bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Argumentation in participant-driven photo interviews: A case in ICT for development in Mozambique
Authors: De Ascaniis Silvia , Vannini Sara , Cantoni Lorenzo
Published: November 2017

Argumentation is essentially dialogical, hence based on verbal disputation. Nonetheless, other semiotic resources than language may play a substantial role in argumentative circumstances. In this article, different argumentative functions played by photographs are explored, based on an unusual corpus for the field. People working in Mozambican Community Multimedia Centers (CMCs) were interviewed, in order to reconstruct the social meaning they confer to such places. To facilitate the exchange of meanings between interviewees and interviewers, who had different cultural and experiential backgrounds, interviewees were requested to take pictures of something they liked, something they didn’t like, and something they perceived as particularly representative of their CMC. Pictures were then presented and commented by participants during their interview. By means of analytical reconstructions, the major argumentative roles played by photographs in the interviews were identified, as well as their semiotic function in respect to interviewees’ words. Argumentative analysis also broadened and enriched the method of photo-driven interviews, and added a further interpretative access to analysis of social representations.
Direct Testing for Allele-Specific Expression Differences Between Conditions
Authors: León-Novelo Luis , Gerken Alison R , Graze Rita M , McIntyre Lauren M , Marroni Fabio
Published: November 2017

Allelic imbalance (AI) indicates the presence of functional variation in cis regulatory regions. Detecting cis regulatory differences using AI is widespread, yet there is no formal statistical methodology that tests whether AI differs between conditions. Here, we present a novel model and formally test differences in AI across conditions using Bayesian credible intervals. The approach tests AI by environment (G×E) interactions, and can be used to test AI between environments, genotypes, sex, and any other condition. We incorporate bias into the modeling process. Bias is allowed to vary between conditions, making the formulation of the model general. As gene expression affects power for detection of AI, and, as expression may vary between conditions, the model explicitly takes coverage into account. The proposed model has low type I and II error under several scenarios, and is robust to large differences in coverage between conditions. We reanalyze RNA-seq data from a Drosophila melanogaster population panel, with F1 genotypes, to compare levels of AI between mated and virgin female flies, and we show that AI × genotype interactions can also be tested. To demonstrate the use of the model to test genetic differences and interactions, a formal test between two F1s was performed, showing the expected 20% difference in AI. The proposed model allows a formal test of G×E and G×G, and reaffirms a previous finding that cis regulation is robust between environments.
Treatment of cavitary myiasis in the face: a case report
Authors: Araújo Rubem Costa , Cavalcante Maria Aparecida De Albuquerque , Hespanhol Wagner
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE: The word “myiasis” is derived from the Greek myio (fly) and ase (disease), and describes the infestation of humans and vertebrate animals by the larvae of flies, which feed on healthy or dead tissues of the host. The diagnosis is clinical, based on the presence of worms, and its treatment consists of the total removal of these larvae. The authors report a case of surgical debridement as a safe alternative for the treatment of cavitary myiasis in the face.CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient, a 58-year-old male, was admitted with a cavitary lesion on the face of the right side containing fly larvae. Surgical debridement was performed in two phases, with no use of drugs or less invasive maneuvers. Total remission of the condition was achieved, but the patient died due to a squamous cell carcinoma in the posterior region of the tongue and oropharynx, a month and a half after beginning oncologic treatment.CONCLUSION: The use of antiparasitic medication is controversial in the literature, as in specific situations this may put the patient’s life at risk. Prevention is still the best way to combat an infestation by myiasis. The authors report a case of myiasis cavitation in the face using only surgical debridement as treatment.
Profile of smokers and the role of dentists in tobacco use cessation: a cross-sectional study in southern Brazil
Authors: Pithan Sílvia Ataide , Dummel Carolina , Dullius Ângela Isabel Dos Santos
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of smokers in a dental school in southern Brazil and their views about the role of dentists in tobacco use cessation.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with patients of a dental school, who answered a face-to-face interview. Smokers also took the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi Square test with a significance level of 5%.RESULTS: The sample consisted of 442 patients, and 93 patients (21.04%) were smokers. The lower the level of schooling the higher the frequency of smokers (p=0.026), and the frequency of nonsmokers was associated with higher income (p=0.021). Regarding the role of dentists in smoking cessation, 97.8% of smokers believe that the dentist should provide information and advice, but 36.6% did not receive any orientation from dentists.CONCLUSION: The study had found a higher frequency of smokers among men and an association between smoking and schooling as well as smoking and income. The majority of smokers would like to quit smoking and had tried at least once to stop. The sample believes that dentists should give information and advice about smoking cessation.
Effect of erosion and methods for its control on the surface roughness of composite resin
Authors: Cavalcanti Andrea Nóbrega , Vaz de Queiroz Mariana Menezes , Shibasaki Patricia Akemi Nishitani , Lima Max José Pimenta , Foxton Richard Mark , De Araújo Roberto Paulo Correia
Published: November 2017

