bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of treatment methods on polypropylene fibres incorporated in cement mortars
Authors: Ince Ceren
Published: May 2019

Fibre reinforcements are often used in cementitious materials to provide enhanced strength. However, the surface smoothness and inert chemical nature of polypropylene fibres result in an insufficient fibre–matrix bonding interface and hence lead to poor mechanical properties of these materials. Two distinct treatment methods, namely, porofication method and sulfuric acid–dichromate treatment method, are adopted to assess the effectiveness of these techniques on fibre–matrix interface properties. The paper begins with an investigation on the effectiveness of these methods on polypropylene fibres. The wetting characteristics of these fibres are determined using the water absorption test, contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The study then focuses on the mechanical properties and durability of cement mortars incorporating treated polypropylene fibres. The void ratio, flexural and compressive strengths and split tensile strength are studied, and microstructural analyses are also carried out to support these measurements. The resistance to impact, freeze and thaw and carbonation of cement mortars incorporating treated polypropylene fibres is investigated. The treatment methods adopted in this study improve the interface between the hydrated cement product and fibres and also significantly enhance the mechanical properties and durability of these mortars incorporating polypropylene fibres.
Renal Perfusion during Hemodialysis: Intradialytic Blood Flow Decline and Effects of Dialysate Cooling
Authors: Marants Raanan , Qirjazi Elena , Grant Claire J. , Lee Ting-Yim , McIntyre Christopher W.
Published: May 2019

Significance Statement

Residual renal function (RRF) characteristically declines after patients with ESRD initiate dialysis. Although RRF preservation correlates with improved outcomes, poor understanding of the pathophysiology underlying RRF decline limits protection strategies. Previous research found that dialysate cooling reduces hemodialysis-induced circulatory stress and protects the brain and heart from ischemic injury. To examine renal perfusion decline during hemodialysis and the effects of cooling, the authors used computed tomography perfusion imaging to scan patients undergoing continuous dialysis with or without dialysate cooling. They found an acute decrease in renal perfusion during hemodialysis, a first step toward characterizing hemodialysis-mediated RRF loss. Dialysate cooling ameliorated this decline but this effect did not reach statistical significance. Further study is needed to explore the potential of dialysis-based interventions to slow RRF decline.

Background

Residual renal function (RRF) confers survival in patients with ESRD but declines after initiating hemodialysis. Previous research shows that dialysate cooling reduces hemodialysis-induced circulatory stress and protects the brain and heart from ischemic injury. Whether hemodialysis-induced circulatory stress affects renal perfusion, and if it can be ameliorated with dialysate cooling to potentially reduce RRF loss, is unknown.

Methods

We used renal computed tomography perfusion imaging to scan 29 patients undergoing continuous dialysis under standard (36.5°C dialysate temperature) conditions; we also scanned another 15 patients under both standard and cooled (35.0°C) conditions. Imaging was performed immediately before, 3 hours into, and 15 minutes after hemodialysis sessions. We used perfusion maps to quantify renal perfusion. To provide a reference to another organ vulnerable to hemodialysis-induced ischemic injury, we also used echocardiography to assess intradialytic myocardial stunning.

Results

During standard hemodialysis, renal perfusion decreased 18.4% (P<0.005) and correlated with myocardial injury (r=−0.33; P<0.05). During sessions with dialysis cooling, patients experienced a 10.6% decrease in perfusion (not significantly different from the decline with standard hemodialysis), and ten of the 15 patients showed improved or no effect on myocardial stunning.

Conclusions

This study shows an acute decrease in renal perfusion during hemodialysis, a first step toward pathophysiologic characterization of hemodialysis-mediated RRF decline. Dialysate cooling ameliorated this decline but this effect did not reach statistical significance. Further study is needed to explore the potential of dialysate cooling as a therapeutic approach to slow RRF decline.
Ethnic Towns and Tourism Representation: A Phenomenology of Incheon Chinatown, Korea
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Shim Changsup , Jang HeeSun , Jung San-Seol , Lee Hoon
Published: May 2019

Ethnic towns, geographic areas with a high ethnic concentration, serve as tourist attractions because they include unique landscapes, ethnic food, and interesting products. At the same time, a variety of scholarly attention to ethnic townshas been paid because ethnic towns are excellent places where hybridization of multiple cultures is routinely observed. Therefore, employing the concept of tourism representation, the current study examined Incheon Chinatown, the biggest ethnic town of South Korea. From the perspective of phenomenology, 18 merchants who owned shops or worked in Incheon Chinatown were interviewed with a focus on how Chinese cultural identity was being represented by the merchants to attract tourists. The results are as follows. First, the merchants tended to use objective evidence that showed the close relationship between their products and China. Second, to intentionally construct an exotic environment, the merchants tended to emphasize cultural differences through their tourism representation of Chinese cultural identity. Third, the merchants’ tourism representation of Chinese cultural identity tended to reflect the uniqueness and contemporary reality of Incheon Chinatown, not the real China. Based on the results, theoretical, practical, and policy implications are provided.
British Policy toward the eastern enlargement of the European Union: historical aspects
Authors: Hrubinko Andriy
Published: May 2019

