bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily Light Integral: A Research Review and High-resolution Maps of the United States
Authors: Faust James E. , Logan Joanne
Published: September 2018

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory developed the National Solar Radiation Database to provide accessible solar radiation data to the research community for various uses. Previously, we created a series of monthly daily light integral (DLI) maps to provide a tool for horticulturists to estimate the potential growth and flowering responses for various plants throughout the year. The original DLI maps were based on solar radiation data from 239 sites recorded from 1961 to 1990. The DLI maps presented in this article were created from an updated database that included data from 1998 to 2009. This database provides higher resolution data modeled from satellite images of cloud cover. The data are presented in pixels with each pixel representing 100 km2 of land across the lower 48 United States and Hawaii, whereas the Alaska data are 1600 km2 pixels. The database provided global horizontal irradiance data that were converted to DLI (mol·m−2·d−1) using the conversion factor of 0.007265 mol (400–700 nm)·Wh−1 (400–2700 nm), which assumes that 45% of the solar radiation is in the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400–700 nm) region and 4.48 μmol·J−1 is the conversion from radiometric to quantum units. The updated DLI maps provide more geographically precise data reflecting recent weather patterns. We present a comprehensive review of recent research exploring the growth and flowering responses of horticultural crops to DLI.
Variation in Growth and Development, and Essential Oil Yield between Two Ocimum Species (O. tenuiflorum and O. gratissimum) Grown in Georgia
Authors: Fuller Noelle J. , Pegg Ronald B. , Affolter James , Berle David
Published: September 2018

The use of medicinal plants in the United States is increasing. Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L. and Ocimum gratissimum L.), a medicinal herb native to India, has become increasingly popular for its therapeutic benefits. Traditionally, holy basil has been used to promote longevity by reducing stress and restoring balance to the body. Because it is easy to grow and adapts to a wide range of growing conditions, there is great potential for holy basil production in the southeastern United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate holy basil varieties for harvestable weight and essential oil content. Fourteen varieties of holy basil were grown during the 2015 and 2016 seasons and compared. The main active compound in the holy basil essential oil fraction, eugenol, was quantitated and compared for each variety, because it is believed to be responsible for many of the health-promoting effects. Overall, there were significant differences in harvestable weights and essential oil yields among the varieties, and a significant effect of growing season. The eugenol content was highly variable among the varieties examined, with higher eugenol contents in 2016 than in 2015. The variety that had the overall highest yield, essential oil content, and eugenol concentration was PI 288779, a USDA accession, suggesting its use in future breeding research.
The East River, Colorado, Watershed: A Mountainous Community Testbed for Improving Predictive Understanding of Multiscale Hydrological–Biogeochemical Dynamics
Authors: Hubbard Susan S. , Williams Kenneth Hurst , Agarwal Deb , Banfield Jillian , Beller Harry , Bouskill Nicholas , Brodie Eoin , Carroll Rosemary , Dafflon Baptiste , Dwivedi Dipankar , Falco Nicola , Faybishenko Boris , Maxwell Reed , Nico Peter , Steefel Carl , Steltzer Heidi , Tokunaga Tetsu , Tran Phuong A. , Wainwright Haruko , Varadharajan Charuleka
Published: September 2018

Core Ideas

Development of a 300‐km2 mountainous headwater testbed began in 2016 in the East River.

The testbed can be used to explore how watershed changes impact downgradient water availability and quality.

System‐of‐system, scale‐adaptive approaches can potentially improve watershed dynamics simulation.

We have new approaches to monitor and simulate water partitioning and system responses.

The East River watershed has been developed as a “community” testbed.

Extreme weather, fires, and land use and climate change are significantly reshaping interactions within watersheds throughout the world. Although hydrological–biogeochemical interactions within watersheds can impact many services valued by society, uncertainty associated with predicting hydrology‐driven biogeochemical watershed dynamics remains high. With an aim to reduce this uncertainty, an approximately 300‐km2 mountainous headwater observatory has been developed at the East River, CO, watershed of the Upper Colorado River Basin. The site is being used as a testbed for the Department of Energy supported Watershed Function Project and collaborative efforts. Building on insights gained from research at the “sister” Rifle, CO, site, coordinated studies are underway at the East River site to gain a predictive understanding of how the mountainous watershed retains and releases water, nutrients, carbon, and metals. In particular, the project is exploring how early snowmelt, drought, and other disturbances influence hydrological–biogeochemical watershed dynamics at seasonal to decadal timescales. A system‐of‐systems perspective and a scale‐adaptive simulation approach, involving the combined use of archetypal watershed subsystem “intensive sites” are being tested at the site to inform aggregated watershed predictions of downgradient exports. Complementing intensive site hydrological, geochemical, geophysical, microbiological, geological, and vegetation datasets are long‐term, distributed measurement stations and specialized experimental and observational campaigns. Several recent research advances provide insights about the intensive sites as well as aggregated watershed behavior. The East River “community testbed” is currently hosting scientists from more than 30 institutions to advance mountainous watershed methods and understanding.
Widening fiscal deficit in Maharashtra state: causes and concerns
Authors: Rode Sanjay
Published: September 2018

