bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bir Eğitime Katılan Sendikalı Kadın İşçilerin Sağlık Durumlarının Ve İşçi Sağlığı Konusundaki Bilgi Düzeylerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Çağlayan Çiğdem , Aker Alp , Çoker Seval , Mutlu Gül Anıl
Published: March 2018

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, bir sendikaya üye işyeri temsilcisi kadın işçilerin genel ve işle ilgili sağlık durumlarını, işçi sağlığı ve iş güvenliği (İSİG) konusundaki bilgi düzeylerini ve verilen eğitimin bilgi düzeyine katkısını değerlendirmektir.Yöntem: Bu araştırma, bir sendikaya üye kadın işçilere, Eylül 2015’de verilen bir günlük İSİGeğitiminin değerlendirildiği bir müdahale çalışmasıdır. Ön teste 20 kadın işçi, son teste 18 kadın işçi katılmıştır. Veriler, eğitim öncesinde ve sonrasında katılımcılara dağıtılan soru formları ile toplanmıştır. İSİG ile ilgili sorulara verilen cevaplar 100 üzerinden skorlanarak eğitim öncesi ve sonrası bilgi puanları oluşturulmuştur.Bulgular: Eğitime 20 kadın işçi katılmış olup, yaş ortalamaları 39.0±5.45’tir. Katılımcıların %30’u tekstil sektöründe, %25’i metal ürün imalatında, %20’si sağlık sektöründe çalışmaktadır. Katılımcıların İSİG ile ilgili bilgi düzeyleri, eğitim öncesinde 5.70±8.92 puan, eğitim sonrasında ise 46.72±19.86 puan olarak hesaplanmıştır. Eğitim sonrasında bilgi puanlarındaki bu artış istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmuştur (Wilcoxon Testi p<0.001). Ön testte verilen yanıtlara göre doğru bilinme ve/veya fikir sahibi olma orantısı; işyerindeki tehlikelerin vücuda giriş yolları %15, korunma önlemleri %30, meslek hastalığı tanımı %20, işle ilgili hastalık tanımı %0, kadınlarda en sık iş kazası ve meslek hastalığının görüldüğü işkolları %5’tir. Son testte aynı sırayla doğru bilinme ve/veya fikir sahibi olma orantısı %94.4, %100, %72.2, %22.2 ve %83.3’tür.Sonuç: İşçilerin, İSİG konusundaki bilgi düzeylerinin ve farkındalıklarının az olduğu, bunların artırılması için işçilere konuyla ilgili eğitim vermenin etkili bir yol olduğu saptanmıştır. Verilecek eğitimlerin periyodik olarak tekrarlanması konuyla ilgili bilinci artıracaktır. Sendikaların hak mücadeleleri kapsamında işçilere verdikleri desteğin yanında, İSİG eğitimlerine de öncelik vermeleri ve bu faaliyetleri artırmaları önemlidir.
Internet Addiction In Turkish Adolescents And Their Postponed Activities Of Daily Living
Authors: GÜR Kamer , ŞİŞMAN Fatma Nevin , ŞENER Nurcan , ÇETİNDAĞ Zerrin
Published: March 2018

Literatürde, ergenlerin mental sağlıkları ile İnternet Bağımlılığı (IB) arasındaki ilişkiyi inceleyen pek çok araştırma olmasına rağmen günlük yaşam aktivitelerine özgü problemleri irdeleyen sınırlı çalışma vardır. Bu tanımlayıcı çalışmanın amacı ergenlerin IB durumlarını ve internet başından ayrılamadıkları için erteledikleri bazı günlük yaşam aktivitelerini belirlemektir (n=828). İnternette olduğu zamanlarda; altı saatten az uyuyan, sadece iki ana öğün yiyen, ara öğünlerini atlayan, ana öğünlerini bilgisayar başında yiyen, atıştırmalık (abur-cubur) birşeyler ile öğününü atlayan, tuvalet ve bazı hijyenik ihtiyaçlarını (el yıkama, banyo yapma) erteleyen ve çalışmayı ertelediği için okul başarı zayıf olan ergenlerin IB skorları diğerlerinden daha yüksektir (p<0.05). Aynı zamanda bu ergenlerin internet başında uzun zaman geçirdikleri için baş-boyun ve kol veya herhangi bir bölgesinde ayrı deneyimledikleri, göz ile ilgili ( göz yaşarması, göz kızarması ve ağrı) problemi ve sindirim sistemi problemleri (kabızlık, gaz) yaşadıkları bulundu. Fiziksel sağlık şikayetleri ile IB skoru arasında anlamlı farklılık elde edildi (p<0.05).
Isolation Of Acremonium sp. From Subcutaneous Skin Infection Of A Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: KEÇELİ Sema , DÜNDAR Devrim , ŞİKAR AKTÜRK Aysun , KIRAN Rebiay
Published: March 2018

Cutaneous Acremonium infections in humans is rare. We report a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who developed subcutaneous infection due to Acremonium sp. A wound lesion on distal wall of left lower leg was the first clinical manifestation of the patient. Fungal culture of deep tissue biopsy from the lesion revealed Acremonium species. In bacterial cultures Enterecoccus faecalis, E. clocea and Candida albicans were isolated. Pathologic investigation resulted as pyoderma gangrenosum and T cell lymphoproliferative lesion. Thus, the diagnosis of patient was considered as combined bacterial and fungal infection plus pyoderma gangrenosum. Thus, the patient was treated with ampicillin/sulbactam, methil prednisolone, topical naftifin and fucidic acid and itraconazole. The chemotherapy protocol was continued at the same time. Healing of the lesion was observed after ıtracanazoleteratment.
Profile Of Community Mental Health Centers In Turkey Between 2013-2015 Years
Authors: BİLGE Ayşegül , MERMER Gülengül , ÇAM Olcay , ÇETİNKAYA Aliye , ERDOĞAN Elif , ÜÇKUYU Nazlı
Published: March 2018

