bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An enthusiasm for loess: Leonard Horner in Bonn and Liu Tungsheng in Beijing
Authors: Smalley Ian , B. Markovic Slobodan
Published: January 2019

Liu Tungsheng featured on the list of twelve notable loess investigators prepared for the great LoessFest meeting, held in Heidelberg and Bonn in 1999. He fully deserved his position on this list of eminent loess scholars; in fact it might be argued that his was the major contribution. His contribution was a true paradigm shift in the world of loess investigation.Obruchev and Richthofen had produced an earlier paradigm shift when they propagated the idea that loess deposits form by aeolian deposition- a paradigm shift away from the earlier Lyellian idea of lacustrine or fluvial deposition. But that was a fairly simple shift, a tweak of the sedimentological event structure. Liu, and his co-workers in China, produced a new vision, a new way of looking at loess, not so much a paradigm shift as a paradigm enlargement. Post-Liu the Quaternary era was a new land, a new place with a real chronology and a landscape of events and amazing happenings.

Liu related to the amazing. We propose that he played a role in promoting and maintaining an enthusiasm for loess. Loess science has become very precise and the scholars are respected for their exact and insightful observations; but Liu offered an extra dimension, we need to recognize the dimension of enthusiasm; the realization that loess is a remarkable material and the need to propagate that fact. And in recognising Liu as the major loess enthusiast of the 20th Century we should acknowledge Leonard Horner, the first loess enthusiast. Karl Caesar von Leonhard named loess and placed it in a scientific context; Charles Lyell took the idea of loess and spread the science world-wide, but it was Horner, in those few years at Bonn (1831-1833), who recognised loess for the marvellous material that it was and gave us permission to be enthusiastic. Liu followed determinedly in these footsteps; a great scholar, and a great enthusiast. Loess scholarship needs careful and precise investigation and reporting but it also needs a broad sweep of enthusiasm, an appreciation of loess for the extraordinary material that it is.
Investigations on densified beech wood for application as a swelling dowel in timber joints
Authors: Grönquist Philippe , Schnider Thomas , Thoma Andreas , Gramazio Fabio , Kohler Matthias , Burgert Ingo , Rüggeberg Markus
Published: January 2019

For robotic fabrication of wooden structures, the simple, quick and tight joining of elements can be solved using swelling hardwood dowels. This topic has been the focus of the present study, and the set-recovery capacity of densified wood (dW) as dowel material was investigated. European beech was compressed in the radial direction at 103°C and 10% moisture content (MC) to a compression ratio of 40%. Multiple swelling and shrinkage cycles were applied to measure swelling behavior, swelling pressure development and combined swelling and creep under compressive loading. It has been demonstrated that dW shows increased swelling and more persisting swelling pressures than native wood (nW). The set-recovery prevents significant contact-stress relaxation over multiple cycles of MC change. Application as a structural joining element for robotic fabrication was studied by shear lap joint tests on round double-dovetail swelling dowels.
Activation of glucose with Fenton’s reagent: chemical structures of activated products and their reaction efficacy toward cellulosic material
Authors: Guo Wenjun , Xiao Zefang , Tang Lian , Zhang Zhijun , Wang Yonggui , Lv Jianxiong , Militz Holger , Xie Yanjun
Published: January 2019

The release of harmful volatiles, such as formaldehyde, is a major issue of the chemical modification of wood that limits the utilization of the modified wood in indoor environment. In this study, glucose (Glc) was activated with Fenton’s reagent under various conditions and the chemical structure of the activated Glc was characterized. Also, the reactivity of the activated Glc toward filter paper as a wood model was evaluated. The results show that the H2O2 concentration controlled the activation ratio of Glc. Additionally, the Fe(II) concentration and activation temperature determined mainly the oxidation reaction rate. The Fenton reaction in an acidic solution resulted in higher activation efficacy of Glc and better fixation in the filter paper, compared to the reaction in an alkaline solution. The Glc cannot be fixed in the filter paper, but the activated Glc exhibited a fixation ratio of up to 48.2% due to the formation of carboxyl and aldehyde groups, as evidenced by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was demonstrated that activation of Glc with the Fenton’s reagent is a feasible and eco-friendly approach and the activated products have a high potential for wood modification.
π-Excess-aromatic and non-aromatic 1,3-azaphospholes – impact of annulation and multiple reactivity
Authors: Heinicke Joachim W.
Published: January 2019

Syntheses, properties, structure aspects and reactivity of non- and aromatically carbo- and heterocyclic annulated 1H- and 3H-1,3-azaphospholes are compared to illuminate the impact of annulation, substituent effects, aromatic stabilization and π-excess at phosphorus of the 1H-isomers, to demonstrate the current knowledge and open questions in this field of research.
Quantifying the global solar radiation received in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal to motivate the consumption of solar technologies
Authors: Govindasamy Tamara Rosemary , Chetty Naven
Published: January 2019

