bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of ozonated, chlorinated, celestite stone-treated, natural spring and pine resin-treated waters on performance, oxidative stress and carcass parameters in Japanese quail
Authors: Seren Burak , Nursoy Hüseyin
Published: March 2018

This study was conducted to assess the effects of 5 types of water: Ozonated, Chlorinated, Celestite Stone-treated, Natural Spring Waters and Pin Resin-treated water on performance, oxidative stress and carcass parameters in Japanese quail. A total of 150, 3-day old mixed female-male quails were used into 5 groups of 30 birds for each water group; each group was divided into 3 replicate subgroups of 10 birds. The experiment was continued for 7 weeks and quail were fed one experimental diet, and the different water sources were given ad libitum during in the trial. Statistical differences among water sources were observed on pH and Electrical Conductivity and content of Ca, Mg, Cl and Total Bacteria. Live weight, daily live weight gain, water  and feed intake were the highest in the drinkers of Natural Spring Water, while the lowest for drinkers of Resin-treated Water (p<0.001). The lowest level of serum malondialdehyde of was observed in drinkers of Natural Spring Water (1.54 µM/L), and the highest malondialdehyde level in drinkers of Resin-treated Water (4.27 µM/L; P<0.001). The sources of water of trial were determined to have no effects on slaughter weight, carcass weight and carcass yield (p>0.05). As a result, the amount of total dissolved solids of water were the positive effect on live weight, feed consumption, water intake, feed conversion ratio and oxidative stress biomarkers.
Peste Des Petit Ruminants
Authors: Kozat Süleyman , Sepehrizadeh Ehsan
Published: March 2018

Peste des petit ruminants [PPR] is a highly contagious viral disease which is characterized with acute or sub-acute hyperthermia, extremely contagious and mostly pernicious disease of sheep as well as goats and wild small ruminants. In this review, detailed information on etiology, transmission, clinical findings, diagnosis of method, control and elimination pathological, and epizootiological findings of Peste des petits ruminants was given.
Pathological effects of Helleborus Orientalis used in Turkish traditional medicine, in rats
Authors: ŞENNAZLI Gülbin , MATUR Erdal
Published: March 2018

elleborus orientalis Lam., a member of the family Ranunculaceae, is one of the medical plants, which is naturally grown in Turkey flora. Roots of Helleborus orientalis are used for the treatment of farm animals by implanting subcutaneously in the public. This study was planned to investigate the histopathological changes in liver, heart and skin of rats that were applied plant raw material (PRM), water extract (WE) and methanol extracts (ME) of Helleborus orientalis subcutaneously. Foci of abscess were determined in the subcutaneous tissue of all 3 experimental groups at the end of 10-day experimental period. During the histopathological examination of the liver, parenchymatous degenerations were observed in the hepatocytes of PRM and WE group rats, and caseous necrosis were determined in the liver of all rats in ME group. Hyaline degenerations were observed in myocard cells of the rats in PRM and WE groups. Furthermore hyaline degenerations and edema occurred locally in the myocard of all animals in ME group. Vacuolar zones were found in certain myocard cells. The results of the present study indicate that long-term use of Helleborus orientalis might be harmful due to its pathological effects on some tissue.
SECURITY IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: COMPARING UNITED NATIONS 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITH MILLENNIUM DECLARATION
Authors: BARBAK Ahmet
Published: March 2018

This study aims to compare United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with Millennium Declaration in terms of their security conceptualizations to explore changes in security thinking and policy components (goals, targets, principles, priorities etc.) over time. In doing so, it is envisaged that United Nations’ expectations from member states regarding their national security policies and organizations could be revealed. Security thinking has changed since late 1980’s with the introduction of sustainable development approach by the United Nations. This shift in security thinking encompasses human security and security-development nexus. Holding all member states responsible, Millennium Declaration and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development constitute the primary and the most recent outcome documents of United Nations’ sustainable development policy. Both documents have security components. This enables extracting security elements and comparing them with an analytical manner. Consequently, findings are compared and discussed in terms of public policy and organization at national level.
TÜRKİYE'DEKİ TEKNOPARKLARDA KADIN İSTİHDAMI
Authors: UZUN Hasan , CEREV Gökçe , SAVUK Fatih
Published: March 2018

Kadın geçmişten günümüze daima çalışma
hayatının önemli dinamiklerinden biri olmuştur. Kadının çalışma hayatındaki
rolü, çalışma ilişkilerinde ortaya çıkan yapısal değişimlerden büyük ölçüde
etkilenmiştir. Günümüzde çalışma hayatında ortaya çıkan önemli değişimlerden
birisi de sektörel düzeyde istihdam değişim sürecidir. Özellikle teknolojinin
hızla gelişen durumu, çalışanların istihdam alanlarını tarlalardan ilk olarak
sanayiye daha sonra da hizmetler sektörüne çekmiştir. Çağımızın ekonomik
yapısının önemli parçalarından bir tanesi de kadında bu durumdan etkilenmiştir.
Toplumsal kalkınma ve refah açısından çalışma hayatında kadının yer bulabilmesi
önemli bir durumdur. Kadının istihdamında ki değişime etki eden önemli
faktörlerden birisi de günümüzde kadının girişimci ve gelişimci ruhunu ön plana
çıkaran teknoparklardır. Bu çalışmada ilk olarak konu ile ilgili literatür
taraması yapılarak ve TÜİK ve World bank verileri derlenmiştir. Bu verilere
bağlı olarak kadın istihdamının Türkiye’deki değişimi incelenerek, Türkiye’de
kadın işgücünün genel profili ortaya konulmuş ve teknoparkların bu değişim
süreci içerisindeki yeri mülakat yöntemi ile derinlemesine araştırılmıştır.
Yapılan çalışma ile Teknoparkların kadınların lehine yeni bir çalışma ilişkisi
ortaya koyduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.
BATI BALKANLAR’DA AVRUPALILAŞMA VE AVRUPALILAŞMAYI SAĞLAYAN SİYASAL MEKANİZMALAR
Authors: BAŞ Numan , KODAMAN Timuçin
Published: March 2018

