Functionalising Collagen-Based Scaffolds With Platelet-Rich Plasma for Enhanced Skin Wound Healing Potential

Abstract: Porous collagen-glycosaminoglycan (collagen-GAG) scaffolds have shown promising clinical results for wound healing; however, these scaffolds do not replace the dermal and epidermal layer simultaneously and rely on local endogenous signaling to direct healing. Functionalizing collagen-GAG scaffolds with signaling factors, and/or additional matrix molecules, could help overcome these challenges. An ideal candidate for this is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as it is a natural reservoir of growth factors, can be activated to form a fibrin gel, and is available intraoperatively. We tested the factors released from PRP (PRPr) and found that at specific concentrations, PRPr enhanced cell proliferation and migration and induced angiogenesis to a greater extent than fetal bovine serum (FBS) controls. This motivated us to develop a strategy to successfully incorporate PRP homogeneously within the pores of the collagen-GAG scaffolds. The composite scaffold released key growth factors for wound healing (FGF, TGFβ) and vascularization (VEGF, PDGF) for up to 14 days. In addition, the composite scaffold had enhanced mechanical properties (when compared to PRP gel alone), while providing a continuous upper surface of extracellular matrix (ECM) for keratinocyte seeding. The levels of the factors released from the composite scaffold were sufficient to sustain proliferation of key cells involved in wound healing, including human endothelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes; even in the absence of FBS supplementation. In functional in vitro and in vivo vascularization assays, our composite scaffold demonstrated increased angiogenic and vascularization potential, which is known to lead to enhanced wound healing. Upon pro-inflammatory induction, macrophages released lower levels of the pro-inflammatory marker MIP-1α when treated with PRPr; and released higher levels of the anti-inflammatory marker IL1-ra upon both pro- and anti-inflammatory induction when treated with the composite scaffold. Finally, our composite scaffold supported a co-culture system of human fibroblasts and keratinocytes that resulted in an epidermal-like layer, with keratinocytes constrained to the surface of the scaffold; by contrast, keratinocytes were observed infiltrating the PRP-free scaffold. This novel composite scaffold has the potential for rapid translation to the clinic by isolating PRP from a patient intraoperatively and combining it with regulatory approved scaffolds to enhance wound repair.

Ronaldo J. F. C. do Amaral
Ronaldo J. F. C. do Amaral
Ronaldo J. F. C. do Amaral
Noora M. A. Zayed
Noora M. A. Zayed
Noora M. A. Zayed
Elena I. Pascu
Brenton Cavanagh
Chris Hobbs
Chris Hobbs
Francesco Santarella
Francesco Santarella
Christopher R. Simpson
Ciara M. Murphy
Ciara M. Murphy
Rukmani Sridharan
Rukmani Sridharan
Arlyng González-Vázquez
Arlyng González-Vázquez
Barry O'Sullivan
Fergal J. O'Brien
Fergal J. O'Brien
Fergal J. O'Brien
Fergal J. O'Brien
Cathal J. Kearney
Cathal J. Kearney
Cathal J. Kearney
Cathal J. Kearney

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology


Some existence results of positive solutions for p-Laplacian systems

Abstract: Abstract In this paper, we establish several new existence theorems for positive solutions of systems of (2n,2m) $(2n,2m)$-order of two p-Laplacian equations. The results are based on the Krasnosel’skii fixed point theorem and mainly complement those of Djebali, Moussaoui, and Precup.


The Epidemiology of Fusarium Wilt of Banana

Abstract: Fusarium wilt of banana (also known as Panama disease) has been a problem in Australia since 1874. Race 1 of the pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) is responsible for damage to ‘Lady Finger’ (AAB, Pome subgroup) and other less widely grown cultivars such as ‘Ducasse’ (Pisang Awak, ABB). Subtropical Race 4 (STR4) also affects these cultivars as well as Cavendish cultivars (AAA) in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales where cold temperature predisposition is involved. Tropical Race 4 (TR4) has led to the demise of the Cavendish industry in the Northern Territory, and its presence was confirmed in a North Queensland plantation in 2015, which warranted destruction of all banana plants on the property; as of this writing (April 2019), TR4 has spread to two adjacent properties. This review, which was commissioned by Biosecurity Queensland in response to the 2015 TR4 outbreak, considers the key epidemiological factors associated with the onset of a Fusarium wilt epidemic. Resistance to TR4, which is mediated by events following entry by the pathogen into the xylem, is not present in any commercially acceptable banana cultivar. Also, there is no effective chemical agent that can be used to manage the disease. Besides prevention, very early recognition and rapid containment of a disease outbreak are necessary to prevent epidemic development. A good understanding of the key factors responsible for disease development is required when devising practical protocols for the destruction of infected plants, treatment of surrounding infested soil, and reduction of inoculum in plant residues and soil.

Kenneth G. Pegg
Lindel M. Coates
Wayne T. O’Neill
David W. Turner


Sistema para la Monitorización de Portadores Energéticos

Abstract: Las empresas en Cuba desarrollan o adquieren sistemas informáticos que les permiten gestionar de forma eficiente sus portadores energéticos. Como característica común estos sistemas necesitan de un componente de software que adquiera los datos medidos con los metrocontadores, caudalímetro u otros elementos de instrumentación. En el presente trabajo se muestra una propuesta de solución desarrollada en el Centro de Informática Industrial de la Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas para la monitorización de los portadores energéticos en las empresas cubanas. Como principal novedad de este sistema se tiene que todos sus componentes utilizan herramientas que son software libre y gratuitas, sin dependencias de sistemas operativos privativos o sin soporte que constituyan riesgos a la seguridad informática. Este trabajo constituye un paso de avance hacia la soberanía tecnológica del país y un punto de partida para futuras investigaciones y proyectos de desarrollo.

Rafael Alejandro Pérez Ordoñez
Adolfo Yasser Santana Rojas

Serie Científica de la Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas

Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas (UCI)


Rynek nasion oleistych i produktów ich przerobu w Unii Europejskiej

Abstract: W artykule przedstawiono ocenę zmian jakie nastąpiły w produkcji, zużyciu i handlu nasionami oleistymi i produktami ich przerobu w Unii Europejskiej w latach 2000-2013. Analizę zmian przeprowadzono dla 28 państw Unii, uwzględniając podział na stare i nowe państwa członkowskie, w oparciu o dostępne dane Organizacji Narodów Zjednoczonych do spraw Wyżywienia i Rolnictwa (FAOSTAT). Od początku XXI wieku produkcja i zużycie nasion oleistych w Unii Europejskiej dynamicznie wzrasta w ślad za szybko rosnącym popytem na oleje roślinne w sektorze przemysłowym (w produkcji biopaliw), przy niewielkich zmianach w sektorze spożywczym oraz szybko rosnącym zapotrzebowaniem na śruty oleiste w sektorze paszowym, w związku z rozwojem produkcji zwierzęcej (w tym głównie drobiarskiej) i zmianą technologii żywienia zwierząt. Mimo dynamicznego rozwoju produkcji i przetwórstwa nasion oleistych (szybszego w nowych niż strych państwach członkowskich), Unia Europejska ma niską samowystarczalność w zakresie produktów oleistych i pozostaje trwałym ich importerem (w tym szczególnie śrut oleistych).

Zeszyty Naukowe Szkoły Głównej Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie. Problemy Rolnictwa Światowego

Warsaw University of Life Sciences Press


Serotonin modulates behavior-related neural activity of RID interneuron in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Abstract: Animals change their behaviors in response to external stimuli, and numerous neurotransmitters are involved in these behavioral changes. In Caenorhabditis elegans, serotonin (5-HT) affects various behaviors such as inhibition of locomotion, stimulation of egg laying, and pharyngeal pumping. Previous research has shown that the neural activity of the RID interneuron increases when the worm moves forward, and the RID is necessary for sustaining forward locomotion. However, the relationship between 5-HT and neural activity of RID, and how it modulates the behavior of the worm has not been investigated. In this article, we reveal the relationship among 5-HT, RID activity, and the behavior of worms using a custom-made tracking and imaging system. We simultaneously measured the neural activity of the RID and behavior in worms with three conditions: mock animals, animals pre-exposed to 5-HT, and 5-HT receptor mod-1 mutants. As shown in previous research, the neural activity of the RID increased during the transition from backward to forward, whereas it decreased during the transition from forward to backward in mock animals. These changes in neural activity were not observed in animals pre-exposed to 5-HT and mod-1 mutants. Moreover, RID activity was correlated with the velocity of the worm in mock animals. However, this correlation was not observed in animals pre-exposed to 5-HT and mod-1 mutants. Our results demonstrate that 5-HT modulates the activity of the RID interneuron, and we infer that the RID plays a role in modulating forward locomotion by changing its activity through 5-HT.

Haruka Mori
Keita Ashida
Hisashi Shidara
Tatsuya Nikai
Kohji Hotta
Kotaro Oka


Cultivating a Network of Citizen-Scientists to Track Change in the Sonora-Arizona Foodshed

Abstract:
Over the past couple of years, the University of Arizona has launched both a new undergraduate degree program in Food Studies and a Center for Regional Food Studies (CRFS). The mission of the CRFS is “to integrate social, behavioral, and life sciences into interdisciplinary studies and community dialogue regarding change in regional food systems. We involve students and faculty in the design, implementation, and evaluation of pilot interventions and participatory community-based research in the Arizona-Sonora borderlands foodshed surrounding Tucson, a UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy, in a manner that can be replicated, scaled up, and applied to other regions globally.”

The CRFS’s annual State of the Tucson Food System (STFS) report seeks to support the efforts of diverse social actors and institutions working across various sectors of the Sonora-Arizona borderlands foodshed by collecting and synthesizing the most recent data available to underscore successes, problems, and barriers. The intended use of the report is to help inform policy at various scales and within both informal and formal policy settings. . . .

Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development

Lyson Center for Civic Agriculture and Food Systems

Agriculture
Human settlements. Communities


Desenvolvimento e maturação de frutos de jabuticabeira (Plinia peruviana) na região da Depressão Central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract: As jabuticabeiras (Plinia spp.) são espécies frutíferas pertencentes a família Myrtaceae, nativa do Brasil, sendo ainda pouco estudadas, apesar de seu pronunciado potencial agronômico e fitoterápico. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o crescimento e maturação dos frutos de jabuticabeira (Plinia peruviana (Poir.) Govaerts), nas condições de cultivo da região da Depressão Central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Este trabalho foi realizado em pomar com onze anos de idade, localizado na zona rural de Porto Alegre, e na Faculdade de Agronomia, UFRGS, durante o ciclo produtivo de setembro/outubro de 2016. A curva de crescimento foi obtida a partir do diâmetro transversal dos frutos. A caracterização da maturação foi realizada através das análises de pH, acidez titulável e do teor de sólidos solúveis da polpa dos frutos. A cor do epicarpo dos frutos foi avaliada através de dados de luminosidade (L*), cromaticidade (C*) e ângulo da cor (h°). A maturação dos frutos ocorreu 38 dias após a plena floração. Uma curva de crescimento do tipo sigmoide simples foi observada. Com o avanço da maturação dos frutos ocorre a redução da acidez titulável, o aumento do pH e do teor de sólidos solúveis e a redução dos valores dos parâmetros de cor.