In South Africa, power outages and scheduled load shedding are common practices in a bid to safeguard power resources. With the increase in cost of conventional energy sources, and the depletion of fossil fuels, attempts to use renewable resources to their full potential are underway. South Africa and in particular Pietermaritzburg receives sunshine throughout the year, making it suitable for harnessing solar power. In this work we estimate the amount of Global Solar Radiation (GSR) received in Pietermaritzburg which is the capital of the KwaZulu-Natal province. An air temperature model (Hargreaves-Samani) is used to approximate the GSR received in Bisley in comparison to measured data obtained from the ARC, for a period of one calendar year (July 2014 – June 2015). We proceed to apply the Angstrom-Prescott model to evaluate the competence of the initial prediction method. The primary aim of this study is to validate the efficiency and accuracy of the above-mentioned forecasting models, for areas within close proximity. Our results compare fairly well with the observed data provided by the ARC. Both models prove to sufficiently estimate the amount of GSR incident in Bisley. The deviations from the actual measured values suggest that a model which incorporates both variables may improve the accuracy of GSR estimations. The use of comprehensive prediction and forecasting models will allow for optimal placement of solar technologies for the harnessing of GSR within Pietermaritzburg. Though Pietermaritzburg may not be suitable for large scale solar power plants, the employment of solar panels in both industrial and residential areas will contribute greatly to a decrease in demand of grid electricity.
Depiction and analysis of a modified theta shaped double negative metamaterial for satellite application
Authors: Alam Md. Jubaer , Iqbal Faruque Mohammad Rashed , Allen Taya , Abdullah Sabirin , Tariqul Islam Mohammad , Abdul Maulud Khairul Nizam , Ahamed Eistiak
Published: January 2019

In this article, a modified Theta shaped, compact double negative metamaterial structure is designed and presented for satellite communication. Two oppositely faced E-shaped resonators are connected with the substantial Theta to complete the structure. A low profile dielectric substrate FR-4 is used to design the 9 × 9 mm2 unit cell which has a succinct structure where the attainment of the resonator is explored both integrally and experimentally. The proposed metamaterial has a transmission coefficient of 13 GHz (bandwidth) with a 500 MHz band gap at the middle. A correlation is made between the basic unit-cell and array structures, and a comparison is shown among 1 × 2, 2 × 2, and 4 × 4 array structures with 1 × 2, 2 × 2, and 4 × 4 unit-cell configurations to validate the performance of the proposed metamaterial. It has also been observed by the Nicolson–Ross–Weir approach at the resonating frequencies. The effective electromagnetic parameters retrieved from the simulation of the S-parameters imply that the metamaterial structure shows negative refraction bands. The structure shows negative permittivity at 2.60 to 5.16 GHz, 6.63 to 9.31 GHz and 13.03 to 16.18 GHz and negative permeability at 7.74 to 13.07 GHz and 13.88 to 16.55 GHz, respectively. It exhibits double-negative phenomena at X and Ku bands with a frequency range of about 1.17 GHz (8.14 – 9.31 GHz) and 1.42 GHz (13.80 – 15.22 GHz), respectively. Having an auspicious design and wide range double negative characteristics, this structure can be applied to satellite communication.
A note on the transmission feasibility problem in networks
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Yunqing , Chen Yaojun
Published: January 2019

In the networking designing phase, the network needs to be built according to certain indicators to ensure that the network has the ideal functions and can work smoothly. From a modeling perspective, each site in the network is represented by a vertex, channels between sites are represented by edges, and thus the entire network can be denoted as a graph. Problems in the network can be transformed into corresponding graph problems. In particular, the feasibility of data transmission can be transformed into the existence of fractional factors in network graph. This note gives an independent set neighborhood union condition for the existence of fractional factors in a special setting, and shows that the neighborhood union condition is sharp.
Computer-based techniques for lead identification and optimization I: Basics
Authors: Maruca Annalisa , Ambrosio Francesca Alessandra , Lupia Antonio , Romeo Isabella , Rocca Roberta , Moraca Federica , Talarico Carmine , Bagetta Donatella , Catalano Raffaella , Costa Giosuè , Artese Anna , Alcaro Stefano
Published: January 2019

This chapter focuses on computational techniques for identifying and optimizing lead molecules, with a special emphasis on natural compounds. A number of case studies have been specifically discussed, such as the case of the naphthyridine scaffold, discovered through a structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) and proposed as the starting point for further lead optimization process, to enhance its telomeric RNA selectivity. Another example is the case of Liphagal, a tetracyclic meroterpenoid extracted fromAka coralliphaga, known as PI3Kα inhibitor, provide an evidence for the design of new active congeners against PI3Kα using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. These are only two of the numerous examples of the computational techniques’ powerful in drug design and drug discovery fields. Finally, the design of drugs that can simultaneously interact with multiple targets as a promising approach for treating complicated diseases has been reported. An example of polypharmacological agents are the compounds extracted from mushrooms identified by means of molecular docking experiments. This chapter may be a useful manual of molecular modeling techniques used in the lead-optimization and lead identification processes.
The Effect of Dilution Air Jets on Aero-Engine Combustor Performance
Authors: Xiao Yinli , Cao Zhibo , Wang Changwu
Published: January 2019

