bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Fitness of Diabetics in Hisar, Haryana, India
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Malik Manoj , Sharma Parul , Sangwan Sumedha , Kulandaivelan S.
Published: July 2017

Background and Aims: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which is increasing in older adults. The increasing proportion of elderly persons is contributing to an increase in the prevalence of diabetes. The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence of Diabetes among active young and middle age subjects and active old age subjects in Hisar district, India. Material and Methods: A total of 400 subjects were screened from Hisar district, India who were physically active then they were allocated groups based on age group A (ranging between 25-50 years) and group B (ranging between 51-75years). A Glucometer device was used to check sugar level and 6 Minute Walk Test (MWT) was used to check fitness level because a higher value obtained in 6MWT is associated with an improved fitness level. Result and conclusion: Among the 400 participants studied, 43.5% participants were pre diabetics 32.5% were diabetic and 24% were non diabetic. Therefore, this study found that almost three fourth of the total population in all age spectrums had abnormal glucose metabolism in the form of either diabetes or Pre Diabetes. The prevalence of Diabetes was more in the older patient group. The differences between the two groups for 6MWT was found to be significant.
The Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy
Authors: Miulescu Rucsandra Dănciulescu , Mihai Andrada Doina
Published: July 2017

Hypothyroidism is a pathologic condition generated by the thyroid hormone deficiency. The American Thyroid Association advises for the screening of hypothyroidism beginning at 35 years and thereafter every 5 years in people at high risk for this condition: females older than 60 years, pregnant women, patients with other autoimmune disease or patients with a history of neck irradiation. In pregnant women, hypothyroidism can been associated with adverse effect for both mother and child. The „Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and Postpartum“ recommends the treatment of maternal overt hypothyroidism: females with a thyrotropin (TSH) level higher than the trimester-specific reference interval and decreased free thyroxine (FT4), and females for which TSH level is higher than 10.0 mIU/L, irrespective of the FT4 value, with administration of oral levothyroxine. The goal of treatment of maternal overt hypothyroidism is to bring back the serum TSH values to the reference range specific for the pregnancy trimester. The Guidelines of the „European Thyroid Association for the Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy and in Children“ recommends treatment of pregnancy associated subclinical hypothyroidism with the following levothyroxine doses: „1.20 μg/kg/day for TSH≤4.2 mU/l, 1.42 μg/kg/day for TSH >4.2-10 and 2.33 μg/kg/day for overt hypothyroidism“. The „Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and Postpartum“ and the „European Thyroid Association for the Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy and in Children“ do not recommend the treatment of isolated hypothyroxinemia in pregnancy.
Pulmonary thromboembolism in an emergency hospital: Are our patients different?
Authors: Balahura Ana Maria , Guţă Andrada , Mihalcea Vlad , Weiss Emma , Dorobanţu Maria , Bartoş Daniela , Bădilă Elisabeta , Dan Gheorghe Andrei
Published: July 2017

Introduction. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) represents a medical emergency and is the third most common cause of mortality after myocardial infarction and stroke. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and management of patients with PTE admitted in a referral emergency hospital in Romania.

Material and methods. We retrospectively reviewed all cases of PTE diagnosed in one of the largest emergency hospitals in Bucharest during a 2-year period (January 2014 – December 2016). Patients with acute PTE were identified by a database search of the diagnostic codes of all discharge diagnoses. Demographic, clinical and paraclinical tests data was retrieved from medical records.

Results. 221 patients (48.87% male, mean age 61.76 years (range 21-94 years)) were diagnosed with PTE in our hospital (0.31% of all hospitalizations). Dyspnea was the most frequent symptom reported (78.9%), followed by pleuritic chest pain (23.9%) and unilateral leg pain (15.8%). Upon presentation, 12.6% of patients had high-risk PTE. Up to 72.8% of patients had at least one thrombotic risk factor, while cancer (14%) was the most frequent amongst them. The mean length of hospitalization was 10.3 ± 4.6 days. Unfractioned heparin (UFH) was the preferred anticoagulant during hospital stay (73.7%, p < 0.001). Vitamin K antagonists (AVK) were the preferred anticoagulant (71.7%, p < 0.001) after discharge, whereas non-antivitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) were recommended in 26.3% of patients. Thrombolysis was used in 18 (8.4%) cases. Mortality was 0.9%. Younger patients more frequently associated thrombophilia or a previous thromboembolic event and clinical signs of DVT at presentation. Older patients associated more frequently a history of hospitalization for heart failure or atrial fibrillation during the previous 3 months and a history of cancer. The clinical presentation in older patients was more severe, with higher PESI scores (103.6 ± 33.4 vs. 55.5 ± 17.9, p<0.001) and a longer hospital stay (10.7 ± 4.7 vs. 9.2 ± 3.9, p = 0.03). The type of anticoagulant treatment did not differ depending on age.