Taís  Altmann
Guilherme  Heisler
Luiz Felipe  da Silva
Paulo Vitor Dutra  de Souza

Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Fepagro)


Early virtual reality adopters in Spain: sociodemographic profile and interest in the use of virtual reality as a learning tool

Abstract: This study describes the social and demographic profile of the first generation of users of marketed virtual reality (VR) viewers in Spain and, subsequently, it assesses the interest in its use as a learning tool. For that purpose, an online questionnaire created ad hoc was administered to a sample of 117 participants. The relationship between twelve variables was analysed comparing means through the Snedecor's F distribution and the contingency tables through the Chi-squared test and Somers' D. Among other issues, it was concluded that the virtual reality user profile at present corresponds to a person older than 36, mainly men, with higher education and having acquired their viewer no longer than one year ago. Concerning the interests of virtual reality users as a learning tool, only a few of them currently use virtual reality for this aim, but they mainly show an interest in using the virtual reality as a learning method and they feel optimism regarding the future use of this technology as a learning tool. However, this is not the case among users of video game consoles (PSVR), who are mainly men not interested in their use as a learning tool at present. Finally, it can be stated that current use as a learning tool among teachers and students is occasional and preferably via smartphones.

Roberto Sánchez-Cabrero
Óscar Costa-Román
Francisco Javier Pericacho-Gómez
Miguel Ángel Novillo-López
Amaya Arigita-García
Amelia Barrientos-Fernández

Science (General)
Social sciences (General)


Experimental Evaluation of Cryoprotector Systemic Effects

Abstract: Aim. Experimental evaluation of the effect of some cryoprotectors on crystallogenic properties of mice blood serum at intraperitoneal administration.Material and methods. The experiment was performed on 40 adult white line mice divided into 4 equal groups. Animals from the control (fi rst) group received a single intraperitoneal injection of saline (0.5 ml agent/animal), animals of the second-fourth groups — 3 % solution of glycerin, dimethyl sulphoxide and trombocryodmac (N, N-dimethylacetamide), respectively, in the same quantity.Results. It is shown that single intraperitoneal introduction of cryoprotectants (solutions of glycerin, dimethyl sulphoxide and trombocryodmac) has a systemic effect on the mouse organism, which is manifested through the changes of crystallogenic properties of blood serum. 3% solution of glycerin, dimethyl sulphoxide and trombocryodmac have multidirectional infl uence on crystallogenic properties of mouse blood serum. The most pronounced physiological effect was established for dimethyl sulphoxide.Conclusion. Our studies demonstrate the presence of systemic effects in cryopreservative substances. It was confi rmed by the changes of crystallogenic properties of mice blood serum under intraperitoneal administration of cryopreservatives.

Andrei K. Martusevich
Andrei A. Kostyaev
Lida K. Kovaleva

Кубанский научный медицинский вестник

Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation. “Kuban State Medical University”


Coworking Spaces: Windows to the Future of Work? Changes in the Organizational Model of Work and the Attitudes of the Younger Generation

Abstract: This paper analyzes how the organization of work has changed since the 1990s including the emergence of digital forms of employment. Following the evolution of work over the course of the 20th century and the start of the 21st, this paper is divided into three sections: the adoption of industrialization, automation and digitalization, and, finally, the virtual economy. Each of these periods correspond with a certain model of production: Fordism, Taylorism, and Uberism (or Waymoism, named for Google’s Waymo project), which lie at the basis of the organization of work (process management, project management, and joint or cooperative activity) and present different sets of skill requirements. During the discussion of the evolution of work organization, including its geographical and temporal aspects, how attitudes of the individuals towards work have changed over time is discussed. Finally, the concept of coworking is analyzed as it forms the cultural foundation for virtual work. Due to the continuing nature of this research, this article presents only the initial results. This paper aims to determine how coworking spaces impact the socioeconomic development of emerging and developed regions. Fourteen in-depth interviews with managers of coworking spaces in a variety of regions serves as the empirical basis of this research over the course of periods of one and two months.

National Research University Higher School of Economics


When Art Meets Research: A Review of John Williamson’s The Case of the Disappearing/Appearing Slow Learner: An Interpretive Mystery

Abstract: In this article I straddle the conventions of literary analysis and educational book reviews to evaluate “The case of the disappearing/appearing slow learner: An interpretive mystery,” a doctoral dissertation by John Williamson (2015). I examine the artistic and educational research components of the dissertation. I break convention with the traditional journal article, by applying a literary analytical lens to the dissertation written as a novel. I also apply the lens of an initiate to educational research. I present an overview of the study, followed by an analysis of the study’s epistemological and methodological commitments. I conclude that the dissertation is epistemologically and methodologically coherent, notwithstanding the shortcomings. Therefore, I frame my critique as what is missing in the dissertation.. Finally, I consider the learning I intend to take forward with me as a graduate student, and I offer brief recommendations regarding the value of reading dissertations, especially those that successfully break with traditional reporting.

Canadian Journal for New Scholars in Education

Canadian Society for Studies in Education


A Focused Review of Smartphone Diet-Tracking Apps: Usability, Functionality, Coherence With Behavior Change Theory, and Comparative Validity of Nutrient Intake and Energy Estimates

Abstract:
BackgroundSmartphone diet-tracking apps may help individuals lose weight, manage chronic conditions, and understand dietary patterns; however, the usabilities and functionalities of these apps have not been well studied.
            ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to review the usability of current iPhone operating system (iOS) and Android diet-tracking apps, the degree to which app features align with behavior change constructs, and to assess variations between apps in nutrient coding.
            MethodsThe top 7 diet-tracking apps were identified from the iOS iTunes and Android Play online stores, downloaded and used over a 2-week period. Each app was independently scored by researchers using the System Usability Scale (SUS), and features were compared with the domains in an integrated behavior change theory framework: the Theoretical Domains Framework. An estimated 3-day food diary was completed using each app, and food items were entered into the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Composition Databases to evaluate their differences in nutrient data against the USDA reference.
            ResultsOf the apps that were reviewed, LifeSum had the highest average SUS score of 89.2, whereas MyDietCoach had the lowest SUS score of 46.7. Some variations in features were noted between Android and iOS versions of the same apps, mainly for MyDietCoach, which affected the SUS score. App features varied considerably, yet all of the apps had features consistent with Beliefs about Capabilities and thus have the potential to promote self-efficacy by helping individuals track their diet and progress toward goals. None of the apps allowed for tracking of emotional factors that may be associated with diet patterns. The presence of behavior change domain features tended to be weakly correlated with greater usability, with R2 ranging from 0 to .396. The exception to this was features related to the Reinforcement domain, which were correlated with less usability. Comparing the apps with the USDA reference for a 3-day diet, the average differences were 1.4% for calories, 1.0% for carbohydrates, 10.4% for protein, and −6.5% for fat.
            ConclusionsAlmost all reviewed diet-tracking apps scored well with respect to usability, used a variety of behavior change constructs, and accurately coded calories and carbohydrates, allowing them to play a potential role in dietary intervention studies.

Ferrara, Giannina
Kim, Jenna
Lin, Shuhao
Hua, Jenna
Seto, Edmund

Information technology
Public aspects of medicine


The role of mechanical stretch and TGF-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells

Abstract:
AIM: To explore the effects and mechanisms of mechanical stress and transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.
METHODS: Human RPE cells were inoculated on BioFex 6-well plates and RPE cells received 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mild stretch injuries delivered 3h apart after 24h of culture. The device of mechanical stress parameters were set to sine wave, frequency 1 Hz, stretch strength 20%. For treatment with TGF-β2, when the inoculated RPE cells in 6-well plates were around 60% conﬂuent, serum was reduced to 0 for 12h and recombinant human TGF-β2 (0, 1, 5, 10 ng/mL) was added for 48h. α-SMA, Vimentin and N-Cadherin, fibronectin proteins expressions were detected by Western blotting, confocal cell immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Then we detected the change of miRNA-29b and ascertained the changes of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-serine threonine protein kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway after RPE cells were stretched by the device of mechanical stress and induced by TGF-β2 by Western blotting, confocal cell immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR.
RESULTS: Mechanical stress induce EMT and activate the PI3K/Akt pathway in ways that lead to the EMT process. TGF-β2 induce RPE cells EMT and in a certain range and TGF-β2 decrease the miRNA-29b expression in RPE cells, and the inhibitory effect is more obvious with the increase of TGF-β2 concentration.
CONCLUSION: Our findings are crucial steps in determining the critical roles of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and miRNA-29b in pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) which may be a potential target for preventing or treating PVR.

Qian Cao
Qu-Zhen Deji
Ya-Jun Liu
Wei Ye
Wang-Dui Zhaba
Qin Jiang
Feng Yan

Press of International Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO PRESS)


Condições do Trabalho da Mulher: Uma Revisão Integrativa da Literatura Brasileira

Abstract: A pesquisa objetivou identificar e descrever as condições do trabalho da mulher relatadas na literatura científica brasileira. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática integrativa nas bases de dados Scielo e Pepsic, utilizando como descritores “trabalho feminino” e “trabalho AND gênero”. Foram selecionados 22 artigos cujas análises permitiram a divisão dos resultados em três categorais: Relações de gênero e conflitos no ambiente laboral; Trabalho e família; e Precarização do trabalho. Os resultados mostraram que o ingresso das mulheres no mundo do trabalho é perpassado por condições que envolvem precariedade, relações de poder e divisão sexual. As diferenças de gênero permanecem arraigadas ao contexto laboral, sendo estas muitas vezes tratadas de forma naturalizada. A conquista de um espaço no mundo do trabalho por parte das mulheres aconteceu de modo paralelo à perpetuação de obrigações para com a família e instaurou, como consequência, a dupla (ou tripla) jornada de trabalho feminina.

