bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of water demand dynamics in Arror watershed in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya
Authors: Chebet Catherine , Kipkorir Emmanuel C. , Odenyo Victor A. O.
Published: April 2018

Water scarcity is a serious problem worldwide, which heightens the need to understand watershed dynamics and their impact on water quantity. The study examined water demand using the WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning) model in the Arror watershed in Kenya. The primary sources of data included remotely sensed data and socio-economic data. The secondary data included climate, river discharge and soil data. Field surveys and questionnaires were used to collect socio-economic data. From the findings, the total annual water allocated (supply) for agriculture, domestic and livestock in the watershed was 10,333,441 m3, with the highest annual consumer being agriculture in the lower part of the catchment at 7,154,457 m3 for the reference scenario (1986–2012). The total mean annual demand for the same period was 10,461,123 m3 and thus a mean annual unmet demand of 127,682 m3. The highest mean monthly unmet water demand was that of agriculture in the lower part of the catchment in January (90,200 m3). Management practices that would enhance the sustainable management of water resources include construction of a reservoir and enforcement of minimum environmental flows maintenance in the river and these are recommended for the Arror watershed.
Detection of Salmonella in the intestine of Hypostomus plecostomus from the upper San Marcos River, Texas
Authors: Gates Anna Y. , Guerra Trina M. , Morrison Fritzina B. , Forstner Michael R. J. , Hardy Thomas B. , Hahn Dittmar
Published: April 2018

The prevalence of salmonellae in the intestines of the invasive suckermouth catfish Hypostomus plecostomus was assessed in the San Marcos River, just down-stream of its spring-fed headwaters. In 2014, H. plecostomus, sediment, and water samples were collected during 15 sampling events. A combination of semi-selective enrichment and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed the presence of salmonellae in 45% of the fish intestines across the entire year, with a prevalence range of 13–100% per sampling event. Repetitive element sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) revealed a high diversity of salmonellae from fish intestine samples at individual sampling times, single or multiple presence of rep-PCR patterns and serotypes within individual fish, and identical rep-PCR patterns and serotypes for different fish within and across sampling events. Overall, 15 serotypes were identified by MLST, with a diversity range between one and seven serotypes per sampling event. Some serotypes were retrieved only once, while others were detected more frequently. A few serotypes were retrieved at several sampling times, nearly evenly distributed over the entire sampling period. Prevalence and diversity were independent of precipitation events, indicating the potential presence of environmental strains that are capable of long-term persistence in the environment.
How to make a large nutrient removal plant energy self-sufficient. Latest upgrade of the Vienna Main Wastewater Treatment Plant (VMWWTP)
Authors: Kroiss Helmut , Klager Franz
Published: April 2018

The goal of making nutrient removal wastewater treatment energy self-sufficient or even energy producing has become a worldwide accepted goal of technology development. The latest upgrade of the Vienna Main Wastewater Treatment Plant (VMWWTP) with a design capacity of 4 million (M) population equivalent (PE) will produce about 20% more energy on a yearly basis than needed for operation due to a special process scheme. It consists of primary sedimentation, a special 2-stage activated sludge (AS) process configuration where excess sludge is only withdrawn from the first stage AS plant. Raw sludge is subject to mechanical thickening to ∼8% digested sludge (DS) for digestion at high solids concentration. The reject water after nitritation is used for denitritation in the first stage AS plant. This results in markedly reducing the energy requirement for aeration. The design of this last upgrade for energy optimization of sludge treatment is based on the long-term full-scale data from the existing plant, results of mid-term pilot investigations, sound theoretical mass balance calculations and an adapted dynamic model development. All this is presented in this paper. The full-scale upgrade is under construction and will start operating in 2020.
Wastewater management approach in an industrial park
Authors: Liu J. , Tang M.
Published: April 2018

Many industrial parks adopt a two-tier wastewater management framework whereby tenants and the park are required to build satellite and centralized wastewater treatment facilities, respectively. Due to the diversity of industrial wastewaters, the treatment process scheme in the public centralized wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) may not suit the characteristics of all effluents discharged from the tenants. In consideration of varying wastewater biodegradability, the treatment scheme in a centralized WWTP is advised to install two series of treatment processes. In detail, various effluents from the tenants shall be commingled according to their levels of biodegradability. For the non-biodegradable streams, advanced oxidation processes shall be applied in addition to biological treatments. To facilitate the grouping of effluents, each effluent will be evaluated for its biodegradability. An analytical protocol derived from OECD standard (TG302B) was developed and found effective for biodegradability assessment. A case study is described in this paper to showcase the methodology.
The Effect of Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Use Among HIV Positive Children on the Hazard of AIDS Using Calendar Year as an Instrumental Variable
Authors: Anglemyer Andrew , Sturt Amy , Maldonado Yvonne
Published: April 2018

Background:

Instrumental variable (IV) analyses are a common causal inference technique
used in the absence of randomized data. Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) was first
introduced in 1996 and calendar periods have been used as a proxy for cART use. However, cART
use misclassification can bias IV analyses.

