bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Goodrich Cindy
Published: September 2018

Dismal survival statistics associated with sudden cardiac arrest have led to the development of new strategies and mechanical devices aimed at improving the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The most recent American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care were published in 2005. Major changes included revisions to current practices related to airway and ventilation, circulation, and defibrillation management. Greater emphasis is placed on providing simple, high-quality, effective CPR. New techniques and mechanical devices have been developed to augment CPR, hopefully improving survival rates and long-term outcomes. These include active compression-decompression CPR, Lund University Cardiac Assist System, LifeBelt, AutoPulse, and the impedance threshold device. This article focuses on current strategies aimed at improving survival rates for patients with sudden cardiac arrest. New techniques and mechanical devices developed to augment cardiopulmonary resuscitation will be discussed. These strategies will most likely shape future resuscitation practices.
Instant Virtual Treatment Outcome Using PowerPoint
Authors: Ahamed Fayyaz , Iyer Kavitha S. , Rathi Amey J. , Kalladka Goutham
Published: September 2018

The aim of this article is to introduce a faster and even simpler method where the patient can readily visualize the treatment outcome than the currently available methods. This article demonstrates how PowerPoint software can be used to generate instant virtual treatment outcomes (IVTOs) at the chairside using the patient’s digital photographs. The generated two-dimensional skeletal and dental IVTO provides the necessary communication aid in patient motivation and education. Furthermore, it serves as making a tremendous leap forward, toward informed consent.
Monitoring Iron Overload: Relationship between R2* Relaxometry of the Liver and Serum Ferritin under Different Therapies
Authors: Plaikner Michaela , Kremser Christian , Zoller Heinz , Jaschke Werner , Henninger Benjamin
Published: September 2018

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with R2* relaxometry and serum ferritin in therapy monitoring of patients with iron overload. Further, a possible influence of the chosen therapy (phlebotomy or chelation) was assessed.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated 42 patients with baseline and follow-up R2* relaxometry and determination of serum ferritin before and during therapeutic phlebotomy or iron chelation therapy or watchful waiting, respectively. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between changes of R2* and serum ferritin. Regression lines for different groups were compared with analysis of covariance.

Results:

We found a moderate positive statistical correlation (r= 0.509) between serum ferritin and R2*, a moderate positive correlation between absolute R2* changes and serum ferritin changes (r= 0.497), and a strong correlation for percentage changes (r= 0.712). The correlation analysis between relative changes of R2* and serum ferritin for the different therapies resulted in a strong correlation between phlebotomy and chelation (r= 0.855/0.727) and a moderate for no applied therapy (r= 0.536). In 22/92 paired examinations, a discordance of R2* and ferritin was found, particularly involving patients under chelation.

Conclusions:

Despite the good correlation between serum ferritin and R2* relaxometry in monitoring iron overload, treatment response may be misinterpreted when only serum ferritin is considered. Although ferritin is an acceptable and far cheaper tool for monitoring, MRI should be performed for confirmation, especially in case of unexpected ferritin changes, particularly under chelation therapy.
Seroepidemiology of Burkholderia pseudomallei, Etiologic Agent of Melioidosis, in the Ouest and Sud-Est Departments of Haiti
Authors: Weppelmann Thomas A. , Norris Michael H. , von Fricken Michael E. , Rahman Khan Md. Siddiqur , Okech Bernard A. , Cannella Anthony P. , Schweizer Herbert P. , Sanford Daniel C. , Tuanyok Apichai
Published: September 2018

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiological agent of melioidosis, has been hypothesized to be endemic throughout the Caribbean, including the impoverished nation of Haiti. However, because of the protean clinical manifestations, presence of asymptomatic infections, and limited medical diagnostic capacity, the identification of active melioidosis cases remains challenging. A seroepidemiological study was conducted using a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies toward B. pseudomallei in the native population. The performance of an indirect ELISA with purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from B. pseudomallei was evaluated using serum collected from rhesus macaques exposed to aerosolized B. pseudomallei. After optimization, serum collected from asymptomatic population members (n = 756) was screened for polyvalent (immunoglobulin M [IgM]/ immunoglobulin G [IgG]/ immunoglobulin A) and monoclonal (IgG or IgM) immunoglobulins against B. pseudomallei LPS. The population seroprevalence was 11.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.2, 13.8) for polyvalent immunoglobulins, 9.8% (95% CI: 7.7, 11.9) for IgG, and 1.7% (95% CI: 0.8, 2.6%) for IgM. The seroprevalence was not significantly different by gender (P = 0.16), but increased significantly (P < 0.001) with age, yielding an estimated annual seroconversion rate of 1.05% (95% CI: 0.81, 1.3). The detection of both recent (IgM+) and previous (IgG+) exposure to B. pseudomallei provides serological evidence that melioidosis is endemic in Haiti.
Molecular Detection of Bartonella bacilliformis in Lutzomyia maranonensis in Cajamarca, Peru: A New Potential Vector of Carrion’s Disease in Peru?
Authors: Ulloa Gabriela M. , Vásquez-Achaya Fernando , Gomes Cláudia , del Valle Luis J. , Ruiz Joaquim , Pons Maria J. , del Valle Mendoza Juana
Published: September 2018