Maharashtra is highly urbanized and economically developed state in India. But now the growth rate is declining, and debt burden has increased in the state. CAGR has been used to examine the impact of FRBM act on fiscal deficit in the state. The RBI data from 1991 to 2016 show that the primary and fiscal deficit is increasing fast. The revenue and capital expenditure are increasing after 2003 FRBM act. The debt burden has increased in the state due to interest payment, pension liabilities, seventh pay commission to state employees, farm loan waiver scheme and infrastructure projects. State government took loans from different sources to finance its capital expenditure. The least square regression result shows that development expenditure in the state has declined very fast. The expenditure on health, education and social welfare of scheduled caste and tribe has declined in the state over the period of time. Government must improve revenue and capital receipts within the short period. Efforts must be made to reduce the debt burden on the state. Therefore, a number of alternative policies are required to improve revenue and capital receipts. State government must increase taxes on electronic and tobacco-related products. Taxes must be increased on commercial vehicles, luxury hotels, entry tax at hill stations, malls and purchase of diamonds and gold, petrol and diesel. Such sources will increase tax revenue to state government and fiscal deficit can be reduced to some extent.
Condutas da equipe de enfermagem de um hospital universitário em frente à minimização da exposição aos riscos ocupacionais
Authors: Castro Magda Ribeiro de , Moraes Crystiane Demuner
Published: September 2018

Risco ocupacional; Biossegurança; Saúde do trabalhador.
Excesso de peso em crianças de diferentes classes socioeconômicas e regiões do município de Vitória/ES
Authors: Eto Fabiola Naomi , Faria Carolina Perim de , Molina Maria del Carmen Bisi
Published: September 2018

Sobrepeso; Criança; Zonas urbanas; Zonas rurais.
A organização da Odontologia no contexto hospitalar da região metropolitana da Grande Vitória/ES
Authors: Silva Junior Manoelito Ferreira , Gonçalves Camila Lopes , Côco Lezimara Santiago de Andrade , Miclos Paula Vitali , Oliveira Maria Aparecida de , Gomes Maria José
Published: September 2018

Unidade Hospitalar de Odontologia; Equipe Hospitalar deOdontologia; Área de atuação profissional.
Avaliação de parâmetros preditores de ansiedade em crianças de três a cinco anos usando vídeos como instrumento facilitador no tratamento odontopediátrico
Authors: Lima Ramonike Lopes , Macedo Adriana Furtado de , Duarte Danilo Antonio , Sant’Anna Giselle Rodrigues de
Published: September 2018

Ansiedade; Odontopediatria; Pressão arterial
O processo educativo do enfermeiro sob a ótica de clientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca
Authors: Rosseto Kassia Regina de Castro , Nunes Karolini Zuqui , Massaroni Leila , Fioresi Mirian
Published: September 2018

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Interprofessional Simulation-based Education
Authors: Garbee Deborah , De Carvalho Raquel Baroni
Published: September 2018

Educação interprofissional baseada em simulação
Educação em saúde em salas de espera de um complexo pediátrico: planejamento estratégico dentro de uma residência multiprofissional
Authors: De Queiroga Gardênia Cristina Pereira , Leôncio Alane Barreto de Almeida , Dantas Saionara Lenarda Oliveira , De Souza Sylmara Michelle Oliveira Barbosa , Ribeiro Vanessa Meira Cintra , Dias Milena Lins da Cunha
Published: September 2018

Health education in waiting rooms of a pediatric complex: strategic planning in a multiprofessional residency program
Sentimentos e conhecimentos de puérperas em face da sífilis congênita neonatal
Authors: Siqueira Danielle d’Ávila , Rolim Maria Airtes Dias , Ferreira-Junior Antonio Rodrigues , Rocha Francisca Alanny Araújo , Cavalcante Maria Michelle Bispo
Published: September 2018

Surveying feelings and awareness of neonatal congenital syphilis among mothers
Genograma na formação médica: percepção do estudante
Authors: Pícoli Renata Palópoli , Cazola Luiza Helena de Oliveira
Published: September 2018

Genograms in medical education: perception of students
Phytochemical, Anti-diabetic and Cardiovascular Properties of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae): A Review
Authors: El Haouari Mohammed , Rosado Juan A.
Published: September 2018