Natalia Lopes Braga
Noália Magna de Araújo
Regina Heloisa Maciel


A distinct gut microbiota composition in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is associated with increased levels of fecal calprotectin

Abstract: Abstract Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) shares many characteristics with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Intestinal microbiota most likely plays an important role in the development of IBDs and may also be involved in the pathogenesis of AS. We aimed to define and compare the fecal microbiota composition in patients with AS, ulcerative colitis (UC), and healthy controls (HC) and to determine relationships between fecal microbiota, fecal calprotectin, and disease-related variables in AS. Methods Fecal microbiota composition was assessed with GA-map™ Dysbiosis Test (Genetic Analysis, Oslo, Norway), which also reports the degree of deviation of the microbiota composition compared with a healthy control population, a Dysbiosis Index (DI) score 1–5. The AS patients were assessed with questionnaires, back mobility tests, fecal calprotectin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results Totally, 150 patients with AS (55% men, median age 55.5 years, median BASDAI 3.2), 18 patients with UC (56% men, median age 30.5 years), and 17 HC (65% men, median age 22 years) were included. Principal component analysis showed highly separate clustering of fecal microbiota from the patients with AS, UC, and HC. Compared with HC, fecal microbiota in AS was characterized by a higher abundance of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacilli, Streptococcus species, and Actinobacteria, but lower abundance of Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae. Further, fecal microbiota composition differed between patients with normal (≤ 50 mg/kg, n = 57) and increased (≥ 200 mg/kg, n = 36) fecal calprotectin. Patients with increased fecal calprotectin had lower abundance of bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Clostridium and higher abundance of the genus Streptococcus. No association was found between the fecal microbiota composition and HLAB27 status, disease activity, function, or medication. Dysbiosis (defined as DI ≥ 3) was found in 87% of AS patients. Conclusions Patients with AS have a distinct fecal microbiota signature, which is linked to fecal calprotectin levels, a marker of intestinal inflammation, but not to other clinical parameters. These findings suggest a local interplay between intestinal microbiota and gut inflammation in AS. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00858819. Registered March 9, 2009.

Eva Klingberg
Maria K. Magnusson
Hans Strid
Anna Deminger
Arne Ståhl
Johanna Sundin
Magnus Simrén
Hans Carlsten
Lena Öhman
Helena Forsblad-d’Elia


Features of seasonal dynamics of sheep Haemonchosis in the territory of Zaporizhzhya region

Abstract: The article presents the results of studies on the indicators of invasiveness of domestic sheep Ovis aries (Linnaeus, 1758), the causative agent of Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi 1803; Cobb 1898) and its characteristics depending on the season in the climatic and geographical conditions of the Zaporizhzhya region. The research was conducted during 2015–2019 on the basis of laboratories of the departments of parasitology and ichthyopathology of the Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies Lviv and Parasitology and Veterinary-Sanitary Examination of the Poltava State Agrarian Academy. Helminths were isolated by the results of complete helminthological sections of the digestive organs of the dead or slaughtered sheep, and the indicators of the extent and intensity of the invasion were established. Specific identification of the identified nematodes was performed taking into account the morphological features of mature males and females. It is proved that H. contortus is a fairly widespread species of nematodes in the population of domestic sheep in the territory of the studied region. The magnitude of the invasion of animals reached 66.36 %, the intensity of the invasion – 25.56 ± 1.51 samples/animal (for fluctuations from 1 to 79 sp./an.). It is noted that the causative agent of Haemonchosis is registered during the year. At the same time, the degree of sheep infection depends on the season of the year and is characterized by certain patterns in the extent and intensity of H. contortus invasion of sheep. The peak of the animals with the nematodes was detected in the autumn-winter period of the year, EI ranged from 73.23 to 78.57 %. The decline in invasion magnitude was observed in spring (52.63 %) and summer (59.68 %). Seasonal fluctuations in the infestation rates had some differences and were characterized by maximum values in the summer and autumn seasons ranging from 27.49 ± 2.52 to 37.35 ± 2.36 samples/animal. During the winter, the intensity of H. contortus infestation in sheep gradually decreased (13.73 ± 2.12 sp/an) and gained minimum values in the spring of the year (10.85 ± 1.78 sp./an). The conducted researches illuminate the current epizootic condition of sheep haemorrhage in the territory of Zaporizhzhya region, expand and supplement the already existing data that will allow to increase the effectiveness of the use of therapeutic and preventive measures in this invasion.

Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences


Synthesis of zeolite P from sewage sludge ash

Abstract: Sewage sludge is an example of waste considered as biomass. The utilization of sewage sludge is more often realized through combustion, which simultaneously constitutes the recovery of energy from a renewable source. However, the obtained ash requires neutralization. An alternative method for landfilling of sewage sludge ash is its conversion into synthetic zeolites. One of them is Zeolite P. The study shows the results of thesynthesis of zeolite P from sewage sludge ash by chemical conversion. The conversion of sewage sludge ash was conducted at the activationtemperatures of 60°C and 90°C, crystallization temperatures of 60°C and 90°C, crystallization time of 72 hours and the SSA:NaOH ratio of 1:1.4. The research of sewage sludge ashes after zeolitization included the observation of changes of ash particles surface, the identification of crystalized phases, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and specific surface area. The optimalsynthesis conditions for zeolite P are the activation and crystallization temperatures of 90°C. CEC of modified sewage sludge ashes is greater than CEC of sewage sludge ash. The presented method of sewage sludge ash conversion allows to obtain a usable material.


Fluid Mud and Nautical Bottom – Concept and Application in Itajaí Port Complex (Brazil)

Abstract: Considering the demand for mooring larger ships at Brazilian port terminals, both private and public, in a scenario of growing exports, engineering interventions that can provide improvements in the vessel’s maximum allowed dimensions can represent significant profits. Hence, this work presents an approach of Nautical Bottom, defined as the minimum depth in which ships can navigate without significant adverse effects in ship control and maneuverability without physical damage, with the goal of raising the maximum ship draft allowed in nautical spaces with fluid mud beds. Due to its rheological properties, fluid mud, in general, allows for vessels navigate with low or negative under keel clearance, respecting the established Nautical Bottom concepts. In addition, fluid mud layer thickness at port areas can possibly vary according to hydrodynamics and sedimentologic variations. This article presents an analysis of fluid mud thickness variations within the Itajaí Port Complex (Santa Catarina, Brazil) turning basin, where fluid mud layers are up to 2.5 meters thick, by means of analyses of bathymetric surveys and numerical modeling. The Itajaí Port Complex is located at the Itajaí-açu river estuary, which presents high variability of river discharge and suspended sediments. From bathymetric surveys, it is possible to observe fluid mud thickness from 0.5 to 2.5 meters. Numerical simulation results indicate suspended sediment load as a main environmental aspect for fluid mud thickness variations in the study area.


Study of the state of readiness of pharmaceutical institutions of Ukraine for implementation of integrated quality systems

Abstract:
One of the most promising ways to increase the efficiency of pharmaceutical enterprises in the field of quality assurance of medicines is the introduction of integrated quality systems (IQS).

The aim of the work is to study of the state of readiness of pharmaceutical institutions (pharmaceutical warehouses, pharmacies) and hospital pharmaceutical services of Ukraine for the implementation of integrated quality systems.

The materials of the research are: scientific publications; regulatory legal acts of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine; public reporting information of the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drug Control; information posted on professional specialized websites and official websites of pharmaceutical enterprises, hospitals, health departments of local government; information obtained in the process of direct observation and questionnaire survey. Research methods are: systematic review, generalization, observation, questionnaire survey, mathematical-statistical, graphical modeling.

The paper analyzes the availability of certificates of conformity to the requirements of good distribution practice (GDP) in wholesale pharmaceutical enterprises of Ukraine. The geography of the location of certified pharmaceutical warehouses in different regions of Ukraine is considered. In the context of the prospect of formation of IQS, the experience of a wholesale pharmaceutical company with respect to environmental, hygiene and safety and social responsibility is demonstrated. Based on the study of public information, the state of implementation of certified quality management systems (QMS) based on the standard ISO 9001 in pharmacies and hospitals of Ukraine is considered. The expediency of the development of the pharmaceutical IQS as an integral part of the overall QMS of the hospital is shown. Through the questionnaire survey of pharmacists, the state of readiness of Ukrainian pharmacies for the implementation of IQS based on the requirements of good practices and international standards in the field of quality, ecology, health and safety and social responsibility was explored. The state of implementation of good pharmaceutical practice (GPP), the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard, the risk management process for medicines quality, corrective and preventive actions has been studied in pharmacies. Positive tendencies and problems in the context of the readiness of pharmacies of Ukraine for the implementation of IQS have been established. Priority steps for improving the state of readiness of Ukrainian pharmacies for the implementation of IQS are identified.

The research results confirm that over the last years the pharmaceutical sector of Ukraine has made significant progress towards increasing the readiness of pharmaceutical institutions for the implementation of integrated quality systems.

S. H. Ubohov
V. V. Trokhymchuk
G. V. Zagoriy
L. O. Fedorova

Фармацевтичний журнал

The State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine

Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Pharmacy and materia medica


IGDT-Based Wind–Storage–EVs Hybrid System Robust Optimization Scheduling Model

Abstract: Wind power has features of uncertainty. When wind power producers (WPPs) bid in the day-ahead electricity market, how to deal with the deviation between forecasting output and actual output is one of the important topics in the design of electricity market with WPPs. This paper makes use of a non-probabilistic approach—Information gap decision theory (IGDT)—to model the uncertainty of wind power, and builds a robust optimization scheduling model for wind−storage−electric vehicles(EVs) hybrid system with EV participations, which can make the scheduling plan meet the requirements within the range of wind power fluctuations. The proposed IGDT robust optimization model first transforms the deterministic hybrid system optimization scheduling model into a robust optimization model that can achieve the minimum recovery requirement within the range of wind power output fluctuation, and comprehensively considers each constraint. The results show that the wind−storage−EVs hybrid system has greater operational profits and less impact on the safe and stable operation of power grids when considering the uncertainty of wind power. In addition, the proposed method can provide corresponding robust wind power fluctuation under different expected profits of the decision-maker to the wind−storage−EVs hybrid system.


Imaging the ring opening reaction of 1,3-cyclohexadiene with MeV ultrafast electron diffraction

Abstract: We resolve the structural dynamics of the ultrafast photoinduced ring opening reaction of 1,3-cyclohexadiene in space and time employing megaelectronvolt gas phase ultrafast electron diffraction. We, furthermore, observe coherent large amplitude motions of the photoproduct.

Wolf Thomas J. A.
Yang Jie
Sanchez David M.
Nunes J. Pedro. F.
Parrish Robert M.
Shen Xiaozhe
Centurion Martin
Coffee Ryan
Gyan James P.
Gühr Markus
Kareem Hegazy
Kirrander Adam
Li Renkai
Ruddock Jennifer
Veccione Theodore
Weathersby Stephen P.
Weber Peter M.
Wilkin Kyle
Yong Hai-Wang
Zheng Qiang
Martinez Todd J.
Wang Xijie
Minitti Michael P.


A Data-Centric Internet of Things Framework Based on Azure Cloud

Abstract: Internet of Things (IoT) has been found pervasive use cases and become a driving force to constitute a digital society. The ultimate goal of IoT is data and the intelligence generated from data. With the progress in public cloud computing technologies, more and more data can be stored, processed and analyzed in cloud to release the power of IoT. However, due to the heterogeneity of hardware and communication protocols in the IoT world, the interoperability and compatibility among different link layer protocols, sub-systems, and back-end services have become a significant challenge to IoT practices. This challenge cannot be addressed by public cloud suppliers since their efforts are mainly put into software and platform services but can hardly be extended to end devices. In this paper, we propose a data-centric IoT framework that incorporates three promising protocols with fundamental security schemes, i.e., WiFi, Thread, and LoRaWAN, to cater to massive IoT and broadband IoT use cases in local, personal, and wide area networks. By taking advantages of the Azure cloud infrastructure, the framework features a unified device management model and data model to conquer the interoperability challenge. We also provide implementation and a case study to validate the framework for practical applications.