Carrion’s disease is a neglected, vector-borne illness that affects Colombia, Ecuador, and especially Peru. The phlebotomine sand flies Lutzomyia verrucarum and Lutzomyia peruensis are the main illness vectors described, although other species may be implicated in endemic areas such as some northern Peruvian regions, in which Carrion’s disease vector has not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Bartonella bacilliformis DNA in Lutzomyia maranonensis from Cajamarca, northern Peru. This sand fly has not been defined as a vector yet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps were used to collect adult phlebotomine sand flies from 2007 to 2008 in the Cajamarca department. Female specimens were identified using morphological keys and were grouped into pools of five sand flies, taking into account district and sampling site (intradomicile or peridomicile). DNA was extracted, and then conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to detect B. bacilliformis and subsequently confirmed by sequencing. A total of 383 specimens of L. maranonensis species were analyzed. Two of 76 pools were positive for B. bacilliformis by sequencing; all positives pools were from Querocotillo district. In addition, Mesorhizobium spp. were identified in two pools of sand flies, which is an α-proteobacteria phylogenetically very close to B. bacilliformis. This study presents molecular evidence that suggests L. maranonensis is naturally infected by B. bacilliformis in the Cajamarca department. Further research should determine if L. maranonensis is a vector and could transmit B. bacilliformis.
To End TB, First-Ever High-Level Meeting on Tuberculosis Must Address Stigma
Authors: Daftary Amrita , Mitchell Ellen M. H. , Reid Michael J. A. , Fekadu Endalkachew , Goosby Eric
Published: September 2018

World leaders gather to consolidate their commitment to ending tuberculosis (TB). Vital to the success of renewed efforts is an overdue recognition of the pervasive and pernicious influence of TB stigma. TB stigma is sustained in structures, policies, traditions, and norms. Innovative modifications to infection control, drug dispensing, and surveillance practices are required to increase demand for TB screening and effective therapeutic alliances among those diagnosed. The authors argue that reducing TB stigma requires a scientific and inclusive process, with prominent roles for TB survivors and a willingness to integrate and learn from other stigmatized conditions.
Biosimilar switching – current state of knowledge
Authors: Wiland Piotr , Batko Bogdan , Brzosko Marek , Kucharz Eugeniusz , Samborski Włodzimierz , Świerkot Jerzy , Więsik-Szewczyk Ewa , Feldman Julia
Published: September 2018

Evidence from over 10 years of clinical experience demonstrates that biosimilar medicines approved in the European Union can be used for all their registered indications as safely as their originators and with no negative impact on therapeutic efficacy. The debate on the use of biosimilars in rheumatology focuses specifically on the safety of switching between biosimilars and reference products. Studies conducted to date, including randomised double-blind and open-label extension trials, have not demonstrated any significant differences in therapeutic efficacy or safety between patients switched from one medicine to another and those who were continued on a single medicine. According to the latest recommendations for the use of biosimilars in rheumatic diseases, developed by an international task force in 2017, there is no clinical evidence that a single switch from an originator to a biosimilar medicine is associated with any significant risk for patient safety or reduction in therapeutic efficacy.
Prediction of photosynthesis in Scots pine ecosystems across Europe by a needle-level theory
Authors: Hari Pertti , Noe Steffen , Dengel Sigrid , Elbers Jan , Gielen Bert , Kerminen Veli-Matti , Kruijt Bart , Kulmala Liisa , Lindroth Anders , Mammarella Ivan , Petäjä Tuukka , Schurgers Guy , Vanhatalo Anni , Kulmala Markku , Bäck Jaana
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Photosynthesis provides carbon for the synthesis of macromolecules to
construct cells during growth. This is the basis for the key role of
photosynthesis in the carbon dynamics of ecosystems and in the biogenic
CO2 assimilation. The development of eddy-covariance (EC) measurements
for ecosystem CO2 fluxes started a new era in the field studies of
photosynthesis. However, the interpretation of the very variable
CO2 fluxes in evergreen forests has been problematic especially in
transition times such as the spring and autumn. We apply two theoretical
needle-level equations that connect the variation in the light intensity,
stomatal action and the annual metabolic cycle of photosynthesis. We then use
these equations to predict the photosynthetic CO2 flux in five
Scots pine stands located from the northern timberline to Central Europe. Our
result has strong implications for our conceptual understanding of the effects
of the global change on the processes in boreal forests, especially of the
changes in the metabolic annual cycle of photosynthesis.
Drivers of variations in the vertical profile of ozone over Summit Station, Greenland: An analysis of ozonesonde data
Authors: Bahramvash Shams Shima , Walden Von P. , Oltmans Samuel , Petropavlovskikh Irina , Johnson Bryan , Cullis Patrick , Sterling Chance W. , Thölix Laura , Errera Quentin , Kivi Rigel
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Understanding the drivers of atmospheric ozone variations in the Arctic is difficult because there are few long-term records of vertical ozone profiles in this region. We present 12 years of ozone profiles over Summit Station, Greenland (72.6 N, 38.4 W; 3200 meters) that were measured from 2005 to 2016. These profiles are subjected to data screening and are extended to 60 km using a robust extrapolation method. The total column ozone and the partial column ozone in four atmospheric layers (troposphere to upper stratosphere) are analyzed. The monthly mean total column ozone reaches a maximum of about 400 DU in April, then decreases to minimum values between 275 and 300 DU in the late summer and early fall. The partial column ozone values peak at different times between late winter and early summer. There is a positive trend in the total column that is likely due to increases in springtime ozone, however, these trends are not robust given the short period of record. A stepwise multiple regression analysis is performed to determine the primary drivers of ozone variations over Summit Station. This analysis shows that the variations in total column ozone are due primarily to changes in the tropopause pressure, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and the volume of polar stratospheric clouds. The eddy heat flux is also important for variations in the partial column ozone in the different altitude regions. The importance of the QBO appears to be a unique characteristic for ozone variations over the Greenland Ice Sheet (when compared to other nearby Arctic Stations) and may be related to the fact that Greenland is particularly sensitive to the phase of the QBO.
The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment: review of in-flight performance and new reprocessed 1995–2011 level 1 product
Authors: Coldewey-Egbers Melanie , Slijkhuis Sander , Aberle Bernd , Loyola Diego , Dehn Angelika
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) on-board the second European Remote Sensing satellite provided measurements of atmospheric constituents such as ozone and other trace gases for the 16-year period from 1995 to 2011. In this paper we present a detailed analysis of the long-term performance of the sensor and introduce the new homogenised and fully calibrated level 1 product that has been generated using the recently developed GOME Data Processor level-0-to-1b (GDP-L1) Version 5.1. By means of the various in-flight calibration parameters, we monitor the behaviour and stability of the instrument during the entire mission. Severe degradation of the optical components has led to a significant decrease in intensity, in particular in channels 1 and 2, which cover the spectral ranges of 240–316 and 311–405 nm, respectively. Thus, a soft correction based on using the Sun as a stable calibration source is applied. Revision and optimisation of other calibration algorithms such as the wavelength assignment, polarisation correction, and dark current correction resulted in an improved and homogeneous level 1 product that can be regarded as the European satellite reference data for successor atmospheric composition sensors and that provides an excellent prerequisite for further exploitation of GOME measurements.
An excitation mechanism for discrete chorus elements in the magnetosphere
Authors: Bespalov Peter , Savina Olga
Published: September 2018