Objective: This study evaluated the surface roughness of a nanofilled composite resin submitted to different degrees of erosion and methods of control.Methods: 120 cylindrical composite specimens (6×1.5 mm) were randomly divided into four groups, according to the surface protection against the erosive challenge [negative control, topical application of fluoride, glass-ionomer sealant, resin sealant]. After the application of the respective method, specimens were divided into three subgroups (n=10): a) absence of erosive challenge; b) 9 cycles of DES-RE; c) 18 cycles of DES-RE. Surface roughness (Ra, μm) was recorded and statistically analyzed (2-way Anova/Tukey).Results: The glass-ionomer sealant exhibited less rough surfaces under all the conditions. However, the average roughness was significantly higher after 18 DES-RE cycles.Conclusion: Despite the potential shown by glass-ionomer sealant, it was concluded that no material prevented an increase in surface roughness of the nanofilled composite after an intense erosive challenge.
Antibacterial action of red and green propolis extract in infected root canal
Authors: Endo Mônica Misaé , Estrela Cyntia R. A. , Alencar Ana Helena G. , Silva Júlio Almeida , Decurcio Daniel Almeida , Estrela Carlos
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the antibacterial action of 30% red propolis, 40% green propolis and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite with irrigation protocols in infected root canals.METHODS: During 60 days, twenty-four root canals were inoculated with E. faecalis. In all experimental groups were performed root canal preparation and two irrigation protocols - passive ultrasonic irrigation and conventional irrigation. In the groups 1, 3, 5 and 7 it were made root canal preparation associated to conventional irrigation with 30% propolis, 40% propolis, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and distilled water, respectively. In groups 2, 4, 6 and 8 it was made root canal preparation associated with passive ultrasonic irrigation with the solutions described above. The groups 9 and 10 were the controls (negative and positive). Samples of the root canals were collected and immersed in 7 mL of BHI, for 48 hours, at 37ºC. Bacterial growth was analyzed by turbidity of the culture medium.RESULTS: Antibacterial action was observed of 30% red propolis and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite when used passive ultrasonic irrigation and conventional irrigation after 20 minutes, but in 72 hours it was not effective.CONCLUSION: The irrigating agents and protocols were not effective to eliminate the microorganisms of the infected root canals. Clinical Significance: Propolis presents potential for clinical application due to its antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant and low toxicity properties.
“Arqueologia histórica” Ejemplos para el analisis de la interdisciplinariedad en el Uruguay
Authors: Fusco Zambetogliria Nelsys
Published: November 2017

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Reconhecimento da república brasileira pela Rússia: alguns aspectos
Authors: M. L. Brancato Sandra
Published: November 2017

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Contribuições à história diplomática do Brasil: Pandiá Calógeras, ou o Clausewitz da política externa
Authors: De Almeida Paulo Roberto
Published: November 2017

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Relações Brasil-Argentina no segundo governo Vargas: vinculações entre política interna e externa
Authors: Setti Reickziegel Ana Luiza
Published: November 2017

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General normal forms for any additive logic
Authors: Khaled Mohamed
Published: November 2017

In this article, we define general normal forms for any logic that has propositional part and whose non-propositional connectives distribute over finite disjunctions. We do not require the non-propositional connectives to be closed on the set of formulas, so our normal forms cover logics with partial connectives too. We also show that most of the known normal forms in the literature are in fact particular cases of our general forms. These general normal forms are natural improvement of the distributive normal forms of J. Hintikka [6] and their modal analogues, e.g. [1] and [4].
World-viewing Dialogues on Precarious Life
Authors: Anbeek Christa
Published: November 2017

In the last sixty years the West-European religious landscape has changed radically. People, and also religious and humanist communities, in a post-sec¬ular world are challenged to develop a new existential, ethical and spiritual language that fits to their global and pluralistic surroundings. This new world-viewing language could rise out of the reflection on contrast experiences, positive and negative disruptive experiences that question the everyday inter pretations of life. The connection of these articulated reflections on contrast experiences with former world-viewing sources and practices with regard to precarious life could provide new meaning and orientation for individuals and communities. Four different sorts of dialogues can be distinguished, which together I call world-viewing dialogues: contrast experiences and the dialogue with oneself, contrast experiences discussed in small groups, contrast experiences and values in our nowadays society and contrast experiences in dialogue with philosophical and religious traditions from different cultures and ages.
On the Unimportance of Theistic Belief
Authors: Megill Jason , Linford Daniel
Published: November 2017

We first argue that there are cases of “blameless non-belief.” That is, some people—through no fault of their own—fail to enter into a conscious relationship with God. But if so, then it would be unjust of God to make certain particular goods (e.g., one’s salvation, the possibility of an ethical or a meaningful life, or entrance into heaven) depend upon one having a conscious relationship with God. So, given that God is just, then despite what some theists believe, a relationship with God (even assuming that God exists) cannot be a necessary condition for the attainment of these goods; there might, e.g., be atheists in heaven, even assuming that theism is true. This implies that religion is a far less important component of people’s lives than many might think.
Personhood and the Scope of Moral Duty
Authors: Arand Dustin
Published: November 2017

