bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
fare filosofia con i bambini. un percorso utopico da Socrate ad Hannah Arendt
Authors: Iiritano Massimo
Published: May 2018

The analysis of Hannah Arendt's Socrate opens up the possibility of a fruitful rethinking of the sense and way of conceiving philosophy with children. A way that in this proposal is defined as "Utopian", since it intends to resume, with the Socratic lesson, just how much remains in it open, undetermined, capable of reviving with enchantment in the living of the orality of a philosophical dialogue- absolutely unprecedented and unpredictable - such as that with children. The space given to the unexpected, to listening, to free divergence, then becomes radical, comes to be a paradoxical foundation of a "methodology" that cannot be captured in structured schemes and paths, since it remains open to the "utopian" space of philosophizing. The comparison with Arendt is therefore interleaved, through references to other readings that are contemporary of the Socratic lesson, with the experience lived of the author, who has been leading for years philosophy workshops with primary school children. Of course, Socrates has never been and never wanted to act as a "master": his conducting the dialogue, although always being asymmetric, is aimed at bringing the interlocutor on his line of reasoning and never the opposite (obvious and almost paradoxical in Plato), has never had as end the teaching of some doctrine. How much, rather, to lead the interlocutor from the presumed certainty to radical uncertainty, from opinion to doubt, from affirmation to aporia. Thiswe must authentically experiment, before anything else, when we place ourselves inlistening to children's questions, when we try to dialogue with them, to "do philosophy", to "think together".
o círculo mágico e a arte de deixar-se repetir na infância: exercitação e aprendizagem nas esferas
Authors: Freitas Alexandre Simão
Published: May 2018

Modern anxiety about human formation has been articulated around crucial questions for exercises, behaviors, routines, habits that are triggered to give children a certain shape, modeling the future of infans through repeated and regulated activities, at the same time in which the autoplastic forces that interact in the configuration of all life are tame. Not coincidentally, Peter Sloterdijk apprehends modernity as a form of secularization and collectivization of the life of the exercise, displacing the asceses transmitted from Antiquity from its respective spiritual contexts and dissolving them in the foamy fluid of the present biopolitical communities dedicated to the training and the industralism of the subjectivity. Based on his asceticism, it is possible to see how childhood education is at the center of a long historical chain of training through an art driven by immunological procedures and selective antropotechnique turned to the production of innumerable childhood farewells that aim to wrest the subject from their communities insuflated, hardening them and manufacturing them as "state athletes" or "domestic enterprises". In this direction, this essay intends to explore from the spherological drama described by Sloterdijk, which means to think of childhood when one has to pay the price for the absence of protective layers, that is, when the magic circles explode, the bubbles of soap blown by the eyes the child.
Infância, imagem e formação docente: Entre experiências, saberes e poderes na Educação Infantil.
Authors: Leite César Donizetti , Camargo Andréia Regina de oliveira
Published: May 2018

The reflections around teacher training and the means by which it is treated in the educational contexts have major importance, due to the urgency of the topic as well as the multiplicity of ways to be dealt along with the teachers. From researches of images production, developed with children and teachers in the ambit of early childhood education, this text will reflect on the formative processes of teachers in the childhood education. In this context, there are a few relevant questions: what can the image do in the formative processes? In which ways may the teacher training help us to think about the childhood and the educational practices with little children? By which means may the childhood help us to think the work of teacher training. In this way, using the produced images, this text aims to operate in the circulation movement of the thought itself, in which the thought can, in its exteriority, experiment with words (language), childhood, image and teacher training, enabling ruptures to think about the child, the educators, the school, the knowledge, the doing, the powers, the action protocols, what to do with the children and how to deal with them, composing possibilities that overflow what is determined and legalized. As theoretical basis, we take authors such as G. Agamben, G. Deleuze e Michel Foucault.
Reducing restrictive practice in adult services: not only an issue for mental health professionals
Authors: Hext Greg , Clark Louise L , Xyrichis Andreas
Published: May 2018

Reducing ‘restrictive practices’ is an issue of national importance, pertinent to all NHS sectors, yet there is poor awareness of the issue in mainstream adult services. Such practices potentially restrict a person's rights to choice, self-determination, privacy and freedom. Challenging behaviour is often the result of unmet needs, communication difficulties or diagnostic overshadowing, but there is a common misconception that patients exhibit such behaviours because of their impaired intellectual abilities or mental health problems. This article seeks to raise awareness of restrictive practices and suggest the way forward. It highlights the importance of good de-escalation skills, which, if adopted early in therapeutic relationships, may help reduce the occurrence of challenging behaviours and situations. Behavioural support plans that adopt a biopsychopharmacosocial approach (BPPS) detail a range of interventions for managing challenging behaviours. Tailored support that follows a BPPS approach could reduce incidents of challenging behaviour, reduce costly observation, improve the patient experience and protect the patient's liberty.
Healthcare is a human right
Authors: Cummings Jane , White Jean , McQueen Fiona , McArdle Charlotte
Published: May 2018