Conclusion. In our emergency hospital, PTE is a relatively rare cause of hospitalization; the rate is, however, comparable with other major hospitals. Dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain was the clinical presentation dyad. UFH was the preferred anticoagulant for in-hospital treatment while AVK was the preferred option for long term treatment and recurrence prophylaxis; however an increasing number of patients are prescribed NOAC. In older patients clinical severity was higher upon presentation, hospitalization duration was increased and cancer was more frequently associated. Younger patients associated more frequently a primary hypercoagulable state and recurrent thromboembolism. Mortality rate was low during hospitalization, comparable with that seen in other studied populations.
Intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke – our experience
Authors: Cuciureanu Tudor , Hodorog Diana , Cuciureanu Iulian Dan
Published: July 2017

Stroke is a major health problem worldwide and nationally: the second leading cause of death and dementia, the most common cause of epilepsy in the elderly, and a common cause of depression. Stroke is associated with an increased rate of morbidity, but it is also the leading cause of long-term morbidity and disability in industrialized countries. Thrombolysis by administering intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA) is the only treatment method “in the therapeutic window” recognized in international protocols. The benefit-risk ratio should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with the neurologist’s decision being individual and often difficult. The aim of our study was to analyze the outcome of this procedure in our hospital since 2015. We performed a retrospective clinical study of 77 patients with acute ischemic stroke subjected to IV-rtPA. Most patients with ischemic stroke undergoing intravenous thrombolysis did not receive chronic antithrombotictherapy. In most cases (76%) there was a decrease in the NIHSS score at 24 hours after thrombolysis and especially after 7 days (between 3 and 19 points), reflecting a reduction in poststroke disability in thrombolyzed patients. In the series of patients undergoing i.v. thrombolysis 5 deaths (10%) were recorded, the lowestrate of data/death ratereported in the literature (14-18%).
Management of subdural chronic hematoma in Colombia: national survey
Authors: Morales-Cabeza Marticela , Agrawal Amit , Alcala-Cerra Gabriel , Padilla-Zambrano Huber S. , Rubiano Andres M. , Pacheco-Hernandez Alfonso , Moscote-Salazar Luis Gabriel , Alvis-Miranda Hernando , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: July 2017

Chronic subdural hematoma is a growing neurological pathology, especially in older people. Thus, describing how this entity is approached in Colombia is of great importance because it allows to evaluate and contrast this approach with that of other countries, comparing the techniques used, therapeutic management and additional measures. In this study, this comparison was carried out using a self-administered survey with 16 multiple-choice items. The results were evaluated in Microsoft Excel, determining measures of central tendency accompanied by frequencies and percentages. As an initial management, 75.5% preferred to use 1Burr Hole and, in cases of recurrence, craniotomy is the choice in 50% of cases. Regarding the placement of drainage, its use was estimated to be 83.3%, especially the subdural system closed to external drainage, with a preference of 85.2%, and without use of corticosteroids as adjuvant therapy in 88.9 % of respondents. These data are consistent with the results of studies in other countries regarding the management of this pathology.
Post V-P shunt surgical site EDH an uncommon complication: case report
Authors: Garg Manish , Sachdeva Deepashu , Patel Ketan , Jagetia Anita , Srivastava A. K.
Published: July 2017

ventriculoparitoneal shunt is well established modality of treatment for hydrocephalous. Complication of v-p shunt are also mentioned in literature like shunt infection shunt migration etc [8]. Here we are describing a rare complication of vp shunt which barely mentioned in literature. A 22 yr male admitted with complain of headache & vomiting patient was diagnosed to have tubercular meningities with hydrocephalous. Patient planned for ventriculoparietoneal shunt surgery and vp shunt was done. On 3rd post-surgery day patient develop weakness in Left side of body. Urgent ncct head done which showed EDH at surgical site. Immediate craniotomy and evacuation of hematoma was done patient improved and discharged. Thus we are discussing the importance of meticulous surgery for v-p shunt, post op ct scan and treatment.
Foreign Scholars′ Theoretical Approaches to Using Social Networks as Educational Strategies
Authors: Pazyura Natalia
Published: July 2017

Modern trends in development of information and communication technologies change many aspects in the process of education: from the role of participants to the forms and methods of knowledge delivery. ICTs make it possible to develop students′ creative potential. The emergence of online social groups was an important event in the sphere of communication but with time they began to be used by both teachers and students not only for communication, but also to achieve learning goals. Without any doubt, skillful use of social networks allows teachers to communicate with students at modern technological level, make classes more attractive and effective. An efficient teacher can prove that social networks are not only means of entertainment and communication with friends but are a working tool. The main aim of foreign language teaching is students′ communicative activity or practical use of a target language. The teacher is to activate every student’s activity in the process of learning, make situations for their creativity. The main objective of foreign language teaching is to educate an individual, who is able to communicate, continue education, including selfeducation. Different theories lay the basis for the study of social networks’ influence on different aspects of human activity and, particularly, education. The main theories are sociocultural theory and social constructivist theory. According to sociocultural theory, man is an integral part of the world they live in, so students are not independent in their activities. Social constructivist theory recognizes that students act in a certain environment, which under certain conditions enlarges their practical knowledge. These theories are focused on the effect of social interaction, language and culture in the learning process. Thus, theoretical basis proves positive effect of social networks, namely, they enhance substantial interaction in the educational environment of social groups as well as are directed at strengthening the values, exchange of opinions and experience with a practical orientation.
Educating Educators and Teachers in Poland under Conditions of Neo-Liberal Culture of Consumption
Authors: Jankowska Dorota
Published: July 2017