Objective:

We aim to highlight the differences in the effects of antiretroviral therapy on clinical outcomes
between the applications of traditional and adapted IV analysis techniques.

Methods:

This study includes children with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection
followed from 1988 to 2009. We describe an application of traditional and adapted IV analysis
techniques. Noncompliance adjustments were applied to correct the misclassification of cART-use.
Weighting the inverse probability of calendar era, the selected covariates were performed to control
for variables that may be related to both the IV and outcome.

Results:

During 48,380 person-days, 78 HIV-positive children progressed to an initial stage-3-
defining diagnosis or death. The Intention to Treat (ITT) rate ratio (RR) of stage-3-defining diagnosis
or death comparing the pre-cART and cART eras was estimated at 2·67 (95% confidence interval
(CI): 1·.47, 4·84). The IV estimator was used to adjust for cART use misclassification, yielding an
IV RR of 5·42 (95% CI: 2·99, 9·83). Weighting analyses did not markedly alter the results.

Conclusion:

cART use decreased progression to stage-3-defining diagnosis or death. The use of
noncompliance adjustments for cART misclassification in IV analyses may provide more robust evidence
of cART's effectiveness than traditional ITT analysis.
Involvement of CD24 in Multiple Cancer Related Pathways Makes It an Interesting New Target for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Eyvazi Shirin , Kazemi Bahram , Dastmalchi Siavoush , Bandehpour Mojgan
Published: April 2018

CD24 (cluster of differentiation 24) is a small heavy glycosylated protein, which is overexpressed
in many cancer and some cancer stem cells and is associated with the development, invasion,
and metastasis of cancer cells. The exact role of CD24 in these processes is not fully understood,
however, in this article, it has been tried to present a collection of cancer-related mechanisms
attributed to CD24. Based on the literature, CD24 dis-regulates different signaling pathways in various
cancer cells, including; Src kinases, STAT3, EGFR, Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK. Src kinases play
an important role in the signaling pathways which activate p38 MAPK and STAT3 pathways. Akt
and ERK are downstream effectors of CD24-activated EGFR, which promote cell proliferation, invasion
and metastasis. CD24 increases the expression of HER2 by the activation of NF-κB transcription
factor. Moreover, CD24 up-regulates the expression of miR-21 oncomir through the activation
of Src kinases. Identification of the details of these pathways and also new pathways will help researchers
to explore new CD24 targeted therapies.
Anatomical Wrist Patterns on Plain Radiographs
Authors: Kramer Aviv , Allon Raviv , Wolf Alon , Kalimian Tal , Lavi Idit , Wollstein Ronit
Published: April 2018

Background:

Interpreting the structure in the wrist is complicated by the existence of
multiple joints as well as variability in bone shapes and anatomical patterns. Previous studies have
evaluated lunate and capitate shape in an attempt to understand functional anatomical patterns.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to describe anatomical shapes and wrist patterns in normal
wrist radiographs. We hypothesized that there is a significant relationship in the midcarpal joint with
at least one consistent pattern of wrist anatomy.

Methods:

Seventy plain posteroanterior (PA) and lateral wrist radiographs were evaluated. These
radiographs were part of a previously established normal database, had all been read by a radiologist
as normal, and had undergone further examination by 2 hand surgeons for quality. Evaluation included:
lunate and capitate shape (type 1 and 2 lunate shape according to the classification system
by Viegas et al.), ulnar variance, radial inclination and height, and volar tilt.

Results:

A significant association was found between lunate and capitate shape using a dichotomal
classification system for both lunate and capitate shapes (p=0.003). Type 1 wrists were defined as
lunate type1and a spherical distal capitate. Type 2 wrists had a lunate type 2 and a flat distal capitate.
No statistically significant associations were detected between these wrist types and measurements
of the radiocarpal joint.

Conclusion:

There was a significant relationship between the bone shapes within the midcarpal
joint. These were not related to radiocarpal anatomical shape. Further study is necessary to better
describe the two types of wrist patterns that were defined and to understand their influence on wrist
biomechanics and pathology.
Degradation Kinetics Study of Anastrozole in Different Conditions by Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Confirmation of its Major Degradation Product by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sun Linjia , Sun Xiaoyang , Chen Yu , Wang Binjie , Chen Xiaohui
Published: April 2018

Background:

Drug stability is essential in the process of drug production, storage, appliance,
and so on. Some drugs’ degradation products may even have a toxic side effect, which can result in
safety risks and economic losses. Therefore, it is very imperative to develop a suitable stability indicating
an analytical method for anastrozole which could be used for stability testing, routine and in-process
quality control analysis or other further studies.

Methods:

A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated
for the degradation kinetics study of anastrozole, a selective non-steroid third-generation aromatase
inhibitor, which would provide a basis for further studies on anastrozole. The degradation product
was confirmed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:

Results showed that the degradation behavior of anastrozole followed first-order kinetics in
different temperatures, pH values and oxidation conditions. It was suggested that the degradation behavior
of anastrozole was pH-dependent and it’s more stable at lower pH values.

