bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative characteristics of the composition of microbial associations of the gastrointestinal tract in humans in the norm and during dysbiosis
Authors: Shevchenko T. M. , Rozhnyeva I. L. , Dyklenko T. V. , Voronkova O. S.
Published: February 2018

The causes of the imbalance of the microbiota of the human body, in particular the intestines, are diverse: they include changes in environmental conditions, inappropriate nutrition and the use of harmful products, acute intestinal infections, chronic diseases and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, the widespread use of antibiotics, reduced immunological reactivity of the organism, etc. Dysbiosis is accompanied by an increase of the detection frequency and quantity of opportunistic microorganisms. Such changes are characterized by negative consequences that can provoke the development of a number of complications of the functioning of various systems and organs of the human body. If significant deviations of the composition of the microflora compared to the state of the norm take place, it is absolutely necessary to correct it, which is possible with the use of preparations based on microbial cultures – probiotics. However, the mechanisms of antagonistic relationships between representatives of opportunistic microflora and normal non-pathogenic flora from different ecotopes of the macroorganism have not been completely studied. At the same time, it is known that the development of various forms of infectious processes, both acute and chronic, depends on the manifestation of pathogenicity and the persistence of a potential pathogen. Important for the correction of dysbiotic states is knowledge of the microbiota composition characteristics, including the formation of associations by individual of microorganisms in the associations, which in each case requires the development of individual approaches to therapy. In view of this, the aim of our research was to analyze the frequency of detection of opportunistic microorganisms and their associations in people with dysbiosis of gastrointestinal tract. As a result of our studies on the composition of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, in the contingent of the surveyed persons dysbiosis was confirmed for 56 (77.8%) individuals. It was determined that during normobiosis the formation of the following associations was typical: triple and five-membered 25.0%, six-membered – 18.8%, and most numerous-four membered associations – 31.3%. Of these, bacterial associations were determined in 87.5% of cases, bacterial-fungi associations – in 12.5%. During dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal tract, the following groups of microorganisms were isolated: Staphylococcus – 87.5%, Citrobacter – 64.3%, Klebsiella – 51.8%, Streptococcus – 50.0%, Serratia – 25%, Candida – 21.4%, and Hafnia – 5.4%, which were the part of the associations: six members – 37.5%, four members constituted – 25.0%, five members – 21.4%,three members – 14.3%, and a double association – 1.8%. Bacterial associations were determined in 78.6% of cases, bacterial-fungi associations – in 21.4%.
Species-specific response to acute hyperthermal stress of Haworthia (Asphodelaceae) plants
Authors: Nuzhyna N. V. , Gaidarzhy M. M. , Aviekin Y. V.
Published: February 2018

An increase in environmental temperature is one of the most common stress factors for plant organisms. The study of the plants’ adaptation to stress factors remains extremely important and relevant. This article presents the results of a acute short-term influence of hyperthermia on species of two subgenera of the genus Haworthia Duval. We investigated the different levels of antioxidant protection and damage degree of the members of two subgenera of the genus Haworthia at the biochemical level, measuring the lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities, total flavonoid content and content of photosynthetic pigments with a spectrophotometer. To determine the drought tolerance of plants, the water supply of tissues, water shortage and loss of water after an hour of wilting were measured. The values for different groups were compared by ANOVA followed by the Tukey multiple comparison test. The studied plants were warmed in a thermostat at temperatures of 40 °C and 50 °C for three hours under the conditions of natural light. The control group of plants was kept at 25 °C. The research has shown that H. attenuata, H. limifolia and H. cymbiformis are characterized with the increase of concentration of malonic dialdehyde at 40 °C and 50 °C, but a significant difference of values wasn’t received,which indicates the relative resistance of these plants to the influence of high temperatures. The sharp increase of temperature causes the highest level of lipid peroxidation in H. parksiana plants, along with which, warming to 50 °C launches a mechanism of activation and synthesis of superoxide dismutase and flavonoids for the plants. The studied species of the subgenus Haworthia have a photosynthetic system relatively resistant to thermal stress in comparison to the subgenus Hexangulares. H. limifolia plants have a slight inhibition of photosynthesis. The adaptation of H. cymbiformis to thermal stress is due to the strategy of accumulation of a pool of active enzymes, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, flavonoids under normal conditions and the activation of new peroxidase enzymes as a result of stress. H. attenuata is characterized by activation of new enzymes of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase under stress. It was found that H. cymbiformis and H. attenuata are more heat resistant in comparison with the other two species. Acute short-term hyperthermia has a different influence on the antioxidant system of different species of Haworthia. H. limifolia has the highest drought tolerance, H. cymbiformis has the lowest, the other two species from different subgenera have similar drought tolerance indicators. We did not find any dependence of the mechanisms of action of the antioxidant system under hyperthermia on the type of adaptation to arid conditions at the anatomical level in plants of different subgenera of the genus Haworthia.
New finding of green algae with potential for algal biotechnology, Chlorococcum oleofaciens and its molecular investigation
Authors: Maltsev Y. I. , Konovalenko T. V.
Published: February 2018