1990’lardan itibaren çeşitli uluslararası organizasyonlar tarafından
Balkanlar Bölgesi iki ayrı alt bölge olarak kategorize edilmeye başlanmıştır.
Birinci alt bölge; Arnavutluk, Bosna-Hersek, Sırbistan, Karadağ, Kosova,
Hırvatistan ve Makedonya’dan oluşan Batı Balkanlar Bölgesi’dir. Diğer alt bölge
ise Bulgaristan ve Romanya’dan ibaret olan Doğu Balkanlar Bölgesi’dir. Doğu
Balkanlar’da yeralan ülkeler, Soğuk Savaş sonrasında önemli bir gecikme
olmaksızın Avrupa Birliği’ne üye olmuşlardır. Batı Balkanlar ise gerek yaşadığı
sorunlu tarihsel süreç, gerekse etnik, sosyal ve ekonomik açıdan karmaşık yapısı
nedeniyle, AB üyeliği yolunda zorlu bir süreç yaşamaktadır. AB, arka bahçesi
olarak gördüğü bu bölgede ortaya çıkacak gerginlik ve çatışmaların kendi
istikrarını da etkileyebileceğini bilmektedir. Bu nedenle AB, Batı Balkanlar’da
zayıf olan devlet yapısını demokratikleştirmeye ve güçlendirmeye çalışmaktadır.
AB, bu amacını gerçekleştirirken koşulluluk ve sosyalizasyon politikalarını
araç olarak kullanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada AB’nin uyguladığı koşulluluk ve
sosyalizasyon politikalarının Batı Balkanlar üzerindeki etkileri
incelenecektir.
EKONOMİK KALKINMA SÜRECİNDE İKTİSADİ BİRLEŞMELERİN ROLÜ: BİR ALAN ARAŞTIRMASI
Authors: TUNÇ Hakan
Published: March 2018

Ülkelerin
kendi aralarındaki iktisadi faaliyetleri, daha avantajlı gerçekleştirebilmek
için bağlayıcı bir sözleşme aracılığıyla gerçekleştirmelerine iktisadi birleşme
denmektedir. Bu çalışma da iktisadi birleşmelerin önemli aşamalarından biri olan
Gümrük Birliği’nin Türkiye’nin kalkınma sürecine katkısının incelenmesi
amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmanın birinci kısmında 28 üyeli Avrupa birliği ülkeleri ile
yapılan ihracat ve ithalat rakamları fasıllara göre sıralanarak, kalkınmaya
ilişkin olası etkileri tartışılmıştır.

 Ayrıca Türkiye’de 1999-2016 yılları arasında
gerçekleşen ekonomik büyüme ile aynı dönemde gerçekleşen ihracattaki,
ithalattaki ve dış ticaret hacmindeki 
büyüme arasında Sperman Korelasyon yardımıyla 0.95 güven aralığında
pozitif yönlü güçlü ilişki olduğunu saptanmıştır. Çalışmanın son kısmında
Türkiye’nin Gümrük Birliği’ne girmesinin, Türkiye’nin Kalkınma sürecine etkisi
konusunda kişilerin düşüncelerini almak amacıyla likert ölçekte bir anket
uygulaması yapılmış olup  genel
itibariyle bu ilişkiye olumlu baktıklarını ve kişilerin medeni durumu yaş
aralığı ve mesleği ile Türkiye’nin Gümrük Birliğine girmesinin ülke vatandaşlarının
gelirlerini arttırdığını ve refah seviyesini yükselttiğini düşüncesi arasında
istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farlılık saptanmıştır.
KIRSAL VE KENTSEL ALANLARDA YAŞLANMA, YAŞLILIK VE YAŞLILAR: DENİZLİ İLİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: GÖNÜLLÜ TAŞKESEN Canan
Published: March 2018

Toplam
nüfus içindeki payı her geçen yıl artan yaşlılar yalnızca demografik
özellikleri değil; sosyal özellikleri de etkilemeye başlamıştır. Gençlerin,
yetişkinlerin ve yaşlıların yaşlılara yönelik değerlendirmeleri, araştırılması
gereken bir konu haline gelmiştir. Her canlının normal şartlar altında yaşaması
beklenilen bir dönem olan yaşlılığa; çeşitli yaş gruplarındaki bireylerin
yükledikleri anlamlar önem arz eden bir konudur. Yaşlılara yönelik
değerlendirmeler, toplumsal bütünleşmenin sağlanmasından, yaşlılara sunulan
imkânlara kadar pek çok konuyu etkilemektedir.