In aero-engine combustor, the primary and secondary dilution air jets play a vital role to achieve efficient combustion and provide a satisfactory temperature profile at the combustor exit. In the current research, seven kinds of three-dome combustor sector associated with different dilution holes arrangements are simulated using Flamelet model. The influences of location, number and diameter of dilution air holes on flow field and performance of combustor are analysed in detail. The results demonstrate that the variation of airflow distribution, while keeping the total admission area constant, impact the combustion efficiency and pattern profile considerably, yet has insignificant effect on the total pressure coefficient. The maximum combustion efficiency and minimum pattern factor can be achieved simultaneously with deliberate dilution jet holes arrangement.
Experimental Study of High Axial Damping Rubber (HADR) in New Viscoelastic Dampers
Authors: Modhej Ahmad , Zahrai Seyed Mehdi
Published: January 2019

In the last few years, dampers with viscoelastic material as passive energy dissipation devices have been considered, with their dual behavior, in the modern methods of seismic performance-based design. In these new dampers, energy dissipation of viscoelastic material, unlike ordinary viscoelastic dampers obtained by shear strain, is provided by amplified axial strain. Hence, the production of a High Axial Damping Rubber (HADR) is required in these dampers. This article presents the results of experimental work carried out to characterize the mechanical response of a HADR to be used in the design and construction of new viscoelastic dampers for controlling strong vibrations in civil engineering structures. The experimental results showed that the HADR behavior is better than that of styrene butadiene rubber, leading to improved mechanical properties in the range of standard rubber. The hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, compressive strength, and rate of resilience of this rubber are obtained as, respectively, 60 durometer (shore A), 16.56 MPa, 519 %, 1,730 kPa, and 50 %. Finally, the uniaxial tension and compression data of HADR for its modeling in the finite element program are discussed.
Do Squat Exercises With Weight Shift During Pregnancy Improve Postural Control?
Authors: Takeda Kaname , Yoshikata Hiromi , Imura Masumi
Published: January 2019

