bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Residual Organic Materials on Productivity of Zea mays L. for Sustainable Soil Fertility Restoration in the Guinea Savannah Zone, Ghana
Authors: Dzomeku I. K , Illiasu O , Birteeb P. T. , Obanyi S.
Published: December 2016

A field experiment was conducted at Nyankpala, near Tamale, Ghana, during the 2014 cropping season and continued during 2015, to investigate one year residual effects of indigenous organic materials (biochar, groundnut shell, rice husk and rice straw) on the growth and yield of maize. It was a 4×3×3 factorial experiment consisting of 4 organic materials at 3 levels (2.5, 5 and 7.5 t ha-1 on dry matter basis) and 3 nitrogen (N) levels (0, 45 and 90 kg/ha N) laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. The study revealed that integrated management of one year residuals of the organic materials with inorganic N supported increased plant height and grain yield, and moderated time of flowering to promote production of maize variety “Wang Dataa”. Application of 7.5 t/ha biochar + 45 kg/ha N, similarly 5 t/ha biochar + 90 kg/ha N supported tallest crop of 200 cm, whilst early flowering ranged 47 to 50 days with 2.5 t/ha biochar + 90 kg N/ha, 5 t/ha biochar + 45 kg N/ha, 7.5 t/ha biochar+ 90 kg N/ha, 2.5 t/ha groundnut shell + 90 kg N/ha and 7.5 t/ha rice straw + 45 kg N/ha. Grain yield was maximised with 7.5 t/ha biochar + 90 kg N/ha, 5 t/ha groundnut shell + 45 kg N/ha, 7.5 t/ha groundnut shell + 90 kg N/ha and 7.5 t/ha rice husk + 90 kg N/ha in the range of 3000 - 3600 kg/ha. The results also showed strongly that either residual nutrients and other plant growth conditions obtained from the organic materials or application N determined LAI, height of cob attachment, cob length, cob weight, 100 seed weight and stover biomass. Residual conditions provided by 7.5 t/ha of biochar gave the highest LAI. The more increased height of cob attachment ranged from 90 to 100 cm, provided by as low as 2.5 t/ha of biochar. Best cob length of 15 to 17 cm was obtained from 2.5 t/ha biochar and 5 t/ha groundnut shell. Cob weight under residual organic materials was in the range of 125 to 165 g/cob with 5 t/ha biochar or groundnut shell and 7.5 t/ha rice straw adequate to maximize the trait. Residual organic materials impacted on 100 seed weight with 5 t/ha of biochar and 7.5 t/ha groundnut shell impacted largest grain size of 25.5g. Stover weight was both highly significantly determined by residual effects of organic materials and N. Application of 5 t/ha biochar or 5 t/ha groundnut shell or 7.5 t/ha rice husk was adequate for highest stover weight. In this study, application of 45 kg N/ha was overwhelmingly sufficient to optimize leaf area index, height of cob attachment, cob length, cob weight, 100 seed weight and stover weight. Pearson correlation coefficients of grain yield with other traits exhibited robust relationships signifying strong impact of integrated soil fertility management of one year residual organic materials and N on maize production in the Guinea savannah. Grain yield prediction indicated treatments were best fitted in polynomials with 7.5 t/ha biochar + 90 kg N/ha for optimum grain yield.
Bund Based Agroforestry Using Eucalyptus Species: A Review
Authors: Raj Abhishek , Jhariya M. K , Bargali S. S
Published: December 2016

Agroforestry system as an ecologically sustainable land use option alternative to the prevalent subsistence farming patterns for conservation and development. It is an old traditional practice but recently named as an agroforestry. A large hectare is available in the form of boundaries, bunds, wastelands where this system can be adopted. Eucalyptus is a cropland agroforestry tree species planted along with various annual crops like paddy, wheat, and cereals and other cash crops in farmers’ lands either in scattered or in bund. The main purpose of this review to provide/generates an idea about how eucalyptus on bund behaves with associated crops i.e. interaction between both are studied in many aspects comprises outcome of yield, which is depends upon tree spacing, density, type and nature of existing bund plantation, their shading effects on morphology (internodes length, leaf area) and flower initiation/fruit-set of associated crops and their negative impacts on ecosystem includes competition of trees with crops for resources, allelopathic effects, rapid growth of trees occupy space of crops, etc. This review also includes carbon sequestration ability of eucalypt plantation with their growth and price trend behavior.
Effect of Seed Mass on Germination and Seedling Vigour of Parkia Timoriana (DC.) Merr.
Authors: Thangjam Uttam , Sahoo U. K
Published: December 2016

Seeds of Parkia tiamoriana show both intra specific and inter specific variation in seed weight. A research was carried out to study the effect of seed mass on germination and early growth parameters of the species. Mature seeds were collected from Sakawrtuchung provenance of Mizoram (India). They were then bulked and grouped into 3 categories as light (lwt), intermediate (mwt) and heavy (hwt), using a predetermines weight method. The grouped seeds are then sown using 1mm sieved garden soil as a medium in poly bags. After germination and from the two leave stage we start counting the seedling length, collar diameter, dry weight, etc., at every 15 days interval and up to 90th day, by using destructive method. Study on the germination and seedling growth parameters conclude that except in mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI), all the other parameters are positively correlated with increasing weight. Relative growth rate (RGR) and average growth rate (AGR) that use seedling dry weight also showed a positive relation with seed weight. Apart from this, the distribution pattern of seed weights as calculated from the frequency distribution of 255 seeds did not show lognormal distribution (K-S test: P<0.05, d = 0.163, n = 255). Seed weight (n=255) varied from 0.39g to 0.81g (mean: 0.61g ± 0.01g). Among the weight class, mid weight (0.5 to 0.69g) seeds made up 56.47% of the total population followed by heavy weight (23.14%) and then by light weight (20.39%).
Unusual Management of Thoracic Aortic Injury After Spinal Instrumentation: Just Glue It!
Authors: Deswysen Yannick , Labeau Jason , Kaminski Ludovik , Astarci Parla
Published: December 2016

