bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity among Persian Fig Cultivars by Morphological Traits and RAPD Markers
Authors: Baziar Ghazal , Jafari Moslem , Sharifi Noori Mansoureh Sadat , Samarfard Samira
Published: May 2018

Ficus carica L. is one of the most ancient fruit trees cultivated in Persia (Iran). The conservation and characterization of fig genetic resources is essential for sustainable fig production and food security. Given these considerations, this study characterizes the genetic variability of 21 edible F. carica cultivars in the Fars Province using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The collected cultivars were also characterized for their morphological features. A total of 16 RAPD primers produced 229 reproducible bands, of which, 170 loci (74.43%) were polymorphic with an average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.899. Genetic analysis using an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averaging (UPGMA) revealed genetic structure and relationships among the local germplasms. The dendrogram resulting from UPGMA hierarchical cluster analysis separated the fig cultivars into five groups. These results demonstrate that analysis of molecular variance allows for the partitioning of genetic variation between fig groups and illustrates greater variation within fig groups and subgroups. RAPD-based classification often corresponded with the morphological similarities and differences of the collected fig cultivars. This study suggests that RAPD markers are suitable for analysis of diversity and cultivars’ fingerprinting. Accordingly, understanding of the genetic diversity and population structure of F. carica in Iran may provide insight into the conservation and management of this species.
Growth Response of Three Containerized Woody Plant Taxa to Varying Low Phosphorus Fertilizer Concentrations
Authors: Shreckhise Jacob H. , Owen James S. , Niemiera Alex X.
Published: May 2018

Phosphorus (P) uptake efficiency (PUE; percent of applied P absorbed by roots) for containerized crops is ≈27% to 62%. Reducing P fertilization may increase PUE without decreasing growth and may reduce P leaching from containers, thus mitigating the environmental impact of containerized production while potentially reducing fertilizer input costs for growers. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum P application concentration and the resulting substrate pore-water (i.e., solution residing within and between substrate particles) P concentration that maintains maximal growth of three containerized woody plant taxa grown in pine bark substrate. Hydrangea paniculata Sieb. ‘Limelight’ (hydrangea), Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Helleri’ (holly), and Rhododendron L. ‘Karen’ (azalea) were potted in pine bark substrate amended with dolomite and micronutrients and grown for 81 d in an open-wall greenhouse. Plants received either one of five constant liquid-feed treatments with varying P concentrations [80 mg·L−1 nitrogen (N), 50 mg·L−1 potassium (K), and 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, or 6.0 mg·L−1 P] or a single application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF; control) at experiment initiation. Calculated lowest P fertilizer concentration that sustained maximal shoot dry weight (SDW) in hydrangea and azalea was 4.7 and 2.9 mg·L−1, respectively, and holly SDW was the same across all liquid fertilizer treatments. In all three taxa, CRF-fertilized plants achieved <50% of maximal SDW observed in liquid-fertilized plants. Hydrangea root dry weight (RDW) nearly doubled as fertilizer P increased from 0.5 to 2.0 mg·L−1 P, but higher P concentrations did not further increase RDW. Holly RDW was unaffected by liquid P treatment. Pore-water P concentrations of treatments that sustained maximal SDW of hydrangea and azalea were as low as 0.6 and 2.2 mg·L−1 P, respectively. Our findings suggest that when using constant liquid feed, applied P levels more accurately predict plant growth responses than pore-water P levels.
Combatting Rose Rosette Disease with Volunteer Involvement in the Monitoring Effort
Authors: Ong Kevin , Shires Madalyn , Whitaker Holly Jarvis , Olson Jennifer , LaForest Joseph , Byrne David H.
Published: May 2018

Rose rosette disease (RRD) was first reported on the North American continent in the early 1940s. In 2011, the causal agent of this disease was identified and described—the Rose rosette virus (RRV). In the last 10 years, RRD has gained widespread notoriety because of disease symptoms appearing on many roses which are used frequently in landscape plantings, both commercial and residential. Much of the prior scientific work on this disease was carried out on the multiflora rose. Currently, the disease issues are on cultivated roses within which no cultivar has been confirmed to be resistant. There is an information gap in our knowledge of the pathogen, vector, and the disease on cultivated roses. Our goals for this project are to seek and identify potential disease tolerance or resistance in roses and increasing public awareness and knowledge of RRD with the purpose of reducing the disease spread with best management practices. Outreach and volunteer recruitment are key activities used to provide scientifically sound information, to establish the current disease range and to actively gather observational reports of RRD to identify resistant rose sources. Elements of these activities include educational meetings, factsheets, posters, and workshops where RRD symptoms recognition is emphasized. A web-based reporting tool was developed to capture observations from volunteers while continually keeping them engaged. It is hoped that through outreach and the collective monitoring effort, researchers will have access to information that contributes to a better understanding of RRD and will find disease-resistant roses that could be used in breeding programs for the continued enjoyment of roses.
Challenges of Breeding Rose Rosette–resistant Roses
Authors: Byrne David H. , Klein Patricia , Yan Muqing , Young Ellen , Lau Jeekin , Ong Kevin , Shires Madalyn , Olson Jennifer , Windham Mark , Evans Tom , Novick Danielle
Published: May 2018

