bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Attention Control Using VR-Induced Multimodal Artificial Synesthesia
Authors: Reif John H. , Alhalabi Wadee
Published: August 2018

This paper is an interdisciplinary study of novel applications of techniques and tools of an area of brain science, known as Synesthesia (involving associations and/or confusion between distinct senses), to area of Computer Science known as Immersive Virtual Reality (VR), that makes the subject’s awareness of physical self be diminished by being surrounded in an engrossing artificial environment.  Natural Synesthesia has for the last decade been an important emerging area in brain science but is present in only a small proportion of the population. For example a person with Natural Synesthesia, when viewing a grapheme, may perceive a color additionally to be associated to the grapheme. In contrast, Artificial synesthesia (also known as virtual synesthesia or synthetic synesthesia) has been defined as the sensory joining due a cross-modal mapping device, where information of one sense is accompanied by an induced perception in another sense. In particular, we propose use of a multimodal manner of displaying information in VR to increase and concentrate attention. Artificial Synesthesia to synthetically create induced associations between senses, allowing Artificial Synesthesia to be experienced by anyone using a VR system. The paper describes the enhancement of immersive VR by use of Artificial Synesthesia to improve the system’s performance at steering and directing the attention of the user. We describe techniques for an enhanced immersive VR that displays associations between a variety of senses: between colors and characters, also between colors and sounds, and between sounds and the position of tactile sensations. The sense association provided by Artificial Synesthesia allows the system to better capture the user’s attention and better direct that attention.  A major application of our work in VR-induced Artificial Synesthesia is to provide an enhanced methodology for controlling the attention of the subject, and to improve the direction of attention of subjects undergoing guided imagery therapies for pain relief. Other potential high-impact applications include improved immersive VR, more programmable human/computer interfaces and other medical therapies.
The Effects of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Treatment in the Preventi̇on of Depressive Effects of Propofol on Cardiovascular and Respiratory System: An Experimental Animal Study
Authors: Doğanay Fatih , Ak Rohat , Alışkan Halil , Abut Serdar , Sümer Engin , Onur Özge
Published: August 2018

Propofol is the general anesthetic used for the anesthesia induction and its continuation. Propofol is generally safe and it doesn't have an antidote. Propofol has severe side effects such as cardiovascular depression and hypotension. The aim of this study was observed the effects of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) treatment in the preventi̇on of depressive effects of propofol on cardiovascular and respiratory system. Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley adult rats randomly divided into 4 groups. The saline administered group was defined as the control group. The second group administered propofol, the third group administered ILE, and the fourth administered propofol with ILE therapy. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Median arterial blood pressure (MAP), Respiratory rate (RR), Heart rate (HR) and mortality were recorded during 60 minutes of follow-up. In the propofol group, SBP, DBP, MAP, RR and HR scores were decline steadily, after 60 minutes all rats in this group died. In the ILE group with propofol, after a while, decreased SBP, DBP, MAP, RR and HR scores was increased, and these values were observed close to the control group. The mortality ratio of the propofol group was detected as 100%, and survival ratio was found 100% in ILE + propofol group. The side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia and respiratory depression which can be seen after propofol application in rats could be recovered with ILE treatment and mortality due to these side effects were prevented.
SGCD a Novel Candidate Gene for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Perez-Ortiz Andric Christopher , Luna-Angulo Alexandra , Zenteno Juan Carlos , Rendon Alvaro , Cortes-Ballinas Liliana Guadalupe , Jimenez-Collado David , Antonio-Aguirre Bani , Peralta-Ildefonso Martha Janneth , Ramirez Israel , Jacob-Kuttothara Stefany , Estrada-Mena Francisco Javier
Published: August 2018

1) Background: CFH and HTRA1 genes are traditional markers of increased risk of AMD across populations. Recent findings suggest that additional genes, for instance, in the dystrophin-associated protein complex might be promising markers for AMD. 2) Methods: Here, we performed a case-control study to assess the effect of SGCD single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a member of this protein family, on AMD diagnosis and phenotype. We performed a case-control study of 134 cases with 134 unpaired controls. Cases were 60 years or older (CARMS grade 4-5, as assessed by experienced ophthalmologists following the AAO guidelines), without other retinal disease or history of vitreous-retinal surgery. Controls were outpatients aged 60 years or older, with no drusen or RPE changes on fundus exam and negative family history of AMD. We examined SNPs in the SGCD gene: rs931798, rs140617, rs140616, and rs970476 by sequencing and RT-PCR. Genotyping quality check and univariate analyses were performed with PLINK v.1.9. Furthermore, logistic regression models were done in SAS v.9.4 and haplotype configurations in R v.3.3.1. 3) Results: After adjusting for clinical covariates, the G/A genotype of the SGCD gene (rs931798) significantly increases the odds of being diagnosed with AMD in 81% (1.81, 95%CI 1.06-3.14, p=0.031), especially the geographic atrophy phenotype (1.82, 95%CI 1.03-3.21, p=0.038) compared to the G/G homozygous. Moreover, the GATT haplotype in this gene (rs931798, rs140617, rs140616, and rs970476) is associated with lower odds of AMD (Adjusted OR 0.13, 95%CI 0.02-0.91, p=0.041). 4) Conclusions: SGCD is a promising gene for AMD research. Further corroboration in other populations is warranted.
Energy-Efficient Forest Fire Prediction Model based on Two-Stage Adaptive Duty-Cycled Hybrid X-MAC Protocol
Authors: Kang Jin-Gu , Lim Dong-Woo , Jung Jin-Woo
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we propose an adaptive duty-cycled hybrid X-MAC (ADX-MAC) protocol for energy-efficient forest fire prediction. The X-MAC protocol acquires the additional environmental status collected by each forest fire monitoring sensor for a certain period. And, based on these values, the length of sleep interval of duty-cycle is changed to efficiently calculate the risk of occurrence of forest fire according to the mountain environment. The performance of the proposed ADX-MAC protocol was verified through experiments the proposed ADX-MAC protocol improves throughput by 19% and was more energy-efficient by 24% compared to X-MAC protocol. As the probability of forest fires increases, the length of the duty cycle is shortened, confirming that the forest fires are detected at a faster cycle.
Classic Hodgkin Lymphoproliferative Diseases Clonally Unrelated to B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Successfully Treated with Bendamustine Plus Rituximab
Authors: Rai Shinya , Tanaka Hirokazu , Fujimoto Ko , Kumode Takahiro , Inoue Hiroaki , Taniguchi Yasuhiro , Espinoza Luis , Morita Yasuyoshi , Tatsumi Yoichi , Ashida Takashi , Matsuoka Ryota , Kikuti Yukie , Nakamura Naoya , Matsumura Itaru
Published: August 2018