The presented text discusses the problems of academic and teacher education under conditions of consumption culture and neoliberal ideology development at the beginning of the 21st century in Poland. The article puts the thesis that neo-liberalism, manifested by economic phenomena, permeates all spheres of social life, enhancing the characteristics of consumption culture. It enters education, including academic education. In this context, there has been shown a part of our research conducted in 2006-2016 (27 interviews in depth with students completing Master’s degree in Pedagogy). The research has taken the form of semantic reconstruction of statements made on studies and pedagogical training, expressed by students during in-depth interviews (IDI). During the research study the leading categories have been defined, which set the main perspectives for thinking about study. Within these perspectives, the student’s goals of study have been identified and more detailed profiles of perceiving pedagogical studies have been defined. The comparative analysis of the IDI narratives of 2006 and 2016 allows us to see phenomena that can be interpreted as indicating that pedagogy students are increasingly taking over the market thinking, acting more explicitly as customers of educational services, presenting a utilitarian attitude to study.
Professional Training of Marketing Specialists: Foreign Experience
Authors: Zakharchenko Yuliia
Published: July 2017

Due to content-based analysis of marketing specialists′ professional training and approaches to development of their educational trajectory, it has been revealed that curricula and their content are given much attention by employers whose demands are focused on meeting current labour market conditions. It has been justified that despite the existing differences various approaches to forming future specialists′ educational trajectory have one thing in common, i.e., an undeniable connection with employers′ demands. The employers′ impact is found at such stages as forming the content of curricula (particular disciplines) and monitoring quality of graduate knowledge gained in higher education institutions. This approach creates certain advantages as for quality performance of universities, correspondence of their curricula with relevant requirements of the labour market. However, most employers usually have little interest in predicting strategic development of the market. It has been proved that content saturation of curricula ensuring adjustment to current labour market conditions concurrently suppresses specialists′ rapid adaptation to different scenarios of the future. Special attention has been paid to expediency of specialists′ generalized training that provides them with some autonomy needed to implement their professional competences in the course of further development of the labour market.
The Training of Qualified Specialists in the Countries of the Black Sea Region in the Context of Globalization Education Processes
Authors: Sheludko Inna
Published: July 2017

The article presents the trends in higher education development in the countries of the Black Sea region, namely, historical, methodological, methodical and technological, which determine the objective and subjective connections and relationships that are common to the system of higher pedagogical education of the countries under study and define persistent pursuit of modernization and transformation of the nature, content, structure, functions, ways of management approaches to the education process, forms, methods, tools and techniques of teaching students. The trends in the public-authoritarian model of higher education have been revealed. It has been found out that the leading trend in Ukraine and other countries of the Black Sea is the governance and financing of future teachers with appropriate management functions and control that significantly affects the organizational structure of higher education. The features of a modern system of higher pedagogical education in the Black Sea region are the system of higher education institutions; main directions of modern reforms in higher education; functioning of leading universities that prepare teachers, their types, characteristics of structural units, students. According to the areas in development of higher pedagogical education in the Black Sea region, we have divided the trends into four groups: historical, methodological, methodical, technological, that are top priority for education systems.
Dual Education as the Peculiarity of Specialized Training of Nursing Personnel in Germany
Authors: Oleskova Halyna
Published: July 2017

Specialized training of nursing personnel in Ukraine is being reformed presently. Quality specialized training of nursing personnel is a prerequisite for successful functioning of the health care system in general. In this regard, the article describes dual education system in Germany where educators have accumulated valuable experience in specialized training of nursing personnel. It must be noted that dual education system is divided into theoretical and practical components, whereas theoretical component assumes out-service training and priority practical component - in-service training. In addition, such notions as “dual education”, “nursing personnel”, “professional training”, “specialized training” have been defined. The peculiarities of specialized training of geriatric nursing personnel, health and nursing professionals, health and pediatric nursing personnel have been considered. Special attention has been paid to the fact that new names for nursing professions linguistically highlight a more extensive approach to nursing. The role of practice mentoring in specialized training of nursing personnel has been justified. Based on theoretical analysis of references, it has been concluded that professional pedagogics being the most developed direction in Germany contributes to efficient organization of the education process and training of highly qualified specialists.
Influence of Genotype, Site, and Year on Maize Nutritive Value – Yield Relationships
Authors: Hakl J. , Loučka R. , Jirmanová J. , Jambor V.
Published: July 2017