Rose rosette disease (RRD) whose causal agent, the Emaravirus Rose rosette virus (RRV), was only recently identified has caused widespread death of roses in the midwestern and eastern sections of the United States. A national research team is working on the detection and best management practices for this highly damaging disease. Unfortunately, little is known about the host plant resistance to either the causal viral agent or its vector, the eriophyid mite Phyllocoptes fructiphilus. Thus far, the only confirmed resistance is among Rosa species. Of the over 600 rose cultivars observed, only 7% have not exhibited symptoms of RRD. Replicated trials are in progress to confirm resistance and/or susceptibility of ≈300 rose accessions in Tennessee and Delaware. Rose is a multispecies cultivated complex that consists of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid cultivars. The basic breeding cycle is 4 years with a 3-year commercial trial coupled with mass propagation before release. Thus, if only one breeding cycle is needed, a new cultivar could be produced in 7 years. Unfortunately, for the introgression of a new trait such as disease resistance from a related species into the commercial rose germplasm, multiple generations are required which can easily take two decades from the first cross to cultivar release. Research is ongoing to develop a rapid selection procedure for resistance to RRD with the aid of molecular markers associated with the resistance. Such an approach has the potential of reducing the breeding cycle time by 50% and increasing the efficiency of seedling and parental selection manifold, leading to commercially acceptable rose cultivars with high RRD resistance in less time and with less expense.
Determinants of Ready-to-eat Products Purchase Intentions: An Empirical Study among the Italian Consumers
Authors: Sgroi Filippo , Piraino Fabrizio , Donia Enrica
Published: May 2018

The considerable diffusion of ready-to-eat products has focused attention on the reasons for their increasingly prominent success in the market. Although their prices are much higher than the prices of simple raw materials, their consumption has increased rapidly and with no end in sight, a situation that has challenged the conclusions of the classical literature on the importance of price and/or income in consumer decisions. In fact, more recent literature has broadened the classical vision by introducing potential additional variables that could influence consumer choice of certain foods. These variables, however, are not always easy and clear to identify because they reflect the cultural characteristics of a society. For this reason, the French scholar Malassis has introduced the concept of a model of food consumption, which, in fact, stems from a concept of food consumption as driven by factors that are not the same for all the societies that might be studied. Among these variables, regarding the consumption of ready-to-eat products, a factor that certainly acts as a driving force in an increasingly frenetic and dynamic society is the time saving that they are able to provide. Thus, it was considered essential to analyze this in a concrete way, through the variance analysis of a sample of 77 subjects resident in the city of Palermo, noting their characteristics in terms of age, education level, and number of nuclear family members. The results obtained indicate that subjects who consumed ready-to-eat products at a higher frequency belonged to a higher age group, had a higher level of education, and belonged to a family that was not particularly numerous. With these results, it can be stated that the consumption of ready-to-eat products is influenced by people’s need to optimize their available time, considered as a real, scarce resource.
Effects of Exogenous 6-Benzyladenine on Dwarfing, Shoot Branching, and Yield of Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Zhang Liping , Shen Chen , Wei Jipeng , Han Wenyan
Published: May 2018

6-Benzyladenine (6-BA) is a safe and efficient cytokinin. The adult tea plants of the cv. Longjing 43 were used in this study. The foliar portion of tea bushes were sprayed with different concentrations (50, 100, 200, or 400 mg·L−1) of 6-BA after heavy pruning, when three to four leaves grew out in late May. The effects of 6-BA application on the growth of the new shoots and lateral branches were quantified. After 5 months, treatments with 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg·L−1 6-BA suppressed plant height by 11.0%, 18.0%, 21.0%, or 22.0%, respectively; 6-BA at 100, 200, or 400 mg·L−1 decreased the number of lateral branches by 20.0%, 23.0%, or 18.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, treatments with 50, 200, or 400 mg·L−1 6-BA increased the length of lateral branches by 38.0%, 79.0%, or 81.0% respectively; 200 mg·L−1 6-BA increased the diameter of lateral branches by 8.0%. In addition, after 2 months, 50 or 200 mg·L−1 6-BA did not significantly affect the growth of functional leaves, 50, 100, or 200 mg·L−1 6-BA did not significantly affect photosynthetic rate (Pn) as compared with the control. Furthermore, 200 or 400 mg·L−1 6-BA significantly increased spring tea yield by 28.9% or 13.3%, respectively as compared with the control. In conclusion, 6-BA at the four concentrations promoted dwarfing and the formation of productive lateral branches and increased the spring yield, and 200 mg·L−1 6-BA exerted the best comprehensive effect.
Inheritance of Resistance to Papaya Ringspot Virus-Watermelon Strain in Watermelon
Authors: Guner Nihat , Pesic-VanEsbroeck Zvezdana , Rivera-Burgos Luis A. , Wehner Todd C.
Published: May 2018