Amaç: Bu araştırma Türkiye’de 2013-2015 yılları arası toplum ruh sağlığı merkezlerinin profilini incelemek amacıyla planlanmıştır.Yöntem: Araştırma tanımlayıcı olarak yapılandırılmıştır. Araştırmada 45 Toplum Ruh Sağlığı Merkezi araştırmaya dahil edilmiştir (katılım oranı: %42,45). Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde tanımlayıcı analizler kullanılmıştır.Bulgular: Araştırmaya dahil edilen Toplum Ruh Sağlığı Merkezlerinin %20’sinin Marmara ve Karadeniz Bölgelerinde olduğu, %75.6’sının bir katlı bir binada hizmet verdiği belirlenmiştir. Merkezlerde çalışan personelin çoğunlukla hemşire (%24.7) ve hizmetli (%24.7) olduğu saptanmıştır. Tüm merkezler incelendiğinde, sürekli merkeze gelen danışan sıklığının %7.8 olduğu, bir merkezde ise “Mavi At Kafe” adlı korumalı iş yeri açıldığı belirlenmiştir.Sonuç: Türkiye’de toplum ruh sağlığı hizmetlerinin hedeflenen düzeyde olmadığı ancak son zamanlarda ilerleme gösterdiği söylenebilir.
Media USe By Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: GÜNDOĞDU Zuhal , SEYTEPE Ömer , PELİT Berrin Müberra , DOĞRU Hasan , GÜNER Büşra , ARIKIZ Ertuğrul , AKÇOMAK Zekeriya , KALE Esra Betül , MORAN İdris , AYDOĞDU Gökmen , KAYA Ebru
Published: March 2018

Amaç: Bu çalışmada okul öncesi çocuklarda medya ile ilgili araştırma yaparak, büyümek ve gelişmekte olan çocuğun sağlığı üzerine olan zararlı etkileri konusunda ebeveynleri bilgilendirmeyi amaçladık.Yöntem: 2-6 yaş grubu çocuğu olan ebeveynlere teknolojik aletlerle ilgili soruları içeren bir anket çalışması yaptık. Ebeveynden anketin geri alınması sırasında ebeveynin her birine teknolojik aletlerin 7 yaş altındaki çocuklarda kullanılması ve zararlı etkileri ile ilgili bilgi verip, önerilerde bulunduk.Bulgular: 102 çocuğun ebeveyni anketimizi cevapladı. Anket sonuçlarında çalışmaya katılan çocukların hepsinin teknolojik aletlerin biri veya birden fazlasıyla gün içinde 1 saat ve veya 1 saatten daha fazla zaman geçirdiklerini bulduk. Çocukların çoğunluğunun yemek saatinde teknolojik alet kullandığı ve ailelerin bu aletlerin olası zararlı etkileri konusunda bilgilerinin az olduğunu gördük.Sonuç: Bu araştırma, 7 yaş öncesi çocuklarda medyanın oldukça yaygın kullanıldığının gösterilmesi ve çocukların teknolojik aletleri kullanmaları ve olası zararlı etkileri konusunda ebeveynleri bilinçlendirmek açısından yararlı olup, gelecekte yapılacak büyük araştırmalar için örnek olabilir.
Traumatic Stress Reactions And Executive Functions In Women Exposed To Violence
Authors: DURSUN Betül , YILDIZ Mustafa
Published: March 2018

Amaç: İnsan kaynaklı şiddete maruz kalan bireylerde Örselenme Sonrası Stres Bozukluğu (ÖSSB) gelişebilmektedir. ÖSSB gelişimiyle ilişkilendirilen bazı etmenler de vardır. Bu çalışmada yönetici zihinsel işlevler, psikiyatrik tedavi öyküsü, depresyon belirti düzeyi, yaş, eğitim düzeyi, medeni durum, olay üzerinden geçen süre gibi etkenler ile örselenme sonrası stres bozukluğu arasındaki ilişki incelendi.Yöntem: Araştırmaya Aile ve Sosyal Politikalar Bakanlığına bağlı Kadın Konukevlerinde kalmakta olan 48 gönüllü kadın alındı. Katılımcılara Wiskonsin Kart Eşleme Testi (WKET), Beck Depresyon Ölçeği (BDÖ) ve Travma Sonrası Stres Tepkileri Ölçeği (TSSTÖ) uygulandı. Ölçek puanları arasındaki bağıntı ve nüfus özellikleri ile arasındaki ilişki incelendi.Bulgular: Fiziksel ya da cinsel şiddet görmüş kadın katılımcıların WKET başarımları ile TSSTÖ düzeyleri arasında anlamlı bir bağıntı bulunmadı. TSSTÖ puanları ile depresyon arasında pozitif bağıntı, örseleyici olay üzerinden geçen süre ile TSSTÖ’nden alınan puanlar arasında negatif bağıntı, eğitim düzeyleri ile bazı WKET maddeleri arasında pozitif ve negatif bağıntı saptandı. Geçmişte psikiyatrik tedavi görme ile WKET perseveratif hata yüzdesi arasında anlamlı bir ilişki saptandı.Sonuç: Bu çalışmada örseleyici stres tepkileri ile yürütücü işlevsellik puanları arasında anlamlı bir ilişki yok gibi görünüyor. Ancak bu durum süreğenleşmiş ÖSSB olgularında çalışılarak test edilmelidir.
Nadir Bir Patojen Comamonas Testosteronı: Olgu Sunumu Ve Literatürün Gözden Geçirilmesi
Authors: Pekintürk Nilüfer , Akgüneş Alper
Published: March 2018