We report the cases of two patients who presented with screw misplacement following spinal surgery. Both benefited from unusual vascular surgical management with removal of the material and injection of biological glue facing the injury, with uneventful postoperative courses.
KIF6 719Arg Genetic Variant and Risk for Thoracic Aortic Dissection
Authors: Iakoubova Olga , Tong Carmen , Catanese Joseph , Rowland Charles , Luke May , Tranquilli Maryann , Elefteriades John
Published: December 2016

Background:
Carriers of the 719Arg variant in KIF6, compared with noncarriers, have been reported to be at greater risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) in six prospective studies. Because CHD, thoracic aortic dissection, and nondissection thoracic aortic aneurysm share some risk factors and aspects of pathophysiology, we investigated whether carriers of the 719Arg variant also have greater odds of thoracic aortic dissection or nondissected thoracic aortic aneurysm than noncarriers.

Methods:
We genotyped 140 thoracic aortic dissection cases, 497 nondissection thoracic aortic aneurysm cases, and 275 disease-free controls collected in the United States, Hungary, and Greece and investigated the association between KIF6 719Arg carrier status and thoracic aortic dissection, and between KIF6 719Arg carrier status and nondissection thoracic aortic aneurysm, using logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, smoking, and country.

Results:
The odds of aortic dissection were two-fold greater in KIF6 719Arg carriers compared with noncarriers (odds ratio (OR) 2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-3.9). To account for the potential of concomitant CHD to confound the association between the KIF6 719Arg and thoracic aortic dissection, we repeated the analysis after removing subjects with concomitant CHD; the estimates for association of KIF6 719Arg carrier status remained essentially the same (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.11-3.77). In contrast, KIF6 719Arg carrier status was not associated with risk for nondissection thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Conclusions:
We observed an association of the KIF6 719Arg genetic variant with thoracic aortic dissection in this multicenter case-control study. This association may enhance our management of patients with thoracic aortic disease.
The Migration of Air into the Aorta from a Pneumothorax in a Patient with a Penetrating Injury of the Aorta
Authors: Yanagawa Youichi , Kondo Akihiko , Yoshizawa Toshihiko , Jitsuiki Kei , Miyake Takahito , Ohsaka Hiromichi , Sugita Manabu
Published: December 2016

A tree fell on the back of a 77-year-old male. A postmortem computed tomographic pan scan revealed systemic air embolism, multiple rib fractures with a penetrating injury to the aorta, pneumohemothorax, and air in the aorta. A massive amount of air entered the site of a penetrating injury of the aorta. This unique case adds one more cause to the list of documented etiologies of air in the aorta.
Identifying potential problems with intermittent self-catheterisation in patients with neurological conditions
Authors: Bardsley Alison
Published: December 2016

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is common in patients with neurological conditions and can result in loss of voluntary control and a bladder that cannot empty fully or at all. LUTD causes urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence and can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life as well as presenting a significant risk of damage to the upper renal tract due to urine backflow. Intermittent catheterisation (IC) is the insertion and removal of a catheter several times a day to ensure that the bladder is emptied. Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is the preferred option for the management of residual urine resulting from lower urinary tract dysfunction. ISC is not without risk of potential complications, although these can be reduced by effective and timely patient education.
Research Roundup
Authors: Costello John
Published: December 2016

John Costello provides a synopsis and brief review of a selection of recently published research articles of interest to neuroscience nurses, highlighting the key points to keep you up to date. A full reference is provided for those who wish to read the research in more detail.
Winter sparkle
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: December 2016

In her poem Winter Days of Black and White, Brenda Williams encourages children to explore the monochrome featues of a landscape covered in snow, and discover the things which glisten and shine.
Canine insulinoma
Authors: Garuccio Valerie
Published: December 2016

Hypoglycaemia is commonly seen in veterinary emergency rooms and may be caused by a multitude of disease processes. Patients with hypoglycaemia may display symptoms of weakness, ataxia and in severe cases, seizures. Hypoglycaemia is often described when serum blood glucose levels fall below 3.5 mmol/litre. The veterinarian must rule out potential causes of hypoglycaemia including sepsis, hepatic disease, hypoadrenocorticism, insulin overdose, cancer and toxin exposure. If the patient is sub-clinical it is important to rule out a lab or sampling error and consider the possibility of an insulinoma. Although rare in canines, the triage nurse should be familiar with the complications that can arise when treating these patients. This article will discuss the aetiology and physiology of a disease that may be overlooked in a busy emergency room.
Antimicrobial drug resistance and antibiosis
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: December 2016

Antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) poses a significant risk to human and animal health and the inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs provides a selection pressure for its development. Rationalising and optimising their use in veterinary medicine is imperative. Antimicrobial stewardship is a strategy that can reduce the risk of resistance developing as it provides for careful and responsible management of antimicrobial drugs. It could form an integral part of a veterinary practice's policy on antimicrobial use. Development of an antimicrobial stewardship plan requires detailed knowledge of antimicrobial drugs, infectious agents and their likely resistance patterns, close collaboration with a microbiology service, and it can be informed by an antibiogram. This article discusses AMR, antibiosis and antimicrobial stewardship programmes.
Canine anxiety conditions – are nutraceutical diets likely to help?
Authors: Hargrave Claire
Published: December 2016