Yaşlılar konusunda yapılan çalışmaların büyük
kısmı; ekonomi, sağlık, hukuk, psikoloji gibi bilimler temelindedir.
Araştırmanın özgünlüğü, yaşlılığa yönelik değerlendirmelerin toplumun her yaş
kesiminden bireyleri tarafından nasıl şekillendiğinin; kırsal ve kentsel
alanlar özelinde incelenmesidir. Araştırmanın sonucunda Türkiye’de yaşlılığa
yüklenen olumsuz anlam tespit edilmiş ve gerekçeleriyle detaylandırılmıştır.
SÜT ÜRETİM İŞLETMELERİNDE RİSK YÖNETİMİ
Authors: ÖZÇETİN Nigar
Published: March 2018

Küreselleşmenin
etkisiyle günümüz işletmeleri, sadece faaliyette bulundukları ülkede değil,
dünyadaki diğer ülkelerdeki olaylardan etkilenir hale gelmiştir. Özellikle uluslararası
ve çok büyük sermayeye sahip firmaların, yolsuzluk ya da hileli işlemlere
girişmeleri bütün dünya piyasalarını olumsuz olarak etkilemektedir.
Yolsuzlukları ve hileli işlemleri engelleyebilmek için düzenleyici kurumlar
birtakım kurallar ve standartlar getirmişlerdir. Bu kurallardan biri de
yöneticilerin hesap verme sorumluluğudur. Yöneticiler, görevlerini yerine
getirebilmek için, işletme faaliyetleri ile ilgili karşılaşabilecekleri
riskleri belirlemek, analiz etmek ve bu risklerle mücadele etmek için gerekli
uygulamaları yapmak zorundadırlar. Bu uygulamalar ‘‘risk yönetimi’’ adı altında
ele alınmaktadır. Bu çalışmada amacımız Türkiye’de faaliyette bulunan, 2014
yılında ISO 1000 içine girmiş olan süt üretim işletmelerinin yöneticilerine
anket uygulamak sureti ile işletmelerin risk yönetimi ile ilgili faaliyetlerini
belirlemeye çalışmaktır.
AKTİF İŞGÜCÜ PİYASASI POLİTİKALARI ÇERÇEVESİNDE KÜTAHYA İŞKUR’UN MESLEKİ EĞİTİM FAALİYETLERİ’NİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: ACAR Osman Kürşat , KAZANCI YABANOVA Ecehan
Published: March 2018

Günümüz
toplumlarının en sık karşılaştığı sorunlardan biri işsizliktir. İster gelişmiş,
ister gelişmekte olan ülkeler olsun, işsizlik sorunu her dönem toplumların
mücadele etmek zorunda olduğu temel bir kavram olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır.  İşsizliğin toplum üzerindeki yansımaları hem
ekonomik hem de sosyolojik açıdan ağır sonuçlar doğurmaktadır. Yarattığı
olumsuz koşulları ortadan kaldırmak amacıyla siyasi karar mekanizmaları çeşitli
politikalar üretmektedir. Bu politikaların temel amacı işsizliği ortadan kaldırmanın
yanı sıra artan nitelikli işçi talebini karşılayabilmektir. Bu amaçla işsiz
durumdaki bireylere çeşitli eğitim faaliyetleri düzenleyerek niteliklerini
arttırmaya yönelik çalışmalar yürütülmektedir. Türkiye’de bu doğrultuda
faaliyetler yürüten kurumların başında Türkiye İş Kurumu (İŞKUR) gelmektedir.
İŞKUR bünyesinde işsizlikle mücadelede aktif ve pasif işgücü piyasası
politikaları uygulanmaktadır. Son yıllarda ise özellikle nitelikli işgücü
yetiştirilmesi doğrultusunda aktif işgücü piyasası politikaları önemli bir yere
sahiptir. İŞKUR kapsamında gerçekleştirilen aktif işgücü piyasası politikaları
Mesleki Eğitim Kursları, Girişimcilik Eğitim Programları, İşbaşı Eğitim
Programları, Toplum Yararına Programlar ve Dezavantajlı Gruplara Yönelik Programlar
olarak uygulama alanı bulmaktadır. Bu çalışma İŞKUR’un aktif işgücü piyasası
politikaları içerisinde önemli bir yere sahip olan mesleki eğitim kursları,
işbaşı eğitim programları ve girişimcilik eğitim programları üzerine
odaklanmaktadır. Bu amaçla, mesleki eğitim kursları, işbaşı eğitim programları
ve girişimcilik eğitim programları uygulamaları Kütahya ili kapsamında
incelenmeye ve analiz edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bu doğrultuda Kütahya ilinin
işgücü piyasasının genel görünümüne yer verilerek, bu programların aktif işgücü
programları içerisindeki yeri ve önemi ayrıca bu programların işsizliği
azaltmadaki etkisi değerlendirilmektedir.
TÜRKİYE EKONOMİSİNDE DÖVİZ KURU KANALININ ETKİNLİĞİ: 2003-2016 DÖNEMİ İÇİN VAR ANALİZİ
Authors: KAYA Harun , BELKE Murat
Published: March 2018

Merkez bankaları tarafından alınan para politikası kararlarının toplam talebi ve fiyatları etkilemesi parasal aktarım mekanizması kanalları üzerinden gerçekleşmektedir. Bu nedenle, para politikalarının ekonomi üzerindeki etkilerini doğru bir şekilde tespit edebilmek ve başarılı bir para politikası tayin edebilmek için parasal aktarım mekanizması kanallarının işleyişini anlamak büyük önem kazanmaktadır. Bu bağlamda çalışma, Türkiye’de para politikalarının aktarımında döviz kuru kanalının etkinliğini test etmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışma, enflasyon hedeflemesi rejimi ve küresel finansal kriz sonrası yeni politika stratejilerinin uygulamaya geçirildiği dönemleri kapsaması bakımından önem kazanmaktadır. Türkiye’de döviz kuru kanalının etkinliği 2003:1-2016:12 dönemindeki aylık veriler ile VAR modeli temelinde etki-tepki, varyans ayrıştırma ve Granger nedensellik testleri kullanılarak incelenmektedir. Elde edilen bulgular, Türkiye’de ilgili dönemde döviz kuru kanalının etkin olmadığını göstermektedir.
Level of Knowledge and Practice of Patient Care Ethics among Nurses in Pokhara
Authors: Timilsina Arati , KC Bhagawati
Published: March 2018

