bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salvage felling in the Slovak forests in the period 2004–2013
Authors: Kunca Andrej , Zúbrik Milan , Galko Juraj , Vakula Jozef , Leontovyč Roman , Konôpka Bohdan , Nikolov Christo , Gubka Andrej , Longauerová Valéria , Maľová Miriam , Kaštier Peter , Rell Slavomír
Published: December 2015

Salvage felling is one of the indicators of the forest health quality and stability. Most of the European Union countries monitor forest harmful agents, which account for salvage felling, in order to see trends or functionality between factors and to be able to predict their development. The systematic evidence of forest harmful agents and volume of salvage felling in Slovakia started at the Forest Research Institute in Zvolen in 1960. The paper focuses on the occurrence of the most relevant harmful agents and volume of salvage felling in the Slovak forests over the last decade. Within the 10 years period (2004–2013) salvage felling in Slovakia reached 42.31 mil. m3 of wood, which was 53.2% of the total felling. Wind and European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus damaged 78.4% of salvage wood, i.e. they were the most important pest agents. Norway spruce (Picea abies) was the most frequently damaged tree species that represented the amount of 35.6 mil. m3 of wood (81.2% of total volume of salvage felling). As Norway spruce grows mostly in mountains, these regions of Central and Northern Slovakia were most affected. At the damaged localities new forests were prevailingly established with regard to suitable ecological conditions for trees, climate change scenarios and if possible, natural regeneration has been preferred. These approaches in forest stand regeneration together with silvicultural and control measures are assumed to gradually decrease the amount of salvage felling over long term perspective.
Historical abiotic damage to forests in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids (Czech Republic)
Authors: Křístek Štěpán , Holuša Jaroslav
Published: December 2015

Historical sources provide evidence of the condition and damage to forests over time. Lesprojekt (The Forest Management Institute, which is a governmental institution under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic) evaluated data from records deposited in the national archives in three cycles of historical research (1966–67, 1976, 1982–83) conducted in the state forests (forest enterprise of the state forests). The processed data was critically evaluated and formed the foundation of a long term series (1875–2012) of windfalls and snow damage. The aim of this paper was to summarise the data pertaining to such enormous abiotic damage in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids (Outer Western Carpathians, Czech Republic), its temporality, frequency and intensity. A spatial analysis of snow calamities was conducted during the last disturbance episodes in the winters of 2005/2006 and in October 2009. The historical records showed that the most extensive disturbances occurred in 1916, when 600,000 m3 of wood was damaged in the monitored area. Some findings were discussed in relation to silvicultural interventions in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids. In the conclusion, some problems and limitations concerning the reliability of data obtained this way are indicated.
Source areas of the Grybów sub-basin: micropaleontological, mineralogical and geochemical provenance analysis (Outer Western Carpathians, Poland)
Authors: Oszczypko-Clowes Marta , Wójcik-Tabol Patrycja , Płoszaj Mateusz
Published: December 2015

The Grybów Unit occurring in the Ropa tectonic window was the subject of micropaleontological and geochemical investigation. Studies, based on calcareous nannofossils, proved that the level of reworked microfossil is not higher than 22 % and it varies between two sections. Quantitative analyses of the reworked assemblages confirmed the domination of Cretaceous and Middle Eocene species. The Sub-Grybów Beds, Grybów Marl Formation and Krosno Beds were assigned to the Late Oligocene and represent the terminal flysch facies. Detrital material accumulated in the Oligocene sediments originated from the Marmarosh Massif, which is the eastern prolongation of the Fore-Magura Ridge. The microscopically obtained petrological features agree with the chemical composition of the samples. Mica flakes, rounded grains of glauconite, heavy mineral assemblage, including abraded grains of zircon, rutile and tourmaline as well as charred pieces of plant tissues are reworked components. Enrichment in zircon and rutile is confirmed geochemically by positive correlation between Zr and SiO2. Zr addition is illustrated on 10×Al2O3–Zr–200×TiO2 and Zr/Sc vs. Th/Sc diagrams. Interpretation of the A–CN–K diagram and variety of CIA and CPA values indicate that the source rocks were intensely weathered granite-type rocks.
Impact Of The Pulse Width Modulation On The Temperature Distribution In The Armature Of A Solenoid Valve
Authors: Goraj R.
Published: December 2015

In order to estimate the inductive power set in the armature of the high-speed solenoid valve (HSV) during the open loop control (OLC) using pulse width modulation (PWM) an analytical explicit formula has been derived. The simplifications taken both in the geometry and in the physical behavior of the HSV were described. The inductive power was calculated for different boundary conditions and shown as a function of the frequency of the coil current. The power set in the armature was used as an input to the thermal calculation. The thermal calculation had an objective to estimate the time dependent temperature distribution in the armature of the HSV. All the derivation steps were presented and the influence of different boundary conditions was shown and discussed. The increase of the temperature during the heating with inductive power has been evaluated both in the core and on the side surface of the HSV.
Radiation Effect On Three Dimensional Vertical Channel Flow Through Porous Medium
Authors: Guria M.
Published: December 2015

