bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress and Coping: A Comparative Study between Government and Private Medical College Students in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Jahan Masarat , Devi S. Anitha
Published: December 2018

Stress in medical students is a burning issue these days, prolonged stress among students is leading to different psychological disorders. The aim of the present study is to make a comparison of the stress levels experienced between a government medical college’s students and private medical college’s students of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. The total sample size of the study was 507. Findings of the study revealed that there is a significant difference between the stress experienced by government medical college students and private medical college students. Respondents were using different coping mechanisms like going to shopping/movies/watch TV/internet/listening to music to relax, keeping the sense of humor, etc., to overcome the stress. Attention should be paid to the students to address this issue.
Modern Opportunities of Informational and Analytical Subsystem for Epidemiological Surveillance of Anthrax Distribution (Analytical Review)
Authors: Zholdoshev S. T.
Published: December 2018

In order to improve epidemiological surveillance of anthrax distribution substantiated was the necessity to elaborate uniform informational and analytical program based on the GIS-technology. The program is aimed for creation of wide spectrum of epidemiological and epizootiological prognoses that permit to substantiate modern strategy of focal territories monitoring.
Review of Tularemia Epizootic Situation in the Russian Federation Territory in the Second Half of 2008 and Prognosis for the First Half of 2009
Authors: Bezsmertny V.E. , Popov V.P. , Zhukov V.I. , Ivanova S.M.
Published: December 2018

Analyzed were data on tularemia epizootiologic survey presented by Rospotrebnadzor Administrations in the territorial subjects, Centers for Hygiene and Epidemiology, plague-control stations and Stavropol Anti-Plague Research Institute. Prognosis for the first half of 2009 is presented.
Emergency Situation in the Sphere of Population Sanitary and Epidemiologic Welfare as Unified Object of Surveillance and Active Response in the Scope of Up-To-Date Strategy of Infectious Diseases Control
Authors: Toporkov A.V. , Toporkov V.P. , Shiyanova A.E. , Kutyrev V.V.
Published: December 2018

Implementation of G8 Summit resolutions (2006) in the sphere of infectious diseases control and completing of modernization of the Russian specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET) of Rospotrebnazor anti-plague institutes, including their usage abroad, assume identification of the unified object of their purposeful activity. Emergency situation in the sphere of population sanitary and epidemiologic welfare was specified within the normative documents as the unified object of epidemiologic surveillance, sanitary protection, prevention and liquidation of emergency epidemic situations, biosafety provision in the course of International Health Regulations (2005) implementation in the territory of the Russian Federation. This definition is suggested as the object of SAET activity.
Bactericidal Activity of Polymorphonuclear Blood Leucocytes of White Mice Vaccinated Against Plague and in Different Schemes of Introduction of Plague Infection
Authors: Budyka D.A. , Abzaeva N.V. , Rudnev S.M. , Ivanova G.F. , Fissun A.A. , Gostischeva S.E. , Bondarenko A.I.
Published: December 2018

Investigated was dynamics of germicidal activity factors (cationic proteins and myeloperoxidase) in polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) of peripheral blood of white mice immunized against plague and in the course of plague infection in different modifications of infectious process. Plague resistance in white mice was shown to correlate with PMNL protective function, the latter being provided mainly by myeloperoxidase system supported by cationic proteins system. The alteration of activity level of myeloperoxidase and cationic proteins in PMNL may be considered as indirect index of white mice plague resistance.
Immune-Magnetic Absorbents Used for Express Diagnosis of Dangerous Infectious Diseases: Biotechnology Aspects and Experience of Application
Authors: Tyumentseva I. S. , Afanas`ev E. N. , Lyapustina L. V. , Kogotkova O. I. , Zharnikova I. V. , Efremenko V. I. , Budyka D. A. , Vasilenko N. F. , Afanas`eva E. E. , Kulichenko A. N.
Published: December 2018

Compositional micro-grained immune-magnetic absorbents (IMA) were obtained on the basis of silica - aluminocilicate, modified by polyglucin and sodium secondary alkylsulphate. IMA were shown to possess high adsorption activity due to their developed surface and implanted specific ligand, standard structural features, mechanical reliability, chemical and microbiological stability. The existence of magnetic material provided facilitation and convenience of operations with absorbents in analysis performance. Applying of IMA allowed to release of any mixtures with their adverse effect on reaction during samples preparing by means of rinsing the absorbent with fixed infected agent on it; concentrating the unknown pathogen to the extent possible increased the specificity and sensitivity of express-analysis methods (EIA and PCR), the time spending for analysis reduced substantially (up to 1-3hours).
Biosensors: Current State and Prospects of Applying in Laboratory Diagnostics of Particularly Dangerous Infectious Diseases
Authors: Utkin D. V. , Ossina N. A. , Kouklev V. E. , Erokhin P. S. , Scherbakova S. A. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: December 2018

The review presents the functional characteristics of the main types of biosensors: electrochemical, piezoelectric and optical. Shown are the examples of biosensors application for pathogenic biological agents detection. The prospects of biosensors development for laboratory diagnostics of particularly dangerous infectious diseases are discussed.
Rabies Epizootic Situation in the Republic of Mordovia in 2006-2008
Authors: Gurina I. N.
Published: December 2018

