bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Études Des Caractéristiques Et Des Déterminants Des Mariages Consanguins Dans La Ville De Tiflet (Maroc)
Authors: Zhour Abbad , Ahmed Drissi , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Abderrazak Khadmaoui , Abdallah Oukarroum
Published: April 2016

The practice of consanguineous marriage is still very widespread in Morocco and in the Arab-Muslim world, where the customs as well as the cultural, economic and social motivations have most often an influence on the marital choice within the family. The purpose of this study is to define the determinants of this practice in the city of Tiflet and regions (Morocco). A survey was conducted on 1000 pairs randomly sampled between June and November of 2012. The results reveal a high level of consanguinity (38.9 %) and a significant association between this marital practice and the geographical and sociocultural factors such as: the place of residence before marriage, the education level, the profession and the age in the marriage.
In Vitro Interaction Between Oral Hypoglycemic Drug And Herbal Sex Stimulants: Drug Interactions
Authors: Hossain Md. Nazmul , Akther Nishat , Alauddin Md. , Bhuiyan Robiul Hasan , Hossain Muhammad Mosaraf , Rahaman Md. Abdur
Published: April 2016

Sexual dysfunction is a common, underappreciated complication of diabetes. Male sexual dysfunction among diabetic patients can include disorders of libido, ejaculatory problems, and erectile dysfunction (ED). All three forms of male dysfunction can cause significant bother for diabetic patients and can affect their quality of life. Diabetic patients take oral hypoglycemic drug to control their diabetic as well as take herbal sex stimulants to control to increase the libido. The combined use of herbs and drugs has increased the possibility of herb-drug interactions. The study was undertaken to explore the herb-drug interactions. To investigate the herbdrug interactions an in vitro dissolution study in different simulated pH medium were performed. In this study gliclazide containing tablet of 80mg as oral hypoglycemic drug and different herbal sex stimulants available in local market were used. The release mechanism was explored and explained with zero order, first order and Higuchi equations to identify drug interaction. Higher percentage release of gliclazide was found at simulated phosphate buffer of pH 7.4 compared to gastric medium of pH 1.2 and also in presence of herbal sex stimulants. Increased release pattern of gliclazide by concomitant administration of herbal sex stimulants gives slightly higher absorption, which gives the indication of herb-drug interactions.
Physical Rehabilitation, An Important Factor On The Treatment Of Multiple Scleroses: A Literature Review
Authors: Allushi Evis , Zekja Ilirjana
Published: April 2016

Multiple Scleroses (MS) is the most often neurological disability of the young adults in the world and most of the people are diagnosed between 20-40 years old. Rehabilitation is a component of the full management of MS focused on the preservation and function improvement and adds non pharmacological treatment in the care of the patients. The objective of this research was the review of the literature in relation to the physical rehabilitation as an important alternative in the treatment of MS. The research included the electronic data base of the libraries Ovid, PubMed, Cochrane Library, NLM Tools. The inclusion criteria were the published studies on the theme of physical rehabilitation as an important factor in the treatment of MS. More than 30 potential articles were identified, but we reviewed the results of seven articles related to the theme of interest. The review evidenced that the multidisciplinary rehabilitation in MS is effective ein the improvement of many daily activities and reduction of the disability. Most of the studies report improvement in the limited disability and life quality, but the deficit remains unchanged. Symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, ataxia and sphincter disorders profit from the proper pharmacological studies applied together with rehabilitation therapy. MS affects more females than males. The physical rehabilitation is more effectively if it starts early, before the disease progression. Many clinical signs improve from the proper medical treatment combined with rehabilitation therapy. The literature showed some contrary facts related to the efficacy of various rehabilitation forms.
Criblage De Quelques Genotypes De Ble Dur (Triticum Durum Desf.) Sous Un Stress Salin En Culture De Pot
Authors: Ayed Sourour , Othmani Afef , Beji Sadreddine , Amara Hajer
Published: April 2016

In this study, five durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp durum) genotypes: Agili, Arbi, Derbassi, Karim and Maali were assessed for 04 agronomical parameters associated with salinity-tolerance. Genotypes were grown under glasshouse conditions and exposed to five salinity levels (control, 3g/l, 6 g/l, 9 g/l et 12 g/l of NaCl) to evaluate their tolerance using their biomass and the relative salt-susceptibility index: R.S.S.I = R.B.D./S.I.I. (R.B.D.: relative biomass deficit and S.I.I.: salinity intensity index).Genotypic screening was also based on agro-morphological traits: tillers number/plant, plant height, grains number/spike and 1000 kernel weight. Analysis of variance revealed a significant (p<0.001) difference between treatments and genotypes. This difference indicated a large variability between genotypes. Results showed also that Maali variety had the higher agronomic performance and the lower R.S.S.I than other genotypes.
The Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Denture Wearing Associated Oral Lesions Among Dental Patients Attending College Of Dentistry Clinics In Aljouf University
Authors: Zwiri Abdalwhab M. A.
Published: April 2016

