bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Filler on Engineering Characteristics of Bituminous Paving Mixes with Recycled Concrete Aggregates
Authors: Giri Jyoti Prakash , Panda Mahabir , Sahoo Umesh Chandra
Published: May 2018

As the result of an increase in infrastructure activity, a huge amount of mostly concrete demolition waste has accumulated and is causing concern in regard to its disposal. At the same time, available natural stone reserves of resources are quickly depleting. In pavements only, natural aggregates (NA) are used to the extent of 90–95 % by weight. Keeping this in mind, paving engineers have explored the use of alternate resources to ease not only the construction costs but to also preserve the natural stone resources to the greatest extent possible. Considering this, an attempt has been made in this study to explore the use of crushed materials of available concrete waste, referred to in this article as recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in bituminous paving mixes. In this article, densely graded bituminous mixes, such as dense bituminous macadam mixes, have been prepared using RCA as a coarse aggregates with both cement (CM) and stone dust (SD) as fillers. Conventional mixes with NA have also been made under similar situations and a comparative study has been made with respect to the engineering properties of these mixes such as Marshall characteristics, indirect tensile strength, moisture sensitivity, and dynamic modulus. It is observed that the RCA mixtures, in general, fulfill all the requirements of Marshall and moisture sensitivity criteria. It is also observed that the mixes that use CM as a filler have better engineering properties compared with those that use SD.
Design Approach for Construction of Rural Roads Using Nanomaterial-Stabilized Soil
Authors: Arora Khusboo , Behl Ambika , Jain Pramod Kumar
Published: May 2018

Rural roads are an important part of the world’s transportation infrastructure as they provide connectivity to the major roads and highways. Long-term performance of pavement structures is significantly impacted by enhancement in the stability of the underlying soils. Conventionally, most of the rural roads are composed of compacted sub-grade layer. On the other hand, for higher volume road design, soil subgrades are expected to maintain load bearing strength under wet conditions, resist the weathering effect over its design life, and reduce permeability. The main objective of this research is to improve the strength of the sub-grade, which helps to construct stabilized gravel road for low volume traffic and reduce the crust thickness of the pavement layers of higher traffic volume using soil stabilized with nanomaterials and cement. In this article, performance improvement and improved design of a rural road using nanomaterials along with cement combination is presented. Results showed that clayey sand (SC) treated with nanomaterials have beneficial effects on their engineering properties, increased strength and stiffness, and enhanced durability. By using a combination of nanomaterials and cement, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of the soil increased to 18 times the original CBR and also improved the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and durability of the soil. On the basis of these results, an improved design approach for low traffic and high traffic volume roads was done, and it is suggested that reduction in the crust thickness of the pavement layers is possible by using stabilized soil, and only stabilized gravel roads can be constructed for low traffic volume or rural roads.
Change of Road Integrated Design Consistency due to Antiskid Transverse Rumble Strips on High-Speed Federal Road FT050
Authors: Prasetijo Joewono , Zhang Guohui , Guntor Nickholas Anting Anak , Siang Alvin John Lim Meng , Daniel Basil David , Sanik Mohd Erwan
Published: May 2018

Malaysia is one of many developing countries that have a high rate of road accidents. Most accidents happen to motorcyclists and car users, and motorcycles are deemed 17 times more dangerous than passenger cars. One of the most common accident types are collisions between motorcycles and passenger cars due to a lack of geometric design consistency on roads, wherein drivers make errors because of geometric features. Therefore, this study is conducted to develop a consistency model for motorcycle-car collisions based on the characteristics of the geometric design on the roads and vehicle continuous speed profiles. The study was conducted on the FT050 federal road in Malaysia, from km 31 to km 35. Use of a DG-200 global positioning system (GlobalSat, New Taipei City, Taiwan), the continuous speed profile was extracted to develop road design consistency profiles based on the following parameters: the bounded area between the profile, the average speed, and the standard deviation of speed along the road. Furthermore, the study investigated the effects of antiskid transverse rumble strip treatment along the section of km 34 to km 35 after the rumble strip treatment. The installation of antiskid transverse rumble strips generally produced a significant reduction in vehicle speeds on the Federal Road FT050, which has posted speed limits of 60 km/h. The mean speed along the sections with antiskid rumble strips declined by 3.4 km/h on federal roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h. The 85th percentile speed declined to 3.8 km/h with a speed limit of 60 km/h. The profiles show that the influence area of antiskid rumble strips would be generally less than 0.5 km. The km 34 to km 35 road section, which is justified based on the design consistency of the area and on the integrated design consistency model between car and motorcycle, is found to be acceptable.
The Influence of Boroaluminizing Temperature on Microstructure and Wear Resistance in Low-Carbon Steels
Authors: Mishigdorzhiyn Undrakh , Sizov Igor
Published: May 2018

