bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rates of Cannabis Use in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Martell Kevin , Fairchild A. , LeGerrier B. , Sinha R. , Baker S. , Liu H. , Ghose A. , Olivotto I.A. , Kerba M.
Published: July 2018

Background: A comprehensive assessment of cannabis use by patients with cancer has not previously been reported. In this study, we aimed to characterize patient perspectives about cannabis and its use. Methods: An anonymous survey about cannabis use was offered to patients 18 years of age and older attending 2 comprehensive and 2 community cancer centres, comprising an entire provincial health care jurisdiction in Canada (ethics ID: HREBA-17011). Results: Of 3138 surveys distributed, 2040 surveys were returned (65%), with 1987 being sufficiently complete for analysis (response rate: 63%). Of the respondents, 812 (41%) were less than 60 years of age; 45% identified as male, and 55% as female; and 44% had completed college or higher education. Of respondents overall, 43% reported any lifetime cannabis use. That finding was independent of age, sex, education level, and cancer histology. Cannabis was acquired through friends (80%), regulated medical dispensaries (10%), and other means (6%). Of patients with any use, 81% had used dried leaves. Of the 356 patients who reported cannabis use within the 6 months preceding the survey (18% of respondents with sufficiently complete surveys), 36% were new users. Their reasons for use included cancer-related pain (46%), nausea (34%), other cancer symptoms (31%), and non-cancer-related reasons (56%). Conclusions:The survey demonstrated that prior cannabis use was widespread among patients with cancer (43%). One in eight respondents identified at least 1 cancer-related symptom for which they were using cannabis.
Oncology Education for Internal Medicine Residents: A Call for Action!
Authors: Younis T. , Colwell B.
Published: July 2018

Cancer is a prevalent health condition that all physicians will frequently encounter during their clinical practice. [...]
The North–South and East–West Gradient in Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Look at the Distribution of Modifiable Risk Factors and Incidence across Canada
Authors: Tung J. , Politis C. E. , Chadder J. , Han J. , Niu J. , Fung S. , Rahal R. , Earle C. C.
Published: July 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 2nd most common cancer in Canada and the 2nd leading cause of cancer death. That heavy burden can be mitigated given the preventability of crc through lifestyle changes and screening. Here, we describe the extent of the variation in CRC incidence rates across Canada and the disparities, by jurisdiction, in the prevalence of modifiable risk factors known to contribute to the CRC burden. Findings suggest that there is a north–south and east–west gradient in CRC modifiable risk factors, including excess weight, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and low fruit and vegetable consumption, with the highest prevalence of risk factors typically found in the territories and Atlantic provinces. In general, that pattern reflects the CRC incidence rates seen across Canada. Given the substantial interjurisdictional variation, more work is needed to increase prevention efforts, including promoting a healthier diet and lifestyle, especially in jurisdictions facing disproportionately higher burdens of CRC. Based on current knowledge, the most effective approaches to reduce the burden of CRC include adopting public policies that create healthier environments in which people live, work, learn, and play; making healthy choices easier; and continuing to emphasize screening and early detection. Strategic approaches to modifiable risk factors and mechanisms for early cancer detection have the potential to translate into positive effects for population health and fewer Canadians developing and dying from cancer.
Canadian Lung Cancer Conference 2018
Authors: Lau S. , Wang Y. , Ho C. , Melosky B.
Published: July 2018

The 2018 Canadian Lung Cancer Conference (CLCCO) took place 8–9 February in Vancouver, British Columbia. A highly anticipated event, the CLCCO attracts lung cancer professionals from across Canada to review the latest advances in lung cancer research in a multidisciplinary setting. It also brings world-renowned experts to share their knowledge. Some of the highlights this year included an overview of the remarkable advances in immuno-oncology, stereotactic radiotherapy, and navigational tools in bronchoscopy.
Synthesis of new tricyclic 5,6-dihydro-4H-benzo[b][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-d][1,4]diazepine derivatives by [3+ + 2]-cycloaddition/rearrangement reactions
Authors: Luan Lin-bo , Song Zi-jie , Li Zhi-ming , Wang Quan-rui
Published: July 2018

Two new series of tricyclic heterocycles, namely 5,6-dihydro-4H-benzo[b][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-d][1,4]diazepinium salts 10 and the related neutral, free bases 13 were synthesized from 4-acetoxy-1-acetyl-4-phenylazo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines 8 and nitriles 9 in the presence of aluminium chloride by the [3+ + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of the in situ generated azocarbenium intermediates 14 followed by a ring-expansion rearrangement. In the rearrangement reaction, the phenyl substituent in the initially formed spiro-triazolium adducts 16 underwent a [1,2]-migration from C(3) to the electron-deficient N(2). This led to the ring expansion from 6-membered piperidine to 7-membered diazepine furnishing the tricyclic 1,2,4-triazole-fused 1,4-benzodiazepines.
DIGITIZING METHODS IN REGENERATION OF MASONRY CASTLES / SKAITMENINIMO METODAI MŪRINIŲ PILIŲ REGENERACIJOJE
Authors: Genytė Inga
Published: July 2018

In monitoring, preservation and regeneration of masonry architectural heritage modern digital technologies increase performance speed and quality. In rehabilitation of masonry castles an important role is played by the digital technologies, such as laser scanning, photogrammetry, photography, two-dimensional design (2D) and three-dimensional design (3D). Fairly accurate view of the future and perceived space, restored interior and exterior details is created with the help of some or all of these technologies. Formation of the restored castle’s vision is also influenced by its urban environment, preserved authentic material and even modern heritage conservation theory. This article provides an overview of digitization techniques and their variations based on approved foreign materials and practices used in the process of masonry castles regeneration.