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have become the main cause of morbidity and death worldwide. In addition, current anti-diabetic and cardiovascular therapy is based on conventional drugs that have limited effectiveness and adverse side effects. In this regard, the role of medicinal herbs as a complementary or an alternative medicine is of great interest. Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), which is the focus of this review, has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including, diabetes, hypertension and prostate cancer. The aim of this article is to review current knowledge related to the anti-diabetic and cardiovascular properties of U. dioica, with particular emphasis on the bioactive compounds, the plant parts used, and the action mechanism behind lowering blood glucose level and reducing risk of CVD. We also discuss the chemical composition and toxicological properties of the plant. From this review, it was suggested that the anti-diabetic and the cardiovascular effects of U. dioica are attributed to different classes of compounds, such as polyphenols, triterpens, sterols, flavonoids, and lectin which reduce the blood glucose level and the risk of CVD by their antihypertensive, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and/or by interfering with different cellular signalization pathways, including increase of NO, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glycosidase, modulation of GLUT4 and protection of pancreatic β-cells, among others. The identification of the plant constituents and the understanding of their exact action mechanisms are necessary to prove the efficacy of the plant and develop it as pharmacological drug.
Glycation and HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: Implication in Diabetes and Associated Complications
Authors: Nabi Rabia , Alvi Sahir Sultan , Saeed Mohd. , Ahmad Saheem , Khan Mohammad Salman
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) acts as an absolute mediator of cardiovascular risk, prompting the prolonged occurrence, size and intricacy of atherosclerotic plaques via enhanced Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) formation. Moreover, hyperglycemia is associated with enhanced glyco-oxidized and oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) possessing greater atherogenicity and decreased the ability to regulate HMG-CoA reductase (HMG-R). Although aminoguanidine (AG) prevents the AGE-induced protein cross-linking due to its anti-glycation potential, it exerts several unusual pharmaco-toxicological effects thus restraining its desirable therapeutic effects. HMG-R inhibitors/statins exhibit a variety of beneficial impacts in addition to the cholesterol-lowering effects.

Objective:

Inhibition of AGEs interaction with receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and glyco-oxidized-LDL by HMG-R inhibitors could decrease LDL uptake by LDL-receptor (LDL-R), regulate cholesterol synthesis via HMG-R, decrease oxidative and inflammatory stress to improve the diabetes-associated complications.

Conclusion:

Current article appraises the pathological AGE-RAGE concerns in diabetes and its associated complications, mainly focusing on the phenomenon of both circulatory AGEs and those accumulating in tissues in diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy, discussing the potential protective role of HMG-R inhibitors against diabetic complications.
Blunted Overnight Blood Pressure Dipping in Second Trimester; A Strong Predictor of Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia
Authors: Saremi Abo Taleb , Shafiee Mohammad-Ali , Montazeri Mahdi , Rashidi Negin , Montazeri Mohammad
Published: September 2018

Background:

Preeclampsia is a global burden with 10 million incidences annually and
210 daily deaths worldwide. Diagnosis is mainly based on the features following full presentation.

Objective:

This study explored whether early pregnancy circadian changes of ambulatory blood
pressure monitoring (ABPM) could predict preeclampsia and hypertension.

Methods:

In a prospective study, 294 pregnant women who were referred to Sarem Women’s Hospital,
Iran were recruited. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures (MAP) were recorded
(diurnally and nocturnally) in each trimester. Dipping was defined as a minimum 10% decrease in
blood pressure.

Results:

Of the 251 women who completed the study, 25 percent (n=63) experienced blunted MAP
dipping during sleep phases in the second trimester. Eighty-nine percent (n=56) experienced hypertensive
disorder in the third trimester, one-third of which experienced preeclampsia. Of the women
with normal MAP dipping (n=188), 5 percent (n=10) had gestational hypertension and 1 percent
(n=2) became preeclamptic. (P<0.0001).

Conclusion:

This study clearly demonstrated blunted blood pressure dipping overnight during the
second trimester which is a strong predictor of forthcoming pregnancy-induced hypertension and
preeclampsia. A scoring system was developed to predict hypertensive disorder and it was significantly
correlated with preeclampsia occurrence.
Personality Traits in Fibromyalgia (FM): Does FM Personality Exists? A Systematic Review
Authors: Conversano Ciro , Marchi Laura , Ciacchini Rebecca , Carmassi Claudia , Contena Bastianina , Bazzichi Laura Maria , Gemignani Angelo
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is the second most common rheumatic disease with many effects on patient's quality of life. It has been described as a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculo-skeletal pain, sleep disorders and prominent fatigue. Regarding the role of personality factors in fibromyalgia, researchers have focused both on personality traits and psychopathological aspects showing inconsistent results. In particular, several studies have examined the role of alexithymia in FM patients, a trait of personality characterized by difficulty in identification, recognition and description of emotions and feelings, while others have focused on a specific type of personality, such as type D personality (distressed personality). Other studies investigated personality in FM patients referring to Cloninger’s model, a psychobiological model of personality that includes both temperamental and character dimensions of personality. Analyzing scientific literature on this subject seems well suited to provide a critical review of the latest studies and their results.

Methods:

The method used for this review satisfies the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We identified PsycInfo and PubMed as databases for our research.

Results:

Personality is studied under many aspects and a reference model is not always present. Many studies underline high levels of alexithymia and type D personality in FM patients but when depression is controlled, these results do not differ from those of healthy controls.