This article investigates the possibility of improving the wear resistance of carbon steel 30 by means of boroaluminizing in treatment pastes. Boroaluminizing was conducted in sodium fluoride (as an activator), boron carbide, and aluminum at furnace heating (the latter two components were taken in a ratio of 4 to 1). The treatment was administered for 4 hours in four temperature modes between 950°C and 1,100°C with a 50°C difference between modes. The microstructure, microhardness, and elemental and phase compositions of the boroaluminized layers were investigated. In addition, the wear resistance of the boroaluminized steels was tested. It was established that treatment temperatures of 1,000°C and lower lead to the formation of layered structures consisting of iron aluminides that are mainly located on top of the diffusion layer and iron borides adjacent to the base metal. Moreover, the use of boroaluminizing temperatures over 1,000°C results in the formation of a heterogeneous structure with iron borides FeB and Fe2B evenly distributed in the matrix of aluminum solid solution in iron. This contributes significantly to the mechanical properties of the layer; in particular, it enhances its wear resistance. It was established that the wear resistance of steel 30 significantly improves after treatment at 1,100°C in comparison with temperature modes of 950°C and 1,000°C.
Residual Stress Profile in Tubular Components
Authors: Cristea Mihaela E. , D’Incau Mirco , Scardi Paolo
Published: May 2018

The precise manufacturing of seamless steel pipes requires postprocess straightening treatments that lead to rather complex and not easily predictable residual stress fields. In this work, we combine blind hole drilling (BHD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques to determine the most relevant component, the circumferential (hoop) stress: BHD is used on the outer surface of the steel pipe and XRD is used on the inside; the results from both techniques are combined with a progressive layer removal procedure to determine the stress profile across the pipe wall.
Explaining The Changes of Agriculture Land Prices In Lithuania
Authors: Rutkauskas Virgilijus , Gudauskaitė Laura
Published: May 2018

This article investigates the recent changes of agricultural land prices in Lithuania and quantitively assesses the most important factors affecting it. Land is one of the main scarce resources and it distinguishes itself among others by the inelasticity of price change to quantity, meaning that the changes in land prices are affected by demand and in very limited extend by supply. Taking this into account, it is important – from the practical as well as the theoretical points of view – to know these factors and, if needed, take regulatory measures. As the case of Lithuania suggests, the recent rapid growth of land prices is mainly driven by general economic performance (GDP), EU and national financial support provided to the Lithuanian agriculture sector and the regulation of agriculture food prices (the setting of purchase prices).
Prebiotic prophylaxis of ventilator-associated pneumonia: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kooshki Akram , Khazaei Zaher , Zarghi Azam , Rad Mojtaba , Tabaraie Yaser
Published: May 2018

Introduction: There is evidence of the curing effects of prebiotics in promoting growth of bifid bacterium in the digestive system and the central role of bacteria colonization in the pathogenesis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of administration of a prebiotic, namely fenugreek seeds, on VAP prevention and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.

Methods: In this study, 60 mechanically ventilated patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=30 per group). Group 1 was given fenugreek seed powder by gavage, twice a day in addition to routine care, while group 2 received only routine care. Demographic and clinical data were recorded and clinical responses to the primary component (prevalence of VAP) and secondary component (other clinical factors) were interpreted. Data were analyzed via SPSS v.20, using student t-test, chi-square test, repeated measure ANOVA, and Wilcoxon test.

Result: There was a significant reduction of patients diagnosed with VAP, as well as clostridium difficileassociated diarrhea and some complications of mechanical ventilation, in group 1 when compared to group 2. In addition, improvement in VAP was significantly greater for group 1 as compared with group 2. Mortality rates were not different between the two groups.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that daily diet with fenugreek seeds can be used as an add-on therapy with other medications in prevention of VAP. As a result, the use of fenugreek seeds in the treatment plan of patients undergoing long-term intubation is recommended.
Access is not the same as understanding. Why intralingual translation is crucial in a world of information overload
Authors: Zethsen Karen Korning
Published: May 2018

In this article I shall investigate possible reasons why professional intralingual translation (especially the sub-category of expert-lay translation) is not more widespread in practice than the case is today. To illustrate my points I shall discuss the role of intralingual translation within health communication by means of two specific cases: patient information leaflets and electronic medical patient records. I shall argue that providing access to information is not necessarily the same as providing the patient with information, and that providing access, but not accessible information, is at best due to ignorance, at worst due to negligence. For professional translators, there seems to be a huge unexplored market for intralingual translation.
Translation, localization and foreignization: The metamorphoses of a comic book about a girl from the socialist bloc
Authors: Borodo Michał
Published: May 2018

The creation of comic books has traditionally been the domain of men. It is, however, a comic book story about a young girl written in French by a Polish woman author that seems to be one of the more significant comic book titles describing the Poland of the second half of the twentieth century. Written by Marzena Sowa and illustrated by Sylvain Savoia, Marzi is an autobiographical account of life in the socialist reality of the 1980s recounted from the perspective of a young Polish girl, carefully observing and analyzing the world of adults. Originally created in French in 2004, the comic book in focus has been translated into several languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, German, Chinese, Korean as well as the author’s native language, Polish. The paper concentrates on the notions of translation, foreignization and localization. The notion of translation is crucial to understanding Marzi and may be regarded as a keyword that sheds more light on the very process of creating the book. The strategy of foreignization is observable both in the French and the American editions with regard to the depiction of Polish cultural specificity. Finally, the French, Polish and American editions, which are the focus of the present paper, may be used to illustrate the concept of localization, applied to the sphere of comics translation by Federico Zanettin (2008).
Determination of the fatty acids in fish tissue and feed — comparison of different methods and statistical evaluation
Authors: Trbović D. , Polak T. , Demšar L. , Parunović N. , Dimitrijević M. , Nikolić D. , Đorđević V.
Published: May 2018