The practice of soil algology shows that algae from the order Chlamydomonadales are among the most poorly studied and difficult to identify due to the high heterogeneity of their morphology and ultrastructure. Only the involvement of molecular genetic methods usually makes it possible to determine their taxonomic status with high accuracy. At the same time, in the algae flora of Ukraine there are more than 250 species from the order Chlamydomonadales, the status of which in most cases is established exclusively on the basis of light microscopy. This work is devoted to the study of the biotechnologically promising green alga Chlorococcum oleofaciens, taking into account the modern understanding of its taxonomic status. Two new strains of this species, separated from samples of forest litter and oak forest soil (the Samara Forest, Dnipropetrovsk region), are described. The strains were studied at the morphological level by using light microscopy methods, as well as using molecular genetic methods based on the studies of the nucleotide genes sequences of the 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and chloroplast rbcL genes, the topology of secondary structures of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). The obtained results helped to confirm the presence of C. oleofaciens in the algae flora of Ukraine. Also, the authors of the article discuss the differences in the secondary structure of ITS2 in different strains of C. oleofaciens associated with the presence of compensatory base change (CBC), hemi-CBC in helices I and II, as well as deletions in helix IV and providing a basis for the hypothesis of the existence of cryptic species within C. oleofaciens. The obtained data can be used at the stage of preliminary selection of biochemical research objects.
Features of the microbiota of the urogenital tract of women with pathological conditions
Authors: Bezkrovna Y. M. , Golodok L. P. , Vinnikov A. I.
Published: February 2018

Nonspecific infection of the female reproductive system continues to occupy the first place among pathologies of the reproductive tract of the female. These diseases affect the organs and tissues related to the reproductive system. Using the method of polymerase chain reaction in real time, we investigated characteristics of the normal and conditionally pathogenic aerobic / facultative anaerobic, anaerobic biota in the urethra, cervical canal and vagina of women aged 16 to 58 years, studies were carried out on the basis of the Center of Laboratory Diagnostics, LLC "MEDLAYF". For all women up to the age of 40, biota is mainly represented by lactobacilli (Lactobacillus spp.), and in pathological complications of the urogenital tract of women the microbial composition of the biocoenosis is characterized by a decrease in the number of lactobacilli and their replacement by pathogenic anaerobic microorganisms. In disorders of the microflora of the urogenital tract we also detected the human papillomavirus of both high and low carcinogenic risk and Ureoplasma (urealiticum + parvum), Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis and yeast of the genus Candida spp. The most frequently distributed of the most common causative agents of pathological conditions of the reproductive system of women is the human papillomavirus of high carcinogenic risk, Ureoplasma (urealiticum + parvum) and Candida spp. This is due to anatomical and physiological characteristics of the genital organs, hormonal and immune system.
Impact of ions of zinc and cadmium on body weight, fertility and condition of the tissues and organs of Procambarus virginalis (Decapoda, Cambaridae)
Authors: Marenkov O. M. , Holoborodko K. K. , Voronkova U. S. , Nesterenko O. S.
Published: February 2018

Heavy metals cause functional disorders in the tissues and organs of hydrobionts, affecting their linear-weight indicators, reproductive system, digestive and eliminative organs. Using the method of histological estimation of the conditions of the tissues and organs of Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017 allowed us to determine the peculiarities of adaptation of crustaceans to the effect of different concentrations of heavy metal ions in the conditions of a modeling experiment. We studied the impact ions of zinc (0.1 mg/l) and cadmium (0.01 mg/l) on the organism of P. virginalis. The heavy metal ions had a negative effect on the weight indicators, survivability and reproduction of P. virginalis. During the experiments with zinc, we observed death of 18.2% of the tested сrustaceans; the highest death rate was observed in the experiment with cadmium – 27.3%. Experimentally modeled concentrations of heavy metals negatively affected the reproductive system of P. virginalis. In the experiment with cadmium ions, we observed no spawning; the highest percentage of the females with deposed eggs was observed in the control – 29.1%. The conducted studies allowed us to observe the reaction of the eliminatory system of P. virginalis to the impact of heavy metal ions. The impact of ions of zinc and cadmium decreased the area of secretory cells of the green gland by 10.4–14.8%. We observed grinding of the nuclear cell apparatus. Therefore, the nucleii of granulocytes were 23.6% smaller under the impact of zinc, and 17.5% smaller under the influence of cadmium. The sizes of cells and nucleus apparatus decreased mutually and proportionally; this was proven by stable indicators of nucleus-cytoplasm ratio, its value equaled 0.29–0.31 units. The given concentrations of heavy metals did not affect the histological condition of the adipose tissue, the sizes of adipocytes fluctuated within the range of 215–2178 μm2, the average equaled 872–994 μm2. We determined the negative effect of heavy metals on the histological structure of the hepatopancreas and the value of gland lumens. In the control, the area of previous section equaled 164.5 μm2 with 39 μm2 lumen. During the experiment with zinc ions the structures of hepatopancreas increased by 19.9%, and in the experiment with cadmium, we observed the highest increase in the structural elements of the tissues – by 50.2%. The worst histological condition of the cells of the tested tissues and organs of P. virginalis was observed among individuals impacted by the cadmium ions; this is explained by the high toxic effect of this heavy metal.
The Integrated Environment for Learning Objects Design and Storing in Semantic Web
Authors: Dagiene Valentina , Gudoniene Daina , Bartkute Reda
Published: February 2018

