bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecção e Contagem do Pirarucu utilizando Técnicas de Visão Computacional
Authors: de Abreu Wandelany F. , do Nascimento Roberto P. , da Silva Deam J. A. , dos Reis Josivan R. , da Ponte Márcio J. M.
Published: October 2019

Na atividade de manejo do pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) é imprescindível a vigilância constante e a realização de contagem dessa espécime para determinar o quantitativo de indivíduos no ambiente manejado por comunidades, com intuito de informar ao Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA) a existência de quantidade suficiente que autoriza a captura de uma quota sem ocasionar sobrepesca do estoque pesqueiro. Neste contexto, este trabalho objetiva detectar e contar automaticamente o pirarucu, através das imagens de vídeos e utilizando técnicas de visão computacional fundamentado no modelo de mistura gaussiana (GMM) e segmentação baseada na análise de movimentos (SBAM), resultando na detecção e contagem do pirarucu, embasado no deslocamento que realiza ao emergir no lago a cada vinte minutos para respirar.
Visual assessment of equirectangular images for virtual reality applications In Unity
Authors: Gil Adriano , Khurshid Aasim , Postal Juliana , Figueira Thiago
Published: October 2019

Virtual Reality (VR) applications provide an immersive experience when using panoramic images that contain a 360-degree view of the scene. Currently, the equirectangular image format is the widely used pattern to represent these panoramic images. The development of a virtual reality viewer of panoramic images should consider several parameters that define the quality of the rendered image. Such parameters include resolution configurations, texture-to-objects mappings and deciding from different rendering approach, but to select the optimal value of these parameters, visual quality analysis is required. In this work, we propose a tool integrated within Unity editor to automate this quality assessment using different settings for the visualization of equirectangular images. We compare the texture mapping of a skybox with a procedural sphere and a cubemap using full-reference objective metrics for Image Quality Analysis (IQA). Based on the assessment results, the tool decides how the final image will be rendered at the target device to produce a visually pleasing and high-quality image.
Allgemeines Verwaltungsrecht
Authors: Erbguth Wilfried , Guckelberger Annette
Published: October 2019

Das Lehrbuch wurde für die 10. Auflage grundlegend überarbeitet und ist auf Stand Juni 2019. Einbezogen wurden u.a. die jüngsten Änderungen des Grundgesetzes mit Verwaltungsbezug, Entwicklungen aus dem Bereich der Digitalisierung von Verwaltung und Justiz sowie aktuelle Rechtsprechung. Außerdem werden die Einwirkungen des Unionsrechts auf das deutsche Verwaltungsrecht aufgezeigt.

Neben den Grundzügen des Verwaltungsprozessrechts (unter Berücksichtigung des novellierten Umwelt-Rechtsbehelfsgesetzes) wurden für die Neuauflage auch die Bezüge des allgemeinen zum besonderen Verwaltungsrecht (öffentliches Baurecht, Kommunalrecht und Polizeirecht) herausgestellt. Die entsprechenden Darstellungen erfolgen problemorientiert an den Stellen, an denen sie für Ausbildung und Praxis relevant sind.

Die integrierte Vorgehensweise trägt der in der Praxis bestehenden Verflechtung von allgemeinem und besonderem Verwaltungsrecht sowie Verwaltungsprozessrecht Rechnung. Auf diese Weise lässt sich die Rolle des allgemeinen Verwaltungsrechts in diesem Kontext leichter erfassen und erfolgt zugleich eine Einführung in wesentliche Grundlagen des besonderen Verwaltungsrechts – was den Einstieg im Rahmen des weiteren Studiums erleichtert und Fortgeschrittenen die Zusammenhänge verdeutlicht.

Das Lehrbuch eignet sich zur erstmaligen Aneignung des Stoffs, aber auch zur Kontrolle und Vertiefung des Wissens, etwa im Rahmen der Examensvorbereitung. Der einprägsame Stil sowie die Darstellung von Fällen mit Lösungen, reichhaltigen Kurzbeispielen, Wiederholungsfragen und Übersichten veranschaulichen den Lernstoff.
Digitale Marktmacht
Authors: Volmar Maximilian
Published: October 2019

The ascending economic and political influence of the internet platforms of the 21st century has sparked a debate about the adequate regulation of these “tech titans”. At the heart of this discussion is competition law – the field of law that was created to tame dominant companies. But when does a company truly hold such a “dominant position”? The definition of this fundamental competition law term faces numerous challenges when applied to digital platforms, from zero-price markets to the multi-sidedness of business models. This book dismantles the term into its components and shows where the methodology needs to adapt to the digital economy. In doing so, it considers the legal regimes of Germany, the EU and the US, as well as findings from legal economics.
Mysterious chokeberries: new data on the diversity and phylogeny of Aronia Medik. (Rosaceae)
Authors: Shipunov Alexey , Gladkova Sofia , Timoshina Polina , Lee Hye Ji , Choi Jinhee , Despiegelaere Sarah , Connolly Bryan
Published: October 2019