The wellbeing of dogs can be affected by a number of things including changes in human lifestyle, eating habits and increased stressors. Together these can lead to behavioural disorders such as fear, hyperactivity and anxiety. In the first study of its kind researchers in Italy looked at the effects of nutraceuticals in dogs with behavioural disorders comparing neuroendocrine blood parameters at the beginning and at the end of the study. A control group were fed a control diet. Claire Hargrave discusses the results of this interesting study.
O enfermeiro e sua atuação na gerência das Unidades Básicas de Saúde no interior da Bahia
Authors: Oliveira Tatiane Dos Santos , Lopes Arianna Oliveira Santana
Published: December 2016

Introdução: As unidades básicas de saúde necessitam de gerenciamento voltado a consecução das metas que atendam ao setor. Assim, o enfermeiro é o profissional que apresenta conhecimento, habilidades e atitudes que podem reparar a dificuldade nas condições das redes de serviços. Objetivo:verificar a atuação do enfermeiro na gerencia das unidades básicas de saúde. Materiais e Métodos:Trata-se de estudo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, que utilizou como instrumento um questionário, sendo a amostra representada por 07 participantes.  O tratamento dos dados foi realizado por tabulação e sistematização. Resultados: A maioria dos gerentes eram mulheres, enfermeiras e pós-graduadas, entre 30 e 40 anos, apresentando menos de uma no de experiência profissional em gerenciamento. O uso de instrumentos gerenciais foi baixo tanto para a organização como para gestão, apresentando uma utilização do SIAB em 4 gerencias (57%), do SIM em 1 (14%), do SINASC em 1 (14%), do SINAN em 1 (14%); do HIPERDIA em 1 (14%), do SISPRENATAL em 2 (29%), dos relatórios e registros próprios da unidade em 5 (71%), e de outros instrumentos em 3 (43%), porém essa utilização está relacionada ao pouco tempo de experiência e as mudanças continuas nos instrumentos. Os gerentes apontaram um trabalho eficaz na relação entre instituição e comunidade, onde 100% indicaram trabalhar nesse sentido. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se comprometimento da gestão e busca pela melhoria da gerencia, que deve ser permeada por políticas orientadoras, no entanto é necessária a utilização dos instrumentos de gerencia e organização, afim de potencializar as atividades desenvolvias nesse ambiente.Gerência; Unidades Básicas de Saúde; Enfermeiro; Instrumentos Gerenciais
Agrotóxicos em água para o Consumo Humano
Authors: Almeida Neto Manuel Gonçalves de , Reis Rosilaine Barbosa Silva
Published: December 2016

Os agrotóxicos compõe uma variedade de substancias químicas, que são utilizados pelo ser humano, mas estes podem se apresentar como contaminantes do ambiente e com isso trazer riscos aos seres vivos, e o uso indiscriminado gera consequências graves no que diz respeito ao contato de trabalhadores com tais substâncias.   E entre as formas de contaminação dos agrotóxicos, pode-se citar a água usada para irrigação e manejo da agricultura como uma fonte que é facilmente contaminada, o que é um risco para o meio ambiente e para a saúde pública.  Diante deste contexto, este estudo teve por objetivo fazer um levantamento dos estudos que analisam águas contaminadas com agrotóxico. A partir disto, por meio da discussão da temática com a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental fundamentada no método qualitativo, demonstra-se que a água e a sua condição é fator essencial para a segurança dos alimentos e saúde do consumidor e por isso é necessário a vistoria da qualidade da água sempre que utilizada para consumo humano, além da análise de resíduos de agrotóxicos nas mesmas.
A Educação à Distância e a Função do professor
Authors: Sampaio Caroline Maria Tavares de , Tahim Demetrius Oliveira
Published: December 2016

Este artigo tem como tema refletir sobre a postura que o professor de Educação à Distância (EAD) deve assumir. O seu objetivo é entender melhor o processo de ensino e aprendizagem na EAD, procurando encontrar a posição adequada para o professor. O trabalho se justifica pelo crescente desenvolvimento que este modelo educacional vem vivenciando. De cunho bibliográfico, este trabalho foi buscar respaldo nas pesquisas de autores como: Moran, Masetto e Behrens (2014) e Peixoto e Silveira (2014), entre outros. Portanto, para construção desse trabalho, primeiramente, foram feitas três conceituações de EAD. Depois, uma retrospectiva histórica da EAD foi descrita. Em seguida, o discente foi citado como sendo o principal elemento da EAD. Então, foi lembrada a importância de se construir laços virtuais, para que resultados positivos possam ser confirmados. Por fim, os objetivos do professor de EAD foram elencados. Posteriormente, foram citadas algumas mudanças na EAD, como consequência da utilização cada vez mais intensa da internet. Só então, a interatividade entre professor e aluno, foi lembrada como fator essencial para o sucesso de um curso à distância. Finalmente, a postura ideal para o professor de EAD foi detalhada. Esta obra foi executada com a pretensão de contribuir para que a EAD seja devidamente analisada e aprimorada.
Tagore in Czech Literary Translation: Interpretation and Gender Analysis
Authors: Knotkova Blanka BK
Published: December 2016