Background: oral lesions can be induced by wearing dentures and have been associated with impacting the quality of life of dental patients. Study objectives: to determine the prevalence of denture associated oral lesions and their associated possible factors in college of dentistry clinics, Aljouf University. Methods and subjects: this was a retrospective study to collect data from files of patients who wear dentures. The study included 344 patients. All files were reviewed and the extracted data were further analyzed using SPSS version 20. The relationships between variables were tested using One Way Anova and Pearson correlation. Data were presented as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Significance was examined at alpha < 0.05. Results: a total of 344 files were reviewed. The following oral lesions were found: denture stomatitis (48.8%), papillary hyperplasia (39.8%), traumatic keratosis (22.1%), angular cheilitis (16.9%), and erythematous candidiasis (10.2%). No significant relationships were found between oral lesions and both age and gender bases on One Way Anova test. Pearson correlation showed a significant positive correlation between traumatic keratosis and age (r=0.110, p=0.042), and a negative correlation between traumatic keratosis and erythematous candidiasis (r=-0.110, p=0.039). Conclusions: The present studies showed that oral lesions associated with wearing denture are prevalent and create health problems that impact the quality of life of dental patients
Habitudes Alimentaires Liees A La Survenue De La Maladie Hemorroïdaire Chez Les Ivoiriens
Authors: Amoikon Kouakou Ernest , Yapi Ahoua , NGuessan Anon Franck-Donald
Published: April 2016

A study was conducted in order to search for food habits related to the occurrence of hemorrhoid disease in humans, through a transversal and descriptive survey including 414 students of Université Félix Houphouët- Boigny (UFHB) of Côte d’Ivoire. Respondents had diverse diets in which it was found the six groups of food, as described by Nicolet and Mautrait (1995). Additionally, spiced and exciting products were associated to this study. Hemorrhoid disease was diagnosed by anal examination, and the numeration of the blood formula was determined by a numerator spectrophotometer. Results revealed that 262 respondents (63.28 %) suffered from digestive disorders. Among them, 168 (64.12 %) had hemorrhoid disease. These ones used to eat, more than 3 times per week, red meat (beef, lamb, goat, pork). However, results of blood analysis showed that cases of hemorrhoid disease were neither associated with anemia nor infection (P≥0.05). These results demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge in Côte d’Ivoire, a cause and effect relationship between diets rich in red meat and the occurrence of hemorrhoid disease (P≤0.05).
Aspects Épidémiologiques, Diagnostiques Et Thérapeutiques Des Traumatismes Abdominaux À Bembéréké-Nord Bénin
Authors: Sambo Bio Tamou , Hodonou Adrien Montcho , Allode Alexandre Salako , Mensah Emile , Youssouf Mohamed , Menhinto Delphin
Published: April 2016

Objective: describe the epidemiological, diagnostic aspects and therapeutic approaches at Bembereke in northern Benin. Patients and methods: all victims of abdominal trauma received in the department of surgery between 1 st January 2010 and 30 July 2013 and with complete records were included in this retrospective study. Results: The abdominal trauma accounted for 1.1% of hospitalization and 10% of abdominal emergencies. The average age of patients was 28.04 ± 22.25 years with extremes of 02 and 67 years. The sex ratio equaled to 7.17. Half of the patients were children under 15 years. The first three circumstances abdominal trauma was road traffic accidents 31 (31.63%) cases, animal aggression 27 (27.55%) cases and falls from a tree 14 (14,29%) cases. Contusions were found in 73 (74.50%) cases and wounds in 25 (25.50%) cases. Fifty four (55.10%) laparotomy were performed. The rate of white laparotomy is 5.55% with 3 cases. The spleen was the most affected organ (15%) followed by small bowel (13%). Morbidity was 8.16% dominated by parietal suppuration. The rate of mortality was 2.04%. Mean hospital stay was 10.7 days. Conclusion: abdominal trauma interested young adult male in northern Benin. Road traffic accidents and animal injuries were the leading causes
Acumulación De Restos Lignino-Celulósicos (Necromasa) En Un Bosque Templado De Antiguo Crecimiento Dominado Por Nothofagus En El Centro- Sur De Chile
Authors: Pinargote Carlos Belezaca , Piloso Darwin Salvatierra , Campusano Diana Delgado , Bórquez Roberto Godoy , Flores Eduardo Valenzuela , Romero Edwin Jiménez , Tobar Rolando López , Mite Renato Baque , Anangono Roberto Herrera , Bayas Byron Oviedo , Arevalo María Cadme , Barros Tito Bohórquez , Montufar Carmen Vásconez
Published: April 2016

Coarse woody debris (CWD) are the necromass in wooded environments and comply with various ecosystems functions, such as seedling nursery, habitat other organisms, store carbon (C) and nutrients, etc.. Volume, necromass, and decay states of CWD dead in an old-growth temperate (OGTF) forest in Puyehue National Park, South-Central Chile were evaluated. In 10 plots of 900 m2 CWD was quantified (≥ 10 cm diameter), whose necromass classified using a scale of five categories/stages of decay, necromass (1 = lowest and 5 = highest degradation). The average forest density was 299 trees ha-1, 112 m2 ha-1 of basal area, and 2.395 m3 of stem volume. The upper arboreal stratum was dominated by N. betuloides. The greatest amount of CWD belonged to N. betuloides (95,2%), where logs (52,7%) and branches (35%), plant structures were present in greater numbers. The bulk of necromass found in advanced states of decomposition (level 4 and 5) with 56,5% and 34,1%, respectively. It was determined that the CWD volume was 632 m3 ha-1, representing a necromass of 321.5 Mg ha- 1. These results demonstrate that the old-growth temperate forests of southern Chile are significant reserves of coarse woody debris, which contributes to the biogeochemistry of these complex and remote ecosystems.
Análise de viabilidade do aproveitamento energético do gás de aterro para a cidade de Cruzeiro [SP]
Authors: Silva Leticia De Oliveira , Lopes Matheus Martins , Vela Germán Andres Lozano , Medeiros Luiz Otávio Campos de , Souza Junior Paulo Antonio De
Published: April 2016