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of squat exercises with weight shift on muscle strength and postural control during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The squat group comprised 21 pregnant women in their 20s and 30s with no exercise habits while the control group consisted of 20 randomly selected pregnant women in their 20s and 30s with no exercise habits. The squat group was instructed to perform two sets of daily squat exercises with weight shift in the anterior, posterior, right, and left directions, with 10 repetitions counted as one set, for 10 weeks. The stabilometer was used to measure postural control ability in the second and third trimesters. Meanwhile, muscular strength was taken as the toe grip force and quadriceps muscle strength before and after the intervention. Results: In the squat group, significant increases were observed in the index of postural stability and the stability area. Conversely, however, significant decreases were detected in the average rectangular area. In addition, in the intervention group, significant declines were observed in the rectangular area in the posterior, right, and left directions. However, a considerable increase in muscular strength was only seen after the intervention in toe grip force. Conclusions: Based on the results, it was concluded that everyday squat exercises which were performed during pregnancy improved postural control. The improvement of postural control during squat movements was thought to have a greater impact on plantar sensation than on muscle strength. These findings suggest that squat exercises with weight shift may promote fall prevention.
Even in Vitamin D Deficiency 1, 25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Level Is Normal in Pregnant Women
Authors: Ozsari Levent , Kumru Pinar , Ipcioglu Osman , Ozkoral Ayşen , Gun Ismet , Cagiltay Eylem , Yonem Arif , Kemal Akpak Yasam
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is a controversial issue in pregnant women. The 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 level is higher in pregnant than non-pregnant women. This study aimed to investigate the 1,25 di-hydroxyvitamin D3 status in vitamin D deficient pregnant women at the first trimester. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted during December 2011 and April 2012 in 2 hospitals of Istanbul, Turkey. Pregnant women who attended for the regular examination on the 12th gestational week were randomly assigned. They were divided into 2 groups including vitamin D deficient (vitamin D <30 ng/mL) and vitamin D optimal (vitamin D ≥30 ng/mL). Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3, fibroblast growth factor 23, calcium, phosphate, urinary calcium, and urinary phosphorus levels were measured. Results: After exclusion of fourteen pregnant women due to inconvenient serum samples, the mean serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 level of one hundred sixty outpatient pregnant women was 10.8 ± 16.2 ng/mL. Totally, 132 (85.0%) of these women were vitamin D deficient (25 hy-droxyvitamin D3 level less than 30 ng/mL). Serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 and urinary calcium levels were higher in vitamin D deficient than vitamin D optimal group. Conclusions: Even under severe vitamin D deficiency, the 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 level was high in pregnant women. Active vitamin D status was not compatible with the 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 level in vitamin D deficient pregnant women at the first trimester
Clinical Characteristics and Mortality of Obstetric Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Intensive Care Unit in the Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Alves Barbosa Orivaldo , de Lima Rafhaela Monteiro , Aguiar Renata Caetano , Viana Mariana Gabriella Correia
Published: January 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the determinants of hospitalization and death in an intensive care unit (ICU) between pregnant and postpartum women. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative and retrospective documentary research performed at Dr. César Cals Hospital. Data was collected through the analysis of charts obtained from puerperal or pregnant women admitted to the ICU. Results: Regarding the type of delivery, 41 (73.2%) women had a cesarean section (CS) and, considering the outcome, the majority of the patients (51%) were discharged from the hospi-tal. Comparing the admission diagnosis and the outcome, it was revealed that many patients presented more than one diagnosis at the admission, the highest rate of which was the hyper-tensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and complications comprising of 23 (38.3%) patients out of which 4 of them died. Sepsis was the second cause of hospitalization including 17 (28.3%) patients. In addition, 11 (18.3%) patients had hemorrhaged. Moreover, there were 2 death reports related to fulminant hepatitis. Conclusions: It is expected that the results of the present study contribute to the extension of the professionals’ knowledge on the subject, collaborating to prevent hospitalization and death of these patients.
The Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire
Authors: Fathnezhad Kazemi Azita , Hajian Sepideh , Sharifi Nasibeh
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Evidence indicates that regular physical activity has positive effects on the mother’s health and outcomes of pregnancy. The measurement of physical activity during pregnancy is required for planning and developing health-related interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional methodological study was conducted with a sample of 200 pregnant women living in Tabriz. Women with low-risk singleton pregnancies in the age range of 20-40 years were included in the study. Sampling was carried out using a multistage sampling method in healthcare centers. Exploratory factor analysis (principal component analysis with varimax rotation), multivariate analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used for data analysis. Reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire were assessed using a test-retest method with a 2-week interval and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, respectively. Results: A five-factor model was developed: ‘vulnerable people’, ‘activities related to work’, ‘home’, ‘sports’ and ‘activities related to leisure time’. They accounted for 43.32% of the observed variance. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the entire instrument and domains were 0.879 and 0.83-0.93, respectively. The Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was equal to 0.857 (CI95% = 0.75-0.93) indicating proper stability of the questionnaire over time. Conclusions: The Persian version of the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for examining the risk of physical activities among Iranian pregnant women.
Prophylactic Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Hemorrhage During and After the Cesarean Section
Authors: Milani Forozan , Haryalchi Katayoun , Sharami Seyedeh Hajar , Atrkarroshan Zahra , Farzadi Sara
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Recent guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated administering tranexamic acid (TXA) in order to treat postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Therefore, finding low-cost and low-risk alternative methods to control obstetric hemorrhage is of great importance. The present study aimed to evaluate the prophylactic effect of TXA on hemorrhage during and after the cesarean section (CS). In addition, it was attempted to explore the impact of TXA as a safe and inexpensive method for decreasing bleeding during and after CS so that to decrease the hazard of blood transfusion or hysterectomy in these patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind control trial was performed on 60 women who underwent CS using spinal anesthesia. These women were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received 1 g of TXA 15 minutes before the incision while the control group received dextrose 5% in water as a placebo. The amount of bleeding was measured during and after the surgery. Data were entered into SPSS software version 21 and reported by descriptive statistics and analyzed using chi-square, t test, Mann-Whitney U test, paired t test, and ANCOVA and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Based on the results, no significant difference was found between the groups regarding the mean age, mean gestational age, and the prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (P > 0.05). The mean of the total bleeding volume was 551.8 and 713.1 mL for experimental and control groups, respectively which means that a significant difference was observed between both groups in this respect (P = 0.006). However, no significant difference was noted between the groups regarding changes in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), and heart rate. Conclusions: Generally, administering 1 mg of TXA in CS significantly reduced the volume of PPH. However, it did not cause significant changes in hemodynamic state or Hb level. Therefore, it can be recommended as an appropriate treatment for these patients.
Investigating the Role of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Apium graveolens and Cinnamon zeylanicum on Metabolically Change and Ovarian Oxidative Injury in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Khodaeifar Fariba , Bagher Fazljou Seyyed Mohammad , Khaki Arash , Torbati Mohammadali , Olad Saheb Madarek Elahe , Khaki Amir Afshin , Shokoohi Majid , Dalili Amir Hossein
Published: January 2019

Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the role of the hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens and Cinnamon zeylanicum on metabolically change and ovarian oxidative injury in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and Methods: In this experimental research, 64 female Wistar rats with breeding were used including the following groups (G): (I) G1: healthy control; (II) G2: PCOS which received no therapy; (III) G3: PCOS + A. graveolens; (IV) G4: A. graveolens; (V) G5: PCOS + C. zeylanicum; (VI) G6: no PCOS + C. zeylanicum; (VII) G7: PCOS + C. zeylanicum and A. graveolens; and (VIII) G8: C. zeylanicum and A. graveolens. The PCOS was induced by a single dose of the intramuscularly injected estradiol valerate (16 mg/ kg). After 14 days, the animals were anesthetized, then their plasma samples were used to check the blood sugar (BS), insulin, and lipid profile. The ovaries of the rats were removed and fixed for histopathological assessment. In addition, the oxidative stress marker in ovarian tissue was evaluated. Results: The levels of BS, insulin, and lipid profile in plasma significantly enhanced in G2 (P < 0.05) while decreasing significantly in the therapy groups, (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant decline was observed in the serum level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in G2 (P < 0.05) while it enhanced significantly in the therapeutic animals (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a negative change was found in the PCOS group on the ovarian tissue. Besides the oxidative stress enhanced in this tissue while in the treated groups this change was improved. Conclusions: Generally, it was revealed that the extract of A. graveolens and C. zeylanicum had a useful impact on regulating the serum levels of fast blood sugar (FBS), insulin, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers in the palliation of the PCOS complications.
Quality of Life Specified for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and its Relationship With Nutritional Attitude and Behavior
Authors: Yavarikia Parisa , Dousti Sara , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Mobasseri Majid , Farshbaf-Khalili Azizeh
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that can lead to hirsutism, menstrual disorders, obesity, acne, and sometimes abortion and infertility. Considering the effect of PCOS-induced obesity on quality of life, the present study was aimed to evaluate the quality of life specified for polycystic ovary syndrome and its relationship with nutritional attitude and behavior. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 150 PCOS cases through convenience sampling in educational hospitals of Tabriz, Iran, in 2015. The used tools included socio-demographic questionnaire, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Questionnaire (PCOSQ), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18: uncontrolled eating (UE), cognitive restraint (CR), and emotional eating (EE)), and a questionnaire of eating attitudes (Eat-26: including food preoccupation, dieting, and oral control). The relationship between the quality of life and nutritional attitudes and behaviors was evaluated by Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analysis. In this study, P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: A mean quality of life score of 16.58±4.18 was obtained out of 0-35. Nutritional behavior averaged 42.28±19.63 out of a min-max range of 18 to 72. Mean nutritional attitude score was 24.64±12.55 out of 0-78. A significantly inverse relationship was observed between the quality of life and nutritional attitude (P<0.001, r=-0.317), as well as nutritional behavior (P=0.015, r=-0.198) in participants. In other words, the quality of life scores increased when nutritional attitude and behavior (positive attitude and behavior) decreased. Multivariate regression analysis showed that EE, dieting, and history of pregnancy were predictive variables affected the quality of life. Conclusions: There was a relationship between nutritional attitude and behavior and quality of life specified for polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to nutritional and other predictors through better health planning for these women.
Influencia de dos bioestimulantes en el comportamiento agrícola del cultivo del tabaco (Nicotiana tabacum l.)
Authors: Calero-Hurtado Alexander , Quintero-Rodríguez Elieni , Olivera-Viciedo Dilier , Peña-Calzada Kolima , Pérez-Díaz Yanery
Published: January 2019

Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de dos bioestimulantes en el comportamiento agrícola del cultivo del tabaco negro `Sancti Spíritus 2006´. El experimento se desarrolló en la Cooperativa de Créditos y Servicios “Sindulfo García”, Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, de octubre a diciembre de 2015. Se evaluaron los siguientes tratamientos, control, inoculación y aplicación foliar de microrganismos eficientes (ME-50) a 100 mg L-1, aplicación foliar de Biobras-16® a 0,05 mg L-1 y la combinación de ambos. Las principales observaciones correspondieron a las siguientes variables morfoagronómicas: distancia entre nudos (cm), largo y ancho de las hojas centrales (cm), altura de las plantas (cm) y el número de hojas por planta. Los resultados mostraron que la aplicación de los bioestimulantes ME-50, Biobras-16®, así como su combinación incrementaron las variables morfológicas en la variedad de tabaco negro `Sancti Spíritus 2006´. Los mayores resultados fueron logrados con la aplicación combinada de los dos bioestimulantes porque incrementaron en todas las observaciones, la distancia entre nudos, la longitud y ancho de las hojas centrales, la altura de las plantas y aumentaron en 35,51 % el número de hojas por planta a los 64 días después del trasplante en relación al tratamiento control.
Identification of forced degradation products of lacosamide by LC-QQLIT-MS and LC-IT/TOF-MS
Authors: Zhou Na , Li Tao , Ai Lianfeng , Guo Chunhai , Zhang Juan , Fu Shan , Wang Qiao
Published: January 2019

Lacosamide, a new type of antiepileptic drug, was subjected to forced degradation under the conditions of hydrolysis (acidic and alkaline), oxidation, dry heat, and photolysis to characterize its possible degradation products. The drug showed significant degradation under acidic, alkaline and oxidative conditions. The degradation products were separated on an Agilent Zorbax SB-C18 column with gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and ammonium acetate (0.002 mol/L) with formic acid as additive. A combination of liquid chromatography hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC–QqLIT-MS) and liquid chromatography hybrid ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-IT/TOF-MS) was used to identify degradation products. A total of 7 products including 4 novel degradation products were characterized. The mechanisms of degradation products of lacosamide were discussed. Application of the method to study degradation products of lacosamide provided fragment information, allowing further investigation of the degradation pathways and intrinsic stability of the drug.
Solid phase microextraction techniques used for gas chromatography: a review
Authors: Dugheri Stefano , Mucci Nicola , Bonari Alessandro , Marrubini Giorgio , Cappelli Giovanni , Ubiali Daniela , Campagna Marcello , Montalti Manfredi , Arcangeli Giulio
Published: January 2019

