Performance verification of four nucleic acid detection systems: A comparitve study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To compare the analytical performance of Tigris, Panther, ChiTaS BSS1200 and cobas S201 system to see if they satisfy the requirements of blood screening and to know the concordance of the results presented by these four systems. 【Methods】 According to the relevant documents of ISO15189 and Standard Operating Procedure of Blood Station(2019), the parameters needed to be verified for nucleic acid tests(NAT) included: analytical sensitivity verification, system compare test, anti-jamming capability and anti-cross-contamination ability. 【Results】 The 95% detection limits of Tigris, Panther, ChiTaS BSS1200 and Cobas S201 for HBV-DNA(IU/mL), HIV-RNA(IU/mL) and HCV-RNA(IU/mL) were 2.013 vs 4 vs 2.995 vs 0.99, 13.039 vs 10.21 vs 30.952 vs 32.24, and 2.278 vs 2.077 vs 12.008 vs 3.39, respectively. In the performance comparison verification between NAT systems, the results of the two sets of Tigris systems were in full accordance with serum plate, with a concordance rate of 100%, Kappa value of 1, and none cross-contamination.The concordance rate of No.1 Panther system was 100%, and No.2 98%, with Kappa value of 0.961 and none cross-contamination. Hemolytic samples (5g/L Hb concentration) and lipemic blood samples (13.81 mmol/L TG concentration) had no significant effect on the detection of low-concentration samples. 【Conclusion】 No significant differences in the performance of NAT systems were notable by devices, as the four systems were fully automated with high sensitivity, which can fully satisfy the blood screening requirements. Panther system demonstrates superior analysis sensitivity in HCV-RNA/HIV-RNA and lower in HBV DNA, but also in required criteria, as compared to Tigris system. Neither hemolysis nor lipemic blood had any significant effect on the test results.

Determinantes del subempleo en Colombia: una aproximación a partir de un modelo PROBIT / Determining factors of underemployment in Colombia: An approach based on a Probit model

Resumen El subempleo es un indicador de la calidad del empleo, así como del nivel de subutilización de la capacidad productiva de la población ocupada. En este artículo se analizan los determinantes de la probabilidad de caer en el subempleo en Colombia. Se utilizaron los datos de la Gran Encuesta Integrada de Hogares del año 2017, para estimar un modelo Probit. Se encontró que mayor educación y experiencia se asocia con una menor probabilidad de caer en el subempleo. Las mujeres, los trabajadores cabeza de hogar, los trabajadores por cuenta propia y los empleados domésticos, tienen una mayor probabilidad de ser subempleados.

Abstract Underemployment is an indicator of the quality of employment, as well as the level of underutilization of the productive capacity of the occupied population. This article discusses the determinants of the likelihood of falling into underemployment in Colombia. Data from the Large Integrated Household Survey was used to estimate a Probit model. It was found that better education and experience are associated with a lower likelihood of falling into underemployment. Women, men or women who are heads of family, self-employed workers, and domestic workers, are more likely to be underemployed.

Determinants of credit constraint of artisanal fishermen in Ghana / Determinantes da restrição de crédito a pescadores artesanais em Gana

ABSTRACT: Due to the high risk associated with fishing, access to credit becomes very difficult for fishermen. The study was conducted to investigate the determinants of credit constraint on artisanal fishermen with survey data collected from artisanal fishermen in the Western and Central Regions of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. Data collected were analyzed with the aid of descriptive and IV-Probit model. Most of the fishermen were in their youthful stage. From the study, while boat ownership and off-fishing activity reduce the probability being credit constrained, complex procedure, and disbursement time lag increase fishermen probability of being credit constrained. The findings of the study also indicated that there is a significant difference between constrained and unconstrained fishermen fishing activity and financial status. Therefore, fishermen in need of additional credit should be catered for to increase their production, hence, livelihood.