Maize genotype selection represents a practical tool influencing forage yield and quality. The main objective was to investigate the contribution of genotype, site, and year to variability of maize yield and quality in the environment of Central Europe. Totally 63 maize genotypes at 11 sites over a 7-year period were evaluated for dry matter yield (DMY), dry matter content (DM), starch, cob, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), in situ digestibility of stover NDF (NDFD), and organic matter (OMD). The genotype showed the highest variability from all factors where stover NDFD varied from 261 to 529 g kg-1 and stover OMD from 376 to 609 g kg-1. In contrast to the whole-plant, variability of stover traits was more closely related to NDF than the DM content. Under standardized plant DM, all tested factors were significant and allowed interpretation of 70 and 60% of total variation of yield and quality for stover and whole plant, respectively. The average contributions of genotype, site, and year were 30, 7, and 5%, respectively. For variability in plant productivity and nutritive value, the importance of maize genotype selection was more than two times higher than the contribution of environment.
Réflexivité et énonciation dans le film The Hours
Authors: de Oliveira Taís
Published: July 2017

Le film The Hours (Stephen Daldry 2002) est basé sur la vie et l’œuvre de Virginia Woolf. L’intertextualité qui le constitue met en cause le concept même d’intertextualité, ce qui institue un caractère méta intrinsèque au texte. A partir de la distinction proposée par Dondero entre réflexivité et métalangage, et celle proposée par Klinkenberg (2000) entre métasémiotique homosémiotique et métasémiotique hétérosémiotique, nous analysons le film The Hours avec l’objectif de montrer les mécanismes à travers lesquels il se constitue comme ‘méta’ et les effets de sens produits par cette caractéristique. Les concepts susmentionnés nous ont permis de comprendre comment l’œuvre réfléchit sur elle-même et sur le roman Mrs. Dalloway (Virginia Woolf 1925), sur lequel elle est basée. De plus, elle réfléchit aussi sur le processus créatif de Woolf. La notion d’énonciation énoncée nous sera aussi utile : elle nous permettra de déceler les processus de dédoublement de l’œuvre, qui imite, à l’intérieur de l’énoncé, aussi bien son acte de production que celui de sa réception en représentant les acteurs de l’énonciation à travers les acteurs de l’énoncé.
Aspects of sexual reproduction in rare monoecious Populus nigra var. nigra trees
Authors: Novotná K. , Štochlová P.
Published: July 2017

Individuals of the genus Populus are mostly dioecious, although deviations from strict dioecism occasionally occur. The aim of this study was to determine whether six, rare monoecious Populus nigra var. nigra trees, identified in trial plots, were fertile and capable of sexually reproducing. Controlled pollinations were carried out and compared with the results of open pollination. Viable seeds were obtained from all combinations of pollination possibilities, suggesting these monoecious trees could be used as either male or female parent and were self-fertile. However, no individuals produced by selfpollination were found among the offspring from openpollinated, monoecious trees. The parentage of some of the crosses was verified using microsatellite markers. The germination energy (GE) and germination capacity (GC) were in most cases higher for seeds produced from controlled pollinations than from open pollination. Furthermore, GE and GC were both higher when pollen from the monoecious trees was used. An association between GE and GC rates on the one hand, and the pollination method and year it took place on the other, was found in most crosses made. This study extends knowledge of the reproductive biology of P. nigra that could be utilized in conservation genetic of this endangered allogamous species.
Short Note: Development and characterization of 16 new polymorphic microsatellite loci for Schima superba (Theaceae)
Authors: Niu Hong-Yu , Ye Wan-Hui , Wang Zheng-Feng , Chen Ying , Cao Hong-Lin , Wu Lin-Fang , Wang Zhang-Ming
Published: July 2017

Schima superba is a common dominant tree species in evergreen broad-leaved forest in subtropical China. Despite its multiple usages in wood industry, reforestation and traditional Chinese medicine, its genetic diversity is poorly studied. To help studying its genetic diversity and structure in the future, after microsatellite enrichment and screening, we identified 16 microsatellites in S. superba. These markers showed polymorphism in three populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 32 with a mean of 14. Within populations, the observed and unbiased expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.048 to 0.926 and from 0.048 to 0.949, respectively. The newly developed 16 microsatellites will be useful for investigating the genetic diversity and structure from large scale patterns to fine-scale structures in this species.
Genetic status of Norway spruce (Picea abies) breeding populations for northern Sweden
Authors: Androsiuk P. , Shimono A. , Westin J. , Lindgren D. , Fries A. , Wang X.-R.
Published: July 2017