Santrauka

Siekiant išsaugoti, stebint ir regeneruojant mūrinės architektūros paveldą šiuolaikinių skaitmeninių technologijų naudojimas padidina veiklos spartą ir kokybę. Atgaivinant mūrines pilis svarbų vaidmenį atlieka skaitmeninės technologijos: lazerinis skenavimas, fotogrametrija, fotografija, dvimatis projektavimas (2D), trimatis projektavimas (3D). Pasitelkus keletą ar visas šias technologijas gana tiksliai sukuriamas būsimas vaizdas ir suvokiama erdvė, atkuriamos interjerų bei eksterjerų detalės. Atkuriamai pilies vizijai suformuoti turi įtakos urbanistinė aplinka, išlikusi autentiška medžiaga, šiuolaikinė paveldosaugos teorija. Šiame straipsnyje apžvelgiami mūro pilių regeneracijos procese naudotini skaitmeninimo metodai bei jų variacijos remiantis užsienyje aprobuota medžiaga ir praktika.
Evidence for a Systematic Offset of −80 μas in the Gaia DR2 Parallaxes
Authors: Stassun Keivan G. , Torres Guillermo
Published: July 2018

We reprise the analysis of Stassun & Torres, comparing the parallaxes of the eclipsing binaries reported in that paper to the parallaxes newly reported in the Gaia second data release (DR2). We find evidence for a systematic offset of −82 ± 33 μas, in the sense of the Gaia parallaxes being too small, for brightnesses (G ≲ 12) and for distances (0.03–3 kpc) in the ranges spanned by the eclipsing binary sample. The offset does not appear to depend strongly on distance within this range, though there is marginal evidence that the offset increases (becomes slightly more negative) for distances ≳1 kpc, up to the 3 kpc distances probed by the test sample. The offset reported here is consistent with the expectation that global systematics in the Gaia DR2 parallaxes are below 100 μas.
Production of Cool Gas in Thermally Driven Outflows
Authors: Schneider Evan E. , Robertson Brant E. , Thompson Todd A.
Published: July 2018

Galactic outflows commonly contain multiphase gas, and its physical origin requires explanation. Using the Cholla Galactic OutfLow Simulations suite of high-resolution isolated galaxy models, we demonstrate the viability of rapid radiative cooling as a source of fast-moving (v ∼ 1000 km s−1), cool (104 K) gas observed in absorption-line studies of outflows around some star-forming galaxies. By varying the mass loading and geometry of the simulated winds, we identify a region of parameter space that leads to cool gas in outflows. In particular, when using an analytically motivated central feedback model, we find that cooling flows can be produced with reasonable mass-loading rates (

), provided that the star formation rate surface density is high. When a more realistic clustered feedback model is applied, destruction of high-density clouds near the disk and interactions between different outflow regions indicate that lower mass-loading rates of the hot gas within the feedback region may still produce multiphase outflows. These results suggest an origin for fast-moving cool gas in outflows that does not rely on directly accelerating cool gas from the interstellar medium. These cooling flows may additionally provide an explanation for the multiphase gas ubiquitously observed in the halos of star-forming galaxies at low redshift.
Absolute Hubble Space Telescope Proper Motion (HSTPROMO) of Distant Milky Way Globular Clusters: Galactocentric Space Velocities and the Milky Way Mass
Authors: Sohn Sangmo Tony , Watkins Laura L. , Fardal Mark A. , van der Marel Roeland P. , Deason Alis J. , Besla Gurtina , Bellini Andrea
Published: July 2018

We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) absolute proper motion (PM) measurements for 20 globular clusters (GCs) in the Milky Way (MW) halo at Galactocentric distances

R

GC

≈
10
–
100

kpc, with a median per-coordinate PM uncertainty of 0.06

mas

yr

−
1

. Young and old halo GCs do not show systematic differences in their 3D Galactocentric velocities, derived from combining existing line-of-sight velocities. We confirm the association of Arp 2, Pal 12, Terzan 7, and Terzan 8 with Sgr. These clusters and NGC 6101 have tangential velocity

v

tan

>
290

km s−1, whereas all other clusters have

v

tan

 < 200 km s−1. NGC 2419, the most distant GC in our sample, is also likely associated with the Sgr stream, whereas NGC 4147, NGC 5024, and NGC 5053 definitely are not. We use the distribution of orbital parameters derived using the 3D velocities to separate halo GCs that either formed within the MW or were accreted. We also assess the specific formation history of, e.g., Pyxis and Terzan 8. We constrain the MW mass via an estimator that considers the full 6D phase-space information for 16 of the GCs from