Sources of resistance to the watermelon strain of papaya ringspot virus-watermelon strain (PRSV-W) have been identified within the watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) germplasm collection. Inheritance of the resistance to PRSV-W was studied in three Citrullus amarus (formerly C. lanatus var. citroides) PI accessions: PI 244017, PI 244019, and PI 485583. Three susceptible parent lines, ‘Allsweet’, ‘Calhoun Gray’, and ‘New Hampshire Midget’, were crossed with resistant PI accessions to develop F1, F2, and BC1 progenies in six families. A single recessive gene was found to control the resistance to PRSV-W in all three resistant PI accessions. Allelism tests indicated that the three PI accessions carry the same resistance allele to PRSV-W. The gene symbol ‘prv’ is proposed for PRSV-W resistance in PI 244017, PI 244019, and PI 485583 in watermelon.
Effects of High Potassium and Low Temperature on the Growth and Magnesium Nutrition of Different Tomato Cultivars
Authors: Li Huixia , Chen Zhujun , Zhou Ting , Liu Yan , Raza Sajjad , Zhou Jianbin
Published: May 2018

The interaction between potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) in plants has been intensively studied. However, the responses of different tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars to high K levels at low temperatures remained unclear. Herein, a complete randomized hydroponic experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature (25 °C day/18 °C night vs. 15 °C day/8 °C night) and K concentrations (156 mg·L−1 vs. 468 mg·L−1) on the growth and Mg nutrition of tomato cultivars Gailiangmaofen (MF) and Jinpeng No. 1 (JP). Compared with the control temperature (25 °C day/18 °C night), the low temperature decreased total biomass, shoot biomass, and Mg uptake in shoot by 17.3%, 24.1%, and 11.8%, respectively; however, the root/shoot ratio was increased. High K had no significant effect on plant growth or biomass compared with the control K concentration (156 mg·L−1); however, Mg concentrations and uptake in shoot were significantly lower under high-K treatment. Significant difference was observed for K uptake, but not for Mg uptake, between the two cultivars. There was no significant interaction between temperature and high K on Mg uptake of tomato, so a combined stress of low temperature and high K further inhibited Mg uptake and transport. Low temperature and high K increased the risk of Mg deficiency in tomato.
The skyrmion-bubble transition in a ferromagnetic thin film
Authors: Bernand-Mantel Anne , Camosi Lorenzo , Wartelle Alexis , Rougemaille Nicolas , Darques Michaël , Ranno Laurent
Published: May 2018

Magnetic skyrmions and bubbles, observed in ferromagnetic thin films
with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, are topological solitons which
differ by their characteristic size and the balance in the energies at
the origin of their stabilisation. However, these two spin textures have
the same topology and a continuous transformation between them is
allowed. In the present work, we derive an analytical model to explore
the skyrmion-bubble transition. We evidence a region in the parameter
space where both topological soliton solutions coexist and close to
which transformations between skyrmion and bubbles are observed as a
function of the magnetic field. Above a critical point, at which the
energy barrier separating both solutions vanishes, only one topological
soliton solution remains, which size can be continuously tuned from
micrometer to nanometer with applied magnetic field.
Defining the probability of bank debtors’ default using financial solvency assessment models
Authors: Kuznichenko Yana , V. Dykha Mariia , Pavlova Natalia , Frolov Serhiy , Hryhorash Olha
Published: May 2018

Due implementation of debtors’ financial solvency assessment models by Ukrainian banks with the aim of calculating the probability of their default (PD) is the next step towards the integration of Ukrainian banking system into global banking community, convergence of methodical approaches to assessing the credit risk with standards of international practice, possibility of using IRB-approach (an approach based on internal ratings) for calculating the regulatory requirements to capital adequacy.The analysis of approaches to bank credit portfolio segmentation according to types of debtors and debtors’ financial solvency assessment models, depending on the performed segmentation and accumulated bank statistical data, from the point of view of its suitability for Ukrainian banks, will enable the banks to choose the most suitable ones for implementation taking into account nature and complexity of operations performed.Such approaches will be more adapted to minimum capital requirements, simultaneously agreeing with national supervisory priorities.
Efectos de la pobreza y de los factores sociodemográficos en la educación superior: un modelo Probit aplicado a México
Authors: Marina Clemente José Antonio , Gerónimo Antonio Víctor Manuel , Pérez Abarca Juan Manuel
Published: May 2018