Retrospective analysis of rabies incidence in animals, carried out in 2006-2008, enables to expect deterioration of epidemiologic situation in the Republic of Mordovia. Foxes remain to be the main reservoirs of rabies virus and disease spreaders (up to 90% of rabies cases are revealed in wild animals), whereas epizootics in anthropurgic foci are maintained by dogs and cats.
Nutrient Media for Plague Diagnostics
Authors: Domotenko L. V. , Podkopaev Ya. V. , Khramov M. V. , Dyatlov I. A.
Published: December 2018

National and foreign literature was analyzed. Considered were nutrient media for plague agent growth, isolation and differentiation. Present state of nutrient media production was highlighted.
Postaqual Dry Land of the Aral Sea as Potential Natural Focus of Plague
Authors: Bazarova G. R.
Published: December 2018

Presented are the results of examination of a current condition of the Aral Sea and the adjacent postaqual territory as potential plague focus. Study and comparison of the new territories with the existing natural plague foci in the adjacent territory of Kyzyl-Kum and Ustyurt revealed the presence of similar natural conditions, set of carriers and vectors as well as identical microbiological properties of the agent strains. The emergence of new epizootic plague foci on the shallowed territory of the Aral Sea was shown to be possible and obligatory.
Nonspecific Prophylaxis of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in the Republic of Bashkortostan
Authors: Mochalkin P. A. , Ryabov S. V. , Mochalkin A. P. , Shutova M. I. , Matrosov A. N. , Tarasov M. A.
Published: December 2018

Scientifically based typing of HFRS foci, ecological-epizootiological monitoring and a number of sanitary-and-hygiene, sanitary-and-technical, agrotechnical, forestry as well as deratization and disinfection measures were carried out. In addition, information-explanatory work among the population was done. That enabled to eliminate group diseases in Ufa, lower to single cases the risk of HFRS infection of the population in woodland territory and reduce average annual morbidity in the city from high to middle level.
New Information Technologies in Retrospective Epidemiological Analysis Carried out at the Level of the Russian Federation Constituent Entity: the Astrakhan Region as an Example
Authors: Safronov V. A. , Piskunova N. V. , Kovtunov A. I. , Kabin V. V. , Ilyukhin A. A. , Kologorov A. I. , Nikeshina N. N. , Noskova L. N. , Slavina A. M. , Yustratov V. B. , Toporkov V. P.
Published: December 2018

Retrospective epidemiological analysis as regards infectious and parasitic diseases in the Astrakhan Region was carried out using the methods of complex multi-dimensional data analysis - OLAP. It was elucidated that application of the OLAP cube technologies enabled to facilitate complex retrospective analysis of epidemiological data in the context of different groups of infectious and parasitic diseases. It became possible by means of automation of calculations and use of qualitatively new methods in formation of database profiles. Enterobiasis and acute enteric infections of unidentified etiology were shown to be the most significant in epidemiological and social relation among the enteric group diseases.
Epidemiologic Situation on Natural Focal and Zoonotic Infections in Privolhzskiy Federal District in 2000-2009 and the Prognosis for 2010
Authors: Kologorov A. I. , Dmitrieva L. N. , Shiyanova A. E. , Tarasov M. A. , Porshakov A. M. , Popov N. V. , Toporkov V. P. , Toporkov A. V. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: December 2018

The analysis of epidemiologic situation on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, tick borne borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis, leptospirosis, tularemia, brucellosis, anthrax, rabies in 2000-2009 in Privolhzskiy Federal District (PFD) was carried out. 94746 patients were registered in that period, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, tick borne borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis account for 96.5 % of them. The prognosis of epidemiologic situation of stated infections in PFD in 2010 was made.
Antirabies DNA Immunization
Authors: Tuchkov I. V. , Nikiforov A. K.
Published: December 2018

Cited are literary data related to the development of DNA vaccines against rabies virus. Research results regarding gene vaccination of different models of laboratory animals and different ways of vaccine introduction are presented. Possibility to potentiate immunogenicity of DNA vaccines using adjuvants and cytokines is considered. Ways of improving of polynucleotide vaccines are discussed.
Dynamics of Epizootic Activity and Abundance of Mongolian Pika in the Altai Mountain Natural Plague Focus
Authors: Korzun V. M. , Chipanin E. V. , Innokent'eva T. I. , Mikhailov E. P. , Denisov A. V.
Published: December 2018

Long-term dynamics of epizootic activity (1961-2009) and the abundance (1980-2009) of Mongolian pika - the main agent carrier - was traced in Altai mountain plague natural focus. Cyclic fluctuations of Mongolian pika abundance with near eight-year period are observed on the background of its long-term directional rise. Regular variations of focus epizootic activity are connected with the abundance cycles. The increase of epizootic activity occurs in the phase of Mongolian pika abundance rise. The peak of epizootic activity, estimated by the amount of cultures isolated, coincides with the animal's numbers peak or falls on the next year that is on the beginning of recession phase. The activity of the focus is minimal during depression of the pika's abundance and in the initial stage of its growth.
Incidence, psychosocial burden, and economic impact of genital warts in Mexico
Authors: Domenech-Viñolas Marta , León-Maldonado Leith , Ramírez-Palacios Paula , Flores Yvonne N , Granados-García Victor , Brown Brandon , Corona Edgar , Liu Stephanie , Lazcano-Ponce Eduardo , Salmerón Jorge
Published: December 2018