Yu Liu
Kahin Akram Hassan
Magnus Karlsson
Zhibo Pang
Shaofang Gong

Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering


Understanding Conformational Preferences of Atropisomeric Hydrazides and Its Influence on Excited State Transformations in Crystalline Media

Abstract: Hydrazides derivatives were evaluated to understand the role of N−N bond in dictating the outcome of photoreactions in the solid state.


Current Trends in Tolerance Induction in Cow's Milk Allergy: From Passive to Proactive Strategies

Abstract: This review addresses the current strategies of inducing tolerance development in infant and childhood cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). The change in prevention strategies for CMPA has been emphasized based on the lack of evidence to support the efficacy of food allergen avoidance in infancy and the concept of the dual-allergen-exposure hypothesis, which suggests that allergen exposure through the skin leads to sensitization, whereas early oral consumption of allergenic food protein induces oral tolerance. The new approach is based on the likelihood of early introduction of allergenic foods to the infant's diet to reduce the development of food allergies through oral tolerance induction. The latest treatment guidelines recommend the continuation of breast feeding and the elimination of cow's milk and products from the maternal diet in exclusively breast-fed infants with CMPA, the use of an extensively hydrolyzed infant formula (eHF) with proven efficacy in CMPA as the first elimination diet in formula-fed infants with CMPA and the use of amino acid-based formula (AAF) in severe cases, such as anaphylaxis, enteropathy, eosinophilic esophagitis, and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), as well as cases of multiple system involvement, multiple food allergies, and intolerance to extensively hydrolyzed formula (eHF). In conclusion, this paper presents the current knowledge on tolerance development in infants and children with CMPA to increase the awareness of the clinicians concerning the new approaches in CMPA treatment Tolerance development is considered a relatively new concept in CMPA, inducing a shift in interventions in CMPA from a passive (avoidance of responsible allergen) toward a proactive (tolerance induction) strategy.

Cansin Sackesen
Derya Ufuk Altintas
Aysen Bingol
Gulbin Bingol
Betul Buyuktiryaki
Esen Demir
Aydan Kansu
Zarife Kuloglu
Zeynep Tamay
Bulent Enis Sekerel


Water and soil pollution as determinant of water and food quality/contamination and its impact on female fertility

Abstract: Abstract A mounting body of the literature suggests that environmental chemicals found in food and water could affect female reproduction. Many worldwide daily-used products have been shown to contain chemicals that could incur adverse reproductive outcomes in the perinatal/neonatal periods, childhood, adolescence, and even adulthood. The potential impact of Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates and Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on female reproduction, in particular on puberty, PCOS pathogenesis, infertility, ovarian function, endometriosis, and recurrent pregnancy loss, in both humans and animals, will be discussed in this report in order to provide greater clinician and public awareness about the potential consequences of these chemicals. The effects of these substances could interfere with hormone biosynthesis/action and could potentially be transmitted to further generations. Thus proper education about these chemicals can help individuals decide to limit exposure, ultimately alleviating the risk on future generations.

Justin Rashtian
Diana E. Chavkin
Zaher Merhi


Evaluation of Results of Ilizarov Fixator and Methodology in Tibial Non- Union

Abstract:
Background: Treatment of non-union of tibial diaphyseal fractures has always posed a formidable challenge to surgeons. Persistant infection, deformity, bone loss, stiffness of joints and disability complicate the problem further. Ilizarov methodology tackles all the above problems simultaneously and offers a solution for non-union. Progressive new bone formation and increased vascularity following corticotomy and bone transport helps in filling bone gaps and promoting fracture union. Stability of the fixation allows early weight bearing, ambulation and joint mobilization. To evaluate the results of Ilizarov fixator in treating tibial non-union.

Methods: This retrospective hospital study was conducted at Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Kolkata, India from August 2009 to February 2012. Forty two patients treated at this hospital between August 1994 and August 2011 with a minimum of 12 months follow up were included. The results were analysed on the outcome of bone and functional score using the Association for the Study and Applica-tion of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system.

Results: Of the 42 patients in this study, there were 28 (66.7%) excellent, 6 (14.3%) good, 5 (11.9%) fair and 3(7.1%) poor bone results and 17(40.5%) excellent, 20(47.6%) good, 2(4.8%) fair and 3(7.1%) poor functional results.

 Conclusions: Treatment of tibial non-unions with Ilizarov fixator is effective but not without considerable amount of complications and morbidity associated with it. The functional outcome was largely multifactorial and dependent on the final joint function, soft tissue condition and ability of the patient to return to activity.

Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal


The associative copulative and expression of bodily discomfort in Northern Sotho

Abstract: This article discusses one of the meanings expressed by the associative copulative construction with -na le, ‘have’ in Northern Sotho, namely to ‘physically experience discomfort’, ‘suffer from’ or ‘be ill with’ something. In light of alternative available verbs that are employed to express the same concept in specific ways, this article aims to investigate the occurrence of such alternative verbs, their semantic relationship with -na le ‘have’ and with each other. A lexical semantics investigation involving verb classes, selectional restrictions and paradigmatic sense relations reveals that -na le ‘have’ functions as a superordinate in a troponymy relationship with these verbs. It also shows that these verbs are not on the same level in the hierarchical scheme, placing -bolaya ‘kill’, -tshwenya ‘trouble’ and -swara ‘catch’/ ‘hold’ just below -na le ‘have’ as they select both body-part and affliction arguments. The rest of the verbs are positioned on a lower level, selecting either body-part or affliction.

Philology. Linguistics
African languages and literature


LA PROBLEMATIQUE DE LA PREVENTION DE L’EXPLOITATION ILLICITE DES MINERAIS EN REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO

Abstract: L’exploitation illicite des minerais congolais a été la cause de violation massive des droits de l’homme, mais également de la destruction de l’économie congolaise par la perte des financements vrais à même de lui permettre de réduire la pauvreté de la population congolaise. Ce qui est une atteinte au droit souverain sur les ressources naturelles. C’est pour tenter d’y mettre fin que des mécanismes juridiques ont été mis en place au niveau international, sous-régional et même national. Leur efficacité théorique est mise à rude épreuve face aux intérêts divergents des acteurs impliqués et par la faiblesse de l’Etat congolais, faiblesse manifestée par l’inexistence d’une jurisprudence en la matière qui aurait un rôle pédagogique de dissuasion à jouer auprès de tous ceux qui s’y aventuraient à nouveau.


Cotas: a resistência dos mestiços

Abstract: Uma das grandes dificuldades para pensarmos sobre como implementar uma política emergencial de cotas mínimas para o ingresso de estudantes negros no ensino superior brasileiro, tendo como objetivo acelerar a melhoria na condição educacional e socioeconômica dos cidadãos negros, é a resistência de muitos mestiços contra tal iniciativa.


Baclofen but Not Diazepam Alleviates Alcohol-Seeking Behavior and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Stressed Withdrawn Mice

Abstract: This study compares the impact of repeated injections of baclofen (an agonist of GABAB receptors) or diazepam (a benzodiazepine having an agonist action on GABAA receptors) given during the alcohol-withdrawal period on the stress-induced restoration of alcohol-seeking behavior and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction after a long (4 weeks) abstinence. Thus, C57BL/6 mice were submitted to a 6-month alcohol consumption [12% volume/volume (v/v)] and were progressively withdrawn to water before testing. Diazepam (Valium®, Roche) and baclofen (Baclofen®, Mylan) were administered intraperitoneally for 15 consecutive days (1 injection/day) during the withdrawal period at decreasing doses ranging from 1.0 mg/kg (Day 15) to 0.25 mg/kg (Day 1) for diazepam and from 1.5 mg/kg (Day 15) to 0.37 mg/kg (Day 1) for baclofen. Alcohol-seeking behavior was evaluated by alcohol-place preference in an odor recognition task. In the stress condition, mice received three electric footshocks 45 min before behavioral testing. Blood was sampled immediately after behavioral testing, and plasma corticosterone concentrations were measured by commercial enzyme immunoassay kits. Results showed that non-stressed withdrawn mice did not exhibit alcohol-place preference or alteration of plasma corticosterone concentrations relative to water controls. After stress, however, withdrawn mice exhibited a significant alcohol-place preference and higher circulating corticosterone concentrations as compared to stressed water controls. Interestingly, repeated administration during the withdrawal phase of baclofen but not diazepam suppressed both the alcohol-place preference and normalized corticosterone levels in stressed withdrawn animals. In conclusion, this study evidences that a pre-treatment with baclofen but not with diazepam during the withdrawal phase normalized, even after a long period of abstinence, the HPA axis response to stress, which contributes to the long-term preventing effects of this compound on alcohol-seeking behavior.

Yolaine Rabat
Nadia Henkous
Marc Corio
Xavier Nogues
Daniel Beracochea


Taste perception and oral microbiota are associated with obesity in children and adolescents.

Abstract: Obesity in childhood and adolescence is considered the most prevalent nutritional disorder, in which eating behaviours represent one important factors of influence. Many aspects influence eating behaviours, but taste is considered the main predictor. However, data concerning correlations of obesity, taste sensitivity and behavioural attitudes, such as food neophobia, in children and adolescents are inconsistent. Moreover, it has been suggested that oral bacteria could have a possible role in obesity development and, also, in taste perception. In this context, the present study focused on host related factors with a proposed link to weight gain. To this purpose, taste sensitivity, salivary microbiota composition and food neophobia were compared between children and adolescents with and without obesity in a cross-sectional study. Results showed that children with obesity presented a significantly lower ability in correctly identifying taste qualities and were characterized by a lesser number of Fungiform Papillae (reported as FP/cm2) compared to normal-weight subjects. Differences in the ecological indexes of microbial alpha-diversity was found between subjects with obesity and normal-weight ones. Moreover, independently from nutritional status, some bacterial genera seemed to differ between subjects with different sensitivity. The potentiality of this multidisciplinary approach could help to better understand and deepen the sensory-driven and microbiological factors related to weight gain.