La pobreza es una situación que condiciona en forma negativa el acceso a bienes y servicios básicos e impide que las personas eleven su nivel y calidad de vida. Tal es la importancia del tema que organismos internacionales como el Banco Mundial (BM), Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) y entidades públicas buscan mecanismos para contrarrestar sus efectos. La evidencia empírica muestra la existencia de fuertes vínculos entre la pobreza y la educación, al respecto se ha señalado la presencia de una relación negativa entre ambas variables, es decir, una persona en condición de pobreza tiene una menor probabilidad de acceder a niveles altos de educación, y sin niveles altos de educación frecuentemente se ve forzada a permanecer en pobreza. Sin embargo, no solo la pobreza conlleva a un acceso desigual a la educación, existen otros factores asociados a este fenómeno que favorecen los bajos niveles educativos en los jóvenes en edad escolar. Por tal razón, el objetivo de esta investigación consistió en estimar mediante un modelo Probit el impacto de la pobreza (alimentaria, de capacidades y de patrimonio) y de los factores sociodemográficos en la asistencia escolar del nivel superior de las personas de 19 a 23 años de edad. Con datos del Módulo de Condiciones Socioeconómicas de la Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares (MCS-ENIGH) para los años 2008 y 2014 se construyó una base de datos, integrado por el tabulado “ingreso, concentrado y población”. Posteriormente se aplicó la metodología de Líneas de Pobreza para identificar y cuantificar el número de personas en condición de pobreza. Mediante el modelo Probit se estimó el cambio marginal en la asistencia escolar ante cambios en las variables explicativas. Los resultados del modelo Probit indicaron que, de los tres niveles de pobreza, la alimentaria es la que disminuye en mayor magnitud la asistencia escolar al nivel superior. El tamaño del hogar mostró que, el incremento de un individuo en el hogar a partir de su valor medio, decrece la probabilidad de la asistencia escolar y de forma inversa, la edad del jefe del hogar indicó que el incremento de un año adicional a partir de su valor medio aumenta la probabilidad de la asistencia escolar. Del conjunto de factores analizados, la variable rural es la que reduce en mayor medida la probabilidad de la asistencia escolar al nivel superior para el segmento de la población analizado; mientras que el nivel educativo del jefe del hogar es el elemento que incrementa en mayor magnitud la probabilidad de la asistencia escolar, es decir, es el instrumento clave para romper el círculo intergeneracional de la pobreza.
Efecto de la adición de ácido ascórbico y té de composta en la producción y capacidad antioxidante de forraje hidropónico de maíz
Authors: Salas-Pérez Lilia , Borroel-García Victoria Jared , Ramírez-Aragón Mercedes Georgina , Moncayo-Luján María del Rosario
Published: May 2018

La producción de forraje verde hidropónico (FVH) es una opción que puede ayudar a resolver la problemática de la falta de suministro de forraje en épocas de sequía y escasez de alimento para ganado. Este tipo de forraje presenta rendimientos aceptables además de que tiene gran valor nutrimental y nutracéutico, por lo cual, puede promover la salud del ganado. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el efecto de la aplicación de ácido ascórbico y té de composta en el sistema de producción de FVH de maíz. La investigación se realizó en la Región Lagunera, en un invernadero ubicado en el Ejido San Lorenzo, en el Municipio de San Pedro de las Colonias, en el Estado de Coahuila. Para la producción de FVH se utilizó semilla de maíz criollo variedad San Lorenzo, que fue evaluado en un diseño experimental completamente al azar con seis repeticiones por tratamiento, los cuales fueron: té de composta (TC), té de composta más ácido ascórbico (TCAA), agua más ácido ascórbico (AAA) y agua (A) como control. Las variables evaluadas fueron rendimiento, porcentaje de materia seca, contenido de fenólicos totales y capacidad antioxidante. El análisis de varianza mostró diferencias significativas (p≤ 0.05) en todas las variables evaluadas, atribuible a la aplicación de té de composta y ácido ascórbico. Se encontró un incremento del 41 % en el rendimiento con el tratamiento de té de composta en comparación con el control. Los resultados más altos en producción de materia seca que se encontraron fueron utilizando té de composta (TC) y la combinación té de composta- ácido ascórbico (TCAA) con 18.91 y 17.6 %, respectivamente. El tratamiento TCAA obtuvo un 49.5 % más de compuestos fenólicos totales respecto al control. Los resultados señalaron un incremento importante en la capacidad antioxidante total mediante la combinación TCAA con 25 y 32 % más (ABTS+ y DPPH+, respectivamente) en los valores obtenidos con respecto al control. Se concluye que el uso de fuentes orgánicas como el ácido ascórbico y el té de composta mejora el rendimiento y la capacidad antioxidante del forraje hidropónico, por lo cual es recomendable para su aplicación en sistemas de cultivo hidropónico de forraje orgánico.
Metodología para la identificación del suelo intraurbano vacante en México
Authors: Montalvo Vargas Ramos , Gutiérrez Carreón Mayela Montserrat
Published: May 2018

La expansión de las ciudades en México está en la agenda de las instancias gubernamentales encargadas de la política territorial, que ven en el modelo de ciudad compacta la solución al desbordamiento horizontal y crecimiento desordenado. El objetivo es construir una metodología que permita identificar los tipos de vacíos urbanos por sus dimensiones y contexto locacional. La necesidad de tener un inventario del espacio intraurbano vacante, es el primer paso para orientar los esfuerzos de contención y concentración poblacional; y como resultado, se sugiere una propuesta con cinco categorías, de las cuales, la de tipo lotes baldíos, representa en las principales ciudades de México, el 55% del suelo intraurbano vacante. El presente trabajo se efectuó con el uso de tecnología geoespacial (Sistemas de Información Geográfica y Teledetección o Percepción Remota), a partir de la cual, se diseñó una metodología para identificar a partir de 11 etapas, el tipo de suelo intraurbano vacante clasificado. Se empleó la fotointerpretación y fotoidentificación sobre imágenes de satélite de alta resolución espacial de 60 centímetros en tamaño de píxel para digitalizar el área de cada vacío urbano; y, se validaron los espacios de difícil identificación con percepción remota (Dron Phantom 3 y 4 pro) para reducir el error y facilitar la categorización establecida. La metodología parte de diseñar una tipología con cinco espacios vacíos al interior de las ciudades que privilegia su localización, tamaño y contexto; posteriormente, para identificar cada categoría se sugieren 11 etapas que van desde la definición conceptual hasta el análisis espacial para determinar patrones de concentración. Se encontró que, de las cinco categorías, el 55% de los vacíos urbanos está concentrado en el tipo Lotes Baldíos.
Modo de apropiación de la naturaleza en las unidades de producción campesinas de amaranto y maíz en Tochimilco, Puebla, México
Authors: Cruz López Vianii , Ocampo Fletes Ignacio , Juárez Sánchez José Pedro , Argumedo Macías Adrián , Castañeda Hidalgo Ernesto
Published: May 2018

