bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between serum uric acid and inflammation markers in ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with tumor necrosis factor-α or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Sargın Betül , Gürer Gülcan , Taşcı Bozbaş Gülnur , Öztürk Hakan
Published: April 2018

Objectives: Uric acid has an important role in the production of various inflammatory
cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Although serum uric acid
levels in various rheumatic diseases have been performed the relationships
between serum uric acid levels with inflammatory markers and Bath Ankylosing
Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores in ankylosing spondylitis
patients treated with anti-TNF-α and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) have not been described yet. The aim of this study was to compare the
relationships between serum uric acid levels, inflammatory markers and BASDAI
scores in ankylosing spondylitis patients treated anti-TNF-α and NSAIDs. Methods: A total of 132 ankylosing spondylitis patients fulfilling the 1984 Modified New
York Criteria who had serum uric acid, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and
C-reactive protein levels in medical records were included in this retrospective
cross-sectional study. Patients were divided in two groups (anti-TNF-α and
NSAIDs). Their files were examined in detail. Later demographic and laboratory
features were recorded to the research form. Results: Serum uric acid
levels were significantly lower in the anti-TNF-α group (mean: 4.9 mg/dL,
range: 4.10-5.45 mg/dL) than in the NSAIDs group (mean: 5.20 mg/dL, range
4.70-5.90 mg/dL) (p = 0.021). Also,
positive correlations were found between C-reactive protein (p = 0.003) and BASDAI (p = 0.009) with serum uric acid. Conclusions: According to this  study, we can consider
that serum uric acid level could be used as an inflammatory laboratory marker,
such as C-reactive protein in ankylosing spondylitis patients. However, we
believe that more studies are needed about this research.
Tibetan Precious Pills as Therapeutics and Rejuvenating Longevity Tonics
Authors: Gerke Barbara
Published: April 2018

Tibetan precious pills are frequently attributed with a variety of efficacies, from “magical” powers, prevention of poisoning and infectious diseases, protection from harmful spirits and exposure to diseases while travelling, to rejuvenating and prolonging life through clearing the senses and promoting strength and vigor. They are prescribed as strong medicines for severe diseases, but are also advertised as rejuvenating tonics for the healthy. This paper explores the rejuvenating qualities attributed to precious pills in terms of how they are currently advertised, how rejuvenation is and has been explained in Tibetan works on precious pills, and how Tibetan physicians understand these attributes. How do these domains interact and refer to each other?

I compare aspects of rejuvenation in precious pill formulas with contemporary presentations of precious pills online and on published leaflets given out to patients in India and elsewhere. In Tibetan medical texts certain precious pills that contain the complex and processed mercury-sulfide ash called tsotel in addition to a large variety of other medicinal substances are presented as “precious pills” or rinchen rilbu, and only some of those are said to have rejuvenating effects on the body; most are primarily prescribed for specific diseases. The practice of giving precious pills to the healthy emerges more prominently in eighteenth to nineteenth century manuals on administering precious pills (Czaja 2015), which parallels the establishment of influential medical and monastic networks that promoted the making of tsotel and precious pills. I argue that precious pills have more recently widened their specific therapeutic target beyond that of medicine into becoming popular pills for rejuvenation, even if they do not contain tsotel, as part of pharmaceutical commodification. I also show how presentations of precious pills as “rejuvenating” are deeply linked to their availability.
Mastering Deathlessness
Authors: Kędzia Ilona Barbara
Published: April 2018

The article presents some remarks concerning practices aimed at achieving rejuvenation, longevity and immortality described in the literature of the Tamil Siddhas, with special reference to the medico-alchemical stream of the tradition. The study is based on the philological analysis of selected representative works of Tamil Siddha literature, starting from the Tirumantiram of Tirumūlar (6-12th century). The Tirumantiram is generally acknowledged to be a root text of the Tami Siddha tradition and it contains passages that elaborately discuss the theory and practices of yoga, presenting them as a means of attaining longevity and immortality. It also contains references to medical practices. Further, relevant ideas about rejuvenating, life-prolonging and immortalizing methods found in selected texts of the medico-alchemical stream of the tradition are discussed. The literature of the medical and alchemical lore of the Tamil Siddhas, roughly dated to the period between the 16th and 19th centuries, abounds in practical recipes for the drugs (kaṟpam) for prolonging life. Certain items credited with extraordinary powers connected with rejuvenation and immortalization, such as triple salt (muppu), mercurial jewel (racamaṇi), human urine, special varieties of medicinal plants, etc. are particularly referenced to in the paper. Finally, the concepts relating to “the art of non-dying” (cākākkalai) taught in the works of Vaḷḷalār, the poet-saint born in 19th century and closely linked with the Tamil Siddha tradition, are outlined in the article.
The Flame and the Breeze
Authors: Mukharji Projit Bihari
Published: April 2018

