Karino Tsukasa , Ohira Shingo , Kanayama Naoyuki , Wada Kentaro , Ikawa Toshiki , Nitta Yuya , Washio Hayate , Miyazaki Masayoshi , Teshima Teruki
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Determination of the optimal energy level of virtual monochromatic image (VMI) for brain metastases in contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT (DECT) for radiosurgery and assessment of the subjective and objective image quality of VMI at the optimal energy level.

Methods:

20 patients (total of 42 metastases) underwent contrast-enhanced DECT. Spectral image analysis of VMIs at energy levels ranging from 40 to 140 keV in 1 keV increments was performed to determine the optimal VMI (VMIopt) as the one corresponding to the highest contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between brain parenchyma and the metastases. The objective and subjective values of VMIopt were compared to those of the VMI with 120 kVp equivalent, defined as reference VMI (VMIref, 77 keV). The objective measurement parameters included mean HU value and SD of tumor and brain parenchyma, absolute lesion contrast (LC), and CNR. The subjective measurements included five-point scale assessment of “overall image quality” and “tumor delineation” by three radiation oncologists.

Results:

The VMI at 63 keV was defined as VMIopt. The LC and CNR of VMIopt were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those of VMIref (LC: 37.4 HU vs 24.7 HU; CNR: 1.1 vs 0.8, respectively). Subjective analysis rated VMIopt significantly (p < 0.01) superior to VMIref with respect to the overall image quality (3.2 vs 2.9, respectively) and tumor delineation (3.5 vs 2.9, respectively).

Conclusion:

The VMI at 63 keV derived from contrast-enhanced DECT yielded the highest CNR and improved the objective and subjective image quality for radiosurgery, compared to VMIref.

Advances in knowledge:

This paper investigated for the first time the optimal energy level of VMI in DECT for brain metastases. The findings will lead to improvement in tumor visibility with optimal VMI and consequently supplement accuracy delineation of brain metastases.
Post-operative radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy for anal squamous cell carcinoma incidentally discovered after local excision: a propensity score matched analysis of retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Kim Kyung Su , Chang Ah Ram , Kim Kyubo , Koh Hyeon Kang , Jang Won Il , Park Hae Jin , Chang Ji Hyun , Kim Mi-Sook
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the results of post-operative radiation therapy (RT) for anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) incidentally detected after excision, and compare these outcomes with those of definitive RT without excision for exploring the possibility of treatment de-intensification

Methods and materials:

A total of 25 patients with T1–2N0-1 ASCC who underwent RT following incidental tumor resection were selected from multicenter retrospective database. And, we selected one-to-one matched 25 patients receiving definitive RT from the same database using propensity score matching method, and the outcomes were compared.

Results:

Median age was 60 years (range, 30–76), and 18 patients (72%) were female. 19 patients (76%) had T0/1 tumors and four patients (16%) had regional lymph node metastases. Hemorrhoidectomy was performed in eight patients (32%) and the others underwent local excision. 12 patients (48%) had microscopic or gross residual diseases. Median RT dose to the primary lesion was 50.4 Gy (range, 40–60). Concurrent chemotherapy was delivered to 23 patients (92%). Median follow-up period was 71 months (range, 4.5–203.1 months). None of the patients showed recurrence during follow-up. However, one patient died after 6 months due to the chemotherapy-related hematologic toxicity. When compared with those patients receiving definitive RT, clinicopathological variables were well-balanced between the two groups. While matched paired patients treated with definitive RT received a higher median RT dose of 54 Gy (range, 45–61.2) and concurrent chemotherapy was given to 22 patients (88%), overall survival was not significantly different (p = 0.262).

Conclusion:

Patients treated with RT for early stage ASCC after local excision showed favorable treatment outcomes. Further study is warranted to justify the de-intensification of the treatment for these patients.

Advances in knowledge:

Post-operative RT can achieve favorable treatment outcomes in incidental ASCC with residual diseases after local excision.
Protective and curative effects of Beta vulgaris on pesticide dimethyl 2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate-exposed albino rats
Authors: Nwaichi Eucharia O. , Essien Eka B. , Ibe Uzoamaka Chinonso
Published: December 2019

Background: This study evaluated the effect of Beta vulgaris (beetroot) smoothie on some biochemical parameters on dimethyl 2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate (DDVP, known as dichlorvos)-exposed albino Wistar rats.