The flow of a viscous incompressible fluid through a vertical channel in the presence of radiation immersed in a porous medium has been studied. Approximate solutions have been obtained for the velocity and temperature fields, shear stresses and rate of heat transfer using the perturbation technique. It is found that the primary velocity decreases with an increase in the radiation parameter as well as the Prandtl number for cooling of the plate. It is also found that with an increase in the permeability parameter, the primary velocity increases for cooling of the plate. The magnitude of the secondary velocity decreases near the plate y = 0 and increases near the plate y = d with an increase in the permeability parameter. The temperature distribution decreases with an increase of the radiation parameter as wall as the Prandtl number for cooling of the plate. The shear stresses and the rate of heat transfer, which are of physical interest, are presented in the form of tables.
Stability Of Superposed Fluids Through Magnetic Field With Suspended Particles Of Different Permeability Saturated Through Porous Layer
Authors: Singh M.
Published: December 2015

The instability of plane interface between two superposed Rivlin-Ericksen elastico-viscous fluids saturated through a porous medium has been studied to include the suspended (dust) particles effect. Following the linearized stability theory and normal mode analysis the dispersion relation is obtained. For stationary convection, the Rivlin-Ericksen elastico-viscous fluid behaves like Newtonian fluids. It found that for a potentially stable arrangement the Rivlin-Ericksen elastico-viscous fluid of different permeabilities in the presence of suspended particles in a porous medium is stable, whereas in a potentially unstable case instability of the system occurs. In the presence of a magnetic field for a potentially stable arrangement the system is always stable and for the potentially unstable arrangement, the magnetic field succeeds in stabilizing certain wave-number band which was unstable in the absence of the magnetic field.
Parametric Studies Of Failure Mechanisms In Thermal Barrier Coatings During Thermal Cycling Using FEM
Authors: Srivathsa B. , Das D.K.
Published: December 2015

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are widely used on different hot components of gas turbine engines such as blades and vanes. Although, several mechanisms for the failure of the TBCs have been suggested, it is largely accepted that the durability of these coatings is primarily determined by the residual stresses that are developed during the thermal cycling. In the present study, the residual stress build-up in an electron beam physical vapour deposition (EB-PVD) based TBCs on a coupon during thermal cycling has been studied by varying three parameters such as the cooling rate, TBC thickness and substrate thickness. A two-dimensional thermomechanical generalized plane strain finite element simulations have been performed for thousand cycles. It was observed that these variations change the stress profile significantly and the stress severity factor increases non-linearly. Overall, the predictions of the model agree with reported experimental results and help in predicting the failure mechanisms.
Activity Comparison of Acidic Resins in the Production of Valuable Glycerol Acetates
Authors: Ekinci Emine Kaya , Gündüz Gamze , Oktar Nuray
Published: December 2015

Acetates of glycerol have been produced in a heterogeneous reaction system using acidic ion-exchange resin catalysts; Amberlyst-15 (A-15), Amberlyst-16 (A-16), Amberlyst-36 (A-36), Amberlite-IR 120 (A-IR 120) and Relite-EXC8D (R-EXC8D). Effect of reaction temperature on glycerol conversion and product (mono, di and tri glycerol acetates) selectivities were investigated via reaction experiments conducted with glycerol to acetic acid initial molar ratio (G/Ac) of 1/6. Increase in glycerol conversion with an increase in temperature was observed for all catalysts. Among the catalysts investigated, R-EXC8D exhibited the highest activity in the temperature range of 95–150°C. Reaction was completed within a 25 minute short time period.
Interaction Of Propylthiouracil With Model Systems Generating A Superoxide Radical
Authors: Valcheva-Traykova Maria L. , Traykov Trayko T. , Bocheva Georgeta S.
Published: December 2015

Propylthiouracil is used against Grave's Disease and for developing animal models of hypothyroidism. Apart from depressed metabolism, free radical-induced tissue damage has been registered as an effect from this drug. Superoxide is essential for generation of free radicals in tissues. The mutual effects of Propylthiouracil and superoxide radical have not been well investigated.

The in vitro effects of Propylthiouracil on the free radicals in three model systems generating superoxide were measured using luminol-dependent chemiluminescence and spectrophotometry. The drug did not affect the formation of free radicals in the presence of potassium superoxide and in pyrogallol-oxygen solutions, while in the presence of the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system a distinct prooxidant effect was registered. The investigation of the system propylthiouracil/xanthine oxidase showed mild free radicals formation along with decreasing intensities of the drug's UV-specter.

