bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comunicação e democracia
Authors: Chauí Marilena
Published: July 2018

Este texto distingue entre a concepção liberal da democracia e a sociedade democrática fundada na criação e conservação de direitos econômicos, sociais, políticos e culturais. Procura também mostrar a dificuldade da democracia no Brasil, mostrando que nossa sociedade é autoritária. O exame da relação entre comunicação e democracia é feito a partir da análise da recusa por parte da mídia de aceitar o direito à opinião pública e o direito à informação pelos cidadãos. Esse exame busca determinar o poder da mídia como poder econômico, político e ideológico.
Editor's Introduction
Authors: Hall Susanne
Published: July 2018

The editor's introduction to this issue of Prompt.
Management of Plant Growth Regulators in Cotton Using Active Crop Canopy Sensors
Authors: Trevisan Rodrigo Gonçalves , Vilanova Júnior Natanael Santana , Eitelwein Mateus Tonini , Molin José Paulo
Published: July 2018

Factors affecting cotton development present spatial and temporal variability. Plant growth regulators (PGR) are used to control vegetative growth, promote higher yields, better fiber quality, and facilitate mechanical harvest. The optimal rate of PGR application depends on crop height, biomass, and growth rate. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate optical and ultrasonic crop canopy sensors to detect the crop spatial variability in cotton fields, and to develop strategies for using this information to perform variable rate application (VRA) of PGR in cotton. Field trials were conducted in Midwest Brazil during the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 crop seasons. Two optical and two ultrasonic active crop canopy sensors were evaluated as tools to detect crop variability. On-farm trials were used to develop and validate algorithms for VRA based on within-field variations in crop response to PGR applications. The overall performance of the sensors to predict crop height and the accumulation of biomass in cotton was satisfactory. Short distance variability was predominant in some fields, reducing the performance of the sensors while making current technology for variable rate application of PGR inadequate. In areas with large scale variability, the VRA led to 17% savings in PGR products and no significant effect on yield was observed. Ultrasonic sensors present can be a low-cost alternative to implement variable rate application of PGR in real time.
S-N Curve Models for Composite Materials Characterisation: An Evaluative Review
Authors: Burhan Ibrahim , Kim Ho
Published: July 2018

S-N behavior has been a backbone of material fatigue life studies since the 19th century. Numerous S-N curve models have been produced but they have been arbitrarily chosen in numerous research works dominantly for composite materials. In this paper, they were critically reviewed and evaluated for capability using the following criteria: data fitting capability, efficiency of curve fitting, applicability to data sets at various stress ratios (−0.43, −1, −3, 0.1, and 10), representability of fatigue damage at failure, and satisfaction of the initial boundary condition. The S-N curve models were found to be in two categories—one for fatigue data characterization independent of stress ratio, and the other for those designed for predicting the effect of stress ratio. The models proposed by Weibull, Sendeckyj, and Kim and Zhang for fatigue data characterization appeared to have the best capabilities for experimental data obtained from Weibull for R = −1, from Sendeckyj for R = 0.1, and from Kawai and Itoh (for R = −0.43, −3, and 10). The Kim and Zhang model was found to have an advantage over the Weibull and the Sendeckyj models for representing the fatigue damage at failure. The Kohout and Vechet model was also found to have a good fitting capability but with an inherent limitation for shaping the S-N curve at some stress ratios (e.g., R = −0.43). The S-N curve models developed for predicting the effect of stress ratio were found to be relatively inferior in data fitting capability to those developed directly for fatigue data characterization.
Fabrication and Performance of Composite Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials with Palmitic Acid Ethyl Ester as Core
Authors: Yin Qing , Zhu Zhenguo , Li Wei , Guo Maolian , Wang Yu , Wang Jianping , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: July 2018

Microencapsulation of phase change materials (PCMs) could prevent the leakage of PCMs during solid–liquid phase change process. However, their applications are mainly limited by the compactness and thermal stability of the traditional polyurea shell microcapsules. To increase the thermal compactness and thermal stability of PCM microcapsules, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) was employed to form polymer/SiO2 composite shells to enhance the mechanical performance of polyurea and polyurethane microcapsule via interfacial polymerization and in situ polymerization. The morphology and chemical components of the microcapsules were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, respectively. The thermal properties of the microcapsules were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravity analysis (TGA). The results showed the smoothness and compactness of both polyurea–SiO2 and polyurethane–SiO2 microcapsules enhanced slightly, when compared with that without TEOS addition. Moreover, the SiO2 composite shell had good effect on thermal compactness, as the weight loss rate of polyurea–SiO2 microcapsules and polyurethane–SiO2 microcapsules decreased 3.5% and 4.1%, respectively.
Potential Threats from Variations of Hydrological Parameters to the Yellow River and Pearl River Basins in China over the Next 30 Years
Authors: Liu Lüliu , Jiang Tong , Xu Hongmei , Wang Yong
Published: July 2018