Gram negatif, hareketli, aerobik ve sporsuz bir basil olan Comamonas testosteroni tüm dünyada yaygın olarak bulunmaktadır. Düşük virulans potansiyeline sahip olan bu mikroorganizma nadiren insanlarda enfeksiyona neden olmaktadır. Burada 62 yaşında, sol hemiparezisi ve tip II diyabeti olan ve her iki koldan alınan kan kültürlerinde Comamonas testosteroni ürettiğimiz erkek olgu sunulmaktadır. İdentifikasyon çalışmaları Vitek 2 otomatize sistemi (bioMérioux, Fransa) ile ve bazı konvansiyonel testlerle yapıldı. Antibiyogram çalışmalarında ek olarak Kirby-Bauer disk difüzyon yöntemi kullanıldı. Mikroorganizma aztreonam ve kolistine dirençli, tetrasikline orta duyarlı ve piperasilin, piperasilin-tazobaktam, seftazidim, sefepim, imipenem, meropenem, amikasin, gentamisin, netilmisin, tobramisin, siprofloksasin, levofloksasin, tigesiklin ve trimetoprim-sulfametaksazole duyarlı bulundu. Mikroorganizma değişen antibiyotik direnç profili ile kan kültürlerinden izole edilebilecek nadir bir etken olarak akılda tutulmalıdır.
Türkiye’deki Üniversitelerde Yıldırı (Psikolojik Taciz) İle Mücadele Birimleri
Authors: Yapıcı Lütfi , Polat Aslıhan
Published: March 2018

Yıldırı, İşyerinde Psikolojik Taciz olarak da bilinen bireyin sürekli ve sistematik olarak işinde zorlayıcı eylemlerle sindirilmesi olarak ifade edilir. Son yıllarda fark edilirliği yazılı-görsel medya, örnek vakalar, eğitimler, seminerler gibi yollarla artırılmıştır. Mücadele noktasında bireye, topluma ve örgütlere düşen görevler bulunmaktadır. Özellikle bu çalışmada Türkiye’deki Üniversitelerde kurulmuş olan Yıldırı ile Mücadele Birimlerinin İşleyiş, Usul ve Esaslarını incelenip, birimlerin eksik yönleri ve gerekli düzenleme önerileri birim yönergeleri üzerinden tartışılmıştır. Yönergelerden ve çalışmalardan yola çıkarak birimlerin ne iş yaptığının yeterince bilinmemesi, yıldırı konusundaki bilgi eksikliği, birimden beklenilenin çok fazla olması, birim yapılarının işlevsel olmadığını gösteriyor diyebiliriz. Bu noktada üniversitelerde kurulan bu birimlerin sayılarının ve işlevselliğinin artması yıldırı girişimlerini önleme ve farkındalık adına önemli bir kazanım olacaktır.
Blastocystis spp. Saptanan 50 Semptomatik Hastada Subtip Dağılımın Saptanması
Authors: Büyükbaba Boral Özden , Çelik Payçu Deniz Gözde , Akgül Akın , İşsever Halim
Published: March 2018

Amaç: Blastocystis spp. neden olduğu klinik semptomlar nedeniyle günümüzde önem kazanan enterik bir protozoondur. Prevalansı dünyanın farklı bölgelerinde değişmekle birlikte gelişmekte olan ülkelerde daha sık görüldüğü bildirilmektedir. Bugüne kadar insanlarda 9 Blastocystis spp. alt tipi saptanmıştır ve bu örneklerin farklı klinik semptomlar ile ilişkili olabileceği öne sürülmüştür.Yöntem: Bu çalışmada formol-etil asetat yöntemi ile Blastocystis spp. varlığı saptanan 50 semptomatik hastadan elde edilen izolatlarının iki farklı besiyerinde kültürleri yapılmış, bu izolatların alt tip dağılımı sekanslama yöntemi ile belirlenmiş, alt tipler ile klinik bulgular arasındaki ilişkiler incelenmiştir.Bulgular: Örneklerden 40 (%80)’ı her iki besiyerinde de üremiş, 5 (%10)’i iki besiyerinde de ürememiş, 5 (%10) örnek ise iki besiyerinden sadece birinde üremiştir. 39 (%78) örnekte tek bir alt tip saptanırken, 11 (%22) örnekte birden fazla alt tip varlığı saptanmıştır. Örnekler arasında en sık ST3 saptanırken bunu sırasıyla ST1, ST5, ST2 ve ST4 takip etmiştir. Karın ağrısı 23 (%46) hastada olmak üzere en sık rastlanan klinik semptom olup, allerjik semptomlar ise 17 (%34) hastada gözlenmiştir. Bunun dışında hastalarda çeşitli gastrointestinal semptomlar ve eklem ağrısı varlığı da gözlenmiştir. Klinik semptomlar ile alt tipler arasında anlamlı bir ilişki saptanamamıştır.Sonuç: Çalışmamızda, gastrointestinal ve allerjik semptomları olan hastalarda ST3 alt tipi en sık saptanmıştır. Ayrıca her ne kadar az sayıda olgu bildirilmiş olsa da bir hastada eklem ağrısı saptanmış olması Blastocystis spp.’nin artrit ile ilişkisi olabileceğini ve klinisyenler tarafından göz önünde bulundurulması gerektiğini düşündürmektedir. Her ne kadar çalışmamızda klinik bulgular ile alt tipler arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunamamış olsa da Blastocystis spp. alt tiplerinin, klinik bulgularla ilişkilerinin anlaşılması için daha fazla araştırmaya ihtiyaç vardır.
İnguinal Mesane Herniasyonu: Olgu Sunusu
Authors: Reşorlu Mustafa , Aylanc Nilüfer , Akgün Toprak Canan , Öztürk Muhsin Özgün
Published: March 2018