The article describes historical features of shaping and implementation of British policy toward the Eastern enlargement of the European Union, its impact on the implementation of the Сommon Foreign and Security Policy in the Central and Eastern Europe region. The author denotes that the history of participation of the UK in implementing Eastern enlargement of the EU not been sufficiently investigated. According to the author’s vision, the policy of the enlargement of the EU is seen as an integral part of united foreign and security policy and as a factor of its implementation in countries of the nearest periphery. The 31 enlargement process is a part of the EU enlargement policy as a geopolitical phenomenon. The United Kingdom became one of the biggest supporters of further enlargement as a permanent phenomenon in its history among countries of the Community, forming their own specific conceptual approaches and strategy. The factors of shaping active and positive positions of the British governments in connection with the enlargement of the EU toward the East have been analyzed. The author came to the conclusion that the Eastern enlargement had questionable effect for the development of the effective CFSP. The UK as one of the leading powers in the EU came to a forefront in this process. The enlargement of the EU has become an integral part of the country’s leadership strategy in the political integration. However, the confrontational European policy of the David Cameron’s government in 2010–2016 has resulted in a loss of the previous governments’ achievements in developing the cooperation and support for the countries of Eastern and Central Europe and escalated the decrease of the country’s original positions in the region.
DNA Mini-Barcodes as A Molecular Marker for Various Hairtail Fish Products Traceability
Authors: Abdullah Asadatun , Nurilmala Mala , Sitaresmi Kinanti Permata
Published: May 2019

Hairtail fishery is an important fishery commodity with high economic value as export commodity. Authentication based on DNA mini-barcodes can be applied to overcome seafood fraud and to support Indonesian traceability system. This study was aimed to design species-specific primers of DNA minibarcodes and authentication of various processed hairtail fish products such as smoked, baked, fried, canned, and boiled. Analytical method applied PCR-based of cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) full length and
mini-barcodes. Mini-barcode primer specific for hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) successfully amplified DNA of processed hairtail fish. The BLAST analysis showed the samples were identified as Trichiurus sp. and T. lepturus with homology level of 91% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis showed the processed sample (LC dan LD) were in the same group with T. lepturus.
Physicochemical Characteristics of Carrageenan Based on Different Harvesting Times From Bontang Coastal, East Kalimantan
Authors: Asikin Andi Noor , Kusumaningrum Indrati
Published: May 2019

Proper harvesting time determines the physicochemical characteristics of carrageenan. The purpose of this study was to determine the physicochemical characteristics of carrageenan extracted from Kappaphycus alvarezii at various different harvesting times from the Bontang Coastal, East Kalimantan. This study consisted of 7 treatments at the harvesting times, which were harvested at 30; 35; 40; 45; 50; 55 and 60 days. The parameters observed included yield, moisture content, ash content, viscosity and gel strength. The results showed the highest yield at the age of 50 days of harvest (46.91%), the highest viscosity at the age of
55 days harvest (50.25 cP), and the highest gel strength at 40 days of harvesting at 60.14 g/cm2.
Canal endémico de la Enfermedad Diarreica Aguda en menores de 5 años, Cali - Colombia, 2012-2016
Authors: Hernández Carrillo Mauricio , Arboleda Diana , Mejía Sharon , Londoño Juan Carlos , Vélez Valentina , Tenorio Julián , Holguín Ruiz Jorge Alirio , Duque Rodríguez Silvio , Perlaza Guillermo , Villegas Juan De Dios
Published: May 2019

Introducción: En Colombia, la Enfermedad Diarreica Aguda (EDA) ocupa el segundo lugar de morbi-mortalidad en la población menor de cinco años, conocer su comportamiento durante el año es relevante para la toma de decisiones. Objetivo: Elaborar un canal endémico para los casos notificados de EDA entre los años 2012 y 2016 en el municipio de Cali. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se presenta el comportamiento durante los años 2012 a 2016 de la EDA en menores de 5 años notificados al Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Pública de la secretaría de salud municipal de Cali. Se elaboró un canal endémico por semana epidemiológica. El procesamiento de datos se realizó en Excel y se utilizó el software estadístico R.5.0. Resultados: Se observa que la tendencia de la EDA en el municipio de Cali es positiva, lo que indica que en los últimos años se ha incrementado el número de casos notificados al SIVIGILA (Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Pública) en comparación con los referentes para el canal endémico. Discusión: La elaboración del canal endémico de la EDA en el Cali, evidenció la importancia de aplicar estas metodologías de vigilancia en situaciones de interés en salud pública. Como se observó en los resultados, es necesario contar con una herramienta de monitoreo como el canal endémico.
Meningoencefalitis por Herpes simplex virus 1 y Streptococcus pneumoniae en Pediatría. Reporte de caso
Authors: Oliveros Andrade Oskar Andrey , Feijoó Hidalgo Javier Fernando , Palma Alarcón Estefania , Galvis Collazos Nathalia , Calle García Esteban , Rojas Hernández Juan Pablo
Published: May 2019