Os resíduos sólidos estão relacionados a doenças e à poluição ambiental, a necessidade de maior conhecimento da composição desses resíduos e da melhor maneira para a disposição final destes resíduos. A importância do saneamento ambiental pode ser observada na PNRS (Politica Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos), que descreve a necessidade de limpeza urbana e coleta seletiva, a partir da implantação de metas para melhor destinação destes resíduos. Com a finalidade de uma visão geral dos resíduos sólidos produzidos na cidade de Cruzeiro-SP, realizou-se uma projeção e análise da construção de um aterro sanitário para o acondicionamento destes resíduos, iniciando-se pelo ano de 2013, por um período de 20 anos. A falta de lugares para acondicionamento de resíduos resulta em contaminação de lençóis freáticos e solos. Com o auxilio do software “WARM”, fez-se a análise de três cenários, com a reciclagem de materiais e utilização para compostagem, sendo os cenários 2 e 3 com o aproveitamento do gás para geração de energia. Após a construção destes cenários foi feita a análise econômica destes cenários. A partir da análise econômica foi possível estabelecer o melhor cenário a ser adotado para a cidade de Cruzeiro-SP.
La dimensión cultural en los paisajes de la Cuarta Colonia de Inmigración de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Schwerz João Paulo
Published: April 2016

El artículo presenta el trayecto y resultados preliminares de la tesis titulada “Patrimonio y Planificación – Aproximación a partir del paisaje de Agudo-RS” en elaboración en el Programa de Posgrado en Planificación Urbana y Regional de la Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – Brasil. La investigación parte de la región conocida como Cuarta Colonia y trata de la relación entre patrimonio y paisaje para desarrollar una lectura amplia del territorio integrando factores culturales que no siempre son considerados, con el objetivo de discutir alternativas para su inserción de forma más eficaz en la planificación territorial del sur de Brasil. Por tanto se busca identificar y evaluar sus paisajes a partir de tres ejes de análisis: (1) experiencia y percepción local; (2) cuadro institucional del territorio; y (3) estructura histórica y estética de los paisajes.
Do planejamento integral à integração ao território e à paisagem: o Estado e a criação do espaço turístico em ambientes costeiros
Authors: Reis Almir Francisco , Sabaté Bel Joaquín
Published: April 2016

Apesar da aparente espontaneidade, o processo de transformação de áreas litorâneas a partir do desenvolvimento turístico é marcado, também, pela realização de esforços de planejamento por parte de governos nacionais ou municipais. Das primeiras atuações europeias dos anos 1950, onde infraestruturas, equipamentos e alojamentos foram criados integralmente à margem de estruturas preexistentes, aos esforços atuais de requalificação de zonas criadas pelo desenvolvimento da atividade, muito foi feito e, gradualmente, novas variáveis foram incorporadas. Este trabalho analisa algumas dessas experiências, no sentido de demonstrar como valores do território, questões ambientais e distintas configurações urbanas têm sido incorporadas pelo planejamento do território turístico. A amostra incorpora os casos do Languedoc-Roussillon, na França e do FONATUR, no México, exemplos de atuação integral do Estado, bem como atuações de planejamento ocorridas a partir dos anos 1990, na Espanha, que sintetizam buscas contemporâneas de requalificação de estruturas turísticas criadas pelo mercado em décadas anteriores.
Linguagem e representação: considerações no universo da Ciência Informação
Authors: Ferreira Marilucy Da Silva
Published: April 2016

Apresenta discussão teórica sobre a linguagem, a metalinguagem e a metarrepresentação, bem como as palavras-chave e a sua função no campo da Ciência da Informação, pois, elas têm sido importantes aliadas para a representação de textos como os artigos de periódicos. O texto aborda conceitos de vários autores, buscando ratificar a importância de se debater esses conteúdos, em virtude de sua necessidade junto ao processo de representação e recuperação da informação. Vislumbrando o crescimento informacional e as novas formas de representar e recuperar conteúdos, os processos e instrumentos de representação e recuperação precisam se adequar conforme as necessidades de se obter informação.
Os benefícios das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) no processo de Educação a Distância (EAD)
Authors: Farias Suelen Conceição
Published: April 2016

Este artigo apresenta, com base na literatura pesquisada acerca do tema, o conceito, as características e os benefícios proporcionados pelo uso das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) no processo de Educação a Distância (EAD), de maneira a facilitar o processo ensino-aprendizagem, assim como incentivar a disseminação de informações e experiências entre alunos e professores e/ou tutores. Também mostra exemplos de ferramentas tecnológicas utilizadas na EAD com o intuito de favorecer tal comunicação.
A folksonomia como modelo emergente da representação e organização da informação
Authors: Santana Glessa Heryka Celestino de
Published: April 2016