This is a preliminary report on the longevity practices discussed in a Bengali Islamic Yogic text by Haji Muhammad called Nurjamal ba Suratnama written in the last decade of the sixteenth century. This and other similar texts were authored by Bengali literati in the kingdom of Roshang that encompassed at the time both the Arakan and eastern Bengal. I first present the unique cultural and political context in which these texts were produced. Next I discuss the particular text and its author. In doing this I also review the scant scholarship that exists on the material as well as advancing a different and parallel analytic strategy by which the texts might, in my view, be opened up to a broader range of inquiries. In the two subsequent sections I use the proposed strategy of 'figural history' to interrogate two different figures of 'life' that are found in the text under investigation. The entire discussion of longevity practices is organized around these figures of life and I suggest that they need to be explored more fully in their individuality. The conclusion pulls the strings together and reiterates the case for studying the longevity practices in this and other similar texts using figural history as an analytic strategy.
Rasāyana in Classical Yoga and Āyurveda
Authors: Maas Philipp André
Published: April 2018

The present chapter deals with rasāyana in the discipline of Yoga. More specifically, it focuses on the meaning of the word rasāyana in the Pātañjalayogaśāstra (PYŚ, late fourth or early fifth century CE), the oldest surviving Sanskrit exposition of Yoga as a soteriological system of thought from a Brāhmaṇa perspective. By interpreting the two difficult and slightly obscure text passages of the PYŚ that mention rasāyana in the light of its older commentaries and on the basis of additional references to rasāyana and related conceptions in early classical āyurvedic and upaniṣadic literature, the chapter concludes that for Patañjali rasāyana was a magically longevity potion prepared from unidentified herbs. The PYŚ neither refers to rasāyana as a branch of Āyurveda nor to alchemy. Some commentators of the PYŚ, however, interpret Patañjali's mentioning of rasāyana differently. While Vācaspatimiśra in the later half of the tenth century follows the PYŚ closely, the eleventh-century commentator Bhoja relates rasāyana to alchemy. Finally, the eighth-century (?) commentator Śaṅkara relates Patañjali's rasāyana to Āyurveda. Even though this interpretation is probably at odds with the PYŚ, it is not at all a far fetched, since the obtainment of various superpowers played an important role in āyurvedic rasāyana from the time of earliest sources onwards.
Evaluation of add on effect of carvedilol on standard protocol of digoxin, frusemide and benazepril in the management of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs
Authors: Kumar Akhilesh , Dey Sahadeb , Saxena Abhishek Chandra , Mahajan Sumit
Published: April 2018

This is a prospective, controlled, randomized clinical trial in canine patients with overt Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). We hypothesized that the addition of the third generation beta-blocker carvedilol to the standard treatment of diuretic (furosemide), inotropic support (digoxin) and ACE-inhibitor (benazepril) would have beneficial effects over cardiac function and quality of life (QoL) that would be measurable 90 days post-treatment. 16 dogs diagnosed with overt DCM were recruited. They underwent clinical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography and neurohormonal profiling (NT-proBNP and NO). Dogs were divided in two groups, receiving standard therapy or standard therapy plus carvedilol and subjected to re-evaluation on 90 days post-treatment. Our results indicated that the addition of carvedilol to the standard therapy improved echocardiographic indices of systolic function (FS and EF), reduced NT-proBNP and NO serum levels and quality of life within the group but did not showed the significant improvement over standard therapy. This suggested that the addition of carvedilol to the standard therapy in canine patients with overt DCM might have beneficial effects in cardiac function and quality of life in the treatment was continued for longer period.
Genetic variability, principal component and cluster analyses in black gram under Foot-hills conditions of Manipur
Authors: Jeberson M. Samuel , Shashidhar K. S. , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: April 2018

Analysis of genetic variability, heritability, correlation, path analysis, principal component and cluster analysis was carried for 25 blackgram genotypes grown in the foothills of Manipur. The results showed that phenotypic coefficients of variability recorded were higher than the genotypic coefficients of variability, irrespective of traits, demonstrating the effect of environment thereon. The present study revealed that the heritability (bs) estimates were maximum (>50%) for the traits such as days taken to attain the 50% flowering, number of clusters/plant, number of pods/plant and 100 seed weight. The correlation and path analysis proved the selection of the yield attributes in blackgram based on the characters, viz., number of pods/plant and number of cluster/plants. The first three principal components, having the Eigen values more than 1, contributed 84.52% towards variability among the 25 genotypes screened for quantitative traits. Based on the average linkage, 25 genotypes were grouped into five (5) clusters.
Studies on site specific nutrient management (SSNM) on growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) under irrigation in southern Karnatak
Authors: Patil D. H. , Shankar M. A. , Krishnamurthy N. , Shadakshari Y. G. , Parama V.R. Ramakrishna
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted at the Main Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Hebbal, Bangalore, to know the effect of site specific nutrient management (SSNM) on growth and yield of groundnut. The fertilizers were applied to the crop based on uptake pattern, target yield and soil fertility status. The study indicated that application of fertilizers based on SSNM for target yield of 2.5 t ha-1 + S (10 kg ha-1) + B (10 kg ha-1) + Zn (12.50 kg ha-1) recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (45.3 cm), number of branches (8.10), leaf area (814.95 cm-2), leaf area index (2.72) and total dry matter accumulation (31.82 g plant-1). The yield parameters viz., total number of pods per plant (19.57), pod weight per plant (12.05 g), 100 kernel weight (34.74 g) and shelling per cent (75.32) were significantly higher with the application of fertilizers based on SSNM for target yield of 2.5 t ha-1 + S + B + Zn compared to recommended dose of fertilizer. The Maximum gross returns were obtained in T4 (application of SSNM for target yield of 2.5 t ha-1 + S + B + Zn) (Rs. 79219), where as, higher net returns and B:C ratio were obtained with T3 (SSNM for target yield of 2.5 t ha-1) (Rs. 46771 and 2.47 respectively) and lower net returns and B:C ratio were with application of Rec. NPK + FYM (T1) (Rs. 33852 and 2.13 respectively).
Exposure to Family Violence and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Izaguirre Ainhoa , Calvete Esther
Published: April 2018

Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment may have devastating consequences on children’s development. The aim of this research was to examine the predictive associations between exposure to violence at home (witnessing violence against the mother and/or direct victimization by the parents) and adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems. A total of 613 Spanish adolescents (13–18 years) took part in this study. Results indicate that psychological victimization by the parents predicted an increase in anxious/depressive symptoms, aggressive and rule-breaking behavior, and substance abuse at Time 2. In addition, rule-breaking behavior predicted an increase in adolescents’ substance abuse at Time 2. Concerning gender, psychological victimization predicted an increase in anxiety/depression, aggressive behavior, rule-breaking behavior, and substance abuse in boys; whereas in girls, psychological victimization only predicted an increase in anxiety/depression.
Characteristics and Descriptions of Transition Content on Special Education and Rehabilitation Graduate Program Websites
Authors: Oertle Kathleen Marie , Sax Caren L. , Chesley Elizabeth
Published: April 2018

Purpose:This exploratory study advances personnel preparation research through the investigation of the transition content found on the institutional websites of U.S. universities with Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Master’s Level Personnel Preparation grants for transition planning and services (OSEP, 2015) or master’s-level Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)-accredited vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs (2014–2105). Individuals seeking transition training are likely to visit institutional websites given that searching online is typically the first step in exploring educational and training options.

Method:A process of systematic website searches, protocol for data extraction, and an iterative content analysis were used. Data profiles were constructed, and the types of offerings were characterized and defined.

Results:Twelve universities were associated with the transition offerings of eight OSEP-funded programs (8/23 or 35%) and eight CORE-accredited programs (8/97 or 8%) and their corresponding 22 websites. Four of the 12 universities appeared on both lists.

Conclusions:The renewed focus on transition services within the legislation (The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [WIOA], 2014) will no doubt increase the demand for educational preparation and professional development. These findings provide a baseline from which to improve visibility and develop further offerings. Areas for immediate improvement are the accuracy of the program descriptions and the ease of finding details.
DISTRIBUIÇÃO E TRANSPORTE DE SEDIMENTOS COSTEIROS. EXEMPLOS EM ARRAIAL DO CABO, RJ
Authors: Motta Paula , Netto Laura , Bastos Eduarda , Pereira Thiago , Bulhões Eduardo
Published: April 2018

O trabalho discute temas relacionados à distribuição de sedimentos costeiros, parâmetros granulométricos e modelos bidimensionais de transporte de sedimentos. Parte-se da hipótese de que a disposição dos materiais na superfície de fundo das enseadas permite o diagnóstico de processos associados à hidrodinâmica marinha e sua participação no controle do transporte e distribuição dos sedimentos costeiros. O objetivo central é então caracterizar a textura superficial do depósito costeiro e apresentar correlações entre os parâmetros estatísticos que permitam o diagnóstico de processos relacionados à distribuição e ao transporte dos sedimentos no sistema praia-antepraia. Como área de pesquisa, foram selecionadas três enseadas no município de Arraial do Cabo (RJ). As etapas metodológicas partiram da definição de uma malha amostral, coleta de 96 amostras de sedimentos em profundidades entre 1 e 23 metros, seguido por análises granulométricas em laboratório, determinação de parâmetros estatísticos e cálculo do modelo de tendências de transporte de sedimentos (GSTA). Os resultados apontam a ocorrência majoritária de areias finas (41,6%) e médias (17,7%) moderadamente bem selecionadas como o principal depósito nas enseadas, no entanto, além dos depósitos palimpsestos, núcleos de deposição de areias grossas (14,6%) e muito grossas (8,3%) e, por outro lado, areias muito finas (5,2%) e siltes (6,2%) também foram identificados e discutidos à luz de sua significância ambiental. Quanto ao modelo de transporte, o melhor ajuste (65%) foi feito com o padrão FB, que indica sedimentos mais finos e mais bem selecionados na direção do transporte. Conclui-se que os depósitos palimpsestos são responsáveis pelo abastecimento da praia emersa e que os esforços de interpretação dos parâmetros estatísticos e a geração de resultados de transporte de sedimentos a partir de modelos não hidrodinâmicos geram informações úteis, dentre outras, para o diagnóstico de erosão costeira, para a temática ambiental, para calibrar modelos hidrodinâmicos de transporte de sedimentos e para a determinação de processos governantes da agitação oceânica em praias e suas resultantes morfossedimentares.
RELAÇÕES ENTRE PERDAS GEOQUÍMICAS E CONFIGURAÇÃO GEOMORFOLÓGICA DE BACIAS FLUVIAIS DE BAIXA ORDEM NA BORDA OESTE DO ESPINHAÇO MERIDIONAL (MINAS GERAIS)
Authors: Magalhães Junior Antônio Pereira , Ferreira Luísa Lima Borges , Felippe Miguel Fernandes , Costa Fernando César da , Horn Adolf Heirinch
Published: April 2018