This text stems from the perspective of gender methodology and explores the way the two most significant Czech specialists in Bengali and Tagore Studies translated selected concepts in his poems. The first two concepts denote the female in specific contexts; the third one designates the divine. This analysis applies selected feminist theories and focuses on the gendered aspects of language (e.g. the generic masculine) as a discourse of power. One of the key questions is: Is the male gaze reflected in the narration? And how do the translations approach it?
Tagore's School and Methodology: Classrooms Without Walls
Authors: Kane Tom
Published: December 2016

This paper argues that Rabindranath Tagore, a very practical man, developed a distinctive and successful educational methodology over the course of his work in educational systems. The paper seeks to show that Tagore drew inspiration and direction from extraordinary times, and extraordinary people of those times. The paper establishes the Tagore family’s place within the ongoing Bengali Renaissance; and to Tagore’s place among remarkable individuals, particularly Jagadish Chandra Bose and Patrick Geddes. The paper looks to the emergence of the poet’s educational institutions from spiritual and technological viewpoints. An attempt is made to show that Tagore’s educational establishments were methodologically developed, can claim to be part of his poetic legacy; and that telepresence technologies of the twenty-first century might offer good service to those establishments as they continue to evolve.
The role of port operations in the development of cruise tourism: The case of port of Antalya
Authors: Şen  Demir Şirvan , Manap Davras Gonca , Uzun Havva
Published: December 2016

Cruise tourism, which is evaluated within marine tourism, has significant environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts on visited ports. Cruise tourism is an activity that provides economic income to the harbors and creates new jobs. The cruise tourism has an increasing demand in the recent years because cruise ship visitors both have an opportunity to see many countries and cities in a short time and have a vacation on a luxury ship, which has a comfort standard like a holiday village.  With her historical, cultural and natural attractions, Turkey is located in very strategic and convenient point and also Turkey is so close to destinations that cruise ships prefer to visit in the Mediterranean Basin. In 2014, approximately  22 million tourist travelled with cruise ships in the World and 1.8 million cruise passengers came to Turkey. The aim of this study is evaluate the development of cruise tourism in Turkey in terms of port operations.  In previous studies it has focused on the development of cruise tourism but has not been evaluated in terms of port operations perspective. Semi-structured interview technique was used in the study and interviewed with General Manager of Antalya Global Ports Holding, which is one of Turkey’s most important port operations. Turkey  and in the World cruise tourism is compared and has been reached important information about the development of cruise tourism.
Avaliação físico-química e composição centesimal de filés de peixe comercializados em Belém do Pará, Brasil
Authors: Corrêa Felipe Da Costa , Santos Luciana Pinheiro , Silva Fernando Elias Rodrigues da , Barbosa Ivan Carlos Da Costa , Santa Rosa Rosa Maria Souza
Published: December 2016

Teve-se como objetivo avaliar a qualidade físico-química de filés de espécies de peixes comercializados em feiras livres de Belém e determinar a composição centesimal desses produtos. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas (temperatura, pH, cocção e prova de amônia), composição centesimal (umidade, proteínas, lipídeos, cinzas e carboidratos) e determinação de valor calórico de filés de 14 amostras das espécies de peixes dourada, filhote, piramutaba, pescada gó e pescada amarela. As análises foram realizadas segundo recomendações do Laboratório Nacional de Referência Animal e Instituto Adolfo Lutz. Os resultados de temperatura de conservação variaram de 10,9 a 22,7 °C; os valores de pH variaram de 6,37 a 7,22; os resultados para cocção e amônia foram negativos. Na determinação da composição centesimal a umidade variou de 78,80 a 85,45%; a proteína de 13,83 a 18,63%; o teor de lipídios de 0,08 a 1,44%; o teor de cinzas de 0,98 a 1,52%; o teor de carboidratos de 0,21 a 0,95% e os valores calóricos variaram entre 56,04 a 85,03 kcal/100g. Houve diferença estatística significativa a 5% entre as espécies de peixes avaliadas para os parâmetros temperatura, pH, umidade, proteínas e cinzas. Todas as amostras avaliadas estavam em desacordo com a legislação quanto à temperatura de conservação. Enquanto, pelo valor de pH, apenas as amostras de filhote atenderam ao preconizado na legislação. O estudo da composição centesimal revelou baixo teor de gordura e de valor calórico das amostras. Sendo possível observar a influência das espécies e sua composição química pelos grupos formados na HCA e PCA.
Boreocarya and Globocarya, new names in the extinct Juglandaceae of Northern Eurasia
Authors: Doweld Alexander B.
Published: December 2016

Sphaerocarya Dorofeev 1970, being a junior homonym of extant angiosperms Sphaerocarya Wallich 1827 (Santalaceae) and Sphaerocarya Dalzell ex de Candolle 1857 (Olacaceae), is replaced by a new name, Globocarya Doweld nom. nov. (fossil Juglandaceae). The aberrant fossil species Sphaerocarya uralensis Dorofeev is re-classified and segregated into a new distinct genus, Boreocarya Doweld, gen. nov.
Neogene wetland vegetation based on a leaf assemblage from the Bełchatów Lignite Mine (Central Poland)
Authors: Worobiec Grzegorz , Szynkiewicz Adam
Published: December 2016