Chiara Mameli
Camilla Cattaneo
Simona Panelli
Francesco Comandatore
Arianna Sangiorgio
Giorgio Bedogni
Claudio Bandi
Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Ella Pagliarini


Plural, coeducativo e gratuito: o primeiro ginásio/colégio público em Florianópolis (Santa Catarina, Brasil)

Abstract: O livro “Ensino Secundário Público e de Qualidade no antigo Instituto de Educação – Florianópolis, 1947 – 1963”, publicado pelo pesquisador Norberto Dallabrida, em 2017 pela Editora Udesc e Dois Por Quatro Editora, traz uma importante contribuição para o campo da História da Educação catarinense. Esta obra, que destaca a história do primeiro estabelecimento público que ofertou o ensino secundário de forma gratuita no estado de Santa Catarina, traz à luz as práticas educacionais colocadas em marcha nesta instituição no período no qual ele funcionou no mesmo prédio que a Escola Normal Catarinense, qual seja de 1947 a 1963. O destaque dado a este período justifica-se pela pouca atenção dada a estes primeiros anos, visto que em 1963 com a mudança para um novo prédio, o maior de Santa Catarina e o significativo aumento no número de estudantes e professores/as, há um apagamento da história inicial desta instituição. O livro é composto de uma apresentação que situa o/a leitor/a acerca do processo de constituição de um ginásio e posteriormente de um colégio neste espaço educacional; dois ensaios: um sobre a cultura escolar e o outro focalizando o corpo docente e três entrevistas realizadas pelo autor com dois professores e uma professora que atuaram nesta escola no período recortado para este estudo.


Ott-Antonsen ansatz truncation of a circular cumulant series

Abstract: The cumulant representation is common in classical statistical physics for variables on the real line and the issue of closures of cumulant expansions is well elaborated. The case of phase variables significantly differs from the case of linear ones; the relevant order parameters are the Kuramoto-Daido ones, but not the conventional moments. One can formally introduce circular cumulants for Kuramoto-Daido order parameters, similar to the conventional cumulants for moments. The circular cumulant expansions allow us to advance beyond the Ott-Antonsen theory and consider populations of real oscillators. First, we show that truncation of circular cumulant expansions, except for the Ott-Antonsen case, is forbidden. Second, we compare this situation to the case of the Gaussian distribution of a linear variable, where the second cumulant is nonzero and all the higher cumulants are zero, and elucidate why keeping up to the second cumulant is admissible for a linear variable, but forbidden for circular cumulants. Third, we discuss the implication of this truncation issue to populations of quadratic integrate-and-fire neurons [E. Montbrió, D. Pazó, and A. Roxin, Phys. Rev. X 5, 021028 (2015)2160-330810.1103/PhysRevX.5.021028], where, within the framework of macroscopic description, the firing rate diverges for any finite truncation of the cumulant series, and discuss how one should handle these situations. Fourth, we consider the cumulant-based low-dimensional reductions for macroscopic population dynamics in the context of this truncation issue. These reductions are applicable where the cumulant series exponentially decay with the cumulant order, i.e., they form a geometric progression hierarchy. Fifth, we demonstrate the formation of this hierarchy for generic distributions on the circle and experimental data for coupled biological and electrochemical oscillators. Our main conclusion for applications is that, if the first and second circular cumulants are nonzero, there must be infinitely many nonzero higher cumulants. However, these higher cumulants can be small, in which case one can construct approximate equations for the dynamics of a finite number of leading cumulants.

Denis S. Goldobin
Anastasiya V. Dolmatova


Aqra Anticline: A Growing Structure in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Abstract: Aqra Anticline is a double plunging anticline, oriented NW–SE with a steep southwestern limb and even overturned. Geomorphological features are interpreted using satellite images, as a result, it was found that the anticline shows clear geomorphological and structural features which indicate the lateral growth of the anticline. Among those features are water gaps, wind gaps, forked-shaped valleys, curved valleys, inclined valleys and dislocated and abandoned alluvial fans. Some of the vague interpreted features were checked and confirmed in the field.

Ala A. Ghafur
Varoujan K. Sissakian
Hawkar A. Abdulhaq
Hassan O. Omar

ARO-The Scientific Journal of Koya University


Las PyMEs en Santa Cruz, Análisis,  Distribución e Innovación Vinculada  al uso de las TICs

Abstract: El proyecto de investigación asociado a esta publicación pretende el estudio y acercamiento a las Pymes radicadas en la región con el fin de determinar los rasgos sobresalientes que estas tienen en materia de gerenciamiento. Se buscó indagar sobre las Pymes para determinar concretamente si realizan Planeamiento Estratégico, si las políticas de Recurso Humanos se vinculan a dicho Planeamiento y si desde estas empresas se incorpora innovación tecnológica y de qué modo incorpora el avance tecnológico en su función de producción. A tales fines se llevó adelante una campaña de relevamiento mediante encuestas que permitió estudiar e inferir el comportamiento de las organizaciones empresariales al respecto de varios de estos aspectos, la presente publicación logra caracterizar las pymes en conceptos generales y da evidencia del avance e incorporación de las Tecnologíasde Información y Comunicación en las PyMEs, explicando los principales mecanismos de innovación en esta materia.

Alejandro Aroca Bavich
Daniel Martínez Llaneza
Iván Ossandon
Rafael García

Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)


Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis combined with teratoma: two cases report

Abstract: <strong>DOI: </strong>10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2016.09.012

Kun HONG
Yan-hong DONG
Yuan-yuan ZHOU
Hui-ying ZHAO
Jun-ying HE
Yue-li ZOU
Yi LI
Ya-juan LIU
Jun-zhao CUI
Qin-qin ZHANG
Xin LIU
Hui BU

Chinese Journal of Contemporary Neurology and Neurosurgery

Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system


Sintaxis y semántica de lat. uereor

Abstract: This paper examines the use of vereor in Latin literature, in order to clarify its meaning and distinguish it from other verbs of fearing, with which it shares meaning features as well as syntactic constructions. In this study, great importance is attached to the testimony of Cicero, an author who combines the status of speaker and scholar of the language. This paper argues that vereor expresses a complex feeling conceptualising three elements at the same time: respect, shame, and apprehension.


Sensorimotor-Conceptual Integration in Free Walking Enhances Divergent Thinking for Young and Older Adults

Abstract: Prior research has shown that free walking can enhance creative thinking. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether bidirectional body-mind links are essential for the positive effect of free walking on creative thinking. Moreover, it is unknown whether the positive effect can be generalized to older adults. In Experiment 1, we replicated previous findings with two additional groups of young participants. Participants in the rectangular-walking condition walked along a rectangular path while generating unusual uses for chopsticks. Participants in the free-walking group walked freely as they wished, and participants in the free-generation condition generated unconstrained free paths while the participants in the random-experienced condition walked those paths. Only the free-walking group showed better performance in fluency, flexibility, and originality. In Experiment 2, two groups of older adults were randomly assigned to the free-walking and rectangular-walking conditions. The free-walking group showed better performance than the rectangular-walking group. Moreover, older adults in the free-walking group outperformed young adults in the rectangular-walking group in originality and performed comparably in fluency and flexibility. Bidirectional links between proprioceptive-motor kinematics and metaphorical abstract concepts can enhance divergent thinking for both young and older adults.


Multiple concurrent primary extramammary Paget’s disease

Abstract:
Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a rare malignant disorder of the skin, which was described
in as early as the nineteenth century. EMPD usually occurs as a single lesion in the apocrine sweat
gland–bearing skin with abundant hair follicles. Here, we present an elderly man who suffered from
a non-resolving chronic genital pruritus for 8 months. Initially, he was managed for recurrent fungal
infection and eczema. Later, a diagnosis of the rare condition multiple primary EMPD was made
based on the histopathology findings and appropriate treatment was given.

Leelavathi Muthupalaniappen
Norazirah Md Nor
Nur Amirah binti Amat Puad

Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia


الضغوط المهنية لمعلمي التربية الخاصة في ضوء بعض المتغيرات (دراسة عبر ثقافية) Special Education Teachers' Professional Stress in the Light of Some Variables ( A Cross-Cultural Study )

Abstract:
تهدف الدراسة الحالية إلى استقصاء الضغوط المهنية لمعلمي التربية الخاصة في کل من البيئة الثقافية السعودية والمصرية، ومعرفة الفروق في نوعية تلک الضغوط في هاتين البيئتين تبعاً لمتغيرات فئة الإعاقة التي يعمل معها المعلم (عقلية وتوحد/ بصرية/ سمعية)، وجنس المعلم (ذکر/ أنثى)، وسنوات خبرة المعلم (أقل من 5 سنوات/ 5 سنوات فأکثر). وأجريت الدراسة على عينة قوامها (224) معلماً ومعلمةً من معلمي التربية الخاصة بجمهورية مصر العربية والمملکة العربية السعودية، واستخدمت الدراسة مقياس الضغوط المهنية لمعلمي التربية الخاصة (إعداد الباحث)، ولتحليل البيانات تم تطبيق اختبار "ت"، وتحليل التباين المتعدد MANOVA، واختبار شيفيه. وأظهرت النتائج أن أهم الضغوط في البيئتين السعودية والمصرية تمثلت في خصائص الأطفال ذوي الاحتياجات الخاصة، والعلاقة بأولياء أمورهم، ثم بيئة العمل، فطبيعة العمل، وأخيراً العلاقة المهنية بالزملاء والمدراء. وأظهرت ايضاً وجود فروق دالة إحصائياً في الضغوط المهنية لمعلمي التربية الخاصة تعزى لمتغيري البيئة الثقافية وفئة الإعاقة لصالح المعلمين العاملين في البيئة المصرية، ولصالح معلمي فئة الإعاقة السمعية، وعدم وجود فروق دالة في التفاعل بينهما. ووجود فروق دالة إحصائياً تعزى لمتغيري البيئة الثقافية والجنس لصالح العاملين في البيئة المصرية، ولصالح المعلمات في بعد "بيئة العمل"، وعدم وجود فروق في التفاعل بين المتغيرين. ووجود فروق دالة إحصائياً تعزى لمتغيري البيئة الثقافية والخبرة لصالح العاملين في البيئة المصرية ولصالح ذوي الخبرة القصيرة. وتضمنت الدراسة مناقشةً وتفسيراً لتلک النتائج، وخرج ببعض التوصيات والبحوث المقترحة.
This study aimed at studying professional stress facing special education teachers in the Egyptian and Saudi cultural environments and its relation to some variables including category of children's disability, teacher's gender and experience. The study was applied to 224 special education teachers in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It used the Special Education Teachers' Professional Stress Scale which was prepared by the researcher. T-test, MANOVA, Scheffe tests were used in statistical analysis of data. Results show that the most important stress in both Egyptian and Saudi environments are characteristics of children with special needs, teachers' relations with children's parents, work environment, work nature and finally the teachers' relations with their managers and colleagues.  Results also show that there were statistically significant differences in professional stress attributed to the cultural environment and the category of children's disability in favour of the  Egyptian environment and teachers working with children with hearing disability, but there were no statistically significant differences that can be attributed to the interaction between the two variables. There were also statistically significant differences attributed to the cultural environment and the teacher's gender in favour of teachers working in the Egyptian environment and in favour of females on the "work environment" dimension, but there no statistically significant differences that can be attributed to the interaction between the two variables. There were statistically significant differences attributed to the cultural environment and the teacher's experience in favour of the Egyptian environment and teachers with shorter experience. Results were discussed and explained. Recommendations are included.