Introducción: la meningoencefalitis es una infección que compromete meninges y parénquima cerebral. Su expresión clínica varía desde síntomas inespecíficos, hasta signos de irritación meníngea de comienzo agudo y con resultados fatales. La coinfección de bacterias y virus es rara. El inicio del tratamiento antibiótico es empírico; la identificación etiológica por métodos moleculares permite realizar un manejo específico. Objetivo: Describir el caso clínico de una paciente en edad escolar con meningoencefalitis, con compromiso neurológico rápidamente progresivo, y letal, en donde se identificó coinfección entre Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) y Streptococcus pneumoniae serotipo 14 en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Caso clínico: Paciente femenina de 8 años de edad, sin antecedentes de hospitalizaciones previas, ingresa a urgencias con cefalea, fiebre y emesis de 12 horas de evolución. Presenta deterioro neurológico rápidamente progresivo, con estudio de LCR con características de infección del sistema nervioso central (SNC) e identificación de HSV1 y Streptococcus pneumoniae serotipo 14 por reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR) y reacción de Quellung, para lo cual recibió aciclovir, Ceftriaxona, vancomicina. Se identificó hipogamaglobulinemia G, M, linfopenia, complemento C3 disminuido para la edad. La paciente presenta muerte encefálica a las 20 horas de evolución del cuadro clínico, y posteriormente fallece. Conclusiones: la meningoencefalitis puede tener manifestaciones clínicas de inicio súbito, rápidamente progresivas y con desenlaces fatales a pesar de un tratamiento adecuado. En este paciente se identificó la coinfección de HSV1 y Streptococcus pneumoniae serotipo 14 que, en conjunto con las anomalías inmunológicas, pudiesen estar relacionado con su compromiso severo.
JUAN G . RAMOS AND TARA DALY, EDS. Decolonial Approaches to Latin American Literatures and Cultures. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2016. 235 pp.
Authors: Monette Marie-Eve
Published: May 2019

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Os soviets na Revolução Russa: um balanço de 1905 E 1917
Authors: Siqueira Mirele Hashimoto
Published: May 2019

O presente artigo trás como objeto de investigação os “soviets” com a finalidade de lançar considerações acerca de sua constituição durante a primeira (1905) e a segunda (1917) Revolução Russa. Para tanto, se partiu da seguinte inquietação: “Quais as características que particularizam os soviets de 1905 e de 1917 no curso da Revolução Russa?”. O despertar da temática se fez pela própria recordação aos 100 anos de sua feita na história e da atualidade expressa pelo processo: a construção de uma nova ordem social em alternativa a sociedade burguesa moderna. Para viabilizar o processo de investigação, utilizou-se de pesquisa bibliográfica e qualitativa. As principais inferências obtidas foram de que apesar dos soviets de 1905 e de 1917 apresentarem particularidades, ambos não estão desarticulados entre si; ao contrário, a ascensão do primeiro é a própria condição que fez emergir o segundo.
Feminismo, Estado e políticas públicas: desafios para uma perspectiva de emancipação
Authors: Castro Márcia da Silva Pereira , Gurgel Telma
Published: May 2019

A garantia de políticas públicas têm sido um desafio à consolidação de direitos advindos, principalmente, da luta dos movimentos sociais organizados, dentre eles, o feminista. Em tempos de financeirização, a defesa dessas políticas torna-se imprescindível e exige reflexão crítica em torno do Estado e da luta por políticas públicas, no interior do campo do feminismo, no Brasil, compreendido como sujeito de emancipação. Nesta perspectiva, através de revisão bibliográfica e pesquisa documental nosso propósito é reafirmar que o feminismo em sua perspectiva de emancipação expressa o aprofundamento paradoxal entre o processo de minimização das políticas sociais e o aumento das demandas sociais por serviços públicos, impulsionado pelas políticas de viés neoliberal, requerendo o desenvolvimento de críticas ao Estado capitalista, atualmente, em sua versão neoliberal.
Reflexos da reforma trabalhista para gestantes e lactantes
Authors: Rafagnin Maritânia Salete Salvi
Published: May 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo evidenciar os aspectos da Reforma Trabalhista para a saúde da grávida ou lactante trabalhadora que ferem o princípio da vedação ao retrocesso social. Para tanto realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa, pois quer-se analisar as alterações realizadas, confrontando-as com o referido princípio. A partir da pesquisa, verificou-se que as modificações nos artigos 394-A, 396 e 611-A ferem diretamente o princípio da vedação ao retrocesso social, porquanto reduzem substancialmente direitos fundamentais das gestantes e lactantes já consolidados anteriormente na legislação. A guisa de conclusão, pode-se identificar que os pontos analisados da Reforma Trabalhista, por violarem o referido princípio, a caracterizam como inconstitucional.
Sobre resistências, medo e esperança em tempos de colapso
Authors: Pereira Tatiana Dahmer
Published: May 2019

Texto principal da seção debates V.11, N.01.
Emisiones de CO2, crecimiento económico y escolaridad: análisis subnacional para Ecuador
Authors: Massa Sánchez Priscilla , Ochoa-Ordóñez Oswaldo Francisco , Ochoa-Moreno Wilman Santiago
Published: May 2019