A 62-year-old male was diagnosed with B-CLL and treated with Fludarabine-containing regimen which maintained the disease in partial response. Nine years after diagnosis, a rapidly growing systemic lymphadenopathy was observed, and a biopsy specimen revealed the presence of typical Hodgkin/Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells, surrounded by T-lymphocytes and CLL cells. Sequencing analysis of the germline CDR3 region of the IGH gene showed that the HRS cells were clonally unrelated to the preexisting CLL cells and the HRS cells were composed of five different clones, leading to the molecular diagnosis of de novo lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin LPDs with SLL. Because the initial treatment was neither effective for classic Hodgkin LPDs nor for SLL, Bendamustine, Rituximab (BR) was started and complete remission was achieved, which has continued for more than one year so far. BR may be a good therapeutic option for both entities without causing hematological toxicity.
A New Synthetic Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, MHY2256, Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy Cell Death in Endometrial Cancer Cells via p53 Acetylation
Authors: De Umasaknar , Son Ji Yeon , Sachan Richa , Park Yu Jin , Kang Dongwan , Yoon Kyungsil , Lee Byung Mu , Kim In Su , Moon Hyung Ryong , Kim Hyung Sik
Published: August 2018

We previously found a novel a new sirtuin (SIRT) inhibitor MHY2256 that exerts anticancer activity through p53 acetylation in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Here, we investigated the anticancer activity of MHY2256 against hormone-related cancer, which is an endometrial cancer with poor prognosis. We found that MHY2256 markedly reduced cellular proliferation at low concentrations against Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells. The IC50 values of MHY2256 were much lower than that of salermide. Furthermore, MHY2256 significantly reduced the protein expression and activities of SIRT1, 2, and 3 with similar effects as salermide, a well-known SIRT inhibitor. Particularly, MHY2256 markedly inhibited tumor growth in a tumor xenograft mouse model of Ishikawa cancer cells. During the experimental period, there was no significant change in the body weight of mice treated with MHY2256. Detailed analysis of the sensitization mechanisms of Ishikawa cells revealed that late apoptosis was largely increased by MHY2256. Additionally, MHY2256 increased G1 arrest and reduced cell cyclic-related proteins, suggesting that apoptosis by MHY2256 was achieved by cellular arrest. Particularly, p21 was greatly increased by MHY225656, suggesting that cell cycle arrest by p21 is a major factor in MHY2256 sensitization in Ishikawa cells. We also detected a significant increase in acetylated p53, a target protein of SIRT1, in Ishikawa cells after MHY2256 treatment. In a mouse xenograft model, MHY2256 significantly reduced tumor growth and weight without apparent side effects. These results suggest that MHY2256 exerts its anticancer activity through p53 acetylation in endometrial cancer and can be used for targeting hormone-related cancers.
Evaluating Knowledge and Assessment-Centered Reflective-Based Learning Approaches
Authors: Colomer Jordi , Serra-Saurina Laura , Cañabate Dolors , Serra Teresa
Published: August 2018

This paper addresses the development of knowledge and assessment-centered learning approaches within a reflective learning framework in a first year physics class in a university faculty. The quality of students’ reflections was scored using a Self-reporting Reflective Learning Appraisal Questionnaire at the end of each learning approach. The results showed the differences between the approaches based on reflections on the learning control through self-knowledge, by connecting experience and knowledge, as well as through self-reflection and self-regulation. Assessment-centered activities fundamentally help students identify aspects of their attitudes towards, as well as regulate, their sustainability learning education.
Targeting Amyloid Aggregation: An Overview of Strategies and Mechanisms
Authors: Giorgetti Sofia , Greco Claudio , Tortora Paolo , Aprile Francesco Antonio
Published: August 2018