Efficient use of any breeding resources requires a good understanding of the genetic value of the founder breeding materials for predicting the gain and diversity in future generations. This study evaluates the distribution of genetic variation and level of relatedness among and within nine breeding populations of Norway spruce for Northern Sweden using nuclear microsatellite markers. A sample set of 456 individuals selected from 140 stands were genotyped with 15 SSR loci. Over all loci each individual was identified with unique multilocus genotype. High genetic diversity (average He=0.820) and low population differentiation (FST=0.0087) characterized this material. Although low in FST, the two northernmost populations were clustered as a distinct group diverged from the central populations. The population differentiation pattern corresponds well with the post glacial migration history of Norway spruce and the current gene flow and human activity in the region. The average inbreeding coefficient was 0.084 after removal loci with high frequency of null alleles. The estimated relatedness of the trees gathered in the breeding populations was very low (average kinship coefficient 0.0077) and not structured. The high genetic variation and low and not structured relatedness between individuals found in the breeding populations confirm that the Norway spruce breeding stock for northern Sweden represent valuable genetic resources for both long-term breeding and conservation programs.
Genetic analysis and clonal stability of two yellow cypress clonal populations in British Columbia
Authors: Baltunis B. S. , Russell J. H. , Niejenhuis A.Van , Barker J. , El-Kassaby Y. A.
Published: July 2017

Genetic analysis of height and form at age 12 years of 697 yellow cypress (Callitropsis nootkatensis [D. Don] Oerst.) clones tested across seven sites in coastal British Columbia (BC) were explored in populations: Population 1 - No Pedigree and Population 2 - Reconstructed Pedigree. Genetic variances were statistically significant but generally higher σ̂g
2 was observed for Population 2. Height and form were under low to moderate genetic control as indicated by clonal repeatability and estimates were relatively similar between populations. For example, average Ĥ2 in Population 2 was 0.31 for height (range: 0.18-0.45) and 0.22 for form (range: 0.06-0.32). While average Ĥ2 in Population 1 was 0.25 for height (range: 0.19-0.35) and 0.18 for form (range: 0.09-0.27). The reconstructed pedigree in Population 2 allowed partitioning the genetic variance (σ̂g
2) into component parts of additive (σ̂a
2), specific combining ability (σ̂s
2 ), and clone (σ̂c
2 ); however, general lack of structure within the population resulted in variance components to be estimated with little precision for additive and specific combining ability. The majority of genetic variation was associated with clone for both traits. For example, σ̂c
2 accounted for 57.6% and 62.5% of the total genetic variance for height and form, respectively. Growth and form responses of clones across test environments were relatively stable and overall type-B genetic correlations were in excess of 0.8 for both traits implying clones selected for production populations should respond favorably across the seed planning zone for yellow cypress in coastal BC.
Isolation and characterization of chloroplast microsatellite markers in the invasive tree species Robinia pseudoacacia L.
Authors: Kimura M. K. , Lian C. , Hogetsu T.
Published: July 2017

Robinia pseudoacacia is one of the most problematic invasive alien species in Japan. Information on genetic diversity and population structure is urgently required in order to generate effective management strategies. To assist such efforts we have identified five chloroplast microsatellite (cpSSR) markers for R. pseudoacacia by amplifying noncording regions of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) using universal chloroplast primers. Among 857 individuals these cpSSR markers showed substantial polymorphism, with three to eight alleles per locus and gene diversity ranging from 0.387 to 0.713. These cpSSR makers will be useful for analyzing maternal lineages and population genetic structure of R. pseudo - acacia.
Identification of upregulated genes in laminarin-treated poplar (Populus alba × P. tremula var. glandulosa) suspension cells by suppression subtractive hybridization and cDNA microarray
Authors: Kim J-H. , Lee H. , Bae E-K. , Shin H. , Lee J-S. , Kang K-S. , Park S-Y.
Published: July 2017

Elicitors trigger defence responses in plant cells through signal transduction pathways, leading to accumulation of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins and, eventually, pathogen resistance. To understand defence responses of hybrid poplar (Populus alba × P. tremula var. glandulosa), we isolated and characterized upregulated genes in poplar cells by laminarin-induced elicitation using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and cDNA microarray approaches. A total of 1,269 clones in the SSH library were sequenced and a cDNA microarray, containing 265 unique subtracted clones, was fabricated. From the microarray results, 37 clones were found to be upregulated by laminarin treatment and their putative functions are discussed. Genes involved in signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, and phytohormone biosynthesis were upregulated. Other genes encoding PR proteins, peptidases, and an ABC transporter, as well as genes involved in lignification and protein synthesis and turnover, were also identified. Our results suggest that well-organized defence responses, from signal transduction to accumulation of PR proteins, are activated in poplar cells by laminarininduced elicitation and could contribute to resistance against pathogens.
Genetic Variation in Wood Property and Growth of Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata)
Authors: Chung Jeng-Der , Chiu Chih-Ming , Nigh Gordon , Chien Ching-Te , Ying Cheng C.
Published: July 2017