An assessment of the impact of climate change on regional hydrological processes is vital for effective water resources management and planning. This study investigated the potential effects of climate change on water availability, seasonal runoff, flooding, and water stress in the Yellow River and Pearl River basins in China over the next 30 years, using a semi-distributed hydrological model based on a combination of five general circulation models with four Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios and five Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. The results indicated annual mean temperature could rise higher in the Yellow River Basin than the Xijiang River Basin during 2021–2050. Higher risks of small floods and some big floods, but lower risks of rare big floods are projected for both basins. Water scarcity will continually threaten the Yellow River Basin, especially during the dry season and around 2025. In comparison with the effects of climate change, population variation was expected to have a greater impact on water scarcity. A longer and drier dry season is projected for the Pearl River Basin, which could aggravate water stress and saltwater intrusion into the Pearl River delta. Although the present findings have implications for water resource management planning, caution should be observed because of the neglect of reservoir/dam operations and inherent projection uncertainty.
AN INTEGRATED FUZZY AHP/DEA APPROACH FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF TERRITORIAL UNITS IN TURKEY
Authors: Çalik Ahmet , Pehlivan Nimet Yapici , Kahraman Cengiz
Published: July 2018

Due to the differences between regions and sub-regions in the countries, some problems come out especially in economic and social life. The issue of differences of regions has been widely implemented to evaluate the economic performance of Turkey in many disciplines. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of 26 sub-regions of NUTS-2 classification using integration Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The integrated FAHP/DEA method comprises two stages. In the first stage, linguistic terms are used to determine the decision makers’ opinion and are converted to quantitative forms by using FAHP methods. Subsequently, in the second stage, DEA method is applied to obtain relative efficiency of sub-regions in Turkey. The integrated FAHP/DEA method is illustrated with a real case study.
A HOLISTIC CONCEPTION OF SUSTAINABLE BANKING: ADDING VALUE WITH FUZZY COGNITIVE MAPPING
Authors: Carlucci Daniela , Ferreira Fernando A. F. , Schiuma Giovanni , Jalali Marjan S. , António Nelson J. S.
Published: July 2018

Integrating sustainability into the banking activity is an increasingly necessary but extremely challenging issue currently facing financial institutions. It is therefore becoming ever more important to understand the key determinants of sustainable banking and how they inter-relate with each other. This research aims to build a cognitive map – a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) in particular – to model, dynamically analyze and test the reciprocal influence of key factors underlying sustainable banking. FCMs have been shown to be particularly useful for handling complex decision problems characterized by lack of information or unavailable data. They constitute a methodological framework that allows for a reduction of omitted determinants – in this case, with regard to sustainable banking – and are typically able to provide a greater understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships between such determinants. We anticipate implications and practical applications for both bank managers and policymakers aiming to increase the efficiency of their decision making in the context of sustainable banking.
The Recoiling Black Hole Candidate 3C 186: Spatially Resolved Quasar Feedback and Further Evidence of a Blueshifted Broad-line Region
Authors: Chiaberge Marco , Tremblay Grant R. , Capetti Alessandro , Norman Colin
Published: July 2018

We present the results of integral field spectroscopy of the gravitational wave (GW) recoiling black hole candidate 3C 186. The goal of the observation is to study the kinematics of the [O iii]5007 narrow emission-line region (NLR) of the quasar, and investigate the origin of the velocity offsets originally measured for different UV lines. The results show that (i) the spatial structure of the NLR is complex. The [O iii]5007 line shows significant velocity offsets with respect to the systemic redshift of the source. Different components at different velocities (−670, −100, +75 km s−1) are produced in different regions of the source. (ii) We detect both the narrow and the broad components of the Hβ line. The narrow component generally follows the kinematics of the [O iii] line, while the broad component is significantly blueshifted. The peak of the broad line is near the blue end, or possibly outside of the sensitivity band of the instrument, implying a velocity offset of ≳1800 km s−1. This result is in agreement with the interpretation of the quasar as a GW recoiling black hole. The properties of the NLR show that the observed outflows are most likely the effect of radiation pressure on the (photoionized) gas in the interstellar medium of the host galaxy.
The Imprint of Neutrinos on Clustering in Redshift Space
Authors: Villaescusa-Navarro Francisco , Banerjee Arka , Dalal Neal , Castorina Emanuele , Scoccimarro Roman , Angulo Raul , Spergel David N.
Published: July 2018

We investigate the signatures left by the cosmic neutrino background on the clustering of matter, CDM+baryons, and halos in redshift space using the HADES simulations. While on large scales the clustering of matter and CDM+baryons is very different in cosmologies with massive and massless neutrinos, we find that the effect neutrinos have on the clustering of CDM+baryons in redshift space on small scales is almost entirely due to the change in σ
8. We show that the effect of neutrinos on the clustering of halos is very different, on all scales, from the effects induced by varying σ
8. We find that the effects of neutrinos on the growth rate of CDM+baryons ranges from ∼0.3% to 2% on scales

for neutrinos with masses

. We compute the bias between the momentum of halos and the momentum of CDM+baryons and find it to be 1 on large scales for all models with massless and massive neutrinos considered. We show that, even on very large scales, nonlinear corrections are important to describe the clustering of halos in redshift space in cosmologies with massless and massive neutrinos at low redshift. We find that hydrodynamics and astrophysical processes, as implemented in our simulations, only distort the relative effect that neutrinos induce on the anisotropic clustering of matter, CDM+baryons, and halos in redshift space by less than 1%. Thus, the effect of neutrinos in the fully nonlinear regime can be written as a transfer function with very weak dependence on astrophysics that can be studied through N-body simulations.
Recoiling Supermassive Black Hole in Changing-look AGN Mrk 1018
Authors: Kim D.-C. , Yoon Ilsang , Evans A. S.
Published: July 2018