Well-preserved leaf macroremains collected in the Bełchatów Lignite Mine (Central Poland) were investigated. Fossil leaves of Acer, Dicotylophyllum, Fagus, Eucommia, Laria, Laurophyllum, Liquidambar, Pinus, Populus, Pterocarya, Quercus, Salix, Salvinia, Taxodium, Ulmus, Vitis, and Zelkova, and fossil fruit of Eucommia were found in fossil assemblage KRAM-P 218 formed in a fluvial sedimentary environment. The fossil assemblage is dominated by plant remains of riparian vegetation of bottomland hardwood forest type. Some taxa point to the presence of mesophytic upland communities. The floristic composition points to warm temperate climate with mild winters, comparable to Cfa type (warm temperate, fully humid with hot summer) in the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. Mean annual temperature of 13.5-16.5°C was reconstructed by the coexistence approach method. Middle to late Miocene age (late Sarmatian to early Pannonian) is suggested for the plant-bearing deposits.
Fossil flora of Middle Jurassic Grojec clays (southern Poland). Raciborski’s original material reinvestigated and supplemented. II. Pteridophyta. Osmundales
Authors: Jarzynka Agata
Published: December 2016

In the second part of the series dealing with the flora of the Grojec clays (Poland, Middle Jurassic), macroremains of Osmundales are introduced. The re-examined and supplemented material originates from three collections: specimens collected and described in Polish by Raciborski in 1894; specimens preliminarily described by Stur (1888), housed at the Geological Survey of Austria; and Raciborski’s still-unpublished material stored at the Institute of Botany of the Jagiellonian University. So far, 15 taxa of Cladophlebis have been described from the Osmundales of Grojec clays, and two species of Todites (Todea) and Osmundopsis (Osmunda) sturii. Detailed observations indicate that a large part of the material (12 taxa described by Raciborski) should be assigned to three widespread Jurassic species: Cladophlebis denticulata, C. haiburnensis, and C. roessertii. Cladophlebis aurita and C. bartonecii, created by Raciborski, should be retained. The occurrence of sterile and fertile fronds of Todites williamsonii (originally described as Todea williamsonis, Cladophlebis whitbiensis, and Cladophlebis solida) is confirmed for Grojec. Two species described by Raciborski (1894) required a change of generic names - Osmundopsis (Osmunda) sturii and Todites (Todea) princeps. This paper provides the taxonomical descriptions and considers the palaeoecology of 5 Cladophlebis species (C. aurita, C. denticulata, C. haiburnensis, C. roessertii, C. bartonecii) and other osmundaceous ferns such as Osmundopsis sturii, Todites williamsonii, and T. princeps.
A Symposium on Sovereign Debt and Reputation: Introduction
Authors: Lienau Odette
Published: December 2016

This short article is an introduction to the Book Review Symposium on Rethinking Sovereign Debt: Politics, Reputation, and Legitimacy in Modern Finance (Harvard University Press, 2014, 331 pp.). Given that several of the symposium comments detail the basic contours of the book, I do not extensively summarize the arguments of each chapter. However, the essay briefly presents the central motivations, questions, and assertions of the project.
An Improved Fountain Theorem and Its Application
Authors: Gu Long-Jiang , Zhou Huan-Song
Published: December 2016

The main aim of the paper is to prove a fountain theorem without assuming the τ-upper semi-continuity condition on the variational functional. Using this improved fountain theorem, we may deal with more general strongly indefinite elliptic problems with various sign-changing nonlinear terms. As an application, we obtain infinitely many solutions for a semilinear Schrödinger equation with strongly indefinite structure and sign-changing nonlinearity.
University Kindergarten: The Story of a Little Big School
Authors: Majerčíková Jana , Rebendová Anna
Published: December 2016

The study is of empirical character. It presents a story of a kindergarten which is a private, a company and a university kindergarten. The establishing authority is a university that can preferentially accept children of its employees. The parents of the children financially contribute to running the kindergarten.

The research was based on the strategy of a one-case study. This integrated quantitative and qualitative research approach. Data from two types of questionnaires were used in the study presenting interviews with parents, teachers, students in teacher training and members of the school board, as well as data from observations of the educational process and from the analyses of the available school documentation. The aim was to describe the kindergarten and the contexts in which it operates, explain its operation and clarify the mechanics, circumstances and subjects it is most influenced by. Three basic factors influencing the school’s operation and fulfilling its function emerged from the collected data: the relations with the establishing authority, the community of university-educated parents and the status of a faculty school providing space for practical training of the students in teacher training. The major conclusion that emerged from the study is: The kindergarten works in specific conditions with strong contextual conditioning linked to the university environment and the authority’s conditions.
Teachers in the Context of Vocational Education
Authors: Gabrhelová Gabriela , Pasternáková Lenka
Published: December 2016

In the presented article, we deal with teachers’ personality and their tasks in vocational education. Based on the opinions of professionals, we characterized teachers and the factors influencing the creation process of their personality. Teachers can be characterised based on their job positions in schools, e.g. a class teacher, the school counsellor, the director, there are plenty of them in every school. Teachers’ personality is being formed throughout their teaching practice by the experience they gain. They get the basics during their teacher training when they are getting prepared for the teaching profession. We focused our attention on the issues of teachers’ professional identity. In this context, we were interested in the students of Dubnica Institute of Technology in Dubnica nad Váhom and in their perception of their studies. Our partial goal was to analyse students’ motivation to take part in teacher training which we deal with in our paper.
Stress of Students and Social-Pathological Phenomena
Authors: Hanuliaková Jana , Hasajová Lívia , Porubčanová Dáša
Published: December 2016

In the contribution, we focus on the social, emotional and behavioural factors of students’ stress and their influence on the occurrence of social-pathological phenomena. We analyse the statements of teachers who mention the preferences of occurrence of single elements of students’ stress. In the interpretation of data, we search for statistical significances of selected variables - stress and its influence on the occurrence of social-pathological phenomena in the educational reality.
Validation and comparison of shank and lumbar-worn IMUs for step time estimation
Authors: Johnston William , Patterson Matthew , O’Mahony Niamh , Caulfield Brian
Published: December 2016