Mesanenin inguinal kanala herniasyonu oldukça nadirdir ve bu hastalar sıklıkla asemptomatiktir. Semptomatik olduklarında genelde nonspesifik üriner semptomlar vardır. Erken tanı konulması gelişebilecek komplikasyonların ve cerrahi sırasında iatrojenik mesane yaralanmalarının önlenmesinde önemlidir. Radyolojik görüntülemede altın standart sistografi olmakla birlikte preoperatif tanıda ek patolojilerin gösterilebilmesi amac ıyla manyetik rezonans görüntüleme kullanılabilir.
From Making Culture to Making Cultural History
Authors: Tippett Maria
Published: March 2018

“From Making Culture to Making Cultural History” is an account of how the author came to write about Canada's cultural history. She reflects on how practising ballet and music, being exposed to European cultural activity for more than two years, and studying European and Russian history came to provide the foundation for writing about and lecturing on Canada's culture.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a New Trianionic Surfactant for the Removal of Pb(II) by Flotation Method
Authors: El-Sharaky E. A. , Mishrif M. R. , El-Shamy O. A. A.
Published: March 2018

Sodium (Z)-15-carboxylato-8-(2-(((Z)-3-carboxylatoacryloyl)oxy) ethyl)-4,13-dioxo-5,11,12-trioxa-8,16-diazahentriacont-2-enoate has been synthesized. The chemical structure was confirmed by FT-IR and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The surface properties of the synthesized trianionic surfactant, including the critical micelle concentration (CMC), effectiveness (πcmc), maximum surface excess (Γmax), and minimum surface area (Amin) were determined from surface tension measurements. The efficiency of the trianionic surfactant to remove Pb(II) was determined using a flotation cell at different surfactant concentrations (below, at and beyond the CMC). Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the initial and final concentrations of Pb(II) ions. At pH 6 and a foaming time of 2 hr, the removal efficiency of Pb(II) increases with increasing the trianionic surfactant concentration.
Synthesis of a Gemini Betaine Surfactant and Its Properties as Foam Drainage Agent
Authors: Qi Hui , Bai Zhonggang , Zhang Qunzheng , Lai Xiaojuan
Published: March 2018

A novel betaine Gemini surfactant (B18-4-18) was synthesized by two-step reaction with N,N-dimethyl oleoaminde-propylamine, sodium 2-hydroxy-3-chloro propanesulfate and 1,4-dibromobutane as main raw materials. The structure of the synthesized betaine Gemini surfactant was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (1HNMR), the surface tension curve and related parameters were obtained by surface tension measurements. The surface tension of oleamide hydroxypropyl betaine (B18) and the Gemini surfactant (B18-4-18) at different concentrations was measured. The experimental results showed that the structure of the synthesized compounds was in conformity with the expected structure of the surfactants. The critical micelle concentration of B18 was 6.1 × 10−6 mol/L, the corresponding surface tension was 34.27 mN/m. The critical micelle concentration of B18-4-18 was 5.0 × 10−6 mol/L, the corresponding surface tension was 31.67 mN/m at 25°C. The liquid carrying rate of B18 and B18-4-18 can reach 87% and 92% in water respectively. The liquid carrying rate of B18 and B18-4-18 can reach 82% and 84% in 150 000 mg/L mineralized water. The liquid carrying rate of B18 and B18-4-18 can reach 64% and 67% respectively at 10% condensate oil.
Foaming and Cleaning Performance Comparison of Liquid Detergent Formulations using Mixtures of Anionic and Nonionic Surfactants
Authors: Karthick R. Arun , Jangir Ketan , Chattopadhyay Pradipta
Published: March 2018

Modern detergents are typically appreciated for their cleaning performance rather than foaming characteristics. The aim of the current study was to compare the foaming and cleaning abilities of liquid detergents, built from a combination of surfactants, to be applied for household laundry purpose. A total of eighteen different liquid detergent formulations containing mixtures of important anionic, nonionic surfactants, and other additives were prepared. The first set of nine new detergent formulations (S1) was prepared using the surfactants sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Tween-20 and Tween-80. Another set of nine new detergent formulations (S2) was prepared using surfactants SLS, Triton X-100 and alkyl polyglucoside (APG). The impact of water quality (RO, hypersaline or hard water) on the foam properties of the detergent formulation sets (S1 and S2) was systematically examined. The second set of detergent formulations (S2) showed a better performance in terms of foamability and foam stability, regardless of the water quality. Also, the surface tension of the detergent formulation set S2 was found to be lower and it showed a higher detergency for both cotton and woolen fabrics. The detergency of the formulation no S2.9 (in set S2) was the maximum amongst all the detergent formulations. The surface morphology of the cotton and woolen fabrics, washed with liquid detergent formulation no S2.9, displayed the removal of oily soil and grease from the surface of the fabrics, without affecting the quality of the fabrics.
Conjuring "the people"
Authors: Kurtović Larisa
Published: March 2018

In June 2013, a breakdown in the routine functioning of state bureaucracy
sparked the largest and up to that point most significant wave of protests
in postwar Bosnia-Herzegovina, named the Bosnian Babylution. The protest centered
on the plight of newborn babies who, because of this particular administrative
problem, could no longer be issued key documents, even to travel outside the
country for life-saving medical care. These events exposed the profound nature of
the representational crisis gripping this postwar, postsocialist, and postintervention
state that has emerged at the intersection of ethnic hyper-representation and
the lived experience of the collapse of biopolitical care. Yet, as this analysis shows,
this crisis has also helped unleash new forms of political desire for revolutionary
rupture and reconstitution of the postwar political.
Small Aircraft Infrared Radiation Measurements Supporting the Engine Airframe Aero-thermal Integration
Authors: Rohacs Jozsef , Jankovics Istvan , Gal Istvan , Bakunowicz Jerzy , Mingione Giuseppe , Carozza Antonio
Published: March 2018