In celebration of International Nurses Day, Jane Cummings, Jean White, Fiona McQueen and Charlotte McArdle, Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, share their thoughts on this important day in the nursing calendar
The Government's mandate to NHS England for 2018-19
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: May 2018

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses the recently published government mandate for the NHS which sets out seven priority objectives to meet by 2020
Thiourea-Induced Change of Structure and Color of Brick-Red Palygorskite
Authors: Zhang Zhi F. , Wang Wen B. , Mu B. , Wang Ai Q.
Published: May 2018

Brick-red deposits with palygorskite (Pal) as the main ingredient are widely distributed in nature, but these have not been deployed at a large scale in industry because of their inherent deep colors. In the present study, the brick-red Pal deposit was treated hydrothermally in various reaction media including water, a urea solution, and a thiourea solution. The effects of these processes on the structure, physicochemical features, and color of Pal were studied intensively to understand the structure and composition of the brick-red Pal deposit and to lay a theoretical foundation for the extension of its industrial application. The changes in structural features after hydrothermal treatment were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, and Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques. The results indicated that the color of brick-red Pal did not change after hydrothermal treatment in water or in a urea solution, and the color changed to gray-white after treatment in the thiourea solution. The rod-like crystal morphology of Pal was retained throughout the experiments and no significant change in the main associated minerals, including feldspar, muscovite, and quartz, was observed after hydrothermal treatment. The dissolution of associated hematite (α-Fe2O3 and the reduction of Fe(III) species are the main reason for the change of Pal from brick-red to gray-white.
Queer Life-Worlds in Postsocialist Armenia: Alternativ Space and the Possibilities of In/Visibility
Authors: Shirinian Tamar
Published: May 2018

Based on fifteen months of ethnographic research conducted between 2010 and 2013, this article explores queer life-worlds through the Armenian notion of alternativ space, spaces that create possibilities for practices, desires, ways of looking, and being that differ from Armenian national values of propriety. Political-economic reform has created anxieties regarding national propriety and the family’s ability to exist in continuity with a moral past within postsocialist time-space. Intense anxieties regarding the proper social reproduction of national propriety make visible forms of difference from what is considered proper difficult. As such, in/visible spaces in which these differences can be exhibited have emerged, merging nonnormative sexual and gendered worlds with wider experiences of alterity that disturb the nation’s social reproduction and continuity with the past. Although alternativ spaces make difference possible, they also reproduce the nation’s norms by containing that difference in interior queer life-worlds. I suggest, however, that these spaces also have the potential of redefining Armenianness as they bring alterity into the larger space of nation, queering Armenian futurity in ways that LGBT visibility would not make possible.
Políticas públicas e ações esportivas voltadas às pessoas com deficiência no estado do Paraná
Authors: Reis Rafael Estevam , Mezzadri Fernando Marinho
Published: May 2018

This study aims to analyze the public policies and / or actions developed by the State Sports Department of the State of Paraná for sports for people with disabilities. Our research chose to select files that presented the data referring to two actions developed in the State of Paraná through its secretary. The selected actions were the Paraná Olympic Talent Program (TOP2016) and the Paraná Paradesportivos Open Games (PARAJAPs). The choice was due to the fact that these programs were developed and that somehow contributed to the paradesportivo movement in the state. The TOP2016 offers handbags for disabled and non-disabled athletes divided into various levels and values, PARAJAPs is the state competition aimed at disabled athletes who are already at a more specific level of training. Both actions are important for the development of paradesport in the state of Paraná, however, new actions should be considered in order to contribute even more to the development of the paradesportivo movement in the state of Paraná.
Adaptive surfing: leisure, competition or therapy?
Authors: Lopes João Taborda , Masdemont Mariona , Cruz Gonçalo Martins Vasconcelos
Published: May 2018

Adaptive surfing is an outdoor sports activity which is practice in a natural, dynamic and high challenging environment. The moving waves, rip currents, tides and the beach appears as an innovative approach if compared to other traditional adaptive water sports (such as swimming, rowing or sailing). In this basis we can divide adaptive surfing in three major types of interventions: as recreative/leisure activity and play, as sportive competition and high-performance sports; or as therapeutic technic or with rehabilitation proposes. Nowadays adaptive surfing is finally being considered as highly important not only by surfers, therapists and social workers but also by the general public and a number of politicians as a crucial instrument for social inclusion worldwide. We hope to see more adaptive surfing programs and projects worldwide in the next years and hope it will gain more attention from governmental and non-governmental organizations in order to obtain more funding to support these programs. More funding would enable researchers to conduct this kind of work more often and produce more extensive data to support the case for the usefulness of adaptive surfing.
Proposta de uma bateria de testes para avaliação de habilidades de locomoção em usuários de cadeiras de rodas
Authors: Cruz Poliana Silva Santa , Oliveira Saulo Fernandes Melo de , Oliveira Lúcia Inês Guedes Leite de , Costa Manoel Da Cunha , Paes Neto Pedro Pinheiro
Published: May 2018