Our in vitro investigation indicated that, along with the transformation of xanthine to uric acid over xanthine oxidase, some free radicals may be produced due to the interaction of propylthiouracil with the enzyme. It was proposed that this might contribute to the in vivo free radicals-induced tissue damage observed in the presence of propylthiouracil.
Levels Of Resistin And Visfatin In Patients With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rayanova Ginka H. , Ganeva Silvia S. , Todorova Katya N. , Lukanov Tsvetan H. , Gecheva Svetla P.
Published: December 2015

The aim of the study is to investigate the serum levels of adipokines-resistin and visfatin in patients with metabolic syndrome. A prospective study was performed, including 153 (103 female, 50 male) subjects with metabolic syndrome. Carbohydrate metabolism was estimated by oral glucose tolerance test with 75g of glucose. Of the subjects investigated, 40 were with normal glycaemic tolerance, 40 - with impaired fasting glycaemia, 28 - with impaired glucose tolerance and 45 - with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2. The results were compared to those in a control group of 20 subjects without findings indicating metabolic syndrome. The serum levels of resistin and visfatin were measured with an enzyme immunoassay method (ELISA, BioVendor Laboratory Medicine, Inc., Czech Republic). There were significant differences in body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, plasma level of blood glucose and serum level of triglycerides between the examined subjects with metabolic syndrome, as compared with the control group. The amount of serum resistin in subjects with metabolic syndrome and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 was significantly higher, as compared to the controls. Subjects with metabolic syndrome and pathological glucose tolerance-impaired fasting glycaemia, impaired glucose tolerance and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 were found with a significantly higher serum level of visfatin, as compared to normal glucose tolerance and to the controls. Subjects with metabolic syndrome and pathological glucose tolerance-impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 exhibited significantly changes in serum levels of adipokines-resistin and visfatin.
A New Method for Solving Single- and Multi-Objective Capacitated Solid Minimum Cost Flow Problems under Uncertainty
Authors: Kaur Manjot , Sadiq Rehan
Published: December 2015

In real life, a person may assume that an object belongs to a set, but it is possible that he (she) is not sure about it. In other words, there may be hesitation or confusion whether an object belongs to a set or not. In fuzzy set theory, there is no means to incorporate such type of hesitation or confusion. A possible solution is to use intuitionistic fuzzy set [K. T. Atanassov, Intutionistic fuzzy sets, Fuzzy Sets Syst.20 (1986), 87–96]. In this article, the concept of unbalanced fully fuzzy multi-objective capacitated solid minimum cost flow (SMCF) problems is generalized by unbalanced intuitionistic fully fuzzy multi-objective capacitated SMCF (CSMCF) problems and new methods are proposed for solving these problems. The main advantage of the proposed methods over the existing methods is that all the unbalanced fully fuzzy single- and multi-objective CSMCF problems that can be solved by the existing methods can also be solved by the proposed method.
Measuring Level of Compliance of Publishers with the Legal Deposit of Pakistan: An Exploration
Authors: Iqbal Sohail , Qutab Saima , Soroya Muhammad Shahid
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to explore the situation of print publication in Pakistan and further develop feasible and reliable methods/techniques that can be used to measure the level of compliance to the depository law of the country. This study was the first attempt of its kind in measuring the compliance level of Pakistani publishers using the check list techniques which has been contiguous for four years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. The sample technique (indicator A1.1.4.2 b) was selected by considering numerous list checking techniques, either proposed by ISO, ISO/TR 28118:2009 or Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB) studies and Penzhorn studies. 200 commercial publishers from Lahore and Rawalpindi, in an equal ratio, were selected through convenience sampling. The analysis of existing data was carried out to obtain figures indicating the number/percentages of books delivered as legal deposit. It revealed a compliance rate of 18% to 30% which is very low in view of most countries who claim to have 100% or nearly a 100% compliance. The compliance of larger publishers is better as compared to medium and smaller publishers. The compliance rate of English books is comparatively better but Urdu books and especially Islamic books’ compliance rate is not up to the mark. It also revealed that the publication of PNB (Pakistan National Bibliography) was not consistent till 1999 but after that period the national bibliography was published annually. However, the coverage of the 2014 publication was late. This type of exploration has never been conducted previously and the main goal of this project is related to its innovative and creative role in recognizing the applied matters that are confronted in the jurisdiction of depository law in Pakistan and this study will help to initiate more detailed and comprehensive studies.
Preparation and characterization of multilayer mesoporous γ-alumina membrane obtained via sol-gel using new precursors
Authors: Tafrishi R. , Taheri-Nassaj E. , Sadighzadeh A. , Eskandari M. Jafari
Published: December 2015

In this paper, a mesoporous γ-alumina membrane coated on a macroporous α-alumina support via sol-gel method has been reported. A crack-free γ-alumina membrane was obtained by adding PVA to the alumina solution and optimum parameters of roughness, temperature and porosity were achieved. The support was dip-coated in different solutions using two new different solvents with different particle size distributions. Using these two solvents led to the uniform distribution of pore size in the final membrane. The alumina sols showed particle size distributions in the range of 20 to 55 nm which was measured by a DLS Zeta Sizer. X-ray diffraction technique, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the membrane layer. XRD and DTA data for the γ-alumina membrane showed its thermal stability up to around 600 °C. The thickness of the mesoporous γ-alumina membrane was about 4 μm with 16 nm of surface roughness and 5 nm pore size. The resultant crack-free mesoporous membrane shows that the membrane preparation procedure was optimum. In this work, it has been investigated the performance of γ-alumina membranes for single gas permeation and separation of binary gas mixtures.
A model of the response of GMR of metallic multilayers to external magnetic field
Authors: Uba J.I. , Ekpunobi A.J. , Ekwo P.I.
Published: December 2015