Conclusion:

Studies that use a comprehensive model of personality present a different theoretical approach and use alternatively the Big-Five model, Eysenck’s and Cloninger’s models. The use of a comprehensive model of personality and the control of psychopathological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, seem to be very relevant for a better understanding of a specific personality profile associated with fibromyalgia.
Probabilistic Verification of Structural Stability Design Procedures
Authors: Kala Zdeněk
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

This contribution presents a comparison of three methods of the statistical computation of the design load-carrying capacity of a steel plane frame. Two approaches of the European Standard Eurocode 3 and one stochastic approach are applied. The stochastic approach takes into account the random influence of all imperfections and can be applied to the reliability verification of design according to Eurocode 3.

Methods:

The columns and beams in the steel frame are modelled with beam elements using the stability solution with buckling length and the geometrically nonlinear solution. The stochastic computational model is based on the geometrically nonlinear solution and on the random influence of initial imperfections, whose random samplings are simulated using the Monte Carlo method.

Results and Conclusion:

The design load-carrying capacity of the steel plane frame computed using the stability solution with buckling length is in good agreement with the stochastic solution in which the design value is calculated as 0.1 percentile. On the contrary, the geometrically nonlinear solution according to Eurocode 3 gives the lowest (safest) values of design load-carrying capacity.
Teff, A Rising Global Crop: Current Status of Teff Production and Value Chain
Authors: Lee Hyejin
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

The global dominance of the three crops, maize, wheat, and rice in the current food system has raised an alarm. Heavy dependence on these crops can limit our capacity to deal with food shortage and dietary imbalance.

Explanation:

Teff (Eragrostis tef), a warm-season annual cereal, is one of the underutilized crops that can contribute to food security and crop diversification. Teff contains high and unique nutritional values, which will meet the need of health-conscious consumers. It is also a low risk crop, which resists many biotic and abiotic stresses. Currently, Ethiopia is the largest teff producing country, and the only country to have adopted teff as a staple crop. However, the teff production and value chain in Ethiopia largely rely on traditional practices, and the teff market is limited by the government’s export ban. Instead, other countries such as USA are increasingly participating in the teff market.

Conclusion:

This study investigates the current status of teff production and value chain mainly in Ethiopia. The results suggest what areas Ethiopia should improve to take the lead in the rising teff market, and in what way others may participate.
Evaluating Helmet Use Among Motorcycle Drivers in Lebanon
Authors: Akl Ziad , Akl Mona , Eriksson Charli , Gifford Mervyn , Koustuv Dalal
Published: September 2018

Background:

The impact of the use of helmet by motorcyclists on motorcycle injuries is enormous. The primary focus of this study was to asses the helmet use among motorcycle riders as well as the helmet quality.

Methods:

Both quantitative and qualitative studies had been done. Nine observational studies have been done over nine different years between 1997 and 2017 in the same spots. In addition to one qualitative study done in May 2017.

Results:

The results of the observational studies show a clear fluctuation in the use of helmets (6 - 42%). Whenever there is law enforcement, the percentage of users increases. Upon cessation of enforcement, the percentage of helmet use reduces. About 64% of the helmets inspected did not appear to have a certification, which indicates that the helmet did not meet international standards. Those who had spent less than US$15 on buying their helmets were found wearing a non-certified helmet.

Conclusion:

Lebanon has failed to pursue a successful and sustainable implementation of the enforcement of helmet use. Although strict enforcement measures are vital, it is almost as important to ban the import of poor quality helmets to the Lebanese market and to make sure that taxation is lower on helmets to enable consumers to buy good quality helmets at a lower price.
Experiences from RILEM TC 235-CTC in recommending a test method for chloride threshold values in concrete
Authors: Tang Luping , Frederiksen Jens M , Angst Ueli M , Polder Rob , Alonso Maria Cruz , Elsener Bernhard , Hooton Doug , Pacheco Jose
Published: September 2018

Chloride threshold value is an important input parameter in service life predictions. There has been a need for a reliable method for testing this value in order to improve the understanding of basic factors influencing the corrosion initiation. For this reason RILEM technical committee (TC) 235-CTC was formed with the ultimate aim to recommend a suitable test method capable of delivering data with acceptable measurement uncertainty. During the TC’s life, a test method was proposed and a Round-Robin Test (RRT) was organised to evaluate it. Due to the unexpected results from the RRT, the ultimate aim of the TC was not reached. There were some experiences obtained from the TC’s work especially in designing the test method which are worthy for supporting future researchers continuing to search for a reliable test method for it. This technical letter presents the TC’s experiences.
Design and Validation of a Basic Dental Psychomotor Skills Test for Novice Dental Students
Authors: Segura Cristina , Halabi Diego , Navarro Nancy
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to design and validate the Dental Psychomotor Skills (DePS) test as an instrument to assess dental students’ psychomotor skills and to help educators adapt their academic practices to students’ needs. The DePS test was created considering three of the main skills needed for dental study and practice. The dimensions measured in the test were Indirect Vision (IV) with 24 items, Instructions Follow‐Up (FI) with 17 items, and Accuracy (A) with six items; each item was assessed at two stations. Scores were obtained with detailed rubrics, assessed by the same evaluator at each station. A total of 237 first‐year dental students, in four cohorts from 2012 to 2015, and 16 dental faculty instructors were evaluated. The construct validity of the instrument was supported by the rigorous build of ten stages, and the discriminative validity was supported by the comparison of the student and faculty results. The overall mean scores were 245.5±2.09 in the student group and 280.6±4.217 in the faculty group (difference: 35.15±7.00; p<0.001). Internal consistency was assessed by analyzing responses for each dimension using Cronbach's alpha, a statistical measure of reliability. Overall, Cronbach's alpha was 0.909 for dental students and 0.773 for faculty instructors. These results suggest that the DePS test is a valid test that could be used as a reliable basic skill tool at the beginning of the dental program to assess the abilities of novice dental students, to recognize student qualities, and to identify individuals requiring additional training.
Application of the Hope Theory to Understand Reconstruction Beliefs and Life Satisfaction Level among Residents following the Fukushima Disaster
Authors: Ryo Sakurai , Kana Okuda , Daisuke Tsukahara
Published: September 2018