There is a variety of tools and environments for Learning Objects (LOs) design and delivery as well as learning object repositories (LOR) but the researchers could not find a repository that includes both functions: creation and storing of LOs. A number of different integrated learning systems are suggested for users that demonstrate the variety of e-learning methods and semantic capabilities. LO repository oer.ndma.lt/lor, that we are going to present, is very friendly and interoperable to use and assure LO design, search in semantic web, adaptation of the re-used objects and storing. There are no more existing LO repositories with the functionality presented by researchers. Transformation of closed education into open one without existence of well-structured, multifunctional and integrated environment becomes problematic. Authors will present an integrated environment for the LO design, search in semantic web, adaptation and storing of newly designed or re-designed LO. Measures will support the transformation of closed education into open and will assure effective design, re-usability and adaptation of LO in the integrated environment.
Briefing: The potential of mediating planning and environmental disputes in England and Wales
Authors: Agapiou Andrew
Published: February 2018

Mediation provides a more cost-effective, faster and generally more beneficial form of dispute resolution than litigation for certain types of disputes. It is for these reasons that mediation may be considered a potentially useful form of dispute resolution in the field of planning and environmental disputes in the UK. Mediation for such disputes promises to facilitate participation in planning disputes on a much broader level, thereby promoting inclusiveness and allowing for a broader and thus more accurate range of interests to be taken into account. The flexible nature of mediation also enables the process to be tailored according to the particular features of the individual case. It is within this context that the potential benefits of mediation for environmental and planning disputes should be approached and considered within this briefing, in order to determine whether such benefits are applicable to this type of dispute.
Medical Negligence: Experiences of Doctors in Hospital Settings
Authors: Sangwan Ramesh Kumar
Published: February 2018

Medical profession which is a noble profession has now becoming a business. Medical
professionals often forget their responsibilities towards their patients and conduct their
professional work without observing the code of ethics and thereby violate the rights of the
patients. Growing incidences of malpractice and medical negligence keep the patient resulting
into the poor health or sometime in medical complications. Every now and then people slap or
become aggressive if their patient dies in the hospital setting. They directly blame doctor for
medical negligence.
On the other hand doctors feel that medical profession is becoming very tough and patient and
their relatives are no more passive recipient of the treatment. This paper explores the doctors’
experiences about the medical negligence.
Gut microbiota and its role in cancer patients
Authors: Purkite Ankita
Published: February 2018

Chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplant suppress the body’s immunity making them more prone to neutropenic sepsis, for which the patients have to be given broad-spectrum antibiotics. These antibiotics disrupt the well-organized colony of our intestinal microbiome creating dysbiosis. Dysbiosis makes the intestine a favorable platform for certain Gram-positive bacilli to proliferate which is Clostridium difficile. Traditional treatment requires the patient to take metronidazole, vancomycin, and probiotics. Recurrent C. difficile infection makes the traditional treatment a failure. Thus, fecal microbial transplant is the answer to recurrent C. difficile.
Micronuclei in buccal smears: A potential tool to assess genotoxic DNA damage due to tobacco which may lead to oral cancer
Authors: Amin Suresh
Published: February 2018

A 42-year–old young man had a tobacco chewing habit of more than 20 years. On the basis of micronuclei (MN) score 26, he was persuaded to quit
RUNX3 gene in renal cell cancer
Authors: Joob Beuy , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: February 2018

Dear Editor, we read the publication on “The expression of RUNX3 gene in renal cell cancer and its clinical relevance with serum vascular endothelial growth factor” with a great interest. Parmar et al. concluded that “Lower expression of RUNX3 in renal cancer suggests its tumor suppressive role”. In fact, the role of RUNX3 is well clarifi d in several malignancies. It is no doubt there is the similar observation for the case of renal cell carcinoma. In the present report, there are some limitations as noted by Parmar et al. An important consideration is the possible concurrent effect of another genetic factor that might modify the fi phenotypic manifestation. In case of RUNX3, the effect of concurrent p53 is well clarifi    and should be studied.
Współczesne aspekty resocjalizacji przestępców w wybranych krajach europejskich
Authors: Kacprzak Andrzej
Published: February 2018

Tekst stanowi przegląd innowacyjnych rozwiązań stosowanych w zakresie resocjalizacji przestępców w wybranych krajach europejskich: Wielkiej Brytanii, Francji, Niemczech, Hiszpanii oraz krajach skandynawskich (Szwecji, Norwegii, Finlandii i Danii). Nowe rozwiązania wdrażane w ramach systemów resocjalizacyjnych tych krajów, mające na celu przeciwdziałanie przestępczości powrotnej (recydywy), wpisują się we współczesną tendencję liberalizacji polityki karnej. Jako takie kładą szczególny nacisk na kary nieizolacyjne, których jednym z kluczowych zadań jest wspieranie reintegracji społecznej skazanych i przeciwdziałanie ich społecznej marginalizacji.
Fulfilling the journalistic principles of truth and objectivity in the context of mediatisation of political communication – the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015
Authors: Leśniczak Rafał
Published: February 2018

The mediatisation of political communication indicates two main functions of the mass media: they report on events from the world of politics and create the images of political actors in the eyes of the public. I attempt to answer the question: can one talk about respecting the basic principles of journalistic ethics (the truth and the objectivity principles) in the times of the mediatisation of the public sphere? The theme of the article applies to terrorism, which is a form of political communication, having its own special expression. The activities of terrorist organisations influence the actions of the leaders of political life, citizens and the mass media. The research material consisted of Polish opinion-making weeklies Newsweek Polska and Polityka and national dailies in their printed versions: Gazeta Wyborcza and Rzeczpospolita. The time frame covered a period from 1 November 2015 to 11 December 2015. The topic of the article was treated as a case study.
Enclaves of freedom. On „second circulation” publishing in the PRL
Authors: Tatarowski Konrad W.
Published: February 2018