Ethics deal with standards of conduct and moral judgment. Every day nurses require to make ethical decisions during patient care. They should have good knowledge and adequate practice of ethics to make ethical decisions. The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge and practice of patient care ethics among nurses. A descriptive cross sectional research design was used to conduct the study. Simple random sampling method was adopted to select 108 nurses among 133 nurses working in a regional hospital, Pokhara. Self-administered structured questionnaire schedule was used for data collection and analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that 65.1 percent of nurses had satisfactory level knowledge and 76.4 percent had adequate practice level of patient care ethics. There was significant association between nurses knowledge level and professional qualification (p<.001). The level of practice does not have significant association with socio-demographic and job related variables. Similarly, no significant association between knowledge and practice level of patient care ethics was found. It concludes that the nurses with satisfactory level of knowledge and adequate level of practice are more than the nurses with unsatisfactory knowledge level and inadequate practice level of patient care ethics. Their practice of ethical principle is better than their knowledge in all principles except in the principle of justice. Nurses’ knowledge and practice of patient care ethics should be upgraded through educational and awareness programme. Janapriya Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vol. 6 (December 2017), page: 17-28
Customers Satisfaction towards Life Insurance Claim Settlement in Nepal
Authors: Basaula Damodar
Published: March 2018

Claim settlement has been like a mirror to each life insurance companies which public see the real face of their business. A company which fails to settle the claim, the satisfaction of customers would definitely distracts the business and discourage to continue or the repurchase of policy. The main purpose of the research paper is to examine the awareness and satisfaction of customers towards life insurance claim settlement in Nepal. Descriptive research designed has been employed in the study. Sample comprises 391 respondent agents for which stratified sampling were used. Primary data were obtained through questionnaire method specifically the five point likert scale. The data collected for the study were analyzed thought SPSS software and MS Excel too. The study revealed that majority of the respondents has neutral response on the satisfaction towards claim settlement. However they think that the claim settlement process speed would definitely help to increase life insurance business. The study revealed that government should focus on awareness of life insurance and make it mandatory for every citizen. Janapriya Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vol. 6 (December 2017), page: 29-44
Role of Board- Manager Relation on Cooperative Performance
Authors: Rakhal Dhaneshwar
Published: March 2018

Cooperatives are based on the philosophy of equality and mutual help i.e. 'All for each and each for all'. They cover a wide range of development services in Nepalese context. The members of a cooperative elect a board of directors in its general meeting for the day to day operation. The board prepares policy and procedures, and appoints manager(s) to implement the policies and run the program. One of the internal issues in saving and credit cooperatives is the relationship between managers and the board of directors which affects on the performance level of the cooperative. In this regard, the main objective of this paper is to assess the relationship between managers and the board of directors, and its impact on the performance of saving and credit cooperatives in Pokhara. The study also covers the managers' feelings of job satisfaction, career development opportunities, and responsibilities of board of directors and managers. Out of 212 savings and credit cooperatives in Pokhara Sub-metropolitan, 77 cooperatives were selected as sample. A questionnaire survey with the mangers was carried out to derive the primary information, and annual audited reports are used as secondary sources of data. The results indicate that board-manager relation does not affect the responsibilities of board of directors and managers, and academic qualifications of managers are positively related to performance of the cooperatives. Finally the paper concludes that the board manager relationship is positively related to return on assets of the cooperatives. Janapriya Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vol. 6 (December 2017), page: 60-77
HIV Stigma and Discrimination Management in Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Aryal Ram Prasad
Published: March 2018

Stigma and discrimination attached to Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are not new issues in Nepal where the issues are often considered to be the outcomes of either extra-marital sexual activities or sharing needles for drug use withpeople living with HIV (PLHIV). These activities are considered to be outside norms and values of Nepalese societies. Consequently, PLHIV are stigmatized and discriminated against in family and society. There are number of studies on stigma and discrimination attached to HIV and AIDS. However, there are very limited studies on management of HIV stigma and discrimination in Nepal. Therefore, this paper aims to look at HIV stigma and discrimination in general with a view to contextualize these issues, and to examine management of HIV stigma and discrimination in particular after being HIV diagnosed. This study follows qualitative research approach, face to face in-depth interview with 16 PLHIV in Pokhara during the period February-March 2017. This study investigates ways the participants have been able to manage their HIV stigma and discrimination in a greater extent at present with their own individual rigorous efforts, and supports made by local body and organizations/hospitals working in the field of HIV and AIDS as well. This paper has important policy implications, especially in the management of HIV stigma and discrimination in Nepal and other countries with similar socio-cultural contexts.Janapriya Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vol. 6 (December 2017), page: 97-109
Ramsar Lakes in the Foothills of Himalaya, Pokhara- Lekhnath, Nepal: an overview
Authors: Paudel Namita , Adhikari Subash , Paudel Ganesh
Published: March 2018

