Participation in the global knowledge commons : challenges and opportunities for research dissemination in developing countries

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a review of recent trends in the open access (OA) movement, as well as to discuss the significance of those trends for information access in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of the recent literature was carried out, focusing on the benefits of a greater information access in developing countries. The paper also brings together the diverse experiences from the authors on OA publishing and archiving with institutions in a number of developing countries. Findings – Knowledge workers in developing countries are now getting access to scholarly and scientific publications and electronic resources at a level that is unmatched historically. This is highly significant, if developing countries are to meet the millennium development goals. The OA movement and the growing number of Open Archive Initiative-compliant institutional repositories promise to provide even greater access to resources and publications that were previously inaccessible. These low cost technology and interoperability standards are providing great opportunities for libraries and publishers in developing countries to disseminate local research and to bridge the south-north knowledge gap. Originality/value – This paper therefore provides recommendations for knowledge workers on how to actively participate in and contribute to the global knowledge commons. The results and recommendations contained in the paper should be of interest to authors, policy makers, funding agencies and information professionals in both developing and developed countries

Improving access to research literature in developing countries : challenges and opportunities provided by Open Access

The Open Access movement has grown from pockets of regional initiatives to an increasingly coordinated world wide movement, facilitated by common technical standards and open source software. While debates on open access have focused on the so-called “serial crisis” and copyright issues, relatively little attention has been paid to the myriads of benefits OA provide, particularly to researchers in the developing countries. In this paper, we highlight important developments and experimentations in knowledge sharing enabled by different modes of open access, and point to collaborative and sustainable models that will be highly beneficial to research institutions in the developing world in the long term. The recommendations in this2 paper will have important implications for library and information professionals working in resource poor countries

Isokinetic torque peak and hamstrings/quadriceps ratios in endurance athletes with anterior cruciate ligament laxity

PURPOSE: To evaluate torque and the hamstring/quadriceps ratio of the knee of athletes with and without anterior cruciate ligament laxity. METHODS: Twenty-eight male athletes, 19 without anterior cruciate ligament laxity and 9 with anterior cruciate ligament laxity, were evaluated with an isokinetic machine model Cybex 770. The peak torque of quadriceps and hamstrings was compared, and the hamstring/quadriceps ratio on the constant angular speed of 60º per second were also compared. RESULTS: In athletes with anterior cruciate ligament laxity, the peak torque values (right and left knees) of flexors (120 ± 15 and 116 ± 15 Nm) and of extensors (218 ± 36 Nm and 207 ± 26 Nm) were not different than those of athletes without laxity (109 ± 21 Nm and 111 ± 22 Nm; 191 ± 5 Nm and 188 ± 35 Nm). The hamstring/quadriceps ratio of athletes with laxity (right: 57 ± 6% and left: 56 ± 8%) did not differ from those without anterior cruciate ligament laxity (right: 58 ± 9% and left: 58 ± 7%). CONCLUSIONS: The anterior cruciate ligament laxity of long distances running athletes did not significantly alter the peak torque of flexors and of extensors or the hamstring/quadriceps ratio.OBJETIVO: Avaliar o torque e a relação de forças entre ísquios-tibiais/quadríceps dos joelhos de atletas corredores de longas distâncias com e sem frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior. METODOLOGIA: Vinte e oito atletas do gênero masculino, 19 sem frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior e 9 com frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior foram avaliados com aparelho isocinético modelo Cybex 770. Comparou-se o pico de torque dos quadríceps e dos ísquios-tibiais e a relação ísquios-tibiais/quadríceps na velocidade angular constante de 60º por segundo. Os dados obtidos foram comparados por meio dos testes t de Student e para dados pareados (membros direito e esquerdo) e o nível de significância estabelecido foi p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Nos atletas com frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior os valores de pico de torque (joelhos direito e esquerdo) dos flexores (120 ± 15 Nm e 116 ± 15 Nm) e dos extensores (218 ± 36 Nm e 207 ± 26 Nm) não diferiram significantemente dos atletas sem frouxidão (109 ± 21 Nm e 111 ± 22 Nm; 191 ± 5 Nm e 188 ± 35 Nm). A relação ísquios-tibiais/quadríceps dos atletas com frouxidão (57 ± 6% e 56 ± 8%) também não diferiu daqueles sem frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior (58 ± 9% e 58 ± 7%). CONCLUSÕES: A frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior não alterou significantemente o pico de torque dos flexores e extensores e a relação ísquios-tibiais/quadríceps dos joelhos de atletas corredores de longas distâncias