With the aim to reinforce laboratory competence in the field of testing the quality of fish from aquaculture, a study on the precision of fatty acid (FA) analyses in fish meat and fish feed was undertaken. Different methods were performed in laboratories. In situ transesterification method and extraction of lipids from the fish were followed by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The reproducibility (R) values of the majority of FAs were less than 3% of their absolute values. Differences in calculating ionization detector response factors and/or autoxidation caused by faulty sample-handling could lead to variation in quantification of FAs in fish, especially for FA C22:6n-3. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the two laboratories' quantifications of FAs in fish and fish feed (Pearson's correlation coefficient; r = 0.987, r = 0.994, and r = 0.997; for fish Z [trout], fish Š [rainbow trout], and fish feed, respectively). Overall, adequate accuracy was obtained in this study. The proposed method provides a fast and efficient means of identifying fish and feed for quality control purposes.
The Effect of Pasteurization Time on Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Two Apple Cultivars Juices
Authors: LASLO Vasile , SOCACI Sonia , TEUSDEA Alin , TIMAR Adrian , TOFANĂ Maria , VICAS Simona Ioana
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study was to characterize two varieties of apple (Florina and Liberty) grown in the North-West of Romania, with a focus on their volatile compounds, bioactive compounds and their antioxidant capacity. The content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity was also tracked during pasteurization at different times (15, 20 and 25 minutes). Among bioactive compounds, the total phenol content was determined, as well as the total flavonoid and vitamin C content. The antioxidant capacity of fruits and pasteurized juice was evaluated by three different methods (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS). Of the 2 apple cultivars, Florina showed a remarkably higher content of total phenolic compounds (657.97 mg GAE/kg fw), flavonoids (122.07 mg QE/kg fw) and vitamin C (94.62 mg/kg), compared to the Liberty cultivar. Following pasteurization, the vitamin C contents decreased significantly relative to pasteurization time. However, in the case of total phenols content, only insignificant decreases were registered, compared to unpasteurized juice. The content of total flavonoids increased significantly after 15 minutes of pasteurization in apple cultivars juices. The apple varieties investigated are rich in bioactive compounds, and pasteurization treatment does not lead to drastic decreases in these compounds and in the antioxidant capacity of apple juices.
A Pilot Study Evaluating Preferences for Caffeinated Drinks Consumption Among Mures Medical Students
Authors: SIMION Iustinian , RUS Victoria , SALCUDEAN Maria , DOGAR Catalin Moise , TARCEA Monica , RUTA Florina
Published: May 2018

The scale of caffeinated drinks offered for young adults is large and also is the risk for abuse followed by heart or brain injuries due to high levels of caffeine, taurine, sugars etc. For this purpose, we chose to evaluate the risk behaviors in a group of Mures medical students and assess their practices and knowledge of excess caffeine drinks intake. For this study, we used a food frequency questionnaire containing 26 questions related to personal data, food behaviors, types of food and drink consumed and the frequency of consumption. The questionnaire was applied to 427 Mures medical students in 2016. On average, 2/3 of the Mures medical students associate an excess of coffee, energy drinks and other types of caffeinated beverages, especially during the exams period. From the list of preferred drinks that our students chose, in descending order, are: coffee, carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages and energy drinks. Students often turn to alcoholic drinks, sometimes in combination with energy drinks, raising the risk for their health. 25% have only coffee in the morning, on empty stomach, skipping breakfast. More than half of them have at least 3 coffees per day, with possible health impact on long term. Our data emphasizes once more the importance of health education in schools and universities, especially for medical students and future doctors, and the need for efficient community interventions in order to prevent lifestyle behaviors at risk.
Germinated and Lactic Fermented Soybean Seeds, a Natural Alternative for Healthy Bones. A Scientific Approach
Authors: BAHACIU Gratziela Victoria , NICOLAE Carmen Georgeta , ȘULER Andra Dorina , SEGAL Rodica
Published: May 2018

Combining the consumers interests in healthy eating with technology evolution, scientists can increase the food nutritional value by biotechnology. Soybean minerals have lower bioavailability due to phytates, which are hydrolysed by activated phytase during germination. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relation between soybean seeds germination (4 days at 25°C) and lactic fermentation (24, 48, 72 or 96 hours by immersing soybeans into a medium with Lactobacillus (0.8x108CFU/ml), supplemented with 1, 3 and 5% saccharose). The minerals bioavailability, calculated as mineral extractability in a 0.03M HCl solution. We observed that germination at 25°C for 4 days increased the level of soluble minerals with 48.76% Ca, 22.31% Fe, 15.77% Mg and 28.04% Zn, respectively, compared to control samples. Combining germination with lactic fermentation, the level of soluble minerals increased compared to germinated ones: Ca, 53.4%, Fe, 59.56%, Mg, 43.41% and Zn, 40.87% respectively. Combining germination with lactic fermentation meets the need of consumers for bio, healthy food products offering a good source of minerals. The best processing conditions for obtaining the optimum level of available minerals was germination for 4 days at 25°C followed by fermentation for 72 hours into a lactic bacteria medium containing 3% added saccharose.
Physico-Chemical and Sensory Properties of Wheat Bread Supplemented With Mustard Flour
Authors: PĂUCEAN Adriana , MAN Simona , MUSTE Sevastiţa , POP Anamaria , CHIȘ Simona , COTIȘEL Delia
Published: May 2018