Este artigo traz resultados da relação entre perdas geoquímicas e a configuração geomorfológica de bacias fluviais de baixa ordem (2ª ordem segundo a classificação de Strahler, 1952) na borda oeste da serra do Espinhaço Meridional, a partir dos estudos de caso de duas bacias hidrográficas. Foram coletadas amostras de água de nascentes e cursos fluviais de 1ª e 2ª ordens em campanhas de campo trimestrais entre novembro de 2015 e junho de 2017. Em laboratório, foram analisados os parâmetros TDS (Sólidos Totais Dissolvidos), sílica, alcalinidade e condutividade elétrica. Os resultados mostram a dinâmica geoquímica das águas da Serra do Cipó controlada por quartzitos. As baixas taxas de concentração dos parâmetros analisados expressam a resistência litológica à erosão geoquímica. Registra-se aumento de perdas geoquímicas ao longo das redes de drenagem, fato intensificado, em vários casos, pela existência de nascentes difusas e áreas úmidas que favorecem a relativa estagnação das águas superficiais em coberturas pedológicas orgânicas. O maior enriquecimento geoquímico pode derivar dos substratos geológicos ou das coberturas orgânicas em função do regime pluviométrico.
EVOLUÇÃO GEOMORFOLÓGICA DO RIO GRANDE, RJ: INFLUÊNCIAS GEOLÓGICAS E CAPTURAS DE DRENAGEM
Authors: Pinto Rodrigo Wagner Paixão , Freitas Marcelo Motta , Almeida Julio Horta , Silva Luiz Guilherme
Published: April 2018

A análise dos sistemas fluviais são de extrema importância na compreensão da evolução geomorfológica da paisagem, pois possuem características, seja no seu arranjo ou distribuição dos canais, que permitem elaborar os episódios que ocorreram ao longo do tempo. A quebra do continente Gondwana e seus múltiplos eventos até a consolidação do Rift Continental do Sudeste do Brasil (RCSB) implicou em uma mudança significativa no relevo sudeste e, consequentemente, nos sistemas de drenagens. Isto promoveu a reorganização dos sistemas de drenagens e uma nova dinâmica hidro-erosiva pelo rebaixado do nível de base na porção leste do continente. Diante do exposto, selecionou-se como estudo de caso a bacia do Rio Grande no Rio de Janeiro com o objetivo principal de entender o processo de evolução geomorfológica da bacia, a partir da organização da rede de drenagem e feições elementares da bacia frente aos eventos geológicos de formação e estruturação do substrato rochoso. A metodologia utilizada se baseia em trabalhos de gabinete, de campo e posterior análise dos dados gerados. Estes procedimentos visaram compreender a evolução do relevo na bacia do Rio Grande com base na correlação entre aspectos geológicos e geomorfológicos na organização do seu sistema fluvial. Pode-se inferir que a evolução geomorfológica da bacia do Rio Grande foi influenciada pelos múltiplos eventos tectônicos até a consolidação do RCSB. Os dados demonstram forte controle do substrato rochoso na morfologia do relevo e na orientação da rede de drenagem. Os resultados das orientações dos fluxos de drenagem demonstram grande quantidade de rios nas orientações NE, assim como, boa parte dos lineamentos estruturais na bacia estudada. Destaca-se, a influência dos lineamentos minerais das rochas, principalmente os gnaisses da Unidade São Fidélis para este comportamento. Além disso, lineamentos estruturais em outras direções influenciaram na formação de anomalias de drenagem e capturas de drenagens. Ao todo, foram analisados 17 knickpoints e percebe-se que quando associados aos granitos, apresentam como característica a formação de quedas d’água, enquanto que boa parte dos níveis de base sobre rochas da Unidade São Fidélis possuem característica típica de corredeiras. Acredita-se que a região correspondeu a um extenso planalto de altitude mais elevada que a atual, e sistema fluvial com direção predominante para noroeste/norte. A evolução da bacia do Rio Grande se deu através do avanço das drenagens atlânticas sobre o antigo Planalto Sudeste, através da erosão remontante e controladas pelo nível de base.
Standardization the effect of shape of aggregates with respect to compressive strength of concrete
Authors: Islam Md. Shafiqul , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Sarker Arup Ratan
Published: April 2018