Para satisfacer sus necesidades el hombre tiene que apropiarse de la naturaleza. De los dos modos contrapuestos de apropiación, el campesino y el agroindustrial, el menos degradante es el primero, además de ser el más importante por el volumen de alimentos producidos, el trabajo generado y las ventajas ecológicas. Por la relevancia de este modo de apropiación, se planteó como objetivo mostrar la pertinencia ecológica, social y económica del modo de apropiación campesino y las características que propician tendencia al agroindustrial. El estudio se realizó en las comunidades San Lucas Tulcingo y La Magdalena Yancuitlalpan del municipio de Tochimilco, Puebla, México, seleccionadas por el patrón de paisajes (gradientes de altitud), la superficie sembrada de amaranto y de maíz, y el tipo de tecnología usada. Se analizó la Unidad de Producción Campesina que tiene como base la siembra de amaranto y de maíz. Las técnicas de investigación fueron la encuesta y la observación directa. Se realizó un muestreo estratificado aleatorio, resultando una muestra de 74 productores.  Se construyó un Índice de Campesinidad (IC) con base a nueve atributos. Se aplicó una regresión logística por el método de Wald (hacia adelante) para determinar los indicadores con mayor influencia en el Índice de Campesinidad (IC). Los resultados de los nueve atributos muestran que las dos localidades se clasifican en el modo de apropiación campesino. San Lucas Tulcingo presentó mayor empleo de energía fósil por el uso de maquinaria agrícola, mientras que en La Magdalena Yancuitlalpan el modo campesino emplea mayor mano de obra familiar. Tanto la fuente de energía como la fuerza de trabajo manifestaron asociación con el Índice de Campesinidad de acuerdo al procedimiento de selección de variables con el método de Wald (hacia adelante). Se concluye que las Unidades de Producción Campesinas de San Lucas Tulcingo presentaron un Índice de Campesinidad de 0.327 (tendiente al agroindustrial), y las de La Magdalena Yancuitlalpan de 0.298, pero ambas conservan su modo de apropiación campesino. La diferencia está en la principal fuente de energía usada; energía fósil y energía de trabajo familiar, respectivamente.
Metabolismo social y ecoturismo: la problemática de los residuos en isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, México
Authors: García Rodríguez Lidia , Gracia María Amalia , Bello Baltazar Eduardo , Aldasoro Maya Elda Miriam
Published: May 2018

El modelo de desarrollo imperante que prioriza el crecimiento económico presenta dos límites claros respecto a la naturaleza: los ciclos de recuperación de bienes y servicios y la absorción de los residuos que las actividades humanas generan. La perspectiva del metabolismo social teoriza sobre dichas limitaciones y, como tal, es útil para analizar el problema de los desechos o residuos. Este artículo recupera dicha perspectiva para entender las prácticas de desecho de los mayores generadores de residuos sólidos urbanos en isla Holbox, Q. R., un espacio de reciente promoción turística. A partir de una combinación de métodos cualitativos y cuantitativos que incluyeron encuestas y entrevistas semi-estructuradas, se analizan los requerimientos humanos y materiales involucrados en la transformación espacial que la industria turística promueve, sus consumos y las prácticas de desecho de los residuos sólidos urbanos, así como los conocimientos y percepciones sobre ellos de hoteleros, restauranteros, habitantes, turistas y personas preocupadas por la problemática de la basura. Los resultados muestran la alta dependencia que tiene el ecoturismo de los recursos y reservorios de energía, dependencia manifiesta en la importación de una cantidad y tipo de insumos que complican su eliminación en la isla. Pocos hoteles y restaurantes -y muchos menos habitantes- buscan productos que faciliten la excreción -último proceso del metabolismo social- al tiempo que hay sectores importantes que no están involucrados en prácticas de desecho lo que impide un mejor aprovechamiento de la basura -en un espacio que se complejiza por su dinámica poblacional y socioambiental. Todo lo anterior cuestiona al ecoturismo fomentado por la mercantilización de los espacios pues las prácticas observadas no constituyen alternativas sustentables en términos socioambientales, al considerar casi exclusivamente el factor económico.
Domestic Violence as a Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression Among Ethiopian Women: Facility Based Study
Authors: Adamu Addishiwet Fantahun , Adinew Yohannes Mehretie
Published: May 2018

Background:

Mental illness in women leads to an increased maternal morbidity and mortality. Postpartum depression accommodates various groups of depressive disorders and syndromes that occur within the first immediate year after delivery. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression symptoms and correlates among mothers attending public health centers of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods:

Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 618 women in their postpartum period. Simple random sampling technique was used to select three out of ten sub cities in Addis Ababa. Then, nine health centers were selected by lottery method from the three sub-cities. The number of women included from each health center was determined by proportional allocation. Study participants were enrolled by systematic random sampling. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used at a cutoff point>13 to detect depression. Descriptive statistics were done. The bivariate and multivariate analysis was also carried out to identify predictors of postpartum depression.