„Second circulation publishing”, the broadly defined publishing and cultural movement, independent of the authorities of the PRL and not subject to state censorship, was initiated in the autumn of 1976 by the community which opposed communist party rule in Poland. The author of the article offers a synthesis defining the notion of „second circulation”, indicating its scope of influence and its reach, discussing its significance at the levels of community, cultural and political life, and its influence on the democratic changes in Poland and other Central and East European states in the late-1980s.
Pilotna raziskava psihometričnih lastnosti vprašalnikov SF-36v2 in ESRD-SCL-TM za merjenje z zdravjem povezane kakovosti življenja bolnikov po presaditvi ledvice
Authors: Logar Zakrajšek Bernarda , Bren Andrej , Sočan Gregor , Pajek Jernej
Published: February 2018

Namen pričujoče raziskave je bil preveriti psihometrične lastnosti slovenskih priredb vprašalnikov za merjenje z zdravjem povezane kakovosti življenja SF-36v2® in ESRD-SCL-TM na vzorcu bolnikov po presaditvi ledvice. Oseminpetdeset stabilnih bolnikov iz edinega slovenskega centra za presaditev ledvice je na vprašalnika odgovarjalo dvakrat v razmiku 14–21 dni. Sočasno smo pri bolnikih izmerili zdravstvene kazalce, ki se povezujejo z delovanjem presajene ledvice in splošnim zdravstvenim stanjem. Rezultati kažejo dobro notranjo zanesljivost posameznih lestvic obeh vprašalnikov. Zanesljivost v času je bila zadovoljiva za vprašalnik ESRD-SCL-TM, ne pa tudi za vprašalnik SF-36v2®. Lestvice obeh vprašalnikov, ki merijo sorodne konstrukte, smiselno korelirajo med seboj ter s pričakovanimi demografskimi (spol, izobrazba) in zdravstvenimi spremenljivkami (hemoglobin, kreatinin, število zdravil). Slovenski verziji vprašalnikov SF-36v2® in ESRD-SCL-TM imata zadovoljive merske lastnosti (z izjemo stabilnosti v času pri vprašalniku SF-36v2®) za merjenje z zdravjem povezane kakovosti življenja pri bolnikih po presaditvi ledvice.
Televizyon Dizileri Yoluyla Türkiye'de İç Mekan Tasarımında Kültürel Kodların Değerlendirilmesi ve Değişen Konut Algısı
Authors: Nalçakan Meral , Canoğlu Seda , Özsavaş Nilay
Published: February 2018

Bu çalışma, “Uyarlanmış TV Dizileri Yoluyla Türkiye’de İç Mekan Tasarımında Kültürel Kodların Değerlendirilmesi” isimli BAP projesinin “Türkiye’de Televizyon Dizileri Yoluyla Değişen Konut Algısı” başlıklı üçüncü bölümünü içermektedir. Televizyon dizilerinde kullanılan kurgu mekanların, izleyicileri etkileyerek, konutta kullanım alışkanlıklarını değiştirdiği ve bunun da konutun tasarımını etkilediği görülmüştür. Sosyo-kültürel ve sosyo-ekonomik yapıları farklı olan izleyicileri ortak bir noktada buluşturan, yüksek izleyici kitlesine sahip televizyon dizileri, yukarıda söz edilen etkide önemli bir yere sahiptir. Kolay ulaşılan ve sürekliliği olan televizyon dizilerindeki kurgu mekanlar, kendisini dizideki karakterlerle özdeşleştiren ancak yaşam tarzı ve kullanım alışkanlıkları dizidekine uygun olup olmadığı tartışmaya açık olan televizyon izleyicisinin, gündelik yaşam mekanları için birer model haline gelmektedir. Tüm bu hususlar çalışma kapsamında seçilen örneklerle vurgulanmaktadır. 
Validación empírica del CRAFFT Abuse Screening Test en una muestra de adolescentes españoles
Authors: Rial Antonio , Kim-Harris Sion , Knight John R. , Araujo Manuel , Gómez Patricia , Braña Teresa , Varela Jesús , Golpe Sandra
Published: February 2018