RESUMO: Devido ao alto risco associado à pesca, o acesso ao crédito se torna muito difícil para os pescadores. O estudo foi conduzido para investigar os determinantes da restrição de crédito em pescadores artesanais com dados de pesquisa coletados nas regiões oeste e central de Gana. Um procedimento de amostragem em vários estágios foi usado para selecionar os entrevistados para o estudo. Os dados coletados foram analisados com o auxílio do modelo descritivo e IV-Probit. A maioria dos pescadores estava em sua fase juvenil. A partir do estudo, enquanto a propriedade do barco e a atividade fora da pesca reduzem a probabilidade de restrição de crédito, procedimentos complexos e atraso no desembolso aumentam a probabilidade dos pescadores sofrerem restrição de crédito. Os resultados do estudo também indicaram que há uma diferença significativa entre a atividade pesqueira e a situação financeira dos pescadores com e sem restrição. Portanto, os pescadores que precisam de crédito adicional devem ser atendidos para aumentar sua produção e, portanto, meios de subsistência.

Determinantion of visitors' willingness to pay to enter Karagol Natural Park of Ankara, Turkey / Determinantes para a "vontade de pagar" dos visitantes do Parque Natural Karagol de Ancara, Turquia

ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were to assess visitors' attitudes, if visitors would be willing to pay to enter Lake Karagol, and what factors affect their decision to pay. The contingent valuation method was used to estimate the economic value of the lake by assessing willingness to pay (WTP). Double dichotomous questions were used in the survey. Respondents were first asked whether or not they would be willing to pay the starting bid. They could either answer in the affirmative (that is, accepted bid) or in the negative (that is, reject the starting bid). The average WTP for an entrance fee was found to be about USD 0.22 for all observations when zero bids were included, and about USD 4.40 when zero bids were excluded. Result of the probit model showed that respondents with a higher income, respondents who were young, and the working status of the respondents had significant impacts on the probability of the WTP.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as atitudes dos visitantes e se eles estavam dispostos a pagar entrada no Lago Karago e quais eram os fatores que afetavam a sua decisão. O método de avaliação contingente foi usado para estimar o valor econômico do Lago usando a decisão dos visitantes de estarem dispostos a pagar entrada. Perguntas duplamente dicotômicas foram usadas no questionário. Os inquiridos foram questionados primeiro se estariam dispostos a pagar um valor inicial. Eles poderiam responder afirmativamente (aceitavam o valor) ou negativamente (rejeitavam o valor). O valor médio (vontade de pagar) de uma entrada foi de 0.22 dólares estadunidenses para todas as respostas, incluindo o mínimo de 0 e de 4.40 dólares estadunidenses excluindo o mínimo de 0. O resultado do modelo de lucro mostrou que os inquiridos com maior valor salarial e mais jovens com estatuto de trabalhadores tinham mais impacto na probabilidade de vontade de pagar.

Factores incidentes en el uso de métodos anticonceptivos en la población adolescente y adulta joven en Costa Rica

OBJETIVO: analizar los factores que inciden en el uso de métodos anticonceptivos de la población adolescente y adulta joven de Costa Rica (entre 15 y 35 años de edad).MÉTODOS: Por medio de los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Juventud 2007 y la metodología basada en el Modelo Probit binario con corrección de sesgos de selección mediante Heckman, se modela la decisión de uso de anticonceptivos con base en diferentes características personales y socioeconómicas.RESULTADOS:se muestra que la edad de la persona y la de la pareja, la estabilidad de la relación y pertenecer a la zona urbana son factores que disminuyen la probabilidad de uso de anticonceptivos. Por otro lado, ser mujer, tener educación universitaria, haber recibido información sobre anticonceptivos e infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), la frecuencia de las relaciones y contar con una relación familiar de apoyo son factores que incrementan la posibilidad de protección mediante el uso de métodos anticonceptivos.CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados pueden ayudar en el diseño de políticas para prevenir el embarazo adolescente y la transmisión de ITS. Además, se resalta la importancia de brindar educación sexual tanto a los jóvenes como a sus familias más allá de incentivar la abstinencia, de manera que se motive a tener una vida sexual responsable.