Efeito do casqueamento na distribuição de pressões e suporte de peso na superfície dos cascos de vacas leiteiras

Claw lameness can be associated to biomechanical factors caused by unbalanced pressure distribution under the hooves when cows are confined in modern dairy operations with hard concrete flooring. In the present study, an original claw subdivision4 was slightly modified to differentiate between the anterior (typical sole lesion spot) and posterior portions of the medial sole, and to emphasize the maximum pressures applied only on the area of contact without including the total area within these regions during midstance. The results, obtained showed significance (p &lt; 0.044) for the interaction among Group, Leg and region (G*L*R). It was observed that the rear portion of the claws (heels) on the hind limb of untrimmed cows, are more stressed than the heel region on trimmed cows (23 % versus 16.72% of total pressure applied on the claw for untrimmed and trimmed respectively). The typical sole lesion spot pressures were increased slightly on trimmed cows as compared to untrimmed (20.20% versus 15.9%). The front feet presented differences in pressure concentration on the lateral sole between both groups (29% versus 23.25% for untrimmed versus trimmed respectively). It was concluded that, although the differences were small (5%) changes in pressure concentration, untrimmed cows stress more the sole lateral as compared to trimmed on the front feet, and on the rear feet, they stress more the heel region whereas trimmed cows tend to have a slight better balance among regions. Conversely, when cows are trimmed, the typical sole lesion spot concentrates more pressure than the heel itself (20.20% versus 16.72% respectively) and may favor the occurrence of sole ulcers.Laminite (manqueira) pode ser associado a fatores mecânicos, causados por falta de balanceamento na distribuição de pressão na sola dos cascos de vacas confinadas em instalações modernas, que utilizam pisos de concreto. No presente estudo, a subdivisão original dos cascos de vacas leiteiras foi modificada para diferenciar-se entre a porção anterior (local típico de lesão) e posterior da sola medial dos cascos, e para enfatizar as pressões máximas aplicadas somente na área de contato não levando em consideração a área total da sola. Os resultados mostraram significância estatística (p &lt; 0.044) para a interação entre Grupo, Pata e Região (G*L*R). Foi observado que a porção posterior (calcanhar) das patas traseiras de vacas não-casqueadas foram estressadas mais intensamente que de vacas casqueadas (23 % versus 16.72% da pressão total aplicada nas patas em não-casqueadas e casqueadas respectivamente). As pressões na região do local típico de lesão aumentaram em animais casqueados comparado com não-casqueados (20.20% versus 15.9%). As patas da frente apresentaram diferenças na concentração de pressão da sola lateral (29% versus 23.25% em não-casqueadas versus casqueadas, respectivamente). Foi concluído que, apesar das diferenças serem pequenas (5%) mudanças nas concentrações de pressão, vacas não-casqueadas estressaram mais a porção da sola lateral, comparado a vacas casqueadas nas patas da frente, enquanto nas traseiras elas estressam mais a região do calcanhar, e as vacas casqueadas tendem a ter uma distribuição melhor de pressão entre as regiões. No entanto, quando as vacas são casqueads, a região típica de lesão tende a concentrar mais pressão do que o próprio calcanhar (20.20% versus 16.72% respectivamente) podendo favorecer a incidência de úlcera de sola