Contextualiza a nova modalidade de representação da informação denominada folksonomia, a qual é utilizada na web, ambiente marcadamente caracterizado pela flexibilidade e dinamismo. Apresenta as linguagens documentárias como instrumentos convencionais para a representação da informação e faz uma comparação entre esse modelo tradicional, operado por especialistas por meio de linguagem controlada, e a folksonomia, a partir da qual usuários comuns atribuem livremente etiquetas em linguagem natural. Considera o uso da livre etiquetagem em face da hiper-segmentação do conhecimento no ambiente virtual.
Central de informações em organizações públicas: ferramenta de gestão informacional
Authors: Gardin Daniela Do Amaral Oliveira , Maçaneiro Marlete Beatriz
Published: April 2016

Este artigo investigou a realização da gestão informacional da Central de Informações (CEINF), de uma Universidade Pública do estado do Paraná. Para isso, foi estabelecido o objetivo geral de investigar como poderia ser melhorada a execução das suas atividades ao se apresentar como importante instrumento de gestão da massa informacional da instituição. Quanto à sua natureza a pesquisa foi aplicada e sua abordagem foi qualitativa e descritiva, por meio de estudo de caso. Para a coleta de dados, foram utilizados os instrumentos de observação direta não-participante, realização de entrevistas e aplicação de questionários. Como principais resultados, verificou-se que os públicos interno e externo reconhecem parcialmente o potencial informativo que a CEINF tem condições de oferecer, bem como a sua eficiência como verdadeira ferramenta de gestão. Para redirecionar esse reconhecimento, foram sugeridas algumas ações com vistas à melhoria da gestão, dos atendimentos e dos serviços oferecidos pela CEINF.
The Role of Social Media in Crisis Communication and Crisis Management
Authors: Civelek Mustafa Emre , Cemberci Murat , Eralp Necati Erdem
Published: April 2016

Social media and social media tools have improved rapidly and started to influence society especially in recent years. This influence has forced businesses to revolutionize their communication with the external environment. The fact that Web 2.0 has an influence on consumer behavior, and that it makes the consumers stronger; requires faster, more flexible and more sensitive communication processes in businesses. Especially during a time of crisis, a business’ communication with the external environment is quite critical. For this reason, the way how the crisis communication is managed through social media is vital for businesses. In this article, the perceptions of how to manage businesses during a time of crisis so that they make minimum loss, is shared.
A Theoretical Assessment of the Formation of IT clusters in Kazakhstan
Authors: Kireyeva Anel A
Published: April 2016

The aim of this research is to develop new theoretical approaches of the formation of IT clusters in order to strengthen of trend of the innovative industrialization and competitiveness of the country. Keeping with the previous literature, this study determines by the novelty of the problem, concerning the formation of IT clusters, which can become a driving force of transformation due to the interaction, improving efficiency and introducing advanced technology. In this research, we used conceptual approach employs the study of different conceptual views of scientists on a specific research object; structured approach involves determination of properties of a whole object by identifying the different relationships; system approach aims to develop research methods and design of complex objects – systems of different types. This study allows to conclude that IT-clusters will be most effective when they evolve naturally, originating under the action of internal forces of consolidation of  innovative, information and communications infrastructure (industrial parks, techno polis, research laboratories and business incubators, formation of soft infrastructure), that can help to find quick, innovative and creative ways to solve problems.
Total Factor Productivity Change in the Middle East Banking
Authors: Isik Ihsan , Kulali Ihsan , Agcayazi-Yilmaz Busra
Published: April 2016

This paper analyzes the total factor productivity developments in the Middle East banking, by drawing on the experience of Jordanian banks at the start of the new millennium. In order to control for the effects of different specifications of banking technology on the results, this study estimates the productivity and efficiency growth scores under two alternative approaches, production and intermediation models. On average, under the former model, we found 79% technical efficiency and 3.2% productivity growth, while under the later model we found 92% technical efficiency and 3.3% productivity growth for the sector. One implication is that the Jordanian banks can obtain considerable resource savings if they can catch up with the best practice banks. Among the organizational forms operating in this emerging market, we found that commercial banks generally outperform both investment and Islamic banks in terms of efficiency and total factor productivity growth.
Mediation as an Ethical Adjunct of Stakeholder Theory
Authors: Dubey Khushbu , Dasgupta Dr. Pooja
Published: April 2016

Integration of stakeholders in business decision making is very vital. The bottom line for stakeholder management has to be the set of transactions that managers in organizations have with stakeholders. When conflict arises between organizations its stakeholders, it might damage the organization. There is always a very high possibility of conflict between stakeholders and organizations. These conflicts can be often handled by mediation. Mediation is a way in which the parties in conflict with the aid of neutral third party cooperate to resolve the differences. Parties enter into mediation voluntarily. The mediator must be a neutral third-party, acceptable to all disputants, and should not have decision making power regarding the conflict as would a judge or arbitrator. The mediator assists the parties in voluntarily reaching their own mutually acceptable settlement of the issues in dispute. In this article we try to explain the answers to these two questions using resource dependence theory. We propose that the types of influence strategies can be understood in terms of resources and a determinant of the choice of strategies will be the type of resource relationship the firm and stakeholder have and where the balance of power lies within that relationship.
SYNTHESIS OF ACTIVATED CARBONS ORIGINATED FROM ORANGE PEEL BY SUBCRITICAL CO2 ACTIVATION METHOD
Authors: Arie Arenst Andreas
Published: April 2016