Our objective was to propose a battery of tests for the evaluation of skills in wheelchair users. The proposed circuit involves seven different skill types, which must be performed with the best possible fit of the users' manual wheelchairs. The evaluator will receive a score at the beginning of each skill (2.0) and in the course of his or her course will be added or removed from his score if he gets a performance failure or even a good performance (0.2 points per error). The maximum allowed score is 15.4 points. After battery creation, three wheelchair users (quadriplegia, poliomyelitis and cerebral palsy) were tested to verify the applicability of the proposal. It was observed that the final scores reached after the circuit followed the limitation level of the subjects (tetraplegia = 13.6, poliomyelitis = 14.2, and cerebral palsy = 6.49 points). It is concluded that the proposal tested was well accepted by the evaluated ones reflecting the experiences of their daily life.
Maximizing land productivity by diversified cropping systems with different nitrogen fertilizer types
Authors: ZOHRY Abd El-Hafeez Ahmed , ABBADY Khadra A. , EL-MAAZ Enshrah I.M. , AHMED Hoda M.R.M.
Published: May 2018

Six field experiments were conducted in Giza Agricultural Research Station, Egypt during 2010, 2011 and 2012 growing seasons to study the effect of two types of N fertilizers (urea and urea form as slow-release (UF)) on intercropping cowpea with sunflower and intercropping wheat with pea. A split plot design with three replications was used. The results indicated that insignificant effect of cropping systems was found for sunflower and significant effect was found for cowpea yield. Significant effect of N fertilizers was found on sunflower and insignificant effect was found for cowpea yield. Furthermore, insignificant effect of interaction of cropping systems and N fertilizers was found for sunflower and significant effect was found for cowpea yield. With respect to wheat and pea intercropping, both crops were significantly affected by intercropping system. Significant effect of N fertilizers was found on wheat and insignificant effect was found for pea yield. Both wheat and pea were significantly affected by the interaction of cropping system and N fertilizers. Yield advantage was achieved because land equivalent ratio exceeded 1.00. Dominance analysis proved that leguminous crop is dominated component. Thus, the studied intercropping systems could be recommended to farmers due to its beneficial returns.
Bivariate analysis of the genetic variability among some accessions of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex A. Rich)Harms)
Authors: AKINYOSOYE Solomon Tayo , ADETUMBI Johnson Adedayo , AMUSA Oluwafemi Daniel , AGBELEYE Adeola , ANJORIN Folake , OLOWOLAFE Mercy Oluremi , OMODELE Taiwo
Published: May 2018

Variability is an important factor to consider in crop improvement programmes. This study was conducted in two years to assess genetic variability and determine relationship between seed yield, its components and tuber production characters among twelve accessions of African yam bean. Data collected were subjected to combined analysis of variance (ANOVA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), hierarchical and K-means clustering analyses. Results obtained revealed that genotype by year (G × Y) interaction had significant effects on some of variables measured (days to first flowering, days to 50 % flowering, number of pod per plant, pod length, seed yield and tuber yield per plant) in this study.The first five principal components (PC) with Eigen values greater than 1.0 accounted for about 66.70 % of the total variation, where PC1 and PC 2 accounted for 39.48 % of variation and were associated with seed and tuber yield variables. Three heterotic groups were clearly delineated among genotypes with accessions AY03 and AY10 identified for high seed yield and tuber yield respectively. Non-significant relationship that existed between tuber and seed yield per plant of these accessions was recommended for further test in various agro-ecologies for their suitability, adaptability and possible exploitation of heterosis to further improve the accessions.
Protective effects of polyamines on regulation of senescence in spray carnation cut flowers (Dianthus caryophyllus’Spotlight’)
Authors: KARIMI Mahnaz , AKBARI Fateme , HEIDARZADE Ayoub
Published: May 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of three polyamines (PAs) on antioxidants capacity, free radical scavenging and vase life improvement of spray carnation cut flowers. Hence, the cut flowers were dipped in different concentrations (0, 1, 2 and 3 mmol) of putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) for 24 h. After treatment, the cut flowers were placed in distilled water and kept at 20 °C ± 2 °C, 70-80 % RH. All concentrations of Put treatment improved the vase life of cut spray carnation flowers as compared to control. The highest positive influence on vase life (with 13 days) was related to 2 mmol Put treatments. Result showed that applying Put and Spm treatments at 1 or 2 mmol concentration significantly minimized the percentage of mass loss compared to the control. A significant inhibition of anthocyanin degradation was observed with Put 1 or 2 mmol and Spm 1 mmol Significantly higher activities of catalase and DPPH radical scavenging activity were observed in petals when cut carnations were treated with 1 mmol Put. It can be concluded that application of polyamines such as putrescine can play a key role to prevent or delay deterioration in cut flowers.
Genetic diversity within and among two-spotted spider mite resistant and susceptible common bean genotypes
Authors: YOUSEFI Zeinab , TAHMASEBI Zahra , MOGHADAM Mohammad Javad Erfani , ARMINIAN Ali
Published: May 2018

Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae C. L. Koch, 1836), is one of the most destructive herbivores of common bean. Very little is known about the diversity among resistant sources in this crop. The present study was conducted to characterize 22 resistant and susceptible common bean genotypes by 8 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and 8 Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. These SSR and RAPD primers produced 100 % and 81.8 % polymorphic bands. Based on RAPD fingerprints and SSR profiles, pairwise genetic similarity ranged from 0.0 to 0.857 and from 0.125 to 1, respectively. The resistant and susceptible common bean accessions were grouped together in the dendrograms generated from RAPD and SSR clustering analyses. The results indicate that RAPD and SSR analysis could be successfully used for the estimation of genetic diversity among genotypes. SSR markers could group genotypes according to their resistibility and susceptibility to the spotted spider mite but RAPD could not. Therefore, the SSR markers can facilitate the development of resistant common bean cultivars through breeding programs against T. urticae.
Yield response and economic implications of soybean (Glycine max (L.). Merrill) – lowland-upland rice sequential cropping in the rainforest/savanna transitory ecosystem
Authors: SOREMI Paul Abayomi Sobowale , SAKARIYAWO Olalekan Sulaimon , OKELEYE Kehinde Adebayo , OLOWE Victor Idowu O. , AZEEZ Jamiu Oladipupo , NWILENE Francis , ADERIBIGBE Sunday Gbenga
Published: May 2018

A sequential cropping system of soybean-lowland (NERICA L-42)-upland (NERICA 2) rice was established at Abeokuta and Ibadan (Nigeria) to evaluate the performance of the cropping system. Field trials were in split-split plot arrangement fitted into randomised complete block design and replicated three times. The first sequence had in the main plot tillage [minimum (MT) and conventional (CT)]. Soybean varieties TGx 1448-2E (V1) and TGx 1740-2F (V2) in sub-plot and spacing in sub-sub plot were 60 cm × 5 cm (R1), 60 cm × 10 (R2) and 60 cm × 15 cm (R3). Individual rice plots were established by dry dibble (DD) seeding and transplanting and sub-sub plot spacing were 15 cm × 15 cm (S1), 20 cm × 20 and 25 cm (S2) × 25 cm (S3). The sequence soybean (V1 CT R3); lowland and upland rice (S3 CT DD) was the most economically efficient (N 1,754 ha-1 day-1) in Abeokuta, while soybean (V1 MT R1) and lowland and upland rice (S1 DD MT) was the most economically efficient (N 1,858 ha-1 day-1) in Ibadan.
Influence of enriched soaking water on shiitake (Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Singer) mushroom yield and properties
Authors: RANJBAR Mohammad Ebrahim , OLFATI Jamal Ali , AMANI Masoumeh
Published: May 2018

Shiitake is an edible mushroom native to East Asia. In the present research, the soaking water was targeted as the vehicle to enrich the substrate. The amount of nutrients in the substrate is severely reduced by mycelium growth and development during spawn running and browning period. Some part of this reduction can be compensated by soaking the substrate in the enriched soaking water. In this study, soaking water was enriched by some complement materials and enrichment effects on some important properties of shiitake mushroom were evaluated. The highest biological efficiency (69.88 %) was gained with soaking the blocks in wheat bran extraction suspension. The highest dry matter of mushroom was obtained by rice bran extraction suspension as the enriched soaking water. The results of this research showed that some important properties of shiitake mushroom can be improved by soaking the blocks with enriched soaking water. According to the results, wheat bran extraction suspension was the best enriched solution to increase productivity of shiitake mushrooms and rice bran extraction suspension was suitable to improve quality of mushrooms.
Effect of geographical directions, height and the color of yellow traps in capture of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) in citrus orchards
Authors: TOORANI Amir Hossein , ABBASIPOUR Habib
Published: May 2018

Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (Dip.: Tephritidae) is one of the most destructive agricultural pests in the world. To replace chemical control methods, as well as the timing of the peak population of Mediterranean fruit fly, the yellow sticky vertical traps were used in this study. The research was carried out in some citrus orchards of various cities of Mazandaran province of Iran, during the four months from August to November 2016. To determine the best type of yellow color to trap this fly, four types of yellow colors with measured wavelength of reflection, including the fluorescent yellow (538 nm), lemon yellow (574 nm), yellow (602 nm) and amber yellow (641 nm), were used. Also, to determine the best geographical direction and appropriate height for installation of yellow cards, four cardinal directions and five different heights of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 m above ground level were determined and the cards were installed. The results of mean comparison of captured flies in different treatments showed that there are significant differences between all of them. The results indicated that the fluorescent yellow, heights of 1.5 and 2 m, the south direction, and month October had the highest number of capture in yellow cards.
Effect of plant growth regulators on the growth and direct shoot formation from leaf explants of the hybrid Phalaenopsis ‘Pink’
Authors: DATTA Avishek , ZAHARA Meutia , BOONKORKAEW Patchareeya , MISHRA Abha
Published: May 2018

Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most beautiful flowering plants. The objective of this study was to identify the best plant growth regulator combination and medium for the growth and direct shoot formation from leaf explants of the hybrid Phalaenopsis ‘Pink’. Leaf tips segments from in vitro young plants were cultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Vacin and Went (VW) media supplemented with different concentrations of auxin [α-napthaleneacetic acid (NAA)] and cytokinins [6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or thidiazuron (TDZ)]. The explants that were cultured on 0 mg l–1 NAA and 3 mg l–1 BAP supplemented to half-strength MS medium formed shoots successfully within 10 weeks of culture with 5 % regenerants and 50 % survival frequency. The explants cultured on 0.5 mg l–1 NAA and 1.5 mg l–1 TDZ supplemented to half-strength MS medium developed calluses and shoots within 11 weeks of culture with 25 % regenerants and 90 % survival frequency. Future research needs to be directed to find out the shortest time of shoot regeneration to produce viable plants with a high survival frequency.
Effect of biofumigation by Calligonum polygonoides, dry olive leaves, and ash of olive leaves on chilli pepper growth and recovery of Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: AL-HAMMOURI Ahmed Abdel-Nabi , AL-KOFAHI Salman , IBBINI Jwan , ABUSMIER Shereen , SANOGO Soum
Published: May 2018

Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn is a serious soilborne pathogen in chilli fields worldwide. This study examined the effect of biofumigation using arta (Calligonum polygonoides L.) and olive (Olea europaea L.) plant material on chilli growth and recovery of R. solani from chilli plants. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in potted soil amended with no plant material (control) or with plant material from Calligonum and Olea (olive leaves, or ash of olive leaves). Chilli was planted in the amended soils and inoculated with R. solani. Plant height, number of fruits , and frequency of recovery of R. solani from chilli were recorded. Soil amendment with Calligonum plant material resulted in the lowest frequency of recovery of R. solani. Moreover, Calligonum treatment increased dry mass and height of chilli plants compared to other treatments. Also, treatment with olive plant parts inhibited R. solani growth and enhanced growth of chilli compared to the control treatment. Thus, C. polygonoides and O. europaea are potental biofumigant plants to control R. solani.
Sugar beet profits from intercropping with wheat both under optimum and deficient phosphorus supply
Authors: HAJIBOLAND Roghieh , SHEKARI Shirin , SADEGHZADEH Noushin , POSCHENRIEDER Charlotte
Published: May 2018

An experiment was conducted with wheat and sugar beet as monocrop and intercrop under low or adequate phosphorus supply. Dry matter production of shoot and roots were decreased in wheat while increased in sugar beet under intercrop conditions. Photosynthesis rate was diminished under intercrop conditions in wheat while elevated in sugar beet concomitant with reduction of transpiration rate and higher water use efficiency in the latter species. Phosphorus, potassium and iron contents were also lower in intercrop wheat while increased in sugar beet. The same effect of intercropping on biomass and nutrients uptake was observed in the short term hydroponic experiment. Interestingly, three root parameters including length, soluble carbohydrates and activity of secretory acid phosphatase that are characteristics for phosphorus-deficient plants were enhanced in both species by intercropping irrespective the phosphorus supply level. These data suggested an interspecific interaction beyond the different nutrient acquisition capacity in the intercrop pots.
Interlaboratory comparison of fig (Ficus carica L.) microsatellite genotyping data and determination of reference alleles
Authors: HLADNIK Matjaž , JAKŠE Jernej , KHADARI Bouchaib , SANTONI Sylvain , BANDELJ Dunja
Published: May 2018

Microsatellites have been identified as the marker of choice in plant genotyping projects. However, due to length discrepancies obtained between different laboratories for the same allele, interlaboratory comparison of fingerprinting results is often a difficult task. The objectives of this study were to compare genotyping results of two laboratories, to evaluate genetic parameters of microsatellite markers and to determine reference allele sizes for fig cultivars from the Istrian peninsula.Genotyping results of ninety fig (Ficus carica L.) accessions were comparable between the laboratories despite differences observed when comparing electropherograms of different capillary electrophoresis systems. Differences in lengths of the same alleles were detected due to different PCR methods and laboratory equipment, but the distances between alleles of the same locus were preserved. However, locus FSYC01 exhibited one allele dropout which led to misidentification of 28 heterozygotes as homozygote individuals suggesting this locus as unreliable. Allele dropout was assigned to the tail PCR technology or to a touchdown PCR protocol.Genotypes of twenty-four reference cultivars from the Istrian peninsula were confirmed by both laboratories. These results will contribute to the usage of markers with greater reliability, discrimination power and consequently, to more reliable standardization with other fig genotyping projects.
Cadmium treatment effects on the growth and antioxidant system in barley plants under optimal and low temperatures
Authors: KAZNINA Natalia , BATOVA Julia , REPKINA Natalia , LAIDINEN Galina , TITOV Alexandr
Published: May 2018