The aim of this investigation was to incorporate mustard flour into bread in order to improve its quality. For this purpose, wheat flour 650 type for bread making was replaced with mustard seed flour at the level of 5, 7 and 10%. Bread quality through physico-chemical and sensory characteristics was analyzed and compared to those of bread without mustard flour. The protein content of mustard flour bread increased with 5.03% as a result of mustard flour incorporation, coupled with an increase in ash content. Sensory evaluation results revealed that the sample containing 7% mustard flour scored highest in most of the attributes including overall acceptability. The study reveals that incorporation of 7% mustard flour gave desirable results in terms of phisyco-chemical and sensory caracteristics of mustard flour fortified bread.
Effects of Grape Peels Addition on Mixing, Pasting and Fermentation Characteristics of Dough from 480 Wheat Flour Type
Authors: MIRONEASA Silvia , ZAHARIA Dumitru , CODINĂ Georgiana Gabriela , ROPCIUC Sorina , IUGA Mădălina
Published: May 2018

In this study, white grape peels were incorporated in wheat flour at levels of 3, 5, 7 and 9% (w/w), with different particle sizes (large, L > 500 mm, medium, 200 mm > M < 500 mm and small fractions, S < 200 mm). The effects of the addition of grape peels flour (GPF) to wheat flour on the viscoelastic properties of dough and both mixing and proofing behaviour is presented. By GPF addition an increase of water absorption and a decrease of dough stability were recorded, whereas dough development time is remarkable influenced by the particle sizes. Alpha-amylase activity and gelatinization temperature increases by the increased of GPF addition level. The presence of GPF at different levels and particle sizes in dough affected fermentation behaviour of dough with GPF. The whole study shown that grape peels can be used as ingredients in breadmaking in order to improve bread quality.
Risk Factors Associated with Alcohol Consumption Among Romanian University Students- Preliminary Research
Authors: SALANŢĂ Liana Claudia , TOFANĂ Maria , POP Carmen R. , POP Anamaria , COLDEA Teodora , MIHAI Mihaela
Published: May 2018

Young people’s consumption of alcohol is an ongoing problem. Many young adults binge-drink alcohol excessively, with serious negative consequences thereafter. This preliminary research assessed risk factors associated with alcohol consumption, drinking problems and related consequences among university students. The study was carried out on a total of 1056 students from UASVM Cluj-Napoca, Romania. University students claimed altered states of health after drinking episodes: vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness (43.1%), forgetfulness after drinking (3.1%). Furthermore, students who drank over the limit reported physical and violence-related problems (2.7%) and were more likely to develop risky behaviors, like driving under the influence of alcohol (13.9%) or car accidents (0.2%). The participants in the study were not heavy social drinkers, 50.9% of the respondents reported no consequences after drinking alcohol.
Comparison of Ferments in the Process of Functional Beverage Making
Authors: SALANŢĂ Liana Claudia , BORZA Nicoleta E. , TOFANĂ Maria , POP Carmen R. , MUDURA Elena , MIHAI Mihaela
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to compare the main ferments selected to be used in the process of mead making: Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and pollen, the latter having been used in ancient times as ferment. It has only been recently that the market has exhibited significant interest in developing foods containing functional ingredients. Honey has been a corollary of hidden nutritional and medicinal value for centuries. Mead is the result of alcoholic fermentation, by mixing different proportions of honey with water and pollen, as a fermentation agent. The fermentation process was monitored by collecting samples periodically and analyzing the alcohol concentration, total extract, the level of fermentation, the pH, as well as the yeast number with the Thoma cell counting chamber. Additionally, physicochemical (acidity and vitamin C) and sensory parameters were determined for the final products. Results and discussion: Pollen-fermented beverages have a higher alcohol concentration than beverages fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is explained by the additional intake of carbohydrates induced by the addition of pollen.
The Effect of Some Polyphenols on Minced Pork during Refrigeration Compared with Ascorbic Acid
Authors: PREDESCU Corina , PAPUC Camelia , PETCU Carmen , GORAN George , RUS Amelia Elena
Published: May 2018

Quality of meat and meat products by two oxidative processes is affected. The two processes are lipid peroxidation and myoglobin oxidation. To delay oxidative processes, in meat and meat products are added compounds with antioxidant activity.The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of (±)-catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid, on oxidative processes in minced pork, comparatively with ascorbic acid in the same concentration. The ability of antioxidants to reduce DPPH• and to chelate Fe (II) were determinated. Minced pork samples separately with the chemicals were treated. The treated samples with antioxidants were preserved for seven days at refrigeration temperature. Myoglobin, oxymyoglobin, metmyoglobin concentrations, peroxide value, conjugated dienes and trienes levels and TBARS value were determined. Polyphenols have showed important hydrogen radical donator and iron chelator activity, higher as ascorbic acid activities. All antioxidants were effective in myoglobin oxidation and lipid peroxidation inhibition on minced pork, but the three polyphenols ((±)-catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid) protected better myoglobin than ascorbic acid as showed the results.
The Evaluation of the Sensory and Microbiological Properties of the Yogurt Supplemented with Achillea melifolium and Solanum muricatum
Authors: POP Carmen R. , TOPAN Cătălina , ROTAR Ancuţa M. , SALANŢÃ Liana , JIMBOREAN Mirela , NAGY Melinda
Published: May 2018