Abstract. A beam pulsed amplifier mechanism responsible for effective amplification of
short very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic pulses is proposed.
Effective amplification near the magnetic equator outside the plasmasphere is
considered. A conditional growth rate of short electromagnetic pulses is
calculated. Obtained results can explain some important features of the
oblique electromagnetic chorus emissions without hiss-like radiation
background.
Multidecadal persistence of organic matter in soils: investigations at the submicrometer scale
Authors: Lutfalla Suzanne , Barré Pierre , Bernard Sylvain , Le Guillou Corentin , Alléon Julien , Chenu Claire
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The mineral matrix, particularly clay-sized minerals, protects soil organic matter (SOM) from decomposition by microorganisms. Here we report the characterization of SOM and associated minerals over decades of biodegradation, in a French long-term bare fallow (LTBF) experiment started in 1928. The amounts of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) declined with time for six fractions (sand, coarse silt, fine silt, coarse clays, intermediate clays and fine clays). The C : N ratios of SOM associated to silt fractions remained constant whereas they significantly decreased in clays, reaching very low values in intermediate and fine clays (C : N
Toward continental hydrologic–hydrodynamic modeling in South America
Authors: Siqueira Vinícius A. , Paiva Rodrigo C. D. , Fleischmann Ayan S. , Fan Fernando M. , Ruhoff Anderson L. , Pontes Paulo R. M. , Paris Adrien , Calmant Stéphane , Collischonn Walter
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Providing reliable estimates of streamflow and hydrological fluxes is a major challenge for water resources management over national and transnational basins in South America. Global hydrological models and land surface models are a possible solution to simulate the terrestrial water cycle at the continental scale, but issues about parameterization and limitations in representing lowland river systems can place constraints on these models to meet local needs. In an attempt to overcome such limitations, we extended a regional, fully coupled hydrologic–hydrodynamic model (MGB; Modelo hidrológico de Grandes Bacias) to the continental domain of South America and assessed its performance using daily river discharge, water levels from independent sources (in situ, satellite altimetry), estimates of terrestrial water storage (TWS) and evapotranspiration (ET) from remote sensing and other available global datasets. In addition, river discharge was compared with outputs from global models acquired through the eartH2Observe project (HTESSEL/CaMa-Flood, LISFLOOD and WaterGAP3), providing the first cross-scale assessment (regional/continental  ×  global models) that makes use of spatially distributed, daily discharge data. A satisfactory representation of discharge and water levels was obtained (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, NSE > 0.6 in 55 % of the cases) and the continental model was able to capture patterns of seasonality and magnitude of TWS and ET, especially over the largest basins of South America. After the comparison with global models, we found that it is possible to obtain considerable improvement on daily river discharge, even by using current global forcing data, just by combining parameterization and better routing physics based on regional experience. Issues about the potential sources of errors related to both global- and continental-scale modeling are discussed, as well as future directions for improving large-scale model applications in this continent. We hope that our study provides important insights to reduce the gap between global and regional hydrological modeling communities.
Estimation of effective porosity in large-scale groundwater models by combining particle tracking, auto-calibration and 14C dating
Authors: Meyer Rena , Engesgaard Peter , Hinsby Klaus , Piotrowski Jan A. , Sonnenborg Torben O.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Effective porosity plays an important role in contaminant management.
However, the effective porosity is often assumed to be constant in space and hence
heterogeneity is either neglected or simplified in transport model
calibration. Based on a calibrated highly parametrized flow model, a
three-dimensional advective transport model (MODPATH) of a 1300 km2
coastal area of southern Denmark and northern Germany is presented. A
detailed voxel model represents the highly heterogeneous geological
composition of the area. Inverse modelling of advective transport is used to
estimate the effective porosity of 7 spatially distributed units based
on apparent groundwater ages inferred from 11 14C measurements in
Pleistocene and Miocene aquifers, corrected for the effects of diffusion and
geochemical reactions. By calibration of the seven effective porosity units,
the match between the observed and simulated ages is improved significantly,
resulting in a reduction of ME of 99 % and RMS of 82 % compared to a
uniform porosity approach. Groundwater ages range from a few hundred years in
the Pleistocene to several thousand years in Miocene aquifers. The advective
age distributions derived from particle tracking at each sampling well show
unimodal (for younger ages) to multimodal (for older ages) shapes and thus
reflect the heterogeneity that particles encounter along their travel path.
The estimated effective porosity field, with values ranging between 4.3 %
in clay and 45 % in sand formations, is used in a direct simulation of
distributed mean groundwater ages. Although the absolute ages are affected by
various uncertainties, a unique insight into the complex three-dimensional
age distribution pattern and potential advance of young contaminated
groundwater in the investigated regional aquifer system is provided,
highlighting the importance of estimating effective porosity in groundwater
transport modelling and the implications for groundwater quantity and quality
assessment and management.
Cross-validation of bias-corrected climate simulations is misleading
Authors: Maraun Douglas , Widmann Martin
Published: September 2018