The genetic variation in wood property and growth of Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides) was investigated at two test sites in the same general location, but one at 1200 m (LK20) and another at 1900 m (LK24). A rangewide sample of 48 open-pollinated families in Taiwan was involved. The test plantations were 16 years old when the wood property data were collected. Traits studied include wood specific gravity, tracheid length, ring width. DBH at ages13, 16, and 22 and height at age 13 were also analyzed. Site environment had a dominant effect on growth and wood density, but showed little interaction with family. The site effect was evident in large between-site differences in means, range of family means, and size of family variance components and heritability estimates. These differences are attributable to the site characteristics of LK24 (high elevation, upper slope near a mountain crest) and an unfavourable local climate. Taiwania is fast growing and produces quality wood, and is also an interesting species from the perspective of evolutionary biology. Protection of its genetic variability should be a priority to be managed. We propose that the existing five progeny tests be protected since these tests well-represent the genetic variability of the species in Taiwan.
Genetic parameters and efficiency of early selection for half rotation-aged growth and form traits in Pinus taeda in China
Authors: Yang Huixiao , Liu Tianyi , Liu Chunxin , Wang Jinbang , Chen Kaer , Zhong Weihua , Chen Bingquan , Huang Shaowei
Published: July 2017

Genetic parameters for height (H), diameter at breast height (DBH), stem straightness (STR), and under crown clear bole height (CH) of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were estimated for 255 families (209 open pollinated (OP) and 46 controlled pollinated (CP) families) using a family model and an individual tree model at age 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, and 15 years. Heritability estimates for growth traits of individual trees at age 11 years were the highest (0.17-0.78), and those at age 15 years were the lowest (0.05-0.74). Heritability estimates for DBH, STR, and CH were lower than those for H. Genetic correlations between H and DBH were generally strongly positive, attained a maximum values at age 2 to 3, and declined slightly thereafter. The genetic correlations between CH at age 11 and both H and DBH at different ages were moderate. Age-age genetic correlations for growth traits were moderate to high (0.56-0.91) at age 5 for half-rotation age (15 years), indicating the opportunity exists for early selection. Indirect selection from the age 5 to 11 years for H and DBH could be expected to produce gains of over 50% and 35% respectively, for these two ages, relative to direct selection at age 15. Efficiencies of early selection for H and DBH indicated that growth at maturity could be improved by early selection.
Optimal Response-Related Weighting Matrices to Control Semi-Active Base Isolation Systems
Authors: Dadkhah Hamed , Noruzvand Mahsa
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the performance of a semi-active base isolation system, including a magneto-rheological (MR) damper and base isolation system for different combinations of response-related weighting matrices, has been studied. To consider all possible sets of response-related matrices, seven H2/linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control designs have been considered. For a numerical simulation, a six-story shear frame has been subjected to different earthquakes, and the performance of the control system has been evaluated. The results show that the optimal force-related weighting parameter is identical for different sets of response-related weighting matrices and is also independent of earthquake records when minimizing the maximum base drift is considered as the design objective. Also, the results of different sets of response-related weighting matrices show that the optimal sets for the design objective of minimizing the maximum base drift are the velocity and displacement/velocity-related weighting matrices.
On characteristic and permanent polynomials of a matrix
Authors: Singh Ranveer , Bapat R. B.
Published: July 2017

There is a digraph corresponding to every square matrix over ℂ. We generate a recurrence relation using the Laplace expansion to calculate the characteristic and the permanent polynomials of a square matrix. Solving this recurrence relation, we found that the characteristic and the permanent polynomials can be calculated in terms of the characteristic and the permanent polynomials of some specific induced subdigraphs of blocks in the digraph, respectively. Interestingly, these induced subdigraphs are vertex-disjoint and they partition the digraph. Similar to the characteristic and the permanent polynomials; the determinant and the permanent can also be calculated. Therefore, this article provides a combinatorial meaning of these useful quantities of the matrix theory. We conclude this article with a number of open problems which may be attempted for further research in this direction.
Objects, Words, and Religion: Popular Belief and Protestantism in Early Modern England
Authors: Ludwikowska Joanna
Published: July 2017

This article deals with selected aspects of popular belief in post-Reformation England as compared to the pre-Reformation popular tradition of the fourteenth and fifteenth century. Through a discussion of the politics of superstition and religiously-shaped concepts of reason in Early Modern England, this article discusses medicinal magic, and the power of objects and words in the context of religion and popular belief, focusing in particular on leprosy and exorcism. By examining the Protestant understanding of the supernatural as well as its polemical importance, the article investigates the perseverance of popular belief after the Reformation and outlines some of the reasons and politics behind this perseverance, while also examining the role of the supernatural in the culture of belief in Early Modern England by tracing the presence and importance of particular beliefs in popular imagination and in the way religion and confessional rhetoric made use of popular beliefs.
Investigation of the relation between thrombocyte counts and serum transaminases in patients with Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Barut Sener , Gemici Ümit , Demir Osman , Güneş Ferdi
Published: July 2017

Objective

Fever, thrombocytopenia and transaminase elevation are consistent features of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). This study which was done in a hyperendemic region for CCHF, was carried out to find the frequencies of elevated transaminases among CCHF patients with thrombocytopenia.