Low-cost and environmental friendly activated carbons were synthesized from orange peel waste by carbonization followed by activation process using supercritical carbon dioxide. The carbonization process of orange peel waste was conducted in the electrical furnace at temperature of 800 °C for 2 h. Activation process of the impregnated orange peel was carried out in the tubular furnace for 1 h at activation temperature of 140 °C and pressure variation of 80, 125 and 170 bar. Activated carbon with highest surface area of 262.173 m2/g was obtained by co2 pressure of 125 bar. The activated carbons were then utilized as adsorbents for removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The batch adsorption study was carried out by varying the initial concentration of mb solution (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ppm). Experimental results showed that the adsorption kinetic of mb fitted the pseudo-second-order rate equation, whereas for the adsorption isotherm model followed two models i.e. The dubinin- radushkevich and freundlich model. The adsorption mechanism was found to be governed by the intraparticle and surface diffusion mechanism.
Radial Head Fractures Treated with Modular Metallic Radial Head Replacement
Authors: Marsh Jonathan P. , Grewal Ruby , Faber Kenneth J. , Drosdowech Darren S. , Athwal George S. , King Graham J.W.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Radial head arthroplasty is commonly used to treat acute unreconstructible radial head fractures. The purpose of this study was to report on the clinical and radiographic outcomes at a minimum follow-up of five years after radial head arthroplasty with a modular metallic implant for the treatment of acute radial head fractures.

Methods:

The cases of fifty-five patients with unreconstructible radial head fractures treated acutely with a smooth-stemmed modular metallic radial head implant were retrospectively reviewed. A wide variety of injuries, which ranged from isolated radial head fractures to so-called terrible triad injuries, were included. All patients returned for an interview, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation at a mean of eight years (range, five to fourteen years) postoperatively. Elbow and forearm motion, elbow strength, and grip strength were measured. Radiographs were evaluated, and validated patient-rated outcome questionnaires were completed. A longitudinal subgroup analysis was performed for thirty-three patients who were previously evaluated at two years postoperatively.

Results:

At a mean of 8.2 ± 2.9 years, the mean arc of flexion (and standard deviation) of the affected elbow was 11° ± 14° to 137° ± 15°. Elbow strength and motion were significantly diminished compared with the unaffected elbow (p < 0.05). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) was 91 ± 13 points. Twenty-five patients (45%) had stem lucencies; twenty-one (38%), ulnohumeral arthritis; and twenty (36%), heterotopic ossification, including one with radioulnar synostosis. Two patients underwent secondary elbow surgery, but no patient required implant removal or revision. In the subgroup evaluated longitudinally, there was a significant improvement in MEPI scores from the two-year to the eight-year follow-up (p = 0.012), with no loss of motion or strength (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The mid-term outcomes of radial head arthroplasty with a smooth-stemmed modular metallic prosthesis are comparable with previously reported short-term outcomes, with no evidence of functional deterioration. Radial head arthroplasty with a smooth-stemmed metallic modular implant is a good treatment option for patients with acute unreconstructible radial head fractures, and sustained clinical outcomes may be expected beyond five years of follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Rotational Dynamics of the Talus in a Normal Tibiotalar Joint as Shown by Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography
Authors: Lepojärvi Sannamari , Niinimäki Jaakko , Pakarinen Harri , Koskela Laura , Leskelä Hannu-Ville
Published: April 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the normal anatomy and rotational dynamics of the talus in the tibiotalar joint using weight-bearing cone-beam computed tomography (WBCT).

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study of thirty-two healthy subjects divided into two age groups (twenty-six to thirty-six years of age and sixty to sixty-four years of age), low-dose WBCT scans of both uninjured ankles were obtained. The rotation of the talus, medial clear space, anterior and posterior widths of the tibiotalar joint, translation of the talus, and talar tilt were measured. The primary outcome measures were intersubject and intrasubject (bilateral) variation of the talar movements between maximal internal and external rotation. The secondary outcome measures were the effect of sex and age on the movements of the talus.

Results:

When the ankle is rotated, the talus rotates a mean of 10° with no substantial widening of the medial clear space. All of the measured values changed subtly but statistically significantly between maximal internal and maximal external rotation, with mean changes of 10° (standard deviation [SD] = 5.8°) in talar rotation (p = 0.006), 2.0° (SD = 1.5°) in talar tilt (p = 0.0015), −0.2 mm (SD = 0.5 mm) in the medial clear space (p = 0.01), 0.9 mm (SD = 0.8 mm) in the anterior width of the tibiotalar joint (p = 0.003), −0.4 mm (SD = 0.9 mm) in the posterior width of the tibiotalar joint (p = 0.011), and 2.9 mm (SD = 2.2 mm) in translation of the talus (p = 0.002). Intersubject variation was large, but there was very little intrasubject variation in the total rotational range of motion. There were no differences between men and women with regard to any of the measurements.