Objective. To estimate the burden of genital warts (GW) in Mexico. Materials and methods. We estimated the annual incidence of GW based on data reported by specialist physicians. We also assessed GW treatment practices, the average cost of treatment, and the psychosocial burden of GW among patients. Results. The annual incidence of GW in Mexico was estimated to be 547 200 cases. Treatment procedures vary by specialist and patient gender. The estimated annual cost was $195 million USD. The psychosocial impact of GW was slightly greater in males than females. Conclusions. This is the first evaluation of the burden of GW in Mexico. Our data suggest that GW are common, with significant health-related costs and psychosocial impact.
Apple Cultivar and Temperature at Cutting Affect Quality of Fresh Slices
Authors: Toivonen P.M.A. , Hampson C.R.
Published: December 2018

The response of four apple (Malus ×domestica) cultivars (Gala, Granny Smith, Ambrosia, and Aurora Golden Gala™) to fresh-cut processing at core temperatures of 1, 5, 13, and 20 °C was investigated. Fruit were cut after a 24-h preconditioning at one of the four temperatures and a commercial antibrowning formulation was applied as a 7% (w/v) dip before packaging the slices and storing them for 3 weeks at 5 °C. Fruit firmness generally decreased with increasing core temperature, except for Aurora Golden Gala™, which maintained similar firmness at all temperatures. Firmness varied among cultivars, but all except Granny Smith apples held at 13 and 20 °C, were at or above a minimum processing firmness standard of 14 lbf. Cut-edge browning of slices, in response to processing temperature, varied among the cultivars. In the extreme, ‘Granny Smith’ was the most responsive, showing the largest variance in surface lightness across the temperature range. ‘Ambrosia’ was the least responsive to temperature, showing no significant difference in L-value despite the temperature at which it was processed. ‘Gala’ and Aurora Golden Gala™ were intermediate in response. The visual quality rating for ‘Granny Smith’ at 3 weeks was poor for slices from all processing temperatures. ‘Ambrosia’ slices maintained acceptable quality ratings over the full test temperature range. ‘Gala’ slices had lower quality ratings when processed at warmer temperatures, whereas Aurora Golden Gala™ showed increased quality ratings with warmer processing temperatures. It was concluded that ‘Gala’ were best processed at low core temperatures, ‘Ambrosia’ could be processed at all tested temperatures, and Aurora Golden Gala™ produced better quality slices when fruit were are room temperature (20 °C) before slicing.
Estimation of Release Properties of Slow-release Fertilizer Materials
Authors: Medina L. Carolina , Sartain Jerry B. , Obreza Thomas A.
Published: December 2018

Slow-release fertilizers marketed to the public usually include a claim that nutrient release will last for a specific time period (e.g., 6, 9, or 12 months). However, no official laboratory method exists that can verify these claims. A long-term (180 days) incubation method has been developed that produces constants for an exponential model that characterizes nutrient release as a function of time. In addition, a relatively short-term (74 h) extraction method has been developed to assess nutrient release under accelerated laboratory conditions. Through regression techniques, release constants established for individual slow-release nutrient sources by the incubation method are used in conjunction with the laboratory extraction data to verify the release claims of slow-release fertilizers. Nutrient release for selected single materials has been predicted with greater than 90% accuracy in previous studies. Nutrient release from mixtures of slow-release products has been more variable. It is typical for water-soluble and slow-release fertilizers to be mixed in commercial products. Ultimately, it is intended that these methodologies will be accepted as an official method to verify nutrient release claims placed on slow-release fertilizers.
Plant Population, Transplant Size, and Variety Effect on Transplanted Short-day Onion Production
Authors: Boyhan George E. , Torrance Reid L. , Cook Jeff , Riner Cliff , Hill C. Randell
Published: December 2018

Onions (Allium cepa) produced in southeastern Georgia's Vidalia-growing region are primarily grown from on-farm–produced bareroot transplants, which are usually sown the end of September. These transplants are pulled midwinter (November–January) and are reset to their final spacing. This study was to evaluate transplant size and spacing effects on yield and quality of onions. Large transplants (260–280 g per 20 plants) generally produced the highest yield. Medium transplant size in the range of 130 to 150 g per 20 plants produced satisfactory yield while maintaining low numbers of seedstems (flowering) and doubled bulbs, which are undesirable characteristics. Smaller transplant size (40–60 g per 20 plants) have reduced yields and lower numbers of seedstems and double bulbs. Increasing plant population from 31,680 to 110,880 plants/acre can increase yield. In addition, plant populations of 110,880 plants/acre can increase yields compared with 63,360 plants/acre (industry standard), but only when environmental conditions favor low seedstem numbers. Seedstems can be high because of specific varieties, high plant population, or more importantly, in years with environmental conditions that are conducive to their formation. ‘Sweet Vidalia’ was the only variety that had consistently reduced quality and high numbers of seedstems. ‘Sweet Vidalia’ has a propensity for high seedstem numbers, which may have influenced results with this variety. A complete fertilization program that included 133 or 183 lb/acre nitrogen did not affect onion yield, regardless of variety or population density.
Comparison of Shank- and Drip-applied Methyl Bromide Alternatives in Perennial Crop Field Nurseries
Authors: Schneider S.M. , Hanson B.D. , Gerik J.S. , Shrestha A. , Trout T.J. , Gao S.
Published: December 2018