The cadmium effect (100 μM) on the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growth, the content of HvCu/ZnSOD, HvCAT2 and HvPRX07 transcripts and the antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD, CAT and PRX) in roots and leaves of seedlings under optimal (22 °C) and low (4 °C) temperatures were studied. Exposure to cadmium at 22 °C did not inhibit the plants’ growth. In this case, the rate of the oxidative processes in the cells remained at the control level. This was achieved by a corresponding increase of the gene transcripts and the antioxidant enzymes activity in roots and leaves. In contrast, exposure to cadmium at 4 °C inhibited the seedlings’ growth despite of the lower metal content in the plants. Moreover the rate of lipid peroxidation in the roots and leaves increased significantly. It is assumed that this effect was connected with the accumulation of excess amounts of hydrogen peroxide due to a misbalance between its generation and neutralization. This assumption is confirmed by the obtained data, according to which the level of HvCu/ZnSOD expression and the total activity of SOD increased significantly under exposure to cadmium at 4 °C, although HvCAT2 and HvPRX07 transcripts and CAT and PXR activity did not rise.
Evaluation of turmeric-mung bean intercrop productivity through competition functions
Authors: ISLAM Mohamaed , ALAM Mohammad , EL SABAGH Ayman , BARUTÇULAR Celaleddin , RATNASEKERA Disna , KIZILGEÇI Ferhat , ISLAM M. Sohidul
Published: May 2018

An intercropping experiment was conducted with varying combinations of turmeric and mung bean to find out the efficacy of productivity and economic return through competition functions. Treatments were evaluated on the basis of several competition functions, such as land equivalent ratio (LER), aggressiveness, competitive ratio (CR), monetary advantage index (MAI) and system productivity index (SPI). Results showed that rhizome yields of turmeric were higher in intercropping system than in mono crop. It indicated that intercropping of mung bean did not affect the rhizome yield of turmeric. However, turmeric (100 %) + 3 row mung bean (100 %) in between turmeric lines intercropping system exhibited maximum yield of both the crops as well as turmeric equivalent yield, LER, competitive indices values, SPI and MAI (Tk. 2,44,734.46 ha-1) compared to the other intercropping combinations and the mono crops. Aggressiveness of intercrop indicated dominance of turmeric over mung bean in all the combinations except turmeric (100 %) + 1 row mung bean (33 %). Competition functions of intercroping suggested beneficial association of turmeric and mung bean crops. The study revealed that mung bean could be introduced as intercrop with turmeric without hampering rhizome yield with higher benefit additionally increasing mung bean production area.
Preservation of sweet chestnut genetic resources (Castanea sativa Mill.) against attack by chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, 1951)
Authors: VOLLMEIER Rebecca , OSTERC Gregor , LUTHAR Zlata
Published: May 2018

European sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is one of the most important wood species due to its environmental and economic role in many agro-forestry systems. Chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, 1951) is currently the most dangerous pest of sweet chestnut, including in Slovenia. Attack on vegetative buds (in which the eggs are deposited and on which galls are subsequently formed) disturbs the growth of shoots and reduces the yield. In the event of a strong attack, the tree can weaken and decay, which is already noticeable on the ground in Slovenia, especially in terms of the monitored genetic resources of the chestnut tree. Following Japanese experience, European countries are increasingly choosing biological control of chestnut gall wasp with the torymid wasp (Torymus sinensis Kamijo, 1982). Micropropagation is a way of ensuring effective preservation and reproduction while optimizing all phases of work. In the micropropagation of Slovenian sweet chestnut genetic resources, problems arise in the rooting phase.
An overview of molecular identification of insect fauna with special emphasis on chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) of India
Authors: RASOOL Ajaz , AHMAD Tariq , GANAI Bashir Ahmad , GULL Shaziya
Published: May 2018

Identifying organisms has grown in importance as we monitor the biological effects of global climate change and attempt to preserve species diversity in the face of accelerating habitat destruction. Classical taxonomy falls short in this race to catalogue biological diversity before it disappears. Differentiating subtle anatomical differences between closely related species requires the subjective judgment of highly trained specialists – and few are being trained in institutes today. DNA barcodes allow non-experts to objectively identify species – from small, damaged, or even industrially processed material. The aim of DNA barcoding is to establish a shared community resource of DNA sequences commonly used for identification, discrimination or taxonomic classification of organisms. It is a method that uses a short genetic marker in an organism's DNA to identify and distinguish its belonging from particular species, varieties or inter varieties. This simple technique has attracted attention from taxonomists, ecologists, conservation biologists, agriculturists, plant-quarantine officers and studies using the DNA barcode has rapidly increased. The extreme diversity of insects and their economical, epidemiological and agricultural importance have made them a major target of DNA barcoding. In this review, we present an overview of DNA barcoding of insects with emphasis on Chalcid wasps of India.
The Mediterranean: Not a Union, but an Integrated Space?
Authors: DOĞAN Erhan , GENÇ Deniz
Published: May 2018