Gait assessment is frequently used as an outcome measure to determine changes in an individual’s mobility and disease processes. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are quickly becoming commonplace in gait analysis. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the validity of shank and lumbar IMU mounting locations in the estimation of temporal gait features. Thirty-seven adults performed 20 walking trials each over a gold standard force platform while wearing shank and lumbar-mounted IMUs. Data from the IMUs were used to estimate step times using previously published algorithms and were compared with those derived from the force platform. There was an excellent level of correlation between the force platform and shank (r=0.95) and lumbar-mounted (r=0.99) IMUs. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated high levels of agreement between the IMU and the force platform step times. Confidence interval widths were 0.0782 s for the shank and 0.0367 s for the lumbar. Both IMU mounting locations provided accurate step time estimations, with the lumbar demonstrating a marginally superior level of agreement with the force platform. This validation indicates that the IMU system is capable of providing step time estimates within 2% of the gold standard force platform measurement.
Coexistence of anti-β2-glycoprotein I domain I and anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies suggests strong thrombotic risk
Authors: Lee Jee-Soo , Gu JaYoon , Park Hee Sue , Yoo Hyun Ju , Kim Hyun Kyung
Published: December 2016

Background:

Highly specific assays for measuring antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are required for accurate assessment of thrombotic risk. aPLs against β2-glycoprotein I domain I (anti-β2GPIdI) and against prothrombin complexed with phosphatidylserine (anti-PS/PT) have been recently identified as being associated with a hypercoagulable state. This study evaluated the synergism between anti-β2GPIdI and anti-PS/PT for predicting thrombotic events.

Methods:

A total of 180 patients with clinical suspicion of hypercoagulability were evaluated. The plasma levels of lupus anticoagulant (LA) and antibodies against anticardiolipin (anti-CL) (IgG and IgM), β2GPI (IgG and IgM), PS/PT (IgG and IgM), and β2GPI dI (IgG) were measured.

Results:

IgG anti-β2GPIdI and LA were highly associated with thrombosis. Mean values and positivity rates of IgG anti-β2GPI dI and IgG anti-PS/PT were significantly higher in the triple-positive group (LA+, IgG anti-CL+, IgG anti-β2GPI+) than in the other groups. Interestingly, the thrombotic risk [odds ratio (OR) 24.400, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.976–63.273, p<0.001] of the newly defined triple positive group (LA+, IgG anti-CL+, IgG anti-β2GPIdI+; OR 11.182, 95% CI 1.976–63.273, p=0.006) was more than twice that of the triple-positive group (LA+, IgG anti-CL+, IgG anti-β2GPI+). Double positivity for IgG anti-PS/PT and IgG anti-β2GPI also indicated significant thrombotic risk (OR 7.467, 95% CI 2.350–23.729, p=0.001). Furthermore, the thrombotic risk associated with double positivity for IgG anti-PS/PT and IgG anti-β2GPIdI was markedly elevated (OR 33.654, 95% CI 6.322-179.141, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that simultaneous measurement of IgG anti-β2GPIdI and IgG anti-PS/PT may improve clinical decision-making for aPL-positive patients.
QMPSF is sensitive and specific in the detection of NPHP1 heterozygous deletions
Authors: Jávorszky Eszter , Morinière Vincent , Kerti Andrea , Balogh Eszter , Pikó Henriett , Saunier Sophie , Karcagi Veronika , Antignac Corinne , Tory Kálmán
Published: December 2016

Background:

Nephronophthisis, an autosomal recessive nephropathy, is responsible for 10% of childhood chronic renal failure. The deletion of its major gene, NPHP1, with a minor allele frequency of 0.24% in the general population, is the most common mutation leading to a monogenic form of childhood chronic renal failure. It is challenging to detect it in the heterozygous state. We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and the specificity of the quantitative multiplex PCR of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF) in its detection.

Methods:

After setting up the protocol of QMPSF, we validated it on 39 individuals diagnosed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) with normal NPHP1 copy number (n=17), with heterozygous deletion (n=13, seven parents and six patients), or with homozygous deletion (n=9). To assess the rate of the deletions that arise from independent events, deleted alleles were haplotyped.

Results:

The results of QMPSF and MLPA correlated perfectly in the identification of 76 heterozygously deleted and 56 homozygously deleted exons. The inter-experimental variability of the dosage quotient obtained by QMPSF was low: control, 1.05 (median; range, 0.86−1.33, n = 102 exons); heterozygous deletion, 0.51 (0.42−0.67, n = 76 exons); homozygous deletion, 0 (0−0, n = 56 exons). All patients harboring a heterozygous deletion were found to carry a hemizygous mutation. At least 15 out of 18 deletions appeared on different haplotypes and one deletion appeared de novo.