Abstract. We demonstrate both analytically and with a modelling example that
cross-validation of free-running bias-corrected climate change simulations
against observations is misleading. The underlying reasoning is as follows: a
cross-validation can have in principle two outcomes. A negative (in the sense
of not rejecting a null hypothesis), if the residual bias in the validation
period after bias correction vanishes; and a positive, if the residual bias
in the validation period after bias correction is large. It can be shown
analytically that the residual bias depends solely on the difference between
the simulated and observed change between calibration and validation periods.
This change, however, depends mainly on the realizations of internal
variability in the observations and climate model. As a consequence, the
outcome of a cross-validation is also dominated by internal variability, and
does not allow for any conclusion about the sensibility of a bias correction.
In particular, a sensible bias correction may be rejected (false positive)
and a non-sensible bias correction may be accepted (false negative). We
therefore propose to avoid cross-validation when evaluating bias correction
of free-running bias-corrected climate change simulations against
observations. Instead, one should evaluate non-calibrated temporal, spatial
and process-based aspects.
Significant submarine ice loss from the Getz Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Authors: Rippin David M.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. We present the first direct measurements of changes taking place at the base of the Getz Ice Shelf (GzIS) in West Antarctica. Our analysis is based on repeated airborne radio-echo sounding (RES) survey lines gathered in 2010 and 2014. We reveal that while there is significant variability in ice shelf behaviour, the vast majority of the ice shelf (where data is available) is undergoing basal thinning at a mean rate of nearly 13 m a−1, which is several times greater than recent modelling estimates. In regions of faster flowing ice close to where ice streams and outlet glaciers join the ice shelf, significantly greater rates of mass loss occurred. Since thinning is more pronounced close to faster-flowing ice, we propose that dynamic thinning processes may also contribute to mass loss here. Intricate sub-ice circulation patterns exist beneath the GzIS because of its complex sub-ice topography and the fact that it is fed by numerous ice streams and outlet glaciers. It is this complexity which we suggest is also responsible for the spatially variable patterns of ice-shelf change that we observe. The large changes observed here are also important when considering the likelihood and timing of any potential future collapse of the ice shelf, and the impact this would have on the flow rates of feeder ice streams and glaciers, that transmit ice from inland Antarctica to the coast. We propose that as the ice shelf continues to thin in response to warming ocean waters and climate, the response of the ice shelf will be spatially diverse. Given that these measurements represent changes that are significantly greater than modelling outputs, it is also clear that we still do not fully understand how ice shelves respond to warming ocean waters. As a result, ongoing direct measurements of ice shelf change are vital for understanding the future response of ice shelves under a warming climate.
Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow (TAG)—A Strengths-Based Approach to Promoting Health in Youth
Authors: Novick Emily R. , Kim Jamie I. , Mazloomdoost Yasmin , Barthle Courtney , Hays Lonna
Published: September 2018

Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® (TAG) is a national call to action to promote adolescent health and healthy development. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health and developed with the input of national organizations, it builds on the collective wisdom of youth-serving professionals and seeks to raise the profile of adolescent health in the national discourse. Using TAG, the Office of Adolescent Health conducts outreach and delivers tools and information that support the integration of positive youth development precepts into the ongoing work of federal, state, and local public agencies; youth-serving health, public health, education, and social service professionals and organizations; faith- and community-based organizations; workforce development organizations and employers; and other stakeholders. TAG does not provide a formulaic blueprint for action, but instead encourages youth-serving organizations to use approaches that are consistent with their mission, objectives, priorities, and tactics. Preliminary evaluation findings indicate interest in the overall concept and resources of TAG, with partners citing the sharing of resources as a primary engagement strategy.
Online Child’s Health Assessment Tool for Obesity Prevention Programming
Authors: Palmer Laura A. , McCarthy Kimberly J. , Perkins Daniel F. , Borden Lynne M. , DiNallo Jennifer M.
Published: September 2018

To optimize public health in the next decade, prevention of childhood obesity will remain a central focus. To impact behavioral change, data must be linked to continuous quality improvements within existing nutrition and physical activity programming. The Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk Professional Development and Technical Assistance Center has developed a picture-based, online survey tool, the CYFAR Health Assessment Tool (CHAT), to assess health behaviors in youth ages 6 to18 years of age. Used for continuous program improvement, aggregate data results are coupled with tailored health recommendations in 4 domains (behavior and environmental modifications, education, and direct strategies) and evidence-informed resources for dissemination to youth and parents. Program implementers use the data and resources for targeted programmatic improvements that more effectively promote health and well-being. CHAT also informs our collective understanding of youth’s perceptions of health in comparison to their actual behaviors.
Restorative Youth Sports: An Applied Model for Resolving Conflicts and Building Positive Relationships
Authors: Hemphill Michael A. , Janke Emily M. , Gordon Barrie , Farrar Haley
Published: September 2018

When handled effectively, conflict provides opportunities to strengthen relationships and assist youth in developing peaceful conflict resolution skills. Sport participation is one context in which youth develop skills and encounter conflict. The purpose of this study was to develop an applied model that addresses conflict resolution in sport-based youth development programs. Using qualitative interviewing, a community-engaged approach guided the selection of participants and data analysis. We used the models of restorative practice and Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) through sports to guide our study. Following interviews with a variety of community partners, we found that the values of sport are often in conflict with restorative practices. However, a relational approach such as TPSR aligns well with the values of restorative practices. Based on our findings, an applied model was developed to illustrate how restorative practice can be utilized in a sport context. The Restorative Youth Sports (RYS) model recognizes that conflicts and tension are natural and inherent to all relationships. When handled appropriately, conflict provides opportunities to strengthen relationships. Youth sport provides a unique context where youth are presented with problems and conflicts to solve and promote healthy relationships among youth.
Informing Youth Health and Well-Being Programs: A National 4-H Healthy Living Evaluation Study
Authors: Peterson Donna J. , Downey Laura H. , Leatherman JoAnne
Published: September 2018

4-H Healthy Living programs address healthy eating; physical activity; social-emotional health and well-being; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use prevention; and injury prevention. Using the Systematic Screening and Assessment Method, this paper identified 32 4-H Healthy Living programs across the nation ready for comprehensive outcome evaluation and/or national replication based on 6 criteria. Weaknesses in an additional 78 programs that did not meet the criteria were also identified. Programs that failed to meet the criteria did so primarily because they lacked a clearly delineated theory of change or appropriate evaluation. Implications for practice include ways to strengthen program planning and use of a comprehensive evaluation framework. Specific attention is given to professional development for 4-H professionals.
The Balanced Energy Physical Activity (BEPA) Toolkit
Authors: Brody Barbara Bromley , Gunter Katherine B.
Published: September 2018

The Balanced Energy Physical Activity Toolkit is an evidence-based, behaviorally focused physical activity resource. The BEPA-Toolkit is designed for applications in various educational settings to increase children’s physical activity time, with materials and activity ideas that are applicable for use in and outside of the classroom and before, during, or after school. It includes over 50 activity cards that convey integrated messages about healthy eating and physical activity through movement. This practical resource has been shown to increase children’s physical activity at school.
VISCOELASTIC RESPONSE DURING CRACK PROPAGATION OF UNFILLED AND FILLED SBR
Authors: Wunde Matthias , Klüppel Manfred
Published: September 2018