Conclusion:

A high performance liquid chromatography method was established and used to determine
the residual concentration of anastrozole in this study. It was found that the degradation behavior of
anastrozole followed first-order kinetics at different temperatures, pH values and oxidation conditions.
According to the results, the degradation of anastrozole was found to be pH-dependent and it is more
unstable in alkaline conditions. The information of degradation kinetics will be useful for understanding
the chemical stability of anastrozole and provide a reference for the further preparation research and
clinical therapy of anastrozole.
Comparative Study on Knowledge About Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Paediatric and Psychiatric Nurses in Public Hospitals in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Sampson Wireko-Gyebi , Sandra Ashiagbor Emelia
Published: April 2018

Background:

Despite the existence of autism spectrum disorder in Ghana, few studies have provided the necessary information on the phenomenon. These studies have mostly focused on speech and language therapy for children and modification of classroom environment for children with autism spectrum disorder. This approach has resulted in a paucity of knowledge on nurse’s knowledge of autism spectrum disorder in Ghana.

Objective:

The study sought to assess the knowledge of paediatric and psychiatric on autism spectrum disorder.

Method:

In this study, 130 paediatric and 93 psychiatric nurses sampled from five public hospitals in the Kumasi Metropolis participated in the survey. The Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers (KCAHW) questionnaire was employed to assess their knowledge of autism spectrum disorder.

Results:

It emerged from the study that psychiatric nurses were more knowledgeable on autism spectrum disorder than paediatric nurses in general and specifically on each of the four domains on the KCAHW questionnaire. However, the level of knowledge on autism spectrum disorder among both groups of nurses remains low. Apart from the previous encounter, there were no significant differences between paediatric and psychiatric nurses’ gender, age, marital status, working experience and their knowledge.

Conclusion:

In view of the findings, it will be appropriate for autism spectrum disorder to be included in the clinical training curriculum as well as the continuous professional education for both paediatric and psychiatric nurses. This will go a long way in helping paediatric and psychiatric nurses to increase their knowledge of autism spectrum disorder.
Structure-Based Design: Synthesis, X-ray Crystallography, and Biological Evaluation of N-Substituted-4-Hydroxy-2-Quinolone-3-Carboxamides as Potential Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Sabbah Dima A. , Hishmah Bayan , Sweidan Kamal , Bardaweel Sanaa , AlDamen Murad , Zhong Haizhen A. , Abu Khalaf Reema , (Hasan Ibrahim) Ameerah , Al-Qirim Tariq , Abu Sheikha Ghassan , Mubarak Mohammad S.
Published: April 2018

Background: Oncogenic potential of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3Kα) has been highlighted as a
therapeutic target for anticancer drug design.

Objective: Target compounds were designed to address the effect of different substitution patterns at the N atom
of the carboxamide moiety on the bioactivity of this series.

Methods: Synthesis of the targeted compounds, crystallography, biological evaluation tests against human colon
carcinoma (HCT-116), and Glide docking studies.

Results: A new series of N-substituted- 4-hydroxy-2-quinolone-3-carboxamides was prepared and characterized
by means of FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. In addition, the identity of the core nucleus 5 was
successfully characterized with the aid of X-ray crystallography. Biological activity of prepared compounds was
investigated in vitro against human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) cell line. Results revealed that these compounds
inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis through an increase in caspase-3 activity and a decrease in DNA
cellular content. Compounds 7, 14, and 17 which have H-bond acceptor moiety on p-position displayed promising
PI3Kα inhibitory activity. On the other hand, derivatives tailored with bulky and hydrophobic motifs (16 and
18) on o- and m-positions exhibited moderate activity. Molecular docking studies against PI3Kα and caspase-3
showed an agreement between the predicted binding affinity (ΔGobsd) and IC50 values of the derivatives for the
caspase-3 model. Furthermore, Glide docking studies against PI3Kα demonstrated that the newly synthesized
compounds accommodate PI3Kα kinase catalytic domain and form H-bonding with key binding residues.

Conclusion: The series exhibited a potential PI3Kα inhibitory activity in HCT-116 cell line.
Management of Cervically Fractured Central Incisors: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Rajan Rakesh. R. , Muddappa Sapna Chandira , Rajendran Priya , Sukumaran Nair Ashok
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

Fracture of tooth structure at or below the gingival margin compromises rehabilitation and hampers esthetics and function.

Management:

Management of such cases by a post-core and crown restoration, or periodontal surgery or orthodontic extrusion alone may not always suffice in attaining a good result.

Case Report:

A multi-disciplinary approach which includes all of the above mentioned procedures helps in long term success.

Conclusion:

Careful case evaluation, treatment planning and meticulous attention to detail are the keys to the best treatment outcome.
A Mini Review of Using the Oralift Appliance and a Pilot Study to See if 3D Imaging Techniques Could Improve Outcomes
Authors: Mohindra N. K.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Occlusal appliances of various designs have been described in the literature. They usually have to be worn for substantial periods including night time to have the desired effect for which they are designed. The Oralift® appliance has been designed to address the signs of facial ageing and to help stop parafunctional habits. The appliance is based on the principles of the pivot appliance and is worn for very short periods, never at night and not even every day. The maximum usage recommended is two hours every third day.