OBJECTIVE:to analyze the factors that affect use and nonuse of contraception in adolescent and young adults in Costa Rica (between ages 15 - 35).METHODS:The influence of personal and socioeconomic characteristics in the decision of the use of contraception can be observed through data collected in the survey National Youth Survey 2007 (Encuesta Nacional de Juventud 2007) and the methodology based on the binary Probit Model with selection bias correction through Heckman.RESULTS:it is showed that the age of both the person and the partner, the stability of the relationship, and residency in urban areas are factors related to lower probability of contraception use. On the other hand, being female, having university education, access to information about birth control and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), frequency in sexual intercourse, and good supportive family relationships are factors related to higher probability of contraception use.CONCLUSIONS:This results could work as a guide to design public policies to prevent teenage pregnancies and STDs. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the significance of sex education for teenagers and their families. This way, education could go beyond encouraging abstinence; it could motivate a responsible sexual life.

Função de Produção de Saúde para o Rio Grande do Sul em 2008 / Health Production Function for the Rio Grande do Sul in 2008

Objetivo: estimar uma função de produção de saúde para indivíduos adultos entre 25 e 85 anos que residem no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, utilizando a base de dados da PNAD (2008), através de estimações de modelos Probit. Busca-se entender qual a relação entre as variáveis analisadas no estudo com o estado de saúde da população e quais suas implicações para a formulação de políticas públicas. Uma função produção de saúde é a relação entre insumos e produtos, ou seja, entre assistência médica, serviços de saúde e estado de saúde da população. Resultados: Observou-se uma associação positiva entre saúde e escolaridade. Entre os que possuem zero ano de escolaridade, 59% são saudáveis, já entre as pessoas com 15 anos de escolaridade, esse percentual é de 92%. Encontrou-se também que, quanto maior a idade, menor a proporção de indivíduos com saúde boa ou muito boa. Na faixa de idade entre 25 e 34 anos, 88% são saudáveis, enquanto na faixa de 60 anos ou mais, esse número se reduz para 53%. Conclusão: As principais conclusões deste trabalho foram que maiores níveis de escolaridade e renda, menores níveis de idade, residir na área urbana, ser do sexo masculino, possuir internet, não fumar e praticar exercício físico estão associados a uma melhor saúde do indivíduo. Observou-se que o efeito da educação sobre a saúde é maior para as mulheres; já a renda domiciliar per capita mostrou-se significativa apenas para a amostra do sexo masculino.

Objective: estimate health production function for adults ranging from 25 to 85 years old, living in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, making use of the National Household Survey Database (2008), by estimations of Probit model. The goal is to understand the relationship between the variables analyzed in the study with the health status of the population and their significances for the formulation of public policies. Health production function means the relationship between inputs and outputs, that is, between medical care, health care, and health status of the population. Results: There was a positive association between health and education. Among those with zero year of schooling, 59% are healthy, as among people with 15 years of schooling, this percentage is 92%. It was found also that the greater the age, the lower the proportion of individuals with good or very good health. Since the age group between 25 and 34 years, 88% are healthy, while in the range of 60 years or more, this number is reduced to 53%. Conclusion: The main conclusions were that higher level of education and income, lower age, residence in urban areas, male gender, internet access, no smoking, and physical exercise practice are linked with better health of the individual. It was noticed that the effect of education over health is higher for women, since the per capita household income proved to be meaningful only for the male gender sample.

The impacts of urban residents’ basic medical insurance on the medical treatment and preven-tive care service utilization / 中国卫生政策研究

Objective:The paper aims to evaluate the impacts of the urban residents’ basic medical insurance on the medical treatment and preventive care services utilization through quantitative evaluation. Methods:The China Health and Nutrition Surveys ( CHNS) Data collected from 2006 to 2011 were used to compare the difference between medical treatment and preventive care services utilization adopting the difference-in-difference method and the Probit model. The control group urban residents did not participate in the basic medical insurance while their treatment group participated. Results:The medical treatment and preventive care services utilization were more for the treat-ment group than they were for the control one. The age, education level, annual per capita income and hypertension influenced the medical services utilization, and the annual per capita income was a protective factor. The age and ed-ucation level also influenced the preventive care services utilization. Conclusion: The urban resident basic medical insurance plays an important role in the medical treatment and preventive care services utilization. Meanwhile, this factor continuously enhanced the coverage and the per capita income protection for medical services.