Methyl bromide has been used extensively in open-field perennial crop nurseries to ensure the production of plants that are free of soilborne pests and pathogens. California regulations require that nursery stock for farm planting be commercially clean with respect to economically important nematodes. Under the terms of the Montreal Protocol, the use of methyl bromide by developed countries was phased out 1 Jan. 2005. Although the perennial nursery industry in the United States largely continues to use methyl bromide under critical use exemptions and quarantine/preshipment criteria allowed under provisions of the Montreal Protocol, nursery growers need viable alternatives to this fumigant. Two fumigation trials in perennial crop field nurseries with sandy loam and clay loam soils, respectively, were conducted to compare the efficacy of fumigants applied through standard shank-injection equipment or as emulsifiable compounds applied through drip irrigation equipment. In the garden rose (Rosa multiflora) nursery trial, nematodes were detected at planting in the untreated control, no-tarpaulin 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin, and chloropicrin alone several months after treatment. Nematodes included root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) and stunt nematode (Tylenchorhynchus semipenetrans). At harvest 2 years later, root-knot nematode was detected in rose roots from untreated plots and plots treated with untarped 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin, metam sodium, and chloropicrin alone. In the nut tree (Prunus spp.) nursery field trial, shank-injected treatments typically provided better nematode control than the same chemicals applied via the drip lines, although weed control and marketable trees were similar among treatments.
Seed Germination of Huagaimu, a Critically Endangered Plant Endemic to Southeastern Yunnan, China
Authors: Zheng Yan-Ling , Sun Wei-Bang
Published: December 2018

As a critically endangered tree in the Magnoliaceae family, huagaimu (Manglietiastrum sinicum) is represented by only 10 mature individuals in evergreen broadleaved montane forests of southeastern Yunnan Province, China. Our previous work revealed the existence of a seed dormancy period for this species. The current study was performed to evaluate the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and moist chilling on breaking seed dormancy in this species. Germination of seeds pretreated for 24 h with gibberellic acid (GA3), α-naphthaleneacetic acid, 6-benzyladenine, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid indicated that only GA3, at concentrations of 300 and 500 mg·L−1, can significantly break the seed dormancy of huagaimu after 50 days of incubation, with about 66% germination under 500 mg·L−1 GA3. Moist chilling at 4 °C for 3 weeks can also effectively break the seed dormancy of the species, with 56% of seeds treated in this way germinating after 30 days of incubation. The combined treatments of PGRs followed by moist chilling were also conducted. Based on germination results after 30 days of incubation, the seed germination of combined treatments was significantly higher than that of PGR treatments. However, the seeds treated only with moist chilling presented the highest germination percentage among all the treatments.
Integrating Hoop House Construction and Operation into an Undergraduate General Education Horticulture Class
Authors: Hilaire Rolston St. , Sammis Theodore W. , Mexal John G.
Published: December 2018

We integrated the construction and operation of hoop houses into a general education course to provide students with basic agriculture skills such as basic agricultural construction, greenhouse crop production, and greenhouse environmental data collection, while immersing them in an experiential learning environment. Students in the class constructed three 12 × 15-ft hoop houses, installed an irrigation system and climate data acquisition system, and grew radish (Raphanus sativus ‘Cherry Belle’) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Black-Seeded Simpson’) within each hoop house. At the end of the exercise, 86% of students agreed that they knew the basic techniques of hoop house construction, and 89% agreed that they understood the practical application of building a hoop house. More instruction on calculating crop fertilizer requirements would benefit students because only 43% of students agreed or strongly agreed that they understood how to compute crop fertilizer requirements. Climate data demonstrated that air temperature within the unvented hoop houses exceeded the optimal growing temperature for lettuce and radish. We conclude that construction and operation of hoop houses provided practical agricultural skills in an experiential learning environment while revealing subject areas that warrant further instruction.
Competencies for a United States Horticulture Undergraduate Major: A National Delphi Study
Authors: Basinger Ashley R. , McKenney Cynthia B. , Auld Dick
Published: December 2018

A competency-based curriculum involves defining set knowledge, skills, and values for a particular education. Many technical undergraduate majors have developed a list of competencies for evaluation, assessment, and improvement of higher education curriculum. This national Delphi study is the first concise list of competencies described for a horticulture curriculum. A sample of horticulture educators within the United States (n = 22) were selected as experts in horticulture education and curriculum improvement through an e-mail requirement letter sent to university chairs. Information on age, teaching position, and bachelor's degree earned by panel member and department size was collected and it was determined these factors did not impact the panel members' decision on ranking competencies. The three-round Delphi study results provide a list of competencies considered to be important or not important in the general horticulture education field. The final compilation of competencies describes a total of 108 specific learning outcomes, with 41 horticulture technical competencies, 34 life science technical competencies, and 33 professional competencies. Overall, this competency skills list may be useful for future assessment and development of horticulture curricula.
Relative Resistance of Ornamental Flowering Bulbs to Feeding Damage by Voles
Authors: Curtis Paul D. , Curtis Gwen B. , Miller William B.
Published: December 2018