The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake struck in 2011, which had an enormous impact on society and lives in the northern part of the Japan (Tohoku region). The disaster also led to hydrogen explosion at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant (FDNP), resulting in leakage of radioactive substances that contaminated the surrounding area. The Fukushima population is highly stressed and lives under constant fear of radiation, in addition to losing neighbors to evacuations during the earthquakes and the tsunami. Yet, there is lack of research on the psychological state of Japanese earthquake survivors. The present study uses psychological variables to measure hope for understanding how these factors could explain beliefs toward reconstruction and life satisfaction level of the local residents in Miyakoji town of Fukushima Prefecture. The survey (n=223) showed that only a few residents (about 30%) believed in successful reconstruction. Regression analysis revealed that factors of hope such as pathway and agency thinking have an influence on respondents’ beliefs regarding reconstruction and their level of life satisfaction. Future outreach and supporting activities should target raising residents’ hope to increase their psychological well-being.
An Overview of the Journey of Stem Cell Based Interventions from Bench to Bedside and the Growing Challenge of Unproven Interventions
Authors: Ghori Fareeha Faizan , Wahid Mohsin
Published: September 2018

Background: Current researches on Stem Cell Interventions (SCI) are mostly at various stages of clinical translation, and not ripe for immediate marketing. However, there is a global rise in patients opting for unproven SCI from dubious stem cell clinics.

Objectives: To describes the usual stages of SCI’s clinical translation, factors fuelling the increase in unproven SCI and possible strategies for tackling the situation that have been mentioned in research articles and patient information sources.
Conclusion: Stem cell tourism is on the rise. Direct to customer marketing of SCI through websites and social media using emotional narratives, patient testimonials and false claims of benefits, and unrealistically positive portrayal on social media are contributing factors. The situation may be addressed by treating stem cells as medical innovation and speeding up their clinical translation using modifications like expedited, conditional marketing approval. Medical societies can generate meta-analyses and updates for keeping clinicians informed about the latest therapies so they can guide patients. These along with organisations like ALSuntangled, can generate patient information booklets to help patients make informed decisions. Also, Patient Information Campaigns on social media and media’s coverage of increasing SCI related lawsuits can possibly help raise public awareness about unproven SCI. 
Withholding Knowledge in Teams: An Interactionist Perspective of Personality, Justice, and Autonomy
Authors: Pan Wei , Zhang Qingpu
Published: September 2018

From an interactionist perspective and drawing on trait activation theory, we examined the main and interactive effects of personality, overall justice, and job autonomy on knowledge withholding in a team context. Participants comprised 214 employees from software development teams.
Results showed that employees with high conscientiousness and low neuroticism were less likely to withhold knowledge. Contrary to our expectations, job autonomy was positively related to knowledge withholding. Further, the negative relationship between conscientiousness and knowledge withholding
was stronger in a high overall justice situation, whereas the positive relationship between neuroticism and knowledge withholding was stronger in situations of low overall justice and high job autonomy. Our findings highlight the differences between knowledge withholding and knowledge sharing,
and show that high overall justice can compensate for less desirable personality characteristics, such as neuroticism and unconscientiousness.
Tympanometric evaluation of Eustachian tube function in Polish scuba divers
Authors:   Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, Cyran Anna M. , Kosla Agata ,   Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, Kantor Ireneusz ,   Department of Otolaryngology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland, Szczepanski Miroslaw J. ,   Division of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Centre for Preclinical Research,  Medical University of Warsaw, Poland,   Department of Otolaryngology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
Published: September 2018

