La percepción de los cruceristas estadounidenses sobre el servicio turístico de calidad ofrecido por los guías de turistas en Mazatlán, México

In a sector such as tourism, where global competition grows day to day, achieving a high rate of satisfaction among visitors is a priority goal on the part of tourism service providers. Obtaining individuals totally satisfied is one of the main reasons of the growing number of visitors that experience a tourist destination; for example, the great growth of the tourist cruises. Therefore, the purpose of this researchis to analyze the perception of American cruisers on the tourist service quality offered by the tourist guides in Mazatlan, Mexico. By applying a quantitative and qualitative methodology, using exploratory-descriptive research and Likert-type questionnaires, it shows the main strengths and weaknesses in the provision of the service offered by the guides throwing a quality service.En un sector como el turístico, en el que la competencia global crece día a día, lograr un elevado índice de satisfacción entre los visitantes es una meta prioritaria por parte de los prestadores de servicios turísticos. De modo que obtener individuos totalmente satisfechos es uno de los principales motores del crecimiento del número de visitantes que experimenta un destino turístico; más aún, si se resalta el gran crecimiento de los cruceros turísticos. Por lo anterior, la finalidad de esta investigación es analizar la percepción de los cruceristas estadounidenses sobre el servicio turístico de calidad ofrecido por los guías de turistas en Mazatlán, México. Aplicando una metodología cuantitativa y cualitativa, usando tipos de investigación de carácter exploratorio-descriptivo, asimismo se utilizó cuestionarios tipo Likert, arrojando como resultados la identificación de las principales fortalezas y debilidades en la prestación del servicio ofrecido por los guías arrojando así un servicio de calidad

Emergence of stationary multimodality under two-timescaled dichotomic noise

We study a linear Langevin dynamics driven by an additive non-Markovian symmetrical dichotomic noise. It is shown that when the statistics of the time intervals between noise transitions is characterized by two well differentiated timescales, the stationary distribution may develop multimodality (bi- and trimodality). The underlying effects that lead to a probability concentration in different points include intermittence and also a dynamical locking of realizations. Our results are supported by numerical simulations as well as by an exact treatment obtained from a Markovian embedding of the full dynamics, which leads to a third-order differential equation for the stationary distribution.Fil: Budini, Adrian Adolfo. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Mc Hardy, Isaias. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Nizama Mendoza, Marco Alfredo. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Caceres Garcia Faure, Manuel Osvaldo. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; Argentin

Identifying mega‑environments to enhance the use of superior rice genotypes in Panama

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar tres métodos para identificar mega‑ambientes, para optimizar el uso del potencial genético de los cultivares de arroz, durante el proceso de selección, y para hacer recomendaciones sobre siembras comerciales en Panamá. Los datos experimentales fueron obtenidos de los ensayos de productividad de cultivares precoces realizados entre 2006 y 2008. Para lograr la estratificación de los ambientes y definir los mega‑ambientes, se utilizaron los métodos del genotipo vencedor mediante el modelo AMMI1, el modelo biplot GGE y el de conglomerado por el método de Ward, complementado con el biplot GGE. Los tres métodos utilizados identificaron dos mega‑ambientes, donde los cultivares sobresalientes fueron Fedearroz 473 e Idiap 145-05. Hubo una coincidencia de 100% en el agrupamiento del conglomerado x el biplot GGE, mientras que entre conglomerado x AMMI1 y biplot GGE x AMMI1 fue de 95,2%. El genotipo más estable, en ambos mega-ambientes, fue el cultivar Idiap 145-05, lo que indica capacidad de adaptación amplia y específica. La capacidad adaptativa de los genotipos superiores y no las condiciones agroclimáticas de las localidades evaluadas fue responsable de la definición de los mega‑ambientes.The objective of this work was to evaluate three methods to identify mega-environments, in order to optimize the use of the genetic potential of rice cultivars during the selection process and to make recommendations for commercial plantations in Panama. Experimental data were obtained from the test performance, between 2006 and 2008, for early maturing cultivars. To achieve the stratification of environments and define mega‑environments, the winner genotype method by the AMMI1 model, GGE biplot model and cluster by Ward’s method supplemented by GGE biplot were used. The three methods used identified two mega-environments, where the outstanding cultivars were Fedearroz 473 e Idiap 145-05. There was 100% coincidence in the grouping of the cluster x the GGE biplot, with 95.2% coincidence between the AMMI1 x cluster and GGE biplot x AMMI1. The most stable genotype, in both mega-environments, was the Idiap 145‑05 cultivar, which indicates its broad and specific adaptive capacity. The adaptive capacity of the superior genotypes and not the agroclimatic conditions of the assessed localities was responsible for defining the mega-environments.The objective of this work was to evaluate three methods to identify mega-environments, in order to optimize the use of the genetic potential of rice cultivars during the selection process and to make recommendations for commercial plantations in Panama. Experimental data were obtained from the test performance, between 2006 and 2008, for early maturing cultivars. To achieve the stratification of environments and define mega‑environments, the winner genotype method by the AMMI1 model, GGE biplot model and cluster by Ward’s method supplemented by GGE biplot were used. The three methods used identified two mega-environments, where the outstanding cultivars were Fedearroz 473 e Idiap 145-05. There was 100% coincidence in the grouping of the cluster x the GGE biplot, with 95.2% coincidence between the AMMI1 x cluster and GGE biplot x AMMI1. The most stable genotype, in both mega-environments, was the Idiap 145‑05 cultivar, which indicates its broad and specific adaptive capacity. The adaptive capacity of the superior genotypes and not the agroclimatic conditions of the assessed localities was responsible for defining the mega-environments