Aronia Medik. (chokeberry, Rosaceae) is a genus of woody shrubs with two or three North American species. Species boundaries and relationships between species of Aronia are frequently under question. The only European species in the genus, A. mitschurinii A.K.Skvortsov & Maitul., is suggested to be an inter-generic hybrid. In order to clarify the relationships between species of Aronia, we performed several morphometric and molecular analyses and found that the molecular and morphological diversity within data on American Aronia is low, and species boundaries are mostly not clearly expressed. Whereas morphology is able to separate American species from A. mitschurinii, there is no support for such discrimination from the molecular data; our analyses did not reveal evidence of A. mitschurinii hybrid origin. We believe that higher-resolution markers are needed to resolve species boundaries and putative hybridization events.
Valor de preservação do parque Nacional de Ubajara: uma aplicação do método de valoração contingente
Authors: Aragão Tiago Bessa , Araújo Rogério César Pereira de
Published: October 2019

O Parque Nacional de Ubajara, localizado na região da Serra de Ibiapaba, no estado do Ceará, vem sofrendo com ameaças à qualidade ambiental causadas por fatores naturais e antrópicos. No intuito de apoiar a gestão ambiental da unidade de conservação federal, este estudo utilizou o método de valoração contingente para estimar o valor de preservação do Parque. Para isto, 414 visitantes foram entrevistados, entre os meses de julho e setembro de 2016, por meio de questionário estruturado, para coletar dados sobre seu estado civil, nível de escolaridade, vinculação a organizações ambientais, cidade de origem, número de visitas ao parque, tipo de viagem e valor do lance. Utilizando o modelo probit para ajustar as respostas dicotômicas aos lances oferecidos, a disposição a pagar média (DAP) dos visitantes amostrados foi estimada em R$ 15,27 (ou US$ 4.03 no ano base 2019); o que corresponde ao benefício líquido de R$ 1.570.000,00 (ou US$ 414,240) anuais oriundo da visitação, considerando as melhorias na qualidade ambiental propostas no cenário hipotético. Esses resultados demonstram que o valor da preservação dos bens e serviços ambientais ofertados pelo Parque Nacional de Ubajara é significativo, inclusive sendo superiores à de outros espaços especialmente protegidos no Brasil, justificando também termos monetários a preservação e conservação da reserva ecológica.
Qualidade dos sedimentos em áreas alagadas de veredas rurais e urbanas
Authors: Faxina Rudmir Rogério de Camargo , Guimarães Ednaldo Carvalho , Bertolino Sueli Moura
Published: October 2019

As veredas, uma fitofisionomia encontrada no Cerrado responsável pela manutenção de cursos d’água de bacias hidrográficas, são consideradas áreas de preservação permanente. Portanto, seus limites, vegetações naturais e qualidade dos recursos devem ser preservados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade dos sedimentos em cinco áreas alagadas de veredas na região de Uberlândia (MG), sendo três rurais e duas urbanas, por meio da análise de dezoito elementos metálicos. Os elementos avaliados foram importantes para a análise de qualidade, pois através dos métodos estatísticos utilizados foi possível diferenciar as áreas alagadas com base na composição química dos sedimentos. As alterações no uso e ocupação do solo decorrentes de atividades antrópicas, foram um dos principais fatores na diferenciação das características dos sedimentos dentre as veredas monitoradas. A área com maior quantidade de elementos em não conformidade com as legislações vigentes foi uma das veredas urbanas. O cádmio, cromo, cobre e zinco foram os metais encontrados em concentrações acima dos valores de referência de qualidade estabelecidos em Minas Gerais. Esse estudo também mostrou que as veredas com mais intervenções, exercem maior pressão na qualidade dos sedimentos do que nos ambientes preservados.
Efeito orográfico em um transecto entre Fundão e Santa teresa no Estado do Espírito Santo no ano hidrológico 2015/2016
Authors: Nascimento Fabricio Holanda do , Do Vale Cláudia Câmara
Published: October 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo avaliar a distribuição espacial das chuvas em um transecto de 18,8 km de extensão por meio de pluviômetros experimentais. Para tanto, foram confeccionados sete pluviômetros experimentais, através de cano PVC de 100 mm e uma proveta de 500 ml para coleta dos dados. Os pluviômetros foram instalados ao longo da rodovia estadual Josil Espíndula (ES 365), entre os municípios de Fundão e Santa Teresa, estado do Espírito Santo. Para a instalação dos mesmos foram considerados alguns fatores: diferentes altitudes, locais com pouca cobertura vegetal e em quintais de moradores, para evitar danificação dos equipamentos por transeuntes no local. A metodologia empregada foi satisfatória, pois permitiu identificar que a morfologia e as características geográficas do local impõem uma distribuição desigual da precipitação na área de estudo considerada. Essa pesquisa apresenta-se como pioneira em estudos de clima do Espírito Santo, não tendo sido feito ainda para outras regiões do estado.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Relevo, pluviômetro, chuva orográfica, climatologia geográfica.  ABSTRACTThis paper aims to evaluate the spatial distribution of rainfall in an 18.8 km transect by means of experimental rain gauges. For that, seven experimental pluviometers were made, through a 100 mm PVC pipe and a 500 ml beaker to collect the data. The rain gauges were installed along the state highway Josil Espíndula (ES 365), between the municipalities of Fundão and Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo state. For the installation of the same were considered some factors: different altitudes, locations with little vegetation cover and in backyards of residents, to avoid damaging the equipment by on-site passersby. The methodology used was satisfactory, since it allowed to identify that the morphology and the characteristics of the site impose an unequal distribution of precipitation in the study area considered. This research presents itself as a pioneer in climate studies in Espírito Santo, and has not yet been done for other regions of the state.KEYWORDS: Relief, pluviometer, orographic rain, geographical climatology.
Contribution of Woldemar von Knieriem to the Training and Experimental Farm «Peterhof» of Riga Polytechnicum and Riga Polytechnic Institute
Authors: Kovaļčuka Svetlana
Published: October 2019