R

GC

=
10

to 40 kpc. The velocity dispersion anisotropy parameter

β
=

0.609

−
0.229

+
0.130

. The enclosed mass

M
(
<
39.5

kpc
)
=

0.61

−
0.12

+
0.18

×

10

12

M

⊙

, and the virial mass

M

vir

=

2.05

−
0.79

+
0.97

×

10

12

M

⊙

. These are consistent with, but on the high side among, recent mass estimates in the literature.
Méthodologie de l’État
Authors: Sueur Jean-Jacques
Published: July 2018

La technique est un accélérateur du changement économique et social, elle en est rarement la cause. D’un autre côté, il est assez difficile, apparemment, de trouver dans le monde une « structure » assimilable à ce que la théorie générale du droit appelle traditionnellement un Etat (L. Stewart). Depuis la « grande transformation » (Polanyi) et la globalisation, les États occidentaux ont subi un grand nombre de bouleversements induits par l’économie numérique et la diffusion des théories et des pratiques managériales. D’autres se déroulent parallèlement qui sont encore plus profondes parce qu’elles affectent la structure de l’échange et par conséquent la nature de la société (financiarisation). Devant de telles transformations, la question se pose de savoir si nous sommes toujours dans le même monde. Répondre à une telle question nécessite la mise au point de méthodes qu’on peut appeler réalistes, applicables aux acteurs du jeu politique dont l’Etat vu comme concept et cadre de référence (et pas seulement comme puissance) fait partie, si l’on adopte un point de vue pragmatique. La question de l’Etat a longtemps été un terrain de jeu pour le « Droit des Professeurs » (J. Vanderlinden). Nous proposons ici une analyse critique, faisant de l’Etat et du politique, à la fois une grille de lecture de la société et un facteur de recomposition du rapport public/privé.
European civic citizenship and EU integration policies
Authors: Moccia Luigi
Published: July 2018

En commençant par un aperçu général à propos des politiques d’intégration basées respectivement sur le modèle assimilationniste, multiculturel et interculturel (I.), la contribution se concentre sur la notion de citoyenneté (de l’Union) européenne, du point de vue de sa pertinence normative dans les traités de l’Union, et de sa signification en rapport avec les questions fondamentales des critères de qualification et des portées subjective ou personnelle de cette notion, en ce qui concerne le problème de son autonomie conceptuelle (II., III.). Dans ce contexte, où il peut être observé une fondation autonome avec un caractère potentiellement ouvert et inclusif de la citoyenneté européenne, la relation entre immigration et intégration dans l’espace de liberté, sécurité et justice est analysée, en prenant en considération les règles de l’UE et le programmes pluriannuels du Conseil Européen (IV.), afin de soutenir (V.) la possibilité d’une définition large de la citoyenneté européenne, sous la forme de la soi-disant citoyenneté civile , tel que présenté par la Commission Européenne dans deux communications, respectivement, de 2000 et 2003 (soutenue et relancée récemment par le Comité économique et social européen dans deux décisions, respectivement, de 2003 et 2014). Cette notion large de citoyenneté européenne pourrait s’appliquer, en vertu du principe d’égalité, aux ressortissants des pays tiers (migrants et réfugiés) qui sont résidents de longue durée dans un État membre. Dans la dernière partie (VI.), quelques considérations finales sont tirées, concernant l’exigence d’un changement de paradigme, consistant à repenser au niveau européen la notion de citoyenneté non plus uniquement en termes de nationalité (en relation avec la citoyenneté de l’État), mais sur un base résidentielle, en termes de fonction de coexistence civique fondée sur des valeurs partagées, dans l’espace commun transnational de l’Union.
La vulnérabilité de l’État de droit espagnol dans le contexte de revendication indépendantiste catalane
Authors: Rojas-Hutinel Nilsa
Published: July 2018

Cherchant à limiter les effets d’une nouvelle tentative d’indépendance catalane, le gouvernement espagnol a renouvelé les instruments juridiques de lutte contre les troubles portés à la stabilité de l’État. Pour autant, les mécanismes juridiques mobilisés tant pour empêcher la tenue du référendum d’autodétermination du 1 er octobre 2017 que pour annuler les actes visant à déclarer l’indépendance de la Catalogne n’ont pas suffi à modérer les agissements des institutions exécutive et législative catalanes. Il s’ensuit une fragilisation de l’État de droit espagnol. Les mécanismes traditionnels permettant de protéger l’État de droit (le contrôle de légalité et le contrôle de constitutionnalité notamment) ayant été remis en cause par les autorités catalanes, le gouvernement espagnol a fait usage d’un instrument constitutionnel exceptionnel visant à restaurer la légalité constitutionnelle rompue : l’article 155. Or, l’interprétation et l’application qui peuvent être faites de cet article font craindre une mise à mal de l’État de droit. À cela s’ajoute que le recours à l’article 155 n’éteint pas pour autant les motifs qui sont la cause de la rupture entre « pro » et « anti » indépendance.
Relationship Between Dry Retinal Volume and Visual Acuity in Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Nittala Muneeswar Gupta , Velaga Swetha Bindu , Hu Zhihong , Sadda SriniVas R.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the relationship between a novel spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) parameter, predicted dry retinal volume (DRV), and visual acuity (VA) in subjects with diabetic macular edema.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twenty-eight eyes of 26 subjects with macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy (cases) and 10 healthy eyes of normal volunteers (controls) were included. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography volume scans (512 × 128) were obtained before and 6 months to 12 months after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The borders of the neurosensory retina, nerve fiber layer (NFL), and vitreous were manually defined using previously described grading software. NFL reflectivity was used to normalize the signal between eyes, allowing a normalized total retinal intensity to be computed for each eye by summing the brightness of every pixel in the retina on all B-scans. Using this normalized retinal intensity, a ratio of retinal intensity of cases over retinal intensity of normal was generated. The predicted DRV was computed by multiplying this calculated ratio with total retinal volume at baseline for each eye. Correlation analysis was performed between DRV at baseline and VA at baseline and final follow-up.