Diabetes in Panama: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Clinical Management

ObjectivesTo draw evidence-based conclusions about the epidemiology, drivers, and management of diabetes in Panama based on a literature review and original analyses of large databases.MethodsA search about diabetes in Panama was conducted through PubMed. We used the final reports of 2 studies: the first Survey of Health and Life Quality, 2007, and the first Survey of Risk Factors Associated to Cardiovasular Diseases, 2010-2011, conducted in Panama and analyzed the databases. We reviewed the approach adopted by the Panamanian Social Security institution and the diabetes national guidelines published by the Panamanian Ministry of Health.FindingsThe prevalence of diabetes, as estimated in 1 database (ENSCAVI), was 5.4% (4.3% men; 6.0% women; OR = 1.41 [confidence interval 1.26-1.59]; 'P' ConclusionsDiabetes is a serious national public health threat in Panama. To address this problem in a public health modality, information from large databases was analyzed and presented to the Panamanian Ministry of Health to prompt constructive policy change to enhance diabetes prevention

T- Force o Test de Squat Jump. ¿Cuál es la mejor forma de evaluar la potencia máxima en futbolistas profesionales?

In high-performance sport it is important to carry out a control to athletes, which must start from the evaluation of physical abilities every certain period of time; for this you should choose  the appropriate tests and instruments  considering the gesture and driving pattern of each discipline, as well as the characteristics of each subject. The  objective of this research was based on the comparison of two measuring instruments  validated in the strength analysis:  T-Force® in which the squat and Optogait® test was carried out with the Squat Jump Protocol (SJ) to evaluate maximum power in professional footballers of two football teams in the city of  Bogotá. Descriptive study, correlated scope of cross-sectional type. It was attended by 38 male athletes, who performed the SJ tests on Optogait and squat test in T-Force; for the processing and analysis of the data a T test was performed for related samples. Significant differences were found between the results of both tests, where the maximum power obtained was higher with T-Force test, but the deviation of the data was lower in the case of the Optogait. According to the results, sand determined that the best method for measuring maximum power in footballers is the T-Force.En el deporte de alto rendimiento es importante llevar a cabo un control a los deportistas, el cual debe partir de la evaluación de las capacidades físicas cada cierto periodo de tiempo; para esto se deben escoger las pruebas e instrumentos adecuados considerando el gesto y patrón motriz de cada disciplina, así como las características propias de cada sujeto. El objetivo de la presente investigación se basó en la comparación de dos instrumentos de medición validados en el análisis de la fuerza: T-Force® en el cual se realizó el test de sentadilla y Optogait® con el protocolo de Squat Jump (SJ), para evaluar potencia máxima en futbolistas profesionales de dos equipos de futbol de la ciudad de Bogotá. Estudio descriptivo, de alcance correlacional de tipo transversal. Se contó con la participación de 38 deportistas de género masculino, quienes realizaron las pruebas de SJ en Optogait y test de sentadilla en T-Force; para el procesamiento y análisis de los datos se realizó una prueba T para muestras relacionadas. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los resultados de ambas pruebas, donde la potencia máxima obtenida fue más alta con el test de T-Force, pero la desviación de los datos fue menor en el caso del Optogait. De acuerdo con los resultados, se determinó que el mejor método para la medición de la potencia máxima en futbolistas es el T-Force

Novel insights into the cardio-protective effects of FGF21 in lean and obese rat hearts