Many plants have mechanisms of physical or chemical resistance that protect them from herbivores in their environment. Vertebrates such as meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) cause significant damage to ornamental plantings and home gardens. Our goal was to identify flowering bulbs that could be used to design more herbivore-resistant home landscapes. Single-choice feeding trials with captive prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) were used to assess the relative resistance of 30 bulb varieties to deter rodents from consuming fresh plant material and freeze-dried, powdered bulb mixed with a preferred food (applesauce). Each fresh bulb and dried-bulb/applesauce mix was offered twice to 12 to 15 pairs of adult prairie voles. Bulb varieties that resulted in the lowest mean consumption were assumed to be the most resistant to feeding activity. With fresh bulbs, only tulips (Tulipa spp.) exhibited no resistance to prairie vole feeding. Dried-bulb/applesauce mixes containing hyacinth (Hyacinth spp.), crocus (Crocus spp.), corn leaf iris (Iris bucharica), dutch and dwarf iris (Iris reticulata), onion (Allium spp.), and squill (Scilla siberica) were also readily consumed, and thus, these bulbs could be damaged at sites with high rodent activity. Daffodil (Narcissus spp.), painted arum (Arum italicum), camass (Camassia leichtlinii), glory-of-the-snow (Chinodoxa forbesii), autumn crocus (Colchicum spp.), crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis), persian fritillaria (Fritillaria persica), snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), and grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) bulbs were resistant to prairie vole feeding in both forms (fresh bulbs and dried-bulb/applesauce mixes). Consequently, all of the specialty flower bulbs tested, except tulip, exhibited some resistance to prairie vole feeding in their fresh form, and could be suitable for designing herbivore-resistant landscapes.
Control of Fruit Rots of Processing Tomato Using Cover Crop Mulch and Tom-Cast
Authors: Wyenandt Christian A. , Rhodes Landon H. , Bennett Mark A. , Riedel Richard M.
Published: December 2018

The effects of three bed systems [conventional (bare soil), chemically killed, or mechanically killed winter rye (Secale cereale) + hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) cover crop mulch] and five fungicide programs (no fungicide, 7-day fungicide application program, and Tom-Cast-timed fungicide applications at 15, 18, or 25 disease severity values) on marketable yield and soil-borne fungal fruit rot development in processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production were studied. In 1997, marketable yield was higher in both cover crop systems compared with the conventional bed system. In 1997, percentage of anthracnose- (Colletotrichum coccodes) and ground rot-infected fruit (caused by Pythium spp. or Phytophthora spp.) were lower in both cover crop mulch systems compared with the conventional bed system. In 1998, marketable fruit yields were lower in both cover crop mulch systems compared with the conventional bed system. Percentage of anthracnose-infected fruit was lower in 1998 in the chemically killed cover crop mulch system compared with mechanically killed bed system. There were no differences in ground rot-infected fruit between bed systems in 1998. In 1998, percentage of total molded fruit in the chemically killed cover crop mulch system was reduced compared with the mechanically killed cover crop mulch system.
Combination of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Ethoxyquin to Control Superficial Scald of ‘Anjou’ Pears
Authors: Bai Jinhe , Yin Xinhua , Whitaker Bruce D. , Deschuytter Kristi , Chen Paul M.
Published: December 2018

Superficial scald of ‘Anjou’ pears (Pyrus communis) usually develops after cold storage of ≥3 months. Ethoxyquin has been used to control scald commercially. However, only a small amount of fruit can be treated within 7 days after harvest as recommended, and sometimes ethoxyquin causes phytotoxicity. Application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) showed excellent scald control potential, with rapid and mass treatment feasible. However, fruit may lose normal ripening ability at a dosage of 1-MCP as low as 30 nL·L−1, whereas a dosage of ≤20 nL·L−1 is not enough to control scald. In this investigation, ‘Anjou’ pears treated with 25 nL·L−1 1-MCP immediately after harvest were stored at −1 °C for up to 5 months. After 1, 7, 30, or 60 days of cold storage, part of the fruit were treated with 1000 μL·L−1 ethoxyquin and the remainder was left untreated as nonethoxyquin controls. The incidence of superficial scald, the concentrations of α-farnesene and its conjugated triene (CT) oxidation products, and the ripening ability of fruit were measured after 3-, 4-, and 5-month storages. All fruit ripened properly within 7 days of shelf life at 20 °C regardless of treatment. 1-MCP treatment at harvest or ethoxyquin alone applied within 7 days adequately controlled scald for only 3 months. By contrast, 1-MCP + ethoxyquin controlled scald for 5 months, regardless of when ethoxyquin was applied from 1 to 60 days after the start of cold storage. Thus, a combination of 25 nL·L−1 1-MCP, which is easily applied and does not influence ripening ability, and a delayed application (up to 60 days) of 1000 μL·L−1 ethoxyquin, which is a low dosage that does not cause phytotoxicity on fruit, controlled scald sufficiently. Scald is linked with accumulation of CT oxidation products of α-farnesene. 1-MCP and ethoxyquin inhibited accumulation of CT in fruit peel by different mechanisms. 1-MCP inhibited the production by reducing α-farnesene synthesis and the oxidation to CT, whereas ethoxyquin worked by inhibiting the latter.
Economic Analysis of Nitrogen Rate on Vine Production and Fruit Yield of Pruned Cranberry Beds
Authors: Sandler Hilary A. , DeMoranville Carolyn J.
Published: December 2018