Results:

Significant proportion 144 (23.3%) of the women had the symptom of postpartum depression. Respondents who were the victims of domestic violence [AOR 3.1; 95% CI: 1.6-5.9], reported to have diagnosed with postpartum depression [AOR 4.41; 95% CI: 2.4-8.3], and dissatisfied with their marriage [AOR 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5-5.6] had higher odds of reporting postpartum depression symptoms.

Conclusion:

Postpartum depression is a common mental health problem during the postnatal period. Domestic violence was positively and significantly associated with the symptom of postpartum depression. Maternity services shall consider a sector that provides health care for women who encounter violence and develop symptoms of postpartum depression.
Quick Identification of the Risk of Psychosis: The Italian Version of the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief
Authors: Preti Antonio , Raballo Andrea , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Scanu Rosanna , Muratore Tamara , Gabbrielli Mersia , Tronci Debora , Masala Carmelo , Petretto Donatella Rita , Carta Mauro G.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Diagnosing people during the prodromal phase of an incipient psychosis can improve the chance of better outcome. In busy clinical settings, the ideal tool is a brief, easy-to-complete self-report questionnaire.

Objective:

To test the psychometric properties of the Italian version of one of the most used screening tools for the identification of the risk of psychosis, the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief (PQ-B).

Methods:

Cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of college students was enrolledviasnowball procedure (n=243; men: 45%). After understanding and signing the consent form, the participants received a booklet containing the following questionnaires: the 21-item Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief (PQ-B); the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and the 74-item Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the capacity of the PQ-B to identify individuals at risk of psychosis as independently defined based on the combination of GHQ-12 and SPQ thresholds.

Results:

The Italian version of the PQ-B revealed good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and adequate convergent and divergent validity. The Youden method retrieved a cut-off = 7 for the PQ-B frequency score and a cut-off = 22 for the PQ-B distress score. Both PQ-B scores had a perfect (99%) negative predictive value.

Conclusion:

The PQ-B is a promising screening tool in two-stage protocols. The major advantage of the PQ-B is to exclude cases that are unlikely to be at risk of psychosis.
Lichen Acids May Be Used as A Potential Drug For Cancer Therapy; by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Thioredoxin Reductase Purified From Rat Lung
Authors: Ozgencli Ilknur , Budak Harun , Ciftci Mehmet , Anar Mustafa
Published: May 2018

Background:

Thioredoxin reductase (E.C 1.6.4.5.; TrxR) is a widely distributed flavoprotein that catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of thioredoxin (Trx) in many cellular events such as DNA synthesis, DNA repair, angiogenesis, antioxidative defense, and regulating apoptosis. Although TrxR is indispensible in protecting cells against oxidative stress, the overexpression of TrxR is seen in many aggressive tumors. Therefore, targeted inhibition of TrxR has been accepted as a new approach for chemotherapy.

Objective:

In this study, in vitro inhibition effect of the lichen acids (diffractaic, evernic, lobaric, lecanoric, and vulpinic acid) on mitochondrial TrxR purified from rat lung was investigated.

Method:

It was the first time the enzyme was purified from rat lungs by using 2’, 5’-ADP Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography. The purity of the enzyme was checked with SDS-PAGE. In vitro inhibition effect of the lichen acids was investigated spectrophotometrically. To emphasize the importance of the obtained data, the commercial anticancer drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin were used as positive controls.

Results:

Molecular mass of the enzyme was calculated as approximately 52.4 kDa. The enzyme was purified with a 63.6% yield, 208.3 fold, and 0.5 EU/mg proteins specific activity. The IC50 values of five lichen acids were significantly lower than IC50 values of anticancer drugs.

Conclusion:

All of the lichen acids, especially lecanoric and vulpinic acid, exhibited much stronger inhibitory effect on TrxR than the anticancer drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin. These lichen acids have pharmacological potential as effective natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, and anticancer agents.
Structure, Function and Interactions of Tau: Particular Focus on Potential Drug Targets for the Treatment of Tauopathies
Authors: Borna Hojjat , Assadoulahei Kasim , Riazi Gholamhossein , Harchegani Asghar Beigi , Shahriary Alireza
Published: May 2018