In this essay I craft a procedure for evaluating claims of moral personhood that would allow us to answer ethical questions raised by issues like abortion, animal rights, artificial intelligence, etc. I focus specifically on the abortion debate as a case study for applying my procedure. I argue that our moral instincts have evolved to promote group cohesion, a necessary prerequisite of which is reliable identification of other group members. These are “persons” in the moral sense of the word. However, while our moral intuitions may be good at picking out paradigmatic instances of moral persons, peripheral or putative instances of this category are a matter of intense debate. Further, I show that the attempt to clarify the boundaries of moral personhood by appealing to physical traits—what I characterize as the equation of moral personhood with ontological personhood—does not actually resolve the underlying ambiguity, nor does it answer the moral question why we ought to recognize moral rights in the first place. I argue instead for a three pronged inquiry that asks (1) whether the entity in question is capable of articulating its own entitlement to moral consideration; (2) if not, whether recognizing it as a moral person would facilitate the recognition of more paradigmatic instances of moral persons, or whether the failure so to recognize it would impede the recognition of more paradigmatic instances of moral persons; and (3) whether the entity’s moral personhood can be recognized without cancelling or substantially burdening the moral rights of paradigmatic instances of moral persons. I argue that, applying this test, abortion is morally permissible, at least in the early stages of pregnancy when the vast majority of abortions occur anyway.
Anzac Civil Religion? A Survey of the Australian Public on Their Interaction with Anzac
Authors: Fallon Breann
Published: November 2017

It is often argued that Anzac is the national civil religion of Australia. Existing research is based largely in cultural evidence sourced from memorials, services, newspapers, advertising, theatre, political speeches, attendance numbers, and public policy. In this article, survey data gathered in New South Wales is presented in order to provide an additional perspective on the interactions between Australians and Anzac. From this particular set of data, four narratives of Anzac interaction are identified: the ‘traditional’ narrative, the ‘carnivalesque’ narrative, the ‘passive participation’ narrative, and the ‘anti-Anzac’ narrative. These narratives are analysed via a hybridised methodology employing the work of Robert N. Bellah (1988) on civil religion and Paul Tillich (1957) on ultimacy. This methodology analyses each narrative to identify a worship paradigm (if present) and the effect of the worship paradigm on individual ultimacy. Some of the four narratives adhere to the typology of civil religion, while others do not. The four narratives of this particular survey cohort display a varied interaction with Anzac. Anzac is both a point of sacrality and secularity, of inclusion and exclusion, with many of the feelings and experiences reported by respondents insufficiently described in existing research. While this survey does not pretend to be exhaustive or provide conclusive answers, it does provide a first look at what lies beneath the surface in the study of Anzac as a sacral entity.
Arguing in the Public Square: Christian Voices Against Assisted Dying in Victoria
Authors: Duckett Stephen
Published: November 2017

Assisted dying is a topic fraught with theological and ethical contention. It has been regularly debated in Australian parliaments and is currently under active consideration in New South Wales and Victoria. The Victorian process involved a public inquiry by a committee of Victoria’s upper house which attracted more than a thousand submissions. This paper analyses the submissions made to that committee by Christian churches and organizations with a Christian affiliation. All bar one of the submissions were opposed to legalising assisted dying. The two most common themes in the Christian submissions were the need to expand palliative care services and that adequate palliative care could be an alternative to assisted dying; and that even narrowly constrained legalising of assisted dying could lead to a slippery slope with further expansions and potential harm to vulnerable populations. These arguments were not successful and the committee supported legalising assisted dying. Possible reasons for the failure of the Christian arguments are explored.
Повышение энергетической эффективности бытовых абсорбционных холодильных приборов
Authors: Титлов А.С. , Холодков А.О.
Published: November 2017

Показана целесообразность форсирования подводимой тепловой нагрузки на генератор абсорбционного холодильного агрегата в период пуска – снижение энергозатрат при эксплуатации может составить от 25 до 35%. Предложен bи обоснован новый способ управления абсорбционного холодильного агрегата с установкой теплоизоляционного кожуха на всем подъемном участке дефлегматора. Показано, что при учете особенностей эксплуатации абсорбционного холодильного агрегата в широком диапазоне температур воздуха окружающей среды одним из эффективных и малобюджетных методов повышения энергетической эффективности АХП является технология снижения потерь при транспортировке аммиака в зону производства искусственного холода (испаритель).
Аналіз впливу розміру газопарової бульбашки на процес гідратоутворення
Authors: Кутний Б. А. , Павленко А. М. , Абдуллах Н. М.
Published: November 2017