The article is dedicated to Professor Woldemar von Knieriem (1849– 1935), who has made a significant contribution to the development of agricultural science, headed the Department of Agriculture of Riga Polytechnic Institute (1903–1906), as well as Training and Experimental Farm «Peterhof» (1880– 1915) near Olaine city. It became a model farm not only in the Baltic region but also throughout the Russian Empire. Professor W. von Knieriem was the Director of RPI (1906–1916), an outstanding organizer and author of scientific works. He provided students with extensive theoretical and practical knowledge in agriculture, focusing on practical, scientifically approbated lessons about the management of agricultural land and manors and trying to raise the general level of culture and the horizons of young people. Professor W. von Knieriem was Rector of the Baltic Technical University in Riga (1918) and worked in the Herder Institute in Riga (1920–1927). He spent his last years in his family estate in Livonia writing memories of his life and enjoying the company of grandchildren – one of them later became Prime Minister of Sweden Ulof Palme (1927–1986). W. von Knieriem died in January 1935 and was buried in the Great Cemetery in Riga.
Priekšvārds
Authors: Zigmunde Alīda
Published: October 2019

Šis ir trešais zinātnisko rakstu krājums, ko sagatavojis RTU Inženierzinātņu vēstures pētniecības centrs (IVPC). Rakstu pamatā galvenokārt ir RTU 59. starptautiskās zinātniskās konferences 2018. gada 10. oktobrī nolasītie referāti, to autori ir Latvijas un Lietuvas zinātnieki, zinātņu vēsturnieki un pedagogi. Pētījumos aplūkotas Rīgas Politehnikuma (RP) / Rīgas Politehniskā institūta (RPI) absolventu, mācībspēku un darbinieku dzīves gaitas. Krājumā publicēti astoņi pētījumi.
Inženiera, uzņēmēja, skolotāja Jāņa Baumaņa (1878–1945) mūža veikums
Authors: Gaitniece Lāsma , Zigmunde Alīda
Published: October 2019

Raksts veltīts inženierim, pedagogam un vienam no Liepājas pilsētas pašvaldības vadītājiem Jānim Baumanim, kurš augstāko izglītību ieguva ne tikai Rīgas Politehniskajā institūtā (RPI), bet arī elektroenerģijas (elektrības) augstskolā «Ecole supérieure d’electricité» Parīzē, Francijā. Jāņa Baumaņa biogrāfija liecina, ka viņš bijis mērķtiecīgs, nav baidījies jaunu izaicinājumu, kā arī vairākkārt sevi veiksmīgi pierādījis uzņēmējdarbībā, dibinot un sekmīgi vadot uzņēmumus. Minētās īpašības raksturo Jāni Baumani arī kā Liepājas pašvaldības vadītāju, taču vēlme uzņemties iniciatīvu dažādu tolaik vēl pārdrošu ideju realizēšanā augstajam amatam bijusi traucējoša, tādēļ viņš pilsētas vadībā bija vien nepilnu gadu. Atkāpjoties no pašvaldības vadītāja amata, viņš Liepāju pameta un devās uz Rīgu, kur strādāja firmā un pievērsās pedagoģiskajam darbam. Raksta mērķis – apkopot Jāņa Baumaņa dzīves gājumu un atklāt viņa veikumu dažādās darbības jomās.The article is devoted to engineer, teacher and one of mayors of Liepāja City Municipality – Jānis Baumanis – who obtained university education not only at Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI), but also at the University of Electricity (Ecole supérieure d’electricité) in Paris, France. The biography of J. Baumanis shows that he has been purposeful, feared no challenge  and  has repeatedly proved  himself as entrepreneur establishing and successfully managing companies. These qualities also describe J. Baumanis as the Mayor of Liepāja City Municipality, but the desire to take initiative in implementing various, brave at that time, ideas were interfering, thus he held the position less than a year. After resigning, he left Liepāja city for Riga, where he worked for a company and turned to pedagogical work. The aim of the article is to summarize the life of J. Baumanis and to discover his achievements in various fields of activity.
Rīgas Politehniskā institūta inženieru nodaļas absolventa Mihaila Krivošapkina (1888–1943) dzīves gājums un profesionālā darbība
Authors: Feigmane Tatjana , Šervinska Liena Ivonna
Published: October 2019