The large, EU Supported ESPOSA (Efficient Systems and propulsion for Small Aircraft) project has developed new small gas turbines for small aircraft. One of the important tasks was the engine - airframe aero-thermal radiation integration that included task of minimizing the infrared radiation of the small aircraft, too. This paper discusses the factors influencing on the aircraft infrared radiation, its possible simulation and measurements and introduces the results of small aircraft infrared radiation measurements. The temperature of aircraft hot parts heated by engines were determined for validation of methodology developed and applied to engine - aircraft thermal integration.
Serum Calcium Level in Mild and Severe Preeclampsia- A study in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka
Authors: Roy Marlina , Rahman Asma , Begum Hafsa , Khan Rokeya , Hasan Nasrin , Akter Perven , Alam M Kabir
Published: March 2018

Background : Hypertensive disorders are the most common medical complications during pregnancy and are associated with high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.Half of the pregnant women with hypertension have preeclampsia. Association of low serum calcium level with preeclampsia(PE) is known decades together.Objectives : To assess serum calcium level in mild and severe preeclampsia(PE).Materials and Method : This was a comparative cross sectional study conducted in the department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH),Dhaka, Bangladesh. The data were collected from 50 mild preeclampsia and 50 severe preeclampsia patients admitted in Obstetric and Gynaecology ward of CMH who fulfill the inclusion criteria. Study period was July 2015 to December 2015. Serum calcium was measured in Auto analyzer machine in the clinical pathology of Armed forced Institute of pathology (AFIP). Data were analyzed by statistical software, SPSS version 20.Results : Serum calcium level was found in severe PE was 8.12mg/dl and in mild PE was 8.85mg/dl. Study also reveals that routine calcium supplementation was consumed less in severe PE than mild PE patients.Conclusion : Serum calcium is markedly reduce in severe preeclampsia than in mild preeclampsia. Therefore routine examination of serum calcium level may be useful as diagnostic marker in high risk pregnancy.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.9(1) July 2017: 255-257
Harvesting Method Affects Water Dynamics and Yield of Sweet Orange with Huanglongbing
Authors: Hamido Said , Morgan Kelly
Published: March 2018

Changes in grove management practices may change crop water dynamics. The objective of this study was to estimate sap flow, stem water potential (Ψstem), and citrus yield as affected by harvesting methods in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) trees affected by Huanglongbing. The study was initiated in March 2015 for two years on five-year-old commercial sweet orange trees at a commercial grove located at Felda, Florida (26.61° N, 81.48° W) on Felda fine sand soil (Loamy, siliceous, superactive, hyperthermic Arenic Endoaqualfs). All measurements were replicated before and after harvest in four experiments (A, B, C and D) under hand and mechanical harvesting treatments. Sap flow measurements were taken on four trees per treatment with two sensors per tree. Sap flow measured by the heat balance method at hourly intervals during March and April of 2015 and 2016 significantly declined after harvesting by 25% and 35% after hand and mechanical harvesting, respectively. Ψstem measured after harvest was significantly higher than measurements before harvest. The average value of Ψstem measured increased by 10% and 6% after hand and mechanical harvesting, respectively. Mechanical harvesting exhibited lower fruit yields that averaged between 83%, 63%, 49% and 36% of hand-harvested trees under A, B, C and D experiments, respectively. It is concluded that the hand harvesting method is less stressful and less impactful on tree water uptake and fruit yield compared with mechanical harvesting.
Weed Suppression Ability and Yield Impact of Living Mulch in Cereal Crops
Authors: Gerhards Roland
Published: March 2018

Intercropping provides several benefits to the agro-ecosystem and plays an important role in Integrated Weed Management (IWM). In this study, we investigated the impact of living mulch in cereal crops on weed density and grain yield. Seven field experiments were conducted in Southwestern Germany. Perennial ryegrass and white clover were sown on the same day as the cereal crop (early) and when cereals had produced 3–5 leaves or the first tillers (late). Average weed density in the control plots without living mulch was 45 weeds m−2. Perennial ryegrass and white clover significantly reduced weed density to 22 plants m−2 and 25 plants m−2. Sowing date of living mulch had no effect on weed density. Grain yield was equal in all treatments. The results show that living mulch can suppress weeds without competing with the cereal crop.
Potentially Important Therapeutic Interactions between Antibiotics, and a Specially Engineered Emulsion Drug Vehicle Containing Krill-Oil-Based Phospholipids and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Authors: Driscoll David
Published: March 2018

The incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide is increasing as the pipeline for the development of new chemotherapeutic entities is decreasing. Clearly, overexposure to antibiotics, including excessive dosing, is a key factor that fuels AMR. In fact, most of the new antibacterial agents under development are derivatives of existing classes of antibiotics. Novel approaches involving unique antimicrobial combinations, targets, and/or delivery systems are under intense investigation. An innovative combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) consisting of antimicrobial drug(s), krill-oil-based phospholipids, and omega-3 fatty acid triglycerides, that may extend the therapeutic viability of currently effective antibiotics, at least until new chemical entities are introduced, is described.
Interleukin 6 Plays a Role in the Migration of Magnetically Levitated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Spheroids
Authors: Casson Jake , O’Kane Sam , Smith Carol-Anne , Dalby Matthew , Berry Catherine
Published: March 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reside quiescently within a specialised ‘niche’ environment in the bone marrow. However, following appropriate signalling cues, MSCs mobilise and migrate out from the niche, typically toward either sites of injury (a regenerative response) or toward primary tumours (an intrinsic homing response, which promotes MSCs as cellular vectors for therapeutic delivery). To date, very little is known about MSC mobilisation. By adopting a 3D MSC niche model, whereby MSC spheroids are cultured within a type I collagen gel, recent studies have highlighted interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a key cytokine involved in MSC migration. Herein, the ability of IL-6 to induce MSC migration was further investigated, and the key matrix metalloproteinases used to effect cell mobilisation were identified. Briefly, the impact of IL-6 on the MSC migration in a two-dimensional model systems was characterised—both visually using an Ibidi chemotaxis plate array (assessing for directional migration) and then via a standard 2D monolayer experiment, where cultured cells were challenged with IL-6 and extracted media tested using an Abcam Human MMP membrane antibody array. The 2D assay displayed a strong migratory response toward IL-6 and analysis of the membrane arrays data showed significant increases of several key MMPs. Both data sets indicated that IL-6 is important in MSC mobilisation and migration. We also investigated the impact of IL-6 induction on MSCs in 3D spheroid culture, serving as a simplistic model of the bone marrow niche, characterised by fluorescently tagged magnetic nanoparticles and identical membrane antibody arrays. An increase in MMP levels secreted by cells treated with 1 ng/mL IL-6 versus control conditions was noted in addition to migration of cells away from the central spheroid mass.
Development of Multiphoton Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for the Detection of Small Emulsion Droplets
Authors: Fujita Chiaki , Sugimura Yoshiki , Uchimura Tomohiro
Published: March 2018

A system for measuring small oil droplets in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion was developed using multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In the present study, a capillary column with an inner diameter of 15 µm was used for sample introduction. Moreover, a compact microscopic system was constructed for observing an emulsion flowing through a capillary column. As a result, the length for sample introduction was shortened, which is preferable for the direct evaluation of an emulsion. Using this system, the minimum diameter of a detectable toluene droplet in an O/W emulsion was decreased to 1.7 µm. The present system could be used to evaluate the local microenvironment and stability of an emulsion.
Potential of Waste Oyster Shells as a Novel Biofiller for Hot-Mix Asphalt
Authors: Nciri Nader , Shin Taesub , Lee Haksoo , Cho Namjun
Published: March 2018

This paper reports the use of waste oyster shells as a novel biofiller for hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavement applications. The effects of different fractions (e.g., 0, 5, 10, 15 wt %) of oyster shell powder (OSP) on the bitumen performance were investigated. The chemical properties of unfilled and OSP-filled asphalts were characterized by means of thin layer chromatography-ionization detection (TLC-FID), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal characteristics were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Physical and rheological properties were assessed through penetration, softening point, ductility, and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. Results showed that OSP addition increased the resins content, as well as the stiffness of blends. No obvious reactions have occurred between the filler and the asphalt. A higher dose of OSP altered the morphology of the binder, whereas lower and intermediate doses improved its thermal stability and enhanced its low-temperature, rutting, and fatigue performances with respect to the plain asphalt. Overall, the waste oyster shells could be used as filler substitute, not only to improve the quality of road pavements but also to reduce the cost of their construction and solve the waste disposal problems.
New Advances and Challenges of Fall Detection Systems: A Survey
Authors: Xu Tao , Zhou Yun , Zhu Jing
Published: March 2018

Falling, as one of the main harm threats to the elderly, has drawn researchers’ attentions and has always been one of the most valuable research topics in the daily health-care for the elderly in last two decades. Before 2014, several researchers reviewed the development of fall detection, presented issues and challenges, and navigated the direction for the study in the future. With smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) developing rapidly, this field has made great progress. However, there is a lack of a review and discussion on novel sensors, technologies and algorithms introduced and employed from 2014, as well as the emerging challenges and new issues. To bridge this gap, we present an overview of fall detection research and discuss the core research questions on this topic. A total of 6830 related documents were collected and analyzed based on the key words. Among these documents, the twenty most influential and highly cited articles are selected and discussed profoundly from three perspectives: sensors, algorithms and performance. The findings would assist researchers in understanding current developments and barriers in the systems of fall detection. Although researchers achieve fruitful work and progress, this research domain still confronts challenges on theories and practice. In the near future, the new solutions based on advanced IoT will sustainably urge the development to prevent falling injuries.
Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Jones Charles
Published: March 2018

The Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the most important mode of tropical intraseasonal variability. [...]
Wine Traceability with Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Aceto Maurizio , Bonello Federica , Musso Davide , Tsolakis Christos , Cassino Claudio , Osella Domenico
Published: March 2018

The traceability of foodstuffs is now a relevant aspect of the food market. Scientific research has been devoted to addressing this issue by developing analytical protocols in order to find the link between soil and food items. In this view, chemical parameters that can act as soil markers are being sought. In this work, the role of rare earth elements (REEs) as geochemical markers in the traceability of red wine is discussed. The REE distribution in samples from each step of the wine making process of Primitivo wine (produced in Southern Italy) was determined using the highly sensitive inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. Samples analyzed include grapes, must, and wine samples after every step in the vinification process. The resulting data were compared to the REE distribution in the soil, revealing that the soil fingerprint is maintained in the intermediate products up to and including grape must. Fractionation occurs thereafter as a consequence of further external interventions, which tends to modify the REE profile.
Using a Drone to Search for the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis)
Authors: Collins Michael D.
Published: March 2018

During the past several decades, there have been many reports of sightings of the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis), but nobody has managed to obtain a clear photo, which is regarded as the standard form of evidence for documenting birds. A study was conducted in the Pearl River swamp in southeastern Louisiana to test the feasibility of searching for this elusive species and surveying its habitat using a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone with a 4K video camera. Drone images are of much higher quality than images that were previously obtained at much greater expense during flights in a Cessna 172. The approach was found to be effective for searching for and inspecting trees that are potential foraging sites for woodpeckers and that might be suitable for nest and roost cavities. Large woodpeckers in flight are identifiable in video footage obtained from an altitude of 40 m, which was found to be sufficient to reliably avoid collisions with trees in the study area.
Conformal Flattening for Deformed Information Geometries on the Probability Simplex †
Authors: Ohara Atsumi
Published: March 2018