This study examines several multilateral cooperation initiatives in the Mediterranean and by discussing their failures in generating a genuine cooperation, it hypothesizes about an integrated Mediterraneanspace, where prime challenges might lead to a loose functional framework of integration. In puttingforward this hypothetical integrated space, the study begins with discussing prime challenges in theregion: security, migration and environment, and it proceeds with early multilateral cooperationattempts. Among these, it focuses its attention on two ambitious ones: Euro-Mediterranean Partnershipand the Union for the Mediterranean, and underlines the disappointments in these attempts in realizingpeace and prosperity in the region. The study concludes that an integrated space in the Mediterranean,which takes European integration experience as a model, might offer a better solution to the commonproblems in the region with a precondition that southern Mediterranean states are provided a clearperspective in a sincere and equal partnership.
Evaluation of the clinical implementation of a large-scale online e-learning program on venous blood specimen collection guideline practices
Authors: Willman Britta , Grankvist Kjell , Bölenius Karin
Published: May 2018

Background:

When performed erroneously, the venous blood specimen collection (VBSC) practice steps patient identification, test request management and test tube labeling are at high risk to jeopardize patient safety. VBSC educational programs with the intention to minimize risk of harm to patients are therefore needed. In this study, we evaluate the efficiency of a large-scale online e-learning program on personnel’s adherence to VBSC practices and their experience of the e-learning program.

Methods:

An interprofessional team transformed an implemented traditional VBSC education program to an online e-learning program developed to stimulate reflection with focus on the high-risk practice steps. We used questionnaires to evaluate the effect of the e-learning program on personnel’s self-reported adherence to VBSC practices compared to questionnaire surveys before and after introduction of the traditional education program. We used content analysis to evaluate the participants free text experience of the VBSC e-learning program.

Results:

Adherence to the VBSC guideline high-risk practice steps generally increased following the implementation of a traditional educational program followed by an e-learning program. We however found a negative trend over years regarding participation rates and the practice to always send/sign the request form following the introduction of an electronic request system. The participants were in general content with the VBSC e-learning program.

Conclusions:

Properly designed e-learning programs on VBSC practices supersedes traditional educational programs in usefulness and functionality. Inclusion of questionnaires in the e-learning program is necessary for follow-up of VBSC participant’s practices and educational program efficiency.
Harmonization of urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) results: a study based on an external quality assessment program in Polish laboratories
Authors: Ćwiklińska Agnieszka , Dąbrowska Hanna , Kowalski Robert , Kuchta Agnieszka , Kortas-Stempak Barbara , Fijałkowska Aleksandra , Bednarczuk Gabriela , Jankowski Maciej
Published: May 2018

Background:

The ratio of albumin to creatinine (ACR) is an important parameter used for detection of albuminuria in patients with early kidney damage. The aim of the study was to evaluate the harmonization of ACR results among Polish participants in an international external quality assessment (EQA) program, and to evaluate the impact of albumin and creatinine analytical performance on the harmonization of ACR results.

Methods:

We analyzed 182 results of albumin, 202 of creatinine, and 180 of ACR obtained from Polish laboratories in an EQA program organized by Labquality. The dispersion of the results in surveys and percentage differences between the results and target values were calculated. Moreover, differences between method groups were assessed.

Results:

The inter-laboratory coefficient of variation (CV) for ACR was 36%. Only 74% of results of Polish laboratories were within the target limits; for 11% of the results, an incorrect albuminuria category would have been reported. The inter-laboratory CV for albumin was 20%, 2.6-fold higher than for creatinine. Significant differences between method groups for albumin determination have been observed, even when the same measurement technique was used. The greatest difference between two groups was 23%, 2.5-fold greater in comparison to creatinine.

Conclusions:

There is an insufficient harmonization of ACR values among Polish laboratories, caused mainly by urine albumin analytical performance. Given the important role of ACR in the classification, monitoring and treatment of kidney damage, the harmonization of albumin measurements is crucial and urgently needed.
Analysis of protein glycation in human fingernail clippings with near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as an alternative technique for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Monteyne Tinne , Coopman Renaat , Kishabongo Antoine S. , Himpe Jonas , Lapauw Bruno , Shadid Samyah , Van Aken Elisabeth H. , Berenson Darja , Speeckaert Marijn M. , De Beer Thomas , Delanghe Joris R.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Glycated keratin allows the monitoring of average tissue glucose exposure over previous weeks. In the present study, we wanted to explore if near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing glycation in diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

A total of 52 patients with diabetes mellitus and 107 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. A limited number (n=21) of nails of healthy subjects were glycated in vitro with 0.278 mol/L, 0.556 mol/L and 0.833 mol/L glucose solution to study the effect of glucose on the nail spectrum. Consequently, the nail clippings of the patients were analyzed using a Thermo Fisher Antaris II Near-IR Analyzer Spectrometer and near infrared (NIR) chemical imaging. Spectral classification (patients with diabetes mellitus vs. healthy subjects) was performed using partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA).