Methods: A total of 30 rats of both sexes were grouped into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as the negative control and were not exposed to dichlorvos. Group II served as the positive control and were exposed to dichlorvos but received no smoothie. Group III received 500 mg/kg body weight beetroot smoothie and was not exposed to dichlorvos. Groups IV and V were exposed to dichlorvos but received beetroot before and after exposure, respectively. At the end of the 6-week experiment, the animals were euthanized, the blood samples collected for some biochemical assays while the organs (kidney and liver) were harvested and subjected to histopathological examination.

Results: From the biochemical assay, it was observed that the beetroot smoothies regulated and significantly reduced the elevated levels of AST, ALT, urea and creatinine observed in the animals that were exposed to dichlorvos. Additionally, the beetroot was able to regenerate the liver and kidney organs that were damaged on exposure to dichlorvos.

Conclusion: This study concluded that beetroot smoothie possesses hepato-protective, hepato-curative as well as nephro-curative properties.
Facebook Powered Measurement and Evaluation for Iron Folic Acid Health Intervention in India
Authors: Bernard Drew , McCullough Chris , Francis Sarah , Holton Avery , Diamond-Smith Nadia
Published: December 2019

As the media landscape changes and billions of people around the world turn to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms for information and social interactions, the need to develop effective methods of leveraging social media for social behavior change communication (SBCC) becomes increasingly important. Yet, in order for the public health sector to embrace social media for SBCC, we must have methods for measuring the impact of social media-based SBCC.

In this letter, we share a new approach for measurement and evaluation of social media-based SBCC campaigns. The approach was developed as part of an iron-folic acid health intervention targeting young women in two states in northern India; Uttar Pradesh and Maydar Pradesh.
Is diabetes associated with malaria and malaria severity? A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M. , Altez-Fernandez Carlos , Ugarte-Gil Cesar
Published: December 2019

Background: We conducted a systematic review to study the association between diabetes and malaria as well as malaria severity.

Methods: The search was conducted in Embase, Global Health, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science. Titles and abstracts were screened, full-text studied and information extracted for qualitative synthesis. Risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-I criteria. The exposure was diabetes and the outcome malaria or malaria severity.

Results: Of 1992 results, three studies were included (n=7,226). Two studies found strong associations: people with diabetes had higher odds of malaria (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.46 (95% CI: 1.06-2.03)) and severe malaria (aOR: 2.98 (95% CI: 1.25-7.09)). One study did not find conclusive evidence: aOR for severe malaria was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.71-1.28). Risk of bias was high in all the studies.

Conclusions: Although the available evidence on the association between diabetes and malaria is limited, the results may suggest there is a non-trivial positive relationship between these conditions.
The Use of Multimedia for the Development of Reading Literacy of Primary Schoolchildren
Authors: Kopoteva G. , Merzlikina I.
Published: December 2019

The article discusses the problem of the need to use the enthusiasm of schoolchildren with gadgets to activate their need for reading, the formation of reading literacy among them. As a means of solving this problem, the integration of interdisciplinary programs for the development of universal educational actions “Reading. Work with text” and “Formation of ICT readiness of schoolchildren” is proposed. The universality of the proposed model and technologies is emphasized, which allows in the process of extracurricular activities to increase the level of universal reading educational actions of schoolchildren at the initial and main stages of general education.
Organization by the Teacher of Educational Cooperation Between Primary Schoolchildren
Authors: Kovaleva Evgeniya
Published: December 2019

The article reveals the peculiarities of the formation among young schoolchildren of the ability to cooperate in the course of educational interaction in order to successfully educate each student and educate a cohesive class team. The relevance and effectiveness of such approach to the educational process, which is considered as the most appropriate to the tasks set for the modern school, is substantiated. Examples of tasks in the Russian language on the topic “Word-formation” are given, which schoolchildren perform in groups or in pairs
Rafael Altamira e Fidelino de Figueiredo: Intelectuais, exílio e reconhecimento no início do século XX
Authors: Barcelos Ana Paula
Published: December 2019

Neste artigo analisamos, a partir dos casos de Fidelino de Figueiredo e Rafael Altamira, a experiência de exílio de intelectuais ibéricos nas Américas no início do século XX. No contexto de guerras e ascensão dos fascismos, estes intelectuais, um português e o outro espanhol, buscaram refúgio no Brasil e no México, construindo redes de sociabilidade, reconhecimento e inserção institucional. Assim, vivenciaram o afastamento e as angústias do exílio, mas, ao mesmo tempo, produziram conhecimento e refletiram sobre suas próprias experiências. Utilizamos como fontes algumas de suas obras ligadas à história e à literatura e correspondências trocadas entre eles e com outros pares intelectuais de sua época.
Pedro Herreros (1890-1937) Un poeta español atrapado por la modernidad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Hernández Alfonso Rubio
Published: December 2019