Wetlands are the most dynamic ecological units on the earth delivering voluminous ecosystem services. Pokhara-Lekhnath has prosperous wetland ecosystems with nine lake clusters nominated as 10th Ramsar site of Nepal in 2016 that act as diverse and, distinctive biodiversity hot spot and habitat. These wetlands afford abundant ecosystem services and assist vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered species. However these lakes are under tremendous pressure due to rapid urbanization, natural erosion, encroachments, land use changes in the catchment and anthropogenic inputs resulting in the shrinkage of area and deteriorationin the hydrological, economic and ecological characteristics. Janapriya Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vol. 6 (December 2017), page: 134-147
Neonatal intracranial aneurysms: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mohotti Jeewaka E. , Carter Nicole S. , Zhang Victor Jia Wei , Lai Leon T. , Xenos Christopher , Asadi Hamed , Chandra Ronil V.
Published: March 2018

Intracranial aneurysms in the neonate, presenting in the first 4 weeks of life, are exceedingly rare. They appear to have characteristics, including presentation and location, that vary from those found in adults. The authors present a case of a 28-day-old neonate with a ruptured distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. Initial noninvasive imaging with transfontanelle ultrasound and CT confirmed intraparenchymal and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed a 14-mm ruptured fusiform MCA aneurysm that was not identified on time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Microsurgical treatment was performed with partial neurological recovery. A comprehensive review of the literature from 1949 to 2017 revealed a total of 40 aneurysms in 37 neonates, including the present case. The most common presenting symptom was seizure. Although subarachnoid hemorrhage was the most common form of hemorrhage, 40% had intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The median aneurysm size was 10 mm (range 2–30 mm) and the most common location was the MCA, with two-thirds of cases involving the distal intracranial vasculature. Over the last 10 years, there has been a trend of increasing noninvasive diagnosis of ruptured cerebral aneurysms in neonates, with CT angiography and contrast-enhanced MRI being the most useful diagnostic modalities. The use of contrast-enhanced MRI may improve sensitivity over time-of-flight MRA. Microsurgical treatment was the most common treatment modality overall, with increased use of endovascular treatment in the last decade. Most patients underwent microsurgical vessel ligation or endovascular parent vessel occlusion. There were high rates of neurological recovery after microsurgical or endovascular treatment, particularly for patients with distal aneurysms.
3D printing and intraoperative neuronavigation tailoring for skull base reconstruction after extended endoscopic endonasal surgery: proof of concept
Authors: Essayed Walid I. , Unadkat Prashin , Hosny Ahmed , Frisken Sarah , Rassi Marcio S. , Mukundan Srinivasan , Weaver James C. , Al-Mefty Ossama , Golby Alexandra J. , Dunn Ian F.
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic endonasal approaches are increasingly performed for the surgical treatment of multiple skull base pathologies. Preventing postoperative CSF leaks remains a major challenge, particularly in extended approaches. In this study, the authors assessed the potential use of modern multimaterial 3D printing and neuronavigation to help model these extended defects and develop specifically tailored prostheses for reconstructive purposes.

METHODS

Extended endoscopic endonasal skull base approaches were performed on 3 human cadaveric heads. Preprocedure and intraprocedure CT scans were completed and were used to segment and design extended and tailored skull base models. Multimaterial models with different core/edge interfaces were 3D printed for implantation trials. A novel application of the intraoperative landmark acquisition method was used to transfer the navigation, helping to tailor the extended models.

RESULTS

Prostheses were created based on preoperative and intraoperative CT scans. The navigation transfer offered sufficiently accurate data to tailor the preprinted extended skull base defect prostheses. Successful implantation of the skull base prostheses was achieved in all specimens. The progressive flexibility gradient of the models’ edges offered the best compromise for easy intranasal maneuverability, anchoring, and structural stability. Prostheses printed based on intraprocedure CT scans were accurate in shape but slightly undersized.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative 3D printing of patient-specific skull base models is achievable for extended endoscopic endonasal surgery. The careful spatial modeling and the use of a flexibility gradient in the design helped achieve the most stable reconstruction. Neuronavigation can help tailor preprinted prostheses.
The role of preoperative deep vein thrombosis screening in neurooncology
Authors: Pandey Anmol , Thakur Bhaskar , Hogg Florence , Brogna Christian , Logan Jamie , Arya Roopen , Gullan Richard , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Ashkan Keyoumars
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity in patients undergoing neurosurgical intervention. The authors postulate that the introduction of a routine preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) screening protocol for patients undergoing neurosurgical intervention for brain tumors would result in a more effective diagnosis of DVT in this high-risk subgroup, and subsequent appropriate management of the condition would reduce pulmonary embolism (PE) rates and improve patient outcomes.

METHODS

The authors conducted a prospective study of 115 adult patients who were undergoing surgical intervention for a brain tumor. All patients underwent preoperative lower-limb Doppler ultrasonography scanning for DVT screening. Patients with confirmed DVT underwent a period of anticoagulation therapy, which was stopped prior to surgery. An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was inserted to cover the perioperative period during which anticoagulation therapy was avoided due to bleeding risk before restarting the therapy at a later date. Patients underwent follow-up performed by a neurooncology multidisciplinary team, and subsequent complications and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Seven (6%) of the 115 screened patients had DVT. Of these patients, one developed postoperative PE, and another had bilateral DVT postoperatively. None of the patients without preoperative DVT developed VTE postoperatively. Age, symptoms of DVT, and previous history of VTE were significantly higher in the group with preoperative DVT. There were no deaths and no complications from the anticoagulation or IVC filter insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative screening for DVT is a worthwhile endeavor in patients undergoing neurosurgical intervention. A multidisciplinary approach in management of anticoagulation and IVC filter insertion is safe and can minimize further VTE in such patients.
Spätblühende Traubenkirsche: Waldpest oder Waldbaum, je nach Waldbaukontext
Authors: Nyssen Bart , Muys Bart , Starfinger Uwe , Conedera Marco
Published: March 2018