In the last decade, the development and adoption of greener and sustainable microextraction techniques have been proved to be an effective alternative to classical sample preparation procedures. In this review, 10 commercially available solid-phase microextraction systems are presented, with special attention to the appraisal of their analytical, bioanalytical, and environmental engineering. This review provides an overview of the challenges and achievements in the application of fully automated miniaturized sample preparation methods in analytical laboratories. Both theoretical and practical aspects of these environment-friendly preparation approaches are discussed. The application of chemometrics in method development is also discussed. We are convinced that green analytical chemistry will be really useful in the years ahead. The application of cheap, fast, automated, “clever”, and environmentally safe procedures to environmental, clinical, and food analysis will improve significantly the quality of the analytical data.
PELUANG PENERAPAN KONSEP BLUE ECONOMY PADA USAHA PERIKANAN DI KABUPATEN LOMBOK TIMUR
Authors: Zamroni Achmad , Nurlaili Nurlaili , Witomo Cornelia Mirwantini
Published: January 2019

Tantangan pengembangan ekonomi biru di Lombok adalah menurunnya habitat terutama rumput laut, terumbu karang dan bakau, karena tingginya tekanan ekonomi yang menyebabkan orang terlibat dalam eksploitasi sumber daya  perikanan. Tujuan riset adalah mereview penerapan konsep “Ekonomi Biru” pada usaha perikanan budidaya  di Kabupaten Lombok Timur. Data dan informasi dikumpulkan melalui penelusuran dokumen, laporan riset dan publikasi ilmiah terkait topik kajian. Dokumen-dokumen tersebut dianalisis secara konten (content analysis) dan direview dari aspek sosial dan ekonomi yang dijelaskan secara kualitatif. Hasil review menunjukkan bahwa 6 (enam) usaha perikanan dapat memberikan efek berganda yaitu budidaya  lobster, budi daya  rumput laut, pengolahan kepiting, pengolahan limbah kepala ikan, dan tambak garam mempunyai peluang menciptakan efek berganda, artinya keenam usaha tersebut dapat menciptakan alternatif mata pencaharian yang bisa berdampak pada peningkatan ekonomi rumah tangga. Title: Prospects of the Implementation of Blue Economy Concept on An opportunity Fisheries Bussiness in East Lombok DistrictThe challenge of developing a blue economy in Lombok is the decline of habitats, especially seaweed, coral reefs and mangroves, due to the high economic pressure that causes people to be involved in exploitation of fisheries resources. The aim of the research is to review the application of the concept of “Blue Economy” in aquaculture businesses in East Lombok District. Data and information were collected through documents investigation, research reports and scientific publications related to the topic of the study. These documents were analyzed using content analysis and reviewed from the social and economic aspects qualitatively described. The result shows that the review indicates that 6 (six) fisheries businesses can provide multiple effects namely lobster aquaculture, seaweed farming, crab processing, fish head waste treatment, and salt farming have the opportunity to create multiple effects, meaning that the six businesses can create alternative livelihoods that can has an impact on improving the household economy.
Occupational health and safety practices among contractors in Malawi: a generic overview
Authors: Simukonda Wakisa
Published: January 2019

The construction industry accounts for a high percentage of occupational accidents, leading to violation of workers’ human dignity and labour rights. The situation is critical in developing countries owing to occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions being in their infancy and inadequacy in systematic implementation of OHS programmes. This study was concerned with obtaining a generic overview of implementation of selected OHS practices by construction companies in Malawi in order to identify underlying motivations for their implementation or non-implementation and determine OHS management techniques for improvement. A questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using a combination of frequency distribution and categorisation of OHS implementation levels. The results revealed inadequacies in the provision of OHS facilitation services and training practices on construction sites and to construction workers, respectively. Further, the findings revealed workers’ negativity towards OHS practices and reporting of construction accidents to insurance companies despite a legal mandate to notify the OHS directorate. The study supports the notion that developing countries are poor at establishing and implementing OHS legislation and programmes. If properly utilised, the study may guide interventions for improving OHS management at company and national levels.
The Information in Interest Coverage Ratios of the US Nonfinancial Corporate Sector
Authors: Palomino Francisco , Perez-Orive Ander , Paolillo Stephen , Sanz-Maldonado Gerardo
Published: January 2019

Using firm-level data, we find significant variability in interest coverage ratios--across firms and economic sectors and across time--that suggests that critical ICR levels depend on firm- or sector-specific economic conditions.
Rastros de navegação deixados pelos leitores do principal ciberjornal do Mato Grosso do Sul: análise de dez anos do Campo Grande News
Authors: Reino Lucas Santiago Arraes , Bueno Thaísa Cristina
Published: January 2019