علي عبدالله علي مسافر

علي عبدالله علي مسافر

مجلة التربیة الخاصة والتأهیل

Special Education and Educational Rehabilitation Organization


LA NEGACIÓN DEL OTRO COMO OTRO ES INSIGNIFICANCIA EN ACCIÓN

Abstract: En el artículo a continuación abordamos la recepción de la obra de Castoriadis enAmerica Latina a través de un ejercicio de dialogo con uno de los autores del numero 11de PROMETEICA, Emanuele Profumi. En particular nos ocupamos de ilustrar elcontexto en el que dicha obra es recibida por los medios académicos y políticos en elcontinente gracias a los desarrollos de Castoriadis en torno al fenómeno descrito deaumento de la insignificancia, poniendo un énfasis particular en la noción dedescomposición social en cuya base se encontraría la crisis de autoreferencia en lasociedad contemporánea. Para argumentar la relevancia de la noción dedescomposición social hacemos uso de la manera como Castoriadis aborda la cuestióndel proyecto social en occidente y de la manera como su ausencia tiene un efectodefinitivo para la relación de occidente a nivel global y muy particularmente respecto alabismo que lo separa del mundo Árabe. Damos cuenta de todo ello teniendo delante losrecientes atentados en Paris y el conflicto actual que involucra las potencias mundialesy el Estado Islámico.

Philosophy (General)
Science
Social sciences (General)


The Genetic Architecture of Murine Glutathione Transferases.

Abstract: Glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes play a protective role against oxidative stress and may influence disease risk and drug pharmacokinetics. In this study, massive multiscalar trait profiling across a large population of mice derived from a cross between C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA2/J (D2)--the BXD family--was combined with linkage and bioinformatic analyses to characterize mechanisms controlling GST expression and to identify downstream consequences of this variation. Similar to humans, mice show a wide range in expression of GST family members. Variation in the expression of Gsta4, Gstt2, Gstz1, Gsto1, and Mgst3 is modulated by local expression QTLs (eQTLs) in several tissues. Higher expression of Gsto1 in brain and liver of BXD strains is strongly associated (P < 0.01) with inheritance of the B6 parental allele whereas higher expression of Gsta4 and Mgst3 in brain and liver, and Gstt2 and Gstz1 in brain is strongly associated with inheritance of the D2 parental allele. Allele-specific assays confirmed that expression of Gsto1, Gsta4, and Mgst3 are modulated by sequence variants within or near each gene locus. We exploited this endogenous variation to identify coexpression networks and downstream targets in mouse and human. Through a combined systems genetics approach, we provide new insight into the biological role of naturally occurring variants in GST genes.

Lu Lu
Ashutosh K Pandey
M Trevor Houseal
Megan K Mulligan


التفكیر الجانبي وعلاقتھ بأداء مھارة الطبطبة بكرة الید للطالبات

Abstract:
شمل البحث على المقدمة و المكانة الكبیرة للتفكیر الجانبي وھو القدرة على رؤیة الشيء الواحد بطرائق مختلفة و متعددة ،
ویرى بأنھ لا یمنع عملیة اتخاذ القرارات السریعة والمناسبة، فھي طریقة من التفكیر تكسب صاحبھا مھارات جدیدة ولھ
فوائد كبیرة منھا توسیع رقعة الخیال والتفكیر بالاحتمالات الكثیرة , ویعَُد ھذا النوع من التفكیر أساسا في تنمیة مھارات
الذكاء بشكل كبیر والمشكلة ھي اقتصار معرفتنا القلیلة عن إمكانیات وقدرات الطالبات في ھذا النوع من التفكیر وإلى درجة
العلاقة بینھ وبین أداء مھارة الطبطبة , لذا استھدف ھذا البحث إلى التعرف على درجة التفكیر الجانبي ومستوى أداء مھارة
الطبطبة والعلاقة بینھما ولكي نعطي من خلال نتائج البحث صورة واضحة وأكثر ثباتا عن وصف مجتمع البحث في
التفكیر الجانبي و أیضا أشتمل على الفروض وعلى المجال البشري وھن طالبات المرحلة الثانیة في كلیة التربیة البدنیة
2015 ) وأشتمل على منھج البحث و /12/ 7–2015/11 / 2016 )وللفترة من ( 1 - وعلوم الریاضة جامعة بغداد لعام ( 2015
اجراءاتھ وقد تم اختیار مقیاس (قصي عجاج 2013 ) للتفكیر الجانبي, واختبارین لمھارة الطبطبة بكرة الید, والباب الرابع
تم فیھ عرض النتائج ومناقشتھا واستنتجت الباحثة إلى تمتع العینة بدرجة تفكیر جانبي جید, وللتفكیر الجانبي علاقة إیجابیة
بأداء مھارة الطبطبة بكرة الید , ومن التوصیات التأكید على ضرورةتعلیم الطلبة كیف یفكرون ورفع مستوى قابلیتھم على
التفكیر الجانبي لأھمیتھ و أمكانیة أجراء بحوث على مھارات أخرى في كرة الید

غادة عبود عبد الحسين

غادة عبود عبد الحسين

الرياضة المعاصرة

physical education and sport sciences college for women/ Baghdad University


Correlation between Calorie Intake and Nutritional Status of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

Abstract:
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a severe pervasive developmental disorder with prevalence as high as one in sixty-eight children. Children diagnosed with ASD may have food intake problem and might affect their nutritional status in the future. The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between total calorie intake and nutritional status of ASD children.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Indigrow Child Development and Autism Center involving 16 patients from October to November 2015. Total calorie intake was assessed by 24-hour food recall and nutritional status was measured by Z-score. Correlation was analyzed using Spearman’s Rho.

Results: Overweight and obesity were found in 10 out of 16 ASD children assessed. Total calorie intake was not significantly correlated with nutritional status of ASD children (r=0.021, p=0.940).

Conclusions: There is no significant relevance between total calorie intake and nutritional status in ASD children at Indigrow Child Development and Autism Center.

Aryo Windaru
Fifi Veronica
Dian Marta Sari


Ressenya a Delle Donne, Fulvio & Torró, Jaume (eds.) L’immagine di Alfonso il Magnanimo tra letteratura e storia, tra Corona d’Aragona e Italia - La imatge d’Algons el Magnànim en la literatura i la Historiografia entre la Corona d’Aragó i Itàlia, Florència, SISMEL -Edizioni del Galluzzo , 2016, XII + 300 p. ISBN: 978-88-8450-691-7

Abstract: Review to Delle Donne, Fulvio & Torró, Jaume (eds.) L’immagine di Alfonso il Magnanimo tra letteratura e storia, tra Corona d’Aragona e Italia - La imatge d’Algons el Magnànim en la literatura i la Historiografia entre la Corona d’Aragó i Itàlia, Firenze, SISMEL -Edizioni del Galluzzo , 2016, XII + 300 p. ISBN: 978-88-8450-691-7

Scripta: Revista Internacional de Literatura i Cultura Medieval i Moderna

Modern history, 1453-
Medieval history
Literature (General)


Compensatory Analysis and Optimization for MADM for Heterogeneous Wireless Network Selection

Abstract: In the next-generation heterogeneous wireless networks, a mobile terminal with a multi-interface may have network access from different service providers using various technologies. In spite of this heterogeneity, seamless intersystem mobility is a mandatory requirement. One of the major challenges for seamless mobility is the creation of a network selection scheme, which is for users that select an optimal network with best comprehensive performance between different types of networks. However, the optimal network may be not the most reasonable one due to compensation of MADM (Multiple Attribute Decision Making), and the network is called pseudo-optimal network. This paper conducts a performance evaluation of a number of widely used MADM-based methods for network selection that aim to keep the mobile users always best connected anywhere and anytime, where subjective weight and objective weight are all considered. The performance analysis shows that the selection scheme based on MEW (weighted multiplicative method) and combination weight can better avoid accessing pseudo-optimal network for balancing network load and reducing ping-pong effect in comparison with three other MADM solutions.

Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering


The effect of firm’s logo on its performance: Evidence from oil industry

Abstract: Nowadays, trade mark is one of the most important components of the products in both consumers and producers’ perspectives. In this study, two separate but related mechanism through which the trademark is supposed to create value for customers, were investigated. Likeness/ description and functional-aesthetic benefits were taken into consideration. This research shows the positive effects of logo on customer commitment regarding the performance. Commitment reflects customers’ desire for cooperation by considering the effects of a logo. Logo will help customers easily identify and select a brand. This research proves that, from the customer's perspective, trademarks contain meaning, and thus include brief information on the struggle for marketing. In case of the purpose, this study is an applied research and in terms of data-gathering it is a descriptive – survey one. Since the population of the survey was unlimited, initial investigations indicated that 384 questionnaires should be distributed based on Morgan table. Using structural equation modeling, the survey results showed that descriptive-cognitive, functional benefits and aesthetic tendencies had significant influences on customer commitment in regards of performance.


Hepatic Fgf21 Expression Is Repressed after Simvastatin Treatment in Mice.

Abstract: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (Fgf21) is a hormone with emerging beneficial roles in glucose and lipid homeostasis. The interest in Fgf21 as a potential antidiabetic drug and the factors that regulate its production and secretion is growing. Statins are the most widely prescribed drug for the treatment of dyslipidemia. However, the function of statins is not limited to the lowering of cholesterol as they are associated with pleiotropic actions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. The recently described effect of statins on mitochondrial function and the induction of Fgf21 by mitochondrial stress prompted us to investigate the effect of statin treatment on Fgf21 expression in the liver. To this end, C57BL6J male mice and primary mouse hepatocytes were treated with simvastatin, and Fgf21 expression was subsequently assessed by immunoblotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Hepatic Fgf21 protein and mRNA and circulating levels of FGF21significantly decreased in mice that had received simvastatin in their food (0.1% w/w) for 1 week. This effect was also observed with simvastatin doses as low as 0.01% w/w for 1 week or following 2 intraperitoneal injections within a single day. The reduction in Fgf21 mRNA levels was further verified in primary mouse hepatocytes, indicating that the effect of simvastatin is cell autonomous. In conclusion, simvastatin treatment reduced the circulating and hepatic Fgf21 levels and this effect warrants further investigation with reference to its role in metabolism.

Panos Ziros
Zoi Zagoriti
George Lagoumintzis
Venetsana Kyriazopoulou
Ralitsa P Iskrenova
Evagelia I Habeos
Gerasimos P Sykiotis
Dionysios V Chartoumpekis
Ioannis G Habeos


Topologically protected loop flows in high voltage AC power grids

Abstract: Geographical features such as mountain ranges or big lakes and inland seas often result in large closed loops in high voltage AC power grids. Sizable circulating power flows have been recorded around such loops, which take up transmission line capacity and dissipate but do not deliver electric power. Power flows in high voltage AC transmission grids are dominantly governed by voltage angle differences between connected buses, much in the same way as Josephson currents depend on phase differences between tunnel-coupled superconductors. From this previously overlooked similarity we argue here that circulating power flows in AC power grids are analogous to supercurrents flowing in superconducting rings and in rings of Josephson junctions. We investigate how circulating power flows can be created and how they behave in the presence of ohmic dissipation. We show how changing operating conditions may generate them, how significantly more power is ohmically dissipated in their presence and how they are topologically protected, even in the presence of dissipation, so that they persist when operating conditions are returned to their original values. We identify three mechanisms for creating circulating power flows, (i) by loss of stability of the equilibrium state carrying no circulating loop flow, (ii) by tripping of a line traversing a large loop in the network and (iii) by reclosing a loop that tripped or was open earlier. Because voltages are uniquely defined, circulating power flows can take on only discrete values, much in the same way as circulation around vortices is quantized in superfluids.