Black cherry: forest pest or forest tree, a context dependent perception

North-west European forest ecologists and forest managers perceived, and some still perceive, Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. serotina) as their “enemy”. In this paper we trace the history of this Northeast-American tree species in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland and address the question whether Black cherry is causing silvicultural and ecological problems in the forest ecosystem or can be beneficial to fulfil ecosystem services. We argue that Black cherry does both, depending on the context in which forest ecologists and forest managers are operating. Relying on research and experiences in the four mentioned countries we bring evidence for the necessity to consider the general silvicultural context when evaluating the need and the possibility to integrate this naturalised tree species in forest ecosystems.
Exploring the Role of Cognitive Factors in a New Instrument for Elders’ Financial Capacity Assessment
Authors: Giannouli Vaitsa , Stamovlasis Dimitrios , Tsolaki Magda
Published: March 2018

Background:

The influence of cognitive factors on financial capacity across the dementia spectrum of cognitive aging, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been little investigated, while it has not been investigated at all in other types of dementia as well as in extended samples of elders in Greece.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate financial capacity, to develop a tool, test its psychometric properties, validate, and then test the tool in groups of healthy controls compared to elders with dementia, while examining other facets of their cognitive performance.

Methods:

719 elders from Greece including healthy participants and patients with different types of dementia were examined with Legal Capacity for Property Law Transactions Assessment Scale (LCPLTAS) and a battery of neuropsychological tests concerning various cognitive functions.

Results:

Significantly different profiles in the scores and subscores of LCPLTAS for all the groups of dementia patients were found, with a general incapacity finding for all the dementia groups including the MCI patients. Logistic regression showed that Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale, and Trail Making Part B predicted competence on LCPLTAS for the dementia patients. Persons with MCI and dementia had lower financial knowledge scores than those without cognitive impairment, with MMSE scores below 27 suggestive as an indication of financial incapacity.

Conclusion:

The LCPLTAS provides information for a strong positive correlation with MMSE, while the use both of MMSE and LCPLTAS as adequate measures of financial (in)capacity is discussed for the Greek legal procedures regarding elder guardianship cases.
Associations between the Frailty Index and Brain Atrophy: The Treviso Dementia (TREDEM) Registry
Authors: Gallucci Maurizio , Piovesan Cinzia , Di Battista Maria Elena
Published: March 2018

Background:

Frailty is a condition which is characterized by a reduction in the homeostatic reserves of the individual and which entails an increased vulnerability to stressful endogenous and exogenous agents. The Frailty Index (FI), proposed by Rockwood, was designed following an accumulation of deficits model: the greater the number of deficits in a given individual, the greater the degree of frailty.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to verify the existence of associations between FI and cerebral atrophy.

Methods:

The TREDEM Register (Treviso Dementia) provided retrospective observational data from 1,584 patients. The FI was calculated based on 50 variables comprising diseases, disability, behavioral disturbances, and blood chemistry parameters. The severity of atrophy in the cortical and subcortical regions, such as the amplitude of the lateral ventricles, were detected by computerized axial tomography (CAT). Multiple logistic regression models using the stepwise backward method were used to analyze possible associations between FI and atrophy.

Results:

For each increment of one hundredth of the FI, the probability of cortical atrophy increases by 2%. The female gender is a protective factor for cortical and subcortical atrophy. At each increase of one percent of the FI, the probability of a severe degree of cortical atrophy increases by 3%. The FI was significantly associated with frontal and temporal cortical atrophy. The relationship between overall subcortical atrophy and the FI was not significant, whereas it was the one with the severe degree of subcortical atrophy. The FI is significantly associated with the atrophy of the peri-insular subcortical region. Similar associations were found considering only demented patients.

Conclusion:

The FI is associated with the presence, degree, and some localization of cerebral atrophy in a population of cognitive-decline patients.
Modeling and digital field-oriented control for double star induction motor drive
Authors: Slimene Marwa Ben , Khlifi Mohamed Arbi
Published: March 2018

This paper presents, first a d-q purely mixed model including the mutual leakage flux and a digital field oriented control of a double star induction motor using a two-level six-phase inverter; seconds a PI regulator to control the speed and the stator current of DSIM. To achieve a control of this machine two voltage source inverter of PWM techniques are introduced. A comparison with a traditionally (PI) controller is discussed. Extensive simulation is performed and it is shown that the reduction of the current harmonics is in essence almost the same as in another recently developed DFOC scheme. However, the achieved torque ripple reduction makes the scheme superior when compared to the existing approaches. At the same time, developed scheme retains qualities of conventional DFOC schemes, such as simple structure and fast response. Its additional beneficial feature is the easiness of implementation.
Analysis on design method of signal system surge protection devices
Authors: Li Xiangchao , Cai Lujin , Xu Xiaopei
Published: March 2018