Ankle electromyography among the young and the elderly

O envelhecimento altera a função musculoesquelética prejudicando a marcha e a manutenção do equilíbrio corporal. Objetivo: Verificar e comparar a atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) da região do tornozelo de idosos e jovens fisicamente ativos. Método: Participaram deste ensaio 40 indivíduos de ambos os sexos considerados fisicamente ativos mediante o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física - IPAQ (formato curto). Não participaram do estudo aqueles com algum tipo de condição clínica que afetasse o equilíbrio e contração muscular. Avaliou-se a atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) dos músculos tibial anterior e tríceps sural na posição bipodal (BA) e unipodal (UA), com olhos abertos. Para a captação dos sinais EMG foram utilizados eletrodos monopolares de superfície Ag/AgCl da KENDALL (MEDITRACETM 200). O teste t de Student foi utilizado para a comparação entre os grupos. O nível de significância adotado foi p &lt; 0,05. Resultados: Os idosos exibiram valores superiores quanto a frequência de potenciais de ação em 3 das 4 condições avaliadas. Conclusão: Os idosos deste estudo exibiram maior frequência de disparos e recrutamento de unidades motoras dos músculos do tornozelo para a manutenção das posturas unipodal e bipodal, em comparação aos jovens.Aging changes the musculoskeletal function and affects gait and body balance. Objective: To compare the electromyographic activity (EMG) of the ankles of physically active older and younger people. Method: Forty subjects of both genders considered physically active through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ (short format) participated in this study. Those with some kind of medical condition that could affect balance and muscle contraction did not participate in the study. We evaluated the electromyographic activity (EMG) of the tibialis anterior and triceps surae in bipedal stance (BS) and single-leg (US) with eyes open. To capture the EMG, monopolar Ag/AgCl surface electrodes from KENDALL (MEDITRACETM 200) were used. The Student t test was used for comparison between groups. The level of significance adopted was p &lt; 0.05. Results: Elderly individuals exhibited higher values regarding the frequency of action potentials in 3 of the 4 conditions assessed. Conclusion: The older volunteers in this study exhibited a higher firing rate and recruitment of motor units of the ankle muscles to maintain the bipedal and unipedal stance, as compared to the younger

Association between microsatellite instability status and peri-operative release of circulating tumour cells in colorectal cancer

Microsatellite instability (MSI) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a marker of immunogenicity and is associated with an increased abundance of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). In this subgroup of colorectal cancer, it is unknown if these characteristics translate into a measurable difference in circulating tumour cell (CTC) release into peripheral circulation. This is the first study to compare MSI status with the prevalence of circulating CTCs in the peri-operative colorectal surgery setting. For this purpose, 20 patients who underwent CRC surgery with curative intent were enrolled in the study, and peripheral venous blood was collected at pre- (t1), intra- (t2), immediately post-operative (t3), and 14–16 h post-operative (t4) time points. Of these, one patient was excluded due to insufficient blood sample. CTCs were isolated from 19 patients using the IsofluxTM system, and the data were analysed using the STATA statistical package. CTC number was presented as the mean values, and comparisons were made using the Student t-test. There was a trend toward increased CTC presence in the MSI-high (H) CRC group, but this was not statistically significant. In addition, a Poisson regression was performed adjusting for stage (I-IV). This demonstrated no significant difference between the two MSI groups for pre-operative time point t1. However, time points t2, t3, and t4 were associated with increased CTC presence for MSI-H CRCs. In conclusion, there was a trend toward increased CTC release pre-, intra-, and post-operatively in MSI-H CRCs, but this was only statistically significant intra-operatively. When adjusting for stage, MSI-H was associated with an increase in CTC numbers intra-operatively and post-operatively, but not pre-operatively

Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of direct and indirect pulp capping materials

There are several studies about the cytotoxic effects of dental materials in contact with the pulp tissue, such as calcium hydroxide (CH), adhesive systems, resin composite and glass ionomer cements. The aim of this review article was to summarize and discuss the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of materials used for protection of the dentin-pulp complex, some components of resin composites and adhesive systems when placed in direct or indirect contact with the pulp tissue. A large number of dental materials present cytotoxic effects when applied close or directly to the pulp, and the only material that seems to stimulate early pulp repair and dentin hard tissue barrier formation is CH

Isokinetic torque peak and hamstrings/quadriceps ratios in endurance athletes with anterior cruciate ligament laxity