RESULTS:

The mean ± standard deviation age of the cohort was 69 years ± 9.8 years, and 28% were female. Mean best-corrected VA (logMAR) improved from 0.56 ± 0.36 at baseline to 0.44 ± 0.32 at follow-up (
P
= .001). The uncorrected (“wet”) total retinal volume of 13.25 mm
3
± 2.73 mm
3
at baseline declined significantly to a posttreatment retinal volume of 10.92 mm
3
± 1.42 mm
3
. The predicted DRV (10.79 mm
3
± 1.42 mm
3
) was statistically similar to the post-treatment, actual retinal volume. No significant correlation was observed between DRV and post-treatment VA.

CONCLUSIONS:

The predicted DRV at baseline showed good agreement with the actual observed posttreatment retinal volume. Thus, DRV may be a potentially useful parameter to estimate the extent of retinal tissue loss that may be obscured by the presence of concomitant edema. The lack of correlation between DRV and VA, however, suggests that other parameters, such as the integrity of the outer retinal bands, are likely important for visual outcome prediction.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:510–515.]
Type 2 Choroidal Neovascularization in a Choroidal Granuloma Detected Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Aggarwal Kanika , Agarwal Aniruddha , Gupta Vishali
Published: July 2018

The authors describe the imaging characteristics and progression of a type 2 choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCTA). A 27-year-old male presented with an active possible tubercular choroidal granuloma associated with exudative retinal detachment in the right eye. The patient received anti-tubercular drugs, oral corticosteroids, and intravitreal bevacizumab and showed complete resolution in 3 months. At the 7-month follow-up, SS-OCTA imaging revealed a type 2 CNV. SS-OCTA is a very useful tool to detect and monitor the growth of CNV in active and healed posterior uveitis without the risks of dye-based angiography.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:534–539.]
An Overview of Microfinance in India and Its Role in Financing Poor Women
Authors: Neogi Anindita
Published: July 2018

Microfinance is considered as one of the most potential and successful tools which battle against poverty in the way of financing people with small financial need and helping poor women financially in less developed countries like India. It is a well-recognized notion that without upliftment of the condition of women in a society a nation cannot be developed in a competitive world. Microfinance may in fact help women to gain respect in her family and realize more self-confidence in socially defined roles. The chapter discusses the conceptual framework of microfinance growth of SHG-linked microfinance program and different types of microfinance services in India. Also, this chapter depicts how women are financially benefitted from microfinance institution through self-help groups and measured state-wise microfinance penetration index (MPI) in India. The findings of this study show that there have been favorable changes in the microfinance variables considered.
The Quest for Financial Inclusion and Microfinance Institutions in India
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: July 2018

Financial inclusion refers to providing unconditional and affordable access to financial services in an effective and efficient manner for all needy people. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play an important role in financial inclusion and societal development. One important part of the financial inclusion strategy is to provide access to finance to those people belonging to remote and disadvantaged areas. The aim of this chapter is to study the concept of microfinance and microfinance institutions and its impact on financial inclusion in India. This study provides recommendations to grow and sustain microfinance institutions to achieve greater financial inclusion.
The Effect of Microfinance on Inequality and Household Shocks Easing in Nigeria
Authors: Ukwueze Ezebuilo R. , Asogwa Henry T. , Odoh Augustine C.
Published: July 2018

The chapter aims at finding the microfinance effect on households' shocks easing of Nigerians, and estimating the inequality in the use of MFIs' services under the backdrop that rural farmers do not have access to credits to boost productivity and this affects their income and widens inequality. Based upon the World Bank microdata on financial inclusion survey for 2014 (the Global Fundex survey data set), the study employed the Heckman selection model and concentration index. The results show that households in urban areas have more access to MFIs services than rural households in terms of mobile money accounts, emergency funds, and receiving remittances to smooth their consumption shocks. The results also show wide disparities in deprivation of owning accounts, in loans for apartment, in trend of saving habits, in capacity to participate in MFIs services between the rich and the poor. The study, therefore, recommends that more MFIs can be established in rural areas and more awareness campaign be carried to reach out to the targeted households.
The Legal Validity of E-Sports as a Sport
Authors: Mir Reyhan
Published: July 2018