Lightning overvoltage may affect the signal transmission and damage terminal equipment. In order to solve this problem, the signal system Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) is designed by analyzing the signal transmission characteristic and the design theory of SPDs. The impulse tests are performed on the SPDs using a combined wave generator. Residual voltages and sharing currents are measured and discussed by considering impulse voltages, DC breakdown voltages of downstream SPDs and decoupling resistances. The blind zone of the signal system SPDs is also discussed in detail. In addition, the SPDs are equivalent to a two-port network, and the influence of distributed capacitance of the SPDs on signal transmission is analyzed for the first time through experiments. Cut-off frequency is measured and discussed by considering DC breakdown voltages of downstream SPDs and decoupling resistances. From the two experiments, the results indicate that increasing the decoupling resistance can decrease residual voltage and sharing current, but will reduce the cut-off frequency. Decreasing the DC voltage of downstream SPDs will have a similar effect. So the decoupling resistance and the DC breakdown voltage of downstream SPDs resistance need to be considered carefully in designing signal system SPDs. The sufficient research of signal system SPDs in this paper has a certain reference value in lightning protection.
Evaluation of Continuous Membrane Chromatography Concepts with an Enhanced Process Simulation Approach
Authors: Zobel-Roos Steffen , Stein Dominik , Strube Jochen
Published: March 2018

Modern biopharmaceutical products strive for small-scale, low-cost production. Continuous chromatography has shown to be a promising technology because it assures high-capacity utilization, purity and yield increases, and lower facility footprint. Membrane chromatography is a fully disposable low-cost alternative to bead-based chromatography with minor drawbacks in terms of capacity. Hence, continuous membrane chromatography should have a high potential. The evaluation of continuous processes goes often along with process modeling. Only few experiments with small feed demand need to be conducted to estimate the model parameters. Afterwards, a variety of different process setups and working points can be analyzed in a very short time, making the approach very efficient. Since the available modeling approaches for membrane chromatography modules did not fit the used design, a new modeling approach is shown. This combines the general rate model with an advanced fluid dynamic distribution. Model parameter determination and model validation were done with industrial cell cultures containing Immunoglobulin G (IgG). The validated model was used to evaluate the feasibility of the integrated Counter Current Chromatography (iCCC) concept and the sequential chromatography concept for membrane adsorber modules, starting with a laboratory-type module used for sample preparation. A case study representing a fed-batch reactor with a capacity from 20 to 2000 L was performed. Compared to batch runs, a 71% higher capacity, 48.5% higher productivity, and 38% lower eluent consumption could be achieved.
A Self-Consistent Physical Model of the Bubbles in a Gas Solid Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Dong Haiming , He Jingfeng , Duan Chenlong , Zhao Yuemin
Published: March 2018

We develop a self-consistent physical model of bubbles in a gas solid two-phase flow. Using the Peng-Robonson state equation and a detailed specific heat ratio equation of bubbles, we obtain the kinetic equations of the bubbles on the basis of the Ergun equation, thermodynamic equations, and kinetic equations. It is found that the specific heat ratio of bubbles in such systems strongly depends on bubble pressures and temperatures, which play an important role in the characteristics of the bubbles. The theoretical studies show that with increasing height in the systems, the gas flow rate shows a downward trend. Moreover, the larger particles in the gas solid flows are, the greater the gas velocity is. The bubble sizes increase with the increasing heights of the gas solid systems, and then decrease. The bubble velocity is affected by the gas velocity and the bubble size, which gradually increase and eventually quasi-stabilize. This shows that gas and solid phases in a gas solid two-phase flow interact with each other and a self-consistent system comes into being. The theoretical results have exhibited important value as a guide for understanding the properties and effects of bubbles in gas solid two-phase flows.
On-Road Air Quality Associated with Traffic Composition and Street-Canyon Ventilation: Mobile Monitoring and CFD Modeling
Authors: Kwak Kyung-Hwan , Woo Sung , Kim Kyung , Lee Seung-Bok , Bae Gwi-Nam , Ma Young-Il , Sunwoo Young , Baik Jong-Jin
Published: March 2018

Mobile monitoring and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling are complementary methods to examine spatio-temporal variations of air pollutant concentrations at high resolutions in urban areas. We measured nitrogen oxides (NOx), black carbon (BC), particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pPAH), and particle number (PN) concentrations in a central business district using a mobile laboratory. The analysis of correlations between the measured concentrations and traffic volumes demonstrate that high emitting vehicles (HEVs) are deterministically responsible for poor air quality in the street canyon. The determination coefficient (R2) with the HEV traffic volume is the largest for the pPAH concentration (0.79). The measured NOx and pPAH concentrations at a signalized intersection are higher than those on a road between two intersections by 24% and 25%, respectively. The CFD modeling results reveal that the signalized intersection plays a role in increasing on-road concentrations due to accelerating and idling vehicles (i.e., emission process), but also plays a countervailing role in decreasing on-road concentrations due to lateral ventilation of emitted pollutants (i.e., dispersion process). It is suggested that the number of HEVs and street-canyon ventilation, especially near a signalized intersection, need to be controlled to mitigate poor air quality in a central business district of a megacity.
Microbiological Sensing Technologies: A Review
Authors: Abbasian Firouz , Ghafar-Zadeh Ebrahim , Magierowski Sebastian
Published: March 2018

Microorganisms have a significant influence on human activities and health, and consequently, there is high demand to develop automated, sensitive, and rapid methods for their detection. These methods might be applicable for clinical, industrial, and environmental applications. Although different techniques have been suggested and employed for the detection of microorganisms, and the majority of these methods are not cost effective and suffer from low sensitivity and low specificity, especially in mixed samples. This paper presents a comprehensive review of microbiological techniques and associated challenges for bioengineering researchers with an engineering background. Also, this paper reports on recent technological advances and their future prospects for a variety of microbiological applications.
Top Incomes, Heavy Tails, and Rank-Size Regressions
Authors: Schluter Christian
Published: March 2018