El CRAFFT Abuse Screening Test, desarrollado por el Center for Adolescents Substance Abuse Research (CeASAR) (Knight et al., 1999), es una herramienta de cribado del consumo de riesgo de alcohol y otras sustancias diseñada para su uso con adolescentes. Desde su publicación ha sido objeto de numerosas traducciones y validaciones en diferentes países, poblaciones y contextos que han dado cuenta de su enorme potencial. No obstante, seguimos sin disponer de estudios de validación empírica que garanticen su adecuado comportamiento psicométrico en España. El objetivo del presente trabajo consiste en desarrollar una versión adaptada del CRAFFT en castellano y analizar sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de adolescentes españoles. Para ello, se realizó una entrevista individual a 312 adolescentes de entre 12 y 18 años (M = 15,01; DT = 1,83) de la comunidad gallega, que incluyó una parte de la Adolescent Diagnostic Interview (ADI) y del Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT). Los resultados obtenidos, similares a los encontrados en otros países, permiten informar que la versión española del CRAFFT presenta un buen comportamiento psicométrico. A nivel de consistencia interna se obtuvo un a de Cronbach satisfactorio de ,74. En cuanto a la sensibilidad y especificidad se obtuvieron unos valores del 74,4% y el 96,4% respectivamente, con un área bajo la curva COR de ,946. Por lo tanto, queda a disposición de investigadores y profesionales del ámbito de las conductas adictivas la versión española del CRAFFT, para que pueda ser utilizada en adelante con las garantías psicométricas necesarias.
Propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del Marihuana Motives Measure en población adolescente consumidora
Authors: Matali Costa Josep , Simons J. , Pardo M. , Lleras M. , Pérez A. , Andión O.
Published: February 2018

Introducción: El cannabis es la sustancia ilegal que más consumen los adolescentes españoles. Entender los motivos de consumo es un factor importante para la intervención. Actualmente no existe en España un instrumento para su evaluación. El objetivo del presente trabajo es estudiar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del cuestionario Marihuana Motives Measure (MMM) en una población de adolescentes consumidores.
Material y Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una traducción y retrotraducción del MMM. Un total de 228 adolescentes consumidores de cánnabis fueron evaluados. Se realizó un análisis factorial y se estudió la fiabilidad de la puntuación total y de cada una de las escalas del cuestionario a partir del Alfa de Cronbach. El estudio de la evidencia de validez del MMM se realizó mediante el examen de las correlaciones entre el uso actual de cánnabis, los efectos subjetivos del consumo través del cuestionario ARCI (Addiction Research Center Inventory) y la personalidad, mediante el cuestionario MACI (Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory).
Resultados: Se observó una alta fiabilidad de la puntuación total del MMM (Alfa de Cronbach= 0,86) y entre alta y moderada para cada uno de los cinco factores obtenidos al realizar el análisis factorial del MMM, Social = 0,82; Enhancement = 0,72; Coping = 0,83; Expansion = 0,74; Conformity = 0,64. Además, se observaron correlaciones significativas tanto entre motivos de consumo de cannabis y efectos subjetivos, así como entre motivos de consumo y personalidad.
Conclusiones: La versión española del MMM muestra una estructura factorial similar a la obtenida por el autor original y sus medidas resultan fiables y válidas para el estudio de los motivos de consumo de cánnabis en población adolescente consumidora.
Applying the Congruence Principle of Bloom’s Taxonomy to Develop an
Integrated STEM Experience through Engineering Design

Authors: Asunda Paul A. , Ware Sharita
Published: February 2018

The concepts of interdisciplinary integration are interconnected beyond a theme,
such that they cut across subject areas and focus on interdisciplinary content and
skills, rather than subject-based content and skill (Drake, 1991; 1998; Jacobs, 1989).
However, in today’s learning environments, learning outcomes that teachers anticipate
from their students and instruction are tied to educational standards. According to the
principle of congruence in instructional design, in any situation, learning goals,
anticipated outcomes, instructional strategies, and assessment methods should be
carefully matched when designing a learning episode. To this end, this article presents
a thought process by which the engineering and technology, science, and math teachers
may reflect upon when preparing an integrated STEM course utilizing an engineering
design process and the congruence principle of Bloom’s taxonomy.
KERAGAMAN PLASMA NUTFAH KEDELAI BERDASARKAN KERAGAAN KARAKTER MORFO-AGRONOMIS
Authors: Suhartina Suhartina , Hapsari Ratri Tri , Purwantoro Purwantoro
Published: February 2018

Plasma nutfah berperan penting dalam penyediaan sumber gen sebagai bahan dasar perakitan varietas unggul. Karakterisasi, yang dilanjutkan dengan pengelompokan plasma nutfah akan sangat bermanfaat untuk mengetahui keragaman dan keunggulan aksesi. Karakterisasi morfo-agronomis telah dilakukan pada sebanyak 214 aksesi plasma nutfah kedelai koleksi Balitkabi pada musim kemarau (MK) I 2013 di KP Jambegede. Data karakteristik morfo-agronomis selanjutnya dianalisis menggunakan analisis komponen utama (PCA) dan gerombol (clustering). Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa dari sebanyak 15 karakter morfo-agronomis yang diuji, nilai keragaman totalnya sebesar 72,7%. Berdasarkan analisis gerombol, diketahui bahwa 214 aksesi plasma nutfah dapat dikelompokkan menjadi empat kelompok. Kelompok I dicirikan dengan warna hipokotil ungu dan warna bunga ungu serta warna hilum coklat muda, Kelompok II dicirikan dengan warna hipokotil hijau dan warna bunga putih, warna hilum coklat, coklat tua, dan campuran, tinggi tanaman pendek, ukuran biji kecil sampai sedang, umur masak genjah sampai sedang. Kelompok III dicirikan dengan jumlah cabang banyak, jumlah polong isi yang tinggi, batang yang tinggi, umur masak dalam, ukuran biji kecil. Kelompok IV dicirikan dengan jumlah buku subur banyak, ukuran biji besar, warna polong kuning, dan umur masak genjah. Beberapa aksesi diketahui memiliki potensi sebagai sumber gen dalam program pemuliaan, yaitu  MLGG 0313 dan MLGG 0417, MLGG 0752 (umur genjah), dan MLGG 0768 (potensi hasil tinggi, berbiji besar, dan berumur genjah).
Adaptabilitas Bobot Umbi Plasma Nutfah Talas (Colocasia esculenta L.) Adaptability of Corn Weight of Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) Germplasm
Authors: Setyowati Mamik
Published: February 2018