Results:

In vitro glycation resulted in peak sharpening between 4300 and 4400 cm−1 and spectral variations at 5270 cm−1 and between 6600 and 7500 cm−1. Similar regions encountered spectral deviations during analysis of the patients’ nails. Optimization of the spectral collection parameters was necessary in order to distinguish a large dataset. Spectra had to be collected at 16 cm−1, 128 scans, region 4000–7500 cm−1. Using standard normal variate, Savitsky-Golay smoothing (7 points) and first derivative preprocessing allowed for the prediction of the test set with 100% correct assignments utilizing a PLS-DA model.

Conclusions:

Analysis of protein glycation in human fingernail clippings with NIR spectroscopy could be an alternative affordable technique for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
Analysis of the hydrolysates from cured and uncured urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins with two F/U mole ratios
Authors: Lubis Muhammad Adly Rahandi , Park Byung-Dae
Published: May 2018

Uncured and cured urea-formaldehyde (UFcured) resins prepared with formaldehyde/urea (F/U) mole ratios of 1.0 and 1.2 and at the catalyst levels of 1, 2 and 3% NH4Cl were hydrolyzed for 5, 15 and 30 min and the degradation products were evaluated using gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and liquid carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopies. The molar masses of the degradation products, their functional groups and structures were determined. An extended hydrolysis time and higher catalyst levels resulted in compounds with higher molar masses. Similar functional groups and distribution of chemical species were found by both FTIR and 13C-NMR spectroscopies in the hydrolysates of UFcured, indicating water hydrolysis of hydroxymethyl groups and then methylene linkages. Methylene linkages and mono- and tri-hydroxymethyl ureas were mainly responsible for the liberation of formaldehyde from UFcured during hydrolysis. The indicated compounds are believed to contribute to the long-term release of formaldehyde from the resins. This is the first systematic report on the composition of UFcured hydrolysates.
A Comparative Study on Fouling and Cleaning Characteristics of Soy Protein Isolate (SPI)
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Lin , Fu Nan , Mercade-Prieto Ruben , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: May 2018

Fouling on heat exchanger surface is a severe problem in food industry. This study investigated the fouling and cleaning behaviors of soy protein isolates (SPI) in heat exchangers, using a previously established real-time monitoring laboratory system. SPI fouling deposit was formed at different surface temperatures of 80, 85 and 90 °C. For cleaning, the effect of the NaOH concentration was investigated. The fouling and cleaning behaviors of whey protein concentrate (WPC) were studied for a qualitative comparison. The two solution concentrations were kept at 6 wt%. Under the constant heat flux condition applied in the experiments, increasing the surface temperature significantly increased the fouling rate of SPI. SPI deposit was much easier to remove compared to WPC deposit. Visualization showed that the cleaning behavior of SPI was different from that of WPC in that it swelled rather quickly followed by the species seeping out from the swollen structure.
The etiologies and incidences of congenital hypothyroidism before and after neonatal TSH screening program implementation: a study in southern Thailand
Authors: Jaruratanasirikul Somchit , Piriyaphan Jutarat , Saengkaew Tansit , Janjindamai Waricha , Sriplung Hutcha
Published: May 2018

Background:

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the common causes of intellectual disability which can be prevented by early detection of an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level in the newborn and by treatment with thyroxine. In Thailand, neonatal TSH screening was implemented nationwide in 2005. The objective of the study was to determine the etiologies and the estimated incidences of CH in southern Thailand before and after the implementation of a neonatal TSH screening program in 2005.

Methods:

The medical records of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with primary CH at Songklanagarind Hospital during 1995–2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The study was divided into two time periods: study period 1 (SP1) (1995–2004) and study period 2 (SP2) (2005–2013), the time before and after TSH program implementation.

Results:

The most common form of CH during SP1 was overt permanent CH (66%), mostly caused by athyreosis or ectopic thyroid. In SP2, the most common form of CH was mild permanent CH (39%) (mostly due to dyshormonogenesis), followed by overt CH (32%) and transient CH (29%). The overall annual estimated incidence of CH per 10,000 live births in Songkhla Province was 1.69 (1:5021) in SP1, increasing to 4.77 (1:2238) in SP2; in all 14 provinces in southern Thailand, the estimated incidence was 1.24 (1:8094) in SP1 and 2.33 (1:4274) in SP2.

Conclusions:

Neonatal TSH screening has a significant impact on the increased detection of the mild form of permanent and transient CH cases, which may be important for the prevention of brain damage from less severe CH although this remains to be documented.