The spectral type of Mrk 1018 changed from Type 1.9 to 1 and returned back to 1.9 over a period of 40 years. We have investigated physical mechanisms responsible for the spectral change in Mrk 1018 by analyzing archival spectral and imaging data. Two kinematically distinct broad-line components, blueshifted and redshifted components, are found from spectral decomposition. The velocity offset curve of the broad line as a function of time shows a characteristic pattern. An oscillating recoiled supermassive black hole (rSMBH) scenario is proposed to explain the observed velocity offset in broad emission lines. A Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation is performed to derive the best-fit orbital parameters; we find that the rSMBH has a highly eccentric orbit with a period of ∼29 years. The active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity traced by a variation of broad Hβ emission lines is found to increase and decrease rapidly at the start and end of the cycle and peaks twice at the start and near the end of the cycle. Extinction at the start and end of the cycle (when its spectral type is Type 1.9) is found to increase due to an increased covering factor. Perturbations of the accretion disk caused by pericentric passage can reasonably explain the AGN activity and spectral change in Mrk 1018. Currently, the spectral type of Mrk 1018 is Type 1.9, and we do not know if it will repeat a similar pattern of spectral change in the future, but, if it does, then spectral type will turn to Type 1 around the mid-2020s.
L’effet de la justice organisationnelle perçue sur la satisfaction des besoins psychologiques fondamentaux au travail
Authors: Fall Amar , Roussel Patrice
Published: June 2018

Cet article analyse les relations entre la justice organisationnelle perçue et la satisfaction des besoins psychologiques fondamentaux au travail. Il établit l’existence de relations entre les différentes dimensions de la justice et la satisfaction des besoins psychologiques définis par la théorie de l’autodétermination. Les résultats, issus d’analyses de régressions multiples réalisées sur un échantillon de 453 salariés, montrent que les dimensions de la justice organisationnelle sont positivement associées à la satisfaction des besoins. En revanche, leur degré d’association est sensiblement différent selon le type de besoin du salarié : besoin d’autonomie, besoin de compétence et besoin d’appartenance sociale au travail. Cette recherche conduit ainsi à noter qu’un management fondé sur des pratiques de justice est effectivement nécessaire à la satisfaction des besoins fondamentaux, mais certaines formes de justice semblent avoir plus de pouvoir explicatif que d’autres.
Siel bleu : un modèle de développement pour la France et l’Europe ?
Authors: Schut Pierre-Olaf , Pierre Jeremy
Published: June 2018

Les activités physiques prennent une place de plus en plus importante dans les politiques de prévention des effets du vieillissement. Certaines institutions internationales (OMS, OCDE, UE) ont ainsi publié des rapports confirmant le rôle de la nutrition et de l’activité physique en faveur du « bien vieillir » des personnes. De nombreux États, ainsi sensibilisés, ont mis en œuvre des plans d’actions sur ces thématiques à partir des années 2000. Des opérateurs privés jouent également un rôle important pour convaincre et coordonner les acteurs en charge des personnes âgées et ainsi développer leur offre d’activités physiques adaptées. Le groupe Siel bleu figure parmi ces opérateurs. Créée en 1997 en France, l’association a rapidement rencontré un certain succès par la qualité de son expertise de terrain, la création de programmes spécifiques d’activités physiques adaptés aux personnes accompagnées ; et également grâce à son action de plaidoyer auprès des collectivités, des acteurs de la santé et des caisses de retraite en faveur de telles initiatives. Ce modèle a été reproduit dans plusieurs pays européens. L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser les enjeux du développement de Siel bleu en France et en Europe, mais aussi les obstacles rencontrés. La croissance forte de cette association permet de rendre compte, dans une certaine mesure, du développement de la pratique physique chez les personnes âgées. Pour mener à bien ce travail, nous avons réalisé des entretiens semi-directifs avec les dirigeants des structures française, irlandaise et belge.
L’activité corporelle en EHPAD : de l’occupation au maintien de l’autonomie
Authors: Feillet Raymonde
Published: June 2018