Amyloids result from the aggregation of several unrelated proteins, due to either specific mutations or promoting intra- or extra-cellular conditions. Structurally, they are rich in intermolecular β-sheets and are the causative agents of several diseases, both neurodegenerative and systemic. It is believed that the most toxic species are small aggregates, referred to as oligomers, rather than the final fibrillar assemblies. Their mechanisms of toxicity are mostly mediated by aberrant interactions with the cell membranes, with resulting derangement of membrane-related functions. Much effort is being put in the search for natural antiamyloid agents, and/or in the development of synthetic molecules. Actually, it is well documented that the prevention of amyloid aggregation results in several cytoprotective effects. Here, we portray the state of the art in the field. Several natural compounds are effective antiamyloid agents, notably tetracyclines and polyphenols. They are generally non-specific, as documented by their partially overlapping mechanisms, and the capability to interfere with the aggregation of several unrelated proteins. Among rationally designed molecules, we mention the prominent examples of β-breakers peptides, whole antibodies and fragments thereof, and the special case of drugs contrasting transthyretin aggregation. In this framework, we stress the pivotal role of the computational approaches. When combined with biophysical methods, in several cases they have helped clarify in detail the protein/drug modes of interaction, which make it plausible that more effective drugs will be developed in the future.
Basal Ganglia Paths Support Acute vs. Learned Execution, Not Movement vs. Stopping
Authors: Rappoport Ari
Published: August 2018

The basal ganglia (BG) are a central component of the brain, crucial to the initiation, execution and learning of adaptive actions. The BG are the major site of the action of dopamine. An important aspect of the BG architecture is the existence of two paths, direct and indirect, having different projection targets and dopamine receptor expression. To understand the BG, dopamine, and related disorders, it is imperative to understand the two paths. The standard account used in neuroscience research for decades posits that the direct path supports movements, while the indirect path suppresses unselected or completed movements. This account is contradicted by converging evidence. Here, we explain why the arguments supporting the standard account are flawed, and present a new account, in which the role of the indirect path is completely opposite: to support learned execution. During acute events, ongoing execution is stopped, and the direct path allows coarse responses. These are refined by competition, and the resulting focused response is executed and learned by the indirect path, assisted by cholinergic interneurons. The new account allows a novel understanding of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and of its treatment by deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus.
Academic Librarians with Disabilities: Job Perceptions and Factors Influencing Positive Workplace Experiences
Authors: Oud Joanne
Published: August 2018

Although there has been increasing attention to diversity in librarianship, little attention has been paid to librarians with disabilities. This study uses a mixed method approach, using results from a survey and in-depth follow-up interviews, to investigate some of the characteristics of Canadian university librarians with disabilities, their job satisfaction, their perceptions of their workplace climate for diversity and accessibility, and the factors that influence their workplace perceptions. Although librarians with disabilities report a generally high level of job satisfaction, they are less satisfied with some areas related to workplace stress and job flexibility than librarians without disabilities. Librarians with disabilities also report less confidence that their workplace is inclusive, values diversity, and is understanding of disability-related issues. Factors influencing the work experience of university librarians with disabilities include a collegial environment, supportive colleagues and supervisors, job flexibility and autonomy, clear priorities and reporting structures, reasonable expectations about workload, time pressures and short deadlines, effective structures and processes to ensure accessibility, an accessible physical environment, and, most importantly, an understanding of disability and awareness of disability-related workplace issues.
Canadian and South African Scholars’ Use of Institutional Repositories, ResearchGate, and Academia.edu
Authors: Scott David Roy , Swanepoel Marinus
Published: August 2018

Since their initial development in the early 2000s, institutional repositories (IRs) have proliferated around the globe. Due to low faculty participation, however, content recruitment has often posed a significant challenge for librarians and others promoting their use. Through the last decade, academic social networks (ASNs), such as ResearchGate and Academia.edu, have become popular among scholars as a means to communicate with each other and share their research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixty scholars at six universities in Canada and South Africa to explore their views and practices pertaining to IRs and ASNs. Interviews were transcribed and coded to elucidate trends and themes in the data. The study found that few participants were active supporters of their local IRs. Lack of awareness, time limitations, and concerns regarding copyright remain some of the main obstacles to increased faculty participation. Conversely, more than half of the interviewees were active users of either ResearchGate or Academia.edu. These users valued ASNs both as a means of sharing their work and as tools facilitating connections with their colleagues internationally. Though IRs need not compete with these networks, proponents of open access repositories should be prepared to explain to faculty why they should consider having their research made accessible in a repository though they may already actively share their work through ResearchGate or Academia.edu. Significantly, both ASNs and IRs were more popular among South African than Canadian researchers. It is hoped that the results of the study will be helpful in informing the understanding and decisions of librarians and others working to develop and promote IRs and green open access more broadly.
TO THE QUESTION ABOUT FACTORS INFLUENCING NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKADE
Authors: Bestaev Georgy , Slepushkin V.D.
Published: August 2018

It has long been known that the duration of the action of muscle relaxants is affected by a variety of factors, and to a greater extent this effect is observed when using non-depolarizing muscle relaxants of medium and long duration. Surprisingly, factors, influencing neuromuscular block, are not becoming the subject of scientific discussion and are not reflected in modern literature. It is absolutely obvious at the same time that the study of quantitative dynamics of neuromuscular block represents a significant scientific and practical interest. In the given literature review the most important factors will be considered and discussed.
Ultrasound-based monitoring of cardiac output after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Izotova N. N. , Ilyina Y. Yu. , Fot E. V. , Smetkin A. A. , Kuzkov V. V. , Kirov Mikhail Yu.
Published: August 2018