In economics, rank-size regressions provide popular estimators of tail exponents of heavy-tailed distributions. We discuss the properties of this approach when the tail of the distribution is regularly varying rather than strictly Pareto. The estimator then over-estimates the true value in the leading parametric income models (so the upper income tail is less heavy than estimated), which leads to test size distortions and undermines inference. For practical work, we propose a sensitivity analysis based on regression diagnostics in order to assess the likely impact of the distortion. The methods are illustrated using data on top incomes in the UK.
Postural Risk Assessment of Small-Scale Debarkers for Wooden Post Production
Authors: Spinelli Raffaele , Aminti Giovanni , Magagnotti Natascia , De Francesco Fabio
Published: March 2018

The study sampled six representative work sites in Northern and Central Italy, in order to assess the risk for developing musculo-skeletal disease due to poor work posture (postural risk) among the operators engaged in semi-mechanized post debarking operations. Assessment was conducted with the Ovako Working posture Analysis System (OWAS) on 1200 still frames randomly extracted from videotaped work samples. The postural risk associated with post debarking was relatively low, and varied with individual operations based on their specific set up. Postural risk was higher for the loading station compared with the unloading station, which makes a strong argument for job rotation. The study suggested that the infeed chute of small-scale debarkers might be too basic and should be further developed, in order to reduce postural risk. Obviously, better machine design should be part of an articulate strategy aimed at decreasing the postural risk and based on proper worksite organization and specific worker training.
Effects of Climate Change and Ozone Concentration on the Net Primary Productivity of Forests in South Korea
Authors: Park Jin , Lee Dong , Gan Jianbang , Park Chan , Kim Songyi , Sung Sunyong , Jung Tae , Hong Sung
Published: March 2018

Tropospheric ozone impacts the health and productivity of forest ecosystems. The concentration of ozone on Earth will increase in the future, particularly in China and its neighboring countries, including Korea, due to a projected rise in nitrogen dioxide and ozone precursors as a result of China’s emissions. This study aims to estimate the effect of changes in ozone concentration and climate change on the forests in Korea, based on expected nitrogen dioxide emissions in Korea and China in the future. To do this, we developed an empirical model that represents the statistical relationship between the net primary productivity (NPP) of the forests and ozone concentration using historical data; and, estimated the future NPP of the forests under future ozone concentration scenarios based on nitrogen dioxide emissions of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios. The analysis suggests that the ozone concentration begin exerting effects to the NPP, about 68.10 tC/km2/year decrement per 0.01 ppm increment. We estimated that the NPP of Korean forests has been reduced by 8.25% due to the current concentration of ozone, and the damage is estimated to increase to a range between 8.47% and 10.55% in the 2050s, and between 5.85% and 11.15% in the 2090s depending on the scenarios.
Tree Community Phenodynamics and Its Relationship with Climatic Conditions in a Lowland Tropical Rainforest
Authors: Pires Jakeline , Marino Nicholas , Silva Ary , Rodrigues Pablo , Freitas Leandro
Published: March 2018

The timing, duration, magnitude and synchronicity of plant life cycles are fundamental aspects of community dynamics and ecosystem functioning, and information on phenodynamics is essential for accurate vegetation classification and modeling. Here, we recorded the vegetative and reproductive phenodynamics of 479 individuals belonging to 182 tree species monthly over two years in a lowland Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, and assessed the relationship between local climatic conditions and the occurrence and intensity of phenophases. We found a constant but low intensity of occurrence of both leaf fall and leaf flush with respect to canopy cover, resulting in an evergreen cover throughout the year. The timing of the reproductive phenophases was irregular between the two years of observation, and their amplitude was low. In addition, flowering and fruiting phenograms of activity, intensity and intensity corrected by the basal area did not overlap. These results suggest that a combination of phenological records and community-structure parameters allows for the obtainment of more accurate estimates of resource availability over time. We found that differences in growing degree-days (GDD), photoperiod and precipitation over time were related to temporal variation in leaf fall, leaf flush and flowering, with a large consistency in responses across tree species in this lowland Atlantic Forest. Moreover, there was only a weak relationship between climatic conditions and the dynamics of fruit formation and ripening, which were more strongly related to flowering phenodynamics, which is suggestive of indirect effects of climatic conditions on fruiting. Finally, the association we found between the number of days with precipitation and leaf fall dynamics agrees with the view that the greater potential for extreme events may impair plant growth in tropical forests. This reinforces the growing concerns regarding the risk of ecological collapse of tropical forests due to fragmentation and global climate change.
Use of a Simple Non-Destructive Technique for Evaluation of the Elastic and Vibration Properties of Fiber-Reinforced and 3D Fiber-Metal Laminate Composites
Authors: Cicco Davide , Taheri Farid
Published: March 2018

The aim of this paper is to assess the accuracy and reliability of a simple non-destructive sonic technique for evaluating the effective elastic and vibration properties (damping coefficient) of various isotropic and orthotropic materials—in particular, of a recently developed class of 3D fiber-metal laminates (FML). Aluminum, E-glass/epoxy composite, 3D-FML, and glass-reinforced aluminum FML (GLARE) materials were considered. It is exhibited that the 3D-FML offers the greatest damping characteristics in comparison to all the considered materials. Moreover, the sonic technique, facilitated through the use of a GrindoSonic equipment, proves to produce accurate and reliable results with minimal effort. Finite element analysis is also employed to further establish the accuracy of the properties evaluated by the experimental data. The utility of the established homogenized experimental properties within the finite element framework is also discussed.