Perakitan varietas unggul talas  ditentukan oleh ketersediaan plasma nutfah sebagai sumber gen yang akan digunakan dalam program pemuliaan tanaman talas. Koleksi plasma nutfah talas yang telah ada perlu dimanfaatkan.  Untuk memanfaatkan plasma nutfah perlu diketahui karakteristik adaptabilitas yang dimiliki oleh plasma nutfah. Plasma nutfah tanaman talas sebanyak 149 aksesi telah ditanam di Kebun Percobaan Pacet, Jawa Barat pada tahun 2008-2013. Analisis data bobot umbi dilakukan untuk mengetahui tingkat adaptabilitas bobot umbi terhadap indek lingkungan melalui analisis regresi. Hasil evaluasi bobot umbi plasma nutfah talas pada lingkungan yang memiliki variasi relatif kecil umumnya tidak mengalami perubahan hasil.  Aksesi yang memiliki adaptabilitas negatif terhadap perubahan kesuburan lahan, semakin subur lingkungan semakin rendah bobot umbinya adalah varietas Ungu/Ketan  dan varietas Kimpul. Aksesi talas yang memiliki respon negatif dapat dikembangkan atau bahan pemuliann talas untuk lahan kurang subur. Aksesi yang memiliki adaptabilitas positif, semakin subur lahan semakin tinggi bobot umbinya terdapat 12 aksesi. Dua aksesi yang mengindikasikan lebih peka terhadap perubahan lingkungan dibandingkan dengan aksesi yang lain adalah varietas Karangasem dan varietas Talas Sutera.
Geologic Modeling of Eagle Ford Facies Continuity Based on Outcrop Images and Depositional Processes
Authors: Tahmasebi Pejman , Javadpour Farzam , Frébourg Gregory
Published: February 2018

Geologic modeling of mudrock reservoirs is complicated by the presence of multiscale heterogeneities and lithofacies lateral discontinuity. The resolution of wireline logs is also too low to capture many small-scale heterogeneities that affect fluid flow. In addition, the large distance between logged wells results in uncertain long-range correlations. Supplementary to wireline log data, high-resolution outcrop images offer a direct representation of detailed heterogeneities and lithofacies connectivity. We used high-resolution panoramic outcrop images to collect data on lithofacies heterogeneity and the role that depositional processes play in this heterogeneity. We then used these data in different classes of reservoir algorithms—two-point-based, object-based, and higher-order statistics—to build a geologic model. To present our methodology, we used data collected from Eagle Ford outcrops in west Texas. We found the higher-order-statistics method to be especially efficient, capable of reproducing details of heterogeneity and lithofacies connectivity.
In-situ bioremediation of groundwater using a meshfree model and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Mategaonkar Meenal , Eldho T. I. , Kamat Sahajanand
Published: February 2018

Groundwater contamination due to contaminants like trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene, dichloroethylene, phenol, etc., is an alarming concern for most of the manufacturing areas. It is important to identify the type of pollutant, concentration, location, and direction of the contaminant plume for groundwater remediation. Bioremediation has been identified as one of the important remediation techniques for these types of contaminants. Bioremediation modeling comprises solutions to biodegradation equations and fixing the time of remediation and locating the oxygen injection wells. In this study, a simulation-optimization (S/O) model based on the coupled meshfree point collocation method (MFree-PCM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed for in-situ bioremediation design. The in-situ bioremediation process of groundwater contamination is explored using the developed PCM-BIO-PSO multi-objective model with different strategies of minimization of cost, number of wells and time of remediation. The proposed model can be effectively used for the in-situ bioremediation design of contaminated sites.
Assessment of variability in runoff coefficients and their linkages with physiographic and climatic characteristics of two contrasting catchments
Authors: Sharma Priyank J. , Patel Premlal , Jothiprakash Vinayakam
Published: February 2018

In the present study, long-term spatio-temporal variability in runoff coefficient (C) for different drainage areas of Upper Tapi basin, India, is analysed. The Upper Tapi basin is divided into two sub-catchments, Burhanpur and Purna, which are contrasting in nature in terms of their physiographic and climatic characteristics. The digital filter algorithm has been used to separate the base flow from observed streamflow for respective drainage areas. The sensitivity of the parameters involved in base flow separation is assessed by incorporating the hydrological and hydrogeological properties of individual drainage areas. The C values are then computed at different temporal scales, namely, daily, monthly, seasonal and annual, for different drainage areas. The effects of physiographic features such as topography, geology, soil type, and land use; and climatic features such as rainfall, temperature, and evapotranspiration, on the variability of C values are further investigated. The analyses reveal that Burhanpur sub-catchment (C = 0.39) yields higher C value compared to Purna sub-catchment (C = 0.11) at annual time scale. The C values clearly highlight the diversity in response of both sub-catchments, due to their distinct physiographic and climatic characteristics, and enabled us to study the variability in annual water balance of the basin.
Korelasi perubahan nilai VO2max, eritrosit, hemoglobin dan hematokrit setelah latihan high intensity interval training
Authors: Putra Kukuh Pambuka , Al Ardha Muchamad Arif , Kinasih Angkit , Aji Redyte Setio
Published: February 2018