Si les premières constructions de logements-foyers datent de 1966, l’activité corporelle, appelée encore « gymnastique », dans ces établissements a émergé principalement dans la seconde moitié des années 1980. Quelques expérimentations ont été menées dans une minorité de foyers-logements, où il s’agissait d’« occuper » les résidents, d’éviter l’ennui. Mais il a fallu attendre la fin des années 1990 pour voir se développer une éducation du corps visant le maintien de l’autonomie. Notre hypothèse, durant notre trajectoire de recherche, a porté sur la relation entre l’activité corporelle, ses contenus ainsi que les discours et les attitudes des animateurs et animatrices, et la perception de soi, de son identité, des personnes âgées. Ainsi, à la fin des années 1980, très peu de résidents des maisons de retraite avaient pratiqué un sport ou de la gymnastique. Trente années plus tard, la majorité des personnes accueillies dans les Établissements d’Hébergement pour Personnes Âgées Dépendantes (EHPAD) ont pratiqué des activités physiques d’entretien et/ou sportives durant leur vie. Parmi les personnes qui participent aux séances, certaines expriment leur déception. Cette étude retrace l’historique de 30 années de recherche dans ce domaine à partir d’observations de séances, de structures, et d’entretiens de professionnels et de personnes âgées, ainsi que l’analyse d’images et de discours médiatiques.
Motifs d’adhésion à une activité physique adaptée chez des seniors en ALD
Authors: Morales Gonzales Valérie , Schuft Laura , Fournier Marion , Noël Racine Antoine , Fuch Alain , Vuillemin Anne
Published: June 2018

Dans un contexte de vieillissement des populations et d’accroissement des maladies chroniques, l’activité physique adaptée (APA) émerge de plus en plus comme une modalité de prise en charge de la santé. L’efficacité des APA dépend de l’adhésion des participants. Cet article aborde les motifs d’adhésion de seniors atteints de maladies cardiovasculaires dans un programme APA en région PACA. L’enquête a été menée au travers d’entretiens semi-directifs auprès de 33 seniors participant ou ayant participé au programme. Les résultats montrent des différences de motifs entre les phases d’initiation et de maintien dans l’AP : il semblerait que si on vient pour la santé physique, on y reste pour le bien-être, notamment social. Si l’objectif de « guérison » est partagé par toutes et tous dans le démarrage du programme APA, le partage de lien social, l’absence de compétition et le cadre bienveillant et sécuritaire sont énoncés comme les raisons importantes d’adhésion maintenue au programme.
Les dérives de l’idéologie gestionnaire dans le champ de la santé mentale
Authors: Hendrick Stéphan
Published: June 2018

L’idéologie gestionnaire , mise en exergue par Vincent de Gaulejac, vise à organiser le travail dans les entreprises autour de valeurs telles que contrôle, efficacité et maximisation du rapport coût/bénéfice. Appliqués aux entreprises publiques ensuite et aux institutions de soins en santé mentale enfin, ces principes ont pour effet de pervertir les finalités et les modèles de travail de ces organisations comme en témoignent les exemples cités dans cet article. Au fil de l’analyse se profile une conception des soins en santé (mentale) qui n’a plus de rapport avec les besoins réels des patients et de la société. Cette conception participe au contraire d’une corruption des soins en santé mentale et du vivre ensemble, s’inscrivant dans un plan général visant à soumettre tous les rouages de notre société au primat d’une marchandisation radicale et définitive de tous les rapports sociaux. Un dévoiement en appelant un autre, le risque de dérive totalitaire n’est plus exclu. Des voies d’échappement sont néanmoins possibles comme la résistance non-violente proposée par Omer (2003, 2017).
Modelling of the Parameters of EDM in Gas Based on Back Propagation Neural Network
Authors: Lin Yan Cherng , Chow Han Ming , Lee Hsin Min , Liu Jia Feng
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study is to develop a predicted model of the machining parameters with relation to material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) of electrical discharge machining (EDM) in gas. The experimental tasks were implemented by a specific design of experimental method named central composite design (CCD) method. The mathematical prediction models between operating parameters and machining characteristics based on artificial neural network (ANN) were established. The back propagation neural network (BPNN) was employed to construct the architecture of the input layer, the hidden layer and the output layer to build the ANN model. Moreover, the weight and the bias values were examined by the steepest descent method (SDM) with the training data. Thus, the suitable ANN models were established with the acquired weight and bias values. The essential parameters of the EDM in gas such as peak current (Ip), pulse duration (tp), gas pressure (GP), servo reference voltage (Sv) were chosen to investigate the effects on MRR and SR. The developed ANN model with 4 input variables on the input layer, one hidden layer with 5 neurons, and 2 response variables on the output layer was obtained by the training with 30 experimental data. Moreover, as the prediction values obtained from the ANN compared with the 5 testing data, the error falls in the rage of 5% indicating the developed ANN is appropriate and predictable. Moreover, the developed ANN model can be used to predict the machining characteristics such as MRR and SR for the EDM in gas with various parameter settings.
A Study on Galvanic Current Variation of Zn Sacrificial Anode Made by Including of Additive in Solutions with Various Conductivities
Authors: Moon Kyung Man , Lee Myeong Hoon , Baek Tae Sil
Published: July 2018