Aim of the study. To assess the accuracy of USCOM in patients after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB).
Methods. We enrolled 14 patients who underwent elective OPCAB into an ongoing prospective observational study. The measurements of cardiac index (CI) based on USCOM (CIUSCOM) in comparison with thermodilution CI (CITD) were performed at seven stages during postoperative period. Statistical analysis included assessment of agreement in absolute values of CI using Bland–Altman analysis.
Results. Totally, 98 pairs of data were collected. According to Bland–Altman analysis of all pairs of data, mean bias between CIUSCOM and CITD was –1.09 L/min/m2 with limits of agreement of ±1.18 L/min/m2 and percentage error of 63 %. In a subgroup of stages with requirement of mechanical ventilation the intermethod bias was –1.16 L/min/m2 with limits of agreement of ±1.15 L/min/m2 and percentage error of 67 %, in a subgroup of stages after tracheal extubation the mean bias was –1.00 L/min/m2 with limits of agreement of ±1.23 L/min/m2 and percentage error of 59 %.
Conclusions. USCOM demonstrates poor accuracy with underestimation of CI compared to thermodilution technique both before and after tracheal extubation. This method can not be recommended as an acceptable alternative in cardiac surgery.
The influence of the composition of inhaled gas mixture in the inspiratory tidal volume and airway pressure during mechanical ventilation with controlled volume and pressure (experimental study)
Authors: Grachev Ivan N. , Shchegolev A. V.
Published: August 2018

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the composition of the inhaled gas mixture on the recorded indicators of inspiratory respiratory volume in ventilator with controlled volume, and inspiratory pressure in the Airways, in ventilator with controlled pressure. To carry out the ventilation with a mixture of helium and oxygen, the Hamilton G5 (Hamilton Medical, Switzerland) ventilator was used with a unit that provides the possibility of supplying this type of mixture. To simulate the lungs, we used TestChest Respiratory Flight Simulator (Organis GmbH, Switzerland) with settings reflecting the patientʼs respiratory system, both in normal and in pathological conditions. According to the results of the study, the composition of the inhaled gas mixture during lung ventilation with controlled volume does not affect the recorded inspiratory respiratory volume on the models of normal and pathological lungs. However, during artificial ventilation of lungs with a mixture of helium and oxygen with controlled pressure, statistically significant differences in the recorded inspiratory pressure in the Airways on the model of lungs were revealed in comparison with the mechanical ventilation oxygen-air mixture.
Modern aspects of the relationship between the functional state of the autonomic nervous system and clinical and laboratory indices of the bodyʼs homeostasis in brain injuries
Authors: Grechko A. V. , Kiryachkov Yuri Yu. , Petrova M. V.
Published: August 2018

A review of the literature is devoted to the analysis of the role of the autonomic nervous system as the main regulator of the bodyʼs homeostasis in heterotopic (anoxia, craniocerebral trauma, cerebral circulation disorder) brain damage. First of all, clinical, pathophysiological definitions and methods of pharmacological correction of manifestations of sympathetic and parasympathetic hyperactivity (paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity — PSH, paroxysmal parasympathetic hyperactivity — PPH) are considered first. An important aspect of the review is the evaluation of publications devoted to the prevention and therapy of systemic inflammatory response and secondary neuroinflammation based on functional adaptive responses of the autonomic nervous system. The mechanisms of the so-called cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway to systemic and local inflammatory reactions are discussed. The aspects of the influence of the norm and pathology of the autonomic nervous system on the metabolism and energy balance of the organism are described in detail. The prospects of normalizing the nutritional status through therapeutic effects on the structures of the autonomic nervous system located in the hypothalamic zones of the brain, changes in the regulatory influences of parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, the innervating liver, intestine, and pancreas are estimated. The interactions of peripheral structures of the autonomic nervous system and microbiota are considered separately. The relationship is shown in detail and possible mechanisms of the functional status of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system in muscular dystonia, respiratory insufficiency and veining are discussed from the point of view of evaluation and correction of the most important constant of autonomic instability in the form of peripheral chemoreceptor insufficiency.
Quantifying Foliar and Soil Uptake of Granular 15N‐Labeled Urea by Corn
Authors: Roberts Trenton L. , Greub Chester E. , Slaton Nathan A. , Kelley Jason P.
Published: August 2018

Core Ideas

Foliar uptake of nitrogen from granular urea placed in the corn whorl can be significant over short time periods.

Foliar nitrogen applications cannot provide season total corn nitrogen requirements.

Nitrogen recovery efficiency of whorl‐applied urea can be as high as 16.6% in the 11 d following application.

Corn (Zea mays L.) “green‐up” in the absence of rainfall or irrigation following broadcast applications of urea led to the initiation of this experiment. The objective was to compare corn aboveground‐N (TN) content, fertilizer‐N recovery efficiency (FNRE), and mass of fertilizer‐N recovery (MFNR) of granular urea applied directly into the corn whorl and directly to the soil for 11 d after the V6 stage under greenhouse and field conditions. Nitrogen rates of 0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N ha−1 using 2.5 atom% 15N labeled‐urea were applied to compare N assimilation via foliar or soil pathways. In the greenhouse, FNRE (16.6%) and MFNR (27.8 kg N ha−1) were influenced by the two‐way interaction of N rate and N placement (p < 0.0001) with values being maximized with 168 kg N ha−1 applied directly into the corn whorl at the V6 growth stage. The FNRE and MFNR of soil‐applied N were significantly lower than the whorl applications for all N rates (FNRE) and the two highest N rates (MFNR). Although not statistically compared, the FNRE and MFNR of the field trial were numerically lower than the values observed in the greenhouse. The FNRE of whorl‐applied N in the field trial was not influenced by N rate and averaged 7.1%, whereas the soil‐applied N varied across N rates, but was maximized at 1.9%. Results indicate that foliar uptake of granular urea applied directly into the corn whorl can be substantial over short time periods (<11 d) but not sufficient for season‐total N uptake.
Sequential Pyroxasulfone Applications with Fluxofenim Reduce Sorghum Injury and Increase Weed Control
Authors: Goodrich Loren V. , Butts‐Wilmsmeyer Carrie J. , Bollero Germán A. , Riechers Dean E.
Published: August 2018

Core Ideas

Selective control of weedy grasses is difficult in grain sorghum due to the presence of wild relatives.