Las abundantes marcas autobiográficas que recorren la obra poética de Pedro Herreros muestran la mirada de un emigrante desengañado que en difíciles condiciones económicas tuvo que adaptarse a vivir en la modernidad capitalista del Buenos Aires de principios del siglo XX. Para entender sus experiencias vivenciales es necesario ponerlas en relación con el contexto histórico-social de emigración en el que vivió, tanto en el país de donde parte (España) como en el país que lo recibe (Argentina).
El proyecto intelectual de FLACSO-México, 1976-1984
Authors: Galeana Fernando Munguía
Published: December 2019

El presente trabajo reflexiona sobre el proceso sociohistórico en el que se puede inscribir la fundación de la Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO) en México, en 1975, y la configuración del proyecto intelectual que la definirá en el ciclo 1976-1984. Como se discute en este documento, uno y otro, se articulan a partir de la idea del microclima intelectual en la que se conjugan y proyectan las tensiones y combates de una generación que traza un puente entre la impronta cientificista hacia el ejercicio crítico de las ciencias sociales en América Latina.
Apresentação
Authors: Lastra Soledad , Hoyos Puente Jorge De
Published: December 2019

Dossiê: Intelectuais e exílio
La revolución a la distancia: exilios latinoamericanos en Mexico
Authors: Ortega Jaime
Published: December 2019

Resenha do livro "Militantes de la izquierda latinoamericana en México, 1920-1934. Prácticas Políticas, redes y conspiraciones."
A economia-política do racismo
Authors: Piedade Diego Da Conceição
Published: December 2019

Resenha do livro O que é racismo estrutural? (Belo Horizonte: Letramento, 2018, 204 pp), de Silvio Luiz de Almeida.
O racismo no caso brasileiro e as raízes da superexploração do proletariado negro
Authors: Fagundes Gustavo Gonçalves
Published: December 2019

O presente trabalho expõe os acontecimentos do período de transição do trabalho escravo para o trabalho assalariado como fundamentais para a compulsória localização do negro no exército industrial de reserva e consequente inserção subalterna no mercado de trabalho na sociedade capitalista brasileira. Com ênfase em fatores que contribuíram para dinamizar esse processo, no âmbito jurídico-político, econômicos e de natureza ideológica, tem por objetivo propiciar a produção de uma constante alienação do povo negro. Esse conjunto de determinações deu origem ao pressuposto necessário para a existência do regime de superexploração da força de trabalho no Brasil, com enquadramento mais agudo na parcela negra do proletariado brasileiro.  Palavras-Chave: racismo; exército industrial de reserva; superexploração; proletariado negro.
Serviço Social, educação e racismo: uma articulação necessária
Authors: Paula Aline Batista de
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo resulta da primeira etapa de uma pesquisa de doutorado, cujo objetivo geral se constitui em refletir sobre o trabalho dos assistentes sociais nas políticas educacionais, e sua coadunação com as recentes legislações de combate ao racismo na área, que tiveram como lastro a Constituição Federal de 1988 e a Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação - LDB (1996). Essa primeira fase trata-se de um mapeamento das produções dos programas de pós-graduação em serviço social sobre racismo na educação, na base de dados da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES. Considera-se no texto a importância da Educação, e das políticas educacionais, enquanto instrumentos no combate ao racismo e a discriminação racial no Brasil buscando apreciar a relação dialética destas políticas com a sociedade, assim como sua dimensão política no interior dos processos de socialização. Palavras-Chave: Serviço Social; educação; racismo; políticas educacionais.
Política de cotas raciais: instrumento de promoção de equidade e justiça social
Authors: Mendonça Erica Da Silva , Aranha Maria Lúcia Machado
Published: December 2019