There have been two cathodic protection methods to inhibit corrosion of the structural steel piles which are being immerged under seawater, or to control corrosion of a hull part of the ship exposed to sea water. One of them is a sacrificial anode cathodic protection method that the steel pile can be protected with galvanic current by potential difference between sacrificial anode and corrosive structural steel. And, the sacrificial anode cathodic protection method have generally merits compared to impressed current method because it can be easily applied to everywhere which is not connected with electricity. However, when the steel piles are being submerged in low conductivity solution mixed with fresh water and sea water, the structural steel piles mentioned above have not been protected occasionally perfectively due to decreasing of galvanic current of zinc anode caused by deposited with oxide film on the surface of anode. In this study, four types of zinc anodes samples which are included with three types of additives such as NaCl, KCl, and ZnCl2were prepared, and galvanic currents, the polarization characteristics of these anodes was investigated using electrochemical methods such as polarization curves, impedance, cyclic voltammogtam and galvanic current in order to evaluate the effect of additive affecting to quality of zinc anode. The sample added with NaCl indicated the highest value of galvanic current density compared to other samples in the case of lower and higher conductivity solutions such as 0.32 and 2.97mS respectively, and the sample added with KCl revealed the smallest galvanic current density in middle value of conductivities such as 1.53 and 2.27 mS. Moreover, Zn sample no added with additive exhibited the smallest value of galvanic current density in the lowest conductivities such as 0.32 and 0.98 mS. Therefore, it is considered that the galvanic current of the sacrificial anode can be increased by adding of additive when the anode is submerged in low conductivity solution mixed with fresh water and sea water.
Thermal Stability and Kinetics of the Thermal Degradation of Thermal Conductive Silicone Rubber Filled with Al2O3 and ZnO
Authors: Mu Qiu Hong , Peng Dan , Wang Feng , Li Jin Hui , Zhang Shuo
Published: July 2018

The kinetics of the thermal degradation and thermal stability of thermal conductive silicone rubber filled with Al2O3 and ZnO were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis in a flowing nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate of 10°C/min. The rate parameters were evaluated by the method of Freeman–Carroll. The results show that the thermal degradation of silicone rubber begins at about 350°C and ends at about 600°C. The thermal degradation is multistage, in which zero-order reactions are principal. The kinetics of the thermal degradation of thermal conductive silicone rubber has relevance to its loading of thermal conductive filler. The activation energies are temperature-sensitive and their sensitivity to temperature becomes weak as temperature increases.
The Fabrication of Multicolor Electrochromic Device Based on RGO/BOPP Using Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Buasri Achanai , Ojchariyakul Suparak , Kaewmanechai Patinya , Eakviriyapichat Waratchaya , Loryuenyong Vorrada
Published: July 2018

In this research, we focused on silver (Ag) nanoparticles that exhibit various colors on the basis of their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The effects of step-voltage parameters on the coloration of the Ag deposition-based electrochromic device were investigated. Further, we report the use of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) as the transparent conductive electrode. RGO was synthesized directly from graphite under a microwave heating system. BOPP film was coated with RGO by drop-casting method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), electrical resistance measurements and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The SEM and TEM images exist as typical wrinkled structure, folded region, transparent, indicating these layers are exfoliated to a very large extent. Our results primarily indicate that the novel BOPP/RGO/Ag/RGO/BOPP configuration presents an easy and expeditious way of preparing the voltage-tunable multicolor electrochromic device. The electrochromic device can be switched from the transparent state to the black state and yellow state.
Community perception of deforestation and climate change in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Olanrewaju R. M. , Tilakasiri S. L. , Bello F. B.
Published: July 2018

The studies of urban climate are attracting significant attention in the present dispensation due to the global impacts of climate change, induced mostly by anthropogenic activities. This study examines the community perception of deforestation and climate change in Ibadan, Oyo state. Data for this study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered randomly across the 11 local government areas using purposive sampling technique while 365 were retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results obtained revealed that majority of the people (77%) are familiar with the concept of climate change. 39% and 29% of the respondent perceived variability in temperature and rainfall respectively as the major problems confronting climatic parameters which invariably led to climate change. The result further shows that 95% of the respondent agreed that deforestation account mostly for the incidence of climate change. However, the impacts of deforestation on climate change were perceived to be severe (40%) in the study area. Meanwhile, 37% of the respondents believed that afforestation and mix farming is the most suitable solution to address the problem of climate change. The study recommended the use of environment friendly source of energy such as solar vehicle, bio-fuel and promotion of green environment (tree planting) among others to prevent severe impact of climate change.
Morphometric phenotypes and molecular identification of Fasciola species isolated from cattle in Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Iyiola O. A. , Shittu O. , Owolodun O. A. , Animasaun D. A. , Udeze A. O.
Published: July 2018