Pyroxasulfone provided greater weed control than S‐metolachlor but caused more crop injury.

Sorghum protection from pyroxasulfone provided by fluxofenim was dependent on the environment.

Split applications of pyroxasulfone equal to the highest single rate provided similar weed control.

Controlling weeds selectively is a challenge when producing grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Pyroxasulfone, a preemergence (PRE) herbicide, has demonstrated excellent grass and broadleaf control in maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr]. However, pyroxasulfone is not labeled for grain sorghum because crop injury is a major limitation. Our first objective was to evaluate five herbicide safeners in the greenhouse to determine their ability to protect sorghum from pyroxasulfone. Growth data indicated seed‐applied fluxofenim provided the highest level of protection to emerging seedlings. A second objective was to evaluate fluxofenim for protecting sorghum from single and sequential pyroxasulfone applications in the field. A split‐plot in a randomized complete block design evaluated six pyroxasulfone (whole plot) and two fluxofenim treatments (subplot) in 2015 and 2016. A single PRE treatment of S‐metolachlor, an untreated‐weedy control, and weed‐free control were compared with pyroxasulfone to assess weed control, crop injury and stand count, and grain yield. Pyroxasulfone provided greater weed control than S‐metolachlor. However, as pyroxasulfone rates increased both weed control and crop injury increased, regardless of safener. In contrast, sequential pyroxasulfone applications (90/120 or 120/90 g ai ha−1) did not elicit as much crop injury or stand reductions as a single PRE application at the same total rate (210 g ai ha−1) and maintained weed control, which resulted in higher yields. Despite increased crop tolerance and yield with sequential relative to single pyroxasulfone applications, these findings indicate a more effective herbicide safener for pyroxasulfone in grain sorghum is required.
Exploring Nitrogen Limitation for Historical and Modern Soybean Genotypes
Authors: Ortez O. A. , Salvagiotti F. , Enrico J. M. , Prasad P. V. V. , Armstrong P. , Ciampitti I. A.
Published: August 2018

Yields (seed number) increased over time with modern soybean genotypes.

Seed protein concentration decreased over time.

Nitrogen fertilization impacted yield via changes on the seed weight.

Nitrogen limited yields for high‐yielding modern soybean genotypes.

The United States (USA) and Argentina (ARG) account for over 50% of the global soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] production. Soybean N demand is partially met (50–60%) by the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) process; however, an unanswered scientific knowledge gap exists on the ability of the BNF process to fulfill soybean N demand at varying yield levels. The overall objective of this study is to explore the potential N limitation using different N strategies for historical and modern soybean genotypes. Four field experiments were conducted during 2016 and 2017 growing seasons in Kansas (USA) and Santa Fe (ARG). Twenty‐one historical and modern soybean genotypes released from the 1980s to 2010s were tested under three N treatments: (i) control, without N application (Zero‐N); (ii) 56 kg N ha−1applied at R3‐R4 growth stages (Late‐N); and (iii) 670 kg ha−1equally split at planting, R1, and R3–R4 growth stages (Full‐N). Historical soybean yield gains, from the 1980s to 2010s, were 29% in the USA and 21% in ARG. Following the yield trend, seed N content increased for modern genotypes in parallel to the reduction on seed protein concentration. Regarding N treatments, Full‐N produced 12% yield increase in the USA and 4% in ARG. Yield improvement was mainly related to increases in aboveground biomass, seed number (genotype effect), and to a lesser extent, to seed weight (N effect). This study suggests a potential N limitation for soybean, although there are still questions about the way in which N must be provided to the plant.
Grazing Management and Buffer Strip Impact on Nitrogen Runoff from Pastures Fertilized with Poultry Litter
Authors: Pilon C. , Moore P. A. , Pote D. H. , Martin J. W. , Owens P. R. , Ashworth A. J. , Miller D. M. , DeLaune P. B.
Published: August 2018

Nitrogen runoff from pastures fertilized with animal manure, such as poultry litter, can result in accelerated eutrophication. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term effects of grazing management and buffer strips on N runoff from pastures fertilized with poultry litter. A 12‐yr study was conducted on 15 small watersheds in Booneville, AR, using five management practices: continuous grazing, haying, rotational grazing, rotational grazing with an unfertilized buffer strip, and rotational grazing with a fenced unfertilized riparian buffer. Poultry litter was applied annually at a rate of 5.6 Mg ha−1. Concentrations and loads of total N, NO3–N, NH4–N, organic N, and total organic C in runoff varied intra‐ and interannually and coincided with precipitation trends. Overall, the greatest component of total N in runoff was organic N. Rotational grazing resulted in the highest concentrations and loads of all forms of N in runoff compared with other treatments, including the continuously grazed paddocks, which were grazed almost twice as much. Total organic C concentrations and loads in runoff were also higher from rotationally grazed watersheds than other treatments. Rotational grazing is considered a best management practice that typically reduces soil erosion; hence, the mechanism by which it caused higher N and C runoff is unclear. Nitrogen runoff losses from rotationally grazed pastures were reduced by 44% with unfertilized buffer strips, by 54% with fenced unfertilized riparian buffers, and by 52% by converting pastures to hayfields.

Core Ideas

The largest portion of N in runoff was in the organic form.

Rotational grazing resulted in higher N runoff than continuous grazing.