Este artigo se propõe discutir o papel das métricas de navegação, deixadas pelo internauta nos sites de notícia no entendimento da audiência, e como tais rastros impactam o ciberjornalismo, com base nos dados obtidos durante os dez anos de atuação do principal portal de notícias de Mato Grosso do Sul, o Campo Grande News. O levantamento selecionou para descrição e análise pontos que foram, didaticamente, divididos em dois enquadramentos: dados de perfil, com rastros de informações que indicam quem é a audiência (idade, localização etc.) e as preferências de conteúdo (editorias), bem como o caminho que o internauta fez para chegar à página; e dados técnicos, com rastros que debatem sobre qual tipo de suporte é mais usual para acessar a página, os sistemas operacionais e navegadores. Esses dois nortes de investigação permitem entender quem é a audiência nesses dez anos de existência do ciberjornal e o seu modo de navegação, bem como apreender de que forma os dispositivos influenciam no consumo.
Circulação discursiva: desafios metodológicos para compreender as interações entre jornais e leitores
Authors: Borelli Viviane , Dias Marlon Santa Maria
Published: January 2019

Reflete-se sobre os desafios metodológicos enfrentados no desenvolvimento de pesquisa sobre os processos interacionais entre jornais do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil) e seus leitores em ambientes digitais diante da emergência da circulação. Descreve-se o percurso e reflete-se sobre avanços e limitações desse tipo de pesquisa qualitativa. Compreende-se que o principal desafio é dar conta da produção discursiva que perpassa as complexas relações entre mídia e leitores dispersos nos ambientes digitais.
Second-Chance Alternatives and Maintained Inequality in Access to Higher Education in Israel
Authors: Bar-Haim Eyal , Blank Carmel
Published: January 2019

Students are expected to obtain a matriculation diploma during their high school years. Throughout the world, it is considered as a precondition to gaining access to higher education. However, those who failed to meet this criterion can employ, in some cases, “second-chance” alternatives—either to obtain a diploma at an older age, or to enter specific academic programs that do not require one. The literature on second-chance alternatives tends to concentrate on these programs’ evaluation. It rarely addresses the overall effect of these programs on inequality of educational opportunities (IEO). The current study focuses on Israelis who failed to gain a matriculation diploma at their high school graduation and contemplate on the effects that ethnic differences between them play on their chances to enter higher education. Based on a new Panel survey (2012–2016), we found that Israelis from affluent ethnic backgrounds were able to increase their chances to access higher education using “second-chance alternatives”. Those from minority groups, most notably Arabs, were less likely to benefit from these alternatives. While originally aimed at improving higher education enrolment for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, these “second-chance alternatives” resulted in an increase of ethnic-based IEO. Considering the lower rates of Israelis who utilise them, we deduct that these programs “failed” to accomplish their original purpose. However, we argue that they merit further research since their understanding can benefit researchers and policy makers.
Expanding Access to Higher Education and Its (Limited) Consequences for Social Inclusion: The Brazilian Experience
Authors: Balbachevsky Elizabeth , Sampaio Helena , De Andrade Cibele Yahn
Published: January 2019

This article adopts an historical institutionalism perspective (Pierson, 2011; Pierson & Skocpol, 2002; Thelen, 2014). Its main goal is to understand the lasting dynamics and path dependency processes that constrain the impact of expanding access to higher education (HE) in changing the pattern of social inequalities in a given country. To do this, the article will explore two different aspects of the impact of education on social inclusion: the dynamics associated with production and distribution of portable skills and competences, and the dynamics associated with social stratification. The study follows the experience of Brazilian HE over the last 15 years. In this period, the country experienced a rapid expansion, coming from a total undergraduate enrolment of 2.7 million in 2000 up to nine million in 2016. Nevertheless, the design of this expansion assumed a very conservative pattern. Following a well-ingrained domestic pattern, most of this expansion was absorbed by the country’s huge demand-driven private sector, and into less than half a dozen very traditional types of bachelor programs. Thus, the article argues that by failing to diversify, and by preserving old institutional hierarchies, expanding access to HE in Brazil has rendered less impact than one would expect on the country’s social inequalities.
Literaturas pós-coloniais em línguas românicas: o porquê deste número temático
Authors: Vasile Iolanda
Published: January 2019

Esta é a introdução do número temático homónimo.
O futebol-arte brasileiro: uma tradição continuamente reinventada e contestada
Authors: César Nathaly Barbieri Marcondes , Marques José Carlos
Published: January 2019