This research explored the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of novel yogurt.The study aimed to develop a new type of yogurt through addition of microcapsules with Achillea melifolium infusion and jelly from the pepino fruit. The effect of yogurt supplementation with four different levels (0%,1%,3%,5%) of microcapsules with Achillea melifolium infusion (MI) and four levels (0%,3%,7%,11%) of pepino juice jelly (PJ) on sensory properties and the viability of lactic acid bacteria in yogurts during storage (21 days) at 4°C was evaluated. The yogurt supplementation with 3% microcapsules and 7% jelly significantly improves the stability of the lactic acid bacteria, that contained the recommended levels of 108 cfu/g lactic acid bacteria at the end of 21-days shelf life. All the yogurt samples, however, contained the recommended levels of (106–107 cfu/g) lactic acid bacteria at the end of 21-day shelf life.The yogurt with 3% microcapsules and 7% jelly was the most appreciated (6.78 points), followed by the classic yogurt (5.98 points). Total phenols content was 251 mg GAE/g for A. millefolium infusion and 117 mg GAE/g for pepino juice. The radical scavenging activity of A. millefolium infusion was 78% and for pepino extract 56.30%.
Resveratrol Modulates Oxidative Status in Rose Bengal Photosensitized Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: RUGINĂ Dumitriţa , POPESCU Mihaela , DIACONEASA Zoriţa , BUNEA Andrea , NISTOR Mădălina , MADA Diana , GHIMAN Raluca , PINTEA Adela
Published: May 2018

Eye exposure to high light intensities can produce a photochemical damage to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), leading to severe pathologies. RPE D407 cells treated with Resveratrol (RSV, 100 μM, 24h) +/- photosensitizer Rose Bengal (RB, 500 nM, 1h) were exposed to green LED light. Cell viability and level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced after exposure to green light +/- RB were evaluated by MTT, respectively ROS assays. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine GSH level and enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx). Green LED light alone reduced cell viability with 30%, but a 40% reduction was observed in the presence of RB. RSV proved to have a strong positive impact, with a 20% increase in the viability of D407 cells exposed to green LED light. Viability of D407 cells exposed to green LED light +/+ RB in the presence of RSV remained unchanged comparing to corresponding control. RSV blocked the intracellular ROS production, stimulated or restored the antioxidant enzymes activities and increased the level of reduced GSH in cells exposed to green LED light +/- RB. Our data came to support the potential use of RSV as protecting agent of retina’s antioxidant defence system in light-induced stress.
Effects of Extraction Solvents on the Quantification of Free Amino Acids in Lyophilised Brewer’s Yeast
Authors: STĂNILĂ Andreea , DIACONEASA Zoriţa , SIMA Rodica , STĂNILĂ Sorin , SIMA Nicușor
Published: May 2018

The aim of this work was to test some solvents in order to improve the free amino acids extraction from lyophilised brewer’s yeast. The brewer’ yeast was treated with four types of extraction solvents: Solvent I – acetonitrile 25%/HCl 0.01M (ACN); Solvent II – ethanol 80%; solvent III – HCl 0.05M/deionized water (1/1 volume); Solvent IV – HCl 0.05M/ethanol 80% (1/1 volume). The supernatants were analysed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS method. Acetonitrile provided the less quantities and number of amino acids extracted due to its weaker polarity. Solvent II and IV (ethanol, respectively acidified ethanol), which have an increased polarity, extracted 15 amino acids due to the addition of HCl in solvent IV. Solvent III (acidified water) proved to be the best extraction solvent for the amino acids from brewer’s yeast providing the separation of 17 compounds: GLN, ASN, SER, GLY, ALA, ORN, PRO, HIS, LYS, GLU, TRP, LEU, PHE, ILE, AAA, HPHE, TYR.
Evaluation of the fetal abdomen by magnetic resonance imaging. Part 2: abdominal wall defects and tumors
Authors: Matos Ana Paula Pinho , Duarte Luciana de Barros , Castro Pedro Teixeira , Daltro Pedro , Werner Júnior Heron , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: May 2018

Abstract Although ultrasound is still the gold standard for the assessment of fetal malformations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained great prominence in recent years. In situations in which ultrasound has low sensitivity, such as maternal obesity, abdominal scarring, and oligohydramnios, MRI has proven to be a safe and accurate method. Regarding fetal abdominal wall defects, MRI appears to be widely used in the prognostic assessment of gastroschisis with intestinal atresia or of complications of omphalocele, allowing better perinatal management and parental counseling. In addition, MRI allows the assessment of local invasion of fetal abdominal tumors, with significant prognostic value for the postnatal period. In this article, we review the main MRI findings in the evaluation of fetal abdominal wall defects and tumors.
One-year experience with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT: applications and results in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer
Authors: Prado Júnior Luciano Monteiro , Marino Fiorella Menegatti , Barra Renato , Prado Leonardo Fonseca Monteiro do , Barra Sobrinho Alaor
Published: May 2018