The crack propagation behavior of unfilled and filled styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) in steady and dynamic tearing was investigated using tensile tests on trousers samples and tear fatigue measurements on single edge notched tension (SENT) samples, respectively. For the unfilled sample, both types of measurements indicated that the tearing energy is dominated by the viscoelastic response of the polymer. This was demonstrated by the creation of crack growth master curves using the horizontal shift factors obtained from mastering the complex modulus. The tearing energy increased with increasing crack velocity and decreasing temperature as required by the time-temperature superposition principle. The crack growth master curves followed a power law with the same exponent for steady and dynamic tearing. This exponent agrees fairly well with the exponent predicted by linear viscoelastic crack propagation theory. For steady tearing at high crack propagation rates, systematic deviations from the master curves appeared, which were attributed to flash temperature effects. For the filled SBR, which contained 50 phr carbon black, only dynamic tearing was found to be dominated by the viscoelastic response of the polymer. For steady tearing, filler networking seemed to alter crack propagation rates significantly, so that the viscoelastic fingerprint was no longer visible. For the filled sample, additional measurements with a high preload were conducted. It was demonstrated that a single master curve can be constructed, only if the (static) preload contribution is neglected and the dynamic contribution of the energy density is used for the evaluation of the tearing energy. This master curve showed two distinct slopes at high and low crack velocities. It is argued that the higher slope at low crack speeds is relevant for lifetime predictions based on the integration of the Paris–Erdogan power law. Under conditions in which the viscoelastic crack propagation holds, very slow crack growth rates can be explored at reasonable testing times by measurements at elevated temperatures.
Evaluación y selección de líneas avanzadas de arroz (Oriza sativa L.) con alto contenido de zinc en condiciones de riego y secano en Nicaragua
Authors: Cuadra C Sergio A. , Marín-Fernandez Vidal
Published: September 2018

La bioacumulación de Zn en el endosperma de cultivos de alto consumo popular como el arroz tiene gran importancia para resolver problemas de carácter nutricional. La presente investigación consisió en distintas fases de evaluación-selección de líneas avanzadas de arroz con alto contenido de zinc (a nivel de vivero, evaluación de líneas avanzadas y evaluación multi-ambiental en diferentes sitios del país). Los experimentos se establecieron en condiciones de riego y secano en los años 2014 y 2015, en las siguintes localidades: Centro Experimental de Arroz “TAI-NIC”, Jalapa, Posoltega, Masatepe, San Carlos, Pantasma y Dario. El Diseño empleado fue en Bloques Incompletos No Balanceados (Alpha Latice). Se midieron datos de comportamiento agronómico (días a madures, altura de planta, macollamiento, longitud de panícula, peso de grano, rendimiento), calidad de grano y contenido de zinc en el grano pulido mediante la metodología de fluorescencia de rayos X (FRX). De los genotipos evaluados se seleccionaron cuatro que combinan características agronómicas, industriales y nutricionales deseables. Se estableció una relación positiva entre la cantidad de zinc disponible en el suelo y la cantidad de zinc encontrada en grano pulido. Se determinaron diferencias signifi cativas entre los genotipos, ambientes e interacción genotipo*ambiente. Se seleccionaron genotipos que presentan un comportamiento adaptativo amplio y genotipos con adaptación específica para cada condición agroclimática y de manejo. Se identificaron dos mega-ambientes con genotipos en común. En el primero formado por los sitios de Pantasma y Jalapa destaca el genotipo IR31917-45-3-2-1-1SR-5-M (T4). En el segundo mega-ambiente formado por los sitios de Masatepe y San Carlos destaca el genotipo CT18504-4-5-3Vi-2-3P (T14). En los ambientes únicos de Posoltega y Darío los mejores genotipos fueron IR75870- 5-8-5-B-2-B-1SR-8-M (T6) para el primero y CT19298-(100)-1-2- 3-1-4MP (T1) para el segundo. La variable que más influenció la producción fue días a madures, confi rmando la tendencia de que a ciclo más largo, existe mayor rendimiento; y longitud de panícula.
Evaluación agronómica de nueve líneas avanzadas de arroz (Oriza sativa L.) y dos testigos comerciales bajo condiciones de riego por inundación, Sébaco, Matagalpa
Authors: Aguilar Bustamante Víctor , Méndez Carlos , Treminio Artola Esteban , Loáisiga Vallecillo Lesli
Published: September 2018

El estudio se realizó en el centro experimental de arroz de Asociación Nacional de Arroceros (ANAR) en la finca Santa Rita en el Valle de Sébaco, Matagalpa con el objetivo de evaluar 11 líneas avanzadas de arroz y dos variedades con alto potencial de rendimiento y excelentes características industriales. Las parcelas experimentales fueron establecidas el 10 de Julio del 2014 y cosechadas del 12 al 14 de noviembre del mismo año. El diseño experimental fue un BCA con tres repeticiones. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados usando ANDEVA y prueba de medias por TUKEY al 5% de margen de error, a través del software SAS 9.1. La línea 246 y la variedad ANAR 97 presentaron cierto índice de acame y las líneas 18 y 20 presentaron una moderada longitud de excersión. Las demás líneas no presentaron acame y buena longitud de la excersión facilitando mejor la cosecha. De los 9 genotipos evaluados, 6 son altamente productivos superando a las variedades ANAR 97 y ANAR 470 oscilando sus rendimientos entre 6121 kg/ha y 6818 kg/ha siendo candidatos a pruebas regionales. La línea 248 presentó los mejores valores de rendimiento de arroz oro, mayor porcentaje de grano entero y mejor relación grano entero grano quebrado.
Incidencia poblacional del ácaro blanco (Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Banks) y otros artrópodos plagas en arreglos de policultivo y cultivo puro en Tisma, Nicaragua
Authors: Jiménez-Martínez Edgardo , Chamorro Aguilar William , Romero Lacayo Dirck
Published: September 2018