Este artigo aborda a política de ações afirmativas, mais especificamente, a relativa à de cotas raciais nas universidades públicas brasileiras. Resulta de uma pesquisa realizada em uma universidade pública da região Nordeste, com o objetivo de analisar a visão de discentes de diferentes cursos e centros da instituição a respeito do assunto. Fundamentada no método materialista histórico-dialético, adotou como procedimentos metodológicos as pesquisas empírica e documental, tendo como instrumentos o formulário semiestruturado para a primeira e ficha resumo, para a segunda. Os principais resultados mostraram que a posição predominante na pesquisa foi a favorável, representando 84% dos alunos pesquisados; e que há uma maior rejeição à política de cotas pelos cursos pertencentes aos centros de Ciências Biológica e da Saúde, e Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia, quando comparados aos cursos dos Centros de Ciências Sociais Aplicadas e Educação e Ciências Humanas, porém, no geral, se mostraram majoritariamente favoráveis à política em exame. Palavras-Chave: cotas raciais; negro; ensino superior; ações afirmativas.
O papel protagonista do Pré-Vestibular para Negros e Carentes (PVNC) nas políticas afirmativas – a experiência da educação superior brasileira
Authors: Salvador Andréia Clapp
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo é resultado de uma pesquisa que tem como objetivo principal analisar o papel e atuação dos movimentos sociais, do movimento negro e, mais especificamente, dos pré-vestibulares para negros e carentes (PVNC) no processo de elaboração, implementação e consolidação das políticas de ação afirmativa na educação superior brasileira. O segundo ponto do presente texto apresenta resultados da pesquisa realizada sobre a gênese do PVNC, o seu papel protagonista no campo afirmativo e a perspectiva política de uma de suas principais lideranças, Frei Davi. Palavras-Chave: política de ação afirmativa; pré-vestibular para negros e carentes; ensino superior.
Formação profissional e debate sobre a questão racial no curso de Serviço Social da UnB: percepção das/os formandas/os e egressas/os do curso
Authors: Souza Dyana Helena de , Pereira Lucélia Luiz
Published: December 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar em que medida a questão racial está presente na formação das/os estudantes no curso de Serviço Social da Universidade de Brasília a partir da percepção de 55 estudantes, analisada por meio de entrevista estruturada com 49 estudantes e de grupo focal realizado com 6 egressas/os do curso. A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa realizada com base na perspectiva do pensamento decolonial e do pensamento negro contemporâneo. As/os participantes da pesquisa consideram que a questão racial ocupa lugar marginal na formação do curso, muitas vezes invisibilizada no currículo. Assim, recomenda-se que o eixo da questão racial seja contemplado na formação de maneira transversal em todas as disciplinas. Palavras-Chave: questão racial; Serviço Social; formação profissional.
Acute angle closure glaucoma
Authors: Flores-Sánchez Blanca C , Tatham Andrew J
Published: December 2019

Acute angle closure is an emergent ophthalmic condition that develops as a result of an obstructed outflow of aqueous humour between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, leading to a sudden rise in intraocular pressure and secondary optic neuropathy if left untreated. The most common primary cause is a pupillary block in patients with pre-existing narrow angles, such as those who are long-sighted. However, awareness should be raised to identify secondary causes of angle closure, including the use of commonly prescribed medications. A detailed interrogation is essential to exclude other possible confounding disorders that present similarly, especially those originating in the CNS. Angle closure should be excluded in all patients presenting with sudden onset of red eye associated with pupillary dilation, dull pain and headache. Basic examination of the eye should include assessment of the anterior segment with a bright light, measurement of intraocular pressure and a full neurological exam. Immediate treatment must be initiated whenever there is high clinical suspicion of acute angle closure, with the administration of systemic ocular hypotensive therapy to prevent damage to the optic nerve and limit visual loss. An urgent referral to the ophthalmologist is mandatory to dictate definitive management.
Implementation Evaluation of an Online Peer-Mentor Training Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lamontagne Marie-Eve , Best Krista L. , Clarke Teren , Dumont Frederic S. , Noreau Luc
Published: December 2019