Methods

Thrombocyte counts, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test results on admission and follow-up of hospitalized CCHF patients were collected retrospectively.

Results

When we assessed data on admission, all patients with thrombocyte ≤50,000/μL had elevated AST as well as all but one (98.1%) had elevated ALT levels. When the lowest thrombocyte count was taken into account, concordant AST, ALT levels of all patients with thrombocyte ≤50,000/μL were above normal.

Conclusion

Conclusively, acute CCHF patients with thrombocyte <50,000/μL should necessarily have elevated ASTs, ALTs.
A Cloud Computing Model for Optimization of Transport Logistics Process
Authors: Benotmane Zineb , Belalem Ghalem , Neki Abdelkader
Published: July 2017

In any increasing competitive environment and even in companies; we must adopt a good logistic chain management policy which is the main objective to increase the overall gain by maximizing profits and minimizing costs, including manufacturing costs such as: transaction, transport, storage, etc. In this paper, we propose a cloud platform of this chain logistic for decision support; in fact, this decision must be made to adopt new strategy for cost optimization, besides, the decision-maker must have knowledge on the consequences of this new strategy. Our proposed cloud computing platform has a multilayer structure; this later is contained from a set of web services to provide a link between applications using different technologies; to enable sending; and receiving data through protocols, which should be understandable by everyone. The chain logistic is a process-oriented business; it’s used to evaluate logistics process costs, to propose optimal solutions and to evaluate these solutions before their application. As a scenario, we have formulated the problem for the delivery process, and we have proposed a modified Bin-packing algorithm to improve vehicles loading.
Zeitgeschichte und vergleichende Imperiengeschichte
Authors: Stuchtey Benedikt
Published: July 2017

Vorspann

Dem Sog der Globalisierung kann sich auch die Zeitgeschichte nicht entziehen, die Perspektiven auch auf die jüngere Vergangenheit weiten sich. Wichtige Inspirationen sind dabei, wie Benedikt Stuchtey in seiner Vermessung dieses wissenschaftlichen Terrains aufzeigt, aus der New Imperial History zu gewinnen. Die postkoloniale Blickveränderung, die Bewegung in die starre Sichtachse „Zentrum - Peripherie“ bringt, ermöglicht Einsichten in wechselseitige Prägungen und Abhängigkeiten und birgt somit ein innovatives Potenzial, das es auch für die Zeitgeschichte nutzbar zu machen gilt.
Institutionalisation of the Relations between the EC and the ASEAN: Analysing an Origin of the EU-Asia Relationship, 1967–1975
Authors: Kuroda Tomoya
Published: July 2017

It seems that the current relationship between the European Union (EU) and Asia is at a turning point. During the Cold War era, the status gap between the European Community [(EC), formerly European Economic Community (EEC)] and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was quite large. In fact, the EC was considered a highly institutionalised and developed region, while ASEAN was considered an association of developing countries; however, in the post-Cold War era, the status of Asia compared to that of Europe has significantly risen. The establishment of the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM) in 1996 among heads of states as “equal partners” is a striking example. In addition, ASEAN will have a community in place by the end of 2015, while Europe has struggled from its sovereign debt crisis to such an extent that it has shown its eagerness to learn even from Asian countries. Finally, the EU is now expected to play a role as a “soft power” ally with ASEAN. Based on multiple archives (French, German, and EC archives), this article retraces the course of EC/EU-ASEAN relations from the origins of ASEAN until the establishment of the Joint Study Group (JSG) of 1975, considered as a formal institutionalisation of EC–ASEAN relations, although informal dialogue between the EC and ASEAN began in 1972. This article aims to clarify why and how this formal institutionalisation occurred. In June 1975, the regional organisations established the JSG between the European Commission and the ASEAN member states. The JSG can be interpreted as a precursor to the EEC-ASEAN co-operation agreement signed in 1980, in that this event is in certain times considered as a “turning point.” EC/EU-ASEAN relations have been widely discussed. The existing research derives mainly from political scientists. Most early research has stressed ASEAN as a “stepping stone” to the “Asia-Pacific” region; in other words, an economic valuation of ASEAN is offered as the reason why the EC deepened its relationship with ASEAN. Later studies have underlined ASEAN’s value as a reliable partner to break an impasse in the North-South negotiations; however, existing literature ignores a strategic aspect. This article establishes the decisive strategic reason for the EC to have chosen a formal relation with ASEAN: to establish a substantial presence in a region where US presence declined after the Vietnam War. This viewpoint is especially supported by Sir Christopher Soames, British Vice-President of the European Commission and commissioner for external relations. Focusing on this strategic aspect and based on the method of diplomatic history, this article also tries to analyse the impact of international contexts such as the Asian Cold War and North-South affairs on the EC’s decision-making process.
An Adiabatic Quantum Algorithm for Determining Gracefulness of a Graph
Authors: Hosseini Sayed Mohammad , Davoudi Darareh Mahdi , Janbaz Shahrooz , Zaghian Ali
Published: July 2017