En las últimas décadas, las emisiones de gases de CO2 han tenido un crecimiento constante a nivel mundial. Para frenar o disminuir el deterioro ambiental, se torna difícil sostener que se puede lograr exclusivamente a través del crecimiento económico de las provincias. Es más, el crecimiento económico sin sostenibilidad ocasiona serios daños ambientales. Las estimaciones de la curva de Kuznets ambiental (CKA), evidencian que el mejoramiento ambiental no depende únicamente del crecimiento económico (VABPCSEMI); variables como: el número de vehículos per cápita (VEHICULOS), es una variable relevante que merece ser tomada en cuenta en el diseño de políticas públicas para lograr reducir las emisiones de CO2 (CO2PC), asimismo la concientización y educación (ESCOLARIDAD) de las personas que repercute en un mayor cuidado y responsabilidad sobre el medio ambiente. Para analizar las variables mencionadas, se toma información de 21 provincias del Ecuador. Los resultados muestran que el número de vehículos per cápita expresa una relación directa con las emisiones de CO2 por el consumo de energía eléctrica, ya que cada vehículo en promedio genera 1.3 toneladas de CO2 por año. El VAB per cápita es significativo y cumple con la expectativa teórica de una relación directa entre estas dos variables, afirmando que el crecimiento económico, tiene un impacto sobre las emisiones de CO2 generadas por el consumo de energía eléctrica.
Flora del bosque pluvial montano y su relación con variables ambientales, en el Parque Nacional Turquino de Cuba
Authors: Rivero Herrada Marisol , Gutiérrez Rivero Eduardo , Rodríguez Sosa José Luis
Published: May 2019

El trabajo se realizó en dos Unidades Zonales de Conservación del Parque Nacional Turquino de la región oriental de Cuba, con el objetivo de relacionar la presencia y distribución de la flora con las variables ambientales en el Bosque pluvial montano. Para ello, se establecieron 70 parcelas de 100 m2 distribuidas en siete sitios, bajo un muestreo aleatorio donde se registraron todos los individuos con más de 5 cm de diámetro normal. Para determinar la incidencia de variables ambientales en la distribución de la flora se determinó, en cada unidad de muestreo: materia orgánica, espesor de la capa de hojarasca, altitud, pendiente, pH, cobertura del dosel y antropización; asimismo, se realizó un Análisis de Correspondencia sin Tendencia como análisis exploratorio, y luego se realizó la ordenación directa mediante un Análisis de Correspondencia Canónica, para obtener la distribución de las especies con respecto a las variables ambientales. Para determinar la significación del análisis se aplicó la prueba de permutaciones Monte Carlos. Como resultados se obtuvo que en el gradiente altitudinal evaluado se reportan 74 especies de 66 géneros y 42 familias, destacándose la presencia cinco de los endemismos y siete especies amenazadas, además de nueve especies, de ocho género y siete familias, denotando una alta diversidad florística, así como que la flora del bosque responde a las variaciones del ambiente, siendo las variables descriptoras del relieve, acción del hombre y fertilidad del suelo las de mayor contribución, desde el punto de vista ecológico, a la segregación de la distribución de las especies.
Elaboración de chocolate de siete genotipos experimentales de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) seleccionados en la Finca Experimental La Represa
Authors: Vera Chang Jaime Fabián , Tigselema Zambrano Solanyi Marley , Ordoñez Choez Shirley Estefanía , Vásconez Montúfar Gregorio Humberto , Segovia Freire Gerardo Francisco , Rosero Zambrano Joel Eduardo
Published: May 2019

El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar las propiedades químicas y cualidades organolépticas de chocolate de siete genotipos experimentales de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) seleccionados en la finca experimental “La Represa”, de la Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar (DCA) con siete tratamientos y tres repeticiones y las medias fueron comparadas a través de la prueba de Tukey (p≤0.05). Se determinaron las propiedades químicas (Grasa, acidez y energía) y las cualidades organolépticas (generalidades, sabores básicos, sabores específicos, defectos) empleando una prueba descriptiva al chocolate negro degustado por un panel de 10 jueces semi entrenados. Se realizó un análisis económico el cual varió entre tratamientos debido a las formulaciones utilizadas. Para la variable grasa el mejor tratamiento fue el DICYT-H 258 (37.83), la acidez con menor valor lo obtuvo el CCN-51 (2.04) estadísticamente diferente del DICYT-H 259 (8.79), para energía no hubo diferencias significativas, se obtuvo una media general de 607 Kcal. Para las variables organolépticas el DICYT-H 262 obtuvo un perfil floral (Sabor Arriba). El mayor costo fue para el tratamiento CCN-51 con USD 51.20, el menor costo fue el DICYT-H 258 con USD 40.20 por el uso de más aditivos que los otros tratamientos.
Manejo do solo nos sistemas orgânico com plantio direto na palha e convencional sobre a incidência e danos de tripes em cebola
Authors: Gonçalves Paulo Antonio De Souza , Geremias Leandro Delalibera
Published: May 2019

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a incidência e danos de tripes em cebola, em dois sistemas de manejo de solo com plantio direto na palha em sistema orgânico e no convencional com revolvimento, e sua relação com a produtividade. A cultivar de cebola utilizada foi a Epagri 362 Crioula Alto Vale. O estudo foi realizado durante os anos de 2014, 2015, 2016 e 2017. A incidência de tripes na maioria das avaliações foi menor em sistema orgânico com plantio direto na palha e menor densidade de plantas comparado ao convencional. Os danos foliares causados por tripes tenderam a ser similares entre os sistemas. A produtividade não foi correlacionada de maneira negativa com a incidência e danos de tripes. A produtividade foi superior em sistema convencional.
Benefícios de um Programa de Intervenção Fonológica Intensiva: Estudo Preliminar
Authors: Silva Cláudia Da , Neves Isadora Morgado Pinheiro
Published: May 2019