Запропонована математична модель, яка враховує інерційну та термодинамічну складові осциляції бульбашок, теплообмінні процеси у рідині, теплообмін на границі бульбашки. Проведено дослідження динамічних характеристик газопарових бульбашок різних розмірів. Після виконаних розрахунків побудовано графіки зміни розміру бульбашки, її температури, швидкості руху, тиску парогазового середовища всередині бульбашки  в часі. Встановлено, що кожен розмір бульбашок має свою частоту осциляцій. Розраховано швидкість гідратоутворення і встановлено, що вона набуває максимальних значень під час розігріву газового середовища всередині бульбашки. Поступово у в’язкій рідині осциляції затухають і процес гідратоутворення підтримується за рахунок відведення теплоти у зовнішні шари рідини. За термодинамічними характеристиками поверхні контакту рідкої та газоподібної фаз визначено кількість утвореного газового гідрату. Результати досліджень можуть застосовуватися для оптимізації різноманітних технологічних процесів, пов’язаних з кипінням, спученням матеріалів, утворенням газових гідратів та кавітацією у рідині
Шляхи підвищення енергоефективності багатозональних VRF систем кондиціювання повітря
Authors: Жихарєва Н. В.
Published: November 2017

Розглянуто шляхи підвищення енергоефективності багатозональних систем кондиціювання повітря, деякі технології і елементи, вдосконалення яких безпосередньо підвищує енергоефективність і знижує споживання електроенергії в річному циклі використання систем кондиціювання на основі енергетичних балансів теплофізичних процесів в VRF. За допомогою методів математичного моделювання схемно-технічних рішень і режимів роботи обладнання систем забезпечення мікроклімату в громадських об'єктах при використанні сучасних багатозональних систем кондиціювання розроблена модель підбору багатозональної системи кондиціювання повітря, яка враховує чинники (мінлива температура холодоагенту, інверторний привід, рекуперація) та обладнання (компресор, вентилятор, теплообмінники, фільтри.) Показані результати розрахунків за розробленою експрес-методикою, яка враховує нестаціонарні тепловологісні зовнішні та внутрішні навантаження і вплив чинників з підбором сучасного обладнання. Можливості енергозбереження проведені при розрахунку універсальної цільової функції і програм математичного моделювання щодо визначення термінів окупності та величин цільової функції для порівнюваних варіантів. Проведений порівняльний аналіз на базі розробленої математичної моделі Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Heavy для об'єктів, які працюють протягом добового циклу в екстремально-нестаціонарному режимі.
Рациональное проектирование термоэлектрического охлаждающего устройства для переменных температурных условий эксплуатации
Authors: Журавлев Ю. И.
Published: November 2017

Рассмотрена возможность рационального проектирования термоэлектрического устройства в составе радиоэлектронной аппаратуры при эксплуатации в различных климатических условиях. Показана возможность выбора в качестве начального — наиболее нагруженного токового режима работы охлаждающего термоэлемента, обеспечивающего повышение показателей надежности при приемлемых энергетических затратах и массогабаритных характеристиках однокаскадного термоэлектрического устройства в процессе изменения температурных условий окружающей среды.
Perfil sociodemográfico y académico en estudiantes universitarios respecto a su autoeficacia académica percibida
Authors: Hernández Jácquez Luis Fernando
Published: November 2017

Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de autoeficacia académica percibida en los estudiantes de una institución de educación superior del Estado de Durango, México y determinar el perfil sociodemográfico y académico de los estudiantes, en relación a su autoeficacia académica percibida. Método: El estudio se desarrolló bajo el enfoque cuantitativo de investigación, de diseño no experimental y transeccional, participando el total de la población estudiantil que cursa planes de estudio bajo el modelo de competencias profesionales, siendo 182 estudiantes, 46 % hombres y 54 % mujeres, todos en edades de los 21 a los 23 años. El instrumento aplicado consistió en un cuestionario con escalamiento Likert (α=.91) más un apartado con información social, académica y demográfica. Resultados: De manera global, la autoeficacia académica percibida se ubica en un nivel medio; y variables como la seguridad de contar con algún tipo de beca, el gusto por la carrera que se estudia, el no tener dificultades económicas, el deseo por estudiar algún posgrado, la cantidad de asignaturas no aprobadas en el semestre antecesor, el promedio de bachillerato que se haya obtenido y el promedio del semestre anterior son variables que inciden directamente en la autoeficacia académica percibida. Conclusiones: El perfil socioacadémico definido, proporciona información útil que puede ser utilizada como diagnóstico de poblaciones con características similares a la que se estudió, y con ello, la institución podrá diseñar políticas y estrategias tendientes al aumento de su autoeficacia, y por ende al mejoramiento de su desempeño académico
Relación entre apoyo familiar y el rendimiento académico en estudiantes colombianos de educación primaria
Authors: Lastre Meza Karina , López Salazar Luz Daris , Alcazar Berrio Clara
Published: November 2017