The chapter aims to investigate the e-sports phenomenon and analyze its legal relevance and validity with the traditional sports world. The chapter looks to provide the current framework of the e-sports field and its potential to be a sport, followed by the legal challenges it faces towards being possibly recognized as one. The second segment of this chapter additionally looks into the regulations currently in place as well as analyzes the minimum changes required in order to ensure the growth of this field. The chapter eventually concludes by analyzing the possible future for the field and suggestions to help facilitate its development.
Assessing the Performance of a SAR Boat Location-Allocation Plan via Simulation
Authors: Karatas Mumtaz , Razi Nasuh , Tozan Hakan
Published: July 2018

Maritime search and rescue (SAR) operation is a critical process that aims to minimize the loss of life, injury, and material damage by rendering aid to persons in distress or imminent danger at sea. Optimal allocation of SAR vessels is a strategic level process that is to be carried out with a plan to react rapidly. This chapter seeks to evaluate the performance of a SAR boat location plan using simulation. The proposed methodology in this chapter works in two stages: First, an optimal allocation scheme of SAR resources is determined via a multi-objective mathematical model. Next, simulation is used to test the performance of the analytical solution under stochastic demand. With the heaviest traffic and maritime risk, the methodology is applied to a case study in the Aegean Sea.
Optimization in Military Planning
Authors: Metin Mehmet Gokhan , Bulkan Serol
Published: July 2018

In recent years, advancing technology has introduced a wide range of resources for military forces. This rapid improvement in the number and types of military resources also led to difficulties in the management of resource allocation issues in combat missions. The general resource allocation problem can be defined as determining the optimal sequence of resource usage allocations while maximizing the kills on the enemy's forces or minimizing casualties. In this chapter, the authors investigate the resource allocation problems and solution approaches observed in planning military missions. Theoretical background information and some examples based on real-time data are provided to illustrate the chosen problem types.
Load Optimization for Navy Landing Ship Tank
Authors: Bilican Mevlut Savas
Published: July 2018

The success of military operations mainly relies on the proper flow of the logistical supplies such as water, food, ammunition, etc. from source to the operation theater on time. There are special types of transportation vessels regarding the feature of supply. However, when transporting special material like ammunition, most navies usually prefer utilizing their own transportation capabilities since they require special treatment. For this reason, such material is carried in special boxes, called containers. To minimize the transportation cost and time, an efficient container stowage plan is necessary in terms of loading and unloading these containers. This chapter aims to develop a solution methodology to the problem with the focus on military logistics planning. For this purpose, the author develops a mathematical model that attempts to minimize the transportation time by creating proper loading and unloading sequence of containers to military cargo ships.
The Role of Agricultural Cooperatives Models Among Europe
Authors: Daniela Rebega Elena
Published: July 2018

The chapter describes the situation from several EU countries on cooperation among farmers, with a focus on the approach of the cooperative concept related to legislation and function. The study comprises 10 member states from different parts of Europe: east, south, and north. The objective was to identify the differences and the existence of an integrative model for cooperative or producer organizations in agriculture. The member states included in the study were France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Poland, Ireland, The Netherlands, and Romania. In order to find common features, the history and previous developing of cooperation were analyzed. Focused on the bibliographic research and comprising an analysis of the history and legislation, the author tried to underline some aspects that could facilitate the setting-up of new agricultural cooperatives and at the same time, a proper operation of the existing ones. The information gathered was presented and interpreted, in order to capture the situation of agricultural co-operative structures, legal type, and economic operation.
The Effects of the Transition Period on the Knowledge Transfer Market in Romanian Agriculture
Authors: Popescu Gabriel , Bara Simona , Preda Elena
Published: July 2018

As the process of globalization intensifies, the demand for agri-food products is growing and much technical progress is needed. In the process of manufacturing agri-food products, a special role is played by the knowledge transfer market. At the same time, its functionality is given by the size, quality, and structure of the main components: supply and demand of information and knowledge, linkages between the two components. Linkage vectors between the two components coordinate the process of knowledge and information transferfrom the producers (research entities, universities, and the business sector) to the beneficiaries (the agricultural producers). The chapter captures the evolution of these actors involved in the knowledge transfer market of the Romanian agriculture.
Product Sophistication
Authors: Kabadurmus Fatma Nur Karaman
Published: July 2018

The sudden rise of countries like China and India has captured serious attention among economists. Some papers explain it with the changing structure of their product mix and construct an export sophistication index to rank countries according to their comparative advantages. By starting from the discussions on product quality, this chapter investigates whether a more rapid progression up the comparative advantage ladder or a more sophisticated export basket results in a more rapid economic expansion. For this purpose, data from 115 countries for the period 1985 to 2001 are used. The results support the positive effect of export sophistication on growth. The authors also show that when a country progresses, its growth rate increases.
Easily Readable Braille Pattern for Reading Beginners and Variable Size Braille Printing System
Authors: Nishimura Takahiro , Doi Kouki
Published: July 2018