Los policultivos juegan un papel importante en la biodiversidad de un agroecosistema, estos promueven servicios ecológicos tales como reciclaje de nutrientes, control biológico de plagas, enfermedades y arvenses, incremento en la producción de biomasa, conservación de suelos y agua, mejoramiento de calidad físico-química del suelo, reducción de la toxicidad al evitar o disminuir el uso de pesticidas. El estudio se realizó en el municipio Tisma, Masaya en la finca “El Chagüite” en los meses de Septiembre a Noviembre del 2014, con el objetivo de estudiar el efecto de dos sistemas de siembra, cultivo puro y policultivo, sobre la ocurrencia poblacional de artrópodos plagas y benéficos e incidencia poblacional del ataque del ácaro blanco en el cultivo de chiltoma. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se establecieron cuatro parcelas, una con el arreglo en policultivos (chiltoma, maíz, tomate, yuca y quequisque) y los restantes se establecieron con cultivo puro de chiltoma, maíz y tomate. Las variables evaluadas semanalmente fueron la ocurrencia poblacional de artrópodos plagas y benéficos, ocurrencia del ácaro blanco y el rendimiento obtenido en los cultivos de chiltoma, maíz y tomate para el análisis del uso equivalente de la tierra (UET). En general se observó una tendencia de menor ocurrencia de plagas, menor densidad poblacional de ácaro blanco, mayor densidad poblacional de artrópodos benéficos y un mejor aprovechamiento de la tierra por unidad de área en el sistema de siembra de policultivo.
Aspectos bioecológicos y de manejo de gallina ciega (Phyllophaga sp.), en la producción de cacao (Theobroma cacao) en Río San Juan, Nicaragua
Authors: Argüello-Chávez Harold
Published: September 2018

La gallina ciega (Phyllophaga sp.) es la plaga de suelo predominante en cultivos de Centroamérica, afecta al cacao (Theobroma cacao), y a gran cantidad de cultivos de diferentes familias botánicas. No existe registro de variedades de cacao tolerante al ataque de gallina ciega y las alternativas de manejo se centran en la aplicación de químicos sintéticos, cuyos efectos residuales en suelos y cultivos no son compatibles con los requerimientos fitosanitarios establecidos por las agencias certifi cadoras. El objetivo del presente trabajo es documentar la problemática ocasionada por gallina ciega en plantaciones de Cacao en la Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur (RAAS), basado en estudio de campo realizado para el reconocimiento de especies, incidencia, severidad, caracterización de daños, distribución poblacional y diseño de una estrategia de manejo de gallina ciega en la finca San Sebastián, ubicada al noroeste de la comunidad Buena Vista, del municipio Baca de Sábalo en el departamento de Río San Juan en diciembre del 2016. Se enfatiza sobre algunos aspectos taxonómicos y biológicos de la plaga que la hace predecible para enfocar un manejo adecuado de la misma; se proponen recomendaciones acerca de estrategias de manejo sostenible de la plaga y se enfatiza sobre premisas o aspectos técnicos básicos a tomar en cuenta para diseñar una eficiente estrategia de manejo de gallina ciega a mediano y largo plazo.
The Study of Syntactic Errors in English Writing on Fossilization Theory
Authors: Huang Yi
Published: September 2018

SLA researchers have long been baffled why native-like attainment is rare among adult L2 learners. They have been contributing to approaching the conundrum through the lens of fossilization (Selinker, 1972). Fossilization has aroused more and more attentions at home and abroad since proposed. This thesis consists of major five chapters. The Introduction section mainly introduces the origin and significance of study and outlines the fossilization research achievements at home and abroad from different facets, in which many foreign researchers provide their theoretical basis for the language fossilization, especially for the double effect on foreign language writing, whereas the domestic researchers make a lot of empirical studies that explore the correlation between language fossilization and instruction at different levels. Based on the foregoing analysis, the last chapter puts forward two objective proposals about teaching strategies and classroom activities for high school teachers. On one hand, the English writing teaching approach should be distinguished from the colloquial speech teaching approach because L2 writing pertains to a more formal language output, and  the correct output of language forms should not be overlooked when concerning that of language meaning. Only on the basis of the correct language forms, language meaning will be naturally closer to the target language.
Incidence of Value Added Tax, Effects and Implications
Authors: Obeng George
Published: September 2018