Background: Community-based spinal cord injury (SCI) associations play a critical role in successful community integration of individuals having experienced an SCI, with knowledge translation being increasingly important for the process. The implementation of a new online peer-mentor training program was perceived as being useful in improving and standardizing training practices for peer mentors across Canada. It was also seen as an opportunity to explore the context, process, and influence of a formal implementation process in SCI community-based associations that are corporate members of SCI Canada with a view to informing future implementation efforts. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (a) explore the context in which the implementation process will be conducted, (b) identify barriers and facilitators that influence the implementation process, and (c) measure the influence of the implementation process on service delivery. Methods: A sequential cross-sectional design was used with SCI Canada provincial member associations. SCI Canada's purpose is to support collaboration among provincial corporate members. SCI Canada enlisted the participation of several employees from the provincial associations to assess the implementation context using the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale and the Organizational Readiness to Change Assessmen t and to identify barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of an evidence-based practice through an open-ended questionnaire based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. A pre-post design was used to evaluate the influence of the implementation process on peer-mentors using the Determinants of Implementation Behavior Questionnaire. Results: Participants reported an overall positive attitude toward evidence-based practice and a positive perception of the organizational readiness to change. The relevance of the practice chosen was a facilitator because peer support is central to the mission of SCI Canada and this type of practice is in line with the organization' culture and values. Equally important, but as an obstacle, is the scarcity of existing resources within the association in general and specifically resources devoted to the implementation of the program. Finally, the implementation process seems to influence half of the implementation determinant types on potential peer mentors. Conclusion: Community-based organizations, such as the provincial association members of SCI Canada, show positive context for the implementation of evidence-based practices. However, successful implementation of online peer-mentor training will require specific consideration of financial and human resources.
Análisis de la cultura periodística Cubana a partir de la
perspectiva decolonial: Aportes a un periodismo-otro desde
y para América Latina
Authors: Alonso Martín Oller , Márquez María Cruz Tornay , Pérez Dasniel Olivera
Published: December 2019

The Eurocentric character of communication and journalism in Latin America is a
palpable phenomenon based on Western thought, academic and scientific models.
Hence, as part of the decolonial criticism, the paradigm
journalism-other is presented as the possibility of
‘decolonising’ the journalistic profession of those exogenous and westernising
paradigms. In this scenario, the study of the journalistic culture of Cuba leads
us to build professional logics that differ from those of the rest of the
continent from the imaginary and common senses installed in the communities of
journalism professionals in the country as opposed to the perspective of the
North/westernised. Even so, the ideological regulation of the media determines
the empowerment of journalists, as functioning agents, and at the same,
mediating agents between PCC-State and citizens.
‘An Unrivalled Paradise’: The Production of Difference in the Cuban Ministry of Tourism's Auténtica Cuba
Authors: Bacsán Gabriela
Published: December 2019

Utilising an interdisciplinary methodology that draws from cultural studies and critical tourism studies, this article examines the production of difference at the intersection of hedonism and revolution in the Cuban Ministry of Tourism's international campaign,Auténtica Cuba.I analyse how the campaign's feature film,Auténtica Cuba, carefully crafts a narrative of authenticity in its construction of the island as ‘an unrivalled paradise’. I pay close attention to how the production, commodification and marketing of Cuban difference for tourist consumption is contested and perpetuated, especially as difference is embodied by Afro-Cubans in the film. I conclude by considering whether the campaign provides what Stuart Hall terms, effective translation, in its aims to challenge the gendered, racialised and sexualised constructions of Cuba and Cubans as objects for tourist consumption. As tourism shapes and is shaped by neocolonial discourses of difference, this work is timely as – in light of the speculation about future transformations on the island – it considers the implications of the state's renewed framing of the expansion of tourism development as central to the work of the revolution.
Exploiting general purpose hardware in optical access systems [Invited]
Authors: Kim Sang-Yuep , Suzuki Takahiro , Kani Jun-Ichi , Terada Jun
Published: December 2019

The amazing diversity of new services and applications has initiated a radical change in the telecom operator’s network. Here, we propose a novel edge-access solution that offers highly dynamic and fine granular utilization of wavelength resources, realized by the disaggregated coherent transceivers in edge-access nodes. Through experiments on four 5-Gbit/s quadrature phase-shift keying wavelength channels, we assess, for the first time to our knowledge, the capability of a dynamic multiwavelength channel system on a softwarized real-time platform. We expect that our proposal will significantly enhance system flexibility and scalability, towards the realization of a single converged network that virtualizes dissimilar mobile and fixed network interfaces for the access segment.
Design and optimization of ellipsoid scatterer-based metasurfaces via the inverse T-matrix method
Authors: Zhelyeznyakov Maksym V. , Zhan Alan , Majumdar Arka
Published: December 2019

Large-area metasurfaces composed of discrete wavelength-scale scatterers present an extremely large number of degrees of freedom to engineer an optical element. While these degrees of freedom provide tremendous design flexibility, they also present a central challenge in metasurface design: how to optimally leverage these degrees of freedom towards a desired optical function. Inverse design is an attractive solution for this challenge. Here, we report an inverse design method exploiting T-matrix scattering of ellipsoidal scatterers. Multi-functional, polarization multiplexed metasurfaces were designed using this approach. We also optimized the efficiency of an existing high numerical aperture (0.83) metalens using the proposed method, and report an increase in efficiency from 26% to 32%.
Guest editors’ introduction
Authors: Nickles Thomas , Sturm Thomas
Published: December 2019