Background: Scuba divers are subjected to relatively high ambient pressures while descending. Equalizing maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva) are necessary to open the Eustachian tube (ET) and allow air into the middle ear (ME) cavity. Insufficient opening of the ET leads to ME barotrauma, which is the most common injury related to scuba diving. The study aims were to assess the incidence of ME barotrauma and to compare tympanometric parameters and stapedial reflexes in scuba divers and non-diving individuals. Material and methods: 60 scuba divers participated in the study; control consisted of 90 non-diving volunteers without a history of otolaryngologic problems. All participants were examined with the use of otoscopy and tympanometry with evaluation of ipsilateral stapedial reflexes. The group studied was surveyed regarding occurrence of ME barotrauma and diving competence. Results: 51.7% of the divers experienced ME barotrauma, the most common symptoms being earache and hearing loss. Comparison of the group studied and control revealed significantly lower ME pressure and compliance in scuba divers. In scuba divers with ME barotrauma, longer time from injury correlates directly with greater ME pressure and compliance, indicating tissue recovery. At 4,000Hz 100dB percentage of present stapedial reflexes among scuba divers was significantly lower than in controls; moreover, a greater number of dives correlated inversely with percentage of present stapedial reflexes at 4000Hz 100dB. The reduced thresholds at high intensities suggest a negative effect of scuba diving on hearing. Conclusions: ME pressure and compliance, however still within the norm, are significantly lower in scuba divers than in non-diving healthy volunteers. This may be attributed to a subclinical form of barotrauma.
Body mass index in association with decompression sickness events: cross-sectional study among small-scale fishermen-divers in southeast Mexico
Authors:   Unexmar, Universidad Marista de Mérida, Mérida, Yucatán, Mendez-Dominguez Nina , Huchim-Lara Oswaldo , Chin Walter , Carrillo-Arceo Lenny , Camara-Koyoc Izamar , Cárdenas-Dajdaj Ricardo , Dogre-Sansores Omar
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Decompression sickness is endemic to small- scale fishermen-divers from coastal communities in southeast Mexico; overweight and obesity are also highly prevalent in the region. Existing literature suggests it is possible that fat tissue could play a role in decompression sickness pathophysiology. Our aim in this study is to describe the association between the number and severity of DCS events treated at the hyperbaric program and fishermen-diver body mass index. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we obtained anthropometric measurements of 105 fishermen-divers and reviewed clinical records of each participant at a hyperbaric program. Results: Average BMI among participants was 34.5±4.7, while 9.5% (n=10) were healthy-weighted, 28.6% (n=30) were overweight and 42.8% (n=65) were obese. Number of DCS events per diver was associated with BMI and severity of DCS in linear regression models. Discussion: Overweight and obesity are highly prevent- able health problems; our results suggest that an association between these conditions and the frequency and the severity of DCS are an important topic to be further considered in longitudinal prospective studies.
O blues de Langston Hughes:
Authors: Tomé de Castro Oliveira Pedro
Published: September 2018

O presente artigo visa discutir a possibilidade de musicalização de poemas de Langston Hughes como modo de traduzi-los. Como se sabe, o poeta negro estadunidense escreveu poemas que emulam textualmente os formatos de canção do blues, o que suscita possibilidades de musicalização. Ao longo do artigo, explicaremos em que medida a intervenção da voz pode ser frutífera para a tradução poética neste caso. Buscaremos dar uma fundamentação teórica para esse processo de tradução e apontar caminhos para a prática de musicar traduzindo.
Identidade negra, relações étnico-raciais na diáspora e o filme Pantera Negra:
Authors: Dos Santos Wellington Oliveira
Published: September 2018

Este texto tem por objetivo analisar o filme Pantera Negra em seus elementos de identidade negra, relações étnico-raciais e diáspora africana, como forma de subsidiar o trabalho com o mesmo em sala de aula. Parte-se do pressuposto de que Pantera Negra, produção estadunidense, pode ser útil para reflexões em sala de aula sobre raça, história dos afro-brasileiros e africanos e o racismo. Nas sociedades marcadas pela diáspora negra ou africana, conceito que se refere à imigração forçada de povos negros com escravizados que durou até o século XIX, permanecem semelhanças no modo como os negros são tratados pelo discurso hegemonicamente branco e as formas que encontram para valorizar sua identidade, história e cultura, principalmente nos centros urbanos. Após análise do filme, com foco no antagonista, de acordo com referenciais teóricos sobre raça, racismo, identidade e relações raciais, o texto propõe reflexões possíveis para a sala de aula, tendo em vista fatores como construção de identidade, educação das relações étnico-raciais e cinema.
Development of Experimental Setup for Measuring Thermal Conductivity Characteristics of Soil
Authors: Muhammad Gul , Marri Amanullah , Shar Abdul Majeed
Published: September 2018

Thermal conductivity displays a key role in design of engineering structures where, thermal stresses resulting from heat and temperatures are of concern. Significant efforts were made to measure the thermal conductivity of different materials. For thermal conductivity characterization of soil samples it is essential to have very flexible set-up. Hence, this paper provides details about indigenously developed experimental setup for thermal conductivity measurement. The design of this newly developed setup is based on the basic principle of steady state heat flow. This experimental setup is designed in order to measure the thermal conductivity of various materials such as soils, rocks, concrete and any type of unbonded and bonded materials. In this paper, initially the theoretical background of the measurement techniques and the principle of heat flow are described, followed by design description and working procedure. The design has been kept very simple, adjustable for varying type and size of specimens and easy to operate with excellent level of accuracy as evident from system calibration. The accuracy and precision of the newly developed setup was verified by testing reference materials of known thermal conductivity and in the test results a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.999) between experimental data and fitting curve was achieved.
A Family of 6-Point n-Ary Interpolating Subdivision Schemes
Authors: Bashir Robina , Mustafa Ghulam
Published: September 2018