Fascioliasis is a serious infectious parasitic disease of human and domestic ruminants. It is caused by the common liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantic and it is of public health concern in some countries of the world. Species-level identification of these species using only morphological methods is unconvincing, unreliable and sometimes difficult. Molecular methods enhance the prospects of species-level identifications using a well established and highly reliable DNA-based approach. We used PCR-RFLP analysis for precise identification of Fasciola species collected from Nigeria. One hundred Fasciola adult worms were collected from selected abattoirs in Ilorin, North-central Nigeria. The parasitic worms were first identified by morphometric analysis using AmScope digital camera fastened to the ocular eye piece of the light microscope. For the molecular identifications, genomic DNA was extracted, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique and RFLP were used to characterise the Fasciola adult worms. Morphometric data showed that 70 out of the 100 Fasciola adult worms have characteristic features similar with that of F. gigantica as described from previous studies while the remaining 30 adult worms have characteristics that deviate from that of F. gigantica but did not confirm with characteristic features of F. hepatica. Agarose gel electrophoresis result confirmed successful amplification of two gene regions of Sodium Dehydrogenase I (ND1) from mitochondrial DNA of Fasciola spp. The PCR-RFLP analysis did not show any noticeable genetic variation in the Fasciola adult worms. We suggest more studies to be done using DNA sequence analysis and other molecular markers such as random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) to better understand the genetic variability and population structure within Fasciola spp. in Nigeria.
Ecotoxicologists must facilitate the setting of standards for safeguarding aquatic life
Authors: Wijesinghe M. R.
Published: July 2018

Intensified agriculture and accelerated development have resulted in large amounts of toxic chemicals entering our natural water bodies, imposing health risks to aquatic fauna. Considering the toxin levels at which ill effects are induced, the existing national guidelines for the release of effluents are seen to be inadequate for ensuring the safety of biota inhabiting these aquatic systems. The volume of research work on various aspects of ecotoxicology in Sri Lanka has increased in the recent past. A large majority of studies have focused on assessing the toxic effects of heavy metals – from among the wide range of toxicants – on selected aquatic and soil biota. Locally, many of the studies have used fish and amphibians for bioassays, while a few have investigated toxicity to earthworms and freshwater prawns. The frequently used endpoints of toxicity are the Lethal Concentrations (LC50 values). Other studies have evaluated the Effective Concentration (EC 50), Low effect concentration (LOEC) and No effect concentration (NOEC) considering sub-lethal impacts such as retardation in growth and development, occurrence of physical abnormalities, and histological, haematological and genetic aberrations. While many of the investigations so far have focused on selected species, ramifications at the community and ecosystem levels have not been assessed and still remain mere predictions. This article presents an overview of recent ecotoxicological research carried out in Sri Lanka on the effects of aquatic and soil toxicants on fauna. The scope of the published work has been outlined and the gaps in research identified. The article also touches upon directions for future ecotoxicological research in Sri Lanka.
Very early development of typical signs of Kawasaki Disease with transient coronary involvement.
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Cristaldi Sebastian , Reale Antonino , Tarissi de Jacobis Isabella , Granata Laura , Marchesi Alessandra
Published: June 2018

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited, inflammatory disease affecting medium-sized arteries and particularly the coronary arteries in about 25% of untreated cases. KD is a clinical diagnosis based on the presence of ≥5 days of fever and the presence of ≥4 of the 5 principal clinical criteria. We described, for the first time to our knowledge, a case of a very early development (on day 1) of typical KD with transient coronary involvement, diagnosed on day 2 of disease and treated with aspirin and steroids on day 3, with complete resolution of clinical signs and coronary involvement.
IMPACT OF MULTIPLEX PCR IN REDUCING THE RISK OF RESIDUAL TRANSFUSION-TRANSMITTED HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY AND HEPATITIS B AND C VIRUSES IN BURKINA FASO
Authors: YOODA Arzouma Paul , SOUBEIGA Serge Theophile , NEBIE Kompingnin Yacouba , DIARRA Birama , SAWADOGO Salam , OUATTARA Abdoul Karim , OBIRI-YEBOAH Dorcas , YONLI Albert Theophane , TAO Issoufou , SORGHO Pegdwende Abel , DAHOUROU Honorine , SIMPORE Jacques
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectiveThe improved performance of serological tests has significantly reduced the risk of human immunodeficiency and hepatitis B and C viruses transmission by blood transfusion, but there is a persistence of residual risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of multiplex PCR in reducing the risk of residual transmission of these viruses in seronegative blood donors in Burkina Faso.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September 2017. The serological tests were performed on sera using ARCHITECTSR i1000 (Abbot diagnosis, USA). Detection of viral nucleic acids was performed by multiplex PCR on mini-pools of seronegative plasma for HBV, HCV and HIV using SaCycler-96 Real Time PCR v.7.3 (Sacace Biotechnologies). Multiplex PCR-positive samples from these mini-pools were then individually tested by the same method.Results A total of 989 donors aged 17 to 65 were included in the present study. "Repeat donors" accounted for 44.79% (443/989). Seroprevalences for HIV, HBV, and HCV were 2.53% (25/989), 7.28% (72/989) and 2.73% (27/989), respectively. Of the 14 co-infections detected, HBV/HCV was the most common with 0.71% (7/989) of cases. Of 808 donations tested by multiplex PCR, 4.70% (38/808) were positive for HBV while no donation was positive for HIV or HCV.Conclusion: Our study showed a high residual risk of HBV transmission through blood transfusion. Due to the high prevalence of blood-borne infections in Burkina Faso, we recommend the addition of multiplex PCR to serologic tests for optimal blood donation screening.
DETECTION OF AMINOGLYCOSIDE AND QUINOLONE RESISTANCE GENES AND EVALUATION OF POLYMYXIN B SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE IN ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII CLINICAL ISOLATES IN TEHRAN, IRAN DURING 2015-2016
Authors: Heidary Mohsen
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTAcinetobacter baumannii is an important opportunistic pathogen, responsible for approximately 10% of all gram-negative nosocomial infection. The main aims of this study were to detect aminoglycoside and quinolone resistance genes among clinical isolates of A. baumannii and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Current study was performed from February 2015 to April 2016, at two teaching hospitals. One-hundred A. baumannii isolates were collected from different clinical samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done by disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Detection of the qnrA, anrB, qnrS, aac(3)-IIa, and aac(6′)-Ib genes was done by PCR assay. The results of antibiotic susceptibility tests indicated that polymyxin B was the most effective drug against isolates of A. baumannii and the isolates were most resistant to cefepime (97%), ceftriaxone (95%), and amikacin (82%). The aac(3)-IIa, aac(6′)-Ib, and qnrA genes were found in 45%, 50%, and 50% of isolates, respectively. However, qnrB and qnrS genes could not be detected in any A. baumannii isolate.This study showed that there is a high level of resistance genes among clinical isolates of A. baumannii circulating in hospitals in Iran. This high prevalence rate highlights the necessity for establishing rapid diagnostic assays, more antimicrobial susceptibility tests, continuous antibiotic resistance monitoring.Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, Aminoglycoside, Quinolone, Iran
Potential-pH Diagrams of Iron in Concentrated Aqueous LiBr Solutions at 25°C
Authors: Muñoz-Portero M.J. , Nachiondo T. , Blasco-Tamarit E. , Vicent-Blesa A. , García-Antón J.
Published: July 2018