Conclusions:

The cost- and time-effective QMPSF has a 100% sensitivity and specificity in the detection of NPHP1 deletion. The potential de novo appearance of NPHP1 deletions makes its segregation analysis highly recommended in clinical practice.
On the Efficiency of a Family of Steffensen-Like Methods with Frozen Divided Differences
Authors: Amat Sergio , Busquier Sonia , Grau-Sánchez Miquel , Hernández-Verón Miguel A.
Published: December 2016

A generalized k-step iterative method from Steffensen’s method with frozen divided
difference operator for solving a system of nonlinear equations is studied and the maximum computational efficiency is computed. Moreover, a sequence that approximates the order of convergence is generated for the examples and it confirms in a numerical way that the order of the method and the computational efficiency are both well deduced.
By using a technique based on recurrence relations, the semilocal convergence of the family is studied.
Finally, some numerical experiments related to the approximation of nonlinear elliptic equations are reported.
A comparison with other derivative-free families of iterative methods is carried out.
On the universal cover and the fundamental group of an RCD*(K,N)-space
Authors: Mondino Andrea , Wei Guofang
Published: December 2016

The main goal of the paper is to prove the existence of the universal cover for

𝖱𝖢𝖣
*

⁢

(
K
,
N
)

{\mathsf{RCD}^{*}(K,N)}

-spaces. This generalizes earlier work of [43, 44] on the existence of universal covers for Ricci limit spaces. As a result, we also obtain several structure results on the (revised) fundamental group of

𝖱𝖢𝖣
*

⁢

(
K
,
N
)

{\mathsf{RCD}^{*}(K,N)}

-spaces. These are the first topological results for

𝖱𝖢𝖣
*

⁢

(
K
,
N
)

{\mathsf{RCD}^{*}(K,N)}

-spaces without extra structural-topological assumptions (such as semi-local simple connectedness).
Inductive Synthesis of Cover-Grammars with the Help of Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Wieczorek Wojciech
Published: December 2016

A cover-grammar of a finite language is a context-free grammar that accepts all words in the language and possibly other words that are longer than any word in the language. In this paper, we describe an efficient algorithm aided by Ant Colony System that, for a given finite language, synthesizes (constructs) a small cover-grammar of the language. We also check its ability to solve a grammatical inference task through the series of experiments.
Application of wood chips for soil mulching in the cultivation of ornamental grasses
Authors: Henschke Monika , Politycka Barbara
Published: December 2016

A mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of the soil. Mulching plays an important role in the maintenance of green spaces. Organic materials are still sought for the preparation of mulches. Recently interest in wood chips has grown. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of mulching with pine and birch chips on the contents of phenolic compounds in the soil, as well as on the growth and flowering of ornamental grasses – Bouteloua gracilis (Kunth.) Lag. ex Griffiths, Panicum virgatum L. and Pennisetum alopecuroides L. The content of phenolic compounds in the soil steadily increased from spring to autumn. Mulching led to a substantial increase in the level of phenolic compounds. In the first year of cultivation more phenolic compounds were released by chips of pine than birch, while in the second year this difference did not occur. Mulching had a negative impact on the growth and flowering of ornamental grasses, especially in the first year of cultivation. Ornamental grass sensitivity to the substances released from mulches decreased with the age of the plants and was dependent on the species – Bouteloua gracilis was found to be particularly sensitive.
Morse theory and multiple periodic solutions of some quasilinear difference systems with periodic nonlinearities
Authors: Jebelean Petru , Mawhin Jean , Şerban Călin
Published: December 2016

We consider the system of difference equations

Δ

(

Δ
⁢

u

n
-
1

1
-

|

Δ
⁢

u

n
-
1

|

2

)

=
∇

V
n

(

u
n

)

+

h
n

,

u
n

=

u

n
+
T

 

(
n
∈
ℤ
)

,

$\Delta\bigg{(}\frac{\Delta u_{n-1}}{\sqrt{1-|\Delta u_{n-1}|^{2}}}\bigg{)}=%
\nabla V_{n}(u_{n})+h_{n},\quad u_{n}=u_{n+T}\quad(n\in\mathbb{Z}),$

with

Δ
⁢

u
n

=

u

n
+
1

-

u
n

∈

ℝ
N

${\Delta u_{n}=u_{n+1}-u_{n}\in{\mathbb{R}}^{N}}$

,

V
n

=

V
n

⁢

(
x
)

∈

C
2

⁢

(

ℝ
N

,
ℝ
)

${V_{n}=V_{n}(x)\in C^{2}({\mathbb{R}}^{N},\mathbb{R})}$

,

V

n
+
T

=

V
n

${V_{n+T}=V_{n}}$

,

h

n
+
T

=

h
n

${h_{n+T}=h_{n}}$

for all

n
∈
ℤ

${n\in\mathbb{Z}}$

and some positive integer T,

V
n

⁢

(
x
)

${V_{n}(x)}$

is

ω
i

${\omega_{i}}$

-periodic (

ω
i

>
0

${\omega_{i}>0}$

) with respect to each

x
i

${x_{i}}$

(

i
=

1
,
…
,
N

${i=1,\ldots,N}$

)
and

∑

j
=
1

T

h
j

=
0

${\sum_{j=1}^{T}h_{j}=0}$

.
Applying a modification argument to the corresponding problem with a left-hand member of p-Laplacian type, and using Morse theory,
we prove that if all its solutions are non-degenerate, then the difference system above has at least

2
N

${2^{N}}$

geometrically distinct T-periodic solutions.
Lysosomes in programmed cell death pathways: from initiators to amplifiers
Authors: Kavčič Nežka , Pegan Katarina , Turk Boris
Published: December 2016