Objetivo: La investigación buscó establecer la relación entre el apoyo familiar y el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de 3° E.B.P de la Institución educativa Heriberto García, Toluviejo, Sucre. Método: Empleado de la investigación se enmarcó en un paradigma positivista, bajo un tipo de estudio correlacional en una muestra integrada por 98 estudiantes del grado 3° E.B.P y 92 familias, con el empleo de estadística descriptiva y análisis de correspondencia múltiple (ACM). Resultados: De la investigación mostraron constitución de familias nucleares con niveles socioeconómicos y educativos bajos y predominio de actividades informales de construcción. Se encontró un nivel de desempeño básico en las asignaturas de ciencias sociales, naturales, matemáticas y español. Conclusión: Se determinó una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el nivel de rendimiento y apoyo familiar, esto indica que aquellos padres que acompañan, retroalimentan y están pendientes de la vida escolar, sus hijos muestran mejores niveles de desempeño escolar.
Actitudes hacia desmovilizados del conflicto armado en Colombia por parte de civiles y militares en uso de buen retiro, residentes en Bogotá
Authors: Macias Pulgarín Karen , Mendoza Paula Andrea , León Osorio Christian , Riveros Munévar Fernando , Vera Anderssen , Bernal Arleth Patricia , Reyes Liliana
Published: November 2017

Objetivo: establecer las actitudes hacia los desmovilizados de la guerrilla por parte de civiles y militares en uso de buen retiro de Bogotá. Método: el estudio tuvo un alcance descriptivo, con un método de comparación de grupos, se seleccionó una muestra de 120 participantes, bajo un procedimiento no probabilístico, con edades entre los 40 a 60 años distribuidos en 60 militares en uso de buen retiro y 60 civiles, residentes en la ciudad de Bogotá, a quienes se les aplicó el cuestionario de Actitudes hacia Desmovilizados de la Guerrilla. Resultados:  se encontró que el 84.1% de los participantes presentan una actitud positiva o neutra, y estadísticos de comparación superiores al 0,05, lo que permite afirmar en discusión que ambos grupos presentan actitud positiva hacia los desmovilizados de la guerrilla, y que no se encuentran diferencias significativas entre civiles y militares en uso de buen retiro, residentes en Bogotá. Conclusión: se afirma que el tener una actitud positiva, neutra o negativa no depende de la diferencia entre ser militar o civil.
Exploración de las características psicométricas del inventario de estrés ocupacional - OSI para el contexto colombiano
Authors: García Rubiano Mónica , Vélez Botero Helena
Published: November 2017

Objetivo: Brindar una herramienta en el contexto colombiano que permita evaluar el estrés desde una perspectiva de afrontamiento, se busca explorar las características psicométricas del inventario de estrés ocupacional-OSI. Método: El diseño utilizado fue transversal de tipo descriptive-correlacional. Para este fin, respondieron el cuestionario 500 adultos trabajadores (hombres y mujeres) de empresas públicas y privadas de Colombia, con edades entre los 17 y 71 años. Se analizaron las propiedades psicométricas relacionadas con la dificultad y discriminación de los ítems a través de la prueba t, la confiabilidad a través del coeficiente de Cronbach y la validez factorial mediante un análisis de máxima verosimilitud con rotación varimax. Resultados: Indican que el inventario de estrés ocupacional-OSI posee alta confiabilidad (α = 0.88) y homogeneidad parcial en las escalas y subescalas que componen el instrumento, las cuales explican el 43 % de la varianza total en el comportamiento del estrés ocupacional. Conclusión: El inventario de estrés ocupacional-OSI es una herramienta potencialmente útil para evaluar el estrés en población colombiana.
Caracterización del autoconcepto en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios de algunos programas de pregrado de la ciudad de Manizales
Authors: Montoya Londoño Diana Marcela , Pinilla Sepúlveda Victoria Eugenia , Dussán Luberth Carmen
Published: November 2017

Objetivo: Caracterizar el autoconcepto en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios adscritos a dos universidades de la ciudad de Manizales y analizar el efecto de la disciplina y la formación profesional sobre este constructo. Método: Se empleó el cuestionario AF5, se describieron las variables, se comparó el desempeño en las diferentes dimensiones del autoconcepto presentado por los estudiantes, discriminando entre semestres por programas y género. Para ello se trabajó la prueba t o análisis de varianza (dependiendo del número de medias a comparar), o las pruebas no paramétricas correspondientes. Resultados: Se encontró que para el caso de los hombres, a nivel de autoconcepto académico-laboral y social, los estudiantes del programa de Filosofía presentan menores promedios que los de las demás carreras evaluadas. Se evidenciaron menores promedios entre los estudiantes de Historia y Licenciatura en Ciencias Sociales, respecto a programas del área de la salud. En el caso de las mujeres, se hallaron diferencias significativas a nivel del autoconcepto académico-laboral entre las estudiantes de primer semestre del programa de Filosofía con un menor promedio, respecto a las mujeres del programa de Desarrollo Familiar. Conclusión: Los estudiantes quedarán ubicados por encima del promedio de los baremos existentes para la prueba, lo que hace evidente la necesidad de realizar estudios de estandarización de la prueba para población universitaria colombiana.
A Immunohistochemical Analysis of a Rat Model of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy and a Comparison of the Expression of Tgf-Β and PDGF Among the Induction Methods
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Zhi , Du Lian-Fang , Wang Hui-Ping
Published: November 2017