Rīdzinieks, Rīgas Politehniskā institūta (RPI) Inženieru nodaļas absolvents (1914) Mihails Krivošapkins pēc studijām strādāja par inženieri Krievijā, kur būvēja elevatorus. No 1920. gada līdz izsūtīšanai uz Sibīriju 1941. gadā dzīvoja Rīgā un bija vairāku Latvijas tiltu projektu autors, strādāja par inženieri Rīgas būvvaldē, bija Rīgas domes deputāts (1925–1934). Darbojās dažādās sabiedriskās organizācijās. Inženiera darbu turpina viņa pēcnācēji – mazbērni un mazmazbērni. Rigan, the graduate of the Department of Engineering (1914) of Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Mikhail Krivoshapkin, after studies worked as an engineer in Russia, where he built elevators. From 1920 until deportation to Siberia in 1941 he lived in Riga and was the author of several bridge projects in Latvia, worked  as an engineer at Riga Construction Board, was a member of the Riga City Council (1925–1934). Worked in various public organizations. His engineer work is continued by his descendants – grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Electric field causes volumetric changes in the human brain
Authors: Argyelan Miklos , Oltedal Leif , Deng Zhi-De , Wade Benjamin , Bikson Marom , Joanlanne Andrea , Sanghani Sohag , Bartsch Hauke , Cano Marta , Dale Anders M , Dannlowski Udo , Dols Annemiek , Enneking Verena , Espinoza Randall , Kessler Ute , Narr Katherine L , Oedegaard Ketil J , Oudega Mardien L , Redlich Ronny , Stek Max L , Takamiya Akihiro , Emsell Louise , Bouckaert Filip , Sienaert Pascal , Pujol Jesus , Tendolkar Indira , van Eijndhoven Philip , Petrides Georgios , Malhotra Anil K , Abbott Christopher
Published: October 2019

Recent longitudinal neuroimaging studies in patients with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) suggest local effects of electric stimulation (lateralized) occur in tandem with global seizure activity (generalized). We used electric field (EF) modeling in 151 ECT treated patients with depression to determine the regional relationships between EF, unbiased longitudinal volume change, and antidepressant response across 85 brain regions. The majority of regional volumes increased significantly, and volumetric changes correlated with regional electric field (t = 3.77, df = 83, r = 0.38, p=0.0003). After controlling for nuisance variables (age, treatment number, and study site), we identified two regions (left amygdala and left hippocampus) with a strong relationship between EF and volume change (FDR corrected p<0.01). However, neither structural volume changes nor electric field was associated with antidepressant response. In summary, we showed that high electrical fields are strongly associated with robust volume changes in a dose-dependent fashion.
Lipids: Role in Embryonic Development (Review)
Authors: León Marisol , Rodrigues A. C. B. , Turquetti A. O. M. , Cereta A. D. , Melo L. F. , Durand L. M. , Delgado A. L. J. , Evangelista-Leite D. , Miglino M. A.
Published: October 2019

Aims: We propose to briefly review the specific role of lipids in embryonic structures development.

Results: Lipids are organic substances insoluble in water, divided into several classes, such as fatty acids, glycolipids, phospholipids, ceramides, sphingolipids, and stereo-lipids. They participate in processes of cellular metabolism and embryonic development which are associated with signalling, proliferation and cell migration. They act in developmental processes such as calcification and bone mineralization, pulmonary maturity, cellular differentiation, and neural survival, epithelial cells polarization and muscle formation, in which phospholipids as a major group, work more regularly. Lipids during embryonic development work directly as transport molecules or cell markers. In addition to an imbalance in its enzymatic and protein precursors (such as choline kinase), lipids can increase or decrease lipid concentration in cells, prevent its biotransformation, or affect its synergy with other molecules, leading to failures in the formation of organs such as the heart, brain, and bones. This aims to further the understanding of these processes and highlight its feasibility for future clinical applications.

Conclusion: Lipids maintain cell membrane integrity in blastocysts, transport calcium to nerve and bone cells, facilitate neural apoptosis, and promote pulmonary maturation. These results aid in the understanding and prediction of alterations in lipidic metabolic syndromes in several pathological disorders during organ development.
Evaluation of the Bio-insecticidal Effects of Three Extracts on the Larvae of the Green Lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) under the Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Kaoutar Fahad , Najiba Brhadda , Rabea Ziri , Najib Gmira , Hassan Benssallem
Published: October 2019

Aims: To control aphids without the misdeeds of the chemical insecticides. To make sure of the harmlessness of three bio-aphicides.

Study Design: Experimental device in complete random block with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of bio-insecticidal entomology, Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Kenitra, INRA- Morocco and the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Laboratory of Sciences Faculty, Ibn Tofail kenitra, morocco. The experiments were done between March and December 2017.

Methodology: The present study highlighted the lethal and sublethal effects of three bio-aphicides plants collected from the Gharb region of morocco: Capsicum frutescens, Nerium oleander and Melia azedarach, tested in five concentrations of their plant material against Chrysoperla carnea larvaes. Adding to these concentrations, two controls were used: one without any treatment (blanc) and another treated with a chemical insecticide (Deltamethrine).

Results: The obtained results indicated that the aqueous extract of the Nerium oleander was harmful to the larvae of the Chrysoperla carnea. Indeed, the insecticidal activity of different concentrations increased with the exposure time, reaching about 10; 16 and 20% of mortality, respectively by applying 10; 15 and 20 g/20 ml after three days of exposure. However, low concentrations of 2 and 5 g/20 ml caused no effect whatever the duration of exposure. Also, the corrected mortality rate caused by the aqueous extract of Nerium oleander, at the concentrations tested is much lower than that caused by the insecticide Deltamethrin.