Recent progress of theories and applications regarding statistical models with generalized exponential functions in statistical science is giving an impact on the movement to deform the standard structure of information geometry. For this purpose, various representing functions are playing central roles. In this paper, we consider two important notions in information geometry, i.e., invariance and dual flatness, from a viewpoint of representing functions. We first characterize a pair of representing functions that realizes the invariant geometry by solving a system of ordinary differential equations. Next, by proposing a new transformation technique, i.e., conformal flattening, we construct dually flat geometries from a certain class of non-flat geometries. Finally, we apply the results to demonstrate several properties of gradient flows on the probability simplex.
An Overview of Modified Semiparametric Memory Estimation Methods
Authors: Busch Marie , Sibbertsen Philipp
Published: March 2018

Several modified estimation methods of the memory parameter have been introduced in the past years. They aim to decrease the upward bias of the memory parameter in cases of low frequency contaminations or an additive noise component, especially in situations with a short-memory process being contaminated. In this paper, we provide an overview and compare the performance of nine semiparametric estimation methods. Among them are two standard methods, four modified approaches to account for low frequency contaminations and three procedures developed for perturbed fractional processes. We conduct an extensive Monte Carlo study for a variety of parameter constellations and several DGPs. Furthermore, an empirical application of the log-absolute return series of the S&P 500 shows that the estimation results combined with a long-memory test indicate a spurious long-memory process.
Flow Control over the Blunt Trailing Edge of Wind Turbine Airfoils Using Circulation Control
Authors: Xu He-Yong , Dong Qing-Li , Qiao Chen-Liang , Ye Zheng-Yin
Published: March 2018

A new partial circulation control (PCC) method is implemented on the blunt trailing edge DU97-Flatback airfoil, and compared with the traditional full circulation control (FCC) based on numerical analysis. When the Coanda jet is deactivated, PCC has an attractive advantage over FCC, since the design of PCC doesn’t degrade aerodynamic characteristics of the baseline flatback section, in contrast to FCC, which is important in practical use in case of failure of the circulation control system. When the Coanda jet is activated, PCC also outperforms FCC in several respects. PCC can produce much higher lift coefficients than FCC over the entire range of angles of attack as well as the entire range of jet momentum coefficients under investigation, but with slightly higher drag coefficients. The flow field of PCC is less complex than that of FCC, indicating less energy dissipation in the main flow and hence less power expenditure for the Coanda jet. The aerodynamic figure of merit (AFM) and control efficiency for circulation control are defined, and results show that PCC has much higher AFM and control efficiency than FCC. It is demonstrated that PCC outperforms FCC in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and reliability for flow control in the blunt trailing edge wind turbine application.
Conversion of Levulinic Acid from Various Herbaceous Biomass Species Using Hydrochloric Acid and Effects of Particle Size and Delignification
Authors: Pulidindi Indra , Kim Tae
Published: March 2018

Acid catalyzed hydrothermal conversion of levulinic acid (LA) from various herbaceous materials including rice straw (RS), corn stover (CS), sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB), and Miscanthus (MS) was evaluated. With 1 M HCl, 150 °C, 5 h, 20 g/L solid loading, the yields of LA from untreated RS, CS, SSB and MS based on the glucan content were 60.2, 75.1, 78.5 and 61.7 wt %, respectively. It was also found that the particle size had no significant effect on LA conversion yield with >3 h reaction time. With delignification using simulated green liquor (Na2CO3-Na2S, 20 wt % total titratable alkali (TTA), 40 wt % sulfidity) at 200 °C for 15 min, lignin removal was in the range of 64.8–91.2 wt %. Removal of both lignin and xylan during delignification increased the glucan contents from 33.0–44.3 of untreated biomass to 61.7–68.4 wt % of treated biomass. Delignified biomass resulted in much lower conversion yield (50.4–56.0 wt %) compared to 60.2–78.5 wt % of untreated biomass. Nonetheless, the concentration of LA in the product was enhanced by a factor of ~1.5 with delignification.
A High-Gain Reflex-Based Bidirectional DC Charger with Efficient Energy Recycling for Low-Voltage Battery Charging-Discharging Power Control
Authors: Lai Ching-Ming , Li Yun-Hsiu , Cheng Yu-Huei , Teh Jiashen
Published: March 2018

This study proposes a high-gain reflex-charging-based bidirectional DC charger (RC-BDC) to enhance the battery charging efficiency of light electric vehicles (LEV) in a DC-microgrid. The proposed charger topology consists of an unregulated level converter (ULC) and a two-phase interleaved buck-boost charge-pump converter (IBCPC), which together provide low ripple and high voltage conversion ratio. As the high-gain RC-BDC charges, the LEV’s battery with reflex charging currents, high battery charging efficiency, and prolonged battery life cycles are achieved. This is possible due to the recovering of negative pulse energy of reflex charging currents to reduce charge dissipations within LEV’s batteries. Derivations of the operating principles of the high-gain RC-BDC, analyses of its topology, and the closed-loop control designs were presented. Simulations and experiments were implemented with battery voltage of 48 V and DC-bus voltage of 400 V for a 500 W prototype. The results verify the feasibility of the proposed concept and were compared with the typical constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charger. The comparison shows that the proposed high gain RC-BDC improves battery charging speed and reduces the battery thermal deterioration effect by about 12.7% and 25%, respectively.
Precise Analysis on Mutual Inductance Variation in Dynamic Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicle
Authors: Rakhymbay Ainur , Khamitov Anvar , Bagheri Mehdi , Alimkhanuly Batyrbek , Lu Maxim , Phung Toan
Published: March 2018