Abstract Objective: To show the initial (first-year) experience with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT at a clinic in Brazil. Materials and Methods: Over a one-year period, 96 examinations with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT (85 related to prostate cancer and 11 related to kidney cancer) were performed in 90 patients. Results: In the prostate and kidney cancer patients alike, the main clinical indication for 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was suspicion of recurrence during follow-up (in 65.8% and 63.0% of the cases, respectively). Among the prostate cancer patients, 38.5% of those with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) < 0.5 ng/mL tested positive for recurrence on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT, compared with 71.0% of those with a PSA of 0.5-0.99, 85.7% of those with a PSA of 1.0-1.99, and 92.6% of those with a PSA > 1.99. Conclusion: Although 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT is a technique that has only recently been applied in clinical settings, despite its high cost, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT shows great promise as a tool in the clinical management of patients with kidney and prostate cancer, especially in those with prostate cancer whose PSA levels are elevated even after treatment.
Integrating bilingual musculoskeletal imaging education into radiology and diagnostic imaging residency programs
Authors: Chagas-Neto Francisco Abaeté , Caracas Barbara , Fortaleza Idalia , Fortaleza Esio , Rocha Eduardo Lima , Taneja Atul Kumar , Abreu Evandro , Nogueira-Barbosa Marcello Henrique
Published: May 2018

Abstract Objective: To analyze the perception of the relevance of introducing bilingual (Portuguese-English) musculoskeletal imaging education into radiology and diagnostic imaging residency programs, describing the method used. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the relevance of incorporating the bilingual study of musculoskeletal imaging into medical residency programs, we administered a questionnaire, consisting of several multiple-choice questions and one subjective question, to 21 radiology residents at a private tertiary hospital. The residents completed the questionnaire voluntarily and anonymously. Results: Integrating English teaching into radiology training was considered important by 95.2% of the residents. Approximately 90% of residents believe that the method applied at their institution is suitable for learning. Conclusion: The introduction of the English language into the teaching of musculoskeletal imaging in the radiology residency program was perceived positively by the residents, and the preceptors effectively supported those activities.
Lack of correlation between micro fungi species and chemical control method of Atta treated with toxic baits
Authors: Barbosa Marcílio Souza , Barbosa Suzanne Nunes , Nagamoto Nilson Satoru , Forti Luiz Carlos , lmeida Cícero
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT: Atta sexdens rubropilosa (leaf-cutter ants) has a symbiotic association with a fungus and has a negative interaction with other fungi due to parasitism of the fungus cultivated by ants; also, there are several other fungi with no exact known role occurring in their cultivated fungus garden. In the present study, we use the ITS region (internal transcribed spacer) to identify fungi in colonies treated with toxic baits. Experiments using two toxic baits were carried out: 0.75g of sulfluramid [0.3%] and 0.75g fipronil [0.003%]. Samples of fungi were collected and cultured in Czapek medium for seven days to allow fungal growth and subsequent identification. Total DNA was isolated from 100-150 mg of mycelium using the CTAB method and using PCR, with the universal primers (ITS4 and ITS5), to amplify the ITS region. Sequencing was performed using the Sanger method. Sequences were subjected to BLAST, allowing the identification of nine different species of the orders Agaricales, Eurotiales, Hypocreales, Pleosporales, Saccharomycetales and Tremellales showing a variation in identity of 96-100%. Using “The Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery” analysis, nine groups were identified, corresponding to species described in NCBI. The K2P distances were used to generate a tree using Neighbour-joining, demonstrating that the species were grouped according to phylogenetic groups. We concluded that leaf-cutter ant colonies exhibited a wide variety of fungi and this study suggested that there is no correlation between the species of fungi isolated with the control method used on the ant nest.
Basic experimental unit and plot sizes for fresh matter of sunn hemp
Authors: Facco Giovani , Cargnelutti Filho Alberto , Lavezo André , Schabarum Denison Esequiel , Chaves Gabriela Görgen , Silveira Daniela Lixinski
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to verify the influence of the basic experimental unit (BEU) size in the estimation of the optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh matter of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) using the modified maximum curvature method. The fresh matter of sunn hemp was evaluated in uniformity trials in two sowing season in flowering. In each sowing season, 4,608 BEUs of 0.5×0.5m (0.25m2) were evaluated and 36 BEU plans were formed with sizes from 0.25 to 16m2. In each evaluation period for each BEU plan, using fresh matter data, optimum plot size was estimated through the modified maximum curvature method. Estimation of the optimum plot size depends on the BEU size. Assessing fresh matter in BEUs that are as small as possible is recommended in order to use it to estimate the optimum plot size.
Short food supply chain: characteristics of a family farm
Authors: Aguiar Luane da Conceição , DelGrossi Mauro Eduardo , Thomé¹ Karim Marini
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT: Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) provide a dependable substitute for conventional supply chains, as their food reflects the characteristics of “local”, “natural”, “healthy” and “reliable”. For the family farmer, the short chains constitute anexcellent way of diversifying their produce, gaining higher added value and thus warranting steadier revenues. This paper thus aims to discern the distinguishing features that the short chains offer, in general, to the family farm. To accomplish this, a literature review was performed to study the works done and approaches conducted on the short chains in the academy, in terms of family farm, and identify their specifications. Positive characteristics related to family farmers were recognizable in comparison with short chains. This article emphasized the significance and need for future research, as well as the necessity for a more extensive exploration of the subject of short chains, focusing attention on this sector, and pinpointing the determinants to be developed in the market.
An outbreak of caprine toxoplasmosis - investigation and case report
Authors: Ferreira Neto José Mauricio , Ferreira Fernanda Pinto , Miura Ana Carolina , Almeida Jonatas Campos de , Martins Felippe Danyel Cardoso , Souza Marielen de , Bronkhorst Dalton Evert , Romanelli Paulo Roberto , Pasquali Aline Kuhn Sbruzzi , Santos Hannah Lia Ettiene Peruch Lemos dos , Benitez Aline do Nascimento , Caldart Eloiza Teles , Zanella Luiz Francisco , Freire Roberta Lemos , Navarro Italmar Teodorico
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to investigate an abortion outbreak in a dairy goat herd in the municipality of Arapoti, Parana, Brazil. At the beginning of the outbreak, blood samples were collected from 33 goats with clinical signs; later, of the whole goat herd, two cats and two dogs. Milk samples were collected from 78 lactating goats. Four environmental soil samples and four samples of feed residue from goat feeders were collected too. Immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) was used for serodiagnosis, the molecular analysis was conducted by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for the isolation of the etiological agent the bioassay was used. The results of the IFA revealed that 76.53% (137/179) of the goats, two dogs and two cats were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Bioassay revealed one buffy coat and two milk sample having viable T. gondii. In the PCR, 11 whole blood samples, eight milk, three feeder troughs, and all soil samples were positive. The findings of the present study confirmed an outbreak caused by environmental contamination (of soil and feed) with T. gondii oocysts that could have been shed by kittens that lived on the farm and had access to the stock of goat food, facilitating this contamination, which reinforces the need for veterinary assistance and good management practices on farms.
Welfare-friendly Products: availability, labeling and opinion of retailers in Curitiba, Southern Brazil,
Authors: Franco Bruna Maria Remonato , Souza Ana Paula Oliveira , Molento Carla Forte Maiolino
Published: May 2018