Kebugaran kardiorespirasi memungkinkan aktivitas fisik dalam waktu lama dan memerlukan oksigen untuk mendapatkan energi. Transpor oksigen dimediasi oleh hemoglobin yang terdapat dalam eritrosit. Kebugaran kardiorespirasi dapat diukur berdasarkan nilai VO2max. Metode latihan High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) terbukti dapat meningkatkan VO2max. Namun belum jelas apakah peningkatan VO2max diiringi dan berhubungan dengan perubahan nilai hemoglobin, eritrosit dan hematokrit. Penelitian ini mempelajari korelasi perubahan nilai VO2max, hemoglobin, eritrosit dan hematokrit sebelum dan sesudah latihan HIIT selama 8 minggu. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, VO2max meningkat sebesar 7,33±4,03 (ml·kg-1·min-1) atau 20,36% (p<0,05), hemoglobin dan eritrosit meningkat sebesar 0,04±0,63 atau 0,24% (p>0,05) dan 0,02±0,22·106/µL atau 0,32% (p>0,05) sedangkan hematokrit mengalami penurunan sebesar 0,12±2% dari volume darah atau 0,27% (p>0,05) dari nilai pre-test. Uji korelasi menunjukkan ada hubungan (p<0,05) antara perubahan nilai hemoglobin, eritrosit dan hematokrit, namun tidak terdapat hubungan (p>0,05) dengan peningkatan VO2max. Correlation of Change in VO2Max, Hemoglobin, Erythrocytes, and Hematocrit After High Intensity Interval Training AbstractCardiorespiratory fitness allows physical activity  for a long time and requires oxygen to gain energy. Oxygen transport mediated by hemoglobin present in erythrocytes. Cardiorespiratory fitness can be measured based on VO2max values. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) have been shown to improve VO2max. It is not clear whether the increase in VO2max is accompanied and associated with changes in hemoglobin, erythrocyte and hematocrit values. This study aim to find out the correlation of VO2max, hemoglobin, erythrocyte and hematocrit changes before and after HIIT for 8 weeks. The results VO2max increased by 7.33±4.03 (ml·kg-1·min-1) or 20.36% (p<0.05), hemoglobin and erythrocytes increased by 0.04±0.63 or 0.24% (p>0.05) and 0.02±0.22·106/μL or 0.32% (p>0.05) whereas the hematocrit decreased by 0.12±2% of blood volume or 0.27% (p>0.05) of the pre-test value. The correlation test showed a correlation (p<0.05) between changes in hemoglobin, erythrocyte and hematocrit values, but no relationship (p>0.05) with increased VO2max.
Person-Centered Integrated Care for Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Valentijn Pim P. , Pereira Fernando Abdalla , Ruospo Marinella , Palmer Suetonia C. , Hegbrant Jörgen , Sterner Christina W. , Vrijhoef Hubertus J.M. , Ruwaard Dirk , Strippoli Giovanni F.M.
Published: February 2018

Background and objectives

The effectiveness of person-centered integrated care strategies for CKD is uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials to assess the effect of person-centered integrated care for CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from inception to April of 2016), and selected randomized, controlled trials of person-centered integrated care interventions with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to assess the effect of person-centered integrated care.

Results

We included 14 eligible studies covering 4693 participants with a mean follow-up of 12 months. In moderate quality evidence, person-centered integrated care probably had no effect on all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.68 to 1.08) or health-related quality of life (standardized mean difference, 0.02; 95% CI, −0.05 to 0.10). The effects on renal replacement therapy (RRT) (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.55), serum creatinine levels (mean difference, 0.59 mg/dl; 95% CI, −0.38 to 0.36), and eGFR (mean difference, 1.51 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 95% CI, −3.25 to 6.27) were very uncertain. Quantitative analysis suggested that person-centered integrated care interventions may reduce all-cause hospitalization (RR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.95) and improve BP control (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.44), although the certainty of the evidence was very low.

Conclusions

Person-centered integrated care may have little effect on mortality or quality of life. The effects on serum creatinine, eGFR, and RRT are uncertain, although person-centered integrated care may lead to fewer hospitalizations and improved BP control.
Oscillating Economic Sphere: Sustainable Limits of the Biosphere in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: Sthel Marcelo. S. , Tostes Jose. G. R. , Rivera Luis A. , Tavares Juliana. R. , Mendes Luiz F. R.
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes a new geometric model to facilitate the understanding of the complex interaction between the economic system and the limits of the biosphere. The concept of the oscillating economic sphere is based on a central parameter of the economy, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the model a hypothetical sphere was built, in which its radius (re) corresponds to the world GDP (economic sphere), and another hypothetical sphere with radius (rb) is also introduced to represent the size of the biosphere (sphere of life), on this geometric construction, these spheres are concentric (rb > re). Therefore, an expansion of the economic sphere will occupy the biosphere, since the fundamentals of economy predict unlimited growth of GDP. Thus we will have a limit to be reached because the biophysical forces oppose this expansion, creating harmful environmental effects such as climate change.
Drifting hydrophones as an ecologically meaningful approach to underwater soundscape measurement in coastal benthic habitats
Authors: Lillis Ashlee , Caruso Francesco , Mooney T. Aran , Llopiz Joel , Bohnenstiehl DelWayne , Eggleston David B.
Published: February 2018