Objective:

This is a review of five patients who have been treated with Oralift® with the aim of assessing whether the visual changes seen by wearing the appliance can be quantified by changes in volume as measured by 3D Imaging, and if this quantification could be useful in improving the outcomes for each patient.

Methods:

The patients were fitted with the appliances in general practice, and 2D images were taken before, during and after treatment. Afterwards, the patient attended King’s College London, to have 3D imaging.

Results:

3D imaging has been proved far superior to standardized 2D photography in assessing the changes taking place on the face, and helped quantify the volume changes.

Conclusion:

To further improve the outcome for each patient, the 3D imaging should be done before the visit to the practitioner or ideally by the practitioner so that the results could be assessed, and the treatment adjusted accordingly. The implication of the volume changes requires a much larger study.
Etiological Trends and Patterns of Antimicrobial Resistance in Respiratory Infections
Authors: Ahmed Salma M. Al-Zain , Abdelrahman Sara S. , Saad Doua M. , Osman Isra S. , Osman Modasir G. , Khalil Eltahir A. G.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Respiratory infections are one of the commonest causes of morbidity and mortality related to infectious diseases worldwide. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a major global health problem which is well established in developing countries. Good clinical suspicion and correct laboratory identification of respiratory infection causing organisms followed by the appropriate management are needed to compact both community-acquired and nosocomial infection respiratory infections.

Objectives:

A retrospective study was carried out to elucidate the etiology of respiratory infections in Sudan, as well as to guide the physician to the best antimicrobial alternatives used in the treatment of respiratory infection.

Method:

Respiratory isolates that have been morphologically identified and biologically characterized were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Results:

A total of 1481 respiratory specimens were examined, recovering 377 organisms from 350 culture positive samples [225(59.7%) sputum, 94(24.9%) broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL), 58(15.4%) Pleural fluid], the commonest organisms wereKlebsiella ssp. (25.20%) andmycobacterium tuberculosis(25.20%), followed byStaphylococcus aureus(19.89%) andPseudomonas aeruginosa(8.49%). High rate of resistance of bacterial isolates was observed to Co-trimoxazole (BA), Ampicillin sulbactam (AS), Cefotaxime (CF) and Tetracycline (TE), being 80%, 72.3%, 68.8% and 66.9% respectively; on the other hand, very low resistance rate was found to Amikacin (AK) and Levofloxacin (LE), being 4.6% and 8.5%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Guided prescription of antimicrobial agents must be implemented and controlled to limit further spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Pseudarthrosis of the Calcaneus: Advantages of Regenerative Medicine in the Management of a Rare Entity, A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Wajdi Bouaziz , Rebai Mohamed Ali , Baya Walid , Krid Nabil , Zribi Wassim , Keskes Hassib
Published: April 2018

Background:

The follow-up of calcaneal fractures has shown that they are difficult to manage and lead to multiple complications such as malunion and subtalar osteoarthritis. Pseudarthrosis of the calcaneus is an extremely rare complication, which was described in the literature through case reports.

In the existing literature, only seven studies, including thirteen patients have reported the nonunion. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study elucidates the role of new techniques of regenerative medicine such as Bone Marrow Concentrates (BMC) or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in the management.

Methods:

We report a case of a patient with a pseudarthrosis after a calcaneal fracture treated with BMC injection in the non-union site, without the need for surgical approach.

Results:

Four months after treatment, the patient was ambulant without support and was completely pain-free. Moreover, after one year the radiological follow up by CT scan showed a satisfactory filling of the non union.

Conclusion:

In one case, we try to highlight the advantage of our therapeutic alternatives, which are having a good union while avoiding the complications of surgical approaches and without sacrificing the subtalar joint when it is possible.
Awareness of Health Care Practitioners About the National Health Insurance in Tshwane District, South Africa
Authors: Mabuza L.H. , Ogunbanjo G.A. , Hlabyago K.E. , Mogotsi M.
Published: April 2018

Background:

In 2012, the National Department of Health of South Africa launched the National Health Insurance (NHI) pilot program in 11 districts, towards universal health coverage for all South Africans. Health Care Practitioners (HCPs) are important role-players in its implementation. We decided to evaluate to what extent the HCPs were aware of the NHI program after three years of the pilot phase.

Objective:

To evaluate the awareness of HCPs about the NHI in the pilot Tshwane district of South Africa.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1753 HCPs in Tshwane district. At 95% confidence level and 5% error margin, the sample size was 315 HCPs, but we over-sampled to 480. The study was conducted in 25 health facilities within the district. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used.

Results:

A high proportion of HCPs were unaware of the objectives of the NHI program (p < 0.001); number of NHI pilot sites [(281; 59.4%) versus (145; 30.7%), p < 0.001]; rationale used to select pilot sites [(223; 46.9%) versus (193; 40.5%), p = 0.047]; role of the Integrated School Health Services (ISHP) [(250; 52.7%) versus (70; 14.8%), p < 0.001]; and specialists constituting the District Clinical Specialist Team (DCST) (p < 0.001). However, awareness regarding the Ward-Based Outreach Team (WBOT) leader was high [(236; 49.9%) versus (135; 28.5%), p < 0.001].