Braille as a means of communication for children and persons with visual impairment plays an important role in supporting their social independence. However, learning Braille is very difficult, and many persons with adventitious visual impairment who are not conversant with Braille are unable to read Braille. One likely reason behind this is that the common Braille pattern is not necessarily easy for Braille reading beginners such as persons with adventitious visual impairment. Consequently, it is necessary to quantitatively evaluate the readability of Braille patterns for Braille reading beginners and incorporate such findings in Braille design. Moreover, suitable Braille printers are also required to precisely reproduce easily readable Braille patterns. This chapter describes experiments to evaluate the effect of paper-based Braille on Braille pattern readability and introduces a variable size Braille printing system for printing Braille patterns from the experiments to be easily readable by Braille reading beginners unfamiliar with Braille reading.
Predicting Change Prone Classes in Open Source Software
Authors: Godara Deepa , Choudhary Amit , Singh Rakesh Kumar
Published: July 2018

In today's world, the heart of modern technology is software. In order to compete with pace of new technology, changes in software are inevitable. This article aims at the association between changes and object-oriented metrics using different versions of open source software. Change prediction models can detect the probability of change in a class earlier in the software life cycle which would result in better effort allocation, more rigorous testing and easier maintenance of any software. Earlier, researchers have used various techniques such as statistical methods for the prediction of change-prone classes. In this article, some new metrics such as execution time, frequency, run time information, popularity and class dependency are proposed which can help in prediction of change prone classes. For evaluating the performance of the prediction model, the authors used Sensitivity, Specificity, and ROC Curve. Higher values of AUC indicate the prediction model gives significant accurate results. The proposed metrics contribute to the accurate prediction of change-prone classes.
Conhecimento do enfermeiro sobre o choque séptico/ Nurses' knowledge on septic shock
Authors: Souza André Luiz Thomaz de , Amário Ana Paula Sementino , Covay Débora Lourene Azevedo , Veloso Luana Moraes , Silveira Laura Menezes , Stabile Angelita Maria
Published: July 2018

O choque séptico é uma condição clínica decorrente do agravamento da resposta orgânica à sepse, associado à alta mortalidade. A equipe de enfermagem tem sido alvo de estudos sobre identificação precoce dos sinais e sintomas de sepse e choque séptico a fim de modificar estes índices. Objetivou-se identificar o conhecimento dos enfermeiros que atuam em um hospital, acercado choque séptico. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal com tratamento quantitativo dos dados, realizado em um hospital público de grande porte localizado no sul do estado de São Paulo. Um instrumento contendo as variáveis relativas ao choque séptico foi aplicado para o atendimento do objetivo. Quarenta e um enfermeiros responderam ao instrumento, entre os quais mais de 80% conheciam os sinais e sintomas: infecção documentada, febre, elevação da frequência cardíaca. Entre as respostas negativas: 31,7% não sabiam sobre a suspeita de infecção; 26,8% sobre a hiperglicemia; e 34,1% sobre a elevação da saturação de oxigênio no sangue venoso misto. Observaram-se fragilidades no conhecimento dos enfermeiros sobre algumas variáveis relativas ao choque séptico. É necessário encorajar o desenvolvimento de programas de educação destinados à atualização do profissional, visando à melhoria da qualidade da assistência e, consequentemente, nas condições de saúde do paciente.
 Conhecimento dos profissionais que realizam pré-natal na atenção básica sobre o manejo da sífilis / Knowledge of professionals who do prenatal in the basic attention on the management of syphilis
Authors: Costa Lediana Dalla , Faruch Soraia Bernal , Teixeira Géssica Tuani , Cavalheiri Jolana Cristina , Marchi Aparecida Donizetti de Araújo , Benedetti Volmir Pitt
Published: July 2018

O objetivo foi identificar o conhecimento dos profissionais do pré-natal sobre o manejo da sífilis gestacionalna atenção primária. Estudo transversal, descritivo, de natureza quantitativa, realizado com 43 profissionais. A coleta realizou-se entre julho e agosto de 2017, utilizando-se um questionário autoaplicado, elaborado com base nos protocolos do Ministério da Saúde para o manejo de sífilis gestacional. Os dados foram digitados e tabulados no Microsoft Excel 2010®, e analisados no software Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). A maioria dos profissionais tinha mais de cinco anos de formação (72,1%)e de atuação na área, (44,2%)e 67,4% afirmaram já ter feito treinamento em sífilis. Quanto ao medicamento alternativo em caso de alergia à penicilina, 34,8% escolheriam fármacos com alto potencial teratogênico. Para 74,4%, a principal dificuldade foi a falta de adesão do parceiro ao tratamento, e entre as estratégias sugeridas destacou-se a educação continuada para a equipe (86,0%). A partir da pesquisa, identificou-se que os profissionais apresentaram algumas dificuldades no diagnóstico e tratamento da sífilis na gestação, o que pode justificar-se pela ausência de consenso entre os profissionais e gestores de saúde quanto ao estabelecimento de um único protocolo no município, sendo a principal dificuldade apresentada na assistência pela equipe, a falta de adesão do parceiro.
Vivências de prazer e sofrimento no trabalho do Agente Comunitário de Saúde/ Lives of pleasure and suffering in the work of the Community Health Agent
Authors: Broch Daiane , Donini Souto Lucia Helena , Lisboa Riquinho Deise , Dal Pai Daiane
Published: July 2018