Conclusion: Nerium oleander plant is harmful to the larvae of the Chrysoperla carnea at concentrations of 10; 16 and 20%. At these concentrations, the aqueous extracts of hot pepper and melia are not haurmful to the larvae of the green lacewing, so they can be recommended as a biological insecticide. Moreover, other works on these two extracts are outstanding in our laboratory.
Effective Treatment for Kidney Stone with Local Plants from Aadilabad Telangana State, India
Authors: Hafeez Shaik , Chapla J. , Suresh A. , Prabhaker G. , Sameera P. M. , Sampath K.
Published: October 2019

Aim: We aim to treat the poor and downtrodden tribal people of Adilabad district of Telangana State, South India, who are suffering from kidney stones, with locally available plants and with any side effects also without financial burden on them.

Design of the study: Identifying the infected people with kidney stones based on the lab reports, explaining about our treatment, educating them, counseling them, treatment and precautionary measures. 

Place and Duration of Study: Adilabad district, Telangana State, South India. Duration of study is for two years that is 2018 to 2019.

Methodology: We have identified   around 24 patients (male and female) suffering from kidney stone ailment, but we have presented only six patients details in table form. Treatment is with locally available plants for two days, the results were very much success.

Results: After our treatment the kidney stones, though they are large in size they dissolved and were passed through the urinary tract.

Conclusions: Our treatment is pure with plants without any side effects and free of cost. The patients were very much satisfied with our treatment.
Small Steps for a Big Change: Attention towards Preanalytical Error
Authors: Sawant Swati Digambar , Patil Atul Atmaram , Bansode Amit A. , Varma Santosh
Published: October 2019

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the preanalytical errors in the Indoor patient department in tertiary care Hospital. To calculate the percentage of preanalytical errors in the Indoor patient department in our Hospital and to recommend standard operative interventions to improve quality of results. To test the effectiveness of attention by continuous educational action at reducing preanalytical errors and improving patient care.

Study Design: An observational study.

Place and Duration of Study:   The work was done from July 2014 to July 2015 at a tertiary care Hospital India.

Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed the samples and test request forms received at Biochemistry laboratory for one month. The outcome measures were incomplete laboratory forms, mislabeling samples, inappropriate tests, wrong container, poor quality of samples and transportation problems. Two weeks of interventions in the form of continuous educational training and education regarding standard operative procedures were given to stakeholders to raise awareness towards the preanalytical phase. Two weeks later, data was monitored again for one month.

Results: 2330 and 2130 samples and request forms were monitored before-after intervention respectively from wards for one month each. Of the total chances of preanalytical errors, 22.17% were due to inappropriate tests, 81.5% were related to incomplete patient information, 97% lacking clinical information, 18.8% errors related to specimen information, 3.5% errors were of the deranged quality of the specimen, and in4.5% transportation problems were observed. Subsequently, these were reduced to 10%, 20%, 16.4%, 7.5%, 2.3%, 3.1% respectively. A significant difference in percentage change was observed in all the above errors after the one-month interventions for the reduction in preanalytical errors.

Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that taking small steps in the form of implementing standard operative procedures for collection, storage and transport facilities and continuous educational training of stakeholders would reduce big errors occurring due to human factors in preanalytical phase. We need good interdepartmental communication and cooperation to achieve good laboratory results and patient well being. This study improved the quality of test results and patient care.
Adaptation Approaches for Direct Seeded Rice to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emission in the Perspective of Climate Change
Authors: Choudhury Suborna Roy , Das Anupam , Bharati Veena , Dutta Swaraj Kumar
Published: October 2019

A field experiment was conducted at research farm, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, India during 2017 and 2018 to gain insight crop phonology mediated greenhouse gas emission under different tillage and nitrogen management practices in direct seeded rice (DSR). The experiment was conducted in split plot design with two tillage viz. zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT) as main plot and four nitrogen management practices viz. 100% nitrogen through neem coated urea (S1), SPAD based nitrogen management (S2), 75% through neem coated urea + 25% nitrogen through vermicompost, (S3) and ¼ nitrogen as basal and rest in equal three splits at 20, 40, 60 DAS (S4) as sub plot, in three replication. The highest yield (4.69 t ha-1), net return (Rs 46440 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.44) were recorded from zero tilled DSR. Further, highest yield (4.82 t ha-1), net return (Rs 44880 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.36) was obtained under split application of nitrogenous fertilizers among other subplot treatments. The range of methane (0.57- 1.47 mg m-2 hr-1) carbon dioxide (0.32- 0.61 mg m-2 hr-1)  and nitrous oxide (19.58- 38.79 µg m-2 hr-1) emission was recorded lowest in zero tilled plots and split application of nitrogenous fertilizer also emitted lowest values of 1.59 mg m-2 hr-1 methane, 0.86 mg m-2 hr-1 carbon dioxide and 46.76 µg m-2 hr-1 nitrous oxide at maximum tillering stage of crop growth. Moreover, methane and nitrous oxide emission was gradually decreased from maximum tillering to harvesting stage. Zero tilled DSR with split nitrogen fertilizer application ascribed lowest greenhouse gas intensity among the other crop establishment and nitrogen management options. Thus, zero tilled method of crop establishment with split application of nitrogenous fertilizer could be a remunerative and environmentally stable method for direct seeded rice cultivation.
Heavy Metals Leaching of Cementitious Matrices Containing Waste Ash from Brazzaville Landfills (Republic of Congo)
Authors: Mbemba K. M. , Mabiala Loubilou M. B. , Ouamba J. M.
Published: October 2019