Laboratory evaluation of molluscicidal & mosquito larvicidal activities of leaves of Solanum nigrum L.

Background & objectives: Indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides has created serious problem for the aquatic flora and fauna, and also resulted in appearance of pesticide resistance in vector population. This study was designed to evaluate the biocontrol efficacy of aqueous and solvent extracts of mature leaves of Solanum nigrum L., against fresh water snail Lymnaea acuminata f. rufescens (Gray) (an intermediate host of parasites causing fasciolopsiasis) and larvae of Culex vishnui group (Reuben) (vector of Japanese encephalitis). Methods: Aqueous and solvent extracts of fresh, mature, green/shed dried leaves of S. nigrum were tested against adult L. acuminata and larvae of Cx. vishnui group. The lethal concentration was determined and the appropriate lethal concentration at 24 h of benzene extract was also studied on non target organisms such as Daphnia sp, Diplonychus annulatum and Chironomus circumdatus. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was carried out in search of active ingredient and the chemical nature of the active substance was also evaluated by infrared (IR) analysis. Results: In a 72 h bioassay experiment with the aqueous extract, the highest mortality was recorded in 0.5 and 3 per cent extract against larvae of Cx. vishnui group and L. acuminata, respectivela. In the benzene solvent extract, the maximum mortality was recorded at a concentration of 150 ppm against L. acuminata and at 50 ppm against larvae of Cx. vishnui group with LC50 values of 55.45 and 11.59 ppm, respectively at 72 h. The log probit analysis (95% confidence level) recorded lowest value at 72 h of exposure. Qualitative phytochemical analysis reported the presence of some biochemical compounds, such as saponin, flavonoids, steroid and tannin. Among these, the toxic compound was detected by IR analysis having Rf = 0.87 (showed 66.70% and 76.70% mortality of L. acuminata and larvae of Cx. vishnui group, respectively). IR analysis provided preliminary information about the aliphatic amide nature of the active ingredient. Interpretation & conclusions: The study results provide considerable scope in exploiting local indigenous plant resources for molluscicidal and mosquito larvicidal activities.

Antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of the phytochemicals of whole Leucas aspera extract

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of whole Leucas aspera (Labiatae) (L. aspera) alcoholic extract.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Whole L. aspera powder was extracted by absolute ethanol (99.50%). The ethanolic extract was subjected to antioxidant, antibacterial and brine shrimp lethality assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The extract showed potent radical scavenging effect (antioxidant) with IC50 value of (99.58±1.22) µg/mL which was significant (P<0.01) in comparison to ascorbic acid with IC50 value of (1.25±0.95) µg/mL. In case of antibacterial screening, the extract showed notable antibacterial effect against the tested microbial strains. Significant (P<0.05) zone of inhibitions against Gram positive Bacillus subtilis [(12.00±1.32) mm] and Bacillus megaterium [(13.00±1.50) mm], Staphylococcus aureus [(8.00±0.50) mm] and Gram negative Salmonella typhi [(6.00±0.50) mm], Salmonella paratyphi [(8.00±1.00) mm], Shigella dysenteriae [(9.00±1.32) mm] and Vibrio cholerae [(9.00±0.66) mm] was observed. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the extract showed the LC50 value as (181.68±2.15) µg/mL which was statistically significant (P<0.01) compared to positive control vincristine sulfate [LC50=(0.76±0.04) µg/mL].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of L. aspera could be used as antibacterial, pesticidal and various pharmacologic actives.</p>

Comparative Study on Allocation Levels of Health Resources in Different Provinces of China / 中国卫生经济

Objective:Through comparing per capita allocation level of health resources in 31 provinces of China, the characteristics and the influencing factors of health resource allocation in each province are reveled. Methods: Selecting 7 representative indexes and using cluster analysis methods to divide per capita allocation level of 31 provinces into 5 grades; the influencing factors of per capita allocation level are proposed based on 5 grades and the ordered Probit model is built and estimated. Results: Beijing, Shanghai and Tibet respectively marked the first, the fourth and the fifth grade, 7 provinces ( including Tianjin) belong to the second grade, 21 provinces ( including Hebei ) belong to the third grade; four factors such as per capita GDP , family disposable income and so on all significantly affect per capita allocation level. Conclusion: Economic development and per capita allocation level of health resources are not balanced. The proportion of government health expenditure is negatively correlated with per capita allocation level of health resources.