It has not been possible to transform resistivity models in terms of magnetic field in order to account for variation of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) with external magnetic field, which would have led to determination of material properties. This problem is approached mathematically via variation calculus to arrive at an exponential function that fits observed GMR values. Using this model in free electron approximation, the mean Fermi vector, susceptibility and total density of states of a number of metallic multilayers are determined from their reported GMR values. Susceptibility is found to depend on interface roughness and antiferromagnetic (AF) coupling; thus, it gives qualitative measure of interface quality and AF coupling. Comparison of susceptibilities and GMRs of electrodeposited and ion beam sputtered Co/Cu structures shows that a rough interface suppresses GMR in the former but enhances it in the latter.
Metal-organic chemical vapour deposition of lithium manganese oxide thin films via single solid source precursor
Authors: Oyedotun K.O. , Ajenifuja E. , Olofinjana B. , Taleatu B.A. , Omotoso E. , Eleruja M.A. , Ajayi E.O.B.
Published: December 2015

Lithium manganese oxide thin films were deposited on sodalime glass substrates by metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) technique. The films were prepared by pyrolysis of lithium manganese acetylacetonate precursor at a temperature of 420 °C with a flow rate of 2.5 dm3/min for two-hour deposition period. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and van der Pauw four point probe method were used for characterizations of the film samples. RBS studies of the films revealed fair thickness of 1112.311 (1015atoms/cm2) and effective stoichiometric relationship of Li0.47Mn0.27O0.26. The films exhibited relatively high transmission (50 % T) in the visible and NIR range, with the bandgap energy of 2.55 eV. Broad and diffused X-ray diffraction patterns obtained showed that the film was amorphous in nature, while microstructural studies indicated dense and uniformly distributed layer across the substrate. Resistivity value of 4.9 Ω·cm was obtained for the thin film. Compared with Mn0.2O0.8thin film, a significant lattice absorption edge shift was observed in the Li0.47Mn0.27O0.26film.
Structural and optical characteristics of SnS thin film prepared by SILAR
Authors: Mukherjee A. , Mitra P.
Published: December 2015

SnS thin films were grown on glass substrates by a simple route named successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The films were prepared using tin chloride as tin (Sn) source and ammonium sulfide as sulphur (S) source. The structural, optical and morphological study was done using XRD, FESEM, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. XRD measurement confirmed the presence of orthorhombic phase. Particle size estimated from XRD was about 45 nm which fitted well with the FESEM measurement. The value of band gap was about 1.63 eV indicating that SnS can be used as an important material for thin film solar cells. The surface morphology showed a smooth, homogenous film over the substrate. Characteristic stretching vibration mode of SnS was observed in the absorption band of FT-IR spectrum. The electrical activation energy was about 0.306 eV.
Investigation on photoluminescence quenching of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots by organic charge transporting materials
Authors: Yuqiu Qu , Liuyang Zhang , Limin An , Hong Wei
Published: December 2015

The effect of different organic charge transporting materials on the photoluminescence of CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots has been studied by means of steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. With an increase in concentration of the organic charge transporting material in the quantum dots solutions, the photoluminescence intensity of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots was quenched greatly and the fluorescence lifetime was shortened gradually. The quenching efficiency of CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots decreased with increasing the oxidation potential of organic charge transporting materials. Based on the analysis, two pathways in the photoluminescence quenching process have been defined: static quenching and dynamic quenching. The dynamic quenching is correlated with hole transporting from quantum dots to the charge transporting materials.
A theoretical analysis of bi-metallic (Cu–Ag)n = 1 − 7 nano alloy clusters invoking DFT based descriptors
Authors: Ranjan Prabhat , Dhail Seema , Venigalla Srujana , Kumar Ajay , Ledwani Lalita , Chakraborty Tanmoy
Published: December 2015

Due to its large scale applications in the real field, the study of bi-metallic nano-alloy clusters is an active field of research. Though a number of experimental reports are available in this domain, a deep theoretical insight is yet to receive. Among several nano-clusters, the compound formed between Cu–Ag has gained a large importance due to its remarkable optical property. Density Functional Theory (DFT) is one of the most popular approaches of quantum mechanics to study the electronic properties of materials. Conceptually, DFT based descriptors have turned to be indispensable tools for analyzing and correlating the experimental properties of compounds. In this venture, we have analyzed the experimental properties of the (Cu–Ag)n = 1 − 7 nano-alloy clusters invoking DFT methodology. A nice correlation has been found between optical properties of the aforesaid nano-clusters with our evaluated theoretical descriptors. The similar agreement between experimental bond length and computed data is also reflected in this analysis. Beside these, the effect of even-odd alternation behavior of nano compounds on the HOMO-LUMO gap is very important in our computation. It is probably the first attempt to establish such type of correlation.
Policy Brief: The Case for Using Robust Measures to Evaluate Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: R. Cooper Katherine , Shumate Michelle
Published: December 2015