Conclusions:

This study provides reference values with which to evaluate the dynamics of the normal tibiotalar joint in order to clarify rotational stability of the ankle mortise. The internal control of the contralateral ankle seems to be a better reference than population-based normal values.
Propionibacterium in Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Hsu Jason E. , Bumgarner Roger E. , Matsen Frederick A.
Published: April 2016

➤ Propionibacterium is a slow-growing gram-positive rod that is part of the normal skin microbiome but can be found on culture of specimens from a large number of patients having revision shoulder arthroplasty performed for pain, stiffness, and component loosening.

➤ Propionibacterium infections do not present with obvious signs of infection, such as swelling, erythema, drainage, or tenderness, but rather are of the so-called stealth type, presenting with unexplained pain, stiffness, or component loosening months to years after the index arthroplasty.

➤ Not all propionibacteria are the same: certain subtypes of Propionibacterium are enriched with virulence factors that may enhance deep infection.

➤ Because propionibacteria typically reside in the pilosebaceous glands of the oily skin of the chest and back, standard surgical skin preparation solutions and even perioperative intravenous antibiotics are often inadequate at sterilizing the incision site; therefore, other prophylactic measures such as meticulous implant handling to avoid contact with dermal structures need to be considered.

➤ Recovery of Propionibacterium from the surgical wounds requires that multiple specimens for culture be taken from different areas of the shoulder to reduce sampling error, and cultures should be held for two weeks on multiple culture media.

➤ Future research efforts can be focused on reducing the risk of implant infection and point-of-care methods for identifying Propionibacterium infections.
Arthroscopic Management of the Stiff Shoulder
Authors: Karas Vasili , Riboh Jonathan C. , Garrigues Grant E.
Published: April 2016

➢ Shoulder stiffness affects a diverse population of patients suffering a decrease in function and shoulder pain. Arthroscopic management of this debilitating spectrum of pathology is a safe and effective course of action in cases recalcitrant to nonoperative therapy.

➢ Arthroscopic management of the stiff shoulder has been reported to be effective in the treatment of stiffness due to adhesive capsulitis, birth palsy, stiffness in the setting of rotator cuff tears, and osteoarthritis in the posttraumatic patient, in the postoperative patient, and in the throwing athlete.

➢ Arthroscopic management is most effective in treating the stiff shoulder in the setting of adhesive capsulitis recalcitrant to nonoperative therapy or posttraumatic stiffness. Results are more guarded in the treatment of postoperative stiffness.

➢ Excessive force and trauma to the shoulder, including fracture of the humerus, can be avoided with a 360° capsular release for shoulder stiffness rather than manipulation under anesthesia.
Performance of iron nano particles and bimetallic Ni/Fe nanoparticles in removal of amoxicillin trihydrate from synthetic wastewater
Authors: Yazdanbakhsh Ahmad Reza , Daraei Hasti , Rafiee Mohamad , Kamali Hosein
Published: April 2016

In the present study, the degradation of amoxicillin trihydrate (AMT), using synthesized nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and bimetallic Fe and Ni nanoparticles stabilized with chitosan (Cs-Fe/Ni), in water was investigated. A central composite design combined with response surface methodology and optimization was utilized for maximizing the AMT reduction by the nanoparticles–water system. The importance of the various variables and their interactions were analyzed using analysis of variance and t-test. The effects of independent parameters were tested and the results showed that the initial concentration of AMT, pH, and nanoparticles dosage were all significant factors. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images indicated that chitosan acts as a stabilizer preventing the agglomeration of nanoparticles. Also, chitosan and Ni increased the specific surface area of Cs-Fe/Ni. X-ray diffraction confirmed the existence of Fe0 in fresh samples and the presence of Fe(II) and Fe(III) after the reaction with AMT. This study demonstrates that the nZVI technology could be a promising approach for antibiotic wastewater treatment.
Early Stage Cervical Cancer, Therapy for Reproductive Health and Quality Survival
Authors: Chhabra S.
Published: April 2016

Cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, seventh in frequency amongst all the cancers, third most common cancer in women, after breast and colorectal cancers, accounts for 9% of all cancers in women and 4% of cancers in men and women put together. As cervical cancer is being reported in young women, so preservation of reproductive health and survival with quality has become more important during cervical cancer therapy. For quality survival, reproductive health preservation inspite of cancer, early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are essential. Purpose of this article is to share so that others also look into various issues and we try to do the best for prevention of cervical cancer and provide best therapy so that women have survival with quality and reproductive health is preserved, specially in young women. Review of literature was done and self experiences have been added.
Environmental conditions and crop density as the limiting factors of forage maize production
Authors: Dragicevic Vesna , Saponjic Bojana , Terzic Dusanka , Simic Milena , Djordjevic Nenad , Dumanovic Zoran
Published: April 2016