We derive three-step algorithm based on divided difference to generate a class of 6-point n-ary interpolating sub-division schemes. In this technique second order divided differences have been calculated at specific position and used to insert new vertices. Interpolating sub-division schemes are more attractive than approximating schemes in computer aided geometric designs because of their interpolation property. Polynomial generation and polynomial reproduction are attractive properties of sub-division schemes. Shape preserving properties are also significant tool in sub-division schemes. Further, some significant properties of ternary and quaternary sub-division schemes have been elaborated such as continuity, degree of polynomial generation, polynomial reproduction and approximation order. Furthermore, shape preserving property that is monotonicity is also derived. Moreover, the visual performance of proposed schemes has also been demonstrated through several examples.
First Person Vision for Activity Prediction Using Probabilistic Modeling
Authors: Noor Shaheena , Uddin Vali
Published: September 2018

Identifying activities of daily living is an important area of research with applications in smart-homes and healthcare for elderly people. It is challenging due to reasons like human self-occlusion, complex natural environment and the human behavior when performing a complicated task. From psychological studies, we know that human gaze is closely linked with the thought process and we tend to “look” at the objects before acting on them. Hence, we have used the object information present in gaze images as the context and formed the basis for activity prediction. Our system is based on HMM (Hidden Markov Models) and trained using ANN (Artificial Neural Network). We begin with extracting motion information from TPV (Third Person Vision) streams and object information from FPV (First Person Vision) cameras. The advantage of having FPV is that the object information forms the context of the scene. When context is included as input to the HMM for activity recognition, the precision increases. For testing, we used two standard datasets from TUM (Technische Universitaet Muenchen) and GTEA Gaze+ (Georgia Tech Egocentric Activities). In the first round, we trained our ANNs only with activity information and in the second round added the object information as well. We saw a significant increase in the precision (and accuracy) of predicted activities from 55.21% (respectively 85.25%) to 77.61% (respectively 93.5%). This confirmed our initial hypothesis that including the focus of attention of the actor in the form of object seen in FPV can help in predicting activities better.
Outcome of cataract surgery in diabetic patients
Authors: Canadanovic Vladimir , Babic Nikola , Davidovic Sofija , Miljkovic Aleksandar , Brunet Stefan , Barisic Sava
Published: September 2018

Introduction. The association between diabetes and cataract formation has
been shown in many clinical studies. Development of cataract occurs more
frequently and at an earlier age in diabetic patients. Due to the increasing
prevalence of diabetes worldwide, the incidence of diabetic cataracts
steadily rises. While the overall outcomes of cataract surgery are
excellent, patients with diabetes may have poorer vision outcomes than those
without diabetes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the visual
outcomes (visual acuity and visual function), intraoperative and
postoperative complications of cataract surgery, and to assess the final
surgical outcomes. Material and Methods. The prospective study included 128
patients (133 eyes) with cataract and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2
at least 5 years prior to cataract surgery, operated at the Eye Clinic,
Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad. A full medical history included
patients? age, the time since the diagnosis of diabetes, current management
of diabetes, blood pressure and assessment of glycemic control using
glycosylated hemoglobin. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological
examination before cataract surgery, and were re-examined 7 days, one and
six months after the surgery. Results. The mean age of patients at the time
of surgery was 63.5 years (SD ? 6.5, range 57 - 70 years) with mean duration
of diabetes 8.5 years. The glycosylated haemoglobin level in the group
treated with insulin was 6.8 vs. 8.2 in patients on oral medications (p <
0.05). Diabetes mellitus was accompanied by other systemic diseases in 81
patients (63.28%), whereas 45 of 133 operated eyes (33.83%) had other ocular
diseases. Intraoperative complications occurred in 20 of 133 operated eyes
(15%): posterior capsular rupture with vitreous loss, intraoperative miosis,
iris hemorrhage and suprachoroidal hemorrhage. Conclusion. Cataract surgery
with intraocular lens implantation is an effective and safe surgical
procedure in diabetic patients, and sight threatening complications are
rare. Our study confirmed that visual acuity after surgery in diabetic
patients depends on the severity of diabetic retinopathy at the time of
surgery.
Bionomy of small spruce bud scale, Physokermes hemicryphus (Dalman) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Serbia
Authors: Simonovic Marija , Dervisevic Marina , Graora Draga
Published: September 2018