T Coletta
R Delabays
I Adagideli
Ph Jacquod


Dynamic Inventory Planning with Unknown Costs and Stochastic Demand

Abstract: Generally ordering policies are done by two methods, including fix order quantity (FOQ) and fix order period (FOP). These methods are static and either the quantity of ordering or the procedure of ordering is fixing in throughout time horizon. In real environments, demand is varying in any period and may be considered as uncertainty. When demand is variable in any period, the traditional and static ordering policies with fix re-order points cannot be efficient. On the other hand, sometimes in real environments some costs may not be well-known or precise. Some costs such as holding cost, ordering cost and so on. Therefore, using the cost based inventory models may not be helpful. In this paper, a model is developed which can be used in the cases of stochastic and irregular demand, and also unknown costs. Also some attributes consisting of expected positive inventory level, expected negative inventory level and inventory confidence level are considered as objective functions instead the objective function of total inventory cost. A numerical example is also presented for more explanation.

International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Production Research


Efficacy of high frequency ultrasound in postoperative evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome treatment

Abstract:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy and a frequent
cause of sick leave because of work-related hand overload. The main treatment is
operation. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the usefulness of high frequency ultrasound
in the postoperative evaluation of CTS treatment efficacy. Material and methods:
Sixty-two patients (50 women and 12 men aged 28–70, mean age 55.2) underwent surgical
treatment of CTS. Ultrasound examinations of the wrist in all carpal tunnel sufferers
were performed 3 months after the procedure with the use of a high frequency broadband
linear array transducer (6–18 MHz, using 18 MHz band) of MyLab 70/Esaote. On the
basis of the collected data, the author has performed multiple analyses to confirm the
usefulness of ultrasound imaging for postoperative evaluation of CTS treatment efficacy.
Results: Among all 62 patients, 3 months after surgical median nerve decompression:
in 40 patients, CTS symptoms subsided completely, and sonographic evaluation did not
show median nerve entrapment signs; in 9 patients, CTS symptoms persisted or exacerbated,
and ultrasound proved nerve compression revealing preserved flexor retinaculum
fibers; in 13 patients, scar tissue symptoms occurred, and in 5 of them CTS did not
subside completely (although ultrasound showed no signs of compression). Conclusions:
Ultrasound imaging with the use of a high frequency transducer is a valuable diagnostic
tool for postoperative assessment of CTS treatment efficacy.


Güç Sistemi Kararlılığını İyileştirecek Facts Cihazlarının Bağlantı Noktasının Belirlenmesi

Abstract: Bu çalışmada, tristor kontrollü seri kompanzator( TSCS) ve statik var kompanzator (SVC) denetleyicilerinin güç sistemi gerilim kararlılığına olan etkileri incelenmiştir. İncelemeler 5 örnek olarak seçilen 5 baralı sistem üzerinde yapılmıştır. Sürekli güç akışı analizi yöntemi kullanılarak TSCS ve SVC’nin gerilim çökmeleri üzerindeki etkileri incelenmiştir. Hatların kararlılık indeksi değerleri ve yük baralarına ait voltaj kararlılık indeksi değerleri hesaplanmıştır. Bu index değerlerine göre güç sistemi Esnek alternatif akım cihazları iletim cihazları (FACTS) bağlantı noktaları belirlenmiştir.  FACTS cihazları bağlandıktan sonra simülasyon programı ile yük akışı çalışmaları yapılmıştır. Yapılan çalışma ile elde edilen sonuçlara göre güç sisteminin kararlılık sınır değerlerini iyileştirmede ve aktif güç kayıplarını azaltmada FACTS cihazlarının önemli bir etkiye sahip olduğu görülmüştür.

Ali  ÖZTÜRK
Beytullah  BOZALİ
Salih  TOSUN

Düzce Üniversitesi Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi


La mediazione linguistica come pratica di negoziazione, resistenza, attivismo e ospitalità sulle sponde del Mediterraneo

Abstract: Abstract – The huge increase in migration flows through the Afro-Mediterranean routes during recent decades has shaped previously homogeneous populations into linguistically and culturally diverse ethnoscapes. Migration has therefore made a notable contribution to the acquisition and the use of English as a first, second and foreign language and to the burgeoning of new Englishes all over the world (Crystal 1997; Trudgill et al. 2002; Jenkins, 2003) thus questioning our traditional knowledge of language as a social projection of territorial unity held together by shared behavioral norms, beliefs and values. Specifically, by examining the communicative and translation processes which twelve interviewed interpreters, translators and language mediators were involved in during their interaction with newly-arrived migrants in Southern Italy, this paper addresses three main research issues concerning: a) the use of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) in the practice of language and cultural mediation and the extent to which this language may be perceived either as a barrier or as a bridge, thus affecting the relationship between the mediator and the migrant and the shaping of the politics of hospitality in the Mediterranean; b) the different linguistic and extra-linguistic strategies which mediators can adopt in the field of migration emergencies not only to serve communicative purposes, but also to humanize the migrants’ transfer to, and stay at the different camps across Italy; c) the interviewed language mediators’ narratives as a testimony of negotiation, activism and resistance to the strict institutionalized protocols of Italian immigration policies. Finally, in this chapter, we also intend to investigate the extent to which the interviewed mediators form not a mere aggregation of individuals achieving the task of translation as a mere linguistic transfer, but a community of practice held together by a conscious and critical sense of the performative power of their words and their mediation conceived as a way to create meanings which form and transform human reality.


Effects of urea, metal ions and surfactants on the binding of baicalein with bovine serum albumin

Abstract: The interaction of baicalein with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated with the help of spectroscopic and molecular docking studies. The binding affinity of baicalein towards BSA was estimated to be in order of 105 M−1 from fluorescence quenching studies. Negative ΔH° (−5.66±0.14 kJ/mol) and positive (ΔS°) (+79.96±0.65 J/mol K) indicate the presence of electrostatic interactions along with the hydrophobic forces that result in a positive ΔS°. The hydrophobic association of baicalein with BSA diminishes in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) due to probable hydrophobic association of baicalein with SDS, resulting in a negative ΔS° (−40.65±0.87 J/mol K). Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight (MALDI--TOF) experiments indicate a 1:1 complexation between baicalein and BSA. The unfolding and refolding phenomena of BSA were investigated in the absence and presence of baicalein using steady-state and fluorescence lifetime measurements. It was observed that the presence of urea ruptured the non-covalent interaction between baicalein and BSA. The presence of metal ions (Ag+, Mg2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Co2+and Zn2+) increased the binding affinity of ligand towards BSA. The changes in conformational aspects of BSA after ligand binding were also investigated using circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic techniques. Site selectivity studies following molecular docking analyses indicated the binding of baicalein to site 1 (subdomain IIA) of BSA.

Atanu Singha Roy
Amit Kumar Dinda
Nitin Kumar Pandey
Swagata Dasgupta


Imperial Borderland? Fear and Rivalry in Representations in Print of the Landscape of Carolina and Louisiana 1660-1753

Abstract: For the first half-century of settlement by Europeans, the colonies of Carolina and Louisiana were imperial borderlands. Looking west, Carolinians were among the first settlers to highlight and experience the threat that the French posed once they had traversed and mapped the length of the Mississippi. Although during this period the efforts to claim, survey and document landownership were flourishing, the reality of struggling to clear and use tracts of many hundreds of acres meant that much of the region remained ‘wilderness’ despite being nominally owned by Europeans.This paper compares British and French printed accounts that symbolically brought this land under control. I argue that European efforts to bring the landscape, flora and fauna of the southeast under control were problematic even in areas not previously understood as ‘borderlands’, such as parts of Charles Town and New Orleans themselves. While the accounts do reflect a feeling of increasing imperial confidence on the part of the British and the French, during this period neither was able to fully control the landscape they professed to have mastered. This paper shows that it was the vulnerability, not the strength, of these powers that struck the authors whose work is surveyed here.

Laboratoire d’Etudes et de Recherches sur le Monde Anglophone (LERMA)

English language
Social sciences (General)


Improving Accuracy and Temporal Resolution of Learning Curve Estimation for within- and across-Session Analysis.

Abstract: Estimation of learning curves is ubiquitously based on proportions of correct responses within moving trial windows. Thereby, it is tacitly assumed that learning performance is constant within the moving windows, which, however, is often not the case. In the present study we demonstrate that violations of this assumption lead to systematic errors in the analysis of learning curves, and we explored the dependency of these errors on window size, different statistical models, and learning phase. To reduce these errors in the analysis of single-subject data as well as on the population level, we propose adequate statistical methods for the estimation of learning curves and the construction of confidence intervals, trial by trial. Applied to data from an avoidance learning experiment with rodents, these methods revealed performance changes occurring at multiple time scales within and across training sessions which were otherwise obscured in the conventional analysis. Our work shows that the proper assessment of the behavioral dynamics of learning at high temporal resolution can shed new light on specific learning processes, and, thus, allows to refine existing learning concepts. It further disambiguates the interpretation of neurophysiological signal changes recorded during training in relation to learning.

Matthias Deliano
Karsten Tabelow
Reinhard König
Jörg Polzehl


Training strategy  in patients with  hypertension

Abstract: A training strategy  in 40 patients with hypertension, belonging to the health area of the Municipal Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from January to December, 2014, who  fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria elaborated to such an effect, aimed at evaluating the fundamental results obtained with the implementation of this strategy, which was structured in 3 work stages:  diagnostic,  implementation and  evaluative stages.  The favorable variation of the cognitive aspects imparted was remarkable, mainly of those related to the lifestyle and the blood pressure control; reason why it was recommended to maintain the strategy and to evaluate its impact again within 2 years.