Rotational grazing resulted in the highest total organic C loads in runoff.

Buffer strips and converting pastures to hayfields reduced N runoff.

Rotational grazing with a fenced riparian buffer reduced N in runoff.
The impact of organizational culture on job performance: a study of Saudi Arabian public sector work culture
Authors: Ben Saad Ghazi , Abbas Muzaffar
Published: August 2018

This research aims to assess direct and indirect influences of organizational culture on job performance, as well as to evaluate the impact of each sub-element of organizational culture on such performance. It is argued that employees performance derives, on the one hand, from a long-term perspective related to changes that organizations manage and implement during their process of growth. A second dimension of organizational culture can be given through organizational values, routines and distinctive aspects of culture that allow organizations to create solid competitive advantages. Since most studies in this field were held in Western work cultures, this paper will be devoted to the analysis of this relationship within an Arabic cultural environment and more specifically within a Saudi context. A quantitative study tool, based on a comprehensive research questionnaire, was used and the sample was selected from various government departments being operative in Alkharj. The findings indicate a positive relationship between organizational culture and job performance. Likewise, four organizational culture sub-elements, namely Managing Change, Achieving Goals, Coordinating Teamwork and Cultural Strength, were found affecting positively on job performance, but with varying and distinct intensity. Only Customer Orientation was found negatively associated with job performance.
Extensão Rural e Políticas Pro-Market: evidências empíricas sobre a produção e comercialização de leite em assentamentos do município de Santana do Livramento/RS
Authors: Sopeña Mauro Barcellos , Zardin Patias Tiago
Published: August 2018

O artigo explora e examina experiências recentes sobre a produção de leite em assentamentos da reforma agrária no município de Santana do Livramento, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O conteúdo empírico oferecido é analisado a partir de enfoques teóricos advindos das perspectivas novo-desenvolvimentista e pro-market de análise. No plano metodológico, as pesquisas bibliográfica e qualitativa são utilizadas com o propósito de revelar correspondências entre o que aquelas abordagens teóricas preconizam e o que a pesquisa de campo aponta. Os resultados globais demonstram que as políticas pro-market não estão contempladas naquela atividade produtiva. Ademais, ações de inspiração novo-desenvolvimentista, com acesso de produtores rurais ao mercado, são incipientes. A carência de políticas públicas de cunho estratégico – próprias do novo-desenvolvimentismo, é evidenciada, portanto, no conjunto de categorias utilizado.
Adequação das Chamadas Públicas para Aquisição de Produtos da Agricultura Familiar para a Alimentação Escolar
Authors: Triches Rozane Marcia , Silvestri Fernanda
Published: August 2018

O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar visa a oferta de alimentação adequada para os escolares de todo o Brasil. Um de seus mais recentes avanços foi a criação da Lei nº 11.947/2009, a qual garante que sejam investidos no mínimo 30% dos recursos para compra de produtos da agricultura familiar (AF).Este estudo tem por objetivo verificar até que ponto as chamadas públicas (CPs) realizadas por prefeituras municipais do estado do Paraná se mostram adequadas em relação ao público que pretendem alcançar e o quanto seu objetivo é atingido no que tange à compra efetiva quando comparada aos produtos que solicita. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de caráter quantitativo realizado através das análises das chamadas públicas e das prestações de contas de municípios do estado do Paraná no ano de 2013. Verificou-se que, em relação aos recursos provindos do FNDE, cerca de 70% dos municípios destinam 30% ou mais para a compra de produtos da agricultura familiar. No entanto, a demanda de produtos que constavam nas chamadas públicas dos municípios analisados não foi efetivada totalmente. Do total remetido pelo FNDE aos municípios pesquisados, 22% foi direcionado à aquisição de produtos da agricultura familiar via chamada pública, mas apenas 12,52 % foi realmente pago aos agricultores. Neste sentido, este estudo evidenciou vários problemas, relativos às chamadas públicas, como a falta de preço dos produtos, logística e periodicidade de entrega, prejudicando sua eficiência como instrumento de aquisição pública, dificultando assim que o PNAE alcance seus objetivos de promover uma alimentação adequada e o desenvolvimento sustentável.
Aplikasi Rasch Model dalam Mengevaluasi Intelligenz Structure Test (IST)
Authors: Suryani Yulinda Erma
Published: August 2018