Conclusion:

HCPs in Tshwane district demonstrated poor awareness of the NHI. This reveals that any awareness effort towards the NHI has not taken effect among the HCPs in this district.
Early Childhood Conditions and Old-Age Mortality
Authors: Bremberg Sven G.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Early life conditions might determine adult mortality. The literature, however, both support and contradict this proposition. In most studies, the outcome has been the mortality rates in a given period of time. These rates represent the combined result of both previous and current exposures. Therefore, it is more apt to study the rate of improvement as an outcome, rather than mortality rates in a given period of time.

Objective:

The effects of early-life conditions, assessed as mortality rates at ages 0 and 1-4, and the effects of indicators of available resources in adult life were analysed.

Methods:

The outcomes were the decrease in the national rates of mortality in three age groups, aged 24-34, 35-54 and 55-74, in 18 OECD countries over the years 1990-2010. The effects were analysed in linear multiple regression models using least squares, controlling for country-specific historical constants, which represent the mortality rates in 1990.

Results:

Among the 24-34 and 35-54 year-olds, neither early-life indicators nor resource indicators significantly affected the regression equations. Among the 55-74 year-olds, however, in the model including the mortality rate at age 0 in 1940-49, the explanatory value of the equation in question increased from 65 to 79%, and the effect of mortality rate at age 0 was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Significant effects of early-life conditions on the rate of decrease in mortality were found, but only in the oldest age group. This finding is consistent with Gavrilov’s reliability theory of aging.

Key Points

• Mortality rates have decreased almost linearly in recent decades in OECD countries.

• Most of the variation between countries seemed to be determined by past history and the catch-up of nations that have previously lagged behind.

• A significant effect of early-life conditions on the rate of decrease in mortality was found, but only in the 55-74 year-olds, not in the 24-34 and 35-54 year-olds.
Capturing Expert Knowledge for the Personalization of Cognitive Rehabilitation: Study Combining Computational Modeling and a Participatory Design Strategy (Preprint)
Authors: Faria Ana Lúcia , Pinho Maria Salomé , Bermúdez i Badia Sergi
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairments after stroke are not always given sufficient attention despite the critical limitations they impose on activities of daily living (ADLs). Although there is substantial evidence on cognitive rehabilitation benefits, its implementation is limited because of time and human resource’s demands. Moreover, many cognitive rehabilitation interventions lack a robust theoretical framework in the selection of paper-and-pencil tasks by the clinicians. In this endeavor, it would be useful to have a tool that could generate standardized paper-and-pencil tasks, parameterized according to patients' needs.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to present a framework for the creation of personalized cognitive rehabilitation tasks based on a participatory design strategy.

METHODS

We selected 11 paper-and-pencil tasks from standard clinical practice and parameterized them with multiple configurations. A total of 67 tasks were assessed according to their cognitive demands (attention, memory, language, and executive functions) and overall difficulty by 20 rehabilitation professionals.

RESULTS

After assessing the internal consistency of the data—that is, alpha values from .918 to .997—we identified the parameters that significantly affected cognitive functions and proposed specific models for each task. Through computational modeling, we operationalized the tasks into their intrinsic parameters and developed a Web tool that generates personalized paper-and-pencil tasks—the Task Generator (TG).

CONCLUSIONS

Our framework proposes an objective and quantitative personalization strategy tailored to each patient in multiple cognitive domains (attention, memory, language, and executive functions) derived from expert knowledge and materialized in the TG app, a cognitive rehabilitation Web tool.
Bridging the Gap Between Academic Research and Pragmatic Needs in Usability: A Hybrid Approach to Usability Evaluation of Health Care Information Systems (Preprint)
Authors: Mann Devin M , Chokshi Sara Kuppin , Kushniruk Andre
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Technology is increasingly embedded into the full spectrum of health care. This movement has benefited from the application of software development practices such as usability testing and agile development processes. These practices are frequently applied in both commercial or operational and academic settings. However, the relative importance placed on rapid iteration, validity, reproducibility, generalizability, and efficiency differs between the 2 settings and the needs and objectives of academic versus pragmatic usability evaluations.

OBJECTIVE

This paper explores how usability evaluation typically varies on key dimensions in pragmatic versus academic settings that impact the rapidity, validity, and reproducibility of findings and proposes a hybrid approach aimed at satisfying both pragmatic and academic objectives.

METHODS

We outline the characteristics of pragmatic versus academically oriented usability testing in health care, describe the tensions and gaps resulting from differing contexts and goals, and present a model of this hybrid process along with 2 case studies of digital development projects in which we demonstrate this integrated approach to usability evaluation.