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a serious complication of retinal detachment surgery or ocular trauma. Our previous study indicated that intravitreal co-injection of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) -J cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (not RPE-J cells or PRP alone) in Wistar rat eyes can successfully induce a model of PVR. But which cells are involved in this process and why different induction methods, intravitreal injection of RPE-J cells or/and PRP, induced a different situation remain to be unknown. In this study, immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the main cell types involved in this process. The expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF) -β2, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)- AA and PDGF-BB were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)The results showed that RPE cells, glial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages took part in the pathogenesis of this model. The expression levels and durations of TGF^2 and PDGF-BB partially explained the different results induced by the different induction methods. This provides an experimental proof for attenuation of the experimental PVR by targeting at a specific cells or growth factor.
High-Performance Cementitious Matrix using Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Awan Muhammad Maqbool Sadiq , Soroushian Parviz , Ali Arshad , Awan Muhammad Yousaf Saqid
Published: November 2017

Graphite nanomaterials would realize their reinforcement potential within cement-based materials when they are thoroughly dispersed and effectively bonded to cement hydrates. Thorough dispersion of graphite nanomaterials in the fresh cementitious matrix encounters challenges associated with the hydrophobic nature of nanomaterial surfaces and their strong tendency towards agglomeration via attractive van der Waals forces. Effective interfacial interactions with cement hydrates are further challenged by the relatively inert nature of nanomaterial surfaces. An experimental program was conducted with the objective of effectively utilizing both acid-oxidized and pristine carbon nanofibers towards reinforcement of high-performance cementitious pastes. Hybrid reinforcement systems comprising optimum volume fraction of carbon nanofibers and micro-scale fibers were also evaluated in cementitious matrices. The improvements in nanofiber dispersion and interfacial interactions resulting from acid-oxidation and use of proper dispersion techniques were found to bring about significant gains in the engineering properties of high-performance cementitious materials.
Process Design and Modelling of the Production of Butyl Cellosolve Acetate and EO-3 Phosphate Ester
Authors: Bhullar Lupete K , Putra Zulpan Adi
Published: November 2017

A chemical company has identified that Butyl Cellosolve Acetate (BCA) and EO-3 Phosphate Ester (EO-3 PE) esters have significant potential in a large variety of applications. However, there is limited information in existing practices involving these particular grades of esters. Hence, the aim of the present work is to develop the process design for the production of these two esters. Within the development stage, the technical and economic challenges of the production processes are evaluated and compared. The results show that, among other things, the BCA process shows the formation of azeotropic mixtures which causes the separation process to be difficult. On the other hand, EO-3 PE shows the formation of aqueous phosphoric acid that is also difficult to separate. Fortunately, this aqueous phosphoric acid can be sold, which then increase the economic attractiveness of the developed process. Monte Carlo simulation were performed to account some uncertainties such as CAPEX estimate, raw material prices and product prices. This simulation shows that the developed BCA process has a significant chance to be non-profitable, while the economic potential of the EO-3 PE process is at least 200% higher than that of the BCA process in all scenarios.
RUSSIA AND THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE: THE CRISIS OF RELATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF INVERTION IN DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Shynkarenko T.
Published: November 2017

The article is about the crisis in relations between the Russian Federation (RF) and the Council of Europe (COE) in the context of inversion in democratic development of Russia. While preparing the given paper a set of methodological instruments of the transitological approach was used, in particular, democratization «wave theory», the approach towards understanding transformation processes in Eastern Europe as a non-linear process, models of «transition with an open final». In the XXI century the Council of Europe faced daunting challenges resulted both from crisis situations in the EU member-states and from inversion of democratic transit in post-Soviet countries, particularly, in Russia. Apparently, the COE failed to realize any of its basic functions in Eastern European countries: regulatory, prognostic, worldview and axiological. Under these circumstances, the functional weakness of some COE bodies and institutions became especially notable, complicating, along with lobbyism and corruption of representatives of post-soviet states, the organization’s operational capacity. Overcoming the institutional crisis and strengthening the role of the COE on the continent suggests both further reforms of the organization and reintegration of the normative dimension and the value-based approach into foreign policy of European states.
Analysis of the NPT effect in women with chronic LBP: a pilot study
Authors: Villeneuve Phillipe , Ceci Lisandro Antonio , Parreira Rodolfo Borges , Ribeiro Larissa Gulogurski , Hosni Andressa Panegalli , Rolão Marcos Paulo Polowei , Gomes Jossinelma Camargo , Oliveira Thais Barbosa De , Pereira Mário Cesar da Silva , Salgado Afonso Shiguemi Inoue , Kerppers Ivo Ilvan
Published: November 2017