Este estudo objetivou conhecer as vivências de prazer e sofrimento no trabalho do agente comunitário de saúde. Pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa e perspectiva teóricada Psicodinâmica do Trabalho, desenvolvida com 25 agentes comunitários de saúde de diferentes equipes de saúde da família, no período de agosto de 2015 a fevereiro de 2016, por meio de grupos focais e entrevistas semiestruturadas. As informações coletadas foram submetidas à categorização temática. Foram identificados os temas: relações de trabalho e as vivências de prazer-sofrimento e; sintomas de adoecimento físico e mental. As vivências de prazer estão amparadas nas possibilidades de reconhecimento e o sofrimento na desvalorização, bem como na substituição de atividades junto ao território por atividades administrativas na unidade. Dores físicas e desgaste emocional foram descritas pelos entrevistados, os quais se percebem desamparados frente à complexidade dos problemas que requerem atenção na comunidade. Com base na Psicodinâmica do Trabalho, conclui-se sobre a necessidade de espaços de escuta à demanda por valorização do trabalho do ACS, o que vai ao encontro do resgate aos pressupostos do próprio modelo de atenção e da ação interprofissional.
Qualification of Direct Diode Lasers for Laser Beam Welding in Order to Enhance Process Efficiency
Authors: Schaumberger Kerstin , Mödl Michael , Mann Vincent , Roth Stephan , Schmidt Michael
Published: July 2018

Laser beam welding has become an established joining technique in automotive manufacturing. Common solid-state lasers generate high-quality joints, but they provide low energy efficiency. By contrast, direct diode lasers (DDL) have superior energy efficiency, are cheaper to purchase and additionally require less utility space. To examine the overall performance of direct diode lasers in comparison to disk lasers, welding quality and energy consumption of the two lasers have to be evaluated. Additionally, for this contribution the stability of the DDL’s beam, like temporal variation of focus position and beam shape, is examined. It is found that a focus shift takes place for longer periods of emission, but the variation of the focus diameter in the initial focal plane is negligible. As expected, the direct diode laser consumes less energy than the disk laser for the same output power. Welding experiments are conducted using four different steel alloys that are exemplary for engineering materials used in automotive manufacturing. Metallographic analysis shows that weld seam depths and widths are on average larger using the disk laser. However even with the need for higher output powers to achieve equal seam geometries the DDL consumes less energy and thereby causes less costs.
Ebola Immunity: Gaining a Winning Position in Lightning Chess
Authors: Ploquin Aurélie , Zhou Yan , Sullivan Nancy J.
Published: July 2018

Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), one of five species in the genus Ebolavirus, is the causative agent of the hemorrhagic fever disease epidemic that claimed more than 11,000 lives from 2014 to 2016 in West Africa. The combination of EBOV’s ability to disseminate broadly and rapidly within the host and its high pathogenicity pose unique challenges to the human immune system postinfection. Potential transmission from apparently healthy EBOV survivors reported in the recent epidemic raises questions about EBOV persistence and immune surveillance mechanisms. Clinical, virological, and immunological data collected since the West Africa epidemic have greatly enhanced our knowledge of host–virus interactions. However, critical knowledge gaps remain in our understanding of what is necessary for an effective host immune response for protection against, or for clearance of, EBOV infection. This review provides an overview of immune responses against EBOV and discusses those associated with the success or failure to control EBOV infection.
Mycobacterial PknG Targets the Rab7l1 Signaling Pathway To Inhibit Phagosome–Lysosome Fusion
Authors: Pradhan Gourango , Shrivastva Rohini , Mukhopadhyay Sangita
Published: July 2018

Phagosome maturation is an important innate defense mechanism of macrophages against bacterial infections. The mycobacterial secretory protein kinase G (PknG), a serine/threonine kinase, is known to block phagosome–lysosome (P–L) fusion, and the kinase activity of PknG appears to be crucial for this. However, the detail mechanisms are not well understood. In the current study, we demonstrate that PknG of Mycobacterium sp. interacts with the human Rab GTPase protein, Rab7l1, but not with other Rab proteins as well as factors like Rabaptin, Rabex5, PI3K3, Mon1a, Mon1b, early endosome autoantigen 1, and LAMP2 that are known to play crucial roles in P–L fusion. The Rab7l1 protein is shown to play a role in P–L fusion during mycobacterial infection, and its absence promotes survival of bacilli inside macrophages. PknG was found to be translocated to the Golgi complex where it interacted with GDP-bound Rab7l1 and blocked transition of inactive Rab7l1-GDP to active Rab7l1-GTP, resulting in inhibition of recruitment of Rab7l1-GTP to bacilli-containing phagosomes, and these processes are dependent on the kinase activity of PknG. Localization of Rab7l1-GTP to phagosomes was found to be critical for the subsequent recruitment of other phago-lysosomal markers like early endosome autoantigen 1, Rab7, and LAMP2 during infection. Thus, by interfering with the Rab7l1 signaling process, PknG prevents P–L fusion and favors bacterial survival inside human macrophages. This study highlights a novel role of Rab7l1 in the phagosomal maturation process and hints at unique strategies of mycobacteria used to interfere with Rab7l1 function to favor its survival inside human macrophages.
Risk areas for hepatitis A, B and C in the municipality of Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil 2007-2010
Authors: Avanzi Valéria Miranda , Fonzar Udelysses Janete Veltrini , Silva Eraldo Schunk , Teixeira Jorge Juarez Vieira , Bertolini Dennis Armando
Published: July 2018

Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem in Brazil and worldwide. We retrospectively analyzed 338 cases of hepatitis A, B and C in Maringá, Paraná State from 2007 through 2010. The hepatitis A virus was present in 5.6% of the cases, hepatitis B in 44.7% and hepatitis C in 49.7%. Most of the patients affected were male (55.3%), white (79.6%) and had some primary education (42.9%). Of the 338 cases analyzed, 13.0% had comorbidities. The cases were concentrated in large-population census zones, but it was concluded that the spatial distribution of viral hepatitis in Maringá occurred randomly rather than show any regular pattern.
Bivariate spatiotemporal disease mapping of cancer of the breast and cervix uteri among Iranian women
Authors: Raei Mehdi , Schmid Volker Johann , Mahaki Behzad
Published: July 2018

Cervical cancer in women is one of the most common cancers and breast cancer has grown dramatically in recent years. The purpose of this study was to map the incidence of breast and cervix uteri cancer among Iranian women over a 6-year period (2004-2009) searching for trend changes and risk factors. Cancer incidence data were extracted from the annual reports of the National Cancer Registry in Iran. Hierarchical Bayesian models, including random spatial and temporal effects was utilized together with bivariate, spatio-temporal shared component modelling. The provinces Tehran, Isfahan, Mazandaran and Gilan were found to have the highest relative risk (RR) of breast cancer, while the highest RR of cervix uteri cancer was observed in Tehran, Golestan, Khuzestan and Khorasan Razavi. Shared risk factors (smoking component) between the two cancers were seen to have the highest influence in Tehran, Khorasan Razavi, Yazd, Isfahan, Golestan, Khuzestan, Fars and Mazandaran, while the least were observed in Kohgiluyeh Boyerahmad. Apparent differences and distinctions between high-risk and low-risk provinces reveal a pattern of obvious dispersion for these cancers in Iran that should be considered when allocating healthcare resources and services in different areas.
Measuring high-density built environment for public health research: Uncertainty with respect to data, indicator design and spatial scale
Authors: Sun Guibo , Webster Chris , Ni Michael Y. , Zhang Xiaohu
Published: July 2018

Uncertainty with respect to built environment (BE) data collection, measure conceptualization and spatial scales is evident in urban health research, but most findings are from relatively lowdensity contexts. We selected Hong Kong, an iconic high-density city, as the study area as limited research has been conducted on uncertainty in such areas. We used geocoded home addresses (n=5732) from a large population-based cohort in Hong Kong to extract BE measures for the participants’ place of residence based on an internationally recognized BE framework. Variability of the measures was mapped and Spearman’s rank correlation calculated to assess how well the relationships among indicators are preserved across variables and spatial scales. We found extreme variations and uncertainties for the 180 measures collected using comprehensive data and advanced geographic information systems modelling techniques. We highlight the implications of methodological selection and spatial scales of the measures. The results suggest that more robust information regarding urban health research in high-density city would emerge if greater consideration were given to BE data, design methods and spatial scales of the BE measures.
Mapping malaria risk using geographic information systems and remote sensing: The case of Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia
Authors: Minale Amare Sewnet , Alemu Kalkidan
Published: July 2018

The main objective of this study was to develop a malaria risk map for Bahir Dar City, Amhara, which is situated south of Lake Tana on the Ethiopian plateau. Rainfall, temperature, altitude, slope and land use/land cover (LULC), as well as proximity measures to lake, river and health facilities, were investigated using remote sensing and geographical information systems. The LULC variable was derived from a 2012 SPOT satellite image by supervised classification, while 30-m spatial resolution measurements of altitude and slope came from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. Metrological data were collected from the National Meteorological Agency, Bahir Dar branch. These separate datasets, represented as layers in the computer, were combined using weighted, multi-criteria evaluations. The outcome shows that rainfall, temperature, slope, elevation, distance from the lake and distance from the river influenced the malaria hazard the study area by 35%, 15%, 10%, 7%, 5% and 3%, respectively, resulting in a map showing five areas with different levels of malaria hazard: very high (11.2%); high (14.5%); moderate (63.3%); low (6%); and none (5%). The malaria risk map, based on this hazard map plus additional information on proximity to health facilities and current LULC conditions, shows that Bahir Dar City has areas with very high (15%); high (65%); moderate (8%); and low (5%) levels of malaria risk, with only 2% of the land completely riskfree. Such risk maps are essential for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating disease control as well as for contemplating prevention and elimination of epidemiological hazards from endemic areas.