It is proved that aggregate’s types have the severe effect on physicomechanical properties of concrete as aggregate covered almost 70 to 80 percent of the total volume of concrete. The effect of Flaky and Elongated aggregates on strength, durability, and workability of concrete has often been qualitatively expressed. The aim of this work is establishing the same quantitatively. M25 grade concrete for different ratios of weights of Elongated to normal aggregate, Flaky to normal aggregate and combined Flaky & Elongated aggregate to normal aggregate was tested for compressive strength at 28 days concrete. Three different types of aggregates were employed in the investigation, namely; normal aggregate, Elongated aggregate, and Flaky aggregate. Density and water absorption also kept constant to identify the effects on properties of concrete only for differences in shape. Thirty-six concrete cylinder was cast at 28 days. Varying dosages of Normal aggregate (60%, 65%, 70%, 75%,80% 85%), flaky aggregate (40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%), elongated aggregate (40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%), by mixture volume and length of 12inch (304.8 mm) & diameter of 6inch (152.4 mm) cylinder were used to test. Compaction was done by temping rod. Concrete cylinder was tested at the age of 28 days of curing. This study proposed of mixing three different types of aggregate in concrete. Compressive strength of concrete was measured by the effect of three different shapes of aggregates of varying dosages.
Incidence of the Flipped Classroom in the Physical Education Students’ Academic Performance in University Contexts
Authors: Hinojo Lucena Francisco Javier , Mingorance Estrada Ángel Custudio , Trujillo Torres Juan Manuel , Aznar Díaz Inmaculada , Cáceres Reche María Pilar
Published: April 2018

This research analyzes the Physical Education students’ degree of academic performance with the incorporation of active methodologies, specifically the flipped classroom mixed learning, restricted to evaluation periods in the months of June and September. The study focuses on whether there are significant differences in this variable through the scores obtained. Through a simple random sampling, 131 students participated in this empiric-analytic research, using an ex-post-facto study with a retrospective design with quasi control group. A robust test of averages comparison, multiple linear regressions and an evaluation of the relative importance of predictors is conducted. The results show how flipped classroom methodology linearly and positively influences academic performance and correlationally motivation and support. As main conclusion, in a hybrid and digitalized learning context, the value of the consideration of active methodologies (flipped classroom) based on emerging pedagogies, allows improving students’ achievement and competence development, providing critical, significant, ubiquitous, transformational and especially motivating experiences.
Experimental Investigation of propeller Wake Velocity Field for the Major Factors Affecting Propeller Wake Wash
Authors: Amin Md. Asif , Colbourne Bruce , Veitch Brian
Published: April 2018

The propeller jet from a ship has a significant component directed upwards towards the free surface of the water, which can be used for ice management. This paper describes a comprehensive laboratory experiment where the influences of operational factors affecting a propeller wake velocity field were investigated. The experiment was done on a steady wake field to investigate the characteristics of the axial velocity of the fluid in the wake and the corresponding variability downstream of the propeller. The axial velocities and the variability recorded were time-averaged. Propeller rotational speed was found to be the most significant factor, followed by propeller inclination. The experimental results also provide some idea about the change of the patterns of the mean axial velocity distribution against the factors considered for the test throughout the effective wake field, as well as the relationships to predict the axial velocity for known factors.
Pola Produksi Telur Puyuh yang Diberi Ransum Disuplementasi Betain dan Metionin
Authors: Ratriyanto Adi
Published: April 2018

This study investigated the egg production pattern at the onset of lay until peak production in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed diet supplemented with betaine and methionine. Three hundred laying quails were randomly allocated to three groups of supplementations with 5 replicates of 20 quails. The three groups of treatments included basal diet (Control) or basal diet supplemented with 1.2 g betaine and 1.2 g methionine per kg diet. During onset of lay until 50% egg production (6 to 9 weeks of age), all groups were fed a basal diet, while the supplements were applied after 9 weeks. The egg production data were analyzed with analysis of variance and followed by Duncan’s test for significant results. During week 6 to 9, all groups of quails generated similar egg production since they received the basal diet. On the later phase, supplementation of betaine and methionine enhanced average weekly egg production (P<0.05) starting from week 10 compared with those without supplementation. The egg production curves indicated that production rapidly reached 60% soon after the onset of lay. Then, egg production rose sharply and reached the peaks of more than 80%, indicating good egg production patterns. Supplementation of betaine and methionine enhanced the average overall and peak production (P<0.01) without affecting the age at peak production. In addition, there were positive correlations between average of overall production and peak production of all treatments. It can be concluded that supplementation of betaine and methionine enhanced egg production in quails.
Usahatani Organik Padi Putih dan Padi Hitam: Pendekatan Pendapatan, Fungsi Produksi Cobb-Douglas dan VPM
Authors: Rahmawati Annita , Agustono Agustono , Adi Raden Kunto
Published: April 2018