Este estudo objetivou verificar os benefícios de um programa de intervenção fonológica intensiva em escolares do 2º ano do ensino fundamental. Participaram deste estudo 20 escolares distribuídos em quatro grupos, sendo GIE e GIIE (grupo experimental); GIC e GIIC (grupo controle), submetidos e não submetidos à intervenção fonológica intensiva, para verificar eficácia interventiva. Foi aplicado o Instrumento de Avaliação Cognitivo-Linguístico adaptado e a Intervenção Fonológica Intensiva. Os resultados indicaram que houve desempenho estatisticamente significante para GIE e GIIE submetidos à intervenção intensiva com as habilidades fonológicas. Podemos concluir que o programa de intervenção fonológica intensivo foi eficaz para essa população.
A introdução da abordagem paramétrica no ensino de projeto arquitetônico: relato de uma experiência
Authors: Romcy Neliza Maria e Silva , Cardoso Daniel Ribeiro
Published: May 2019

Diante das discussões contemporâneas sobre a aplicação dos meios digitais mais recentes na atividade projetual, o presente artigo tem como objetivo contribuir para a compreensão de estratégias para introduzir o processo paramétrico de projeto no ensino de projeto arquitetônico. Considerando levantamento teórico e prático, parte-se da hipótese de que apenas o ensino tutorial de ferramentas não é o suficiente para uma aprendizagem do processo paramétrico em todo o seu potencial, sendo necessário vislumbrar um percurso didático que inclua tanto uma mudança de olhar sobre o objeto projetado, quanto a própria atividade projetual. Apresenta-se e discute-se aqui um dos experimentos pedagógicos realizados na etapa de validação da pesquisa – um curso de extensão de 40 horas, desenvolvido na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, com registro do processo e coleta de dados junto aos participantes. O curso incluiu noções introdutórias sobre o tema, exercícios de criação com ferramenta paramétrica e atelier de projeto. As atividades de atelier envolveram o desenvolvimento de um bicicletário em equipe, com realização de brainstorm, desenvolvimento da proposta e apresentação dos produtos finais. Como resultado, percebe-se que, apesar dos participantes não apresentarem experiência prévia com o tema, os processos e produtos são foram satisfatórios, com o desenvolvimento e investigação de algoritmos complexos, além do reconhecimento do potencial da modelagem paramétrica, associada a práticas reflexivas em atelier. Os principais desafios incluem as mudanças da lógica projetual habitual, extrapolando o uso da ferramenta. Observou-se a importância de se introduzir a abordagem paramétrica no ensino para além de experimentos didáticos isolados, distribuída coerentemente com a estrutura curricular dos cursos, demandando a identificação das áreas de conhecimento em que o tema pode ser inserido.
Mixed-mode office buildings: energy savings and illuminance levels in a high-altitude tropical climate
Authors: Brugnera Rosilene Regolão , Santesso Caroline Antonelli , Chvatal Karin Maria Soares
Published: May 2019

Edifícios de modo misto (MM), os quais usam ventilação natural e resfriamento mecânico para proporcionar conforto térmico e economia de energia, tem um grande potencial em climas onde o uso da ventilação natural é favorável (ex. Brasil). Nesses edifícios, as janelas operáveis são fontes tanto de ventilação natural quanto iluminação e ganhos internos, e suas características podem influenciar no consumo de energia. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o desempenho energético e luminoso de edifícios de modo-misto com janelas operáveis em um clima tropical de altitude no Brasil. Considerando variações nos parâmetros do envelope (percentual de abertura na fachada e orientação solar), o desempenho é avaliado em relação à economia de energia, tempo de uso do ar condicionado, período de utilização da ventilação natural e o balanço entre a demanda de energia e os níveis de iluminância. O método é composto por simulações computacionais nos programas Daysim e EnergyPlus. Os resultados mostraram que a estratégia de modo-misto tem um grande potencial para reduzir o consumo do ar condicionado. As grandes reduções ocorreram nos maiores PAFs, atingindo 39,4% de economia de energia (fachada norte, PAF = 80%). Apesar disso, enquanto o maior PAF forneceu maior disponibilidade de ventilação natural, aumentou o desconforto devido a elevadas iluminâncias, atingindo cerca de 90% da área do escritório. Portanto, quando o modo misto foi usado, os casos com melhor equilíbrio entre níveis adequados de iluminância e baixo consumo de energia foram a fachada sul com todos os PAFs e as fachadas leste e oeste com PAF de 30%. É importante ressaltar que a adoção destas soluções depende dos requisitos de projeto do edifício.
Parameterization and solar radiation simulation for optimization of a modular canopy
Authors: Lucarelli Caio de Carvalho , Carlo Joyce Correna , Martínez Andressa Carmo Pena
Published: May 2019

Este estudo compreende o processo de desenvolvimento de modelagem paramétrica em Grasshopper® para superfícies complexas na construção, utilizando, como critérios de desempenho, a radiação difusa e direta. O objetivo principal deste artigo é criar, simular e otimizar uma cobertura modular, semipermeável, baseada no estudo e interpretação de folhas de árvores como estruturas de engenharia. O método aplicado envolveu a definição de parâmetros e critérios para a otimização do processo de simulação e foi dividido em três estágios: estudo da forma, parametrização da forma e simulação e otimização. O plugin Ladybug® para Grasshopper® foi usado para realizar as simulações e o Octopus® foi adotado como motor de otimização. O objeto de estudo escolhido foi o processo de criação de uma cobertura, pois em climas quentes e úmidos, como no Brasil, as áreas de cobertura são uma parte crítica do envelope construtivo, altamente susceptíveis à radiação solar e outras mudanças ambientais, influenciando nas condições de conforto interno dos ocupantes. Devido à parametrização, o produto final, embora criado para uma zona climática específica, pode ser aplicado para quaisquer outras zonas bioclimáticas com poucas alterações nos parâmetros. Como principais resultados, o dispositivo de controle solar contribuiu para a redução de 86% da média anual de radiação solar horária para radiação direta, mantendo os níveis de radiação difusa.
Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Prognosis in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Ranibizumab
Authors: Hu Yuxiang , Cheng Yi , Xu Xiaoxuan , Yang Bo , Mei Feng , Zhou Qiong , Yan Li , Wang Jun , Wu Xiaorong
Published: May 2019