Abstract: The concept of objective measurement in the social sciences and educational assessment must have five criteria: 1) Gives a linear measure with the same interval; 2) Conduct a proper estimation process; 3) Finding unfeasible items (misfits) or outliers; 4) Overcoming the lost data; 5) Generate replicable measurements (independent of the parameters studied). These five conditions of measurement, so far only Rasch model that can fulfill it. The quality of intelligence measurements made with the Rasch model will have the same quality as the measurements made in the physical dimension in the field of physics. The logit scale (log odds unit) generated in the Rasch model is the scale of the same interval and is linear from the data ratio (odds ratio).  Based on the results of the analysis that has been done on the IST test instrument can be seen that in general the quality of IST test included in either category. Of the 176 IST test items there is only 1 item that is not good, ie aitem 155 (WU19) so that aitem 155 should be discarded. Based on the DIF analysis it can be seen that there are 28 items in favor of one gender only, so the twenty-eight items should be revised.
Abstrak: Konsep pengukuran objektif dalam ilmu sosial dan penilaian pendidikan harus memiliki lima kriteria: 1) Memberikan ukuran yang linier dengan interval yang sama; 2) Melakukan proses estimasi yang tepat; 3) Menemukan item yang tidak tepat (misfits) atau tidak umum (outlier); 4) Mengatasi data yang hilang; 5) Hasilkan pengukuran yang replicable (independen dari parameter yang diteliti). Kelima kondisi pengukuran ini, sejauh ini hanya model Rasch yang bisa memenuhinya. Kualitas pengukuran kecerdasan yang dibuat dengan model Rasch akan memiliki kualitas yang sama dengan pengukuran yang dibuat dalam dimensi fisik di bidang fisika. Skala logit (log odds unit) yang dihasilkan dalam Rasch model adalah skala interval yang sama dan linear dari rasio data (odds ratio). Berdasarkan hasil analisis yang telah dilakukan pada instrumen tes IST dapat diketahui bahwa secara umum kualitas tes IST termasuk dalam kategori baik. Dari 176 item tes IST hanya ada 1 item yang tidak bagus, yaitu aitem 155 (WU19) sehingga aitem 155 harus dibuang. Berdasarkan analisis DIF dapat dilihat bahwa ada 28 item yang mendukung satu jenis kelamin saja, sehingga dua puluh delapan item harus direvisi.
Gebelikteki Yakınmaların Yaşam Kalitesine Etkisi ile Psikososyal Sağlık Düzeyi Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi
Authors: AKSOY DERYA Yeşim , ÖZŞAHİN Zeliha , UÇAR Tuba , ERDEMOĞLU Çiğdem , ÜNVER Hacer
Published: August 2018

Amaç: Bu araştırmada, gebelikteki yakınmaların yaşam kalitesine etkisi ile psikososyal sağlık düzeyi arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır.Yöntem: İlişkisel tanımlayıcı nitelikte planlanan bu araştırma, Mart-Eylül 2017 tarihleri arasında, bir kamu hastanesinin gebe polikliniğine başvuran 383gebe üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Veriler, “Kişisel Tanıtım Formu”, “Gebelikte Yakınmalar ve Yaşam Kalitesine Etkisi Ölçeği (GYYKEÖ)” ve “GebeliktePsiko-Sosyal Sağlığı Değerlendirme Ölçeği (GPSDÖ)” aracılığı ile elde edilmiştir. İstatistiksel değerlendirmede; sayı, yüzde, ortalama, standart sapma,pearson korelasyon, bağımsız gruplarda t testi ve anova analizi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Yaş ortalaması 28,3±5,4 olan gebelerin %27,4’ü lise mezunu olup,%66,6’sı gelirinin giderine eşit olduğunu belirtmiştir. Araştırmada, GYYKEÖ toplam puan ortalaması 74,1±27,5, GPSDÖ toplam puan ortalaması4,0±0,4’tür. Gebelerin GPSDÖ “Gebelik ve Eş İlişkisi” alt boyutu puan ortalamasının 4,3±0,4, “Kaygı ve Stres” alt boyutu puan ortalamasının 3,2±0,7,“Aile İçi Şiddet” alt boyutu puan ortalamasının 4,6±0,5 “Psikososyal Destek Gereksinimi” alt boyutu puan ortalamasının 3,9±0,5, “Ailesel Özellikler” altboyutu puan ortalamasının 4,4±0,4 ve “Gebeliğe İlişkin Fiziksel-Psikososyal Değişiklikler” alt boyutu puan ortalamasının 3,8±0,7 olduğu tespit edilmiştir.GYYKEÖ ile GPSDÖ toplam ve “Kaygı ve Stres”, “Psikososyal Destek Gereksinimi” ile "Gebeliğe İlişkin Fiziksel-Psikososyal Değişiklikler" alt boyutlarıarasında negatif yönde anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu ve gebelikteki yakınmaların yaşam kalitesine olumsuz etkisi arttıkça gebelikte psikososyal sağlık düzeyininazaldığı tespit edilmiştir (p<0,05). Sonuç: Gebelikteki yakınmaların, yaşam kalitesi ile psikososyal sağlık düzeyi arasında ters bir ilişki olduğu, gebeliktekiyakınmaların yaşam kalitesine olan olumsuz etkisi arttıkça, gebelerdeki psikososyal sağlık düzeyinin de anlamlı düzeyde azaldığı belirlenmiştir.
Web Tabanlı Tıp Eğitimi Yönetim Sistemi Geliştirilmesi; Özel Sonuç Raporu Özeti
Authors: BAŞHAN İbrahim , UYSAL Yücel
Published: August 2018