This research aims to determine of (1) the productivity, income and efficiency of organic white paddy and organic black paddy and (2) the influence of production factors to production the white paddy and organic black paddy. The location of the research in Karangnyar, Central Java.The method of sampling was quota sampling with 30 respondents in each organic paddy, while the technique to collect respondents was conducted by purposive sampling. Data used in the study were primary and secondary data. Method of data analysis used in this research was (1) the analysis of productivity, income and efficiency of farming, (2) Cobb-Douglass and VPM (Varying Parameter Model) to determine the influence of factors to the production  of organik white paddy and black paddy.The results of research on the analysis of productivity of organik white paddy were 95,19 kw/ha/season and black paddy with the value of 72,53kw/ha/season. Income of organic white paddy was IDR 18,786,63.72/ha/season and income of organic black paddy with the value of IDR 25,641,526,39/ha/season. The efficiency of organic white paddy was 2,97 and the organic black paddy which was 3,83. The results of the Cobb-Douglas analysis showed the production of organic white paddy different from the organic black paddy.  VPM showed that the production factor of land area and labor significantly influenced production in organic white rice and organic black rice farming, while seeds and manure were known to only have significant influence toward production in organic white rice.
Improving Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students’ Achievements Using STS Approach: A Literature Review
Authors: Atika Iva Nandya , Ediyanto Ediyanto , Kawai Norimune
Published: April 2018

Science for all indicates that science should be accessible to all learners including deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students, but they tend to struggle with developing abstract concepts of science optimally. Science, Technology, and Society (STS) approach is an interdisciplinary approach to science learning which is integrating science with technology and society aspects. Through STS approach, students become more interested in learning abstract concepts of science because they can apply the concepts throughout their daily living. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether DHH students improve their achievement levels of science specifically in the aspects of cognitive and affective via STS approach. A total of five journal articles from 2008-2016 written in English on the topic of science learning using STS approach were reviewed. This literature was collected via ERIC database. Then they were analyzed and interpreted in accordance with the objectives of the study. Based on the literature reviews, students experiencing STS instruction improve their achievements according to five STS domains in science learning. Due to learning via STS approach, students not only memorize the science concepts, but also enable to analyze scientific information as well as to apply it in their real-life situations, and set them on a path of life-long learning in science.

Keywords: Achievements, Science Learning, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, STS Approach.
pH dependent octanol–water partitioning coefficients of microcystin congeners
Authors: McCord James , Lang Johnsie R. , Hill Donna , Strynar Mark , Chernoff Neil
Published: April 2018

Hazardous algal blooms can generate toxic compounds with significant health impacts for exposed communities. The ubiquitous class of algal toxins known as microcystins exhibits significant heterogeneity in its peptide structure, which has been minimally studied, given the significant impact this has on hydrophobicity, acid/base character and related environmental fate and health effects. Octanol–water partition coefficients for the microcystin congeners MCLR, MCRR, MCLY, MCLF, and MCLA were calculated over an environmentally and physiologically relevant pH range. Microcystin-LR log(Kow) partition coefficient values were found to be consistent with previously established literature values, 1.67 to −1.41 between pH 1 and 8. Microcystin RR was found to be pH insensitive with a log(Kow) of −0.7. The remaining congeners exhibit similar pH dependence as MCLR, with systematic increases in hydrophobicity driven by the introduction of more hydrophobic residues to their variable amino acid region. The variation in pH dependent hydrophobicity suggests increased propensity for bioaccumulation and alternate environmental fates for differing microcystin forms, requiring further investigation.
Pump-stoppage-induced water hammer in a long-distance pipe: a case from the Yellow River in China
Authors: Zhang Yipeng , Liu Meiqing , Liu Zhiyong , Wu Yuanwei , Mei Jie , Lin Peng , Xue Fei
Published: April 2018

Pump stoppage can instantaneously increase the pressure within a pipeline, which is an extreme condition and poses a severe threat to the safety of long-distance water transmission projects. Reducing positive and negative pressures is essential to reducing this risk, improving operational efficiency, and avoiding system component fatigue. This study investigated the performance of a combination of dimensionless pump parameters and pipeline pressure in providing detailed information for designing protective equipment to mitigate water hammer effects, which are generated by sudden pump stoppage. The conditions of the method of characteristics were satisfied by conducting an overall transient flow analysis to estimate the potential of the increased pressure relevant to all types of operating schemes. Extreme pressure waves, produced by pump failure or rapid valve closure, can be prevented using efficient protective designs. The findings of this study can be instructive to alleviating the potential damage engendered by water hammer.
Pleistocene geodynamic evolution of the Arlanzón valley: implications for the formation of the endokarst system and the open air archaeological sites of the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, España)
Authors: Benito-Calvo A. , Ortega A.I. , Navazo M. , Moreno D. , Pérez-González A. , Parés J.M. , Bermúdez de Castro J.M. , Carbonell E.
Published: April 2018