Manuel de Jesús Linares Despaigne
María Mercedes Arrate Negret
Vivian Molina Hechavarría
Jorge Armando Poll Pineda
Dayanis Linares Ibarra

Centro Provincial de Información de Ciencias Médicas


滴灌条件下秸秆覆盖与施肥对夏玉米水肥利用效率的影响

Abstract: 为探索秸秆覆盖与滴灌施肥结合栽培模式下夏玉米水肥利用效率和增产效果，于2014—2015年在北京市大兴区进行无施肥覆盖(T1)、无施肥不覆盖(T2)、中肥覆盖(T3)、中肥不覆盖(T4)、高肥覆盖(T5)和高肥不覆盖(T6) 6种试验。结果表明：表层土壤温度和气温具有高度线性相关关系，秸秆覆盖可降低夏玉米生长季土壤温度的增温速率，T1、T3和T5较T2、T4和T6处理的土壤增温速率分别降低23.62%，13.65%和11.47%，全生育期秸秆覆盖较不覆盖日均土壤温度平均降低1.75 ℃；滴灌条件下秸秆覆盖影响0—60 cm土层的水分分布变化，对0—20 cm土层土壤含水率保水效果明显，2014年秸秆覆盖较不覆盖土壤含水率平均提高11.73%，2015年平均提高9.56%；秸秆覆盖下E/ET较不覆盖平均减少6.99%，生育期内抽雄—灌浆阶段夏玉米耗水强度最高；2 a试验T3获得籽粒产量最高，较T2提高27.62%，较T6提高15.83%，同时水分利用效率和肥料偏生产力表现最优，分别为23.73 kg/（hm2·mm）和40.33 kg/kg。本研究表明滴灌条件下中肥覆盖对表层土壤具有降低增温速率的效应，起到增产的同时对提高水分利用效率和肥料偏生产力的作用较优。

Editorial Department of Journal of Soil and Water Conservation


Perfil epidemiológico de mulheres com HPV atendidas em uma unidade básica de saúde Epidemiological profile of women with HPV treated in a basic health unit

Abstract: Objetivo: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico de mulheres com HPV atendidas em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Método: A pesquisa de caráter quantitativo foi realizada em um bairro no município de Santa Cruz/RN, por meio das fichas individuais de 205 usuárias da Unidade. Resultados: O perfil epidemiológico foi caracterizado por mulheres com: idade entre 19-30 anos 57,6%; casadas 57,9%; brancas 42,1%; escolaridade até o ensino médio incompleto 42,2%; renda de até um salário mínimo 42,1%; primeira relação sexual entre 15-17 anos 52,6%; um parceiro 57,9%. Conclusão: As mesmas se encontram no grupo de risco para o acometimento do HPV, pois se apresentam como: jovens, casadas, de baixa escolaridade e renda familiar e iniciaram a vida sexual antes dos 18 anos. Descritores: Neoplasias do colo do útero; Prevenção primária; Esfregaço vaginal; Fatores socioeconômicos.

Túlio Felipe Vieira de Melo
Héllyda de Souza Bezerra
Dany Geraldo Kramer Cavalcanti e Silva
Richardson Augusto Rosendo da Silva

Revista de Pesquisa Cuidado é Fundamental Online

Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro


Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation in Acid Injury and Severe Dry Eye

Abstract:
The epithelial cells of cornea constantly undergo renewal and regeneration and the stem cells responsible for renewal resides within
basal epithelium at the limbus in palisades of Vogt. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) is a simplified technique for limbal stem
cell deficiency and it combines the benefits of both conjunctival limbal autografting and cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation by
being single-stage and utilizing minimal donor tissue. We will be discussing two cases of ocular surface disorder which were managed
successfully by new technique simple limbal epithelial transplantation. Two patients one with unilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
(LSCD) following acid injury and other with bilateral LSCD due to severe dry eye underwent limbal epithelial transplantation using the
SLET method after taking prior consent for the procedure. Success was termed complete when a completely epithelialized, avascular
and stable corneal surface was seen. The follow up examinations were done on first day, at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and at 3 months
after the surgery. A completely epithelialised, avascular and stable corneal surface was achieved by 4 weeks in both patients. Simple
limbal epithelial transplantation is a new technique which is simple, cheap and easily affordable and it has decreased the dependence
on stem cell laboratory.

Sudesh Kumar Arya
Anubha Bhatti
Amit Raj
Ravi Kant Bamotra

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research

JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited


Side Effects of Some Cotton Pesticides on the Dominant Spider Families in Cotton Fields

Abstract: Survey was carried out at Elgemmeza  Agricultural Research Station in  a Colton field  for  Piacing sucking pests and associated predators along two successive seasons (2013 & 2014) during May-August months by using examination of leaves and plants shaking methods, during vegetative and flowering stages. The toxic eilect o fthrec pesticides on piercing sucking pests (whitetly and jassids) and its side effect on true spiders were also studied. Moreover, the toxic effect of three pesticides on cotton leafworm,  Spodoptera littoralis and its side effect on true spiders. Results showed that, the highest numbers of spiders in cotton fields were recorded in  August, in  addition, the highest families  occurrence were Linyphiidae and Philodromidae representing 39.02 and 21.8 %, respectively. As for the average numbers of collected predators, there were significant differences in  the total  numbers of true spiders & aphid lion  and other predators  (Ladybirds,  Rove beetle,  Flower bugs). As for pesticides, Applud gave the highest average numbers of reduction percentages of white fly  stages infested cotton plants followed  by Acetamprid and KZ oils. The decrease percentages of true spiders as side effects of applied pesticides were 29.35 and 21.05 % for Lufenuron and Difluhenzuron and 43.77 % for Profenofos in  cotton fields.  It could be concluded that true spiders played an important role in  suppressing pest populations and in delaying pest outbreaks in the cotton growing season.

Acarines: Journal of the Egyptian Society of Acarology


Deep Mapping and Spatial Anthropology

Abstract: This paper provides an introduction to the Humanities Special Issue on “Deep Mapping”. It sets out the rationale for the collection and explores the broad-ranging nature of perspectives and practices that fall within the “undisciplined” interdisciplinary domain of spatial humanities. Sketching a cross-current of ideas that have begun to coalesce around the concept of “deep mapping”, the paper argues that rather than attempting to outline a set of defining characteristics and “deep” cartographic features, a more instructive approach is to pay closer attention to the multivalent ways deep mapping is performatively put to work. Casting a critical and reflexive gaze over the developing discourse of deep mapping, it is argued that what deep mapping “is” cannot be reduced to the otherwise a-spatial and a-temporal fixity of the “deep map”. In this respect, as an undisciplined survey of this increasing expansive field of study and practice, the paper explores the ways in which deep mapping can engage broader discussion around questions of spatial anthropology.

History of scholarship and learning. The humanities


Challenging hepatitis C-infected liver transplant patients

Abstract: Madeleine Oliver,1 Christopher Chiodo Ortiz,2 Jorge Ortiz31University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH, 2Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, 3Department of Transplant Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA  Abstract: Caring for liver transplant patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a challenging task for transplant surgeons and primary physicians alike. HCV is the leading cause of liver transplantation in the USA and comes with a myriad of complications that increase morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on patient follow-up, spanning from before the liver transplant occurs to the patient's long-term health. Pretransplant, both donor and recipient variables, must be carefully chosen to ensure optimal surgical success. Risk factors must be identified and HCV viral load must be reduced to a minimum. In addition to standard transplant complications, HCV patients suffer from additional problems, such as fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis and widespread viremia. Physicians must focus on the balance of immunosuppressive and antiviral medications, while considering possible side effects from these potent drugs. Over the years following surgery, physicians must identify any signs of failing liver health, as HCV-positive patients have an increased risk for cirrhosis and certain life-threatening malignancies.  Keywords: liver transplant, hepatitis C virus, postoperative, cirrhosis, donor and recipient variables, viremia

Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology


اثرپارامترهای سرعت هوادهی، دما، سرعت همزن و pH بر تولید پلی ساکاریدهای میکروبی

Abstract: بیوپلیمر ازنظر بیوشیمی دان ها عبارت است از ماکرو مولکول‌های بیولوژی که از تعداد زیادی زیر واحد کوچک و شبیه به هم که بااتصال کووالانسی به هم متصل شده‌اند و یک زنجیره طولانی را ایجاد می‌کنند، ساخته‌شده‌اند. با توجه به این‌که بیوپلیمرها از موجودات زنده از قبیل گیاهان، جانداران و میکروارگانیسم‌ها به‌طور طبیعی تولید می‌شوند و ازلحاظ زیست‌محیطی نیز تجزیه‌پذیر هستند، بسیار مناسب می‌باشند. انواع بیوپلیمرها شامل اسیدهای نوکلوئیک، پروتئین‌ها ، پلی‌ساکاریدها، پلی‌هیدروکسی آلکانوات، پلی فنول، پلی فسفات و پلی سولفات‌ها هستند .به‌منظور استفاده از بیوپلیمرها در صنایع نیاز به تجاری کردن فرآیند تولید و همچنین بهینه کردن تولید آن‌ها است با توجه به مطالعات انجام‌شده در خصوص بهینه‌سازی شرایط تولید بیوپلیمر مشخص‌شده است علاوه بر تأثیر عوامل تغذیه‌ای مهم در فرآیند تولید بیوپلیمرها از قبیل منابع کربن، نیتروژن، فسفر، گوگرد و... عوامل فیزیکی و غیر تغذیه‌ای نیز در فرآیند تولید بیوپلیمرها بسیار مؤثر می‌باشند. در این مطالعه به بررسی پارامترهایی نظیر شدت هوادهی، دور همزدن، دما و pH در تولید بهینه پلی ساکارید های میکروبی که یکی از مهم‌ترین و پرکاربردترین بیوپلیمرها هستند، پرداخته‌شده است. با توجه به نتایج، در اکثر منابع بررسی‌شده مقادیر مناسب برای شدت هوادهی، دور همزدن، دما و pH به ترتیب vvm 3-0.5، rpm800-200 ، C°32-27 ، 8-5 در نظر گرفته‌شده ، که بهینه مقدار پلی ساکارید تولید خواهد شد.

مجتبی خانی
اسماء چگنی
علی بهرامی


Heat transfer by three types of hot pack and its implication on the flexibility of the lower back: a randomized, controlled trial

Abstract: ABSTRACT The use of hot pack is a common superficial thermotherapy strategy and one of its benefits is the increase of muscle flexibility. However, there is a lack of information about the effects of the heat pack alone, without being used in association with other therapeutic interventions, in the flexibility of the lumbar region. The aim of this study was to compare the effects generated by the application of three different pack on the flexibility of the lower backs of healthy students. Three sessions of 15 minutes of superficial heat through a hot pack (moist heat pack-MHP, seed pack-SP or gel pack-GP) were applied to the lower back. Pack and lower back temperatures and erythema were registered every 5 minutes. A Schober test was performed before the first session and after the third session. After 15 minutes of treatment, pack temperature was higher in the SP group. At the same time, lumbar temperature was lower in the GP group. The heat treatment also increased erythema in the lower back for all three groups. There was a significant increase in intragroup flexibility as assessed by the Schober Test for all groups. There are significant differences in the effect generated between the three types of pack on the flexibility of the lower back. The MHP was able to transfer more heat to the lumbar area and provided a more pronounced increase in the flexibility of lower back tissues.

Paulina Fuentes-León
Natalia Jara-Poblete
Pía Bastías-Sánchez
Kaio Fernando Vitzel
Gabriel Nasri Marzuca-Nassr