Graph labelling is one of the noticed contexts in combinatorics and graph theory. Graceful labelling for a graph G with e edges, is to label the vertices of G with 0, 1, ℒ, e such that, if we specify to each edge the difference value between its two ends, then any of 1, 2, ℒ, e appears exactly once as an edge label. For a given graph, there are still few efficient classical algorithms that determine either it is graceful or not, even for trees – as a well-known class of graphs. In this paper, we introduce an adiabatic quantum algorithm, which for a graceful graph G finds a graceful labelling. Also, this algorithm can determine if G is not graceful. Numerical simulations of the algorithm reveal that its time complexity has a polynomial behaviour with the problem size up to the range of 15 qubits. A general sufficient condition for a combinatorial optimization problem to have a satisfying adiabatic solution is also derived.
Probiotics and Child Care Absence Due to Infections: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Laursen Rikke Pilmann , Larnkjær Anni , Ritz Christian , Hauger Hanne , Michaelsen Kim Fleischer , Mølgaard Christian
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVES:

The risk of infections is higher in children attending child care compared with children cared for at home. This study examined the effect of a combination of probiotics on absence from child care because of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in healthy infants aged 8 to 14 months at the time of enrollment in child care.

METHODS:

The ProbiComp study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 290 infants were randomly allocated to receive a placebo or a combination of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus in a dose of 109 colony-forming units of each daily for a 6-month intervention period. Absence from child care, occurrence of infant symptoms of illness, and doctor visits were registered by the parents using daily and weekly Web-based questionnaires.

RESULTS:

Median absence from child care was 11 days (interquartile range: 6–16). Intention-to-treat analysis showed no difference between the probiotics and placebo groups (P = .19). Additionally, there was no difference in any of the secondary outcomes between groups; the number of children with doctor-diagnosed upper or lower respiratory tract infections, the number of doctor visits, antibiotic treatments, occurrence and duration of diarrhea, and days with common cold symptoms, fever, vomiting, or caregivers’ absence from work.

CONCLUSIONS:

A daily administration of a combination of B animalis subsp lactis and L rhamnosus for 6 months did not reduce the number of days absent from child care in healthy infants at the time of enrollment in child care.
Reação de cultivares de maracujazeiro em áreas com fusariose
Authors: Silva Roseano Medeiros da , Ambrósio Márcia Michelle de Queiroz , Aguiar Ana Verônica Menezes de , Faleiro Fábio Gelape , Cardoso Acleide Maria Santos , Mendonça Vander
Published: July 2017

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a sobrevivência de oito cultivares de P. edulis Sims. e a reação do maracujazeiro amarelo enxertado sobre Passiflora foetida L. em área com histórico de fusariose (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae) na região de Mossoró/RN. Foram conduzidos dois ensaios, onde foram plantadas oito cultivares de maracujazeiro (FB 200, FB 300, BRS Gigante Amarelo, BRS Sol do Cerrado, BRS Rubi do Cerrado, IAC 273, IAC 275 e IAC 277) e uma cultivar comercial ‘redondo amarelo’ da Topssed® enxertada sobre P. foetida, em área naturalmente infestada com F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e três plantas por parcela. No ensaio I foi avaliado a sobrevivência das cultivares e no ensaio II, avaliou-se a incidência da fusariose e a classe de reação, identificando os tratamentos como resistentes, moderadamente susceptíveis e susceptíveis. Todas as cultivares (ensaio I) apresentaram baixos índices de sobrevivência aos 180 dias após o plantio. As cultivares não enxertadas (ensaio II) foram classificadas como susceptíveis, com incidência de fusariose variando de 22,22 a 91,67%. Não houve registro de incidência de fusariose no maracujazeiro enxertado sobre P. foetida (ensaio II) durante o período de avaliação, mostrando-se como um porta-enxerto promissor para solos infestados com Fusarium oxysporum.
MUTUAL HELP GROUP FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OF OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA: UNVEILING PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Pires Fernanda Rosa de Oliveira , Santos Silvia Maria Azevedo dos , Mello Ana Lúcia Schaefer Ferreira de , Silva Kelly Maciel
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: to understanding the reasons why members of a Mutual Help Group for family caregivers of older adults with Dementia participate in it and to identify the difficulties and benefits of such participation. Method: a qualitative exploratory descriptive study with data collected through observation and interviews with nine family caregivers, five family volunteers and five health professionals from the group. Data analysis involved content analysis and theoretical support of the Cultural Care Theory. Results: the respondents pointed out their reasons for seeking the group and the benefits they perceived from participating in it. However, difficulties to participate continuously in the group faced by both family caregivers and volunteers were also evidenced. Nontheless, all of them valued the possibility of being part of this group. Conclusion: the Mutual Help Group has proven to be an important supportive strategy for family caregivers of older adults with dementia, however, much remains to be done in order to make this strategy feasible for all families. Among the difficulties identified for maintaining the group are voluntary work and a way to attract more people to this work.