Inadequate management of ash generated by household waste burned in open air in Republic of Congo, generates pollution sites especially through heavy metal contamination (Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn). The aim of this study is to evaluate the chemical durability of cementitious matrices containing waste ashes and their ability to retain in their structure heavy metals contained in these ashes. To do this, we collected 40 kg of waste coming from 4 landfills (A, B, C, D) in Brazzaville city. Waste was then burned and turned into ash. 6 cementitious matrice formulations (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) based on Dolisie Portland cement were made by varying the cement/ash/lime rations. We carried out static leaching tests with raw ashes and cementitious matrices at pH = 7 and at 25°C in distilled water during 30 days. This study shows that cementitious matrices containing ash have good potentiality for retention of heavy metals (more than 75%). But, cementitious matrices containing ash and lime give better results with retention rates between 90-99%.
The Effectiveness of Education in Internship Phase from the Medical University Student´s Viewpoint
Authors: Pazoki Ramin , Tabaraee Arash , Saffarieh Elham
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Today, the socio-economic development of countries is due to the university's modernization program, which requires the proper training of a specialized human resource, the student, in which education plays a key role. Among the educational programs of a country, medical education is expensive, because of the nature of this field. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the opinions of medical students about the effectiveness of medical education course for use and policy making of educational authorities.

Methods: In this method, from 220 questionnaires, each containing 44 questions, with 6 domains, including achieving goals, curriculum and content, organization and planning, interactions, professor evaluation and support services, designed based on Kirk Patrick's 4-level model was used, and the community of medical students and interns between January 2016 and November 2018 was selected by the full-scale method. Each question contained a 5-point Likert scale of numerical responses including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for referring to undesirable, poor, average, good and excellent. Students' opinions were analyzed by SPSS software. Also, the overall reliability of the questionnaire was calculated and reported by Cronbach's alpha for each domain.

Results: In this study, 118 female and 67 male students were recruited from interns. Findings of this study indicated that the reliability of the questionnaire was 0.956. The mean and standard deviation of the study was 3.01±0.57, for female students 3.04±0.58, for male students 2.95±0.56. In the meanwhile, the achievement of targets and evaluation of professor domains with mean and standard deviation of 3.19±0.67 and 3.21±0.64, respectively, has better result than the overall mean of the study, and curriculum & educational content domains with a mean of 2.94±0.63, organization and planning with a mean of 2.84±0.75, interactions with a mean of 2.95±0.83 and support services with a mean of 2.78±0.75, results was poorer than the overall mean of the study.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that clinical education in the field of medicine in the mentioned period on students, has moderate effectiveness and the students' point of view, this training is also more effective.
A Single Center Report of Vitamin D Deficiency among Young Orthopaedic Patient in Iran
Authors: Yeganeh Ali , Otoukesh Babak , Moghtadaei Mehdi , Sabagh Alireza Pahlavan , Mahdavi Mani , Hosseinzadeh Shayan
Published: October 2019

Background: Orthopaedic patients are at risk of having irregular levels of vitamin D and calcium due to lack of motility and sun light exposure. Among entire population of patients, Juvenile members of society are considered high-risk groups for vitamin D inadequacy. By considering the high prevalence of this complaint according to domestic studies in Iran, this study aims to provide a report of vitamin D and related factors among orthopaedic patients in Iran.

Methods: Participants were selected based on simple non-probable sampling method. Variables were including age, gender, the serum level of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, concurrent diseases, and history of taking nutritional supplements. Results were analysed using SPSS software (version 22, USA).

Results: 696 patient with mean age 15.5±1.8 were involved among which 440 participants were male and 256 cases were female. Mean of vitamin D calcium, phosphorous serum level was 12.1±4.3, 9.7± 0.5 and 4.3±0.8 respectively. 208 cases were living at urban and 488 members were living at rural locations. 176 cases had degrees of muscular pain, and 72 patients were suffering from developmental problems, and 32 patients were presenting obvious skeletal deformities.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue among orthopaedic patients. Young patients are in a high danger for consequence of vitamin deficiency in orthopaedic ward due to critical age of bone formation and growth.
Pain, unhealthy days and poor perceived health among Japanese workers
Authors: Chimed-Ochir Odgerel , Mine Yuko , Fujino Yoshihisa
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The current research aimed to study the relationship between health-related quality of life (poor perceived health/unhealthy days) and workers’ pain.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1360 Japanese workers of a Japanese company in Kyushu. Health-related quality of life was measured by HRQOL-4 tool developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the USA. Pain was assessed by numeric rating scale with 0-10 points. Regression analysis was conducted to identify the relationship between health-related quality of life and pain.