Zorlu tıp eğitimi sürecine ilişkin sorunların kısa vadeli çözümü; zamanı ve mevcut kaynakları daha verimli şekilde kullanmaktır. Tıp eğitiminin planlanması ve yürütülmesi sırasında göz önünde tutulması ve değerlendirilmesi gereken çok fazla parametre mevcuttur. Özellikle insan gücü ve diğer fiziksel kaynakların sınırlı olduğu üniversitelerde kısıtlı imkanlarla eğitim kalitesini değerlendirmek ve geliştirmek zorlu bir mücadeledir. Sonuç özeti sunulan bu projede özellikle tıp eğitimine ilişkin yönetici ve karar verici öğretim üyelerinin ve tıp fakültesi yönetiminin eğitim sürecine ilişkin olabildiğince fazla parametreyi gözleyebileceği, kontrol edebileceği ve toplam iş gücünü kısıtlı kaynaklara uygun şekilde dağıtacak planlamalar yapabileceği bir yapı oluşturulmuştur. Sistem tasarlanırken sadece eğitime ilişkin parametreler değil, yönetimi kolaylaştıracak; kurul çalışma modülleri (elektronik belge yönetim sistemi dahil), soru bankası modülü, Ulusal Çekirdek Eğitim Programı Uyumluluk Modülü gibi ek modüllerde sisteme entegre edilmiştir. Projede yer alan veri tabanları ve ara yüzler, tıp eğitiminin karmaşık yapısını ve yönetilmesi gereken veri büyüklüğünü ortaya koymaktadır. Projede gerçeklenen sistem esnek ve modüler olduğu için gerek veri tabanları gerek ara yüzler farklı istekler doğrultusunda dikey ve yatay eksenlerde artırılabilecek veya azaltılabilecektir. Yönetim sistemine ilişkin veri tabloları 'ilişkisel veri tabanı yönetim sistemi' mantığı ile yapılandırıldığı için tüm veri tabloları anahtarlarla birbirine bağlanmıştır. Farklı modüllerde yapılan değişiklikler tüm sistemdeki ilişkili tablolarda otomatik olarak uygun düzenlemeleri sağlamaktadır. Veri tabanı yapıları gibi hesaplama algoritmaları da modüler tarzda geliştirildiği için sistem üzerine aşırı yük bindirmeden gerekli hesaplamalar ve düzenlemeler hızlıca yerine getirilmektedir. Sisteme proje süresi boyunca sanal veriler yüklenmiş, gerekli testler gerçeklenmiş, çıktıların manüel kontrol ve doğrulamaları yapılmıştır. Her yeni geliştirilen sistemde olduğu gibi bu sistem de kullanıldıkça zaman içinde kullanıcılardan gelecek geri bildirimler çerçevesinde geliştirilmeye devam edilecektir.
El género Stevia (Eupatorieae, Asteraceae) en el estado de Morelos, México
Authors: Villagómez-Flores Erika , Hinojosa-Espinosa Oscar , Villaseñor José Luis
Published: August 2018

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El género Stevia (Eupatorieae) es el tercero más diverso de la familia Asteraceae en México, con 116 especies, de las cuales 107 son endémicas del país. Sus especies se caracterizan por presentar un involucro cilíndrico, uniseriado, formado por cinco brácteas que rodean a cinco flores y aquenios cilíndricos a fusiformes; por lo general con un vilano de escamas, escamas y aristas, o coroniforme. Si bien Stevia es un género relativamente fácil de reconocer, la identificación de sus especies suele ser bastante complicada debido a que muchas de ellas no están claramente delimitadas; además, varias hibridan o se reproducen de manera apomíctica. Por lo tanto, como una primera estrategia encaminada a mejorar el conocimiento de Stevia en México, se presenta una sinopsis taxonómica de este género en el estado de Morelos, el cual incluye una quinta parte de las especies mexicanas.Métodos: Se estudiaron con detalle los ejemplares del Herbario Nacional de México (MEXU) y de algunos otros herbarios nacionales y extranjeros. Con el análisis de los ejemplares se realizaron las descripciones y la clave, y con las etiquetas de recolecta se sintetizaron los datos ecogeográficos de las especies. Las localidades de recolecta se georreferenciaron para elaborar los mapas de distribución.Resultados clave: Se presenta una sinopsis del género para Morelos, que incluye una clave para la identificación de las especies, descripciones de cada una de ellas y mapas ilustrando su distribución geográfica en el estado.Conclusiones: En el estado de Morelos se registran 25 especies del género, 17 de ellas endémicas de México. Las especies crecen preferentemente en los bosques templados del estado, sobre todo en los bosques de pino-encino y de encino, con unas pocas de ellas tolerando los ambientes tropicales de las partes bajas.
Avant-propos au volume La notion de « chaîne opératoire » dans le monde : 50 ans d'études technologiques en Préhistoire
Authors: Gómez Coutouly Yan Axel
Published: August 2018

En 1964 s'est tenu aux Eyzies un symposium franco-américain auquel participèrent notamment Fr. Bordes, D. E. Crabtree et J. Tixier, décrit ensuite comme « une pierre de fondation de l’approche technologique » par C. Perlès en 1991. Un quart de siècle plus tard, faisant écho à cette rencontre, sont publiés les actes du colloque d'Antibes « 25 ans d’études technologiques en Préhistoire. Bilan et perspectives », confirmant la maturité de cette nouvelle démarche. Développée par l'école française (cf. les travaux de P. Bodu, M.-L. Inizan, J. Pelegrin, C. Perlès, N. Pigeot, J. Tixier et B. Valentin entre autres), il s'agit d'une approche qui met en œuvre diverses notions, dont celle de chaîne opératoire (initialement introduite par M. Mauss et A. Leroi-Gourhan), de remontage mental, d'économie des matières premières et d'économie du débitage. Cette démarche analytique et systémique vise à isoler les variations ayant peu ou pas de valeur techno-culturelle telles que les accidents de taille, les pièces déviantes, le rôle du support, l'état technique de la pièce ou l'influence de la matière première. Un demi-siècle plus tard, où en est cette approche ? Le présent volume, en illustrant la pérennité de cette école de pensée, se veut un début de réponse. Au sein de ce numéro sont ainsi rassemblés divers cas d’étude où cette méthodologie est appliquée à différentes productions (sur galet, sur éclat, bifaciales, laminaires et lamellaires) provenant d’Europe, du Proche-Orient, d’Asie, d’Océanie et d'Amérique. En présentant les recherches d’auteurs issus d’équipes et de pays variés, l'ensemble met en évidence comment cette démarche a su s’intégrer aux problématiques de diverses équipes en France et à l’international.