Although nonprofit organizations are expected to engage in continuous evaluation, its effectiveness is hampered by limited resources and competing and untested instruments. This paper makes the case for the creation and use of more robust measures in nonprofit evaluation. Specifically, we argue for the involvement of nonprofits in the development of reliable and valid instruments that can be used to benchmark nonprofit organizations against one another and for funders and government to support these efforts through their investment in nonprofit measurement. We cite a particular measure, The Nonprofit Capacities Instrument, as an exemplar.
Smart mesoporous silica nanoparticles for controlled-release drug delivery
Authors: Karimi Mahdi , Mirshekari Hamed , Aliakbari Masoumeh , Sahandi-Zangabad Parham , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: December 2015

Stimuli-responsive controlled-release nanocarriers are promising vehicles for delivery of bioactive molecules that can minimize side effects and maximize efficiency. The release of the drug occurs when the nanocarrier is triggered by an internal or external stimulus. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) can have drugs and bioactive cargos loaded into the high-capacity pores, and their release can be triggered by activation of a variety of stimulus-responsive molecular “gatekeepers” or “nanovalves.” In this mini-review, we discuss the basic concepts of MSN in targeted drug-release systems and cover different stimulus-responsive gatekeepers. Internal stimuli include redox, enzymes, and pH, while external stimuli include light, ultrasound, and magnetic fields, and temperature can either be internal or external.
Design of a new two-dimensional optical biosensor using photonic crystal waveguides and a nanocavity
Authors: Mohsenirad Hamideh , Olyaee Saeed , Seifouri Mahmood
Published: December 2015

In this paper, a two-dimensional photonic crystal biosensor for medical applications based on two waveguides and a nanocavity is presented. The waveguides and nanocavity are created by introducing line and point defects into a photonic crystal, respectively. It could be shown that by injecting an analyte into a sensing hole, and thus changing its refractive index, may shift the resonant wavelength. The proposed structure is designed for the wavelength range of 1.5259–1.6934 μm. Sensitivity, the most important biosensor parameter, was studied and found to be approximately equal to 83.75 nm/refractive index units (RIU). An important specification of this structure is its very small dimensions. Two-dimensional finite-difference time domain and plane-wave expansion methods were used for both to simulate the proposed structure and to obtain the band diagrams.
Is there a formula for formulaic language?
Authors: Forsyth Richard S. , Grabowski Łukasz
Published: December 2015

This paper focuses on detecting and measuring traces of "formulaic language". For this purpose, we test a number of computational formulae that quantify the degree to which a text type incorporates inflexible sequences of words. We assess these candidate indices using a number of reference corpora representing a wide variety of text types, both routine and creative. We adopt the concept of "phrase-frame" proposed by Fletcher (2002–2007) as a means of exploring phraseological pattern variability. To date, there have been few studies explicitly addressing this issue, with the exception of Roemer (2010). We examine ten productivity indices, including Roemer's VPR, the Herfindahl-Hirschman index, Simpson's diversity index and relative Shannon entropy. We report that a novel measure, which we term Hapaxity, best meets our criteria, and show how this index of micro-productivity (in phrase-frames) may be used to assess macro-productivity (in text registers), thus quantifying an important aspect of a register’s reliance on formulaic subsequences.
Treatment of Verrucous Epidermal Nevus by Radiofrequency Ablation: a Case Report
Authors: Ljubisavljević Dragana , Zlatanović Zorana , Milenković Radmila , Popović Danijela , Paravina Mirjana
Published: December 2015

Verrucous epidermal nevi are noninflammatory, congenital, cutaneous hamartomas composed of keratinocytes, abnormal clone(s) of cells that reflect genetic mosaicism arising from different somatic mutations. Some of these mutations are well recognized, but some are still unidentified. Molecular techniques are used for identification and classification of molecular causes of certain epidermal nevi, whereas all verrucous epidermal nevi are divided into epidermolytic and non-epidermolytic types. They are typically present at birth, but may appear during childhood, even later. Their prevalence in adults ranges from 0.1 to 0.5%, equally affecting both sexes, and about 1 in 1000 newborns.

Warty, brown papules without inflammation distinguish verrucous nevi from other epidermal nevi, while presence at birth and persistance distinguish verrucous epidermal nevi from linear viral warts. Epidermolytic and non-epidermolytic verrucous epidermal nevi are almost always hard to distinguish, except by histology. As a rule, verrucous epidermal nevi are asymptomatic, they have a benign course, except occasionally, and therapy is mostly used for cosmetic reasons. Simple excision is usually the treatment of choice. Topical agents are rarely curative, as well as surgery which is associated with relapses, unless both epidermis and the underlying dermis are removed or destroyed at the same time.