Four nitrogen rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 lb/acre) and four spring pruning severities (none, low, medium, and high) were applied annually in all combinations at two commercial ‘Stevens’ cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) farms in southeastern Massachusetts for 4 years (consecutive). Because runners generated from pruning vines are used to establish new plantings, determining the vine weight generated from each treatment combination was an important criterion for the economic analysis; these data were collected each spring. Mean pruning weight across nitrogen treatments at both locations, collected from the low, medium, and high severity pruning treatments, was 0.17, 0.35, and 0.54 ton/acre, respectively. Economic analysis of the data indicated that nitrogen rate largely determined net income revenues; pruning severity did not significantly affect net income. Nitrogen rates of 100 and 150 lb/acre led to declines in fruit yield and ultimately, in net income. Annual removal of 0.5 ton of vines per acre while applying 50 lb/acre nitrogen did not negatively impact net income values over the 4-year study period. When deciding on horticultural management options for vine propagation, growers should consider the impact of their fertilizer program on fruit yield.
Pruning Landscape Palms
Authors: Downer A. James , Hodel Donald R. , Mochizuki Maren J.
Published: December 2018

Landscape palms (Arecaceae) are pruned (i.e., leaves removed) to avoid the hazard of falling fronds, to remove diseased or brown leaves, and, in some cases, to minimize growth by diminishing photosynthetic capacity. In studies at two California locations (Long Beach and Irvine), even complete leaf removal every 3 to 4 months for 18 to 21 months resulted in similar new leaf production by queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) or windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) compared with no pruning or “10 and 2” pruning (industry standard pruning referring to the palm canopy visually beginning at the 10 o'clock position and ending at the 2 o'clock position on a clock face). By contrast, complete leaf removal reduced the number of new leaves of california fan palm (Washingtonia filifera), young mexican fan palm [MFP (Washingtonia robusta)], and taller, more mature MFP by 30%, 23%, and 21% compared with no pruning and “10 and 2” pruning. Leaf petiole length, leaf blade length, leaf blade width, and total palm height were also reduced 19% to 43% after complete leaf pruning compared with no and “10 and 2” pruning of young and more mature MFP. Although “10 and 2” pruning did not reduce growth of any palms, pruning all but the four newest leaves reduced leaf petiole length by 21% for the taller MFP. An important consideration for palm disease control is that tools used for pruning may harbor pathogen inoculum. Flaming pruning saws with a propane torch for 10 s reduced total fungal colonies and palm pathogenic fungi recovered on a selective medium by 95%. Increasing our understanding of palm response to leaf removal and how to minimize unintended consequences of pruning, such as the spread of disease, is an important part of improving palm maintenance.
Horizontal String Blossom Thinner Reduces Labor Input and Increases Fruit Size in Peach Trees Trained to Open-center Systems
Authors: Baugher T. Auxt , Schupp J.R. , Lesser K.M. , Hess-Reichard K.
Published: December 2018

Hand thinning of fruit is among the most labor-intensive orchard practices and consequently contributes significantly to peach (Prunus persica) production costs. Research reported in 2008 on a string blossom thinner for vertical tree canopies demonstrated that this new mechanical method has potential to favorably impact grower profitability by reducing labor requirement and by improving fruit size and quality. A string thinner prototype for open-center tree canopies was tested in six orchards in 2008. Peach blossom removal in upper canopy regions ranged from 23% to 69% with the new string thinner oriented in a horizontal or inclined position to thin the tops of vase-shaped trees. Optimal thinning with the horizontal string thinner was with a 2.0 km·h−1 tractor speed, reducing peach crop load by an average of 47%, reducing follow-up hand thinning time 32%, and increasing fruit in higher market size categories 22% to 31%. Net economic impact (realized economic savings) of mechanical thinning at 2.0 km·h−1 versus hand thinning alone ranged from $799 to $911 per hectare. Total yield was sometimes reduced by string thinner treatments; however, high-market-value yields were comparable across treatments. Two combination treatments—mechanical thinning followed by hand blossom thinning and thinning with a horizontal followed by a vertical string thinner—suggested additional strategies for achieving the most desirable thinning results.
Combinations of Nitrogen Rates and Irrigation Programs for Tomato Production in Spodosols
Authors: Santos Bielinski M.
Published: December 2018