The ambient acoustic environment, or soundscape, is of broad interest in the study of marine ecosystems as both a source of rich sensory information to marine organisms and, more broadly, as a driver of the structure and function of marine communities. Increasing our understanding of how soundscapes affect and reflect ecological processes first requires appropriate characterization of the acoustic stimuli, and their patterns in space and time. Here, we present a novel method developed for measuring soundscape variation, using drifting acoustic recorders to quantify acoustic dynamics related to benthic habitat composition. Selected examples of drifter results from sub-tidal oyster-reef habitats in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, USA, and from coral reef habitats in St. John, US Virgin Islands, highlight the efficacy and utility of this approach in quantifying soundscape variation in diverse habitats. The platform introduces minimal noise into the acoustic recordings, and allows sampling at spatial scales that might typically be overlooked using stationary hydrophone methods. We demonstrate that mobile hydrophone recording methods offer new insight into soundscape variation and provide a complementary approach to conventional passive acoustic monitoring techniques.
Benchmarking data from the experience gained in engine performance and emissions testing on alternative fuels for aviation
Authors: Chishty Wajid A. , Chan Tak , Canteenwalla Pervez , Davison Craig R. , Chalmers Jennifer
Published: February 2018

Alternative fuel for aviation has been the centre of serious focus for the last decade, owing mostly to the challenges posed by the price of conventional petroleum fuel, energy security and environmental concerns. The downslide in the oil prices in the recent months and the fact that energy security is not considered a major threat in commercial aviation, these factors have worked negatively for the promotion of alternative fuels. However, the continuous commitment to environmental stewardship by Governments and the industry have kept the momentum going towards the transparent integration of renewable alternatives in the aviation market. On the regulatory side, much progress have been made in the same timeframe with five alternative fuels being certified as synthetic blending components for aviation turbine fuels for use in civil aircraft and engines. Another seven alternative fuels are in the various stages of certification protocol. This progress has been made possible because of the extensive performance testing, both at full engine conditions and at engine components level. This article presents the results of engine performance and air pollutant emissions measurements gathered from the alternative fuels qualification testing conducted at the National Research Council Canada over the last seven years. This benchmarking data was collected on various engine platforms at full engine operation at sea level and/or altitude conditions using a variety of aviation alternative fuels and their blends. In order to provide a reference comparison basis, the results collected using the alternative fuels are compared with baseline Jet-A1 or JP-8 conventional fuels.
Case Study of Load Shifting Using Thermal Energy Ice Storage in Public Facilities
Authors: Whitcraft Dan , Sullivan Kenneth T. , Saseendran Anusree , Smithwick Jake
Published: February 2018

Energy management is becoming increasingly important in the building sector due to the fact that it accounts for 50% of total energy consumption in industrial nations. The objective of this study was to compare a partial thermal energy storage system and a traditional air-cooled chiller system in a building retrofit in Alachua County, Florida in order to identify energy and cost savings and to quantify those savings. Initial costs, maintenance costs, energy consumption and utility rates were used to draw comparisons between the two systems. Findings include annual utility costs and annual operating costs for the two systems, and their simple payback period. The Thermal Energy System (TES) was found to be more beneficial in the long run, despite its higher cost of installation. Practical implications of implementing an advanced system such as TES are discussed to better prepare building professionals considering TES.
The Benefits of Honoring Patients as Teachers:
Authors: Hayes Victoria , Bing-You Robert , Pitts Dan , Manning Lauren
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Medical training could not occur without the contributions of patients. Few programs are available that recognize patients for their essential role in medical education, and even fewer explore their impact. The Patients as Teachers (PaT) program was developed to provide an opportunity for medical students to formally honor patients for their contributions and to evaluate their effect on students’ medical education.
Methods: This qualitative study involved the evaluation of transcripts of audiotaped interviews conducted with students and their honorees following participation in the PaT program in 2015 and 2016. Two different sets of authors independently examined transcripts from each year utilizing a descriptive coding strategy. Consensus was reached on theme selection and relationships between themes explored for theory development. A third author ensured grounding of the concepts in the data analyzed.
Results: Four themes emerged: (1) appreciating humanism in medicine, (2) expressing gratitude, (3) connecting patients and students, and (4) experiencing a unique event.
Conclusion: The Patients as Teachers program provides meaningful benefits to both students and patients and has the potential to infuse elements of humanism into medical training.
Risks and factors of the consumer relations governance in a cosmetic industry
Authors: Phiri Maxwell A. , de Ponte Juanita
Published: February 2018

The main goal of this article is to identify and discuss the factors that influence consumers’ in their choice of female cosmetic brands. The article goes on to assess the degree of importance that female consumers attach to certain factors which affect consumer choice. The study’s population, consisting of female consumers, comprised of 340 respondents. In order to achieve the paper’s objective, the researcher developed a structured questionnaire and collected and analyzed the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study indicate that the product quality ranked the most important factor even though other factors such as the feminine looking packaging and size of the container were also considered as influential factors in the purchase decision making process. The most influential external influence in the decision-making process was age, followed by sales discounts on the price of the product. The use of celebrities was not considered as an influential factor in the consumer decision-making process.