Background & Objective: Neurodegenrative diseases are among the most widespread lifethreatening
disorders around the world in elderly ages. The common feature of a group of neurodegenerative
disorders, called tauopathies, is an accumulation of microtubule associated protein tau inside
the neurons. The exact mechanism underlying tauopathies is not well-understood but several factors
such as traumatic brain injuries and genetics are considered as potential risk factors. Although tau protein
is well-known for its key role in stabilizing and organization of axonal microtubule network, it
bears a broad range of functions including DNA protection and participation in signaling pathways.
Moreover, the flexible unfolded structure of tau facilitates modification of tau by a wide range of intracellular
enzymes which in turn broadens tau function and interaction spectrum. The distinctive
properties of tau protein concomitant with the crucial role of tau interaction partners in the progression
of neurodegeneration suggest tau and its binding partners as potential drug targets for the treatment of
neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusion:

This review aims to give a detailed description of structure, functions and interactions of
tau protein in order to provide insight into potential therapeutic targets for treatment of tauopathies.
THE DOUBLE MOVEMENT IN POLANYI AND HAYEK: TOWARDS THE CONTINUATION OF LIFE
Authors: Faria Filipe Nobre
Published: May 2018

Karl Polanyi’s double movement is a dialectical process characterized by a continuous tension between a movement towards social marketization and a movement towards social protectionism. Notably, Polanyi condemns the former movement while defending the latter. Without using the term “double movement”, F.A Hayek’s theory of social evolution acknowledges the same phenomenon but reaches different normative conclusions. While for Polanyi the marketization of society is a utopia with dystopian consequences, Hayek’s evolutionary explanation of this dialectical process asserts that there is no alternative to a market oriented society. Both authors defend that their favoured movement is the one that truly supports the continuity of life. This article compares the authors’ normative readings of the double movement and concludes that, from an evolutionary perspective, Polanyi’s conclusion possesses a robustness that Hayek’s postulate lacks.
O DEBATE NA GRANDE TRANSFORMAÇÃO: LUDWIG VON MISES, FRIEDRICH HAYEK E KARL POLANYI SOBRE CAPITALISMO, SOCIALISMO E MERCADOS
Authors: Rodrigues João
Published: May 2018

O debate relativo ao cálculo económico em socialismo, iniciado por Ludwig von Mises, contou com a participação de Karl Polanyi e de Friedrich Hayek, moldando de diferentes formas o seu pensamento. Este artigo sintetiza alguns dos contributos para este debate sobre o estatuto e o lugar dos mercados, indicando como contribuiu para consolidar uma abordagem neoliberal à economia política institucionalista, mas sobretudo como moldou a original economia política institucionalista crítica de Karl Polanyi. Esta última foi construída numa discussão acesa com o liberalismo económico mais intransigente, a qual continua a enquadrar muitas questões actualmente relevantes.
Economic Impact to Quality of Life of Agropolitan Participants in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Yusof , Saad Hamid , Afgani Eusoff @Yendo , Yusof Naeemah
Published: May 2018

Quality of Life (QOL) issues have increasingly been the area of attention in cities of newly developing countries including Malaysia. To improve QOL for people of absolute poverty in Malaysia, the Malaysian government have carried out a program known as Agropolitan in the East Coast Economic Region. The three Agropolitan project locations selected for this study are Batu 8 Lepar and Runchang in Pekan, Pahang and Gua Musang in Kelantan. This study carried out a field survey on 254 samples to investigate their experiences throughout the project. This study found that Agropolitan project had remarkably improved the QOL of participants.
Green ICT and Self-directed Users
Authors: Din Noorriati
Published: May 2018

The Green information and communication technology (ICT) is introduced to support the implementation of the green environment. Promoting green technology and green economy includes "green manufacturing hub", green infrastructure", low carbon emission, efficient use of resources and a healthy, well-educated populace. For this study, the independent variable is the self-directed learning readiness while the dependent variable is the level of awareness on Green ICT. Seventy-seven distance learners participate in the survey. Purposive sampling technique chosen for this study. Findings showed that the level of green awareness scored high.
Development Permeability prediction for Bai Hassan Cretaceous Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Kakarash Tariq , Sadeq Qays M.
Published: May 2018

Permeability and porosity are the most difficult parameters to estimate in the oil reservoir because they are varying significantly over the reservoir, especially in the carbonate formation. Porosity and permeability can only be sampled at the well location. However, porosity is easy to estimate directly from well log data, permeability is not. In addition, permeability measurements from core samples are very expensive. Carbonate reservoirs are very difficult to characterize because of their tendency to be tight and heterogeneous due to deposition and diagenetic processes. Therefore, many engineers and geologists try to establish methods to get the best characterization for the carbonate reservoir. In this study, available routine core data from three wells are used to develop permeability model based on hydraulic flow unit method (HFUM) (RQI/FZI) for cretaceous carbonate middle reservoirs of Bai Hassan oil field. The results show that the HFUM is work perfectly to characterize and predict permeability for uncored wells because R2 ≥ 0.9. It is indicating that permeability can be accurately predicted from porosity if rock type is known.
Repeated Automated Mobile Text Messaging Reminders for Follow-Up of Positive Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Azulay Revital , Valinsky Liora , Hershkowitz Fabienne , Magnezi Racheli
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) are recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force as a screening method for colorectal cancer (CRC), but they are only effective if positive results are followed by colonoscopy. Surprisingly, a large proportion of patients with a positive result do not follow this recommendation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of text messaging (short message service, SMS) in increasing adherence to colonoscopy follow-up after a positive FOBT result.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted with patients who had positive CRC screening results. Randomization was stratified by residential district and socioeconomic status (SES). Subjects in the control group (n=238) received routine care that included an alert to the physician regarding the positive FOBT result. The intervention group (n=232) received routine care and 3 text messaging SMS reminders to visit their primary care physician. Adherence to colonoscopy was measured 120 days from the positive result. All patient information, including test results and colonoscopy completion, were obtained from their electronic medical records. Physicians of study patients completed an attitude survey regarding FOBT as a screening test for CRC. Intervention and control group variables (dependent and independent) were compared using chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for performing colonoscopy within 120 days for the intervention group compared with the control group while adjusting for potential confounders including age, gender, SES, district, ethnicity, and physicians’ attitude.