The Arlanzón river is located in the NE Duero Depression (Castilian Plateau of northern Spain), where it drains the anticlinal ridge of the Sierra de Atapuerca, where a rich record of karstic and open air Palaeolithic archaeological sites are located, spanning the last 1.22 Ma. The geomorphological sequence of this valley is composed of fourteen fluvial terraces from T1 (+92-100 m), to level T14 (+2-3 m), ranging from the Early Pleistocene to the Holocene and mainly related to cold MIS. Available chronological data and terrace relative heights extracted from LiDAR data, have allowed the reconstruction of the downcutting phases of the valley, which show an acceleration of the incision rates throughout the Quaternary, probably related to tectonic uplift. In the Sierra de Atapuerca multilevel endokarst system, three sub-horizontal cave levels appear spatially and chronologically related to the Arlanzón fluvial terraces T2 (+82-91 m), T3 (+70-78 m) and T4 (+60-67 m)/T5 (+50-58 m). The association between fluvial terrace base levels and sub-horizontal phreatic caves suggests a relatively short period of time for the formation of these phreatic passages when compared to karstic vadose entrenchments related to the low incision rates of the Arlanzón river (< 0.038-0.045 m/ka). In the valley, the incision of 0.061 m/ka caused the progressive exhumation of a neogene limestone layer containing flint, which erosion and successive re-sedimentation phases by alluvial and colluvial processes on the valley slopes during the Middle and Upper Pleistocene caused many wide captation areas of raw material, which were exploited by the Neanderthals during MIS 3 and 4.
The geoarchaelogical research on the Late Pleistocene Mousterian occupation deposits of the Abric Romaní rock shelter (Capellades Barcelona, Spain)
Authors: Vallverdú i Poch J.
Published: April 2018

Changes in the focus of such research in conjunction with scientific advances have diversified the relationship between Earth sciences, Archaeology and History. Today, the core concept of geoarchaeology focuses on the study of anthropic sediments recovered from archaeological sites and landscapes. The potential results that anthropic sediments can offer were highlighted in the last third of the 20th century. Currently, the study of anthropic sediments is a dynamic field within archaeological research focusing on multi-scale analyses such as I try to present in this paper. Here, I give a sedimentary description of the living floors using sediments associated with the use of fire in the archaeological bed north of the Abric Romaní rock-shelter site. The data are the lithological descriptions of the combustion structures taken from the field record and thin section samples. The objective is to provide observations to demonstrate the physical reality of the living floors in the sedimentary record of archaeological sites and landscapes. My main conclusion highlights the importance of knowledge about historic and prehistoric human settlements in order to guide the field record and sampling of these rare sedimentary records. The aim of the research on the Romaní rock shelter is to report on the paleoecology and the autoecology of the archaic human groups through the archaeological record.
Carotico-vertebral Doppler Ultrasonography in Patients with Idiopathic Vertigo
Authors: Erkan Sanem Okşan , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Tuhanioğlu Birgül , Özdaş Talih , Arslan Muhammet , Arikan Osman Kürşat , Görgülü Orhan
Published: April 2018

Background:

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between caroticovertebral Doppler USG measurement results and Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form (VSS-SF) in patients with idiopathic vertigo.

Methods:

Fifty patients with idiopathic vertigo and 30 healthy subjects were included into the study. Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) examination, audiological examination, routine hemogram, biochemichal tests and temporal magnetic resonance imaging were performed to diagnose “idiopathic vertigo”. By carotico-vertebral Doppler ultrasonography (USG), common carotid artery (CCA) area, intima media thickness; and vertebral artery dimension were measured on the right and left side of the study and control groups.

Results:

CCA area values were not different between the study and control groups; and between the right and left sides of the each group. On the left side, intima media thickness and vertebral artery dimension values of the vertigo group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Correlation tests showed that CCA area and intima media thickness values on the right and left side were positively correlated with each other. Moreover, in patients with higher right; or left intima media thickness values, left vertebral artery dimensions decreased. Older age was associated with higher intima media thickness in right and left sides. When CCA values decreased on the right side, VSS-SF values increased; and patients’ complaints for vertigo got higher. Linear regression analysis (Backward LR) results also showed that the significant compounding factor on VSS-SF was right CCA area. As right CCA area decreased, VSS-SF increased with more vertigo complaints. Whereas, vertigo complaints and VSS-SF decreased when right CCA increased.