We present a case of an otherwise healthy 21-year-old female patient, who presented with a solitary congenital verrucous cauliflower-like lesion in the right zygomatic region of the face. The lesion was present from birth. Due to its gradual growth during years, the lesion became a great esthetic and functional problem for this young patient. There was no family history of similar or any other tumorous skin lesions in the family. On examination, the patient had a solitar unilateral, well defined yellowish cauliflower-like verrucous lesion confined to the right malar side of the face. The lesion was distributed along the lines of Blaschko extending horizontally, from its wider 1.5 cm cauliflower-like part on the right zygomatic region, towards its tail-like 0.5 cm thick end on the preauricular region, in approximately 3 cm long tail-like manner without crossing the midline. Since the patient refused biopsy, no exact differentiation between epidermolytic and non-epidermolytic nevi was possible. The diagnosis of verrucous epidermal nevus was based on history and clinical presentation, as a diagnosis of exclusion. Due to the fact that patients with epidermolytic verrucous epidermal nevi are at risk of parenting a child with bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma, the patient was counseled on this risk, and on the possibility of first-trimester antenatal diagnosis. The lesion was successfully treated by radio-wave surgery.
Periungual Pyogenic Granuloma-Like Lesions During Isotretinoin Treatment for Acne: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review
Authors: Štilet Predrag , Pavlović Miloš D.
Published: December 2015

Periungual pyogenic granuloma-like lesions are not uncommon side effects of isotretinoin therapy, but these cases are relatively infrequently reported. Excessive granulation tissue appeared in two patients receiving oral isotretinoin therapy for severe acne. Once isotretinoin was discontinued, the outgrowths resolved spontaneously in both patients. It is probably an idiosyncratic reaction to isotretinoin which renders the skin more susceptible to extracellular matrix and blood vessel formation. Moreover, similar lesions may be observed particularly with newer targeted therapies, such as inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MEKs). EGFR inhibitors associated painful periungual inflammation (paronychia), which often arises from the nail wall during newer targeted therapies, has been classified in the third major group of dermatologic toxicity. Cutaneous toxicity may be interpreted as a stress response that affects epidermal homeostasis. In the cell, stress signals are transmitted to effectors which then produce an inflammatory response.

In conclusion, paronychia and excessive granulation tissue in the nail folds are not uncommon side effects of oral retinoids. It is therefore particularly important for practicing dermatologists to be aware that the best management approach is drug discontinuation.
Success Stories. A View Of Initial Vocational Training Through The Eyes Of Former Students
Authors: Tacconi Giuseppe
Published: December 2015

The paper reports the main results of a research that aimed to explore in depth the role that the experiences within the Salesians’ Vocational Training Centers played in influencing the personal and professional profile of former students. To this end, 54 former students from 6 Vocational Training Centers who have recognized as successful in work, personal life and social commitments were participated in the study. The research is not intended to “prove” that training leads to educational success, but to identify the conditions under which the training could promote educational success. Exploring the biographies of some of the lived experiences of former students, I was interested in particular to know what had allowed the trainees - who often come to CFP with heavy burdens, and with great difficulty against a certain type of school - to enhance their potential and succeed as adults, as respected professionals and individuals capable of taking responsibility for themselves and others. Research on training and life stories of former students become therefore also - and above all - a research on the practices of teachers and characteristics of learning environments, from the view of former students. Through the details of the stories collected and analyzed, it is possible to learn the characteristics of environments and educational practices that could assist in finding out the direction for offering best training. The contribution is divided into three parts. In the first, I tried to give a detailed account of how the research comes to take the current shape. The second part deals with the results focusing on the characteristics of the educational environment of the Vocational Training Centers and intervention strategies that the participants have found to be keys to their growth. The third part is the conclusion and offers a discussion of what emerges from the analysis of the data and highlights its major assets.
The Personalistic View Of Responsibility: Case Study
Authors: Šliužaitė Vilma , Anužienė Laimutė , Anužis Aivaras
Published: December 2015

The importance of responsibility in one‘s personal and professional life is undeniable. Employers expect their employees to have a responsible attitude towards their work. „Being responsible“ is seen as one of the necessary characteristics of a professional specialist. But what does „being responsible“ actually mean? What behaviour is expected from a responsible employee? The term responsibility has many different meanings, which may cause problems in communication between employers and their employees setting clear expectations about the results that must be carried out at work. Responding to this problem, the authors of this article have set the goal of presenting the personalistic view of responsibility. Based on the theoretical part, the awareness and attitude of the employees of KMVTC towards the value of responsibility is explored. Research question: what dimensions of the personalistic conception of responsibility show up in KMVTC employees’ attitudes towards responsibility? The survey was conducted by presenting an open-ended questionnaire, designed using the unfinished sentences method. During August, 2014 the questionnaires were distributed among 180 employees. The filled-in questionnaires were returned by 101 employees. The qualitative data analysis applied the qualitative content analysis method. The survey results have shown that the respondents’ statements on their attitude towards responsibility are only partially in line with the dimensions of the personalistic conception of responsibility. While a fair number of respondents identify responsibility with one’s commitment to oneself or others, a number of the survey participants tend to have a legalistic view of responsibility, reducing it to the observance of certain decrees and regulations, making no direct link with the responsibility for another human being or oneself. The survey results indicate that KMVTC employees have quite different interpretations of the value of responsibility, tending to narrow its meaning. This proves the need to foster a deeper understanding of responsibility among employees.
Nocardiosis in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Koerner Michael M. , El-Banayosy Aly , Schulz Uwe , Zeriouh Mohamad , Koerfer Reiner , Tenderich Gero , Ghodsizad Ali
Published: December 2015