Cytotoxicity Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Cochlospermum tinctorium Perr Ex A. Rich Rhizome.

Cytotoxicity activity experiment was carried out on the polar fractions of Cochlospermum tinctorium using the brine shrimp lethality bioassay method. The LC50 values of the extracts were determined by linear regression analysis method. It was observed that the 80% acetone extract LC50 value was 240 ± 3 μg/ ml, which was more potent compared to n-butanol extract with LC50 value of 437 ± 8 μg/ ml. Phytochemical test performed on both extracts showed that they contained cardiac glycosides, saponins and carbohydrates, while only the 80% acetone extract contains anthraquinones, flavonoids and tannins. These secondary metabolites present in both extracts, may likely accounts for their cytotoxic activity

Satisfacción con la alimentación en personas mapuches de la región de la Araucania, Chile / Food-related life satisfaction in mapuches from the Araucanía region, Chile

In order to identify variables which have an influence on satisfaction with food-related life among mapuches a survey was applied to 400 mapuche subjects in the Araucanía Region. The questionnaire included the SWFL (Satisfaction with Food-related Life) scale. It was found that 39.5% were satisfied and 332% extremely satisfied with their food-related life. A multinomial probit model was proposed in which the dependent variable was food-satisfaction, which resulted significant (p<0.01) overall. The probability of high food-related satisfaction increases as fewer people live in the subject's household, more is spent on food, children express their opinion aboutfoodstuffs, he/she consumes "catutos" (a mapuche food), aged 55 or over, not widowed, performs regular exercise, tries not to eat industrialized foods, but does not try to eat foods without additives. Food-related satisfaction in mapuche persons in the Araucanía Region is related to demographic, feeding and life-style variables.

Con el objetivo de identificar variables que influyen en la satisfacción con la alimentación en personas mapuche, se aplicó una encuesta a 400 sujetos de esta etnia en la Región de La Araucanía. El cuestionario incluyó la escala SWFL (Satisfaction with Food-related Life). Se obtuvo que el 39,5% está satisfecho y el 33,2% extremadamente satisfecho con su alimentación. Se planteó un modelo probit multinomial en que la variable dependiente fue la satisfacción con la alimentación, el cual resultó significativo (p<0,01) en su conjunto. La probabilidad de una alta satisfacción con la alimentación aumenta en la medida que en el hogar del individuo viven menos personas, se gasta más en alimentación, los niños opinan respecto a los alimentos, consume catutos, tiene 55 años de edad o más, no es viudo, realiza regularmente ejercicio, procura no comer alimentos industrializados, pero no procura comer alimentos sin aditivos. La satisfacción con la alimentación en mapuche de La Araucanía se relaciona con variables demográficas, alimentación y estilo de vida.

Influence of chronic diseases on health related quality of life in middle-aged and elderly people from rural communities: application of EQ-5D scale on a Health Survey in Fangshan, Beijing / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the health related quality of life (HRQoL) and to explore the influencing factors related to the prevalence of the essential hypertension,diabetes,coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in middle-aged and elderly people from rural communities.Methods A total of 5345 individuals were chosen from a 2010 Health Survey in Fangshan,Beijing.Self-designed questionnaire was applied to collect the information on general health-related behaviors,chronic conditions,self-rated health,blood pressure and HRQoL with the EuroQoL questionnaire (EQ-5D) were measured.Probit regression model was used to identify the influencing factors on HRQoL,adjusting age,marriage status,education level,smoking,alcohol intake,physical activity and control of blood pressure.Population Attributable Risk Proportion (PARP) for estimating the influence of chronic disease on HRQoL was also calculated.Results The average EQ-5D index was 0.923 ±0.145,with 72.1％ of the overall respondents in the status of having chronic diseases.Participants with chronic diseases had significantly lower EQ-5D index (0.907 ± 0.155 ) than those without (0.963 ±0.105 ) (t =15.082,P＜ 0.001 ).Significant relations were found between a lower HRQoL and chronic diseases.Relative risk (RR) and 95％ confidence interval (95％ CI) of poor HRQoL in populations with hypertension,diabetes,CHD and stroke were 1.686 (95％CI: 1.519-1.871),1.725 (95％CI:1.502-1.981 ),1.869 (95％CI: 1.663-2.099),and 1.759 (95％CI: 1.474-2.089) respectively.The most influential disease appeared to be stroke in male (RR=1.929,95％CI: 1.462-2.546),whereas CHD in female individuals (RR=1.926,95％CI: 1.671-2.220).Rates of PARP (PAR％) for poor HRQoL in chronic disease subgroups were as follow: hypertension 31.05％,CHD 23.39％,diabetes 4.84％ and stroke 4.44％,respectively.Conclusion This study suggested that stroke,at individual level,was the major influential factor to HRQoL.However,hypertension remained the leading preventable influential factor to HRQoL at the population level.