Aims: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hepatic metabolic regulator with pleotropic actions. Its plasma concentrations are increased in obesity and diabetes; states associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. We therefore investigated the direct effect of FGF21 on cardio-protection in obese and lean hearts in response to ischemia. Methods and Results: FGF21, FGF21-receptor 1 (FGFR1) and beta-Klotho (βKlotho) were expressed in rodent, human hearts and primary rat cardiomyocytes. Cardiac FGF21 was expressed and secreted (real time RT-PCR/western blot and ELISA) in an autocrine-paracrine manner, in response to obesity and hypoxia, involving FGFR1-βKlotho components. Cardiac-FGF21 expression and secretion were increased in response to global ischemia. In contrast βKlotho was reduced in obese hearts. In isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, FGF21 activated PI3K/Akt (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt), ERK1/2(extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathways. In Langendorff perfused rat [adult male wild-type wistar] hearts, FGF21 administration induced significant cardio-protection and restoration of function following global ischemia. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt, AMPK, ERK1/2 and ROR-α (retinoic-acid receptor alpha) pathway led to significant decrease of FGF21 induced cardio-protection and restoration of cardiac function in response to global ischemia. More importantly, this cardio-protective response induced by FGF21 was reduced in obesity, although the cardiac expression profiles and circulating FGF21 levels were increased. Conclusion: In an ex vivo Langendorff system, we show that FGF21 induced cardiac protection and restoration of cardiac function involving autocrine-paracrine pathways, with reduced effect in obesity. Collectively, our findings provide novel insights into FGF21-induced cardiac effects in obesity and ischemia

Validity of instruments to assess students' travel and pedestrian safety

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs are designed to make walking and bicycling to school safe and accessible for children. Despite their growing popularity, few validated measures exist for assessing important outcomes such as type of student transport or pedestrian safety behaviors. This research validated the SRTS school travel survey and a pedestrian safety behavior checklist.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Fourth grade students completed a brief written survey on how they got to school that day with set responses. Test-retest reliability was obtained 3-4 hours apart. Convergent validity of the SRTS travel survey was assessed by comparison to parents' report. For the measure of pedestrian safety behavior, 10 research assistants observed 29 students at a school intersection for completion of 8 selected pedestrian safety behaviors. Reliability was determined in two ways: correlations between the research assistants' ratings to that of the Principal Investigator (PI) and intraclass correlations (ICC) across research assistant ratings.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The SRTS travel survey had high test-retest reliability (κ = 0.97, n = 96, p < 0.001) and convergent validity (κ = 0.87, n = 81, p < 0.001). The pedestrian safety behavior checklist had moderate reliability across research assistants' ratings (ICC = 0.48) and moderate correlation with the PI (r = 0.55, p =< 0.01). When two raters simultaneously used the instrument, the ICC increased to 0.65. Overall percent agreement (91%), sensitivity (85%) and specificity (83%) were acceptable.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These validated instruments can be used to assess SRTS programs. The pedestrian safety behavior checklist may benefit from further formative work.</p

Experience with tacrolimus in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

Children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) are at risk of developing renal failure. We report here the results of a single-center retrospective observational study of the remission rate in pediatric patients with SNRS receiving tacrolimus. Serial renal biopsies from children on tacrolimus therapy were evaluated for tubulointerstitial fibrosis and transforming growth factor-β immunostaining. Of the 16 children with SRNS, 15 went into complete remission after a median of 120 days of therapy. Nine children were able to stop steroids, while the others were on tapering doses. Forty-seven percent had relapses, most of which were steroid-responsive. Serial renal biopsies were obtained from seven children after a median treatment duration of 24 months; two of these children had increased tubulointerstitial fibrosis and four showed increased transforming growth factor-β tissue staining. Children with worsening histological findings were younger. There was no significant association between tacrolimus exposure and biopsy changes, although the average trough level was higher in those children with worsening histological findings. In conclusion, tacrolimus may be a safe and effective alternative agent for inducing remission in children with SRNS. However, caution needs to be taken when prescribing this agent due to its narrow therapeutic index. Serial renal biopsies are necessary to check for subclinical nephrotoxicity, especially in younger children and those with higher trough levels

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation during subcritical water extraction

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of material type (artichoke leave, lemon peel, flaxseed meal), extraction temperature (50, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200 C) and static extraction time (5, 15, 30, 45 min) on 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) formation during subcritical water extraction. 5-HMF content of artichoke leave and lemon peel extracts increased 7.2 and 26.1 times with the rise of extraction temperature from 160 to 180 C for 5 min during subcritical water extraction, respectively. Besides, 5-HMF content of artichoke leave, lemon peel and flaxseed meal extracts increased 1.4, 2.0 and 4.5 times as static extraction time increased from 15 to 45 min at 180 C during subcritical water extraction, respectively. The highest 5-HMF content of artichoke leave and lemon peel extracts were obtained as 58.83 and 231.21 mg/L at 180 C and 45 min, respectively. However, for flaxseed meal, the highest 5-HMF content (222.94 mg/L) was obtained at 200 C and 15 min during subcritical water extraction.Project Nos. 2014.M80.02.03, 2014.M80.02.04 by Artvin Coruh University Scientific Research Project Uni