Lysosome is the central organelle for intracellular degradation of biological macromolecules and organelles. The material destined for degradation enters the lysosomes primarily via endocytosis, autophagy and phagocytosis, and is degraded through the concerted action of more than 50 lysosomal hydrolases. However, lysosomes are also linked with numerous other processes, including cell death, inflammasome activation and immune response, as well as with lysosomal secretion and cholesterol recycling. Among them programmed cell death pathways including apoptosis have received major attention. In most of these pathways, cell death was accompanied by lysosomal membrane permeabilization and release of lysosomal constituents with an involvement of lysosomal hydrolases, including the cathepsins. However, it is less clear, whether lysosomal membrane permeabilization is really critical for the initiation of cell death programme(s). Therefore, the role of lysosomal membrane permeabilization in various programmed cell death pathways is reviewed, as well as the mechanisms leading to it.
Interface analysis of small GTP binding protein complexes suggests preferred membrane orientations
Authors: Vetter Ingrid R.
Published: December 2016

Crystal structures of small GTP binding protein complexes with their effectors and regulators reveal that one particularly flat side of the G domain that contains helix α4 and the C-terminal helix α5 is practically devoid of contacts. Although this observation seems trivial as the main binding targets are the switch I and II regions opposite of this side, the fact that all interacting proteins, even the largest ones, seem to avoid occupying this area (except for Ran, that does not localize to membranes) is very striking. An orientation with this ‘flat’ side parallel to the membrane was proposed before and would allow simultaneous interaction of the lipidated C-terminus and positive charges in the α4 helix with the membrane while being bound to effector or regulator molecules. Furthermore, this ‘flat’ side might be involved in regulatory mechanisms: a Ras dimer that is found in different crystal forms interacts exactly at this side. Additional interface analysis of GTPase complexes nicely confirms the effect of different flexibilities of the GTP and GDP forms. Besides Ran proteins, guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) bury the largest surface areas to provide the binding energy to open up the switch regions for nucleotide exchange.
CFD Simulation of Propane Thermal Cracking Furnace and Reactor: A Case Study
Authors: Ghasemi Hossein Mohammad , Gilani Neda , Daryan Jafar Towfighi
Published: December 2016

In the present work, a different new arrangement of side-wall burners of an industrial furnace with varying fuel flow rate was studied by three-dimensional CFD simulation. Tube skin temperature and heat flux profiles were obtained by solving mass, momentum and energy equations of the furnace by Ansys Fluent software. A reasonable fuel flow rate ($$\dot m$$=0.0695 kg/s) was assigned and effect of different ratio of this rate (0.25$$\dot m$$, 0.5$$\dot m$$, 2$$\dot m$$, 4$$\dot m$$) was investigated on reactor tube skin temperature profiles. Heat and temperature non-uniform distribution was observed by proposed arrangement. It was found that proper range for fuel rate was 0.5$$\dot m$$ to 2$$\dot m$$. Temperature profiles were used in one dimensional plug flow reactor model equations to consider fuel rate variations on reactor performance. By the proposed burner arrangement, Propane conversion and Ethylene yield obtained 6.25 % and 7.2 % more than the base case. Furthermore coil outlet temperature (COT) decreased about 7 °C. Also, feed flowrate was taken as an effective parameter on reactor process under no coke formation condition. Results showed that by increasing fuel rate, outlet Propylene yield decreased, while, process gas temperature, pressure drop, process severity (propane conversion) and Ethylene yield increased along the reactor tube i. e. for 0.5$$\dot m$$ to 2$$\dot m$$ at 0.8 kg/s reactor flowrate, Propylene yield decreased 15.95 % and reached to zero, whereas Ethylene yield increased 16.5 %. Also, in any fuel rate, by increasing reactor feed flowrate, even though the reactor coil outlet temperature decreased, the desired product yields increased. At 0.95 kg/s reactor flowrate, maximum Ethylene yield was obtained about 45.5 % at 1$$\dot m$$ kg/s; while, Propylene yield production at 0.5$$\dot m$$ kg/s fuel rate was 22.41 %.
Predicting ratings of perceived exertion in Australian football players: methods for live estimation
Authors: Carey D. L. , Ong K. , Morris M. E. , Crow J. , Crossley K. M.
Published: December 2016

The ability of machine learning techniques to predict athlete ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) was investigated in professional Australian football players. RPE is commonly used to quantifying internal training loads and manage injury risk in team sports. Data from global positioning systems, heart-rate monitors, accelerometers and wellness questionnaires were recorded for each training session (n=3398) from 45 professional Australian football players across a full season. A variety of modelling approaches were considered to investigate the ability of objective data to predict RPE. Models were compared using nested cross validation and root mean square error (RMSE) on RPE predictions. A random forest model using player normalised running and heart rate variables provided the most accurate predictions (RMSE ± SD = 0.96 ± 0.08 au). A simplification of the model using only total distance, distance covered at speeds between 18-24 km·h−1, and the product of total distance and mean speed provided similarly accurate predictions (RMSE ± SD = 1.09 ± 0.05 au), suggesting that running distances and speeds are the strongest predictors of RPE in Australian football players. The ability of non-linear machine learning models to accurately predict athlete RPE has applications in live player monitoring and training load planning.
Joshua A. Fishman: a scholar of unfathomable influence
Authors: Hornberger Nancy H.
Published: December 2016

In personal tribute to Joshua A. Fishman, I tell a few stories about this remarkable scholar as I got to know him – a glimpse of the person behind the great ideas that have so powerfully shaped our thinking. My many vivid memories of things Fishman said or wrote in my personal encounters with him – often pithy one-liners – are testimony to the power of his mind and voice, his spirit and soul. From my first year of Ph.D. study when I took his course
A researcher writes for his people: who writes what language for whom and when?
Authors: Peltz Rakhmiel
Published: December 2016

What does a scholar of endangered languages and the sociology of language write to his own people in their language? A review of Joshua (Shikl) Fishman’s column in the Yiddish quarterly