Two field studies were conducted to compare the effects of preplant nitrogen (N) rates and irrigation programs on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) growth and yields. Irrigation programs were seepage (subsurface) irrigation alone at a water volume of 28 acre-inches/acre per season and seepage plus drip irrigation at a volume of 28 and 14 acre-inches/acre per season, respectively. Preplant N fertilization rates were 200, 250, and 300 lb/acre, using ammonium nitrate as the N source. There were significant irrigation program by N rate interactions for nitrate (NO3−) petiole concentrations at 8 weeks after transplanting (WAT), and yield of extra-large fruit and total marketable fruit, but not for plant height at 5 and 7 WAT. The highest NO3-N petiole concentrations were found in plots treated with 200, 250, and 300 lb/acre for N and seepage plus drip irrigation, and with 300 lb/acre N under seepage irrigation alone. For the total marketable fruit weight, there were no differences among N rates in those plots irrigated with the seepage plus drip combination, ranging between 23.8 and 25.9 tons/acre. However, there was a significant N effect in plots receiving only seepage irrigation with marketable fruit weight almost doubling from 12.0 to 22.7 tons/acre when applying 200 and 300 lb/acre N, respectively. Both irrigation programs had equivalent performance when 300 lb/acre N were applied.
Radiofrequency Identification Tagging in Ornamental Shrubs: An Application in Rose
Authors: Luvisi Andrea , Panattoni Alessandra , Bandinelli Roberto , Rinaldelli Enrico , Pagano Mario , Gini Barbara , Manzoni Giorgio , Triolo Enrico
Published: December 2018

Plant tagging using radiofrequency identification (RFID) microchips is attractive for ornamental shrubs, such as rose (Rosa spp.), due to their high market value, wide distribution, health certification system, and numerous uses. Differently from other woody species for which methods of microchip implantation have been tested, rose tagging requires the possibility of insertion within canes of less than 10 mm diameter, such as those typically found in the rose nursery setting. Moreover, the possibility of tagging after grafting without changing common plant production procedures and aesthetic value are important considerations. Toward this aim, a new method of microchip insertion was developed. To test its effects on roses, two cultivars were subjected to a tagging procedure, and histological observations of tissues around the microchip and growth analysis of plant canes were performed. Microchip implantation did not cause xylem necrosis in 8- to 9-mm-diameter canes, but in lower diameter canes wilt of the lateral shoot and detriments in growth were observed compared with control plants. The tagged roses were tracked by a database developed for rose information, field log, and botanical sheet retrieval. Our findings suggest that rose plants can be safely tagged with a RFID microchip following suitable selection of cane calliper as early as the nursery phase without negative effects on plant appearance.
The role of the Sharia Supervisory Board and corporate governance mechanisms in enhancing Islamic performance – evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Nurkhin Ahmad , Rohman Abdul , Rofiq Ahmad , Mukhibad Hasan
Published: December 2018

This research aims to examine the correlation between the Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB) and corporate governance in terms of the performance of Islamic banks’ Profit-and-Loss Sharing (PLS) ratio, zakah performance and non-halal income ratio, and to analyze the relationship between risk and income for both PLS and murabahah financing and the PLS financing ratio. Non-halal income is a bank’s income that is not in accordance with Sharia law. The object of this research was a sample of eleven commercial Islamic banks in Indonesia. The data are collected from each bank’s annual report and corporate governance statement, for 2009–2016. This study uses the multiple regression analysis method. The results show that: The size and educational background of the SSB has a significant and positive effect on the zakah performance (Islamic tax), and has a negative effect on the ratio of non-halal income. The size and educational background of the SSB has no impact on the PLS financing ratio. Corporate governance has a significant and positive influence on the PLS financing ratio and zakah performance but has no influence on the non-halal income ratio. The mudharaba risk and PLS revenue have a positive impact on the PLS financing ratio. PLS financing risk and murabahah income have a negative impact on PLS financing ratio.
Action of Thioglycosides of 1,2,4-Triazoles and Imidazoles on the Oxidative Stress and Glycosidases in Mice with Molecular Docking
Authors: Balbaa Mahmoud , Awad Doaa , Elaal Ahmad Abd , Mahsoub Shimaa , Moharram Mayssaa , Sadek Omayma , Rezki Nadjet , Aouad Mohamed Reda , Badawy Mohamed El-Taher Ibrahim , El Ashry El Sayed Helmy
Published: December 2018

Background:

,2,3-Triazoles and imidazoles are important five-membered heterocyclic scaffolds due to their extensive biological activities. These products have been an area of growing interest to many researchers around the world because of their enormous pharmaceutical scope.

Methods:

The in vivo and in vitro enzyme inhibition of some thioglycosides encompassing 1,2,4- triazole N1, N2, and N3 and/or imidazole moieties N4, N5, and N6. The effect on the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) was investigated as well as their effect on α-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase. Molecular docking studies were carried out to investigate the mode of the binding interaction of the compounds with α- glucosidase and β -glucuronidase. In addition, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) investigation was applied to find out the correlation between toxicity and physicochemical properties.