RESULTS

Overall, 163 of the 232 patients in the intervention group and 112 of the 238 patients in the control group underwent colonoscopy within 120 days of the positive FOBT results (70.3% vs 47.1%; OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.49-3.17; P<.001); this association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders (P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A text message (SMS) reminder is an effective, simple, and inexpensive method for improving adherence among patients with positive colorectal screening results. This type of intervention could also be evaluated for other types of screening tests.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03642652; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03642652 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74TlICijl)
The Health and Retirement Study: Analysis of Associations Between Use of the Internet for Health Information and Use of Health Services at Multiple Time Points (Preprint)
Authors: Shim Hyunju , Ailshire Jennifer , Zelinski Elizabeth , Crimmins Eileen
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of the internet for health information among older people is receiving increasing attention, but how it is associated with chronic health conditions and health service use at concurrent and subsequent time points using nationally representative data is less known.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether the use of the internet for health information is associated with health service utilization and whether the association is affected by specific health conditions.

METHODS

The study used data collected in a technology module from a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older Americans aged 52 years and above from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study (HRS; N=991). Negative binomial regressions were used to examine the association between use of Web-based health information and the reported health service uses in 2012 and 2014. Analyses included additional covariates adjusting for predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Interactions between the use of the internet for health information and chronic health conditions were also tested.

RESULTS

A total of 48.0% (476/991) of Americans aged 52 years and above reported using Web-based health information. The use of Web-based health information was positively associated with the concurrent reports of doctor visits, but not over 2 years. However, an interaction of using Web-based health information with diabetes showed that users had significantly fewer doctor visits compared with nonusers with diabetes at both times.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the internet for health information was associated with higher health service use at the concurrent time, but not at the subsequent time. The interaction between the use of the internet for health information and diabetes was significant at both time points, which suggests that health-related internet use may be associated with fewer doctor visits for certain chronic health conditions. Results provide some insight into how Web-based health information may provide an alternative health care resource for managing chronic conditions.
Health Literacy and Some Socio-Demographic Aspects under One Health Approach in Eastern Tanzania: Connections and Realities
Authors: Muhanga Mikidadi I. , Malungo Jacob R.
Published: May 2018

Health Literacy significantly contributes towards attaining good health particularly when taken into the context of the interface of humans, animals and the environment. This cross-sectional study assessed health literacy and its connections to other socio-demographic aspects under One Health Approach in Morogoro municipality and Mvomero districts in Tanzania. A structured questionnaire administered through a Computer Aided Personal Interviewing (CAPI) electronic platform was used to collect data from 240 respondents obtained through a multistage sampling procedure. Health Literacy was assessed using context specific assessment tool. IBM-SPSS v20 and Gretl software were used to analyze data. The results revealed Inadequate Health Literacy at 36.3%, Moderate Health Literacy at 30.8% and Adequate Health Literacy standing at 32.9%. There was no association between educational attainment and the level of Health Literacy revealed. Health Literacy was lower among older individuals, with 40.2% of those who had Inadequate Health Literacy were from the elderly age category, more females (56.3%) had Inadequate Health Literacy than males (43.7%), Adequate Health Literacy was observed among married respondents at 65.8% in the category. Health literacy varies across some socio-demographic aspects. It therefore remains imperative that interventions in scale up health literacy by various stakeholders to consider these socio-demographic aspects.
Influence of Vignettes Constructions on Ethical Decision among Business Education Students
Authors: Oluoch Prisca Mary , Odundo Paul Amollo
Published: May 2018

Vignettes adoption as an experiential learning approach such provides educational experiences that could shape ethical sensitivity among learners. This study was focused at establishing the influence of vignettes construction on ethical decision-making among business education students. A sample of 20 students from a target population provided information through filling questionnaires which was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study adopted constructivism learning theory, the study findings indicated that simulated vignettes (94.1%) influence ethical decision making; abridge (76.5%), truncated (81.3%), anchored (94.1%) and scaffold vignettes (93.8%). The study recommended that universities and institutions training teachers should consider adoption vignettes as an instructional approach teaching subject methods; business education teachers to adopt in business education methods and other subject areas. On practice, the study recommended vignettes as an instructional tool enhance effectiveness and focus; and more studies on the extent business education teachers have adopted vignettes in the field.