Small spruce bud scale, Physokermes hemicryphus (Dalman) (Hemiptera:
Coccidae), is a Holarctic, oligophagous species developing on plants of the
genera Picea and Abies (Pinaceae). It is a serious pest of Picea abies in
Serbia, which causes drying and falling of needles, branches and even drying
of entire plants. A study of the bionomy of Ph. hemicryphus was carried out
at five locations in Serbia in 2016 and 2017. Ph. hemicryphus was found to
develop one generation annually and to overwinter as second-instar larvae on
spruce branches. Adults emerge at the beginning of April and oviposition
takes place at the beginning of May. Larvae hatch in the second half of May;
during summer they feed on spruce needles and moult into second-instar
larvae in September. Scale populations are controlled by a number of natural
enemies. Five species of parasitoid wasps were reared: Coccophagus lycimnia
(Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), Metaphycus unicolor Hoffer, Microterys
lunatus (Dalman), Pseudorhopus testaceus (Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera:
Encyrtidae) and Pachyneuron muscarum (L.) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), as
well as five predatory species: Anthribus nebulosus Forster (Coleoptera:
Anthribidae), Exochomus quadripustulatus L., Scymnus abietis Paykull,
Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Chrysoperla carnea
(Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). The most efficient parasitoid of Ph.
hemicryphus was P. testaceus, reducing scale populations up to 28.97%, while
the most efficient predator was A. nebulosus with an efficacy of up to
51.72%.
Molecular identification and characterization of binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. associated with black root rot of strawberry in Serbia
Authors: Vojvodic Mira , Tanovic Brankica , Mihajlovic Milica , Mitrovic Petar , Vico Ivana , Bulajic Aleksandra
Published: September 2018

Strawberry production is a popular, fast-growing agricultural business in
Serbia. Its cultivar selection has been changing fast, following market
demands. One of the limiting factors of strawberry production worldwide is
black root rot, primarily caused by binucleate Rhizoctonia. Recently,
outbreaks of black root rot of strawberry have occurred in Serbia and the
estimated disease incidence was up to 30%. Isolates of binucleate Rhizoctonia
AG-A were recovered from symptomatic strawberry plants, and characterized on
the bases of morphological, molecular and pathogenic features. Despite their
uniform morphological characteristics, the isolates demonstrated genetic
variability within ITS rDNA, grouping into three different phylogenetic
sub-clusters which comprise AG-A isolates originating from Italy, Israel,
Japan and the USA. The binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-A from Serbia exhibited
uniform virulence on strawberry after inoculation of daughter plants and
detached leaf petioles, as well as on seedlings of bean, carrot and
sunflower, while they were non-pathogenic to wheat, maize, tomato, pepper,
tobacco, cucumber, lettuce, peas, cabbage, rapeseed and sugar beet.
Response of wild Mus musculus to baits containing essential oils: I - Cinnamon and clove tested in storage facilities
Authors: Jokic Goran , Mitric Sinisa , Pejin Dusan , Blazic Tanja , Djedovic Suzana , Stojnic Bojan , Vuksa Marina
Published: September 2018

The effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomi zeylanicum) and clove (Eugenia
caryophyllata) essential oils on the acceptibility of cereal-based baits to
house mice in storage facilities was examined. The effects of three
concentrations, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 %, were tested for optimization purposes. The
experiments were performed in a mill storage, and in another storage for
seeds and seedlings. Attractiveness of the examined concentrations of
cinnamon and clove essential oils was statistically significant, compared to
placebo bait, within seven days of the experiment. On the seventh day, the
average consumption of baits containing 0.75 % and 1 % concentrations of
cinnamon oil was 46 % in the mill storage, i.e. 35.5 % more than placebo
baits were consumed. Fourteen days after the beginning of the experiment, no
significant difference was detected in the consumption of baits offered in
the mill storage. On the other hand, a significant difference was revealed
regarding the consumption of examined baits in the seed and seedling storage.
The average consumption of baits containing 0.75 % and 1 % cinnamon oil was
47 % and 51 % higher after 14 days than the consumption of placebo bait.
Compared to the other test baits, those containing cinnamon essential oil at
0.75 % and 1 % concentration demonstrated better attractiveness without
mutual statistically significant differences.
Simple analysis of daylight saving time effects in Belgrade climate and latitude
Authors: Grujic Marija , Radevski Aleksandar
Published: September 2018

Contemporary controversy about daylight saving time (DST) is mainly derived
from different standpoints in studies investigating the positive and
negative effects of the clock shift during summer period. From the
standpoint of energy savings, most studies have consensus that the
summertime clock shift in middle latitudes, with a large difference between
winter and summer daylight hours, contributes to energy savings in
buildings. Belgrade?s mid-latitude, moderate-continental climate has a
six-month long heating season and a three-month cooling season. The annual
domination of the heating period assumes that the demand for heating energy
also dominates in the annual energy breakdown for average office buildings.
Since DST covers mainly summer time, the energy breakdown in office
buildings during the DST period is dominated by the energy demand for
lighting and cooling. The shift of time ahead of standard time during the
DST period causes a shift in temperature, daylight availability and solar
energy resources and thus a shift in the potential for the utilisation of
the surrounding energy. This paper investigates how the application of DST
in Belgrade?s climate and latitude influences the change of climate
parameters relevant for the cooling and lighting energy demand in office
buildings.