Results:

The decrease of the antioxidant status was revealed by the in vivo effect of the tested compounds. Furthermore, the in vivo and in vitro inhibitory effects of the tested compounds were clearly pronounced on α-glucosidase, but not β-glucuronidase. The IC50 and Ki values revealed that the thioglycoside - based 1,2,4-triazole N3 possesses a high inhibitory action. In addition, the in vitro studies demonstrated that the whole tested 1,2,4-triazole are potent inhibitors with a Ki magnitude of 10-6 and exhibited a competitive type inhibition. On the other hand, the thioglycosides - based imidazole ring showed an antioxidant activity and exerted a slight in vivo stimulation of α-glucosidase and β- glucuronidase. Molecular docking proved that the compounds exhibited binding affinity with the active sites of α -glucosidase and β-glucuronidase (docking score ranged from -2.320 to -4.370 kcal/mol). Furthermore, QSAR study revealed that the HBD and RB were found to have an overall significant correlation with the toxicity.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that the inhibition of α-glucosidase is accompanied by an oxidative stress action.
Post Traumatic Diffuse Neurofibroma in the Foot: An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Nasser Ahmed Abdul Hadi , Al-Saad Sara , Awad Rashad Khamis , Alkhalifa Fahad
Published: December 2018

Background:

Neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors that present as solitary or multiple lesions. They can present alone or as part of the disease process called neurofibromatosis type 1. The etiology behind solitary neurofibromas is still poorly understood, however, trauma has been proposed to be a possible cause.

Methods:

We present a rare case of a 23-year-old male, without any known medical history, who fell and injured his left foot 3 years prior to presentation. He was treated conservatively at that time and presented to Bahrain Defence Force hospital complaining of a progressive painless swelling in his left forefoot post trauma.

Results:

The patient underwent imaging studies, which misdiagnosed the lesion as a possible lymphangioma, haemangioma, or a chronic inflammatory swelling. An excisional biopsy was taken, and the pathology specimen proved the lesion to be a diffuse neurofibroma.

Conclusion:

Trauma may possibly be a predisposing factor behind the development of solitary diffuse neurofibromas in patients that are not known to have neurofibromatosis. Further studies should be conducted to prove whether or not trauma is a predisposing factor for the development of solitary neurofibromas.
Economic evaluation of trifluridine and tipiracil hydrochloride in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in Greece
Authors: Gourzoulidis George , Maniadakis Nikos , Petrakis Dimitrios , Souglakos John , Pentheroudakis George , Kourlaba Georgia
Published: December 2018

Aim:
To evaluate the cost–effectiveness of trifluridine and tipiracil hydrochloride (FTD/TPI) compared with best supportive care (BSC) or regorafenib for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have been previously treated with or are not considered candidates for available therapies including fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapies, anti-VEGF agents and anti-EGFR agents in Greece.
Methods:
A partitioned survival model was locally adapted from a third-party payer perspective over a 10 year time horizon. Efficacy data and utility values were extracted from published studies. Resource consumption data were obtained from local experts using a questionnaire developed for the purpose of the study and was combined with unit costs obtained from official sources. All costs reflect the year 2017 in euros. Primary outcomes were patients’ life years (LYs), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), total costs and incremental cost–effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per QALY and LYs gained.
Results:
Total life time cost per patient for FTD/TPI, BSC and regorafenib was estimated to be €10,087, €1,879 and €10,850, respectively. In terms of health outcomes, FTD/TPI was associated with 0.25 and 0.11 increment in LYs compared with BSC and regorafenib, respectively. Furthermore, FTD/TPI was associated with 0.17, and 0.07 increment in QALYs compared with BSC and regorafenib, resulting in ICERs of €32,759 per LY gained and €49,326 per QALY gained versus BSC. Moreover, FTD/TPI was a dominant alternative over regorafenib.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that FTD/TPI may represent a cost-effective treatment option compared with other alternative therapies as a third-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in Greece.
Visitor profiling at the Museum of Human Evolution of Burgos (Spain)
Authors: Conforti María Eugenia , Chaparro Maria Gabriela , Degele Pamela , Díez Fernández Lomana Juan Carlos
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the first study ever conducted on the profile of visitors to the Museum of Human Evolution of Burgos (Spain), which exhibits the finds of the Atapuerca archaeo-paleontological sites. The research was guided by the principles of public communication of science and the methodology of the studies on museum visitors. The analysis reveals a positive perception; the Museum is associated with the sites and they are valued as cultural heritage. Complaints are very limited but useful to produce a set of recommendations to further improve the exhibition. In addition, the findings are placed in the context of similar research carried out at other museums in Spain.
Saudades ou aversão ao regime militar? Notas sobre a economia brasileira no período 1964- 1974
Authors: Dos Santos Ronan Soares , Das Almas Rondinaldo Silva
Published: December 2018

Neste artigo buscamos descrever as políticas adotadas durante o regime militar no Brasil e analisar suasconsequências para os trabalhadores e as classes de baixa renda. A justificativa para o artigo foi o recente clamor,por parte de muitos, por uma intervenção militar no Brasil. Muitos que apoiam a intervenção defendem quedurante o Regime Militar o Brasil era um país melhor: menos corrupção, menos violência e apresentava melhorresultado econômico. Nessa perspectiva, analisamos as políticas econômicas adotadas durante o regime militar(1964-1984) e concluímos que, apesar de resultar em crescimento econômico elevado principalmente entre osanos de 1968 a 1973, período chamado de milagre econômico, houve no Brasil uma enorme desvalorizaçãosalarial e agravamento da concentração de renda e aumento da desigualdade da estrutura agrária.