Introduction: low back pain (LBP) is characterized by pain in the region between the last costal arches and the gluteal fold. It can occur due to several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and it has a very high prevalence in adulthood, causing several problems which directly influence the quality of life. Neurosensory Postural Therapy (NPT) is a technique which uses manual neural stimulation to adjust muscle tone. Objective: The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of NPT on pain, mobility, flexibility, functionality, cardiac variability and body oscillation. Methodology: Seven women over 20 years old were recruited, which were evaluated before and after the technique, which consisted of pressure on the upper and lower roots of the sciatic nerve at 3 points for 60 seconds. Results: The mean pain score was 2.71 ± 1.38 and 1.35 ± 1.18, with a value of p = 0.02. For the Schöber test we obtained a mean of 21.93 ± 1.36 and 22.34 ± 1.30 cm in the pre- and post-test with p=0.01. No statistical difference was found in the Rolland Morris questionnaire. The electromyography obtained statistical difference in the analysis of the gluteus medius with p=0.02. Significant results (p=0.0001) were found in the lateral evaluation by the stabilometry and the HF/LF ratio showed difference with p=0.03 in the pretest and after 30 days. Conclusion: The technique of NPT has benefits in the parameters studies, demonstration being a fast technique with period of efficiency.
Effect of methyldopa and labetolol on fetal outcomes in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Pentareddy Mary Rohini , D. Shailendra
Published: November 2017

Background: Hypertensive disorders represent the most common medical complication of pregnancy, with a reported incidence of 6-10% and accounts for 15% of maternal mortality. Effective management of pregnancy induced hypertension is vital to improve maternal and foetal outcomes. As data are scarce on comparison of labetolol and methyldopa this study was undertaken. The objectives of the study were to evaluate effect of both drugs on fetal outcomes.Methods: A comparative observational Study is designed. 30 patients who received Methyldopa and 30 patients who received Labetolol were included in the study. Methyldopa was started at a dose of 250-500mg thrice daily while Labetolol was started at a dose of 100-400mg twice daily. Patients were followed up during antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum period for perinatal outcomes.Results: Intra Uterine Growth Retarded (IUGR) babies were 10% in Methyldopa group and 6.66% in Labetolol group. 20% of new borns in Methyldopa group and 10% of new borns in Labetolol group got admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because of distress. 13.3% of new borns in Methyldopa group are small for gestational age(SGA), whereas only 3.33% in Labetolol group are small for gestational age.Conclusions: Chances of development of IUGR, NICU admissions of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome and small for gestational age babies were more with methyldopa compared to Labetolol, but there was no statistically significant difference between two drugs.
A prospective observational study of drug usage in the management of snake bite patients and their outcome in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Hirebail Supriya Kumari , H. Nagabushan , G. M. Prakash
Published: November 2017

Background: The objectives of the study were to assess the pattern of management of snakebite especially with respect to use of anti- snake venom and other supportive treatment given and to assess the effect of anti-snake venom on different types of snakebite and to assess their outcome.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 6 months, after getting approval from Institutional Ethics committee. Total of 144 snake bite patients were analysed for six months duration for use of anti-snake venom and other supportive treatment in their management and were assessed for their outcome like recovery, morbidity and mortality.Results: Out of 144 snake bite patients analysed, 71.5% had poisonous type and 28.4% had non- poisonous type of snake bite. Among the total number of snakebites, 47.2% were unknown type and among the known type 25% were viper, 13.2% cobra, 7.6% krait, 6.3% sea snake and 0.7% green snake. Anti-snake venom (ASV) was given to 62 patients depending on severity, of which, 22 patients developed reaction to ASV. Patient with reaction to ASV were treated with corticosteroid and antihistamine injection. Morbidity was seen in 29.1% of patients who developed either cellulitis or gangrene of bitten area, which was more commonly seen among viper bite patients (54.7%).Conclusions: Snakebite is one of the commonest tropical diseases leading to envenomation and poisoning especially in rural areas of tropical countries which has to be treated as early as possible to prevent complications. Majority of the cases in our study were of viper bite and most of them have recovered after treatment.
Perspectives of students in a medical school regarding Hepatitis B and C in North West India
Authors: Gupta Rajiv Kumar , Singh Parveen , Langer Bhavna , Kumari Rashmi , Akhter Najma , Gupta Riya
Published: November 2017