Estudio transversal de los determinantes del trabajo infantil en Cartagena, año 2007 / Estudo transversal dos determinantes do trabalho infantil em Cartagena, ano 2007 / Transversal study of determinants of child labor in Cartagena, year 2007

El trabajo infantil constituye una problemática compleja que tiene importantes repercusiones en las reservas de capital humano, en la salud de los niños y niñas, y en la persistencia de la pobreza. Nuestro principal objetivo en este artículo es dilucidar sus determinantes en la ciudad de Cartagena a través de la estimación de un modelo probit bivariado, con el cual analizamos conjuntamente las decisiones de trabajo y de asistencia escolar. Los resultados muestran que el trabajo infantil y la asistencia escolar son actividades excluyentes, siendo los determinantes más robustos de estas decisiones la educación del jefe de hogar, y la pobreza. Entre otros determinantes se encuentran las restricciones crediticias, la proximidad física a las escuelas y la tasa de ocupación de las personas adulta.

O trabalho infantil constitui uma problemática complexa que tem importantes repercussões nas reservas de capital humano, na saúde dos meninos e meninas, e na persistência da pobreza. Nosso principal objetivo neste artigo é identificar seus determinantes na cidade de Cartagena mediante da estimação de um modelo probit bivariado, com o qual analisamos conjuntamente as decisões de trabalho e de assistência escolar. Os resultados mostram que o trabalho infantil e a assistência escolar são atividades excludentes, sendo os determinantes mais robustos destas decisões a educação do chefe de lar, e a pobreza. Entre outros determinantes encontram-se as restrições creditícias, a proximidade física às escolas e a taxa de ocupação das pessoas adultas.

Child labor is a complex issue with crucial consequences in human capital reserve, children´s health and persistence of poverty. The main aim of this article is to elucidate its determinants in Cartagena through the estimation of a bivariate probit model, which allows analyzing joint decision of schooling attendance and child labor. The findings show that schooling attendance and child labor are exclusives, being the most important determinants the education of the head of household and poverty. Among other determinants they were found credit restrictions, proximity to schools and the occupancy rate of the adults.

Application of health vignettes in correcting self-reported health condition / 中华流行病学杂志

To introduce the application of vignettes in the survey on health condition,we took the Hangzhou health survey as an example. We tried to find the respondents' health judgment standard by using vignettes first and discovered the population' s demographic characteristics as sex,age, years of schooling and income etc. could influence the self-reported health condition on the response category cut-points. Then the cut-points were corrected through hierarchical ordered probit model in order to reflect the respondents' self-reported health condition based on the same standard,making the result suitable for comparison. Data from our research discovered that the level of health condition of females was lower than that of males among the residents living in Hangzhou and the higher income they received, the better health condition they had. Thus, the health vignettes seemed very essential in the survey on health condition.

Fecundidad y participación de la mujer en el mercado laboral en la Costa Caribe y en Colombia / Fertilidade e participação feminina no mercado de trabalho no Litoral Caribenho, e na Colômbia / Fertility and female participation in the labor market in Colombia and its Caribbean Coast

El objetivo del presente artículo es identificar los determinantes que explican las diferencias en las tasas de participación laboral de las mujeres –con y sin hijos– en la Costa Caribe y en Colombia. Para tal propósito se realizaron modelos probit de los determinantes de la participación de cada grupo de mujeres, y se implementó el método de descomposición microeconométrica aplicado a los modelos de elección binaria. Los resultados sugieren a que tanto en la Costa Caribe como en Colombia las variables que explican dichas diferencias son: la escolaridad, la no tenencia de pareja y, en menor medida, la riqueza.