Guest editors' introduction to "Innovation in/through science".
Notas a una oscura inscripción de la Bética (CIL II2/ 5, 510a): una interpretación lingüística y religiosa
Authors: Fontana Elboj Gonzalo
Published: December 2019

El propósito del presente trabajo es el de leer, interpretar y contextualizar una oscura defixio cristiana del siglo IV procedente de Fernán Núñez (prov. de Córdoba) (CIL II2/ 5 510a). Así pues, hemos realizado una lectura que puede abrir vías para interpretar siete de sus doce líneas. Por otra parte, a partir del análisis de las fórmulas invocatorias de sus dos primeras líneas, hemos concluido que sus fuentes remontan a los Hechos de Tomás (20-24) y al relato de Susana (Dan. 13), textos ambos conocidos y empleados por Prisciliano y sus seguidores. De ahí que, según nuestra hipótesis, el origen de este epígrafe podría estar relacionado con la presencia en la Bética de un priscilianismo temprano o al menos asociado al fermento religioso sobre el que se asentó este movimiento.
Columela y el poder fertilizante del altramuz (nueva lectura de RR 3,11,4)
Authors: García Armendáriz José-Ignacio
Published: December 2019

Defendemos la necesidad de enmendar el texto en RR 3,11,4 –sustituyendo sicco fimo por succiso lupino- basándonos en la gran importancia que Columela otorga al altramuz en verde como abono, en particular para el suelo de viñas empobrecidas. Complementariamente, consideramos la conveniencia de completar el texto con propuestas como quam recentissimo  stercorari o, preferiblemente, quam recentissimo stercore .  En nuestra pretensión de dar coherencia y sentido al conjunto del pasaje, valoramos los usos sintácticos y léxicos de Columela, así como los testimonios de autores como Varrón, Plinio o Paladio, entre otros.
Sertorio en la España del siglo XIX
Authors: García-Conde María Silas , Castillo Pascual Pepa
Published: December 2019

En el siglo xix España está consolidando su identidad nacional y para ello se sirve de personalidades que desempeñaron un importante papel en su pasado más remoto. Así ocurre con Quinto Sertorio, un brillante general romano que se opuso a la dictadura de Sila. En este artículo se analiza la figura de Sertorio en el siglo XIX. Comenzamos revisando su imagen en las fuentes clásicas, después en las Historias de España más leídas esta centuria, para terminar con Sertorio como exemplum retórico en la oratoria parlamentaria y como héroe en los libros de escuela.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) bacterial decontamination by sterilization and microwave treatments
Authors: Djordjević Marijana , Sterniša Meta , Smole Možina Sonja , Beszédes Sándor , Šoronja Simović Dragana , Hodúr Cecilia , Jokić Aleksandar , Šereš Zita
Published: December 2019

Microbial number reduction in spices through various treatments represents a necessity considering possible changes which may occur during spices’ storage and application in food resulting in public health risk. The present study was conducted in order to examine the effects of sterilisation and microwave irradiation treatments on total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and bacterial spore content reduction in black pepper. Treatments applied were: sterilisation at 130 °C during 30, 60 and 90 min; and microwave irradiation at a power level of 600 W during 1.5, 3, and 5 min. Prolongation of the sterilisation treatment expressed positive influence on TMAB and bacterial spore reduction in black pepper. Compared to the sterilisation, microwave irradiation treatment exhibited better results in terms of black pepper decontamination. Maximal decontamination regarding TMAB and bacterial spore was achieved in black pepper samples treated with microwave irradiation during 3 min. The present results suggest that microwave irradiation could be applied in black pepper decontamination considering better effectiveness compared to the sterilisation treatment.
Water footprint
Authors: Nagypál Virág , Mikó Edit , Czupy Imre , Hodúr Cecilia
Published: December 2019

Sustainability of water use has got into focus recently, as availability of fresh water resources is under depletion. Population growth, extreme weather conditions (drought), increasing global meat demand all results in higher water consumption of humanity and ecosystem. Water footprint is a promising indicator, which assesses both qualitative and quantitative deterioration of fresh water supplies. By identifying blue, green and grey water components, water use can be assessed in a more comprehensive way. Furthermore impact assessment of different components during production and processing let us identify crucial points of water use, where more efficient solution should be found. As a consequence of a more conscious and sustainable water use assessment considering water footprint, there is a chance, that future generations will inherit fresh water supplies at least in the same condition as we got it from our ancestors.