Background: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are among the major public health problems in the world and students in the medical schools as a group is highly vulnerable to these infections. The current study aimed to assess the perspectives (knowledge, attitude and practices) of these students about both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical school in northwest India using a self administered questionnaire. This study was carried out in the month of July 2017 using a convenience sample of Pre-final MBBS students.Results: The knowledge of the respondents was found to be good on most of the parameters except for living with Hepatitis B/C patient being a risk factor for disease and Hepatitis B being curable. On the same pattern, attitudes were also found to be positive on most of the parameters except willingness to undergo screening for the diseases. Practices of the respondents were also adequate except for use of gloves while examining a patient/collecting blood sample. An important positive practice observed was that 92.8% of the respondents were protected against Hepatitis B.Conclusions: The study has concluded that perspective of medical students towards Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are reasonably good and areas of concern need to be taken care of. Both these diseases remain a challenge for health community in general and medical students in particular due to their being an occupational hazard, so the need for infection control training before they start clinical education is strongly recommended.
Assessment of drug use practices among dermatology out-patients using WHO core drug use indicators
Authors: Mukherjee Shatavisa , Era Nikhil , Banerjee Gautam , Tripathi Santanu Kumar
Published: November 2017

Background: Considering the economic burden the skin diseases cause owing to its high prevalence, it is of interest to periodically monitor the drug use pattern so as to increase the therapeutic efficacy, decrease adverse effects and provide feedback to prescribers. The present study thus assessed the drug use practices among dermatology outpatients in a tertiary care teaching unit in Eastern India.Methods: The study assessed drug use practices for all prescriptions of patients attending the concerned OPD using WHO core drug use indicators which consist of mainly three domains, prescribing indicators, patient care indicators and healthcare indicators.Results: Total number of drugs in 471 prescriptions was found to be 1050. Number of drugs per prescription varied from 1 to 6 with average of 2.22. The most commonly prescribed drugs were antibiotics, followed by steroids and steroidal combinations. Prescribing indicators revealed that 2.09% drugs were generic prescribing, with about 18.78% of the drugs being prescribed from the WHO essential drug list. The proportion of encounters with at least one antibiotic prescribed was 34.82%. 13.9% drugs actually dispensed from hospital supply, of which all were adequately labelled.Conclusions: Increasing dermatological prescribing has necessitated assessment of their rational usage. Promoting rational drug use policy is recommended for effective healthcare management.
Nimesulide induced toxic epidermal necrolysis: a rare case report
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Gari Manju , Chakraborty Kishor , Ranjan Ravi , Chandra Anshuman , Kumari Kavita
Published: November 2017

Adverse drug reactions to the prescribed medicines are the major obstacles in continuation of drug treatment. Nimesulide, a selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) inhibitor was first launched in Italy in 1985 and subsequently marketed in more than 50 countries including India. Due to its better and faster antipyretic action, it has gained popularity among physicians and paediatricians. Here, we report a case of 60 years old male patient who developed toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) following ingestion of tablet nimesulide. The patient was managed with parenteral corticosteroids, antibiotics, emollients, anti-fungal and supportive care. This case highlights the importance of nimesulide and other NSAIDs as possible cause of TEN. Nimesulide has never been approved in countries like USA, Canada, Britain, New Zealand, Australia. But in India it is available as over the counter drug and is used for various indications like fever, myalgia, arthralgia. Therefore, the drugs which are banned outside India should be used with caution and medical practitioners should report all the adverse drug reactions to such drugs.
Sexuality issue in the school environment in a capital city of a West African country
Authors: Sostène Adisso , N. Mukanire , Mathieu Ogoudjobi Ogourindé , N. Gnonlonfin , Mbarambara P. Mulongo
Published: November 2017

Background: Precociousness and abuse of unprotected sexual intercourses among teenagers promote sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies that often result in illegal induced abortions. The goal of this work is to study the knowledge, attitude and practice of students about sexuality.Methods: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study that took place from 1st March to 30th May 2015. All registered secondary students in both secondary schools Behanzin and Toffa 1er from Porto-Novo city are included. We used a multiple choice and open questions.Results: The survey concerns 1304 students. Among them, 57% are female and 43% are male. The students’ average age is 18.71±2.31years with extremes of 13 and 25 years. The majority of students in our sample (66.9%), the ideal age for first sexual intercourse is between 15 and 19 years with 60.4% for boys and 65.0% for girls. In our sample, 6 to 7 students out of 10 have at least one sexual intercourse. Among boys, we estimated 7 to 8 cases out of 10 and among girls 5 to 6 out of 10 cases. On the whole, 44.9% of students agreed to have sexual intercourse before marriage. Out of 1304 students, 50.0% have their first sexual intercourse between 15 and 19 years old and 47.2% of these sexual intercourses were unprotected. Having many sexual partners is more observed among boys. Sexually transmitted diseases are known by students of our sample in the following proportions: HIV/AIDS (93.2%), Gonorrhoea (44.2%), Syphilis (21.2%), Chancroid (6.2%), Genital trichomoniasis (5.4%). Out of 433 sexually active girls who were involved in the present study, 165 (38.1%) had at least one unwished pregnancy and 144 which is 87.3% resulted in induced abortions.Conclusions: Present study showed that the majority of students are sexually active and most of sexual intercourses are unprotected despite the knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases. This attitude is revealed in a certain rate of unwished pregnancies resulting in a significant proportion of induced abortions.