Wireless power transfer provides an opportunity to charge electric vehicles (EVs) without electrical cables. Two categories of this technique are distinguished: Stationary Wireless Charging (SWC) and Dynamic Wireless Charging (DWC) systems. Implementation of DWC is more desirable than SWC as it can potentially eliminate challenges associated with heavy weight batteries and time-consuming charging processes. However, power transfer efficiency and range, lateral misalignment of coils as well as implementation cost are issues affecting DWC. These issues need to be addressed through developing coil architectures and topologies as well as operating novel semiconductor switches at higher frequencies. This study presents a small-scale dynamic wireless power transfer system for EV. It specifically concentrates on analyzing the dynamic mutual inductance between the coils due to the misalignment as it has significant influence on the EV charging process, particularly, over the output power and overall efficiency. A simulation study is carried out to explore dynamic mutual inductance profile between the transmitter and receiver coils. Mutual inductance simulation results are then verified through practical measurements on fabricated coils. Integrating the practical results into the model, an EV DWC power transfer simulation is conducted and the relation between dynamic mutual inductance and output power are discussed technically.
Improvements to the Composition of Fusel Oil and Analysis of the Effects of Fusel Oil–Gasoline Blends on a Spark-Ignited (SI) Engine’s Performance and Emissions
Authors: Simsek Suleyman , Ozdalyan Bulent
Published: March 2018

With the increase of energy needs and environmental pollution, alcohol-based alternative fuels are used in spark-ignited (SI) engines. Fusel oil, which is a by-product obtained through distillation of ethanol, contains some valuable alcohols. As alcohols are high-octane, they have an important place among the alternative fuels. Fusel also takes its place among those alternatives as it is high-octane and low on exhaust emissions. In this research, the effects of using blends of unleaded gasoline and improved fusel oil on engine performance and exhaust emissions were analyzed experimentally. A four-stroke, single-cylinder, spark-ignited engine was used in the experiments. The tests were conducted at a fixed speed and under different loads. The test fuels were blended supplying with fusel oil at rates incremented by 10%, up to 50%. Under each load, the engine’s performance and emissions were measured. Throughout the experiments, it has been observed that engine torque and specific fuel consumption increases as the amount of fusel oil in the blend is increased. Nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions are reduced as the amount of fusel oil in the blends is increased.
Simulation Study on the Effects of DC Electric Field on Insulator Surface Pollution Deposit
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Zhijin , Jiang Xingliang , Shu Lichun , Wu Bin
Published: March 2018

Energized insulator’s surface contamination is greatly affected by its electric field properties. However, few reports about the electric field influencing mechanism on the pollution deposition have been presented. In this paper, the coupling-physics model of a three-unit XP-160 insulator string was established, and the particles’ deposition process was simulated by using the finite element method. The effects of the electric field on the pollution particles’ motion were analyzed. Research results indicate that the closer to the insulator string, the larger the intersection angle θ between the electric force and its horizontal component. The main function of the electric field on insulator contamination is that it changes the pollution particles’ vertical moving speed, thus accelerating the particles’ deposition process. The particle capture coefficient ratio ck can be used to reflect the pollution degree discrepancy between DC-energized and non-energized insulators. In this paper the ratio ck of the DC-energized to non-energized condition is in the range of 1.04 to 1.98, very close to the field measurement results of the DC pollution ratio k.
Optimal Integration of Multi Distributed Generation Sources in Radial Distribution Networks Using a Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Bhullar Suman , Ghosh Smarajit
Published: March 2018

Distributed generation (DG) can be integrated into any radial distribution network (RDN) to meet the increasing demand for electric power. Instead of integrating a single large size DG, two or more than two small DGs (multi DGs) are usually placed. These DGs must be placed in appropriate buses/nodes with suitable size to ensure better performance of the system. The purpose of this paper is to implement an established hybrid optimization algorithm to place multi DGs with suitable size at each site. The proposed hybrid ABC-CS optimization algorithm combines the behaviour of the artificial bee colony (ABC) and cuckoo search (CS) algorithms. The multi DGs are optimally placed by considering objectives like power loss, penalty function (PE) and voltage profile (VP). The outcomes of two different types of radial distribution networks obtained by the suggested method for placement of multi DGs have been correlated to that obtained by using genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and GA-PSO. The proposed method has also been correlated with the other published methods to indicate its strength.
Comparison of the Economic Value of Urban Trees through Surveys with Photographs in Two Seasons
Authors: García-Ventura Claudia , Sánchez-Medina Álvaro , Grande-Ortíz M. , González-García Concepción , Ayuga-Téllez Esperanza
Published: March 2018

Urban trees are generally considered to be a public asset and are an important part of a city’s heritage. The aim of this work is to analyse the influence of season on the economic appraisal of various trees in Madrid. Photographs were taken of 43 individual tree specimens in summer and winter. The survey was designed to compare differences of opinion in the economic assessment of trees. The trees were assessed by eight valuation methods used worldwide. A total of 78 agroforestry engineering students answered a written survey, and the variables considered were: percentage of students who always evaluated the tree equally (%0), percentage of students who assigned more value to the summer photograph (%S), and percentage of students who assigned more value to the winter photograph (%W). The results were analysed by the statistical test of equal proportions and ANOVA to detect differences according to tree type (evergreen or deciduous), species, and other groupings made by the authors in previous works. W and S percentages are similar. The ANOVA analysis rejects the equality of percentages of S and W between groups. The Welch test rejects the equality of the percentage of S, W, and O between species.