Background: To investigate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated monthly with ranibizumab.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients who received intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) treatment for DME at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between December 2015 and December 2017. Clinicopathological parameters, including NLR, were evaluated to identify predictors of better outcomes of IVR monotherapy.
Results: Ninety-one treatment-naïve eyes treated with IVR for DME were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), neutrophils, NLR, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were negatively correlated with the changes in BCVA at 24 weeks compared with the baseline, while baseline central retinal thickness and lymphocytes were positively correlated with the changes in BCVA at 24 weeks compared with the baseline. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that NLR was independently associated with the mean change of BCVA between baseline and week 24. In addition, patients with NLR < 2.27 showed a better improvement in letter score than those with NLR > 2.27.
Conclusion: Pretreatment NLR is independently associated with the BCVA in DME patients treated with IVR, and higher pretreatment NLR may contribute to inferior BCVA outcomes.
The effect of Spinal Manipulative Therapy on Heart Rate Variability and pain in patients with chronic neck pain: A Randomized Controlled trial
Authors: Bakken Anders Galaasen , Axén Iben , Eklund Andreas , O'neill Sören
Published: May 2019

Background

Recent experimental research has suggested that Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) may reduce pain through modulation of the ascending pain signals and/or the central pain regulating mechanisms. People with persistent neck pain (NP) have also been found to have disturbances in Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) regulation. A common way to study ANS is to measure heart rate variability (HRV). It is not known if deviations in HRV are related to changes in pain perception or to the treatment response to SMT.

Commonly, an individual in pain will experience pain reduction when exposed to a second pain stimulus, a mechanism known as Conditioning Pain Modulation (CPM). Patients with persistent pain have been found to have a reduced CPM reaction. It is not known if this is predictive of treatment response to SMT.

The aim of the study is to examine the effects of SMT on HRV and pain and to test if a CPM test can be used to predict treatment response, in a population of patients with recurrent and persistent NP.

Method/Design

A multicentre randomized controlled clinical trial will be carried out in multidisciplinary primary care clinics. This setting is chosen to minimize bias resulting from patient preference to treatment modality and provider.

The subjects are either self-referred or referred from other health care practitioners locally. The treatment modalities are two well-known interventions for NP; SMT and stretching exercises compared to stretching exercises alone.

The subjective pain experience will be investigated by assessing pain intensity and the affective quality of pain. HRV will be measured using a portable heart monitor and CPM will be measured with a standardized cold-pressor-test. Measurements will be performed at baseline, prior to the third treatment and after the fourth treatment.

Discussion

The study will utilize normal clinical procedures, which should aid transferability and external validity of the results. The study will provide knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms of the effects of SMT. Furthermore, the study will examine if a CPM test is predictive of treatment outcome in a population of patients with recurrent and persistent NP.
CYP3A4 and CYP11A1 Variants are Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke: a Case Control Study
Authors: Gao Ning , Tang Hong , Gao Ling , Tu Guolong , Luo Han , Xia Ying
Published: May 2019

Background

This study aimed to investigate the roles of CYP3A4 and CYP11A1 variants in ischemic stroke (IS) susceptibility among the Han Chinese population.

Methods

477 patients with IS and 493 healthy controls were enrolled. Seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP3A4 and CYP11A1 were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by logistic regression adjusted for age and gender.

Results

We found that CYP3A4 rs3735451 (OR = 0.81, p = 0.039) and rs4646440 (OR = 0.72, p = 0.021) polymorphisms decreased the risk of IS. CYP3A4 rs4646440 (OR = 0.74, p = 0.038) and CYP11A1 rs12912592 (OR = 1.58, p = 0.034) polymorphisms were correlated with IS risk in males. CYP3A4 rs3735451 (OR = 0.63, p = 0.031) and rs4646440 (OR = 0.57, p = 0.012) possibly weaken the IS susceptibility at age > 61 years. Besides, CYP3A4 rs4646437 (OR = 0.59, p = 0.029), CYP11A1 rs12912592 (OR = 1.84, p = 0.017) and rs28681535 (OR = 0.66, p = 0.038) were associated with IS risk at age ≤ 61 years. Haplotype analysis showed that CYP3A4 GT haplotype (rs4646440 and rs35564277) increased the susceptibility to IS (OR = 1.29, p = 0.033). CYP11A1 rs28681535 TT genotype was higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than the GT and GG genotype (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that rs3735451, rs4646440, rs4646437 in CYP3A4 and rs28681535 in CYP11A1 might be protective factors for IS, while CYP11A1 rs12912592 polymorphism be a risk factor for IS in Chinese Han population.
Impacts of Nitrogen Rate and Landscape Position on Soils and Switchgrass Root Growth Parameters
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Lai Liming , Kumar Pardeep , Valentín Feliciano Yashira Marie , Battaglia Martín Leonardo , Hong Chang Oh , Owens Vance N. , Fike John , Farris Rodney , Galbraith John
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Nitrogen rate did not affect soil properties for Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Virginia.