Results

Participants who reported pain had significantly greater odds of having poor health compared to those with no pain (AOR = 3.99, 95% CI = 3.82-4.18, P < .0001). In general, participants who had a higher frequency and intensity of pain had significantly greater odds of having poor health compared to those with no pain. Compared to those with no pain, participants with pain had an average of 2.85 (95% CI = 2.07-3.63, P < .0001), 2.25 (95% CI = 1.52-2.99, P < .0001), 4.41 (95% CI = 3.39-5, P < .0001), and 1.9 (95% CI = 1.30-2.50, P < .0001) more physically unhealthy days, mentally unhealthy days, total unhealthy days, and days with activity limitation, respectively. Headache causes many more unhealthy days and more poor health than any other pain, including back pain, shoulder/neck pain, and joint pain.

Conclusion

Poor health status and the number of unhealthy days among Japanese workers are strongly associated with the presence of pain and increases with the intensity and frequency of pain.
TSLP induces a proinflammatory phenotype in circulating innate cells and predicts prognosis in sepsis patients
Authors: Yu Qichun , Li Yang , Wang Hao , Xiong Huawei
Published: October 2019

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has been identified as a crucial inflammatory cytokine in immune homeostasis. Previous studies have reported conflicting effects of TSLP on sepsis in mice, and the effect of TSLP on sepsis in humans has not been investigated. In this study, we used the ELISA to measure serum levels of TSLP in patients with sepsis, and used flow cytometry and ELISA to evaluate the proinflammatory phenotype of circulating immune cells. In addition, we used quantitative RT‐PCR to examine the expression of proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, transferrin growth factor‐β, IL‐10, and matrix metalloproteinase] between patients with high and low levels of TSLP. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate the phagocytic and respiratory burst of circulating neutrophils. A significant increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines by nonclassical monocytes and the number of interferon (IFN)‐γ+ CD4+ monocytes was observed in patients with high levels of TSLP. Furthermore, the number of IL‐10+ regulatory T cells was observed to be increased in patients with high levels of TSLP. We found that TSLP values greater than 350 pg·mL−1 were associated with a higher mortality rate and longer stays in intensive care (sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 79%). In patients with low levels of neutrophils, the area under curve was only 0.71 (based on the cutoff value in the diagnostic test evaluation; sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 68%). Our findings suggest that the serum levels of TSLP may be suitable as a biomarker for prediction of prognosis in a subgroup of patients with sepsis who are exhibiting hyperleukocytosis and a high neutrophil ratio.
Physical aggression toward teachers: Antecedents, behaviors, and consequences
Authors: McMahon Susan D. , Peist Eric , Davis Jacqueline O. , Bare Kailyn , Martinez Andrew , Reddy Linda A. , Espelage Dorothy L. , Anderman Eric M.
Published: October 2019

School violence is a significant public health concern that occurs in many forms. Physical aggression can cause serious bodily injury and long‐term negative effects, and both teachers and students experience significant rates of physical aggression. There are few studies examining teachers’ experiences of physical aggression. Studies that go beyond prevalence are limited, and we know little about the triggers and consequences that surround these incidents. This qualitative investigation used an antecedent‐behavior‐consequence (A‐B‐C) framework to understand how incidents of physical aggression directed toward teachers unfold. The sample included 193 elementary and secondary teachers who completed an anonymous, online survey and described events leading up to and following their experiences with physical aggression. Using conventional content analysis, we identified common antecedents, such as breaking up fights, discipline, and directives, and common consequences, such as student removal, school staff involvement, positive outcomes, and inaction. Further analyses revealed seven common A‐B‐C patterns among physical aggression incidents that are highlighted and discussed. Utility of the A‐B‐C framework for teacher‐directed violence is described, along with implications for research, practice, and policy. Exploring the context surrounding incidents of physical aggression directed against teachers provides useful information for violence prevention and interventions.
“I Could Do It in My Own Time and When I Really Needed It”: Perceptions of Online Pain Coping Skills Training For People With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lawford Belinda J. , Hinman Rana S. , Nelligan Rachel K. , Keefe Francis , Rini Christine , Bennell Kim L.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To qualitatively explore the perceptions and experiences of people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who used an online automated pain coping skills training program (PCST).

Methods

This was a descriptive qualitative study (based on interpretivist methodology) embedded within a randomized controlled trial. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 people with knee OA who had participated in an 8‐week automated online PCST program while also receiving exercise advice and support from a physical therapist via Skype. Interviews in this study focused specifically on the online PCST program, rather than the physical therapy component. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed.

Results

Five themes arose: 1) easy to understand and follow (clearly explained, presented well), 2) better able to cope with pain (controlling pain, helping relax, pacing self, incorporating skills into exercise program), 3) anonymity and flexibility (no judgement by clinician, work at own pace, accessibility), 4) not always relatable or engaging (some techniques not useful, Americanization of the program, annoying character examples, time consuming and slow‐paced), and 5) support from clinician desirable (follow‐up from a clinician would be beneficial, worked in tandem with physical therapist–prescribed exercise, desire referral to the program by a trusted source).