The aim of this article is to identify the determinants of the differences in the labor supply rates between the women with and without children in Colombia and its Caribbean Coasty. In order to achieve this, Probit models about the determinants of the labor supply rate for each group of women were estimated and the microeconometric decomposition method was applied to the binary models. The results suggest that in the Caribbean Coast of Colombia –as well as in the rest of the country- the main variables to explain such differences are: education, being single and wealth in a lesser degree.

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar os fatores que explicam as diferenças nas taxas de participação das mulheres, com e sem filhos, no mercado de trabalho do litoral Caribenho e na Colômbia. Para esse propósito foram elaboradores modelos probit dos fatores determinantes da participação de cada grupo de mulheres, e implementou-se o método de decomposição microeconométrica aplicado aos modelos de escolha binária. Os resultados mostram que tanto no litoral Caribenho como na Colômbia as variáveis que explicam tais diferenças são: a escolaridade, não ter companheiro e, em menor escala, a riqueza.

Factores que influyen sobre el nivel tecnológico presente en las fincas ganaderas de doble propósito localizadas en el estado Zulia Venezuela / Influence factors on the current technological level in the dual-purpose cattle farms located in the state of Zulia Venezuela

En Venezuela, varios estudios se han realizado para caracterizar las fincas ganaderas de acuerdo al manejo de la finca y a la funcionalidad y desempeño tecnológico, pero hasta la fecha son muy pocos los estudios que permiten identificar los factores que inciden para que un productor utilice determinadas prácticas tecnológicas dentro de las fincas y alcance un nivel tecnológico diferente de otro productor de su localidad. Por esta razón, el objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar y cuantificar los factores que tienen un efecto sobre el nivel tecnológico en las fincas ganaderas ubicadas en las zonas Noroeste y de Perijá del estado Zulia. Para ello se utilizó una muestra de 102 fincas previamente estratificada usando el algoritmo K-medias, resultando tres grupos tecnológicos: Bajo (GT0), Medio (GT1) y Alto (GT2). Posteriormente se utilizó un modelo Probit Ordenado con la finalidad de determinar los factores que inciden sobre el nivel tecnológico de las fincas ganaderas. Cinco factores resultaron determinantes: Zona, nivel educativo, frecuencia de visita del productor a la finca, asistencia técnica y tamaño de la finca. El modelo permite concluir que un productor con un nivel educativo universitario que posea una finca de gran tamaño que se encuentre localizada en la zona de Perijá y además visita la finca con frecuencia y hace uso de la asistencia técnica, tiene una alta probabilidad de pertenecer a otro grupo diferente al GT0.

In Venezuela, several studies have been made to characterize the cattle farmers according to farm management and technological performance. However, for the date of this research, there were very few studies related to the determinant factors that influence on farmer decision for applying some technological practice or reaching a technological level different from other farmer, located in the same area. For this reason, the objective of this research was to identify and quantify the factors that have an effect on technological level of cattle farms loatedin Northwestern and Perija zones of the Zulia State. In a sample of 102 farms previously stratified using K-means algorithm, resulting three technological groups: Low (TG0), Middle (TG1) and High (TG2). Later, an Ordered Probit model was applied in order to determine the factors that affect on technological levels of the cattlefarms. Five factors resulted determinant: Zone, education level, frequency of visit of producers to own farms, technical assistance and farm size. The model allows concluding that a farmer with a large farm located in Perijá, having a university degree, applying technical assistance and visiting his or her farm frequently, has a high probability to belong to another group different from TG0.