Nocardia has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen, especially in organ transplant recipients. Heart transplant (HT) recipients initially had an especially high rate of Nocardia infection, but this could be reduced by the routine use of cyclosporine. Our objective was to clarify the prevalence and presentation of Nocardiosis in HT recipients in a retrospective cross-sectional analysis.
Fissuras labiopalatinas, ganho de peso e cirurgias: leite materno versus fórmulas lácteas
Authors: Palone Marcos Roberto Tovani
Published: December 2015

As fissuras labiopalatinas são as anomalias craniofaciais mais comuns na espécie humana. Por sua vez, com o propósito de ganho de peso corporal necessário para realização das cirurgias reabilitadoras, uma alternativa rotineiramente utilizada para crianças com fissuras consiste no uso de fórmulas lácteas industrializadas, como um substituto do leite materno ou mesmo uma suplementação alimentar. Contudo, é imprescindível a conscientização das mães e demais cuidadores desse grupo de crianças sobre a importância do aleitamento materno e seus benefícios adicionais, os quais inclusive colocam em questionamento a necessidade e viabilidade da prescrição dessas fórmulas nos casos em que a amamentação natural é possível. Ademais, o tipo de alimentação, aleitamento natural ou artificial é de notória importância, com influência direta na composição da microbiota gastrintestinal e possibilidades de impactos sobre a imunomodulação destes indivíduos.
Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica
Authors: Barros HIggins Lilian , Herazo Beltrán Yaneth , Aroca Martínez Gustavo
Published: December 2015

Antecedentes. La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud se puede afectar en personas con enfermedad renal crónica.

Objetivo. Determinar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) y su relación con variables sociodemográficas y datos clínicos.

Materiales y métodos. Estudio analítico de corte transversal realizado en 80 personas con diagnóstico de enfermedad renal crónica. Participaron los pacientes que asistieron a la Unidad Renal y al servicio de hospitalización durante los meses de estudio. Se aplicó el cuestionario Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-SF), valorando ocho dimensiones genéricas de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y tres específicas relacionadas con la enfermedad renal. Se compararon las variables socio demográficas y las relacionadas con la enfermedad con las dimensiones del KDQOOL-36. 

Resultados. El 23.5% de la población estudiada tenía entre 61 y 70 años y 51.3% eran hombres. Se obtuvieron promedios bajos en las dimensiones carga de la enfermedad renal (40.3), salud física (33.4) y salud mental (43.5) del componente genérico. Se encontró una correlación significativa de la edad con las dimensiones efectos de la enfermedad renal en la vida diaria (0.238, p=0.03) y el componente genérico salud física (-0.242, p=0.03). Un trabajo remunerado se correlacionó positivamente con los componentes genéricos salud física (0.499, p=0.001) y salud mental (0.375, p=0.001) y la carga de la enfermedad renal se correlacionó negativamente con el tiempo de diagnóstico de enfermedad renal (-0.241, p=0.02). 

Conclusión. La enfermedad renal crónica tiene una carga sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes en términos de salud física, salud mental y carga de la enfermedad. 
Acceso y atención en servicios de salud en adolescentes de escuelas públicas de Nuevo León, México
Authors: De Jesús-Reyes David , Menkes-Bancet Catherine , Meza-Palmeros José Alejandro
Published: December 2015

Objetivo: analizar el acceso y la percepción en la atención en servicios de salud en adolescentes de escuelas públicas del Estado de Nuevo León, México. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo y cualitativo con población de 13 a 19 años de ambos sexos. La muestra fue de 2,187 estudiantes, seleccionados por diseño multietápico con confiabilidad del 95% y margen de error del 5%. En la etapa cualitativa la muestra fue de 34 estudiantes, la información se recolectó con entrevistas a profundidad y grupales, el análisis se realizó por teoría fundamentada. Resultados: 62% han asistido a consulta en el último año para la atención de enfermedades respiratorias, gastrointestinales o accidentes. 90% de los que asistieron a consulta volvería por el buen servicio que recibieron. El 10% no volvería por el tiempo de espera y el trato que recibieron. Del 38% que nunca fueron a consulta, 52% fue porque no lo necesitaron y 24% porque no les dieron cita. Del total de entrevistados 60% menciona que los servicios de salud están cerca de su casa, pero van sólo cuando están enfermos. En la parte cualitativa, los entrevistados perciben mala atención y baja calidad de los servicios médicos. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran dos panoramas: en uno, los estudiantes acuden a consulta por lo menos una vez al año, evaluando el servicio positivamente, en otro, casi la mitad de los entrevistados no utilizó los servicios de salud, debido a que no los necesitaron o a la mala percepción que tienen de ellos. 
Percepciones sobre la salud en estudiantes que viven en áreas de riesgo de desastres de origen hidrometeorológico: el caso de Motozintla, Chiapas, México
Authors: Vázquez-Morales Cándido Roberto , Álvarez-Gordillo Guadalupe del Carmen
Published: December 2015