Conclusion:

We concluded that a decrease in the right CCA were linked with higher VSS-SF scores and increasing vertigo symptoms. Whereas, a decrease in the left CCA area and left crabial blood supply are more important related to the left hemispheric dominance in right-handed people. Moreover, an increase in the intima media thickness was also detected in the vertigo patients and it probably causes a decrease in the central blood flow.
Analysis of NSL KDD Dataset Using Classification Algorithms for Intrusion Detection System
Authors: Sharma Srishti , Gigras Yogita , Chhikara Rita , Dhull Anuradha
Published: April 2018

Background:

Intrusion detection systems are responsible for detecting anomalies and network
attacks. Building of an effective IDS depends upon the readily available dataset. This dataset is
used to train and test intelligent IDS. In this research, NSL KDD dataset (an improvement over original
KDD Cup 1999 dataset) is used as KDD’99 contains huge amount of redundant records, which makes it
difficult to process the data accurately.

Methods:

The classification techniques applied on this dataset to analyze the data are decision trees like
J48, Random Forest and Random Trees.

Results:

On comparison of these three classification algorithms, Random Forest was proved to produce
the best results and therefore, Random Forest classification method was used to further analyze the data.
The results are analyzed and depicted in this paper with the help of feature/attribute selection by applying
all the possible combinations.

Conclusion:

There are total of eight significant attributes selected after applying various attribute selection
methods on NSL KDD dataset.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL AND ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Authors: Topno (Fr.) Ignatius , Paschal Smita
Published: April 2018

Broadly speaking, the process of evaluation begins with the establishment of ‘performance standard’. At the time of designing a job and formulating a job description, performance standards are usually developed for the position. These standards should be clear and not vague. Achievement motivation is affect in connection with evaluated performance in which competition with a standard of excellence was paramount. Intentional actions are usually considered the prototype of all acts of will. Theoretically, a complete intentional action is conceived of as follows: its first phase is a motivation process, either a brief or a protracted vigorous struggle of motives; a second phase is an act of choice, decision, or intention, terminating this struggle; the third phase is the consummatory intentional action itself, following either immediately or after an interval short or long. The objectives of the study were to enquire the effectiveness of the Performance Appraisal System in the Schools based on the basis of gender, degree and type of school and to enquire the Achievement Motivation of the secondary school teachers based on the basis of gender, degree and type of schools. The population consists of secondary School Teachers teaching in Patna, Bihar and the sample consisted of 257 secondary school teachers. The investigator adopted survey method by using self-constructed and validated Performance Appraisal Scale and Achievement Motivation Scale. The investigator has used Mean, Standard Deviation and t-test to analyze the data. The major findings of the study show that there is a significant difference between the mean scores of secondary school teachers on the basis of gender ,degree and type schools in their Performance Appraisal System and Achievement Motivation of secondary school teachers.
Linking job performance and big five personality traits of employees in Chandigarh IT sector
Authors: Tuteja Neelu , Sharma P. K.
Published: April 2018

Present study investigates employees fromselectedIT companies in Chandigarh to explore the predictive validity of big five personality traits on their job performance and identify the relationship between personality traits and job performance. The Big Five Personality dimensions, commonly known as five factor model consists of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness to experience and neuroticism. The BFI-Personality Inventory – Revised and self structured Performance Appraisal Questionnaire were used as measuring instruments. A Correlation analysis and Causal Study (Multiple Regression Analysis) was conducted on 404 employees of selected IT companies in Chandigarh to analyzepredictive relationship. Openness to Experience, Agreeableness and Extraversion emerged as significant correlates and predictors of job performance and explained 35.2% of the variance in participants’ management performance.Neuroticism was found to be a negative correlate. On the other hand, Conscientiousness trait had insignificant relation to the model. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Nephrotoxicity and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Authors: Yang Bo , Xie Yun , Guo Maojuan , Rosner Mitchell H. , Yang Hongtao , Ronco Claudio
Published: April 2018

Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced for the prevention, treatment, and cure of diseases for thousands of years. Herbal medicine involves the use of natural compounds, which have relatively complex active ingredients with varying degrees of side effects. Some of these herbal medicines are known to cause nephrotoxicity, which can be overlooked by physicians and patients due to the belief that herbal medications are innocuous. Some of the nephrotoxic components from herbs are aristolochic acids and other plant alkaloids. In addition, anthraquinones, flavonoids, and glycosides from herbs also are known to cause kidney toxicity. The kidney manifestations of nephrotoxicity associated with herbal medicine include acute kidney injury, CKD, nephrolithiasis, rhabdomyolysis, Fanconi syndrome, and urothelial carcinoma. Several factors contribute to the nephrotoxicity of herbal medicines, including the intrinsic toxicity of herbs, incorrect processing or storage, adulteration, contamination by heavy metals, incorrect dosing, and interactions between herbal medicines and medications. The exact incidence of kidney injury due to nephrotoxic herbal medicine is not known. However, clinicians should consider herbal medicine use in patients with unexplained AKI or progressive CKD. In addition, exposure to herbal medicine containing aristolochic acid may increase risk for future uroepithelial cancers, and patients require appropriate postexposure screening.