Landscape position affected soil properties under higher slope.

Nitrogen rate affected root N, surface area, and weight for the total profile.

Landscape position affected the root C and N.

Switchgrass roots can increase C accumulation and reduce risk of N loss in soils.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been recognized as a potential bioenergy feedstock, and can positively impact soils and the environment. The experimental sites were established in 2008 at three locations with each in Oklahoma (OK), South Dakota (SD), and Virginia (VA) to assess the impacts of N fertilization rate (N rate; low, 0 kg ha−1; high, 112 kg ha−1) and landscape position (shoulder, backslope, and footslope) on select soil properties and root growth parameters. Data indicate that N rate did not affect soil bulk density (BD), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and total nitrogen (TN) for any of five depths. Landscape position impacted some of these properties by depth, depending on location. The N rate influenced root weight (RW), root surface area (RSA), and root total nitrogen (RTN) for the total profile (0–100‐cm depth) depending on local site conditions. The landscape position impacted RW, root total carbon (RTC), and RTN for total profile according to different site conditions. The interactions of landscape position by N rate on switchgrass root parameters were significant. The findings in this study indicate that the root system of switchgrass could improve soils and increase C accumulation and reduce the risk of N loss to benefit the environment.
Increased Maize Plant Population Induced Leaf Senescence, Suppressed Root Growth, Nitrogen Uptake, and Grain Yield
Authors: Li Rongfa , Liu Peng , Dong Shuting , Zhang Jiwang , Zhao Bin
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Increased maize plant population induced leaf senescence, especially lower leaf.

Senescence of lower leaves could significantly decrease the distribution of C to the root system, root activity weakened, reducing the uptake of nitrogen.

Senescence of lower leaves decreased the accumulation of biomass, resulting in lower yield.

To date, little attention has been paid to the effects of lower position leaves on root function and N uptake in maize. This study was conducted to analysis the relationship between lower leaf senescence and root function in different plant population (67,500 plants ha−1, 90,000 plants ha−1). We used the maize varieties DengHai661 (DH661) and ZhengDan958 (ZD958) in field and soil column experiments to unravel this physiological puzzle. The field experiment evaluated their effects on N accumulation and grain yield. Relative to the low plant population, the high plant population reduced leaf area (52.6–69.2%), and the root biomass (25.5–31.8%) per plant. Grain weight and the number of grains per ear were also negatively affected. Biomass and grain yield generally increased (P< 0.05) with increasing plant population. The grain yield of DH661 and ZD958 increased by 8.1% and 10.1% in 2015, and 7.5% and 13.0% in 2016, respectively. The N accumulation of two varieties post‐silking decreased. In the soil column experiments, we found that lower leaf senescence suppressed root growth, N uptake, and altered N partition, thereby decreasing green leaf area and ultimately affecting grain yield. Grain yield in DH661 and ZD958 decreased by 5.8 and 8.6%, respectively. Our results suggest that delaying lower leaf senescence in high plant population would be conducive to maintaining the N‐uptake ability of roots, higher canopy photosynthetic capacity, and the building of grain sink to obtain higher yields.
Mulching Affects Seed Set, Provisioning, and Offspring Performance of Vicia unijuga (Fabaceae)
Authors: Tang Wei , Li Rui , Zhang Zhixin , Baskin Carol C. , Nan Zhibiao
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Seed set of V. unijuga plants can be maximized by mulching in subalpine conditions.

Plastic mulching increased seed provisioning, thus improving V. unijuga seed quality.

Increased seed provisioning (mass) of V. unijuga improved germination success.

Large seeds/seedlings have higher competitive ability relative to small seeds.

Our aim was to identify the soil and environmental modifications needed to improve seed set and seed quality of the perennial forage legume perennial vetch (Vicia unijuga A. Br.) in harsh subalpine conditions. A 3‐yr field experiment was conducted in a subalpine zone of China to evaluate the effects of modified soil temperature and moisture conditions generated by no mulching (control), plastic film mulching (FM), removal of plastic film mulching at the 30% flowering stage (RM), and threshed barley straw mulching (SM) on seed set, mass, reserves, germination, and seedling growth. The FM and SM treatments were efficient in increasing seed maturation and decreasing ovule abortion at the base of the pods. There were higher 100‐seed weight (HSW) and seed nutrient reserves in the FM and RM treatments, accompanied by higher final germination percentage (FGP) and lower time to 50% germination (T50) and greater initial seedling growth than in the control, whereas the reverse was true for the SM treatment. Modified soil temperature and moisture generated by mulching improved offspring performance traits of V. unijuga through an increase in HSW. The HSW was positively correlated with FGP and seedling growth traits and was negatively associated with T50. In conclusion, the FM treatment provided adequate soil temperature and water resources to maximize seed set by V. unijuga plants. The well‐provisioned seeds from this treatment conferred the advantages of good offspring performance on high germination and seedling growth traits.
Dung Beetles Increase Greenhouse Gas Fluxes from Dung Pats in a North Temperate Grassland
Authors: Evans Kenneth S. , Mamo Martha , Wingeyer Ana , Schacht Walter H. , Eskridge Kent M. , Bradshaw Jeff , Ginting Daniel
Published: May 2019