Potential-pH diagrams of iron are developed in aqueous LiBr solutions with concentrations of 400 g/L, 700 g/L, 850 g/L, and 992 g/L LiBr at 25°C, which are common concentrations in different parts of absorption machines. Comparison of the potential-pH diagrams of iron in the absence and the presence of concentrated aqueous LiBr solutions shows that the corrosion area at acid, neutral, and weak alkaline pH extends to lower potentials and higher pH values with the increase of LiBr concentration, as a result of formation of the aqueous species FeBr2(aq) and FeBr3(aq) and destabilization of the solid species Fe, Fe(OH)2(s), Fe3O4, and Fe2O3.
Minimal Detectable Change on the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale in Community-Dwelling Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Huang Sheau-Ling , Lu Wen-Shian , Lee Candy Chieh , Wang Hsuan-Wen , Lee Shu-Chun , Hsieh Ching-Lin
Published: July 2018

The main purpose of this study was to estimate the minimal detectable change (MDC) on the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (LIADL) scale in community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia. Fifty-seven patients completed the LIADL assessment twice, about 14 days apart. Two scoring methods (dichotomous and polytomous) were used to record the patients’ performance on the LIADL scale. The MDCs of the LIADL scale were 1.5 (dichotomous) and 4.4 (polytomous) points. The MDC percentages were 22.0% (dichotomous) and 22.5% (polytomous), both of which are within acceptable measurement errors. The test–retest reliabilities of the LIADL scale were both acceptable with two different scoring methods (dichotomous = .75; polytomous = .76). Users can choose the scoring method according to their individual needs.
A Validated HPTLC Densitometric Method for Quantitative Determination of Zanamivir in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Formulation
Authors: Al Bratty Mohammed , Saleh Safaa Fathy , Alhazmi Hassan Ahmad , Javed Sadique Akhtar , Ahmed Adel Mohammed , Ahsan Waquar
Published: June 2018

The main purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for quantitative determination of an antiviral agent, zanamivir in pure drug and diskhaler powder formulation. Chromatography was performed on aluminum TLC plates pre-coated with silica gel 60F254, employing a mixture of chloroform:methanol:ammonia (9.5:3.2:0.2,v:v:v) as mobile phase. The TLC scanner was operated in the absorbance mode at a wavelength of 230 nm for evaluation of chromatograms. The system has given well resolved peak of zanamivir (Rf = 0.56). The linearity of the method was established in the range of 20-300 ng/spot; correlation coefficient (r) was 0.9995. The low values of limit of detection and limit of quantification (12.4 and 37.5 ng/spot, respectively) have demonstrated the sensitivity of the developed method. The reported method was precise in both intra-day as well as inter-day analysis; % RSD of peak area was found to be less than 2%, and has an accuracy within 100 ± 2%. The developed method has a potential to quantify zanamivir from its diskhaler formulation without any interference from other components. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by excellent recovery of analyte (99.8%) from diskhaler formulation. The current analytical method can be applied for routine analysis of zanamivir in pure form and pharmaceutical formulation in quality control laboratories.
Using free radical polymerization and Mannich reaction, synthesis and characterization of cationic polyacrylamides having similar molecular weight but different charge densities
Authors: Shatat Raid Saleh , Niazi Shaik Kalimulla
Published: June 2018