In rain-fed cropping, defining the best combination of practices could
achieve high forage yield and silage quality. The aim of this study was to
compare energetic quality of produced silage with productive characteristics
of forage maize cultivated on alluvium and hydromorphous black soil in
rain-fed conditions at four plant densities (68-74,000 plants ha-1) during
the period 2005- 2010. Yield and energy parameters were increased to some
extent at higher crop densities indicating that higher densities (74,000
plants ha-1) were potentially better for high forage and DM yields, while
lower densities (70,000 plants ha-1) were better for the increase of energy
parameters of produced silage.
Evaluation of two composts for the improvement of crop yield using tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) as test crop
Authors: Fawole Oluyemisi , Alori Elizabeth , Ojo Oluwatoyin
Published: April 2016

In search of a more environmentally friendly alternative to the use of
chemical fertilizers, a study was conducted to evaluate the use of compost
for improved crop productivity. We compared the succession of microorganisms
in the compost heaps using hot bed method of composting. They contained grass
clippings, sawdust, NPK fertilizer, ashes, corn cobs, bean chaff, vegetable
stalks, newspaper shreds and soil arranged in layers in a round structure.
Poultry dropping was the organic nitrogen source of one heap while pig waste
was used for the other heap. Samples were taken weekly and analyzed using
soil dilution method for isolation of moulds on potato dextrose agar medium.
The qualities of composts after eight weeks were evaluated by performance and
yield of tomato crops. Eleven fungal isolates were obtained in compost
containing poultry dropping and nine fungal isolates were obtained from
compost containing pig manure. The predominant mycoflora of poultry dropping
compost at 3 weeks of composting was Fusarium pallidoroseum (23.08%) while
Aspergillus fumigatus (38.96%) dominated compost containing pig waste. Fungi
isolated from the composts included cellulolytic fungi like Chaetomium sp.
and Phoma sp. Soil amended with both composts improved the growth and yield
of tomato crop significantly. It was concluded that compost containing
poultry droppings was richer and therefore encouraged higher microbial
activity than compost containing pig waste. Knowledge of the microbial
succession during composting and conditions required could further be
employed to enhance composting.
Ampelographic description of cluster, berry and seed of merlot cultivar (Vitis vinifera L.) and its selected clones
Authors: Vujovic Dragan , Zunic Dragoljub , Pejin Boris , Popovic-Djordjevic Jelena
Published: April 2016

During a four-year period, ampelographic experiments focusing on the berry
cluster (average length of grape cluster, number of grape clusters per shoot,
number of berries per grape cluster and length of peduncle), berry (length of
berry and berry juice yield), length of pedicel and seed (length of berry
seed) of Merlot cultivar (used as a relevant standard) and 11 clones (Nos.
022, 023, 025, 026, 027, 028, 029, 030, 031, 033 and 034) were performed in
order to establish the differences among them. These experiments were
actually conducted in the third phase of individual clonal selection of
Merlot cultivar carried out in Serbia. The lengths of grape cluster and
pedicel as well as berry must yields differed significantly among the
examined clones. The cluster and principal component analyses classified 12
samples into three divergent clusters/groups, respectively. The clones
belonging to the cluster II /the second group/ had significantly higher
values of numbers of grape clusters per shoot and berries per grape cluster;
lengths of peduncle and berry; berry must yield and length of pedicel,
compared both to standard Merlot /the cluster I, the first group/ and the
clones of the cluster III /the third group/. The phenological observations
showed no significant differences in the beginnings and durations of
phenological stages and vegetation period of the examined clones. The
obtained results indicate the real need for further research work focused
both on the agrobiological and technological properties of the grapes and
wines aiming to better describe the selected clones.
Seed-borne fungi of soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Merr) in the guinea savannah agroecology of Nigeria
Authors: Ahmed Oladimeji , Balogun Olusegun , Fawole Oluyemisi , Fabiyi Oluwatoyin , Hussein Aliyu , Kassoum Kassoum
Published: April 2016

Seed health testing of fifteen soybean cultivars obtained from five locations
in the Guinea Savannah agro-ecology of Nigeria was carried out using two main
seed health testing methods described by the International Seed Testing
Association (ISTA); the standard blotter and two variants of agar plate
incubation method (Potato Dextrose Agar and Czapeck Dox Agar plate methods)
to determine the seed infection by fungi. Seed component plating was also
carried out to determine the most active site of infection of the seeds by
the fungi. Five fungal species were isolated from the cultivars tested. The
percentage of seeds infected with Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp. was
significantly different (p<0.05) among the cultivars, with the highest value
standing at 15.20 percent of Fusarium sp. and 8.54 percent of Penicillium sp.
in cultivars MSJ and FSSBu, respectively. The difference in the methods of
isolation was also significant (p<0.05) and the agar (PDA) plate method was
the most efficient in the isolation of Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and
Phomopsis sp. The efficiency of the other methods of isolation however varied
for the different organisms. The cotyledon was observed to be the most active
site of infection with thirteen of the fifteen tested cultivars showing
40-100% of infection of the cotyledons. The need for soybean seed health
testing before their distribution to farmers is made manifest in this study.
Efficiency of village extension agents in Nigeria: Evidence from a data envelopment analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan , Salau Emmanuel
Published: April 2016