Abstract: The market for welfare-friendly products (WFP) is increasing worldwide; however, there is a lack of information on this topic in Brazil. We investigated availability, product information and opinion of retailers about WFP in Curitiba, Southern Brazil. We visited 36 strategically located retailers, conducting product evaluation and interviews with managers. The availability of WFP, mostly eggs and chicken meat, was low; no other type of meat was available as WFP. Labeling was deficient, with little information about animal rearing systems. Labeling of regular products displaying images of happy animals was observed and may be a relevant confusing effect. Few certification seals for WFP were also observed, on organic products and free-range chickens. Welfare-friendly products costed 1.7 to 2.5 times more than regular products and great price variability was observed among retailers. Most retailers seemed not aware of the subject and considered that there is low availability of WFP to be offered in the markets. Low availability of WFP and poor label information of both regular and welfare-friendly products are barriers to better understand and meet the demand for higher welfare products. It is our perception that these are constraints for consumers to develop and perform ethical choices related to purchasing behavior.
Eficiência Produtiva das Fazendas de Carcinicultura no Estado do Ceará
Authors: Araujo Jair Andrade , Norões Alana Kedylla Monteiro , Monteiro Jonathas Viana , Araújo Rogério César Pereira de , Silva Felipe Pinto da
Published: May 2018

Resumo: A eficiência produtiva da carcinicultura tem sido apontada na literatura como um fator importante para a consolidação desta atividade no Nordeste do Brasil. Para auxiliar a tomada de decisão na fazenda e a formulação de políticas para o setor, esta pesquisa investigou o grau e os fatores determinantes da eficiência técnica na produção de camarão no estado do Ceará. Com base nos dados do Censo da Carcinicultura, de 2011, coletados pela Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Camarão (ABCC), 100 fazendas foram caracterizadas por um conjunto de variáveis explicativas que descrevem os insumos empregados na produção e a forma de gerenciamento das fazendas. Para analisar os dados, foram estimados modelos de fronteira de eficiência de produção estocástica. Os resultados mostraram que quase a totalidade das fazendas (99%) pode ser considerada ineficiente do ponto de vista técnico. O fator que determinou a ineficiência das fazendas da amostra foi a densidade média de estocagem, pois as outras variáveis testadas como causadoras de ineficiência (que foram: potência de aeradores por área, recebimento de assistência técnica e uso de bandejas de alimentação) não foram significantes a um nível de significância de 5%. Com isso, conclui-se que estas variáveis não geram ineficiência no modelo.
Evolução das Relações Contratuais na Perspectiva dos Citricultores: um estudo de múltiplos casos de contratos entre 1978/79 a 2011/2012
Authors: Carvalho Murilo Secchieri de , Paulillo Luiz Fernando de Oriani
Published: May 2018