Conclusion

People with knee OA had generally positive experiences using an online PCST program, suggesting that online PCST is a broadly acceptable and accessible way to help people with OA to manage their pain. User engagement may be enhanced by redesigning some aspects of the program and by provision of support from a clinician.
Psychometric Properties of the Pediatric Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Item Banks in a Dutch Clinical Sample of Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Luijten Michiel A. J. , Terwee Caroline B. , van Oers Hedy A. , Joosten Mala M. H. , van den Berg J. Merlijn , Schonenberg‐Meinema Dieneke , Dolman Koert M. , ten Cate Rebecca , Roorda Leo D. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , van Rossum Marion A. J. , Haverman Lotte
Published: October 2019

Objective

To assess the psychometric properties of 8 pediatric Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) item banks in a clinical sample of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

A total of 154 Dutch children (mean ± SD age 14.4 ± 3.0 years; range 8–18 years) with JIA completed 8 pediatric version 1.0 PROMIS item banks (anger, anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, pain interference, peer relationships, physical function mobility, physical function upper extremity) twice and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (C‐HAQ) once. Structural validity of the item banks was assessed by fitting a graded response model (GRM) and inspecting GRM fit (comparative fit index [CFI], Tucker‐Lewis index [TLI], and root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]) and item fit (S‐X2 statistic). Convergent validity (with PedsQL/C‐HAQ subdomains) and discriminative validity (active/inactive disease) were assessed. Reliability of the item banks, short forms, and computerized adaptive testing (CAT) was expressed as the SE of theta (SE[θ]). Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and smallest detectable change.

Results

All item banks had sufficient overall GRM fit (CFI >0.95, TLI >0.95, RMSEA <0.08) and no item misfit (all S‐X2 P > 0.001). High correlations (>0.70) were found between most PROMIS T scores and hypothesized PedsQL/C‐HAQ (sub)domains. Mobility, pain interference, and upper extremity item banks were able to discriminate between patients with active and inactive disease. Regarding reliability, PROMIS item banks outperformed legacy instruments. Post hoc CAT simulations outperformed short forms. Test–retest reliability was strong (ICC >0.70) for all full‐length item banks and short forms, except for the peer relationships item bank.

Conclusion

The pediatric PROMIS item banks displayed sufficient psychometric properties for Dutch children with JIA. PROMIS item banks are ready for use in clinical research and practice for children with JIA.
Validity Evidence for the Use of Automated Neuropsychologic Assessment Metrics As a Screening Tool for Cognitive Impairment in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Tayer‐Shifman Oshrat E. , Green Robin , Beaton Dorcas E. , Ruttan Lesley , Wither Joan E. , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Kakvan Mahta , Lombardi Sabrina , Anderson Nicole , Su Jiandong , Bonilla Dennisse , Zandy Moe , Choi May Y. , Fritzler Marvin J. , Touma Zahi
Published: October 2019

Objective

Screening for cognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) conventionally relies on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) neuropsychologic battery (NB), which is not universally available. To develop a more accessible screening approach, we assessed validity of the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM). Using the ACR NB as the gold standard for cognitive impairment classification, the objectives were 1) to measure overall discriminative validity of the ANAM for cognitive impairment versus no cognitive impairment, 2) to identify ANAM subtests and scores that best differentiate patients with cognitive impairment from those with no cognitive impairment, and 3) to derive ANAM composite indices and cutoffs.

Methods

A total of 211 consecutive adult patients, female and male, with SLE were administered the ANAM and ACR NB. 1) For overall discriminative validity of the ANAM, we compared patients with cognitive impairment versus those with no cognitive impairment on 4 scores. 2) Six ANAM models using different scores were developed, and the most discriminatory subtests were selected using logistic regression analyses. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to establish ANAM validity against the ACR NB. 3) ANAM composite indices and cutoffs were derived for the best models, and sensitivities and specificities were calculated.

Results

Patients with no cognitive impairment performed better on most ANAM subtests, supporting ANAM’s discriminative validity. Cognitive impairment could be accurately identified by selected ANAM subtests with top models, demonstrating excellent AUCs of 81% and 84%. Derived composite indices and cutoffs demonstrated sensitivity of 78–80% and specificity of 70%.

Conclusion

This study provides support for ANAM’s discriminative validity for cognitive impairment and utility for cognitive screening in adult SLE. Derived composite indices and cutoffs enhance clinical applicability.
β,β,β‐Trichloroethyl‐NH‐Enamine as Viable System for 5‐Endo‐trig Radical Cyclization via Multifaceted CuI−CuII Redox Catalysis: Single Step Synthesis of Multi‐Functionalized NH‐Pyrroles
Authors: Ram Ram N. , Sadanandan Sandhya , Kumar Gupta Dharmendra
Published: October 2019

Here we report a mild and regioselective copper‐catalyzed direct synthesis of multi‐substituted and functionalized NH‐pyrroles in high yields from diverse β,β,β‐trichloroethyl‐NH‐enamines via a novel 5‐endo‐trig radical cyclization mode, previously known to be unviable in the enamine system. An approach to transform a geometrically ‘disfavored to favored’ 5‐endo‐trig radical cyclization mode in NH‐enamine systems via multifaceted CuI−CuII redox catalysis generating radicals, preventing dehalogenative reduction of radical precursors and dehydrohalogenating the 5‐endo‐trig cyclized products have been demonstrated experimentally. With wider substrate scope, this method incorporates halo‐, NH‐ and carbonyl functionalities besides alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl substituents in the pyrrole unit easily. These difficult to prepare 3‐halo‐NH‐pyrroles are potential sources for natural products, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and organometallic chemistry.

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