Standardization of anti-lethal toxin potency test of antivenoms prepared from two different Agkistrodon halys venoms

In Korea, antivenoms for the treatment of patients bitten by venomous snakes have been imported from Japan or China. Although there is cross-reactivity between these antibodies and venoms from snakes indigenous to Korea (e.g. Agkistrodon genus), protection is not optimal. Antivenoms specifically prepared to neutralize Korean snake venoms could be more effective, with fewer side effects. To this end, we established an infrastructure to develop national standards and created a standardized method to evaluate the efficacy of two horse-derived antivenoms using mouse lethal toxin test. Additionally, we determined the antivenoms neutralizing activity against lethal doses (LD50) of Agkistrodon halys (from Japan) and Jiangzhe Agkistrodon halys (from China) venoms. We also performed cross-neutralization tests using probit analysis on each pairing of venom and antivenom in order to check the possibility of using Jiangzhe A. halys venom as a substitute for A. halys venom, the current standard. Slope of A. halys venom with A. halys antivenom was 10.2 and that of A. halys venom with Jiangzhe A. halys antivenom was 9.6. However, Slope of Jiangzhe A. halys venom with A. halys antivenom was 4.7 while that of Jiangzhe A. halys venom with Jiangzhe A. halys antivenom was 11.5. Therefore, the significant difference in slope patterns suggests that Jiangzhe A. halys venom cannot be used as a substitute for the standard venom to test the anti-lethal toxin activity of antivenoms (p<0.05).(AU)

Effective Dose of Atracurium in Korean Adults / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Atracurium is non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent with intermediate duration of action. The purpose of this study is to determine the effective dose (ED) of atracurium in Korean adults. METHODS: We studied 100 patients, aged 18-59 yr, who had given informed consent and belonged to class I or II of ASA physical status. We excluded patients who had cardiac, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, neurological, psychiatric, muscular, inflammatory or endocrine disease, as were pregnant women and patient with recent exposure (< 72 hr) to medications known to interfere with neuromuscular transmission. In all patients, anesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol 2 mg/kg and fentanyl 2microgram/kg. Anesthesia was maintained with continous infusion of propofol 5 mg/kg and 100% oxygen through mask, supplemented with fentanyl as required. The electrodes were applied over the ulnar nerve at the wrist. Then, the patients were stimulated with a 50 Hz supramaximal tetanic stimulation for 4 seconds and a 1 Hz single twitch for 5 minutes to stablize muscle contraction and then a control value was obtained with acceleromyography (TOF-Guard(R), Organon Technika BV , Netherland). Thereafter, a 0.1 Hz single twitch of adductor pollicis was kept during the study. The 100 patients were randomly divided to five groups. The patients in each group received 90microgram/kg, 120microgram/kg, 150microgram/kg, 180microgram/kg, 210microgram/kg of atracurium. We measured the maximal response (% reduction) and time to achieve maximal blockade of single twitch. Values were expressed as mean +/- SD or 95% confidence intervals. ED values were obtained from the regression analysis using probit model. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were no significant defferences in age, body mass index and temperature among dose groups. ED50 and ED95 of atracurium were 128microgram/kg, 236microgram/kg, respectively. For men, ED50 and ED95 were 127microgram/kg, 249microgram/kg, respectively. For women, ED50 and ED95 were 128microgram/kg, 236microgram/kg, respectively. The onset time to maximum blockade was reduced as dose was increased. CONCLUSIONS: ED50 and ED95 of atracurium in Korean adults were 128microgram/kg, 236microgram/kg, respectively. There was no difference between the effective doses of men and women. Onset time of atracurium was reduced as doses were increased.

The Relationship of the Estimates of Effective Concentration Calculated by Logit, Probit, and Sigmoid Emax / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study is to demonstrate that the estimates of effective concentration (EC) inferred by logit, probit, and sigmoid Emax can be declared to be similar. METHODS: The estimates of EC (5, 25, 50, 75, 95 [%]) of 24 vecuronium concentration-single twitch response data were obtained with three pharmacodynamic methods. A paired t-test with Bonferroni's correction was used. RESULTS: The distribution of estimates by probit were narrower than that of those by logit and sigmoid Emax. The estimates of logit and sigmoid Emax were closely similar. CONCLUSIONS: It suggests that the EC estimates of other paper analysed by the different pharmacodynamic method could be lower or higher.