Resumo: O artigo analisa e descreve, na perspectiva dos citricultores e a partir do referencial teórico da nova economia institucional (NEI), uma série exploratória de trinta e nove (39) contratos formais estabelecidos entre dez citricultores e um conjunto de cinco empresas processadoras de laranja durante os anos-safra de 1978/79 a 2011/12. O objetivo principal é analisar a evolução da forma de governança contratual no complexo citrícola paulista, especialmente do ponto de vista dos citricultores. A pesquisa utiliza a metodologia de estudo de múltiplos casos das relações contratuais intertemporais, de maneira exploratória, histórica e documental, subdividindo-os em três modelos contratuais distintos. Houve a aplicação de questionário a seis citricultores para verificar a presença ou não dos princípios relacionais nos diferentes modelos contratuais. O resultado da análise da evolução desses modelos contratuais, na perspectiva dos citricultores, indica que houve uma gradual deterioração das relações bilaterais dada a não consideração dos princípios relacionais neste arranjo institucional, acentuando tanto a crise da citricultura quanto os conflitos bilaterais.
Modern Monoculture and Periphery Processes: a World Systems Analysis of the Brazilian soy expansion from 2000-2012
Authors: Soendergaard Niels
Published: May 2018

Resumo: O artigo trata das implicações socioambientais e econômicas da expansão da produção de soja brasileira, durante o período entre 2000 e 2012. A perspectiva de análise de sistema mundo de Terence Hopkins e Immanuel Wallerstein (1982) é aplicada para avaliar em qual medida este desenvolvimento pode ser entendido como sendo característico do processo econômico de formação de periferia. Este arcabouço teórico é combinado com contribuições contemporâneas na literatura de Análise de Sistema Mundo que enfatizam assuntos ambientais e a natureza particular do agronegócio moderno, com a finalidade de entender as complexidades do atual setor de soja brasileiro. As dinâmicas de expansão produtiva e as suas diferentes implicações na sociedade são abordadas por meio de uma análise de cadeia de commodity da produção brasileira de soja. Uma estratégia de triangulação de dados é aplicada na análise, por meio de exame de documentos oficiais, pesquisas, entrevistas e material estatístico. O artigo conclui que enquanto algumas circunstâncias divergem das interpretações da perspectiva de Análise de Sistema Mundo, outros achados sugerem uma convergência entre a recente expansão da soja brasileira e as conceitualizações deste corpo teórico sobre periferia. A análise também aponta para a necessidade de reconsiderar o determinismo estrutural da perspectiva de Análise de Sistema Mundo, particularmente com relação ao possível potencial de agência política para confrontar os desafios associados com o desenvolvimento baseado em commodities.
Uma Análise Comparativa da Competitividade Econômico-financeira das Cooperativas Agroindustriais do Oeste do Paraná
Authors: Ilha Paulo César da Silva , Piacenti Carlos Alberto , Leismann Edison Luiz
Published: May 2018

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi o de analisar comparativamente a competitividade econômico-financeira das cooperativas agroindustriais, do oeste do Paraná, utilizando-se do procedimento metodológico de análise de cluster ou agrupamento. A análise serviu para classificar hierarquicamente em categorias de agrupamentos e medir o grau de competitividade das cooperativas. Os dados foram apropriados numa série temporal de 2011 a 2014. Com os resultados alcançados pelas cooperativas, nos aspectos de classificação hierárquica, através do gráfico dendograma (árvore), demonstrou-se que as ações de gestão, no que se referem à sustentabilidade econômico-financeira, são díspares. Nos aspectos de medidas de competitividade, classificou-se a cooperativa Copacol como a mais competitiva, comparada aos padrões estabelecidos.
Factores Determinantes de la Sostenibilidad de las Agroempresas Asociativas Rurales
Authors: Espinosa Holmes Rodríguez , Gómez Carlos Julián Ramírez , Betancur Luis Fernando Restrepo
Published: May 2018

Resumen: este estudio tuvo como objetivo proponer un enfoque multidimensional de análisis de la sostenibilidad en la agroempresa asociativa rural. Se utilizó un muestreo dirigido seleccionando cuatro programas de acompañamiento al fortalecimiento de la asociatividad rural llevados a cabo en cuatro departamentos de Colombia: Antioquia, Cauca, Nariño y Valle del Cauca. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante 79 entrevistas semiestructuradas con diversos actores y posteriormente analizados utilizando análisis factorial. El estudio permitió construir un enfoque para el análisis de la sostenibilidad de organizaciones agroempresariales rurales a partir de la identificación de 50 variables que fueron agrupadas en dos componentes y tres subcomponentes: Socio organizacional (Capital social, Planeación organizacional e Integración territorial) y Empresarial (Económico, Productivo tecnológico y orientación al mercado), para la definición de un índice de sostenibilidad de la agroempresa rural (Isoar). El cálculo del Isoar permitió identificar que los dos subcomponentes menos destacados en todos los casos estudiados fueron el Productivo-Tecnológico y la Orientación al mercado, mientras en los casos más exitosos los componentes más destacados fueron el capital social y la integración territorial. Se concluye que el enfoque de sostenibilidad de las agroempresas asociativas rurales soportado en un modelo multidimensional constituye pilares para la formulación de políticas públicas.