Determining the technical efficiency of extension personnel especially at the
village level is paramount if farm productivity is to be increased. The
present study determined the technical efficiency of Village Extension Agents
(VEAs) in North Central Nigeria. Data for the study were collected using
structured questionnaire that was administered on 81 VEAs. The findings of
the study indicated that 32.1% of the VEAs were aged between 38 and 45 years
with a mean age of 41 years; while 50.6% were holders of national diploma
certificates. The monthly income of a VEA ranged between N16,000 and N21,000.
The average technical efficiency of VEAs was 42% with minimum and maximum
values of 0.03 and 1 respectively. There was a positive significant
association between the age (P<0.10), education (P<0. 10) and income (P<0.01)
of VEAs and their technical efficiency levels. The results imply that prompt
payment of allowances/salary, regular promotions and trainings are the
necessary impetus that can improve agricultural extension service delivery in
Nigeria, particularly at the village level.
Applying restorative approaches in intercultural settings in Serbia: Theoretical departures and methodological approach of the VDS’ action research in three multiethnic communities
Authors: Nikolic-Ristanovic Vesna , Srna Jelena , Copic Sanja
Published: April 2016

During 2014 and 2015 within the EU funded FP7 research project ALTERNATIVE,
the Victimology Society of Serbia implemented an action research with the aim
to test the applicability of the ?Third way? model in multi-ethnic
communities in Serbia, more directly affected by the wars in the former
Yugoslavia, and to further up-grade it, both theoretically and practically.
Additionally, the action research aimed at coming to the ideas about possible
future steps, and developing a tool (practical guide/manual) for applying
restorative approaches in intercultural settings in Serbia. The action
research consisted of two parts: the participatory seminars titled From the
conflict toward the peaceful life in the community, which were implemented in
three multi-ethnic communities in Serbia (Medvedja, Prijepolje and Backa
Palanka), and developing the Manual on best practices of applying restorative
justice approaches in intercultural settings that should serve for raising
awareness and education on restorative approaches in conflict transformation.
The aim of the article is to present main theoretical departures and
methodological approach of the action research, with a particular focus on
the seminars, as well as main conclusions and lessons learned in regard
applicability of restorative approaches in the multiethnic communities in
Serbia.
Influence of Different Etchants on the Representation of Microstructures in Nickel Alloys
Authors: Speicher M. , Scheck R. , Maile K.
Published: April 2016

This work presents a comparison of selected nickel alloys of the same condition which were treated by means of specifically chosen etching techniques. Microstructures on microscope images of wrought Alloy 617, a casting variant of Alloy 625, a polycrystalline casting alloy IN-738 LC, as well as of a monocrystalline superalloy CM 247 LC SX, respectively, are juxtaposed and evaluated. This approach allows for a comprehensive optical microscopy characterization of the characteristic microstructural features.
Impaired gait kinematics in type 1 Gaucher’s Disease
Authors: Sorrentino Pierpaolo , Barbato Antonio , Del Gaudio Luigi , Rucco Rosaria , Varriale Pasquale , Sibilio Michelina , Strazzullo Pasquale , Sorrentino Giuseppe , Agosti Valeria
Published: April 2016

Type 1 Gaucher’s disease (GD1) is traditionally regarded as “non-neurological”. Spatiotemporal and kinematic analysis of gait was carried on thirteen GD1 patients and thirteen healthy controls. We identified a previously unknown subclinical reduction of amplitude of movements in GD1. Articular excursion of ankle, knee and hip was reduced during the swing phase of gait ( p <  0.0001). Furthermore, the excursion of the knee appeared also significantly more asymmetric in GD1 patients ( p = 0.02). Correction for age, BMI and basal walking speed did not modify the significance. Accordingly to the recent observations that GD1 predisposes to Parkinson’s disease, the impaired and asymmetric gait kinematics that we observed might be interpreted as a form of extrapyramidal involvement.
Reception of Communicative Functions of Prosody in Hypokinetic Dysarthria due to Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Martens Heidi , Van Nuffelen Gwen , Wouters Kristien , De Bodt Marc
Published: April 2016

Background: Mapping adequacy of receptive prosodic abilities in speakers with hypokinetic dysarthria due to Parkinson’s disease (PD) is useful, because therapy of disturbed production of prosody relies on adequate reception of prosody. There is evidence for a deficit of reception of emotional prosody in PD.

Objective: The present study aims at presenting a comprehensive picture of the reception of various communicative functions of prosody in hypokinetic dysarthria due to PD.

Methods: We assessed perception (using a discrimination task) and comprehension (using an identification task) of five communicative functions of Dutch prosody (lexical stress, boundary marking, focus, sentence mode, and emotional prosody) in a group of adults with hypokinetic dysarthria due to PD ( n = 22) and a gender and age matched group of unimpaired adults ( n = 22). We also investigated the relationship between age and global test score, and the effect of perception and comprehension subtest sequence on the global test score.

Results: Between groups, no significant differences in receptive prosodic abilities were found. Within both groups, the comprehension subtest was significantly more difficult than the perception subtest, and there was a significant negative correlation between age and global test score. No subtest sequence effect could be demonstrated.

Conclusions: Considering that the older speakers with hypokinetic dysarthria due to PD had receptive prosodic skills inferior to those of the younger speakers, notwithstanding apparently intact cognition and hearing, the findings suggest that age is a factor to be reckoned with in prosody assessment and management in this population.