Soil fauna plays a critical role in various ecosystem processes, but empirical data measuring its impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rangelands are limited. We quantified the effects of dung beetles on in situ CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions from simulated cattle dung deposits. Soil in meadows of the semiarid Nebraska Sandhills was treated with three treatments (dung pats with exposure and without exposure to dung beetles, and a no dung control). A closed‐chamber method was used to measure GHG fluxes at 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, and 56 d after dung placement in the early season (June–August) and late season (July–September) in 2014 and 2015. The greatest dung beetle abundance was 6 ± 2 beetles per quarter pat on Day 7; the abundance decreased to <2 ± 0.6 on Day 14 and 28 and zero on Day 56. Dung beetles increased fluxes of CO2 by 0.2 g C d−1 m−2, N2O by 0.4 mg N d−1 m−2 (only in late season 2015), and CH4 by 0.2 mg C d−1 m−2. These increases were due to beetle‐made macropores that facilitated gas transport in wet dung (initial moisture = 4.6 g g−1 on a dry‐weight basis) within 7 d after dung placement. Seasonal environmental differences resulted in greater CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes in the early season than in the late season. This study concluded that dung beetles increased GHG fluxes from early‐ and late‐season dung deposits on meadows of the semiarid Nebraska Sandhills.

Core Ideas

Dung beetle activities on dung pat enhanced CO2–C emission.

The effect of dung beetle activities on N2O emission from dung pat was inconsistent.

Soil moisture and temperature had a significant effect on GHG emission.
Hydrological and Seasonal Controls of Phosphorus in Northern Great Plains Agricultural Streams
Authors: Casson Nora J. , Wilson Henry F. , Higgins Stephanie M.
Published: May 2019

Controls on nutrient transport in cold, low‐relief agricultural regions vary dramatically among seasons. The spring snowmelt is often the dominant runoff and nutrient loading event of the year. However, climate change may increase the proportion of runoff occurring with rainfall, and there is an urgent need to understand seasonal controls on nutrient transport to understand how patterns may change in the future. In this study, we assess patterns and drivers of total P (TP) dynamics in eight streams draining agriculturally dominated watersheds, located in southern Manitoba, Canada. Data from three years of monitoring revealed highly coherent patterns of TP concentrations in streams, with pronounced peaks in the spring and midsummer across the region. This coherent pattern was in spite of considerable interannual variability in the magnitude and timing of discharge; in particular, a major storm event occurred in summer 2014, which resulted in more discharge than the preceding spring melt. Concentration–discharge model fits were generally poor or not significant, suggesting that runoff generation is not the primary driver of TP dynamics in the majority of streams. Seasonal patterns of conductivity and stream temperature suggest that mechanisms controlling TP vary by season; a spring TP concentration maximum may be related to surface runoff over frozen soils, whereas the summer TP maximum may be related to temperature‐driven biogeochemical processes, which are not well represented in current conceptual or predictive models. These findings suggest that controls on stream TP concentrations are dynamic through the year, and responses to increases in dormant and nondormant season temperatures may depend on seasonally variable processes.

Core Ideas

Coherent seasonal patterns in stream P point to regional drivers.

Discharge is not the primary driver of total P dynamics in prairie streams.

Stream P concentrations peak with snowmelt and in midsummer.

Coherence with conductivity and temperature suggest drivers vary by season.
Comparison of Three Alleles at a Major Solid Stem QTL for Wheat Stem Sawfly Resistance and Agronomic Performance in Hexaploid Wheat
Authors: Cook J. P. , Weaver D. K. , Varella A. C. , Sherman J. D. , Hofland M. L. , Heo H.‐Y. , Caron C. , Lamb P. F. , Blake N. K. , Talbert L. E.
Published: May 2019

Solid stems provide resistance to the wheat stem sawfly (WSS, Cephus cinctus Nort.) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A major quantitative trait locus, designated Qss.msub‐3BL, controls most of the variation for stem solidness. Two alleles that differ for temporal expression of stem solidness have been identified. An allele derived from the cultivar ‘Rescue’, designated Qss.msub‐3BL.b, results in solid stems throughout stem development. An allele derived from the cultivar ‘Conan’, designated Qss.msub‐3BL.c, causes high stem solidness early in plant development, but solidness declines as the plant matures. The objective of this study was to develop near‐isogenic lines (NILs) derived from marker‐assisted backcrossing to compare the impact of Qss.msub‐3BL alleles in different genetic backgrounds on stem solidness, WSS resistance, and agronomic traits. The Conan‐derived allele Qss.msub‐3BL.c resulted in lower WSS infestation than the Rescue‐derived allele Qss.msub‐3BL.b in two genetic backgrounds. Both alleles showed a high level of early stem solidness, though this declined as the stem matured for NIL with the Conan‐derived allele. The Conan‐derived allele Qss.msub‐3BL.c resulted in lower WSS infestation and stem cutting than the allele for hollow stems in two genetic backgrounds. Based on yield trials grown over 2 yr, there were no significant differences in grain yield between the NIL pairs. Our results indicate the Conan‐derived allele at Qss.msub‐3BL results in lower infestation of WSS and does not significantly affect agronomic performance, thus providing a novel source of resistance for the development of WSS‐resistant cultivars.