RESULTS

The case studies presented illustrate design choices characteristic of our hybrid approach to usability evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Designed to leverage the strengths of both pragmatically and academically focused usability studies, a hybrid approach allows new development projects to efficiently iterate and optimize from usability data as well as preserves the ability of these projects to produce deeper insights via thorough qualitative analysis to inform further tool development and usability research by way of academically focused dissemination.
Renaturação ou corrupção: a encruzilhada da educação em Rousseau
Authors: Martins Adriano Eurípedes Medeiros
Published: April 2018

RESUMO Para Rousseau os homens tendem à corrupção. A educação torna-se fundamental como contraponto, posto que ela possa propiciar a retirada dos indivíduos dessa situação e ajudá-los a restituir as luzes da época do estado de natureza. Eis a encruzilhada: uma via leva à corrupção; a outra à renaturação. Como escolher? As bases do processo educacional rousseauniano preconizam uma profunda reflexão destes caminhos, aos quais não se chegar pela mera escolha do ‘querer’, mas sim do ‘poder’.   Palavras-chave: Jean-Jacques Rousseau;  Educação; Corrupção;  Renaturação.   ABSTRACT For Rousseau men tend to corruption. Education becomes fundamental as a counterpoint, since it can facilitate the removal of individuals from such situation and help them restore the light of primeval times. This is the crossroads: one way leads to corruption and the other to the human fundamental values. How to choose? The basis of Rousseau's educational process demands a deep reflection of these paths, which is not reached by the mere choice of 'want', but the 'power'.  Keywords: Jean -Jacques Rousseau; Education;  Corruption;  Human fundamental values.   RESUMEN Para Rousseau hombres tienden a la corrupción. La educación se convierte fundamental como contrapunto, ya que puede facilitar la eliminación de las personas en esta situación y ayudarles a restaurar las luces del momento en que el estado de la naturaleza. Este es el cruce de caminos: un camino conduce a la corrupción; el otro para el replegamiento. ¿Cómo elegir? La base de la llamada proceso educativo de Rousseau para una reflexión profunda de estos caminos, que no se llega por la mera elección de 'querer', pero el 'poder'.   Palabras clave:  Jean-Jacques Rousseau;  La educación;  Corrupción DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22169/revint.v11i23.898
As mídias em comunidades indígenas: habitus como uma matriz cultural?
Authors: Porto Helania Thomazine
Published: April 2018

Neste trabalho discorreremos sobre alguns conceitos apresentados por Pierre Bourdieu (1980, 1983, 1972, 1998 e 2009), especificamente sobre o habitus, com vistas as análises de usos e de apropriações de mídias por indígenas, da etnia Pataxós, da Bahia. O projeto problematiza a singularidade do processo de construção da identidade cultural indígena a partir da inserção das mídias na aldeia, a utilização das mídias por essa comunidade, os sistemas midiáticos e o condicionamento de condutas de apropriações midiáticas, buscando, assim, refletir sobre as abordagens metodologias a serem adotadas. Assim, olhar criticamente para as diversas práticas comunicativas estabelecidas pela comunidade indígena vem se configurando como um desafio frente ao potencial que os meios de comunicação oferecem como recursos para a investigação comunicacional, especificamente na padronização ou não de comportamento nos processos midiáticos. Portanto, faz-se necessário entender os processos comunicacionais sob o ponto de vista da cultura. Pensando o conceito de cultura (no sentido antropológico e não estruturalista) sem se opor ao de habitus, mas sem ser reduzir a este como o único princípio para explicação das práticas sociais, conforme vimos em Bourdieu.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22169/revint.v11i23.966
Influencia de la metodología flipped en las emociones sentidas por estudiantes del Grado de Educación Primaria en clases de ciencias dependiendo del bachillerato cursado
Authors: Cañada Florentina , Gallego Picó Alejandrina , Su Jeong Jin , González-Gómez David
Published: April 2018

Este trabajo evalúa como influye la metodología de enseñanza seguida sobre las emociones que experimentan un grupo de 126 estudiantes del Grado de Educación Primaria en el aprendizaje de contenidos científicos. El estudio se ha llevado a cabo durante el curso 2015/16 en la asignatura Didáctica de la Materia y la Energía impartida en el segundo curso del Grado de Educación Primaria de la Universidad de Extremadura. Se evalúa la influencia de la metodología seguida, en las emociones que tienen los estudiantes sobre el aprendizaje de contenidos de física y química, dependiendo de la modalidad de bachillerato cursada. Para este estudio se han comparado los resultados de una metodología de enseñanza tradicional, basada en la clase presencial, y los obtenidos al aplicar una metodología de enseñanza invertida o flipped-classroom. Esta última constituye un modo de aprendizaje en el cual se invierte el formato tradicional de una clase. Los resultados preliminares del estudio indican que el empleo de una metodología flipped genera más emociones positivas y reduce las negativas, siendo este efecto más acentuado en los estudiantes que no habían cursado un bachillerato de ciencias en su etapa pre-universitaria.
Una respuesta a Labarca y Zambon sobre su pretendida reconceptualización del concepto de elemento y su base como una nueva representación del sistema periódico.
Authors: Scerri Eric
Published: April 2018