O futebol brasileiro, desde a primeira metade do Século XX, tem sido comumente associado a uma prática em que predominariam as noções de magia, habilidade, fantasia e espetáculo, muito em função da valorização das individualidades e da capacidade de driblar de nossos atletas. Se, por um lado, há uma legitimação – especialmente pelo discurso midiático – de que o futebol brasileiro é caracterizado por meio do futebol-arte, alguns estudos acadêmicos das últimas duas décadas no Brasil, por outro lado, problematizam ou recusam essa caracterização quando se observa o futebol nacional, especialmente o praticado pela Seleção Brasileira. Assim, este artigo procura verificar como a visão fundada por Gilberto Freyre (1938) a respeito do futebol-arte ainda mantém força, renovada a cada Copa do Mundo especialmente por emissoras televisivas, ao passo que outros discursos procuram desmistificar tal visão.
O tempo livre do trabalhador sob controle: comparação entre o Serviço de Recreação Operária (S. R. O.) e a Comunidade Nacional-Socialista Força pela Alegria (KdF)
Authors: Macri Rodrigues Marcus Vinícius , Süssekind Elizabeth
Published: January 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar, sob uma perspectiva comparativa, o primeiro ano de atividade do Serviço de Recreação Operária (S. R. O.), criado no final do ano de 1943, durante a ditadura de Getúlio Vargas, como órgão destinado a promover o lazer e a cultura do operário sindicalizado. Buscaremos contemplar a preocupação do governo Vargas com o tempo livre do operariado brasileiro, dentro do contexto do final do Estado Novo, utilizando matérias publicadas em periódicos, especialmente no jornal A Noite. Contraporemos a política de Vargas à discussão sobre o tempo livre do trabalhador na Alemanha, antes e durante o regime nazista, especialmente com relação às atividades desenvolvidas pela Comunidade Nacional-Socialista Força pela Alegria KdF, que atuou durante o governo nazista (1933-1945).
Charges da Copa na Rússia [imagem]
Authors: Evangelista (Duke) Eduardo dos Reis
Published: January 2019

Charges publicadas originalmente, ao longo da Copa do Mundo da Rússia, no caderno especial “Copa 2018”, do jornal O Tempo, de Belo Horizonte/MG, no período de 14 de junho a 16 de julho de 2018.
Influencia de la actividad petrolera y la ganadería ovina en la cubierta del suelo en una región árida y semiárida de la Patagonia Argentina
Authors: Buzzi M.A. , Rueter B.L. , Ghermandi L. , Maldonado F.
Published: January 2019

La Geografía como ciencia ha provisto el mayor cuerpo teórico para el estudio de las configuraciones que se producen sobre el espacio geográfico. La generación de cartografía que representa las cubiertas de suelo es uno de los usos más importantes de la percepción remota. Se seleccionaron polígonos, con actividad petrolera y ganadera, en las siguientes unidades de paisaje: cañadones, pampas y valles. Los polígonos se utilizaron para evaluar cambios multi-temporales de las cubiertas de suelo y las comunidades vegetales en un período de 15 años. Se realizaron clasificaciones supervisadas y análisis de métricas de paisaje para examinar las posibles causas de estos cambios comparando: i) polígonos sin actividad petrolera ni ganadera (testigo), ii) con actividad petrolera y ganadera, iii) con actividad petrolera y sin actividad ganadera, y iv) sin actividad petrolera y con actividad ganadera. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que la densidad de parches, el borde total, la densidad de borde y el índice de división de los fragmentos aumentaron en las tres unidades de paisaje, entre 2001 y 2016. El índice de contagio, en cambio, disminuyó. Se observó un incremento del suelo desnudo en las pampas y en los valles occidentales, con un retroceso de las comunidades vegetales dominantes. La densidad de parches en los sitios sin disturbios fue la menor, y en los sitios con ambos disturbios actuando simultáneamente fue máxima. En los sitios sin disturbio el tamaño efectivo de malla fue máximo, mientras que en los sitios con algún disturbio fue menor. Al analizar el efecto del disturbio sobre los elementos del paisaje se observó que su presencia genera la mayor densidad de parches y la mínima conectividad. Los resultados muestran que se produjo un proceso de fragmentación en las coberturas del suelo direccionados por la explotación petrolera y la ganadería ovina, que disminuyen el tamaño de los parches y, por lo tanto, la densidad de los mismos por unidad de superficie.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITIES OF RUSSIA: EXPERIENCE AND PRIORITIES
Authors: Grishaeva Yulia M. , Matantseva Olga Yu. , Spirin Iosif V. , Savosina Maria I. , Tkacheva Zinaida N. , Vasin Denis V.
Published: January 2019

Aim.The aim is to reveal the need and relevant directions for the implementation of the concept of sustainable development in relation to the efficiency of transport and logistics activities.Methods.The methodology of research and development includes the analysis and adaptation of the experience in the areas of sustainable urban development and their transport, environmental impact of transport, planning and organizing passenger transport in smart cities, theories of utility and efficiency. In order to analyze the state of the investigated problem, modern scientific publications of Russian and foreign scientists were used.Results.We considered the modern understanding of the concepts of sustainable development and smart cities, the globalization of their use by the executive authorities in developed countries to improve the economy and quality of life. Were also indicated the main problems of the transition to sustainable development, characteristic of Russia. Various examples of the implementation of the concepts of sustainable development and smart city, the use of modern information technologies and methods for evaluating transport and logistics projects were given. The environmental consequences of using the concept of sustainable development, as well as the need to transform the land use policies in cities were indicated. The approaches to assessing the efficiency of transport and logistics systems and their development projects were considered. The directions of improving the human resourcing for sustainable development were identified.Conclusions.The main directions of succeeding in sustainable urban development and implementation of projects for the development of the transport systems were established. Recommendations were formulated to ensure the planning of sustainable development and building of a methodology to evaluate the efficiency of transportation and logistics as well as the projects for their improvement.