The current debate in the field of taxation and public finance is the concern of Value Added Tax (VAT) being inflationary and who the incidence or burden of payment falls. The implication from available literature and studies points to the fact that VAT can impact negatively on production and consumption, stifling free flow of economic activities. Literature is reviewed to find out the incidence of VAT and its implications on the firm and the consumer. It is established that VAT is not a cost to the business firm to make it inflationary but a charge independent of its pricing mechanism. It is also not extra cost to the consumer but part appropriation of the economic resource flow accruing to the consumer to settle the legitimate obligation of financing public expenditure. The paper concludes that the incidence of the tax is on the consumer and VAT is not inflationary but a means of tax optimality to stabilize the system in the event of market failure.
Relationship between the Voluntary Instrument of CSR in the Textile Industry in the Czech Republic and Financial Performance
Authors: Krause Josef
Published: September 2018

The paper deals with the relationship between an environmentally friendly approach on the part of companies and financial performance. The paper emphasises that corporate social responsibility is an important issue in the strategic management of companies. The paper examines companies in the textile industry with an environmentally friendly certification in the Czech Republic, and then compares their indicator of profitability with companies in the textile industry without this chosen certification. The Wilcoxon test and t-test are used for the comparison. No statistically significant differences are confirmed. The limitations of the research are also discussed in the article.
Influence of Screen Printed Layers on the Thermal Conductivity of Textile Fabrics
Authors: Kazani Ilda , Kazani Ilda , De Mey Gilbert , Hertleer Carla , Van Langenhove Lieva , Guxho Genti
Published: September 2018

In the smart textile field the combination of textile and metallic materials is rising. In order to conduct electricity in textile, different methods are used. This paper deals with a new measuring method to determine the lateral thermal conductivity of a textile fabric. The technique starts by measuring the temperature distribution on the fabric using a thermographic camera. In addition to that, the method outlined in this paper will also allow to determine the change in thermal conductivity when an electric conducting layer has been screen printed on a textile fabric
Notion of strategic national security management
Authors: Wiśniewski Remigiusz
Published: September 2018

An analytical description of the community, national strategic management of national
security as the foundation for shaping the security of the state with the display of combined
actions of diplomacy, administration and generally understood management of knowledge.
An attempt to create a package and objectives in the context of a comprehensive strategy as
a concept of a concrete action of the state to promote wise and civic science - common in the
cause and effect relationship of the strategy as a security instrument.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Associated Clinical Features in Latino and Caucasian Patients from a Single Center
Authors: Kuftinec Gabriela N. , Levy Robert , Kieffer Dorothy A. , Medici Valentina
Published: September 2018

Introduction and aim. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer in adults and has seen a rapid increase in incidence in the United States. Racial and ethnic differences in HCC incidence have been observed, with Latinos showing the greatest increase over the past four decades, highlighting a concerning health disparity. The goal of the present study was to compare the clinical features at the time of diagnosis of HCC in Latino and Caucasian patients. Material and methods. We retrospectively screened a total of 556 charts of Latino and Caucasian patients with HCC. Results. The mean age of HCC diagnosis was not significantly different between Latinos and Caucasians, but Latinos presented with higher body mass index (BMI). Rates of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were similar in the two groups. The most common etiology of liver disease was alcohol drinking in Latinos, and chronic hepatitis C in Caucasian patients. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) was the associated diagnosis in 8.6% of Latinos and 4.7% of Caucasians. Interestingly, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels at time of diagnosis were higher in Latino patients compared to Caucasians, but this difference was evident only in male patients. Multifocal HCC was slightly more frequent in Latinos, but the two groups had similar cancerous vascular invasion. Latino patients also presented with higher rates of both ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. Conclusion. Latino and Caucasian patients with HCC present with a different profile of etiologies, but cancer features appear to be more severe in Latinos.
Mutations Identified in a Cohort of Mexican Patients with Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency
Authors: Consuelo-Sánchez Alejandra , Vázquez-Frías Rodrigo , Reyes-De la Rosa Alejandra , Acosta-Rodríguez-Bueno Carlos P. , Ortal-Vite María P. , Cebolla Jorge J.
Published: September 2018

Introduction and aim. Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the LIPA gene, located on the long arm of chromosome 10 (10q23.31). Up until now, more than 59 mutations have been described and which are the cause of a very wide clinical spectrum. The goal of this study was to identify the mutations present in Mexican pediatric patients with a diagnosis of LAL-D. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out which included all the pediatric patients with LAL-D treated in a tertiary hospital in Mexico from January 2000 to June 2017. Results. Sixteen patients with LAL-D were identified with a disease phenotype marked by the accumulation of cholesteryl esters. Eight distinct variants in the LIPA gene sequence were found, four pathogenic variants and four probably pathogenic. In six individuals, the variants were found in the homozygous state and ten were compound heterozygous. The eight variants were inverted, with five found on exon 4 and the others on exons 2, 8 and 10. The variant c.386A>G;p.His129Arg was the most common, being found in six of the 16 individuals (37.5%), making it much more frequent than what had previously been reported in the literature in proportion to the rest of the variants. The mutation known as E8SJM, which has been the mostly frequently found at the international level, was not the most common among this group of Mexican patients. Conclusion. Mexican patients present a different frequency of mutations associated with LAL-D in comparison to European populations.