In 2013 Labarca and Zambon published an article in which they reviewed the philosophical research on the dual concept of a chemical element.  They also claimed that the notion of an element as a basic substance could be characterized by focusing upon the lightest and heaviest isotopes of each element.  By further focusing on just the lightest isotopes they presented a new version of the periodic system which they proceeded to compare with the conventional format as well as a form that I have revived.  On making these comparisons they claimed that of the 22 triads that they examined, 15 triads involving the lightest isotopes were more accurate than the equivalent triads using the average atomic weights of the elements in question.  The present article consists of an examination of these various claims.
Sustitución de una práctica de Laboratorio con enfoque a Química Verde como herramienta para la reducción de residuos peligrosos
Authors: Solis Torres Ligia Dina , Vega Botto Adriana
Published: April 2018

Los laboratorios de química permiten una educación técnica en una gran cantidad de carreras. Sin embargo, en el área ambiental, deberían tener un enfoque menos contaminante, donde el estudiantado pueda manejar los conceptos, pero de una forma inocua. El cambio de prácticas de laboratorio a prácticas con enfoque a química verde permite esta adquisición de conocimientos, pero con la mejora de ser ambientalmente responsable.
Se realizó una evaluación básica de una serie de prácticas del laboratorio de Medición de Agentes Contaminantes con respecto al uso de energía y la generación de residuos. A partir de esta valoración se sustituyó una práctica pasando de una valoración verde de 3 a una con una valoración verde de 8, logrando incorporar en ambos casos los mismos conceptos.
Con la sustitución de la práctica de retrovaloración no se aprecia una diferencia significativa en la adquisición de conocimientos, pero sí en la generación de residuos la cual pasó de 3.3 mol de residuos de peligrosidad alta a 0.2 mol de residuos de peligrosidad incipiente. Se concluye que la química verde permite trabajar una educación con una generación de residuos mínima.
PERBEDAAN POLA ASUH ANAK ANTARA IBU YANG MENIKAH USIA DINI DENGAN IBU YANG MENIKAH USIA DEWASA DI WILAYAH KERJAPUSKESMAS TAPUNG HILIR 2 KABUPATEN KAMPAR
Authors: Novera Riski , Rahmi Rifa
Published: April 2018

pola asuh merupakan  pola interaksi orang tua dengan anak dalam pendidikan karakter anak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan pola asuh anak yang menikah usia dini dengan ibu yang menikah usia dewasa diwilayah kerja puskesmas tapung hilir 2 kabupaten Kampar. Metode penelitian jenis penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain analitik komparatif. Pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel penelitian adalah ibu yang menikah usia dini 73 renponden dan ibu yang menikah usia dewasa 73 responden. Teknik pengambilan sampel proportional stratifit random sampling. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan keusioner. Analisa data yang digunakan dengan menggunakan Paired Sampel T Test. Hasil penelitian 73 responden ibu menikah usia dini 72,60 % menerapkan pola asuh anak permisif. 73 responden ibu menikah usia dewasa 54,8 % menerapkan pola asuh anak demokrasi. Uji statistik  Paired Sampel T Test  didapatkan p value 0,001< 0,05, maka ada perbedaan pola asuh anak antara ibu yang menikah usia dini dengan ibu yang menikah usia dewasa diwilayah kerja puskesmas tapung hilir 2 kabupaten Kampar. Diharapkan penelitian ini dapat memberi informasi kepada ibu dalam memberikan pola asuh anak  sehingga kepribadian anak terbentuk.

 
Daño renal asociado a metales pesados: trabajo de revisión
Authors: Díaz García Juan Daniel , Arceo Emmanuel
Published: April 2018

La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) representa un importante problema de salud en todo el globo. Actualmente, es esencial para su prevención el conocimiento de los factores ambientales asociados con la enfermedad. Se reconocen diversos metales pesados, entre los que destacan el cadmio (Cd), plomo (Pb), arsénico (As) y mercurio (Hg), que están claramente asociados con la lesión renal y la progresión de la ERC. Estudios en animales y humanos demuestran, principalmente, una clara asociación entre la exposición a estos metales y la presencia de daño renal crónico, donde la fisiopatología de cada uno de ellos es importante para entender el mecanismo de daño renal. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo analizar, tanto la fisiopatología y manifestaciones clínicas de la nefrotoxicidad asociada a dichos metales, como los diferentes estudios que se han realizado en humanos y animales.
Assessment of the relationship between dependency scores and carbon monoxide levels in expiratory air of smokers
Authors: SÖNMEZ Cemil İşık , AKTAŞ Tuğba , VELİOĞLU Usame , BAŞER Duygu Ayhan
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Measurement
of carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the expiratory air is frequently used in the
diagnosis, treatment and follow-up stages of smoking dependence. Since the CO
is excreted from the body within 24 hours after quitting cigarettes, the
immediate positive effect of quitting is motivating for patients. This study
aimed to evaluate the relationship between the CO levels in the expiratory air
of smokers and their Fagerström nicotine addiction scores. Methods:
The
study included a total of 1942 people who applied to the Family Physician
Smoking Cessation Clinic at the Düzce University Medical Faculty between June
2015 and February 2016. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was
applied and CO measurement of expiratory air was performed using the piCO
Smokerlyzer® device. The relationship between the nicotine dependence of the
patients and the results of the CO measurements in their expiratory air was
investigated. The SPSS 20.0 program was used in the analysis of the data.Results:
Of
the total, 1339 (%68,9) of the patients were male and 603 (%31,1)’i were
female. The ages of the sampling group ranged from 15 to 87 and the average age
was 37,3±11,9. The FTND levels of the participants were very low in 198
(%10,2), low in 430 (%22,2), moderate in 326 (%16,8), high in 621 (%31,9) and
very high in 367 (%18,9). There was a positive correlation between the CO
results and FTND scores (r = 0.293; p
≤ 0.001).