Using free radical solution polymerization technique and Mannich reaction, five different polyacrylamides with similar molecular weight but variable charge densities were synthesized. High molecular weight polyacrylamides were synthesized using potassium persulfate and N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine system as initiators. This was achieved by increasing the concentration of acrylamide monomer. They were then characterized by infrared spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and glass transition temperature measurement. These compounds with various cationic charge densities from 48.2, 161.7, 355, 425 and 485 C/g were prepared through Mannich reaction. The results indicate, by increasing the acidity of the polyacrylamide solution using sulfuric acid, the pH of the polyacrylamide solution decreases correspondingly. As a result, the positive charges increased resulting in the enrichment of charge densities.
Quantitative determination of clobetasone butyrate in bulk and cream formulation by a validated stability-indicating reversed-phase HPLC method
Authors: Alhazmi Hassan Ahmad , Manoharan Gunasekar , Al Bratty Mohammed , Javed Sadique Akhtar
Published: June 2018

A simple isocratic reversed-phase HPLC method for quantification of clobetasone in bulk and cream dosage forms has been developed. Chromatographic analysis was accomplished on an C18 column utilizing a mixture of methanol and water (84:16 v:v, pH = 6.0) as mobile phase. An effluent flow rate of 1 mL/min was adjusted and the detection was made at 240 nm wavelength. The method was evaluated according to ICH guidelines Q2 R1 for linearity, specificity, sensitivity, precision and accuracy. The method exhibited good linearity with correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.9993 over the concentration range from 5 to 50 μg/mL. The recoveries of the test drug from the cream sample was found to be 98.56 to 99.51% and the limit of detection and quantification were calculated as 0.85 and 2.83 μg/mL, respectively, suggesting the accuracy and sensitivity of the developed method. The precision was demonstrated by a low percentage of relative standard deviation (<1%) from six independent assay analysis performed for the cream formulation. Stability indicating property of the proposed method was demonstrated by performing the analysis of forced degradation samples. The developed method can be used for estimation of the clobetasone butyrate in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations for routine analysis in the quality control laboratories.
Three professions come together for an interdisciplinary approach to 3D printing:	occupational therapy, biomedical engineering, and medical librarianship
Authors: Wagner Joan B. , Scheinfeld Laurel , Leeman Blanche , Pardini Keith , Saragossi Jamie , Flood Katie
Published: July 2018

Background: Although many libraries have offered 3D printing as a service or available technology, there is a lack of information on course-integrated programs for 3D printing in which the library played a primary role. Therefore, librarians at the Touro College School of Health Sciences began exploring 3D printing for inclusion in the occupational and physical therapy curriculum.Case Presentation: The goal of this project was to educate occupational and physical therapy students and faculty about the potential applications of 3D printing in health care and provide hands-on experience, while increasing collaboration between librarians and faculty. Students’ tasks included designing and creating a 3D-printed assistive device as part of their course.Conclusion: Students were able to successfully print assistive devices, demonstrating the feasibility of 3D printing in a health sciences curriculum. Librarians involved with this project reached approximately 78 students and 200 other librarians and faculty members. 3D printing at Touro College continues to evolve and expand; the trial 3D printing course is being reviewed for formal adoption into the occupational therapy curriculum, and additional funding for 3D printing technologies is currently being allocated by Touro administration.
Thieme MedOne ComSci
Authors: Antunez Marilia Y.
Published: July 2018

Part of Thieme’s MedOne online package, MedOne Communication Sciences (MedOne-ComSci) is a small database of publications in communication science and disorders, designed to be a teaching and learning resource for upper-level undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and practicing professionals in audiology, speech-language pathology, and hearing science.
Martha Jane Zachert, PhD, AHIP, FMLA
Authors: Bridges Jane
Published: July 2018

Martha Jane Koontz Zachert, AHIP, FMLA, one of the Medical Library Association’s “100 Most Notables” and retired professor emerita, died January 10, 2018, in Tallahassee, Florida, where she had been retired for a number of years.
Inclusión y desempeño: el efecto de políticas educativas en Educación Superior. Un estudio aplicado a la Universidad Nacional del Sur (Argentina)
Authors: Ibañez Martín María María , Arnaudo María Florencia , Morresi Silvia Susana
Published: July 2018

En educación superior la deserción universitaria y la prolongación de los años de estudio son problemas que atentan contra las posibilidades de inclusión de los jóvenes. Para morigerar dichas problemáticas la Secretaría de Políticas Universitarias ha aplicado un conjunto de programas de mejoras, enfocados principalmente sobre las ciencias aplicadas. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar si dichos programas incidieron en el rendimiento de los alumnos cohorte 2010 y 2011 de la UNS, comparando alumnos de ciencias aplicadas versus alumnos de otras carreras aplicando modelos logísticos ordenados. Se concluye que los programas de mejora generarían una reducción en la deserción y un aumento en la retención de alumnos. Asimismo, podría pensarse de manera preliminar que la retención lograda resulta inclusiva.