Motozintla es una ciudad de alto riesgo histórico de desastres de origen hidrometeorológico como lluvias torrenciales y huracanes de grandes pérdidas materiales y de proyectos de vida en la población. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer las percepciones sobre la salud y desastres de los estudiantes que viven en este municipio del estado de Chiapas, México. Métodos: Se aplicaron 378 cuestionarios que contenían preguntas cerradas y abiertas a estudiantes del Centro de Bachillerato Tecnológico Industrial y de Servicios No. 243 y de la Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas. Las preguntas se centraron en la salud y su relación con los desastres. Resultados: El 45.5% de los estudiantes percibieron la salud como un estado de bienestar en los aspectos físico, psicológico o social, el 26.7% lo percibieron como la ausencia de enfermedad, dolor o molestias. El 26.2% mencionaron diversos aspectos del bienestar individual relacionado con la alimentación, el sentirse bien o mal y otros satisfactores de la vida. En relación con el contexto de los desastres, el 36.8% percibieron el desastre como la presencia de los fenómenos naturales, otro grupo (29.4%) como un suceso que provoca destrucción y muerte. El resto (17.2%) mencionaron al desastre como algún problema físico o social, como algo imprevisto o como un peligro. Conclusión: La mayoría de los estudiantes percibieron la salud como el bienestar físico, psicológico y social. Los desastres los encuentran relacionados con los fenómenos naturales y, en general, subestiman el riesgo, la salud no es dependiente ni relacionada con los desastres.
Indicadores de derechos humanos en políticas públicas contra el dengue en Argentina: un desafío pendiente
Authors: Gottero Laura
Published: December 2015

El trabajo se enfoca en la producción de información pública sobre salud en el campo específico de la epidemiología, estudiando a profundidad los discursos oficiales sobre el dengue que se produjeron en el lapso 2009-2013, en Argentina. Así, se presenta un análisis articulado con las categorías que permiten evaluar la incorporación de un enfoque de derechos en la formulación de políticas públicas, de acuerdo con lo estipulado en el Protocolo de San Salvador (1999) y el documento operativo Indicadores de progreso para medición de derechos contemplados en el Protocolo de San Salvador (Organización de los Estados Americanos [OEA], 2011). El objetivo general del trabajo es contribuir a la discusión sobre la centralidad de la producción de información pública (estatal) como una dimensión de la construcción del acceso a derechos sociales y en la manera de diagnosticar una problemática de orden público y proponer soluciones desde el Estado. Las conclusiones del trabajo visualizan las aristas o puntos nodales donde la incorporación de esta perspectiva se convierte en una cuestión relevante, sobre todo en lo que refiere al uso de categorías y argumentos que apoyan la versión oficial de los brotes de dengue. Por lo tanto, uno de los principales resultados del trabajo consiste en una propuesta de indicadores de derechos humanos para la formulación de políticas públicas epidemiológicas, basada en las dimensiones de igualdad y no discriminación, la participación y el acceso/información de la producción para la construcción de una consonancia entre las obligaciones estatales sobre los derechos humanos y el desarrollo de planificaciones sobre esta problemática sanitaria.
La Ilustración radical y la masonería: Estado actual de la cuestión
Authors: Jacob Margaret
Published: December 2015

De vez en cuando es necesario reactualizar las observaciones y conclusiones efectuadas tiempo atrás a la luz de las producidas por nuevos autores o nuevas investigaciones. Así pues, en esta comunicación, se propuso presentar el estado actual sobre la relación entre Ilustración radical y la masonería.
Utopia and Reality of Masonic Liberalism: From the Parliament of Cadiz to the Independence of Mexico (1810- 1821)
Authors: Ferrer Benimeli José Antonio
Published: December 2015

Este artículo muestra la diferencia entre la historia de la masonería y los mitos que la rodean. Muestra las contradicciones que por largo tiempo fueron consideradas la historia de la fraternidad en España durante el periodo de las Cortes de Cádiz. El artículo también discute el supuesto impulso masónico para la independencia de Nueva España (México). El autor muestra que los liberales, los revolucionarios y los masones no fueron un grupo unificado que conspiraba contra el altar y el trono, pese a que eso se afirmaba en numerosas publicaciones de la época.
Masons in Italy: The Borderland Between Fanaticism and Liberty
Authors: Mola Aldo
Published: December 2015

En este trabajo, se ofrece una panorámica de la Historia de la masonería en el territorio hoy conocido por Italia desde sus inicios en el siglo XVIII a hoy día. Se analiza el nivel de influencia que tuvo dicha organización en los acontecimientos históricos en dicho territorio. Y sobre todo se rompe con los mitos y leyendas que han sido sembrados sobre la relación entre  Historia de Italia y masonería.
Patriotismo, prensa e intelectuales en Costa Rica (1846-1849)
Authors: Urbina Gaitán Chester
Published: December 2015

Los conceptos referentes a patriotismo utilizados por el Dr. José María Castro Madriz en el periódico El Costarricense entre 1846 a 1849 amor a la patria y un fuerte sentido de identidad con su gobierno. Por otra parte, el concepto de patriotismo emitido por don Nicolás Gallegos en 1849 es de carácter antropológico y está referido a una valoración y afecto positivo de amor y sacrificios a la patria. Estos textos son importantes porque empezaron a construir una plataforma de convocatoria a la defensa de la soberanía nacional, a la defensa del Estado y de la paz y estabilidad política una década antes de la Campaña Nacional.