Conclusion: Carbon
monoxide is a toxic gas that causes cell death by reducing oxygen to the
tissues. The negative effects are clearly seen in smokers. A meaningful
positive relationship was found between the respiratory CO levels and the
Fagerström scores in our study. Despite rapid CO release, the expiratory air CO
measurement is a quick and easy procedure in standing patient conditions. The
rapid excretion of the body allows the expiratory air CO levels to rapidly
return to normal after smoking cessation in patients. This affects the
motivation of patients positively.
Evaluation of the relationship between caregiver burden, coping styles and levels of anxiety and depression in caregivers of old age patients
Authors: AY Serdar , ÜNÜBOL Hüseyin , EZER Sevtap , OMAY Oguz , SAYAR Gökben Hızlı
Published: April 2018

Introduction: 
At present, caregiver's health is a public health challenge in itself, as
important as the health of the elderly. This study aims to investigate the
relationship between caregiver burden and levels of anxiety and depression, the
factors influencing them, and also to evaluate the coping strategies of the
caregivers.Methods: 
This study is a survey-based cross-sectional study, including a total of
70 caregivers. Sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers and care
receivers were collected by a survey. The functional status of the elderly was evaluated
by Katz’ Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Burden
Interview Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and The COPE Inventory
were used to examine the caregiver burden, anxiety and depression levels and
coping strategies of the caregivers.Results: 
Anxiety and depression levels of the caregivers included in our study
were higher when compared with the other studies. The anxiety levels were
correlated with the non-functional coping strategies. The use of effective
social support decreased the anxiety levels.

Conclusion: 
Country specific guidelines should be prepared for the primary
healthcare centers in order to evaluate and protect caregiver health. Long-term
multicenter clinical studies are needed to develop culture-specific programs
for the intervention of functional coping strategies and to help caregivers
cope more effectively with their daily life stressors.
Hernioplastias inguinales transabdominal Preperitoneal: análisis de una serie de casos
Authors: Biurrun Chamale J , Bruno MA , Olmedo I , Picón Molina H , Palencia R , Doniquian AM
Published: April 2018

La hernia inguinal tiene una incidencia entre 6,3 y 23,5 hernias por 10.000 habitantes, siendo uno de los procedimientos más comunes en cirugía, con más de 20 millones de reparaciones globales por año. Una de las técnicas de abordaje por videolaparoscopía es la vía transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP)
Percepción materna y estado de peso del hijo escolar en una comunidad rural / Maternal perception of the state of weight of the schoolchildren in a rural community
Authors: Jiménez Carbajal Teodora , Álvarez Aguirre Alicia , Bañuelos Barrera Yolanda , Hernández Rodríguez Verónica Margarita , Sánchez Perales Mercedes , Muñoz Alonso Luz del Rosario
Published: April 2018

La percepción materna es el reconocimiento y la discriminación de la madre respecto al peso del hijo, considerándolo como un niño con sobrepeso, con desnutrición o sano; las madres con una percepción inadecuada refieren que el peso del hijo no es un problema de salud y, en consecuencia, evitan la identificación oportuna de alteraciones nutricionales que afectan su crecimiento y desarrollo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la relación entre la percepción materna y el estado de peso del hijo escolar (6 a 10 años de edad) en una comunidad rural. Participaron 92 diadas (madre-hijo escolar) por muestreo tipo censo. Se aplicó la escala de figuras de niños donde las madres seleccionaron la imagen que representaba el peso del hijo y se obtuvieron datos del estado de peso y sociodemográficos de los participantes, con su autorización y la de las autoridades escolares. A partir de ello se realizó un análisis descriptivo e inferencial, el cual arrojó que 65 % de las progenitoras se encontraron en sobrepeso y 32.5 % de los escolares en desnutrición leve. Además, la percepción de las madres respecto al estado de peso de su hijo fue inadecuada en tres momentos: el actual 58.3 %, el ideal 60.8 % y el futuro 51.7 %. Respecto a la relación entre la percepción materna y el estado de peso del escolar no fue estadísticamente significativa; sin embargo, se apreció que las madres con sobrepeso u obesidad tienen una percepción inadecuada del estado de peso de su hijo contrario a la madre con peso normal. Los resultados permiten diseñar e implementar estrategias para este grupo que favorezca la salud de los escolares.