PURPOSE: To evaluate torque and the hamstring/quadriceps ratio of the knee of athletes with and without anterior cruciate ligament laxity. METHODS: Twenty-eight male athletes, 19 without anterior cruciate ligament laxity and 9 with anterior cruciate ligament laxity, were evaluated with an isokinetic machine model Cybex 770. The peak torque of quadriceps and hamstrings was compared, and the hamstring/quadriceps ratio on the constant angular speed of 60º per second were also compared. RESULTS: In athletes with anterior cruciate ligament laxity, the peak torque values (right and left knees) of flexors (120 ± 15 and 116 ± 15 Nm) and of extensors (218 ± 36 Nm and 207 ± 26 Nm) were not different than those of athletes without laxity (109 ± 21 Nm and 111 ± 22 Nm; 191 ± 5 Nm and 188 ± 35 Nm). The hamstring/quadriceps ratio of athletes with laxity (right: 57 ± 6% and left: 56 ± 8%) did not differ from those without anterior cruciate ligament laxity (right: 58 ± 9% and left: 58 ± 7%). CONCLUSIONS: The anterior cruciate ligament laxity of long distances running athletes did not significantly alter the peak torque of flexors and of extensors or the hamstring/quadriceps ratio.OBJETIVO: Avaliar o torque e a relação de forças entre ísquios-tibiais/quadríceps dos joelhos de atletas corredores de longas distâncias com e sem frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior. METODOLOGIA: Vinte e oito atletas do gênero masculino, 19 sem frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior e 9 com frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior foram avaliados com aparelho isocinético modelo Cybex 770. Comparou-se o pico de torque dos quadríceps e dos ísquios-tibiais e a relação ísquios-tibiais/quadríceps na velocidade angular constante de 60º por segundo. Os dados obtidos foram comparados por meio dos testes t de Student e para dados pareados (membros direito e esquerdo) e o nível de significância estabelecido foi p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Nos atletas com frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior os valores de pico de torque (joelhos direito e esquerdo) dos flexores (120 ± 15 Nm e 116 ± 15 Nm) e dos extensores (218 ± 36 Nm e 207 ± 26 Nm) não diferiram significantemente dos atletas sem frouxidão (109 ± 21 Nm e 111 ± 22 Nm; 191 ± 5 Nm e 188 ± 35 Nm). A relação ísquios-tibiais/quadríceps dos atletas com frouxidão (57 ± 6% e 56 ± 8%) também não diferiu daqueles sem frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior (58 ± 9% e 58 ± 7%). CONCLUSÕES: A frouxidão do ligamento cruzado anterior não alterou significantemente o pico de torque dos flexores e extensores e a relação ísquios-tibiais/quadríceps dos joelhos de atletas corredores de longas distâncias

Aislamiento e identificación de potenciales rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal de una planta nativa que crece en condiciones áridas

Las rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento de las plantas (PGPR) son microorganismos benéficos que pueden ser utilizados para mejorar las respuestas de las plantas contra estrés bióticos y abióticos en los agrosistemas, mejorando la productividad agrícola y la calidad ambiental. En el presente estudio se identificaron bacterias con potencial rol en la promoción del crecimiento vegetal aisladas de la planta nativa Glandularia clavata (Ruiz &amp; Pavon) Botta, distrito de Yarabamba, departamento de Arequipa, Perú. Dicha planta creció en un ambiente árido, en donde estuvo sometida a estreses abióticos como: hídrico, nutricional y ambiental. Las cepas aisladas fueron nombradas inicialmente como LDVA-01, LDVA-02 y LDVA-03, siendo bacilos Gram positivos, diplobacilos Gram negativos y cocobacilos Gram positivos, respectivamente. Las pruebas bioquímicas se realizaron en medios diferenciales. Finalmente, su identificación se confirmó mediante el secuenciamiento del gen ADNr 16S y su posterior análisis filogenético, relacionando la cepa LDVA-01 con Bacillus pumilus, la cepa LDVA-02 con Pseudomonas fluorescens y la cepa LDVA-03 con Rhodococcus erythropolis. Debido a diferentes investigaciones que reportan actividad PGP a estas especies bacterianas, como adaptación de plantas cultivadas en condiciones edafoclimáticas desfavorables, las cepas aisladas de este trabajo podrían cumplir con estas características al favorecer el crecimiento de la planta nativa analizada